Weak Followup

Indeed a pretty weak followup to the first selection in this series All You Need is Love. Far too often in this work the author uses a tired romance novel cliche; goes for the cheap laugh; or sticks to the formulaic rather than going for the more creative solution. The Meghan character in the first novel was a nice touch but her character appears to have become stuck in her role as a female version of Oscar the Grouch. The same is true of Nolan's Father, plus the situation with him seemed to wander absently into the mist. There was an occasional line of dialogue that worked, a few good scenes where the author 'put her back into it' so to speak. One particular very important scene that I won't identify so as not to spoil an important moment in the book was written in a subtle and understated way which contrasted nicely with much of the audio. There is a 45 minute novella at the end of book featuring Hannah and Nolan which I found silly and overly sentimental. Hannah was a much more sympathetic figure before she got a starring role. Let's hope book number three recovers some of what made book number one a good listen.

2 people found this helpful

35 Years Old Going on 16

Since I am a huge Marie Force fan, I had big hopes for this story about Hannah and Nolan, both 35. Unfortunately, I thought they behaved more like teenagers, worrying about what the "town folk" thought of them.

Hannah, a widow for 7 years, felt guilty when she finally wants to start dating. After 7 years - why? She acted like she needed permission from her family and in-laws, as if she wasn't an adult who had already wasted years of her life.

Nolan, a wonderful, sexy man with low self esteem, waited around for 5 years hoping that Hannah would notice him as a man, not a childhood friend. Nice but a bit of a martyr. Nolan also allowed his drunken abusive father to blackmail him for money.

While I sympathized with Hannah's loss, I was annoyed that she wallowed in self pity for so long. Hannah was financially secure, physically healthy, with a supportive family and lots of friends, yet she didn't attempt to get professional help in dealing with her grief.

The small Vermont town was an interesting setting, with a rogue moose and eclectic residents. However, I thought both Hannah and Nolan needed a strong dose of backbone and self respect.

1 person found this helpful

yeah for Nolan and Hannah.

such a sweet story. I loved how thoughtful and generous Nolan is in regards to Hannah.

1 person found this helpful

Excellent Listen!

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It has great character and story depth and a good balance of emotional engagement and sensuality. There are tears and joy as Hannah struggles to come to terms with the loss of her young husband in Iraq and move forward to find love again while still embracing his memory. As always, Christina Taister does a great job with narration.

1 person found this helpful

Incredible, moving story!

Where does I Want to Hold Your Hand rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best!

What was one of the most memorable moments of I Want to Hold Your Hand?

Too many to name just one- Homer death, Homer funeral, picking up Homer Jr, Hannah and Nolan's night after Homers death, Nolan's lunch with Hannah's Dad and grandfather, Hannah reading letter from Caleb, and on and on.....

Which scene was your favorite?

Hannah talking with and staying with Homer...

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I cried a lot, so many moving moments. Some laughs but a lot of emotion and tears, but good tears too.

Any additional comments?

I have read all of Marie Force's books and ALL are incredible. I highly recommend everything she has written and cannot wait for the next ones in all the series.

1 person found this helpful

sleays good

Marie Force. always delivers stories that pull you in. Makes you invested in the outcome. Makes you part of the family

love this series

loved the story and the narrator was very convincing. love this series of a loving family

Best book in the series!

I was moved, swooned, surprised, and sad while reading this story!! I love the story and the tribute to the military! Hannah sounds like an awesome woman.

Good Book a little too SEX-Y at times

What made the experience of listening to I Want to Hold Your Hand the most enjoyable?

Great book, I really enjoy series of books, I really like book 1 and book 2 was very good as well, just a little much of SEX details in every chapter. But once you look past all those details it was a great story and makes me feel like I'm getting to know their big family.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nolan - true gentlemen!
Hannah - grace & kindness
Character's like these helps you forget all the bad in the world

Which scene was your favorite?

dead battery - granddad & fathers help!! so funny

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes!

Heart warming

Such an emotional ride. Amazing, up lifting and shows how loving does heal all wounds.