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Melanie Summers
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I Used to be Fun Kindle Edition

by Melanie Summers (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 2,023 ratings
A richly satisfying family dramedy for any woman who has asked, “Whose life is this?”

Jessica Holloway is miserable. As mom to two ungrateful, almost-grown children and wife to one appreciative-but-needy husband, she has all-but-abandoned the extraordinary—and extraordinarily fun—woman she used to be.

She may be smiling while she volunteers at the school's dog wash fundraiser, but inside, she's seething with perimenopausal rage. Having traded her future as a high-powered attorney for motherhood nearly two decades ago, she's now desperate to reconnect with the woman she once was.

Pushed to her breaking point, Jessica is secretly terrified at what she might do.

Go on strike permanently?

Take the dog and run away to Mexico?

Tell her mother-in-law what she really thinks of her?

Whatever it is, it's going to be a disaster. Because this time, Jessica will stop at nothing to get her power back - no matter the cost.
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  1. Print length
    308 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    April 14, 2023
  5. File size
    1.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Popular Highlights in this book
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  1. “Be decisive. Right or wrong, make a decision. The road of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn’t make a decision.”
    Highlighted by 120 Kindle readers
  2. “Sometimes life just plain sucks and there’s nothing you can do other than ride it out.”
    Highlighted by 80 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

Yellow daisies with editorial quote.
Yellow daisies with an editorial quote.
Cover images of I used to be fun with taglines and yellow daisies.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A Story that Speaks to Your Heart
It has been a while since a book has spoken to me so fiercely. The book portrays the journey of a 46-year-old mother who faces the challenge of finding a new career and discovering self-fulfillment while dealing with the lack of support from her family. It is an inspiring story that sheds light on the struggles of many women in similar situations. The author's writing style is engaging, and the plot is well-developed, making it a worthwhile read for anyone seeking inspiration and motivation. It is easy to relate to some of Jess's struggles when dealing with how much to dedicate yourself to others versus going after what makes you truly happy. ~ Raquel M., Booksprout

Touching story
To anyone who is a wife, mother, or daughter and has found that once you hit a certain age you start to wonder what you have done with your life, then this is a touching and funny glimpse into one woman's life as she tries to figure out what will make her happy again. This is not Melanie's usual rom-com, but it is nevertheless a very entertaining story. ~ Lori, Booksprout

This was an Excellent Read!!
What an incredible story!!! I absolutely loved Jessica and her story touched me deeply since I'm reaching midlife myself. Not only was this book an excellent read, but it also gives us inspiration and insight! Bravo Melanie Summers on an outstanding job!!! Can't wait to see what you have in store for us next!! ~ Marie Evans, Booksprout

About the Author

Tavia Gilbert, a six-time Audie Award nominee and multiple Earphones and Parents' Choice Award-winning producer, narrator, and writer, has appeared on stage and in film. Library Journal said of the highly acclaimed actress, "as close as you can get to a full cast narration with a solo voice." Tavia has narrated more than 250 multicast and single-voice audiobooks.

Melanie Summers currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, with her husband, three sporty nerd children, their adorable but neurotic one-eyed dog, Lucy, and a small furry dictator named Nelson. When she's not writing romance novels, she loves reading, snuggling up on the couch with her family for movie night (which would not be complete without lots of popcorn and milkshakes), and long walks in the woods near her house. Melanie is a member of the Romance Writers of America, as well as the International Women's Writing Guild.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BW2XHV12
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Indigo Group
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 14, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 308 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1988891606
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 2,023 ratings

About the author

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Melanie Summers

Melanie Summers

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Melanie Summers is a multi-award-winning, Amazon best-selling author of romantic comedies and women’s fiction. She’s written over thirty books for people who have 'had it up to here' with the real world and need to laugh, feel good, and sigh happily. When she’s not writing or reading, she's usually out for a walk with her two adorable dogs, hanging out on the beach with her husband and their three teenagers, or curled up on the couch for family movie night. Melanie resides on Vancouver Island, Canada where her life goal is to become one of those fabulous people who take daily ice baths in the ocean. So far, she can get in up to her ankles, which is not awful, thank you very much.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
2,023 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and easy to read, with an endearing and relatable story. They appreciate its humor and motivational value, with one customer noting it teaches valuable life lessons. They value its relevance to women today.

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ReadabilityStory qualityMotivational valueHumorRelevance to women
22 customers mention "Readability"22 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read, with one customer noting it makes a perfect vacation read.

"...It's a must read !" Read more

"...You’ll relate and few things are as powerful. Add to that good writing and fine humour and you’ll have fun, even if the ending is predictable and..." Read more

"...Even The After Wife was a sad topic but was engaging and a great read. Glad so many others enjoyed this book more than me...." Read more

"I very much enjoyed this book and got the message of the story...." Read more

11 customers mention "Story quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the story endearing and very relatable, with one customer noting it has a real ending.

"...Stuck everywhere ! Her story while having an amazing ending also reminded me of important things I had forgotten...." Read more

"I very much enjoyed this book and got the message of the story...." Read more

"This book is well written and truly any mom will be able to relate. My issue? I don't want to relate. I want to escape...." Read more

"...It. Was far more soul searching, intriguing, and interesting than the titled suggested...." Read more

9 customers mention "Motivational value"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book motivational, with one mentioning it teaches valuable life lessons and makes readers think about family dynamics, while another notes it helps build self-confidence.

"...You’ll relate and few things are as powerful...." Read more

"...It. Was far more soul searching, intriguing, and interesting than the titled suggested...." Read more

"...All in all, it taught alot of life lessons." Read more

"...Heart warming,makes you feel good." Read more

3 customers mention "Humor"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, with one mentioning they laughed out loud while reading it.

"...Add to that good writing and fine humour and you’ll have fun, even if the ending is predictable and way too perfect." Read more

"I enjoyed this book. It was humorous and realistic." Read more

"Laughed out Loud and Totally Could Relate..." Read more

3 customers mention "Relevance to women"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book relevant to women today, with one mentioning it provides great advice for modern women.

"...I found it carried some great advice for today's woman trying to find her true self." Read more

"...It was good to read about women who are people- pleasers needing to look at their own needs, too. Self examination is an important part of life." Read more

"Relevant to women today and so much better written than a lot of Kindle Books. It's a good book to read." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • thezuzufamily
    5.0 out of 5 stars For those mid life mom's who are feeling a little lost
    Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Much to my surprise, I related so much to Jess. We may have a 10 yr age gap but having kids young I was finding myself stuck like her as they age. Stuck everywhere ! Her story while having an amazing ending also reminded me of important things I had forgotten. This Message “You were not put on this planet to impress people or please others. You’re here to live. You’ve spent your entire life trying to prove you’re the perfect mom, wife, and daughter. Always so thoughtful and kind and forever willing to put others first." If your a mid life mom (age or parenting stage) looking for a message to keep going to find the you in yourself again. It's a must read !
    3 people found this helpful
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  • CB
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fun
    Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This might never be featured in the classics aisle but you can’t beat the feeling of relatability while reading it: it’ll bind you to it, hook you up and make keep on turning those pages.
    If you’re part of the age gap and on the same life stage, you’ll be reading this one at the speed of light.
    You’ll relate and few things are as powerful. Add to that good writing and fine humour and you’ll have fun, even if the ending is predictable and way too perfect.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Susan H in Cary NC
    3.0 out of 5 stars Love this author but disappointed by this book
    Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This story of a married woman with kids and husband who didn't appreciate her just dragged. The first 100 pages were too long and main character not likable. I put it aside for a few months then when I resumed it got better. Melanie books are usually so funny and clever so I was surprised. Even The After Wife was a sad topic but was engaging and a great read. Glad so many others enjoyed this book more than me. Did love the quotes at the start of each chapter!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • YZPat
    5.0 out of 5 stars Revelations!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Have you ever thought about your life today and thought,"What if?". Seems there is within most of us the real need to be a star. We think there is something else we should be doing. This is the premise of this book. Jess was a great high school student with all kinds of possibilities; however, she elected to marry early and have children without investigating her dreams. Feeling unfulfilled, she embarks on a mission to make herself feel better about herself and upsets the proverbial apple cart for her family and friends. Her children suffer. Her husband shuts her out. Her friends forsake her and call her selfish. Nevertheless, she gets a full-time job and joins an LSAT study group preparatory for attending law school. Gaining in self-confidence, she even faces ending her marriage in order to feel important. See what happens to her and her family by reading this book.
    9 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Louisiana460
    4.0 out of 5 stars very relatable
    Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I very much enjoyed this book and got the message of the story. My only feedback is the word “important” I feel it could have been replaced with something different. I don’t want to give away the story but I feel like anything you do that you enjoy and makes you happy is “fulfilling”. I have been a working mom of 3 and love that I have had a very fulfilling career but that does not mean other choices are any less “important”. I know that was not the intent of the message but I just think the word should have been rethought.

    Still one of my most favorite authors!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Alaska Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars On becoming an adult
    Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Melanie Summers heroine and her husband both seem to be grownups badly in need of becoming full-fledged adults and wiser parents. She wants ft o be more than a do-everything wife, mother, cook, cleaner, etc., and he needs to learn that her drive to become a full person is not just a desire to not do her job -- and he needs to accept his share of the work she has been doing solo.

    They also need to work together to raise children who don't expect everything to be done for them.

    Beyond all expectation, they seem to find their way... But it's hard.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Alli W
    4.0 out of 5 stars Close to home
    Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book is well written and truly any mom will be able to relate.
    My issue? I don't want to relate. I want to escape. I'm already a 40-year-old mom dealing with wondering where the last 20 years have gone. I don't need to read a fictitious story about my own life!
    But it was good, I laughed, I got angry, I finished the book.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Niki
    5.0 out of 5 stars Resonated in my soul!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Being a part-time housewife and part-time substitute teacher made me connect with this character in such a way that I often wondered if I had wrote this book myself! Lol, definitely let me know that I’m not alone in my idea that my life unfulfilled the way it is and it’s never too late to start over again on a new dream!
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • H. Horne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 23, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I'm 64 and found this quite relatable but was never brave enough to do what Jess did...really enjoyed this book. Maybe a little of a fantasy ending but still loved it.
    Report
  • Kate Burkholder
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved the jpurney
    Reviewed in Canada on August 17, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Awesome read. Follow Jess as she embarks on a journey of awareness and life, up and down. Brings gh oh
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  • Cecile Schultz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book!
    Reviewed in Canada on September 26, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Melanie's books are always a joy to read!
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    2.0 out of 5 stars Started out funny….
    Reviewed in Canada on October 18, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Funny in the beginning, this story quickly turned into a piece of fluff. Ho-hum, boring and unimaginative.
    Not my cup of tea.
    Report

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