Wife-in-Law: A Novel

by Haywood Smith

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Red Hat Club comes a story about two unlikely friends who would never have imagined they'd end up married to the same man.

Neighbors Betsy Callison and Kat Ellis were oil and water when they met thirty-five years ago.  Betsy was a prim, neat freak, Republican wife, and Kat was a wild, irreverent, hippie Democrat. But they soon discover common ground that creates a bond that lasts for decades. Until Betsy's husband leaves her for his secretary, then comes sniffing back around two years later and convinces newly widowed Kat to marry him! Not that Betsy wants him back, but it’s hard to move on when the newlyweds are flaunting their love right across the street. But there’s trouble brewing in Paradise, and no one knows philandering Greg better than his ex-wife Betsy. Can Betsy get involved in her best friend's marriage--even if it means helping her wife-in-law figure out the same man she shared a bed with for thirty years? Told with Haywood's Smith inimitable southern voice, Wife-In-Law provides loads of laughter, insight, and plenty of heart.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Womens Fiction, Adult, Southern

382 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be very uneven. The idea of two good friends who become estranged when one marries the other's ex seems like it could have potential, but I didn't feel this story was executed very well. Haywood spent a lot of time on their past friendship, rushed through their falling out, and tacked on two (2!) sudden deaths, for good measure. I like the idea of a strong friendship between women that weathers life's ups and downs, but this one didn't convince me.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wife In Law
Author Haywood Smith
Reviewed by Fran Lewis

Would you want to live next door to a Hippie? Would you invite a stranger to have dinner and sleep under your roof knowing them for a day? Would you invite them into your home and not worry about whether they might steal from you or not? Betsy Callison and Kat Ellis met thirty-five years ago and became life long friends. Betsy very staunch in her ways, prim and proper and always worried about taking care of her husband’s needs and wants and Kat the total opposite. Betsy a neat and obsessive compulsive in her ways concerning how she keeps her house, cooks and organizes her life, and Kat totally the opposite become fast friends over a fried chicken dinner, a quick decision to invite her and her significant other to stay in her house on a hot sweltering night making them become fast friends. But, what happens next will most likely change everything as author Haywood Smith relates to the reader their meeting, their back stories and their lives before things changed for both of them in this hilarious and yet heartfelt novel Wife-In-Law.

Betsy a Republican with a husband who just got promoted to CPA and has begun traveling a lot and Kat a staunch Democrat and Hippie forms an unusual friendship that takes them across almost four decades. But, Greg has an affair with his secretary leaves Betsy and winds up with Kat. As the author recounts their early friendship, Kat’s mishaps trying to learn to cook, their encounters before marry her ex-husband you begin to understand how Betsy feels, the frustrations, anger and the way she handles having them live across the street from her. Added to that the author relates her father’s leaving home, how she felt when left with her mother told in Betsy’s own voice. The author flashes back to the 60’s, 70’’s and three years before Kat finalizes her marriage with Greg to help the reader understand the decline in their friendship and to what lengths Greg went to destroy it.

As we learn more about their lives before her divorce, we learn about Zach’s undercover job, being shot, and how both Greg and Betsy came to Kat’s aid along with protecting their family. From watching their daughters play Tball to poor Amelia’s fear every time she came up at bat, to Betsy’s pleading with Greg to let her quit but relenting with the promise of ballet lessons, the author give the reader an inside look on their lives, their struggles, triumphs and eventual downfall.
From her father’s betrayal as a child, to her mother’s illness that drove him to leave and her husband’s adultery, Betsy toughens up and withstands it all. As Kat learns the meaning of true friendship, Zach and Greg bond. The first day of kindergarten and the antics Sada and Amelia pull will definitely crack up the reader and make you smile. When two mothers defend their children to one principal will she have a chance against these two headstrong women?
As their friendship grows so does Greg’s hidden problems at work, the arrest of Arthur Andersen his boss, his financial situation and the ultimate deceit as he leaves a note to Betsy stating he is leaving her for his secretary and his settlement in a cold letter followed by the death of Zach from AlS these friends have been through a lot and their loyalty towards each other about to change.

Some men just need someone to cook and take care of them and make them feel important. Greg was always in control of how things were run, what Betsy did and made sure she was the dutiful wife and mother to his children. When going on trips or cheating on her he just about justified his actions and did not consider that she would be devastated or upset. Coming back after Zach’s death would really change things between her and Kat as Greg decides to become a member of Kat’s family and poisons her mind against Betsy, her best friend. Will their friendship survive and what will happen when they flaunt their relationship in Betsy’s face and decide to take the plunge and get married?

Betrayals, disloyalties, love, hate relationships, past experiences revisited and two friends who friendship is tested to the limit. Remembering her father’s desertion, Kat’s childhood experiences and much more what happens next will surprise the reader. Author Haywood Smith brings to light many issues that some face today that of adultery, divorce, child services intervening in Betsy’s life when she wanted to go with her father and was told she could not, children that stick together and true to life experiences dealing with death and survival that provide humor, tears and understanding in the lives of these two women that are not that different from many today.

