aschae's review against another edition
5.0
A moving, incredible book for every woman who has ever felt a moment of unappreciation, exhaustion or of just never being enough. Not for the weak of heart, we get a glimpse into the lives on Oleander Way... Following four different women throughout each of their own daily private struggles to be a wife and mother, providing for their families while getting so little in return - all while upholding the image they have created about their perfect lives. Jo, Ellie, Shayla, and June, each dealing with their own private turmoil, never finding a moments peace or an outlet for the growing pain inside them.
I can't imagine there isn't a woman or mother alive who could not connect with this story on some personal level. We get a glimpse into four not-so-perfect lives and witness the heartbreak of a woman finally losing it. Incredibly painful yet such a beautiful story, I was brought to tears at not only the struggle and loss but of the strength of those who held on and found the good in their lives.
Highly recommended ~ First book by this author and can't wait to see what's next!
I can't imagine there isn't a woman or mother alive who could not connect with this story on some personal level. We get a glimpse into four not-so-perfect lives and witness the heartbreak of a woman finally losing it. Incredibly painful yet such a beautiful story, I was brought to tears at not only the struggle and loss but of the strength of those who held on and found the good in their lives.
Highly recommended ~ First book by this author and can't wait to see what's next!
phdee's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kookie9200's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley, first off, for allowing me to read and review this book. What a book it was! This is one of the best books I've read in a while. The characters were dynamic, flawed, and human, which in fiction is imperative. No one is perfect all the time, even if they try to keep up appearances that they are.
This book is about four women that appear to have the perfect life, but underneath the varnish of the great neighborhood, there are deep, dark secrets that threaten their families, and even lives. At its heart, it's also about the struggles of being a mother, and I loved how it wasn't sugarcoated with the usual platitudes. Crane didn't shy away from the loneliness, or the frustration, or the darkness that can come with being a stay at home mom. I could relate to some of these themes, being a SAHM myself. This book shows the sides of motherhood that aren't often talked about, or written about.
As the main characters struggle with varying factors from mental illness, autism, infidelity, and so on, you can feel the darkness creeping closer. The pace of the book is consistent, and the twist at the end is a good one! I wasn't expecting it, but in the context of the whole novel, it made sense. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a good thriller!
This book is about four women that appear to have the perfect life, but underneath the varnish of the great neighborhood, there are deep, dark secrets that threaten their families, and even lives. At its heart, it's also about the struggles of being a mother, and I loved how it wasn't sugarcoated with the usual platitudes. Crane didn't shy away from the loneliness, or the frustration, or the darkness that can come with being a stay at home mom. I could relate to some of these themes, being a SAHM myself. This book shows the sides of motherhood that aren't often talked about, or written about.
As the main characters struggle with varying factors from mental illness, autism, infidelity, and so on, you can feel the darkness creeping closer. The pace of the book is consistent, and the twist at the end is a good one! I wasn't expecting it, but in the context of the whole novel, it made sense. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a good thriller!
zawicki's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
mandylovestoread's review
5.0
Wow... this book really makes you think. As a mother there were so many feelings and emotions that the women in this book felt that were all too close to home. Feelings that make us all human and real. Scary how easily something can click and tradgey strikes.
The stories in this book come from real life, families that struggle, women who lose themselves, kids that take over. I think that anybody reading this book will feel some connection to the characters.
Thank you Pamela Crane for writing such a thought provoking and powerful book. And thank you for allowing me to be part of it by reading it
The stories in this book come from real life, families that struggle, women who lose themselves, kids that take over. I think that anybody reading this book will feel some connection to the characters.
Thank you Pamela Crane for writing such a thought provoking and powerful book. And thank you for allowing me to be part of it by reading it
kaylasreads22's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
susanfig's review
5.0
Another great read by a favorite author!!
Being a mom of 4 grown children it hasn’t been that long that they’ve been adults that I have forgotten how hectic and sometimes downright insane the young years are. This story reminds us that not all moms have the support system they need. It’s up to all of us to listen to each other and lift each other up instead of criticizing another mother’s choice. We are all in this together - as they say children don’t come with manuals. All of the moms in this story are trying their best with each of their situations. It was a great read, and I have enjoyed all of Pamela Crane’s books, this one may be my favorite.
Being a mom of 4 grown children it hasn’t been that long that they’ve been adults that I have forgotten how hectic and sometimes downright insane the young years are. This story reminds us that not all moms have the support system they need. It’s up to all of us to listen to each other and lift each other up instead of criticizing another mother’s choice. We are all in this together - as they say children don’t come with manuals. All of the moms in this story are trying their best with each of their situations. It was a great read, and I have enjoyed all of Pamela Crane’s books, this one may be my favorite.