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Joint Venture
Long-time frenemies Alice and Helen discover the true meaning of family and friendship as they navigate an unlikely partnership and life's second act in this hilarious and heartfelt debut.
Helen has worked hard for her success. Now, after the prim-and-proper real estate agent's husband ditches her for a younger model, she finds herself back in her small New England hometown. Smarting over his betrayal, a messy night out brings further humiliation when she face-plants on the sidewalk ... only to be rescued by her old nemesis, Alice.
Alice, an aging hippie mourning the death of her husband, has considered Helen her complete opposite since they were schoolgirls. Yet much to their surprise, as the town divides bitterly over whether to allow the sale of recreational marijuana within its borders, they find themselves drawn into an unlikely partnership. Can this unlikely duo make a go of their joint venture without killing each other first?
A charming examination of the human capacity for growth, hope, and finding love, in all its forms, in the second half of our lives, Alice and Helen's Joint Venture shines a light on friendship while delivering plenty of laughs along the way.
Helen has worked hard for her success. Now, after the prim-and-proper real estate agent's husband ditches her for a younger model, she finds herself back in her small New England hometown. Smarting over his betrayal, a messy night out brings further humiliation when she face-plants on the sidewalk ... only to be rescued by her old nemesis, Alice.
Alice, an aging hippie mourning the death of her husband, has considered Helen her complete opposite since they were schoolgirls. Yet much to their surprise, as the town divides bitterly over whether to allow the sale of recreational marijuana within its borders, they find themselves drawn into an unlikely partnership. Can this unlikely duo make a go of their joint venture without killing each other first?
A charming examination of the human capacity for growth, hope, and finding love, in all its forms, in the second half of our lives, Alice and Helen's Joint Venture shines a light on friendship while delivering plenty of laughs along the way.
240 pages, Paperback
Published July 25, 2022
1 person is currently reading
827 people want to read
About the author
Carol Rhees
1 book11 followersCarol Rhees is a retired lawyer, professor and teacher, as well as the founder of a small non-profit that works with vulnerable children in Ethiopia. She and her husband live in the DC suburbs and at the Delaware shore where she is at work on her second novel.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 13, 2022
Joint Venture is a riveting story about a mother’s family feud and its impact on Alice and Helen; two relatives caught in the middle. As the intensity of their mothers’ hatred and division pulled them apart for years, they soon find themselves in an unlikely circumstance that has brought them together. When both women become reacquainted in a small New England town, can they put aside their mothers’ feud and work together?
As Alice and Helen appear from two different worlds and conflicting ideals, they eventually find what they have in common. This story delves into the rich history and details of the family’s division and how their relationships are intertwined. It’s an excellent read; though it may feel a bit slow at first, you’ll find the characters are easy to connect with, and you’ll want to continue learning more. The author did a fantastic job explaining the dynamics between the characters, giving us a glimpse into the minds of both Helen and Alice, what makes them contrary, and how they eventually connect in a relatable, human way.
What I loved most about this book was that the characters were relatable and flawed. There was a lot of family drama and secrets that shed light on their upbringing and what led them to their present situation. Once you get familiar with Helen and Alice, the plot grows more intense and gripping. While some areas of the story progress a bit slower and provide more details, these developments provide a clear picture of each character and their circumstances. You’ll find yourself lost in the small town of Polar Point. It’s a story that slowly embraces the reader, pulling you into an intense story that is difficult to put down once you begin to read.
Overall, I found Carol Rhees’ intense story an enjoyable read, and while there is a lot of build-up to the more intense plot developments, it’s a worthwhile book to read. I recommend this book as Joint Venture is a well-narrated story that combines family drama with mystery and the unexpected.
As Alice and Helen appear from two different worlds and conflicting ideals, they eventually find what they have in common. This story delves into the rich history and details of the family’s division and how their relationships are intertwined. It’s an excellent read; though it may feel a bit slow at first, you’ll find the characters are easy to connect with, and you’ll want to continue learning more. The author did a fantastic job explaining the dynamics between the characters, giving us a glimpse into the minds of both Helen and Alice, what makes them contrary, and how they eventually connect in a relatable, human way.
What I loved most about this book was that the characters were relatable and flawed. There was a lot of family drama and secrets that shed light on their upbringing and what led them to their present situation. Once you get familiar with Helen and Alice, the plot grows more intense and gripping. While some areas of the story progress a bit slower and provide more details, these developments provide a clear picture of each character and their circumstances. You’ll find yourself lost in the small town of Polar Point. It’s a story that slowly embraces the reader, pulling you into an intense story that is difficult to put down once you begin to read.
Overall, I found Carol Rhees’ intense story an enjoyable read, and while there is a lot of build-up to the more intense plot developments, it’s a worthwhile book to read. I recommend this book as Joint Venture is a well-narrated story that combines family drama with mystery and the unexpected.
August 11, 2022
Joint Venture by Carol Rhees tells the story of two elderly ladies, Alice and Helen, who have both lost their husbands and are now at loose ends. Together with Alice’s son Bear and some other inhabitants of the small town where they live, they decide to set up a legal marijuana dispensary. But not everyone in the town agrees with their idea, and they have to fight against the odds to make their dream come true.
Will Alice, Helen, and their loved ones be able to set up the shop? And how will the two women, who are polar opposites, work together in harmony?
I’m so glad I picked up this book, which I couldn’t put down and read within two days. It’s well-written, engaging, and easy to read - in short, the perfect novel to take on vacation. I especially loved the vivid and lovable characters and the short chapters, which are written from different perspectives and give the reader an interesting insight into various characters’ lives.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, both young and old, who loves a good story. It is especially suitable for fans of the Netflix show “Grace and Frankie”, which also focuses on the relationship of two elderly women.
Will Alice, Helen, and their loved ones be able to set up the shop? And how will the two women, who are polar opposites, work together in harmony?
I’m so glad I picked up this book, which I couldn’t put down and read within two days. It’s well-written, engaging, and easy to read - in short, the perfect novel to take on vacation. I especially loved the vivid and lovable characters and the short chapters, which are written from different perspectives and give the reader an interesting insight into various characters’ lives.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, both young and old, who loves a good story. It is especially suitable for fans of the Netflix show “Grace and Frankie”, which also focuses on the relationship of two elderly women.
August 14, 2022
Trigger Warning: there is a domestic abuse scene towards the end of the book. It's also hinted at towards the end.
Alice and Helen find themselves living in their old hometown once again. Will the frenemies be able to live in close proximity? They both have found themselves without their husbands and at loose ends but Alice's son, Bear, has the solution: a legal marijuana store. The idea drives the town apart, each taking sides. Will they be able to work together to pull it off? Will it destroy the small town? As Alice is looking in the attic for papers for the store, she finds a secret letter. Just what happened all those years between the girls' mothers? Will it draw them closer or draw them farther apart? Joint Venture is a good book and you'll not want to put it down until you reach the end.
Alice and Helen find themselves living in their old hometown once again. Will the frenemies be able to live in close proximity? They both have found themselves without their husbands and at loose ends but Alice's son, Bear, has the solution: a legal marijuana store. The idea drives the town apart, each taking sides. Will they be able to work together to pull it off? Will it destroy the small town? As Alice is looking in the attic for papers for the store, she finds a secret letter. Just what happened all those years between the girls' mothers? Will it draw them closer or draw them farther apart? Joint Venture is a good book and you'll not want to put it down until you reach the end.
August 17, 2022
For a first novel, Carol Rhees has done a brilliant job. The story is engaging, relatable, and full of interpersonal ups and down--just as in life. The dialogue felt a bit stiff at times, but Rhees does a great job presenting a realistic relationship between the two main characters Helen and Alice. Their frenemy turned friends relationship is one I think all readers will be able to relate to.
The addition of a marijuana store, the history between Alice and Hellen, and having family members involved added some humorous times to the plot that I wasn't expecting. This book really is a fun, enjoyable read, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging read about love, interpersonal relationships, and silliness.
The addition of a marijuana store, the history between Alice and Hellen, and having family members involved added some humorous times to the plot that I wasn't expecting. This book really is a fun, enjoyable read, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging read about love, interpersonal relationships, and silliness.
September 7, 2022
Joint Venture is a story about interpersonal relationships, community, and businesses that both strengthen and threaten intricate bonds that people have with each other.
Alice and Helen are frenemies who come together along with Alice's son, Bear, to open a cannabis store in town. This venture is something that will lead them to question and explore their relationship, at the heart of which is a secret that neither of them is aware of.
The book captures the spirit of a small town where everyone knows everyone and there exists a sense of community and a desire to help each other out. That was something that was really heartwarming to read about.
It is a short and fun novel, perfect for your weekend reading.
Alice and Helen are frenemies who come together along with Alice's son, Bear, to open a cannabis store in town. This venture is something that will lead them to question and explore their relationship, at the heart of which is a secret that neither of them is aware of.
The book captures the spirit of a small town where everyone knows everyone and there exists a sense of community and a desire to help each other out. That was something that was really heartwarming to read about.
It is a short and fun novel, perfect for your weekend reading.
August 24, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book. The story was compelling enough to keep you turning the pages, though there was a bit of a slump about 3/4ths of the way in. The characters are dynamic and unique. You learn a lot about the townsfolk and history throughout the story, which is always important to me. I do wish there would've been a bit more on the descriptions of areas and emotional settings, but over all I really felt immersed!
My main complaint would be that things seems to go way to well for the main characters, like perfectly well. So something didn't feel as intense or suspenseful as they should've.
Despite all that, this book is incredible and I highly recommend giving it a read!
My main complaint would be that things seems to go way to well for the main characters, like perfectly well. So something didn't feel as intense or suspenseful as they should've.
Despite all that, this book is incredible and I highly recommend giving it a read!
August 15, 2022
I really enjoyed reading the Joint Venture! It's a story of lasting love and friendship between "frenemies" Alice and Helen that you can't help but adore! Both are tackling loss and navigating life when they decide to add a new dimension to their relationship—one of an out-of-the-box business partnership. Many interesting events unfold after.
The book has a perfect length and is likely to keep the reader engrossed throughout, with its satisfying storyline, amazing comfort characters and fulfilling giggles along the way. Awaiting more by the author!
The book has a perfect length and is likely to keep the reader engrossed throughout, with its satisfying storyline, amazing comfort characters and fulfilling giggles along the way. Awaiting more by the author!
September 7, 2022
Joint Venture is a wonderful story about friendship and life in a charming New England town as its characters confront a major controversy. It is well-written with a very engaging storyline. The appealing characters and plot twists make it a page turner. I found it entertaining and easy to read.
December 14, 2024
Loved it! It’s well-written, engaging and highly readable. It’s funny, warm and life-affirming. It demonstrates that older people can take on new challenges and learn and grow- a nice message.
December 16, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters were well drawn and I liked that the author included older women. The story was engaging and timely.
December 13, 2022
Entertaining, yet sincere—a charming story of friendship and rivalry
Carol Rhees’ contemporary novel Joint Venture has excitement, tragedy, love, and loss all rolled up into one. Former it-girl Helen finds herself down on her luck and in her hometown once again after
her husband walks out on her. That’s when childhood rival and “polar opposite” Alice, who is coping with the death of her own husband, picks her up and dusts her off, so to speak. When they read in the newspaper that the town plans to vote on legalizing the sale of marijuana, they come to the realization, however reluctantly, that they may have to team up to achieve their goals that a cannabis store might be the exact thing their little town needs.
The characters are well-written and well-rounded, with Alice’s witty and sarcastically dry humor perfectly complementing Helen’s slightly-oblivious yet pointed musings. The reader gets to watch these two women take stock of their accomplishments in life thus far and how those past choices affect their present reality. Rhees does a wonderful job portraying the relationship between these two.
The townspeople and their interactions are so believable, it felt like I could have been to this town before. The chapters are very short, with the longest being about six pages, and each is titled to denote which character’s point of view the chapter is told from. Combined with a compelling story, all of these help the novel flow smoothly and keep the pages turning quickly.
This novel reads like episodes of a sitcom—snarky characters getting themselves into precarious situations. With the help of friends new and old, they pull themselves back out with a lesson learned. In other words, it’s fun! This is not to say it makes the book predictable either. There are a good handful of turns and plot points with an unclear or unforeseen outcome. The storytelling is direct and concise—backstory is added when appropriate and relevant to the story line, and it does not detract from the current scene being told. There isn’t really any unnecessary information given at all; in fact there are a couple moments that I thought might have benefited from more information. But ultimately the story needs no extra help to keep it entertaining and emotional at the same time.
“...things change, people change. And we can’t always control everything. It’s scary and upsetting, but it can also be good.”
I’d recommend this novel to anyone looking for a quick, light-hearted read. Each character has their own highs (no pun intended) and lows, and it has an uncanny resemblance to a nonfictional small town somewhere in America facing the same societal changes.
Carol Rhees’ contemporary novel Joint Venture has excitement, tragedy, love, and loss all rolled up into one. Former it-girl Helen finds herself down on her luck and in her hometown once again after
her husband walks out on her. That’s when childhood rival and “polar opposite” Alice, who is coping with the death of her own husband, picks her up and dusts her off, so to speak. When they read in the newspaper that the town plans to vote on legalizing the sale of marijuana, they come to the realization, however reluctantly, that they may have to team up to achieve their goals that a cannabis store might be the exact thing their little town needs.
The characters are well-written and well-rounded, with Alice’s witty and sarcastically dry humor perfectly complementing Helen’s slightly-oblivious yet pointed musings. The reader gets to watch these two women take stock of their accomplishments in life thus far and how those past choices affect their present reality. Rhees does a wonderful job portraying the relationship between these two.
The townspeople and their interactions are so believable, it felt like I could have been to this town before. The chapters are very short, with the longest being about six pages, and each is titled to denote which character’s point of view the chapter is told from. Combined with a compelling story, all of these help the novel flow smoothly and keep the pages turning quickly.
This novel reads like episodes of a sitcom—snarky characters getting themselves into precarious situations. With the help of friends new and old, they pull themselves back out with a lesson learned. In other words, it’s fun! This is not to say it makes the book predictable either. There are a good handful of turns and plot points with an unclear or unforeseen outcome. The storytelling is direct and concise—backstory is added when appropriate and relevant to the story line, and it does not detract from the current scene being told. There isn’t really any unnecessary information given at all; in fact there are a couple moments that I thought might have benefited from more information. But ultimately the story needs no extra help to keep it entertaining and emotional at the same time.
“...things change, people change. And we can’t always control everything. It’s scary and upsetting, but it can also be good.”
I’d recommend this novel to anyone looking for a quick, light-hearted read. Each character has their own highs (no pun intended) and lows, and it has an uncanny resemblance to a nonfictional small town somewhere in America facing the same societal changes.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews