Love is the Punch Line

HE COURTED HER WITH PUNCH LINES.
Middle-aged stand-up comedian Josh Steinberg, formerly the star of his own popular TV series, finds himself struggling to keep his career alive, playing seedier and seedier clubs. Plump, balding, and plain-looking, he has never had much luck with women. That is, until Josh meets Holly Brannigan while performing his stand-up act in a comedy club. Holly, an attractive, intelligent, and divorced 50-year-old businesswoman, becomes instantly smitten with Josh and even finds his unconventional looks wildly sexy.

“… a surprising novel … Filled with characters that seem as if they just walked out of a sitcom, Love Isf the Punch Line might just tickle your funny bone.”—Anne Clinard Barnhill, author of The Beautician's Notebook, At the Mercy of the Queen, and Queen Elizabeth's Daughter

“Outside observers might wonder what middle-aged romantics Josh Steinberg and Holly Brannigan see in each other, beyond the mirror image of their mutual loneliness … Fireworks onstage. Fireworks off-stage. Fireworks in the bedroom. Then come the duds..."—B.A. East, author of Patchworks

“… Author Kathleen Jones successfully brings readers into the gritty, often brutal worlds of stand-up comedy and the Hollywood film industry, where talent means little unless it is combined with youth and beauty, and where love is often an illusion.”—Kathleen Duhamel, author of the Deep Blue Trilogy

“When aging comedian Josh meets business woman Holly, sparks fly, but it's not an easy road to happy ever after … a sweet love story with lots of twists and turns that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride...”—Alicia Montgomery, author of the True Mates Series

“...relatable and relevant; edgy and witty. It is clearly well sequenced and flows as a good piece of writing should with plenty of moments to pause and chuckle along the way … a quality piece that interested parties would truly appreciate”—Chris Sellars, BRM,NSCA-CPT,CSCS

“… an authentic romance novel. ... love builds not in a linear way, but in a realistic, fragmented pace. … I liked how Jones treated the story and how the romance follows a different path. An enriching reading.”—Lisa Torquay, author of The Lass Defended the Laird

“...fascinating and different … There are sorry-for-themselves male characters and strong women. … lots of sex and also a religious theme. … a page turner for sure. It ends somewhat happily. “—Marika E. Tamm,Freelance Editor

“… reminds you that ‘love conquers all’, and that … love will go a long way to ensuring success. In this case, Holly's love for Josh carries him through his personal crisis to a new beginning.”—David Iggulden, Former Editor, Wolters Kluwer Canada

“… Holly and Josh aren't your typical young, beautiful lovers, They are real people with real feelings, and come complete with flaws that I can identify with. As I was reading, I was rooting for them to make it”.—Charlene Watters, Editor, Wolters Kluwer Canada

“A well-written novel of turbulent love and the catastrophic happenings of a Jewish comic. It is fast moving and very descriptive. The characters are easy to remember.”—Gordon Calvert, former employee, Wolters Kluwer Canada

“… unforgettable, and touching ... a story about disappointment, failure, and shame … but also faith, courage, hope, and triumph. … The path to true love can be a treacherous ... stretching the human character to its limit. … ”—Sheila Mitchell, author of I Love You, Grandma!

“Brilliantly humorous, fun romance! … Kathleen Jones is not only brilliant with her storylines, but she is also amazing at her imagery and scenes. Love is the Punch Line will keep you thoroughly entertained and I bet you even laugh out loud a few times!”—Stella Knights, author ofThe Dusty Rider Series