carlaabra's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. It’s funny with an engaging writing style that doesn’t get too bogged down in description. Light-hearted and doesn’t take itself too seriously, though does take on some hard topics facing women. There are some colorful and hilarious metaphors, the dialogue had me audibly chuckling more than a few times. I loved that the women supported eachother despite their different circumstances. There were a few unexpected plot things but their main purpose was for character development.
However I did NOT like
However I did NOT like
Spoiler
the treatment of Julia as a sex crazed bimbo. She was given a single page backstory to explain it; I felt this could’ve been explored more. Instead she has this miraculous personality change late in the book. Similarly Susan’s man, Nick, does a complete 180 near the end into everything Susan wanted the whole novel. I’m glad that each character did the “right” thing for themselves by the end but the personality changes were hard to believe.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Infertility, Cursing, and Pregnancy
Minor: Car accident
Dysfunctional (and functional!) marriages + lots of challenges over having and raising kids.ginaardito's review against another edition
2.0
Ugh. I was a huge fan of Olivia Goldsmith's First Wives Club and even though this is written by a different author, thought it might be a fun tale of the other side of the coin. I couldn't have been more wrong. Four vapid, self-absorbed women who, each in their own way, cut a married man from the herd and roped him in through deceit and sexual conquest, get together once a month to kvetch about the first wives and whine. This read like a bad soap opera with none of the women experiencing any real growth or moments of self-realization. The razor sharp wit described in the blurb is non-existent. The only time I laughed was when one of the protagonists got hit by a car. And that was because I was thrilled to see at least one of these catty broads got knocked down. A miserable read.
sunshineariel's review
3.0
Like most books with several main characters, the switching between each of their stories was a little confusing, especially at first before I got everyone straight. It seemed very realistic, which was reassuring. Sad in a few parts, and not a happy ending for everyone, but that's reality. A little more graphic than necessary in parts. Overall a good read.
fionaaaaaa's review
4.0
Follows the lives of 4 friends, whom are 2nd wives. Light-hearted, funny, an enjoyable read
kirstyreadsandcreates's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first book I've read by this author and am impressed. The plot is strong and believable, and the characters are real - I found myself really sympathising with them. The author writes very well and the relationships between the characters and their various step-families are complex and entertaining. I'm with Krystal (fellow reviewer) when she says she ended up liking the bitchy character the most. Julie is completely misunderstood and underneath all her bravado is just the same as the other women. A great read - I couldn't put it down.
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