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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. When I started reading this book, I had no idea that this was the same Rachael Johns and the Rachael Johns books I have seen almost everywhere I go! I haven't read any of her books before as the rural Australia aspect of her doesn't usually appeal to me, I am more of a thriller or what I think of as contemporary chicklit kind of books. I was drawn to this book as I have had many "work wives and work husbands" over the years and the title grabbed me. I really enjoyed this book and found myself very invested in all of the characters, especially Deb, Ramona and Quinn. Almost all of the characters are engaging and very likeable and I found myself caught up in their lives and how I wanted things to unfold for them. The Work Wives centres on the trials and tribulations of three woman, all who love each other very much. Single mum Deb. Overprotective, but understandably so, her daughter Ramona, fifteen going on 30 given her love of all things vintage and speaking in language not befitting her age. Last but not least we have Quinn, Deb’s colleague and work bestie. I loved the relationships between these characters and how they show up for each other and support each other in their pursuits. This book was a delight to read and left me treasuring my relationships even more, it definitely surprised me in the best of ways. #racheljohns #theworkwives #netgalley #goodreads #thestorygraph #litsy #tea_sipping_bookworm #amazonaustralia #bookqueen #bookstagram
I’m wincing as I write this review because I am a longtime fan of Rachael Johns, especially her rural romances, but I was disappointed with the The Work Wives.
Mostly because of the plot, though I can’t be specific at the risk of revealing spoilers. I felt the major elements hinged on coincidences that were too contrived, and it had a twist that any crime reader generally regards as a mistake. (And I know this isn’t crime, but it bothered me anyway.) I also found it unnecessarily long at over 500 pages.
I wasn’t that enamoured with two of the main characters either to be honest, though I’m not entirely sure why. Since meeting at the company photocopier, Debra Fast and Quinn Paladino have become good friends, sharing coffee breaks, dim sum lunches, and office gossip. They are friendly outside of work too, but 27-year old Quinn is busy swiping right in a desperate search to find ‘The One’, while 40- something-year-old single mum Deb is content to spend every night at home with her teenage daughter, Ramona. I certainly had sympathy for Deb’ and her history of trauma, I could also empathise with her struggle to accept the change in her relationship with her daughter. Quinn is fun with her ever changing hair colour, and I love that she roller skates everywhere. I also really liked the relationship she formed with her elderly neighbour. Ramona was the strongest character for me. I thought Johns portrayed her teen attitude and ssues authentically.
I’m sure I’ll be in the minority in not really enjoying The Work Wives, I’m still a fan of Rachael Johns, just not of this particular book as a whole.
Mostly because of the plot, though I can’t be specific at the risk of revealing spoilers. I felt the major elements hinged on coincidences that were too contrived, and it had a twist that any crime reader generally regards as a mistake. (And I know this isn’t crime, but it bothered me anyway.) I also found it unnecessarily long at over 500 pages.
I wasn’t that enamoured with two of the main characters either to be honest, though I’m not entirely sure why. Since meeting at the company photocopier, Debra Fast and Quinn Paladino have become good friends, sharing coffee breaks, dim sum lunches, and office gossip. They are friendly outside of work too, but 27-year old Quinn is busy swiping right in a desperate search to find ‘The One’, while 40- something-year-old single mum Deb is content to spend every night at home with her teenage daughter, Ramona. I certainly had sympathy for Deb’ and her history of trauma, I could also empathise with her struggle to accept the change in her relationship with her daughter. Quinn is fun with her ever changing hair colour, and I love that she roller skates everywhere. I also really liked the relationship she formed with her elderly neighbour. Ramona was the strongest character for me. I thought Johns portrayed her teen attitude and ssues authentically.
I’m sure I’ll be in the minority in not really enjoying The Work Wives, I’m still a fan of Rachael Johns, just not of this particular book as a whole.
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Omg! How have I never read Rachael Johns before now! This book has absolutely everything! The best work-wife relationship, single-mother representation, teenage angst, online dating, social media bullying, trauma, loss, + mystery and thriller elements! Oh, and that twist! ... I did not anticipate that at all!!
Told from the perspectives of Deb, her teenage daughter Romona and Deb's work wife Quinn, I became heavily invested in each of their individual journeys of love and self-discovery. I laughed, I cried... and I may have developed a slight case of carpal tunnel 🤣 (haha, jokes!) Yes, this is a chunky read at just over 500pgs, but it honestly didn't feel that way while reading it. Rachael has such a way with words, that it all flows so beautifully.
As a local Sydney girl myself, I loved that I could visualise all the places mentioned in the book as well. I felt like I was walking down the streets of Darlinghurst alongside Quinn & Snoodles 🐕
My reading snacks may have also been swayed by the mention of cheese toasties and pizza.. (I should have called myself thehungrybookworm 🤣)
Thank you @harpercollinsaustralia & @harlequinaus for #gifting me a copy of The Work Wives 🙏 And to the lovely @taurusbooklover for buddy reading with me 💜
Be right back while I add Rachael's entire backlist to cart! 💸🛒
Told from the perspectives of Deb, her teenage daughter Romona and Deb's work wife Quinn, I became heavily invested in each of their individual journeys of love and self-discovery. I laughed, I cried... and I may have developed a slight case of carpal tunnel 🤣 (haha, jokes!) Yes, this is a chunky read at just over 500pgs, but it honestly didn't feel that way while reading it. Rachael has such a way with words, that it all flows so beautifully.
As a local Sydney girl myself, I loved that I could visualise all the places mentioned in the book as well. I felt like I was walking down the streets of Darlinghurst alongside Quinn & Snoodles 🐕
My reading snacks may have also been swayed by the mention of cheese toasties and pizza.. (I should have called myself thehungrybookworm 🤣)
Thank you @harpercollinsaustralia & @harlequinaus for #gifting me a copy of The Work Wives 🙏 And to the lovely @taurusbooklover for buddy reading with me 💜
Be right back while I add Rachael's entire backlist to cart! 💸🛒
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
relaxing
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