In her second O’Bannon Sisters novel, Shirley Jump once again charmingly explores the intricacies of relationships - husbands and wives, mothers and daughters, sisters to sisters. With wit and heart, she puts reliable sister Nora under the microscope this time. Jump gives her protagonist authentic flaws even as she leaves readers empathetic to Nora’s fears and invested in her plight. Tucked inside Nora’s emotionally-complex story, there are smaller stories also at play – each one delving into a different aspect of womanhood, from the very young to the not-as-young and all stops in between. While this does leave the plot a bit interrupted at times, it doesn’t take away from its compelling appeal. The O’Bannon sisters aren’t the only ones who rally around Nora (once she quits being too stubborn to share her struggles) – readers will too.

first appeared on RT Book Reviews, May 2018

It's really hard to enjoy a book when you strongly dislike the main character. I felt that Nora was too rigid and judgemental and as the main character in the book I couldn't just pass over her parts.

Such a great read. I really felt connected to the characters and understood them. I feel as though anyone married would really love and appreciate this book!

I enjoyed reading about Nora and how she lost control of her life. Everyone envied her life and family. Her sisters and mother thought her life was perfect but it's spinning out of control. Her husband has gambled away all their money and the house will be up for public auction. Her daughter is the bully of the small catholic school and they are moving in with her mother. When Nora's husband asks for a second chance he shows signs of helping with the problem. He's been to rehab and counseling. Can Nora trust him or should she start a new life helping her sisters and mom rung the bakery. This book stands alone well, I missed reading book 1 of the O'Bannon Sisters series but I'll remedy that soon. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

In this story I connect with Nora a lot, the one who never asks for help, always want to appear like she can handle it all. Problem is everything is crumbling down around Nora and she can no longer deny that she needs help.

I loved the way her family rallied around her, when she finally comes around. The mother in the story is a real tough cookie and I had a really hard time liking the parts that she was in, though she starts to come around in the end. A good heartfelt story about the struggles of life, and the important of having a strong family to help you get through the tough times.

This one started a little slowly for me, but by about a third through I was thoroughly engaged. Nora was such a complex and interesting character, and the family dynamic between mom and sisters was well-written and rich. I felt like I knew them by the end. Looking forward to reading more about this family!

This is the 2nd book in Shirley Jump's O'Bannon sisters series. It was fun re-visiting all the sisters from the first book, though this one can be read as a stand alone book.

This is the story of Nora, who is the glue who holds her family together. Nora works at her family's bakery and gets along with her sisters. She is the glue who holds her family together. What the family doesn't know is that Nora's husband has a gambling problem, which causes Nora & her children to be homeless.

It was great to see the sisters support Nora & her children, to listen to her worries. I love how these sisters have each other's backs.

This was a different book for me...I've been reading mafia/biker books and this was wayyyy different!! It had that pendulent feel that something was gonna happen though. Nora and Ben have what everyone views as an idyllic marriage but it's anything but that. For a good part of the book, I didn't particularly care for Nora like I did in the first book. I found her to be a little whiny in this one. I wish I hadn't found her so whiny, but I did. This book deals with how addiction tears your family apart and it's not drug addiction, but gambling addiction. I found the way this was handled to be very realistic. This wasn't a case of everyone in the family gets along either because what's seldom shown to be a perfect family....is. That was the case with this family. They weren't perfect but they loved each other. I loved the way they got it together in the end and worked things through. Was this a five star book? I don't think so but I also think it had a great message.

Unfortunately, this was a book that I had to set aside as I struggled far too much with the main character. I read almost half of the book, and I was growing increasingly irriated and frustrated with Nora. I didn’t like that she constantly lied to everyone around her, even her family. It was too much. I felt no sympathy or connection to Nora as I don’t like liars. I did not finish the book so I will refrain from rating or reviewing this title.
Thank you for the opportunity.

This is the first book by Shirley Jump that I've read. Partially drawn to the cover, and the title, but the superficial interest stops there. There's an immense amount of depth to this story beginning with the subject, a marriage on the brink, and the story line and how the characters are developed.

The story opens with the main character Nora in crisis and the stress takes it's toll on her marriage and her well being. At only thirty and with two young children to consider, Nora makes a decision that will forever alter her family. She's about to lose everything yet she won't talk to anyone about it. Her pride and the shame holds her, and it's a situation that is easy to understand and relate. Nora is absolutely infuriating at times and the lesson she'll need to learn is all too apparent.

The story is propped up by the secondary story about her mother and the relationship between them, as well as Nora's youngest sister Maggie, with a glimpses into what they offer and need from each other. It was so easy to find myself immersed in their lives and the situation confronting Nora and her husband Ben. There's a lot of reason for the anger between them, but there's more for love and their family.

Ultimately this is an uplifting story about forgiveness and redemption, acceptance and trust. Jumps writing is impeccable. The secret? There are many, but for Nora and Ben it's about the home they once found in each other. 4.5 Stars and recommendation.

Received in exchange for a honest review.


I liked the story. Found the writing to be wonderful and the story very real and raw. The characters were flawed and learned along the way. We see family that loves fiercely and is loyal and supportive to one another.

this is Nora’s journey. THere are aspects of her that I loved and others that I didn’t like. I loved how she was loyal to her family, how she was supportive of them and there for them. I loved her intelligence and kindness. I loved how she was there for her children. I didn’t love her not being able to give second chances. Her husband wasn’t perfect and did make mistakes but he did go for treatment and was working on himself. Once he came back she never let him in nor did she trust him. She didn’t let go and let her anger stop them from healing. I didn’t like how for her her world had to meet an image. She planned vacations down to the second even when at amusement parks they had itineraries. I didn’t like how she felt she was the only one who could do things. Her husband would ask and she would feel only she could do things right. I did like how she learned in the end to let go and forgive. How she realizes she isn’t perfect and doesn’t need to be. How she sees she makes mistakes as well and no one holds it against her. Nora sees her family is there for her no matter what. I love her husband’s gesture at the end even after everything they went through and her actions towards him that was a amazing gesture and he taught her that perfection is imperfection and it is okay to accept help and ask for it. He shows her no one is perfect and they don’t need to be they just need to be themselves. Have communication and support of each other to succeed.

Nora’s journey is entertaining, heartbreaking and heartwarming. It showcases family, love and friendship. Also forgiveness and second chances but also teaches us to just be ourselves and not care about perfection and that it is okay to ask for help.

Loved this emotional story of the O'Bannon sisters. This story focuses on Nora, who has always made everything perfect on the outside but falling apart on the inside. Nora has always been the strong sister and is not use to asking for help, but when her marriage is falling apart and her house is in foreclosure she finally has to ask for help. Loved how they came together to help. I especially loved her husband, who never gave up on their marriage.

My emotions were all over in this story, so many problems that we all face and it makes you feel like you are not in it alone. A well written story that I had a hard time putting down. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book.

The Secret Ingredient for a Happy Marriage is a really pleasant, enjoyable read. For readers that don't appreciate any graphic content in their books but aren't necessarily looking for a "clean" book or religious viewpoint, this book would be a good recommendation. Often in this style of book, the family depicted may be flawed but still have an overly cozy feel, but I really appreciate that this book shows the more complicated side of family relationships, even if you are still close to them- childhood resentments still flair up, sometimes it's not easy to be open and honest, or to let others in. Nora is incredibly relatable as an early mid-life harried, working mom who is trying to do what's best for her family, even when she feels exhausted and unappreciated. Reading this book felt like a chocolate chip cookie- warm, homey, and inviting.

I did not read the first book in this series (though I bought a copy and it's sitting on my shelf!), and while I'm sure it would have enhanced the reading experience, it was not absolutely necessary to have read book 1.

The O'Bannon women band together again. I have really started growing very fond of Nora, Bridget, and Colleen. I just love how these three women have each other's back no matter the situation. Oh and all the yummy goodies that they bake. It is as if I can smell the vanilla, cinnamon, and other scents.

This book focuses on Nora. She finds herself homeless with two children and the possibility of divorce. Thank goodness for family. Although, once back home, Nora considers starting up a new relationship despite that she still does love Ben. She is just not sure that she can forgive him.

What I really like about this series is that author, Shirley infuses so much life into the story and characters that it is like the O'Bannon women are an extended part of my family. Therefore, you can't help but fall in love with Colleen, Nora, and Bridget. A fun and charming read. The Secret Ingredient for a Happy Marriage brings a dash of sweetness, a pinch of love, a handful of goodness and humor that produces one yummy read!

The Secret Ingredient for A Happy Marriage is the second book in the O'Bannon Sisters series. I've not read the previous one and the author is new to me too. I don't feel I've missed anything by jumping in straight in here as it works as a standalone.

To outsiders, Nora has it all; A fabulous husband, adorable children, comfortable home and a job working in her family's bakery. However, the reality is far different from her distorted portrayal of her perfect marriage and family.

Communication. When it breaks down, it causes bad feeling because each side doesn't understand what the other is doing, leading to presumptive opinions. Nora and Ben are a fine example of how this impacted their relationship and thankfully, they eventually agree to navigate their way through the self-inflicted issues causing the near breakdown of their marriage. I'm glad the author shares both sides of the dispute. As the narrator, Nora's voice is what we here most and I'm so pleased when the conflict comes to a head, we hear how Ben feels too. It's uncomfortable reading but insightful and realistic. It's so easy to take the side of Nora as that's the voice we hear, so it's refreshing when we hear Ben speak too, to understand the concerns from his perspective. His words are equally damning as Nora becomes painfully aware of her personal shortcomings...yet, despite the harsh words, she's praised for trying to keep their family running as clockwork. The result is sobering as we understand fully what contributed to their relationship crisis. Happily and more importantly, there's love and hope for them as a couple,

This is a solid read with likeable and more importantly relatable characters trying to work through their real-life issues as Ms Jump tackles the difficult subject of addiction sympathetically. She effortlessly draws you into the narrative enabling the reader to feel empathy for all the characters. In addition, a couple of sub-plots that I'm guessing will follow through into future instalments are woven into the narrative and I'm particularly interested in following Maggie's story.

This novel differs from what I'm used to reading, but at the beginning of this year I decided to broaden my reading preferences and this title fits the bill nicely. Lastly, I'm drawn to the lovely cover which compliments the novel beautifully.

***arc generously received courtesy of Forever via NetGalley***

The Secret Ingredient for a Happy Marriage by Shirley Jump is book two of the O’Bannon Sisters series. In the first book, steady Nora never opened up about her problems, but it was obvious to this reader that all was not well. Now we get the full story. That does not mean that if you had not read the first book that you would be lost in this one. Each book reads fine as a stand-alone.

Nora’s family has run a local bake for several generations. While others went off in different directions, Nora stayed running the shop. She is strong, dependable and seemingly flawless. Now the reader gets the real Nora who is not so different from her sisters, with plenty of problems and self-doubt to go along with those problems. While she does grow in this story as her family problems are being tackled, I especially like seeing the changes in her mother.

This women’s fiction book does not move at a fast pace. Much like life the changes happen a little at a time. It has great writing and a strong sense of how life goes. The Secret Ingredient for a Happy Marriage is a real, authentic story that is also intensely emotional. The O’Bannon women will become more like close friends by the time you finish the book instead of just characters in a book.

Copy received via Netgalley for an honest review

3.5 STARS

I have not read the first book in the O'Bannon Sisters series, however this did not affect my reading of The Secret Ingredient for a Happy Marriage.

Whilst I liked this story, I didn't love it. And for me I think I put that down to our leading lady Nora. I wanted to like her, but for about 80% of the story I found her rigid and unlikable. I just wanted to pull the stick out of her bum and tell her to stop being so judgemental. I could understand why she was upset, but hooley dooley she needed to eat a snickers! However, this could just be me.

I liked the way the book dealt with addiction - not the usual drugs but this time gambling.

I do like the O'Bannon women -strong and feisty. However, in this story I drifted more towards Maggie (who I am thinking is the next book in the series?) more than our leading lady Nora.

I will be reading more of this series, and am going back to read the first book soon.

"Beautifully written and unflinching in its portrayal of the complexities of marriage, sisterhood and long-held secrets." -Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author

From New York Times bestselling author Shirley Jump comes a heartwarming tale about friendship, family, and the unbreakable bond between sisters.

--My thoughts. Yes! O'Bannon's' are back!! I loved this family of women, each so unique. The phrase no place like home fits, because I snuggled up to read this book, ready to go back home!

This time we have a large part of Nora's story. Nora has it all taken care of or so everyone else likes to think. Nora never told anyone anything of what was going on at home, her husband's gambling problems, or them about to lose their home, or troubles with their daughter at school. So when the house is going to be put up for auction, Nora gets an invite to a beach home from Magpie and takes the opportunity to figure out what she is going to do. She runs into, almost literally a nice looking man. Will this complicate more things in Nora's life?

Magpie also has something going on, BIG news! Their mother Colleen, also has a cute little part this time. Introduce a young girl who has had a hard life to their family, and you have a fabulous story!

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion from Netgalley!

Nora is the glue that kept her family together but when her life seems to come crashing down around her she's not sure where to turn and who to tell. So answering "I'm fine" seems like the best response when anyone asks if she's ok. Can she get her life back together and have the life she always dreamed of or is it time to say goodbye to the past and find a different future and dream?

I was not a huge fan of this book. A good majority of the book I found self-loathing to the point it was annoying and a bit depressing. I will say what I did enjoy about this book was Iris and Roger, Iris has this spirit about her that she is a fighter just needs that extra push. Roger, he will not stop at anything to help those who need help and to help those who he truly cares about. I did like how the author held nothing back in this book it dealt with some very tough subjects and she wasn't afraid to put it out there. This book does have some strong language minimal but it is there. I really also did enjoy Magpie shes just this free spirit who grows on you its hard not to love her.

More of the O'Bannon sisters, more of the amazing bakery. Count me in!

We saw a little of Nora in the first book - The Perfect Recipe for Love and Friendship. I enjoyed seeing her again.

This time, Nora is completely different. In the first book, I saw Nora as this strong woman who doesn't take shit from anyone. Now, she has turned around and the reader is able to see all of the cracks beneath her glassy exterior. Nora is not perfect. In fact, she's exhausted. She's been doing everything by herself for the longest time, and she's had enough. And I can't say I blame her.

Over the course of the first 250 pages, I honestly didn't like Nora - which was not cool because I liked her in the first book. She's internally whiny, and she's full of self-doubt. From the synopsis, I knew there was going to be a little self-doubt, but I felt like there was just too much. I needed to see her waiver a little, but I could have done without the inner monologue every other chapter. After the 250 mark, she did slowly start to redeem herself.

The pacing I felt was super slow. There was not much happening during the first 250 pages of the book. It was mostly background and the self-doubt, with tons of repeated information sprinkled in between. The rest of the pages just flew by after all that, and I found myself starting to like Nora more and the story itself.

One aspect I completed loved about this story was the fact that it does center around a bakery, and y'all know I love me some cupcakes and cookies. Another great redeeming factor was that all of the other sisters made appearances and some other storylines were tied up that we saw in the first one. I would love to see a book about Magpie's future! Sadly, overall, this was just an ok read for me.