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Val Fremden Mysteries #0
Absolute Zero: Misadventures From A Broad
La Dolce Vita or Bust
We’ve all dreamed about ditching everything and running off to another country. But almost no one actually does...
Well, Val Jolly feels like she's almost no one. Invisible to her husband and dissatisfied with her life, deep in her soul Val yearns to be someone else. Someone sexy. Someone happy.
With only her favorite romance novel to guide her, Val decides Italy is the perfect place for some relaxation, romance and reinvention. But she soon finds out that handsome men, like life, have plans of their own.
Will Val score a home run? Or will she just want to run home? In the race to rediscover herself, what awaits Val at the finish line may be a completely unexpected type of victory. That's up to you to decide.
If you've ever dreamed of ditching your life and running off to Europe, now’s your chance! Join Val on a roller-coaster ride through Europe that will leave you gasping! From gut-busting hilarity to gut–wrenching gaffs, finding yourself again is always worth the price of admission. Get your ticket now!
Absolute Zero is not a mystery per se. (Unless you count the mystery of why we do the crazy things we do!) It is a stand-alone novel, and the funny, yet often heart-wrenching prequel to the hilarious Val Fremden Mystery Series. Just like life, this satirical look at starting over after forty is full of ups and downs. It's told through the eyes of a sharp-witted, reluctantly redneck woman who’s always played it safe – until now. Freedom comes at a great price for Val. Will it be worth it in the end?
We’ve all dreamed about ditching everything and running off to another country. But almost no one actually does...
Well, Val Jolly feels like she's almost no one. Invisible to her husband and dissatisfied with her life, deep in her soul Val yearns to be someone else. Someone sexy. Someone happy.
With only her favorite romance novel to guide her, Val decides Italy is the perfect place for some relaxation, romance and reinvention. But she soon finds out that handsome men, like life, have plans of their own.
Will Val score a home run? Or will she just want to run home? In the race to rediscover herself, what awaits Val at the finish line may be a completely unexpected type of victory. That's up to you to decide.
If you've ever dreamed of ditching your life and running off to Europe, now’s your chance! Join Val on a roller-coaster ride through Europe that will leave you gasping! From gut-busting hilarity to gut–wrenching gaffs, finding yourself again is always worth the price of admission. Get your ticket now!
Absolute Zero is not a mystery per se. (Unless you count the mystery of why we do the crazy things we do!) It is a stand-alone novel, and the funny, yet often heart-wrenching prequel to the hilarious Val Fremden Mystery Series. Just like life, this satirical look at starting over after forty is full of ups and downs. It's told through the eyes of a sharp-witted, reluctantly redneck woman who’s always played it safe – until now. Freedom comes at a great price for Val. Will it be worth it in the end?
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2017
410 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Lashley
51 books267 followersWhy do I love underdogs? Well, it takes one to know one.
Like the main characters in my novels, I haven’t lead a life of wealth or luxury. In fact, as it stands now, I’m set to inherit a half-eaten jar of Cheez Whiz…if my siblings don’t beat me to it.
During my illustrious career, I’ve been a roller-skating waitress, an actuarial assistant, an advertising copywriter, a real estate agent, a house flipper, an organic farmer, and a traveling vagabond/truth seeker. But no matter where I’ve gone or what I’ve done, I’ve always felt like a weirdo.
I’ve learned a heck of a lot in my life. But getting to know myself has been my greatest journey. Today, I know I’m smart. I’m direct. I’m jaded. I’m hopeful. I’m funny. I’m fierce. I’m a pushover. And I have a laugh that lures strangers over, wanting to join in the fun.
In other words, I’m a jumble of opposing talents and flaws and emotions. And it’s all good.
I enjoy underdogs because we’ve got spunk. And hope. And secrets that drive us to be different from the rest.
So dare to be different. It's the only way to be!
Happy reading!
Like the main characters in my novels, I haven’t lead a life of wealth or luxury. In fact, as it stands now, I’m set to inherit a half-eaten jar of Cheez Whiz…if my siblings don’t beat me to it.
During my illustrious career, I’ve been a roller-skating waitress, an actuarial assistant, an advertising copywriter, a real estate agent, a house flipper, an organic farmer, and a traveling vagabond/truth seeker. But no matter where I’ve gone or what I’ve done, I’ve always felt like a weirdo.
I’ve learned a heck of a lot in my life. But getting to know myself has been my greatest journey. Today, I know I’m smart. I’m direct. I’m jaded. I’m hopeful. I’m funny. I’m fierce. I’m a pushover. And I have a laugh that lures strangers over, wanting to join in the fun.
In other words, I’m a jumble of opposing talents and flaws and emotions. And it’s all good.
I enjoy underdogs because we’ve got spunk. And hope. And secrets that drive us to be different from the rest.
So dare to be different. It's the only way to be!
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
January 9, 2018
I LOVED IT!!! ... But it wasn't what I expected - a mystery. It was about Val's adventures and romance with Friedrich first in Italy and then in Germany.
I love Italy and I am a German living in Canada. Reading this book was like coming home to the life I've left behind.
A lot of ups and downs that gave me an array of emotions included smiles, laughter, anger and tears.
I can't wait to read more from Val's life and maybe there will be a mysteries in the following installments....
A highly entertaining read. Especially if you love Italy and/or know a few Germans ;)
I love Italy and I am a German living in Canada. Reading this book was like coming home to the life I've left behind.
A lot of ups and downs that gave me an array of emotions included smiles, laughter, anger and tears.
I can't wait to read more from Val's life and maybe there will be a mysteries in the following installments....
A highly entertaining read. Especially if you love Italy and/or know a few Germans ;)
July 13, 2017
I get Val Jolly. In a way I relate to Val. And throughout the story, I began to adore Val.
With quick wit, pages of adventures, dialogue that sucked me into the scenes, and descriptions that created the most hilarious visuals, Absolute Zero is an every woman's tale of rediscovery. Val needed a break from her everyday life and lazy husband, and she finds it in Italy ... though not without a series of obstacles like missing luggage, a reckless Italian driver, a severe case of sunburn, seductive strangers, and many more antics. The cast of curious characters further delivers an entertaining dynamic as their little secrets come full circle and Val learns that love for oneself is the most important love--the freeing kind of love.
If you're in the mood for an entertaining tale of one woman's comical journey to find friends, adventure, and herself, you can stop your search here. A five-star women's lit tale.
With quick wit, pages of adventures, dialogue that sucked me into the scenes, and descriptions that created the most hilarious visuals, Absolute Zero is an every woman's tale of rediscovery. Val needed a break from her everyday life and lazy husband, and she finds it in Italy ... though not without a series of obstacles like missing luggage, a reckless Italian driver, a severe case of sunburn, seductive strangers, and many more antics. The cast of curious characters further delivers an entertaining dynamic as their little secrets come full circle and Val learns that love for oneself is the most important love--the freeing kind of love.
If you're in the mood for an entertaining tale of one woman's comical journey to find friends, adventure, and herself, you can stop your search here. A five-star women's lit tale.
April 25, 2018
This book was not at all what I expected when chose to read it. I thought it would be a light, relaxing read. What a wonderful surprise when it turned out to be comical in spots, but not at all light or relaxing. What I found was a narrative about the journey of life experiences as seen through the eyes of one 41-year-old woman who starts over more than once in the effort to discover what it is that her life is about. As she learns new life lessons ans re-learns some old ones, she uncovers another layer of herself.
The story here is about attitude and how it affects our ability to be resilient in the face of life's dramas.
The only problem I found with the book was technical. In almost every case where a word used had a homonym, the incorrect word was used. This occurred throughout the entire book and was somewhat distracting. There were some other errors as well. I chose to overlook the problems because otherwise the narrative and writing were well above average. I do wish, however, that the manuscript had been carefully proofread - this novel deserved it.
The story here is about attitude and how it affects our ability to be resilient in the face of life's dramas.
The only problem I found with the book was technical. In almost every case where a word used had a homonym, the incorrect word was used. This occurred throughout the entire book and was somewhat distracting. There were some other errors as well. I chose to overlook the problems because otherwise the narrative and writing were well above average. I do wish, however, that the manuscript had been carefully proofread - this novel deserved it.
May 31, 2017
From the start, I felt myself nodding my head in affirmation as the story line painted a vivid picture in my mind. Val was starting over, looking for the excitement she missed the first time around, and she was taking the reader with her! I only hoped Italy was ready to meet Val! Her plucky attitude was inspiring!
Many will identify with Val’s life lessons, or at least be able to understand where she’s coming from. The dialog was really good, parts were hilariously funny, and others give the reader something to think about. It can be an emotional rollercoaster, but that’s how real life is too, right? This seems to be an interesting series and one that I think I’ll stick with! Very well written! I voluntarily read a review copy of this book and my comments reflect my honest opinion.
Many will identify with Val’s life lessons, or at least be able to understand where she’s coming from. The dialog was really good, parts were hilariously funny, and others give the reader something to think about. It can be an emotional rollercoaster, but that’s how real life is too, right? This seems to be an interesting series and one that I think I’ll stick with! Very well written! I voluntarily read a review copy of this book and my comments reflect my honest opinion.
June 3, 2017
I loved this quirky adventure/romance book about an upbeat 40-something divorced Floridian woman looking to jump start a new life by a 3-week trip to southern Italy and Mediterranean cruise. The book actually covers about 6 years of her life and its ups and downs. Lots of great characters, some local, some tourists, and she wins most of them over with her optimism, starting with her attempts to join the "dolce far niente" relaxed Italian way of life. Romance, mystery, adventure and some moments of outright slap your sides hilarity, this book was a gem. There is a serious twist to the plot towards the end of the book, but nothing can keep this heroine down too long. Definitely 5 stars!
I received an ARC of this book at no cost. This is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an ARC of this book at no cost. This is my voluntary and honest review.
June 6, 2017
An emotional roller coaster with a mixture of humor, sadness, joy, happiness and love. A well written book with fun characters and an engaging plot. Val is easy to relate to with all of her life experiences and it's easy to imagine you changing places with her at times. Then ending took me by surprise. I received an arc copy and voluntarily chose to review it.
December 31, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
We are introduced to Val after her second divorce. She's decided to go to Italy. She's gotten a job teaching English for two weeks. She meets Frederick, a loving man from Germany. After a whirlwind romance she marries him. Spending the next six year in Germany Val wakes up to find...
We are introduced to Val after her second divorce. She's decided to go to Italy. She's gotten a job teaching English for two weeks. She meets Frederick, a loving man from Germany. After a whirlwind romance she marries him. Spending the next six year in Germany Val wakes up to find...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2017
This was not what I was expecting. I can't say more without spoiling it. However, the book was well written
May 29, 2017
Warning – I can’t review this book without revealing how it ends, so read only if you want spoilers:
This is a fun but ultimately disappointing story about a gal who heads off to Europe for adventure. The story covers quite a few years and encompasses the beginning and the ending of her European romance, leaving her at the end of the book ready to return to the USA and embark on the adventures described in Book 2. It was well-written from Val’s point of view, and it packs a substantial emotional impact for the reader. I’m giving it four stars rather than five because I’m just a sucker for a HEA and while Val seems fine with the way this chapter in her life ends, I’m just left feeling that she wasted those years with the wrong guy. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This is a fun but ultimately disappointing story about a gal who heads off to Europe for adventure. The story covers quite a few years and encompasses the beginning and the ending of her European romance, leaving her at the end of the book ready to return to the USA and embark on the adventures described in Book 2. It was well-written from Val’s point of view, and it packs a substantial emotional impact for the reader. I’m giving it four stars rather than five because I’m just a sucker for a HEA and while Val seems fine with the way this chapter in her life ends, I’m just left feeling that she wasted those years with the wrong guy. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2017
I'm left speechless. I don't quite know what to say. I wasn't in any way prepared for that ending. The book is so well written, it sucked me in from the very first scene and took me for an emotional roller-coaster ride I wasn't expecting. I love the snarky one-liners that pepper the dialogue. They had me laughing even when the story itself had gone places that weren't so amusing. I'm intrigued by where Val's story will take her next but I just don't have the emotional fortitude to tackle the next one just yet. It's on my radar for sometime in the future. I think I've learned that when it comes to romantic comedies, I prefer the cotton-candy variety.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
June 2, 2017
So, I want to read the rest of the series. Poor Val has some messed up circumstances but some great adventures. I laughed, I was sad, I was mad...... all in all a great read!
June 1, 2017
Love the colourful language used and Val's humorous view of life. Sad to see how it ends but can not wait to see what happens next
October 28, 2017
After 15 years of marriage , Val Jolly sells her business and hops a plane to Italy. She also meets Friedrich. After two weeks in Italy, Val board a cruise ship to Monaco. She even lives in Germany for a while.
I love the use of similes in the book.
I considered a rating of four because there were a couple of chapters that didn't hold my attention like the rest of the book.
I think a lot of women would be able to relate to Val in one way. The idea of dropping everything and taking off to Italy does have a bit of an appeal.
The whole book needs to be read before understanding why the title completely fits the story. By the end, I had change my mind to give a rating of five.
This is the first book by Margaret Lashley I jave read. It is also the first Women's Fiction book I have read.
I love the use of similes in the book.
I considered a rating of four because there were a couple of chapters that didn't hold my attention like the rest of the book.
I think a lot of women would be able to relate to Val in one way. The idea of dropping everything and taking off to Italy does have a bit of an appeal.
The whole book needs to be read before understanding why the title completely fits the story. By the end, I had change my mind to give a rating of five.
This is the first book by Margaret Lashley I jave read. It is also the first Women's Fiction book I have read.
May 20, 2017
This is one of those books that leaves you gaping. I must admit that the entire story left me in a turmoil of emotions. This is the story of a freshly divorced woman in her forties who leaves her country and goes on vacation to sunny Italy to restart a new life. Since her arrival to Italy her misadventures will make the reader smile and all of her unusual acquaintances will perfectly come together in the plot. Her psychological trip to regain the confidence lost will then have her fall into the arms of a man she thinks will be the one. Very well written and without adding more to the story and leaving hints of what to come, I simply recommend the reading of this fascinating book.
September 27, 2017
I didn't find the characters particularly engaging & lost interest after the first few chapters.
January 26, 2018
Not what I expected but was drawn in by humor, the real characters and real life trials and tribulations!
This story takes you into Val's life and feelings of inadequacy. Just out of her second divorce, she decides to sell her business and travel to Italy to try and reinvent herself. She signs onto a two week program which teaches English to Italian students. Find that Italian boys and men are actually looking AT Her her confidence is starting to come back , just a little. With the blessings of her best friend back home, Clarice she continues on. She meets on this program a variety of personalities and becomes friendly with a Berta, a feisty, octogenarian free spirit former psychologist who helps Val through some personal insecurities. The beautiful descriptions of the Italian towns were very visual and well written. Val then meets Frederich who woos her and sweeps her off her feet. But she leaves the hotel to meet up with Clarice where they had booked a cruise together. Saying goodbye to the teaching group, some goodbyes happily others not so, she leaves Frederich after they exchange numbers and email addresses. The friends take the cruise and find Berta there too with a secret, what fun! Frederich emails Val and wants to meet her in Rome when they finish the cruise and so finally agreeing, she goes on another adventure. This story goes through 6 years of her life through so much trials and tribulations and we are introduced to a small town in Germany with beautiful descriptions. While reading, you cheer, you laugh and you cry. The ending came as a surprise, definitely not expected! I will definitely read more in this series. I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
This story takes you into Val's life and feelings of inadequacy. Just out of her second divorce, she decides to sell her business and travel to Italy to try and reinvent herself. She signs onto a two week program which teaches English to Italian students. Find that Italian boys and men are actually looking AT Her her confidence is starting to come back , just a little. With the blessings of her best friend back home, Clarice she continues on. She meets on this program a variety of personalities and becomes friendly with a Berta, a feisty, octogenarian free spirit former psychologist who helps Val through some personal insecurities. The beautiful descriptions of the Italian towns were very visual and well written. Val then meets Frederich who woos her and sweeps her off her feet. But she leaves the hotel to meet up with Clarice where they had booked a cruise together. Saying goodbye to the teaching group, some goodbyes happily others not so, she leaves Frederich after they exchange numbers and email addresses. The friends take the cruise and find Berta there too with a secret, what fun! Frederich emails Val and wants to meet her in Rome when they finish the cruise and so finally agreeing, she goes on another adventure. This story goes through 6 years of her life through so much trials and tribulations and we are introduced to a small town in Germany with beautiful descriptions. While reading, you cheer, you laugh and you cry. The ending came as a surprise, definitely not expected! I will definitely read more in this series. I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
June 21, 2018
This is staggeringly good and a compulsive read. There is a 'WHAT' moment that stunned me: read the book and you’ll know where this is. I had to stop multi-tasking in the kitchen at this point and just read.
What began as a gentle story about newly divorced Val taking off to Europe to travel, maybe have an adventure, or even a little romance, turns into a nightmare for her. The author describes Italy and Germany intimately and must have lived in both countries to pick up the nuances that tourists will always miss.
This is part one of several books about Val, there's no cliffhanger (I hate unexpected cliffhangers) but if you laughed and gasped in Absolute Zero then this is the start of a good collection.
What began as a gentle story about newly divorced Val taking off to Europe to travel, maybe have an adventure, or even a little romance, turns into a nightmare for her. The author describes Italy and Germany intimately and must have lived in both countries to pick up the nuances that tourists will always miss.
This is part one of several books about Val, there's no cliffhanger (I hate unexpected cliffhangers) but if you laughed and gasped in Absolute Zero then this is the start of a good collection.
January 28, 2018
Wonderful Chick-Lit
This novel is a wonderful piece of Women’s fiction. From a baby marriage to a boring second husband to a fairy tale German husband turned nightmare, Val has led an interesting life. As she comes into her own and becomes herself, she finds excellent friends and learns the true meaning of the Italian La Dolce Vita. This story is a combination 5 friends and I throughout our mid-lives. It is fun, realistic, sorrowful and yet inspirational. I am getting the whole series and can’t wait to start the next book. I received this book at no cost and voluntarily chose to post my review.
This novel is a wonderful piece of Women’s fiction. From a baby marriage to a boring second husband to a fairy tale German husband turned nightmare, Val has led an interesting life. As she comes into her own and becomes herself, she finds excellent friends and learns the true meaning of the Italian La Dolce Vita. This story is a combination 5 friends and I throughout our mid-lives. It is fun, realistic, sorrowful and yet inspirational. I am getting the whole series and can’t wait to start the next book. I received this book at no cost and voluntarily chose to post my review.
February 10, 2020
This is a delightful tale of a wonderfully resilient woman with the most amazing sense of humor and a turn of phrase that had me laughing aloud. (I wish she lived in my neighborhood...she'd quickly become a best friend.) The story follows Val from her working volunteer teaching trip in Italy, where she meets an assortment of interesting characters, up to just before her return to the States several years later after an assortment of adventures and misadventures. This is the introduction to the series. I laughed with her; I cried with her. And now I've already started the next in series.
I hope I wasn't reading the final version: there were enough wrong homonyms to annoy my inner editor.
I hope I wasn't reading the final version: there were enough wrong homonyms to annoy my inner editor.
November 24, 2021
free ebook
this is before the book i just finished
it shows how she left fl and went to italy after her divorce. her luggage was lost on the plane. she gets to the hotel where she is working for her room and board teaching english but they dont want her to go in the dirty clothes so she got the first day off. some german man she didnt know offered to take her to eat, she was starving. i know from the second book she is going to end up marrying and divorcing him.
2 of her friends died while she lived with him
she stayed married to him way too long, he took all her money, she was in trouble with the german irs, she had to stay there a year to divorce him and finally went home
both books were good, i would read more of this series
this is before the book i just finished
it shows how she left fl and went to italy after her divorce. her luggage was lost on the plane. she gets to the hotel where she is working for her room and board teaching english but they dont want her to go in the dirty clothes so she got the first day off. some german man she didnt know offered to take her to eat, she was starving. i know from the second book she is going to end up marrying and divorcing him.
2 of her friends died while she lived with him
she stayed married to him way too long, he took all her money, she was in trouble with the german irs, she had to stay there a year to divorce him and finally went home
both books were good, i would read more of this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2023
Laughter, Lows, and Life Lessons
As soon as I "met" Val, I had to keep reading to see what would happen next! Sometimes it almost felt like I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop (the next misadventure), but I had an idea of where things would end from reading about the rest of the series. There were definite LOL moments, but also heart-wrenching ones and Ms. Lashley delivers them all to the reader with skill. I'm rooting for Val, even when I'm yelling "Nooooo!" to some of her decisions. When I finished the book, I had to immediately start the next one because I definitely can't wait to follow Val's journey back from Absolute Zero! I highly recommend this book.
As soon as I "met" Val, I had to keep reading to see what would happen next! Sometimes it almost felt like I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop (the next misadventure), but I had an idea of where things would end from reading about the rest of the series. There were definite LOL moments, but also heart-wrenching ones and Ms. Lashley delivers them all to the reader with skill. I'm rooting for Val, even when I'm yelling "Nooooo!" to some of her decisions. When I finished the book, I had to immediately start the next one because I definitely can't wait to follow Val's journey back from Absolute Zero! I highly recommend this book.
June 29, 2017
If you want to take a super fun and enjoyable reading trip, this is the book for you. I haven't read so many descriptive phrases as Margaret Lashley put into her book, period. This book takes the reader on a trip of the main character's search through life. This is one of the few books I have read where it is only seen through the eyes of the main character, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can't wait to read books two and three in the adventures of Val. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of the book.
April 11, 2018
Okay the first one hooked me. Now I have to read the second book in this series. I loved seeing a woman change her entire life when she realizes one day is the same as the next and it will never change unless she takes that major step. What a great adventure Val has in Italy. The characters in the tour who have to teach English are a hoot and the different attitude in Italy of the men is a delight. When Val continues her journey she really learns what starting over means and how tragedy can be the start of a new life.
June 13, 2020
I have been really enjoying reading Margaret Lashley's series about Val Fremden. Three books in, I decided to read book zero. I think readers can think of this as a prequel. Freshly divorced Val gets a volunteering job in Italy. The characters she travels with are all hilarious and suitably intertwined. Observational comedy plays a part in the plot, as Val realises she has still 'got it' (in Italy anyway). There is a bit of mystery surrounding the ex-nun Val meets when volunteering. There is a lot of laughter and empowerment from our female protagonist.
May 30, 2021
Go for it Val!
After 2 failed marriages, Val takes off for another country to follow her heart. She has to learn the language. After 6 years she realizes that the third husband has failed her for his own purposes. She picks herself up, determined to start over almost broke, and returns to Florida. Still wanting to follow her heart, she is one gutsy gal, making the best of things as she goes. This is the first in the series. Though it's not autobiographical, it's a great read! Start with this one and you'll want to keep reading the next.
After 2 failed marriages, Val takes off for another country to follow her heart. She has to learn the language. After 6 years she realizes that the third husband has failed her for his own purposes. She picks herself up, determined to start over almost broke, and returns to Florida. Still wanting to follow her heart, she is one gutsy gal, making the best of things as she goes. This is the first in the series. Though it's not autobiographical, it's a great read! Start with this one and you'll want to keep reading the next.
April 4, 2025
What a roller coaster
Val, in her mid 40s, divorces husband #2 after 15 years of a dying marriage, sells her company and house and heads to Europe. She meets an interesting cast of characters, finds love and embarks on a new adventure. Then three words change and define her life. "I trusted him." I knew, right then......
M Lashley is a very talented writer. She can make you laugh and cry in the same paragraph. She paints beautiful scenery with her words, and also make you want to kick the ever loving crap out of a certain man.
Val, in her mid 40s, divorces husband #2 after 15 years of a dying marriage, sells her company and house and heads to Europe. She meets an interesting cast of characters, finds love and embarks on a new adventure. Then three words change and define her life. "I trusted him." I knew, right then......
M Lashley is a very talented writer. She can make you laugh and cry in the same paragraph. She paints beautiful scenery with her words, and also make you want to kick the ever loving crap out of a certain man.
June 30, 2017
What a ride. This book takes you through the ups and downs of relationships. Sometimes I laughed and sometimes I wanted to cry. Other times I just wanted to hit the men in Val’s life with a stick. Val’s true friends, Clarice and Berta were truly good friends and a real joy to read about. I totally had to keep reading this book to see what was going to happen next. It really grabbed you and held you until the end.
I received and ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
I received and ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
October 28, 2017
I have long been an Evanovich fan and she is my go to author when someone asks for a book recommendation without telling me what genre they prefer. Now,I can add Margaret Lashley to that very short list. Her books are a lighthearted look at reality. There is humor and joy, but also sorrow and anger. Her characters are lovable and believable and you cheer, and cry, along with them. I am loving this fun series and can't wait for the next book!
October 15, 2022
I liked this book and I understood her need to remake herself in Italy. I loved Val's quirky friends that she met at their hotel, but I was leery of the German who captivated her too fast as he wooed her self imposed REDNECK heart. I did not like Fredrick from the beginning and I heard myself screaming to Val to not marry him from the start, but it is my opinion that no matter how much time you spend with a person you will KNOW them and Val was too hard on herself coming out of two divorces.
January 23, 2018
This is such a fun book to read. The amazing settings take the reader on a tour of Italy & Germany all the while experiencing the misadventures of the main character as she weaves her way through life. As her world begins with new sites & friends it continues on a path of unexpected twists, turns, & an understanding that everything is not always as it seems.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews