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Better in the Morning
Veronica Buccino has a plan: marry John DelMonico and quit her soul-sucking job as a lawyer. And when he tells her he has big news, she’s certain he’ll pop the question. But instead of proposing, John informs her that he’s moving to London.
Heartbroken, Veronica feels lost. Salvatore and Antoinette, her dead grandparents, begin to visit her dreams in an attempt to steer her in the right direction. At their suggestion, Veronica takes a news reporting class, which leads to a challenging freelance assignment covering a conspiracy trial. She also begins dating an unlikely suitor: creative Syd Blackman.
Just when her love life and career are looking up, Veronica is tossed back to square one by an event that makes her question all her new choices.
Heartbroken, Veronica feels lost. Salvatore and Antoinette, her dead grandparents, begin to visit her dreams in an attempt to steer her in the right direction. At their suggestion, Veronica takes a news reporting class, which leads to a challenging freelance assignment covering a conspiracy trial. She also begins dating an unlikely suitor: creative Syd Blackman.
Just when her love life and career are looking up, Veronica is tossed back to square one by an event that makes her question all her new choices.
280 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2016
About the author
Fern Ronay
6 books53 followersFern Ronay has lived in NYC, Chicago, and now sunny Los Angeles with her husband, but she will always consider herself a Jersey girl. She is the author of two novels, Better in the Morning and Better Believe It, and is the host of the podcast Signs from the Other Side, as well as a host at AfterBuzzTV.
BETTER IN THE MORNING (Red Adept, 2016) is the story of a single, 29-year-old lawyer who is guided in her dreams by her dead Italian grandparents.
BETTER BELIEVE IT (Red Adept, 2019) is the story of an unhappily married mother of one who is guided in her dreams by her dead, chain-smoking cousin.
To learn more about Fern, visit FernRonay.com and follow on Instagram @FernRonay.
If you would like to share your stories of signs received from the other side among like-minded people, join Fern's private FB group. Just search "Believers in Signs" under groups on Facebook.
BETTER IN THE MORNING (Red Adept, 2016) is the story of a single, 29-year-old lawyer who is guided in her dreams by her dead Italian grandparents.
BETTER BELIEVE IT (Red Adept, 2019) is the story of an unhappily married mother of one who is guided in her dreams by her dead, chain-smoking cousin.
To learn more about Fern, visit FernRonay.com and follow on Instagram @FernRonay.
If you would like to share your stories of signs received from the other side among like-minded people, join Fern's private FB group. Just search "Believers in Signs" under groups on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 1, 2016
Favorite Quotes:
“Tears flowed. Get out of here now, you idiot. This can't be the way he remembers you! Then, in true 'Hurricane Veronica' form, I tripped over the wire of a lamp that was on the floor in the hallway. Ouch. My knee took the brunt of that. That'll be attractive... And now my nose was running. A lot. This was not the look I was going for."
"Have you made it FOB?... Facebook Official... I check it at least twenty times a day... At least. I have to make sure the mean girls from high school are still saddled with ten kids each and never leave home. It makes me happy."
"Diarrhea... Best excuse ever. No one can make you stick around if that's the case... Although, knowing Beverly, she'll probably tell you to go to the store and get a butt plug and get back to work."
"A police car arrived ten minutes later. The two cops who emerged from the vehicle were so good looking that if I hadn't known better, I would have thought they were going to fake handcuff me, play music from a boom box, and strip."
"He resembled a cartoon bug. His eyes were two enormous globes on his narrow head. His hair was jet black and slicked back with so much goo, it looked like the roof of a car that had been waxed to perfection."
My Review:
Better in the Morning was a fun yet relevant and perceptive read that had me smirking and snorting throughout. The story is well plotted, smartly written, and full of clever humor and heart-squeezing moments. Veronica is a smart yet socially and physically awkward girl that wants to please, lives in her head, hates her job as a lawyer, and has so much to say - but rarely speaks her mind. Her inner musings and private thoughts were uproariously funny. The best relationships she has are with her grandparents - the only problem with that being that they have passed to "the other side."
I adored this book from start to finish. The characters are quirky, flawed, and somewhat frustrating, yet also endearing and lovable. Ms. Ronay's writing is highly amusing, witty, and exceptionally insightful and observant. Her comical depictions of the various characters and scenes had me barking aloud. This has been my first Ronay experience, but I plan to add her entire listing to my TBR.
“Tears flowed. Get out of here now, you idiot. This can't be the way he remembers you! Then, in true 'Hurricane Veronica' form, I tripped over the wire of a lamp that was on the floor in the hallway. Ouch. My knee took the brunt of that. That'll be attractive... And now my nose was running. A lot. This was not the look I was going for."
"Have you made it FOB?... Facebook Official... I check it at least twenty times a day... At least. I have to make sure the mean girls from high school are still saddled with ten kids each and never leave home. It makes me happy."
"Diarrhea... Best excuse ever. No one can make you stick around if that's the case... Although, knowing Beverly, she'll probably tell you to go to the store and get a butt plug and get back to work."
"A police car arrived ten minutes later. The two cops who emerged from the vehicle were so good looking that if I hadn't known better, I would have thought they were going to fake handcuff me, play music from a boom box, and strip."
"He resembled a cartoon bug. His eyes were two enormous globes on his narrow head. His hair was jet black and slicked back with so much goo, it looked like the roof of a car that had been waxed to perfection."
My Review:
Better in the Morning was a fun yet relevant and perceptive read that had me smirking and snorting throughout. The story is well plotted, smartly written, and full of clever humor and heart-squeezing moments. Veronica is a smart yet socially and physically awkward girl that wants to please, lives in her head, hates her job as a lawyer, and has so much to say - but rarely speaks her mind. Her inner musings and private thoughts were uproariously funny. The best relationships she has are with her grandparents - the only problem with that being that they have passed to "the other side."
I adored this book from start to finish. The characters are quirky, flawed, and somewhat frustrating, yet also endearing and lovable. Ms. Ronay's writing is highly amusing, witty, and exceptionally insightful and observant. Her comical depictions of the various characters and scenes had me barking aloud. This has been my first Ronay experience, but I plan to add her entire listing to my TBR.
November 7, 2016
4.5 Stars - What a delightful concept for a book! Just when you think you know what your future may hold, the unexpected happens and you are requested to be a part of it. Thankfully Veronica has the ghosts of her grandparents to help guide her in the rebuilding of her life after being left behind by her boyfriend, who left for London without proposing. I really enjoyed that Veronica went after something that she felt happy doing regardless of what her friends thought about it. Fun read for a long weekend!
I received a free reading copy of this book and voluntarily read it.
I received a free reading copy of this book and voluntarily read it.
May 24, 2018
When Veronica's own personal Mr. Big took her out that night, she was sure it was THE night.
She just knew her handsome boyfriend John was going to drop his hunk of an Italian body down onto one knee and pull out a little box. Maybe a robin egg blue one, from Tiffanys? An oxblood red box, from Cartier? Or could it possibly be a princess-cut pink diamond, snuggly cushioned in the pillows of a navy blue Harry Winston box?
Veronica had been dreaming about it for days, her mind lingering upon images of herself floating down the aisle on the arm of her father with her big Italian family full of bright smiles and teary eyes as she made her way forward to their pew. Her best friends would be bridesmaids of course, their long dresses made of something suitable and flattering like chiffon, but nothing that would overshadow her and all her bridal glory. Muted tones of blush and ivory with plenty of sparkle and shine. A multi-tiered wedding cake and perhaps some of those cannolis her grandfather loved so much - maybe even a whole dessert table, the fine linen groaning with the overwhelming amounts of sugar and savory.
She'd be a beautiful bride and he, a handsome groom. And the best part was, once Veronica was Mrs. DelMonico and they were back from their exotic honeymoon somewhere in Bali or Fiji, she could finally quit the job she loathed and become a proper housewife.
It would be a life full of luxury. Days spend lounging in front of the computer in a silky dressing gown, a steaming mug of coffee and a sweet pastry not too far out of reach, and the headlines of her favorite online news website keeping her enraptured for hours upon hours. Maybe she'd have a baby or two, join a health spa a few days a week to help keep her body in shape, maybe she'd learn to sew. She'd have dinner ready every night when John came home and they'd share a glass of fruity wine before heading to bed and making love. It would be a life worth living.
Except -
John had no intention of asking Veronica to marry him. The only thing he was proposing that night was that she drop everything and move her entire life to London where he would be starting a new job - if she felt like it.
If not, no big deal, right? They'd been together a few years and if she wanted to continue on with their romance across the pond, John was more than willing to let her come along for the ride. If she didn't, well, it was nice knowing her.
Trudging home on the streets of New York City that night, among couples cuddled together as they walked hand in hand, Veronica felt depression sinking in on her from the top of her professionally blown-out locks down to her flirty Jimmy Choos. The dreams of a custom Vera Wang gown, visions of John looking dapper in a tux, and most importantly - the prospect of quitting her job - all went down the drain with the sewer rats.
Everyone assumed that being an attorney was exciting and full of adventure. But in fact, the job was nothing more than waking up each day before the sun came up to get into the office and spend her afternoon and well into the evening being a slave to her boss. Veronica was overworked, not to mention underpaid. Even though she'd been at her firm for an extended period of time, nothing seemed to be moving forward in any sort of positive direction. The passion was gone, if it had ever even been there in the first place.
The one thing that kept her going at the law firm (with the exception of the paycheck it took to pay those hefty student loans that were constantly darkening her doorstep) was the hours she could wile away in front of her computer, where she loved reading up on the mysterious circumstances of an attempted murder (actually, the multiple-attempts to murder) of a prominent doctor's wife. Apparently the doctor was involved in the murder-for-hire scheme, yet the wife was choosing to stick by his side. Veronica loved allowing herself to get caught up in the drama of it all and if only for a few hours, she could forget about her depressing existence.
She'd had to let go of her apartment in the city. Move back home with Mom. John was long gone into the great unknown, no doubt wearing some devastatingly attractive London Fog overcoat. She's lost her favorite piece of jewelry - her grandmother's ring. And the law firm . . . . well. There was no sugar coating it - her boss was a nightmare.
Veronica needed a change. Pronto.
Throwing caution (and a pretty penny) to the wind, Veronica decides to take her life into her own hands piece by piece. First, she allows her friends to sign her up on an online dating website. Two, she decides to enroll in a local news reporting class and see if she is cut out - in any way - to change her career into something she's passionate about.
But can she do it? Every date she goes on seems to end in disaster, getting worse and worse as the prospects move on to the next. Eventually Veronica ends up meeting a nice guy that makes her laugh, but the new relationship comes with its own set of problems. The news story she's proposing to her teacher is not only controversial, but it might end up getting her sued, not to mention the entire experience is so overwhelming she's sure she can't live up to the hype. Veronica begins to question everything she's doing and wonders if she made the right decision by striking out on her own and chasing her dreams.
Can Veronica learn to let herself be led by her heart and not by her head? Can she take a chance on a sure thing - herself? Or will her Manolo Blahniks slide 10 steps backwards and land her in a pile of disaster?
Full disclosure - I was sent this novel by the author with a request for an honest review if I could fit it into my schedule. She sent THE sweetest email and I just couldn't say no to her after that (I'm a real sucker) even though I was booked several months out. I was so worried I wouldn't like it; that is always the feeling I have when authors personally send me copies of their novels. I am an aspiring novelist myself and I know just how hard it is to allow others to read and critique your work. It's like placing a copy of your diary into their hands and asking them to be kind while reading all of your deepest and darkest secrets and desires.
Oh, but how wonderful it felt when I ended up LOVING this book. I am a huge fan of Sophie Kinsella and Jennifer Weiner, and this book had all the vibes of those two authors, with Ronay's own personal flair, of course. I adore good chick-lit when I can find it, and the author hit it out of the park for me.
A few of the things I loved most:
The fact that this was not a romance novel. Did it have romance? Yes. Veronica is devastated when she realizes that John was not as emotionally invested as she was and she is worried about jumping back into the dating pool. Very relatable and on-point in the Internet day and age. The men she goes out with from Match.com are all so terrible, that it became fabulously funny. I loved Veronica's commitment to not settle and instead, to live by her "must-haves in a man" after her relationship with John comes to an end. But regardless of the fact that romance was involved in the storyline, the real purpose never faltered - this book was about Veronica finding and empowering herself and conjuring the strength to follow her dreams. Romance was a supporting plot, not the main focus.
The grandparents. When the book opened, I was a little confused . . . and as the chapters went on, I began to wonder if this "dreaming of her dead grandparents and having actual conversations with them" was going to cheapen the experience just a little. It's a fine line between sweet and silly when it comes to hearing voices. But as I read, I began to fall in love with Veronica'a grandparents and the relationship she had/has with them. They were truly her guardian angels and were so focused on propelling her forward in life with as much love as they could send her way from the heavens. It gave me some feels. I would LOVE to have a prequel written about these two.
The other supporting characters. Veronica's mother, her father and his new wife, the best friends, the terrible boss. There aren't enough words for me to describe how much I fell head-over-heels in love with Syd. Each character was written vividly and with purpose. The author was not so in love with her main character that she forgot about the others. There was great development and progression for each of them, and it all ended with the perfectly wrapped white ribbon, like that on a Tiffany box. This is what I expect out of chick-lit and I was not disappointed.
I have to give this novel 5 out of 5 stars. I just had such a wonderful and fun time reading it. I laughed and laughed. If you're looking for a read in the spirit of girl power and friendship, this is the one for you.
She just knew her handsome boyfriend John was going to drop his hunk of an Italian body down onto one knee and pull out a little box. Maybe a robin egg blue one, from Tiffanys? An oxblood red box, from Cartier? Or could it possibly be a princess-cut pink diamond, snuggly cushioned in the pillows of a navy blue Harry Winston box?
Veronica had been dreaming about it for days, her mind lingering upon images of herself floating down the aisle on the arm of her father with her big Italian family full of bright smiles and teary eyes as she made her way forward to their pew. Her best friends would be bridesmaids of course, their long dresses made of something suitable and flattering like chiffon, but nothing that would overshadow her and all her bridal glory. Muted tones of blush and ivory with plenty of sparkle and shine. A multi-tiered wedding cake and perhaps some of those cannolis her grandfather loved so much - maybe even a whole dessert table, the fine linen groaning with the overwhelming amounts of sugar and savory.
She'd be a beautiful bride and he, a handsome groom. And the best part was, once Veronica was Mrs. DelMonico and they were back from their exotic honeymoon somewhere in Bali or Fiji, she could finally quit the job she loathed and become a proper housewife.
It would be a life full of luxury. Days spend lounging in front of the computer in a silky dressing gown, a steaming mug of coffee and a sweet pastry not too far out of reach, and the headlines of her favorite online news website keeping her enraptured for hours upon hours. Maybe she'd have a baby or two, join a health spa a few days a week to help keep her body in shape, maybe she'd learn to sew. She'd have dinner ready every night when John came home and they'd share a glass of fruity wine before heading to bed and making love. It would be a life worth living.
Except -
John had no intention of asking Veronica to marry him. The only thing he was proposing that night was that she drop everything and move her entire life to London where he would be starting a new job - if she felt like it.
If not, no big deal, right? They'd been together a few years and if she wanted to continue on with their romance across the pond, John was more than willing to let her come along for the ride. If she didn't, well, it was nice knowing her.
Trudging home on the streets of New York City that night, among couples cuddled together as they walked hand in hand, Veronica felt depression sinking in on her from the top of her professionally blown-out locks down to her flirty Jimmy Choos. The dreams of a custom Vera Wang gown, visions of John looking dapper in a tux, and most importantly - the prospect of quitting her job - all went down the drain with the sewer rats.
Everyone assumed that being an attorney was exciting and full of adventure. But in fact, the job was nothing more than waking up each day before the sun came up to get into the office and spend her afternoon and well into the evening being a slave to her boss. Veronica was overworked, not to mention underpaid. Even though she'd been at her firm for an extended period of time, nothing seemed to be moving forward in any sort of positive direction. The passion was gone, if it had ever even been there in the first place.
The one thing that kept her going at the law firm (with the exception of the paycheck it took to pay those hefty student loans that were constantly darkening her doorstep) was the hours she could wile away in front of her computer, where she loved reading up on the mysterious circumstances of an attempted murder (actually, the multiple-attempts to murder) of a prominent doctor's wife. Apparently the doctor was involved in the murder-for-hire scheme, yet the wife was choosing to stick by his side. Veronica loved allowing herself to get caught up in the drama of it all and if only for a few hours, she could forget about her depressing existence.
She'd had to let go of her apartment in the city. Move back home with Mom. John was long gone into the great unknown, no doubt wearing some devastatingly attractive London Fog overcoat. She's lost her favorite piece of jewelry - her grandmother's ring. And the law firm . . . . well. There was no sugar coating it - her boss was a nightmare.
Veronica needed a change. Pronto.
Throwing caution (and a pretty penny) to the wind, Veronica decides to take her life into her own hands piece by piece. First, she allows her friends to sign her up on an online dating website. Two, she decides to enroll in a local news reporting class and see if she is cut out - in any way - to change her career into something she's passionate about.
But can she do it? Every date she goes on seems to end in disaster, getting worse and worse as the prospects move on to the next. Eventually Veronica ends up meeting a nice guy that makes her laugh, but the new relationship comes with its own set of problems. The news story she's proposing to her teacher is not only controversial, but it might end up getting her sued, not to mention the entire experience is so overwhelming she's sure she can't live up to the hype. Veronica begins to question everything she's doing and wonders if she made the right decision by striking out on her own and chasing her dreams.
Can Veronica learn to let herself be led by her heart and not by her head? Can she take a chance on a sure thing - herself? Or will her Manolo Blahniks slide 10 steps backwards and land her in a pile of disaster?
Full disclosure - I was sent this novel by the author with a request for an honest review if I could fit it into my schedule. She sent THE sweetest email and I just couldn't say no to her after that (I'm a real sucker) even though I was booked several months out. I was so worried I wouldn't like it; that is always the feeling I have when authors personally send me copies of their novels. I am an aspiring novelist myself and I know just how hard it is to allow others to read and critique your work. It's like placing a copy of your diary into their hands and asking them to be kind while reading all of your deepest and darkest secrets and desires.
Oh, but how wonderful it felt when I ended up LOVING this book. I am a huge fan of Sophie Kinsella and Jennifer Weiner, and this book had all the vibes of those two authors, with Ronay's own personal flair, of course. I adore good chick-lit when I can find it, and the author hit it out of the park for me.
A few of the things I loved most:
The fact that this was not a romance novel. Did it have romance? Yes. Veronica is devastated when she realizes that John was not as emotionally invested as she was and she is worried about jumping back into the dating pool. Very relatable and on-point in the Internet day and age. The men she goes out with from Match.com are all so terrible, that it became fabulously funny. I loved Veronica's commitment to not settle and instead, to live by her "must-haves in a man" after her relationship with John comes to an end. But regardless of the fact that romance was involved in the storyline, the real purpose never faltered - this book was about Veronica finding and empowering herself and conjuring the strength to follow her dreams. Romance was a supporting plot, not the main focus.
The grandparents. When the book opened, I was a little confused . . . and as the chapters went on, I began to wonder if this "dreaming of her dead grandparents and having actual conversations with them" was going to cheapen the experience just a little. It's a fine line between sweet and silly when it comes to hearing voices. But as I read, I began to fall in love with Veronica'a grandparents and the relationship she had/has with them. They were truly her guardian angels and were so focused on propelling her forward in life with as much love as they could send her way from the heavens. It gave me some feels. I would LOVE to have a prequel written about these two.
The other supporting characters. Veronica's mother, her father and his new wife, the best friends, the terrible boss. There aren't enough words for me to describe how much I fell head-over-heels in love with Syd. Each character was written vividly and with purpose. The author was not so in love with her main character that she forgot about the others. There was great development and progression for each of them, and it all ended with the perfectly wrapped white ribbon, like that on a Tiffany box. This is what I expect out of chick-lit and I was not disappointed.
I have to give this novel 5 out of 5 stars. I just had such a wonderful and fun time reading it. I laughed and laughed. If you're looking for a read in the spirit of girl power and friendship, this is the one for you.
June 4, 2016
3.5 stars. Better in the Morning is a light, cute story that follows the life of a Bridget Jones like character. Veronica is a young woman who dislikes her job as a lawyer, has just ended a relationship with a "must have my socks all paired and ordered" type of guy, and is generally just floating along in life in a sea of dissatisfaction.
At first she really annoyed me, even though her boss is not that agreeable, she fritters her time away at work. She reads online sites and likes to follow all the news gossip. She does very little work for her firm, although at times has to actually put in the work and spend long hours there. It is a very strong example of doing work you have no love for. And well... she didn't do the work mostly. However she did help one case in a way that her boss did not appreciate and that did show she had the possibility of being creative and compassionate.
This is a kind of magical realism story, as her grandparents who have long passed, visit with her in dreams but in a very real kind of way. They are like her guardian angels, they watch over her, share their wisdom and sprinkle pennies all over the place to show their presence in her life. When she goes on Match.com she meets up with Syd whose grandmother turns up in his life as a fly! Nothing much gets past these scheming grandparents.
This is the story of Veronica and how she grows from a dissatisfied, immature young woman into one who is able to be independent, enjoy her work and in turn dispense the wisdoms she has learned.
At first she really annoyed me, even though her boss is not that agreeable, she fritters her time away at work. She reads online sites and likes to follow all the news gossip. She does very little work for her firm, although at times has to actually put in the work and spend long hours there. It is a very strong example of doing work you have no love for. And well... she didn't do the work mostly. However she did help one case in a way that her boss did not appreciate and that did show she had the possibility of being creative and compassionate.
This is a kind of magical realism story, as her grandparents who have long passed, visit with her in dreams but in a very real kind of way. They are like her guardian angels, they watch over her, share their wisdom and sprinkle pennies all over the place to show their presence in her life. When she goes on Match.com she meets up with Syd whose grandmother turns up in his life as a fly! Nothing much gets past these scheming grandparents.
This is the story of Veronica and how she grows from a dissatisfied, immature young woman into one who is able to be independent, enjoy her work and in turn dispense the wisdoms she has learned.
June 18, 2016
Better in the Morning by Fern Ronay
I have to admit it took me a long time to get into this story. I had a difficult time liking Veronica. She hated her job, disliked her employer and her co-worker, Kate. Veronica carried a disdain for her work and put forth very little effort in researching or filing cases she was given. She viewed it all as soul-sucking work, which it really was for her. Except for one case that involved Tristen Hines. The firm actually represented Pat Stephens who was suing Tristen for damages she was responsible for. Tristen was able to connect on a human level with Veronica, an element Veronica had been sorely missing in her work. As this part of the storyline played out, Veronica becomes more likeable as she is fraught with obstacles trying to do what is best for both parties of the lawsuit.
After John leaves Veronica to pursue his career in London we start to get a look at the real Veronica outside of work. At the encouraging help of her two friends and her dead grandparents, Veronica signs up for an online dating service. Rounding out her evenings, she also signs up to take a news reporting class. I liked the way all these elements are woven together into a realistic human interest story – communing with her dead grandparents aside. Antoinette and Salvatore, Veronica’s grandparents, were fun to have around. They guided and encouraged Veronica to stretch her wings and seek different things that would make her happy with her life. They helped by pushing her out of her comfort-zone.
In the end, I enjoyed reading about Veronica’s journey through all the conflicted emotions she was forced to deal with. I think this will make a great beach read or book to take on a summer vacation.
FYI: This book contains adult language, meaning there are several F-bombs dropped. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** June 9, 2016
Format/Typo Issues: I was given an advanced readers copy to review, however, I found the editing was excellent.
I have to admit it took me a long time to get into this story. I had a difficult time liking Veronica. She hated her job, disliked her employer and her co-worker, Kate. Veronica carried a disdain for her work and put forth very little effort in researching or filing cases she was given. She viewed it all as soul-sucking work, which it really was for her. Except for one case that involved Tristen Hines. The firm actually represented Pat Stephens who was suing Tristen for damages she was responsible for. Tristen was able to connect on a human level with Veronica, an element Veronica had been sorely missing in her work. As this part of the storyline played out, Veronica becomes more likeable as she is fraught with obstacles trying to do what is best for both parties of the lawsuit.
After John leaves Veronica to pursue his career in London we start to get a look at the real Veronica outside of work. At the encouraging help of her two friends and her dead grandparents, Veronica signs up for an online dating service. Rounding out her evenings, she also signs up to take a news reporting class. I liked the way all these elements are woven together into a realistic human interest story – communing with her dead grandparents aside. Antoinette and Salvatore, Veronica’s grandparents, were fun to have around. They guided and encouraged Veronica to stretch her wings and seek different things that would make her happy with her life. They helped by pushing her out of her comfort-zone.
In the end, I enjoyed reading about Veronica’s journey through all the conflicted emotions she was forced to deal with. I think this will make a great beach read or book to take on a summer vacation.
FYI: This book contains adult language, meaning there are several F-bombs dropped. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** June 9, 2016
Format/Typo Issues: I was given an advanced readers copy to review, however, I found the editing was excellent.
June 28, 2016
hough I had trouble getting into the story, once I was invested I was pleasantly surprised at how much I was enjoying it. Veronica started off a bit whiny to me but as the story progressed and she was pushed to her emotional limits, she grew into a really great character.
We open with Veronica praying that her boyfriend finally pops the question so she can quit her soul sucking job and be a housewife. I know it sounds uninspired but as you read on you can’t help but think ‘jeez, if I worked there I’d want to be a housewife too!’. Fern does an incredible job creating characters with aggravating depth that I’m sure we have all come across once or twice in the work place. When Veronica proposal doesn’t go as planned and her boyfriend leaves her to go to London, it seems like all is lost.
Except, when she dreams of her adoring grandparents each night. This is the part I loved! They were so lively and so caring, not to mention hilarious! While Veronica obsesses over the loss of her grandma’s ring, her grandparents work with her to improve her life and to make her life every moment to the fullest.
This is a story about self-discovery, bravery and trust in yourself. One of my favorite kinds if I’m to be honest. I look forward to reading more from Fern.
We open with Veronica praying that her boyfriend finally pops the question so she can quit her soul sucking job and be a housewife. I know it sounds uninspired but as you read on you can’t help but think ‘jeez, if I worked there I’d want to be a housewife too!’. Fern does an incredible job creating characters with aggravating depth that I’m sure we have all come across once or twice in the work place. When Veronica proposal doesn’t go as planned and her boyfriend leaves her to go to London, it seems like all is lost.
Except, when she dreams of her adoring grandparents each night. This is the part I loved! They were so lively and so caring, not to mention hilarious! While Veronica obsesses over the loss of her grandma’s ring, her grandparents work with her to improve her life and to make her life every moment to the fullest.
This is a story about self-discovery, bravery and trust in yourself. One of my favorite kinds if I’m to be honest. I look forward to reading more from Fern.
July 18, 2016
Better in the Morning, by Fern Ronay, is the story of 29 year old lawyer Veronica Buccino and her detoured journey to finding her true path. She thought she had her life well planned--marry her Italian boyfriend, have a family together, and live happily ever after. What she hadn't planned is for her boyfriend's big news to be that he is moving to London for work and she can come along too, if she wants.
She doesn't want! What she wants is a ring on her finger and the wedding date set. As a result, she walks out of the restaurant, won't answer his calls, and effectively calls it quits. But, then what? As she is guided in her dreams by her deceased grandparents, she navigates online dating, opportunities to find and pursue her passion, and surprises all along the way.
I will admit that this story did not grab me right away, but when it did, I was hooked. Veronica is quirky, a somewhat disorganized, even stubborn woman. Her journey takes her by surprise as it does the reader. With threads of classics like Wizard of Oz and Christmas Carol woven through the storyline, and deeper meaning hiding just below the surface, Better in the Morning serves up humor, sentiment, and discovery as delightful as any morning brunch. I recommend this book.
She doesn't want! What she wants is a ring on her finger and the wedding date set. As a result, she walks out of the restaurant, won't answer his calls, and effectively calls it quits. But, then what? As she is guided in her dreams by her deceased grandparents, she navigates online dating, opportunities to find and pursue her passion, and surprises all along the way.
I will admit that this story did not grab me right away, but when it did, I was hooked. Veronica is quirky, a somewhat disorganized, even stubborn woman. Her journey takes her by surprise as it does the reader. With threads of classics like Wizard of Oz and Christmas Carol woven through the storyline, and deeper meaning hiding just below the surface, Better in the Morning serves up humor, sentiment, and discovery as delightful as any morning brunch. I recommend this book.
July 1, 2016
I was approached by the author to read this book, as a lover of chick-lit the super cute cover caught my eye first.
It goes beyond your average romance story and takes a leap into the after-life. Veronica has the advantage of her dead grandparents visiting her in her sleep to offer guidance and impart their wisdom. And boy do they have an opinion.
I wasn’t sure about Veronica at first, she was very negative and a little self-centred, demonstrated by the assumption that her boyfriend will propose. She took a while but she did grow on me eventually.
The grandparents added a nice twist with humour and give hope. Listen to your elders they have been there and done it all before!
A delight of a book, easy to read, always pleasant to discover a slightly different aspect of love/romance. This is definitely one to put in your suitcase if you are after a good holiday read. Beware there is quite a usage of the F*** word if that is likely to offend!
Overall I enjoyed this and I will keep an eye open for more of Fern’s books.
Many thanks to her and the publisher for my gifted copy in return for an honest review.
It goes beyond your average romance story and takes a leap into the after-life. Veronica has the advantage of her dead grandparents visiting her in her sleep to offer guidance and impart their wisdom. And boy do they have an opinion.
I wasn’t sure about Veronica at first, she was very negative and a little self-centred, demonstrated by the assumption that her boyfriend will propose. She took a while but she did grow on me eventually.
The grandparents added a nice twist with humour and give hope. Listen to your elders they have been there and done it all before!
A delight of a book, easy to read, always pleasant to discover a slightly different aspect of love/romance. This is definitely one to put in your suitcase if you are after a good holiday read. Beware there is quite a usage of the F*** word if that is likely to offend!
Overall I enjoyed this and I will keep an eye open for more of Fern’s books.
Many thanks to her and the publisher for my gifted copy in return for an honest review.
July 3, 2016
I absolutely adored this book! Love, love, love it! Veronica is one of my favorite heroines! I think because she's just normal. She makes normal mistakes, has normal feelings and issues, and goes through things any woman would. That's what I loved about her. She's easy to relate to. She's hilarious too! The witty thoughts she has about her boss, co-workers, friends, and boyfriend are just laugh out loud. As you read it, you see her evolve into such a strong woman who starts going for what she actually wants in life and not what she thinks she wants. She discovers herself as she starts trying new things. I love the moments she has with Sal and Ant (her grandparents). They are super funny too. This book pulled me in right from the start. I could tell this book would be different...and it was. The plot was great. The writing was great. I loved absolutely everything about this book! I loved the little twist at the end with Sal and Ant's friend too. I won't give away any spoilers, but it had the perfect ending. I definitely recommend it since it's full of humor and clean romance. Easy 5-star read for me!
*I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
*I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
May 17, 2020
This is one of my favorite books! There’s so much to love here—a solid storyline with suspenseful ups and downs making this book unputdownable (will the main character make another misstep? How will the romance resolve?!?), an absorbing romantic storyline (one of those romances where you can truly feel the characters falling for each other), and so many insightful moments that lead you to wonder about your own life, how you live it, and about the people in it. It’s romantic comedy with depth—it’s got heart and truth and honesty. This book has really stayed with me since reading it—that, to me, is the sign of a really great book.
And I’m looking forward to reading the next book, Better Believe It!... Here are a couple of my favorite quotes:
“Energy doesn’t die. They can use their energy to send us signs. And I think the signs mean, ‘we’re here. We’re with you. You’re not alone.”
“It has nothing to do with you—what they think, what they say. That’s their problem. They have a problem with you doing something different because they’re too chicken to do it themselves. And that’s the truth.”
“You can’t change people. You can only change yourself.”
And I’m looking forward to reading the next book, Better Believe It!... Here are a couple of my favorite quotes:
“Energy doesn’t die. They can use their energy to send us signs. And I think the signs mean, ‘we’re here. We’re with you. You’re not alone.”
“It has nothing to do with you—what they think, what they say. That’s their problem. They have a problem with you doing something different because they’re too chicken to do it themselves. And that’s the truth.”
“You can’t change people. You can only change yourself.”
June 5, 2016
Better in the Morning is about a young woman, Veronica Buccino, whose life isn't going exactly how she wanted. The proposal that she was expecting didn't happen. Instead, she lost her boyfriend. Her job makes her miserable and now her dead grandparents are visiting her dreams.Veronica decides that she needs to "move on", so she starts to take her life in another direction.
Better in the Morning is definitely full of drama. I mean you were hit with a biggie in the first chapter. I actually felt bad and embarrassed for Veronica when John told her that he was leaving to London. It was also painful to read about how bad she was being treated by her boss. I was confused at first when the author introduced Veronica's grandparents. It was a little awkward, but since the book is fast-paced, it made sense really quickly.
I would recommend Better in the Morning to any women's fiction and drama readers. I give Better in the Morning four stars!
Better in the Morning is definitely full of drama. I mean you were hit with a biggie in the first chapter. I actually felt bad and embarrassed for Veronica when John told her that he was leaving to London. It was also painful to read about how bad she was being treated by her boss. I was confused at first when the author introduced Veronica's grandparents. It was a little awkward, but since the book is fast-paced, it made sense really quickly.
I would recommend Better in the Morning to any women's fiction and drama readers. I give Better in the Morning four stars!
September 1, 2016
Well, I must admit that I only made it as far as Chapter 13 and I was bored, absolutely totally bored. I think that it could have been interesting but for me it just wasn't.
June 13, 2017
Oh, this book! This one was wonderful. If you follow A Page to Turn on Instagram, you'll see that I stayed up way later than I probably should have reading this one because I loved it so much. It's one of those that sort of reminds me of a Hallmark movie in all of the best ways. So let's talk about the lead character. Veronica is one of my favorite female characters of all time at this point. Part of the reason is that she absolutely does not have all her shit together. Girl is a hot mess, hating her life, and pretty much as human as it can possibly get. And that's fabulous because we readers are in the same boat a lot of the time, aren't we? Things do not always go right for her. She makes huge mistakes, says stupid things, gets into trouble, and all the while, you're still rooting for her because she'll remind you of yourself in one way or another. So incredibly well done on the author's part. The first step in drawing most people into a story is giving them a way to connect and I don't think I know anyone who can't connect with this character.
There are a lot of elements to consider with this book. On one level, it's just a really freaking cute romantic comedy. I loved wading through Veronica's awful match.com dates, laughing at the parallels I recognized from my own experiences with online dating. I loved watching things go wrong for her, then go right, then blow up in her face when she thought she had everything in order. True to the typical form of romantic comedies, readers probably will know where it's headed long before it gets there, but that's okay because the experience is so fun!
Beyond the typical romantic comedy, though, this book teaches a lot of lessons to people who aren't really sure where their life is right now. A lot of us, myself included, do what we think we have to do to pay the bills and get through life right now. We think we don't have a choice, that we're stuck in our rut and there is no possible way out because we're pretty much comfortable in our misery. A long time ago, someone told me that my right now didn't have to be my forever, and this book gives us a pretty solid example of that. Is it fiction? Yes, it is. But it's realistic fiction and it makes complete sense, really. If you don't like the way your life is going, do something about it. Maybe it won't always turn out right, but there's a chance that it will and if you don't take chances, you're pretty much stuck in your monotony anyway.
You really can't go wrong with this one. It's engaging and well written, fun and inspiring. Life lessons disguised as light reading. Five stars from me for this one and a guarantee that I'll be looking out for more from Fern Ronay!
There are a lot of elements to consider with this book. On one level, it's just a really freaking cute romantic comedy. I loved wading through Veronica's awful match.com dates, laughing at the parallels I recognized from my own experiences with online dating. I loved watching things go wrong for her, then go right, then blow up in her face when she thought she had everything in order. True to the typical form of romantic comedies, readers probably will know where it's headed long before it gets there, but that's okay because the experience is so fun!
Beyond the typical romantic comedy, though, this book teaches a lot of lessons to people who aren't really sure where their life is right now. A lot of us, myself included, do what we think we have to do to pay the bills and get through life right now. We think we don't have a choice, that we're stuck in our rut and there is no possible way out because we're pretty much comfortable in our misery. A long time ago, someone told me that my right now didn't have to be my forever, and this book gives us a pretty solid example of that. Is it fiction? Yes, it is. But it's realistic fiction and it makes complete sense, really. If you don't like the way your life is going, do something about it. Maybe it won't always turn out right, but there's a chance that it will and if you don't take chances, you're pretty much stuck in your monotony anyway.
You really can't go wrong with this one. It's engaging and well written, fun and inspiring. Life lessons disguised as light reading. Five stars from me for this one and a guarantee that I'll be looking out for more from Fern Ronay!
June 12, 2017
In Better in the Morning by Fern Ronay, we follow Veronica Buccino, a lawyer with a plan. One – stop being a lawyer. Her work leaves much to be desired for, and her boss and co-worker seem to be set on making her life miserable. Two – marry boyfriend John DelMonico. While Veronica is highly educated and enjoys being a working woman, she also loves the idea of being a wife and a mother. So when John unexpectedly tells her he is moving to London for his job, and she can come along if she wants to, Veronica is devastated. John’s proposal wasn’t the one she was expecting, and with him seemingly uninterested if Veronica will fly to another country with him, their break up is inevitable. Enter the twist of the story – Veronica can see and talk to her dead grandparents in her dreams, and they help her move on from the break up, start something new in a news reporting class, and provide a comfort to her, so when she wakes up, things just seem – better in the morning.
I had a lot of fun reading this book from Fern Ronay. The beginning threw me a little with Veronica’s grandparents and how she was able to speak with them, but once I figured it out (which was quite quickly!) I grew to love that plot point. Veronica was easily likeable and a fun heroine to follow. The supporting cast I thought was pretty interesting – there is a lot of very memorable characters in a supporting role, from the grandparents, her work crew, her best friend Jada, and her new love interest Syd. This was very hard to put down, and I appreciated the very real moments that made their way into the story. The ending was the only part I didn’t love, because I actually would have loved to see these characters in another story so the ending seemed very abrupt for them. But otherwise, a very heart-warming and entertaining read.
4.5 stars
Reviewed for Readers Favorite
I had a lot of fun reading this book from Fern Ronay. The beginning threw me a little with Veronica’s grandparents and how she was able to speak with them, but once I figured it out (which was quite quickly!) I grew to love that plot point. Veronica was easily likeable and a fun heroine to follow. The supporting cast I thought was pretty interesting – there is a lot of very memorable characters in a supporting role, from the grandparents, her work crew, her best friend Jada, and her new love interest Syd. This was very hard to put down, and I appreciated the very real moments that made their way into the story. The ending was the only part I didn’t love, because I actually would have loved to see these characters in another story so the ending seemed very abrupt for them. But otherwise, a very heart-warming and entertaining read.
4.5 stars
Reviewed for Readers Favorite
July 9, 2018
A special thank you to the author, Fern Ronay, for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Veronica Buccino thinks the man of her dreams, John DelMonico, is going to propose and she can quit her soul-sucking job as a lawyer. When John says he has 'big news', Veronica is certain he is going to ask her to marry him, but instead of John getting down on one knee, John's only proposal is for her to drop everything and move to London where he will be starting a new job.
She is absolutely heartbroken as her visions of the perfect ring and the perfect wedding are shattered. There will be no happily ever after with John and she will be stuck in a job with an incredibly demanding boss. Being a lawyer sounded glamorous, but in fact it is anything but. It's long hours, low pay, and little appreciation. Veronica is distracted by a high-profile case—the attempted murder of a doctor's wife. Apparently the doctor was involved, yet the wife is standing by him. Veronica is fascinated with the case and it becomes her only escape from her mundane job.
Feeling lost, Veronica starts dreaming of her deceased grandparents who offer her their wisdom and guidance to steer her in the right direction. At their suggestion, Veronica takes a class in news reporting and covers the high-profile conspiracy trial she's so interested in as her first assignment. She also starts dating an unlikely match in Syd Blackman after her friends insist she put herself out there.
Just when her love life and career seem to be looking up, she is thrown for a huge loop that makes her start to doubt herself and question her recent choices.
Can I tell you how much I absolutely loved this book? This story was absolutely delightful! For those of you that regularly read my blog, you know that I don't like comparisons, but the writing was just as sharp and humourous as a Sophie Kinsella novel. Ronay strikes the right balance of lightheartedness and purpose and quite simply captured my heart. There were so many little nuances that I adored (especially the pennies) and the supporting cast of characters were just as engaging as the main characters, which is no small feat. Admittedly I was initially confused in the beginning with Veronica talking to her deceased grandparents (were they ghosts/was this a dream?) but once I got in the grove and realized what was going on, I came to really look forward to these exchanges—they were so endearing.
Congratulations, Fern, on this fab novel. I can't wait to read what you publish next!
Veronica Buccino thinks the man of her dreams, John DelMonico, is going to propose and she can quit her soul-sucking job as a lawyer. When John says he has 'big news', Veronica is certain he is going to ask her to marry him, but instead of John getting down on one knee, John's only proposal is for her to drop everything and move to London where he will be starting a new job.
She is absolutely heartbroken as her visions of the perfect ring and the perfect wedding are shattered. There will be no happily ever after with John and she will be stuck in a job with an incredibly demanding boss. Being a lawyer sounded glamorous, but in fact it is anything but. It's long hours, low pay, and little appreciation. Veronica is distracted by a high-profile case—the attempted murder of a doctor's wife. Apparently the doctor was involved, yet the wife is standing by him. Veronica is fascinated with the case and it becomes her only escape from her mundane job.
Feeling lost, Veronica starts dreaming of her deceased grandparents who offer her their wisdom and guidance to steer her in the right direction. At their suggestion, Veronica takes a class in news reporting and covers the high-profile conspiracy trial she's so interested in as her first assignment. She also starts dating an unlikely match in Syd Blackman after her friends insist she put herself out there.
Just when her love life and career seem to be looking up, she is thrown for a huge loop that makes her start to doubt herself and question her recent choices.
Can I tell you how much I absolutely loved this book? This story was absolutely delightful! For those of you that regularly read my blog, you know that I don't like comparisons, but the writing was just as sharp and humourous as a Sophie Kinsella novel. Ronay strikes the right balance of lightheartedness and purpose and quite simply captured my heart. There were so many little nuances that I adored (especially the pennies) and the supporting cast of characters were just as engaging as the main characters, which is no small feat. Admittedly I was initially confused in the beginning with Veronica talking to her deceased grandparents (were they ghosts/was this a dream?) but once I got in the grove and realized what was going on, I came to really look forward to these exchanges—they were so endearing.
Congratulations, Fern, on this fab novel. I can't wait to read what you publish next!
July 15, 2017
As a reader, every now and then I come across stories that touch my soul in a way that leaves an everlasting imprint. Better in the Morning did exactly that. This story is captivating, charming, and elegantly written. In the midst of my own chaotic life, I couldn't put this book down. Veronica is the essence of so many young women who make life choices for reasons that do not truly reflect their honest desires. She is incredibly witty and charismatic, but as you first get to know Veronica, her light is dulled due to the misery she is experiencing. I really enjoyed being witness to her journey of fighting through trial and error to get to the place that she always was destined to be. Ronay's way of integrating Veronica's relationship with her grandparents into the story was incredibly unique and unlike anything I have ever read before. Their relationship added a heartfelt aspect to the novel that left me feeling envious. This book really conveyed the dynamic of life and how easy it is for us to get stuck in a routine that leaves us feeling drowned and unfulfilled. It also revealed that when we take a step back and let what feels right unfold, life can become exactly what we need it to be. Better in the Morning will make you laugh out loud and shed a few tears! I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great story with awesome character development and a few life lessons.
February 8, 2018
💕👍👍💕 Will Veronica ever find her mojo and her perfect man?!
February 6, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
👏👏 🌇💜 Ended up being a really super read! This contemporary romance did not hook me until several chapters in. The more I read, the more it grew on me, especially heroine Veronica. I did not care for her at the beginning, thought she was lazy, flighty, easily distracted, a bit judgmental and sort of comfortable in her misery! But I loved her transformation! There are plenty of secondary characters, some stereotypical prats, like her law office colleagues, but most of the others are multidimensional and supportive at times, other times not very appealing, but regular, flawed humans. Veronica's career and romantic dilemmas move her to become a bigger and better person.
The author did a great job using visits from Veronica's dead grandparents as a vehicle for internally facing her dilemmas. At one point, I felt the author channeling her Charles Dickens as Veronica's grandparents take her on a night visit to the past, present and predictable future as Veronica is on the point of an important milestone in her romantic life. Quite a unique tool and effective in also bringing a sprinkling of humor into the story. I also appreciated the realism of allowing the heroine to suffer numerous setbacks that forced her to pick herself up and work for her HEA.:-)
February 6, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
👏👏 🌇💜 Ended up being a really super read! This contemporary romance did not hook me until several chapters in. The more I read, the more it grew on me, especially heroine Veronica. I did not care for her at the beginning, thought she was lazy, flighty, easily distracted, a bit judgmental and sort of comfortable in her misery! But I loved her transformation! There are plenty of secondary characters, some stereotypical prats, like her law office colleagues, but most of the others are multidimensional and supportive at times, other times not very appealing, but regular, flawed humans. Veronica's career and romantic dilemmas move her to become a bigger and better person.
The author did a great job using visits from Veronica's dead grandparents as a vehicle for internally facing her dilemmas. At one point, I felt the author channeling her Charles Dickens as Veronica's grandparents take her on a night visit to the past, present and predictable future as Veronica is on the point of an important milestone in her romantic life. Quite a unique tool and effective in also bringing a sprinkling of humor into the story. I also appreciated the realism of allowing the heroine to suffer numerous setbacks that forced her to pick herself up and work for her HEA.:-)
January 2, 2019
“Better In The Morning” has a completely lovable, relatable heroine in Veronica Buccino. Like so many of us, Veronica’s story starts off as a life made up of choices that are supposed to meet expectation. She’s an attorney with no passion for the career choice and is ready to take the next step with her dull boyfriend because he fits the image she has in her mind of her husband and life. However, unexpected events force her to evaluate her love and career choices. Veronica’s approach to finding her way is full of self-deprecating humor and commentary that makes the reader both laugh and give a sympathetic “aww” along with her. My favorite part of the book is the guidance her deceased grandparents give to her through dreams and signs. “Better In The Morning” was definitely the pick up I needed with a wonderful reminder that changes in life can be slightly uncomfortable but so worth it. And when the path feels particularly lonely, look for the signs from the loved ones whispering encouragement from the other side.
November 7, 2017
Fern Ronay, the author of Better in the Morning, sent me an email asking if I'd read and review her book. I was hesitant after reading the description which explains how Veronica's life seems to be falling apart until her dead grandparents start visiting her dreams to steer her life in the right direction. I wasn't too sure about the ghosts of dead grandparents...it had the potential to go in a really bad direction. But it didn't! My best description is A Christmas Carol meets Chick Lit. The visits from the dead grandparents were done in a tasteful way and Veronica's struggle with her career, friends, and personal affairs were very relatable.
For more on this book, visit: https://www.hastybooklist.com/home/20...
For more on this book, visit: https://www.hastybooklist.com/home/20...
September 3, 2024
“All of the ordinary events in life, Veronica, they’re not so ordinary after all.”
Veronica is a lawyer, a job she hates. Veronica has a boyfriend who doesn't care as much for her as she thinks he should. Veronica has both a mother and a father who have other partners. Veronica has two best friends who have their own angst. Veronica often runs across pennies, her late grandparents sign that they are nearby And Veronica is with her grandparents in her dreams because things always seem better in the morning.
I love the writing style of author Fern Ronay although it took me a while to like what seemed very shallow characters. But they grew on me. This is a nice, quick well done story with an interesting twist or two. Highly Recommended 5/5
Veronica is a lawyer, a job she hates. Veronica has a boyfriend who doesn't care as much for her as she thinks he should. Veronica has both a mother and a father who have other partners. Veronica has two best friends who have their own angst. Veronica often runs across pennies, her late grandparents sign that they are nearby And Veronica is with her grandparents in her dreams because things always seem better in the morning.
I love the writing style of author Fern Ronay although it took me a while to like what seemed very shallow characters. But they grew on me. This is a nice, quick well done story with an interesting twist or two. Highly Recommended 5/5
December 28, 2017
All in all, it was a fun romp through life as it was and could be, if only we'd give it a chance. Though not the ending I was rooting for (I must have missed the inclinations of a particular person because I seriously thought the love found would be with someone else...), it was a better ending than I thought I saw coming (holy heck if she ended up with that piece of work...). Should've listened to Grandma and Grandpa...knowing the future is no fun! Ultimately, it reminds us that we all have mistakes to make in order to be the person we were meant to be when we arrive at our final destination and reach our own HEAs.
**ecopy received for review
**ecopy received for review
March 10, 2018
This is a review of the audio version. You can read my full reviews at: www.booksmorethananything.com
Partly cheesy, partly adorable, fully enjoyable; for fans of Emily Griffin, the Devil Wears Prada, Bridget Jones’ Diary and the like. I recommend this to anyone who holes up at home with their chick flick of choice and a glass of when the world just starts to seem like too much. If “chick lit” is your thing then this one is for you, but I also think it’s a great palate cleanser for any one in need of a good escape and smile.
Partly cheesy, partly adorable, fully enjoyable; for fans of Emily Griffin, the Devil Wears Prada, Bridget Jones’ Diary and the like. I recommend this to anyone who holes up at home with their chick flick of choice and a glass of when the world just starts to seem like too much. If “chick lit” is your thing then this one is for you, but I also think it’s a great palate cleanser for any one in need of a good escape and smile.
Read
December 5, 2019I chose this book because I was looking for something humorous to read, in the vain of Bridget Jones' Diary. Several chapters into this and I haven't laughed once. And, not only don't I feel anything for the Veronica, the main character, I don't much like her either. Had it been a funnier read, I might've stuck with it, but just wasn't inspired to pick it up again.
My review is one personal opinion, and with the high rating not a popular one. Maybe it was my frame of mind during reading it. Hopefully you'll like it more.
My review is one personal opinion, and with the high rating not a popular one. Maybe it was my frame of mind during reading it. Hopefully you'll like it more.
June 7, 2026
Good ending
This book reads like a serious train wreck until the last 20 percent. It was interesting and well written with a feel good ending. Not very certain if it is very realistic but it did contain some really beautiful ideas. The main character leaves her dead end job as a paralegal with a law degree. She finds a new job as a reporter. This book is about how all of that happened in her life. Along the way she finds love, and both happen together.
This book reads like a serious train wreck until the last 20 percent. It was interesting and well written with a feel good ending. Not very certain if it is very realistic but it did contain some really beautiful ideas. The main character leaves her dead end job as a paralegal with a law degree. She finds a new job as a reporter. This book is about how all of that happened in her life. Along the way she finds love, and both happen together.
June 16, 2017
I enjoyed where Veronica Buccino did her first interview. Even though she's a quirky narrator, she has her soft moments as well; which I really admire. The flashbacks that Veronica's grandparents show her are quite enlightening; and thought that if people could see where their future relationships take them, it would save a lot of wasted energy and mistakes.
October 1, 2025
Loved the concept
Stories the move back and forth in time usually turn me off immediately. This was so different (,and hilarious) that couldn't put it down. Love to believe that those we have
'Lost' still are with us in some form and able to visit. Enjoyed her writing style. Get a cup of tea, a cozy blanket and enjoy.😉
Stories the move back and forth in time usually turn me off immediately. This was so different (,and hilarious) that couldn't put it down. Love to believe that those we have
'Lost' still are with us in some form and able to visit. Enjoyed her writing style. Get a cup of tea, a cozy blanket and enjoy.😉
May 14, 2026
Great Book!
I really enjoyed this book.It was very different and kept me guessing if she was going to end up with Syd or not. The grandparents are a hoot. How she was able to make herself go to work every day for five years is beyond me.I would have been out of there in a heartbeat.
I really enjoyed this book.It was very different and kept me guessing if she was going to end up with Syd or not. The grandparents are a hoot. How she was able to make herself go to work every day for five years is beyond me.I would have been out of there in a heartbeat.
November 12, 2018
Cute Story
Sort of like chick lit with ghosts. Not the most intellectually stimulating- okay story to take a break with. I personally had a hard time relating to the characters in general.
Sort of like chick lit with ghosts. Not the most intellectually stimulating- okay story to take a break with. I personally had a hard time relating to the characters in general.
February 10, 2019
Charming
I really enjoyed this lighthearted tale. With humor, courage, and a lot of help from her friends and family, Veronica manages to find her true calling and true love. Not profound, just a gentle, lovely little story. A tonic for a dreary day.
I really enjoyed this lighthearted tale. With humor, courage, and a lot of help from her friends and family, Veronica manages to find her true calling and true love. Not profound, just a gentle, lovely little story. A tonic for a dreary day.
February 23, 2019
Fun, interesting premise, and great characters
I so appreciated this book. I loved the idea that she visited her grandparents at night. I found myself really invested in Veronica’s life and hoping for a great outcome. The story is realistic but still hopeful and romantic.
I so appreciated this book. I loved the idea that she visited her grandparents at night. I found myself really invested in Veronica’s life and hoping for a great outcome. The story is realistic but still hopeful and romantic.
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