Nikki Bridges fear led to her house explosion. Lost ,dealing with an insurance company’s glacial pace to settle her claim, she starts over in a complex full of women adrift. Roxanne can’t let go of an abusive, vengeful ex. A young military wife fears for the return of her husband and the nightmares her acts out in his sleep. The apartment complex is the catchall for women of divorce and transition.Slowly they form a family of sorts that support and encourage each other. Nikki’s ex husband has not only moved on but is expanding his family. Nikki has two comforts in her life, her daughter and the making of personal scents. Scents give her a foundation to build on, her daughter is a source of pride and wonder. Giselle her daughter is living with her husband , who is going out of his way to endear her to him throughout the changes in her life. Nikki takes a job in a diner, a job she loved in what she saw as another life. Another life, this is the heart of this story. Nikki comes to a realize that she has not lost a life but been given the chance to build a new one. Happy reading

I love me a story like this! It kept me captivated from the first chapter. I just think a wide variety/range of people will really enjoy this! I recommend.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for a honest review
For anyone who lost themselves by being a mom and a wife, and forgetting about what makes you happy, this book is for you. I love the way Barbara O'Neal writes, I was drawn into the story right away and I didn't want to leave. I really liked Nikki and I really wanted her to find her happy. This is not really a light and fluffy book ( which I do enjoy) but a bit more serious but it still left me feeling good. I want read more from this author.

I really like Barbara O'Neal but was disappointed that this was just a new name on a novel she wrote almost 20 years ago.
Nikki is newly divorced and is struggling with her new, unwanted life. She meets some new friends along the way, but is a bit self absorbed that she doesn't notice the destruction in her new friend Roxanne's life.
I've been to Manitou Springs, so it was nice to imagine. Other than that it was pretty flat. 3 stars.

The main character, Nikki, seems to have it all a nice house and great family until her husband's affair blows up her life. Starting over is hard as she navigates entering the workforce, making new friends and entertains the thought of a new relationship. A redemption story for those who seek it through no fault of their own.

One of my abstention favorite authors. Exquisite descriptive writing.. plot that flows like poetry. A master of her craft and I hope more people discover her.

The story is about a woman who finds herself divorced and homeless after her house explodes. She finds her new life in unexpected ways.

Barbara O’Neil does a nice job of creating characters that are relatable.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Nicole, a forty-three-year-old woman, woke up one day and found herself living a life she wasn't familiar with. One that she did not know how to live after her husband Daniel gave her a divorce that she did not see coming. She suddenly realizes that she has been unwillingly detached from her old life and has to start life over again. She has to make new friends, move to a new neighborhood, and start working, and she did not know how, nor did she know the rules of the life she now has to live. According to her, losing her family made her lose it all, but for sure, she has to start somewhere. In the divorce settlement, her ex-husband got custody of her daughter Giselle, but at least she got to keep the old house. Unfortunately, the house has gone too after it blew up because of a faulty old furnace. She moved into an apartment where she found new friends with whom they shared several life misfortunes, like divorce and army husbands who are away on duty most of the time. Nicole realizes that she has only two options. Either to throw in the towel or to take what life has tossed her way and find a way to move on.

I like the way the author expounds on real-life issues; this is not only a fascinating narration but also a story full of lessons to be learned. Additionally, I like the way the author has put up a character who is paying attention to detail and the simple things in life, making the readers get consumed by the story.

I rate this book, The Scent of Hours by Barbara O'Neal, 5 out of 5 stars.

I recommend the book The Scent of Hours by Barbara O'Neal, particularly to those who have gone through a divorce and are having a bunch of questions. It will reassure them that their situation is not unique, that no season lasts forever, and that there will be sunshine again, no matter how things look. I also recommend it to married couples. It will help them make the right decisions in marriage and know that betrayal and divorce affect not only their partner but their children too. They will also avoid regrets that would have otherwise been avoided.

A terrific story about a woman who has come back from a awful divorce and has to reinvent herself and find a new life which she does. The new life involves a very handsome romantic man, a couple of
supportive neighbors and a magical shop that inspires Nikki to bring back a passion she has always had, creating perfume and enjoying it.
I like how descriptive and textured the story is. The way O'neal writes, I can see the details of the clothes, the smells of the perfume, the feel of the weather and the emotions of the character as though I am right there with the characters and experiencing the same feelings. The only problem I had with this story is it ended to abruptly and I felt I wanted more about Nikki's successes.
By the way Barbara O'neal is one of my favorite authors and I have been enjoying her books since reading," A Winter Ballad," in 2014 and been hooked to her stories ever since.

I want to thank Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this wonderful story about a woman dealing with the unexpected.

Barbara O'Neal's books always engage the reader - with complex characters and intense situations. The author has a true understanding of people and their problems. "The Scent of Hours" is a prime example of her writing skill.
The novel explores the aftermath of divorce for Nikki. As she said: "Something in me broke with the divorce". As she slowly faces her new circumstances, she finds a job, makes new friends and dares to dream.
I so enjoyed this revised edition I received from Net Galley (thank you!). It drew me in from the beginning and I connected to many of the issues Nikki deals with - her fears, concerns, money, relationships and even her dreams.
I highly recommend "The Scent of Hours" by Barbara O'Neal.

I love Barbara O’Neal’s books. My understanding is that this is an editorial “refresh,” of sorts.

As a soapmaker who works a great deal with fragrances, the notes of special perfumes that start each chapter were especially enjoyable for me.

Loved the characters, the “finding oneself” after divorce, and the challenges each character brings to the story.

I adore every book by Barbara O’Neal. I liked the premise of this book; the concept of having to start over when everything blows up in your face is familiar to many, unfortunately, but with Ms. O’Neal, we can always count on the HEA.

I’d recommend!

Being a perfume enthusiast, this book immediately piqued my interest. Originally published under a different title, this has been re-written into a wonderful story. The characters were instantly likeable and each chapter began with a fragrance recipe/inspiration. The writer has a talent for bringing smells to life, which I loved. I do feel the ending was somehow rushed, but I would still recommend as a lovely short read.

When you are in your mid-40s and your husband suddenly walks out, life takes a hard turn. And when you accidentally then blow up your house, things can get dicey.

Nikki finds herself 43, out of a home, out of a husband, without ever working, and with a big dream of being a perfumier. Consenting to allow her 15-year old daughter move to California with her ex, Nikki is on her own for the first time. The Scent of Hours is a good novel, as is all of author Barbara O'Neal's books, that goes much deeper into the reasons behind things than what is initially on the surface.

The Scent of Hours will have you feeling the feels of letting go of what you thought made you, you, of new-found love, and of dreaming big. The Scent of Hours won't change your life, but it will make you smile and sometimes, that's all you need.

Fall in love with author Barbara O'Neal with her re-purposed, The Scent of Hours.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for this Review.

Barbara O' Neal has a mystical way with being able to describe her characters, their location and their emotions with her words.
I loved reading about Nicole and how she journeys to find what she truly wants, not giving in to the lure of continuing to crave Daniel. Her insecurity with Niraj rang true but Nikki finally trusted herself to go after what she has a natural talent for and yearns to do with herself. . Roxanne is a pitiful woman yet with Ms O'Neal's words I felt sad for Madame Maribou.
I very much enjoyed reading The Scent of Hours and thank #NetGalley for giving me a chance to reread this revised edition.

What happens when the person you love and trust breaks that contract you both made and trots off to a new life somehow leaving you with nothing, smack out of the blue? Just walks away with someone else. Amiable or not, no one wins that unbalanced battle. A strong and emotional story of betrayal, loss, and recovery - of finding yourself, discovering your true path, and creating family.

I enjoyed this quick read! I appreciated the wittiness and likability of the characters. I feel like the book was missing some details that would have helped bring everything together a little bit better. Overall it was still an enjoyable read.

The Scent of Hours by B. O'Neal, published by Lake Union Publishing was previously published as Madame Mirabou’s School of Love. Newly re-written and re-edited, re-published.
A witty and fun quick read, 4 beautiful stars.
Blurb:
Sometimes real passion means living the life you’ve always wanted. Nicole Bridges still can’t believe she’s taken up residence in a Colorado apartment complex nicknamed “Splitsville.” She’s still reeling from her husband’s affair, a divorce she never saw coming, and having to leave the upscale, comfortable world she helped make for her ex and their teenage daughter. With little money, even less work experience, and no idea what to do next, she takes tentative steps–if only to keep her head above water. Along the way, Nikki unexpectedly finds herself falling in with eccentric new neighbors–and being seduced out of her funk by a charming, elusive ex-Londoner. And through her delight in the sensual elements of perfume, she will discover the courage to form bonds she never imagined. When a discarded flyer printed with the name “Madame Mirabou” provides the spark of inspiration, Nikki dares to blend the fragments of her life into a fragrance that’s uniquely and passionately her own.