Review: Don't Be Silly! At My Age? by Jacqueline Diamond

 

Don't Be Silly! At My Age?

by Jacqueline Diamond

They’re never too old for love lessons!

At 54, the fearless nurse doesn’t believe in love but she’s writing a romance. At 60, the bestselling novelist is happy to teach her about more than just storytelling... if he can stop her cat from terrorizing his dog.

When Mandy dives into Richard’s writing class, this outspoken duo is headed for a collision that will rock both their worlds. Don’t miss the fun, surprises, and unexpected twists!

My Take:

At 54, Mandy Matchett is a driving, no-nonsense single woman who knows exactly what she wants, and that does not include any romantic entanglements. Yet she's been challenged to write a romance. At 60, Richard Forbes is a bestselling novelist burdened with the loss of a wife, and no desire to open his heart up again. He'd rather be alone, thank you, even wishing to drop the small writing group he leads in his father's bookstore. But when Richard's dog breaks free on a walk and chases Mandy's cat, she joins his writing group out of spite. These two are on a collision course that will come to a head when a stalker targets Mandy for sending him to jail.

 Content:

Drug Content:
PG – There's some drinking in this, bottles of alcohol in the fridge, casual drinking. A drug addict comes calling, and there is some discussion of medicines and their abuse. 
 
Violence:
G – Not much, though there's some threatened.
 
Language:
G – Nada.
 
Adult Content:
G – This is a lighthearted romance, but there's little more than kissing mentioned. There are some mild references to moving in together.
 
Christian content:
There's a bit here. Several characters have come to faith and it makes a dramatic difference in them. There are a few references to praying and church attendance. But threaded throughout this novel there are themes of self-sacrifice, trust, faith, and second chances. Redemption and forgiveness play a significant part in the story. A broken marriage is reconciled. 

 
Final Analysis:
As I'd said before, I'm not usually a reader of lighthearted romances, but I enjoyed the book before this, and looked forward to reading more. I was certainly not disappointed. The writing in this novel was polished, engaging, and entertaining. I especially loved the banter between the main characters. Lines I found especially memorable: 

Well, he'd only dumped her two days ago. That wasn't a lot of lingering.

"And so it starts, with half a carton of purloined Chinese food and a sincere apology."

Mandy smiled all the way down to her slippers.

Hilarious dialog, engaging characters, edge-of-your-seat drama... what's not to love? Five Stars!

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Jacqueline Diamond has more than 100 novels to her name! A former Associated Press reporter and TV columnist, Jackie is best known for her Safe Harbor Medical romances (17 in all) and mysteries (four so far).

She is currently writing a series of romances about three sisters, all over 50, finding or rediscovering love. They are part of the Better Late collection of romantic comedies by Jackie and several other authors. Jackie's first romance in the series is Really? At Your Age?

Jackie has been honored with a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. She and her husband, who have two grown sons, live in Southern California. You can learn more about her books at www.jacquelinediamond.net, where you can sign up for her free monthly newsletter. You can contact Jackie at JacquelineDiamondAuthor on Facebook or as @jacquediamond on Twitter.