The Way Life Should Be: A Novel

This book was OK but a disappointment after her book "Orphan Train." While the action and issues of ''Orphan Train" leaped off the pages and carried this reader along a delightful journey, this book seemed hastily put together without as much thought or purpose. While being told how to cook garlic was fine the first time, I did not need to be reminded so many times. Including a few recipes and cooking talk would have been acceptable. At times it seemed to be a cookbook as much as a novel. I found it hard to identify with the protagonist, who seemed shallow and careless about her life. If I had not agreed to read it for a book club, I would have stopped halfway through (which I have rarely done). Others in my book club had similar feelings.

Life cannot be planned, it happens. Love also cannot be planned, it is there to find or discover. Liked this book because all different kinds of love were explored and adventures were had by characters to discover it.

Very surprising ...at first you think it's just another simple romance novel. But when you are introduced to Nonna the book becomes a must read. I thoroughly enjoyed it...wished it could have ended with the grand opening of Matera.

For anyone who has or had an Italian grandmother who spent endless hours in the kitchen, this book is for you. Ms Kline really knows how to weave a story. Her books are easy to read and keep your interest at the same time. By Carolelh

I thought the storyline was good. I enjoyed the journey she took. Sometimes a little to much focus on description and recipes. I would have liked more story content instead. But all in all, a nice book to read.

The characters were do delightful and the recipes so delicious. After reading one the the author's books, I decided to try another. I was not disappointed at all. This book was such a light-hearted joy to read.

To imagine such characters in such situations and make them come alive for all of us readers to devour. I liked the ending as well because it made you wonder what she would pursue next and left so much to the imagination.

I personally like to read something light after a really seriously dramatic book for a change of pace and I found I had made the perfectly right selection.

I read this on my kindle and gave it four stars.

I flew through this book, just waiting to hear how it was going to unfold. A great, feel good book for anyone who is wondering what their purpose is in life, and finding out that dreams do come true, some unexpectantly.

A great read. For those people who have decided to be true to themselves. Honest, thought-provoking, and inspiring. Makes you re-think your life and the decisions you have made. The world and its people are on the fast track- this book recognizes that and in the authors own way and as the story unfolds, it makes the reader yearn for a more simple relaxing way of life. A definitely inspiring book. It can happen if you make it happen!

The Way Life Should Be is an entertaining story dealing with real life issues, hopes and dreams. Christina Kline touches on life choices facing everyone. Male, female, straight, gay, - people of all ages and career paths will find a common thread with the characters in this book, as everyone seeks to find a time and place where things are as they should be.

Once again, the author takes you into a world that intrigues, wrapped in themes of family and finding love and oneself. A great read anywhere, with conversational style that makes you feel you know the characters.

The story is somewhat scripted but the interesting people keep it from being trite. A little too much cooking detail for the general fiction reader. I skipped over a lot of the cooking detail as I have little interest in the subject. Light reading and good characterization. I might read another book by her if it didn't involve food.