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Molly #2
One Fine Day
SHE THOUGHT SHE COULD ESCAPE THE PAST...
After too many years of heartache, Molly Bennet had packed her bags and run away ... from her memories, her husband, and the woman she had become. But just as she found herself on the brink of a brand-new life, an unexpected tragedy called her home. Now the man who had always been so much stronger than Molly needs her in a way she'd never thought possible....
BUT YOU CAN'T RUN AWAY FROM LOVE...,
No woman had ever appealed to Austin the way Molly did; from the day she left, all he knew was emptiness and the ache of losing her. He would have given anything to have her back--but not this way. He didn't want her pity. He couldn't expect her love. Yet as the walls of pride and fear come tumbling down, Austin and Molly will be given a second chance at happiness--if only they have the courage to take it.
After too many years of heartache, Molly Bennet had packed her bags and run away ... from her memories, her husband, and the woman she had become. But just as she found herself on the brink of a brand-new life, an unexpected tragedy called her home. Now the man who had always been so much stronger than Molly needs her in a way she'd never thought possible....
BUT YOU CAN'T RUN AWAY FROM LOVE...,
No woman had ever appealed to Austin the way Molly did; from the day she left, all he knew was emptiness and the ache of losing her. He would have given anything to have her back--but not this way. He didn't want her pity. He couldn't expect her love. Yet as the walls of pride and fear come tumbling down, Austin and Molly will be given a second chance at happiness--if only they have the courage to take it.
302 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
21 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Weir
32 books314 followersTheresa Weir (a.k.a. Anne Frasier) is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of novels and numerous short stories that have spanned the genres of suspense, mystery, thriller, romantic suspense, paranormal, fantasy, and memoir. During her award-winning career, she's written for Penguin Putnam, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins Publishers, Bantam Books/Random House, Silhouette Books, Grand Central Publishing/Hachette, and Amazon's Thomas & Mercer. Her titles have been printed in both hardcover and paperback and translated into twenty languages.
Her first memoir, THE ORCHARD, was a 2011 Oprah Magazine Fall Pick, Number Two on the Indie Next list, a featured B+ review in Entertainment Weekly, and a Librarians’ Best Books of 2011. Her second memoir, THE MAN WHO LEFT, was a New York Times Bestseller. Going back to 1988, Weir’s debut title was the cult phenomenon AMAZON LILY, initially published by Pocket Books and later reissued by Bantam Books. Writing as Theresa Weir, she won a RITA for romantic suspense (COOL SHADE), and a year later the Daphne du Maurier for paranormal romance (BAD KARMA). In her more recent Anne Frasier career, her thriller and suspense titles hit the USA Today list (HUSH, SLEEP TIGHT, PLAY DEAD) and were featured in Mystery Guild, Literary Guild, and Book of the Month Club. HUSH was both a RITA and Daphne du Maurier finalist.
THE ORCHARD
An Oprah Magazine Fall Pick
Featured B+ Review in Entertainment Weekly
Number Two on October Indie Next List
BJ's Book Club Spotlight
LIbrarians' Best Books of 2011
Maclean's Top Books of 2011
On Point (NPR) Best Books of 2011
Abrams Best of 2011
Publishers Lunch (Publishers Weekly) Favorite Books of 2011
Eighth Annual One Book, One Community 2012, Excelsior, Minnesota
Target Book Club Pick, September 2012
www.theresaweir.com
Title List
Writing as ANNE FRASIER
Hush, USA Today bestseller, RITA finalist, Daphne du Maurier finalist (2002)
Sleep Tight, USA Today bestseller (2003)
Play Dead, USA Today bestseller (2004)
Before I Wake (2005)
Pale Immortal (2006)
Garden of Darkness, RITA finalist (2007)
Once Upon a Crime anthology, Santa’s Little Helper (2009)
The Lineup, Poems on Crime, Home (2010)
Discount Noir anthology, Crack House (2010)
Deadly Treats Halloween anthology, editor and contributor, The Replacement (September 2011)
Once Upon a Crime anthology, Red Cadillac (April 2012)
Woman in a Black Veil (July 2012)
Dark: Volume 1 (short stories, July 2012)
Dark: Volume 2 (short stories, July 2012)
Black Tupelo (short-story collection July 2012)
Girls from the North Country (short story, August 2012)
Made of Stars (short story, August 2012)
Stars (short story collection, August 2012)
Zero Plus Seven (anthology, 2013)
Stay Dead (April 2014)
Writing as THERESA WEIR
The Forever Man (1988)
Amazon Lily, RITA finalist, Best New Adventure Writer award, Romantic Times (1988)
Loving Jenny (1989)
Pictures of Emily (1990)
Iguana Bay (1990)
Forever (1991)
Last Summer (1992)
One Fine Day (1994)
Long Night Moon, Reviewer’s Choice Award, Romantic Times (1995)
American Dreamer (1997)
Some Kind of Magic (1998)
Cool Shade RITA winner, romantic suspense (1998)
Bad Karma, Daphne du Maurier award, paranormal (1999)
Max Under the Stars, short story (2010)
The Orchard, a memoir (September 2011)
The Man Who Left , a memoir and New York Times bestseller (April 2012)
The Girl with the Cat Tattoo (June 2012)
Made of Stars (August 2012)
Come As You Are (October 2013)
The Geek with the Cat Tattoo (December 2013)
Her first memoir, THE ORCHARD, was a 2011 Oprah Magazine Fall Pick, Number Two on the Indie Next list, a featured B+ review in Entertainment Weekly, and a Librarians’ Best Books of 2011. Her second memoir, THE MAN WHO LEFT, was a New York Times Bestseller. Going back to 1988, Weir’s debut title was the cult phenomenon AMAZON LILY, initially published by Pocket Books and later reissued by Bantam Books. Writing as Theresa Weir, she won a RITA for romantic suspense (COOL SHADE), and a year later the Daphne du Maurier for paranormal romance (BAD KARMA). In her more recent Anne Frasier career, her thriller and suspense titles hit the USA Today list (HUSH, SLEEP TIGHT, PLAY DEAD) and were featured in Mystery Guild, Literary Guild, and Book of the Month Club. HUSH was both a RITA and Daphne du Maurier finalist.
THE ORCHARD
An Oprah Magazine Fall Pick
Featured B+ Review in Entertainment Weekly
Number Two on October Indie Next List
BJ's Book Club Spotlight
LIbrarians' Best Books of 2011
Maclean's Top Books of 2011
On Point (NPR) Best Books of 2011
Abrams Best of 2011
Publishers Lunch (Publishers Weekly) Favorite Books of 2011
Eighth Annual One Book, One Community 2012, Excelsior, Minnesota
Target Book Club Pick, September 2012
www.theresaweir.com
Title List
Writing as ANNE FRASIER
Hush, USA Today bestseller, RITA finalist, Daphne du Maurier finalist (2002)
Sleep Tight, USA Today bestseller (2003)
Play Dead, USA Today bestseller (2004)
Before I Wake (2005)
Pale Immortal (2006)
Garden of Darkness, RITA finalist (2007)
Once Upon a Crime anthology, Santa’s Little Helper (2009)
The Lineup, Poems on Crime, Home (2010)
Discount Noir anthology, Crack House (2010)
Deadly Treats Halloween anthology, editor and contributor, The Replacement (September 2011)
Once Upon a Crime anthology, Red Cadillac (April 2012)
Woman in a Black Veil (July 2012)
Dark: Volume 1 (short stories, July 2012)
Dark: Volume 2 (short stories, July 2012)
Black Tupelo (short-story collection July 2012)
Girls from the North Country (short story, August 2012)
Made of Stars (short story, August 2012)
Stars (short story collection, August 2012)
Zero Plus Seven (anthology, 2013)
Stay Dead (April 2014)
Writing as THERESA WEIR
The Forever Man (1988)
Amazon Lily, RITA finalist, Best New Adventure Writer award, Romantic Times (1988)
Loving Jenny (1989)
Pictures of Emily (1990)
Iguana Bay (1990)
Forever (1991)
Last Summer (1992)
One Fine Day (1994)
Long Night Moon, Reviewer’s Choice Award, Romantic Times (1995)
American Dreamer (1997)
Some Kind of Magic (1998)
Cool Shade RITA winner, romantic suspense (1998)
Bad Karma, Daphne du Maurier award, paranormal (1999)
Max Under the Stars, short story (2010)
The Orchard, a memoir (September 2011)
The Man Who Left , a memoir and New York Times bestseller (April 2012)
The Girl with the Cat Tattoo (June 2012)
Made of Stars (August 2012)
Come As You Are (October 2013)
The Geek with the Cat Tattoo (December 2013)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 26, 2019
[My second back to back older couple/separated or divorced /H recovering from stroke book.]
Okay, this is one sad pair.
*With Spoilers* I just can’t get past the fact that these two - a married for two decades couple, age unmentioned but grandparents now - never got the hang of sex and then one fine day, many many years later, they did. Just like that!
Of course, sex can get boring after a time or conversely, couples can find their groove after years of marriage. But this h has never climaxed before! Imagine getting a ‘first orgasm’ after what, 20-25 years of sex life.? And exploring non-vanilla flavours after this long a period. And now doing it all with that very same uninspiring man, her husband. Our H - the uncaring boor - has never had sex with anyone else and never even wanted to. Truly a pair - of sleeping beauties!
He’s a hateful, cranky, domineering boor and she’s an ice princess.
He had always done the shouting, she had always done the walking away.
I found her to be more unlikable of the two, what with her passive aggressive brand of cruelty typical of a martyr/victim. Really she never gave him, them a chance.
And once, after several years of marriage, when he lay between her thighs ready to climax, blood pounding in his ears, he'd restrained himself, forced himself to stop. With sweat dripping off him, he'd asked, "Are you enjoy-ing ... any of this ... at all?"
A pause. Then, "No."
Just what he'd wanted to hear. Just what he'd needed to hear.
Whoa, that could destroy a man (or his ego). Full marks for honesty though.
I found their back story to be very sweet - how he fell for and took care of a destitute and pregnant girl. But then, even the author doesn’t quite explain what happens to them or why nothing happened between them. Yes, we are told he thought she never stopped loving and grieving for her first love, while he remains aloof and bad tempered but still I wonder how they went about decades not talking, not understanding each other. Ideally they should have separated years ago.
So no sex, no communication, no sharing, only hugged hurts and misconceptions.
In the present, she walks out on him one day and returns reluctantly a year later, when he has a stroke. He hates her and doesn’t want her anywhere near him but as their only daughter is pregnant and unable to cope, only the very leery h is available to do the honours. She’d rather be in Florida having sex with her beach bum. (No sex with the om till now but she’d just gotten ready for action when the daughter’s phone call changed plans.)
Another unlikable thing about her is her negative reaction on learning of her daughter’s pregnancy (as also her SIL’s later on). What a cold bitch! It’s their lives and anyway you upped and left your daughter and infant granddaughter without a goodbye and never looked back.
Still a nicely written, engrossing story with characters that seem real (if delusional), and made me wonder about their lives and their sad acts and non-acts. The secondary romance is equally ponder-ific - talk about an ‘opposites attract’ double whammy!
Killer cameo? Killer the cat!
“He's not very friendly," Mark warned.
But dang if the traitor didn't mince his way across the rumpled covers to Gabrielle's side. Killer talked a little, did a couple of paces, combined with a light, made to look like an accident, body rub as he ambled past.
Okay, this is one sad pair.
*With Spoilers* I just can’t get past the fact that these two - a married for two decades couple, age unmentioned but grandparents now - never got the hang of sex and then one fine day, many many years later, they did. Just like that!
Of course, sex can get boring after a time or conversely, couples can find their groove after years of marriage. But this h has never climaxed before! Imagine getting a ‘first orgasm’ after what, 20-25 years of sex life.? And exploring non-vanilla flavours after this long a period. And now doing it all with that very same uninspiring man, her husband. Our H - the uncaring boor - has never had sex with anyone else and never even wanted to. Truly a pair - of sleeping beauties!
He’s a hateful, cranky, domineering boor and she’s an ice princess.
He had always done the shouting, she had always done the walking away.
I found her to be more unlikable of the two, what with her passive aggressive brand of cruelty typical of a martyr/victim. Really she never gave him, them a chance.
And once, after several years of marriage, when he lay between her thighs ready to climax, blood pounding in his ears, he'd restrained himself, forced himself to stop. With sweat dripping off him, he'd asked, "Are you enjoy-ing ... any of this ... at all?"
A pause. Then, "No."
Just what he'd wanted to hear. Just what he'd needed to hear.
Whoa, that could destroy a man (or his ego). Full marks for honesty though.
I found their back story to be very sweet - how he fell for and took care of a destitute and pregnant girl. But then, even the author doesn’t quite explain what happens to them or why nothing happened between them. Yes, we are told he thought she never stopped loving and grieving for her first love, while he remains aloof and bad tempered but still I wonder how they went about decades not talking, not understanding each other. Ideally they should have separated years ago.
So no sex, no communication, no sharing, only hugged hurts and misconceptions.
In the present, she walks out on him one day and returns reluctantly a year later, when he has a stroke. He hates her and doesn’t want her anywhere near him but as their only daughter is pregnant and unable to cope, only the very leery h is available to do the honours. She’d rather be in Florida having sex with her beach bum. (No sex with the om till now but she’d just gotten ready for action when the daughter’s phone call changed plans.)
Another unlikable thing about her is her negative reaction on learning of her daughter’s pregnancy (as also her SIL’s later on). What a cold bitch! It’s their lives and anyway you upped and left your daughter and infant granddaughter without a goodbye and never looked back.
Still a nicely written, engrossing story with characters that seem real (if delusional), and made me wonder about their lives and their sad acts and non-acts. The secondary romance is equally ponder-ific - talk about an ‘opposites attract’ double whammy!
Killer cameo? Killer the cat!
“He's not very friendly," Mark warned.
But dang if the traitor didn't mince his way across the rumpled covers to Gabrielle's side. Killer talked a little, did a couple of paces, combined with a light, made to look like an accident, body rub as he ambled past.
August 11, 2019
Wow that was a heartbreaker
I didn't think I was going to like this book but I did. Maybe because I am married to an Austin. I understood her so much. Did she annoy me some times, oh yes she did but I annoy myself too. It was a good story about a marriage with misunderstandings and communication problems and a man who was taught to never show his emotions or as his Father called his weakness. I was just entrenched in this book and I saw it differently than some of the other reviewers. I didn't think Molly made bad decisions or was selfish. She was afraid of her husband and with good reason. She had let herself become someone else in order to please him. He was so cruel to her in his remarks and let's not even talk about the marital bed stuff. This was a very deep profound book in my opinion. I really loved the ending. But I wish there had been an epilogue. Would have loved to see them later on in life.
I didn't think I was going to like this book but I did. Maybe because I am married to an Austin. I understood her so much. Did she annoy me some times, oh yes she did but I annoy myself too. It was a good story about a marriage with misunderstandings and communication problems and a man who was taught to never show his emotions or as his Father called his weakness. I was just entrenched in this book and I saw it differently than some of the other reviewers. I didn't think Molly made bad decisions or was selfish. She was afraid of her husband and with good reason. She had let herself become someone else in order to please him. He was so cruel to her in his remarks and let's not even talk about the marital bed stuff. This was a very deep profound book in my opinion. I really loved the ending. But I wish there had been an epilogue. Would have loved to see them later on in life.
July 5, 2017
Wow. The story of Molly Thoreau Bennett and her not-so-perfect husband Austin drained me but in a good way. I rated it five stars because Ms. Weir did a super job at letting me, the reader, take a peek at a marriage gone wrong. The second book in a two part series it can be read alone but it helps if you read Forever first. In that story, you'll view a man who niggles his wife.
Austin Bennett never saw it coming. He thought his criticisms were justified. He was helping her, right? He knew she could become distant but she had been like this for so long.
Like so many spouses he was clueless. So when he came home one day from work and found the house silent, his wife gone and a letter from her asking for a divorce, he was shocked. Then anger took hold and fed him. He would show her. She'd be back and he would let her know he moved on.
But that didn't happen. Instead, he suffered a stroke.
This is the story of a couple who once loved each other. Like so many marriages, communication broke down. Resentment simmered below the surface. Fortunately for this couple they were forced together because of circumstances beyond their control. They learned of each other's strengths and weaknesses, something in their past that they took for granted.
By the end of the book I had reversed my feelings toward Austin. Molly had her flaws, too. I thought I was taken through the wringer and I was consumed with different perceptions.
Their story was a 'deep thinker'. Not everyone will like it. If you are tired of the same-old fluff and are interested in reading something intense try ONE FINE DAY but don't say I didn't warn you.
Austin Bennett never saw it coming. He thought his criticisms were justified. He was helping her, right? He knew she could become distant but she had been like this for so long.
Like so many spouses he was clueless. So when he came home one day from work and found the house silent, his wife gone and a letter from her asking for a divorce, he was shocked. Then anger took hold and fed him. He would show her. She'd be back and he would let her know he moved on.
But that didn't happen. Instead, he suffered a stroke.
This is the story of a couple who once loved each other. Like so many marriages, communication broke down. Resentment simmered below the surface. Fortunately for this couple they were forced together because of circumstances beyond their control. They learned of each other's strengths and weaknesses, something in their past that they took for granted.
By the end of the book I had reversed my feelings toward Austin. Molly had her flaws, too. I thought I was taken through the wringer and I was consumed with different perceptions.
Their story was a 'deep thinker'. Not everyone will like it. If you are tired of the same-old fluff and are interested in reading something intense try ONE FINE DAY but don't say I didn't warn you.
May 20, 2010
For only being 302 pages, this one will haunt you. I love this author and appreciate her unbelievable talent and creativity. One Fine Day is one that I won't forget, and probably need to read again. It is layered with complexity of emotions, motivations, and relationships. It isn't my favorite of this author's work because, (I have to be honest), it's very dark.
Austin Bennett and his sister Gabrielle were raised by an abusive father. Both have serious intimacy and attachment issues. Weir delves into the middle of each of their existences in this multi-layered novel.
Austin's story focuses on his tumultuous marriage and most recently his separation from his estranged wife Molly. Austin has a debilitating stroke at the start of the book which compels Molly to come back into his life as a temporary caregiver. I didn't sense much love lost on Molly's part, but Austin's love for Molly is much more apparent. Austin's lack of ability to communicate, show, and trust love is apparent in their interactions. Molly also has her own emotional baggage that she carried into the marriage, and the wounds Austin has left on her in the aftermath of their hurtful marriage are noticeable. Weir almost waits to long to begin the "healing" process for this couple. Their love story comes late, but is very touching and emotional.
Gabrielle is not so lucky. Her life as a stripper has "stripped" her of so much. The wounds this woman carries were tough to swallow. This book is "REAL" in the sense that not all stories have happy endings. I found myself wanting one for Gabrielle, but painful pasts take time to heal...and some never do.
This is NOT a fun, whimsical, romantic fairy tale. It's title hints at something like that, but do not be fooled. These are some wounded people who hurt themselves, and others, out of pure instincts to survive. It's a tough read emotionally and one that "takes a lot out of the reader". I recommend it, don't get me wrong, but be aware of what's in store for you.
Austin Bennett and his sister Gabrielle were raised by an abusive father. Both have serious intimacy and attachment issues. Weir delves into the middle of each of their existences in this multi-layered novel.
Austin's story focuses on his tumultuous marriage and most recently his separation from his estranged wife Molly. Austin has a debilitating stroke at the start of the book which compels Molly to come back into his life as a temporary caregiver. I didn't sense much love lost on Molly's part, but Austin's love for Molly is much more apparent. Austin's lack of ability to communicate, show, and trust love is apparent in their interactions. Molly also has her own emotional baggage that she carried into the marriage, and the wounds Austin has left on her in the aftermath of their hurtful marriage are noticeable. Weir almost waits to long to begin the "healing" process for this couple. Their love story comes late, but is very touching and emotional.
Gabrielle is not so lucky. Her life as a stripper has "stripped" her of so much. The wounds this woman carries were tough to swallow. This book is "REAL" in the sense that not all stories have happy endings. I found myself wanting one for Gabrielle, but painful pasts take time to heal...and some never do.
This is NOT a fun, whimsical, romantic fairy tale. It's title hints at something like that, but do not be fooled. These are some wounded people who hurt themselves, and others, out of pure instincts to survive. It's a tough read emotionally and one that "takes a lot out of the reader". I recommend it, don't get me wrong, but be aware of what's in store for you.
February 9, 2012
Free on Kindle (2/8/2012). Dee-F'ing-Pressing. Not the free part, the story part.
I see glowing reviews and I don't understand. Is this what "women's fiction" is? Submissive women and the men that intimidate them?
.
.
spoilers ahead....
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The husband, Austin, is a bully. At the beginning of the story, Molly, the wife, leaves, running away to Florida. Too scared to confront him, she leaves a note, telling him "You scare me." However, she is forced to come back to take care of him after he has a stroke (at the request of their grown daughter who is pregnant).
These are adults, who I assume are (at the very least) in their late 40s- who both have "unresolved issues" and don't communicate. For at least two decades. Now, Austin can't speak, but he still tries to manipulate her.
Two things that set off my "Girl, you in trouble" meter:
There is a lovely flashback to when he cut up one of her dresses because it's lack of style was somehow a personal affront to him. Then he was offended that she didn't "care" he did it. OK. Angry Husband. Passive Wife.
During the recovery, Austin is jealous and attempts to rape her. During the scene, it's hinted that he's done it before:
"She’d never in her life resisted him, never in her life told him no.
She experienced a feeling of hopelessness. Even though she’d gone away, she’d come back and everything was the same, nothing had changed.
She was trapped."
Who wouldn't want these crazy kids to get back together?
At the very end, amazingly Austin does apologize- and amazing gains back a lot of speech function.
But, I'd rather have had Molly run back off to Florida.
Oh, and the b-story features Austin's equally depressing sister.
I see glowing reviews and I don't understand. Is this what "women's fiction" is? Submissive women and the men that intimidate them?
.
.
spoilers ahead....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The husband, Austin, is a bully. At the beginning of the story, Molly, the wife, leaves, running away to Florida. Too scared to confront him, she leaves a note, telling him "You scare me." However, she is forced to come back to take care of him after he has a stroke (at the request of their grown daughter who is pregnant).
These are adults, who I assume are (at the very least) in their late 40s- who both have "unresolved issues" and don't communicate. For at least two decades. Now, Austin can't speak, but he still tries to manipulate her.
Two things that set off my "Girl, you in trouble" meter:
There is a lovely flashback to when he cut up one of her dresses because it's lack of style was somehow a personal affront to him. Then he was offended that she didn't "care" he did it. OK. Angry Husband. Passive Wife.
During the recovery, Austin is jealous and attempts to rape her. During the scene, it's hinted that he's done it before:
"She’d never in her life resisted him, never in her life told him no.
She experienced a feeling of hopelessness. Even though she’d gone away, she’d come back and everything was the same, nothing had changed.
She was trapped."
Who wouldn't want these crazy kids to get back together?
At the very end, amazingly Austin does apologize- and amazing gains back a lot of speech function.
But, I'd rather have had Molly run back off to Florida.
Oh, and the b-story features Austin's equally depressing sister.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2016
This was a dark deeply emotional story that kept me on the edge of my seat late into the night. The story could be summed up as to what happens to two basically good people who get married and don't communicate with each other. You really need to read the first book "Forever" to understand complexity of characters. In the first book Austin appears as controlling, domineering husband and Molly as week, accepting wife. "One Fine Day" opens up with Molly leaving her life with Austin behind , moving to Florida and what appears to be successfully starting her new life. It all changed when she receives a frantic call from her adult daughter asking her to come back as Austin had a stroke. Molly decided to temporary help Austin not for his sake but for their daughters. I did not like Austin in the first book and felt sorry for Molly but reading "One fine Day" made me understand deep undercurrents of their relationship and that Molly herself was as cruel and clueless of her husband's feelings as Austin was to hers. I blame Molly even more. Little by little they open up to each other and see each other in a different light. Very good story also I would not put it in the Romance category.
November 11, 2015
This was an angst-filled ride, and by the end, I was tearing up quite a bit. Not usually one for such dramafest anymore, but it was a good solid read, with believable characters and believable situations.
Austin and Molly have been married for over 20 years, have a daughter together, and a young granddaughter. One day, Austin comes home to find that Molly had left him with only a note. They live apart for a couple of years before he has a stroke and she's forced to come back to get him back on his feet. (It's believable because their daughter whom they both adore is having a terrible pregnancy and Molly would do anything for their daughter.) He is strong, tough, dominant; it's hinted that his father did a number on him and so he never apologizes, never cries, never hints at any weaknesses. Molly has never, ever seen a weaker side of him, and to him, she's always been faint and distant. Their marriage has not been good for as long as they have known, due to the circumstances of their marriage. It was a sad book for most of the time, and you really felt sorry for Austin, despite all his surface strength and his faults. He loved Molly irrationally from the very first, but jealousy and inadequacy had led him to behave boorishly, and her silence only made things worse. In essence, they were an ill-fated couple and probably not very well suited, personality-wise. But somehow the time apart, and Austin's stroke led to things coming out in the open and they are given a second chance.
Actually a very lovely book and excellently written. I would recommend readers avoid if they dislike angst and side storylines. Austin's sister, Gabrielle, who has lived the exact opposite life of his over-productive one (being a stripper who needs male adulation so bad that it's a wonder she's not saddled with a dozen kids), has a side story with Mark, the psychiatrist who's always had a thing for Molly. I thought they would have a third book, or a wrapped up ending, but it was left hanging. I guess not all good things happen to people in the 90s.
Austin and Molly have been married for over 20 years, have a daughter together, and a young granddaughter. One day, Austin comes home to find that Molly had left him with only a note. They live apart for a couple of years before he has a stroke and she's forced to come back to get him back on his feet. (It's believable because their daughter whom they both adore is having a terrible pregnancy and Molly would do anything for their daughter.) He is strong, tough, dominant; it's hinted that his father did a number on him and so he never apologizes, never cries, never hints at any weaknesses. Molly has never, ever seen a weaker side of him, and to him, she's always been faint and distant. Their marriage has not been good for as long as they have known, due to the circumstances of their marriage. It was a sad book for most of the time, and you really felt sorry for Austin, despite all his surface strength and his faults. He loved Molly irrationally from the very first, but jealousy and inadequacy had led him to behave boorishly, and her silence only made things worse. In essence, they were an ill-fated couple and probably not very well suited, personality-wise. But somehow the time apart, and Austin's stroke led to things coming out in the open and they are given a second chance.
Actually a very lovely book and excellently written. I would recommend readers avoid if they dislike angst and side storylines. Austin's sister, Gabrielle, who has lived the exact opposite life of his over-productive one (being a stripper who needs male adulation so bad that it's a wonder she's not saddled with a dozen kids), has a side story with Mark, the psychiatrist who's always had a thing for Molly. I thought they would have a third book, or a wrapped up ending, but it was left hanging. I guess not all good things happen to people in the 90s.
February 24, 2012
I wasn't sure how many stars to give this one, because I'm still not sure what I think about it. But I settled on four, because I didn't want to stop reading it, and I just spent my entire run thinking about it. Which I'd say means it was a book worth picking up.
One Fine Day is not a romance, exactly. Weir's product description says she wrote it when publishers were experimenting with books that crossed women's fiction with romance, and this was an attempt to do that. I can see what she means -- there's an exploration of the protagonists' entire . . . I don't know, mien? that puts me in mind of women's fiction. And also, it takes place within a broken marriage, which is women's fiction-ish (though also something that I like to see in romance). But at the same time, this book is dark, dark. So dark that for a long time, I wasn't positive who the hero was going to turn be. I was pretty sure it would be Austin, but I didn't know that I wanted it to be.
Like most (all?) of Weir's romance, this novel has protagonists who don't talk to each other. They're self-protective, frightened, prideful people. This is something I like about Weir's work, but also a frustrating element. Some day, I'll write a Wonkomance.com post about it. But in the meantime, I'll say this -- when the romance hinges on the protagonists' willingness to open up and be honest with each other, it's easier to buy their happy-ever-after if they do this, finally, after a few weeks or months together. When they've been self-protective and cagey for 20-odd years, and even downright abusive, it's hard to accept that they've turned a corner. I wish Weir had given us more ending, and at least one or two deeper conversations between Austin and Molly, before the book came to a close. I'd like to believe that they'll be all right, but I'm not sure I do.
Still, all in all, One Fine Day was well worth reading, particularly if you're already a fan of Weir's work.
One Fine Day is not a romance, exactly. Weir's product description says she wrote it when publishers were experimenting with books that crossed women's fiction with romance, and this was an attempt to do that. I can see what she means -- there's an exploration of the protagonists' entire . . . I don't know, mien? that puts me in mind of women's fiction. And also, it takes place within a broken marriage, which is women's fiction-ish (though also something that I like to see in romance). But at the same time, this book is dark, dark. So dark that for a long time, I wasn't positive who the hero was going to turn be. I was pretty sure it would be Austin, but I didn't know that I wanted it to be.
Like most (all?) of Weir's romance, this novel has protagonists who don't talk to each other. They're self-protective, frightened, prideful people. This is something I like about Weir's work, but also a frustrating element. Some day, I'll write a Wonkomance.com post about it. But in the meantime, I'll say this -- when the romance hinges on the protagonists' willingness to open up and be honest with each other, it's easier to buy their happy-ever-after if they do this, finally, after a few weeks or months together. When they've been self-protective and cagey for 20-odd years, and even downright abusive, it's hard to accept that they've turned a corner. I wish Weir had given us more ending, and at least one or two deeper conversations between Austin and Molly, before the book came to a close. I'd like to believe that they'll be all right, but I'm not sure I do.
Still, all in all, One Fine Day was well worth reading, particularly if you're already a fan of Weir's work.
March 21, 2018
Oh, what a great surprise was this book! I have never expected it will be such a good read. This was my first book by Theresa Weir. I didn't have any great expectations. First, it was written in 1994 and I'm not really into old school romances. Then, the blurb says that it is an experimental hybrid, a combination of romance and women's fiction, well, call me a conservative but I am a little bit leary when I read something like that. Finally, the main characters are older than the usual romance ones, I have already tried this and wasn't really into it.
But One Fine Day turned out to be a moving story. First, I really like the characters and deeply care about them. I like that the author divides the blame for the marriage failure between both Molly and Austin. And I like how she constructed Austin with all the insight into his feelings. This is a well-written story.
The only thing that bothers me is the somehow unsolved part about Mark and Gabrielle. Maybe the author was thinking about giving them their own book or maybe it's complete the way it is and I'm just looking for something to complain about.
I would give this book 3.5 stars and I'm willing to read other books by this author.
But One Fine Day turned out to be a moving story. First, I really like the characters and deeply care about them. I like that the author divides the blame for the marriage failure between both Molly and Austin. And I like how she constructed Austin with all the insight into his feelings. This is a well-written story.
The only thing that bothers me is the somehow unsolved part about Mark and Gabrielle. Maybe the author was thinking about giving them their own book or maybe it's complete the way it is and I'm just looking for something to complain about.
I would give this book 3.5 stars and I'm willing to read other books by this author.
April 27, 2012
Knocked Out!such an intense emotional story,i really cried for Austin loneliness-pain-hurt these were his companion for past 20 years,Molly she was such a selfish character kept on hurting Austin cause in her own mind she was poor victim but it was the other way round.The way their marriage crumbled i will say it was more of Molly's fault then Austin and then the final straw she left him ......then she went on gave mixed signals and false hopes to Mark also carried on with Sean really i started to dislike her....but then through many hurdles they do get their HEA.Gabrielle-Mark so wanted them together but Gabrielle did right by leaving.
Overall a wonderful read
Recommend it
Overall a wonderful read
Recommend it
September 22, 2016
2.5 stars overall. that rating is more on my actual enjoyment of the story. the story and writing is very good but it was definitely too heavy for me . I only gave it 2.5 stars because I read/skimmed her the first part of this series "Forever" and I enjoyed that more than this so I couldn't give them the same ratings. I do have to say that the ending felt abrupt to me and I was a little sad that the realization came in the end for the H/h. I'm like EPILOGUE PLEASE!!! Because their journey to real HEA was such a looong time in the making
Longer review to come - if my heart can withstand a deeper re-read -_-
Longer review to come - if my heart can withstand a deeper re-read -_-
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2024
A guy should never marry a woman who was in love with someone else. Even if that someone was dead. Especially if that someone was dead.
One Fine Day by Theresa Weir, the second book in the Molly duology is loosely interconnected with Forever, the first book in the series. First published in 1994, One Fine Day brings to readers the much coveted story of Molly Bennet, whose marriage to Austin Bennet is on the rocks, and has been that way for a long time. Making the decision to leave Austin is one of the hardest decisions Molly has ever taken, and once she does so, she believes that she would never look back.
Almost a year passes by and it is the news that Austin has had a stroke and is in need of family that makes Molly return, especially with her daughter unable to juggle her own family with that of the responsibilities of taking care of her father. While Austin hates the very thought of being at Molly’s mercy, he has no choice but to, given the circumstances, but is determined to drive her away even if he has to be his worst self to do so.
Thus begins the struggle between Austin and Molly where each of them, with own versions of tainted memories of their marriage, try to adjust to the new norm defined by the roles thrust upon them; Molly as the caregiver and Austin, the dependent.
Austin is a proud man, brought up by a father who had no love to give, but drummed into him the critical importance of always saving face. For a man such as Austin, competing with a dead man for the affections of his wife had been a losing game from the onset. Molly’s ability to hide her emotions had made Austin’s worst side manifest, trying to shake out some form of reaction from Molly, when it had in fact done just the opposite. Molly’s departure from his life had shaken him up to face the bitter truth, and given him the time to grapple with his loneliness, reflect on his own failings, especially when it came to his attempts to dominate Molly emotionally.
Molly too struggles with her memories of the beginnings of her relationship with Austin, the man who had married her and given her security and support, despite her being in love with someone else. It is only as Molly’s patience gets tested to the very limits of her endurance, with Austin trying to drive her away, that she comes to see things through a different lens; that how difficult their union had been for a man like Austin from whom she had withheld her affections.
As always, the prose by Ms. Weir is evocative, painting scenes with vivid detail and emotional depth. Her narrative style captures the essence of longing and emotional conflict, weaving together intimate moments of physical passion with introspective reflections on love and self-discovery. The stormy imagery is powerful and perfectly in line with the characters’ inner turmoil, echoing the turbulent nature of their relationship.
I was astounded by how Ms. Weir shaped Austin and Molly’s story and completely reshaped my perspective of their marriage, when I had come out of reading Forever totally rooting or Molly, believing that Austin to be a douche-bag of the highest order. Little did I see, how Austin had suffered deeply given his love for Molly, and how his heart had frosted over time, eventually coming to the conclusion that he could not compete with Molly’s first and only love. From thereon, my sympathies shifted greatly towards Austin, while at the same time, knowing that it did not justify certain actions on the part of Austin.
Molly and Austin both coming from emotionally scarring childhoods in their own ways made profound sense in the end; that they both needed to heal in their own ways to really give their marriage a fighting chance. Ms. Weir with her flair delivering angst ridden reads, deftly draws readers into a world where love is not simply a romantic ideal but a battlefield of emotions, where characters wrestle with their pasts and strive for a future where healing and forgiveness might be possible.
The only issue I had with the story was how there was no resolution for the relationship that forges to life between the secondary characters, which left me with a feeling of emptiness. But therein also lies a message which I guess I was not really ready to receive, given my need for happily ever afters in my novels.
Recommended for those who love second-chance romances with characters who makes your emotions bleed and your heart yearn.
Final Verdict: One Fine Day is a compelling exploration of love’s complexities, filled with emotional depth and rich prose, leaving readers pondering upon the intricacies of the webs of desire, devotion, and heartache that defines our most intimate relationships.
Rating = 4.25/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
April 18, 2013
This isn't Weir's best book, but it was interesting watching the H & h find their way back to each other after he has a stroke. Both had been caught up in the destructive roles they'd taken on during their marriage, but she learns to stand up for herself and he learns to hear her. Worth reading.
June 17, 2011
For people wondering, the break was not caused by his or her infidelity, other woman or man.
Do read this, if you enjoy a marriage in trouble, angsty love story. :)
Do read this, if you enjoy a marriage in trouble, angsty love story. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2012
I really liked this book, my only complaint is towards the end Austin regained his speech so fast it was a little unbelievable for me.
January 2, 2013
3.5/5
April 11, 2018
A very angst read.
I am not sure about this book. It was well written and there are some very good scenes, at the same time the 2 stories concerning the 2 different couples running alongside each other for me didn't work although they were connected through Mark I would have preferred a separate book for his story with another woman.
Ending felt a bit rushed and really needed an epilogue.
🐦🐥🐤
I am not sure about this book. It was well written and there are some very good scenes, at the same time the 2 stories concerning the 2 different couples running alongside each other for me didn't work although they were connected through Mark I would have preferred a separate book for his story with another woman.
Ending felt a bit rushed and really needed an epilogue.
🐦🐥🐤
February 12, 2019
Wasnt expecting so much emotion
Picked this up because i was bored and needed something to do. So glad i did. Parts were a bit slow but the build up to ending shows how much communication is needed in any relationship but especially a marriage.
Picked this up because i was bored and needed something to do. So glad i did. Parts were a bit slow but the build up to ending shows how much communication is needed in any relationship but especially a marriage.
Read
May 11, 202048/284 came highly recommended, will give it another try at some point
January 28, 2025
Oh this book broke my heart. I just wish it was a tad longer. And I wish the side couple for their hea too.
April 1, 2012
This book was an easy read, but an unrealistic storyline. I found myself struggling to get through a lot of the book, especially the sex scenes. The wording was so corny. Not to mention the female lead intimated that her husband was guilty of marital rape throughout their marriage, and she does everything but cry rape one night, then ends up having sex with him in the garden the following night? Not plausible. My interest in the book went downhill after that.
Also, the story line with Gabrielle and Mark, while sweet and twisted was unnecessary. I know they were supporting characters but they should have been fleshed out more or just left out all together. Gabrielle could have been the perfect tool to give more insight into the character of Austin, the same goes for Mark in regards to Molly. It was all angst, finger-pointing and avoidance and no realistic resolution.
The book started out strong with the original premise, but lost me midway because of the plot and the numerous grammatical errors and poor Kindle formatting.
Other than a few nicely worded quotes, I will probably forget this book in a few months. It's sad to admit but my favourite character ended up being the cat who made only a few appearances.
Also, the story line with Gabrielle and Mark, while sweet and twisted was unnecessary. I know they were supporting characters but they should have been fleshed out more or just left out all together. Gabrielle could have been the perfect tool to give more insight into the character of Austin, the same goes for Mark in regards to Molly. It was all angst, finger-pointing and avoidance and no realistic resolution.
The book started out strong with the original premise, but lost me midway because of the plot and the numerous grammatical errors and poor Kindle formatting.
Other than a few nicely worded quotes, I will probably forget this book in a few months. It's sad to admit but my favourite character ended up being the cat who made only a few appearances.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2012
I fell for Molly and Austin's journey in this sequel to Forever ... picking up the book at every occasion and not minding a delayed train as meant I could read a bit more!
Molly is getting on with life in Florida, finally putting the past behind her. She receives a call from her daughter Amy that interrupts that and she feels threatens her happiness. Austin has had a stroke, she rushes back home planning on leaving as soon as she can.
Austin has gone from being the angry, mean, successful business man to someone who has to have help, and that help is forced upon him by the wife who left him 2 years ago. Resenting this he tries to push her away and get her to leave - relying on the nasty tactics that had sent her packing before.
But who knows what happens when two people are forced together without an escape route, Molly and Austin discover they are no longer the people they were before in their marriage ... Molly has a plane ticket booked back to Florida as is determined to go back ... but will she?
Molly is getting on with life in Florida, finally putting the past behind her. She receives a call from her daughter Amy that interrupts that and she feels threatens her happiness. Austin has had a stroke, she rushes back home planning on leaving as soon as she can.
Austin has gone from being the angry, mean, successful business man to someone who has to have help, and that help is forced upon him by the wife who left him 2 years ago. Resenting this he tries to push her away and get her to leave - relying on the nasty tactics that had sent her packing before.
But who knows what happens when two people are forced together without an escape route, Molly and Austin discover they are no longer the people they were before in their marriage ... Molly has a plane ticket booked back to Florida as is determined to go back ... but will she?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2015
Excellent writing
Sad but so so good. Q broken marriage because two people loved but didn't communicate. Molly lived in the past, with her dead boyfriend, and Austin had too much pride, too much fear of looking weak or like a failure. So he was cruel with her, and she was submissive and distant. She left him and one year later her daughter calls that her Austin had a stroke. She comes back to assist, and this bittersweet story begins. You can't help but feel compassion for both. Austin loved her with all his heart, but his pride got in the way. Molly could have loved him if he had been different, but as it was, she kept moving away from him when he angered. I didn't see how it could be fixed because both were the shut down type, but the writer did a great job. The biggest change about was Austin; his stroke made him weak physically, but eventually it made him strong, able to see what he was too blind to see before. Great read!
Sad but so so good. Q broken marriage because two people loved but didn't communicate. Molly lived in the past, with her dead boyfriend, and Austin had too much pride, too much fear of looking weak or like a failure. So he was cruel with her, and she was submissive and distant. She left him and one year later her daughter calls that her Austin had a stroke. She comes back to assist, and this bittersweet story begins. You can't help but feel compassion for both. Austin loved her with all his heart, but his pride got in the way. Molly could have loved him if he had been different, but as it was, she kept moving away from him when he angered. I didn't see how it could be fixed because both were the shut down type, but the writer did a great job. The biggest change about was Austin; his stroke made him weak physically, but eventually it made him strong, able to see what he was too blind to see before. Great read!
February 20, 2014
Ok found this free book on my Kindle decided to give it a go after I viewed a couple of the reviews online. It was a quick read but kind of disturbing to me.
Molly and Austin were older characters with grown daughter that is married with a child of her own.
It is an OK book I just found it hard to feel for these 2 main characters. Austin was a harsh powerful man that seemed to like using his power over his wife all the time not really loving her. Molly seemed scared of her husband which is sad to be trapped in such a turbulent relationship where you don't feel anything. Molly has left him as the book opens and leaves a note. One year later her daughter calls to say dad had a stroke. Molly returns to help nurse him since they are not divorced. Their relationship at this point bothers me and I don't know if I liked the ending, whether it is believable. I just don't know.
Molly and Austin were older characters with grown daughter that is married with a child of her own.
It is an OK book I just found it hard to feel for these 2 main characters. Austin was a harsh powerful man that seemed to like using his power over his wife all the time not really loving her. Molly seemed scared of her husband which is sad to be trapped in such a turbulent relationship where you don't feel anything. Molly has left him as the book opens and leaves a note. One year later her daughter calls to say dad had a stroke. Molly returns to help nurse him since they are not divorced. Their relationship at this point bothers me and I don't know if I liked the ending, whether it is believable. I just don't know.
February 18, 2012
This book tends to veer back and forth between romance and fiction with mixed results. If the author had kept it as fiction with some romance elements to it, the book would have been better. When the story was in romance novel mode, it became mired in romance novel cliches and tropes. In "romance novel mode" the characters were one dimensional and unsympathetic. Unfortunately, the book starts in romance novel mode and I almost didn't read on. I am glad that I made myself keep going past that beginning. In "fiction mode" the characters became more sympathetic and multi-faceted. For me personally, I could have done without the Mark/Gabrielle storyline. I did not like the character of Mark at all. I felt he was a one dimensional sanctimonious cardboard cutout.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2012
I really liked this book. I was kind of annoyed with Austin at the beginning because I kept wondering, if you love your wife so much, then why are you being such an ass to her? Imean that's not going to win her back. But the more I tried to understand where Austin was coming from, the more sympathy I felt for him.
I didn't like the rape scene however and i really thought that there was no way that Molly would ever forgive him. But the ending was really sweet and I found myself rooting for them to get back together.
There were a few typos here and there and the story with Gabrielle and Mark I could have done without but overall I thought the book was well written and I can't wait to read more by this author.
I didn't like the rape scene however and i really thought that there was no way that Molly would ever forgive him. But the ending was really sweet and I found myself rooting for them to get back together.
There were a few typos here and there and the story with Gabrielle and Mark I could have done without but overall I thought the book was well written and I can't wait to read more by this author.
May 7, 2012
This book and 'Forever' are so good! If there isn't already, I hope there is going to be another in the series. I'm reading 'Hush' byt the same author now only written under Anne Frasier.
In Forever Austin was a major jerk. In this one they give some background and I found myself really rooting for him. The story line was great too in that it made you feel like this could really be someone's life. It's not a over the top love story or disfunctional love story whichever you choose to call it. This was played out as a life story. Very worth the time it took me to read!
In Forever Austin was a major jerk. In this one they give some background and I found myself really rooting for him. The story line was great too in that it made you feel like this could really be someone's life. It's not a over the top love story or disfunctional love story whichever you choose to call it. This was played out as a life story. Very worth the time it took me to read!
March 7, 2012
Honestly, I couldn't finish this book.
Maybe it's because it's about people older than me, and having never been married I can't imagine myself in the setting. I didn't feel for any of the characters. While I was a little sad for the husband (I can't even remember his name if that's a hint how not involved I was in this book), but even when people were trying to help him, he was rude and unlikable. I may try to read this book again someday, but for me right now, it just wasn't worth the time.
Maybe it's because it's about people older than me, and having never been married I can't imagine myself in the setting. I didn't feel for any of the characters. While I was a little sad for the husband (I can't even remember his name if that's a hint how not involved I was in this book), but even when people were trying to help him, he was rude and unlikable. I may try to read this book again someday, but for me right now, it just wasn't worth the time.
May 14, 2012
Austin & Molly both come from such a place of pain that they hurt the ones around them. This was a good read but I would have liked a more in-depth look at the main characters. The ending was predictable but still a bit unbelievable. Not sure that the changes in both of them would have negated all that happened in the past, especially the stuff in the not-so-distant past.
June 20, 2014
Stupid, unsympathetic h who is too absorbed in the past to let her husband in. Don't understand what all the men saw in her. The book is depressing and the HEA is just too ridiculous between two persons that would be better of being apart.
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