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Fresh Start
Miranda is abandoned in Albuquerque, NM, sixteen hundred miles from her Michigan home.
She's alone, friendless, nearly broke, and disowned.
All she has left is a guilty conscience and a to-do list her sister swears will change her life.
There's just one problem. Number one on the list? "Ignore your natural insticts. Do the opposite. It's your only hope."
Miranda is determined to prove she's changed, first to her sister and then to herself.
Will she be able to do the right thing when she meets the wrong man?
She's alone, friendless, nearly broke, and disowned.
All she has left is a guilty conscience and a to-do list her sister swears will change her life.
There's just one problem. Number one on the list? "Ignore your natural insticts. Do the opposite. It's your only hope."
Miranda is determined to prove she's changed, first to her sister and then to herself.
Will she be able to do the right thing when she meets the wrong man?
ebook
Published July 25, 2018
About the author
Patrice Locke
3 books133 followersAs a journalist, Patrice Locke wrote articles about everything from city councils and drug busts to Navajo Code Talkers and haunted houses.
Eventually, the desire to give the stories she wrote happy endings led her to write fiction. The best thing about that, she says, is having time to think before her characters speak, so they can say the things most of us only come up with after the perfect moment has passed.
She loves to write, read, and watch romantic comedies where life always turns out the way it should. Her only obsessive relationships are with semicolons and Oxford commas.
Patrice lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, not far from her daughter Kaitlin, eight hours from her son Trevor, and way too many miles from amazing grandsons Alexander and Zackary.
Eventually, the desire to give the stories she wrote happy endings led her to write fiction. The best thing about that, she says, is having time to think before her characters speak, so they can say the things most of us only come up with after the perfect moment has passed.
She loves to write, read, and watch romantic comedies where life always turns out the way it should. Her only obsessive relationships are with semicolons and Oxford commas.
Patrice lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, not far from her daughter Kaitlin, eight hours from her son Trevor, and way too many miles from amazing grandsons Alexander and Zackary.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 26, 2018
I liked Patrice Locke's second book as well as her first, Exit Signs. What they have in common is a quirky, likable protagonist I rooted for throughout, and a dreamy hero, though these two don't bear much resemblance to the hero and heroine of her first novel. The story begins with a hilarious standoff between our heroine, Miranda, who’s been abandoned in a crumbling motel in New Mexico, far from her ritzy home in Michigan, after having poached her sister’s fiancé and her father’s classic car. When handsome, hunky construction foreman Dean knocks to boot her out, sparks fly—and not the fun kind, at first.
Miranda is hilarious, beset by mysterious medical problems such as a swollen eye and a terrible rash. Her reflex reaction to every difficult situation is to lie, which of course leads to humorous consequences. After her father’s recent death, runaway Miranda is estranged from her sister Wendy, who left her with a to-do list. Miranda’s only hope of regaining her sister’s trust and the inheritance her sister controls is to follow the list and give herself a total character makeover. This involves changing her man-eating ways, holding down a job (never her strong point), telling the truth, and other tough assignments.
Dependent on the kindness of strangers, including a few of Dean’s close friends, she gradually becomes more and more enmeshed in Dean’s life. Locke keeps us in suspense, throwing up lots of roadblocks to their growing attraction, including a ghost. It all works, tying together in a surprising and satisfying ending. Lots of humor, a few tears—a fun, engaging read.
Miranda is hilarious, beset by mysterious medical problems such as a swollen eye and a terrible rash. Her reflex reaction to every difficult situation is to lie, which of course leads to humorous consequences. After her father’s recent death, runaway Miranda is estranged from her sister Wendy, who left her with a to-do list. Miranda’s only hope of regaining her sister’s trust and the inheritance her sister controls is to follow the list and give herself a total character makeover. This involves changing her man-eating ways, holding down a job (never her strong point), telling the truth, and other tough assignments.
Dependent on the kindness of strangers, including a few of Dean’s close friends, she gradually becomes more and more enmeshed in Dean’s life. Locke keeps us in suspense, throwing up lots of roadblocks to their growing attraction, including a ghost. It all works, tying together in a surprising and satisfying ending. Lots of humor, a few tears—a fun, engaging read.
August 2, 2018
Hey all, this was written by a colleague of mine in ABQ. She creates her characters with hilarious dialogue in this light-hearted read. It was a fun, romantic comedy to read for pleasure before the school demands hit. I think if you like romantic comedies. This should be on your must-read list!
July 26, 2018
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I judge books by the voice I hear in the words I read, and this author captures many voices. A sure sign of a good author and a fulfilling read. I hear sarcasm and sorrow and joy and doubt and regret in the pages and chapters of this book. I laughed out loud. I remembered feeling the same doubt - was I ever going to be good enough? Best of all, I remembered love.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
I judge books by the voice I hear in the words I read, and this author captures many voices. A sure sign of a good author and a fulfilling read. I hear sarcasm and sorrow and joy and doubt and regret in the pages and chapters of this book. I laughed out loud. I remembered feeling the same doubt - was I ever going to be good enough? Best of all, I remembered love.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
June 30, 2018
In her sophomore novel, Ms. Locke delivers a story of profound character flaws, laugh-out-loud humor, and a satisfying ending.
