I listened to the audiobook.

It presented a rather straightforward story. On one hand, it was entertaining and managed to deliver exactly what one would expect from it. It had its moments that could keep the listener engaged. However, on the other hand, that very straightforwardness also turned out to be part of the problem.

There was a lack of complexity and depth. The plot seemed to unfold in a predictable manner, without any unexpected twists or turns to keep the listener on the edge of their seat. It felt as if the story was too simplistic, not offering much in terms of intellectual stimulation or emotional exploration.

Overall, while the audiobook was enjoyable in a basic sense, its straightforward nature limited its potential to truly captivate and leave a lasting impression.

I read the second book first, so I already knew the outcome. However, it was still an extremely great read. The story was engaging from start to finish, with well-developed characters and a captivating plot.

Even though I had an idea of what was going to happen, I found myself completely immersed in the details and the way the author presented the events. Each page turned was filled with anticipation and excitement.

Now, I am eagerly looking forward to reading the third book next. I can't wait to see how the story continues to unfold and what new adventures and challenges the characters will face. I have a feeling that the third book will be just as amazing as the second one, if not better.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good read. It has something for everyone - drama, action, romance, and mystery. So, if you're looking for a new series to get into, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed.

Not having any knowledge of golf truly placed me at a significant disadvantage. It was rather unfortunate. Additionally, the fact that the book took the Lord's name in vain made it an unenjoyable read for me. As a result, I found myself only able to skim through this particular book. I couldn't fully engage with it due to these two main reasons. The lack of understanding about golf prevented me from grasping certain aspects that might have added to the overall experience. And the inappropriate use of the Lord's name was a major turn-off. It made me feel uncomfortable and less inclined to invest my time and effort in reading the book thoroughly. So, in the end, I could only give it a cursory glance.

This was a truly quick, light, and fun read.

It was a story that had the power to make you burst into happy laughter out loud.

The narrative was engaging from the very beginning, filled with charming characters and humorous situations.

As you turned the pages, you couldn't help but get swept away by the light-hearted atmosphere.

The author's writing style was so vivid that you could easily picture each scene in your mind.

It was the kind of story that you could pick up when you needed a break from the stresses of life and simply enjoy a moment of pure entertainment.

Whether you were reading it on a sunny afternoon or before going to bed at night, it was guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

Overall, it was a delightful and enjoyable read that left you feeling uplifted and happy.

Geezer dreamin'. Guys age but sports dreams do not. James Patterson's ghost writer (can Patterson even keep up with reading his "output"?) spins a straight-forward sports fantasy for the menopausal set. Our fifty-year-old hero finds himself cast aside by a family and a major conglomerate marketing outlet that no longer requires his service.

Fate then steps in to magically and dramatically improve his putting to the point where he competes against golf greats of yesteryear, including The Golden Bear - Jack Nicklaus - himself. There are some ups and downs, but largely this is like a kid on his elementary school playground alone, hitting a shot and yelling "and the crowd goes wild."

A subplot involves the protagonist Travis McKinley also trying to get his wife Sarah back. She has so clearly outgrown him that you half-heartedly root for him to just let her go. She could do so much better. To some extent, the kids could as well, but that seems a little cynical.

The journeyman writing is clear enough and presents enough description to follow along. The very brief length comes off as about right given not that much happens. One questions whether people really play golf on Christmas in Illinois (don't all the courses close like a month before?), but there's no point in quibbling given how unrealistic the rest of the tale is.

In short, meh, not that much reward, but then again, not much of an investment.

What a truly enjoyable read this was!

It was so engaging that I found myself having to consult my husband about the meaning of certain terms. This not only enhanced my understanding of the story but also provided an opportunity for me to share it with him.

The interaction with my husband while discussing the story added an extra layer of enjoyment. It was wonderful to be able to have that shared experience and exchange of ideas.

I look forward to reading more such interesting pieces in the future and continuing to have these great conversations with my loved ones.

Overall, it was a great read that brought both entertainment and a sense of connection.

This was a quick read, feel good book.

It was the kind of story that you could breeze through in a short amount of time and yet come away with a sense of satisfaction.

I found myself completely invested in the character of Travis.

Throughout the entire book, I was rooting for him with all my heart.

His goal was to win a golf tournament, which seemed like a daunting task.

But more importantly, he also wanted to win back his wife's affection.

The relationship between Travis and his wife was a central theme of the book, and it was both touching and relatable.

As I read, I couldn't help but hope that Travis would succeed in both of his endeavors.

The author did a great job of creating a likable protagonist and a storyline that kept me engaged from start to finish.

This is definitely a book that I would recommend to anyone looking for a lighthearted and enjoyable read.

If you are in search of the typical Alex Cross story, this isn't it. However, if you desire something a bit distinct from the regular Patterson offerings, then this is a great read. This book is more akin to "Sam's letters to Jennifer", filled with hope and inspiration.

Travis McKinley has spent over twenty years toiling as an advertising copywriter in a job he detests. He leads a life of quiet despondency as he witnesses himself becoming a casualty of a faltering economy and his own lack of achievement. At the age of 50, he is ultimately let go by his company as they battle the economic downturn. Now, he must determine where his future will take him.

To compound his misfortunes, his marriage is also on the decline. His wife, Sarah, is a highly respected obstetrician and adjunct professor at the University of Chicago Medical Center. She has been the main breadwinner for the family, and their lives have been diverging.

One Christmas morning, Travis finds himself golfing on the frozen ground at a local country club, and everything clicks. Travis, a lifelong golfer, is having the round of his life as all aspects of his game come together. Nevertheless, he is two hours late for Christmas dinner, and Sarah is extremely displeased. But a decision has been made: Travis is going to Q-School to attempt to qualify for the Senior PGA golf tour. Through hard work and some fortunate breaks along the way, he is successful and earns the prize of being able to participate in all the Senior Tour tournaments in the upcoming season. However, a call home to his wife to share his success brings only disconcerting news.

With his home life in shambles, Travis commences the tour, hoping that some success will assist in mending the fractures in a troubled marriage. As Travis begins play at the PGA Senior Open at Pebble Beach, he may require a miracle to salvage all that he holds dear.

I appreciate the way the story incorporates actual professional golfers from the time period of the story. This enhances the realism and the tension as the story unfolds.

Certainly, this is a departure from what James Patterson (co-written with Peter De Jonge) typically writes, but it is interesting to see a writer explore new genres. This is truly a story of inspiration and a challenge to pursue your dreams regardless of where you are in life. If the reader can resist pigeonholing Patterson, this is a very enjoyable read. It is also a quick read, as it is only 149 pages.

A golfer’s book but a good read anyway.

It may seem that this book is only for golf enthusiasts, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

Despite its golf-related theme, it offers much more than just tips and techniques for the game.

The author has managed to create a story that is engaging and entertaining, even for those who know nothing about golf.

The writing is concise and to the point, yet it still manages to convey a wealth of information and emotion.

It's a short and sweet read that you can easily finish in a single sitting.

Whether you're a golfer looking for some inspiration or just someone who enjoys a good book, this one is definitely worth checking out.

You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

I have a great passion for watching gold on TV and I also take great pleasure in reading sports stories. Travis McKinley, at the age of 50, finds his life rather frustrating. He and his wife are on the verge of separation, and he blames himself for it. Moreover, he really doesn't like writing commercials.

On Christmas morning, something unexpected happens. He accidentally loses track of time on his regular golf course, but surprisingly, he has an outstanding golf game, the best he has ever had on that course. However, he misses Christmas dinner, yet he can't forget the glorious feeling he experienced on the course.

The day after the Christmas vacation, when he goes back to work, he receives the news that he is being fired. Acting on impulse, he withdraws $3,000 from his savings account and reserves a spot for himself at the PGA Q School. His golfing buddies are skeptical and don't think he has a chance, and his wife even asks him where he wants his mail sent.

At school, he meets a fellow golfer and agrees to be his caddie and sports psychologist. Travis and Earl then embark on a nail-biting journey to Pebble Beach. This is truly one of the most heartwarming books I have read in a long while. I don't know much about Patterson's co-writer Peter De Jong, but it's evident that he knows golf very well. This book is a fast and enjoyable read that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

This was a truly enjoyable and effortless read.

It is always a source of great delight when the authors whom I hold in high regard pen something that deviates from the characters within their typical fictional universes.

It offers a refreshing change of pace and allows for a new exploration of their creative abilities.

Rather than being confined to the familiar, we are presented with something unexpected and exciting.

This departure from the norm gives us a chance to see the authors in a different light and experience their storytelling in a whole new way.

It makes for a unique and engaging reading experience that keeps us on the edge of our seats and eager to see what they come up with next.

Miracle on the 17th Green had several aspects that I really appreciated.

One of the things I liked the most was that it didn't follow the typical trope of having an 18 - 25 year old protagonist with nothing to lose. Instead, Travis was an older man, with a wife, three kids, and a somewhat stable job. He then decides to pursue a childhood dream, even though his wife completely disapproves and ultimately starts to file for divorce.

This leads me to the part that I disliked the most about the book. While I understand that the wife's reaction was completely reasonable given the circumstances, I wish that the author had made the wife more supportive and had used another character as the obstacle instead. As it is, Travis comes across as a bit of a tool for leaving his family to train in Florida.

Despite this, Patterson's use of real life people and places was a great choice. Since the majority of the readers are likely to be older, they tend to prefer realistic fiction over superpower - filled fantasy fiction. Patterson also used italics throughout the book to highlight important parts, which I found to be a refreshing and useful technique. Overall, I gave this book a 4.5 star rating.