Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Book Review and Giveaway: The Rosie Effect

US cover
By Melissa Amster

**Giveaway is now closed**

Earlier this year, I read The Rosie Project. I had heard good things about it and it lived up to the hype. I reviewed it over at Goodreads, if you're interested in hearing my thoughts. When I found out there was going to be a sequel, I was all over that. So when the opportunity came about to read it ahead of the publication date, I didn't let it slip through my fingers.


Don Tillman and Rosie Jarman are back. The Wife Project is complete, and Don and Rosie are happily married and living in New York. But they're about to face a new challenge because surprise! Rosie is pregnant.

Don sets about learning the protocols of becoming a father, but his unusual research style gets him into trouble with the law. Fortunately his best friend Gene is on hand to offer advice: he's left Claudia and moved in with Don and Rosie.

As Don tries to schedule time for pregnancy research, getting Gene and Claudia to reconcile, servicing the industrial refrigeration unit that occupies half his apartment, helping Dave the Baseball Fan save his business, and staying on the right side of Lydia the social worker, he almost misses the biggest problem of all: he might lose Rosie when she needs him the most.
(Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

The Rosie Effect was definitely a fun follow-up to The Rosie Project. I found myself getting into the story easily and there were some reminders from the previous book from time to time. It was nice to learn more about Don as he navigated his way through new territory. I love all the misunderstandings and how he manages to get himself in trouble so easily. And what he does to cover up the problem is even crazier. It was easy to visualize characters and scenery, as well as everything that was going on within the story. I felt genuinely invested in the story and characters, just like in the previous novel.

My only critique is that some parts became confusing when it came to dialogue. It was hard to tell who was talking at times and I'd have to re-read conversations to figure out what was happening. I also would have liked some chapters from Rosie's perspective this time around. It would be interesting to see what is going through her mind during the times Don is driving her crazy. I  hope there will be another book about Don and Rosie that picks up where they left off. All good things come in threes, right?

Thanks to Penguin Random House UK for the book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks also to Simon and Schuster, as they have two copies for some lucky US readers!

UK cover
How to win:
Please tell us something you're looking forward to in 2015.

One entry per person.

Entries without contact information (e-mail address, Twitter account, Facebook page, etc.) will NOT be counted (and we do NOT count "Google +" as contact information).

US only. Giveaway ends January 5th at midnight EST. 

For another chance to win, visit BookTrib by Friday, January 2nd. (US/Canada.) 

45 comments:

Janine said...

I might be crazy to say this as so many women dread it. But, this year is my 50th birthday and I am excited about it. Birthdays have never been a big deal with my family and I guess I'm hoping my husband might surprise me and do something fun for once.

kinini01@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

I have deemed that 2015 will be the Year Of All Good Things. That means being happy, having fun, seeking adventures, and working hard to reach my goals. Resolutions only work if you do!

Thanks for the chance to win. I haven't read this one year but I've been hearing great things about it!

Unknown said...

We have a trip scheduled for Disney this year! Also looking forward to improving myself and pursuing my hobbies.

Connie Porter Saunders said...

I am looking forward to time with my first grandchild. She turns one on Feb. 27 and this should be a year of firsts for her AND for me!
Connie
cps1950@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I am looking forward to being the best version of myself. Ready to take on a new year!

sumsum085@aol.com

Kritters Ramblings said...

There aren't any huge plans for me and my family for 2015 so I am excited for a quiet year!

kdurham2@gmail.com

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

It seems a small thing, but it isn't. In 2015 I want to laugh more.

bonlyn55 at yahoo dot com

Kathy A. LaMaster said...

I want to really, truly MAKE A DIFFERENCE. And, lose weight. LOSE WEIGHT should have been in capital letters! Happy New Year!

Suzanne said...

Looking forward to my son's Bar-Mitzvah - and everything that comes with it. Watching him grow up before our eyes is magic.

Heather said...

I'm looking forward to having more time to read and reading lots of different types of books! (wonderfeather@gmail.com)

Linda Lenhoff said...

I'm determined to see even more old friends this year. Last year I saw 2 friends I hadn't seen in 20 years and a friend I hadn't seen in 30 years. And I plan to get out there this year and visit more. It's so wonderful to be in their company again--not just on FB but for real.

Sharon said...

2015 is quiet so far but I'm hoping for the family to stay healthy and the marriage to get stronger!

sharn3960 {at} comcast {dot} net

Bonnie K. said...

My grandson will be turning one in June. I look forward to all of the changes that takes place as he grows.

bluedawn95864 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I'm planning to spend more time outside in 2015. I thought I'd join the San Diego Zoo Society and do some walking down there and at the Safari Park.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

2014 was a sucky year for me in many ways, so I'm looking forward to starting a new year.

SuzyQ4PR(at)aol(dot)com

Carol Fragale Brill said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kimberly V said...

I'm looking forward to more new books.
k3kdpv at gmail dot com

Anita Yancey said...

I am looking forward to getting healthier this year, and spending more time with my family. I am also determined to read more books than I did in 2014. Thanks for having the giveaway.

ayancey1974(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I am looking forward to continuing to make healthy choices for the whole family, and read a bit more out of my norm, once in a while.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Carl Scott said...

We're taking a trip all the way to Nova Scotia in July for my Mom's birthday. If it's not foggy the whole time it should be a lot of fun.
carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx

bn100 said...

more books to read

bn100candg at hotmail dot com

Jilleen said...

Great question…..I am looking forward to a new year. 2014 has been a tough one! Specifically, some unplugged time!
Thanks for the giveaway

Jill at Seaside Book Nook!

Confessions of a YA and NA Book Addict said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Confessions of a YA and NA Book Addict said...

I'm looking forward to travelling to new places this year, especially Texas. Austin in particular. I also hope to get licensed this year.

kaur_chanpreet(at)hotmail(dot)com

Carol Fragale Brill said...

sorry, forgot contact link in first comment.

I look forward to finishing cancer treatment and one day at a time, living my life forever cancer-free

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Carol-Fragale-Brill/112297472164769

Kathy said...

I am looking forward to celebrating my 25th wedding anniversary with a trip in March to Aruba where we first honeymooned! I am also looking forward to getting my autoimmune disease under control, exercise, continue writing in my gratitude journal, and making our condo a home, a sanctuary! And of course reading my much beloved books!

Allison said...

I am looking forward to being in action - framing my retirement and being creative in new ways.

Suburban prep said...

I am looking forward to being able to spend time with family and friends. I am hoping perhaps there might be a job out there for me as well. As it would be great to have a bit of money coming in. I am looking forward to health. I strive towards that each day.

T-Anon said...

I look forward to a renewed view on my eating/workout habits. Also my son turning 4!
Twitter @tracycollum

Nova said...

looking forward to moving in with my boyfriend...we have been dating 6 years...
sparkle40175AThotmailDOTcom

Aimee (Aimee, Always) said...

Lovely review, and thanks so much for the giveaway! This 2015, I'm looking forward our *possible* trip to Japan! I love anime and all things Japanese, so I'm really stoked for this and I hope this trip really happens! <3

Twitter @AimeeReads

Louann said...

Although the highlight of my year will be our youngest daughter's wedding in September, I'm sure there will be a series of ups and downs throughout the year. Here's wishing health, happiness and all good things to everyone!

louann51@cox.net

Amber @ A Little Pink in the Cornfields said...

I am looking forward to the possibility of my husband and I becoming pregnant and growing our family!

missamberljohnson@gmail.com

Kaizen Fashion Project said...

I'm looking forward to being married! :)

heatheranne99 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I'm looking forward to our trip to Hilton Head Island in July!

Bjoneill@hotmail.com

Mo Burshears said...

I turned 50 last month and started working out everyday at Pure Barre. I have decided to make this year my best ever and to focus more on me rather than everybody else.

I am happier and healthier than I have been in many years. :-)

Rhonda J G said...

rhondajgothier@yahoo.com

Losing more weight and enjoying life!

Lisamarie said...

My husband & I are in an interesting stage of our life; sort of empty nesters both kids are early 20's& in college while not completely out of the house they are gone a majority of the year. We started going to HH with friends, but we need to find some other hobbies we can do together.

tropicalsunlover050(at)Yahoo(dot)com

Marketing Consultant said...

I for one am looking forward to reading this book along with a great margarita or 7! I loved Don in the first book and am even quoted in the cover @eatoutlots Good luck everyone!

Jamie said...

I'm looking forward to good books, major family events, and travelling in 2015!

Reach me on Twitter at @j_schecter.

Anonymous said...

I am going to Paris this year and am really looking forward to it. donaroad@yahoo.com. Susan R

rubynreba said...

I look forward to my husband's cancer staying in remission!!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Melissa said...

Thanks to everyone for participating!

We're looking forward to some fun new theme months in 2015.

Thanks to Simon and Schuster for sharing the book with our winners.

Rafflecopter chose TWO winners from all entries with contact info.

Congrats to Chanpreet and Susan (donaroad)!

Kathy said...

I am looking forward to making my house a home! We moved last year and due to health issues, and my mother in law becoming terminally ill, we were sidetracked! Unfortunately, she passed away late October.