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Getting Rid of Rosie
An outrageously entertaining debut novel of life, love, death-and the afterlife.
Rosie Fisk was once Samantha Marcello's best friend-but that was before she ran off with Sam's fiancé, Michael, seven years ago. Since then Sam has found a new love, The Silver Swan, her pub. And just as it seems that time has healed all her wounds, Michael walks back into her life-and now he's a widower.
With Rosie out of the picture, and unable to ignore the feelings she still has for him, Sam takes the opportunity to reconcile with Michael. But Rosie isn't about to let death stop her from keeping them apart. Her ghost has been hanging around her husband, playing on his grief and guilt-and only Sam can see her.
Rosie stole Michael from her once. But this time Sam is going to exorcise her once and for all...
Rosie Fisk was once Samantha Marcello's best friend-but that was before she ran off with Sam's fiancé, Michael, seven years ago. Since then Sam has found a new love, The Silver Swan, her pub. And just as it seems that time has healed all her wounds, Michael walks back into her life-and now he's a widower.
With Rosie out of the picture, and unable to ignore the feelings she still has for him, Sam takes the opportunity to reconcile with Michael. But Rosie isn't about to let death stop her from keeping them apart. Her ghost has been hanging around her husband, playing on his grief and guilt-and only Sam can see her.
Rosie stole Michael from her once. But this time Sam is going to exorcise her once and for all...
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
Lynda Simmons
12 books233 followersI'm a writer by day, college instructor by night and a late sleeper on weekends. I grew up reading Greek mythology, bringing home stray cats and making up stories about bodies in the basement. From an early age, my family knew I would either end up as a writer or the old lady with a hundred cats. As luck would have it, I married a man with allergies so writing it was.
I started out writing romantic comedy for Harlequin and Kensington, and made the leap to mainstream in 2009 with Getting Rid of Rosie, a paranormal comedy.
When I'm not writing or teaching, I like to canoe, cross-country ski and watch movies. I usually have three books on the go as well -- one by the bed, one in the bathroom, and one in the family room. At least two of those are usually research books for whatever I'm working on at the time. I think that half the appeal of writing is the research!
I started out writing romantic comedy for Harlequin and Kensington, and made the leap to mainstream in 2009 with Getting Rid of Rosie, a paranormal comedy.
When I'm not writing or teaching, I like to canoe, cross-country ski and watch movies. I usually have three books on the go as well -- one by the bed, one in the bathroom, and one in the family room. At least two of those are usually research books for whatever I'm working on at the time. I think that half the appeal of writing is the research!
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 14, 2020
Despite the fact that this was a book about a ghost, the most unbelievable part of it was the part where multiple characters in their mid to late twenties lived in houses with multiple bedrooms in East York (Toronto)?? That just seemed off to me. As did the part where a character complained about someone moving to Kingston when it was "at least" a four hour drive? I don't know what route you're taking, but you can basically get from TO to Ottawa in four hours, so I'm not sure how Kingston (which is just about halfway) is a four+ hour drive?
Anyway, that aside, this book was weirdly compelling for a paranormal romantic comedy. The characters were decent, the plot was weird but not overdone, and I liked how everything was tied up in the end. Definitely a weird premise, but it was worth the read.
Anyway, that aside, this book was weirdly compelling for a paranormal romantic comedy. The characters were decent, the plot was weird but not overdone, and I liked how everything was tied up in the end. Definitely a weird premise, but it was worth the read.
September 8, 2021
There is a reason some books are at half off book stores. I got this for $5 and I can say this book was terrible. I should have never bought it.
I feel most of it happened at the end and even then the ending sucked. I predicted 1 relationship but I’m not even happy I did because it sucked. It was literally a book about her friend who passed and came back as a ghost just to argue with her for 300 pages.
I almost didn’t finish it because it was that bad. But I pushed through somehow and feel I zoned out in the end but don’t even care. Don’t read this ever.
I feel most of it happened at the end and even then the ending sucked. I predicted 1 relationship but I’m not even happy I did because it sucked. It was literally a book about her friend who passed and came back as a ghost just to argue with her for 300 pages.
I almost didn’t finish it because it was that bad. But I pushed through somehow and feel I zoned out in the end but don’t even care. Don’t read this ever.
December 28, 2018
(3.5 stars) Sam has been working hard making her gastropub a success, putting behind her the fact that her best friend, Rosie got pregnant by her fiance and he left her to marry and raise the child. She is stunned when Michael walks in one day, and is even more shocked to find out that Rosie has died. Opening herself up to the possibility of perhaps restarting a relationship with Michael, she is stunned to find out that Rosie is still around, in the form of a ghost, and she is not about to let Michael or her daughter forget her and move on. What could have been a fairly trite romantic comedy, actually goes deeper and delves into some of the more complex reasons behind Rosie’s stay on earth. There is quite a bit of comedy, and the romantic twist was fairly obvious to me, but I enjoyed the book and will look for others by the author.
July 9, 2019
Samantha Marcello is working hard to make a success of the Silver Swan the pub she owns. Many years ago Samantha's best friend stole Samantha's fiancee away from her and got herself pregnant. Michael did the right thing and married her but now he is back in town and a widower with a little girl. Rosie Michael's wife was killed but guess what Rosie is still around - yes the ghost of Rosie lives on! Samantha sees and communicates with Rosie but she is the only one. Strange and funny things happen. A resuming of an old love relationship is doomed.
September 8, 2020
A different but great read. Sam's fiance leaves her for her best girlfriend and the book is about 8 years later
December 7, 2013
Ever heard of a pot-smoking ghost? I never can resist a good ghost story. Getting Rid of Rosie by Lynda Simmons is a most enjoyable read.
Pub owner, Sam Marcello, is content for the most part running her pub, The Silver Swan. Although her love life is a desert, she has gotten her business act together when her ex-boyfriend (Michael), the ghost of his dead wife (Rosie), his daughter (Julie) and his brother (Derek) roll into town. Crazy antics ensue when Sam’s quirky employees get involved. Her spunky Italian grandmother, Loretta, gathers up a gaggle of church ladies to prevent suspected evil from taking over. Never doubt the power of Italian Nonnas. They are both invincible and unrelenting.
What could serve justice more than your best friend (the one who stole your fiancé) dying in an accident so you can rekindle the romance with your ex and have a second chance? One of the questions posed by Simmons is “does a second chance with an ex serve the gods of love, happiness and contentment?”
Set in Toronto and Huntsville, Getting Rid of Rosie leaves the reader with a taste of the Danforth and a longing for a trip to the near north.
Simmons provides insights into the afterlife while literally breathing life into Rosie. Her ghost eats, drinks, throws stuff, smokes pot and changes her clothes and hair. Rosie is the most complex, interesting character in the book. Although only Sam can see her, Rosie is able to boss Michael around by whispering in his ear. We also learn she has cold hands when Sam and Rosie high five each other. Who knew ghosts retain some physical substance?
Rosie describes “the hereafter” to Sam in one of their many debates:
“There’s no white light and no granny, no heaven and no hell. It’s just me and a bunch of others wandering around with a long stretch of eternity staring us in the face. “
In a vain attempt to establish the relevance of the dead to the land of the living Rosie adds,
“You can’t see them [the dead], but they’re everywhere. Making sure the lawns get cut, the weeds pulled, the kids fed and dressed. Honestly, if not for us, nothing would get done.”
Simmons has described Getting Rid of Rosie as a paranormal comedy. It has themes of love, family, friendship, betrayal, redemption, spirituality, compassion and forgiveness. Getting Rid of Rosie is a perfect book to read when you want to get away from it all, wrap yourself in fleece, light a fire, sip a hot drink and ponder the meanings of life, love and death.
Pub owner, Sam Marcello, is content for the most part running her pub, The Silver Swan. Although her love life is a desert, she has gotten her business act together when her ex-boyfriend (Michael), the ghost of his dead wife (Rosie), his daughter (Julie) and his brother (Derek) roll into town. Crazy antics ensue when Sam’s quirky employees get involved. Her spunky Italian grandmother, Loretta, gathers up a gaggle of church ladies to prevent suspected evil from taking over. Never doubt the power of Italian Nonnas. They are both invincible and unrelenting.
What could serve justice more than your best friend (the one who stole your fiancé) dying in an accident so you can rekindle the romance with your ex and have a second chance? One of the questions posed by Simmons is “does a second chance with an ex serve the gods of love, happiness and contentment?”
Set in Toronto and Huntsville, Getting Rid of Rosie leaves the reader with a taste of the Danforth and a longing for a trip to the near north.
Simmons provides insights into the afterlife while literally breathing life into Rosie. Her ghost eats, drinks, throws stuff, smokes pot and changes her clothes and hair. Rosie is the most complex, interesting character in the book. Although only Sam can see her, Rosie is able to boss Michael around by whispering in his ear. We also learn she has cold hands when Sam and Rosie high five each other. Who knew ghosts retain some physical substance?
Rosie describes “the hereafter” to Sam in one of their many debates:
“There’s no white light and no granny, no heaven and no hell. It’s just me and a bunch of others wandering around with a long stretch of eternity staring us in the face. “
In a vain attempt to establish the relevance of the dead to the land of the living Rosie adds,
“You can’t see them [the dead], but they’re everywhere. Making sure the lawns get cut, the weeds pulled, the kids fed and dressed. Honestly, if not for us, nothing would get done.”
Simmons has described Getting Rid of Rosie as a paranormal comedy. It has themes of love, family, friendship, betrayal, redemption, spirituality, compassion and forgiveness. Getting Rid of Rosie is a perfect book to read when you want to get away from it all, wrap yourself in fleece, light a fire, sip a hot drink and ponder the meanings of life, love and death.
September 13, 2011
As I personally told Lynda, I used to think people who laughed while reading books were weirdos. Reading Getting Rid of Rosie turned me into one of those weirdos, as I have since then started noticing the humour in other books, whether intended or simply the clever twist of events that occur.
I was expecting a romantic comedy when I first picked this up, but my skeptisism was removed when I got further into it, learning it was more about best-friendship. The one between Sam and Rosie is quite the unique one because they had known eachother since they were children. They were like Ying and Yangs to eachother in term of personality, yet remained bestfriends until Rosie ran off with Sam's fiancee Michael.
Spoilers aside and 7 years later, Sam has become the owner of a successful diner and bar, and one day Michael returns to town. She quickly learns that her bestfriend Rosie had long been deceased, but has not completely left the Earth. Rosie had been a lingering ghost that whispers into Michael's ear, making decisions for him, much like she did when she was alive, except now he is completely oblivious of her control.
At first it felt like it'd be about an alive woman vs a dead one competing for one man's love, but the friendship between the two becomes the central development amongst the other various relationships that are sparked in the timespan of the novel. I finished this book probably almost a year ago and forgot about a lot of intricate details, but do remember being confused about
[spoilers]Sam's relatiobship with Michael's brother. Perhaps on a second reading, I'll understand exactly how that came about in a more natural progression [end of spoilers]
Overall, witty and sassy novel. It's a fun and rivetting read that beats any other formula romantic comedy movie you'll find on the Women's Network. This would make for a very unique movie because a lot of what its about is unexpected.
EDIT IN SEP 13, 2011: [spoilers] and I was right, I'm reading this a second time and now I'm clearly seeing how Sam becomes attracted to Derek. It was so obvious, I don't know how I missed it! He's always a gentleman and doing the things she wished Michael would do, and they always have moments of flirting that seems so fleeting amidst everything else that's happening. Just wow now I get it
I was expecting a romantic comedy when I first picked this up, but my skeptisism was removed when I got further into it, learning it was more about best-friendship. The one between Sam and Rosie is quite the unique one because they had known eachother since they were children. They were like Ying and Yangs to eachother in term of personality, yet remained bestfriends until Rosie ran off with Sam's fiancee Michael.
Spoilers aside and 7 years later, Sam has become the owner of a successful diner and bar, and one day Michael returns to town. She quickly learns that her bestfriend Rosie had long been deceased, but has not completely left the Earth. Rosie had been a lingering ghost that whispers into Michael's ear, making decisions for him, much like she did when she was alive, except now he is completely oblivious of her control.
At first it felt like it'd be about an alive woman vs a dead one competing for one man's love, but the friendship between the two becomes the central development amongst the other various relationships that are sparked in the timespan of the novel. I finished this book probably almost a year ago and forgot about a lot of intricate details, but do remember being confused about
[spoilers]Sam's relatiobship with Michael's brother. Perhaps on a second reading, I'll understand exactly how that came about in a more natural progression [end of spoilers]
Overall, witty and sassy novel. It's a fun and rivetting read that beats any other formula romantic comedy movie you'll find on the Women's Network. This would make for a very unique movie because a lot of what its about is unexpected.
EDIT IN SEP 13, 2011: [spoilers] and I was right, I'm reading this a second time and now I'm clearly seeing how Sam becomes attracted to Derek. It was so obvious, I don't know how I missed it! He's always a gentleman and doing the things she wished Michael would do, and they always have moments of flirting that seems so fleeting amidst everything else that's happening. Just wow now I get it
May 7, 2016
I know -- the cover and the blurb scream "This is silly!" But believe me; I've read or listened to all Sophie Kinsella's novels, so I know what silly is, oh I do. Silly is adult women doing things so ridiculously unreasonable and straight-out stupid that it makes you wonder how the hell did they get to have respectable jobs with actual responsibilities. They get themselves in cringe-worthy situations, but of course, there is method to their madness, and at the end they emerge victorious in an incredible (but predictable) plot twist. Go, Becky Bloomwood, you clueless genius!
And then you have Simmons's protagonist, Samantha Marcello, a pub owner at the Danforth, who's... wait for it... REASONABLE. She behaves like what you would expect of an intelligent adult human. The events or premises that seem outrageous at first receive plausible explanations or resolutions as the narrative progresses, making you think, "Yeah, that makes sense; I can see why she did that." The story turns out to be more complex that you'd expect from the initial impression.
Yes, there is a ghost in there. There is no way around that. The novel doesn't offer a scientific/medical explanation for that. And the characters are type-cast a little too forcefully (the crazy old lady, the big bald woman who doesn't take BS, the adorable naive young man), but they do create a comic effect without being too offensive.
All in all, Getting Rid of Rosie was more complex and emotionally engaging than I would have expected. And the faithfully described east-end Toronto setting added to its charm.
And then you have Simmons's protagonist, Samantha Marcello, a pub owner at the Danforth, who's... wait for it... REASONABLE. She behaves like what you would expect of an intelligent adult human. The events or premises that seem outrageous at first receive plausible explanations or resolutions as the narrative progresses, making you think, "Yeah, that makes sense; I can see why she did that." The story turns out to be more complex that you'd expect from the initial impression.
Yes, there is a ghost in there. There is no way around that. The novel doesn't offer a scientific/medical explanation for that. And the characters are type-cast a little too forcefully (the crazy old lady, the big bald woman who doesn't take BS, the adorable naive young man), but they do create a comic effect without being too offensive.
All in all, Getting Rid of Rosie was more complex and emotionally engaging than I would have expected. And the faithfully described east-end Toronto setting added to its charm.
July 6, 2011
Sam's best friend, Rosie, married Sam's fiance. Years later, Michael walks back into Sam's life and she finds out that Rosie is dead. When Sam and Michael try to get back together, Rosie objects. Sam can see Rosie and hear Rosie when no one else can. With the help of her grandmother and friends, Sam tried to get rid of Rosie's ghost. Lots of fun to read.
August 14, 2013
Didn't end the way I expected but still ended good. The interactions between all of the characters were for me engrossing. I had a hard time putting it down; especially in later chapters. Would read again.
October 15, 2009
This book is great! I couldn't put it down.
Must read!!
Must read!!
October 15, 2009
I found out about Getting Rid of Rosie from my book club and we absolutley loved it. I haven't had a laugh out loud book in a while.
Be sure to pick this one up.
Be sure to pick this one up.
January 17, 2010
Light-hearted, funny.
May 19, 2010
funny!!
July 31, 2011
Fun book to read
September 4, 2011
Fun book. Very different premise than anything I have read before. I was hooked in beginning, slow moving in middle with a strong ending. I want to give it 3.5 stars.
March 24, 2012
Cute so far
March 18, 2012
Enjoyed the story. Look forward to reading more books from this author.
September 2, 2012
This book was very entertaining but got too corny at the end and was way too predictable. I liked the different story but that's it.
January 25, 2013
A book about love and friendship, lost, regained and lost again. Humorous with great heart and a ghost. What could be better.
May 15, 2013
Such a fun read, and a great lit book that was a great shift from her romance books. Lynda is so funny and has a distinct voice!
May 26, 2013
Loved Rosie in this. Great character development and surprise ending.
October 31, 2010
So funny! And a great twist of an ending.
February 13, 2012
It was a fun read!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews