First line: “There has to be a better way,” I muttered, as I replaced the phone receiver on its cradle.
From the back cover: On the outside, Nick O’Reilly has it all: a high-flying legal career, as a partner of an elite Wall Street law firm, and financial security, with an apartment overlooking Central Park. Having grown up in a working-class family, as far back as Nick can remember this was his dream. But at the age of thirty-six, after several years of sacrificing his personal life for professional gain, Nick has started to ponder his future and consider the mark he makes to leave on society both professionally and personally – his legacy.
After being chastised in the press for turning a cold shoulder to the community, the firm calls upon Nick to help rehabilitate its image by handling its first pro bono case. Nick is asked to represent Dawn Nelson, a domestic violence victim who is fighting for custody of her young son, Jordan. A far cry from Nick’s specialty of defending the misdeeds of Corporate America, it is up to Nick to set Dawn and Jordan on a path to a better life. But Nick gets much more than he signed on for, as Dawn forces him to reassess his life choices and, ultimately, be true to himself. Only when Nick finally realizes what is truly important in life does he face his toughest – and possibly final – challenge: a battle for his own survival.
Exploring the flaws of being human and the importance of controlling one’s own destiny, The Life O’Reilly reminds us of how precious life is and how quickly and tragically it can change. Written with great empathy, The Life O’Reilly is an emotional and unforgettable tale that will challenge one’s expectations of the modern love story and introduces a poignant and sensitive new voice in fiction.
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this book, a modern-day love story with much more. It was quite the emotional roller coaster – I chuckled, laughed, screamed, and cried as I read it. Filled with believable characters and intense emotion, I had a hard time putting it down. The author used a lot of twists and turns to make the story interesting and to keep the reader glued to every page. The essence of the story is about finding love in the least unlikely of situations. But ultimately the story is about having control over one’s destiny and the ability of one to shape it. Set in the day-to-day goings-on of a huge law practice, Brian Cohen was able to ease those of us not familiar with the jargon and terminology into this world. The Life O’Reilly is a wonderful, unexpected book. It’s one of those books that makes you take stock of your life and what you really value. It makes you think about what you will leave behind, about your legacy. I am thankful for Brian Cohen asking me to read and review his book. He is a wonderful storyteller and I hope to read more of his work in the future.
About the author: Brian Cohen earned his Bachelor of Accountancy from George Washington University and his Juris Doctor from St. John’s University School of Law. He has been practicing law for twelve years. Brian lives with his wife and their daughters in the suburbs of New York City. He is at work on his second novel.
You can find more information about Brian at his website.
Thank you to the author for sending me this book to read – I absolutely loved it!
GIVEAWAY RULES:
Brian Cohen is providing a great giveaway for readers of this blog: an autographed copy of The Life O’Reilly.
Rules:
- Open to everyone
- No PO Boxes please
- Must include email address to enter
- Book will be mailed out by the author
To enter (required entry): Leave me a comment letting me know why you want to win The Life O’Reilly. Please include your e-mail address in your comment, so that I have a way to contact you if you win. No e-mail= no entry!
Bonus Entry (+1) Become a follower of this blog on Google Friend Connect. Please leave me a separate comment letting me know that you follow. Current followers are eligible as well – just leave a separate comment letting me know that you already do! Not a separate entry = no bonus entry!
Thanks to everyone for entering! Good luck!
GIVEAWAY ENDS
AT 6 PM, EST, NOV 9th
Not entering as I have a copy of this book. Just want to say great review, and I can't wait to read my copy!
The reason I would like to win is because of your great review. I had to pass on this request because of back log, but now wish I hadn't.
CMash
Mash1195(at)aol(dot)com
Am an old GFC follower.
CMash
Mash1195(at)aol(dot)com
So happy you enjoyed this, Kristin! I really liked this one too….
This comment has been removed by the author.
Count me in for the giveaway. This book sounds really interesting and I really like the cover!
Great review!
bookworm@lovemarie.net
Forgot to include that I follow you on google reader!
This looks like a really moving story – thanks for the great review and giveaway! You might also enjoy a new inspirational memoir out called, "Voices of the Heart," by Linda Lambert Pestana. What I loved about this book is the author's message on how to laugh and smile each day and not to take oneself too seriously.
Can I just say the author is handsome 😉
I have considered this one for awhile, I do think I will enjoy it, i'm such a mood reader, it may take awhile but would love the opportunity to read it, thank you.
I'm an old follower.
marceblogspot(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would love to have a copy of this book. It looks really intriguing and fun to read
chaarmedone1512@aol.com
usa
It sounds like an interesting read – I appreciate books where the protagonist is challenged to change their life.
Thanks for the chance to win it.
Shelleyrae
bookd.out[at]gmail.com
+1 I follow you
I love sories mixed in twists and turns and a great love story to boot. Thought your review was great, humor and parts that make you cry are some points of a good book.
CarolNWong(at)aol.com
I am an old follower of your blog.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I'd like to read it because it sounds like a good story. I was offered a chance to review it but had to turn it down due to lack of time but I'd love to read it anyway. I enjoyed your review, Kristin.
meah56[at]gmail[dot]com
I'm a current GFC follower 🙂
meah56[at]gmail[dot]com
You have written another great review! I love books about the law and the practioners thereof. I am a huge John Grisham fan and now, after reading your preview, I would love to add this book to my library! I too am a follower of this blog! Good luck to all.
Shirley
riverboat38[at]hotmail.com