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A Man Walks Into A Hardware Store
WHAT WOULD YOU SACRIFICE TO FIND TRUE HAPPINESS?Terry Boyle is your typical small town guy. Friendly, kind to strangers, a devoted husband and father. A gentle soul quietly moving through life. But still waters run deep, and Terry’s inner turmoil derives from a secret that he can’t share with anyone.As fate would have it, Terry’s guarded world is turned upside down the day he walks into a hardware store and meets Renee Patrick, a free-spirited beauty who is as tough as the nails she sells out of her family business. Unfiltered and unapologetic of her questionable lifestyle, Renee ignites a spark deep inside Terry.As these two lost souls embark on an unlikely relationship, they are both forced to face secrets they have long kept hidden in order to survive. Now, each of them must decide if they will risk completely destroying their fragile existence in a last attempt to find true happiness."Van De Yacht’s talents as a storyteller are solid and impressive. Well-structured, the appealing book delivers polished writing and multidimensional characters." -- Kirkus Reviews"An unassuming yet potent novel about the power and possibilities of personal transformation after traumatic events." -- Kirkus Reviews
216 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2017
724 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 102 reviews
October 1, 2018
Unexpected and Odd
First, the style is inconsistent and chopped into a hundred chapters. Author misleads with time and circumstance. The characters are not likable and even the horse seems to have a crummy life. I found this bleak and depressing plus irritated, not pleasantly surprised by the ending. Don't recommend.
First, the style is inconsistent and chopped into a hundred chapters. Author misleads with time and circumstance. The characters are not likable and even the horse seems to have a crummy life. I found this bleak and depressing plus irritated, not pleasantly surprised by the ending. Don't recommend.
October 23, 2017
Amazimg
i purchased this book solely based on the quirky title. I didn't even get a sample to review. I just purchased the book on a whim which I rarely do. I am an avid reader but it's been a very long time since a book so enthralled me that I could not put it down!!! I finished it in 24 hrs. Each page\chapter left me wanting more. My grandparents and then parents owned a small hardware store. I was raised Catholic. A lot of similarities. Thankfully a lot of things in this book were not similar to my life in any way. I could feel the pain, sorrow, joy and compassion in each of his characters. You will be missing out if you do not purchase this book. It's good to the very last word written!! I truly hope this is not the last we hear from this very gifted and talented writer!!
i purchased this book solely based on the quirky title. I didn't even get a sample to review. I just purchased the book on a whim which I rarely do. I am an avid reader but it's been a very long time since a book so enthralled me that I could not put it down!!! I finished it in 24 hrs. Each page\chapter left me wanting more. My grandparents and then parents owned a small hardware store. I was raised Catholic. A lot of similarities. Thankfully a lot of things in this book were not similar to my life in any way. I could feel the pain, sorrow, joy and compassion in each of his characters. You will be missing out if you do not purchase this book. It's good to the very last word written!! I truly hope this is not the last we hear from this very gifted and talented writer!!
October 2, 2018
Terry Boyle walked into a hardware store, met Renee Patrick, the partial owner and full-time operator of Hardware California, to buy five fire escape ladders for his home. According to the overly cautious, extremely conservative, and always well-organized Terry; you could never have too much safety equipment. If we believe that opposites attract, Terry was the perfect match for Renee; a spur-of-the-moment woman, a sex addict, and a woman dedicated to a life of instant gratification. Terry was very aware of his marital status; he would not succumb to the overt sexual invitations Renee signaled. Renee was very aware of Terry’s marital status, wasn’t bothered by it at all, and looked on Terry’s resistance as a challenge worth overcoming. No other man had ever resisted her, and married men were better conquests because they went home. Tools used should be put back in their place after use.
A Man Walks into a Hardware Store by Bernie Van De Yacht follows the sexual tension and struggle between Terry and Renee from the time Terry first walked into the store up to the time Renee finds out Terry’s secret. Why was Terry resisting Renee so much? She was going to win and the only person who didn’t know it was Terry. Renee was not sure that Terry possessed some deep, dark, secret (he did) she was only puzzled by why her charms did not work on the only man she had developed an interest in.
Along the journey to solving the problem of Terry, we meet Lois, Renee’s mom. The mother and daughter have a very contentious relationship. Renee would just as soon not talk to mom but after Dad’s death, she and Lois had inherited the hardware store at a time when there was competition from a neighboring superstore, Home Despot (that is what Renee called it). Their mom and pop hardware store was almost impossible to sell for any profit, so Renee had reluctantly decided to stay in town and run the store with her Mom until business picked up. But she did not have to like it. The two rarely talked and when they did it was only for Lois to express disapproval at Renee’s exuberant attachment to her sex addiction.
Terry made numerous visits to the hardware store. Despite faithfulness to his wife, Hannah, and daughter, Miranda, Terry felt a strange and growing attachment to, and even fondness for, Renee. He returned repeatedly to the store to purchase home safety equipment while knowing he could have gotten the items cheaper at the larger nearby superstore. Would the inevitable happen? Would Terry cheat on Hannah (and Miranda)? Renee had become much more vulnerable after her mother had suffered a recent heart attack and died. At least she would not be complaining about Terry to Renee. And she would no longer be trying to warn Terry away from Renee. The death of Lois was almost a relief. Maybe Renee would finally sell the store, even at a loss. And she would get rid of the sign in front of the store that contained the neon-lit name evoking Hippie days past. Hardware California indeed!
This is a fast read with an interesting surprise ending. Readers who like stories of relationships between people of widely disparate backgrounds will like this novel. If Renee and Terry finally resolve their differences, will they be happy? This is a novel full of questions which I enjoyed enough to give it four stars.
A Man Walks into a Hardware Store by Bernie Van De Yacht follows the sexual tension and struggle between Terry and Renee from the time Terry first walked into the store up to the time Renee finds out Terry’s secret. Why was Terry resisting Renee so much? She was going to win and the only person who didn’t know it was Terry. Renee was not sure that Terry possessed some deep, dark, secret (he did) she was only puzzled by why her charms did not work on the only man she had developed an interest in.
Along the journey to solving the problem of Terry, we meet Lois, Renee’s mom. The mother and daughter have a very contentious relationship. Renee would just as soon not talk to mom but after Dad’s death, she and Lois had inherited the hardware store at a time when there was competition from a neighboring superstore, Home Despot (that is what Renee called it). Their mom and pop hardware store was almost impossible to sell for any profit, so Renee had reluctantly decided to stay in town and run the store with her Mom until business picked up. But she did not have to like it. The two rarely talked and when they did it was only for Lois to express disapproval at Renee’s exuberant attachment to her sex addiction.
Terry made numerous visits to the hardware store. Despite faithfulness to his wife, Hannah, and daughter, Miranda, Terry felt a strange and growing attachment to, and even fondness for, Renee. He returned repeatedly to the store to purchase home safety equipment while knowing he could have gotten the items cheaper at the larger nearby superstore. Would the inevitable happen? Would Terry cheat on Hannah (and Miranda)? Renee had become much more vulnerable after her mother had suffered a recent heart attack and died. At least she would not be complaining about Terry to Renee. And she would no longer be trying to warn Terry away from Renee. The death of Lois was almost a relief. Maybe Renee would finally sell the store, even at a loss. And she would get rid of the sign in front of the store that contained the neon-lit name evoking Hippie days past. Hardware California indeed!
This is a fast read with an interesting surprise ending. Readers who like stories of relationships between people of widely disparate backgrounds will like this novel. If Renee and Terry finally resolve their differences, will they be happy? This is a novel full of questions which I enjoyed enough to give it four stars.
October 30, 2018
I love the quirky title of this book. It sounds like the beginning of a joke, but though it’s basically not a laughing subject matter, it does have a few lines of dialogue that will have you chuckling. This was a great little story and a pleasant surprise. It’s one of those I’ve had on my kindle for awhile and finally peeked at it, knowing nothing about it and it didn’t take long before I realized I was drawn in.
Terry walks into a small hardware store to buy a couple things. The store is small and remote but should have what he’s looking for. He is obviously not in his element. Renee, the lady running the store notices this and offers her guidance and advice in her flirty and bold manner. This chance encounter changes the course of both their lives. Both Terry and Renee are nursing soul-hurting secrets. They are nothing alike. He’s private and guarded. She’s in your face... what you see is what you get. Terry can´t face his secrets, and is very unwilling to encourage a new friendship. Renee has acted out hurts from her youth in a bold aggressive manner, usually involving sex. This guy’s not biting, but she likes him. He is different from all the rest. Both sense something between them that neither can walk away from. When an unpredictable conversation Renee has with her mother Lois brings about an unexpected loss, Renee must face her truths and make changes in her life.
An unpredictable twists brings about an ending I didn’t see coming with Terry’s situation. This is an intimate look at sorrow, redemption and healing. A short but satisfying read that I’m happy to recommend to general fiction fans. Wishing this talented new author much success in his future endeavors. I’ll be watching.
Terry walks into a small hardware store to buy a couple things. The store is small and remote but should have what he’s looking for. He is obviously not in his element. Renee, the lady running the store notices this and offers her guidance and advice in her flirty and bold manner. This chance encounter changes the course of both their lives. Both Terry and Renee are nursing soul-hurting secrets. They are nothing alike. He’s private and guarded. She’s in your face... what you see is what you get. Terry can´t face his secrets, and is very unwilling to encourage a new friendship. Renee has acted out hurts from her youth in a bold aggressive manner, usually involving sex. This guy’s not biting, but she likes him. He is different from all the rest. Both sense something between them that neither can walk away from. When an unpredictable conversation Renee has with her mother Lois brings about an unexpected loss, Renee must face her truths and make changes in her life.
An unpredictable twists brings about an ending I didn’t see coming with Terry’s situation. This is an intimate look at sorrow, redemption and healing. A short but satisfying read that I’m happy to recommend to general fiction fans. Wishing this talented new author much success in his future endeavors. I’ll be watching.
September 27, 2018
The book nicely focuses on human emotions and relationships rather than on complex plot. Kind of like an Anne Tyler approach. It highlights the impact that the emotionally ill can have on their families. The man in this novel who walks into the hardware store has a wife who won't leave the house, and the hardware store owner had an abusive father. They come to understand and support each other.
March 27, 2019
I found this novel to a most pleasant surprise. Like others, I downloaded it because of the quirky title. The story was well written and for not having any intrigue, heroes or any of the interest retainers like most other works I thought it was a very enjoyable read. I normally read hard science fiction and this was a very pleasant diversion from that genre. Well done!!
March 28, 2019
this was a different kind of book. I liked how the story flowed and in some parts I could feel the emotions the characters had especially at the end. I would recommend this book.
November 24, 2018
Wow—seriously
I would have never guessed this was his first book! I didn’t want it to end, but it ended just right.
I would have never guessed this was his first book! I didn’t want it to end, but it ended just right.
September 23, 2018
An amazing first novel!
This was my Kindle First selection for September. I wasn't thrilled with any of the choices so I went with the book that had the most 5 star reviews. I am so glad I chose this book. It's well written, good character development, and a story that draws you in and makes you care about these damaged people, Renee and Terry. The author slowly peels back the layers that these two have wrapped themselves in as protection from pain, last and present. This isn't an action novel, though a lot happens. This isn't a mystery or thriller, yet there are twists and turns. This isn't a romance novel, although love plays a bit part. It's not very long, so the author doesn't meander about, but tells the story in a concise manner. I haven't given 5 stars in a while, and I read 2-3 books a week. A Man Walks Into A Hardware Store sounds like the opening line of a joke, but this novel is no joke. It's well worth your time. Oh, and how refreshing to read a book that is not part of a series! I was beginning to think that no one knew how to write a stand alone novel any more.
This was my Kindle First selection for September. I wasn't thrilled with any of the choices so I went with the book that had the most 5 star reviews. I am so glad I chose this book. It's well written, good character development, and a story that draws you in and makes you care about these damaged people, Renee and Terry. The author slowly peels back the layers that these two have wrapped themselves in as protection from pain, last and present. This isn't an action novel, though a lot happens. This isn't a mystery or thriller, yet there are twists and turns. This isn't a romance novel, although love plays a bit part. It's not very long, so the author doesn't meander about, but tells the story in a concise manner. I haven't given 5 stars in a while, and I read 2-3 books a week. A Man Walks Into A Hardware Store sounds like the opening line of a joke, but this novel is no joke. It's well worth your time. Oh, and how refreshing to read a book that is not part of a series! I was beginning to think that no one knew how to write a stand alone novel any more.
October 18, 2018
Very basic. The plot twists in the end were interesting. A tale with very little substance as far as character development
A lovely story. Thank goodness it was a quick read...but really it could not have been anything but a quick read.
Perhaps its destination will be movie of the week on the Hallmark Channel?
A lovely story. Thank goodness it was a quick read...but really it could not have been anything but a quick read.
Perhaps its destination will be movie of the week on the Hallmark Channel?
October 29, 2017
Just a wonderful read
It's one of those books you can't put down and will want to read twice. This author has a great talent for making you care for some flawed and troubled characters. I can't wait for his next novel.
It's one of those books you can't put down and will want to read twice. This author has a great talent for making you care for some flawed and troubled characters. I can't wait for his next novel.
June 16, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/jupiter-29-f...
https://numberoneboats.com/jupiter-29...
https://theboatyacht.com/leisure-17-f...
https://numberoneboats.com/leisure-17...
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/jupiter-29-f...
https://numberoneboats.com/jupiter-29...
https://theboatyacht.com/leisure-17-f...
https://numberoneboats.com/leisure-17...
September 22, 2018
Captivating! From the opening, Terry Boyle and Renee Patrick leap off the page. Van De Yacht uncovers layer after layer with his impressive writing. Terry, a loyal family man, life begins to spin out of control, as he finds himself reluctantly drawn to, Renee, a force of nature antagonist who runs a local hardware store—an attraction that threatens to destroy everything he’s vowed to protect. We soon learn that all isn’t right in Terry’s family and marriage. The chapters from Hannah's perspective leave you breathless, and her anxiety is palpable, gripping you by the throat, as Terry desperately tries to spare his 7-year-old daughter Miranda from the pain of a mentally ill parent, refusing to seek help. The pain churning under the surface leaves you rooting for them all the way, despite what may come. Van De Yatch's skill at exposing each characters wounds and secrets is far more compelling than a surface-level romance novel. You soon realize you are reading literary fiction, rich with detail and inner dialogue profoundly haunting. From start to finish, I fell in love with this story. I couldn't put it down. It is one of the best books I have read in years. There is something so unique in how Van De Yacht spins a story, setting him apart from all the others. Fabulous debut novel! If you found Manchester By the Sea, moving, you will find, A Man Walks Into A Hardware Store, mesmerizing!
March 31, 2025
I'm on a mission to complete unfinished ebooks. I decided on this one, and I am relieved that I did. It's a story about broken people coming to terms with their past and their brokenness. Sad, yet cathartic.
Quotes:
He hated small talk and was beginning to realize that he didn’t really like people in general. He just wanted to be left alone.
“That was the sheriff’s wife. No one blames the man; they just take it out on me. Not the first time. Won’t be the last.”
It was just like everything else in his life. Acceptance was the only way he knew how to cope. It took too much energy to fight.
The more you reveal, the more vulnerable you become. And then people take advantage of your weaknesses.
Filling out job applications and standing in the unemployment line didn’t get you dirty. It just made you feel that way.
“What happened to you was not your fault. How you dealt with it over the years was completely understandable, considering what you’d been through. But that path of life only brought you misery and unhappiness—and anger. You’ve been released from your sins of the past. Now it’s time to let go of the anger.”
People often wonder why funerals are important. I believe they are very important because they allow us to face our grief head on and not hide from the reality that death is an inevitable part of life, even tragic deaths.
“And in a blinding flash,” Miranda read as she turned the last page, “the sun returned to the sky. A new day had begun.”
Quotes:
He hated small talk and was beginning to realize that he didn’t really like people in general. He just wanted to be left alone.
“That was the sheriff’s wife. No one blames the man; they just take it out on me. Not the first time. Won’t be the last.”
It was just like everything else in his life. Acceptance was the only way he knew how to cope. It took too much energy to fight.
The more you reveal, the more vulnerable you become. And then people take advantage of your weaknesses.
Filling out job applications and standing in the unemployment line didn’t get you dirty. It just made you feel that way.
“What happened to you was not your fault. How you dealt with it over the years was completely understandable, considering what you’d been through. But that path of life only brought you misery and unhappiness—and anger. You’ve been released from your sins of the past. Now it’s time to let go of the anger.”
People often wonder why funerals are important. I believe they are very important because they allow us to face our grief head on and not hide from the reality that death is an inevitable part of life, even tragic deaths.
“And in a blinding flash,” Miranda read as she turned the last page, “the sun returned to the sky. A new day had begun.”
October 5, 2018
Wow
As with others, the intriguing title caught my eye, but I read it because of the many great reviews already posted. There is so much to love here: strong writing, great characters, humor, tragedy and plot twists. The themes touched on in this novel are many, such as the importance of family, love and friendship, sexual immorality, temptation, change and repentance, dealing with tragedy and loss, depression and communication. These are all important and meaningful topics, many of which are so quickly discarded in today's society of fast action, drama and sex. The content of the novel kept surprising me again and again as I went into it without any expectations whatsoever. I am so pleasantly surprised, I had to gush about it here. If I weren't so physically exhausted right now, I would be crying from reading this book, and I'm sure many others already have. I don't read the genre "General Fiction" much because I get bored quickly. I mostly stick to sci fi, fantasy and horror to sate my overactive, nerdy imagination, but man, am I glad I started reading this. I have two little girls, myself, and the character of Miranda just hit home so hard. She is such a realistic little girl, albeit very bright for her age. I just want to scoop her up in my arms and keep her safe. Please, Mr. Van de Yacht, write more.
As with others, the intriguing title caught my eye, but I read it because of the many great reviews already posted. There is so much to love here: strong writing, great characters, humor, tragedy and plot twists. The themes touched on in this novel are many, such as the importance of family, love and friendship, sexual immorality, temptation, change and repentance, dealing with tragedy and loss, depression and communication. These are all important and meaningful topics, many of which are so quickly discarded in today's society of fast action, drama and sex. The content of the novel kept surprising me again and again as I went into it without any expectations whatsoever. I am so pleasantly surprised, I had to gush about it here. If I weren't so physically exhausted right now, I would be crying from reading this book, and I'm sure many others already have. I don't read the genre "General Fiction" much because I get bored quickly. I mostly stick to sci fi, fantasy and horror to sate my overactive, nerdy imagination, but man, am I glad I started reading this. I have two little girls, myself, and the character of Miranda just hit home so hard. She is such a realistic little girl, albeit very bright for her age. I just want to scoop her up in my arms and keep her safe. Please, Mr. Van de Yacht, write more.
August 15, 2018
45: A Man Walks Into a Hardware Store by Bernie Van De Yacht...the signed copy sent to me by my former next door neighbor, the author! I really enjoyed this book! It is very well-written and tells a troubling story of pain, challenge, grief, love, and more. The characters are all richly developed and believable,great allusions to other literature and circumstances woven in, and I found myself very much looking forward to every opportunity I had to read. Honestly, my very favorite part, though, might be the acknowledgments at the end, where Bernie gives credit to John-boy Walton and his own many siblings and their families, among others. I really enjoyed that personal, deep touch he included. I'm eager to read your plays and everything else you write, Bernie, and I'm honored to know you!
September 30, 2018
From a seemingly slow start what a powerful book this turns out to be. When Terry meets Renee things start to happen. Slowly at first the story unfolds but we, the readers aren't sure what is really happening.
Gradually we are drawn into both Terry and Renee's lives. Terry appears to be a loyal family man at first but he has a secret. There are also hidden depths to Renee's life. This is a bittersweet story with surprising turns that really do pull at the heartstrings. Wonderful characters throughout. It is hard to write this review without giving out spoilers, so let me just say it really is worth a read. The author has a good a knowledge of human nature.
This is one of those stories that stays with you long after you have come to the end. A quirky title but an excellent read.
The author is a talented storyteller and I hope to read more of his work.
Gradually we are drawn into both Terry and Renee's lives. Terry appears to be a loyal family man at first but he has a secret. There are also hidden depths to Renee's life. This is a bittersweet story with surprising turns that really do pull at the heartstrings. Wonderful characters throughout. It is hard to write this review without giving out spoilers, so let me just say it really is worth a read. The author has a good a knowledge of human nature.
This is one of those stories that stays with you long after you have come to the end. A quirky title but an excellent read.
The author is a talented storyteller and I hope to read more of his work.
October 15, 2018
What an amazing story!
I'm gobsmacked. This nice quick read took a turn I did not see coming. I had to sit back and think about how the author did it. The vocabulary and writing style is simple but drew me in, as a book should. I forgot I was reading and immersed myself in the story. The characters are perfectly flawed human beings. Descriptions of situations and human conditions are deep and real in this book. The story is nicely paced and will stay with me for quite some time. Again, I marveled at the turn the story took! To say more would create spoilers. Read this book. Highly recommended.
I'm gobsmacked. This nice quick read took a turn I did not see coming. I had to sit back and think about how the author did it. The vocabulary and writing style is simple but drew me in, as a book should. I forgot I was reading and immersed myself in the story. The characters are perfectly flawed human beings. Descriptions of situations and human conditions are deep and real in this book. The story is nicely paced and will stay with me for quite some time. Again, I marveled at the turn the story took! To say more would create spoilers. Read this book. Highly recommended.
March 4, 2019
I agree that there were discrepancies with time lines.
And I am not sure why, but I did not connect emotionally with the characters, flawed and hurt as they were.
I thought that there were very clear hints as to the ‘Big Ending’, and I was not terribly surprised. I felt like the author came up with a ‘Big Ending’, then wrote the story backwards, creating a cast of characters to tell it, and conveniently wrap it up.
Still, it was not a bad book. It was a lovely story but lacked something in the way of character development. I was glad when it was over.
The perfect plot for a Hallmark movie.
And I am not sure why, but I did not connect emotionally with the characters, flawed and hurt as they were.
I thought that there were very clear hints as to the ‘Big Ending’, and I was not terribly surprised. I felt like the author came up with a ‘Big Ending’, then wrote the story backwards, creating a cast of characters to tell it, and conveniently wrap it up.
Still, it was not a bad book. It was a lovely story but lacked something in the way of character development. I was glad when it was over.
The perfect plot for a Hallmark movie.
October 16, 2018
This is a wonderfully uplifting story of love, loss and the human spirit
I am so happy I chose to read this out of all the hundreds of books in my library. The story, stories which intertwine are at points gutwrenching but there is a great use of subtle humor that flows through the book. From Renee's dark humor to the chapter names, there is a flow which had me hooked from the moment Terry walked into the store. Mr Van De Yacht is a compelling writer and I look forward to more
I am so happy I chose to read this out of all the hundreds of books in my library. The story, stories which intertwine are at points gutwrenching but there is a great use of subtle humor that flows through the book. From Renee's dark humor to the chapter names, there is a flow which had me hooked from the moment Terry walked into the store. Mr Van De Yacht is a compelling writer and I look forward to more
November 14, 2018
A wonderful book!! I couldn't put it down. I knew that there was something different about Terry. He was so sad. But so good and kind. A perfect husband. I was really shocke when I found out what had happened to him and his family.
Found out what happened to him and his family. Thank God for Renee! I felt her pain with the way things were with her and her mother.
Please read this wounderful, moving, suspensful book!
I can't believe that this was the first novel by this author.
I look forward to reading more of his books!!
Found out what happened to him and his family. Thank God for Renee! I felt her pain with the way things were with her and her mother.
Please read this wounderful, moving, suspensful book!
I can't believe that this was the first novel by this author.
I look forward to reading more of his books!!
January 25, 2020
Good idea, but the author needs to put faith in the reader. I want to think myself about why character A said this or that, or what B thought as A acted one way or the other. This text is over and over too explicit, explaining and interpretating every word or thought. Leaving very little for me to consider and think about. This makes the book less interesting and less of a pleasure to read. To open a book is a bit like opening a wrapped gift and peering inside. Here, I felt as if I got a written instruction rather than the drama/play I was hoping for.
September 4, 2021
Heartfelt and Startling
I won't do a spoiler here. Just know that this a fast-paced and involving exploration of the secrets we hide and what those secrets do to our hearts and how we do (and don't) interact with the world around us. I am a prolific reader and usually see the ending coming before I finish the first chapter. I didn't see this ending coming and it was a twist worthy of one of the early M. Night Shyamalan movies, back when he was still doing good stuff. Read this book. You won't regret it & you'll likely never forget it.
I won't do a spoiler here. Just know that this a fast-paced and involving exploration of the secrets we hide and what those secrets do to our hearts and how we do (and don't) interact with the world around us. I am a prolific reader and usually see the ending coming before I finish the first chapter. I didn't see this ending coming and it was a twist worthy of one of the early M. Night Shyamalan movies, back when he was still doing good stuff. Read this book. You won't regret it & you'll likely never forget it.
September 22, 2018
This is one of the saddest books I’ve ever read. Then when it looks like everything will be normal again, a devastating thing happens. But there’s more and a twist reveals Terry is living in the past. The title ‘ A Man Walks into a Hardware Store’ is quirky but really it relates the best thing Terry did in this story. This first time author developed memorable characters, especially Hannah and Renee, and created an original storyline that grabbed my emotions and made this a great goodread.
September 18, 2018
Not at all what I expected
I purchased this book thinking it was a psychological thriller. I can't say it was, nor can I say I was disappointed by that. It was absolutely beautiful and extremely moving. One of the best books I've read in a very very long time. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
I purchased this book thinking it was a psychological thriller. I can't say it was, nor can I say I was disappointed by that. It was absolutely beautiful and extremely moving. One of the best books I've read in a very very long time. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
September 20, 2018
Loved it. Had it figured out when 'what's her face' went to find him after asking help with his address. (I read so many books one after the other I don't remember names) Both characters had emotional problems to overcome but the story was a really different one from others I have ever read. I recommend this book, even though 'what's his face' is somewhat ehhhhh to start with.
September 21, 2018
Uexpected
I had no idea where this story was going but it engrossed me fully from the first page. The characters and plot allowed me to feel the entire spectrum of emotion and I truly had no idea of where the story was going to end up but I happily followed the written path. I look forward eagerly to the next book!!
I had no idea where this story was going but it engrossed me fully from the first page. The characters and plot allowed me to feel the entire spectrum of emotion and I truly had no idea of where the story was going to end up but I happily followed the written path. I look forward eagerly to the next book!!
September 23, 2018
Very well written.
Well developed characters. A sad, poignant but ultimately uplifting story. The ending makes you want to know more about how things go for the characters in the future Then you realize that you don’t really need to know the details, because you already know the characters.
Well developed characters. A sad, poignant but ultimately uplifting story. The ending makes you want to know more about how things go for the characters in the future Then you realize that you don’t really need to know the details, because you already know the characters.
September 25, 2018
A story about hurt, remembering and love.
You will wonder what the story is about for much of this book. Just read it, take it in without judgement, and then the truth of what life can bring unfolds. Then, you'll feel grateful for what you have and hopefully cherish it more often.
You will wonder what the story is about for much of this book. Just read it, take it in without judgement, and then the truth of what life can bring unfolds. Then, you'll feel grateful for what you have and hopefully cherish it more often.
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