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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Review written by Marie for Ever After Book Reviews!
4.5 Stars
What a delightful surprise this book was! When I picked it up, I was expecting a light-hearted romance. I was NOT expecting such depth and raw emotions. And I can honestly say that I was glad.
This book introduces us to Nora, a woman working in her family bakery, trying to maintain a marriage and life with her husband, Ben, who also happens to have a gambling addiction. Ben’s secret addiction has them on the brink of collapse. They are struggling in their marriage and his inability to control his gambling has them at risk of losing their home. What makes this so difficult, is Nora’s strength and refusal to let this secret out, so she works extremely hard to hold everything together.
But what makes this book so unique is how it approaches some of the core values of a relationship – trust, acceptance, forgiveness, and so much more. It is a beautiful story about how no matter the obstacle, leaning on those around you that love you can be uplifting and take so much of the burden off your shoulders.
Ms. Jump has yet again written a story with strong female characters and a romance that reminds us to continue looking back to what started it all off to begin with. It’s beautiful. It’s brilliant. It’s definitely worth the read.
***I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own***
4.5 Stars
What a delightful surprise this book was! When I picked it up, I was expecting a light-hearted romance. I was NOT expecting such depth and raw emotions. And I can honestly say that I was glad.
This book introduces us to Nora, a woman working in her family bakery, trying to maintain a marriage and life with her husband, Ben, who also happens to have a gambling addiction. Ben’s secret addiction has them on the brink of collapse. They are struggling in their marriage and his inability to control his gambling has them at risk of losing their home. What makes this so difficult, is Nora’s strength and refusal to let this secret out, so she works extremely hard to hold everything together.
But what makes this book so unique is how it approaches some of the core values of a relationship – trust, acceptance, forgiveness, and so much more. It is a beautiful story about how no matter the obstacle, leaning on those around you that love you can be uplifting and take so much of the burden off your shoulders.
Ms. Jump has yet again written a story with strong female characters and a romance that reminds us to continue looking back to what started it all off to begin with. It’s beautiful. It’s brilliant. It’s definitely worth the read.
***I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own***
It isn't very often that I sit down with a book and can't put it down...but that happened with The Secret Ingredient for a Happy Marriage. I started it at the doctor's office, read through dinner cooking, and finished it in the evening.
I read the first book, The Perfect Recipe for Love and Friendship, last year and fell in love with the O'Bannon sisters. Boy, are these strong, stubborn women! And I knew Nora was carrying around some troubles but I had no idea until I started Secret Ingredient how much of a shambles her life was in. At times I got frustrated with her throughout the book, and wanted her to just be honest and admit everything to her family. But...that's not Nora. Because Nora is flawed.
I also saw some of myself in Nora, in wanting to handle things on my own or thinking I can fix things without having to admit I'm in a mess. Thankfully I am getting better at letting go of both of those things. Jump's characters are relatable, flawed, lovely, frustrating, and ultimately unforgettable. Five stars from me for page-turning quality alone.
I read the first book, The Perfect Recipe for Love and Friendship, last year and fell in love with the O'Bannon sisters. Boy, are these strong, stubborn women! And I knew Nora was carrying around some troubles but I had no idea until I started Secret Ingredient how much of a shambles her life was in. At times I got frustrated with her throughout the book, and wanted her to just be honest and admit everything to her family. But...that's not Nora. Because Nora is flawed.
I also saw some of myself in Nora, in wanting to handle things on my own or thinking I can fix things without having to admit I'm in a mess. Thankfully I am getting better at letting go of both of those things. Jump's characters are relatable, flawed, lovely, frustrating, and ultimately unforgettable. Five stars from me for page-turning quality alone.
Nora has always been the strong one, with the husband, the children, the house. After financial problems, and the threat of losing her house, Nora questions whether she should stay married to Ben. The second in the O'Bannon Sisters series will play with your heart as much as the first book, and brings back all four O'Bannon sisters and their mother Colleen, as well as the bakery they own. The challenges facing Nora revolve around her effort to be perfect in everyone's eyes, and as she hides the truth, everything begins to unravel. I recommend this book if you enjoy women's fiction about family relationships and women finding out what they need to become stronger.
This is the first book by Shirley Jump that I've read. Partially drawn to the cover, and the title, but the superficial interest stops there. There's an immense amount of depth to this story beginning with the subject, a marriage on the brink, and the story line and how the characters are developed.
The story opens with the main character Nora in crisis and the stress takes it's toll on her marriage and her well being. At only thirty and with two young children to consider, Nora makes a decision that will forever alter her family. She's about to lose everything yet she won't talk to anyone about it. Her pride and the shame holds her, and it's a situation that is easy to understand and relate. Nora is absolutely infuriating at times and the lesson she'll need to learn is all too apparent.
The story is propped up by the secondary story about her mother and the relationship between them, as well as Nora's youngest sister Maggie, with a glimpses into what they offer and need from each other. It was so easy to find myself immersed in their lives and the situation confronting Nora and her husband Ben. There's a lot of reason for the anger between them, but there's more for love and their family.
Ultimately this is an uplifting story about forgiveness and redemption, acceptance and trust. Jumps writing is impeccable. The secret? There are many, but for Nora and Ben it's about the home they once found in each other. 4.5 Stars and recommendation.
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
The story opens with the main character Nora in crisis and the stress takes it's toll on her marriage and her well being. At only thirty and with two young children to consider, Nora makes a decision that will forever alter her family. She's about to lose everything yet she won't talk to anyone about it. Her pride and the shame holds her, and it's a situation that is easy to understand and relate. Nora is absolutely infuriating at times and the lesson she'll need to learn is all too apparent.
The story is propped up by the secondary story about her mother and the relationship between them, as well as Nora's youngest sister Maggie, with a glimpses into what they offer and need from each other. It was so easy to find myself immersed in their lives and the situation confronting Nora and her husband Ben. There's a lot of reason for the anger between them, but there's more for love and their family.
Ultimately this is an uplifting story about forgiveness and redemption, acceptance and trust. Jumps writing is impeccable. The secret? There are many, but for Nora and Ben it's about the home they once found in each other. 4.5 Stars and recommendation.
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
In this story I connect with Nora a lot, the one who never asks for help, always want to appear like she can handle it all. Problem is everything is crumbling down around Nora and she can no longer deny that she needs help.
I loved the way her family rallied around her, when she finally comes around. The mother in the story is a real tough cookie and I had a really hard time liking the parts that she was in, though she starts to come around in the end. A good heartfelt story about the struggles of life, and the important of having a strong family to help you get through the tough times.
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the way her family rallied around her, when she finally comes around. The mother in the story is a real tough cookie and I had a really hard time liking the parts that she was in, though she starts to come around in the end. A good heartfelt story about the struggles of life, and the important of having a strong family to help you get through the tough times.
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The O'Bannon women band together again. I have really started growing very fond of Nora, Bridget, and Colleen. I just love how these three women have each other's back no matter the situation. Oh and all the yummy goodies that they bake. It is as if I can smell the vanilla, cinnamon, and other scents.
This book focuses on Nora. She finds herself homeless with two children and the possibility of divorce. Thank goodness for family. Although, once back home, Nora considers starting up a new relationship despite that she still does love Ben. She is just not sure that she can forgive him.
What I really like about this series is that author, Shirley infuses so much life into the story and characters that it is like the O'Bannon women are an extended part of my family. Therefore, you can't help but fall in love with Colleen, Nora, and Bridget. A fun and charming read. The Secret Ingredient for a Happy Marriage brings a dash of sweetness, a pinch of love, a handful of goodness and humor that produces one yummy read!
This book focuses on Nora. She finds herself homeless with two children and the possibility of divorce. Thank goodness for family. Although, once back home, Nora considers starting up a new relationship despite that she still does love Ben. She is just not sure that she can forgive him.
What I really like about this series is that author, Shirley infuses so much life into the story and characters that it is like the O'Bannon women are an extended part of my family. Therefore, you can't help but fall in love with Colleen, Nora, and Bridget. A fun and charming read. The Secret Ingredient for a Happy Marriage brings a dash of sweetness, a pinch of love, a handful of goodness and humor that produces one yummy read!
The Secret Ingredient for A Happy Marriage is the second book in the O'Bannon Sisters series. I've not read the previous one and the author is new to me too. I don't feel I've missed anything by jumping in straight in here as it works as a standalone.
To outsiders, Nora has it all; A fabulous husband, adorable children, comfortable home and a job working in her family's bakery. However, the reality is far different from her distorted portrayal of her perfect marriage and family.
Communication. When it breaks down, it causes bad feeling because each side doesn't understand what the other is doing, leading to presumptive opinions. Nora and Ben are a fine example of how this impacted their relationship and thankfully, they eventually agree to navigate their way through the self-inflicted issues causing the near breakdown of their marriage. I'm glad the author shares both sides of the dispute. As the narrator, Nora's voice is what we here most and I'm so pleased when the conflict comes to a head, we hear how Ben feels too. It's uncomfortable reading but insightful and realistic. It's so easy to take the side of Nora as that's the voice we hear, so it's refreshing when we hear Ben speak too, to understand the concerns from his perspective. His words are equally damning as Nora becomes painfully aware of her personal shortcomings...yet, despite the harsh words, she's praised for trying to keep their family running as clockwork. The result is sobering as we understand fully what contributed to their relationship crisis. Happily and more importantly, there's love and hope for them as a couple,
This is a solid read with likeable and more importantly relatable characters trying to work through their real-life issues as Ms Jump tackles the difficult subject of addiction sympathetically. She effortlessly draws you into the narrative enabling the reader to feel empathy for all the characters. In addition, a couple of sub-plots that I'm guessing will follow through into future instalments are woven into the narrative and I'm particularly interested in following Maggie's story.
This novel differs from what I'm used to reading, but at the beginning of this year I decided to broaden my reading preferences and this title fits the bill nicely. Lastly, I'm drawn to the lovely cover which compliments the novel beautifully.
***arc generously received courtesy of Forever via NetGalley***
To outsiders, Nora has it all; A fabulous husband, adorable children, comfortable home and a job working in her family's bakery. However, the reality is far different from her distorted portrayal of her perfect marriage and family.
Communication. When it breaks down, it causes bad feeling because each side doesn't understand what the other is doing, leading to presumptive opinions. Nora and Ben are a fine example of how this impacted their relationship and thankfully, they eventually agree to navigate their way through the self-inflicted issues causing the near breakdown of their marriage. I'm glad the author shares both sides of the dispute. As the narrator, Nora's voice is what we here most and I'm so pleased when the conflict comes to a head, we hear how Ben feels too. It's uncomfortable reading but insightful and realistic. It's so easy to take the side of Nora as that's the voice we hear, so it's refreshing when we hear Ben speak too, to understand the concerns from his perspective. His words are equally damning as Nora becomes painfully aware of her personal shortcomings...yet, despite the harsh words, she's praised for trying to keep their family running as clockwork. The result is sobering as we understand fully what contributed to their relationship crisis. Happily and more importantly, there's love and hope for them as a couple,
This is a solid read with likeable and more importantly relatable characters trying to work through their real-life issues as Ms Jump tackles the difficult subject of addiction sympathetically. She effortlessly draws you into the narrative enabling the reader to feel empathy for all the characters. In addition, a couple of sub-plots that I'm guessing will follow through into future instalments are woven into the narrative and I'm particularly interested in following Maggie's story.
This novel differs from what I'm used to reading, but at the beginning of this year I decided to broaden my reading preferences and this title fits the bill nicely. Lastly, I'm drawn to the lovely cover which compliments the novel beautifully.
***arc generously received courtesy of Forever via NetGalley***
Good story of love, forgiveness, and family. Nora has been the glue that holds her family together. Her father died when she was eight, leaving her mother overwhelmed as she became the sole support of the family. Nora became the second mother to her sisters, making sure things got done and doing her best to make everything go smoothly. She dealt with any problems, always insisting that everything was fine. This continued into adulthood, where everything looks perfect to those on the outside, looking in.
But things aren't perfect. Though Nora appears to have an ideal life, with a loving husband, two kids, and a lovely house, appearances are deceiving. Her marriage is in trouble, thanks to her husband's gambling addiction. They are about to have their home repossessed by the bank, and Nora holds Ben entirely responsible for it. He left her holding the bag, trying to pay the bills and keep the household going. Ben went to rehab, but Nora no longer trusts that he will put the family first and is ready to call quits on their marriage. Additionally, their eight-year-old daughter, Sarah, has been in trouble at school and was just suspended for fighting. Nora is at her wit's end but continues to maintain the façade of "everything's fine" to her sisters and mother. When her sister, Magpie, invites her and the kids to the beach for a week, Nora grabs the chance to get away from it all.
I started the book with a great deal of sympathy for Nora. She is the one trying to keep things as normal as possible for the kids, make ends meet, and find a way out of the mess. I was happy for her to have a chance to relax and recharge, away from all the reminders of her troubles. Her encounter with the neighbor, Will, seemed a heaven-sent look at what could be. I liked the way he treated her, restoring a little bit of her self-worth. But all the time she is with him, she is reminded of the love she had for Ben. There were times she remembered the good times, but she would allow the present to overshadow them. I quickly became frustrated with her consistently negative outlook on her future.
I was not a Ben fan at the beginning. Knowing he was responsible for the loss of their house was a big black mark against him. I softened toward him as I saw what a good dad he was, with excellent relationships with Sarah and Jake. The more I saw of him, the more sympathy I felt for him. He knew he screwed up and took himself to rehab. I ached for him when he came out because it's clear that Nora hasn't forgiven him. Ben wants to reconcile, but every time he brings it up, Nora shuts him down hard.
It was interesting to see the changes in both of them as the book went on, but especially the changes in Nora. She was so rigid and controlling in some things that it was no surprise that Ben had some resentment toward her. He still didn't give up on them, despite Nora's resistance. I ached a bit for Nora as the pressure she felt to hide her troubles kept building, and knew she would eventually break. That scene was a little heartbreaking as she realized how much she had lost by keeping that distance from her family. I loved how they came through with the support she needed. The confrontation she had with Ben also opened her eyes to the way she had treated him. I wasn't sure how much effect it would have on her since she was still focused on the past. I loved Ben's big moment at the end. It was sweet and romantic and filled with hope.
There were also some things going on within the O'Bannon family. The girls' mother, Colleen, who has been a widow for twenty years, is spending a lot of time with Roger. He is the director of the shelter where she volunteers. He is a sweet and kind man with a painful backstory that had a significant impact on who he is today. He has it bad for Colleen. Unfortunately, she feels guilty for even thinking about him because she never believed there would be anyone other than her late husband. I liked Roger's persistence, and his realistic view of Colleen. She was prickly and judgmental, which irritated me quite often. That came to a head in her dealings with the bakery's intern, Iris. Though everything worked out, I do wonder if Colleen can genuinely change.
Nora's sister, Magpie, is the sister with wanderlust. She is a world traveler who rarely stays in one place for long. Throughout her and Nora's stay at the beach, it is evident that she has something she wants to talk to Nora about. But she also suffers from the family "I'm fine" disease, and can't get past it to confess her problems. I was pretty sure what the trouble was, which was confirmed by her conversation with her friend, Charlie. I liked her confession to her family, and the instant support she received. I hope that there will be a book for her.
I liked the bakery intern, Iris. Her need to please was heartbreaking, and I liked seeing her blossom as she worked there. There was a rough patch that wasn't her fault, and I ached for what she went through because of it. I'd like to see more of her.
But things aren't perfect. Though Nora appears to have an ideal life, with a loving husband, two kids, and a lovely house, appearances are deceiving. Her marriage is in trouble, thanks to her husband's gambling addiction. They are about to have their home repossessed by the bank, and Nora holds Ben entirely responsible for it. He left her holding the bag, trying to pay the bills and keep the household going. Ben went to rehab, but Nora no longer trusts that he will put the family first and is ready to call quits on their marriage. Additionally, their eight-year-old daughter, Sarah, has been in trouble at school and was just suspended for fighting. Nora is at her wit's end but continues to maintain the façade of "everything's fine" to her sisters and mother. When her sister, Magpie, invites her and the kids to the beach for a week, Nora grabs the chance to get away from it all.
I started the book with a great deal of sympathy for Nora. She is the one trying to keep things as normal as possible for the kids, make ends meet, and find a way out of the mess. I was happy for her to have a chance to relax and recharge, away from all the reminders of her troubles. Her encounter with the neighbor, Will, seemed a heaven-sent look at what could be. I liked the way he treated her, restoring a little bit of her self-worth. But all the time she is with him, she is reminded of the love she had for Ben. There were times she remembered the good times, but she would allow the present to overshadow them. I quickly became frustrated with her consistently negative outlook on her future.
I was not a Ben fan at the beginning. Knowing he was responsible for the loss of their house was a big black mark against him. I softened toward him as I saw what a good dad he was, with excellent relationships with Sarah and Jake. The more I saw of him, the more sympathy I felt for him. He knew he screwed up and took himself to rehab. I ached for him when he came out because it's clear that Nora hasn't forgiven him. Ben wants to reconcile, but every time he brings it up, Nora shuts him down hard.
It was interesting to see the changes in both of them as the book went on, but especially the changes in Nora. She was so rigid and controlling in some things that it was no surprise that Ben had some resentment toward her. He still didn't give up on them, despite Nora's resistance. I ached a bit for Nora as the pressure she felt to hide her troubles kept building, and knew she would eventually break. That scene was a little heartbreaking as she realized how much she had lost by keeping that distance from her family. I loved how they came through with the support she needed. The confrontation she had with Ben also opened her eyes to the way she had treated him. I wasn't sure how much effect it would have on her since she was still focused on the past. I loved Ben's big moment at the end. It was sweet and romantic and filled with hope.
There were also some things going on within the O'Bannon family. The girls' mother, Colleen, who has been a widow for twenty years, is spending a lot of time with Roger. He is the director of the shelter where she volunteers. He is a sweet and kind man with a painful backstory that had a significant impact on who he is today. He has it bad for Colleen. Unfortunately, she feels guilty for even thinking about him because she never believed there would be anyone other than her late husband. I liked Roger's persistence, and his realistic view of Colleen. She was prickly and judgmental, which irritated me quite often. That came to a head in her dealings with the bakery's intern, Iris. Though everything worked out, I do wonder if Colleen can genuinely change.
Nora's sister, Magpie, is the sister with wanderlust. She is a world traveler who rarely stays in one place for long. Throughout her and Nora's stay at the beach, it is evident that she has something she wants to talk to Nora about. But she also suffers from the family "I'm fine" disease, and can't get past it to confess her problems. I was pretty sure what the trouble was, which was confirmed by her conversation with her friend, Charlie. I liked her confession to her family, and the instant support she received. I hope that there will be a book for her.
I liked the bakery intern, Iris. Her need to please was heartbreaking, and I liked seeing her blossom as she worked there. There was a rough patch that wasn't her fault, and I ached for what she went through because of it. I'd like to see more of her.
Copy received via Netgalley for an honest review
I have not read the first book in the O'Bannon Sisters series, however this did not affect my reading of The Secret Ingredient for a Happy Marriage.
Whilst I liked this story, I didn't love it. And for me I think I put that down to our leading lady Nora. I wanted to like her, but for about 80% of the story I found her rigid and unlikable. I just wanted to pull the stick out of her bum and tell her to stop being so judgemental. I could understand why she was upset, but hooley dooley she needed to eat a snickers! However, this could just be me.
I liked the way the book dealt with addiction - not the usual drugs but this time gambling.
I do like the O'Bannon women -strong and feisty. However, in this story I drifted more towards Maggie (who I am thinking is the next book in the series?) more than our leading lady Nora.
I will be reading more of this series, and am going back to read the first book soon.
I have not read the first book in the O'Bannon Sisters series, however this did not affect my reading of The Secret Ingredient for a Happy Marriage.
Whilst I liked this story, I didn't love it. And for me I think I put that down to our leading lady Nora. I wanted to like her, but for about 80% of the story I found her rigid and unlikable. I just wanted to pull the stick out of her bum and tell her to stop being so judgemental. I could understand why she was upset, but hooley dooley she needed to eat a snickers! However, this could just be me.
I liked the way the book dealt with addiction - not the usual drugs but this time gambling.
I do like the O'Bannon women -strong and feisty. However, in this story I drifted more towards Maggie (who I am thinking is the next book in the series?) more than our leading lady Nora.
I will be reading more of this series, and am going back to read the first book soon.