What do you think?
Rate this book
What Women Want: A Novel
A heartwarming debut brimming with humor, richly drawn characters, and a tender exploration of female friendship Bea, Kate, and Ellen have always known they can depend on each other no matter what. And it's a good thing, too, because each is finding the latest phase in life . . . a bit challenging. Bea's contending with a new boss, power-hungry colleagues, and a difficult teenaged son, not to mention the anxieties of returning to the dating game. Stressed-out doctor Kate is coping with an empty nest and the realization that her marriage has lost its shine. And then there's Ellen, a widow who has fallen head over heels in love with Oliver after devoting the past ten years to her children and art gallery. But the arrival of Oliver onto the scene stirs things up for the trio, and the long-term bonds of these three friends are put to the test like never before. A novel of love, life, and friendship, Fanny Blake's What Women Want illuminates the challenges women face as they try to determine what they want―but instead come to appreciate what they need.
432 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2011
19 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Fanny Blake
38 books115 followers Fanny Blake was a publisher for many years, editing fiction and general non-fiction before becoming a freelance journalist and writer. She has written several bestsellers and acted as ghost writer for a number of celebrities. She is also Books Editor of womanandhome magazine. Her novels include The Secrets Women Keep (Orion) and With a Friend Like You (Orion).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 30, 2015
Somehow, I have missed out on Fanny Blake's books in the past, but recently read With A Friend Like You which was published in August of this year. I enjoyed it so much that I went out and bought a copy of What Women Want, her first novel.
I love how Fanny Blake gets under the skin of her characters, making them appear so real. Her female stars are women of a certain age; with a few greying hairs, a spare tyre around the middle and a wealth of experience. They are real women. They are women who I can identify with and she creates wonderful plots for them.
What Women Want features Bea, Kate and Ellen. Three women who have been there for each other through thick and thin. Through betrayal and divorce, through sadness and bereavement, through the trials of parenting and the career difficulties.
Fanny Blake writes with charm and wit, the story is engaging and true to life and the characters are very special - the reader really begins to care about them, to root for them and to wish them well.
Another fabulous read, I enjoyed it so much and look forward to catching up with more from Fanny Blake.
I love how Fanny Blake gets under the skin of her characters, making them appear so real. Her female stars are women of a certain age; with a few greying hairs, a spare tyre around the middle and a wealth of experience. They are real women. They are women who I can identify with and she creates wonderful plots for them.
What Women Want features Bea, Kate and Ellen. Three women who have been there for each other through thick and thin. Through betrayal and divorce, through sadness and bereavement, through the trials of parenting and the career difficulties.
Fanny Blake writes with charm and wit, the story is engaging and true to life and the characters are very special - the reader really begins to care about them, to root for them and to wish them well.
Another fabulous read, I enjoyed it so much and look forward to catching up with more from Fanny Blake.
September 8, 2017
Three friends navigate their way through three individual sets of circumstances, all of which are challenging and stressful. Bea has a new horrible boss, Kate feels like her marriage is falling apart, and Ellen thinks she has finally found a great new love after the earlier death of her husband. Each woman approaches her issues differently, but what sees all of them through everything is their friendship with each other, despite circumstances that try to pull them apart. This is chick-lit at its best.
July 24, 2011
I was asked to review this book by a PR company in England, who kindly sent the book to me all the way to Australia. On the back, this looked like the type of book I read for my chick lit fix – three women, all friends who each have different problems but get through it. The cover also had a quote from one of my favourite writers, Penny Vincenzi (as an aside, her new book is released in Australia in September). However, the women in this book were older than your usual chick lit (perhaps I should call it mummy lit?) – late 40s or early 50s. Never mind, it was still interesting even though I’m nowhere near that stage of my life!
Although this book subscribed to the usual setting of three friends, very different in nature but who have a strong bond, there were differences that made the book stronger for me. Each of the women has a strong career, something I usually find lacking in chick lit. (Kate is a GP, Bea works in publishing and Ellen runs an art gallery). Even though they are of similar ages, each is facing a different problem: Bea, newly divorced, is looking for love while controlling a teenage son; Kate is worried that her husband is becoming increasingly distant; and Ellen has found love in the shape of Oliver – but how will her children react? Each of these stories is told with gentleness and humour. The strength of the trio’s friendship is exemplified by Bea’s determination to find out exactly what Oliver is hiding in order to protect Ellen. Although Bea’s detective work is intense and well-researched (she is a publisher after all), the climax where Ellen finds out about Oliver is not that powerful. The epilogue is probably more powerful as it again demonstrates the strength of their friendship and doesn’t tie up everything neatly, making this book more true to life.
This was a light read, easy to pick up and put down (I tested this to the nth degree, as I was on call 24/7 while reading this book). The characters are engaging and strong (I’d love to see Bea in her own book) and defies many of the chick lit stereotypes. There’s no Manolos and cocktails, these women really could be the friends of a real person. Enjoyable.
Although this book subscribed to the usual setting of three friends, very different in nature but who have a strong bond, there were differences that made the book stronger for me. Each of the women has a strong career, something I usually find lacking in chick lit. (Kate is a GP, Bea works in publishing and Ellen runs an art gallery). Even though they are of similar ages, each is facing a different problem: Bea, newly divorced, is looking for love while controlling a teenage son; Kate is worried that her husband is becoming increasingly distant; and Ellen has found love in the shape of Oliver – but how will her children react? Each of these stories is told with gentleness and humour. The strength of the trio’s friendship is exemplified by Bea’s determination to find out exactly what Oliver is hiding in order to protect Ellen. Although Bea’s detective work is intense and well-researched (she is a publisher after all), the climax where Ellen finds out about Oliver is not that powerful. The epilogue is probably more powerful as it again demonstrates the strength of their friendship and doesn’t tie up everything neatly, making this book more true to life.
This was a light read, easy to pick up and put down (I tested this to the nth degree, as I was on call 24/7 while reading this book). The characters are engaging and strong (I’d love to see Bea in her own book) and defies many of the chick lit stereotypes. There’s no Manolos and cocktails, these women really could be the friends of a real person. Enjoyable.
May 24, 2011
This is a debut novel by this Author, I found it funny, especially the
character Bea
I was hooked from the pretty cover to the end, it was very easy to read
and follow, I read this book in a few hours I couldn't put it down.
The book is about 3 best friends
Bea – Is nearly divorced is dating through a dating Agency, she has a
new boss and a son that won’t talk to her.
Kate- Is a doctor and is ,married to Paul, she has 3 grown up children
and she is having marriage problems , Paul seems to be hiding something
from her but what is it?
Ellen- Owns an Art Gallery, she is widowed with teenage children, she
has a new man Oliver on the scene, she’s in love but how will her
children react? And has he told her everything about his life?
But with Oliver on the scene can they still be best friends?
character Bea
I was hooked from the pretty cover to the end, it was very easy to read
and follow, I read this book in a few hours I couldn't put it down.
The book is about 3 best friends
Bea – Is nearly divorced is dating through a dating Agency, she has a
new boss and a son that won’t talk to her.
Kate- Is a doctor and is ,married to Paul, she has 3 grown up children
and she is having marriage problems , Paul seems to be hiding something
from her but what is it?
Ellen- Owns an Art Gallery, she is widowed with teenage children, she
has a new man Oliver on the scene, she’s in love but how will her
children react? And has he told her everything about his life?
But with Oliver on the scene can they still be best friends?
July 5, 2011
I really enjoyed reading this novel about three friends, each with their own challenges to overcome. It's not just another a bubbly, frothy novel featuring a young woman finding her way in the world. Instead, the main characters are successful, career-oriented, fully formed individuals who have already found their niche -- making the novel even more refreshing. Blake does a great job drawing each character individually, pulling the reader into the very different worlds of the women and making the reader care about each of them. I must admit that Bea was my favourite - I loved her sparky attitude and drive! I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a great read about friendship, relationships and love.
May 16, 2017
This was a good solid example of "chick lit" only the nice thing was it was about middle aged chics! Not your typical 20 to 30 somethings. Nice to see something about the 50 something women adjusting to changes during that time of life.
September 26, 2012
Good writing and great story. Had me shocked throughout. Didn't like Oliver one bit, really liked Kate.
November 18, 2015
Малко прекалих с такива книги , може би, и въпреки че авторката пише увлекателно, не успя да ме завладее. Малко предсказума е книгата и прекалено обстоятелствена. Но става за запълване на времето :)
Read
January 10, 2022young men in white sleeveless T-shirts and girls wearing spaghetti-strap tops
Imagine a string pulling you up from the top of your head,’ echoed the voice of her Pilates teacher
young man in a loose white shirt of the finest linen, the sleeves rolled up, well-cut dark trousers and expensive shoes.
a match made in heaven
he reached behind him, whipped out a single red rose and put it in front of her.
She put the rose deep into her capacious bag where no one could see it, at the same time imagining what her close friends, Ellen and Kate, would say when she told them.
‘And a sparkling water for me.’ A nice voice with the trace of an accent she couldn’t place. ‘I don’t drink,’ he added, by way of explanation.
‘Not during the working week. Need to keep a clear head for the job.
‘Only at weekends. It’s a slippery slope otherwise.’
He patted his no doubt lean and muscled stomach. She looked at his thick chest hair growing out of the neck of his shirt. What would he be like in bed? she wondered.
where they came from (she from London and him from Northumbria);
where they lived now (Islington and Clapham);
their marital status (both awaiting divorce);
children (one to her – Ben, now sixteen; two to him – Bella, thirteen and Stevie, fifteen);
where they were going on holiday (hadn’t decided because always left it to the last minute; golf and fishing on the Spey with two friends),
favourite books (anything by Anne Tyler; Fever Pitch)
and films (When Harry Met Sally – sad but true; anything starring Jackie Chan – even sadder).
To be honest, I was worried that you might be a proper ball-breaker but I’ve really enjoyed myself.’
He wasn’t bad-looking, just a bit humourless. She imagined he might be quite a considerate lover, if not very inventive.
When a relationship comes to an end, the man finds another woman while the woman finds herself.
disenchantment
new red suede peep-toe shoes. feel burning on the side of her right big toe to subside
The pocket box of chocolates from Demarquette had been a present from an agent who’d found the most direct way to her heart.
If anyone asked him how he’d got the scar, he just smiled and said it was ‘one of those things’. As a result he retained a slightly mysterious aura that clearly made him extremely attractive to some, judging from the comments that Bea had overheard in the Ladies.
will be promoted from his position as sales manager with immediate effect.
He took the plates over to the dishwasher, loading them far more noisily than necessary
In giving her this unwanted knowledge, he had also given her power.
Sex was the one thing that had always brought them back together after the slightest disagreement. But she sensed him tense and he pulled back from her. ‘Not tonight,’ he murmured, turning his head and gently pushing her away. ‘I’ve got an early start. Sorry.’ He rolled onto his side and reached out to switch off his light.
Oliver put both hands on her shoulders and kissed Ellen’s forehead.
‘I love that painting, Starship,’ he said.
He did ask me what my HRT pills were but I just told him they were contraceptives – if only – and I pretended the thread veins on my legs were scratches from the roses in the garden. And I told him I’d been grey since my early thirties! One of the drawbacks of having jet-black hair as a kid.’
Honestly, I feel like a teenager with a first crush.
He’s so kind and considerate. I’d forgotten how good it feels to be wanted by someone and to share all those endless day-today tasks that otherwise you deal with on your own.
The excitement of the affair had temporarily blinded her to the realities of the situation.
smiling with their topaz eyes
his clothes were no longer mail order (too busy to shop) but designer (‘Carrie helps me choose’).
watchword
circumspection
Imagine a string pulling you up from the top of your head,’ echoed the voice of her Pilates teacher
young man in a loose white shirt of the finest linen, the sleeves rolled up, well-cut dark trousers and expensive shoes.
a match made in heaven
he reached behind him, whipped out a single red rose and put it in front of her.
She put the rose deep into her capacious bag where no one could see it, at the same time imagining what her close friends, Ellen and Kate, would say when she told them.
‘And a sparkling water for me.’ A nice voice with the trace of an accent she couldn’t place. ‘I don’t drink,’ he added, by way of explanation.
