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emily_miller's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
mattgroot1980's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
missamandamae's review
4.0
I adored the author’s previous book Be Frank With Me, and once I read the premise of this one I HAD to read it! I loved it start to finish, and was totally charmed by the characters on the Flying Leap ranch. Great way to pass pandemic time!
thathappyreader's review against another edition
3.0
This book is set in 1938 in Reno, Nevada - a state where women could stay for six weeks and obtain a “no questions asked” divorce which was quite unusual in the day. This book describes the relationships formed at the Flying Leap Dude Ranch which hosted many wealthy women who fled to Reno in order to dissolve their marriages.
Told from the perspective of a retired physician, Ward reflects about his time working at the ranch at the age of 24. He particularly recalls two women Nina, a St. Louis heiress and amateur pilot at the ranch to obtain her third divorce, and Emily whose most courageous act to date was to drive herself to the ranch from San Francisco. These two women share a suite at the ranch and they develop a special bond. Not only do their personalities complement one another, but they bring out the best in one another as well. The story also demonstrates the difference in social class, aspirations and gender in 1938 - some of which have not improved much over the past eighty years.
While the book was entertaining, I did not feel connected to these characters. Moreover, I felt the book lacked emotion which was not only disappointing, but a must for me to enjoy a book. Having said that, the stories and antics from the ranch were amusing - just not often enough to keep me fully engaged. I enjoyed the bit of romance in the story, which provided insight into the personalities, and differences, of the characters involved. I recommend this book to those that enjoy literary fiction.
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by David Aaron Baker who had a good performance. Reminiscent of listening to a cowboy telling stories of his past, I appreciated this quality which brought some authenticity to the book. I listened to the book at my usual 1.25x speed which was perfect for me. I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version of the book to those that enjoy this format.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper audio for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.
Told from the perspective of a retired physician, Ward reflects about his time working at the ranch at the age of 24. He particularly recalls two women Nina, a St. Louis heiress and amateur pilot at the ranch to obtain her third divorce, and Emily whose most courageous act to date was to drive herself to the ranch from San Francisco. These two women share a suite at the ranch and they develop a special bond. Not only do their personalities complement one another, but they bring out the best in one another as well. The story also demonstrates the difference in social class, aspirations and gender in 1938 - some of which have not improved much over the past eighty years.
While the book was entertaining, I did not feel connected to these characters. Moreover, I felt the book lacked emotion which was not only disappointing, but a must for me to enjoy a book. Having said that, the stories and antics from the ranch were amusing - just not often enough to keep me fully engaged. I enjoyed the bit of romance in the story, which provided insight into the personalities, and differences, of the characters involved. I recommend this book to those that enjoy literary fiction.
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by David Aaron Baker who had a good performance. Reminiscent of listening to a cowboy telling stories of his past, I appreciated this quality which brought some authenticity to the book. I listened to the book at my usual 1.25x speed which was perfect for me. I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version of the book to those that enjoy this format.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper audio for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.
anilourengo's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
arthur_pendrgn's review
3.0
I waited a long time for this book from the library. I wanted something lighter to read, and I found it here. I also found a rarity--a book billed as funny which actually was funny. Bittersweet as well--didn't much care for Emily's choice and can't help but speculate that her life couldn't have been all that happy. A husband kissing some random woman while in town trying to convince his wife to not divorce isn't going to be that faithful going forward, I imagine. Portia was thoroughly disagreeable, even beyond the sullen teenage bit. Didn't know anything about these divorce ranches before this book.
danabaran06's review
4.0
“Oh you’ve never ridden bareback, much less double? Well, it’s definitely the way to go if both riders are friends and know their way around a horse.”
This tale is set in 1938 at a Nevada dude ranch that catered to rich women looking for a quick and easy divorce, which could be obtained after living in the state for six weeks. Our story is told by Ward, one of the ranch’s cowboys, and features Nina and Emily, would-be divorcées newly arrived at the ranch. This isn’t Nina’s first rodeo, and she amuses herself by drawing Emily out of her shell, with Ward as her unwitting co-conspirator. Hijinks ensue. By turns funny, poignant, and down right heart breaking, this novel drew me in and I found it hard to put down. The characters weren’t always likable, but they were vibrantly drawn and so real I felt like I could bump into one if I ever strolled through downtown Reno. I wasn’t sure it could successfully land the plane, but I was pleasantly surprised by a completely satisfying ending.
This tale is set in 1938 at a Nevada dude ranch that catered to rich women looking for a quick and easy divorce, which could be obtained after living in the state for six weeks. Our story is told by Ward, one of the ranch’s cowboys, and features Nina and Emily, would-be divorcées newly arrived at the ranch. This isn’t Nina’s first rodeo, and she amuses herself by drawing Emily out of her shell, with Ward as her unwitting co-conspirator. Hijinks ensue. By turns funny, poignant, and down right heart breaking, this novel drew me in and I found it hard to put down. The characters weren’t always likable, but they were vibrantly drawn and so real I felt like I could bump into one if I ever strolled through downtown Reno. I wasn’t sure it could successfully land the plane, but I was pleasantly surprised by a completely satisfying ending.
waterwomanwinters's review against another edition
4.0
I had the wrong book club description in my mind when I started and was at first disappointed; however, by the second chapter I was engaged in the story. The ending became predictable about halfway through but it was still enjoyable.