Better Luck Next Time audiobook

Do you know about the divorce ranches in Reno, Nevada? This is the second or third book I’ve read in the last couple years that focuses on the “Reno Cure,” in the “divorce capital of the world, where women would travel to Nevada for a quickie divorce. Better Luck Next Time is such a fun blend of a book: historical fiction, quirky characters, lots of humor, a bit of a twist, and even some romance.But this book isn’t really about the divorces. It’s about friendship, love, and second chances and larger than life characters share their stories. Better Luck Next Time is a slower-building, character-driven story, and I enjoyed the time I invested in getting to know them all!I received a gifted copy. Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

I wasn't sure I'd like this as it looked a bit too romancey for me but I really loved it. Perhaps because my grandmother was a black-jack dealer in Reno and was divorced during this same time period? For whatever reason it worked for me in a comforting way...like watching an old black and white film.

4 Stars for Better Luck Next Time (audiobook) by Julia Claiborne Johnson read by David Aaron Baker. This is a fun story set at a divorce ranch in Reno in the 1930’s. The story is told by one of the ranch hands. He talks about some of his interactions he had with the interesting ladies that stayed at the ranch while waiting the six weeks so they can become residents of Nevada. Once they are residents, they can get a quick divorce and move on with their lives. He finds love and heart break while working at the ranch and ultimately the story has a touching ending.

First book I've read from beginning to end in over 12 months. And what a lovely welcome back to the world of fiction! I was transported to Reno circa 1938, far far away from Covid and the insurrection and everything going on in our world right now. And I thoroughly enjoyed the diversion. Julia crafts a beautiful story with delicious detail and characters that will stay with you. Ward's voice is distinct and unique, giving this tale such a lovely regional flavor. He feels very much of that time and place, and he kind of just sweeps you up and takes you on this ride, and I loved every bit of it. Perfect pandemic escape.

Better Luck Next Time by Julia Claiborne Johnson. Better Luck Next Time is historical fiction set on a divorce ranch outside of Reno, Nevada in the 1930s, told from the perspective of a man named Ward. The ranch houses women who are required to spend six weeks in Nevada to gain residency and then they can obtain a divorce. When the story opens, it is his present day, and he begins to reflect back on one particular six weeks, and the two women Nina and Emily that changed the trajectory of his life. The book is fantastic – I love the way she writes; I love the setting; and I really love Ward - he is now one of my favorite fictional characters. I interviewed Julia for my podcast and you can listen here: https://www.thoughtsfromapage.com/jul....

Better Luck Next Time by Julia Claiborne Johnson is an interesting historical fiction that takes the reader (well at least this reader) to a place I have never been before: a “divorce ranch” located in Reno, Nevada in the 1930s. I will let the reader find out more about the concept of the ranch. (Maybe I am the only one that didn’t know that Reno was known for “quickie divorces” at a time when divorce was difficult and most certainly frowned upon.)I enjoyed learning the stories of Emily, Nina, and Ward. Their characters were endearing, I think, even more so because of their flaws and imperfections. I enjoyed seeing their reflections, growth, and changes. I also enjoyed the satisfying ending.A memorable and unique read that kept me interested throughout.

This book was a delightful breath of fresh air! I loved the jaunt through a divorcee dude ranch. Ward was a loveable character, and the ladies were all hot messes.There was a lot of humor and historical fiction.Wonderfully written by Julia Claiborne Johnson. I haven't yet had the chance to experience, Be Frank With Me, but I hear nothing but good things.I highly recommend this one.5 Stars

Hilarious, touching--altogether brilliant. If you loved BE FRANK WITH ME (and who didn't?!) this book is for you.

Julia Claiborne Johnson’s novels are quirky in the most fantastic way. I really enjoyed learning about divorce dude ranches in Reno. The cast of characters was vibrant and memorable and endearing. 3.5 star

3.5 stars rounded upAn fun and interesting look at a 1930s divorce ranch and the 6 week stint that a group shared on the ranch. These ranches (true from history) were a place women could go spend 6 weeks at to get their Nevada citizenship which then allowed them to divorce their husband. We meet a cast of women but the two main women involved are Nina (on her third trip to the ranch) and Emily. The two pair up and become fast friends. One drives an automobile while the other an airplane denoting them both as strong women. The story is told from the point of view of one of two ranch hands, Ward. Ward is a young man from TN. The two women take a liking to Ward and manage to entwine him in several of their hijinks. Ward is telling the story to an interviewer who has been visiting him at his retirement home armed with a picture from those 6 weeks and a tape recorder to get the story. The story stops as Ward comes back to his present time to make commentary about lessons learned or about his life after the ranch. In the end this style helped the book come full circle but throughout the story it sometimes made it feel a bit jerky in pace. The book was not a fast read as there isn't a ton of action but I appreciated the story greatly by the end. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.

Historical fiction is just quickly becoming a fan fav of mine... Better Luck Next Time taught me again about a time I have never known about. Who knew there was “divorce ranch” located in Reno, Nevada in the 1930’s? Julia Claiborne Johnson builds a slow story about this time and the individuals that run, reside, and visit the fictional(but based on fact) Flying Leap ranch. It is rich with descriptions of etiquette from that time and dialogue over the relationships that were forming. Who isn’t captivated by a Nina that comes into their lives? The cover made me buy this book, but the acknowledgement and Author’s Notes made me want to go back and read it again! Pick this one up if you are a historical fiction fan, although it can be slow to build, I couldn’t think of a better book to stay on my mind through Valentines weekend! ♥️

Thank you to @netgalley and @harperaudio for the early audio copy of BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME by Julia Claiborne Johnson (PUB DATE 1.5.2021) This book was wholly unique and a breath of fresh air. The story is narrated by Ward, described as "Cary Grant in cowboy boots", as he reflects back on his time working at the Flying Leap, a divorce ranch in Reno during the 1930's. The ranch caters to a cast of independent, eccentric, and conflicted soon-to-be divorced women. It was a feel-good story full of old-fashioned charm. I appreciated how the author created a humorous romp while blending in emotionally contemplative elements. The narration was fabulous. I felt like I was a guest on the ranch. My only gripe, which is a consistent audiobook gripe, is the voicing of the 14 yr old character. Her narration came across much younger than 14 and it pulled me out of the story a bit.

In the 1930s, women seeking divorce--no-questions-asked--could come to Reno, Nevada. The only catch was they had to spend six weeks there to become residents. Enter the Flying Leap, a dude ranch for the wealthy that facilitates the divorces by giving them a lovely stay and helping take care of everything. Ward, age 24, spent a year in college before his family lost everything to the Great Depression. Now he's working at the Flying Leap. Handsome and helpful, he's quite adored by the women. Soon, his life will be upended again by the arrival of two of the latest guests: Nina, who is back for her third divorce, and Emily, who is struggling after leaving her cheating husband. I adored Julia Claiborne Johnson's book BE FRANK WITH ME and was so excited to read this one. The books are very different, but she's such a good writer and brings you into the worlds she creates. LUCK is told in a conversational style by Ward, about the time period when he wasn't quite 25, though he's now quite an older man. It's not the kind of book you'd typically come across, but it's fascinating too. It's honestly refreshing to read such a unique book with such memorable characters. The plot is so interesting and while it certainly covers serious topics, it's also really funny and witty in places and could make me laugh out loud. The characters could be totally frustrating at times, but also truly real. If you're looking for a read unlike most, I recommend this one. 3.5 stars. I received a copy of this book from Custom House and LibraryThing in return for an unbiased review. Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Smashbomb ~ Instagram