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Starting Over #2
Eat Your Heart Out
They’re not ready to go from friends to lovers. Will practice make perfect?
When a tyrant in stilettos replaces her beloved boss, and her ex snags her coveted job, teacher Dana Narvana discovers there are worse things than getting dumped on Facebook. Time for the BFF advice squad, starting with Dana's staunchest ally, Alex—hunky colleague, quipster, and cooking pal extraordinaire. But when the after-hours smooching goes nowhere, she wonders why this grown man won't make up his mind.
Alex Bethany's new lifestyle gives him the confidence to try online dating. What he craves is a family of his own until a life-altering surprise rocks his world. He knows he's sending Dana mixed messages. Alex panics when he thinks he's blown his chance with his special person. From appetizers to the main course will these two cooking buddies make it to dessert?
Funny and bittersweet, Dana and Alex's story will have you rooting for them.
When a tyrant in stilettos replaces her beloved boss, and her ex snags her coveted job, teacher Dana Narvana discovers there are worse things than getting dumped on Facebook. Time for the BFF advice squad, starting with Dana's staunchest ally, Alex—hunky colleague, quipster, and cooking pal extraordinaire. But when the after-hours smooching goes nowhere, she wonders why this grown man won't make up his mind.
Alex Bethany's new lifestyle gives him the confidence to try online dating. What he craves is a family of his own until a life-altering surprise rocks his world. He knows he's sending Dana mixed messages. Alex panics when he thinks he's blown his chance with his special person. From appetizers to the main course will these two cooking buddies make it to dessert?
Funny and bittersweet, Dana and Alex's story will have you rooting for them.
- GenresRomance
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2021
5 people are currently reading
637 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Goldberg
6 books487 followersShirley Goldberg is a writer, novelist, and former ESL and French teacher who’s lived in Paris, Crete, and Casablanca. She writes about men and women of a certain age starting their lives and loves over. Her new books Hot Greek Summer and What Happens Next are coming March and May 2026.
Middle Ageish, Eat Your Heart Out, and A Little Bit of Lust are all part of the Starting Over trilogy. They're humorous/romantic women's romantic fiction with a dash of rom com for readers who enjoy the mature hero and heroine. And "mature" is not a synonym for stodgy. As Sunny Chanel says, "I'm middle-aged, not dead." https://www.amazon.com/Shirley-Goldbe...
But wait, there's more! Middle Ageish, Shirley's take on starting over and dating in your middle ages has been revised and has a new cover––grab it everywhere.
Shirley's friends like to guess which stories from the novel are true.
Shirley's website http://shirleygoldberg.com offers a humorous look at living single, cultivating men friends and dating later in life. .
Tune in and get ideas for your next read and links to book freebies and deals in Shirley's newsletter. Grab 'em whilst they're hot!
Shirley's characters believe you should never leave home without your sense of humor and she agrees.
Middle Ageish, Eat Your Heart Out, and A Little Bit of Lust are all part of the Starting Over trilogy. They're humorous/romantic women's romantic fiction with a dash of rom com for readers who enjoy the mature hero and heroine. And "mature" is not a synonym for stodgy. As Sunny Chanel says, "I'm middle-aged, not dead." https://www.amazon.com/Shirley-Goldbe...
But wait, there's more! Middle Ageish, Shirley's take on starting over and dating in your middle ages has been revised and has a new cover––grab it everywhere.
Shirley's friends like to guess which stories from the novel are true.
Shirley's website http://shirleygoldberg.com offers a humorous look at living single, cultivating men friends and dating later in life. .
Tune in and get ideas for your next read and links to book freebies and deals in Shirley's newsletter. Grab 'em whilst they're hot!
Shirley's characters believe you should never leave home without your sense of humor and she agrees.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 30, 2021
Wow. Such a great read. An excellent installment in the Starting Over series. The author writes with such realism, from her characters, to their situations, to the setting and descriptions. While this book is entertaining, there are some important messages woven throughout. Really makes you stop and think. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from the first page to the last. Kudos to the author!
March 8, 2022
An inspiring and romantic story with very realistic characters and scenes. Touches on serious subject matter such as bullying, obesity, and addiction. Very well written.
March 12, 2021
This second book in this series surprised me and turned out to be the most fascinating book Ive read in a while. The blurb gives you the impression that its a light hearted romcom. But for me it was a interesting take on society's unhealthy appetite with food and how it affects our relationships. Upon a cursory glance at much of the dialogue, the reader may only see distasteful characters who make judgments based on fat shaming. Look closer. Read closer. Its more than that. And you might turn the last page learning something about yourself that might be hard to face.
Author Goldberg centers in on Dana in this second book, friend and colleague to Sunny from the first book. School instructor Dana runs into a man who she doesn't know. Alex lost a lot of weight over the summer and he's become unrecognizable. Dana thinks he's cute, and they get Close while working together. They are both trying online dating, both having middling results. Dana is not super thin, but tries to watch her weight. She tends to have a problem binge eating when stressed (like us all, right?), to the point that she notes it on a blog. So when she's looking online, she loses her perspective.
"“Listen to this,” I said. “Hate me, but I just don’t do overweight. So, if you call yourself average—”"
"I launched into my first date with Michael, a wine tasting and picnic lunch. “Creative cooking. That was our passion, so we cooked together. He was a chunko, but he loved his Brussels sprouts oven-roasted.” Chunko. How sensitive. Mentioning the fat ex-husband when Alex had daily demons in that area. "
You might initially see this as crass, but I see it as a woman who insists on denying her own food insecurities. Don't look in the mirror if you don't want to see the truth. Dana notes everything "wrong" that others do when it comes to food. Even Alex notices the way Dana acts.
"Dana . The way she smoothed her blouse in an effort to hide inside it, tried to hold in her stomach. So she was a smidgen overweight, not even overweight, she was tall and endowed. And her walk was an unselfconscious glide. Inside his head a tiny seed of an idea floated. Maybe she’s afraid, like me, of losing control, too aware of her body, always planning what not to eat."
And lets talk about Alex. Thin for the first time, he's clueless on what he wants... Going more for what he THINKS he wants. He dates a vapid, beautiful young woman who doesn't challenge him. He still lives in a self conscious, overweight mindset, not recognizing that he deserves Dana.
"He clutched my hand. “You’re a beautiful woman , but I wasn’t on your radar until this year, even though you’ve known me for some time.”"
Then a shocking surprise comes to Alex's door, and Author Goldberg forces us readers to confront our bias.
"Such a tiny case for such a huge man. As soon as the thought wrote itself on the board that was his brain, he was ashamed. Judging his son’s body was like judging himself. We both deserve a break."
"“My son is fat . Obese. You met him.” In that moment , Alex’s face changed, as if he’d aged ten years. He looked worn down, beaten. “But that’s not the worst.” There was more? I wanted to say the right thing, but there was no right thing, and I couldn’t interrupt. “I’m embarrassed. Embarrassed to take him anywhere.” His face crumpled for a second, and my stomach clenched for him."
Author Goldberg has forced the reader to look in the mirror. Its easy for us to say, "I wouldn't act that way!" But is that really true? Or would you just think it, and say to yourself you're better than that person? As Alex and Dana face their fears and their own issues, they do learn some life lessons. And in turn, Author Goldberg gives us readers the insight of a lifetime.
From dating advice:
"Anyone who infatuates easily, outfatuates quicker."
To being a decent Human being:
" Gone was his deep conviction that losing all the weight awarded him a free pass to be spontaneous, worse, to make bad choices. "
To living life to the fullest: "“Never leave home without your sense of humor,” Alex joked to his students."
I Was a bit puzzled by the fact that Dana's students called her "Miss.". Perhaps the author taught overseas and this is normal there? I do wish we got more about the binge eating blog, but it wasn't enough to affect my reading experience. I felt that Author Goldberg was fearless in her addressing issues that we all have, and how sometimes our fears affect our responses. And the end was so organic that I smiled to myself and threw away the cookies sitting next to me on the table.
Author Goldberg centers in on Dana in this second book, friend and colleague to Sunny from the first book. School instructor Dana runs into a man who she doesn't know. Alex lost a lot of weight over the summer and he's become unrecognizable. Dana thinks he's cute, and they get Close while working together. They are both trying online dating, both having middling results. Dana is not super thin, but tries to watch her weight. She tends to have a problem binge eating when stressed (like us all, right?), to the point that she notes it on a blog. So when she's looking online, she loses her perspective.
"“Listen to this,” I said. “Hate me, but I just don’t do overweight. So, if you call yourself average—”"
"I launched into my first date with Michael, a wine tasting and picnic lunch. “Creative cooking. That was our passion, so we cooked together. He was a chunko, but he loved his Brussels sprouts oven-roasted.” Chunko. How sensitive. Mentioning the fat ex-husband when Alex had daily demons in that area. "
You might initially see this as crass, but I see it as a woman who insists on denying her own food insecurities. Don't look in the mirror if you don't want to see the truth. Dana notes everything "wrong" that others do when it comes to food. Even Alex notices the way Dana acts.
"Dana . The way she smoothed her blouse in an effort to hide inside it, tried to hold in her stomach. So she was a smidgen overweight, not even overweight, she was tall and endowed. And her walk was an unselfconscious glide. Inside his head a tiny seed of an idea floated. Maybe she’s afraid, like me, of losing control, too aware of her body, always planning what not to eat."
And lets talk about Alex. Thin for the first time, he's clueless on what he wants... Going more for what he THINKS he wants. He dates a vapid, beautiful young woman who doesn't challenge him. He still lives in a self conscious, overweight mindset, not recognizing that he deserves Dana.
"He clutched my hand. “You’re a beautiful woman , but I wasn’t on your radar until this year, even though you’ve known me for some time.”"
Then a shocking surprise comes to Alex's door, and Author Goldberg forces us readers to confront our bias.
"Such a tiny case for such a huge man. As soon as the thought wrote itself on the board that was his brain, he was ashamed. Judging his son’s body was like judging himself. We both deserve a break."
"“My son is fat . Obese. You met him.” In that moment , Alex’s face changed, as if he’d aged ten years. He looked worn down, beaten. “But that’s not the worst.” There was more? I wanted to say the right thing, but there was no right thing, and I couldn’t interrupt. “I’m embarrassed. Embarrassed to take him anywhere.” His face crumpled for a second, and my stomach clenched for him."
Author Goldberg has forced the reader to look in the mirror. Its easy for us to say, "I wouldn't act that way!" But is that really true? Or would you just think it, and say to yourself you're better than that person? As Alex and Dana face their fears and their own issues, they do learn some life lessons. And in turn, Author Goldberg gives us readers the insight of a lifetime.
From dating advice:
"Anyone who infatuates easily, outfatuates quicker."
To being a decent Human being:
" Gone was his deep conviction that losing all the weight awarded him a free pass to be spontaneous, worse, to make bad choices. "
To living life to the fullest: "“Never leave home without your sense of humor,” Alex joked to his students."
I Was a bit puzzled by the fact that Dana's students called her "Miss.". Perhaps the author taught overseas and this is normal there? I do wish we got more about the binge eating blog, but it wasn't enough to affect my reading experience. I felt that Author Goldberg was fearless in her addressing issues that we all have, and how sometimes our fears affect our responses. And the end was so organic that I smiled to myself and threw away the cookies sitting next to me on the table.
February 15, 2022
Eat Your Heart Out
I purchased this book during an author event and signing in Tampa, Florida.
Sometimes you read a blurb and then realize there’s so much more to a book. Often funny, occasionally poignant, and very real.
There are several paths in this work about mature characters. Love and loss. Breakups and online dating. Struggles with weight and self-image. Work, and its stresses, especially for teachers. I hear stories from my relatives who are teachers, and Ms. Goldberg seems spot on.
Eat Your Heart Outs is about friends, lovers, adult children, and real-life laughter and tears. It’s my second book by Ms. Goldberg, and I look forward to the next.
I purchased this book during an author event and signing in Tampa, Florida.
Sometimes you read a blurb and then realize there’s so much more to a book. Often funny, occasionally poignant, and very real.
There are several paths in this work about mature characters. Love and loss. Breakups and online dating. Struggles with weight and self-image. Work, and its stresses, especially for teachers. I hear stories from my relatives who are teachers, and Ms. Goldberg seems spot on.
Eat Your Heart Outs is about friends, lovers, adult children, and real-life laughter and tears. It’s my second book by Ms. Goldberg, and I look forward to the next.
March 31, 2021
I’m loving the women-of-a-certain-age books I have picked up lately and this one is very high on my favorites list.
Inside his head, his safe haven, he admitted he hadn’t had a relationship in a century.
I love, love, love Alex Bethany with his corny, charismatic quirkiness, and ability to break out in song and dance at a moment’s notice. He is so real and genuine as he adjusts to his new life, his new thinner and healthier body, and his new routine. And let’s not forget the twenty-one-year-old surprise his ex dumped on him…a charming son named Josh who is battling food addiction like Alex. In addition, his hilarious friend Jewel has challenged him to start dating, and conveniently, his therapist, Merv, has advised him to practice schmoozing with a “safe woman” so when opportunity knocks, he decides to help out a fellow teacher, Dana Narvana by suggesting a co-teaching project. But due to his unexpected reaction to her, “maybe she wasn’t so safe after all”. Dana, his safe woman, is dating and so is he, though his recent date is giving him doubts about her sincerity.
She was the chocolate to his peanut butter.
Dana is also another quirky figure who uses “Dana-isms” as Alex calls them. After being dumped on Facebook by her snooty ex-boyfriend and colleague Jerry, she then finds out he took her vice principal job at the school. If that weren’t the worst, Ms. Strutt, the new principal is a whistle-blowing (literally), walking, talking bully who seems to be out to get Dana and put her on an improvement plan. And then the new slim and handsome Alex offers to co-teach with Dana to keep her under Strutt’s radar. However, Dana’s radar is going off the charts at Alex and his wit, intelligence, and kindness. Apparently, she’s not his first choice. Too bad he keeps sending her mixed messages.
Dana and Alex are mixed up, overwhelmed, over-analyzers who are trying to find that special someone who stimulates their brain (and other things), respects them, and accepts them as they are…kookiness, addictions, and all. With a little push from friends and family and a revelation they are perfect together, this lovely mature, funny, and vulnerable couple finally sees the light and heads off into the sunset together.
I recommend highly this refreshing, feel-good, romantic journey with fantastically flawed characters and a wonderful examination of serious subject matter like bullying, obesity, and addiction.
Thank you to Ms. Golberg for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Inside his head, his safe haven, he admitted he hadn’t had a relationship in a century.
I love, love, love Alex Bethany with his corny, charismatic quirkiness, and ability to break out in song and dance at a moment’s notice. He is so real and genuine as he adjusts to his new life, his new thinner and healthier body, and his new routine. And let’s not forget the twenty-one-year-old surprise his ex dumped on him…a charming son named Josh who is battling food addiction like Alex. In addition, his hilarious friend Jewel has challenged him to start dating, and conveniently, his therapist, Merv, has advised him to practice schmoozing with a “safe woman” so when opportunity knocks, he decides to help out a fellow teacher, Dana Narvana by suggesting a co-teaching project. But due to his unexpected reaction to her, “maybe she wasn’t so safe after all”. Dana, his safe woman, is dating and so is he, though his recent date is giving him doubts about her sincerity.
She was the chocolate to his peanut butter.
Dana is also another quirky figure who uses “Dana-isms” as Alex calls them. After being dumped on Facebook by her snooty ex-boyfriend and colleague Jerry, she then finds out he took her vice principal job at the school. If that weren’t the worst, Ms. Strutt, the new principal is a whistle-blowing (literally), walking, talking bully who seems to be out to get Dana and put her on an improvement plan. And then the new slim and handsome Alex offers to co-teach with Dana to keep her under Strutt’s radar. However, Dana’s radar is going off the charts at Alex and his wit, intelligence, and kindness. Apparently, she’s not his first choice. Too bad he keeps sending her mixed messages.
Dana and Alex are mixed up, overwhelmed, over-analyzers who are trying to find that special someone who stimulates their brain (and other things), respects them, and accepts them as they are…kookiness, addictions, and all. With a little push from friends and family and a revelation they are perfect together, this lovely mature, funny, and vulnerable couple finally sees the light and heads off into the sunset together.
I recommend highly this refreshing, feel-good, romantic journey with fantastically flawed characters and a wonderful examination of serious subject matter like bullying, obesity, and addiction.
Thank you to Ms. Golberg for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
May 17, 2021
Hangin' with these characters in a small-town social sphere, I felt I was really there.
I relished hitching a ride on the New Haven lives, eating all the great local foods through their mouths and suffering their minds' obsessions with its tastes, its naughtiness, its calories. This cast of characters courts, converses, manipulates and suppresses by use of food—hence the apt title. This reader fully experienced their pod mall ethnic eateries, the school at which they compete and teach, the homes in which they suffer, and the rich relationships in which they survive and thrive.
Our heroine Dana Narvana's part of this tale is told in first person from her point of view, and also by an omniscient, subjective third person narrator who sees inside the mind of Alex, her best friend with ill-gained benefits. SPOILER: In the turning point chapter, when the two main characters finally get it on, both main characters are seen from the third person viewpoint, an interesting device that distances its readers into voyeurs, then returns us to Dana's female gaze for a satisfying romantic conclusion.
The author, a mistress of middle-aged dating's complexities in several books so far, brings you inside her casts' intimate lives, their cooking, their coping, their career and power struggles, and their longing to love. Make a five course meal of this book and feel fully satisfied.
I relished hitching a ride on the New Haven lives, eating all the great local foods through their mouths and suffering their minds' obsessions with its tastes, its naughtiness, its calories. This cast of characters courts, converses, manipulates and suppresses by use of food—hence the apt title. This reader fully experienced their pod mall ethnic eateries, the school at which they compete and teach, the homes in which they suffer, and the rich relationships in which they survive and thrive.
Our heroine Dana Narvana's part of this tale is told in first person from her point of view, and also by an omniscient, subjective third person narrator who sees inside the mind of Alex, her best friend with ill-gained benefits. SPOILER: In the turning point chapter, when the two main characters finally get it on, both main characters are seen from the third person viewpoint, an interesting device that distances its readers into voyeurs, then returns us to Dana's female gaze for a satisfying romantic conclusion.
The author, a mistress of middle-aged dating's complexities in several books so far, brings you inside her casts' intimate lives, their cooking, their coping, their career and power struggles, and their longing to love. Make a five course meal of this book and feel fully satisfied.
September 1, 2021
Eat Your Heart Out by Shirley Goldberg will do just that. I was consumed by the feels. As a former teacher, I loved the accuracy in capturing the life of two teachers. The politics inside a school, the pressure of moving up to administration (whether it works for you or not), the lack of privacy, and polarizing teaching evaluation policies brought me back to when I was in the classroom.
Dana is stuck in an impossible situation when her ex becomes her vice principal. I loved the interplay between them as he tries to have a professional relationship with her while watching her navigate the online dating world. Jerry the ex is cringe-worthy but not as much as the one she dates from an online dating app. Yikes!
Alex is also on the dating app and teaches in Dana’s department at school. Alex’s story brought me to tears many times in the book. I won’t ruin his surprises but let’s say dating is last on his priority list. However, the heart wants what the heart wants. After the self-improvement he has accomplished, he deserves a happy ending. I loved his optimism and positive attitude. He lit up the room in every scene and other characters migrated to him. Even though this ugly duckling had transformed into a swan, he proves he was always handsome on the inside.
Overall, I highly recommend Eat Your Heart Out for teachers and those who have been the ugly duckling. Alex’s journey will pull your heartstrings and have you reaching for the tissues.
Dana is stuck in an impossible situation when her ex becomes her vice principal. I loved the interplay between them as he tries to have a professional relationship with her while watching her navigate the online dating world. Jerry the ex is cringe-worthy but not as much as the one she dates from an online dating app. Yikes!
Alex is also on the dating app and teaches in Dana’s department at school. Alex’s story brought me to tears many times in the book. I won’t ruin his surprises but let’s say dating is last on his priority list. However, the heart wants what the heart wants. After the self-improvement he has accomplished, he deserves a happy ending. I loved his optimism and positive attitude. He lit up the room in every scene and other characters migrated to him. Even though this ugly duckling had transformed into a swan, he proves he was always handsome on the inside.
Overall, I highly recommend Eat Your Heart Out for teachers and those who have been the ugly duckling. Alex’s journey will pull your heartstrings and have you reaching for the tissues.
April 6, 2021
I loved this story. I recommend this book to other readers. I don’t write long reviews because I don’t like telling others about the book and spoil it for them. But this book is great read
June 21, 2021
What a great read. This book is perfect when you want something a little light-hearthed, that’s packed with very tongue in cheek humour,
The characters are lovely and very well developed. I especially liked the depth they set out for the main character. It made it so easy to fall in love with her and her journey
Overall this book is really funny, warm and a great book to raise your spirits and enjoy.
The characters are lovely and very well developed. I especially liked the depth they set out for the main character. It made it so easy to fall in love with her and her journey
Overall this book is really funny, warm and a great book to raise your spirits and enjoy.
June 29, 2021
This is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by Shirley Goldberg. I found her voice real and entertaining. The story moved slow and steadily yet kept me turning the pages straight through to the end.
I was expecting a simple rom-com. Eat Your Heart Out certainly has lots of funny moments, as well as the snarkiness I love so much in characters. However, the story touches on much deeper issues such as extreme weight loss, obsessions with food, and the trials of mixing work and dating. It's especially challenging for our protagonist to work with an ex-lover that stole her dream job out from under her.
The camaraderie of the friends is quite touching. The love they have for each other shines through in the little things as well as big ones. It can be as simple as shielding you from bad news until you are ready to hear it or having your back when you feel the world is against you.
Alex and Dana have a slow "friends to lovers" arc that is just sweet enough for this story. Yet, there are great laugh-out-loud moments sprinkled throughout the story.
You can go as deep into the story as you wish with the many themes running throughout, or you can enjoy it at the surface for its entertainment value.
I recommend Eat Your Heart Out to all lovers of contemporary fiction with a side of introspection.
I received a copy of Eat Your Heart Out for a Goddess Fish tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
I was expecting a simple rom-com. Eat Your Heart Out certainly has lots of funny moments, as well as the snarkiness I love so much in characters. However, the story touches on much deeper issues such as extreme weight loss, obsessions with food, and the trials of mixing work and dating. It's especially challenging for our protagonist to work with an ex-lover that stole her dream job out from under her.
The camaraderie of the friends is quite touching. The love they have for each other shines through in the little things as well as big ones. It can be as simple as shielding you from bad news until you are ready to hear it or having your back when you feel the world is against you.
Alex and Dana have a slow "friends to lovers" arc that is just sweet enough for this story. Yet, there are great laugh-out-loud moments sprinkled throughout the story.
You can go as deep into the story as you wish with the many themes running throughout, or you can enjoy it at the surface for its entertainment value.
I recommend Eat Your Heart Out to all lovers of contemporary fiction with a side of introspection.
I received a copy of Eat Your Heart Out for a Goddess Fish tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
March 23, 2021
Shirley Goldberg does it again in the second installment of her Starting Over series, about what it's like to date after the age of 40. This time, she is tackling divorce, and more importantly, what it's like trying to date after major physical and health changes. A lot of people around this age go through the process of dropping a lot of weight and starting over again. It's not easy to do, because you still have your mental and emotional demons to drop.
Our society has a fixation on food that permeates almost all areas of our lives. And it complicates how we view ourselves and our relationships. This story delves into that from different perspectives. And those perspectives are extremely honest and something you'll see every single day, from the stories we tell ourselves to what people around us are saying. No matter your size, I'm sure you'll recognize something.
And then of course, the dating part. How do you tackle dating later in life? Then there is the whole friends issue with the potential to date. And if you do decide to date, how will that go? Add in the complications of also being coworkers and the identity of the new vice-principal. Don't even get me started on their new principal at school. I had some flashbacks to my teaching years that I'd rather forget.
There's a lot of REAL in this story, with plenty of moments to make you smile, as well as to make you think. It's not a lighthearted rom-com, but it is still quite enjoyable. I'm glad I picked up this one as well.
I received a requested review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Our society has a fixation on food that permeates almost all areas of our lives. And it complicates how we view ourselves and our relationships. This story delves into that from different perspectives. And those perspectives are extremely honest and something you'll see every single day, from the stories we tell ourselves to what people around us are saying. No matter your size, I'm sure you'll recognize something.
And then of course, the dating part. How do you tackle dating later in life? Then there is the whole friends issue with the potential to date. And if you do decide to date, how will that go? Add in the complications of also being coworkers and the identity of the new vice-principal. Don't even get me started on their new principal at school. I had some flashbacks to my teaching years that I'd rather forget.
There's a lot of REAL in this story, with plenty of moments to make you smile, as well as to make you think. It's not a lighthearted rom-com, but it is still quite enjoyable. I'm glad I picked up this one as well.
I received a requested review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 13, 2021
This book came as a bit of surprise to me. Once again, the cover was a little deceiving. The synopsis was also. It seemed to me like it would be a nice light workplace romance, but it actually dealt with some pretty heavy topics. The main topic that was a shocker for me was morbid obesity and eating disorders. There were also obese characters being left by their spouses and some fat shaming.
The two main characters, Dana and Alex, don't start off together. They are both finding dates online and dealing with the fallout. Their coming together is super slow, riddled with obstacles, but cute. I really did love both characters once they got their individual stuff together. At times, though, it was kind of painful to witness their struggles and doubts.
Would I try another book in the series? Probably so, based on the development of the characters.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. All thoughts are my own.
The two main characters, Dana and Alex, don't start off together. They are both finding dates online and dealing with the fallout. Their coming together is super slow, riddled with obstacles, but cute. I really did love both characters once they got their individual stuff together. At times, though, it was kind of painful to witness their struggles and doubts.
Would I try another book in the series? Probably so, based on the development of the characters.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. All thoughts are my own.
July 16, 2021
What a fun, relatable story! I love these characters – and can honestly say I’ve known people like all of them, the good, the bad, and the ugly. And, I think that’s what makes this book so appealing. The characters are all real. They aren’t perfect. They are just like our friends.
As a … ahem… woman of a certain age, I can definitely relate to Dana and her struggles – with dating, with food, with balancing life and work, with having friends. I want to be a part of her gal pal squad!
I also love the friends to lover trope. It has to be one of my very favorites!
This is part of a series, but it is easily standalone. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Goldberg has in store for the rest of these friends!
As a … ahem… woman of a certain age, I can definitely relate to Dana and her struggles – with dating, with food, with balancing life and work, with having friends. I want to be a part of her gal pal squad!
I also love the friends to lover trope. It has to be one of my very favorites!
This is part of a series, but it is easily standalone. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Goldberg has in store for the rest of these friends!
March 10, 2022
I loved the first book in this series and the second is just as much fun. I love how the author builds up her characters. Alex is a sweetheart with a slightly wacky sense of humour and is totally lovable even with his very human flaws. Dana is so much fun, the intensely weird classroom interactions made me smile and reminded me of random spot check learning walks that never happen at an opportune moment.
Once I started reading the book I really couldn’t stop and I am really looking forward to reading more books from this author.
Once I started reading the book I really couldn’t stop and I am really looking forward to reading more books from this author.
April 16, 2021
I’ve been ready some heavy books lately so this was a nice refreshing read for me.
I love that the main character is in my age bracket rather than way younger lol Like many women Dana is going through some changes in life.
I found this to be a sweet read and would definitely read more from this author.
I love that the main character is in my age bracket rather than way younger lol Like many women Dana is going through some changes in life.
I found this to be a sweet read and would definitely read more from this author.
March 17, 2022
Story of overcoming binge eating issues, learning the dating rules and code words. All the while being co workers with a bully boss. Things many people deal with in their every day life.
March 8, 2022
loved it !
You will fall in love with the characters and camaraderie . Struggling with dating , eating habits and a boss who’s a huge bully , such a great storyline !! Loved it
You will fall in love with the characters and camaraderie . Struggling with dating , eating habits and a boss who’s a huge bully , such a great storyline !! Loved it
March 17, 2021
This was a worthy romance read, different in that it wasn't really rom-com, or dark or filled with OTT drama. It's realistic, and it gave us an insightful look into middle-aged dating and the insecurities that come with it, particularly with watching what we eat, whether we still find ourselves attractive, and most of all, what lies in our future in the romance arena. I really enjoyed this refreshing take on modern dating.
March 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed watching the story unfold. It's not your average romance, but it's a real and honest take on the dating scene. The character development is beautiful, and it's overall really well written. Highly recommend!
March 28, 2021
A good romance. I didn't read (Starting Over #1) and didn't feel like it was a prerequisite.
It seems like most romances are for the youngsters; this romance is for the 40ish age group. I haven't read many books where teachers are the protagonists. Also some lead characters who have conquered very serious weight challenges.
Food descriptions sounded delicious and health conscious. I'd love the recipe for the mango salsa. Yum.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher (The Wild Rose Press, Inc) and the author Shirley Goldberg for the opportunity to review this novel in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is 17 Mar 2021.
It seems like most romances are for the youngsters; this romance is for the 40ish age group. I haven't read many books where teachers are the protagonists. Also some lead characters who have conquered very serious weight challenges.
Food descriptions sounded delicious and health conscious. I'd love the recipe for the mango salsa. Yum.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher (The Wild Rose Press, Inc) and the author Shirley Goldberg for the opportunity to review this novel in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is 17 Mar 2021.
March 28, 2021
An interesting read regarding relationships in "the middle" years of life. Dana and Josh are dealing with exes, children, a dreadful new boss., current relationships and dance around potential with each other. The most thought provoking narrative is that regarding the relationship with food. Josh and Dana both deal with different attitudes towards food and cooking branching out to how they see themselves and how others see them. A genuine, heart felt story that I recommend for your next book club book.
March 17, 2021
I love real life issue stories and that was what Dana and Alex dealt with, it is not easy and I loved how the Author explained and wrote it in a sense of surprise that had you guessing to the end.
Lots of feels with amazing characters that you will love.
Lots of feels with amazing characters that you will love.
March 8, 2021
This was a very different book for me than my normal type. It’s not fast paced; not full of action, adventure and steam. This is a dramatic, soul searching kind of book. Slow pace leaves room for deep character development and relationships.
The realism is what pulls you into this story. Hard topics of midlife from parenting to body issues, from bosses to dating fiascos. Not a light read but worth it.
The realism is what pulls you into this story. Hard topics of midlife from parenting to body issues, from bosses to dating fiascos. Not a light read but worth it.
April 14, 2021
Nice Read
Ear Your Heart Out is an excellent read by Miss Shirley Goldberg. I've read her first book, and this one is just as sweet. The life that shines through these pages true to life, and you can see the struggles we all can relate.
I loved the struggles of the internal decision-making that was depicted throughout this book. The relationship that shines is connected with Daina and her daughter Sam is a sweet one and tells you how families can work.
When you have a close relationship with the opposite sex, things are not always simple or easy. You don't always want to take a step forward in fear that that step will leave a gaping hole if it's not accepted or ends badly.
I always look forward to new authors and their new books, and Miss Goldberg doesn't disappoint.
Ear Your Heart Out is an excellent read by Miss Shirley Goldberg. I've read her first book, and this one is just as sweet. The life that shines through these pages true to life, and you can see the struggles we all can relate.
I loved the struggles of the internal decision-making that was depicted throughout this book. The relationship that shines is connected with Daina and her daughter Sam is a sweet one and tells you how families can work.
When you have a close relationship with the opposite sex, things are not always simple or easy. You don't always want to take a step forward in fear that that step will leave a gaping hole if it's not accepted or ends badly.
I always look forward to new authors and their new books, and Miss Goldberg doesn't disappoint.
January 30, 2021
Started very different and very interesting. Was a great book watched the relationship grow from the beginning. I fell in love with this book and didn’t want to stop reading. Watching Dana and Alex go from coworkers to a couple had it’s ups and downs. Every time I thought ok this is when it will happen nope it didn’t and I had to know why so couldn’t put it down.
April 30, 2021
Such a satisfying read! And by satisfying, I mean YUMMY descriptive food fabulousness along with all the romancing feels!
Dana and Alex are teacher co-workers and develop an easy friendship over dinners and a shared dislike of their new superintendent. Dana works her way thru a few dissatisfying dating ventures while Alex holds her hands and feeds her from his healthy eating regimen. He was once much “chubbier”, so much so that she didn’t even recognize him at the grocery store. Alex’s healthier lifestyle is a major focus of the story as he struggles with an on-going food obsession.
Dana’s Ex just took the job that she was hoping for at the school where she works! Add to that the new “Cruella Deville-ish” superintendent has it out for her too! Talk about lending to an uncomfortable work environment. She struggles to look for a different school to work for – “middle age job hunting” is the pits. Dana’s girl group is helping her cope thru wine – my kind of gals. We get to visit with Sunny from “Middle-Ageish”, Goldberg’s first book in the series – which is not a requirement to enjoy this story as a standalone. But it is always more fun to get some of the backstory of the group dynamic as a whole – I would recommend that read as well for you Mid-Life Goddesses.
In “Eat Your Heart Out”, our author Ms. Goldberg weaves a deep-felt story of middle-aged characters and all the insecurities that come with being single in the mid-life dating world while maintaining sanity. There is a lot in this story that will resonate with our middle-aged besties in terms of all the stereotypes and struggles associated with weight and dieting. Somehow Shirley Goldberg tackles these heavy topics with some humor, romance, and compassion. I am here for it – and the FOOD! Enjoy!
I was given an ARC of this book from the author and publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Dana and Alex are teacher co-workers and develop an easy friendship over dinners and a shared dislike of their new superintendent. Dana works her way thru a few dissatisfying dating ventures while Alex holds her hands and feeds her from his healthy eating regimen. He was once much “chubbier”, so much so that she didn’t even recognize him at the grocery store. Alex’s healthier lifestyle is a major focus of the story as he struggles with an on-going food obsession.
Dana’s Ex just took the job that she was hoping for at the school where she works! Add to that the new “Cruella Deville-ish” superintendent has it out for her too! Talk about lending to an uncomfortable work environment. She struggles to look for a different school to work for – “middle age job hunting” is the pits. Dana’s girl group is helping her cope thru wine – my kind of gals. We get to visit with Sunny from “Middle-Ageish”, Goldberg’s first book in the series – which is not a requirement to enjoy this story as a standalone. But it is always more fun to get some of the backstory of the group dynamic as a whole – I would recommend that read as well for you Mid-Life Goddesses.
In “Eat Your Heart Out”, our author Ms. Goldberg weaves a deep-felt story of middle-aged characters and all the insecurities that come with being single in the mid-life dating world while maintaining sanity. There is a lot in this story that will resonate with our middle-aged besties in terms of all the stereotypes and struggles associated with weight and dieting. Somehow Shirley Goldberg tackles these heavy topics with some humor, romance, and compassion. I am here for it – and the FOOD! Enjoy!
I was given an ARC of this book from the author and publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
January 25, 2021
This was a very different book. However, it was a book that most of us can relate to, from strange relationship, obnoxious and unfair bosses, great friendships to finding out what we really need can be right in our “own backyards”! It reminds us once again we are stronger than we think and we can succeed!
March 17, 2021
This story is touching it deals with life’s real issues. Eating disorders, dating after divorce and job insecurities. Alex is your fun quirky co -worker who after weight loss surgery is bombarded with all kinds of women’s attention. Flattered by this he embarks into the world of on line dating but each one is lacking . Dana is his co - worker right under his nose they enjoy each other’s company but after one amazing kiss he disappears. Frustrated by men’s inability to know what they want she dates a few men who unconsciously she compares to her friend Alex. Will they see what everyone else sees before it’s too late? Or will they let each other slip away?
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January 17, 2021When a tyrant in stilettos replaces her beloved boss, and her ex snags her coveted job, teacher Dana Narvana discovers there are worse things than getting dumped on Facebook. Even at her age. Time for the BFF advice squad, starting with Dana's staunchest ally, Alex. Hunky colleague, quipster, and cooking pal extraordinaire. But when the after hours smooching goes nowhere, she wonders why this grown man won't make up his mind.
Actor turned teacher Alex Bethany craves a family of his own and his new lifestyle gives him the confidence to try online dating. Meanwhile he’s sending Dana mixed messages in the kissing department. After a surprising event rocks his world, Alex panics, certain he’s blown his chances with his special person. From appetizers to the main course will these two cooking buddies make it to dessert?
Funny and bittersweet, Dana and Alex’s story will have you rooting for them all the way to dessert.
Actor turned teacher Alex Bethany craves a family of his own and his new lifestyle gives him the confidence to try online dating. Meanwhile he’s sending Dana mixed messages in the kissing department. After a surprising event rocks his world, Alex panics, certain he’s blown his chances with his special person. From appetizers to the main course will these two cooking buddies make it to dessert?
Funny and bittersweet, Dana and Alex’s story will have you rooting for them all the way to dessert.
June 21, 2021
Very sweet story, Dana at first is a stalker because she can’t seem to get over Jerry. Alex is the perfect guy at a glance but he has issues too, he and Dana are both on dating sites with some serious meets. Dana and Alex work at the same school when the principal takes ill they get a tyrant instead, but they start to work together and the attraction is there but they are both too afraid to act on it. Ends with a HEA
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