Monday, January 13, 2025

About the Book

Book: Honeymoon’s Over

Author: Carol McClain

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: September 27, 2023

Honeymoon’s Over

For better or worse.

Easy vows for newlyweds Chantel and Charlie. Having been widowed, they knew the worst of love was years away. Furthermore, at fifty, they wouldn’t live long enough for the bad to blossom.

Then they came home from their honeymoon.

Chantel’s pregnant daughter Sissy, living with them during her husband’s deployment, must remain on bed rest. Histrionic and bored, she’s a … challenge.

Chantel’s vegetarian son Graham moves in for a few weeks to help with his sister, but something doesn’t seem right. He never got along with his military-loving, meat-eating sibling. He didn’t have ulterior motives for coming to help, did he?

Charlie’s married daughter, Margo, could certainly enumerate the issues these adult children her father’s new wife had. On top of everything, how could her father have chosen that woman?

Then there’s Charlie’s father—lost in old-age absentmindedness. Certainly, he was only forgetful.

Thank heavens for jobs they love that get them out of the house. Except …

Should they have vowed for worse or better?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Carol McClain is the award-winning author of five novels dealing with real people facing real problems. She is a consummate encourager, and no matter what your faith might look like, you will find compassion, humor and wisdom in her complexly layered, but ultimately readable work.

Aside from writing, she’s a skilled glass artist who has just made a foray into creating high-end jewelry. She’s also an avid hiker. She teaches Bible studies and mentors teens.

She lives in East Tennessee with her husband and too many animals to mention.

More from Carol

Disclaimer #1: Beware.

If we get to know each other, the humor of your life is liable to become fodder for my work. (Of course, with permission. Occasionally!) But don’t worry. I don’t write suspense, so you’ll never be in danger.

Background:

My brother married a widow when they were in their fifties.

He was a meatatarian. “Vegetables have rights,” he’d declare as he reached for a second round of bacon. He’d then heap on fried potatoes. The tubers were his nod to vegetables.

His wife was gluten intolerant and a health food lover of all foods green.

When he moved in with his wife, so did his vegan son who lived on gluten (and very few veggies). Gluten found its way onto her countertops, her refrigerator shelves, and dishes he didn’t wash.

Her son lived with her as well and came arrayed with the eccentricities my nephew lacked. The two sons made a complete, chaotic pair.

Add to them a diabetic mother who was starting dementia and my bet was on the fact this marriage was doomed.

Fortunately, I’m not prophetic. They remained happily married—despite my brother’s eating predilection. However, their situation made me laugh and became the fodder for Honeymoon’s Over.

Disclaimer #2: no HIPPA rules or privacy issues or personal matter have been disclosed. Names have been changed to protect the guilty (just don’t read the dedication, then the name change is mute.)

Disclaimer #3: If you’re expecting a sad, tearjerker, you’ll be disappointed. Oh, you will cry—tears of laughter. You’ll chortle throughout Honeymoon.

MY REVIEW

What a fun book to read. The title says it all in this story that features several standout characters. Having just been married, Chantel and Charlie have visions of a quiet life with everyday filled with laughter, peace and joy. Well maybe they didn’t both think that but oh boy are they in for an adventure they will never forget.

Chantel is a take charge kind of person who likes things in order. When her pregnant daughter comes to stay with them chaos breaks out with schedules changing and Chantel trying to juggle too much. I loved how she goes from being in control to almost giving up.

Charlie seems to be levelheaded and excited about being married. With his dad grieving to adult children barging in on what was supposed to be the beginning of a new season, he has his hands full. Trying to maintain a somewhat normal adjustment to married life seems like the honeymoon never really had a chance.

The characters are relatable and show how life can sometimes become overwhelming. Each day is a challenge with grown children invading their honeymoon phase. I laughed so hard reading this book while seeing myself in the characters. Chantel worrying about her pregnant daughter was very understanding. I’m one of those mothers who will worry about my children no matter how old they get. Charlie must help his dad adjust to life after a loss.

I really like how the author shows that life has its ups and downs. The good news is we don’t have to face it alone. I liked that the author illustrates a second chance at love with older adults. There are a few topics like dementia that many can relate to. In the end faith, love and patience resonates throughout the book.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.