306 reviews for:

The Wife App

Carolyn Mackler

3.58 AVERAGE

lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A really creative look at the emotional labor women do and an option solve it. Filled with love and laughter as well as good friends. 
emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A
challenging emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

General disclaimer if you’ve read other reviews by me and are noticing a pattern: You’re correct that I don’t really give starred reviews, I feel like a peasant and don’t like leaving them and most often, I will only leave them if I vehemently despised a book. Thus, no stars doesn’t indicate that the book wasn’t worthy of any starred system. It just means I enjoy most books for what they are, & I extract lessons from them all, even if the lesson is that I’m a ho for the smut, recognizing a genre/book/author is not for me, or confronting my own mommy/daddy issues lol. Everyone’s reading experiences are subjective, so I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Happy reading! Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial

  • contemporary fiction
  • three friends drunkenly think of an idea to monetize the free labor that wives/mothers do
  • this is Carolyn's first adult novel, & I found the premise to be intriguing but I would have liked possibly one third-person POV instead of three 
  • I can't stand that the patriarchy is this strong, that I felt like the men in this book authentically represented millions of cishet men globally -- how sad is that? NoT aLL mEn but honestly, enough/majority of them.... Idk, maybe Thanos had it right but he just needed to direct it at 99% of the cishet male population, just my .02 :)
  • cw: misogyny, infidelity, sexism, classism, toxic relationships

I'd say this is a fun little beach read because you can read a few chapters, set it down without having to know what happens next & then pick it back up on the airplane ride home. It's an easy enough premise to follow, & you're rooting for the main character's success. 


"The Wife App" by Carolyn Mackler is a delightful and entertaining novel that explores the themes of friendship, empowerment, and the complexities of modern relationships. With a mix of humor and heartwarming moments, Mackler delivers a story that captivates readers from start to finish.

Three close friends—Lauren, Madeline, and Sophie—who felt neglected by their ex-husbands resolve to take charge of their lives in the novel. They develop an app that immediately becomes the buzz of New York City, driven by a desire to commercialize the mental burden of a wife. The results, however, take an unexpected turn when life and love step in, resulting in personal growth and a celebration of female friendship.

One of the highlights of "The Wife App" is the portrayal of the strong bond between the three main characters. Mackler skillfully captures the essence of female friendship, showcasing the support, loyalty, and understanding that exists among these women. Their camaraderie serves as a driving force throughout the novel, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

Mackler's writing style is engaging and filled with humor, making the book a pleasure to read. The witty dialogue and clever plot twists keep the reader entertained and invested in the characters' journeys. The author successfully balances the lighthearted moments with more serious themes, such as personal tragedies and self-discovery, creating a well-rounded narrative that appeals to a wide range of readers.

While the initial grouchiness of the women may be off-putting to some readers, it is important to note that their characters evolve and become more relatable as the story progresses. The transformation of the women is a key aspect of the book, allowing readers to witness their growth and empathize with their struggles.

Overall, "The Wife App" is a highly enjoyable novel that combines humor, friendship, and self-discovery in a refreshing and engaging manner. Carolyn Mackler's debut into adult fiction is a success, demonstrating her talent for storytelling and her ability to craft compelling characters. I would highly recommend this book to readers who appreciate women's fiction and stories that celebrate the power of friendship.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Netgalley, Simon & Schuster, and Carolyn Mackler for providing me with an eARC of "The Wife App" in exchange for an honest review.
funny lighthearted medium-paced
adventurous emotional inspiring slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A
funny inspiring medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

I don't think I was expecting to love this one as much as I did. I thought the concept of the Wife App was so interesting and I was rooting for the women the whole time. This really did highlight female friendships as well as the importance of a woman's role not only in a marriage but in life. I kept cheering for Lauren every time something went well. I liked how this was paced and I really enjoyed the alternating POV's from all three women.  I liked that this showcased different ways to be a wife or a mother and that there isn't just one right way. I thought this was sharp and I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you to Simon Books for the ARC to read and review!