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johannatrainer's review
4.0
(I got this ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review)
I really enjoyed this book. I admit to craving community, so books about female friendships -especially in the suburbs, where I live- speak to me right now.
The plot is good, the characters well developed. I appreciated the diversity of characters, from their experiences to their backgrounds. I also enjoyed the variety of issues the women faced. The plot felt real. And his book made me want a group of friends like these! I really wanted to read more about them - and that's why I'm giving this book 4 stars instead of 5. I felt the author grazed the surface of each character. I felt quite frustrated about this. I wish it were a series or a bigger book so that we could really dive into the life and feelings of these women ( what it feels like really to go back to work after being a SAHM, what it feels like to be an African American women in what I understand to be a mainly white neighborhood, etc). I wanted more! Still, overall this was a great read.
I really enjoyed this book. I admit to craving community, so books about female friendships -especially in the suburbs, where I live- speak to me right now.
The plot is good, the characters well developed. I appreciated the diversity of characters, from their experiences to their backgrounds. I also enjoyed the variety of issues the women faced. The plot felt real. And his book made me want a group of friends like these! I really wanted to read more about them - and that's why I'm giving this book 4 stars instead of 5. I felt the author grazed the surface of each character. I felt quite frustrated about this. I wish it were a series or a bigger book so that we could really dive into the life and feelings of these women ( what it feels like really to go back to work after being a SAHM, what it feels like to be an African American women in what I understand to be a mainly white neighborhood, etc). I wanted more! Still, overall this was a great read.
haleymilinkov's review
3.0
Easy read and entertaining, but didn’t feel like it wrapped up well. Pretty abrupt
upallnightbookaddict's review against another edition
4.0
This was my first book by this author and I couldn't have been more pleased. This book wasn't the usual dark and twisted book that I tend to gravitate to, which is why I liked it. Sometimes it's good to switch it up some.
The storytelling in this book is very unique. I loved feeling like I was on the outside looking in at these families' lives. And the little neighborhood newsletters were an added treat that made me giggle.
This is definitely an enlightening book on families and the different dynamics that make up individual families. The faces we all put on for others are the same ones we wear behind closed doors. This book is the perfect example of that. No one is perfect and no one has the perfect family. This book is the perfect example to show just that.
The storytelling in this book is very unique. I loved feeling like I was on the outside looking in at these families' lives. And the little neighborhood newsletters were an added treat that made me giggle.
This is definitely an enlightening book on families and the different dynamics that make up individual families. The faces we all put on for others are the same ones we wear behind closed doors. This book is the perfect example of that. No one is perfect and no one has the perfect family. This book is the perfect example to show just that.
jaimeturek1981's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
anneenichole's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
bookishwiles's review
4.0
Newport Cove, a neighborhood of intrigue and drama! Probably not more dramatic then any other neighborhood since everyone has skeletons in their closets but this novel was a juicy and fun portrayal of an idyllic, friendly, American residential block. One of the safest neighborhoods in the country, or is it?
Tessa is a homemaker with two young children, the newest resident of Newport Cove and the character with the most mystery. Throughout the book you are trying to figure out what has happened to uproot this family and you wonder if their past will ever catch up to them.
There is a cast of other awesome women who all have different situations they are dealing with that may be relatable to a large audience of women readers. A recently divorced mom with her own thriving business who is still in love with her ex husband. A politicians wife with an adoring husband, a difficult young teen daughter, and the need to keep a picture perfect mask on while her husband is on the campaign trail. Last there is a recent stay at home mom back on in the career world trying to juggle work, family, and her straining marital relationship.
I really had a lot of fun reading this novel. I can't say is moved me to tears or that I even related to any of the characters very well but it was fun. It was like a short season of Desperate Housewives. That was one of my favorite shows which makes sense why I love this book. There is not a lot of romance (which is fine with me!) because the book focuses more on family, motherhood, and friendship. Not in a way that is terribly deep but it is still very entertaining. I recommend it for anyone who wants a fun drama with a bit of mystery but nothing too serious.
Tessa is a homemaker with two young children, the newest resident of Newport Cove and the character with the most mystery. Throughout the book you are trying to figure out what has happened to uproot this family and you wonder if their past will ever catch up to them.
There is a cast of other awesome women who all have different situations they are dealing with that may be relatable to a large audience of women readers. A recently divorced mom with her own thriving business who is still in love with her ex husband. A politicians wife with an adoring husband, a difficult young teen daughter, and the need to keep a picture perfect mask on while her husband is on the campaign trail. Last there is a recent stay at home mom back on in the career world trying to juggle work, family, and her straining marital relationship.
I really had a lot of fun reading this novel. I can't say is moved me to tears or that I even related to any of the characters very well but it was fun. It was like a short season of Desperate Housewives. That was one of my favorite shows which makes sense why I love this book. There is not a lot of romance (which is fine with me!) because the book focuses more on family, motherhood, and friendship. Not in a way that is terribly deep but it is still very entertaining. I recommend it for anyone who wants a fun drama with a bit of mystery but nothing too serious.
anonymouspageturner's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed this! It was more neighbourhood drama than neighbourhood thriller which I wasn’t expecting but it was really entertaining and well done. It gave me Desperate Housewives vibes and I loved the characters and their storylines. The reason it’s getting 3 stars instead of 4 is, the ending was really disappointing because I felt like something big was building up and then it just ended and I was like WAIT WHAT. Overall, good book, needs a more dramatic ending!
crzdpeeling's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.75