Review of The Two Olive Martini

[Caroline Anne Richmond]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Two Olive Martini" by Lance T Weil.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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The Two Olive Martini by Lance T. Weil is a fiction novel suitable for adult readers. This racy romance follows the love life of two main characters who experience life’s highs and lows.

Gail flies her small Cessna aircraft to work to avoid heavy traffic. Her best friend and colleague, Pat, waits for her at the airstrip to take them both to work. Gail is a travelling nurse and works in an oncology department. Her day starts with attending to a patient diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and his only words to Gail are that he doesn't remember when he stopped laughing. These words resonated with Gail as she reflected on her second husband, Dick. Dick is a pastor, but in truth, he is a charlatan and a philanderer. Gail had a unique connection with her first husband, Sean. She reminisces and fantasises about the time they spent together, but Sean is also a philanderer and a functional alcoholic. Sean remarried Ashley and finds himself in a loveless marriage. Faced with a dead relationship and a shock diagnosis of throat cancer, he realises the next chapter of his life will change him. Gail and Sean approach a crossroads in life, but which direction will they take?

The author provides two main characters, Gail and Sean, with a long history. This history provides the reader with depth of character and an interesting backstory. Both have turbulent pasts, addiction issues, and flawed personalities, making their stories relatable and great to read. I especially liked Sean. He is a multi-faceted man with endearing and offensive traits. Sean’s childhood and family show that what you see and learn as a child affects who you become. The book has a large group of characters that have intriguing and troubled lives, with the book tackling issues such as abuse, addiction, and suicide. The book’s themes are diverse and plentiful, providing a gripping reading experience.

Along with the serious aspects, the book contains humour. Gail and Pat have banter befitting two best friends, and all the characters insert comedy into their difficult situations. There is also a lot of action. Troubles with planes, helicopters, and medical emergencies keep the excitement going, making the book a page-turner. Gail is a character with many skills who finds herself in several extraordinary situations, which are a lot of fun to read.

I particularly enjoyed the more unexpected parts of the story. Several entertaining misadventures make the story much more than a romance novel. I also liked the insight into other family members and their relationships. The story shows that love can be a complicated business. The book also shows that life can change in the blink of an eye, and one must try to be happy and make each day count.

The book has undergone excellent editing. I loved the story and all the intricacies of the character’s personalities. There are unexpected twists, heaps of adventure, and comedic moments. I enjoyed the ups and downs of life portrayed through the characters and the long journeys they take to become the best versions of themselves. I found nothing to dislike about the book. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

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The Two Olive Martini
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[Benita Ogarekpe]

I find it comical that the name of the husband she considers a charlatan is Dick.
Definitely sounds like a thought provoking piece. I'm sure other readers will enjoy it.