Customer Reviews

Handyman

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

I'd like to clear up the mystery of the vanishing review. I wrote Handyman, and my son (13) was excited to see it on Amazon. He decided to write a review, glowing of course, but forgot he had signed in under my screen name. When the review was posted it appeared that I had written it. I was embarrassed, to say the least, and told him to fix the problem, which he did. But someone had already read it and was offended at what looked like blatant, and not very skillful self-promotion. Sorry. No offense intended. By the way, I am giving myself a rating of 3, because I have to fill in the field, and even though I believe Handyman is a good book, I didn't want to add to my offenses by giving it a 5. (Do you suppose I'll be able to laugh at this someday?)

Would that I could write one this good! Nichols thought up an intriguing plot, then kept it twisting and turning until the very last pages. I found myself tensely reading, hoping it would all end happily ever after. The main characters were well developed and quite likeable, the bad guys and girls pleasantly hateable.

Is this an anti-feminist book? Perhaps. I'd prefer to think it is realistic -- that sometimes one's personal life becomes so overwhelmingly tangled that one needs the nudge of an outside person to see one's way through the thicket.

The only flaw I could find was in the beginning of the book I was confused for a number of pages about who Ethelda was. At first I assumed she and Jake were married, not partners.

Good work Ms. Nichols -- I hope to see more from you in the future.

I have been waiting for this book to come out since I heard that Linda sold it. I got the info that it was out second-hand and belated, but when I did, I went out and bought it.

This book has a lot of good points. It is heart-warming and funny, and it has a lot of just desserts and undeserved grace in it, also. The characters are well-fleshed-out, the events are just believable enough to work, and the ending is suitably powerful.

If you're wondering whether you should buy this book or not, let me encourage you to buy it! I think you'll enjoy it and be touched by it.

Good work, Linda!

Yes, this is a romance in the Nicholas Sparks type of writing style. If you like his stuff you'll probably like Handyman. If you find him to smaltzy then you might want to pass. I enjoyed the fact that although it was slightly predictable, the story was cute and clean-no sex, you could recommend this to your mom or grandma with no worries! Sometimes you just need some light romance and a story with a feel good ending. This would be it. I wish there were more authors that could write good romance without the sex.

I couldn't wait to start the novel and I finished it in practically one night. It was a wonderful love story of discovery and family values. It demonstrates the healing role of listening and acceptance (and common-sensical intervention). I wonder what therapists would think of this book's take on psychoanalysis? I prefer Jake Cooper's therapy. It's a novel that I would not mind my precocious daughter reading. And it is one that a 13-year-old boy could enjoy too. I can't wait for the author's next book. The rating system limited me to whole stars; otherwise I would give HANDYMAN 4-1/2 stars.

Maggie Ivey is a struggling single mother that I believe a lot of women/mothers could relate to. Her frustrations are realistic. The plot is set up as a modern day fairy tale complete with Prince Charming and Evil women. I found it interesting how anytime I said to myself "but why did she do that?" or "why doesn't she/he realize that?" the author answered my question almost as if she could anticipate it (And perhaps early editorial readers DID ask the same questions and she then inserted the answers). This is a good read if you are the type of person who can only read in small bursts of time as the story is engaging enough to hold your memory, yet light enough not to require your whole afternoon, or evening or both. A good first novel that would make an entertaining film.

Sarah Chace

I enjoyed this book from start to predictable finish. The characters are likable and you keep rooting for Maggie Ivey right from the start. A good, old-fashioned story. As an author myself, of NEW PSALMS FOR NEW MOMS: A KEEPSAKE JOURNAL, I especially enjoyed the sections about Maggie's small son, and all the challenges and joys of raising a child today. You'll like this book!

Without repeating the synopsis as other have accurately done before me, let me recommend this as a nice light summer read. The story is delightful and you can't help but love Jake. The female lead character is weak, and I'll admit the writing is reminiscent of Nicholas Sparks but the characters are well developed and it's a downright entertaining read. If you want a feel-good experience, this is it.

This book was very touching. It kept you wondering what was going to happen next. If you like Nicholas Sparks try this one, that's how I came across it and I wasn't disappointed. I hope she does another book soon.

This book was such a pleasant surprise! In the same warm, fuzzy vein of stories like "While You Were Sleeping" and "Sleepless in Seattle," it is a present day romance with wonderfully developed characters, a sweet, though slightly predictable plot, and no graphic sex or language to detract from its charm. If you are looking for some light reading that will make you smile and wish you could live next door to the characters, this is a great pick!