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Good Karma
A charming, heartfelt tale of love lost and regained in a gated community in Savannah, Georgia.
After almost forty years in New Jersey, Catherine, Ralph, and their beloved Boston Terrier Karma are hitting the road, relocating to a gorgeous, serene island off the coast of Savannah, Georgia, where Catherine can work on her backhand and Ralph can hit the links. But upon their arrival in the Seven Oaks gated community, it becomes apparent that Catherine and Ralph’s visions of retirement couldn’t be more different. While Catherine is intrigued by their quirky neighbors, Ralph’s golf-and-poker routine seems to be interrupted only by his flirtations with their zealous real estate agent.
As the pair drift further apart, Catherine cannot help but sense her marriage is at risk. Then, she meets recent widower Fred at the dog park. United by their dogs, they embark upon a friendship that could be something more—until she discovers that he’s not quite what he seems. As she sorts out fact from fiction and discovers what sorts of secrets might be hiding behind Seven Oaks’ pristine picket fences, she’ll have to make a decision affecting her future happiness and her chance at newfound love.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2017
91 people are currently reading
1140 people want to read
About the author
Christina Kelly
2 books24 followersChristina Kelly is a graduate of Vassar College and she holds an MFA in Fiction from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. She has worked as a charter yacht chef, tennis professional, dog sitter and cruciverbalist. (She’s had nine crossword puzzles published in The New York Times). She has an appetite for spoonerisms and a working knowledge of string theory. When not writing, she likes to play the ad side and visit small towns in Maine. She lives with her husband and their rambunctious Boston terrier on an island near Savannah.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
July 12, 2017
Great book and a huge surprise. So, it rained all through our summer vacation. I read everything I brought and was forced to turn to my wife’s pile. Understand that I'm the kind of guy that would rather stick thumbtacks into his knee caps than read a book labeled “women’s fiction.”
But, WOW! It was a real surprise! Lovable (and laughable) characters; surprising twists of plot; folks like us coping with late-onset marital stress and among other pressures of aging. (I came to see disturbing signs of myself in the absurdly self-absorbed husband, who contributed zero at home. Feeling a bit guilty, I am working on mending my ways). A wonderful ending that will make even the most cynical curmudgeon well-up. (But don't tell the guys in my motorcycle group I said this....). Definitely recommend this!
But, WOW! It was a real surprise! Lovable (and laughable) characters; surprising twists of plot; folks like us coping with late-onset marital stress and among other pressures of aging. (I came to see disturbing signs of myself in the absurdly self-absorbed husband, who contributed zero at home. Feeling a bit guilty, I am working on mending my ways). A wonderful ending that will make even the most cynical curmudgeon well-up. (But don't tell the guys in my motorcycle group I said this....). Definitely recommend this!
May 16, 2017
You work hard your whole life with the goal being retirement in a nice place where you can enjoy life, your spouse, and keep doing the things you love. That’s what Catherine assumed would happen when she and her husband made the move south to a lovely gated community near Savannah. What she didn’t expect was that he would want to enjoy activities without her. Every day. She’s feeling ignored, uncared for, and lonely.
Fred’s wife died a while ago. He’s wading through grief but trying to keep a foot in the day-to-day. His dog is the reason he goes out each day – mainly to the local dog park where he sees other community residents. He’s seventy-five and wondering if his best years are behind him. There are more characters who can relate to the same feelings as Catherine and Fred and they all intersect in unexpected ways at Seven Oaks.
Good Karma is a quirky, poignant, entertaining novel that I enjoyed and think will strike a chord with readers of a certain age or readers looking for something a little different. *I received a book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review
Fred’s wife died a while ago. He’s wading through grief but trying to keep a foot in the day-to-day. His dog is the reason he goes out each day – mainly to the local dog park where he sees other community residents. He’s seventy-five and wondering if his best years are behind him. There are more characters who can relate to the same feelings as Catherine and Fred and they all intersect in unexpected ways at Seven Oaks.
Good Karma is a quirky, poignant, entertaining novel that I enjoyed and think will strike a chord with readers of a certain age or readers looking for something a little different. *I received a book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review
December 21, 2016
Fun story about a couple that retires to a gated community in Savannah, Georgia. Catherine doesn't think Ralph appreciates her or their Boston Terrier Karma, and he seems to appreciate their young realtor with the low cut blouse a little too much. When Catherine meets the lovely widowed Fred and his Great Dane Sequoia, she feels a spark. Will she explore it or stay true to leaves-his-dishes-on-the-counter-Ralph? Quirky features include Catherine's friend Amity, a divorced English teacher who goes "creeping" into houses while people are on vacation to briefly live their lifestyles and water their forgotten houseplants.
February 17, 2017
Loved this book! It was a great story with awesome characters, and wonderful dogs! So thankful to have won this book with a Goodreads giveaway! The characters are believable, the story doesn't revolve around sex, and is a well written story that will keep you reading. Lovely story about dogs and their people.
September 25, 2017
Very slow at first.. Took me a while to get into it as you can see it took me a while to get through... wouldn't choose it again.
October 24, 2017
the cover is much cuter than the book. Forced myself to read it, hoping it would get better. It didn't.
June 27, 2017
In GOOD KARMA, a zany ensemble cast wrestles with retirement, loss, loneliness and love, not at an exotic (Marigold) hotel but at a gated golf community in Savannah. The fun begins early on at the community's dog park and lasts until the final pages of this novel, rich in hilarity and heart.
As New Jersey transplants Catherine and Ralph settle into retirement, their childless marriage grows more colorless with every round of golf he plays and every wink he gives their brassy blonde realtor. Catherine soon discovers that what she wants is to matter—to someone other than Karma, her Boston terrier. Meanwhile, a few streets over, newly widowed Fred can't seem to get on with his life. He senses his wife's spirit everywhere, and his Great Dane, Sequoia, forever waiting at the sliding glass door, does too.
Real life. Real people. But these characters have a comic edge. Catherine dresses her "baby," Karma, in colorful hats. Nostalgic Fred bemoans life with the "interweb." And there are totally outrageous characters too: Ida Blue Childs, a hefty pet psychic who wears a flowing caftan and Lady Danger lipstick even when sitting at home with Dr. Phil; Amity, a lonely woman who breaks into houses to "live other people's lives"; and Mr. Peabody, an alligator who is always lurking in one of the community's lagoons.
It's Karma and Sequoia who bring disillusioned Catherine and romantic Fred together to see if love can really be lovelier the second time around. And it's GOOD KARMA—tender, hilarious and big-hearted—that will make Christina Kelly an author to remember and to thank for a sharp, sparkling read.
As New Jersey transplants Catherine and Ralph settle into retirement, their childless marriage grows more colorless with every round of golf he plays and every wink he gives their brassy blonde realtor. Catherine soon discovers that what she wants is to matter—to someone other than Karma, her Boston terrier. Meanwhile, a few streets over, newly widowed Fred can't seem to get on with his life. He senses his wife's spirit everywhere, and his Great Dane, Sequoia, forever waiting at the sliding glass door, does too.
Real life. Real people. But these characters have a comic edge. Catherine dresses her "baby," Karma, in colorful hats. Nostalgic Fred bemoans life with the "interweb." And there are totally outrageous characters too: Ida Blue Childs, a hefty pet psychic who wears a flowing caftan and Lady Danger lipstick even when sitting at home with Dr. Phil; Amity, a lonely woman who breaks into houses to "live other people's lives"; and Mr. Peabody, an alligator who is always lurking in one of the community's lagoons.
It's Karma and Sequoia who bring disillusioned Catherine and romantic Fred together to see if love can really be lovelier the second time around. And it's GOOD KARMA—tender, hilarious and big-hearted—that will make Christina Kelly an author to remember and to thank for a sharp, sparkling read.
February 19, 2018
This may be the worst book I've ever read. All the characters are two-dimensional--either extremely good or extremely bad people. This book is also extremely fat phobic. The good "thin" characters are sexual and desirable and adventurous. The one fat character eats three jelly donuts for breakfast as she sits in front of her couch for hours at an end binging daytime television shows. The fat character's life is out of control--she doesn't budget; she thinks she's fashionable but other characters think she dresses in a buffoonish way; and she is constantly falling down/crashing into things.
March 11, 2017
You don't have to be a dog lover to love this book. Karma and Sequoia will warm your heart, and Ida Blue will have you giggling throughout her story. But the most charming element of the novel is the growing relationship between Catherine and Fred, who exhibit that thrill of new love often attributed to teenagers, but actually emergent any time two soul mates meet. Open or download this one as soon as you can! It's due out this summer.
June 15, 2017
I was not very intrigued by this book, and it took me a while to finish. Several times I thought about putting the book down, but can't leave a book unfinished. I felt the book took a while to get started, and by the time I found it started to get interesting, I had already lost interest. The ending of the book was nice, but the story line was just not for me. I think this book just did not suit my taste.
I received this book from a good reads giveaway.
I received this book from a good reads giveaway.
May 5, 2018
I really, really, really wanted to like this book. Not just for the dogs, but also for having a romantic protagonist over the age of 60. But, oh. The characters are caricatures or, at the very minimum, unrealistic. The plotline didn’t really hold water either, which can be fine in this sort of book, but somehow tested the limits of my disbelief a bit more than I liked.
May 4, 2017
Loved this book! Christina's characters are funny and engaging. What a charming book to escape to and meet some quirky folks. Also, loved the Dog Park being part of the story.
August 31, 2017
Had a cute premise but some horribly off-color statements and comparisons. I found the main story pretty rushed and unbelievable and the side plots not very well developed. Hard pass on this one.
June 9, 2017
How nice to read a well written novel about mature people who are facing change. Kelly is a terrific storyteller and has created a wonderful highly believable world in the gated community in Savannah. Catherine and Ralph thought they had the same expectations for retirement but those of us who have been there know how sometimes what we say and what we think and what reality becomes are different. Not bad, just a matter of adjustment. Fred is interesting too (no spoilers). Karma the dog- well- perhaps the most important character of all. Thanks to edelweiss for the ARC. I really enjoyed this. It's a little different but it made me laugh more than once even as I sympathized with EVERYONE (including Karma!).
May 5, 2017
This was an interesting story of people retiring from New Jersey to Georgia. Like so many couples they discover that they aren't quite as much in love as they once were. Thinking she'd be happy with her dog and year round tennis, Catherine finds she happier when her husband Ralph is at the club golfing. She meets Fred at the dog park and wonders if she should risk her marriage. This story has some laughs and giggles as it navigates the tough subject of infidelity and divorce.
April 11, 2018
There was nothing wrong with this book so 2 stars is just because it wasn't right for me.
I found I just wasn't interested enough to keep going with it. I kept waiting for something... ANYTHING to happen. I didn't care about any of the characters, who all seemed really dull. Even the dogs were dull and I love dogs.
Sorry.
I know everyone else seems to have loved it.
I found I just wasn't interested enough to keep going with it. I kept waiting for something... ANYTHING to happen. I didn't care about any of the characters, who all seemed really dull. Even the dogs were dull and I love dogs.
Sorry.
I know everyone else seems to have loved it.
October 4, 2017
Took me a while to engage in this story but a good, fun read.
May 25, 2018
Cute story and premise that ended up being cloying at times. Couldn't quite get as attached to the characters as I had hoped I would.
August 7, 2017
This is a very long review, apologies. I really enjoyed this novel. Please read as far as you like.
Christina Kelly’s Good Karma is a warm hearted and wise narrative that might be labeled a coming of age novel or bildungsroman for the (almost) geriatric set. It is funny, gentle, and insightful. It is Good Karma. Its characters evoke empathy and affection. There are a couple of them that I wish lived in my neighborhood. The main protagonists, Catherine and Fred (aptly named Wolfe, although he proves a gentle, sensitive, and insightful example of the breed) have both experienced losses. Fred’s loss is fairly recent; his wife of fifty years, Lissa has succumbed to cancer nine months before the narrative begins. Catherine’s loss is more protracted, more painful, and more dangerous. Her husband, Ralph began to drift farther and farther into the impenetrable (for Catherine) forest of his career, the vast wildernesses of golf courses, and smoke filled caverns of poker games. Most recently, since the novel’s inception, he has entered the labyrinths of flirtation, with Audrey the real estate agent, who has a cash register for a heart. Fred and Catherine have a “meet cute” moment fairly early in the narrative, at which Fred’s gallant female harlequin Great Dane recognizes Catherine as a new member of her and Fred’s family. As the novel progresses, Karma, Catherine’s Boston Terrier, slips comfortably into the nest being feathered by Fred and Catherine, woven from their memories, regrets and hopes. The rest, as they say is history. The audience follows these two empathetic characters through the minefields and missteps of rediscovering what matters in life and exploring the brave new world of their reawakening to each other and happiness. It’s no spoiler to tell you what happens next and how the novel ends. Reading Good Karma is not about surprise endings, but about enjoying the journey thither and its accompanying companions.
The companions are remarkable. The positive characters are unique and appealing. Even the “villains,” Audrey Cunningham and Ralph have their comedy to recommend them. However, let us “accentuate the positive,” as Bing Crosby advised. First, among the empathetic is Ida Blue Childs, the self proclaimed pet psychic, who discovers (with Lissa’s help) that she does indeed posses the power. She builds her new life and prosperity on her connections to the animal world, her innate ability to nurture Karma and Sequoia who are drawn to her open garage as shelter from the storm. She saves Audrey, Ralph, Leona, Audrey’s spoiled, manic Shi Tzu, and the predatory Mr. Peabody with the expert markspersonship she learned as a child in the rural south. (Mr. Peabody is an alligator, which is ironically nurtured in the safety net of Seven Oaks secure, gated community. He is the resident serpent in the Eden of Seven Oaks. Even his name resonates with reference. Remember Mr. Peabody’s coal trail that hauled Muhlenberg’s Paradise away, not to mention the current threat of similar desecrations under the current presidential administration.) There is also Amity, the grieving divorcee, teacher of impeccable English, and self-proclaimed “creeper” who discovers that it as blessed to give as to receive nurturing. Her first recipient is Catherine, whom she initiates into the fine art of “creeping,” visiting temporarily uninhabited houses to live vicariously through their absent owners’ possessions. Ultimately, she is brought to a shopping center where an ungrammatical sign (of Sign) leads her to a new relationship with a sleepy puppy that still needs all his shots. There is Martha, Catherine’s more adventurous sister, who plays in a bocce league (Team Boccelism and Barack Obocce) and is gifted with venereal disease by one of her lovers. There are Danielle and Tommy, Rusty the security guard, and McSweeney Houdini, all of whom add charm and depth to the narrative. Most important though is Lissa, Fred’s recently deceased wife, a free spirit while alive and the spirit guide of the novel after her passing. Lissa brings Ida Blue encouragement and purpose that start Ida Blue on her road to a career and financial stability, if not fortune. Lissa and Fred have a running conversation that helps guide Fred though the minefields of his new relationship and the pitfalls of parenting their daughter and grand-parenting Tommy, their grandson. Although, truth be told, Fred has some very good instincts about what Catherine needs and is very good at acting on them, and he seems to find a natural fit as grandpa. Lissa is a hovering, redheaded (think fairy tales and sorcery, or more correctly sorcery-light) presence throughout the novel, an agent of the Fate that guides us all on the path to happiness and fulfillment. She is the ultimate Good Karma of the novel.
There is much more to say about the novel: its connections to fairy tales, math, movies, and literature, its playfulness with language, its light touch with profundity and wisdom, its ironies and cosmic/comic touches (think black holes and tectonic plates), but the reader will discover these for himself/herself once she/he opens the book and begins the journey. Are there flaws? Well, if there are any, readers can discover them on their own.
Christina Kelly’s Good Karma is a warm hearted and wise narrative that might be labeled a coming of age novel or bildungsroman for the (almost) geriatric set. It is funny, gentle, and insightful. It is Good Karma. Its characters evoke empathy and affection. There are a couple of them that I wish lived in my neighborhood. The main protagonists, Catherine and Fred (aptly named Wolfe, although he proves a gentle, sensitive, and insightful example of the breed) have both experienced losses. Fred’s loss is fairly recent; his wife of fifty years, Lissa has succumbed to cancer nine months before the narrative begins. Catherine’s loss is more protracted, more painful, and more dangerous. Her husband, Ralph began to drift farther and farther into the impenetrable (for Catherine) forest of his career, the vast wildernesses of golf courses, and smoke filled caverns of poker games. Most recently, since the novel’s inception, he has entered the labyrinths of flirtation, with Audrey the real estate agent, who has a cash register for a heart. Fred and Catherine have a “meet cute” moment fairly early in the narrative, at which Fred’s gallant female harlequin Great Dane recognizes Catherine as a new member of her and Fred’s family. As the novel progresses, Karma, Catherine’s Boston Terrier, slips comfortably into the nest being feathered by Fred and Catherine, woven from their memories, regrets and hopes. The rest, as they say is history. The audience follows these two empathetic characters through the minefields and missteps of rediscovering what matters in life and exploring the brave new world of their reawakening to each other and happiness. It’s no spoiler to tell you what happens next and how the novel ends. Reading Good Karma is not about surprise endings, but about enjoying the journey thither and its accompanying companions.
The companions are remarkable. The positive characters are unique and appealing. Even the “villains,” Audrey Cunningham and Ralph have their comedy to recommend them. However, let us “accentuate the positive,” as Bing Crosby advised. First, among the empathetic is Ida Blue Childs, the self proclaimed pet psychic, who discovers (with Lissa’s help) that she does indeed posses the power. She builds her new life and prosperity on her connections to the animal world, her innate ability to nurture Karma and Sequoia who are drawn to her open garage as shelter from the storm. She saves Audrey, Ralph, Leona, Audrey’s spoiled, manic Shi Tzu, and the predatory Mr. Peabody with the expert markspersonship she learned as a child in the rural south. (Mr. Peabody is an alligator, which is ironically nurtured in the safety net of Seven Oaks secure, gated community. He is the resident serpent in the Eden of Seven Oaks. Even his name resonates with reference. Remember Mr. Peabody’s coal trail that hauled Muhlenberg’s Paradise away, not to mention the current threat of similar desecrations under the current presidential administration.) There is also Amity, the grieving divorcee, teacher of impeccable English, and self-proclaimed “creeper” who discovers that it as blessed to give as to receive nurturing. Her first recipient is Catherine, whom she initiates into the fine art of “creeping,” visiting temporarily uninhabited houses to live vicariously through their absent owners’ possessions. Ultimately, she is brought to a shopping center where an ungrammatical sign (of Sign) leads her to a new relationship with a sleepy puppy that still needs all his shots. There is Martha, Catherine’s more adventurous sister, who plays in a bocce league (Team Boccelism and Barack Obocce) and is gifted with venereal disease by one of her lovers. There are Danielle and Tommy, Rusty the security guard, and McSweeney Houdini, all of whom add charm and depth to the narrative. Most important though is Lissa, Fred’s recently deceased wife, a free spirit while alive and the spirit guide of the novel after her passing. Lissa brings Ida Blue encouragement and purpose that start Ida Blue on her road to a career and financial stability, if not fortune. Lissa and Fred have a running conversation that helps guide Fred though the minefields of his new relationship and the pitfalls of parenting their daughter and grand-parenting Tommy, their grandson. Although, truth be told, Fred has some very good instincts about what Catherine needs and is very good at acting on them, and he seems to find a natural fit as grandpa. Lissa is a hovering, redheaded (think fairy tales and sorcery, or more correctly sorcery-light) presence throughout the novel, an agent of the Fate that guides us all on the path to happiness and fulfillment. She is the ultimate Good Karma of the novel.
There is much more to say about the novel: its connections to fairy tales, math, movies, and literature, its playfulness with language, its light touch with profundity and wisdom, its ironies and cosmic/comic touches (think black holes and tectonic plates), but the reader will discover these for himself/herself once she/he opens the book and begins the journey. Are there flaws? Well, if there are any, readers can discover them on their own.
July 5, 2023
2.5 stars 🌟
January 22, 2018
A fun debut novel written by a friend about a retired couple’s new life and their dog Karma set near Savannah, Georgia.
January 5, 2018
Enjoyed this book because the characters were my own age (retirement) which is rare. It was a fun read if a bit far fetched. A 60 plus woman in a stagnant marriage finds her "soul mate" in a day at the dog park.....not too believable but fun none the less.
October 4, 2017
Interesting story about a woman who has been married for over 30 years, as she tries to figure out where her life is going. Catherine, a stay-at-home wife, and her newly retired husband Ralph move from NJ to a gated community on the outskirts of Savannah Georgia. He settles into a life of golfing every day and playing poker most nights. Catherine is at loose ends. She realizes she and Ralph no longer love each other. She spends all her time focussed on her dog, Karma.
When she goes looking for a new life she finds a pet psychic, a woman who breaks into people's houses to "live their lives" for a little while, and a (spoiler alert) handsome,kind man and his great dane. Also, alligators.
While the pace was a little slow, I did enjoy the author's treatment of her older characters. Often invisible to others, they still want a purpose. They still want love (and sex). They want to enjoy their lives, knowing time is short. It's a little bit heart breaking.
Interesting note, this was author Christina Kelly's first novel, which she wrote at age 56.
When she goes looking for a new life she finds a pet psychic, a woman who breaks into people's houses to "live their lives" for a little while, and a (spoiler alert) handsome,kind man and his great dane. Also, alligators.
While the pace was a little slow, I did enjoy the author's treatment of her older characters. Often invisible to others, they still want a purpose. They still want love (and sex). They want to enjoy their lives, knowing time is short. It's a little bit heart breaking.
Interesting note, this was author Christina Kelly's first novel, which she wrote at age 56.
December 24, 2017
A fun carefree read, best enjoyed if you’re over 55 I think. Nice for dog lovers too.
August 31, 2017
This was a very sweet story. Several sympathetic characters.
Susan Bowman summed it up well, with [comments from me]: "Good Karma was a sweet surprise. A fast-paced, fun read, complete with dogs. I usually veer away from books with characters described as quirky, but Catherine and Fred are endearing and genuine [and not that quirky compered to the other characters]. The book explores serious topics - aging, loneliness, retirement, grief and change with humor, grace and unexpected poignancy. This is a light read with a big heart, and a hopeful message."
Susan Bowman summed it up well, with [comments from me]: "Good Karma was a sweet surprise. A fast-paced, fun read, complete with dogs. I usually veer away from books with characters described as quirky, but Catherine and Fred are endearing and genuine [and not that quirky compered to the other characters]. The book explores serious topics - aging, loneliness, retirement, grief and change with humor, grace and unexpected poignancy. This is a light read with a big heart, and a hopeful message."
July 25, 2017
A rather enjoyable book (but will not become one of my 'comfort reads' it's not that interesting) based on what happens to some of us when it comes time to retire. My only complaint is that I'm, not fond of sex happening within a couple of days of meeting someone, but at least it was tasteful.
The secondary characters seemed to be (at first) useless, but the became an interesting diversion at times.
Interesting HEA.
*ARC supplied by publisher
The secondary characters seemed to be (at first) useless, but the became an interesting diversion at times.
Interesting HEA.
*ARC supplied by publisher
July 3, 2017
I'd call this chick-lit except the characters are in the 60s and 70s. They are finding themselves after retirement, with empty nests and in new surroundings. With a cute dog on the cover, it won't surprise you that there is a dog park that centers the action.
Contemplating retirement? this book will remind you that you need to have some structure and friends in that new phase of life.
Contemplating retirement? this book will remind you that you need to have some structure and friends in that new phase of life.
June 28, 2017
I really enjoyed this fluffy read. The setting was a gated community of primarily retired folks located on an island off the coast of Savannah, GA. The characters in the book are exactly that - characters! The characters you meet in the novel have lives that end up intersecting with one another. This would be a good summer read!
July 11, 2017
This turned out to be a delightful novel about the residents of a Florida retirement community and their dogs. A bit of mystery, a bit of conflict, a bit of romance, and we learn the inner lives of these fascinating people. I enjoyed it a lot.
October 17, 2017
3-1/2 stars - Loved the dogs but the characters were not lovable. More attention should've been given to Amity because she was the only thoughtful one. Story had some silly, zany adventures to keep me interested.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews