Tag: reviews

A Rave Review for “The War On Sarah Morris”

(Posted by Bernice Leahy on Amazon.com on April 19, 2024)

5 Stars

A poignant, coming of age story

The War on Sarah Morris is a thought-provoking tale of one woman’s struggle to survive in the cutthroat corporate world of publishing.

Having worked in a corporate environment for several years, I could relate to this story, having witnessed first-hand incessant bullying in the workforce, talented people constantly overlooked for promotion because of their age, sex, and their unwillingness to suck up to the boss, in a toxic workforce, often rife with misogyny. And don’t get me started on those endless, pointless meetings. As the author says, those are hours of your life you will never get back.

The author does a fine job of narrating this story from the POV of Sarah Morris, who not only has to battle to keep a job she comes to loathe but cannot leave due to the economic climate. She must also battle her own demons. A lot of people will relate to this compelling, well-written story, with its realistic characters, heart, humour, and soul. The author does a terrific job of describing the pitfalls of corporate life. At one point, I wanted to punch Sarah’s boss, Gillian, in the face and had to keep turning the page to find out what happened next. I highly recommend this engaging tale. And the ending is terrific. It’s five stars from me. Well done.

New 5-Star Review for Love Is the Punch Line!

<a href=”https://www.vecteezy.com/free-photos”>Free Stock photos by Vecteezy</a>

Posted by H K Carlton on Goodreads on April 12, 2023 (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5346700486)

A washed-up actor come Rodney Dangerfield-esk, stand-up comedian Josh Steinberg meets businesswoman Holly Brannigan. Their first interaction ends with Holly tossing a drink in Josh’s face. And there were several instances throughout the book where I wished she’d do it again!

Josh doesn’t leave the self-deprecating schtick on the stage. He carries it in life and wears it just like he does his navy wool suit. Though, I guess a lot of comedians do draw from a place of misery or tragedy for their act—the proverbial sad clowns. 

Throughout the book, Josh battles with depression and his insecurities. However, Holly does her level best to build Josh up and encourages him to fulfill his dreams. She believes in his ability, talent, and vision, even when he doesn’t believe in himself. Yet, Josh’s insulting brand of comedy leads to many misunderstandings and turmoil between the two—he self-sabotages the tenuous relationship at every turn. Often making Holly the butt of his jokes. For the sake of the act, of course. Holly is a saint for hanging in. 

Love Is the Punch Line is not a cookie-cutter romance, which is refreshing. Yes, this book has some romance, and Josh performs stand-up, but it is hardly a romantic comedy. It’s a turbulent, unconventional, and offbeat read yet original and full of ups and downs. Holly and Josh never seem quite in sync with each other, leaving the reader guessing, right to the bitter end, if the relationship can ever really work.

A strong debut! I look forward to this author’s next project.

 

 

 

Vintage microphone on stage with red curtains. Moody stage lighting creates drama and suspense.

New 5-Star Review for Love Is the Punch Line!

Posted by Carolyn Bowen on Goodreads on December 3, 2020: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37507307-love-is-the-punch-line

Love is the Punch Line is a well-written, suspenseful novel. You’ll meet Josh Steinberg a self-loathing comedian with severe depression, problems maintaining his career and a nonexistent love life. Then he meets Holly Brannigan at one of his shows, and when her phone rang during his set, he calls her out and demands she leaves the club. She did; right after throwing a glass of water in his face.

The author, Kathleen Jones, did an excellent job with the dialog, diving in deep to show the honest feelings of the characters. Waves of tension pulsate throughout the novel, leaving you wondering if both the major characters could release their baggage from the past and start over again. 

This is an excellent read with an underlying powerful message — Never Give Up! 

Chamein Canton’s New 4-Star Rave Review for Love Is the Punch Line

Posted by Chamein Canton on Amazon.com on April 18, 2020:

(https://www.amazon.com/Love-Punch-Line-Kathleen-Jones-ebook/dp/B07BYNX7BM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=love+is+the+punch+line&qid=1587385239&s=books&sr=1-1)

Very enjoyable romance with a fresh perspective

I was lucky enough to become aware of Love Is The Punch Line. I found it to be funny with romance in all the right places. I appreciated the perspective of comedy in romance and not in a formulaic rom-com way. As a reader, I enjoyed the deft way the author handles comedic and romantic elements of the story to an enjoyable conclusion.

New 4-Star Rave Review for Love Is the Punch Line from Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews!

Posted on Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews on March 30, 2020: (http://writeramyshannon.wixsite.com/bookshelfreviews/post/love-is-the-punch-line-by-kathleen-jones)

Witty and intense

Jones pens a unique and raw story in Love Is the Punch Line. I haven’t read anything from this author before, and I really enjoyed this story. The characters were raw and very real. Reader, enter the world of comedy clubs and an adventure in romance. The author’s writing style is smart and while balancing romance with the raw lifestyle of comedy and fame (or fall of fame). The author brings Josh and Holly’s story to life. There is a great chemistry between the characters, and a depth that makes them realistic and flawed. Josh and Holly’s connection is not forced. A very well-written story, and I enjoyed it. The author’s technique of intense and believable characters and great plotlines is a gift. I look forward to reading more by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews.

I received this book free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. ~Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews

 

How Not to Get Reviews for Your Book

By Kathleen Jones, The Quirky Novelist. Please sign up for free updates at ‪http://eepurl.com/ceSobT 

First-time authors who are looking for book reviews, beware! There are a number of dicey schemes out there that will waste your precious time and money. I pursued several of them after I published my first novel, a quirky midlife romance (Love Is the Punch Line) in 2018. Here’s a couple that weren’t worth the effort:

  • Ebook Contests and Giveaways: I did a number of ebook giveaways on Goodreads, LibraryThing, and various fan sites catering to fans of romance novels. I also sponsored a contest, offering the winner a $25 gift card on Amazon. Even though dozens of people responded to these offers, I got exactly ONE review! And the giveaways were a huge drain on my time, as I had to send my ebook to dozens of people, then follow up with them a few months later.
  • BookCrossing: BookCrossing promises to give authors greater exposure for their books. The author registers their book online, gives a copy of the book to another person (usually, a stranger), and asks that person to review the book, pass it along to someone else, then record their actions on BookCrossing’s site. I gave my book to a woman who promised to do all of these things; however, one year later, the copy I donated has vanished from the face of the earth. Once again, no reviews!

 

photo credit: JavaJoba Smyrna Library Private Room via photopin (license)

Kathleen Jones’ first novel, Love Is the Punch Line, a midlife romance set in the world of stand-up comedy, is available NOW, in trade paperback and ebook from Amazon.com and Amazon.ca.Visit the Love Is the Punch Line Media Room at https://kathleenjones.org/media-room/

A Comedian’s 5-Star Review of Love Is the Punch Line!

Posted by Ward Anderson on Goodreads on December 2, 2019 (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3070005986)

This is a truly heartwarming, romantic, and engaging read. And it’s also a pretty good look at the life (and Love-life) of those in the comedy world. Jones manages to understand the industry, and the people involved in it, without resorting to old cliches about comedians or their relationships. Mostly, it’s a very enjoyable read, with fun and engaging characters. There’s a lot of heart and a lot of fun to be had here. Give it a read; you’ll enjoy it.