Rating: 
Summary: for fans of Jennifer Crusie and Ann Rivers Siddons
Review: Brilliant set-up--4 friends get together to finish the novel of their friend who died. This is by turns side-splittingly funny and heartbreaking. Each woman is someone you know well--the bestselling star novelist, the struggling paperback romance writer/underappreciated housewife.... They leap off the page. Pure entertainment in scene after scene. Can't wait to read her other books.
Rating: 
Summary: COULDN'T
Review: GET INTO IT......BUT LOVE THE OTHER STUFF I HAVE READ FROM HER.
Rating:
Summary: A warm, wonderful, engaging book
Review: I knew this book was something special when, less than a third of the way through, I found myself thinking about the characters as I was driving around town, thinking about their problems and how I would like to help them solve them as if I were a friend of theirs. The women in this novel are so well-written, so multi-dimensional, you feel as if you've known them for a long time. Each of them has strengths and weaknesses, enjoys grand sucesses and suffers indignities large and small; but what is especially well done is we see how their problems result not only from outside sources but from their own personal faults and idiosyncracies, and this makes the solutions they struggle to find so much more real and riveting. Although the women in this book are all, to a greater or lesser extent, sucessful writers, their story is something anyone can relate to. I recommend this book to all my friends--as an opportunity to make some new, literary ones.
Rating:
Summary: A terrific piece of women's fiction
Review: I've enjoyed all of Robyn Carr's romances, but approached this with a bit of caution since it's more women's fiction. I should have had more faith in Carr's talent. This is one of the most enjoyable books I've read in months, filled with beautifully constructed characters, relationships, emotion, and humor. (Poor Barbara Ann with her testosterone-ridden household of five hulking males was as funny as she was poignant.) The insights into different aspects of writers' lives were also dead on. I hope we see many, many more equally fine women's fiction novels from Ms. Carr.
Rating:
Summary: One of the most beautiful books of the year
Review: In Sacramento, California, four members of a writing group arrive at the home of the fifth participant to celebrate the author's fiftieth birthday. However, a shocked Barbara Ann, Beth, Elly, and Sable find Gabby dead from natural causes. The loss of a beloved friend devastates each of them.Gabby leaves behind a note for Elly. She asks the writer to organize her personal papers with the help of the others in the group. friends. Each one of the women has their own reason to honor Gabby's last request. Romance writer Barbara Ann finds her personal life with a spouse and four kids out of control now that Gabby is no longer her sanity anchor. Mystery writer Beth hides an abusive relationship. Only her novels and Gabby helped her to contend with the difficulties. Elly lost her best friend and fears the loneliness that engulfs her. Best-selling superstar Sable hides her less than glamorous past that Gabby knew, loved, and encouraged her to reveal to the world. The inheritance that Gabby has given them is a chance to renew their lives to the fullest. THE HOUSE ON OLIVE STREET may be the relationship drama of 1999. The story line focuses on the writers and several secondary characters reexamining their lives after the individual serving as their focal point dies. The characters seem genuine and their motives touching. Readers perceive Gabby through the eyes of much of the ensemble cast. That adds a haunting and poignant feel to the plot. Robyn Carr shows her skills as she brilliantly juggles the subplots and traits of her characters into a consistent and entertaining novel that deserves best seller status and critical acclaim. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Whitty, tender, tough, encouraging and inspiring
Review: It is easy to identify with the women in The House On Olive Street. Their frustrations, struggles, triumphs, snappy comebacks, reminded me of myself, or someone I've known, loved, resented, wanted to hold up, kick in the pants, cheer on or throw rocks at. These spunky ladies do it all. I would recommend it for anyone working through an abusive relationship, or loving someone in such a situation. If neither applies, it's just plain fun, like watching Arnold S. punch the abusive dad, and the school's principal confess how badly she'd love to have done it herself. Wouldn't we all. Each of these women face challenges, but they stick together, harbor secrets, search for answers, seek places to run or hide or heal. The writing is fast paced, witty and insightful. I really, really enjoyed this book.
Rating:
Summary: Ten Stars Would Be More Appropriate
Review: Ms. Carr's THE HOUSE ON OLIVE STREET is that good. It has been quite a while since I've had the joy of reading such a satisfying book. Ms. Carr's characters became my friends; I laughed, cried, and shouted in triumph with them as each grew and experienced events that I could relate to, both as a struggling writer and simply as a person. Be prepared to put down everything else while you read; my world stopped while I experienced the lives of these remarkable women--Beth, Elly, Sable and Barbara Ann, and their families. Thank you, Robyn, for a terrific read! This book is beautiful.
Rating:
Summary: Something to please everyone
Review: Robyn Carr has created a story that will touch the heart of every reader. Her protagonists come from every situation and have faced every hardship known to woman. In spite of adversity, each succeeds in her own way, guided by the wisdom of the dear friend who loved them and left them a legacy that would change their lives. Everyone will enjoy this book, but for writers and would-be writers, it is a MUST read.
Rating: 
Summary: ENJYOYABLE READ
Review: Robyn Carr has written a very sweet, warm tale of 4 women writer friends forced to bond together after a death. Each has a much more complicated, secretive life than the other's know, until they, by circumstances, come to live together for a summer. Several serious issues are addressed and dealt with rather well. This is a good summer, beach, hammock,(your peaceful preference) read and I recommend it to all who like buddy books. I actually would give this 3 1/2 stars if I were able!
Rating:
Summary: ENJYOYABLE READ
Review: Robyn Carr has written a very sweet, warm tale of 4 women writer friends forced to bond together after a death. Each has a much more complicated, secretive life than the other's know, until they, by circumstances, come to live together for a summer. Several serious issues are addressed and dealt with rather well. This is a good summer, beach, hammock,(your peaceful preference) read and I recommend it to all who like buddy books. I actually would give this 3 1/2 stars if I were able!
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