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Edith K. (Northglenn, CO)
A Great Lighthearted Read
This clever read is done with a tongue-and-cheek approach to midlife and marriage, all rolled into an audience of climate activism. What's more, the book revolves around the story reflected in Jane's last failed novel attempt and a witnessing of art imitating life, making the situation a little too familiar and close to home. The story flows with emotional intelligence that only a couple of almost two decades could reveal to its readers. The outrageous gives way to an very enjoyable tale!
Jennie W. (Denver, CO)
Fun Read
This book was an absolute delight to read, with relatable characters and a compelling story that pulled me in from the very first page. The plot centers around Jane and Dan, a couple celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary at a fancy, upscale restaurant when their evening takes a sudden, chaotic turn.
The narrative brilliantly explores Jane's introspections about her life choices—her roles as a parent, spouse, and writer—while Dan contemplates his own capacity for heroism in the midst of an unraveling night.
What truly made this story stand out was its emotional depth combined with an edge-of-your-seat pace. The characters felt real and grounded, their struggles and reflections mirroring the complexities of life, love, and family. I found myself unable to put the book down, eagerly turning pages late into the night just to see how it all resolved.
In short, this is a fantastic read for anyone looking for a blend of drama, suspense, and heartfelt storytelling. Highly recommended!
Becky S. (Springfield, MO)
One of my faves of the year !
I loved this light hearted caper! It was so humorous , but also a poignant story about relationships and coming to terms with what we want in life . I just really enjoyed this fun story !
Donna J. (Norwalk, CT)
Fun Read
I enjoyed reading this book and found it engaging. The sense of humor throughout was similar to mine and had me laughing. If I could write a book, I imagine it with this type of writing. Some may find the light touch on a terrorist action to be disturbing. I am recommending friends to read for the phrasing and wit of the writing.
Angela W. (Shelby Twp, MI)
Hilarious Anniversary Dinner
Jane and Dan have been married for 19 years, and life has become ordinary—at least for Jane. Plus, Jane is sure that Dan is having an affair. Her plan is to tell Dan she wants a divorce while they are celebrating their wedding anniversary at an upscale restaurant. However, her plan backfires when an armed robbery occurs.
In classic Colleen Oakley fashion, she adds an armed robbery, a few unexpected plot twists, and several well-developed characters, resulting in hilarity. (Note: Not too many characters—I was able to keep track of them.)
I loved this book and highly recommend it.
Thank you to BookBrowse and Berkley Books for an early read in exchange for a fair review.
Catherine O. (Altavista, VA)
Twisty and Fun
Jane and Dan at the End of the World delivers a very entertaining read. I enjoy all of Colleen Oakley's novels. She has an uncanny way with plot and dialogue that makes her novels unspool in living color as you read them. I think it is the way she puts very ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances and then sets things in motion. Jane and Dan at the End of the World is my favorite of her novels to date. Centering her novel on Jane, a one book author, and her husband, Dan a plodding podiatrist with a new passion, the novel takes place over the course of one evening.
Ms. Oakley's plot twists are clever and surprising. Her dialogue is realistic and laugh out loud funny.
I will be recommending this book to all my reading friends and to the book club I lead. We read Colleen Oakley's previous novel, The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise, to the delight of all of our readers.
Peggy H. (Erie, PA)
A Fun Romp with a Few Twists
I wasn't sure what to expect with this novel, but it ended up being a warm twisty romp. There are insights about marriage, parenting, climate change, and even crypto currency. Nothing ends the way you think it is going to, which is just the way I like my fiction. It's a quick read with believable characters in an unbelievable situation.
Borderlass, Belmont, MA
A Timely Tale
I can't recall a book I've read from cover to cover without stopping, but it happened to me with this latest book by Colleen Oakley. It's a fun combination of action thriller and zeitgeist distiller - all done with relatable characters in this most contemporary of novels. This will appeal to book groups and likely will have many exploring more of Colleen Oakley's fiction writing upon completion of this tale. Her touches of humor and satirical depiction of current American society somehow combine well with the underlying suspenseful drama resulting in a most entertaining read.... a dose of Anthony Trollope with a dash of Dan Brown - quirky but compelling.