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mbkarapcik's review
4.0
Okay, I found it. The perfect beach read which happens to take place on a beach in Jamaica. It incorporates all the elements of a fun beach read without taxing the brain: a luxurious setting, a reunion, characters who harbor secrets and hidden agendas, marriages that are shaky, storms of the literal and figurative kind and much partying. You get wrapped up in the characters’ lives without getting too serious.
Sure, there’s enough to discuss, but you won’t spend too much time on speculation and more on the fun of it all like you’re the only confidante the guests will trust with their secrets and wonder when they will blow up. Although some of the male characters could have benefited from more insight into their own personal actions, there’s enough of a story projected from the female perspectives to give you an idea of the men’s inner motivations. And, really, the story centers on the women, anyway.
Although several of the storylines tie up neatly and nicely, there are also some open endings and untold secrets kept that prevent the story from seeing too trite. I liked these characters and would revisit them again in another five years to see where they ended up but not sure if there would be enough stories to tell.
Sure, there’s enough to discuss, but you won’t spend too much time on speculation and more on the fun of it all like you’re the only confidante the guests will trust with their secrets and wonder when they will blow up. Although some of the male characters could have benefited from more insight into their own personal actions, there’s enough of a story projected from the female perspectives to give you an idea of the men’s inner motivations. And, really, the story centers on the women, anyway.
Although several of the storylines tie up neatly and nicely, there are also some open endings and untold secrets kept that prevent the story from seeing too trite. I liked these characters and would revisit them again in another five years to see where they ended up but not sure if there would be enough stories to tell.
lefttorread's review
2.0
Ugh, I didn't hate it but it wasn't really good either. A lot of the characters were unlikeable and by the end of the story nothing seemed to have been 'solved'. More should have been added to this story.
triciaralph's review
2.0
Cheesy beach read. Interesting enough to hold your interest, dull enough to not be taxing on the mind.
beastreader's review
3.0
Pauline is throwing a huge spectacular party for her husband, Dwight. She has invited all of his friends for an exotic birthday party in Jamaica. The guests include Tina and her husband Gio. Tina needs this vacation. She has not had a break from her children in a long time. Then there is Allie and her husband, Ryan. Allie is keeping a secret from Ryan. Finally there is Savannah. She arrives alone. This is due to her husband cheating on her. Everyone’s secrets come out when hurricane Betty sweeps in.
I liked the girl friendship relationship between Tina, Allie, and Savannah. However I don’t know if my friendship would be as strong as their’s if it involved infidelity. Also, I did not really feel like they were the best of friends. The way that they treated each other was kind of mean.
In fact, I felt that everyone in this book was self-centered except for Pauline. What Pauline was going through, I felt sorry for her. In addition, that she did seem kind-hearted and everyone just walked all over her.
Also, I could not believe how quickly everyone just changed right away. It was like since they were in another place they did not have to account for anything. Sorry for say but Jamaica is not like Vegas where the saying goes “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” The ending was pretty predictable. Overall though this was not a bad book. It is a quick read.
I liked the girl friendship relationship between Tina, Allie, and Savannah. However I don’t know if my friendship would be as strong as their’s if it involved infidelity. Also, I did not really feel like they were the best of friends. The way that they treated each other was kind of mean.
In fact, I felt that everyone in this book was self-centered except for Pauline. What Pauline was going through, I felt sorry for her. In addition, that she did seem kind-hearted and everyone just walked all over her.
Also, I could not believe how quickly everyone just changed right away. It was like since they were in another place they did not have to account for anything. Sorry for say but Jamaica is not like Vegas where the saying goes “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” The ending was pretty predictable. Overall though this was not a bad book. It is a quick read.
judithdcollins's review
5.0
This was my first Sarah Pekkanen novel and I really enjoyed it! (the front cover was a draw). I purchased the audio which was excellent! I have read all Emily Giffin and Jennifer Weiner books and she is a similar author—so would encourage fans of these authors to read this book! It was so realistic and each and every woman or man in a married relationship or single would enjoy ---especially young mothers.
I am so looking forward to reading more from this author and purchasing another audio or e-book tonight! Very sexy, funny, and will keep you laughing ---very well written! Good food, sex, romance, travel, and more!!!!
I am so looking forward to reading more from this author and purchasing another audio or e-book tonight! Very sexy, funny, and will keep you laughing ---very well written! Good food, sex, romance, travel, and more!!!!
jbarr5's review
4.0
The Best of Us by Sarah Pekkanen
Pauline was so happy to be pulling off her husbands big birthday party. A week in Jamaica for them and his other college friends and their spouses. In total 6 people.
Savannah was to bring Gary but she hadn't told anybody they were getting a divorce. He had found a younger nurse. He was an anesthetist doctor and she sold real estate/houses.
Allie was married with 2 teen kids, everything on an even keel when she wasn't working as a social worker. Her mother and father would watch all the kids. Ryan her husband also worked for the local company, engineer dept.
Tina was the one with 4 kids and her husband, Gio was in the local company in the architecture dept. She just couldn't seem to get things balanced and there was always something to do...
Dwight was the dot com millionaire who was going to be treating them all to whatever their hearts desired in the weeks time.
The house and island are pure paradise. Along with the food and body massages, huge rooms and there are other surprises for the upcoming days of adventure.
Love the detailed descriptions, this would so make such an awesome movie!
Everyone although keeping their most private secrets to themselves are having a wild time of relaxation as they reminiscence about college days and it seems everything is NOT so good in paradise after all....
Pauline was so happy to be pulling off her husbands big birthday party. A week in Jamaica for them and his other college friends and their spouses. In total 6 people.
Savannah was to bring Gary but she hadn't told anybody they were getting a divorce. He had found a younger nurse. He was an anesthetist doctor and she sold real estate/houses.
Allie was married with 2 teen kids, everything on an even keel when she wasn't working as a social worker. Her mother and father would watch all the kids. Ryan her husband also worked for the local company, engineer dept.
Tina was the one with 4 kids and her husband, Gio was in the local company in the architecture dept. She just couldn't seem to get things balanced and there was always something to do...
Dwight was the dot com millionaire who was going to be treating them all to whatever their hearts desired in the weeks time.
The house and island are pure paradise. Along with the food and body massages, huge rooms and there are other surprises for the upcoming days of adventure.
Love the detailed descriptions, this would so make such an awesome movie!
Everyone although keeping their most private secrets to themselves are having a wild time of relaxation as they reminiscence about college days and it seems everything is NOT so good in paradise after all....
kdurham2's review
5.0
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
A group of friends from college are invited on all expense paid trip to Jamaica to celebrate a birthday, although some of the friends haven’t stayed in touch, so the trip is a little out of the blue. Each of them are escaping issues at home to the paradise of Jamaica, except sometimes your problems can come with you on vacation.
A group of friends from college are invited on all expense paid trip to Jamaica to celebrate a birthday, although some of the friends haven’t stayed in touch, so the trip is a little out of the blue. Each of them are escaping issues at home to the paradise of Jamaica, except sometimes your problems can come with you on vacation.
betty816's review
5.0
LOVED this book!!!! Couldn't put it down!!! Ok that's all I'm saying since I have book club friends on here ;-). Looking for more by Sarah P NOW!!!