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Out To Lunch (2013)

by Stacey Ballis(Favorite Author)

3.91 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

0425265498 (ISBN13: 9780425265499)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Berkley Trade

review 1: Either I perked up half way through the book or the plot picked up; I'm not sure which, but the book went from "ok" to "I liked it" from that point on.Aimee and Jenna had been friends for over 20 years. They met in college, had similar interests and after developing separate businesses as event planner and caterer, they merged into one successful company. The company was so successful that they each more money than they really knew what to do with (and that was a little hard for me to take in since Jenna just moped around and did little to occupy herself other than be depressed.)See, Aimee died--much too young. Jenna went so far as to donate part of her liver to Aimee (which broke up her own relationship with her long time boyfriend) in order to prolong Aimee's life, but... more in the end, Aimee lost the battle; and Jenna won custody of Aimee's husband Wayne. Now Wayne is not Jenna's favorite person. She could never understand how Aimee, so elegant and level-headed could have hooked up with clumsy, geeky Wayne who has a passion for sci-fi characters and who doesn't manage money very well when it comes to his own money-making schemes. It is up to Jenna to reign him in and to scratch below the surface to see just what was so endearing and loveable about her best friend's husband. And she talks to Jenna whenever she sees Jenna faltering. Enter "The Voix".I found the continuous "poor me, what will I do without Aimee?" state of mind to be drawn out far too much and I soon became tired of the many bashings of Wayne. Ok. I got it. He wasn't socially graceful and he was overly excited about comics and video games and super heroes, but the name calling and the out and out rudeness of Jenna went too far. After all, this was her best friend's husband and he, too, was grieving. In the end, Jenna sees the light, but it took a long time for her to get there and dragged me down.There were a lot of characters moving about in the story and it was hard to keep them all straight as to what their relationship was to each other and to the two best friends.I did like The Voix and through that little voice I got to know Aimee. Yes, Jenna, you were so lucky to have her for your friend, and I am glad she got you past your resentment and misguided opinions about people who don't measure up to your standards.All in all, I was glad I stuck with this book. Loved the ending.
review 2: Joining a Goodreads chicklit group gave me the kick in the pants I needed to pick this book up. Normally, I don't pay that much for a book, but in this case, you definitely get what you pay for! Funny, sad, honest, thought provoking, and delicious, I truly loved this book!When her best friend and business partner dies, Jenna discovers that Aimee left some rather unique instructions in her will regarding the financial care of her husband, Wayne. Jenna now has custody of him. There's just one small problem- Jenna can't STAND the man! She never understood what her best friend saw in this geeky, klutzy, picky eater. As Jenna does her best to honor her friend's wishes, she receives guidance from Aimee, who speaks in her head with her usual snarky and sassy commentary. Every mishap and disaster Wayne creates pushes Jenna one step closer to insanity. Of course, she's got her employees/friends, her dainty dog, a therapist, and a new man in her life to keep her from going completely postal. That is until Wayne and his son, Noah, gift Jenna with a giant puppy who wreaks havoc in her careful life. Wayne and the puppy are a lot a like. Adorable, sweet, and one hell of a mess! Will Jenna give them both the boot? Will she come to grips with her other half- her best friend? Will she open herself up to loss and love? This witty, well written novel will make you think and make you laugh, and is the perfect blend of serious and sass! Definitely 5 stars! less

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