Miranda can't catch a break...but why would anyone want to give her one? She's a mess! But little by little, the author weaves the changes Miranda goes through into the story, and the secondary characters are as vivid and alive as Miranda herself and they step alongside to help her through some difficult times.
The plot was deftly done...subtle clues sprinkled throughout made for a fun read that kept my attention. And when everything came together, I was pleasantly surprised the way the author tied up all the plot lines, characters, and loose ends to a satisfying ending. I was impressed the way the "ghost" thread was handled, and especially the sister bond and how that played out (sorry, no spoilers here) Not your average family drama--nicely done, Ms. Locke. Nicely done!
I looked forward to this second novel due to the outstanding humor in Exit Signs (her debut). It takes a lot for me to laugh, and I find Ms. Locke's sense of humor fresh, lively, and addictive--even the love scene had me snorting! I will never look at another yellow room the same.
I look forward to novel #3 from Patrice Locke
Miranda can't catch a break...but why would anyone want to give her one? She's a mess! But little by little, the author weaves the changes Miranda goes through into the story, and the secondary characters are as vivid and alive as Miranda herself and they step alongside to help her through some difficult times.
The plot was deftly done...subtle clues sprinkled throughout made for a fun read that kept my attention. And when everything came together, I was pleasantly surprised the way the author tied up all the plot lines, characters, and loose ends to a satisfying ending. I was impressed the way the "ghost" thread was handled, and especially the sister bond and how that played out (sorry, no spoilers here) Not your average family drama--nicely done, Ms. Locke. Nicely done!
I looked forward to this second novel due to the outstanding humor in Exit Signs (her debut). It takes a lot for me to laugh, and I find Ms. Locke's sense of humor fresh, lively, and addictive--even the love scene had me snorting! I will never look at another yellow room the same.
I look forward to novel #3 from Patrice Locke
July 31, 2018
What does it take to force an urban princess to turn over a new leaf? "Fresh Start" is the hilarious story of Miranda’s very reluctant journey into the heart of darkness, armed with a five-point list of rules, a broken flip-flop, and a trash bag of discarded clothes. Is it possible to become someone new? Like every hero, she finds mentors and maybe even love along the way -- if she can avoid temptation and stay true to her mission. In this romantic comedy, the author's honest, witty narrative is filled with fun, quirky characters that I fell in love with – and hope to meet again in new stories! I mean, who wouldn't fall in love with a guy with eyes like chocolate?
June 17, 2018
One of the most hilarious love scenes I ever read! Do not miss it.
Broke, alone, and friendless, Miranda's lifeline is a to-do list her sister gave her. She figures if she completes the list, it will be a big step toward atonement for her past errors. But it isn't going to be easy, especially since Karma seems to have a list too. And it isn't pretty.
I love Patrice Locke's offbeat humor. And I love the characters she's created in this book. Looking forward to many more books from this author.
I was given an ARC of Fresh Start in return for an honest review.
Broke, alone, and friendless, Miranda's lifeline is a to-do list her sister gave her. She figures if she completes the list, it will be a big step toward atonement for her past errors. But it isn't going to be easy, especially since Karma seems to have a list too. And it isn't pretty.
I love Patrice Locke's offbeat humor. And I love the characters she's created in this book. Looking forward to many more books from this author.
I was given an ARC of Fresh Start in return for an honest review.
August 5, 2018
Fun story of a woman who is forced to hit her own kind of rock bottom in order to turn her life around. Fun voice and Locke has so many fun turns-of-phrase and fresh descriptions you'll be smiling a lot through this book. Not gonna lie, Miranda, the protagonist, was a hard sell for me for at least half of the book - she's entertaining, but also irritating as she clings to her old ways. Eventually, we get to see deeper inside her emotions and that changes everything when we can see the growth ahead of her.
August 2, 2018
Romances aren't my usual reading, but this one is written so well and with such with that I found it the perfect summer read. The main character is a woman who's used to living irresponsibility, but life finally catches up with her. Abandoned in a scummy hotel two thousand miles from home, she has to stop replying on her looks to get what she wants and start being honest with herself and others. This is a sweet redemption story that will make you alternately laugh and cry,
May 25, 2019
I read Fresh Start soon after it came out, but I procrastinate. Often. Better late review than never review.
I fell in love with Miranda from the first page. Life has a way of knocking us to our knees at times. Miranda rose, slapped bandaids on her knees and limped onward in equal parts cluelessness and determination. Her journey tugged my heart strings and made me laugh out loud. A perfect read.
I fell in love with Miranda from the first page. Life has a way of knocking us to our knees at times. Miranda rose, slapped bandaids on her knees and limped onward in equal parts cluelessness and determination. Her journey tugged my heart strings and made me laugh out loud. A perfect read.
November 20, 2018
Patrice Locke's books always give me a pick me up when I need it most. Light romantic comedy, but with characters who are way more complicated than the typical rom com heroine. This is a perfect book to read at the beach or during dreary winter days. She will have even the grumpiest person laughing by the end.
November 27, 2018
Anyone who has ever made a wrong choice, disappointed family, or needed a second or even third chance will relate to Miranda.
Read full review in the 2018 Nov issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2018 Nov issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews