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Guessing at Normal: A Rockstar Romance
Is life with a rock star ever normal?
Small town girl Jill Griffin has mastered the art of being invisible, so when she falls in love with sexy rocker James Sheridan, at first she is content to live in his larger than life shadow. Building a life together under the glare of the media is challenging, and further complicated by constant touring, James’ partying and the mixed signals she gets from James’ twin brother Alex.
When her poems and journal ramblings become songs on James’ best-selling album, Jill has to step out of her comfort zone and figure out how to live her life in a spotlight all her own. As her professional success as a songwriter threatens her relationship with James, Jill begins to wonder if she can write love songs without the love of her life.
Small town girl Jill Griffin has mastered the art of being invisible, so when she falls in love with sexy rocker James Sheridan, at first she is content to live in his larger than life shadow. Building a life together under the glare of the media is challenging, and further complicated by constant touring, James’ partying and the mixed signals she gets from James’ twin brother Alex.
When her poems and journal ramblings become songs on James’ best-selling album, Jill has to step out of her comfort zone and figure out how to live her life in a spotlight all her own. As her professional success as a songwriter threatens her relationship with James, Jill begins to wonder if she can write love songs without the love of her life.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2015
13 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
Gail Ward Olmsted
10 books266 followersGail Ward Olmsted was a marketing executive and a college professor before she began writing fiction on a fulltime basis. A trip to Sedona, AZ inspired her first novel Jeep Tour. Three more novels followed before she began Landscape of a Marriage, a biographical work of fiction featuring landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, a distant cousin of her husband’s, and his wife Mary.
She enjoys writing stories about quirky, wonderful women seeking a second chance at a happy ever after. Watch for CLASS REUNION 10/1/26!
For more information, please visit her on Facebook and at gailwardolmsted.com
She enjoys writing stories about quirky, wonderful women seeking a second chance at a happy ever after. Watch for CLASS REUNION 10/1/26!
For more information, please visit her on Facebook and at gailwardolmsted.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 7, 2018
Guessing at Normal is a roller coaster ride of emotions from the ever-fantastic author Gail Ward Olmsted.
Gail's writing just clicks with me - it pulls at my emotions, it keeps me hooked and has me addicted to every word on the page! Picking up this novel, which follows a rock star and his girlfriend, was a true delight that I have to share with everyone!
Jill Griffin is your everyday, normal girl working the hotel night shift. Then one day, in walks a rock star - James Sheridan. Everyone knows his name and his band Nomad, including Jill. These two fall in love, and their lives unravel throughout this soap opera-like story. This book isn't your Harlequin, perfect romance - it follows the ups and downs of relationships and the rock star life. Relationships aren't perfect, and this book highlights the true insanity that relationships can be.
The character arcs and development are to die for! Seriously, these characters go through so much throughout this novel. And on top of that, they aren't perfect (which is a good thing)! The characters have flaws, there's bumpy roads and fights that happen, and sometimes they aren't squeaky clean Plain Janes. As the novel progresses, you can see Jill changing and learning to deal with the life she has chosen to live, and you can see how James embraces his rock star life. The book is mostly focused on Jill's side of the story, but we do venture into other character's lives briefly as well.
This book is an easy read, and has lots of drama to keep you busy. You'll be guessing what will happen next, and Gail's epic plot twists will keep you on edge. I find Gail's writing to be descriptive yet soft - it's not a book that you will struggle to understand. She picks the perfect words to describe the situation, but nothing so difficult that you are dragging out the Webster's dictionary to understand the book.
I'd say this book is PG-13. There isn't any hard romance scenes or erotica mixed in. It's a fun book that even teenagers could enjoy. There are some drug and alcohol comments, but nothing too brutal that most teens haven't heard about already.
Forewarning: bring a box of tissues if you are the light of heart! There are some sad scenes in this story, but it's worth it in the end!
Overall, this is another gem that I'm putting on my must read romance pile! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance novel, some juicy drama, or celebrity/rock star based plots! It's a fun book for a fantastic summer day!
Five out of five stars!
I received a free copy of this novel from the author Gail Ward Olmsted in exchange for an honest review.
Gail's writing just clicks with me - it pulls at my emotions, it keeps me hooked and has me addicted to every word on the page! Picking up this novel, which follows a rock star and his girlfriend, was a true delight that I have to share with everyone!
Jill Griffin is your everyday, normal girl working the hotel night shift. Then one day, in walks a rock star - James Sheridan. Everyone knows his name and his band Nomad, including Jill. These two fall in love, and their lives unravel throughout this soap opera-like story. This book isn't your Harlequin, perfect romance - it follows the ups and downs of relationships and the rock star life. Relationships aren't perfect, and this book highlights the true insanity that relationships can be.
The character arcs and development are to die for! Seriously, these characters go through so much throughout this novel. And on top of that, they aren't perfect (which is a good thing)! The characters have flaws, there's bumpy roads and fights that happen, and sometimes they aren't squeaky clean Plain Janes. As the novel progresses, you can see Jill changing and learning to deal with the life she has chosen to live, and you can see how James embraces his rock star life. The book is mostly focused on Jill's side of the story, but we do venture into other character's lives briefly as well.
This book is an easy read, and has lots of drama to keep you busy. You'll be guessing what will happen next, and Gail's epic plot twists will keep you on edge. I find Gail's writing to be descriptive yet soft - it's not a book that you will struggle to understand. She picks the perfect words to describe the situation, but nothing so difficult that you are dragging out the Webster's dictionary to understand the book.
I'd say this book is PG-13. There isn't any hard romance scenes or erotica mixed in. It's a fun book that even teenagers could enjoy. There are some drug and alcohol comments, but nothing too brutal that most teens haven't heard about already.
Forewarning: bring a box of tissues if you are the light of heart! There are some sad scenes in this story, but it's worth it in the end!
Overall, this is another gem that I'm putting on my must read romance pile! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance novel, some juicy drama, or celebrity/rock star based plots! It's a fun book for a fantastic summer day!
Five out of five stars!
I received a free copy of this novel from the author Gail Ward Olmsted in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2015
Who hasn't thought, "What would it be like to date a Rock Star" ?
It always seems so exciting and glamorous, everyone would envy you and others would want to be you.
Well for Jill Griffin this was now her reality. She goes from working in a run down motel day in and day out to meeting rock star James Sheridan the next.
It all began at what looked to be a one night stand and then...it turned into something more.
James was sweet, charming, and seemed to be in love with her...what more could she ask for?
Then the day that James asked her to come on the road with him changed her life forever...Should she go? Can you quit her job and live her life on the road?
The rock star life is not all it's cracked up to be by any means - sex, cheating, drugs, fights, prescription pills - it's not the life for everyone. Jill endured it day after day - doing things along the way that she wasn't proud of. A journal became her outlet along the way and little did she know that later that would become her livelyhood.
The twists and turns, ups and downs, will have you craving more till the end!
What will come of Jill and James? With their love stand the test of time? Will she find somebody else? Will he? As the case with any rock and roll romance, you never know what may happen.
The characterizations are detailed and exciting, the writing intense, perfect for a story of this nature. Enjoy!
It always seems so exciting and glamorous, everyone would envy you and others would want to be you.
Well for Jill Griffin this was now her reality. She goes from working in a run down motel day in and day out to meeting rock star James Sheridan the next.
It all began at what looked to be a one night stand and then...it turned into something more.
James was sweet, charming, and seemed to be in love with her...what more could she ask for?
Then the day that James asked her to come on the road with him changed her life forever...Should she go? Can you quit her job and live her life on the road?
The rock star life is not all it's cracked up to be by any means - sex, cheating, drugs, fights, prescription pills - it's not the life for everyone. Jill endured it day after day - doing things along the way that she wasn't proud of. A journal became her outlet along the way and little did she know that later that would become her livelyhood.
The twists and turns, ups and downs, will have you craving more till the end!
What will come of Jill and James? With their love stand the test of time? Will she find somebody else? Will he? As the case with any rock and roll romance, you never know what may happen.
The characterizations are detailed and exciting, the writing intense, perfect for a story of this nature. Enjoy!
November 2, 2015
We have all had day dreams of becoming rich or famous and how glamorous a life we could lead. This day dream becomes a reality for Jill, when she meets the up and coming rocker James Sheridan while working in a run down motel. Throwing all caution to the wind she joins him and his band along with his moody twin Alex on the road. Jill finds herself propelled into the limelight when it’s her song lyrics that rockets James’ career to stardom. Yes there is the fame, the glitz and the glamour, but we also get to see the other side through Jill’s eyes, the nomadic lifestyle, the pretentiousness of the business and the fickle media. With drink, drugs, sex and every temptation literally right under their noses it’s not quite the life of her dreams.
This is a great and insightful book that will have you gripped from the very beginning. Jill although lacking in self confidence and unsure of herself is a very strong female lead, James I could never quite make my mind up on him and my thoughts swung back and forth more than a pendulum. Although this book portrays the excitement of the glitz and glamour it also has a very melancholy tone, it didn’t quite reach the happily ever after I was hoping for, and yet the writing kept me turning the pages and even after finishing, I was still hoping for more.
This is a great and insightful book that will have you gripped from the very beginning. Jill although lacking in self confidence and unsure of herself is a very strong female lead, James I could never quite make my mind up on him and my thoughts swung back and forth more than a pendulum. Although this book portrays the excitement of the glitz and glamour it also has a very melancholy tone, it didn’t quite reach the happily ever after I was hoping for, and yet the writing kept me turning the pages and even after finishing, I was still hoping for more.
May 2, 2015
Olmsted has surpassed herself with this breathtaking second novel! Guessing at Normal is a compelling rock and roll romance that morphs into the journey of a woman learning how to live with a tough love, no matter where life takes her. Throughout the book, I found myself excited for Jill, worried for her, wanting to shake her, and cheering for her. And rock and roller James Sheridan is such a delightful surprise! Though he is a bad boy and a rat at times, his charm and sincerity, and the depth of his love for Jill, are undeniable and irresistible. Olmsted brilliantly unfolds the story, letting you feel all the highs and lows right along with Jill. Olmsted doesn't tell the story – she lets you live it. I confess I am no music aficionado, but the chapters titled after songs struck a cord with me as I read, as did the song lyrics peppered throughout the story. The music makes this wild emotional ride truly poignant. Whether you love music or pop singers or not, once you pick up this novel, you won't want to put it down. The heroine Jill's lust for life is infectious as you become embroiled in this overwhelming love story. Olmsted has knocked my socks off with this second novel of hers!
June 27, 2015
I received an ARC copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. This book reminded me a lot of "Where the Heart Is" which is one of my all time favorite books. The story line was not really similar, other than being about a singer and a song that was written because of a relationship with the female protagonist, but I felt like Jill and Novalee had a lot of parallels. The writing style was unique and fresh, never boring. I absolutely loved the song titles as chapters. My only complaint was that it felt a little rushed toward the end...I think it could have been longer with a little more detail. But I must say that the ending caught me by surprise and I loved the overall message. Very well done Gail; I must go back and read "Jeep Tour" now :).
November 12, 2015
Surprising, touching, heart-felt and very well written. This was an unexpected find and I look forward to more from this author.
I enjoyed Guessing At Normal all the way to the end. It is all about that imperfect love that lasts through the trials of making it in the music business. He knew he was nothing without her and she knew she was better with him despite his many flaws.
I enjoyed Guessing At Normal all the way to the end. It is all about that imperfect love that lasts through the trials of making it in the music business. He knew he was nothing without her and she knew she was better with him despite his many flaws.
November 2, 2015
I really enjoyed this rock love story. It was well written and entertaining and as an author myself I enjoy this authors writing style.
November 18, 2016
Great interesting,couldn't put it down,
Wondering what was going to happen next,and feeling her hurt when it did,good read will pass it on to friends
Wondering what was going to happen next,and feeling her hurt when it did,good read will pass it on to friends
June 30, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have read four books by this author but this was my favorite. Simple and to the point this was a lovely book. It is a story about Jill, and James who was an upcoming and later on a celebrated rockstar. For the most part the story is told though Jill's POV, but towards the end other people are added in.
The story is narrated by an older present day Jill who talks about everything from the first time she met James to their time together as a married couple. From the start, I was invested in their story since I knew how it ended having read Second Guessing. I was hooked from the start. I enjoyed watching the two fall in love and start their family.
There were ups and downs as you'd expect when dating a rockstar. The women, the drugs, and the fame all soon became a problem. There were issues of alcoholism, drug use, infidelity, broken homes, and so much more featured in this book. Jill was amazingly written. She was a strong female lead but she was far from being faultless.
There were some choices that she made that made me roll my eyes. However, this is what I feel made her relatable as a character. The story itself met my expectations even though it felt rushed towards the end. It was engaging and easy to get into. All I had to do was get lost in the words.
