I haven't seen the film. And neither I will, based on this book. This was a very uncomfortable read. In the beginning I mainly disliked it because it felt misogynistic, constantly telling us how sorry we should be for the man whose feeble wife on a whim decided to divorce him. Said wife on her part only gets to tell she wanted to feel free. Add to that another woman who can only say she couldn't possibly understand why anyone would want to divorce such a wonderful man. It felt very dated, and I had to push myself to keep reading this.

And that was before the story went stark raven mad, as the two of them are locked in a fight - almost to the death and the death of the house they so pathetically try to save for themselves. It escalates quickly in what could be the worst divorce ever. At this point I was actually interested in learning who would win in the end, hence the two stars, but the ending was rather disappointing.

The War of The Roses hasn't aged well, in my opinion.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

“Last Call” is creative tale about two octogenarians who discover that even if there is snow on the roof there is still fire in the chimney…falling in love has no end date. Indeed love is love at any age.

The story features Harvey Franklin and Sarah Silverman two people with different background and views who met in a central Park dog park and immediately bonded over their love for poodles. But life became complicated as their meeting moved on. Harvey a long time widow had come to term with the loss of his wife but Sarah`s husband of 50 years has Alzheimer and she made him a promise to be at his side till his last breath and never place him in a long care institution. 

You can imagine how conflicted Sarah became about her relationship with Harvey and how Harvey reacted wanting to help her. This beautiful story of late love and passionate love affair of two polar opposites has triggered a multitude of emotions at time I smiled and other time tears ran down my cheeks and other I just shook my head. This is a well-written story with a clear message of acceptance very needed today. It is also uplifting to see at this stage of life love can be found even if there are no smooth roads to obtain it. Mr. Adler has as usual vividly painted every move, provides funny and terribly sad sequences and given us a very captivating story so realistic it hard to believe this is a simple story. 

Thank you Mr. Adler for the wonderful and smooth narrative that helped visualized and feel every move Sarah and Harvey experienced…With a last comment I would suggest getting a dog if you are lonely and want to meet someone……awe…:)

Mr. Adler is at the top of my favourite authors list. His style is so diverse you never know what genre he will surprise us with next. In his huge varied library we find psychological and political thrillers, fantasy, romance, mysteries, comedy, family relationships, historical fiction, cozy and short story. Boy what a prolific author. I am happy to be one of his faithful fan and member of his reviewing team.

“The Norma Conquest” offers a brief view into the last hurrahs by a long time agitator and now a homeless activist in a battle to save a women’s shelter from being relocated. Norma is the underdog that will lead the fight against a tycoon and his partners till she gives her last breath. The story is both heartbreaking and joyous when Norma’s ill health brings her daughter Jenny back to her after years apart. Family bonds are stronger than we can imagine……

I love this story but it took time before I put things together 70 pages or so by then I slowly realized that I was being pulled into a captivating quest alongside Norma and Jenny to save the homeless women their home. This is a wonderful and extremely well written story that is played by well-drawn characters even the evil men are attractive. The rapprochement between mother and daughter is very touching, in the long run both reached the same vision and ideas but sadly it came too late…..A warning the narrative and dialogue are street jargon and we have a lot of the F words…..exactly what one would hear….well-done Mr. Adler this story was well worth passing time with.

This is a collection of fictional short stories based on Mr. Adler’s experience as a long-time resident of little town nestled in the heart of the most beautiful mountain in Northwest Wyoming, the Grand Tetons. 

In each of the stories we find insights in what has happened by the modern invasion of folks to the area. Resorts have sprung rapidly and a new way of life came with it. Their presence brought clashed with the long cherished western customs. We can feel through the stories how the modern life has disrupted and turned their quiet world upside down. Wealth and the modern life changed things for ever.

You can find many editions of this book published over years, the first in 1997. I can only presume the stories are all the same. I am reviewing the version that has been sent to me by the author this past month. 

Each chapter is about a family that was born or moved to Jackson. Their stories are well-crafted and interesting albeit maybe a bit disturbing. A full range of emotions is brought to life to showcase how the valley’s culture was transformed by the constant pressure imposed by the new arrivals. Each of Mr. Adler’s fiction dissects Jackson Hole spectacular patina, its people and its tradition. Although considered short stories, everyone is long enough to have moved me to the core. I do feel sorry for the loss of life style but things changes. For the better or worst depends where you stand.