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Read advance reader review of Mating for Life by Marissa Stapley, page 6 of 9

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Mating for Life by Marissa Stapley

Mating for Life

by Marissa Stapley

  • Critics' Consensus (0):
  • Published:
  • Jul 2014, 336 pages
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for Mating for Life
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  • Bess W. (Marlton, NJ)
    Mating for life?
    Although this was a quick read I thought it was an interesting story. I loved how each character was developed--their strengths, weaknesses and qirks. Fiona, Ilsa, Liane and Helen, each searching for something. Their relationships with each other and the men in their lives is something many of us can relate to. I think this would be great for a book club as well as for a long day at the beach.
  • Daryl B. (Poolesville, MD)
    Mating For Life?
    I am a bit confused as to why the author picked the title "Mating For Life" as most of the characters had had several mates. I suppose because of the blurbs regarding different animals and their mating habits at the start of each chapter? I am not really sure how that all tied into the story. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed this book and the authentic, quirky characters. I loved the way the sisters and their mom all came together when times were hard. I would recommend it for my book club and other women readers.
  • Molinda C. (Suffolk, VA)
    Great chick lit read
    Marisa Stapely has an engaging writing style. Every chapter is headed by a description of an animals mating habits and she does a nice job tying these in with each of the characters through the story. Each character is well written and their stories are compelling and highly readable. A great book for the summer beach!
  • Peggy H. (North East, PA)
    Cool Drink of Water
    It's easy to get swept up in the world of this family of women, and there were times that I wished that I was part of it. A quick read, but not terribly deep...
  • Judy K. (Oshkosh, WI)
    Worried about the title
    The book was very interesting in the way it was written. Each chapter told a different story of lives of family members and friends. The title did throw me off. I did not like it and was afraid to read the book. I did not know what I was getting myself into. There a few surprises in the book, which I liked. This could be a book club book with all that goes on in it. The story line is weak, though.
  • Gwen C. (Clearfield, PA)
    Mating for Life
    I liked this book much more than I thought I would. Three half sisters with distinct personalities and different relationship problems? A make-love-not-war kind of mom? Come on! Yet somehow Marissa Stapley takes this contrived plot and turns it into a refreshing and thoughtful read. Each chapter begins with an animal and an explanation of that animal's mating rites and parenting skills. How that particular animal surfaces and what it may symbolize is a clever device that holds up well throughout the book. The role of the father; mother's love, love itself...or obligations are all scrutinized. Not only did I become drawn into each character, I also found pages and phrases that gave me pause for their insight into our human condition. Here's to the lessons on life skills, especially rewinding!
  • Lori E. (Wayland, MA)
    Mating for Life
    I thought this was a lovely book with interesting and believable characters. Each chapter focused on one person, surprisingly, sometimes even very minor ones. There were a lot of thought-provoking issues about family and romantic relationships. Sometimes because the focus changed to another character, the reader is left to fill in the gaps of what happened to the previous character. I was occasionally left wanting more details about the main characters and could have done without some of the minor ones. Overall, the book kept my interest and could lead to a good book discussion.

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