Compared to the books I normally read, this was mild and even the drama was not shocking by any means. There were a number of sex scenes but they were all off page which was different. This was a clean and interesting romance book and if that is something that you are into then this is for you.
I have read four books by this author but this was my favorite. Simple and to the point this was a lovely book. It is a story about Jill, and James who was an upcoming and later on a celebrated rockstar. For the most part the story is told though Jill's POV, but towards the end other people are added in.
The story is narrated by an older present day Jill who talks about everything from the first time she met James to their time together as a married couple. From the start, I was invested in their story since I knew how it ended having read Second Guessing. I was hooked from the start. I enjoyed watching the two fall in love and start their family.
There were ups and downs as you'd expect when dating a rockstar. The women, the drugs, and the fame all soon became a problem. There were issues of alcoholism, drug use, infidelity, broken homes, and so much more featured in this book. Jill was amazingly written. She was a strong female lead but she was far from being faultless.
There were some choices that she made that made me roll my eyes. However, this is what I feel made her relatable as a character. The story itself met my expectations even though it felt rushed towards the end. It was engaging and easy to get into. All I had to do was get lost in the words.
Compared to the books I normally read, this was mild and even the drama was not shocking by any means. There were a number of sex scenes but they were all off page which was different. This was a clean and interesting romance book and if that is something that you are into then this is for you.
November 26, 2015
*I was provided a copy of Guessing at Normal by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am not compensated for my honest opinion.*
Jill Griffin lives a quiet life, struggling to pay her bills while working at a motel. When sexy rocker James Sheridan stays at the motel, he steals her heart before moving on to the next city on his tour. A little while later, James asks her to join him on the road. She’s happy to live in his shadow as he tours with his band, until his band breaks up and they are left struggling to survive once again. James turns Jill’s poems into hit songs and it skyrockets him into fame, but they’ll have to survive his drinking, touring, and wandering ways. Jill eventually finds her own fame as a songwriter, but she still struggles to hold on to the love of her life.
Guessing at Normal is a different kind of romance, spanning about two decades as it follows the main characters from meeting, falling in love, destitution, fame, and ultimately struggling to stay together in the wake of all that fame. It’s told through snippets of Jill’s life mixed with some of her journal entries and letters to friends and family. Although I enjoyed the format, at times it had drawbacks.
Because many of the scenes were told in snippets instead of full scenes, I didn’t have much of a chance to connect to the love between Jill and James. The focus seemed to be more on the bad times or things they had to overcome rather than the building of their relationship. There were many times throughout the story where I couldn’t understand why Jill didn’t just pack up and leave James, and that was mostly because I didn’t get why she loved him so much.
I also had difficulty with the amount of times Jill had to lie to her friends and family to cover for James. Sure, if you love someone you want to protect them, but that was another strike against their relationship. If James loved her as much as he said he did, he never would have done most of the things he did. I’m not a fan of stories that contain cheating, so I found it hard to get over James’ indiscretions. Perhaps if it had only happened once and then he proved how much he loved Jill in order to win her back, I might have been able to see her taking him back the first time. But it didn’t seem like he did anything to prove his love, yet she just took him back—twice.
There were some editing issues in this book that also made it more difficult for me to enjoy. Tense changes, incorrect punctuation, and unnatural dialogue should have been cleaned up by a good editor.
Overall, I just didn’t really see the point of the plot. I typically love rock star romances, but since it felt like the romance was missing, I was left wondering what the point of the story was. It was decently written and showed what it’s really like to be a struggling musician and then to have fame thrust upon you, so I’m sure some people will enjoy it for those reasons. I just couldn’t connect with the characters enough.
For more of my reviews, please visit https://rachlawrencebooks.wordpress.com/.
Jill Griffin lives a quiet life, struggling to pay her bills while working at a motel. When sexy rocker James Sheridan stays at the motel, he steals her heart before moving on to the next city on his tour. A little while later, James asks her to join him on the road. She’s happy to live in his shadow as he tours with his band, until his band breaks up and they are left struggling to survive once again. James turns Jill’s poems into hit songs and it skyrockets him into fame, but they’ll have to survive his drinking, touring, and wandering ways. Jill eventually finds her own fame as a songwriter, but she still struggles to hold on to the love of her life.
Guessing at Normal is a different kind of romance, spanning about two decades as it follows the main characters from meeting, falling in love, destitution, fame, and ultimately struggling to stay together in the wake of all that fame. It’s told through snippets of Jill’s life mixed with some of her journal entries and letters to friends and family. Although I enjoyed the format, at times it had drawbacks.
Because many of the scenes were told in snippets instead of full scenes, I didn’t have much of a chance to connect to the love between Jill and James. The focus seemed to be more on the bad times or things they had to overcome rather than the building of their relationship. There were many times throughout the story where I couldn’t understand why Jill didn’t just pack up and leave James, and that was mostly because I didn’t get why she loved him so much.
I also had difficulty with the amount of times Jill had to lie to her friends and family to cover for James. Sure, if you love someone you want to protect them, but that was another strike against their relationship. If James loved her as much as he said he did, he never would have done most of the things he did. I’m not a fan of stories that contain cheating, so I found it hard to get over James’ indiscretions. Perhaps if it had only happened once and then he proved how much he loved Jill in order to win her back, I might have been able to see her taking him back the first time. But it didn’t seem like he did anything to prove his love, yet she just took him back—twice.
There were some editing issues in this book that also made it more difficult for me to enjoy. Tense changes, incorrect punctuation, and unnatural dialogue should have been cleaned up by a good editor.
Overall, I just didn’t really see the point of the plot. I typically love rock star romances, but since it felt like the romance was missing, I was left wondering what the point of the story was. It was decently written and showed what it’s really like to be a struggling musician and then to have fame thrust upon you, so I’m sure some people will enjoy it for those reasons. I just couldn’t connect with the characters enough.
For more of my reviews, please visit https://rachlawrencebooks.wordpress.com/.
June 21, 2015
4 1/2 stars. Loved it, review to follow.
Guessing at normal by Gail Olmsted
Received ARC in exchange for review
How many trials would you go through for the one you love. The other half, the one you can't see living without? So goes the rock and roll whirlwind romance of down to earth, journal keeping and just getting through life Jill and her rock and roll, partying, moody and talented boyfriend James. James walks into Jills life at a dead end job of hers and then they are off on the road. We follow and Jill and his twin brother Alex and their band on their small tour. Jill soon learns that "I'm with the band" has its fair shares of ups and downs. This is the kind of love story you can't help but love. Even when no one else quite understands why they stay together or their undying love. I love seeing two imperfect people working to be perfect for each other. You cheer them on respites all odds. The book is relatable and well written. I was surprised by the ending but enjoyed the "look back." This was a quick read and hard to put down. I will now be adding her other works to my TBR. 4 1/2 stars.
http://www.amazon.com/Guessing-Normal....
Tiffany.
Guessing at normal by Gail Olmsted
Received ARC in exchange for review
How many trials would you go through for the one you love. The other half, the one you can't see living without? So goes the rock and roll whirlwind romance of down to earth, journal keeping and just getting through life Jill and her rock and roll, partying, moody and talented boyfriend James. James walks into Jills life at a dead end job of hers and then they are off on the road. We follow and Jill and his twin brother Alex and their band on their small tour. Jill soon learns that "I'm with the band" has its fair shares of ups and downs. This is the kind of love story you can't help but love. Even when no one else quite understands why they stay together or their undying love. I love seeing two imperfect people working to be perfect for each other. You cheer them on respites all odds. The book is relatable and well written. I was surprised by the ending but enjoyed the "look back." This was a quick read and hard to put down. I will now be adding her other works to my TBR. 4 1/2 stars.
http://www.amazon.com/Guessing-Normal....
Tiffany.
July 10, 2015
Jill Griffin’s life is anything but glamorous. Working the front desk at a motel, she has fallen into a rut of everyday routine in a small town. That is, until she meets the bad boy lead singer of one of her favorite bands, Nomad. Not only does she meet the infamous James Sheridan, but she has a one-night stand with him — and to her surprise, he really likes her. In the blink of an eye, Jill goes from invisible girl to the envy of every girl. Life on the road is filled with luxury, late nights and parties — but Jill soon learns it comes with a price. How much is she willing to sacrifice for James, his success and their love?
The reader first meets an insecure Jill who doesn’t see the value in herself as a woman. She can’t believe superstar James Sheridan would fall for her, not realizing she herself is a superstar songwriter. When James uses her journal entries to record hit songs, Jill discovers a talent she never knew she had—and that half of the success of his album is because of her. We follow Jill on a road to self-discovery as she pushes the limits of how much she can take of James’ rocker lifestyle. You’ll have to read this captivating story of ups and downs to find out if Jill continues to live in James’ shadow, or if she steps out into her own spotlight. It won’t take long for you to discover their relationship is anything but normal.
The reader first meets an insecure Jill who doesn’t see the value in herself as a woman. She can’t believe superstar James Sheridan would fall for her, not realizing she herself is a superstar songwriter. When James uses her journal entries to record hit songs, Jill discovers a talent she never knew she had—and that half of the success of his album is because of her. We follow Jill on a road to self-discovery as she pushes the limits of how much she can take of James’ rocker lifestyle. You’ll have to read this captivating story of ups and downs to find out if Jill continues to live in James’ shadow, or if she steps out into her own spotlight. It won’t take long for you to discover their relationship is anything but normal.
September 10, 2015
Two Words: I cried.
This is not your typical "rock star romance"! This is so much more then the typical rock star falling for the sweet innocent fan girl. As a reader you're taking through the journey of James and Jill as they grow together as a couple and individually.
I loved Jill through her whole story. The transformation for that sweet girl into someone who stands up for herself and will do everything she can to continue on the path that's laid out before. She goes through so much and many times has a point where she could simply give up and stop fighting. But instead pulls her self up and shows us the strong woman that she is.
James takes us through his own journey as he grows and becomes a better man. At times I just wanted to smack James. Then he would show his charm and his love for Jill. You could feel his love for her while reading their tale. You could feel just how much he couldn't live without Jill so every little bump they hit you stayed rooting for them to push through.
At one point I honestly thought to myself that this can't be all made up. This feels like it could be based on a true story. Now if you'll excuse me I need to go cry off my book hangover.
~CE~
This is not your typical "rock star romance"! This is so much more then the typical rock star falling for the sweet innocent fan girl. As a reader you're taking through the journey of James and Jill as they grow together as a couple and individually.
I loved Jill through her whole story. The transformation for that sweet girl into someone who stands up for herself and will do everything she can to continue on the path that's laid out before. She goes through so much and many times has a point where she could simply give up and stop fighting. But instead pulls her self up and shows us the strong woman that she is.
James takes us through his own journey as he grows and becomes a better man. At times I just wanted to smack James. Then he would show his charm and his love for Jill. You could feel his love for her while reading their tale. You could feel just how much he couldn't live without Jill so every little bump they hit you stayed rooting for them to push through.
At one point I honestly thought to myself that this can't be all made up. This feels like it could be based on a true story. Now if you'll excuse me I need to go cry off my book hangover.
~CE~
October 31, 2015
Guessing at Normal covers the 20ish year romance between Jill and James. From the time they meet in her hotel lobby (and she insults him) till the end of the book, Jill and James are inseparable. Sometimes they fight like cats and dogs, but they always make up. Told primarily in first person, with snippets of Jill's journal, and letters to her friend Beth, the book reads to me like an interview for a book or magazine. After they meet and marry James becomes a Grammy winning musical artist, setting records all over the place, and Jill becomes a star in her own right for her songwriting abilities. Because of the surprising ending, I felt it wouldn't have been unusual for Jill to be interviewed about their romance and life together. There were parts were I felt a little bit more detail could have been added to make the story even more enjoyable, more explanation of what the characters were thinking I guess would be the best way to put it. But when I reached then end and came up with the interview theory it made a bit more sense, and with Jill not being an overly emotional girl, she wouldn't have volunteered a lot of the details I thought were missing to a stranger.
This was a good fun read though, and I appreciate the author for sending me a copy for review.
This was a good fun read though, and I appreciate the author for sending me a copy for review.
June 19, 2015
Jill is working the front desk at a local motel. A dead end job in her dead in life. Until the night James comes in for change to buy a pack of cigarettes. He tries to get her to meet him in his room, when that don't work he follows Jill to her car. Jill realizing he is the lead singer in a up and coming band decides why night and spends the night with him. The one night turns into the rest of time they are in town. A couple of months go by and she hears from James again and he invites her to visit them on the road. A visit turns into job and falling in love. Building a relationship with a man who has many demons.
I loved this book. It spans a twenty year period. The ups and downs of Jill and James's life. The heartbreak, the good times. How Jill overcomes coming from a dysfunctional family to making something of herself while dealing with a dysfunctional relationship that she is determined to make work. Though at the same time she is learning to stand up for herself and if need be she will be able to survive on her own. It is a rollercoaster of emotions. The book flows well and holds your attention. A definite must read with a ending you don't see coming.
I loved this book. It spans a twenty year period. The ups and downs of Jill and James's life. The heartbreak, the good times. How Jill overcomes coming from a dysfunctional family to making something of herself while dealing with a dysfunctional relationship that she is determined to make work. Though at the same time she is learning to stand up for herself and if need be she will be able to survive on her own. It is a rollercoaster of emotions. The book flows well and holds your attention. A definite must read with a ending you don't see coming.
August 7, 2015
Wow! What a perfect story to read on a Summer day!! I found Gail Warm Olmsted's, Guessing at Normal, in one of the groups I belong too. I am so glad that I one clicked. A rock n roll love story that spans 20 years. This story is filled with ups and downs. Good times and bad times. It truly read like a real love story. Jill is in her early twenties and working the front desk at a local motel. Not too exciting, but i'ts a job in a dead end town. One night, James comes in looking for change so he can purchse a pack of cigarettes. He flirts and wants her to go to back to his room. When he tells her he is in a band, Jill realizes that he is the lead singer for a group she likes. One night turns into a few. A couple of weeks goes by and she hears from James and he invites her to go on the road with them. What follows is their epic love story. This book captured me from the moment I started reading until the very last page.
February 1, 2017
"Guessing At Normal" had a story line that made me cry. Over and over again. The plot of this story wasn't smooth because life isn't smooth. It reminded me of my life, not because I did the same things, but because I felt the same things for many of the same reasons. Just like I don't always like the people closest to me, but always love them; I didn't always like Jill or James, but I always loved them. These characters and the others in this book were so real to me that I realized I was going to miss them like family who moved away. They were so realistic. They each made terrible mistakes but would struggle and try to rectify them however they could.
It's 3:53 am now and I have not been to sleep because I could not bear to stop reading. Not one thing about the writing bothered me or shook me out of the world imagined by Ms. Olmsted.
I am ready, right now, to start reading it over again. So let me say, in case you can't tell, I absolutely loved this book.
It's 3:53 am now and I have not been to sleep because I could not bear to stop reading. Not one thing about the writing bothered me or shook me out of the world imagined by Ms. Olmsted.
I am ready, right now, to start reading it over again. So let me say, in case you can't tell, I absolutely loved this book.
September 4, 2015
I previously read Jeep Tour by this author and since I enjoyed it so much, I decided to read Guessing At Normal. This was such a great read and I'm thrilled that I decided to read it.
The characters are complex, interesting and very easy to relate to. Jill was my favorite and it was so fun watching her life change as she matured and became more confident. As the pages flew by, the story unwound and I was drawn deeper into Jill's and James's lives, rooting for them during both the high and low points, even as I was yelling at certain behaviors and thinking how I'd react in the same situation. THAT is exactly what a great book is supposed to do, in my opinion and I loved every minute I spent reading this. The only complaint I have? It ended.
I hope you're writing quickly Ms. Olmsted, because I'm ready to read your next book!
The characters are complex, interesting and very easy to relate to. Jill was my favorite and it was so fun watching her life change as she matured and became more confident. As the pages flew by, the story unwound and I was drawn deeper into Jill's and James's lives, rooting for them during both the high and low points, even as I was yelling at certain behaviors and thinking how I'd react in the same situation. THAT is exactly what a great book is supposed to do, in my opinion and I loved every minute I spent reading this. The only complaint I have? It ended.
I hope you're writing quickly Ms. Olmsted, because I'm ready to read your next book!
September 8, 2015
I previously read Jeep Tour by this author and since I enjoyed it so much, I decided to read Guessing At Normal. This was such a great read and I'm thrilled that I decided to read it.
The characters are complex, interesting and very easy to relate to. Jill was my favorite and it was so fun watching her life change as she matured and became more confident. As the pages flew by, the story unwound and I was drawn deeper into Jill's and James's lives, rooting for them during both the high and low points, even as I was yelling at certain behaviors and thinking how I'd react in the same situation. THAT is exactly what a great book is supposed to do, in my opinion and I loved every minute I spent reading this. The only complaint I have? It ended.
I hope you're writing quickly Ms. Olmsted, because I'm ready to read your next book!
The characters are complex, interesting and very easy to relate to. Jill was my favorite and it was so fun watching her life change as she matured and became more confident. As the pages flew by, the story unwound and I was drawn deeper into Jill's and James's lives, rooting for them during both the high and low points, even as I was yelling at certain behaviors and thinking how I'd react in the same situation. THAT is exactly what a great book is supposed to do, in my opinion and I loved every minute I spent reading this. The only complaint I have? It ended.
I hope you're writing quickly Ms. Olmsted, because I'm ready to read your next book!
May 24, 2015
I received an arc copy in exchange for an honest review. A chance encounter brings together Jill and James. Jill works as the night clerk at a hotel and James is the lead singer of an up and coming rock band. Guessing At Normal follows their journey from first love to lasting love making stops along the way at heartbreak and betrayal. I enjoyed the natural flow of the story and the more realistic look at being in love with a musician (it's not all award shows and grammy nominations). I will definitely be buying Gail's first book, Jeep Tour.
June 30, 2015
As a fan of her first book 'Jeep Tour', I was excited to see what Gail Ward Olmsted would write next. Great second novel! The story line holds you as you want to find out how these two characters deal with their own personal issues and talents and grow to know each other. I love that Jill is a strong female, knows herself but is challenged as she enters the entertainment world. Great use of music lyrics and quotes in book structure. Make sure you finish to read the surprise ending. And let's keep an eye out for her next novel... Hopefully sooner than later, please??
November 8, 2015
I don't usually like like stories told in the first person but even as I was thinking this, I was ten pages into this story. I smiled at James and Jill's young love, held my breath when he hurt her, fell in love with him when he used her words for his songs, wanted to slap him when he hurt her again, wondered about Alex, sighed happily when James was in time for Carly's birth and cried when he lost his way again. What an end, didn't see it coming! A beautifully told story about love, life and the choices we make.
May 18, 2015
I received an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. This rock n'roll love story told mostly from the first person point of view of the main character Jill. I enjoyed the story and found it hard to put down. I am curious about the author's first book, Jeep Tour, and how it might compare. I liked the style, tone and voice of this book, which was honest and raw. I would recommend this book to other readers.
June 30, 2015
This is a must read for this summer. Interesting, engaging story with well developed characters. Written largely from Jill's point of view, I could identify with the ups and downs of her life with James. I was happy to see her find her own way as she navigated life and figured out how to come into her own. I'm trying not to spoil the twists and turns! Well written, great pacing and a clever nod to rock and roll with the chapter titles. You'll laugh, cry, and cheer as you're Guessing at Normal.
September 10, 2015
This story was not what I was expecting at all! I loved it all the more for trampling all over those expectations! James and Jill were so strong together. Their journey was so full of passion, regret, guilt, and love that I couldn't put it down until the very end. Even then I keep 'flipping pages' trying to look for more.
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September 18, 2015A woman named Jill falls in love with a rocker named James and it's basically about their ups and downs. I would highly recommend it because it's a light, breezy story about love and what it means to really care about another person.
June 5, 2015
It's one of those books you don't want to finish because you don't want it to end. No guessing here...Pure Enjoyment!
August 1, 2015
Our heroine gets to grow right in front of us. She clearly has a gift for friendship - and shares bad and good as life develops along paths.
June 15, 2018
This is the second reading of this book by me, and it is just as gut wrenching as the first time I read it. A look into the life of an upcoming rock star and the woman who is with him through it all, the good, the bad and the ugly. James Sheriden is a very complex character who makes a ton of mistakes throughout this story,that spans some 20 odd years, but is more believable because of it. Jill is a woman of strength, even when her world is falling apart. She keeps fighting for her relationship when most would have given up. An angst filled read that's by no means hearts and flowers but very well written about the downside of fame.
September 9, 2018
4.5 Star's!!
Really loved and devoured this book. So glad my book buddy Kathy A recommended this read. This story spans eighteen years of the ups and downs of these two characters. It's a he'll of a bumpy ride but love is what matters.
Highly recommend
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis
Really loved and devoured this book. So glad my book buddy Kathy A recommended this read. This story spans eighteen years of the ups and downs of these two characters. It's a he'll of a bumpy ride but love is what matters.
Highly recommend
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis
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