‘Not during the working week. Need to keep a clear head for the job.
‘Only at weekends. It’s a slippery slope otherwise.’
He patted his no doubt lean and muscled stomach. She looked at his thick chest hair growing out of the neck of his shirt. What would he be like in bed? she wondered.
where they came from (she from London and him from Northumbria);
where they lived now (Islington and Clapham);
their marital status (both awaiting divorce);
children (one to her – Ben, now sixteen; two to him – Bella, thirteen and Stevie, fifteen);
where they were going on holiday (hadn’t decided because always left it to the last minute; golf and fishing on the Spey with two friends),
favourite books (anything by Anne Tyler; Fever Pitch)
and films (When Harry Met Sally – sad but true; anything starring Jackie Chan – even sadder).
To be honest, I was worried that you might be a proper ball-breaker but I’ve really enjoyed myself.’
He wasn’t bad-looking, just a bit humourless. She imagined he might be quite a considerate lover, if not very inventive.
When a relationship comes to an end, the man finds another woman while the woman finds herself.
disenchantment
new red suede peep-toe shoes. feel burning on the side of her right big toe to subside
The pocket box of chocolates from Demarquette had been a present from an agent who’d found the most direct way to her heart.
If anyone asked him how he’d got the scar, he just smiled and said it was ‘one of those things’. As a result he retained a slightly mysterious aura that clearly made him extremely attractive to some, judging from the comments that Bea had overheard in the Ladies.
will be promoted from his position as sales manager with immediate effect.
He took the plates over to the dishwasher, loading them far more noisily than necessary
In giving her this unwanted knowledge, he had also given her power.
Sex was the one thing that had always brought them back together after the slightest disagreement. But she sensed him tense and he pulled back from her. ‘Not tonight,’ he murmured, turning his head and gently pushing her away. ‘I’ve got an early start. Sorry.’ He rolled onto his side and reached out to switch off his light.
Oliver put both hands on her shoulders and kissed Ellen’s forehead.
‘I love that painting, Starship,’ he said.
He did ask me what my HRT pills were but I just told him they were contraceptives – if only – and I pretended the thread veins on my legs were scratches from the roses in the garden. And I told him I’d been grey since my early thirties! One of the drawbacks of having jet-black hair as a kid.’
Honestly, I feel like a teenager with a first crush.
He’s so kind and considerate. I’d forgotten how good it feels to be wanted by someone and to share all those endless day-today tasks that otherwise you deal with on your own.
The excitement of the affair had temporarily blinded her to the realities of the situation.
smiling with their topaz eyes
his clothes were no longer mail order (too busy to shop) but designer (‘Carrie helps me choose’).
watchword
circumspection
November 25, 2017
Well, to be completely honest I did not finish this book. It became tedious. I just couldn't connect with the characters.
May 14, 2012
I haven't received my copy yet, just received notice I had won. 3/8/12
Received my copy 3/26/12 and hope to start soon. I have 12 others plus my current read in front.
Started 5/13/12
Finished 5/19/12
Bea is a book editor that is struggling with both her personal life and her professional life. Her personal life has been in shambles since her husband left her for a younger model, and her professional life is in an uproar due to an overhaul of the powers that be. Kate is a doctor working way too many hours, feels bad that her children are all grown and moved away (mostly) and feels her husband is moving further away each day. Ellen is a widow that is trying to raise her two children while devoting as much time and effort as she can to the gallery her uncle gave her. These 3 women are best friends until a stranger comes into their lives and causes havoc. Will they be able to work through the difficulties and keep their friendship?
This was a good book. I don't think Like is the right word, but I liked the story and the characters. I did feel a bit confused about the title and the book. They didn't seem to mesh much for me except maybe in Bea's case. The others, I really didn't see what they wanted and how they got it. Besides, everything that was happening to them throughout the story was definitely NOT what any woman would want. Sort of a spoiler so I will hide it All in all and good read, but a bit slow in parts.
Received my copy 3/26/12 and hope to start soon. I have 12 others plus my current read in front.
