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Ghosts, Guilt and Tweezers Chronicles #2
Relative Identity
Six years ago, April Serao’s husband Sal died by way of birthday sex gone terribly wrong. Now he’s back, possessing the heavenly version of a temporary visa and an uncanny knack for showing up at the most inopportune times. Finding some ‘alone’ time with new boyfriend Jack proves almost impossible with husband Sal popping up unexpectedly in outfits that make his legs look better than Aprils, not to mention the constant intrusion of her mother – the original Sicilian Guilt Trip Queen. Though a ghostly husband can be a bit trying, April has even bigger problems right now.
Shocked to find her mailbox unexpectedly stuffed with collection notices for things she never bought, April is beginning to suspect she’s the victim of identity theft. Before she can even being to get things straightened out, her son Chris’ car is repossessed, her house is vandalized and she’s arrested for assault with deadly tweezers. Frustrated with the lack of help through official channels and angry that her life has been turned upside down by someone she doesn’t even know, April decides to track down the perpetrator herself.
What ensues is a wacky madcap adventure as April tries to unravel the truth and still juggle her chaotic life which includes answering questions such as:
Is there ever a good reason to purchase a feather trimmed bustier and a meat grinder at the same time? Is Jack as horrifically under endowed as Sal claims he is? Can voodoo dolls cause collateral damage? What do Cherry Cola Red #17 hair dye and the paint for April’s car have in common ?
Find out in this, the new novel and sequel to the bestselling book Death Is a Relative Thing by Holly Patrone!
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Shocked to find her mailbox unexpectedly stuffed with collection notices for things she never bought, April is beginning to suspect she’s the victim of identity theft. Before she can even being to get things straightened out, her son Chris’ car is repossessed, her house is vandalized and she’s arrested for assault with deadly tweezers. Frustrated with the lack of help through official channels and angry that her life has been turned upside down by someone she doesn’t even know, April decides to track down the perpetrator herself.
What ensues is a wacky madcap adventure as April tries to unravel the truth and still juggle her chaotic life which includes answering questions such as:
Is there ever a good reason to purchase a feather trimmed bustier and a meat grinder at the same time? Is Jack as horrifically under endowed as Sal claims he is? Can voodoo dolls cause collateral damage? What do Cherry Cola Red #17 hair dye and the paint for April’s car have in common ?
Find out in this, the new novel and sequel to the bestselling book Death Is a Relative Thing by Holly Patrone!
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170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2012
7 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Holly Patrone
5 books14 followersHolly Patrone was born and raised on Long Island. She comes from a loud but happy family whose skill set includes (but is not limited to) simultaneously arm waving for emphasis with one hand while not losing antipasto off a piece of Italian bread in the other.
Holly earned her first writing prize, a feather quill pen, in the fourth grade for a short story titled "The Mannequin Mansion." Over the years she has won a number of awards in the United States and internationally. "Death Is A Relative Thing" is her debut novel. Lighthearted and easy to relate to, it's sure to become a favorite escape.
Holly earned her first writing prize, a feather quill pen, in the fourth grade for a short story titled "The Mannequin Mansion." Over the years she has won a number of awards in the United States and internationally. "Death Is A Relative Thing" is her debut novel. Lighthearted and easy to relate to, it's sure to become a favorite escape.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 17, 2014
It's been several months since I read the first book in the series, Death Is A Relative Thing. I've read many, many books since then and I was afraid I would have forgotten too much to be able to jump right back in. I was wrong. It didn't take but a few pages to bring it all back again. This story and it's characters are distinct enough that it can't really 'bleed together' with other similar books which often happens. This series has it's own "jive".
At times, as I read along, I would be aghast at how the author could think of such SILLY stuff! This did cause interruption to my reading but in a good way, I guess? Really, really imaginative stuff!
I do think I almost could enjoy the book more with a little less Sal though. I kinda don't like him...didn't like him much last book either. He's just an obnoxious ass. However April lived with him alive, it's not even fair that she should have to deal with him still and forever! The story has great bones to it with great living characters. Sal isn't necessary in my opinion. Or maybe at least, not so much and so often?
