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Still Crazy
A loving, strong and passionate wife discovers a handwritten note that has the power to either destroy her or make her stronger yet.
Still Crazy is the story of one woman's journey through pain, betrayal, and forgiveness as she learns to hold onto her faith and, for the first time in her life trust in herself. Julie Holliday has always had a dream – to be the perfect wife. After she gives her heart to the love of her life, all she wants is for Dan to adore her the way she adores him. With only a high school equivalency in one hand and a fist full of ambition in the other, together they build a million-dollar empire. It seems Julie and Dan have a fairytale life – that is, until the day she realizes her love is not enough to stop Dan from having what she suspects is numerous affairs.
Uplifting for a topic that is not, Still Crazy is an awakening for all couples. A gripping debut novel for women and the men who love them.
Women's Contemporary Fiction. Age 23 and up. Audience: Women, Men, Book Clubs and Reading Groups.
Still Crazy is the story of one woman's journey through pain, betrayal, and forgiveness as she learns to hold onto her faith and, for the first time in her life trust in herself. Julie Holliday has always had a dream – to be the perfect wife. After she gives her heart to the love of her life, all she wants is for Dan to adore her the way she adores him. With only a high school equivalency in one hand and a fist full of ambition in the other, together they build a million-dollar empire. It seems Julie and Dan have a fairytale life – that is, until the day she realizes her love is not enough to stop Dan from having what she suspects is numerous affairs.
Uplifting for a topic that is not, Still Crazy is an awakening for all couples. A gripping debut novel for women and the men who love them.
Women's Contemporary Fiction. Age 23 and up. Audience: Women, Men, Book Clubs and Reading Groups.
306 pages, Hardcover
First published March 30, 2021
About the author
Judy Prescott Marshall
12 books274 followersI'm Judy. I write fiction with a hint of romance. The couples are all from small towns, the women are always strong, savvy and looking for their next project or adventure.
In every one of my books you'll find smart heroines, friends you'll want to keep, and honest to goodness family values. Hopefully, you will discover new inviting places worth taking a trip.
Sign up for my monthly newsletter to receive access to all my books, great recipes, garden tips, book and movie reviews, plus the best giveaways around.
https://www.judyprescottmarshall.com/...
In every one of my books you'll find smart heroines, friends you'll want to keep, and honest to goodness family values. Hopefully, you will discover new inviting places worth taking a trip.
Sign up for my monthly newsletter to receive access to all my books, great recipes, garden tips, book and movie reviews, plus the best giveaways around.
https://www.judyprescottmarshall.com/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
March 20, 2021
“When you love someone, you love all of them. You gotta love everything about them, not just the good things, but the bad things, too. It’s how you find forgiveness.”
Julie Holliday and Dan Holliday have been married 30 years. They built their empires from scratch and are successful at their businesses — Julie with her bakery, and Dan with his construction business. Yet somehow, their success belies their relationship. It was a relationship built on lies. But it wasn’t like that in the beginning. Soon, Dan’s indiscretions started to emerge. That was ten years ago, and now the final straw — a seemingly innocuous note. A note that contained a name. A woman’s name.
After years of struggling with trust issues and separation anxiety, Julie Holliday ultimately leaves her husband to start fresh in Rhode Island. There, Julie begins to find herself by forming new friendships, and interests while allowing her faith to guide and strengthen her.
Still Crazy is a faith based story of one woman’s courage and determination to finally follow her own path to happiness. While some readers might not appreciate the religious references, I found it to be very refreshing. To read how one’s faith could play a major role in their own happiness gave me pause to reflect on how faith has an impact on people’s lives.
A heartwarming novel, Still Crazy is one book that I truly enjoyed. It’s a clean read with wonderful loving characters and a touching story. Five heartfelt stars.
I received a finished copy of the book from Judy Prescott Marshall through the Bookish First raffle. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Julie Holliday and Dan Holliday have been married 30 years. They built their empires from scratch and are successful at their businesses — Julie with her bakery, and Dan with his construction business. Yet somehow, their success belies their relationship. It was a relationship built on lies. But it wasn’t like that in the beginning. Soon, Dan’s indiscretions started to emerge. That was ten years ago, and now the final straw — a seemingly innocuous note. A note that contained a name. A woman’s name.
After years of struggling with trust issues and separation anxiety, Julie Holliday ultimately leaves her husband to start fresh in Rhode Island. There, Julie begins to find herself by forming new friendships, and interests while allowing her faith to guide and strengthen her.
Still Crazy is a faith based story of one woman’s courage and determination to finally follow her own path to happiness. While some readers might not appreciate the religious references, I found it to be very refreshing. To read how one’s faith could play a major role in their own happiness gave me pause to reflect on how faith has an impact on people’s lives.
A heartwarming novel, Still Crazy is one book that I truly enjoyed. It’s a clean read with wonderful loving characters and a touching story. Five heartfelt stars.
I received a finished copy of the book from Judy Prescott Marshall through the Bookish First raffle. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
February 22, 2021
This is an unforgettable book and I'm excited the author Judy Prescott Marshall is releasing a sequel. The story needs to be told for so many that have giving up on making a life for themselves after a heartbreak occurs. Still Crazy is the story of Julie's journey from what she thought would be the love of her life becomes tarnished by an unfaithful husband. Although her love for him never stops, she decides to plow through the pain and betrayal by forgiving him and trusting in her faith in God that she can build another life for herself without him.
With the hard realization that she was not enough for him in what she thought was a perfect marriage for 30 years, she moves on to open a successful Inn in Rhode Island. This is a beautiful story of finding the resilience we all have within to overcome heartache and self destruction to build something bigger than we could ever imagine. Never settling for what if, but moving toward good health and happiness was the only solution to ensure Julie's self worth mattered.
Good job, Judy! This is well-written and heartfelt when we are all going through a constant sense of unprecedented times. This was yet an affliction on someone's heart, but even as her faith waivers it came across as triumphant recovery of the heart.
Thank you NetGalley for an unbelievably good ARC in exchange for my review!
With the hard realization that she was not enough for him in what she thought was a perfect marriage for 30 years, she moves on to open a successful Inn in Rhode Island. This is a beautiful story of finding the resilience we all have within to overcome heartache and self destruction to build something bigger than we could ever imagine. Never settling for what if, but moving toward good health and happiness was the only solution to ensure Julie's self worth mattered.
Good job, Judy! This is well-written and heartfelt when we are all going through a constant sense of unprecedented times. This was yet an affliction on someone's heart, but even as her faith waivers it came across as triumphant recovery of the heart.
Thank you NetGalley for an unbelievably good ARC in exchange for my review!
March 27, 2021
‘When forever means forever after’ – A love story
Author Judy Prescott Marshall made her writing debut with a short but meaningful book BE STRONG ENOUGH in 2019 and now adds her full length novel STILL CRAZY to her growing repertoire. On her blog she states, ‘Her message at the age of sixty-three is simple – never give up! Dream your dreams. Live your best life at any age. Find forgiveness in your own heart and you will live a life of untold peace and happiness.’
A love story for everyone who has experienced love in all its galaxies, Judy manages to relate a tale about the spectrum of love in a manner that is fresh and free of adages, a story that signals the road ahead in the opening lines: ‘At 3 a.m., I finally slid out of our bed. The moon was bright enough to light up the room. I stood in the living room for a minute. Something was wrong. I could feel it. The light of the moon had nothing to do with my lying awake for hours. I wandered into my husband’s office as if that piece of paper had been calling to me the entire night. My hands shook as I picked it up. “Nooo…’ I whispered as I held up the flowery paper in my hand. It was a woman’s hand writing…Imagining my husband wrapped up in yet another woman’s arms was not where I ‘d saw my self at forty-nine…’ Where that note takes the reader is a journey worthy of reading.
Sharing the direction of the romance, the author offers the following distillation: ‘Julie and Dan Holliday's lives are the definition of perfect. They have it all: a million-dollar business, properties (including a gorgeous home), and a dog. Julie Holliday is the perfect wife; she is loving, sensuous, and loyal, with adoration for her husband, yet she is in constant fear that her husband and perfect life is all but a facade on the brink of collapse. She finds a note on her husband's desk and is terrified, as it may confirm her suspicions that Dan may be cheating again! Every time she confronts him, he denies it and calls her crazy. Having had enough and determined to live a life afresh without a cheating husband and paranoia, she sells her business, all of her properties, packs her bags and disappears without a trace. Unbeknownst to her, her chapter with Dan is far from over because love may just have other plans for these two.’
Some may feel the novel is ‘old-fashioned’ – but not to Millennials or Gen Xers – those who have been there and understand. Judy’s writing is ‘hopelessly romantic’ – a strong draw for readers of Chick Lit but also a solid book for both men and women to find comparisons to their own love plight. This is an author on the brink of success.
Author Judy Prescott Marshall made her writing debut with a short but meaningful book BE STRONG ENOUGH in 2019 and now adds her full length novel STILL CRAZY to her growing repertoire. On her blog she states, ‘Her message at the age of sixty-three is simple – never give up! Dream your dreams. Live your best life at any age. Find forgiveness in your own heart and you will live a life of untold peace and happiness.’
A love story for everyone who has experienced love in all its galaxies, Judy manages to relate a tale about the spectrum of love in a manner that is fresh and free of adages, a story that signals the road ahead in the opening lines: ‘At 3 a.m., I finally slid out of our bed. The moon was bright enough to light up the room. I stood in the living room for a minute. Something was wrong. I could feel it. The light of the moon had nothing to do with my lying awake for hours. I wandered into my husband’s office as if that piece of paper had been calling to me the entire night. My hands shook as I picked it up. “Nooo…’ I whispered as I held up the flowery paper in my hand. It was a woman’s hand writing…Imagining my husband wrapped up in yet another woman’s arms was not where I ‘d saw my self at forty-nine…’ Where that note takes the reader is a journey worthy of reading.
Sharing the direction of the romance, the author offers the following distillation: ‘Julie and Dan Holliday's lives are the definition of perfect. They have it all: a million-dollar business, properties (including a gorgeous home), and a dog. Julie Holliday is the perfect wife; she is loving, sensuous, and loyal, with adoration for her husband, yet she is in constant fear that her husband and perfect life is all but a facade on the brink of collapse. She finds a note on her husband's desk and is terrified, as it may confirm her suspicions that Dan may be cheating again! Every time she confronts him, he denies it and calls her crazy. Having had enough and determined to live a life afresh without a cheating husband and paranoia, she sells her business, all of her properties, packs her bags and disappears without a trace. Unbeknownst to her, her chapter with Dan is far from over because love may just have other plans for these two.’
Some may feel the novel is ‘old-fashioned’ – but not to Millennials or Gen Xers – those who have been there and understand. Judy’s writing is ‘hopelessly romantic’ – a strong draw for readers of Chick Lit but also a solid book for both men and women to find comparisons to their own love plight. This is an author on the brink of success.
March 27, 2021
Julie Holliday loves her husband with all of her heart, but his betrayal sends her into shock waves of despair so deep that she has to flee from him. The author’s description of the heights of Julie’s love and the depths of her despair were heartbreaking. At first, I didn’t really know whether to believe that Dan had really cheated on her or whether she just wasn’t communicating with him enough. When she leaves him behind in New York and heads to Rhode Island on her own, I still was not convinced that Dan was a bad guy. There were so many tender love scenes between the two of them before she left. I enjoyed the book but I was confused for much of it. Did Dan cheat or not? Was Julie crazy in love or just crazy? I think that may have been the way I was supposed to be thinking. The book is interspersed with Biblical lessons and great quotations that teach lessons. Parts of it were a bit trite, but that was okay because the story itself was a good one that needed to be told. I think that my favorite character was Teresa, the young woman whom Julie befriends in Rhode Island and who knows her secrets and has tea with her whenever she needs comfort or just to talk to someone. This is a story about love, relationships and family. There is a deeper theme but I don’t want to reveal it lest I reveal the entire plot. The plot was like being on a roller coaster ride, but it was an enjoyable one. Fans of clean romance should buckle up and prepare for a realistic, heart-felt story of love, loss and love again.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Bookish First. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Bookish First. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
April 2, 2021
This is a tough review for me to write. I try to find something positive to highlight about every book that I read but I’m really struggling to identify anything I really liked in this one. I felt like the characters were impossible to empathize with and a lot of the dialogue was stilted or felt forced. I am not religious but I don’t mind reading about religious characters, but the constant flat way Julie prayed or commented on her blessings got really old really fast for me. I think I could have gotten past all of that if the story was good, but I didn’t really like the arc this story took. Julie suspects her husband of cheating and instead of addressing it with him she drives herself crazy trying to figure out why. Finally she decides she’s had enough and leaves him in order to set him free because she clearly wasn’t enough for him. The idea that it is a person’s fault if their partner cheats on them offends me. And that’s basically the idea she accepts. And I’m sorry but the ending did not work for me at all. I believe if someone truly loves you they won’t cheat on you for about three decades.
March 23, 2021
I received a copy of this book a couple of weeks ago, and to tell you the truth I really wasn't sure I wanted to read it, it is not my usual type of novel. Bit it was packaged so nicely and came with a nice bag of tea and a pretty bookmark that I gave it a try and I am happy to say I am glad I did! Do you find that sometimes when we judge too quickly we miss out on some of the best things in life? That is what would have happened if I had stuck to my first inclination and passed this book by. So happy I took the time to read it.
This story was "inspired by a true love story", the back cover tells us this. And what a story it is. Julie and Dan have been married over 30 years. Julie adores Dan. Julie's whole life is centered around Dan. Julie doesn't know life without Dan. Dan is a cheater. Dan has been unfaithful to Julie at least 8 times. How can Julie come to terms with facing a life without Dan when he has been everything to her? With her faith being tested at every turn Julie must find a way to dig deep in herself and gather her inner strength, discover that she is more than just a wife to Dan, that she is a smart, vibrant, strong woman who can and will survive a life without him.
This novel takes us on a journey of discovery as we watch Julie struggle to find herself, independent of a life with Dan. At times both sad and uplifting, you feel a real connection to Julie and her struggle to overcome extreme anxiety and loneliness, a rollercoaster of emotions are felt as she comes to accept that she is strong and can be a woman worth her own weight, without relying upon a man for support.
I loved this book, it felt so real. I could feel Julies hurt and anxiety over what she was facing and the giant steps she had to take towards independence. It is worth the read, well written, with comprehensive characters and a warm emotional thread throughout, don't miss this novel, on sale April 1, 2021.
I give this novel a 5 star rating on Goodreads. I found nothing to complain about or to detract from. I am looking forward to Judy Prescott Marshall's next novel, "The Inn in Rhode Island".
Thank you to Judy Prescott Marshall and Goodreads Giveaways for the free ARC copy of this book, in return I am leaving my honest review.
#StillCrazy
#GoodreadsGiveaways
#JudyPrescottMarshall
This story was "inspired by a true love story", the back cover tells us this. And what a story it is. Julie and Dan have been married over 30 years. Julie adores Dan. Julie's whole life is centered around Dan. Julie doesn't know life without Dan. Dan is a cheater. Dan has been unfaithful to Julie at least 8 times. How can Julie come to terms with facing a life without Dan when he has been everything to her? With her faith being tested at every turn Julie must find a way to dig deep in herself and gather her inner strength, discover that she is more than just a wife to Dan, that she is a smart, vibrant, strong woman who can and will survive a life without him.
This novel takes us on a journey of discovery as we watch Julie struggle to find herself, independent of a life with Dan. At times both sad and uplifting, you feel a real connection to Julie and her struggle to overcome extreme anxiety and loneliness, a rollercoaster of emotions are felt as she comes to accept that she is strong and can be a woman worth her own weight, without relying upon a man for support.
I loved this book, it felt so real. I could feel Julies hurt and anxiety over what she was facing and the giant steps she had to take towards independence. It is worth the read, well written, with comprehensive characters and a warm emotional thread throughout, don't miss this novel, on sale April 1, 2021.
I give this novel a 5 star rating on Goodreads. I found nothing to complain about or to detract from. I am looking forward to Judy Prescott Marshall's next novel, "The Inn in Rhode Island".
Thank you to Judy Prescott Marshall and Goodreads Giveaways for the free ARC copy of this book, in return I am leaving my honest review.
#StillCrazy
#GoodreadsGiveaways
#JudyPrescottMarshall
December 8, 2020
I received an ARC of Still Crazy as well as a tasty teabag and bookmark, which I put to good use.
This is a very inspiring story, full of honest emotion and touching scenes. Despite a cheating husband, Julie is surrounded by the love of friends and that of Dan, her husband, as well.
Julie continues to love Dan, and only Dan, even though she finally decides she must make a fresh start and be independent for her own well-being. Her strong faith serves her well. Once again she builds a successful business and surrounds herself with new friends. Even sadness dissipates as the story moves to a happy ending following many touching emotional episodes as true and powerful love wins.
Still Crazy is very engaging and hard to put down. The characters form strong bonds and I look forward to reading more about them in the upcoming new book, The Inn in Rhode Island for which I saw a preview included in the ARC of this book.
This is a very inspiring story, full of honest emotion and touching scenes. Despite a cheating husband, Julie is surrounded by the love of friends and that of Dan, her husband, as well.
Julie continues to love Dan, and only Dan, even though she finally decides she must make a fresh start and be independent for her own well-being. Her strong faith serves her well. Once again she builds a successful business and surrounds herself with new friends. Even sadness dissipates as the story moves to a happy ending following many touching emotional episodes as true and powerful love wins.
Still Crazy is very engaging and hard to put down. The characters form strong bonds and I look forward to reading more about them in the upcoming new book, The Inn in Rhode Island for which I saw a preview included in the ARC of this book.
December 19, 2020
Thank you for the book, Judy Prescott Marshall. The bookmark and the tea bag made me feel special:)
Still Crazy was a welcoming break from reading murder mysteries.
I was slightly unhappy with the ending but i guess the heart wants what it wants. I enjoyed the book thoroughly and definitely recommend it!
Still Crazy was a welcoming break from reading murder mysteries.
I was slightly unhappy with the ending but i guess the heart wants what it wants. I enjoyed the book thoroughly and definitely recommend it!
December 14, 2020
I enjoyed reading Still Crazy. I admire Julie's strength in remaining true to the man that she loved through all obstacles. Anyone that has ever dated or been married to someone who has cheated on her or him needs to read this book. Always remember there is power in forgiveness.
March 30, 2021
A book for any woman, or man, trying to make a new life...jumping out there, without a net, and becoming her best self. I thoroughly enjoyed Still Crazy and was rooting for Julie while she learnt to survive on her own and heal her hurts of the past.
Still Crazy deals with the difficult topic of marital infidelity. Julie Holliday is an ideal wife that is devoted to her husband Dan. Unfortunately, Dan is not as devoted to their marital vows as she is, so Julie leaves everything behind and escapes to Rhode Island where she tries start fresh as the owner of an inn.
A charming and heartwarming read, reminding the reader to never give up on life.
Still Crazy deals with the difficult topic of marital infidelity. Julie Holliday is an ideal wife that is devoted to her husband Dan. Unfortunately, Dan is not as devoted to their marital vows as she is, so Julie leaves everything behind and escapes to Rhode Island where she tries start fresh as the owner of an inn.
A charming and heartwarming read, reminding the reader to never give up on life.
November 9, 2020
This is a charming book filled with deep honest love. It was so easy to fall in love with the characters and enjoy time with them as they loved, cried and just lived. This was a perfect antidote to the crazy we call life right now. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
April 1, 2021
Once I started reading Still Crazy by Judy Prescott Marshall, I had a hard time putting it down. Julie suspects that her husband of 30 years is having an affair. She has suspected the same in the past and has never been able to really prove it. When confronted, Dan denies, denies, denies. Instead of confronting Dan this time, she sets out to find the truth herself and lots of time passes with no real resolution. She is not ok. The few people who know her suspicions tell her he would never do such a thing. She loves her husband and he seems to love her but she can't let it go. By the end of section one of the book Julie has made all the preparations to leave and she does, leaving no trace or clue as to where she has gone. In section two of the book she proceeds to build a life for herself and makes many new friends who become her family. Even with a new life and a possible new love, Julie can't forget Dan and her love for him. I won't go into any more detail, but lets just say that this book is not low on angst.
As I said, I was drawn into this book by the story and couldn't put it down. Now, that is not to say that I didn't have a few frustrations with it as I read. First of all, I was confused by the timeline of the story. Julie is supposed to be 49 at the beginning of the story, but that doesn't really match up to the dates given in regards to her and Dan's relationship. This might not bother most, but it did me. Secondly, there are quite a few times where Julie references her faith in God in getting her through and prays to God for strength and guidance. I have no trouble with that or faith based romance stories, but this book is mixed. While she shows this faith at times, there is also language unbecoming to someone of strong Christian faith. She also seems to seriously consider sleeping with a man who is not her husband. Christians do make poor choices sometimes just like anyone else, but Julie's conflict in this situation had nothing to do with displeasing God. Things like this left me a little confused as to the author's use of Christianity in this book. The love interest in the second part of the book actually had me scratching my head. He is in love with her, but I really couldn't understand why. We really don't see him falling for her, she doesn't even really spend much time with him, but rather actively avoids him. Lastly, I found it interesting that from the beginning I wasn't really sure what was true about Dan and his affairs. I didn't know if Julie really was right or wrong. I think the author does this on purpose and it is one of the things that kept me reading the book. I needed to know what the truth was.
I truly loved the second part of the book. I loved how Julie built her inn and how she filled it with people she loved and trusted. How they all had each other's backs and worked so well together was fun to read and it would be a dream to work in such a place. I was mostly satisfied with the ending and hope to read the author's next book which seems to be a connected to this one. I hope Julie and Dan are doing well and that we will get to see that.
My sincere thanks to Judy Prescott Marshall and BookishFirst for giving me the opportunity to read this book and give my unbiased opinion of it.
As I said, I was drawn into this book by the story and couldn't put it down. Now, that is not to say that I didn't have a few frustrations with it as I read. First of all, I was confused by the timeline of the story. Julie is supposed to be 49 at the beginning of the story, but that doesn't really match up to the dates given in regards to her and Dan's relationship. This might not bother most, but it did me. Secondly, there are quite a few times where Julie references her faith in God in getting her through and prays to God for strength and guidance. I have no trouble with that or faith based romance stories, but this book is mixed. While she shows this faith at times, there is also language unbecoming to someone of strong Christian faith. She also seems to seriously consider sleeping with a man who is not her husband. Christians do make poor choices sometimes just like anyone else, but Julie's conflict in this situation had nothing to do with displeasing God. Things like this left me a little confused as to the author's use of Christianity in this book. The love interest in the second part of the book actually had me scratching my head. He is in love with her, but I really couldn't understand why. We really don't see him falling for her, she doesn't even really spend much time with him, but rather actively avoids him. Lastly, I found it interesting that from the beginning I wasn't really sure what was true about Dan and his affairs. I didn't know if Julie really was right or wrong. I think the author does this on purpose and it is one of the things that kept me reading the book. I needed to know what the truth was.
I truly loved the second part of the book. I loved how Julie built her inn and how she filled it with people she loved and trusted. How they all had each other's backs and worked so well together was fun to read and it would be a dream to work in such a place. I was mostly satisfied with the ending and hope to read the author's next book which seems to be a connected to this one. I hope Julie and Dan are doing well and that we will get to see that.
My sincere thanks to Judy Prescott Marshall and BookishFirst for giving me the opportunity to read this book and give my unbiased opinion of it.
March 18, 2021
Still Crazy by Judy Prescott Marshall is such an inspiring story about a women's journey of starting over.
Dan and Julie seem to have the perfect fairy tale life. A thriving business, a beautiful house, and who does not love the dog. Julie is the definition of an ideal wife; she is caring, loving, loyal, beautiful, and adores her husband to no end. But every fairy tale is far from perfect. One day Julie uncovers a letter on Dan's desk that sends her life into a spiral. Julie is heartbroken to learn that her husband is having an affair, so she decides to leave behind her perfect life and disappear.
Judy Marshall is such a fantastic writer. She brings this story to life and makes this story very relatable to people's lives in their own lives. She gives the readers a lesson on love and shows that love can persist through the good, bad, and ugly. While reading this story, you feel as if you truly know these characters. There is at least one character that everyone can relate to in their own life. Julie is a true inspiration for women, and her journey will bring out such emotion while you are reading. But be forewarned that you may need a box of tissues next to you when you read this unexpected ending.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars because it is genuinely a well-written novel. I received an advanced reader's copy and found no grammatical inaccuracies and an accurate, relatable tale. This book does contain some profanities and sexual content, but what women's book doesn't! I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with love and loves to read romance novels.
Judy Prescott Marshall
Dan and Julie seem to have the perfect fairy tale life. A thriving business, a beautiful house, and who does not love the dog. Julie is the definition of an ideal wife; she is caring, loving, loyal, beautiful, and adores her husband to no end. But every fairy tale is far from perfect. One day Julie uncovers a letter on Dan's desk that sends her life into a spiral. Julie is heartbroken to learn that her husband is having an affair, so she decides to leave behind her perfect life and disappear.
Judy Marshall is such a fantastic writer. She brings this story to life and makes this story very relatable to people's lives in their own lives. She gives the readers a lesson on love and shows that love can persist through the good, bad, and ugly. While reading this story, you feel as if you truly know these characters. There is at least one character that everyone can relate to in their own life. Julie is a true inspiration for women, and her journey will bring out such emotion while you are reading. But be forewarned that you may need a box of tissues next to you when you read this unexpected ending.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars because it is genuinely a well-written novel. I received an advanced reader's copy and found no grammatical inaccuracies and an accurate, relatable tale. This book does contain some profanities and sexual content, but what women's book doesn't! I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with love and loves to read romance novels.
Judy Prescott Marshall
March 10, 2021
I have to say not my favorite book so far this year. I can't wrap my self with Julie at all. This keep it in to the point the anxiety and panic made her passed out was something I want to tell her to snap out of it. Her constant talk about her faith in God was very watered down. You really only mention her confronting her husband only once during all his infidelity, and nothing came about it, nothing change. He never hit or degraded her in the book, they never tried counseling together. If she wanted her marriage stronger I think she would have brought that up, she is an intelligent and money was not an issue to get the help they needed for their marriage. I was mad how she just really walked away from what she said was the best thing in her life and she still loved this man, but was not willing to put up the effort to keep it together. And the fairy tale life she was living was more than I could handle. She found the perfect place to restart, the perfect people to work with, everything was sunshine and unicorns for her, but still she would cry and pass out and everyone came running to her to comfort her. I don't many women that walk away with 5 million dollars and still getting an income in, one hard working women. To have two good looking wealthy men wanting to marry you and lavish you with everything you could wish for, come on. I would have like to have someone to tell her she needs to pull herself together and check her own sugar.
March 20, 2021
I felt so special to receive this book as an ARC from bookish first and the author Judy Prescott Marshall. The tea bag and bookmark had me doing the Happy Dance. Now for the review honestly I fell in love with this story but yes some very emotional ups and downs at the same time. Julie has been married to Dan for thirty years and they both had very successful businesses. Dan did dirt work ( bulldozing, excavation and so forth), Julie had a bakery and their best friend worked for Julie. Julie had suspected Dan several times of having affairs but Dan denied always. The two of them were the best of friends, cooking together, hiking in the morning and evening, watching movies together and had favorite songs together. Dan constantly touching Julie and watching out for her diabetic spells. Julie was so in love with Dan and she couldn’t imagine life without him no matter how bad it got with the affairs until the note left on his desk. She had decided she was going to have the proof in front of her for she questioned Dan again about another affair. Her best friend told her Dan loved her and would never cheat on her, Dan best friend told Julie the same thing. But she knew in her heart she needed to let Dan be happy and she needed a new start.
She moves to Rhode Island and buys an old house and hires Frank the contractor to remodel and build on and keep building on. She finally has the Inn she always dreamt of. She had hired all people she had meant when she first got there to help her with the inn and part of the benefits was to be able to live there and receive part of the profits. In walks a gentleman that is so handsome that the girls were fanning themselves over. They wanted Julie to fall for him so bad even the men that worked there did too. Julie even after 2 1/2 years away from Dan was still in love with him. She constantly prayed for guidance and even though she had hit rock bottom she kept in her faith throughout. One of the funniest parts was when she took a note from the woman Dan was having an affair with at that time and stuffed it in the mouth of a fish and mailed to the woman.
I am not going any further because I do not want to spoil anything. But it definitely shows you how a strong woman can survive. I couldn’t put this book down I just needed to know what was going to happen next.
Again, I received an ARC from bookish first and the author for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
She moves to Rhode Island and buys an old house and hires Frank the contractor to remodel and build on and keep building on. She finally has the Inn she always dreamt of. She had hired all people she had meant when she first got there to help her with the inn and part of the benefits was to be able to live there and receive part of the profits. In walks a gentleman that is so handsome that the girls were fanning themselves over. They wanted Julie to fall for him so bad even the men that worked there did too. Julie even after 2 1/2 years away from Dan was still in love with him. She constantly prayed for guidance and even though she had hit rock bottom she kept in her faith throughout. One of the funniest parts was when she took a note from the woman Dan was having an affair with at that time and stuffed it in the mouth of a fish and mailed to the woman.
I am not going any further because I do not want to spoil anything. But it definitely shows you how a strong woman can survive. I couldn’t put this book down I just needed to know what was going to happen next.
Again, I received an ARC from bookish first and the author for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 5, 2020
I received an ARC from Judy Prescott Marshall for an honest review. This book intrigued me. Julie Holliday was married to Dan and they seemed to have a loving relationship and loved doing things together. But Julie has suspected her husband has cheated on her over the years and when she questions him, each time he denies it. When she sees a note on her husband's desk written by a woman on flowery stationery with a name and number she is suspicious once again. This time she doesn't say anything to her husband. She decides to catch him in the act but she finally can't live that way and up and leaves after selling off all her businesses.
She goes to Rhode Island and buy an old farmhouse and hires locals to make it into an inn with lots and lots of garden. She questions God about why He brought Dan and her together because she loved him and she knew he loved her but couldn't seem to be able to be faithful. When the inn was finished she asked some of the local people to come and work with her at the inn. They each had their own place at the inn and a salary and as the inn became profitable, she split the profits with them so they could build a retirement fund.
She is an incredible woman but living with a man that cheated and then lied to her, she had panic attacks, she had separation anxiety so bad, she just kept making herself sick. In time she figured some things out, but her heart just wouldn't let go of the love for her husband. Two and a half years after she left, Dan arrives at the inn. He says he can't live without her and has been seeing a therapist, and he read her journal that she kept when she was married to him, which showed how much pain she was in and what it was doing to her. He never realized it when they were together but once she was gone, he saw a lot of things he hadn't seen before. You will have to read the book to see what happens, to find out if he is a changed man and if he had really learned anything but also would Julie be able to stay strong if she took him back. It is a very interesting book that talks about what a lot of women go through. It is uplifting what Julie does for the people who work at the inn, but it is also sad to see what a woman allows a man to do to her. But it is a book that will keep you reading to the end and when I was done I could see where there is a different way to move forward.
She goes to Rhode Island and buy an old farmhouse and hires locals to make it into an inn with lots and lots of garden. She questions God about why He brought Dan and her together because she loved him and she knew he loved her but couldn't seem to be able to be faithful. When the inn was finished she asked some of the local people to come and work with her at the inn. They each had their own place at the inn and a salary and as the inn became profitable, she split the profits with them so they could build a retirement fund.
She is an incredible woman but living with a man that cheated and then lied to her, she had panic attacks, she had separation anxiety so bad, she just kept making herself sick. In time she figured some things out, but her heart just wouldn't let go of the love for her husband. Two and a half years after she left, Dan arrives at the inn. He says he can't live without her and has been seeing a therapist, and he read her journal that she kept when she was married to him, which showed how much pain she was in and what it was doing to her. He never realized it when they were together but once she was gone, he saw a lot of things he hadn't seen before. You will have to read the book to see what happens, to find out if he is a changed man and if he had really learned anything but also would Julie be able to stay strong if she took him back. It is a very interesting book that talks about what a lot of women go through. It is uplifting what Julie does for the people who work at the inn, but it is also sad to see what a woman allows a man to do to her. But it is a book that will keep you reading to the end and when I was done I could see where there is a different way to move forward.
April 1, 2021
Wow! I went through a marriage of many years where there were always subtle clues to infidelity. Every time I tried to discuss it with my husband he would assure me that I was crazy. There was no way he would ever betray me like that. Long story, short, after 10 long years of frayed nerves, there was finally indisputable proof that he had been unfaithful. Not just once, or a few times, but constantly and consistently throughout our entire relationship. He had been unfaithful to me practically every week we were together. The only good thing to come out of this horrible experience, was that I finally knew I was neither crazy, nor paranoid. My husband was very charming and seemed to others to be extremely attentive. In reality, he was very controlling and thrived on playing mind games with women trying to convince them their suspicions were all in their head.
This book hit on every nerve and touched on every emotion I went through. It is an extremely realistic portrayal of infidelity in a marriage.
The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is that there are several areas in the book that need corrections/editing. It appears as if changes were being made, but instead of changing a word here and there, the original word(s) were left in and the new words were added also. Or possible the author wasn't sure which wording would be better, so they wrote it with both versions, but forgot to go back and make a decision as to which way the final copy should read.
Great story. Very true to life. Just needs some polish. Possibly a professional edit.
In full disclosure, I won an advanced copy of this book from a Goodreads, Firstreads Giveaway.
This book hit on every nerve and touched on every emotion I went through. It is an extremely realistic portrayal of infidelity in a marriage.
The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is that there are several areas in the book that need corrections/editing. It appears as if changes were being made, but instead of changing a word here and there, the original word(s) were left in and the new words were added also. Or possible the author wasn't sure which wording would be better, so they wrote it with both versions, but forgot to go back and make a decision as to which way the final copy should read.
Great story. Very true to life. Just needs some polish. Possibly a professional edit.
In full disclosure, I won an advanced copy of this book from a Goodreads, Firstreads Giveaway.
Read
March 30, 2021Not a simple “I-am-woman-hear-me-roar” story, the novel has layers of possibilities. With blooming gardens and flower arrangements, cupcakes, wedding cakes and gentle cups of tea, STILL CRAZY satisfies our senses and encourages us to believe in the mightiness of love and the constancy of faith.
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/03/30/still...
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/03/30/still...
January 19, 2021
Thank you in advance to the author, Judy Prescott Marshall, for providing an advanced review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested and all words are my own.
This is the author’s debut fiction book, and it is one of those books that makes the reader think quite a bit. It is definitely uncomfortable at times and at times inspiring. I was interested in this premise as it did hit close to home with regards to the issue of marital infidelity.
While there are some Christian themes, this is not a clean read by any means. The “F” word is used; there is also reference to nudity, some slightly explicit talk, and definite intimate themes. Those looking for a cleaner read might want to pass on this one.
The cover is a bit unusual as I didn’t see how it highlighted the story until it was mentioned as a plot point – these are a type of rose that is Julie’s favorite.
The author uses short chapters and occasionally speeds up the story without a proper transition causing it to be a bit awkward and clumsy in trying to figure out where it is going. This is more apparent in the first part. By the second part, the consistency flows a bit better, though are the occasional transition issues. This also has quite a few punctuation errors. This could be because it is an ARC and these errors will be caught in the final editing and before publication.
One huge error that stood out was Julie’s age. On the first page it is established that Julie is 49. On page three (3), it stated she and Dan had been dating a year in 1977 (so they met in 1976). In 1989, they got married and it has been 30 years since they got married, bringing the story forward to 2019 (“For thirty years …” – pg. 3).
If Julie is 49 in 2019, she was born in 1970, thus she would’ve been six (6) when they met; she would’ve been 7 in 1977 (“IN 1977 we had been dating a year …” – page 3).
This is where the book lost quite a few “points” – the age continuity. Unless it was a typo and the writer meant that Julie and Dan met in 1986, a decade later. That would make more sense, though given the fact she was 16 at the time, there is the issue of an underage relationship and Dan’s age was never established. Some people might take an issue with an underage, in some cases minor, relationship.
This is not the first author to have an age error in a book, but certainly this is a bit bigger than a few years off (age 1 to age 5 when in event occurred which happened as in another book I read).
The main characters are Julie and Dan whose marriage is complicated by a note that Julie finds prior to the start of the book. More characters join the plot in the second part. I didn’t really have a connection to any of them; I was on the fence about Lynnae. Julie was all over the place emotionally.
One character’s introduction in the second part had me wondering about him, and I was partially right – he was “there” for another reason. While not giving spoilers, the man wasn’t exactly where he was for the reason he stated.
The writer begins the story after the discovery of the note and has the “is he/isn’t he” having an affair debate throughout the first part of the book (chapters 1-14).
This causes Julie to spy on him by investigating what he’s doing and deeply affects their relationship. She brings it up to her friend, and adopted daughter, Lynnae. Lynnae doesn’t believe it, and I was beginning to wonder if she ever would even if Dan confessed.
At one point, Julie feels like she is losing herself. Still, she hangs in there.
It is on walks with Dan she starts seeing mylar balloons with a children’s theme to them. As they don’t have children, this is disturbing to Julie. It is when she sees a footprint on one of the balloons that she is even more convinced that Dan is cheating as the woman she found the note from has two (2) kids.
She says something off color that then results in this woman saying the same thing on social media. That doesn’t help Julie’s suspicions either. Still, even Lynnae is yet to be convinced.
A year after finding the note, Julie is still in the same predicament. There is a jolting end to part one (at the end of chapter 14).
Battling almost debilitating anxiety, Julie makes a choice and sticks with it. This is also what leads to the events in the second book currently titled “The Inn in Rhode Island” which is scheduled to be released in 2022.
Part two is also where the author slows the pace down a bit and becomes more relaxed as we see Julie’s new life taking shape despite her own issues.
This is also where Julie starts making new friends and someone else makes a play for her heart, almost immediately. Still, Julie is not used to the affection Chad begins to show her as Dan had been denying it for a while.
Chad, in some ways reminds her of Dan. Despite trying to move on, Dan is always there in her mind as well as her heart – she simply can’t move past him.
Chad’s presence soon leads Julie on a similar, yet different course, and the ending of the book is a bit abrupt while hopeful.
It is an interesting take on how far love goes and how damaging affairs are. There are themes of forgiveness and second chances. The title sums it up with the fact that despite everything, Julie is “still crazy” in love with Dan.
This is the first book in an untitled series, and while it is seemingly a standalone book/story, it will be more complete with the second upcoming book as it explores more of Julie and Dan’s relationship going forward from the events in this book. Chapter 28 really sets up the second book.
The plot had some weak points, but it was still good. It was sometimes quite realistic. It wasn’t a riveting page-turner, but it did hold my interest and I wanted to keep reading it to see if Dan had indeed been having an affair, and how Julie was progressing.
Overall, Marshall does a great job of keeping the reader guessing as to whether or not Dan is having an affair. It almost acts as a minor mystery and by the end, there is some doubt.
I would also be interested in the “why” of the balloons and to see if the woman comes back in the second novel.
[SPOILER ALERT] –>
I did have a problem with the fact that Julie didn’t want to be found and went to great lengths to avoid it, yet she missed her ex-husband. Yet, she doesn’t file for a divorce because she can’t leave him. She even manages to go on a trip with Chad. She can’t live without Dan, but can’t live a lie.
It took him 910 days (roughly 2½ years) to come visit her. He fails to report her missing because she asks him not to (through a mutual friend, Jesse), yet he says his life stopped when she left and he was unable to work.
Personally, I would’ve gone looking for the person I loved regardless of what they said. Either we’d work it out right then and there or get a divorce. That was what jarred me when reading this. I wouldn’t just believe a friend who said that my spouse “doesn’t want you to find them” – I would report them missing after 48-72 hours, and then go from there.
That is just my personal take. Their decisions negatively impacted them for that length of time. I did wonder what Julie was going to do after that length of time – what her ultimate goal was. However, it did also bring them closer together.
[END OF SPOILER ALERT]
This was definitely an uncomfortable, difficult read; but well presented given the subject. Sometimes it is weird and awkward. It is emotional and honest. At times it is jarringly realistic. It is also a lesson in there is no right decision to a situation like this.
This might prove to be a trigger for some people who’ve been through the events in this story.
While this is a four (4) star read; it is a lower four (4) star. This would be a higher four (4) star, if not a five (5) rating with better editing, continuity cleanup, and toning down some of the language to fit the Christian themes in it. I would’ve liked to have seen more descriptive writing and less dialogue at times.
I am definitely interested in reading the second book as I want to see how Julie and Dan are doing after this book.
This is the author’s debut fiction book, and it is one of those books that makes the reader think quite a bit. It is definitely uncomfortable at times and at times inspiring. I was interested in this premise as it did hit close to home with regards to the issue of marital infidelity.
While there are some Christian themes, this is not a clean read by any means. The “F” word is used; there is also reference to nudity, some slightly explicit talk, and definite intimate themes. Those looking for a cleaner read might want to pass on this one.
The cover is a bit unusual as I didn’t see how it highlighted the story until it was mentioned as a plot point – these are a type of rose that is Julie’s favorite.
The author uses short chapters and occasionally speeds up the story without a proper transition causing it to be a bit awkward and clumsy in trying to figure out where it is going. This is more apparent in the first part. By the second part, the consistency flows a bit better, though are the occasional transition issues. This also has quite a few punctuation errors. This could be because it is an ARC and these errors will be caught in the final editing and before publication.
One huge error that stood out was Julie’s age. On the first page it is established that Julie is 49. On page three (3), it stated she and Dan had been dating a year in 1977 (so they met in 1976). In 1989, they got married and it has been 30 years since they got married, bringing the story forward to 2019 (“For thirty years …” – pg. 3).
If Julie is 49 in 2019, she was born in 1970, thus she would’ve been six (6) when they met; she would’ve been 7 in 1977 (“IN 1977 we had been dating a year …” – page 3).
This is where the book lost quite a few “points” – the age continuity. Unless it was a typo and the writer meant that Julie and Dan met in 1986, a decade later. That would make more sense, though given the fact she was 16 at the time, there is the issue of an underage relationship and Dan’s age was never established. Some people might take an issue with an underage, in some cases minor, relationship.
This is not the first author to have an age error in a book, but certainly this is a bit bigger than a few years off (age 1 to age 5 when in event occurred which happened as in another book I read).
The main characters are Julie and Dan whose marriage is complicated by a note that Julie finds prior to the start of the book. More characters join the plot in the second part. I didn’t really have a connection to any of them; I was on the fence about Lynnae. Julie was all over the place emotionally.
One character’s introduction in the second part had me wondering about him, and I was partially right – he was “there” for another reason. While not giving spoilers, the man wasn’t exactly where he was for the reason he stated.
The writer begins the story after the discovery of the note and has the “is he/isn’t he” having an affair debate throughout the first part of the book (chapters 1-14).
This causes Julie to spy on him by investigating what he’s doing and deeply affects their relationship. She brings it up to her friend, and adopted daughter, Lynnae. Lynnae doesn’t believe it, and I was beginning to wonder if she ever would even if Dan confessed.
At one point, Julie feels like she is losing herself. Still, she hangs in there.
It is on walks with Dan she starts seeing mylar balloons with a children’s theme to them. As they don’t have children, this is disturbing to Julie. It is when she sees a footprint on one of the balloons that she is even more convinced that Dan is cheating as the woman she found the note from has two (2) kids.
She says something off color that then results in this woman saying the same thing on social media. That doesn’t help Julie’s suspicions either. Still, even Lynnae is yet to be convinced.
A year after finding the note, Julie is still in the same predicament. There is a jolting end to part one (at the end of chapter 14).
Battling almost debilitating anxiety, Julie makes a choice and sticks with it. This is also what leads to the events in the second book currently titled “The Inn in Rhode Island” which is scheduled to be released in 2022.
Part two is also where the author slows the pace down a bit and becomes more relaxed as we see Julie’s new life taking shape despite her own issues.
This is also where Julie starts making new friends and someone else makes a play for her heart, almost immediately. Still, Julie is not used to the affection Chad begins to show her as Dan had been denying it for a while.
Chad, in some ways reminds her of Dan. Despite trying to move on, Dan is always there in her mind as well as her heart – she simply can’t move past him.
Chad’s presence soon leads Julie on a similar, yet different course, and the ending of the book is a bit abrupt while hopeful.
It is an interesting take on how far love goes and how damaging affairs are. There are themes of forgiveness and second chances. The title sums it up with the fact that despite everything, Julie is “still crazy” in love with Dan.
This is the first book in an untitled series, and while it is seemingly a standalone book/story, it will be more complete with the second upcoming book as it explores more of Julie and Dan’s relationship going forward from the events in this book. Chapter 28 really sets up the second book.
The plot had some weak points, but it was still good. It was sometimes quite realistic. It wasn’t a riveting page-turner, but it did hold my interest and I wanted to keep reading it to see if Dan had indeed been having an affair, and how Julie was progressing.
Overall, Marshall does a great job of keeping the reader guessing as to whether or not Dan is having an affair. It almost acts as a minor mystery and by the end, there is some doubt.
I would also be interested in the “why” of the balloons and to see if the woman comes back in the second novel.
[SPOILER ALERT] –>
I did have a problem with the fact that Julie didn’t want to be found and went to great lengths to avoid it, yet she missed her ex-husband. Yet, she doesn’t file for a divorce because she can’t leave him. She even manages to go on a trip with Chad. She can’t live without Dan, but can’t live a lie.
It took him 910 days (roughly 2½ years) to come visit her. He fails to report her missing because she asks him not to (through a mutual friend, Jesse), yet he says his life stopped when she left and he was unable to work.
Personally, I would’ve gone looking for the person I loved regardless of what they said. Either we’d work it out right then and there or get a divorce. That was what jarred me when reading this. I wouldn’t just believe a friend who said that my spouse “doesn’t want you to find them” – I would report them missing after 48-72 hours, and then go from there.
That is just my personal take. Their decisions negatively impacted them for that length of time. I did wonder what Julie was going to do after that length of time – what her ultimate goal was. However, it did also bring them closer together.
[END OF SPOILER ALERT]
This was definitely an uncomfortable, difficult read; but well presented given the subject. Sometimes it is weird and awkward. It is emotional and honest. At times it is jarringly realistic. It is also a lesson in there is no right decision to a situation like this.
This might prove to be a trigger for some people who’ve been through the events in this story.
While this is a four (4) star read; it is a lower four (4) star. This would be a higher four (4) star, if not a five (5) rating with better editing, continuity cleanup, and toning down some of the language to fit the Christian themes in it. I would’ve liked to have seen more descriptive writing and less dialogue at times.
I am definitely interested in reading the second book as I want to see how Julie and Dan are doing after this book.
December 9, 2020
Thank you so much, Judy Prescott Marshall, I was so excited to be selected for the ARC of Still Crazy. I was pleasantly surprised by your overwhelming thoughtfulness of including a signed copy of the book, delicious tea and bookmark. It reminded me of the main character Julie and how she always fully put her heart into everything that she did and her tea time discussions.
From the first page of the novel I was captivated; who was the lady on the note and how was this going to impact Julie's life. This novel was full of emotional choices, amazing accomplishments and well thought out characters. It was wonderful to see the development of Julie from baker to inn owner and the strength of love for herself grow deeper.
I was not expecting the end. I was trying to open my own heart for forgiveness of the character. I want to go in depth with my feelings of each situation in the book; but I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I truly enjoyed all aspects of the book and I highly recommend it !!
Thank you again, Judy Prescott Marshalland and Goodreads for this opportunity to experience such a great book. I'm excited to see where the next book takes Julie and her breathtaking Inn of Rhode Island (That I wish I could stay at).
From the first page of the novel I was captivated; who was the lady on the note and how was this going to impact Julie's life. This novel was full of emotional choices, amazing accomplishments and well thought out characters. It was wonderful to see the development of Julie from baker to inn owner and the strength of love for herself grow deeper.
I was not expecting the end. I was trying to open my own heart for forgiveness of the character. I want to go in depth with my feelings of each situation in the book; but I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I truly enjoyed all aspects of the book and I highly recommend it !!
Thank you again, Judy Prescott Marshalland and Goodreads for this opportunity to experience such a great book. I'm excited to see where the next book takes Julie and her breathtaking Inn of Rhode Island (That I wish I could stay at).
March 25, 2021
This book states that it's inspired by a true story, so I can only assume it's the author's story. And while I had conflicting feelings while reading this book, what gives me the right to judge how someone would react in this situation?
Julie Holliday believes with all heart that her husband has cheated with eight different women over their 30-year marriage, yet she still loves him. Loves him enough to give him the freedom to be with whoever he chooses. But in the end, will love win? Is it possible to forgive?
What I really liked about this book was the relationship that developed between Julie and Kourtnee and Teresa. I also liked the camaraderie between Julie and Frank.
I like to support authors who self-publish, however, I feel like this book could have benefited from a more thorough editing process (I found multiple mistakes and the amount of times vomiting was mentioned was excessive).
I received an advanced copy of this book in a BookishFirst giveaway; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Julie Holliday believes with all heart that her husband has cheated with eight different women over their 30-year marriage, yet she still loves him. Loves him enough to give him the freedom to be with whoever he chooses. But in the end, will love win? Is it possible to forgive?
What I really liked about this book was the relationship that developed between Julie and Kourtnee and Teresa. I also liked the camaraderie between Julie and Frank.
I like to support authors who self-publish, however, I feel like this book could have benefited from a more thorough editing process (I found multiple mistakes and the amount of times vomiting was mentioned was excessive).
I received an advanced copy of this book in a BookishFirst giveaway; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 24, 2020
Fantastic read. I highly recommend everyone read this book. Very inspiring for men and women. The ending made me so happy,I cried.
March 28, 2021
Still Crazy is a self-published debut novel about love, infidelity, and independence. Julie has been suspicious for years that her husband Dan is cheating on her. When an unfamiliar car appears in the driveway while she's supposed to be at work one day, she once again tries to come to terms with his unfaithfulness. She spends weeks looking for more clues and talking to her best friend who doesn't believe her.
Finally, she's had enough. After writing Dan a farewell letter, she packs up and leaves. In Part Two of the narrative, she begins to build a new life on her own.
I was rooting for the author the whole time, but this book fell short. The writing was repetitive and I found several errors throughout. I didn't enjoy how it skipped around - in one paragraph Julie would be having a conversation with her friend, and in the next she's somehow talking to Dan on a completely different day. You can tell this book has not gone through a thorough editing process.
I also felt the ending was problematic. That is not the message I would have wanted to send to my readers. I could not believe she resolved Julie's story that way, and in such a swift manner.
Some may find value in connecting to Julie's emotions in this novel, but for me, it was a disappointing read.
ARC received from BookishFirst in exchange for an honest review.
Finally, she's had enough. After writing Dan a farewell letter, she packs up and leaves. In Part Two of the narrative, she begins to build a new life on her own.
I was rooting for the author the whole time, but this book fell short. The writing was repetitive and I found several errors throughout. I didn't enjoy how it skipped around - in one paragraph Julie would be having a conversation with her friend, and in the next she's somehow talking to Dan on a completely different day. You can tell this book has not gone through a thorough editing process.
I also felt the ending was problematic. That is not the message I would have wanted to send to my readers. I could not believe she resolved Julie's story that way, and in such a swift manner.
Some may find value in connecting to Julie's emotions in this novel, but for me, it was a disappointing read.
ARC received from BookishFirst in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2020
"Still Crazy" by Judy Prescott Marshall is the book I never knew I needed. In a time where the world is a scary and stressful place, this was a nice escape for me. The protagonist Julie was a complex woman full of many intricacies. The story took place in different parts---there was the Julie before (bakery owner, wife of the year) and the Julie after (innkeeper, keeps everyone at an arms length away).
While I've been in a relationship that involved cheating, I've never been in one while married. Still, I felt like I could relate to some of Julie's inner musings. Questioning herself, wondering why she wasn't good enough, etc. I felt for Julie as she had to make the difficult decision on how to handle her husband's cheating---was it real or was it made up? If she can't trust him, should she leave or stay with him because she loves him?
Julie's decision to leave was one I really grappled with. In some ways, I found it entirely unrealistic-- would someone leave not only their husband, but their home, their business, and all their friends behind? With my personality, this would never happen. But it made the story interesting- talk about a fresh start!! My fresh starts usually include a new haircut or shade of color. Let's just say Julie is more impulsive than me.
I really enjoyed seeing Julie pick up the pieces and start her life over. I won't delve too deep into the ending because I do not want to give it away, but I will say I found it satisfying. I would like to actual read about her next chapter in the future. I think there is more story to tell.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of "Still Crazy" by Judy Prescott Marshall in exchange for an honest review.
While I've been in a relationship that involved cheating, I've never been in one while married. Still, I felt like I could relate to some of Julie's inner musings. Questioning herself, wondering why she wasn't good enough, etc. I felt for Julie as she had to make the difficult decision on how to handle her husband's cheating---was it real or was it made up? If she can't trust him, should she leave or stay with him because she loves him?
Julie's decision to leave was one I really grappled with. In some ways, I found it entirely unrealistic-- would someone leave not only their husband, but their home, their business, and all their friends behind? With my personality, this would never happen. But it made the story interesting- talk about a fresh start!! My fresh starts usually include a new haircut or shade of color. Let's just say Julie is more impulsive than me.
I really enjoyed seeing Julie pick up the pieces and start her life over. I won't delve too deep into the ending because I do not want to give it away, but I will say I found it satisfying. I would like to actual read about her next chapter in the future. I think there is more story to tell.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of "Still Crazy" by Judy Prescott Marshall in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2021
I enjoyed reading about Julie's story. This book does share a powerful message about while love from another is something to be desired, loving oneself is even more important. This book addresses Julie's unwavering love for a husband that she finds has chosen infidelity over commitment, and her making the decision to do what she needs to for her own self worth - leaving and finding strength in her self and her dreams. She leaves without a trace, goes to a new state, and makes one of her personal dreams come true when she opens a beautiful and successful inn. Julie learns to live without the husband she so loved, but can't seem to let him go from her heart in order to move on in her personal life. The book concludes with Julie working on second chances while still valuing herself. I did enjoy the characters and the storyline of this novel. I think the message of self worth in this book is one that needs to be heard. While I had little trouble following the story, I do wish that the time transitions were smoother, as the story would have large gaps between months in the timeline with minimal lead in. I also wish that the author would have been a bit more descriptive about actions happening in the story so it would have been easier to picture in my mind. I would also have liked to see more descriptive interactions between the characters and the friendship development between them. Overall, I liked the book quite a bit and loved the theme, characters, and setting. I am really looking forward to the next book to see what happens with these characters. I received an ARC of this book from the author to enjoy. Review opinions of this novel are my own.
May 22, 2021
Still Crazy written for strong women everywhere and for the men who love them! The audio narrated by Susan McGurl.
April 2, 2021
I received Still Crazy in a Library Thing giveaway - thank you! I really enjoyed this story. If we have no one to validate our lives or tells us a different story, a person can think that they are going crazy. Who do you believe - them or yourself? I am excited that Ms Marshall is doing a sequel! Can’t wait!
May 29, 2021
Still Crazy (Be Strong Enough Book 1) by Judy Prescott Marshall
Story starts out with Julie and she's married to Dan. She runs the bakery with help from many others.
She also has rental property that brings in a nice income. They live in a house that has a lot of acreage and they both along with Lady their dog enjoy the outside trails.
Julie fears he's cheating on her again and she suffers from many panic attacks. She goes over all the details and knows it is up to her to do something.
To me it's drastic change but she has all her ducks in a row and heads east to a town they had visited once. She is able to research available properties and is able to buy what she wants.
She finds treasures in the people she hires to not only renovate the old house but change things so she can make a living running the inn. Love the area myself and am familiar with it as I live on the eastern side of the area.
Love the changes she makes to that and her life til she meets a pilot that takes a liking to her.
Did not in my dreams ever see what happens next take place but glad she's happy with it and can't wait to read the next in the series.
New author to me and will put her on my 'keeper' list.
This story is a KEEPER and love the courage she has along with God by her side.
Received this Still Crazy (Be Strong Enough Book 1) by Judy Prescott Marshall
Story starts out with Julie and she's married to Dan. She runs the bakery with help from many others.
She also has rental property that brings in a nice income. They live in a house that has a lot of acreage and they both along with Lady their dog enjoy the outside trails.
Julie fears he's cheating on her again and she suffers from many panic attacks. She goes over all the dtails and knows it is up to her to do something.
To me it's drastic change but she has all her ducks in a row and heads east to a town they had visited once. She is able to research available properties and is able to buy what she wants.
She finds treasures in the people she hires to not only renovate the old house but change things so she can make a living running the inn. Love the area myself and am familiar with it as I live on the eastern side of the area.
Love the changes she makes to that and her life til she meets a pilot that takes a liking to her.
Did not in my dreams ever see what happens next take place but glad she's happy with it and can't wait to read the next in the series. Very descriptive and detailed.
New author to me and will put her on my 'keeper' list.
This story is a KEEPER and love the courage she has along with God by her side.
Received this review copy from the publicist and this is my honest opinion.
Story starts out with Julie and she's married to Dan. She runs the bakery with help from many others.
She also has rental property that brings in a nice income. They live in a house that has a lot of acreage and they both along with Lady their dog enjoy the outside trails.
Julie fears he's cheating on her again and she suffers from many panic attacks. She goes over all the details and knows it is up to her to do something.
To me it's drastic change but she has all her ducks in a row and heads east to a town they had visited once. She is able to research available properties and is able to buy what she wants.
She finds treasures in the people she hires to not only renovate the old house but change things so she can make a living running the inn. Love the area myself and am familiar with it as I live on the eastern side of the area.
Love the changes she makes to that and her life til she meets a pilot that takes a liking to her.
Did not in my dreams ever see what happens next take place but glad she's happy with it and can't wait to read the next in the series.
New author to me and will put her on my 'keeper' list.
This story is a KEEPER and love the courage she has along with God by her side.
Received this Still Crazy (Be Strong Enough Book 1) by Judy Prescott Marshall
Story starts out with Julie and she's married to Dan. She runs the bakery with help from many others.
She also has rental property that brings in a nice income. They live in a house that has a lot of acreage and they both along with Lady their dog enjoy the outside trails.
Julie fears he's cheating on her again and she suffers from many panic attacks. She goes over all the dtails and knows it is up to her to do something.
To me it's drastic change but she has all her ducks in a row and heads east to a town they had visited once. She is able to research available properties and is able to buy what she wants.
She finds treasures in the people she hires to not only renovate the old house but change things so she can make a living running the inn. Love the area myself and am familiar with it as I live on the eastern side of the area.
Love the changes she makes to that and her life til she meets a pilot that takes a liking to her.
Did not in my dreams ever see what happens next take place but glad she's happy with it and can't wait to read the next in the series. Very descriptive and detailed.
New author to me and will put her on my 'keeper' list.
This story is a KEEPER and love the courage she has along with God by her side.
Received this review copy from the publicist and this is my honest opinion.
March 16, 2022
Just could not get into this one.
It felt a lot like two different stories were smashed together. The first third of the book focused on a woman coming to grips with the fact that her husband is unfaithful, then it switches to a romantic comedy type story where she starts recovering and moving on with her life, then at the end the husband returns and they get back together. It’s difficult to root for this ending since we spend the majority of the book reading about how he broke her trust. Her endless comments about how much she loved her husband doesn’t do much to add to this since we never even see them falling in love originally, nor do we see him doing anything to make amends. He just shows up at the end, says he’s seeing a therapist, and all is forgiven?
The other issue I had with this book is the stakes. It never feels like our protagonist has much to loose. She goes through a divorce, but fortunately has FIVE MILLION DOLLARS to fall back on (that would be a life-changing amount of money for the average person, it’s ridiculous for her to act like it’s a budget she’s going to struggle with). She needs a staff for her inn, and conveniently finds a group of people who are an absolute perfect fit who all are fine with immediately dropping everything in their lives to come work for her. The inn is immediately an unmitigated success. The only real conflict comes from the fact that the man who was supposedly in love with her (we don’t see much of him falling in love with her, we just hear every other character say that he’s in love with her and then he jumps on board) turns out to have been sent by the old husband. Even that is resolved immediately as the character is sent away to make way for the husbands return.
It felt a lot like two different stories were smashed together. The first third of the book focused on a woman coming to grips with the fact that her husband is unfaithful, then it switches to a romantic comedy type story where she starts recovering and moving on with her life, then at the end the husband returns and they get back together. It’s difficult to root for this ending since we spend the majority of the book reading about how he broke her trust. Her endless comments about how much she loved her husband doesn’t do much to add to this since we never even see them falling in love originally, nor do we see him doing anything to make amends. He just shows up at the end, says he’s seeing a therapist, and all is forgiven?
The other issue I had with this book is the stakes. It never feels like our protagonist has much to loose. She goes through a divorce, but fortunately has FIVE MILLION DOLLARS to fall back on (that would be a life-changing amount of money for the average person, it’s ridiculous for her to act like it’s a budget she’s going to struggle with). She needs a staff for her inn, and conveniently finds a group of people who are an absolute perfect fit who all are fine with immediately dropping everything in their lives to come work for her. The inn is immediately an unmitigated success. The only real conflict comes from the fact that the man who was supposedly in love with her (we don’t see much of him falling in love with her, we just hear every other character say that he’s in love with her and then he jumps on board) turns out to have been sent by the old husband. Even that is resolved immediately as the character is sent away to make way for the husbands return.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2021
In Judy Prescott Marshall's Still Crazy, this novel tells the tale of Julie Holiday's journey from self-love, forgiveness, betrayal, and healing hearts. It all started when Julie discovered a mysterious note that's been addressed to her husband of 30 years, Dan. That's when she suspected and believes he might be cheating on her again. It wasn't the first time, but it might not be the last time. Though everyone who knew him said she was crazy and wrong about Dan, but she had heard it all before. So she ought out to discover if she was right with help from her business partner and friend Lynnae, a single mother of two young boys. Until she had proof, she confronted him and denied him about it. She had enough and decided to give Dan his freedom when she sold her bakery and departed New York to go to Port Judith, Rhode Island. In the second half, she had gotten a fresh start by developing an inn and making her own from an old farmhouse. During the past year, she watched it unfold until it was up and ready for business with staff who she considered family and a new set of friends. Over the past year, she ran the operations and became a success until a suave man named Chad Claremont was besotted with her as a residential guest. But it became a bit too complicated to her since she couldn't let herself fall in love with him since she still had hard feelings for Dan and never stopped loving him. The moment of truth came for her when Dan sought her out in Rhode Island and confessed his sins and how he wanted her back in her life even if it was at the inn in New York. It was up to Julie to forgive him and let him back in her heart and move on without him.
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