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The New Normal
From neighbors to friends to lovers? All the makings of a risky second-chance romance by USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Tracy Brogan. Since Carli Lancaster’s divorce, she’s worked hard to keep life as normal as possible for her daughters. When she lands a job as cohost of a local morning show, it looks like a fresh start. So does the arrival of a handsome new neighbor, who has more in common with Carli than just a property line. Ben Chase is also new to single parenthood. And like Carli, he’s focused on the future. From navigating neighborhood gossip to decorating for holidays to reaching out in times of trouble, they quickly learn to rely on each other. Just like a couple but without the complications of coupling! Sure, there’s attraction. They’re only human. But they’re also friends, and who wants to ruin a perfect relationship with romance? They’re both thinking about adding some perks, though, and even if their new normal isn’t perfect, it’s definitely somewhere in the neighborhood.
281 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2020
583 people are currently reading
3012 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Brogan
24 books1,328 followersUSA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Publishing bestselling author Tracy Brogan writes happily ever after stories full laughter and love. A three-time recipient of the Amazon Publishing Diamond award for sales exceeding three-million copies, a three-time finalist of the RWA® RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction, and a winner of the Booksellers Best award, Brogan’s books, including both the Bell Harbor and Trillium Bay series, feature re-imagined versions of her favorite Michigan locations and have been translated into more than a dozen languages worldwide. Although best known for her laugh-out-loud contemporary romantic comedies, she’s currently at work on several historical projects including a gilded age series set in Trillium Bay, the long-awaited sequel to Highland Surrender, and a dual-timeline rom-com that just *may* include ghosts. (Psst… it totally has ghosts.) Find out more about Brogan at tracybrogan.com.
Tracy Brogan Books. Witty. Whimsical. Wonderful.
Tracy Brogan Books. Witty. Whimsical. Wonderful.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
June 3, 2020
Loved this book of a second chance romance. Carli is newly divorced with two teenage daughters, trying to keep things normal as possible even with Gus, the great dane. Ben, has just moved into the neighborhood, who is going through a divorce and also has two teenagers. A friendship strikes up, as they both try to pick up from their failed marriages. This friendship will lead to much more.
I had a hard time putting this book down, it will leave you smiling at the end. Many trials and tributes of being a single parent and feelings of children being in a divided household. This is a sweet romance, that is focusing more on starting over. I highly recommend this book.
I had a hard time putting this book down, it will leave you smiling at the end. Many trials and tributes of being a single parent and feelings of children being in a divided household. This is a sweet romance, that is focusing more on starting over. I highly recommend this book.
May 22, 2020
This was not a book for me. I don't know if it was the lack of relationship building, the weird timeline jumps, or just the fact that I had a hard time understanding what the point of it all was, but I just did not enjoy this one. I liked Carli and Ben just fine, they were great parents dealing with crappy situations and divorces. Aside from that, I didn't get much else.
There was no real character building or relationship building between Carli and Ben, aside from a few encounters, and discussions of them texting, so the entire relationship just felt superficial and flat to me. The story itself also didn't quite work. We get so much info about Carli's audition for her new job, but then only glimpses of it afterwards. Ben is mentioned going back to work for his family in passing, but there's never anything more about it even though we spend a chapter with Ben agonizing over what to do. We also spend a lot of time with his sister at one point, and there was a great moment where Carli first meets the sister, but then it just cuts and goes to the next chapter. I don't know, it all felt kind of disjointed and almost like a lot of thoughts were being thrown onto paper with no real plan.
It could have been a really good story, and I loved the premise, and some of the bigger girl power moments that Carli had, but the entire story just fell flat and didn't work.
**Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review**
There was no real character building or relationship building between Carli and Ben, aside from a few encounters, and discussions of them texting, so the entire relationship just felt superficial and flat to me. The story itself also didn't quite work. We get so much info about Carli's audition for her new job, but then only glimpses of it afterwards. Ben is mentioned going back to work for his family in passing, but there's never anything more about it even though we spend a chapter with Ben agonizing over what to do. We also spend a lot of time with his sister at one point, and there was a great moment where Carli first meets the sister, but then it just cuts and goes to the next chapter. I don't know, it all felt kind of disjointed and almost like a lot of thoughts were being thrown onto paper with no real plan.
It could have been a really good story, and I loved the premise, and some of the bigger girl power moments that Carli had, but the entire story just fell flat and didn't work.
**Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review**
March 3, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake Romance for this arc.
I found this to be an easy, breezy read. A sweet story that focused more on the post-divorce "highs" experienced by Carli and Ben than their "lows." There were enough lows thrown in to stave off diabetes, but not of the agonizing and paralyzing variety, just enough to approach "real life." But who reads these books for vicarious pain? The characters seemed to be well (if not fully) developed and interesting. Beyond the neighborhood parties, it was mostly the day-to-day business of redefining life after divorce, so while the characters were finding their "new lives", there weren't any OTT dramatics. This felt genuine given their circumstances. There was enough humor and humorous situations throughout to keep my interest sparked, despite the predictability of the plot.
3.5 stars rounded up.
I found this to be an easy, breezy read. A sweet story that focused more on the post-divorce "highs" experienced by Carli and Ben than their "lows." There were enough lows thrown in to stave off diabetes, but not of the agonizing and paralyzing variety, just enough to approach "real life." But who reads these books for vicarious pain? The characters seemed to be well (if not fully) developed and interesting. Beyond the neighborhood parties, it was mostly the day-to-day business of redefining life after divorce, so while the characters were finding their "new lives", there weren't any OTT dramatics. This felt genuine given their circumstances. There was enough humor and humorous situations throughout to keep my interest sparked, despite the predictability of the plot.
3.5 stars rounded up.
June 13, 2020
Carli and Ben are both recently divorced and adjusting to their new situation. When Ben moves next to Carli, they start a friendship. But can their friendship develop to something more?
I liked that both the characters, Carli and Ben, are very sweet, and I enjoyed reading how they build
their relationship step by step and start trusting in each other more and more. I also loved the relationship between their teenage children. And my favorite thing was the sense of camaraderie in the neighbourhood and how Carli's friends were there for her every time she needed.
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion **
I liked that both the characters, Carli and Ben, are very sweet, and I enjoyed reading how they build
their relationship step by step and start trusting in each other more and more. I also loved the relationship between their teenage children. And my favorite thing was the sense of camaraderie in the neighbourhood and how Carli's friends were there for her every time she needed.
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion **
June 8, 2020
4/5 ⭐️
Suuuuuch a slow burn romance, but it worked for this book. It makes me want to fall in love with a neighbor in the future lol
Suuuuuch a slow burn romance, but it worked for this book. It makes me want to fall in love with a neighbor in the future lol
May 18, 2021
This was a fantastic read that kept me entertained all the way through. It's a wonderful story of two people dealing with divorce, single parenthood, as they learn to trust and love again. Beautifully written with well developed characters, an easy pace, and a realistic storyline filled with humor and fun. Definitely one for the must read list! I highly recommend it.
June 14, 2020
I ddnt like it 1.5
March 19, 2020
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed how normal this book was - when you get divorced you do have to make a new normal. And these two did have to start over with everything.
I enjoyed this one, but it was just missing a certain spark for me.
I enjoyed how normal this book was - when you get divorced you do have to make a new normal. And these two did have to start over with everything.
I enjoyed this one, but it was just missing a certain spark for me.
June 6, 2020
After her divorce Carli is trying to make the transition as seamless as possible for her and her teenage daughters however between her new job, her ex and her sexy neighbor things are about to get more complicated.
Ben also finds himself divorced as well with two children. His life was turned upside down when he was betrayed by his ex and his best friend who also happened to be his business partner. All he wants to do is focus on his new home and being the best father they can be.
Both Carlie and Ben have so much in common and a friendship develops but only they can decide if they are ready to open their hearts to the possibility of more. This story is more about their new lives and the romance between them is a very slow burn.
Ben also finds himself divorced as well with two children. His life was turned upside down when he was betrayed by his ex and his best friend who also happened to be his business partner. All he wants to do is focus on his new home and being the best father they can be.
Both Carlie and Ben have so much in common and a friendship develops but only they can decide if they are ready to open their hearts to the possibility of more. This story is more about their new lives and the romance between them is a very slow burn.
June 17, 2020
Starting over
The New Normal is a heartfelt and romantic story about two people who are in the midst of painful divorces, and become neighbors. What I love about this book is that the relationship that builds between Carli and Ben is organic, honest, awkward, and lovely. I loved the banter between them, I enjoyed reading about their teenagers, and Gus the dog was also a treat!
The New Normal is a heartfelt and romantic story about two people who are in the midst of painful divorces, and become neighbors. What I love about this book is that the relationship that builds between Carli and Ben is organic, honest, awkward, and lovely. I loved the banter between them, I enjoyed reading about their teenagers, and Gus the dog was also a treat!
July 26, 2020
No!
I loved the idea of this book but the story was never told. The ‘H’ is Ben. He is getting a divorce from a wife that cheating on him with his business partner and who she is now shacking up with. The ‘h’ is Carli (could be wrong). She is divorced from her husband who moved out of their house almost a year now. Ben moved next door to the h.... that right there is the story! No development. They both have two teen aged kids each so they play a part in this ‘almost’ story. The H and h meet literally a couple times during the book. Those conversations are about her dog, remodeling they were both doing on their houses, and their kids. None of those meeting were of them expressing to each other that they liked each other, no secret touching, no kissing, nothing. The only time they expressed to each other any interest was at a NYE party when the h found out her ex got married to someone he met months before so she got drunk and asked the H to come back to her place. THIS WAS AT THE 98% MARK OF THE BOOK!!!! Really??!!!! I think a better build up of a romance was between the teenage kids and that was a crush. No I wouldn’t recommend this book. p.s... Also note the H slept with another woman at his house (an ex girlfriend). It was way after meeting the h.
I loved the idea of this book but the story was never told. The ‘H’ is Ben. He is getting a divorce from a wife that cheating on him with his business partner and who she is now shacking up with. The ‘h’ is Carli (could be wrong). She is divorced from her husband who moved out of their house almost a year now. Ben moved next door to the h.... that right there is the story! No development. They both have two teen aged kids each so they play a part in this ‘almost’ story. The H and h meet literally a couple times during the book. Those conversations are about her dog, remodeling they were both doing on their houses, and their kids. None of those meeting were of them expressing to each other that they liked each other, no secret touching, no kissing, nothing. The only time they expressed to each other any interest was at a NYE party when the h found out her ex got married to someone he met months before so she got drunk and asked the H to come back to her place. THIS WAS AT THE 98% MARK OF THE BOOK!!!! Really??!!!! I think a better build up of a romance was between the teenage kids and that was a crush. No I wouldn’t recommend this book. p.s... Also note the H slept with another woman at his house (an ex girlfriend). It was way after meeting the h.
June 7, 2020
The new normal was a nice romance, maybe even more towards women's fiction about two neighbors that both have endured very painful divorces.
The story was well written and an enjoyable read. The characters felt real with real issues.
The story was well written and an enjoyable read. The characters felt real with real issues.
August 27, 2021
Enjoyable easy to read book.
May 23, 2020
I'm going to call this one women's fiction, because if it's a romance then... it's an epic fail. I don't normally offer up spoilers, but if I had known (and this is the spoiler, guys) that our hero would sleep with another woman 75% of the way into the book, I wouldn't have wasted my time with it. Our couple wasn't together at the time, but there were definitely growing feelings, and that dropped this book down SEVERAL notches, in my opinion. If you choose to call this women's fiction (because a LOT of the book is devoted to self-discovery), you might find it to be a more successful read.
The story follows Ben and Carli, new neighbors who are each dealing with divorce. They're in their forties with teenage children, and neither one has been single in years. As they transition into the new "normal" of their lives, they get to know each other and form a friendship with a hint of something more. They both know that they're in no place to start a real relationship, and starting something casual with your neighbor is ill-advised, so they're stuck in that middle ground.
Though I wasn't loving the story prior to the other woman drama, I also wasn't hating it. The cover makes this seem like a lighter romance, and I probably wouldn't have selected this book had I realized that our couple are in their forties. Nothing wrong with that, it's just a completely different kind of romance. The writing is too internalized for my liking, but there's a lot of depth there that makes for an intriguing read - I just wish the romance had been stronger. It's central to the whole story, so it's definitely intended to be one, but I CANNOT get behind a book where the hero sleeps with someone else that far in. That's not a slow burn; that's a standstill. Ultimately, I'm going to just consider this to be clean women's fiction, because if I think of it as a romance, then I'll be tempted to drop my rating even lower. I appreciated receiving an ARC via NetGalley (and am voluntarily leaving a review), but this one's both a marketing and storyline miss for me.
The story follows Ben and Carli, new neighbors who are each dealing with divorce. They're in their forties with teenage children, and neither one has been single in years. As they transition into the new "normal" of their lives, they get to know each other and form a friendship with a hint of something more. They both know that they're in no place to start a real relationship, and starting something casual with your neighbor is ill-advised, so they're stuck in that middle ground.
Though I wasn't loving the story prior to the other woman drama, I also wasn't hating it. The cover makes this seem like a lighter romance, and I probably wouldn't have selected this book had I realized that our couple are in their forties. Nothing wrong with that, it's just a completely different kind of romance. The writing is too internalized for my liking, but there's a lot of depth there that makes for an intriguing read - I just wish the romance had been stronger. It's central to the whole story, so it's definitely intended to be one, but I CANNOT get behind a book where the hero sleeps with someone else that far in. That's not a slow burn; that's a standstill. Ultimately, I'm going to just consider this to be clean women's fiction, because if I think of it as a romance, then I'll be tempted to drop my rating even lower. I appreciated receiving an ARC via NetGalley (and am voluntarily leaving a review), but this one's both a marketing and storyline miss for me.
June 15, 2020
The New Normal was… disjointed and poorly paced.
The premise sounded great, and I’m all for romance reads with a self-discovery arc. Carli and Ben were both good characters individually, but their romance was a bit bland and uninspiring. I actually enjoyed their personal stories more when they were apart rather than when they were together. Not great marks for a romance novel.
The romance was clean, and there were only hints of sexual attraction. At first I thought it was going to a slow burn type of read with a wonderful payoff at the end (wink wink), but then I realized I just wasn’t into Carli and Ben’s love story. There were no deeply personal conversations together, no moments or dialogue where they weren’t talking about home renovations, divorce, holiday decorations or their respective children. There was little emotion between the two of them to really draw me in and tug at the heartstrings. Their romance was built off their attraction to one another, and when that’s barely hinted at in the book, their love story falls flat.
There were also a couple minor conflicts introduced that were never resolved. Both Carli and Ben made mention of parents they’d like to rekindle connection with, and we got nothing. Carli spends a couple chapters building up confidence for a job interview, and then we hear little about the job afterwards. How’d the custody battle for the children turn out? No sé. The book felt short, so there was an opportunity to put more detail into the story, it just didn’t happen.
Overall, The New Normal was very vanilla and something I’ll probably forget quickly. I still was into the read enough to finish it, but I definitely wanted more. I’m not the biggest fan of clean romances (I love sauciness in my life), so take this all with a grain of salt. I just really wish there was more depth to the characters together as a couple and minor conflicts were resolved.
*ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publisher for providing the ARC!*
The premise sounded great, and I’m all for romance reads with a self-discovery arc. Carli and Ben were both good characters individually, but their romance was a bit bland and uninspiring. I actually enjoyed their personal stories more when they were apart rather than when they were together. Not great marks for a romance novel.
The romance was clean, and there were only hints of sexual attraction. At first I thought it was going to a slow burn type of read with a wonderful payoff at the end (wink wink), but then I realized I just wasn’t into Carli and Ben’s love story. There were no deeply personal conversations together, no moments or dialogue where they weren’t talking about home renovations, divorce, holiday decorations or their respective children. There was little emotion between the two of them to really draw me in and tug at the heartstrings. Their romance was built off their attraction to one another, and when that’s barely hinted at in the book, their love story falls flat.
There were also a couple minor conflicts introduced that were never resolved. Both Carli and Ben made mention of parents they’d like to rekindle connection with, and we got nothing. Carli spends a couple chapters building up confidence for a job interview, and then we hear little about the job afterwards. How’d the custody battle for the children turn out? No sé. The book felt short, so there was an opportunity to put more detail into the story, it just didn’t happen.
Overall, The New Normal was very vanilla and something I’ll probably forget quickly. I still was into the read enough to finish it, but I definitely wanted more. I’m not the biggest fan of clean romances (I love sauciness in my life), so take this all with a grain of salt. I just really wish there was more depth to the characters together as a couple and minor conflicts were resolved.
*ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publisher for providing the ARC!*
June 10, 2020
Divorced single mother, Carli, is trying to adjust to her new normal with her teenage daughters. She takes a new job which should be a great new beginning for her. Her new neighbor, Ben, is also seeking a new beginning. He is also a newly divorced single father.
I’m always on the hunt for romances with older characters instead of the usual twenty something year old. So I was happy to know that Carli is in her forties. It is sort a second chance at romance and life.
I don’t mind clean romances but I do enjoy a buildup. This one took so long for the build up to occur which smothers out the romantic fizzle I get whenever I read romance novels. Definitely would box it in under contemporary women’s fiction because the story focuses heavily on Carli and her rediscovery process. The romance is very minor.
There is no sex in this story. The kiss happens towards the end which further makes it hard to connect with this as a romance. I guess that is to be expected since Ben and Carli take us through a long friendship journey. He is even involved with someone else at one point during the story. If the author would have taken the time to devolve the romance more it would have been higher rated.
Overall, this is a mediocre story which is pretty forgettable once it is over.
Will post on blog this week
I’m always on the hunt for romances with older characters instead of the usual twenty something year old. So I was happy to know that Carli is in her forties. It is sort a second chance at romance and life.
I don’t mind clean romances but I do enjoy a buildup. This one took so long for the build up to occur which smothers out the romantic fizzle I get whenever I read romance novels. Definitely would box it in under contemporary women’s fiction because the story focuses heavily on Carli and her rediscovery process. The romance is very minor.
There is no sex in this story. The kiss happens towards the end which further makes it hard to connect with this as a romance. I guess that is to be expected since Ben and Carli take us through a long friendship journey. He is even involved with someone else at one point during the story. If the author would have taken the time to devolve the romance more it would have been higher rated.
Overall, this is a mediocre story which is pretty forgettable once it is over.
Will post on blog this week
November 16, 2020
This was not good. I wanted a cheesy romance novel, not divorcées dealing with kid drama. Tracy had a better run with the Bell Harbor series.
June 2, 2020
THE NEW NORMAL ist das neueste Buch von TRACY BROGAN und ich habe das Buch ABSOLUT GELIEBT!
CARLI LANCASTER ist 42 Jahre alt, frisch geschieden, hat zwei Mädchen im High School-Alter und einen ziemlich unerzogenen Hund. Zugutehalten muss man ihr (und dem Hund), dass die Fellnase noch sehr jung ist. BEN CHASE ist der neue Nachbar! Gerade getrennt, ebenfalls mit Kindern.
Das Kennenlernen der beiden verläuft nicht ganz so reibungslos, auch hier hat erst einmal der Hund seine Pfoten im Spiel. Aber das Buch wäre vermutlich auch nur halb so lustig, wenn es anders wäre!
Die Nachbarschaft, in der die beiden leben, erinnert mich ein wenig an einen deutschen Kleingartenverein, denn es werden mahnende Briefe geschrieben, sobald der Rasen eine bestimmte Höhe überschreitet oder andere Pflichten nicht rechtzeitig wahrgenommen werden. Außerdem wird getratscht bis sich die Balken biegen.
Ich liebe den SCHREIBSTIL von TRACY BROGAN. Ihre Bücher sind immer LUSTIG, UNTERHALTSAM und VERSTÄNDLICH geschrieben. Auch bei THE NEW NORMAL habe ich wieder viel gelacht und die Geschichte lässt sich auch für nicht Muttersprachler hervorragend im Original lesen. Die Erzählweise der Autorin macht es einem leicht die Geschichte vor dem inneren Auge zu sehen. Insbesondere die Frauen aus der Nachbarschaft kann ich mir nur zu gut vorstellen. Auch dass es CARLI es nicht immer schafft einen Bogen um die Fettnäpfchen zu machen, die das Leben so bereitstellt, und das macht die ganze Geschichte WIRKLICH AMÜSANT und REALITÄTSNAH.
THE NEW NORMAL ist abwechselnd aus CARLIS und BENS Perspektive erzählt. So lernt man beide Protagonisten gut kennen. Ich mag das sehr, bietet es einem doch noch tiefere Einblicke in das Leben der Protagonisten.
THE NEW NORMAL von der WUNDERBAREN TRACY BROGAN ist ein tolles Buch für einen oder mehrere gemütliche Nachmittage auf der Couch. Mir hat das Buch richtig gut gefallen! Ich hatte viel Spaß und ein KURZWEILIGES LESEVERGNÜGEN. Deshalb von mir absolut verdiente 5 von 5 STERNEN.
CARLI LANCASTER ist 42 Jahre alt, frisch geschieden, hat zwei Mädchen im High School-Alter und einen ziemlich unerzogenen Hund. Zugutehalten muss man ihr (und dem Hund), dass die Fellnase noch sehr jung ist. BEN CHASE ist der neue Nachbar! Gerade getrennt, ebenfalls mit Kindern.
Das Kennenlernen der beiden verläuft nicht ganz so reibungslos, auch hier hat erst einmal der Hund seine Pfoten im Spiel. Aber das Buch wäre vermutlich auch nur halb so lustig, wenn es anders wäre!
Die Nachbarschaft, in der die beiden leben, erinnert mich ein wenig an einen deutschen Kleingartenverein, denn es werden mahnende Briefe geschrieben, sobald der Rasen eine bestimmte Höhe überschreitet oder andere Pflichten nicht rechtzeitig wahrgenommen werden. Außerdem wird getratscht bis sich die Balken biegen.
Ich liebe den SCHREIBSTIL von TRACY BROGAN. Ihre Bücher sind immer LUSTIG, UNTERHALTSAM und VERSTÄNDLICH geschrieben. Auch bei THE NEW NORMAL habe ich wieder viel gelacht und die Geschichte lässt sich auch für nicht Muttersprachler hervorragend im Original lesen. Die Erzählweise der Autorin macht es einem leicht die Geschichte vor dem inneren Auge zu sehen. Insbesondere die Frauen aus der Nachbarschaft kann ich mir nur zu gut vorstellen. Auch dass es CARLI es nicht immer schafft einen Bogen um die Fettnäpfchen zu machen, die das Leben so bereitstellt, und das macht die ganze Geschichte WIRKLICH AMÜSANT und REALITÄTSNAH.
THE NEW NORMAL ist abwechselnd aus CARLIS und BENS Perspektive erzählt. So lernt man beide Protagonisten gut kennen. Ich mag das sehr, bietet es einem doch noch tiefere Einblicke in das Leben der Protagonisten.
THE NEW NORMAL von der WUNDERBAREN TRACY BROGAN ist ein tolles Buch für einen oder mehrere gemütliche Nachmittage auf der Couch. Mir hat das Buch richtig gut gefallen! Ich hatte viel Spaß und ein KURZWEILIGES LESEVERGNÜGEN. Deshalb von mir absolut verdiente 5 von 5 STERNEN.
June 12, 2020
The New Normal by Tracy Brogan is the journey a couple of divorced, single parents take in defining their new life, post-divorce. This wonderful, heart-warming story contains Tracy’s trademark humor and realistic glimpse at the life her characters weave. Her characters will need to navigate the risks and obstacles a second-chance at romance will place in the path of her characters as they attempt to make sense out of their lives and reach out for a new normal direction for their lives.
Carli Lancaster has struggled to keep life as normal as possible for her teen daughters since her divorce. With her daughters no longer dependent on her it’s time for her to start living life for herself. Landing the job as one of the co-hosts of a local morning show is a definite start; so is the arrival of a handsome new next-door neighbor. Ben Chase is also new to single parenthood and like Carli, he’s focused on his future. Carli and Ben get to know each other as they decorate for the holidays, help each other in times of trouble or need, and adapt to the demands of the neighborhood. Being human, there is an attraction, or magnetism, between Ben and Carli; but these two friends fear risking their perfect relationship with romance. Maybe just adding some perks can help them as they navigate a new normal. Their new normal might not be perfect, but it works for them.
Ms. Brogan wrote a wonderful, heartwarming, amazing story, filled with sizzling chemistry, life challenges, humorous dialogue, and realistic characters that is definitely not to be missed. I totally enjoyed and highly recommend The New Normal to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Carli Lancaster has struggled to keep life as normal as possible for her teen daughters since her divorce. With her daughters no longer dependent on her it’s time for her to start living life for herself. Landing the job as one of the co-hosts of a local morning show is a definite start; so is the arrival of a handsome new next-door neighbor. Ben Chase is also new to single parenthood and like Carli, he’s focused on his future. Carli and Ben get to know each other as they decorate for the holidays, help each other in times of trouble or need, and adapt to the demands of the neighborhood. Being human, there is an attraction, or magnetism, between Ben and Carli; but these two friends fear risking their perfect relationship with romance. Maybe just adding some perks can help them as they navigate a new normal. Their new normal might not be perfect, but it works for them.
Ms. Brogan wrote a wonderful, heartwarming, amazing story, filled with sizzling chemistry, life challenges, humorous dialogue, and realistic characters that is definitely not to be missed. I totally enjoyed and highly recommend The New Normal to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 16, 2020
**FULL REVIEW**
I truly had high hopes. The cover is beautiful and is why I selected this book to read...by looks alone, one would think:
-Youthful
-Romance/Comedy
-Maybe even some cute and quirky elements...ROMANCE.
What we get is vastly different and while not a bad thing, it's misleading. This story is more about self-discovery, new beginnings (not in the romantic sense), and making the most of mundane daily activities we find in real life. These things made The New Normal believable to read. The characters were well developed in their own right. As a couple...yeah, no. I got nothing there.
Ben and Carli can be classified as flirty-friends at most. Neighbors with a lot in common. Older in age, children, divorced, and yep! Remodeling/renovating their respective homes.
Not what I was hoping for, but I did enjoy the story. Unexpected and sweet with a few hiccups along the way (there are some unanswered questions and some places where I feel I could have had more information), but overall it was a nice change of pace from my normal reading selections.
I do like the more mature character base, the different stage of life, and the author's ability to make the everyday grind of parenting, work, and all of the messy details feel a little more interesting than it really is...so, kudos to Brogan for giving us a feel-good, clean storyline with a strong female focus and simple yet complex facets to her life. Even if she missed the romance boat in favor of contemporary women's fiction. *wink*
**3 Life After Love, Stars**
I truly had high hopes. The cover is beautiful and is why I selected this book to read...by looks alone, one would think:
-Youthful
-Romance/Comedy
-Maybe even some cute and quirky elements...ROMANCE.
What we get is vastly different and while not a bad thing, it's misleading. This story is more about self-discovery, new beginnings (not in the romantic sense), and making the most of mundane daily activities we find in real life. These things made The New Normal believable to read. The characters were well developed in their own right. As a couple...yeah, no. I got nothing there.
Ben and Carli can be classified as flirty-friends at most. Neighbors with a lot in common. Older in age, children, divorced, and yep! Remodeling/renovating their respective homes.
Not what I was hoping for, but I did enjoy the story. Unexpected and sweet with a few hiccups along the way (there are some unanswered questions and some places where I feel I could have had more information), but overall it was a nice change of pace from my normal reading selections.
I do like the more mature character base, the different stage of life, and the author's ability to make the everyday grind of parenting, work, and all of the messy details feel a little more interesting than it really is...so, kudos to Brogan for giving us a feel-good, clean storyline with a strong female focus and simple yet complex facets to her life. Even if she missed the romance boat in favor of contemporary women's fiction. *wink*
**3 Life After Love, Stars**
June 8, 2020
4.5 Stars!
The New Normal by Tracy Brogan is quite enjoyable. It is a clean read with well-developed characters that are easy to get to know. Although it is presented as a romance, it is a better fit for the woman's fiction category. The two main characters are new neighbors, learning about life post divorce.
Carli Lancaster has been divorced for about 10 months. She has always put those she cares about first, forgetting that she is equally as important. Thanks to her good friends and her own realizations, she gets a new job and slowly makes the home that she once shared with her ex her own. In addition, she continues to be a terrific parent to her two high school age daughters.
As a result of his wife cheating on him with his best friend and business partner, Ben Chase is getting a divorce. He buys the house next door to Carli, and over time they get to know and depend on each other. Ben's two kids become friendly with Carli's, which helps his family accept their new surroundings. Ben and Carli share a flirtatious spark that evolves into more at the very end of the story.
This book flows at a nice pace. At times, the camaraderie and nosiness of the neighbors reminded me of Tim Allen's film, Christmas with the Kranks. Overall, a wonderful story about picking up the pieces during and after divorce.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
The New Normal by Tracy Brogan is quite enjoyable. It is a clean read with well-developed characters that are easy to get to know. Although it is presented as a romance, it is a better fit for the woman's fiction category. The two main characters are new neighbors, learning about life post divorce.
Carli Lancaster has been divorced for about 10 months. She has always put those she cares about first, forgetting that she is equally as important. Thanks to her good friends and her own realizations, she gets a new job and slowly makes the home that she once shared with her ex her own. In addition, she continues to be a terrific parent to her two high school age daughters.
As a result of his wife cheating on him with his best friend and business partner, Ben Chase is getting a divorce. He buys the house next door to Carli, and over time they get to know and depend on each other. Ben's two kids become friendly with Carli's, which helps his family accept their new surroundings. Ben and Carli share a flirtatious spark that evolves into more at the very end of the story.
This book flows at a nice pace. At times, the camaraderie and nosiness of the neighbors reminded me of Tim Allen's film, Christmas with the Kranks. Overall, a wonderful story about picking up the pieces during and after divorce.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
June 10, 2020
Divorced single mother, Carli, is trying to adjust to her new normal with her teenage daughters. She takes a new job which should be a great new beginning for her. Her new neighbor, Ben, is also seeking a new beginning. He is also a newly divorced single father.
I’m always on the hunt for romances with older characters instead of the usual twenty something year old. So I was happy to know that Carli is in her forties. It is sort a second chance at romance and life.
I don’t mind clean romances but I do enjoy a buildup. This one took so long for the build up to occur which smothers out the romantic fizzle I get whenever I read romance novels. Definitely would box it in under contemporary women’s fiction because the story focuses heavily on Carli and her rediscovery process. The romance is very minor.
There is no sex in this story. The kiss happens towards the end which further makes it hard to connect with this as a romance. I guess that is to be expected since Ben and Carli take us through a long friendship journey. He is even involved with someone else at one point during the story. If the author would have taken the time to devolve the romance more it would have been higher rated.
Overall, this is a mediocre story which is pretty forgettable once it is over.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
I’m always on the hunt for romances with older characters instead of the usual twenty something year old. So I was happy to know that Carli is in her forties. It is sort a second chance at romance and life.
I don’t mind clean romances but I do enjoy a buildup. This one took so long for the build up to occur which smothers out the romantic fizzle I get whenever I read romance novels. Definitely would box it in under contemporary women’s fiction because the story focuses heavily on Carli and her rediscovery process. The romance is very minor.
There is no sex in this story. The kiss happens towards the end which further makes it hard to connect with this as a romance. I guess that is to be expected since Ben and Carli take us through a long friendship journey. He is even involved with someone else at one point during the story. If the author would have taken the time to devolve the romance more it would have been higher rated.
Overall, this is a mediocre story which is pretty forgettable once it is over.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
March 10, 2020
3.5 stars.
While this was an enjoyable read, it lacked anything in it for me to be classified as a romance book. I felt this would have been best classified as women's fiction.
Carli is semi new to the divorce scene and her story focuses on moving on in her life with her friends and advancing in a career rather than a "job". Her story was entertaining, laced with friction if her ex moving on much quicker than she did.
Ben is brand new to the divorce scene, actually just beginning. His slime of an ex took up with his now ex best friend and business partner. Ben moving next door to Carli should lead to lots more sparks and chemistry, but instead we get the interactions as neighbors, him jumping into several dates that shed him in a bad light with me, then insta love with Carli.
I was enjoying the book, realized how far I was into it and was like well these two aren't even together and only have flirted in their own minds. Then bang they were in love. I personally wish to have had more depth I'm their relationship rather than a hurried ending.
While this was an enjoyable read, it lacked anything in it for me to be classified as a romance book. I felt this would have been best classified as women's fiction.
Carli is semi new to the divorce scene and her story focuses on moving on in her life with her friends and advancing in a career rather than a "job". Her story was entertaining, laced with friction if her ex moving on much quicker than she did.
Ben is brand new to the divorce scene, actually just beginning. His slime of an ex took up with his now ex best friend and business partner. Ben moving next door to Carli should lead to lots more sparks and chemistry, but instead we get the interactions as neighbors, him jumping into several dates that shed him in a bad light with me, then insta love with Carli.
I was enjoying the book, realized how far I was into it and was like well these two aren't even together and only have flirted in their own minds. Then bang they were in love. I personally wish to have had more depth I'm their relationship rather than a hurried ending.
March 28, 2020
This was a really cute story!!! It took a little while for me to get into it, and I think it was because I wasn’t a huge fan of the point of view. I think it would have flowed a bit more if it was written in first person. I also felt like some of the conversations were a bit unrealistic- some of the things Carli’s daughters said to her didn’t seem like they would be actual conversations, and I had similar feelings about the conversations between Carli and her coworkers and her ex. That all being said, I stayed up until 3am reading the second half of the book because I really wanted to know how everything was going to play out and I thought the characters turned out incredibly well. I also really appreciated what Carli did and thought in the aftermath of her divorce regarding her job and house, so I really liked those parts of the storyline. Overall I just keep coming back to this being a cute story!
April 28, 2020
This was an enjoyable romance about two neighbors finding their ways forward after painful divorces. Carli and Ben seem to have a lot in common. They’re both divorced and dealing with that as well as with how the fallout affects their teenage children. And both are very hesitant about starting up any new romance. But they are good neighbors to each other in this fictional neighborhood of a small Michigan town where neighbors congregate regularly to celebrate whatever they can think of and they’re always ready to help one another out. And gossip flies around the cul-de-sac at a very fast clip.
I liked seeing how each of these two characters grew new strengths after having rather rotten spouses dump them. I also enjoyed reading about how their children coped with divorce.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
I liked seeing how each of these two characters grew new strengths after having rather rotten spouses dump them. I also enjoyed reading about how their children coped with divorce.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
March 1, 2020
The New Normal is one fine story about woman with two teenaged daughters and an enormous dog trying to find her way post divorce. Her very male, very sexy new next door neighbor, also with two teenagers is in the process of getting a divorce. The neighborhood they live in is very big on community celebrations that along with the kids and her unruly dog set these two up for at least a growing friendship. Tracy Brogan has a style of writing that reveals honest themes and responses from her characters and her readers. This is a love story, but the course of love is seldom smooth and divorce means letting go and redefining. The journey is the important thing and what a fun journey Ms. Brogan sends her characters and readers on. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
Read
March 5, 2020This is a slow burn romance and by slow burn, I mean slooow burn. It was a beautifully written novel about getting through a divorce and learning to live in the "new normal". In that situation, it was sweet and I enjoyed how Carli and Ben grew from their friendship. It was really a neighbors to friends to eventually, "more" situation. But be forewarned, the romance, while sweet, was pretty much secondary to them being friends and getting over their divorces. I loved the perspectives of the children (both have 2 children, each) and the neighbors were a hoot. This is a well written novel and the first novel I've read from the author. I enjoyed it although I was expecting something different that focused more on the romance, rather than the psyche of getting over divorces. But overall, I enjoyed the book.
Thanks to NetGalley for the fun read!
Thanks to NetGalley for the fun read!
March 6, 2020
I opted to select this book because I have read previous works by Miss Brogan and enjoyed them very much.I must admit though that this one missed the mark for me and I was frequently distracted or just thrumming through the first 60% of it in an effort to reach the end.I hate not finishing a book so I trudged through the mediocre dialogue and situations hoping that it would get better.The story became mildly interesting once there was more of a personal interaction between the protagonists,but it still was not enough to give this book more than 2.5 stars.The ending felt rushed and unsatisfying and the insta-love left me with more questions than answers.It would have been gratifying to see a clear-cut conclusion to this one in view of all the developments in the ex husband of the female character.
March 21, 2020
Carli has spent the last year of her post-divorce life focusing on her daughters and figuring out what she needs and wants. She hasn't even thought about dating until her new neighbor moves in. Ben is new to single parenthood, having just split from his wife, he's doing the best the can to make his kids feel comfortable in a very uncomfortable situation. Both could use a little help, who's more perfect than your attractive neighbor.
The New Normal is less of a romance and more of a women's fiction in my opinion. It focuses more on what life can look like post-divorce and dealing with all that comes with that. While Ben and Carli do end up together it's a super slow burn as they get together at the end of the last chapter. It's an easy read with minimal drama, lots of heart and some humor.
The New Normal is less of a romance and more of a women's fiction in my opinion. It focuses more on what life can look like post-divorce and dealing with all that comes with that. While Ben and Carli do end up together it's a super slow burn as they get together at the end of the last chapter. It's an easy read with minimal drama, lots of heart and some humor.
May 30, 2020
The cover and blurb of this book led me to think that it was a contemporary romance, but The New Normal is much more about Carli rediscovering herself. And it fell flat for me.
The writing was disjointed in so many places. After all the build up about Carli getting a new job, it was practically brushed under the rug. What does Ben do for a living? I’m not quite sure. Scenes just ended abruptly, and I felt like I was missing out in the build-up to Carli and Ben’s relationship. I lost it after he slept with someone else. They aren’t together at that point, so it’s not cheating, but why would I root for them after that?
The premise is good, and there are some great parts to The New Normal. But overall, this was a miss for me. I received an advanced copy via NetGalley and Montlake Romance and voluntarily left a review.
The writing was disjointed in so many places. After all the build up about Carli getting a new job, it was practically brushed under the rug. What does Ben do for a living? I’m not quite sure. Scenes just ended abruptly, and I felt like I was missing out in the build-up to Carli and Ben’s relationship. I lost it after he slept with someone else. They aren’t together at that point, so it’s not cheating, but why would I root for them after that?
The premise is good, and there are some great parts to The New Normal. But overall, this was a miss for me. I received an advanced copy via NetGalley and Montlake Romance and voluntarily left a review.
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