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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
This was so cool how she introduced all the neighbours. Ending was a bit too on the nose
fast-paced
Part of why I gave this book a mere three stars is because it had been billed as something it was not...exciting. If you want a chick lit book that tells that offers a voyeuristic view into the lives of a small community, this is perfect. If you want nail-biting excitement and an unexpected twist, this will disappoint. Everything happened just as one would expect it to. No intrigue. No suspense. No reason to turn to the next page.
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
loved this! was immediately hooked by all the characters and all the drama! it almost felt like watching a tv show and bouncing between these houses/families to see how fucked up they were today. We had so many povs and all of these characters felt realistic and genuine which is so hard to do. Also dialogue heavy which i love! Very strong character piece and very solid overall!
This book shows the exact meaning of " Its not always greener on the other side." Each neighbor judges the others and makes assumptions, which may or not be true. Everyone has their own problems though, and you can't judge a book by the cover- or in this case your neighbors!
Maggie is the driving force of this book. After an even eluded to throughout the book, Maggie withdrew from her family, the outside world, her marriage, and certainly from herself. Her husband, Craig, walks out, telling Maggie she has lost her spark. Maggie agrees - consciously making an effort. Using her energy to recover, to reconnect, to herself.
And so Maggie starts to connect with her neighbors.
Julia lives alone - much to the concern of her son. They never seemed to connect - but Julia adores her grandson, Mark. He moves in - after yet another argument with his father. Together Julia and Mark figure out their futures.
Heidi and Aiden are newlyweds after a whirlwind romance. Aiden suffers from PTSD - Heidi lending her support. But Aiden's mother is the real issue. Aiden agrees with every recommendation - and Heidi wonders when Aiden will take his wife's side.
Dani and Nick seem to have the best life and relationship. Both professionals with thriving practices, raising two sons - no one can see the darkness consuming their lives.
Sean has been out of work for months. Finally an interview - that is a total fail. But he tells his wife, Olivia, things went well. The lies continue.
Great book - what do we really know about those who leave so close?
And so Maggie starts to connect with her neighbors.
Julia lives alone - much to the concern of her son. They never seemed to connect - but Julia adores her grandson, Mark. He moves in - after yet another argument with his father. Together Julia and Mark figure out their futures.
Heidi and Aiden are newlyweds after a whirlwind romance. Aiden suffers from PTSD - Heidi lending her support. But Aiden's mother is the real issue. Aiden agrees with every recommendation - and Heidi wonders when Aiden will take his wife's side.
Dani and Nick seem to have the best life and relationship. Both professionals with thriving practices, raising two sons - no one can see the darkness consuming their lives.
Sean has been out of work for months. Finally an interview - that is a total fail. But he tells his wife, Olivia, things went well. The lies continue.
Great book - what do we really know about those who leave so close?
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I very much wanted to enjoy this book, as I've read other books by Ms. Fielding and have walked away entertained.
Strengths: This book is a quick read. Nothing too heavy. Fast, light chapters. Good flow. Not too over-bogged with information. One character, Julia, was quite likable. Quite descriptive prose.
Areas of a struggle for me: The characters were quite one-dimensional. Abusive husband. Over-bearing mother-in-law. Insecure husband out of work. An ungrateful son who marries a trophy wife. It was one reason I didn't much care what happened to the characters.
There seemed to be an anti-gun agenda to the story, although I didn't really care one way or the other. I don't consider it to be overbearing.
I would say this is a good vacation read or a book where you don't care if you get invested in the characters or not.
Strengths: This book is a quick read. Nothing too heavy. Fast, light chapters. Good flow. Not too over-bogged with information. One character, Julia, was quite likable. Quite descriptive prose.
Areas of a struggle for me: The characters were quite one-dimensional. Abusive husband. Over-bearing mother-in-law. Insecure husband out of work. An ungrateful son who marries a trophy wife. It was one reason I didn't much care what happened to the characters.
There seemed to be an anti-gun agenda to the story, although I didn't really care one way or the other. I don't consider it to be overbearing.
I would say this is a good vacation read or a book where you don't care if you get invested in the characters or not.