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morgans_lit_life's review against another edition
2.0
If you like thrillers where lots of things happen, you may be disappointed. The pages were dripping with suspense, but I was left high and dry. I'm really debating as to whether I want 2 or 3 stars. Maybe 2.5. The characters' lives were interesting, but as a whole I was also disappointed because I was promised more and some of the plotlines were handled badly. Actually, this isn't the thriller it was marketed as. It's purely suspense with a side dish of nothing happening.
Yes, Tessa's story was interesting. But I was able to get a good idea of what happened, and there was no big reveal to the other women about the crime she committed. So what's the point then, of showing us three or four different women if their stories don't even really intertwine and there are no reveals to them? And then there was the matter of it being a cold case. So her problem just disappears, 1 2 3 poof? I was also disappointed that after we watch one character harbor nasty thoughts about her husband's new wife, she randomly wakes up one day and decides to forgive them! That's how her story is basically solved. I was hoping for a lot more bad behavior from her (for story purposes). Rather than just her stewing over it.
I really wanted to like this and it had a ton of potential. But alas, it wasn't that way.
Yes, Tessa's story was interesting. But I was able to get a good idea of what happened, and there was no big reveal to the other women about the crime she committed. So what's the point then, of showing us three or four different women if their stories don't even really intertwine and there are no reveals to them? And then there was the matter of it being a cold case. So her problem just disappears, 1 2 3 poof? I was also disappointed that after we watch one character harbor nasty thoughts about her husband's new wife, she randomly wakes up one day and decides to forgive them! That's how her story is basically solved. I was hoping for a lot more bad behavior from her (for story purposes). Rather than just her stewing over it.
I really wanted to like this and it had a ton of potential. But alas, it wasn't that way.
gleeful_vector_of_chaos's review against another edition
4.0
This was surprisingly enjoyable considering the plot was pretty much just: domestic drama of rich people. But it was surprisingly funny at times, all the characters were thoroughly engaging, and all had nice growth.
whatsheread's review against another edition
I have had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Pekkanen once or twice, and she is truly the loveliest person. So, it always slays me when I am not able to gush about one of her novels. I do not want to hurt her feelings in any way, but I have to be honest. Such is the case with The Perfect Neighbors.
In all honesty, The Perfect Neighbors is not her best novel. There is a lack of mystery and action throughout the story that lessens the pleasure one gains from reading it. The entire premise is a bit tedious. After all, it should be no surprise to anyone that we never really know what is happening in other people’s lives, whether they are our best friends or passing acquaintances. The secrets that the neighbors of Newport Cove keep are also no great surprise, as they touch on the same tropes we see in almost every women’s fiction novel. The entire novel feels flat and just a bit bored with itself, and there are even times where it feels as if Ms. Pekkanen threw in a problem because she did not know what else to write.
What Ms. Pekkanen does do well in all of her novels, and The Perfect Neighbors is no exception, is capture the emotional realities of life. Most readers will be able to relate to surly teenagers and the chaos of the morning routine. Working moms will recognize the guilt and pressure to be a supermom. All of her characters are enjoyable and honest.
Yet, in The Perfect Neighbors, her characters are not very relatable to the general public. The general wealth of the neighborhood and their collective successes at whatever they set out to do makes this more a fairy tale than real life for most readers. There are none of the sticky issues the main readership faces – like being able to pay the bills or buy groceries, nasty divorce proceedings, not being able to find employment, etc. While Tessa has the most realistic problems of the bunch, the reveal is anticlimactic. The fact that she is able to get away with her actions makes for a good story but forces the story to lose any gravitas gained by the serious nature of her particular secret.
At the end of the day, The Perfect Neighbors is escapist literature and nothing more. No one is going to have an epiphany reading it. Instead, readers are going to read it and pretend that their biggest problems in life are as relatively simple as Kellie’s, Susan’s, and Gigi’s. In Tessa, Ms. Pekkanen tries to bring in a more serious note but fails due to the offhanded method by which she resolves that particular crisis. In short, the novel is wishful thinking at its finest. If you love that sort of thing, then The Perfect Neighbors is an excellent choice for a summer read.
In all honesty, The Perfect Neighbors is not her best novel. There is a lack of mystery and action throughout the story that lessens the pleasure one gains from reading it. The entire premise is a bit tedious. After all, it should be no surprise to anyone that we never really know what is happening in other people’s lives, whether they are our best friends or passing acquaintances. The secrets that the neighbors of Newport Cove keep are also no great surprise, as they touch on the same tropes we see in almost every women’s fiction novel. The entire novel feels flat and just a bit bored with itself, and there are even times where it feels as if Ms. Pekkanen threw in a problem because she did not know what else to write.
What Ms. Pekkanen does do well in all of her novels, and The Perfect Neighbors is no exception, is capture the emotional realities of life. Most readers will be able to relate to surly teenagers and the chaos of the morning routine. Working moms will recognize the guilt and pressure to be a supermom. All of her characters are enjoyable and honest.
Yet, in The Perfect Neighbors, her characters are not very relatable to the general public. The general wealth of the neighborhood and their collective successes at whatever they set out to do makes this more a fairy tale than real life for most readers. There are none of the sticky issues the main readership faces – like being able to pay the bills or buy groceries, nasty divorce proceedings, not being able to find employment, etc. While Tessa has the most realistic problems of the bunch, the reveal is anticlimactic. The fact that she is able to get away with her actions makes for a good story but forces the story to lose any gravitas gained by the serious nature of her particular secret.
At the end of the day, The Perfect Neighbors is escapist literature and nothing more. No one is going to have an epiphany reading it. Instead, readers are going to read it and pretend that their biggest problems in life are as relatively simple as Kellie’s, Susan’s, and Gigi’s. In Tessa, Ms. Pekkanen tries to bring in a more serious note but fails due to the offhanded method by which she resolves that particular crisis. In short, the novel is wishful thinking at its finest. If you love that sort of thing, then The Perfect Neighbors is an excellent choice for a summer read.
lucylovesreading's review against another edition
4.0
How well do you know your neighbors? Kelli, Susan and Gigi are all friends in one of the 20 safest neighborhoods in the US. When a new family moves in and a new girl, Tessa, joins their circle they start to realize that everyone has secrets.
Some people are dealing with infidelity, divorce, long held secrets, and secrets that could ruin families.
The book unfurls slowly, giving you little nuggets of information as the chapters switch between the 4 woman. Chapter after chapter the suspense builds in all their lives and lead to a satisfying end.
Some people are dealing with infidelity, divorce, long held secrets, and secrets that could ruin families.
The book unfurls slowly, giving you little nuggets of information as the chapters switch between the 4 woman. Chapter after chapter the suspense builds in all their lives and lead to a satisfying end.
suspensethrill's review against another edition
4.0
Secrets– we all have them. This book is somewhat reminiscent of Desperate Housewives in a much classier format; think not all the raunchy sex and meaningless drama. These four women who are neighbors all have a secret side to life that the other ladies aren’t privilege to, some more juicy than others, but all were exciting to read about. Kellie is just returning to work after being a stay at home mom for over a decade; she’s married with two kids and trying to juggle life outside of the domestic arena which has her excited and nervous. Susan, who is a single mom, is the owner of a successful business and on the surface seems to have it together. Gigi also has two children and is married to a politician on the up and up; perfectly polished in every way. Tessa is the new neighbor, the one who doesn’t quite seem to jibe with the others and is the most mysterious of all.
I loved how there were little segments of the online newsletter from the community thrown in at the beginning of some chapters! They made me laugh and were totally relatable as our neighborhood does similar messages with many of the same laughable topics and drama. I think this kept some lightness throughout the book and kept a smile on my face.
The format of this novel was very satisfactory to me; I loved how each woman’s story was unveiled individually and we all were witnessing it on the sidelines. I had the opportunity to see how the families interacted in daily life as well as the private life of each lady. Each story was interesting in its own way, but I think Gigi’s was the most buzz worthy, as it likely would be in real life due to her family being “news worthy” and in the spotlight. I think as a parent of girls I could empathize with her struggles with her daughter Melanie and made me really think on how to make sure I keep a close relationship with both of my girls. Kellie was like a train derailing; you could see from early on what was going to happen but couldn’t look away. Susan’s story made me really sad; I think everyone who reads this book will be broken hearted for her. It was very well written but I think her segment was my least favorite to read as it was just so depressing. Tessa, while not very likable, was still relatable for me as I remember going through the colicky baby stage and sleep deprivation and thinking/feeling things that made me question my own sanity. I can’t condone her actions but it made me a little more able to relate to her and see how she could become the person that she did.
In regards to writing, I think this may be Sarah’s best book yet! Highly recommended for fans of Women’s Fiction, especially those who love a good domestic drama.
*I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I loved how there were little segments of the online newsletter from the community thrown in at the beginning of some chapters! They made me laugh and were totally relatable as our neighborhood does similar messages with many of the same laughable topics and drama. I think this kept some lightness throughout the book and kept a smile on my face.
The format of this novel was very satisfactory to me; I loved how each woman’s story was unveiled individually and we all were witnessing it on the sidelines. I had the opportunity to see how the families interacted in daily life as well as the private life of each lady. Each story was interesting in its own way, but I think Gigi’s was the most buzz worthy, as it likely would be in real life due to her family being “news worthy” and in the spotlight. I think as a parent of girls I could empathize with her struggles with her daughter Melanie and made me really think on how to make sure I keep a close relationship with both of my girls. Kellie was like a train derailing; you could see from early on what was going to happen but couldn’t look away. Susan’s story made me really sad; I think everyone who reads this book will be broken hearted for her. It was very well written but I think her segment was my least favorite to read as it was just so depressing. Tessa, while not very likable, was still relatable for me as I remember going through the colicky baby stage and sleep deprivation and thinking/feeling things that made me question my own sanity. I can’t condone her actions but it made me a little more able to relate to her and see how she could become the person that she did.
In regards to writing, I think this may be Sarah’s best book yet! Highly recommended for fans of Women’s Fiction, especially those who love a good domestic drama.
*I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
jes77librarian's review against another edition
5.0
Pekkanen writes marriage and friendship well. The Perfect Neighbors is no exception. Each of the 4 women have a secret, some darker than others, but each secret keeps the women from feeling safe in "one of the 20 safest neighborhoods."
I appreciate the different points of view on safety throughout the book. In old age, friendship, marriage, our children and even our jobs.
A quick read and one that kept me up late at night and up early to finish.
I appreciate the different points of view on safety throughout the book. In old age, friendship, marriage, our children and even our jobs.
A quick read and one that kept me up late at night and up early to finish.
justacatandabook's review against another edition
3.0
Newport Cove is one of those perfect neighborhoods, where the neighbors all look out for each other, the parents and children are all friends, and the crime rate is historically low. However, for a small group of neighborhood women, things aren't always what they seem. Kellie has just returned to work after a long stint as a stay-at-home mom. She's busy adjusting to her new life-- and the attention of her handsome (and married) new co-worker. Kellie's neighbor, Susan, is a successful businesswoman. But she's also reeling from her divorce; she can't seem to stop stalking her ex-husband and his new girlfriend (Susan's ex-friend). Gigi, their friend, has a great life - two beautiful daughters and a handsome husband who is running for Congress - but her husband's Campaign Manager seems determined to unearth all her secrets, and her eldest daughter, Melanie, has turned into a sullen, unresponsive grump. And finally, a new family moves to the neighborhood. Tessa and her family seem to fit right in at first. But the women quickly notice that something seems "off" about Tessa and her husband. What exactly are they hiding?
This was an interesting book, to say the least. The central theme is clearly "everyone has secrets" - we are hit over the head with this several times. However, Kellie, Susan, and Gigi are just your average suburban moms, and their lives are pretty straightforward. Some inappropriate crushes, issues moving on, maybe one of them smokes a little pot once in a while. Nothing too insane. Tessa's secret is of a much larger caliber and, honestly, her entire storyline was pretty preposterous and unbelievable to me. I won't go much deeper than that, as to avoid spoilers, but the juxtaposition of Tessa versus sweet Kellie, who just wants to flirt a little, is a little ridiculous.
The book is told from the perspective of each character and in very short snippets at that. As such, it takes a while to sort out who is who and get invested in the characters. The technique of revealing such small details does allow for the building of suspense, I'll give you that. While Tessa's plot is a little crazy, it's certainly suspenseful and had me turning pages rather rapidly. The book does a good job at mocking the idea of these "idyllic neighborhoods" - one my favorite parts was the opening of each chapter, which featured pieces of the neighborhood's listserv (email) postings. They were quite humorous and a great commentary on society as a whole.
Overall, though, I just wanted to like this book more than I did. I was intrigued the entire time by Tessa's story, but then bothered by the craziness of how that turned out. Kellie's storyline bugged me because I just didn't think she was such a terrible person as she was made out to be. My favorite character was probably Susan. I liked pieces of each of them and enjoyed their stories, but overall, I just felt something lacking at the end of this one. Still, it was an entertaining read, with plenty of suspense thrown in.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Edelweiss (thank you); it is available everywhere as of 07/05/2016.
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This was an interesting book, to say the least. The central theme is clearly "everyone has secrets" - we are hit over the head with this several times. However, Kellie, Susan, and Gigi are just your average suburban moms, and their lives are pretty straightforward. Some inappropriate crushes, issues moving on, maybe one of them smokes a little pot once in a while. Nothing too insane. Tessa's secret is of a much larger caliber and, honestly, her entire storyline was pretty preposterous and unbelievable to me. I won't go much deeper than that, as to avoid spoilers, but the juxtaposition of Tessa versus sweet Kellie, who just wants to flirt a little, is a little ridiculous.
The book is told from the perspective of each character and in very short snippets at that. As such, it takes a while to sort out who is who and get invested in the characters. The technique of revealing such small details does allow for the building of suspense, I'll give you that. While Tessa's plot is a little crazy, it's certainly suspenseful and had me turning pages rather rapidly. The book does a good job at mocking the idea of these "idyllic neighborhoods" - one my favorite parts was the opening of each chapter, which featured pieces of the neighborhood's listserv (email) postings. They were quite humorous and a great commentary on society as a whole.
Overall, though, I just wanted to like this book more than I did. I was intrigued the entire time by Tessa's story, but then bothered by the craziness of how that turned out. Kellie's storyline bugged me because I just didn't think she was such a terrible person as she was made out to be. My favorite character was probably Susan. I liked pieces of each of them and enjoyed their stories, but overall, I just felt something lacking at the end of this one. Still, it was an entertaining read, with plenty of suspense thrown in.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Edelweiss (thank you); it is available everywhere as of 07/05/2016.
My Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
themaddiest's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this one. Rich, multi-layered characters, emotional authenticity, and a fair bit of humor.
stephaniesbookreviews's review against another edition
3.0
I received a copy of this title from NetGalley. It does not impact my review.
Perfect Neighbors focuses on four women living in a small tight-knit community. From the outside their lives all seem pretty perfect, but behind closed doors things aren’t quite as wonderful. Kellie’s attractive new co-worker makes her notice all the flaws in her husband and maybe her little crush is getting out of hand. Susan is a successful business owner, but her divorce was full of betrayal and she’s still carrying around the bitterness, which her young son is beginning to notice. Gigi has a slightly out of control teenage daughter and her husband is running for congress – and her past is not quite as pristine as the campaign manager may hope. Tessa recently moved her family to the neighborhood to try and forget the mistakes of her past. Throughout the book we get each of their perspectives, as well as snippets of community-wide e-mails from the other residents of the neighborhood which really helped the story maintain a light-hearted tone when it threatened to get a little heavy.
The character development of this novel is superb! I really felt like I got to know and care about all the characters. There wasn’t even really one perspective I preferred to the others. They were all interesting, often compelling, and I had an emotional attachment to each of them. I also loved that they were all so different.
Where it lacked a little bit for me was the “secrets.” From the synopsis I was expecting a lot of intrigue and twists and surprises, but I didn’t really get any. Even Tessa’s secret is pretty obvious from the beginning, though the how is revealed slowly throughout the story and did a good job of still building some tension. Other than the setting and the friendship between the four main characters, there wasn’t anything that really tied their plot lines together.
Overall, The Perfect Neighbors was an enjoyable read. Though it lacked a little in terms of plot for me, the character development really makes up for it. I definitely wouldn’t mind reading more about these characters, who feel like friends. I would recommend this to fans of really character-driven novels.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3.5 Stars
Perfect Neighbors focuses on four women living in a small tight-knit community. From the outside their lives all seem pretty perfect, but behind closed doors things aren’t quite as wonderful. Kellie’s attractive new co-worker makes her notice all the flaws in her husband and maybe her little crush is getting out of hand. Susan is a successful business owner, but her divorce was full of betrayal and she’s still carrying around the bitterness, which her young son is beginning to notice. Gigi has a slightly out of control teenage daughter and her husband is running for congress – and her past is not quite as pristine as the campaign manager may hope. Tessa recently moved her family to the neighborhood to try and forget the mistakes of her past. Throughout the book we get each of their perspectives, as well as snippets of community-wide e-mails from the other residents of the neighborhood which really helped the story maintain a light-hearted tone when it threatened to get a little heavy.
The character development of this novel is superb! I really felt like I got to know and care about all the characters. There wasn’t even really one perspective I preferred to the others. They were all interesting, often compelling, and I had an emotional attachment to each of them. I also loved that they were all so different.
Where it lacked a little bit for me was the “secrets.” From the synopsis I was expecting a lot of intrigue and twists and surprises, but I didn’t really get any. Even Tessa’s secret is pretty obvious from the beginning, though the how is revealed slowly throughout the story and did a good job of still building some tension. Other than the setting and the friendship between the four main characters, there wasn’t anything that really tied their plot lines together.
Overall, The Perfect Neighbors was an enjoyable read. Though it lacked a little in terms of plot for me, the character development really makes up for it. I definitely wouldn’t mind reading more about these characters, who feel like friends. I would recommend this to fans of really character-driven novels.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3.5 Stars
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