Started 5/13/12
Finished 5/19/12
Bea is a book editor that is struggling with both her personal life and her professional life. Her personal life has been in shambles since her husband left her for a younger model, and her professional life is in an uproar due to an overhaul of the powers that be. Kate is a doctor working way too many hours, feels bad that her children are all grown and moved away (mostly) and feels her husband is moving further away each day. Ellen is a widow that is trying to raise her two children while devoting as much time and effort as she can to the gallery her uncle gave her. These 3 women are best friends until a stranger comes into their lives and causes havoc. Will they be able to work through the difficulties and keep their friendship?
This was a good book. I don't think Like is the right word, but I liked the story and the characters. I did feel a bit confused about the title and the book. They didn't seem to mesh much for me except maybe in Bea's case. The others, I really didn't see what they wanted and how they got it. Besides, everything that was happening to them throughout the story was definitely NOT what any woman would want. Sort of a spoiler so I will hide it All in all and good read, but a bit slow in parts.
April 16, 2012
This was a book I won through a firstreads giveaway. It was a bit slow for me at the start, but once I got to know the characters and their friendships I was hooked. This story is about 3 middle aged women in London. One of the women falls into a whirlwind romance that has the other two, her lifelong friends, concerned. The relationships described by this author between friends, husband and wife, co-workers, parents and children, clearly show how well in tune to people emotions and relationships she is. This author does include some details of the lives of her characters that seem un-needed, however, since this is Ms. Blake's first novel, she is most likely still balancing the details needed to flesh out the story, and the ones people will simply ignore to continue on with the true meat of the story.
I particularily loved the development of Bea's friendship with Mark -- sometimes we end up with the people we least expect. I was relieved and pleased at the outcome of everything with Paul and Kate -- I really like how real Ms. Blake made these problems. The story about Oliver was very dramatic, and not as everyday, but so much of this story relates to what most people experience in everyday life it made it an enjoyable read. Its nice to think of average people finding unexpected love, and well earned success in their chosen careers.
I would like to read the next novel from Ms. Blake -- to enjoy her quirky and related characters and see her grow as an author.
I particularily loved the development of Bea's friendship with Mark -- sometimes we end up with the people we least expect. I was relieved and pleased at the outcome of everything with Paul and Kate -- I really like how real Ms. Blake made these problems. The story about Oliver was very dramatic, and not as everyday, but so much of this story relates to what most people experience in everyday life it made it an enjoyable read. Its nice to think of average people finding unexpected love, and well earned success in their chosen careers.
I would like to read the next novel from Ms. Blake -- to enjoy her quirky and related characters and see her grow as an author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2012
I received an ARC of this book as a giveaway through GoodReads. I am usually a fairly fast reader, but this took me forever to get through. It just was not holding my attention. I felt nothing but annoyance for these characters, with the exception of maybe Bea. The Ellen and Oliver relationship was uncomfortable to read about, and I wanted to smack some sense into Ellen.
That being said, perhaps I was not the target audience for this book. It focuses on the friendship of three middle aged women who are all in various stages of motherhood and marriage, neither of which I can identify with. It was different from most chick lit in that aspect. In my opinion, the story was rather nonexistant as well. It dragged on, and all the "action" really occurred in the last few chapters. From the other reviews, though, it appears as though some really enjoyed this book. It might be a good summer read if you can identify with the characters.
That being said, perhaps I was not the target audience for this book. It focuses on the friendship of three middle aged women who are all in various stages of motherhood and marriage, neither of which I can identify with. It was different from most chick lit in that aspect. In my opinion, the story was rather nonexistant as well. It dragged on, and all the "action" really occurred in the last few chapters. From the other reviews, though, it appears as though some really enjoyed this book. It might be a good summer read if you can identify with the characters.
September 4, 2012
Chick lit about three friends, mid 40s, who are having various problems. Bea is the most interesting - she is undergoing a change in her work responsibilities due to the evil Amanda who is trying to take over. Ellen is finally in love, but Oliver is causing a rift among the friends and he definitely not who he seems to be. Kate has a boring problem which is that her husband is distant. Overall, this book was pretty slow moving and boring. I feel bad giving it a two, but it wasn't really that good. OTOH, I gave the immensely readable Danielle Steel book a two last week and I thought that while it was one of her worst, it was still very readable. This one clocked in at 420 pages, which was way too long. I expected an easy, engaging read and I did not get that, so I guess part of the star rating is based on my expectations. Anyway, take a pass on this one and probably others this author may write in the future.
March 31, 2013
Not the witty chic lit book I thought I was getting, but I do have to say that reading about women in their mid 40's was refreshing. Bea is looking for male companionship since her husband left her for a much younger woman. Kate is wondering why her husband is suddenly distant and distracted. Ellen, widowed, suddenly allows a seemingly charming and considerate man into her home and into her heart after knowing him for only a few days. It is Ellen's story with Bea, loving her friend enough to hurt her, as the heroine. It wasn't a riveting story; the reader can see what is happening and can only wait for the happy ending that you know is coming. I didn't laugh over this book and I didn't cry either. I just read the story and some books are like that. This one just didn't engage me. It was an ok read
September 26, 2011
It was my first book by Fanny Blake and I guess I should just stick to my old, proved authors. It was again a book about actually nothing, I don't know if it's my luck that I'm reading only such books lately. It was just boring, there was actually nothing happening, I was not interested what's going to happen, and it was obvious what's going to happen. I have skipped a lot of the pages, sticking just to the dialogues and it was okay, I didn't miss anything in between. There was "Warm and funny" on the cover but I didn't find anything warm, let's not mention funny in this book. I didn't warm to any of the characters, I was really not interested in their private lives, no. I read it fast just to be finished.
December 29, 2017
Не кои да е жени. Героините в романа са жени във восъчна зрялост. Имат неутолени желания за любов, внимание, професионална реализация и качествен секс. Борят се с някой и друг излишен келограм, търсят решения на проблемите на деца тийнейджъри, флиртуват, отделят много време на приятелството помежду си, но не искат да са сами... Изобщо една леко резлива боза в чиклит стил. Като по-възрастна от жените в книгата ще кажа, че не бих подкрепила тезата на Фани Блейк, че жените искат да се вихрят в някакво митично "лично простронство", което някак се оказва оградено ог прегръдките на грижовен, интелигентен, неуморно сексапилен партньор. Чак такива шизофренички не съм имала честта да познавам...
June 30, 2012
I loved this book! In this book we meet three women with very different personalities, all dealing with their own anguishes. It's a lovely tale of friendship which is put to the test and if you enjoy witty, heart warming tales of friendship, self journeys and good characters then this is a must read!
June 13, 2013
I loved this book, 2-3 nights to read ,, 3 friends , stroppy teenage children too, all different situations , watching out for each other , falling out , etc ,,elderly mum in the background, and MEN!!! Say no more :-)
July 22, 2013
This book focussed on 3 professional women that were around 50 and had been friends since University. I really liked each character and how the author wound the stories together. Would definitely read more of her books.
July 24, 2016
I found myself getting frustrated with some of the characters in this one. It's often hard to balance the view points of different characters but this book managed it well. A nice story of friendship, but it didn't grab me.
April 27, 2012
I won this book as part of the First Reads program. It was slow to get started. It was an ok book, but did not hold my attention.
August 6, 2012
Middle aged English ladies, not my idea of chick lit. More like M. Binchy with a few 4 letter words thrown in. Anyone would be lucky to have such close friends.
August 13, 2012
Predictable and very light.
September 28, 2012
This book was entertaining but a bit predictable. I would recommend it as a book to take to the beach. Easy to follow and fun to read.
October 29, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, it was a great holiday read.
Read
August 17, 2013Read 8/11
August 31, 2014
It's an ok easy-beach-reading book I suppose. Very simple.
It's more for the folk who enjoyed sex and the city and the desperate housewives and the like.
Nothing special.
It's more for the folk who enjoyed sex and the city and the desperate housewives and the like.
Nothing special.
Read
February 26, 2015This was a fair book. Did not like it as much as
her other books
her other books
April 1, 2016
I would recommend the book to women over 50. For that group, it gives thoughts for the future. It made me think about my future. Others may find it a bit drawn out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews