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sheamaryfitz's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Overall, this was a good read. I liked the characters and the storyline was engaging. The Perfect Neighbors felt different to me than a lot of Pekkanen’s other novels, though. It seemed like it was trying to be suspenseful with Tessa and Harry’s storyline, but the suspense fell somewhat flat and mostly felt like an afterthought. I’ve read other reviews comparing this to Desperate Housewives and I would likely agree with that. I enjoyed that show and I enjoyed this book. I’m a fan of Pekkanen, and this book is no different.
Overall, this was a good read. I liked the characters and the storyline was engaging. The Perfect Neighbors felt different to me than a lot of Pekkanen’s other novels, though. It seemed like it was trying to be suspenseful with Tessa and Harry’s storyline, but the suspense fell somewhat flat and mostly felt like an afterthought. I’ve read other reviews comparing this to Desperate Housewives and I would likely agree with that. I enjoyed that show and I enjoyed this book. I’m a fan of Pekkanen, and this book is no different.
alstrath's review against another edition
5.0
A great book where all the women in the story seem to be perfect. As the story develops, we learn each one's terrible secret. Likeable characters and I enjoyed how they developed and resolved their issues.
rebecca_isreading's review against another edition
4.0
This author's writing ranks up there with the most popular of the women's fiction writers, but she seems to fly a bit under the radar. I have enjoyed all her books, and this is definitely a well written, interesting one. I struggle with how I feel about some of the secrets that were revealed- it took the longest to reveal Tessa's, and as a mother and a human being I understand the complicated situation she was in, but struggle with the choices made. There is much in this that would inspire conversations and make it good for book clubs.
Advance reading copy provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest opinion.
Advance reading copy provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest opinion.
njm1993's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
susemcdonald's review against another edition
3.0
This is the first novel I've read from Sarah Pekkanen even though I have a couple of her books in my library. There were some aspects of the story that I found somewhat implausible and I found her writing somewhat stilted. However, an enjoyable easy read and a solid 3 stars.
bookally's review against another edition
3.0
This book follows a neighborhood of people and the their secrets and dramas. The book has two time lines for one of the characters Tess and it shows what happened leading up to her moving to that neighborhood and then the present time line.
I did really enjoy this book and I can totally see the comparison to desperate housewives and I could totally see this as a programme or a movie. It had great drama and was really entertaining
The downfall for me with this one is that to me none of the characters really stood out. I found myself getting confused with who was who at times as there were a lot of characters to follow.
Other than that it was a good read and I am keen to pick up more from this author
I did really enjoy this book and I can totally see the comparison to desperate housewives and I could totally see this as a programme or a movie. It had great drama and was really entertaining
The downfall for me with this one is that to me none of the characters really stood out. I found myself getting confused with who was who at times as there were a lot of characters to follow.
Other than that it was a good read and I am keen to pick up more from this author
booksuperpower's review against another edition
4.0
The Perfect Neighbors by Sarah Pekkanen is a 2016 Washington Square Press publication.
This is one of those authors I stumbled across reading those Booklist suggestions from the library. I can’t believe I’ve never read any of Sarah Pekkanen’s novels, but now that I have, I will be adding more.
The ‘municipality’ of Newport Cove is one of the safest neighborhoods in the United States. The residents have a Listserv board to share complaints, suggestions, rules, or ask for help with something, and those posts are often hilarious.
The community really is ideal, which is why Tessa and her husband, Harry, along with their young children picked it….. well, one of the reasons.
As we spy of the fine folks in Newport Cove, we meet Susan, Kellie, and Gigi, who welcomes Tessa into their neighborhood with open arms and try to include her in their group. As the story progresses, we learn that Susan is career oriented, dealing with the emotional pain of divorce, and is a dedicated mom. Gigi’s husband is running for public office and her teenage daughter has turned into someone she barely knows. Kellie, after years of being a stay at home mom, has begun working again and is enjoying the challenge and a little attention from her boss.
But, little do they know that their new neighbors are harboring a huge secret, the magnitude of which would shock them and their community to the core.
I loved this book! If you like sudsy drama, a little bit of dark humor, and getting an open invitation to join in the complicated and emotional lives of female friendships, which I do, then you will enjoy this book. Each character has a compelling storyline, each one dealing with something that fits the stage of the life they are going through. I loved watching them grow and learn from their various trials and see each of them come away stronger and more fulfilled than when we first met them, as well as maintaining their close friendships with one another.
I enjoyed getting to know each of these women, although Tessa’s story was not fleshed out as much as I thought it could or should have been, but I did love the mystery and think maybe Tessa will be able to move forward on a more balanced footing from here on out.
All in all, this book and will take you away from your own worries and troubles while you chide, cheer for, and relate to these awesome women as they navigate through the perils and triumphs of life.
4 stars
This is one of those authors I stumbled across reading those Booklist suggestions from the library. I can’t believe I’ve never read any of Sarah Pekkanen’s novels, but now that I have, I will be adding more.
The ‘municipality’ of Newport Cove is one of the safest neighborhoods in the United States. The residents have a Listserv board to share complaints, suggestions, rules, or ask for help with something, and those posts are often hilarious.
The community really is ideal, which is why Tessa and her husband, Harry, along with their young children picked it….. well, one of the reasons.
As we spy of the fine folks in Newport Cove, we meet Susan, Kellie, and Gigi, who welcomes Tessa into their neighborhood with open arms and try to include her in their group. As the story progresses, we learn that Susan is career oriented, dealing with the emotional pain of divorce, and is a dedicated mom. Gigi’s husband is running for public office and her teenage daughter has turned into someone she barely knows. Kellie, after years of being a stay at home mom, has begun working again and is enjoying the challenge and a little attention from her boss.
But, little do they know that their new neighbors are harboring a huge secret, the magnitude of which would shock them and their community to the core.
I loved this book! If you like sudsy drama, a little bit of dark humor, and getting an open invitation to join in the complicated and emotional lives of female friendships, which I do, then you will enjoy this book. Each character has a compelling storyline, each one dealing with something that fits the stage of the life they are going through. I loved watching them grow and learn from their various trials and see each of them come away stronger and more fulfilled than when we first met them, as well as maintaining their close friendships with one another.
I enjoyed getting to know each of these women, although Tessa’s story was not fleshed out as much as I thought it could or should have been, but I did love the mystery and think maybe Tessa will be able to move forward on a more balanced footing from here on out.
All in all, this book and will take you away from your own worries and troubles while you chide, cheer for, and relate to these awesome women as they navigate through the perils and triumphs of life.
4 stars
teresat's review against another edition
5.0
I have thoroughly enjoyed the books by Sarah Pekkanen that I have read and The Perfect Neighbors is no exception. Living in the idyllic neighborhood are four women who, on the surface, seem to have perfect lives. Each one harbors a secret, though. The book was great fun to read. The characters all engaging and likeable: like women you would want to get to know yourself. Their secrets, and how they hide them/deal with them, make the book quite addictive. There is one secret that we don't quite know the exact details until the end - Pekkanen drops hints and clues throughout - adding a little suspense to the story.
chaos_and_cabernet's review against another edition
4.0
Light, easy, quick read. Totally hokie with the references to pop culture. But I totally enjoyed it. Great escapist reading for a Saturday afternoon.