Relatively Normal

Relativity #1

by Whitney Dineen

Catriona Masterton's fiancé, Ethan, is Normal.

He plans trips six months in advance and arrives at the airport a minimum of three hours early. He purchases life insurance, luggage insurance, and always opts for the extended warranty. He's responsible, reliable, and would make any woman a wonderful life partner.

In other words, he's the exact opposite of the Masterton clan.

Cat's mother has a kitchen gadget fetish, a father whose best friends are taxidermied field mice, and a super stoner man-child brother who lives--where else?--in the basement. Then there's Nan, her proud Scottish grandmother with a proclivity for profanity and mischief.

What on earth will Catriona's Normal fiancé think when he comes home with her to meet her parents? What will he think when he discovers his soon-to-be in-laws invited Cat's ex to join them for Thanksgiving dinner?

Find out in a laugh-out-loud journey of self-discovery, familial pandemonium, and love. A must read for fans of a true romantic comedy!

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Humor, Holiday

310 pages, ebook

First published October 8, 2018

About the author

Whitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries -- not always in that order.

She's a USA Today Bestselling & multi-award-winning author of romantic comedies, non-fiction humor, thrillers, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.

She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.

Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards 2017.

Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016, 2019.


Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.

Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017, 2019

Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards and Top Shelf Book Awards, 2017

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gravitate to fun and light books this time of year so Relatively Normal seemed like an obvious choice for my December TBR. While it sounded cute and funny I really had no idea just how hilarious this one is, seriously laugh out loud stuff.

The absolute best part of this book was the characters, they were so much fun! Cat’s family is so kooky and bizarre, the blurb gives you a taste of their personalities but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Her grandma stole the show, this little old lady has the mouth of a sailor and a huge over the top personality to match, she was seriously amazing and just such a blast to read about.

The story was sweet, I’m a sucker for books about characters coming back home to their roots and this one was adorable. An ideal read for this time of year but not too in your face about the holidays, so really could be read anytime of the year. If you really wanna have some laughs you have to check this one out.

Relatively Normal in three words: Outrageous, Hilarious and Adorable.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Fun Stars!

An engaging, enjoyable read, with lots of quirky characters, but also very thought provoking.

Had me chuckling, left me smiling and gave me something to think about in my own life. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Becky Monson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read! Dineen knows how to spin a tale full of humor, romance, and heartwarming moments. Loved this book!

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 Stars) "Everyone's crazy in their own way. What makes two people compatible is finding someone whose crazy complements yours and vice versa."

Cat has been in New York for a decade and is now living with her fiance, Ethan. How she managed to keep him away from her eccentric family for so long is a mystery to me, but now they're off, along with his parents, to spend Thanksgiving with her quirky family in the Midwest and what results is highly entertaining.

One of my favorite chick flicks is While You Were Sleeping and this story has a few similar elements--a spitfire, crazy grandma, zany parents, and lots of action-packed drama, all mixed up with a ginormous love triangle and a few sweet moments.

This was a fun and fluffy read, but I wanted a tiny bit more, especially with a 14 year gap in a friendship/relationship. If I had an ex who broke my heart and I hadn't seen him or heard from him for 14 years, there's no way I would believe he was madly in love for me and pining away for me all that time. And after ending an engagement, I couldn't jump right into a relationship with said guy after two encounters. Maybe it's just me... Nothing was too deep. That aside, there were things that took me by surprise and I was intrigued to see how it would all end. It's true--sometimes you have to leave what you have to really appreciate it.

Content: mild+ romance (innuendo, kissing, all intimacy is behind closed doors/implied); moderate language

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this book much. That doesn't mean it's a bad book or anything it just didn't work for me. It was supposed to be funny and I didn't find it funny at all. And to enjoy a book you have to like or at least appreciate the characters - sadly I wasn't fond of any of them. At least not any of the main characters. And I didn't find Cat's family endearing or quirky or funny. I found them weird (but not in a good way), insensitive (I mean, who keeps in touch with their daughter's/granddaughter's ex boyfriend who dumped her suddenly after they made all the plans for their future together but doesn't try to keep in regular touch with said daughter) and rude, very rude. And on top of that, the first half of the book feauters one of my most hated tropes ever, a love triangle. If I'd known about it I'd never even start this book. But not all was bad, hence the 2 stars and not 1. The writing was good and fluid and kept me reading along right to the end. So that's something.

***I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Tracie Banister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whitney Dineen continues to delight and surprise with her latest collection of quirky characters in Relatively Normal. You'll laugh, groan, and get all the feels along with heroine Cat when she spends the holidays with her wacky family and finds herself in the center of a very complicated and compelling love triangle. This book is a must-read for fans of Marian Keyes and Kristan Higgins.

[Lyn *Nomadic Worlds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romantic comedies full of witty humor are one of my favorite genres. So I was quite interested in reading this book. Added to that, the cover’s pretty clever. I’ve never read a book by Whitney Dineen but the title and the blurb both intrigued me into giving this book a try.

First of all, the writing was quite fun and witty to read. Catriona (I love that name by the way) was a remarkable character, with a dry sense of humor that I enjoyed a lot, especially when she described her family.

Talk about families from hell lol. Her family was absolutely bonkers. They were super funny with all those idiosyncrasies and their schemes. I found myself laughing a lot at those scenes.

The plot line was compelling enough to keep me reading and the writing style with sensitive moments that weren’t sappy emotional but just that right combination of sincerity and seriousness made this book a fun story to read. The only complaint I have is that the hero didn’t suffer as much compared to how deeply Catriona had been affected. Other than that, this book was a pretty easy read with plenty of funny scenes.

***Note: Received from Netgalley for an honest review.

Posted on Blog

[TeriLyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Relatively Normal generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**

3 ”Where do you stand on meditation?” Stars

The hilarious, becoming story of a woman finding herself lost when she seemingly has been found for some time. Going home isn’t always what you thought it might be. In Whitney Deneen’s story sometime home really is just what the heart wants. Relatively Normal follows Cat Masterson and her fiancé home from New York City where her eccentric family awaits for unforgettable Thanksgiving.

Deneen’s storytelling was refreshingly light and easy to fall into. This is a total romantic comedy where familial love abounds no matter how much Cat tries to fight her roots, her wings just keep bringing her back. With a fiancé, an ex she never could forget, and her family all under one roof – what could possibly go wrong?

I enjoyed this book. There were some parts where I would think Cat should know better then what she’s trying to portray as her version of happy but overall I liked it. The woman was scorned and she ran to a new sense of normalcy. Whitney Deneen does a wonderfully beautiful job of reminding us that sometimes normal isn’t what the trends are but what the trends of our hearts tell us. And for that I found this book positively charming.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm

I was really looking forward to what I thought would be a quirky funny read. It ended up being kind of boring, unrealistic and a little condescending. The female main character has been with her fiancé for 2 years but somehow doesn’t realize that he has a form of high functioning autism? Suddenly his quirks become too much for her, after a visit to her family. Her family who are full of quirky individuals... Then we have the random guy who dumped her out of high school for no other reason than he wanted to see if there was anything better out there. Then he pops back up after 14 years. I don’t even see how that’s possible. They don’t appear to have any chemistry or even anything in common. He didn’t even have enough personality to for me to call him an a-hole. He’s just and random, boring, basic guy who never found what he had with his high school girlfriend so he decided to circle back around to her. How does that make a good plot for a book? But form some reason the female MC just jumps right back in. So disrespectful to have a character as someone with Autism, just to be dumped over his quirks for some white bread jerk who had already broke her heart.

[*The Angry Reader* · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC received for an honest review.

This was much cuter and easier to read than I'd anticipated. It's always hard to know what to expect from a book billed as "funny." And while I didn't laugh out loud while reading this I did thoroughly enjoy myself.

This book is something of a romance, but more of a journey. Our heroine is one place - mentally and physically - and she needs to be some place else. There's no steam, a funny grandma, and mice wearing kilts. Honestly, I think that pretty much sums this up.

It could easily be read in one sitting, and I would have given it 4 stars had the timeline been different. I just thought things happened too quickly. Overall it's mostly a 4 star read. If you're in the mood for something light with a holiday vibe I can definitely recommend this easy little book.

[Denise Lauron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and up until the last few chapters, I wasn't sure where the journey was taking me. It was fun and the characters were great. I do look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Annabelle Costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Relatively Normal so much! It’s rare a book makes me laugh out loud but this one did.... repeatedly! I will be adding it to the top of my list of favorites for 2018! Catriona's family was just hilarious, every step of the way, but the best part was seeing how "outsiders" reacted to their antics. It was such a fun story... I really didn't want it to end. Dineen does an amazing job of capturing the quirky but lovable family.

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatively Normal is the first Whitney Dineen book I have come across and I thought it sounded fun. The title is very appropriate and the story is a fun one of family life and escapades. It's got everything: humor, romance and is so true-to-life that it had me finished in record time.

Whitney Dineen is a new voice to me and I really enjoy her style. It's laid-back and the chapters are quick yet very involved in plot and detail but the story is always fun and the characters are quirky and all have their own personalities. I especially liked Cat as a character due to her attitude to life and everything that happened throughout the book.

In writing Relatively Normal, Whitney Dineen has created a realistic and highly enjoyable novel about what it's really like living with an eccentric family.


Thanks very much to Whitney Dineen and Karan and Co Author Solutions for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

[Evonne Hutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second change romance that is both hilariously funny and heartbreakingly sad!
Well written with a good story line and characters that come alive

[Hollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

i loved this book in the beginning but the ending was super rushed. After finishing this book i was frustrated. An epilogue at very least would have done wonders.

[ꕥ Ange_Lives_To_Read ꕥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

My original review didn’t save 😫. Fun story about a girl who brings her uptight Manhattan fiancé home to meet her very unconventional Midwestern family.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 ½ stars Relatively Normal is all about a family that’s, well, relatively normal! Of course, I would say they are just this side of eccentric, often hilarious, but kind and good people. Even though the story is about a family of Scottish heritage, it really would fit any family dynamic – I have some off the wall relatives in my own, including me!

RN is touching and warm and sometimes downright weird (taxidermied mice, in homemade holiday costumes, anyone??) but it is always fun…and funny! I had my first laugh when I read the disclaimer in the front of the book, and it went on to more laughs from there. Wait until you meet Nan…

Catriona Masterson and Ethan Crenshaw met at a wedding or on the job for Cat, and their relationship develops from that meeting. Ethan is very staid and even-tempered, no highs or lows, and Cat is comfortable with that as she comes from a wonderfully crazy family and she delights in the change of pace. She has kept Ethan from meeting the family their entire relationship, not because she is embarrassed by them, but because she’s not so sure how Ethan or her family will react when they each meet the other. And meet they do at Thanksgiving! I can’t do the story justice but there are more ups and downs, strange food and hilarity that happen that sometimes had me shaking my head at what all there was.

For the half-star reduction, I’d say the book just got so…big…that it was sometimes difficult to keep the pointers in the correct direction. It didn’t detract from the overall story but the author had a lot goin’ on. I really did love Cat’s grandmother, Nan, as well as her parents. All truly good people, just a tad bit strange. But that’s what makes the story. I recommend.

[Aimee (Getting Your Read On) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's always hard for me to pick up books purposefully labeled as funny or hilarious because humor is such a individualized thing, I think. Not everyone thinks the same things are funny. Right? And you never want to be the "one" not laughing while everyone else is. :) While I didn't laugh at loud at this book, I did find myself amused frequently. I think the book overall was a bit much, not terribly believable, but fun. It was like every single stereotype or crazy scenario the author could think of was packed into this story. I think because it was labeled "funny" it never got too deep into any one conflict or problem so it all felt a bit surface. I enjoyed the fun from the outside without every becoming emotionally invested in the characters.

I did like Cat and her own personal journey "home" and the ending theme that family is family. You love them even when they are slightly off normal. Maybe especially when they are slightly off normal. Because really. What is normal anyway? Time with family is so important because you just ever know when that might be taken away.

If you are looking for a light, fun and slightly crazy book set during the holiday season, pick this book up! It's just $.99 on Amazon right now and maybe a good diversion from your own craziness!

Content: moderate swearing, profanity, alcohol use, drug use, implied sexual relations outside of marriage with no details, kissing, innuendo

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious Romantic Comedy

This book was definitely not what I expected, and it continued to show me that I never knew what would happen next. There is a hilarious cast of characters with some very interesting quirks, and a good storyline that kept me guessing how it would all turn out. I was not such a fan of the amount of swearing, drinking, and references to sex, but that is as far as the author took it. I would still consider this to be a clean romance, and an interested to see what happens in the next book.

[Lynda Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really enjoyed this book! And I have to admit that reading the blurb before I started I thought it would be over the top and not worth it. I was sooooo wrong. It’s a great read with a surprising depth of characters. I’m not going into detail because I might spoil it for someone but please give this book a go, I think you’ll have a laugh and be surprised by the quality. I’ll certainly be reading more by this author.

I received an ARC and was pleased to give an honest review.

[Susan Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good read

This book was recommended as a really funny book. That’s what I was looking for. It was funny, however the story was really good. I always think when you like the people in the story half the battle is won. These characters were likable. The story was good. I would recommend this book

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hilarious and keeps you in stitches. Catriona and her fiance live a stable life in the city. A trip home during Thanksgiving proves to be over the top. Their families meet and chaos is the standard order. Likable characters and a very entertaining story. I read a reader copy and voluntarily chose to review.

[Mirela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. The way the love stories were described was acceptable. Loved the characters of Nan and Ethan. Especially towards the end... It should be continued.
RATING : 3/5

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story with a lot of extremely quirky characters. It says it’s a comedy, but I think I laughed out loud once and honestly that was okay as the story was still good. To me, it was almost more woman’s lit than contemporary romance. And there’s definitely romance, but a lot of other things too. It’s also a second chance romance as well. I enjoyed it and have already gotten the second book in this series. Recommended to ages 14plus. No erotica/smut but some adult issues.

[Delancey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky and fun - this book was a fast romp and a heartfelt romance to boot. Just my style.

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming experience! It takes a while to find yourself, but it's fortunate when it happens before it's too late!

I particularly liked how tolerant and loving the family was, we should all be more human.

All in all, an enjoyable read!

[Kate Rock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love humor and Whitney Dineen always makes me laugh. When you spin a tale of family, holidays and hilarious shenanigans you get a super fun read! Plus, who doesn't love a man in a kilt!?

[Karin Gillespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hilarious and full-of-heart, Dineen has outdone herself. Relatively Normal is fabulous read.

[Jeannine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m really torn. The story was cute and fun. Cat’s family is quirky and there were a lot of shenanigans going on. But there were some things that bothered me. It took me a minute to get into the story, I really didn’t find it funny at all and this book is strictly PG. I did find myself skimming the last 25% because I felt some things were going on and on. There’s no epilogue and I felt that the story ended rather abruptly. Now these are just “me” things. I like steamy stuff in my romance stories, maybe you’re cool without it. You do you. I’ve never read anything else by this author so I don’t know if this is how she rolls in her other books. Either way, it wasn’t horrible or anything like that, I just wasn’t in love with it.

[Konnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really got me from the beginning. When the author made a list of couples at the beginning, I found my name, which is quite unusual since the spelling of my name is different. I also found my husband's name there although we were not together with the "&" sign. I saw this as a sign to read the book.

This book is a LOL book. How I love the "FLUSH"! This author truly is wacky while insightful at the same time - looking inside her brain would certainly be a trip! I really enjoyed this feel-good book, and despite how light and fun the story was, there is a lot of substance and depth in this book.

This book is about finding one's journey in life and finding the value in family and acceptance. It sure was a wild ride and this author certainly pulled everything together in it well.

The reason for my lack of the two remaining stars is that I felt the ending took a serious dive, and somehow I really was rooting for another hero. I didn't feel the connection with the heroine's final pick because I was rooting for something different I guess so that makes me torn with the story. I didn't feel the author elaborated enough with their romance to warrant or justify them being together at the end. However, I know it was a realistic ending.

But seriously, the writing was a refreshing surprise and if you read the author's bio, this woman has done it all!