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Relativity #2
Relatively Sane
Catriona Masterton’s family is not normal.
Her father has a passion for taxidermized animals that he dresses in the family plaid. Her mother has a penchant for hoarding kitchen gadgets and other oddities that leave her sanity in question. Her grandmother, Nan, has never met a swearword she doesn’t like.
Despite all this, party-planner Cat leaves the hustle and bustle of New York City to move back to her tiny hometown outside of Chicago. She even buys her parents' farm with plans to turn the barn into a stylish wedding venue.
Enter House to Home Television’s Renovation Brothers. Cat gets accepted as one of the show's projects, bringing two gorgeous brothers to her doorstep. Unbeknownst to Cat, the TV hosts are behind a secret her newfound boyfriend will go to great lengths to keep hidden.
With all the upheaval—her parents' chaotic move, her grandmother joyfully causing trouble wherever she goes, a film crew documenting her home being torn apart, and her boyfriend’s odd behavior—Cat's starting to wonder if signing up for a reality TV show was a big mistake.
Will the renovation be a success? Or will secrecy and jealousy make Cat regret the day she packed her bags and left New York?
Silver Medal Winner at the 2019 International Readers Favorite Awards!
Her father has a passion for taxidermized animals that he dresses in the family plaid. Her mother has a penchant for hoarding kitchen gadgets and other oddities that leave her sanity in question. Her grandmother, Nan, has never met a swearword she doesn’t like.
Despite all this, party-planner Cat leaves the hustle and bustle of New York City to move back to her tiny hometown outside of Chicago. She even buys her parents' farm with plans to turn the barn into a stylish wedding venue.
Enter House to Home Television’s Renovation Brothers. Cat gets accepted as one of the show's projects, bringing two gorgeous brothers to her doorstep. Unbeknownst to Cat, the TV hosts are behind a secret her newfound boyfriend will go to great lengths to keep hidden.
With all the upheaval—her parents' chaotic move, her grandmother joyfully causing trouble wherever she goes, a film crew documenting her home being torn apart, and her boyfriend’s odd behavior—Cat's starting to wonder if signing up for a reality TV show was a big mistake.
Will the renovation be a success? Or will secrecy and jealousy make Cat regret the day she packed her bags and left New York?
Silver Medal Winner at the 2019 International Readers Favorite Awards!
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2019
1546 people are currently reading
411 people want to read
About the author
Whitney Dineen
66 books809 followersWhitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries -- not always in that order.
She's a USA Today Bestselling & multi-award-winning author of romantic comedies, non-fiction humor, thrillers, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.
She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.
Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards 2017.
Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016, 2019.
Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.
Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017, 2019
Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards and Top Shelf Book Awards, 2017
She's a USA Today Bestselling & multi-award-winning author of romantic comedies, non-fiction humor, thrillers, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.
She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.
Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards 2017.
Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016, 2019.
Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.
Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017, 2019
Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards and Top Shelf Book Awards, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
April 1, 2019
Two of my guilty pleasures are reality shows about dysfunctional, but lovable families and home reno programs where everything goes wrong while the houses are under construction. So, Relatively Sane was the perfect book for me, and I found it highly entertaining from beginning to end!
Cat Masterton has returned to her small hometown to reconnect with her roots, her family, and her man. She’s bought the home she grew up in from her parents and plans to redo both it and the barn, which she thinks will be a wonderfully unique venue for weddings. Not sure how she can swing the cost of all this, she applies to be on a show called “Renovation Brothers.” The next thing she knows her privacy is invaded by gorgeous, tool belt-wearing twins, a producer with a major ‘tude, and a camera crew that’s always around at the wrong moment.
Most of those moments involve the revolving door of wackiness that is her family: her parents who were supposed to be moving out and letting her do her own thing, her brother who’s no longer shy about his side hustle-turned-career, and her much-too-opinionated grandmother whose new goal is to get as much face time on camera as she can.
While Cat’s woes on the homefront go from bad to worse, her love life also takes a hit when the boyfriend she thought had her back becomes unsupportive and distant. What is going on with him and how does it relate to the reno? Cat is driven to distraction (and conspiracy theories) by all the chaos. Will her relationship and her new business survive?
Relatively Sane is a rip-roaring good read that’s chock-full of the memorably eccentric characters and riotous comedic bits I always love in Whitney Dineen's books. Underlying all the funny is a story with true heart and wonderful messages about family, friendship, inclusivity, second chances, and pursuing your dreams. Grab yourself a copy of this book today. You won’t be sorry!
Cat Masterton has returned to her small hometown to reconnect with her roots, her family, and her man. She’s bought the home she grew up in from her parents and plans to redo both it and the barn, which she thinks will be a wonderfully unique venue for weddings. Not sure how she can swing the cost of all this, she applies to be on a show called “Renovation Brothers.” The next thing she knows her privacy is invaded by gorgeous, tool belt-wearing twins, a producer with a major ‘tude, and a camera crew that’s always around at the wrong moment.
Most of those moments involve the revolving door of wackiness that is her family: her parents who were supposed to be moving out and letting her do her own thing, her brother who’s no longer shy about his side hustle-turned-career, and her much-too-opinionated grandmother whose new goal is to get as much face time on camera as she can.
While Cat’s woes on the homefront go from bad to worse, her love life also takes a hit when the boyfriend she thought had her back becomes unsupportive and distant. What is going on with him and how does it relate to the reno? Cat is driven to distraction (and conspiracy theories) by all the chaos. Will her relationship and her new business survive?
Relatively Sane is a rip-roaring good read that’s chock-full of the memorably eccentric characters and riotous comedic bits I always love in Whitney Dineen's books. Underlying all the funny is a story with true heart and wonderful messages about family, friendship, inclusivity, second chances, and pursuing your dreams. Grab yourself a copy of this book today. You won’t be sorry!
July 14, 2019
There are plot twists galore in this sweet novel that are too insane to be imagined. There is a secondary story that is equally crazy that adds to the primary tale. The fun never stops in Ms. Dineen’s “Relatively Sane”.
Read full review in the 2019 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2019 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 3, 2019
A funny read ! A bit predictable, but all the same, it was a witty one !
March 9, 2019
Loved this book! Such a great follow up to original!
April 1, 2019
I thought the Masterton family was well on its way to an HEA when Relatively Normal ended but…wait! There’s more! This entire clan is crazy as loons, in their own wonderful way, and the story continues. Yes, it’s a standalone but I laughed and enjoyed the story of revisiting the entire book one characters.
This time, Catriona – Cat – and Sam have their story, along with some major changes for Cat. I won’t give away any spoilers so all I will say is Nan is up to her old tricks, Ethan is still around and Cat and Sam have quite a time ahead of them in this book. Also: gawd, I love this crazy family! And a certain resemblance between twin reality TV show hosts is all in my imagination…or is it…? Seriously, another fun read.
This time, Catriona – Cat – and Sam have their story, along with some major changes for Cat. I won’t give away any spoilers so all I will say is Nan is up to her old tricks, Ethan is still around and Cat and Sam have quite a time ahead of them in this book. Also: gawd, I love this crazy family! And a certain resemblance between twin reality TV show hosts is all in my imagination…or is it…? Seriously, another fun read.
April 3, 2020
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as the first in the series. The characters were great, but if you weren't familiar with the first book, you wouldn't know it. I felt that Catriona was a lot more scattered in this book than she was in the previous one.
I am curious to know what happens in the next book. I plan on reading it soon.
I am curious to know what happens in the next book. I plan on reading it soon.
April 9, 2019
Good easy reading
As silly as these books are they are enjoyable. The characters are really that, characters! The link to the whole flipping storyline was funny. Building a new house is stressful. Going through renovations even more stressful! Knew early on the relationship angles and she did a good job peeling the layers. Not sure a 3rd book is needed. Liked the way this one ended. Will see what else she writes. Enjoy!
As silly as these books are they are enjoyable. The characters are really that, characters! The link to the whole flipping storyline was funny. Building a new house is stressful. Going through renovations even more stressful! Knew early on the relationship angles and she did a good job peeling the layers. Not sure a 3rd book is needed. Liked the way this one ended. Will see what else she writes. Enjoy!
November 10, 2020
Relatively Sane continues Catriona Masterson’s zany story of returning home to her wacky lovable family in Illinois. She is making up for lost time with her family, deciding if she wants to allow her “ex’ back in her life, and figuring out what she is going to do for a career now that she has left her successful event-planning business in New York.
If you love dysfunctional families and home improvement shows, you’ll love Relatively Sane. After Catriona decides to stay in Illinois, she jumps on the opportunity to buy the family farm from her parents. Her brilliant Nan suggests applying to one of those home renovation programs in order to get the place in livable condition, and that adds on another layer of crazy.
Between construction and television production craziness, Catriona must deal with her ex-fiance living in a friend’s yurt and trying a new-age alternative-health regime and her new boyfriend’s sudden unavailability. Was she too quick to forgive him and let him back in her life?
This funny heart-of-gold story is filled with messages about forgiveness, family, and inclusivity. Because author Whitney Deenen goes to great length to include a summary of past events, Relatively Sane can easily be read as a standalone story. If the crazy characters aren’t enough, the insane plot twists keep things interesting.
For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
If you love dysfunctional families and home improvement shows, you’ll love Relatively Sane. After Catriona decides to stay in Illinois, she jumps on the opportunity to buy the family farm from her parents. Her brilliant Nan suggests applying to one of those home renovation programs in order to get the place in livable condition, and that adds on another layer of crazy.
Between construction and television production craziness, Catriona must deal with her ex-fiance living in a friend’s yurt and trying a new-age alternative-health regime and her new boyfriend’s sudden unavailability. Was she too quick to forgive him and let him back in her life?
This funny heart-of-gold story is filled with messages about forgiveness, family, and inclusivity. Because author Whitney Deenen goes to great length to include a summary of past events, Relatively Sane can easily be read as a standalone story. If the crazy characters aren’t enough, the insane plot twists keep things interesting.
For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
March 9, 2019
My first read by this author was Relatively Normal. A Scottish family is full of mischief, mayhem, sarcasm, and wit. This book put Whitney Dineen on my top favorite rom-com author, right up there with Alice Clayton, Emma Chase, and Julia Kent.
Relatively Sane picks right back up where Normal left off. If you thought crazy granny couldn’t get any wackier, you are in for a ridiculous ride with Sane. The hijinx are hilarious; its HGTV meets Beverly Hillbillies. Yeah, your welcome for that vision! While Whitney continues with all fantastic one-liners, you will be having a wee bit of craic while reading this delightful novella. Just remember tears run down your cheeks and your legs!
Relatively Sane picks right back up where Normal left off. If you thought crazy granny couldn’t get any wackier, you are in for a ridiculous ride with Sane. The hijinx are hilarious; its HGTV meets Beverly Hillbillies. Yeah, your welcome for that vision! While Whitney continues with all fantastic one-liners, you will be having a wee bit of craic while reading this delightful novella. Just remember tears run down your cheeks and your legs!
April 7, 2019
Awesome
This family makes yours look normal and at the same time this family extremely crazy. Cat has bought her families house and plans on turning the barn into a venue. Her grandmother suggests getting it fixed up by HGTV. She enters and when the crew shows up that is when everything starts to fall apart. The house, her family, the TV crew, and her boyfriend all seem to have lost their minds. Will the house and barn be able to get fixed or will Cat be stuck in her crazy town with her crazy family and no job.
This family makes yours look normal and at the same time this family extremely crazy. Cat has bought her families house and plans on turning the barn into a venue. Her grandmother suggests getting it fixed up by HGTV. She enters and when the crew shows up that is when everything starts to fall apart. The house, her family, the TV crew, and her boyfriend all seem to have lost their minds. Will the house and barn be able to get fixed or will Cat be stuck in her crazy town with her crazy family and no job.
June 3, 2019
Really enjoyable book!
I really enjoyed this book. As a middle aged man I am certainly not part of the target demographic for this book so if I enjoyed it . . . it must be pretty good.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I really enjoyed this book. As a middle aged man I am certainly not part of the target demographic for this book so if I enjoyed it . . . it must be pretty good.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
March 30, 2019
I really like all the crazy in the family and the crazy fun in the book, just like the first installment of this story. The plot is a little "what?" for its serendipity, but the reading is good, everything just gets you, even the ridiculousness.
Yes, I really enjoyed this, and I'm writing this review with a smile on my face!
Yes, I really enjoyed this, and I'm writing this review with a smile on my face!
April 19, 2019
What a hoot this series was
This was funny. That dad and his dead things. Nan and her outbursts. Loved it. The author did a great job pulling you in. The little twist at the, I didn't see that coming.
This was funny. That dad and his dead things. Nan and her outbursts. Loved it. The author did a great job pulling you in. The little twist at the, I didn't see that coming.
April 1, 2019
Relatively Sane, the second book in Whitney Dineen’s Relativity Series, picks up where Relatively Normal left off, and it’s every bit as good. Catriona and Sam have gotten back together, kinda, mostly, but are taking it slow. Catriona and Ethan are no longer engaged, but he’s still around because Cat’s friend Sarah (aka the organic-vegan-inner spirt queen with the meditations, aura cleanses and the yurt-style B&B) is helping him launch his life in a healthy new direction. Good for Ethan, not so much for Cat. Anyway, the whole crazy Masterson gang is back and they are as wacky and weird as ever, but also the same loving, loyal, devoted family they have always been.
Cat’s parents are moving and have sold their house to her. She is going to turn the property into a wedding venue, and an off-hand remark convinces her she would be the perfect candidate for the House to Home Television’s Renovation Brothers show. She’d get her needed remodel done at a fraction of the cost and lots of free publicity to boot. She’s selected and the fun – and mystery and danger and shenanigans – begins. Someone is out to sabotage the project and soon it’s one strange happening after another.
She and Sam are taking it slow, but things are looking good and Cat is starting to feel like it’s really going to work out for them. That is, until she catches Sam in a lie. Will her heart be broken again? He says he loves her, but why is he keeping things from her? Is he really her soul-mate?
Relatively Sane is fast moving with a lot of parts that will keep you guessing and turning pages as fast as you can. Someone is up to something. But who? And why? The same crazy characters are indeed back, but they now feel like family. We know more about their lives and what makes them tick and want the best for them. Cat’s friend Sarah and the people from town and the cast and crew of the renovation show all have fascinating – and at times laugh out loud funny – stories to tell. It’s small town life at its best – if your small town has men in kilts, men dressing as women, exploding toilets and taxidermized animals.
When I was given the opportunity to read and review Relatively Sane I couldn’t press send on my “Pick Me!” email fast enough. I enjoyed it as much if not more than Relatively Normal and hope there is more to come. I thought I knew who was behind Cat’s troubles but I was surprised, and pleased, at the ending. All opinions are my own. I loved Relatively Sane and highly recommend it.
Cat’s parents are moving and have sold their house to her. She is going to turn the property into a wedding venue, and an off-hand remark convinces her she would be the perfect candidate for the House to Home Television’s Renovation Brothers show. She’d get her needed remodel done at a fraction of the cost and lots of free publicity to boot. She’s selected and the fun – and mystery and danger and shenanigans – begins. Someone is out to sabotage the project and soon it’s one strange happening after another.
She and Sam are taking it slow, but things are looking good and Cat is starting to feel like it’s really going to work out for them. That is, until she catches Sam in a lie. Will her heart be broken again? He says he loves her, but why is he keeping things from her? Is he really her soul-mate?
Relatively Sane is fast moving with a lot of parts that will keep you guessing and turning pages as fast as you can. Someone is up to something. But who? And why? The same crazy characters are indeed back, but they now feel like family. We know more about their lives and what makes them tick and want the best for them. Cat’s friend Sarah and the people from town and the cast and crew of the renovation show all have fascinating – and at times laugh out loud funny – stories to tell. It’s small town life at its best – if your small town has men in kilts, men dressing as women, exploding toilets and taxidermized animals.
When I was given the opportunity to read and review Relatively Sane I couldn’t press send on my “Pick Me!” email fast enough. I enjoyed it as much if not more than Relatively Normal and hope there is more to come. I thought I knew who was behind Cat’s troubles but I was surprised, and pleased, at the ending. All opinions are my own. I loved Relatively Sane and highly recommend it.
May 9, 2019
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
Having read Relatively Normal, the first book in the Relativity Series (reviewed here), I eagerly anticipated the continued antics and mishaps of Cat and her unique family, a life I can relate to considering my own eccentric clan. While her parents were a bit more subdued due to all the changes occurring in their world, it was nice to see a more well-rounded side to them, to see how they handle the chaos and how Cat interacts with that. Then there’s Nan, who is one of my favorite characters in this series, most likely due to the similarities I see within my own grandmother. She says whatever, does whatever, and does not apologize for it! As off the wall as she appears to be, I feel she’s the glue that holds it all together and adds so much sparkle and life to every scene she touches.
I’m a closeted home renovation nerd. One of my biggest thrills in life has been the reintroduction of Trading Spaces, if that says anything. Reading through the scenarios with the Renovation Brothers gave me a glimpse behind the scenes, a distinct plot for Cat and the farm. She tries so hard to keep it all together, even with everything that goes wrong, an interesting mystery twist thrown in. I could feel the tension, the not knowing if the project would finish successfully, so much on the line for Cat. It was nicely balanced with the tension she feels with her family, her boyfriend, the crew on Renovation Brothers. A rocky road consisting of a lot of unknowns.
I could also relate with the issues that crop up between Cat and her boyfriend, Sam. Reasons for her to not completely trust what he says or what he does, making it hard for the both of them to maintain open communication. While there were still moments of romance between them, I appreciated that Cat’s decisions had been to take things slow, which placed more focus on what’s going on with her farm renovation, and the relationships had with family and friends. It was in this distance that I felt I learned a lot more about Cat and Sam as individuals, not just as a couple.
While Relatively Sane can be read on its own, I highly recommend reading Relatively Normal first. Not only because they’re both insanely funny, but there’s a chance to see the growth of the characters from book one to book two, a subtle evolution that really deepened my connections with all of them, with Nan still holding a special place in my heart. A well-deserved five star read!
Having read Relatively Normal, the first book in the Relativity Series (reviewed here), I eagerly anticipated the continued antics and mishaps of Cat and her unique family, a life I can relate to considering my own eccentric clan. While her parents were a bit more subdued due to all the changes occurring in their world, it was nice to see a more well-rounded side to them, to see how they handle the chaos and how Cat interacts with that. Then there’s Nan, who is one of my favorite characters in this series, most likely due to the similarities I see within my own grandmother. She says whatever, does whatever, and does not apologize for it! As off the wall as she appears to be, I feel she’s the glue that holds it all together and adds so much sparkle and life to every scene she touches.
I’m a closeted home renovation nerd. One of my biggest thrills in life has been the reintroduction of Trading Spaces, if that says anything. Reading through the scenarios with the Renovation Brothers gave me a glimpse behind the scenes, a distinct plot for Cat and the farm. She tries so hard to keep it all together, even with everything that goes wrong, an interesting mystery twist thrown in. I could feel the tension, the not knowing if the project would finish successfully, so much on the line for Cat. It was nicely balanced with the tension she feels with her family, her boyfriend, the crew on Renovation Brothers. A rocky road consisting of a lot of unknowns.
I could also relate with the issues that crop up between Cat and her boyfriend, Sam. Reasons for her to not completely trust what he says or what he does, making it hard for the both of them to maintain open communication. While there were still moments of romance between them, I appreciated that Cat’s decisions had been to take things slow, which placed more focus on what’s going on with her farm renovation, and the relationships had with family and friends. It was in this distance that I felt I learned a lot more about Cat and Sam as individuals, not just as a couple.
While Relatively Sane can be read on its own, I highly recommend reading Relatively Normal first. Not only because they’re both insanely funny, but there’s a chance to see the growth of the characters from book one to book two, a subtle evolution that really deepened my connections with all of them, with Nan still holding a special place in my heart. A well-deserved five star read!
May 2, 2019
This is one of the funniest, zaniest and easy reading stories I've read in a long time. The Masterton are some of the kookiest people you will ever read about. The story itself involves a daughter, Catronia, returning home to buy her family home and turn it into a wedding venue. The farm is old and it's going to take serious money to make this dream come true. At the suggestion of her grandmother, Cat contacts a DIY show dealing with renovations to see if they would be interested in working on her family home. Because of a scheduling snafu Cat not only gets a spot on the show, the DIY people want to do it all - redo the house and convert the barn into a fabulous wedding venue. Enter the production staff and more oddness begins. Then as the renovations begin, accidents also begin to happen. Now add in Cat's fiancé who backs out of the marriage offer and goes to a place, run by a close friend of Cat, to find himself. Add in Cat's first love, who wants a second chance at what he gave up, but is hiding something and more craziness is afoot. There's also a change in how the renovation is being filmed, with more craziness. All's well that ends well. I couldn't stop smiling at the all the antics going. This was a quick easy read.
April 8, 2019
Cat is back along with the rest of her family, friends and her ex! The book takes place around one month after grandma Nan recoups from her brain aneurism surgery. Cat decides to call in the famous brothers from a tv show to do the renovations on her barn and home. Also, the parents are moving out! Sam and Cat are stronger than ever…but something is really off with Sam. He starts staying away from the farm when he discovers she was accepted for the show! The producer Ashley is nice at first and then turns very weird and downright hostile to Cat! Someone is sabotaging the renovations at the farm! Also, someone is stalking Sam and creating hostile environments for him! Travis is trying to woo Ashley! Scottie is becoming a new member of the Masterton’s’! Sarah and Ethan are still having a complicated relationship! Come along for the next journey into this quirky family and their shenanigans! I cannot wait for the next book in this series they have many LOL moments that will endear them to your heart! I received this book for free and am leaving a voluntary review.
March 20, 2019
ur review
Verified ARC Reader
FUN FUN FUN
Everyone has embarrassing relatives this story recognises them all …. in one mad family !!!! If you love reading through tears of laughter and not getting anything done ( including sleeping ) because you cant put the book down this is the one for you . Brilliant comedy with a touch of mystery , some understated romance ( no bed hopping or hot and heavy scenes ) and a family you would love to be part of , unless you were a part of it , this is a guaranteed feel good and want to read again book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verified ARC Reader
FUN FUN FUN
Everyone has embarrassing relatives this story recognises them all …. in one mad family !!!! If you love reading through tears of laughter and not getting anything done ( including sleeping ) because you cant put the book down this is the one for you . Brilliant comedy with a touch of mystery , some understated romance ( no bed hopping or hot and heavy scenes ) and a family you would love to be part of , unless you were a part of it , this is a guaranteed feel good and want to read again book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2019
Cat and Sam are at it again in this second in this chick lit series. Cat’s crazy family, the Mastersons, are in top form as Cat applies to be on a TV renovation show to have her barn and her parents’ home (which she bought) redone so she can live her dream of doing weddings and other events at it. New characters come into play with the reno team, and it is slapstick funny as the plot unravels. Nan, Cat’s grandma, is beyond hilarious. I can’t even begin to summarize the plot, because it’s just so complicated and funny. Cat and Sam are still trying out a relationship between them (for the second time) and Cat wonders if she can trust the man she loves. So funny! I’ve loved this series.
May 6, 2019
☆☆☆☆☆ 5 STARS ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the second book I’ve read that was written by Whitney Dineen in the Relativity Series and she knocked my socks off once again with the well written story, amazing and relatable characters and events within the book and I literally laughed out loud through the entire book!
People do crazy things to protect their loved ones, but Nan is by far the craziest and the most loving grandmother anyone could ever ask for.
This book brought to light love in every aspect it comes in and a horrible mother in Mrs. Schweer, shame on you!
I loved both books in the series and will watch for more books by Whitney Dineen for a laugh out loud good read!
This is the second book I’ve read that was written by Whitney Dineen in the Relativity Series and she knocked my socks off once again with the well written story, amazing and relatable characters and events within the book and I literally laughed out loud through the entire book!
People do crazy things to protect their loved ones, but Nan is by far the craziest and the most loving grandmother anyone could ever ask for.
This book brought to light love in every aspect it comes in and a horrible mother in Mrs. Schweer, shame on you!
I loved both books in the series and will watch for more books by Whitney Dineen for a laugh out loud good read!
March 28, 2019
Rollicking and irreverent, this story will have you laughing out loud. I didn’t think the author could come up with another as entertaining as her first book about the Mastertons, but she has. I definitely recommend it. The quirky characters, and their outrageous antics are not to be missed. If you don’t have at least one family member like those represented in this book, you have my condolences…(Lol!, and the same if you do.) This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book. Life with this family is never dull.
March 30, 2019
This book picks up where Relatively Normal ends. The Scottish Family is at it again and poor Cat has her hands full. To save on costs, Cat applies to a reality tv show "renovation brothers" and she gets pics. Now that the renovations of the barn and kitchen are on the way, anything that can go wrong does. The characters in this book are funny and quirky, it's a laugh out loud kind of book. It was a good read and I quite enjoyed it.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout and I voluntarily leave my review.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout and I voluntarily leave my review.
April 1, 2019
😂LOL family antics make this a real gem🤗 All braw laddies don your kilts for a Highland Fling!😆
Priceless and crazy, quirky family with😂 hilarious LOL scenes, particularly those featuring heroine Cat's Nan, make this story a real 🏁winner. Cross your fingers and knock on wood that Cat's 🛠renovations and 💞romance both survive her family's moves and a mystery saboteur. I loved this easy, breezy, superbly written descent into pandemonium and temporary insanity!👍👍
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book provided via Booksprout; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Priceless and crazy, quirky family with😂 hilarious LOL scenes, particularly those featuring heroine Cat's Nan, make this story a real 🏁winner. Cross your fingers and knock on wood that Cat's 🛠renovations and 💞romance both survive her family's moves and a mystery saboteur. I loved this easy, breezy, superbly written descent into pandemonium and temporary insanity!👍👍
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book provided via Booksprout; this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 12, 2019
What a hoot! Also: spoiler alert.
More adventures, or misadventures for the clan and friends. The characters are likeable, the events believable. But, I for one, would have sent Nan to my parents house faster than a speeding bullet. She might be thought of as a loveable, irascible grandma by her family and acquaintances; I think she is the devil incarnate and should be taken to task. She could have killed someone with the tub prank. Otherwise, the book does a fun take on renovations by TV fixeruppers, holistic medicine and life in a small town.
More adventures, or misadventures for the clan and friends. The characters are likeable, the events believable. But, I for one, would have sent Nan to my parents house faster than a speeding bullet. She might be thought of as a loveable, irascible grandma by her family and acquaintances; I think she is the devil incarnate and should be taken to task. She could have killed someone with the tub prank. Otherwise, the book does a fun take on renovations by TV fixeruppers, holistic medicine and life in a small town.
April 14, 2019
Scot on!!
The droll humor of this writer has me hooked. I love Cat and her quirky family. To be chosen for a reality show makeover, when you are trying to renovate and start a new business is like winning the lottery. But when you add in a hippy dippy best friend, trying to renovate your ex, while you're planning to renovate your house and rejuvenate an old flame, plus an eccentric, filterless granny, all hell is sure to break loose. Strap on your plaid. The ride is bumpy, but hilarious!!
The droll humor of this writer has me hooked. I love Cat and her quirky family. To be chosen for a reality show makeover, when you are trying to renovate and start a new business is like winning the lottery. But when you add in a hippy dippy best friend, trying to renovate your ex, while you're planning to renovate your house and rejuvenate an old flame, plus an eccentric, filterless granny, all hell is sure to break loose. Strap on your plaid. The ride is bumpy, but hilarious!!
April 30, 2019
Liked the characters and story flow. Entertaining and fun to read. Read in one sitting! Could not put it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2019
Book Review Relatively Sane By Whitney Dineen
I give this book 3.5 stars rounding to a 4. Our main girl Cat is back in this second installment about the Masterson clan. She is home and looking to start a new life for herself in familiar territory. She has rekindled (kinda) her relationship with Sam and is excited with being home and with her family. Now she just needs to figure out how she's going to go from a party planner in the big apple to a career in her small hometown.
I was intending on giving this book a 3, but the ending was really good. I felt like the entire first half of the book could have been a couple chapters because it practically went over the majority of what happened in the first book. This allows for people to hop right in to the second book without having to read Relatively Normal first. That wouldn’t have bothered me if I didn’t feel like Cat just kept repeating her reasons for moving home and not quite trusting Sam. Honestly, it’s been 14 years give the man a break!
Probably my most favorite thing about this book was Nan! We see so much more of her spunky personality in this installment, and I’m sure we all wish we had our very own Nan now. I loved seeing Cat embrace her family even more and accepting them for who they are. I really enjoyed the new characters, except for one in particular (once again avoiding spoilers, you’re welcome).
Much like the first book, this book was really more comedy than romantic comedy in my opinion. I really would have like to see more romance between Cat and Sam. It just felt very superficial to me. I’m not one that necessarily wants details like those in Nan’s Scottish romances, but I would have liked a little more than was provided.
The second half of the book was 100x better than the first, so if you are like me and getting bogged down at the beginning I promise the end is so worth it. Dineen really has a great writing style; everything flows well. This book was less “choppy” than the last, and the chapter breaks fit really well! I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a fun read that is sure to put a smile on your face!
Check out my blog post here: https://booksbitsandrlbailey.blogspot...
I give this book 3.5 stars rounding to a 4. Our main girl Cat is back in this second installment about the Masterson clan. She is home and looking to start a new life for herself in familiar territory. She has rekindled (kinda) her relationship with Sam and is excited with being home and with her family. Now she just needs to figure out how she's going to go from a party planner in the big apple to a career in her small hometown.
I was intending on giving this book a 3, but the ending was really good. I felt like the entire first half of the book could have been a couple chapters because it practically went over the majority of what happened in the first book. This allows for people to hop right in to the second book without having to read Relatively Normal first. That wouldn’t have bothered me if I didn’t feel like Cat just kept repeating her reasons for moving home and not quite trusting Sam. Honestly, it’s been 14 years give the man a break!
Probably my most favorite thing about this book was Nan! We see so much more of her spunky personality in this installment, and I’m sure we all wish we had our very own Nan now. I loved seeing Cat embrace her family even more and accepting them for who they are. I really enjoyed the new characters, except for one in particular (once again avoiding spoilers, you’re welcome).
Much like the first book, this book was really more comedy than romantic comedy in my opinion. I really would have like to see more romance between Cat and Sam. It just felt very superficial to me. I’m not one that necessarily wants details like those in Nan’s Scottish romances, but I would have liked a little more than was provided.
The second half of the book was 100x better than the first, so if you are like me and getting bogged down at the beginning I promise the end is so worth it. Dineen really has a great writing style; everything flows well. This book was less “choppy” than the last, and the chapter breaks fit really well! I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a fun read that is sure to put a smile on your face!
Check out my blog post here: https://booksbitsandrlbailey.blogspot...
April 28, 2019
I enjoyed this lighthearted book about love, romance and a crazy family. Whitney Dineen has a great sense of humor and this book made me wonder what her own family is like. I liked the characters and the heart of this story.
Catriona Masterton has come home. She has bought the family home and is turning it into a party destination. Cat plans to use the party planning skills she learned in New York to turn this small town just south of Chicago into the destination for weddings and other special events. She just has some renovations to do and to get her parents to take all of the things they have accumulated out of the house.
Fortunately for Cat, a national television show has agreed to renovate the barn and the house as part of their show. Unfortunately, Cat soon finds herself juggling her unconventional family with a television show and all of the pieces that go with that. Add in some unexpected incidents like plumbing malfunctions and things start to get interesting.
Cat has recently reconnected with Sam Hawking, her first love. Although they have picked up where they left off, Cat still has some trust issues about the way they broke up the first time. Now Sam is avoiding her house and the renovations while sneaking around town. Cat has to figure out if she can trust him and how to get him to tell her the truth.
There are many things I loved about this book. Ms. Dineen’s addition of a brother who loves to wear women’s clothing and a best friend who is disowned by his mother for being gay show a diversity to the characters in this love story. There is a lot of love in this story and acceptance of those who are different than you or perceive things differently.
The way this book is written took some getting used to. Ms. Dineen writes in very short chapters and in a conversational style. It was not the formal structure that I am used to. Once I got used to the uniqueness of the book, I appreciated the way it was written. It is like talking to a friend.
Catriona Masterton has come home. She has bought the family home and is turning it into a party destination. Cat plans to use the party planning skills she learned in New York to turn this small town just south of Chicago into the destination for weddings and other special events. She just has some renovations to do and to get her parents to take all of the things they have accumulated out of the house.
Fortunately for Cat, a national television show has agreed to renovate the barn and the house as part of their show. Unfortunately, Cat soon finds herself juggling her unconventional family with a television show and all of the pieces that go with that. Add in some unexpected incidents like plumbing malfunctions and things start to get interesting.
Cat has recently reconnected with Sam Hawking, her first love. Although they have picked up where they left off, Cat still has some trust issues about the way they broke up the first time. Now Sam is avoiding her house and the renovations while sneaking around town. Cat has to figure out if she can trust him and how to get him to tell her the truth.
There are many things I loved about this book. Ms. Dineen’s addition of a brother who loves to wear women’s clothing and a best friend who is disowned by his mother for being gay show a diversity to the characters in this love story. There is a lot of love in this story and acceptance of those who are different than you or perceive things differently.
The way this book is written took some getting used to. Ms. Dineen writes in very short chapters and in a conversational style. It was not the formal structure that I am used to. Once I got used to the uniqueness of the book, I appreciated the way it was written. It is like talking to a friend.
May 24, 2019
DNF - Spoilers
I'm sorry to say that I quit reading at the 11% mark. I don't like to leave spoilers but I feel like I have to or no one will understand why I quit reading the book.
***Spoilers***
The main couple fall in love and are a couple during high school. He is Cat's first love and well, first everything. Immediately after they graduate, Sam breaks things off with her to go away to college without anything tying him down. The way it's explained makes it sound like an awful break up scene for someone like Cat who is completely in love and planning a future. And that's it until 14 years later. Cat brings her fiance home for Thanksgiving and there's Sam. I don't know the specifics but Thanksgiving is crazy and Cat and fiance break up. A couple months later (no information on what transpired between them) Cat and Sam are back together. It was only 11%. This isn't a romance anymore because they've already kissed and made up.
***End Spoilers***
I'm going to give this book three stars because it was well written, the dialog was natural and believable, I laughed out loud quite a few times in a very short amount of time, and the side characters I met were awesome. These things lead me to believe that if you are looking for a fiction/chick lit maybe this is a good book for you. I would have given even more stars if I had known it wasn't the romance I was lead to believe it was ahead of time. Maybe I will pick it up again and read the rest another time.
I'm sorry to say that I quit reading at the 11% mark. I don't like to leave spoilers but I feel like I have to or no one will understand why I quit reading the book.
***Spoilers***
The main couple fall in love and are a couple during high school. He is Cat's first love and well, first everything. Immediately after they graduate, Sam breaks things off with her to go away to college without anything tying him down. The way it's explained makes it sound like an awful break up scene for someone like Cat who is completely in love and planning a future. And that's it until 14 years later. Cat brings her fiance home for Thanksgiving and there's Sam. I don't know the specifics but Thanksgiving is crazy and Cat and fiance break up. A couple months later (no information on what transpired between them) Cat and Sam are back together. It was only 11%. This isn't a romance anymore because they've already kissed and made up.
***End Spoilers***
I'm going to give this book three stars because it was well written, the dialog was natural and believable, I laughed out loud quite a few times in a very short amount of time, and the side characters I met were awesome. These things lead me to believe that if you are looking for a fiction/chick lit maybe this is a good book for you. I would have given even more stars if I had known it wasn't the romance I was lead to believe it was ahead of time. Maybe I will pick it up again and read the rest another time.
April 16, 2019
Relatively Sane is the second installment in the Masterson clan, and in the Relatively Series. Cat had left New York City and is now living in the smaller town, thankful to be closer to her family, and knows what she wants to do. Trying to create a venue for a party planning business, Cat has signed on with a television show, but between her crazy family, secrets from her boyfriend, her hippy best friend and a Nan she can never predict, can Cat have it all, or will her dreams come crashing down?
After reading the first book, I was really looking forward to the second book. Cat’s family was so funny, the situations in this book were just crazy, and I loved how the abnormal was just completely normal. Cat is determined, willing to work hard, and her dreams may seem a little bigger than reality, but I really enjoyed her character. I think by far my favorite character was Nan and I was laughing out loud with a lot of her antics. There was a lot of witty conversations, and I loved the connection between the Masterson clan and between Cat and her friends. I can honestly say that I thought the beginning of the book was slow, especially if you had read the first book, and it took me a while to get into the groove of reading Relatively Sane, but I’m so happy I stuck with it because the middle and ending were great!
After reading the first book, I was really looking forward to the second book. Cat’s family was so funny, the situations in this book were just crazy, and I loved how the abnormal was just completely normal. Cat is determined, willing to work hard, and her dreams may seem a little bigger than reality, but I really enjoyed her character. I think by far my favorite character was Nan and I was laughing out loud with a lot of her antics. There was a lot of witty conversations, and I loved the connection between the Masterson clan and between Cat and her friends. I can honestly say that I thought the beginning of the book was slow, especially if you had read the first book, and it took me a while to get into the groove of reading Relatively Sane, but I’m so happy I stuck with it because the middle and ending were great!
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