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wildeaboutbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This was a mildly entertaining romp of chick lit, mystery and spooky supernatural. I hadn't read any Jennifer Crusie before, but promised the seniors in my book club a fast-paced and light-hearted book after the denser-than-a-doorstop last novel I chose (I exaggerate....slightly).
The main character, Andie, is feisty and independent, which I enjoyed, although some of the other characters came off as a bit two-dimensional. The exception would be Alice, the annoyingly realistic 8(?) year old in the story. The narrator of the audiobook was excellent and managed to capture each cringe-inducing tantrum and whine to eardrum-piercing perfection.
There were a few extra steamy sex scenes that I could have done without- did I mention that I chose this book for my senior book club? I didn't feel like the detailed description of this very unsanitary kitchen encounter did much to add to the story, but maybe it's expected in Crusie's books?
The main character, Andie, is feisty and independent, which I enjoyed, although some of the other characters came off as a bit two-dimensional. The exception would be Alice, the annoyingly realistic 8(?) year old in the story. The narrator of the audiobook was excellent and managed to capture each cringe-inducing tantrum and whine to eardrum-piercing perfection.
There were a few extra steamy sex scenes that I could have done without- did I mention that I chose this book for my senior book club? I didn't feel like the detailed description of this very unsanitary kitchen encounter did much to add to the story, but maybe it's expected in Crusie's books?
hollylynna's review against another edition
3.0
Great chick lit ghost story. This may have been my first Jennifer Crusie book. I will definitely read more!
taylorfennerwrites's review against another edition
5.0
All Andie (Andromeda) Miller wants is closure from her ex-husband of ten years, North Archer, so she can marry her new love Will. But on the day Andie goes to return her un-cashed alimony checks to North he has an unusual proposition for her.
North has become the guardian of a distant cousin's two children, Carter and Alice. So far the kids have gotten rid of three nannies who all claim the children are incorrigible and that the house is haunted. So North is willing to pay Andie $10,000 a month to go to the house in Southern Ohio, fix things, and bring the children back up to Columbus.
When Andie arrives at the house she finds a crumbling mansion similar to the House of Usher and Hill House combined and the worst housekeeper since Mrs. Danvers.
As she tries to bond with Alice and Carter she finds herself haunted with steamy dreams of her ex-husband and nearly-nightly midnight visits from a mysterious girl who makes her think that maybe there really are ghosts. Especially when she sees another woman dressed in 19th century garb across the pond in the backyard and a similarly dressed man peering at her from the turret's balcony.
Things spiral out of control when Andie's ex-brother-in-law Southie shows up with a child-bullying tv reporter and a parapsycologist who doesn't believe in ghosts; followed by her crazy tarot card reading mother, her ex-mother-in-law Lydia, Isolde Hammersmith the supposed best psychic in Ohio, her fiance Will, and finally North Archer himself, the one that everyone has been waiting for. Andie knows she must figure out how to put the ghosts to rest once and for all before somebody else gets killed. And then maybe she will realize that all everyone's been wanting is a second chance; and that MAYBE THIS TIME she and North can work things out.
This book rings true to Miss Crusie's usual witty banter and charm. There is never a dull page to be found and it makes you feel good reading it!
Update April 7, 2015: Yes, I've read this book again. And I still love it. But this time I find myself wishing the author would write a sequel, maybe when Alice and Carter are adults where they return to Archer House. That would be awesome!
North has become the guardian of a distant cousin's two children, Carter and Alice. So far the kids have gotten rid of three nannies who all claim the children are incorrigible and that the house is haunted. So North is willing to pay Andie $10,000 a month to go to the house in Southern Ohio, fix things, and bring the children back up to Columbus.
When Andie arrives at the house she finds a crumbling mansion similar to the House of Usher and Hill House combined and the worst housekeeper since Mrs. Danvers.
As she tries to bond with Alice and Carter she finds herself haunted with steamy dreams of her ex-husband and nearly-nightly midnight visits from a mysterious girl who makes her think that maybe there really are ghosts. Especially when she sees another woman dressed in 19th century garb across the pond in the backyard and a similarly dressed man peering at her from the turret's balcony.
Things spiral out of control when Andie's ex-brother-in-law Southie shows up with a child-bullying tv reporter and a parapsycologist who doesn't believe in ghosts; followed by her crazy tarot card reading mother, her ex-mother-in-law Lydia, Isolde Hammersmith the supposed best psychic in Ohio, her fiance Will, and finally North Archer himself, the one that everyone has been waiting for. Andie knows she must figure out how to put the ghosts to rest once and for all before somebody else gets killed. And then maybe she will realize that all everyone's been wanting is a second chance; and that MAYBE THIS TIME she and North can work things out.
This book rings true to Miss Crusie's usual witty banter and charm. There is never a dull page to be found and it makes you feel good reading it!
Update April 7, 2015: Yes, I've read this book again. And I still love it. But this time I find myself wishing the author would write a sequel, maybe when Alice and Carter are adults where they return to Archer House. That would be awesome!
saschadarlington's review against another edition
4.0
Maybe This Time is 4 1/2 stars.
I haven't read a Jennifer Crusie novel in far too long and really wish that she would write more and this book reminded me of why I appreciate her writing so much.
Stepping into Crusie's world is definitely not like stepping into the world of most chick lit writers today. Her characters seem very real and their adventures different.
Maybe This Time is a lot ghost story (Turn of the Screw) and a little bit romance. It has humor, intellect, and style. Crusie doesn't rely on cutesie to get her job done, but maybe a little bit of quirk.
Why just 4 1/2 stars then? I found that the book ran a little long. While I was very happy to be in Crusie's world again, the last twist may have been just one too many.
Anyway, fun read. I would definitely recommend to other readers who enjoy humor, romance, and mystery mixed with the supernatural.
I haven't read a Jennifer Crusie novel in far too long and really wish that she would write more and this book reminded me of why I appreciate her writing so much.
Stepping into Crusie's world is definitely not like stepping into the world of most chick lit writers today. Her characters seem very real and their adventures different.
Maybe This Time is a lot ghost story (Turn of the Screw) and a little bit romance. It has humor, intellect, and style. Crusie doesn't rely on cutesie to get her job done, but maybe a little bit of quirk.
Why just 4 1/2 stars then? I found that the book ran a little long. While I was very happy to be in Crusie's world again, the last twist may have been just one too many.
Anyway, fun read. I would definitely recommend to other readers who enjoy humor, romance, and mystery mixed with the supernatural.
bougainvillea's review against another edition
2.0
I did not love this as much as I expected to. The dialogue was not as fresh as Crusie's usually is, and I didn't love the characters. Some of them were okay, but none of them popped out at me. And the ghost thing actually got boring after a while. So, I'm disappointed. Plus, I could not get over the fact that the heroine was willing to move somewhere for a month and take care of 2 kids she doesn't know just because her ex-husband of TEN YEARS asked her. How in the world is that believable? I was really looking forward to a new Crusie, but now I think I should just stick to re-reading the old ones.
queenhufflegruff's review against another edition
5.0
This book has cemented my love of Crusie! Wonderful settings, with tense atmosphere built around them, and as always, a fun and engaging love story weaving throughout the frame of a deliciously creepy haunted house story.
lynn_reads's review against another edition
5.0
I love Jennifer Crusie. I love every book of hers I’ve ever read, and this one did not disappoint. Funny, charming characters. Ghosts. Weird kids. What more could you want!?
etoiline's review against another edition
4.0
Maybe This Time is a sweet, fun, quick read. I enjoyed the characters and the lighthearted tone of the story. Even though there are some serious moments, there are more instances of laughter, and I really liked finding out what was causing the haunting. I have to admit there's were a few times when I got Alice and Andie confused, just because of the same first letter, but overall the writing was well done. I've never read anything by this author before, but I'll definitely check out her other books.
nononanette's review against another edition
3.0
I remember loving this book but I need to reread it.