But, then one woman’s gossip causes so much pain as the two friends come to a crossroads and a rash decision is made costing someone their life. Why and who you need to find out for yourself and will the forgiveness ever be said between these two close friends? As Betsy’s mother creates a new life for herself and many lies revealed and truths told what will happen to those living on Eden Lake Court? What will happen to Kat and Betsy and what does happen to them will definitely make you smile, possibly double over laughing and renew your faith in good old fashion high jinxes, smart and sassy girl power, survival of the cleverest and just plain love. How this all turns out will definitely make you want the author to bring these two back again for more? Wife-In-Law is a must read for those who want to know what to do when your husband strays, your best friend marries him and your own mother is nuts. Told in Betsy’s own voice you hear her words, true feelings, emotional battles and triumphs. Author Haywood Smith definitely created the right formula for mystery, suspense, romance, and much more in this great novel. This is one novel that will bring smiles to your face, cheers when things go right, laughter when they go wrong and definitely make you wonder just how far two women will go to remain or not remain friends. Find out for yourself when you read this Five Star Book.
Fran Lewis: reviewer

[MasterSal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Definitely not my genre so I didn’t have much patience for this. The blurb was definitely misleading; the whole best friend marrying your ex thing was at best a chapter. It comes up in the beginning and then reappears 60% of the way. The book is more acutely described as life of a suburban housewife whose best friend lives next to her. Friendships are made, children are born, people age and there is death. None of it really impacts you emotionally and, despite some scenes that were meant to be funny, I did not laugh. The event just happened and we move on.

The pace is uneven - the bulk of the book focuses on the early friendship of the women with this massive jump when everyone has grown up and kids have moved out. I would have gotten a headache if I honestly cared - I just wanted to get to the part I was promised in the blurb and the longer I had to wait the more annoyed I felt.

So after 9 years on my TBR I can say that at least I finished it. The writing is not terrible in the sense that there are no errors or spelling but I never really got any distinct voices here. Betsy is our main POV character but the rest, even her best friend are cardboard cutouts or caricatures at best. Kat fares the best but even she swings between crazy hippy Democrat and best friend for no reason. There was no emotional truth; after reading this I still don’t know why Betsy and Kat were friends except for geographic proximity.

However, the most egregious thing was the plot twist in the end. I won’t bother spoiling it as frankly it could have been aliens landing (they aren’t) and it would have made as much sense. The ending is bland and exists only to provide someone a present which hasn’t been deserved or wanted. Not recommended at all.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will say that the story I got wasn't exactly the story I was expecting. I get the idea of mismatched best friends, but this was a pretty extreme case. Throughout the years of friendship, I found Kat to be very selfish. Betsy seemed to be far more emotionally invested in the friendship and it showed her actions from the very beginning. Overall, I did like the book due to Smith's wonderful writing style. I enjoyed Betsy throughout the book...but found many of the other characters to be one-dimensional. The end got a little crazier than I was expecting...but still had a happy ending. This is a nice read-in-one-sitting book if you have nothing else pressing to do, but it certainly wasn't as good as some of Smith's other books.

[Keturah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Was it just me or did the final few chapters feel like they were written in about ten minutes under deadline and tacked on to the end? The book was tolerable through the first 3 quarters, but the last part ruined the book and made it ridiculous.

I have to advise you not to waste your time reading this!

[Laurel-Rain · Rating 3 out of 5]

In suburban Atlanta, two completely opposite young women meet as neighbors, and despite the odds, become best friends. It was the 1970s when they first met, so imagine Betsy Callison's surprise to discover that beneath the surface, she and the young "hippie" Kat Ellis would have something in common. They would bond and sustain that bond for many years.

Betsy and Greg are young Republicans, diametrically opposed politically to Kat and her partner Zach. But over time, the differences mattered less than what connected them. Or so it would seem.

But time and circumstance would change everything, and Betsy would find herself in a very strange situation. Greg has left her for his secretary, and then, a few months later, when Kat is widowed after Zach's death, Greg starts spending a lot of time with her. When the two of them announce they are getting married, everything seems suddenly surreal.

Would what Betsy knows about Greg be something she could share with Kat, who is suddenly going to marry her ex-husband? And after the wedding, when she realizes that Greg has poisoned her friend against her, will she be able to warn her when old patterns begin to repeat themselves?

"Wife-in-Law" started out much better than it ended, in my opinion. I liked the first person narrative of Betsy in the present day, and then as she started sharing bits and pieces of the past, I felt I was there with them. The era of the 70s felt real and appropriate for the times; but suddenly, the narrative sped ahead and it seemed as though we were being "told" about what happened, when being shown worked so much better for me.

Betsy's actions later in the book seemed out-of-character. She was too forgiving and too good...and in the end, her behavior ended up sugar-coated and sweet, which was not where I thought the story would go. I normally love this author's books, but except for the beginning, this one was disappointing. 3.5 stars.

[Anita Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Betsy and Greg Callison were newlyweds back in the '70's and the first homeowners in their new Atlanta subdivision. Betsy is the head of her Young Republic Women's group, maintains the perfect house and is the epitome of a Stepford wife. She can't wait to meet the new neighbors moving in across the street but is shocked and disappointed when they turn out to be two unmarried hippies, Kat and Zach. Despite their political and cultural differences, Kat and Betsy become best friends, sharing more over the next 40 years than they ever could have believed in the beginning. Reading this is like listening to a southern friend tell the story of her life, complete with humor, shock and sadness. I wasn't sure I would like this but am glad I picked it up because I literally had trouble putting it down. I would have given it four stars but it lost a little of its star quality for me toward the end.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Haywood Smith novels. She writes such good character studies. Wife-in-law is about a friendship between two totally different women, an uptight Stepford wife republican and a hippie free spirited Democrat over a 20+ year span. Betsy and her husband Greg get divorced and several years later Kat who is a widow marries Greg. Hence Betsy is the wife-in-law. Greg drives a wedge into their friendship, but due to circumstances beyond both their controls, the friendship is sustained. It's a great "chick" book,we need many more of them and thankfully Haywood Smith is up to the task

[Lee Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haywood Smith can always make me smile a little, tear up a little and then make me glad I read her book. Maybe I relate better as the women are more mature (older), closer to my age and have lived lives that are a little flawed by full. Her southern charm comes through as you see the characters in all their true colors. This was a fun read, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Claire A · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started well, with quirky characters in humorous situations. An unlikely friendship between two women spanning years of marriage & kids in steamy suburban Atlanta. The last part of the story begins to unravel & become bizarre. Loose ends miraculously tie themselves up from thin air. It was okay but I can’t love it.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is an easy, quick, feel good read. However, the characters and situations felt a little unbelievable to me, particular toward the end. Like Betsy’s character, the whole book seems a little too idyllic. If you want something easy to lift your spirits and think the best of people, this is a good option.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book, but it was not as good as I'd hoped. Somewhat amusing, but I was annoyed by small details, such as timelines not matching up. The women's kids' ages did not match up with what they should have been. The ending was unrealistic and pat. I was disappointed.

[Emily Bogard · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a pleasant read. Nothing "gripping". Not suspenseful. Just a pleasant read. It was needed at the time for me. I wouldn't run out and tell my friends that they "must read it!" But, it wasn't bad.

[Lynda Riggers · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy to read book with a twist at the end.

Neighbors Betsy and Kat couldn't be more different. Betsy is a prim, proper, think 50's housewife who literally brings her husband a martini when he walks through the door. Kat is a self-proclaimed hippie/activist who refuses to marry her partner for fear that it might ruin their relationship. But when Betsy 'finally' gets pregnant and Kat 'accidentally' does, the two women bond like sisters. That is until Betsy's husband Greg leaves her and ultimately takes up with Kat.

The turns the story takes are cute and entertaining, but the novel itself is superficial and without much depth. That being said, there is definitely a time and a place for this type of reading. I was a bit worried at the beginning because it started out feeling very religious. However, Author Haywood Smith toned down the piety after the first few chapters, and the religious banter took a fun turn.

Overall, a good read when you need something easy-going. I can see why Haywood Smith has made a good name for herself.

[Ellen Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this an interesting and entertaining book although it was a little odd with best friends who were complete opposites and with a best friend marrying the ex-husband of her best friend and living across the street from her. The development of the women's friendship was interesting, The main character's husband was despicable, and the reactions of the children in both families was interesting to say the least. I had not read this author before and enjoyed the experience.

[Nicci Carrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and I liked the main character Betsy but couldn't understand why she was so loyal to Kat. Kat had the better deal in that friendship for sure until the end where Kat transforms into someone generous with a lot to offer. Before that I thought she was a lousy friend. But I loved Betsy, the main character and really enjoyed spending time with her. I'll read more of this author hoping to find more wonderful people like Betsy Callihan.

[Regina Selvage]

It took a bit for me to get into which is not typical for Haywood Smith books, but once I did I couldn't put it down- most especially at the very end. Love the roller coaster of emotions she offers- laughs and tears throughout!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was what drew me in. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded providing flashbacks. But the climax was a bit too short & resolution a bit too far fetched. But I enjoyed the author’s writing style & setting since many locations were familiar.

[Marilyn Upright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It speaks well of women best friends who help each other through every thing life throws at them. Even the fact that they were married to the same man at different times.

[Mary Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice and easy read. Sometimes that is just what I want.

[Muffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't expect to enjoy this book but I loved it. It is a good honest yarn.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story of a friendship and how opposites attract . The ending was a little too tidy and unbelievable for me but I enjoyed the book otherwise

[Diane Gibbons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Couldn’t put it down ... looking forward to reading more of her books

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice little find. A story of friendship and humor and a great flow to the story timeline.

[Becky Mowery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very meh. Not great, now awful. Quick read. Not a fan of the ending.

[Christina Valleroy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely not what I expected

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this cute read. The only part was their giant cellphones were written in but the one lady her husband did have an important job. So maybe that was why.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story

[Larisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

predictable and a book just for light reading.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed very much