Rating: 
Summary: a book not for everyone ... But .....
Review: those who aren't reading a book hoping to seek deep insight into the mysteries of life presented by fictional characters may enjoy the humor on many pages as the 2 fictional sisters deal with the challenges that they felt their life dealt out their way. The descript of one sister's downward spiral was so accurate to those of us who may have known someone who lapsed into that same "escape outlet" ... yet I do wish the writer hadn't made one of the love figures for one of the sisters so reptitious feeling that you knew from the start that something would happen to him - so no surprise when you read the newspaper headline along with the main characters. The setting was as fictional as the characters but somehow I enjoyed this book to the point that I will admit it was "hokie" in parts but after reading it had to admit that I liked it overall and enjoyed the humor on many of the pages. What term I use for books like this is "Little House on the Prairie" moment feeling, where one minute you are laughing at the antics of the characters and the next - even though you saw it coming, you find yourself threatening to blink back a tear. The characters won't inspire you to go out and "conquer the world" but they may inspire you to laugh at times. This book is about the bonds between the women in the story line ... not as clearly defined or close in feel as The House On Olive Street characters were given, but considering this is a first book - shows potential for the future books by this writer.
Rating: 
Summary: Just got worse and worse to the point of comedy
Review: I enjoyed Angry Housewifes so I picked up this book - my 2nd from this author. The book started out pretty good - however as I read on I was shaking my head. I lost faith in the characters and in the story.
Rating: 
Summary: Funny, realistic more mature chic read
Review: Lorna Landvik's novels are worth the money every time. But if you are an inveterate library user, then grab her titles there. Once again, in Landvik's characters, you can expect a generational ride, as the tale won't be over a single day or week or month, but years. And the characters will suffer through the things that life hands them, and find joy and friendship and sufficient humor to pull the reader along. I recommend reading anything Landvik writes. And as a southerner, it is fun to see the "woman story" from the point of view of ladies from the north, those with Scandihoovian roots. I like Landvik's story telling ways.
Rating:
Summary: Lightweight but entertaining
Review: Like an earlier reviewer I saw a similarity to Steel Magnolias but thought of it as a Yankee version since the setting is in the northern Midwest. The likeness is found in the characters and their stories more than the setting, however. In Steel Magnolias the core of the action is the beauty parlor; that setting is mentioned only superficially in House of Curl. As a matter of fact, the beauty shop is featured only in the title. To continue the comparison, in Steel Magnolias the tragedy is central to the story; in House of Curl it's a subplot, almost an afterthought. The most important difference in the two books, however, is that in Steel Magnolias, each character is affected by the success or pain of the others; but in House the characters seem separate from each other. House of Curl is a relaxing read, perfect for those days when you just want to spaz out with a book. Curl up by the fire on a snowy day or settle into a beach chair by the sea and be entertained for an hour or so.
Rating: 
Summary: I am happy my friend recommended this book!
Review: I love books about quirky women and this book told funny anecdotes and sad stories about 2 sisters and their circle of friends. It reminded me of sitting in Truvy's Beauty Shop in Steel Magnolias. I would like to meet her characters and eat some of the Norwegian pastries that Patty Jane's served. I ordered her next book today and can not wait to read it.
Rating:
Summary: Great Storyteller - Lorna Landvik
Review: Although there are male characters in this book they stand on the edge. This is a well-balanced story sending the message that women don't need men to succeed but that we all need love and when we invest our heart in someone elses' life we might get hurt. I really enjoyed how this message was communicated to the reader. I salute Lorna Landvik in her realistic portrayal of women within the family!
Rating:
Summary: A definite downer
Review: When I picked up this book, I was thinking it was a light hearted comedy. Boy was I wrong!! This was one of the saddest books I have ever read. One tragedy after another happens to Patty Jane and her sister Harriet. If you are looking for a fun book to read this is definitely not it. I give it three stars because I did like the characters, especially Patty Jane and her mother-in-law.
Rating:
Summary: All about life, love, loss, friendships..
Review: and mother daughter relationships. Full of laughter, heartache and tears. A good book to recommend. I loved every minute and was sad for it to end. I look forward to reading more from this author!
Rating:
Summary: "Curl" Up With Patty Jane's House of Curl
Review: The book, Patty Jane's House of Curl, by Lorna Landvik is an awesome, fun, and exciting book. Patty Jane's House of Curl is a heart-wrenching story about two sisters and their fight with life, love, and happiness. The book's main characters are Patty Jane, and her daughter, Nora, Patty's sister, Harriet, and Patty's mother in-law, Ione. Patty Jane and Harriet grew up in an alcoholic home where they did everything while there parents celebrated everything from Christmas to the 4th of July with a bottle of whatever they could get their hands on. Harriet had another problem she herself suffered from alcoholism. Nora, on the other hand, struggled with her father coming back and with just being a teenager. Ione didn't really struggle with much other than keeping her small family well fed and satisfied. I really enjoyed this book because it wasn't talking about this fairy tale world that ended happily ever after. This book really shows some of the struggles and hardships people today go through and actually live with. Patty Jane's House of Curl is an awesome book about two sisters struggle to keep their heads afloat in a world that only wants to pull them under.
Rating:
Summary: An upbeat story of female truimph
Review: Patty Jane's beauty parlor, House of Curl, becomes the center of a women's support group. Patty Jane, who was abandoned by her husband, lives with her daughter and her mother-in-law and gathers the town's gossip, dispenses advice, gives support, offers classes, consolation, and compassion. Love, abandonment, redemption, salvation - it's all here in this story of women supporting each other through their triumphs as well as their troubles. While sometimes predictable, Patty Jane's House of Curl is always charming and appealing.
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