Great ideas, unique voice...certainly this is an author to watch. I am VERY particular when it comes to humorous fiction. I guess I don't have much of a funny bone? When reviewing the last book, I likened it to the Stephanie Plum series...quite a compliment since I loooove the Steph series, but admittedly can't stomach much else from Ms. Evanovich. It's all in the characters - if you can find a relateable, likeable bunch, you're in. This book has a great cast of easy to get to know characters and a wide range of them, too. I love the Long Island setting - NY/NJ - we can believe such craziness would happen - only there!
I hope the series continues on. The end seemed sorta like 'The End', I thought. It would be good to get to know the main set of characters better, there is a lot to work with. April's boys are just as nutty as she is, they could be more involved in the adventures?
Good read, would recommend.
At times, as I read along, I would be aghast at how the author could think of such SILLY stuff! This did cause interruption to my reading but in a good way, I guess? Really, really imaginative stuff!
I do think I almost could enjoy the book more with a little less Sal though. I kinda don't like him...didn't like him much last book either. He's just an obnoxious ass. However April lived with him alive, it's not even fair that she should have to deal with him still and forever! The story has great bones to it with great living characters. Sal isn't necessary in my opinion. Or maybe at least, not so much and so often?
Great ideas, unique voice...certainly this is an author to watch. I am VERY particular when it comes to humorous fiction. I guess I don't have much of a funny bone? When reviewing the last book, I likened it to the Stephanie Plum series...quite a compliment since I loooove the Steph series, but admittedly can't stomach much else from Ms. Evanovich. It's all in the characters - if you can find a relateable, likeable bunch, you're in. This book has a great cast of easy to get to know characters and a wide range of them, too. I love the Long Island setting - NY/NJ - we can believe such craziness would happen - only there!
I hope the series continues on. The end seemed sorta like 'The End', I thought. It would be good to get to know the main set of characters better, there is a lot to work with. April's boys are just as nutty as she is, they could be more involved in the adventures?
Good read, would recommend.
January 11, 2013
Relative Identity by Holly Patrone is the follow up to Death Is A Relative Thing. I was so excited to see this sequel that I put aside my other books to read it. In her first book we are introduced to April and her husband Sal, who happens to be a ghost as he died in some birthday sex that left April with quite a reputation. In this book we continue on with April's story. She has finally found a boyfriend who does not think he will die while getting some satisfaction. Things seem to settling down since Sal got his wings. Then the car owned by April's son but which she signed for is repossessed. In asking about this, April learns someone is using her dead husband's identity. Then Sal shows back up and April finds out she can also see and hear another ghost! Along with the hilarious adventure, Holly Patrone also gives us a peek into April's feelings about Sal and her boyfriend Jack. We hear of her missing Sal and still loving him while wishing to move forward and let go. I really appreciated that the author addressed this and let us feel the bittersweet emotions. If you are looking for a light, fun read this is an excellent choice.
August 6, 2016
My review from amazon.com dated 11/13/2013
Title: For me it was 'meh'
I figured I would quickly red this book since the premise seemed interesting enough- I had gotten this book while it was free at one point. I didn't realize until I had read part of the book that this is a second book about the main character. However not reading the first book doesn't take away from this book, it just made me unhappy that I didn't know.
It's about a mother with three older boys who is attempting to start a new relationship after her husband died six years ago. Her husband has come to from Heaven to watch after her and bring her some comical relief. I do believe that the main character was pretty developed and there was definitely a large group of crazy characters in this book. I just finished the book with a shrug of my shoulders.
The book really didn't bring anything to my life. I am fine with light reads, but it wasn't something that I truly liked or truly didn't like. I just know that this book will not stay with me and I can certainly see myself forgetting this book in a month or so. To me overall, not very special - it could be very funny to others though.
Title: For me it was 'meh'
I figured I would quickly red this book since the premise seemed interesting enough- I had gotten this book while it was free at one point. I didn't realize until I had read part of the book that this is a second book about the main character. However not reading the first book doesn't take away from this book, it just made me unhappy that I didn't know.
It's about a mother with three older boys who is attempting to start a new relationship after her husband died six years ago. Her husband has come to from Heaven to watch after her and bring her some comical relief. I do believe that the main character was pretty developed and there was definitely a large group of crazy characters in this book. I just finished the book with a shrug of my shoulders.
The book really didn't bring anything to my life. I am fine with light reads, but it wasn't something that I truly liked or truly didn't like. I just know that this book will not stay with me and I can certainly see myself forgetting this book in a month or so. To me overall, not very special - it could be very funny to others though.
October 19, 2013
Relative Identity by Holly Patrone Reviewed By Lynnette Phillips
I’m so glad to see this award winning sequel published. Holly Patrone guarantees this to be a laugh-out-loud novel and like the first in the April Serao series it definitely does not disappoint.
Holly Patrone has mastered the art of seeing the laughter in any situation and is able to pass it on to her readers. If there can be an upside to losing the love of your life and going on to raise your sons without him this storyteller has found it. Or does she have to (or want to) go on without him after all?
April’s adventures are joined by various cohorts including her mother “the original Sicilian Guilt Trip Queen”, a tattoo artist, a new boyfriend and her sons and co-workers.
The escapades flow and intertwine with each other, all the time leaving you grinning from ear to ear, leading you through the enticing page turning fun.
If you need a star rating to enjoy a book this one gets 4+ stars but I’ll just recommend you don’t miss the guffaws and fun to be had.
I’m so glad to see this award winning sequel published. Holly Patrone guarantees this to be a laugh-out-loud novel and like the first in the April Serao series it definitely does not disappoint.
Holly Patrone has mastered the art of seeing the laughter in any situation and is able to pass it on to her readers. If there can be an upside to losing the love of your life and going on to raise your sons without him this storyteller has found it. Or does she have to (or want to) go on without him after all?
April’s adventures are joined by various cohorts including her mother “the original Sicilian Guilt Trip Queen”, a tattoo artist, a new boyfriend and her sons and co-workers.
The escapades flow and intertwine with each other, all the time leaving you grinning from ear to ear, leading you through the enticing page turning fun.
If you need a star rating to enjoy a book this one gets 4+ stars but I’ll just recommend you don’t miss the guffaws and fun to be had.
September 13, 2013
April's back and better than ever!!
You know April... the April that killed her husband Sal while having sex with him? Holly Patrone kicks off the latest installment with April up to her eyebrows in trouble. Trouble seems to find April wherever she goes. This time she starts receiving collection notices, jury duty summons and her son's car is repossessed by the bank for a defaulted loan Sal swears he didn't have. Will April be able to make it out of this predicament unscathed?
As usual laugh out loud funny. I hope there are more books coming in this series!
You know April... the April that killed her husband Sal while having sex with him? Holly Patrone kicks off the latest installment with April up to her eyebrows in trouble. Trouble seems to find April wherever she goes. This time she starts receiving collection notices, jury duty summons and her son's car is repossessed by the bank for a defaulted loan Sal swears he didn't have. Will April be able to make it out of this predicament unscathed?
As usual laugh out loud funny. I hope there are more books coming in this series!
May 30, 2013
Loved this book, after about 1/2 through. It seemed like it had to grow into it's quirks. I would definitely read more by this author, and look forward to spending more time with her characters' friends and relatives!
April 9, 2013
It was a cute read and I enjoyed it. There were a few typos and grammar errors that would have been found in a good proofread. April is a bundle of capable and clumsy, which I found appealing.
February 26, 2013
there were funny parts, there were awkward parts, and the story's a bit predictable, but it's a good book when you're just waiting for time to pass by
March 6, 2013
Another LOL book!
November 5, 2013
Blegh. Somehow missed that there's a "heavenly" character in this story. Not my thing.
January 18, 2014
I read this on my kindle and there were some major typesetting errors. The story was a fun, quick read.
January 29, 2014
At first, I thought this book was going to be stupid. So glad I kept reading. Lots of laughs at her disasters and her dead husband always showing up. Enjoyed smiling so I gave it a 4
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews