The Likely Resolutions of Oliver Clock

by Jane Riley

HIS LIFE IS PERFECTLY REGIMENTED. IS THERE REALLY ROOM FOR SOMETHING AS UNPREDICTABLE AS LOVE?

Oliver clock has everything arranged just so. A steady job running the family funeral parlor. A fridge stacked with ready meals. A drawer of color-coded socks. A plan (of sorts) to stay trim enough for a standard-sized coffin. And in florist Marie, he's even found the love of his life - not that she's aware of it.

When a terrible tragedy takes Marie out of his life but leaves him with her private journal, he discovers too late that she secretly loved him back. Faced now with an empty love life, a family funeral business in trouble, a fast-approaching fortieth birthday and a notebook of resolutions he's never achieved, Oliver resolves to open himself up to love - and all the mess that comes along with it.

But with a habit of burying his feelings, can he learn to embrace his lovability and find the woman who will make him feel whole?

©2020 Jane Riley (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks, Audiobook, Book Club, Humor

Audio CD

First published February 1, 2020

About the author

Hi, I'm Jane Riley!

I was born and raised in New Zealand. After graduating from Auckland University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in French and English literature, I headed to Europe to practise my French, got waylaid in Germany and ended up in Australia.

I’ve had a varied career in public relations, publishing, freelancing as a writer and editor, and launching an online e-commerce business, which involved writing a design blog interviewing makers and creators. I’m now a full-time author.

I split my time living in Sydney and London with my husband, and two daughters who now call London home.

You can find me on TikTok @janeriley_author.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first sentence in the book is I must eat less cake.

I almost stopped reading right there.

I mean, why would anyone EVER make a cockamamie vow like that?

As it turns out, that's one of the few resolutions made in this novel that Oliver does NOT keep.

Let's meet Oliver, shall we? A nebbishy funeral director about to turn forty, he's spent his entire adult life obsessed with just one woman - a woman who's married to someone else. His funeral home is looking shabby, and despite Oliver's attempts to, ahem . . . bring in new clientele, he's losing out to the flashy new establishment that's just opened nearby. Can Oliver save the family business, and learn to enjoy life among the living? (All while continuing to eat cake, of course!)

I had my doubts about this book when I started it; it seemed warm and fuzzy, and not really my kind of thing at all. But, the author won me over with her sweet, humorous story of a man finally becoming comfortable with himself.

All in all, this is a charming, worthwhile read.

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up!

Oliver makes resolutions in a yellow, dog -eared notebook, whenever his life needs reviving, or whenever he needs to unwind from his job as a funeral director.

Excerpt: I must eat less cake.
I must stop watching infomercials.
I must take up a hobby-making model aeroplanes, perhaps?
I must go to the movies once a month..even if it means going alone.
I must find love.
Can I find love?

He has loved Marie, from afar, for 14 years. But, now it is too late.

She has left him with a gift, however...a diary which reveals that she loved him too.


Sometimes you just need someone else to see you, in a way that you have never seen yourself, to open your eyes to new possibilities!


This is Oliver’s story- How at almost 40 years old he finally discovers what he wants...and what he doesnt want...as two women in his life will push him out of his comfort zone and force him to make some changes, personally and professionally!

I am always looking for the next character who will bring me to tears!

While buddy reading this with my friend DeAnn, SHE was able to articulate what we were feeling perfectly...we were enjoying this, but we did not feel overly attached to Oliver, as we did with say...Eleanor (Oliphant).

Although I may not have needed tissues for this one, it was a touching, enjoyable tale, and as we read on, we found that we were rooting for Oliver to allow himself a chance to find love again!

Thanks for always reading these with me DeAnn-it’s always more fun to read with a friend! 🤗

This was my Amazon First selection for January.

If you love quirky characters as much as I do, you can pick this up on
Feb. 1st 2020 -or you can preorder now!

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely, gentle story Jane Riley has penned for her debut novel. Oliver Clock is 39 years old, he’s a funeral director at his family’s long established and traditional firm. He has a yellow notebook in which he writes his resolutions which start with ‘Thou shalt’! He’s a lovely man, he’s witty and funny, quirky, a natty dresser especially his colourful ties and he’s in love with married Marie but he’s far too honourable and gentlemanly to tell her and then it’s too late. This delightful story is told by Oliver himself.

The novel is really well written, there’s some good descriptions, it’s lively, a little bit different with some lovely touches of humour. There’s possibly a macabre element to his job depending on your point of view and he talks to the cadavers - well, why not?? At least he won’t get contradicted or he can choose whatever response he desires! Oliver is so likeable, he’s easy going, very ordered in his life, a little bit shy, he loves his food especially cake (a man after my own heart!) and so he’s a tad on the chubby side. Or is that cuddly?! There are some other lovely characters too especially Edie with her candles (I’ll say no more other than it’s unusual but creative!), Oliver’s mum and receptionist Jean with her brooches. Oliver realises from various incidents that he has to stop living in the past and start making choices for himself.

Overall, a read entertaining read and it made such a pleasant change from my usual twisty genre!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...

One of my personal reading goals for 2020 was to read books out of my usual comfort zone; to try new genres and narratives that seemed a little bit more “different”. Here, Riley certainly achieves this with a story based on a funeral director and his very lonely life.


For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...

[DeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 quirky character stars

Quirky as in he runs a funeral parlor and sizes people up based on what size coffin they would fit in! And he’s been in love with his friend Marie for fourteen years, but he’s never told her. Oliver likes things in his life in a certain way, he’s a sharp dresser but does love his pastries.

I must admit that when I read the description for this one, I was hoping for an experience like “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” – but that’s such a high bar as I loved that book. I did grow interested in Oliver, but just didn’t have that deep emotional connection and response to his character.

As things fall apart for Oliver personally and the funeral business falters, he decides to make some resolutions and changes. What does the future hold for Oliver and can he find love? I was rooting for his happiness with the right person! This was certainly an enjoyable read and the quest for the next Eleanor continues.

This was a fun buddy read with Jayme and my Amazon First choice for January.

[Richard Propes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kept hoping that "The Likely Resolutions of Oliver Clock" would completely grab me, but it just never did. It was good enough that I hung in there until the end, but it's one of those rare books where the 3-star rating was evident from beginning to end.

"The Likely Resolutions of Oliver Clock" was a pleasant enough read, but tonal inconsistencies bothered me - Was it about self-improvement? Was it a romance? Was it a PG-rated "40-Year-Old Virgin?" It never really completely nailed a tone and I never really cared much for Oliver Clock.

In fact, the only character who completely grabbed me was Edie.

I also found at least a half dozen weird wording and/or grammatical choices in the Kindle version - they were significant enough that they actually pulled me out of the story. While I can deal with that from an indie author, from a book having an actual publisher I expect greater attention to editing.

Riley's writing seemed stronger with female voices. Oliver, especially in the first half of the book, just never felt authentic to me and was left with dialogue that didn't feel natural. It improved in the second half, considerably, but I still had an easier time buying into the book's female characters.

The entire first half, really, felt awkward to me and the resolution with Marie a bit too abrupt. That issue with abruptness also plagued the end of the book.

Overall, I don't regret having read "The Likely Resolutions of Oliver Clock" but I can't deny being somewhat disappointed with it.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we made our Reading List for Books and Brews back January or February of 2020. I picked this book for January 2021 just so I could ask this question: If your life was a scented candle what would your's smell like?
Mine - English Roses, Irish Breakfast Tea, Laphroaig Single Malt Whisky, and reading Jane Austen by the fire in library.

Like Oliver Clock I make Resolutions. Thou shalt read your free Amazon Prime books the month you receive them. This was the perfect New Years read. Loved it! It had moments when I was yelling at Oliver to run like crazy from that woman. Great reminder "Thou shalt not let other decide things for you." So proud when Oliver stood up for Himself. I can see myself reading this again. Excuse me while I go try out my new portable Clothes Steamer Oliver inspired me to buy.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Likely Resolutions of Oliver Clock is the first novel by Australian author, Jane Riley. Thirty-nine-year-old Oliver Clock has a secret: for fourteen years, he has been in love with Marie, the florist who supplies Clock and Son Funeral Home. He had the opportunity, before Henry came along and married her, to tell her how he felt, but he hadn’t built up the courage, and then it was too late. But now he wonders if there is a chance for him: he resolves to ask her out…

Ever since his father died, Oliver Clock has run Clock and Son Funeral Home. He’s good at his job, reading his customers well and able to give them what they need during a difficult time. Oliver is a methodical man (some would say obsessive), good at sticking to a routine. He hasn’t changed much at Clock and Son: everything runs well the way Andrew Clock organised it.

Oliver makes lists of resolutions any time “my life needs reviving – jotting them down in a yellow, dog-eared notebook I’ve had for ages” Things like “Thou shalt not grow too large to fit comfortably into a standard-size coffin: I must start exercising” although most are soon abandoned, if they are actually embarked upon. But “Thou shalt find a way to ask Marie out.”

And then it’s once again too late. Marie reveals that she is terminally ill; any chance for them is gone. Marie dies and “I had to grieve on my own in private and hide the full extent of my grief in public. For unrequited love and grief make awkward bedfellows.” Poor Oliver “I was a burst water mains of grief, expunging my sorrow for Marie, pity for myself, my unrequited love and the loss of my dreams – however fantastical they might have been.”

But then Henry (angrily) reveals the contents of Marie’s diary: she secretly loved Oliver! This pulls him up out of his grief a little and allows him to function, something that is necessary when the business comes under pressure from competition. He realises that “By the time I turned forty I could be an out -of-work, loveless, still grieving funeral director who had been unable to keep the family business afloat.”

Kind-hearted Oliver is an easy protagonist to like, despite his quirky ways and his very human flaws. He’s the sort of person we would all hope could smooth the course through a stressful time. It’s heartening to watch him step out of his comfort zone, even if “It was draining trying to love things that didn’t love me back. It suited me to keep my adrenal glands on energy save and my blood pressure simmering on low.”

The support characters that Riley creates are just as appealing, even if sometimes they disappoint. The memory candle concept is a fascinating one which would surely fill a niche. Riley’s beautiful story features many timeless topics: inheriting the family business, traditional vs modern, grief, loneliness, fear and guilt, but also empathy and kindness. A wonderful, heart-warming debut novel that will have readers eagerly anticipating whatever this talented author does next.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK

[Jeeves Reads Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Serious with shots of humor

Last year, I read a book called How Not to Die Alone, and I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to it while reading this. Both feature lonely, middle-aged guys working in industries that deal with death, who develop feelings for married women, and make the realization that they need to make some changes if they don’t want to, well, die alone. In a lot of ways, the comparisons end there, but the tones of the book remain similar - as serious and dark as they are funny and poignant.

This story follows Oliver, a 39-year-old funeral director who has had feelings for a woman for years. He waited too long to make his move, and she ended up marrying someone else. When that relationship shows signs of tension, Oliver wonders if he might be getting another chance with the girl... until life takes that option away from him. He resolves to be better, make changes in his life and hopes that might lead him to a future he can look forward to, but there are plenty of stumbles along the way.

The blurb may have led you to believe that this is a romance; it’s much more a story about self-improvement. Yes, there are some romantic elements to the story but you’ll be sorely disappointed is that’s what you’re hoping the focus is. I did really enjoy the humor in the book; it’s understated and the tone is often serious, but there are definitely lighter moments to be found. The writing itself is solid and easy to read (though decidedly British, I believe), and the story is original and interesting throughout. I found it to be a little dry and not as relationship-focused as I was hoping, but there’s certainly a lot to like about the book.

[Misty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just turned the last page of this unique novel and find myself ambivalent regarding its merits. Whilst the writing is solid, the structure well-constructed, there was just something missing.

Oliver Clock is a 39 year old man experiencing his very own midlife crisis. His name is significant insomuch as his clock is ticking, and he has suddenly become acutely aware of his lot in life. Oliver inherited the family business (a funeral home that enjoyed reputable status within the community) when his father quite suddenly passed away. This unexpected loss thrust Oliver into the role of running the entire enterprise, though his overbearing and rather abrasive mother retains 20% ownership and a highly coveted 99% of the decision making. Oliver is alone and lonely, though he fantasizes about a woman whom he professes to love from afar—the married florist who does the majority of the floral pieces for the funerals Oliver organizes. The story follows Oliver through his 39th year of life as he faces tremendous personal loss, becomes mired in his grief, then seeks redemption through a reawakening of self. It is this painfully slow journey toward self awareness that consumes the majority of the pages.

The story told is a straightforward first-person narrative from Oliver’s perspective, and so we must trust that he is a reliable narrator—even as we discover him to be a profoundly boring character. I never felt invested enough to root Oliver on or to wish him ill-will. In fact, the same held true for each of the characters—rather flat and predictable, with a few even portrayed as cringe-worthy stereotypes. I found myself simply disinterested and reading to just muddle through in order to finish the book.

The single redeeming factor was the author’s generous use of both similes and metaphors, figurative language that brought to life the colorful visuals. There are no true stunning moments, but rather a gentle integration of details that lifted the story from the pages and tickled the senses. For example, these few sentences when Oliver draws a bath and adds perfumed elements to the water:

“Instantly the water went yellow and fizzed like sherbet. Purple cornflower petals swirled like tea leaves. Steam aromatic with an oily fragrance curled up from the bath.”

Additionally, for those who appreciate a very dry humor, there are a few moments sprinkled throughout that tease a smile. For the most part, however, it’s a painful drudge as the story stumbles toward a predictable conclusion without ever gaining any momentum.

This author is clearly gifted, and as I’ve never read any of her other work, I cannot attest to growth or movement in her abilities. In the end, however, I’d leave this one on the shelf.

[Kaylani Gallardo · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to DNF this book! I read about 85 pages and I was completely bored! I have no connection to the character! And after 80 pages you should know more about a book then what you can simply read in the synopsis! I really wanted to like this book but I just couldn’t get myself to continue to read just for the sake of finishing a book!

[Ruthy lavin · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be fair, this book is worthy of 3.5 stars but didn’t quite reach 4.... its a little bit lack lustre at times but still a great read.
I love the new popular style of character I keep meeting in general fiction these days.
Quintessentially British, a little bit dreary but unknowingly hilarious (Eleanor Oliphant and Oliver Clock being perfect examples).
This is a great book for some light hearted escapism, it’s well written and very funny in that typically inimitable British way.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Likely Resolutions of Oliver Clock is the first novel by Australian author, Jane Riley. The audio version is narrated by Steve West. Thirty-nine-year-old Oliver Clock has a secret: for fourteen years, he has been in love with Marie, the florist who supplies Clock and Son Funeral Home. He had the opportunity, before Henry came along and married her, to tell her how he felt, but he hadn’t built up the courage, and then it was too late. But now he wonders if there is a chance for him: he resolves to ask her out…

Ever since his father died, Oliver Clock has run Clock and Son Funeral Home. He’s good at his job, reading his customers well and able to give them what they need during a difficult time. Oliver is a methodical man (some would say obsessive), good at sticking to a routine. He hasn’t changed much at Clock and Son: everything runs well the way Andrew Clock organised it.

Oliver makes lists of resolutions any time “my life needs reviving – jotting them down in a yellow, dog-eared notebook I’ve had for ages” Things like “Thou shalt not grow too large to fit comfortably into a standard-size coffin: I must start exercising” although most are soon abandoned, if they are actually embarked upon. But “Thou shalt find a way to ask Marie out.”

And then it’s once again too late. Marie reveals that she is terminally ill; any chance for them is gone. Marie dies and “I had to grieve on my own in private and hide the full extent of my grief in public. For unrequited love and grief make awkward bedfellows.” Poor Oliver “I was a burst water mains of grief, expunging my sorrow for Marie, pity for myself, my unrequited love and the loss of my dreams – however fantastical they might have been.”

But then Henry (angrily) reveals the contents of Marie’s diary: she secretly loved Oliver! This pulls him up out of his grief a little and allows him to function, something that is necessary when the business comes under pressure from competition. He realises that “By the time I turned forty I could be an out -of-work, loveless, still grieving funeral director who had been unable to keep the family business afloat.”

Kind-hearted Oliver is an easy protagonist to like, despite his quirky ways and his very human flaws. He’s the sort of person we would all hope could smooth the course through a stressful time. It’s heartening to watch him step out of his comfort zone, even if “It was draining trying to love things that didn’t love me back. It suited me to keep my adrenal glands on energy save and my blood pressure simmering on low.”

The support characters that Riley creates are just as appealing, even if sometimes they disappoint. The memory candle concept is a fascinating one which would surely fill a niche. Riley’s beautiful story features many timeless topics: inheriting the family business, traditional vs modern, grief, loneliness, fear and guilt, but also empathy and kindness. A wonderful, heart-warming debut novel that will have readers eagerly anticipating whatever this talented author does next.

[Kristi Lamont · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another that's really worthy of 2.5 stars.....why, oh why, Goodreads, will you not let us do partial star ratings as we embark upon The Next Roaring Twenties?

This was a Kindle First Read, or whatever it is it's called these days. I was in the mood for something a little fluffy and humorous. And, well, that's what I got. A _little_ fluffy and humorous. A _lot_ chick lit. In retrospect, I realize I should've spent my time watching a movie. But, hey! Kudos to Jane Riley for writing a book, while all I do is sit around and snark about them.

[Federica Rampi · Rating 4 out of 5]

La vita è fatta per essere vissuta

Oliver Clock lavora nell’agenzia di pompe funebri di famiglia
Oliver trascorre la sua vita tra i morti, confidando i suoi sogni e le sue paure ai corpi di cui si prende cura con amorevole rispetto.
Ormai prossimo ai 40 anni, Oliver Clock deve ancora trovare la vera felicità.
Troppo timido per avvicinarsi alla donna che segretamente ama, Maria, trascorre il suo tempo libero nella routine: appaia i calzini , organizza la dispensa in ordine alfabetico e fa lunghi elenchi di buoni propositi su un taccuino, senza mai realizzarli.
Ma proprio quando sembra che la felicità sia a portata di mano, accade l'impensabile e Oliver si trova ad affrontare la vita senza Maria, ma ha la possibilità di scegliere.
Può tornare alle sue liste o prendere il coraggio e cominciare a vivere.
Incoraggiato dagli amici, e da Edie, l’ideatrice delle candele del ricordo , Oliver mette in pratica la sua lista di propositi e ricomincia, e mentre lo fa, fa alcune scoperte sorprendenti su di lui e sulle persone che lo circondano.
Nell'improbabile ambientazione di un'impresa di pompe funebri, la storia di speranza e rinascita è divertente, spiritosa e fa riflettere sul dolore e la perdita, l’insoddisfazione e l’accettazione di sé stess
Il timido e autoironico Oliver è un eroe improbabile, ma sfido a non tifare per lui, che realizza il sogno di essere una persona nuova.

[دُعاء| Doaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I lost myself between its pages and emotions. But I was a bit disappointed at the end, I thought he will ask her out :(

[Utkarsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was only okay. And I have written this much because I liked the MMC.

[Tonstant Weader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Likely Resolutions of Oliver Clock is a delightful novel of a man who has lost his way. He loves to make resolutions and has a notebook full of them, not that he does one thing to make them happen.

Oliver is approaching middle age and while he owns his own business (a family funeral home he inherited), he feels he has missed out on life, on having a family and children. He is in love with the florist, Marie, but by the time he realized he loved her, she was already married. He comes to believe she is unhappy, but before he can muster the courage to tell her how she feels, she tells him she is dying and soon.

When her husband angrily confronts him after her death and he discovers she loved him, the realization that he could be loved revitalizes his hopes for himself. While he falls into a funk, his friend and college roommate drags him out and somehow he finds himself making resolutions again, resolutions he might actually try to achieve.



The Likely Resolutions of Oliver Clock was a fun, short read. I liked Oliver Clock and his friends and family. I loved seeing his change and how his changes prompted others to change. There is a scene with his mother that was endearing and touching. There is this gentle wry humor in this book. There are no real laugh-out-loud moments. It’s not slapstick. It is a quiet humor rooted in human understanding an empathy.

The Likely Resolutions of Oliver Clock will be released on February 1st. It is available for pre-release through Amazon Prime

The Likely Resolutions of Oliver Clock at Lake Union Publishing | Amazon Publishing
Jane Riley author site
https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpre...

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver Clock is stuck. He can't get out of his head to move forward with any of the random resolutions he has made over the years. Approaching his 40th birthday, the OCD Oliver continues on making and putting off his resolutions until it's too late to realize the dream of having the girl he loves.
However, this loss is exactly what he needed to propel himself forward and to "get out of his comfort zone."
One thinks at first that Oliver was forced into the family funeral home, business, but I think he didn't fight this and go after his own career, because the family business was a place where he could comfortably hide from the world as an introvert and take refuge.
He fears being the generation to let things fail, but he is dominated by his controlling mother Doreen. Realizing within the course of the story that being handcuffed by women, weather it be his mother or a partner, isn't something he wants.
Oliver decides to stand-up for himself and finally follow through with those resolutions so that he can save the family business, and himself. In doing so he let's go of his lost love, finds a potential soul mate, stands up to his domineering mother while finding a way to bridge the past and make them both move on.
An enjoyable read that I found to be somewhat predictable; however, I liked the characters and it was a quick read.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the whole thing because it was interesting and the premise was clever, but it was also kind of boring.

There was a fair amount of redundant exposition. The author would explicitly tell us how the main character felt even after showing us. In that way, I felt like the style was a bit patronizing.

Overall character development felt uneven. The main character, Oliver, was clearly the focus (it's a first person story), but I was left wanting to learn more about other characters. Even more than that, I wanted Oliver to care more about those around him. His relationships given the most time in the book were the shallowest. We were left to trust or infer the details of his relationships with his mother and closest friend.

Oliver is presented as naive, but it isn't explored. We are shown the effects of his naivety, without being offered an opportunity to understand some of the causes. .

There were really two stories here tied closely together: An unrequited love story, and a coming-of-age story. For me, one was far more interesting than the other, and I wanted a deeper dive there.

[Zee · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book should be called The Many Similes of Oliver Clock. I could not get past the first few chapters. Every single thing that happened was compared in simile form to some other silly, nonsensical, or just random thing. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen the simile overused as much as I did in this book. It made it unbearable to read.

[Louisa Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling and lovely

So not my usual kind of book but I’m thrilled that I decided to give it a go. The story is heartwarming, sometimes amusing and very original

[Rachel McMillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freaking delightful

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely delightful book! I have no idea what made me grab it. No, that's not true. I know why I grabbed this audio book. It was narrated by the PHENOMENAL Steve West. He is, by far, my absolute favorite audio book narrator. Bar none. I have loved every book he has narrated, and this one is no different. He makes every book even better through his narration.

But the narration is not the thing that made me love this story. It's the story. Oliver Clock is a fairly ordinary man ready to turn 40. He has a regimented life with nothing that ever takes him out of his comfort zone. One of his biggest concerns ... making sure that he can control his weight so that he'll fit into the standard sized coffin when he dies. The big thing that stains his otherwise ordinary and mundane existence is the love he feels for Marie, the florist who supplies his family funeral home. He has loved Marie forever, but when he took too long to do anything about his feelings, Marie married another man and has been married to that man for over a decade. It isn't spoiling anything to say that Marie ends up tragically dying very early in this story, and only after her death did Oliver learn that she had secretly loved him all these years. What a tragedy! But from this tragedy Oliver decides to make some changes in his life. Well, actually, he just decides to write down some resolutions (hence the name of the book). But really Oliver just writes the resolutions down. He takes a long time to actually work toward fulfilling them. It's a process.

And that's why I loved this book so much. Oliver seems incredibly NORMAL. He's a man reaching that age when you naturally become more self-reflective. He realizes he wants more from life. But he's NORMAL .... which means that he doesn't quite know how to get more. He decides to jump into a relationship and then he sticks with it, even when it is obvious to the reader that it is not working. Why does he do this? Well, why does anyone stay in a bad relationship? Because sometimes people fear being alone more than they fear being with the wrong person. That's Oliver. I could also see that Oliver had a good sense of how to help his family's struggling funeral home business, but he wasn't forceful enough in demanding that his ideas be implemented. Why? Well, doesn't this happen all the time in real life? Oliver is so used to living his life a certain way, that it takes a bit of time to figure out how to live it better. He doesn't make a hash of things. He just takes a bit of meandering journey until he finds exactly what he is looking for.

This is not a romance. Yeah, there's an epic love that is never expressed to begin the book, but that isn't really the story of this book. Moving past that non-romance is a bit of the journey that has to happen here. Yeah, there is a rebound relationship (if you can call it that) that takes up a good portion of the story, but it is obvious that that is going nowhere. But it is not a bad thing either. Oliver and Caroline don't exactly fit together, but they aren't toxic. Their relationship is just part of the journey, and don't lots of people have those types of relationships occasionally? Even the romantic relationship that seems to be what the book is leading toward is not a big part of the story. In fact, we never get to see it come to fruition ... only the hints of a beginning. But that's okay. This is Oliver's story. It's his journey. And finding true love isn't the goal here ... it's just a nice side benefit.

I loved hanging out in Oliver's head. He was quirky without seeming cliche or hyperbolic. He had the right mix of kindness and irritation. Like I say, he just seemed normal ... but that kind of normal that is interesting enough to want to be with for an entire book. There weren't lots of ups and downs with Oliver. I just wanted to see him find happiness as he learned to take control of his destiny. What a lovely journey it was!

As a side note ... what an intriguing idea it was to create candles specifically scented to smell like a beloved deceased friend/family member! I have no idea how this would work in real life, but as I read about it I really wished that it could be. I couldn't help but think about how some of the people I love the most smell and how comforting it would be to be able to keep that smell with me even after they have died. Is that weird? For some reason while listening to this book I found the idea to be a soothing one. I couldn't help but love the character of Edie for her scented candles and her unique ability to bring out the best in Oliver. Loved her!

I give this five stars! It was amazing! Reading it on kindle would be great, but do yourself a favor and listen to the talented Steve West narrate if you can. He's a treat.

[Sterlingcindysu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've found a new author to follow! I received this free for Kindle as a prime customer on Amazon. Her second book is already making it's way down my TBR list.

Here's another one of those romance stories about quirky people who have problems stepping outside their comfort zones to live their best life, such as The Rosie Project. I don't particularly care for romances but these plot lines were unlike anything I've ever read before. One starts thinking, hmmm, a funeral director could have many good future-husband traits in addition to job security.

One thing I never thought about--how they have coffins for heftier people. Sure enough. They're not one size fits all.



So if you want to be buried vs cremated, there's yet another reason to lose (or not gain) weight. The ones available on Amazon (yup, you can buy coffins on Amazon with free shipping!) are $1K more for the oversized ones.

A coffin joke--
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[ShelleyO · Rating 4 out of 5]

I choose this book on a whim - I was given two free Kindle books on Amazon. The description intrigued me. At the beginning it seemed slow paced and I wasn’t sure if I liked it. I’m so glad I stuck with it and finished reading it! Oliver Clock is a wonderful, endearing character. I was cheering him on through all of his dilemmas.

[Bex Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't describe how much I loved this book. The main character is so likeable, my feelings peaked and troughed with his throughout. The writing is excellent. This is heartwarming reading at its finest!

[Rhian Eleri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oliver Clock is an oddball. I didn't warm to him at all, and nearly gave up. Around page 200 It got a little better and I must say, some quite funny things happen. This isn't a story about anything in particular, but more of a character based book. Before I read it I thought it might be similar to Eleanor Oliphant . Oliver is honest and a little naive like Eleanor, but not half as loveable. It would be interesting to see the both meet up!! I had difficulty believing a person could live a life as Oliver does and not get burnt. His best friend Andy deserves a medal in my opinion, and I doubt he would stick around with such a selfish annoying person as Oliver in reality. Not am awful book, but it felt kind of unfinished, or needed tweaks. Some direction as to where the story was going would have been great. Iv read worse, and because there are some good little ideas floating around it I will give it 3 stars. But if I could it would be more like 2.5 stars.

[Nadeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all make lists. At least I make lists so I assume everyone else does to. If I am wrong I hope no one contradicts me so that I can continue to live under the assumption that I am somewhat normal.

Oliver Clock makes lists - little affirmations and pledges of things he is going to do. He has a book or two filled with them. But sadly, at 39 he hasn't followed through with any of them. The Likely Resolutions of Oliver Clock tells the story of what happens when you start following through on your plans and step out of your comfort zone. When Oliver becomes determined to stop waiting to live and just lives, he tackles the list. With a domineering mother and a job as funeral director making plans to live isn't easy but as Oliver finds out, it's not impossible. I would like to be as brave as Oliver. In fact I am going to write that down.

[ꕥ Ange_Lives_To_Read ꕥ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 28%

I usually love books about quirky people. Oliver is almost 40. He is the third generation owner of a funeral home, Clock and Sons. He’s weird, chubby and has a domineering mother. He has a mad crush on Marie, a florist he works with. He’s just about to tell her how he feels, and she dies. Oliver gets even weirder. He suggests to potential clients that they fire the remains of their loved ones into space, or use their ashes in commemorative snow globes. I’m making it sound more interesting than it is. I didn’t actively hate this but I was bored and uninvested in the characters.