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New England Trilogy #1
Wellesley Wives
Popsy Power - a Boston society-wife and her best friend, Sandra seem to have it all with billionaire husbands and beautiful daughters. But things change.
From Bollinger to basic-wage, it's a roller coaster for the ladies who lunch. When the daughters land in a heap of trouble too, it's hardly surprising that their mother should worry about the next generation of Wellesley Wives.
Life can't always be fun in the sun, but that's why there's fur!
Sit back, relax and enjoy the wonderful world of the Wellesley Wives.
From Bollinger to basic-wage, it's a roller coaster for the ladies who lunch. When the daughters land in a heap of trouble too, it's hardly surprising that their mother should worry about the next generation of Wellesley Wives.
Life can't always be fun in the sun, but that's why there's fur!
Sit back, relax and enjoy the wonderful world of the Wellesley Wives.
441 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2012
About the author
Suzy Duffy
31 books53 followersSuzy Duffy has been writing all her life.
She was the writer of rom com for many years, with books translated into German & Norwegian. She has been a guest speaker in Austin, Texas, Sydney Australia, Boston, Dublin, and London.
Before writing she was a national Radio & Television presenter in her native Ireland, but it was a move to Boston that inspired her to follow her true passion; Children’s literature.
Collaborating with internationally acclaimed, children’s illustrator Michael Roberts - they have embarked on creating United Tales of America.
This is a collection of 50 feel good fairy tales, because ‘Every State has a Story.”
Before creating books, they started to publish their fairy tales, free online.
18 Stories & States later, they have had 2 Million views and decided to take the plunge and self publish.
Follow United Tales of America on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
Mike and Suzy love to connect.
Happy reading.
Suzy Duffy has been writing all her life.
She was the writer of rom com for many years, with books translated into German & Norwegian. She has been a guest speaker in Austin, Texas, Sydney Australia, Boston, Dublin, and London.
Before writing she was a national Radio & Television presenter in her native Ireland, but it was a move to Boston that inspired her to follow her true passion; Children’s literature.
Collaborating with internationally acclaimed, children’s illustrator Michael Roberts - they have embarked on creating United Tales of America.
This is a collection of 50 feel good fairy tales, because ‘Every State has a Story.”
Before creating books, they started to publish their fairy tales, free online.
18 Stories & States later, they have had 2 Million views and decided to take the plunge and self publish.
Follow United Tales of America on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
Mike and Suzy love to connect.
Happy reading.
What the critics stay;
“Duffy isn’t just a good writer, she’s a darn good storyteller, too – a rare combination…"
“Duffy carefully weaves a well written story,” Jacqueline Parrish Anokhi Media.
She was the writer of rom com for many years, with books translated into German & Norwegian. She has been a guest speaker in Austin, Texas, Sydney Australia, Boston, Dublin, and London.
Before writing she was a national Radio & Television presenter in her native Ireland, but it was a move to Boston that inspired her to follow her true passion; Children’s literature.
Collaborating with internationally acclaimed, children’s illustrator Michael Roberts - they have embarked on creating United Tales of America.
This is a collection of 50 feel good fairy tales, because ‘Every State has a Story.”
Before creating books, they started to publish their fairy tales, free online.
18 Stories & States later, they have had 2 Million views and decided to take the plunge and self publish.
Follow United Tales of America on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
Mike and Suzy love to connect.
Happy reading.
Suzy Duffy has been writing all her life.
She was the writer of rom com for many years, with books translated into German & Norwegian. She has been a guest speaker in Austin, Texas, Sydney Australia, Boston, Dublin, and London.
Before writing she was a national Radio & Television presenter in her native Ireland, but it was a move to Boston that inspired her to follow her true passion; Children’s literature.
Collaborating with internationally acclaimed, children’s illustrator Michael Roberts - they have embarked on creating United Tales of America.
This is a collection of 50 feel good fairy tales, because ‘Every State has a Story.”
Before creating books, they started to publish their fairy tales, free online.
18 Stories & States later, they have had 2 Million views and decided to take the plunge and self publish.
Follow United Tales of America on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
Mike and Suzy love to connect.
Happy reading.
What the critics stay;
“Duffy isn’t just a good writer, she’s a darn good storyteller, too – a rare combination…"
“Duffy carefully weaves a well written story,” Jacqueline Parrish Anokhi Media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 21, 2012
It is so rare these days to come across a book that celebrates life as movingly as Wellesley Wives. Laced with fun moments, laughter and deep emotions, this is a delicately-paced story of friendship, love and the endurance of the human heart.
Popsy and Sandra are middle-aged Boston socialites and best friends for almost two decades. Their husbands, Peter and Jack, are also best friends as well as business partners. They live a privileged life in Wellesley, a small town near Boston, where Ferraris and Renoirs are as common as sliced bread. Popsy and Peter have two daughters, Rosie and Lily, one married and a mother, and the other still single.
We are gently introduced into their everyday lives, time is carefully taken for us to get to know them as you would get to know new friends. Nothing is rushed, nothing is forced. The opulence of their lifestyles is hard to identify with at first and while our first instinct is to box them into the ‘superficial mob’ category, once we slowly start scratching under the surface of their picture-perfect lives, we learn that no one’s life is ever perfect, regardless of the wealth they might possess. Peter and Jack’s business is going bust and Sandra’s marriage is following suit. What follows is a steadily-paced journey of heartbreak, betrayal, loss, and above all, survival.
Popsy and Sandra’s friendship is challenged at every corner. They both suffer harsh personal losses but their loyalty to each other remains a bright shining light in their lives. The more pain they are forced to suffer, the stronger their bond becomes. I was blown away by the unconditional love between these two extraordinary women. Even when faced with challenges that would normally have the power to break families apart, they continue to love and support each other selflessly and persistently. When one is down, the other one rises to the challenge and becomes the support. This gives them the strength to overcome even the most heartbreaking tragedies in their lives and fill their futures with hope.
The second storyline that the book follows is Rosie and Marcus’ marriage. This is a ‘the grass is always greener’ type of story, where a perfect marriage becomes tainted when one of the partners starts needing ‘more’. Rosie was my favourite character by far - I was completely disarmed by her vulnerability and sincere desire to do anything for the man she loves. I felt her struggle between wanting to save her marriage at all costs and her own set of moral beliefs, and I was guttered by her ultimate heartbreak.
Any time issues arose that they were unwilling to deal with, they would adopt the so-called “Ostrich Plan” of burying their heads, ignoring problems at hand and waiting until they would pass them over. They soon learn that some problems are worth ignoring while others have the power of crushing them. While everyone in this book had a difficult personal journey to travel, Rosie’s was the one I felt the most. Sometimes preserving a good thing is much harder than starting all over again.
Lily’s story was the catalyst for much of the conflicts in the book and as much as I wanted to judge her for her selfish actions, her only sin was that she fell in love with the wrong man. It was hard to keep hating her character when she was suffocating in her own guilt and regret. She was a great example of how a bad decision does not need to lead to even worse ones, and that sometimes we need to forgive ourselves if we are to move forward in our lives.
Three different stories, all connected, all exquisitely and skillfully intertwined into a poignant lesson of hope. This book was a truly beautiful celebration of friendship and the bonds that keep families together. It made me question my life and decisions I’ve made, it left me hopeful ... and it made me want to call my mum.
~ N ♥
See this review on my blog!
Popsy and Sandra are middle-aged Boston socialites and best friends for almost two decades. Their husbands, Peter and Jack, are also best friends as well as business partners. They live a privileged life in Wellesley, a small town near Boston, where Ferraris and Renoirs are as common as sliced bread. Popsy and Peter have two daughters, Rosie and Lily, one married and a mother, and the other still single.
We are gently introduced into their everyday lives, time is carefully taken for us to get to know them as you would get to know new friends. Nothing is rushed, nothing is forced. The opulence of their lifestyles is hard to identify with at first and while our first instinct is to box them into the ‘superficial mob’ category, once we slowly start scratching under the surface of their picture-perfect lives, we learn that no one’s life is ever perfect, regardless of the wealth they might possess. Peter and Jack’s business is going bust and Sandra’s marriage is following suit. What follows is a steadily-paced journey of heartbreak, betrayal, loss, and above all, survival.
Popsy and Sandra’s friendship is challenged at every corner. They both suffer harsh personal losses but their loyalty to each other remains a bright shining light in their lives. The more pain they are forced to suffer, the stronger their bond becomes. I was blown away by the unconditional love between these two extraordinary women. Even when faced with challenges that would normally have the power to break families apart, they continue to love and support each other selflessly and persistently. When one is down, the other one rises to the challenge and becomes the support. This gives them the strength to overcome even the most heartbreaking tragedies in their lives and fill their futures with hope.
“All I know is that life isn’t a dress rehearsal, and I'm not going to sit around like some idiot and live a life I may look back on and regret.”
The second storyline that the book follows is Rosie and Marcus’ marriage. This is a ‘the grass is always greener’ type of story, where a perfect marriage becomes tainted when one of the partners starts needing ‘more’. Rosie was my favourite character by far - I was completely disarmed by her vulnerability and sincere desire to do anything for the man she loves. I felt her struggle between wanting to save her marriage at all costs and her own set of moral beliefs, and I was guttered by her ultimate heartbreak.
“I'm doing what Marcus wants. I'm trying to keep him, and looking the other way is the only way I see it happening.”
Any time issues arose that they were unwilling to deal with, they would adopt the so-called “Ostrich Plan” of burying their heads, ignoring problems at hand and waiting until they would pass them over. They soon learn that some problems are worth ignoring while others have the power of crushing them. While everyone in this book had a difficult personal journey to travel, Rosie’s was the one I felt the most. Sometimes preserving a good thing is much harder than starting all over again.
Lily’s story was the catalyst for much of the conflicts in the book and as much as I wanted to judge her for her selfish actions, her only sin was that she fell in love with the wrong man. It was hard to keep hating her character when she was suffocating in her own guilt and regret. She was a great example of how a bad decision does not need to lead to even worse ones, and that sometimes we need to forgive ourselves if we are to move forward in our lives.
Three different stories, all connected, all exquisitely and skillfully intertwined into a poignant lesson of hope. This book was a truly beautiful celebration of friendship and the bonds that keep families together. It made me question my life and decisions I’ve made, it left me hopeful ... and it made me want to call my mum.
“Don’t waste time waiting for the storm to pass. Love, laugh, and dance in the rain.”
~ N ♥
See this review on my blog!
February 18, 2013
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
3.5 stars
Wellesley Wives by Suzy Duffy is a roller-coaster ride of a romantic comedy!
Popsy Power is a wealthy, Boston socialite with a charming, important husband and a best friend named Sandra who is a near replica of herself. Popsy and Sandra live lives that are the envy of working-class women everywhere. They also have equally wealthy and incredible daughters. What else can be said? They have it all...until they don't.
Suzy Duffy has crafted an adventurous tale of highs and lows with Wellesley Wives. It's a peek inside a lifestyle and social sphere that, for 99% of this country, is nowhere near their everyday reality. For me, regretably, I found myself unable to connect as fully with this aspect of the story as I had hoped. There is something of a balance here, though, as the women come to experience the kind of life they've likely only discussed in hushed whispers, if at all.
The technical aspects of the author's writing are well done, and the storytelling does have some rather engaging moments. The characters themselves are well-formed and seemed to be a great deal of fun, personally, for the author to explore. It speaks well of a story when a reader can tell that the author enjoyed the creative process.
In the end, Wellesley Wives is a story with a fairly broad appeal, and I have no doubt whatsoever that there is a large and eager audience for this book!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
3.5 stars
Wellesley Wives by Suzy Duffy is a roller-coaster ride of a romantic comedy!
Popsy Power is a wealthy, Boston socialite with a charming, important husband and a best friend named Sandra who is a near replica of herself. Popsy and Sandra live lives that are the envy of working-class women everywhere. They also have equally wealthy and incredible daughters. What else can be said? They have it all...until they don't.
Suzy Duffy has crafted an adventurous tale of highs and lows with Wellesley Wives. It's a peek inside a lifestyle and social sphere that, for 99% of this country, is nowhere near their everyday reality. For me, regretably, I found myself unable to connect as fully with this aspect of the story as I had hoped. There is something of a balance here, though, as the women come to experience the kind of life they've likely only discussed in hushed whispers, if at all.
The technical aspects of the author's writing are well done, and the storytelling does have some rather engaging moments. The characters themselves are well-formed and seemed to be a great deal of fun, personally, for the author to explore. It speaks well of a story when a reader can tell that the author enjoyed the creative process.
In the end, Wellesley Wives is a story with a fairly broad appeal, and I have no doubt whatsoever that there is a large and eager audience for this book!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
September 28, 2012
I laughed, I screamed at them, I loved this.
I'd love to have Popsy and Sandra as my friends.
I do have some lovely, strong friends, friends that are like these two. It certainly does make life easier knowing that you can depend on these people who are closer than sisters.
What a life these two have, with all the ups and downs that real people have. I rooted for them and cried with them...and laughed with them.
Hope you will, too.
Yes, I read this as a manuscript...loved it as a manuscript...will love it as a BOOK IN HAND!
I'd love to have Popsy and Sandra as my friends.
I do have some lovely, strong friends, friends that are like these two. It certainly does make life easier knowing that you can depend on these people who are closer than sisters.
What a life these two have, with all the ups and downs that real people have. I rooted for them and cried with them...and laughed with them.
Hope you will, too.
Yes, I read this as a manuscript...loved it as a manuscript...will love it as a BOOK IN HAND!
May 19, 2015
Review source: Publisher
First in the New England Trilogy romance series. A story about love and relationships in Boston.
My Take
Duffy certainly creates tension and keeps it there. She's setting us up, oh-so-very subtly, from the very beginning. I swear, my heart was in my mouth from the third page and then...whoa...landslides.
The first third is setting us up for one big landslide and, then, like life, it's...just...time. Time needed to regroup, refigure, understand.
Duffy has created a lovely range of characters from the good to the confused to the selfish. No one is truly evil in this. Yeah, I wouldn't mind taking out a contract on one of 'em...selfish bugger. But on the whole, these are decent people who've been dealt a hard blow and you can't help but want to read and find out how and if they manage to recover.
Excuse me...Lily is thinking that Rosie is a fool for going off on this week's vacation with her husband??? After what she's pulled!!!? I can't feel sorry for Lily. She was a stupid, selfish bitch and she's only getting what's coming to her. Of course, so is Jack.
Sandra and Popsy have the best friendship. Sure they have their issues. Oh man, do they have issues, but they are realistic about the problems as well as themselves. If we all had friends like these, the world would be a better place.
Oh man, I can't believe Marcus! And he so deserves this! Rosie came up with such a lovely coping mechanism; I had to laugh and then Marcus' reaction to it…?! Bugger it.
I do hope Duffy follows this up with a sequel. I wanna know what happens next in their lives.
The Story
Married for twenty-nine years and they're still in love, still in lust with each other. Now Peter has just given Popsy a custom Ferrari for her birthday. Although he does object to her $2,000 haircut. Men, go figure. It's too bad that Rosie and Marcus aren't half so happy. That Marcus thinks they need a swinger's resort...and Rosie can come if she wants. Lily is their perfect child with her fabulous career, even though she's alone.
Sandra and Jack have a passionate life. When he's there. She knows she agreed to no kids, but she's forty-five and aching for a baby. She's considering leaving him. Only he's already left.
Then their perfect world collapses. For all of them. Some things can be worked through. Then there are those from which one can never recover.
The Characters
Peter and Popsy Power have been married twenty-nine years and are still in love with each other. He's a billionaire. She's originally from a wealthy family in Ireland. Their oldest daughter Rosie is married to Marcus Kelly, her jerk of a pilot husband, with her own five-year-old Natasha. Lily is another daughter, the unmarried one. The perfect daughter from Rosie's perspective. Matilda is their housekeeper-cook and has been with them since Rosie was born.
Jack Hoffman is Peter's business partner and he and his wife Sandra are their best friends.
Sven Richter is a German doctor living in Dublin, attending a conference in Boston. Cindy and Sam Sinnott are at the Broader Horizons resort where Sam has some suggestions for Rosie. Jeff Fitzpatrick and Simon are a gay couple whom Sandra and Popsy meet in Dublin and again in Banagher. Jenny Lennox caught her hubby Eddie and he had to cough up a lovely little Renoir to keep her.
Emily and Matt Hamilton are Lily's co-workers. Em seems to be Lily's friend while Matt definitely wants to be.
Mrs. Miller runs The Boathouse in Banagher where Popsy and Sandra have landed. Shane Maloney is the hunky guy who saved Popsy's life. Twice.
The Cover
The cover is at odds with the story. It appears as though it will be a fluffy story about ladies who lunch, but it's much deeper than that. Yes, the street sign is quite accurate and the ladies are true to life. Everything on this is true to life with the red Ferrari, the cat, the champagne, and the road to life and its choices. Just don't pick this up thinking it'll be a fun read.
The title is about Wellesley Wives in two generations and doesn't restrict itself to the wives!
First in the New England Trilogy romance series. A story about love and relationships in Boston.
My Take
Duffy certainly creates tension and keeps it there. She's setting us up, oh-so-very subtly, from the very beginning. I swear, my heart was in my mouth from the third page and then...whoa...landslides.
The first third is setting us up for one big landslide and, then, like life, it's...just...time. Time needed to regroup, refigure, understand.
Duffy has created a lovely range of characters from the good to the confused to the selfish. No one is truly evil in this. Yeah, I wouldn't mind taking out a contract on one of 'em...selfish bugger. But on the whole, these are decent people who've been dealt a hard blow and you can't help but want to read and find out how and if they manage to recover.
Excuse me...Lily is thinking that Rosie is a fool for going off on this week's vacation with her husband??? After what she's pulled!!!? I can't feel sorry for Lily. She was a stupid, selfish bitch and she's only getting what's coming to her. Of course, so is Jack.
Sandra and Popsy have the best friendship. Sure they have their issues. Oh man, do they have issues, but they are realistic about the problems as well as themselves. If we all had friends like these, the world would be a better place.
Oh man, I can't believe Marcus! And he so deserves this! Rosie came up with such a lovely coping mechanism; I had to laugh and then Marcus' reaction to it…?! Bugger it.
I do hope Duffy follows this up with a sequel. I wanna know what happens next in their lives.
The Story
Married for twenty-nine years and they're still in love, still in lust with each other. Now Peter has just given Popsy a custom Ferrari for her birthday. Although he does object to her $2,000 haircut. Men, go figure. It's too bad that Rosie and Marcus aren't half so happy. That Marcus thinks they need a swinger's resort...and Rosie can come if she wants. Lily is their perfect child with her fabulous career, even though she's alone.
Sandra and Jack have a passionate life. When he's there. She knows she agreed to no kids, but she's forty-five and aching for a baby. She's considering leaving him. Only he's already left.
Then their perfect world collapses. For all of them. Some things can be worked through. Then there are those from which one can never recover.
The Characters
Peter and Popsy Power have been married twenty-nine years and are still in love with each other. He's a billionaire. She's originally from a wealthy family in Ireland. Their oldest daughter Rosie is married to Marcus Kelly, her jerk of a pilot husband, with her own five-year-old Natasha. Lily is another daughter, the unmarried one. The perfect daughter from Rosie's perspective. Matilda is their housekeeper-cook and has been with them since Rosie was born.
Jack Hoffman is Peter's business partner and he and his wife Sandra are their best friends.
Sven Richter is a German doctor living in Dublin, attending a conference in Boston. Cindy and Sam Sinnott are at the Broader Horizons resort where Sam has some suggestions for Rosie. Jeff Fitzpatrick and Simon are a gay couple whom Sandra and Popsy meet in Dublin and again in Banagher. Jenny Lennox caught her hubby Eddie and he had to cough up a lovely little Renoir to keep her.
Emily and Matt Hamilton are Lily's co-workers. Em seems to be Lily's friend while Matt definitely wants to be.
Mrs. Miller runs The Boathouse in Banagher where Popsy and Sandra have landed. Shane Maloney is the hunky guy who saved Popsy's life. Twice.
The Cover
The cover is at odds with the story. It appears as though it will be a fluffy story about ladies who lunch, but it's much deeper than that. Yes, the street sign is quite accurate and the ladies are true to life. Everything on this is true to life with the red Ferrari, the cat, the champagne, and the road to life and its choices. Just don't pick this up thinking it'll be a fun read.
The title is about Wellesley Wives in two generations and doesn't restrict itself to the wives!
August 28, 2012
When this book opens, we meet four very different women, who are all part of the Wellesley scene with wealth, expensive homes, jewels, cars, etc. Popsy, the one I would consider the main character, though the book switches points of view between the four, is married to Peter, and they’ve had a long happy marriage. Her two daughters, Lily and Rosie, and Sandra, Popsy’s best friend, married to Peter’s business partner make up the rest of the quartet of women. They seem to have everything anyone could want. And then, one by one, for various reasons, their lives fall apart, beginning with the news that the business is going bankrupt. Through adversity and trials, losing money, a husband’s unfaithfulness, another husband’s desire to try swinging and some shocking revelations about one of the other women, you wonder if and how they will survive. And if they do, will love and friendship remain?
When I began the book, I wasn’t sure I would like it. But Popsy is such an engaging character, warm and accepting, loyal and unflappable, and I wanted to know what would happen to her. I was glad I stuck it out, because as their lives unfold, we see how these four women do more than merely survive. They grow; they adjust; they triumph. Each woman, in herself and through the support of the others, becomes stronger, finds something in herself she probably didn’t even know was there. Their lives are a journey in this story, and each of them took me along for the trip, and damn, was I ever glad to go.
So, I started out early in the story not sure if I would end up caring about these women to rooting for them and cheering at the end. I went from only liking Popsy to caring deeply about each woman. For me, the power of a book is in its characters. And in these four Wellesley wives, I met four unique and interesting women, not always perfect, not always wonderful, but oh so very human and believable, four women I’d be proud to call my friends. I was sad when the book ended, and I still think about them and wonder what they’re doing, imagining them as they continue on their fictional life paths. And I’m still cheering for them all the way.
When I began the book, I wasn’t sure I would like it. But Popsy is such an engaging character, warm and accepting, loyal and unflappable, and I wanted to know what would happen to her. I was glad I stuck it out, because as their lives unfold, we see how these four women do more than merely survive. They grow; they adjust; they triumph. Each woman, in herself and through the support of the others, becomes stronger, finds something in herself she probably didn’t even know was there. Their lives are a journey in this story, and each of them took me along for the trip, and damn, was I ever glad to go.
So, I started out early in the story not sure if I would end up caring about these women to rooting for them and cheering at the end. I went from only liking Popsy to caring deeply about each woman. For me, the power of a book is in its characters. And in these four Wellesley wives, I met four unique and interesting women, not always perfect, not always wonderful, but oh so very human and believable, four women I’d be proud to call my friends. I was sad when the book ended, and I still think about them and wonder what they’re doing, imagining them as they continue on their fictional life paths. And I’m still cheering for them all the way.
September 26, 2012
This is the best book I have read so far. I loved the characters and the way the author brings them to life. Too funny!! and yet while you laugh, you also cry for them and you worry for them. It will diffidently by a movie! I can just feel it.
September 11, 2012
3.5 stars, rounded to 4.
This review is also available on My Fiction Nook.
This book is a character study of four women, all at different points in their lives, infused with humor, fun and strong emotions, perfectly paced to showcase friendships, love and strength in adversity and pain.
Popsy, Sandra, Rosie and Lily are at the center of this book, all with their own stories to tell, yet all connected to each other through blood or friendship. As we initially meet them, with their fancy cars and beautiful homes and rich lives, you'd think they have everything you ever wanted, and that their lives are perfect.
Suzy Duffy intelligently and delicately introduces adversity and pain into each of the women's lives. Sandra loses her husband to Lily. Popsy loses her husband to a heart attack. Rosie fears losing her husband due to his desire for a Swingers Club vacation. Lily realizes that the man she thought she knew is not what she wanted after all. Add to that a bankrupt business and a sudden lack of money, all four women struggle to make sense of the abrupt changes in their lives. As Rosie and Lily deal with losing their father, Popsy struggles with the loss of her husband of thirty years, and Sandra rages at her cheating husband and the unfairness of being replaced with a younger woman.
As each women deals with their own individual hardships, they find that the journey is what makes live beautiful, not the destination, and that they're stronger than they think.
The author created such likable characters that I found myself really caring about all of them soon into the book. Popsy's warmth and loyalty, Sandra's rage but strong friendship for Popsy, Rosie's fears and self-doubts, Lily's confusion and guilt, were all realistically and beautifully described.
Rich, vivid writing, poignant moments and great dialogue made this an outstanding study in how to persevere when your life changes abruptly. I cheered for each one of them by the end.
The men in this book almost play supportive roles, yet are intricately interwoven with the women's journeys.
Jack, Sandra's husband, is described as a misogynist, a bitter, 'old' man. And yet, there are moments when he shines nonetheless, even though they are few and far between.
Peter, Popsy's husband, is larger than life and seems to think himself invincible. He's wrong.
Rosie's husband initially seems like a cad, trying to convince his wife that having sex with random people in a Swingers Club vacation is the right way to spice up their marriage. He also learns by the end of the book how wrong he was, and has the good sense to admit it.
Matt, Sven, Shane - they all have a purpose in this story, and they fit that purpose beautifully.
The book teaches us that money isn't everything, and that our lives can change in the blink of an eye. And that love and friendship and the support of good friends are more important than all the money in the world.
I was initially a bit wary about the frequent POV changes, but they really worked for this book. They overlapped as needed, but each POV told the story of the woman in question, with excellent descriptions to the workings of their minds, and how they see the world around them.
Nicely done, Ms. Duffy. I am looking forward to the next book, Newton Neighbors.
I received a free ARC directly from the publisher in exchange for a review. A positive review was not promised in return.
This review is also available on My Fiction Nook.
This book is a character study of four women, all at different points in their lives, infused with humor, fun and strong emotions, perfectly paced to showcase friendships, love and strength in adversity and pain.
Popsy, Sandra, Rosie and Lily are at the center of this book, all with their own stories to tell, yet all connected to each other through blood or friendship. As we initially meet them, with their fancy cars and beautiful homes and rich lives, you'd think they have everything you ever wanted, and that their lives are perfect.
Suzy Duffy intelligently and delicately introduces adversity and pain into each of the women's lives. Sandra loses her husband to Lily. Popsy loses her husband to a heart attack. Rosie fears losing her husband due to his desire for a Swingers Club vacation. Lily realizes that the man she thought she knew is not what she wanted after all. Add to that a bankrupt business and a sudden lack of money, all four women struggle to make sense of the abrupt changes in their lives. As Rosie and Lily deal with losing their father, Popsy struggles with the loss of her husband of thirty years, and Sandra rages at her cheating husband and the unfairness of being replaced with a younger woman.
As each women deals with their own individual hardships, they find that the journey is what makes live beautiful, not the destination, and that they're stronger than they think.
The author created such likable characters that I found myself really caring about all of them soon into the book. Popsy's warmth and loyalty, Sandra's rage but strong friendship for Popsy, Rosie's fears and self-doubts, Lily's confusion and guilt, were all realistically and beautifully described.
Rich, vivid writing, poignant moments and great dialogue made this an outstanding study in how to persevere when your life changes abruptly. I cheered for each one of them by the end.
The men in this book almost play supportive roles, yet are intricately interwoven with the women's journeys.
Jack, Sandra's husband, is described as a misogynist, a bitter, 'old' man. And yet, there are moments when he shines nonetheless, even though they are few and far between.
Peter, Popsy's husband, is larger than life and seems to think himself invincible. He's wrong.
Rosie's husband initially seems like a cad, trying to convince his wife that having sex with random people in a Swingers Club vacation is the right way to spice up their marriage. He also learns by the end of the book how wrong he was, and has the good sense to admit it.
Matt, Sven, Shane - they all have a purpose in this story, and they fit that purpose beautifully.
The book teaches us that money isn't everything, and that our lives can change in the blink of an eye. And that love and friendship and the support of good friends are more important than all the money in the world.
I was initially a bit wary about the frequent POV changes, but they really worked for this book. They overlapped as needed, but each POV told the story of the woman in question, with excellent descriptions to the workings of their minds, and how they see the world around them.
Nicely done, Ms. Duffy. I am looking forward to the next book, Newton Neighbors.
I received a free ARC directly from the publisher in exchange for a review. A positive review was not promised in return.
October 8, 2012
I received this book as an ARC from the publisher. To be honest, it isn’t something I would pick up for myself, because I prefer historical fiction. However, once I started reading it, I really began to enjoy it. The novel is told from four alternating perspectives: Popsy, whose primary identity would be wealthy wife; her two daughters Rosie and Lily; and Sandra, Popsy’s best friend. Overall the book is very enjoyable. It’s not high literature but definitely a fun, breezy read that can be easily read in a few days.
Popsy is a flawed but likable character. In the beginning, we find her as someone completely dependent on her husband and unable to function without money. Unlike her daughters, she seems a little out of touch with reality throughout the novel, definitely not someone who has ever had to struggle or really think for herself. However, she is kind and well-meaning and you could see some growth in her character, although it is a little too convenient that her broke husband dies and she is able to receive his life insurance and not have to worry about money. This means that she never quite reaches her full potential as a character.
Her daughter Lily represents the modern woman in some ways, although she too has never really had to struggle for anything in her life. She’s a single hedgefund manager whose relation to her wealthy father gave her an inside connection to a high paying promotion and whose Boston apartment was paid in full as a gift from her dad. She also has an affair with her father’s partner, which causes a rift in the family. She is flawed but hard working, although her reasoning for staying with her lover, despite the fact that she wants children and he doesn’t, is confounding and not adequately realistic.
Rosie was the most likable character, although the reader is left to wonder why on earth she would ever agree to go to a swinger’s destination and why she would forgive her husband for dragging her there. I also found their lavish lifestyle odd, especially since her husband is a pilot and she a former flight attendant. It would have made sense early in the book, but once the family lost their money, she and her husband seemed entirely unconcerned. Maybe there’s an explanation, but I missed it.
To be honest, I found Sandra’s story the weakest of the four, primarily because I just found her so unlikable. All of the characters were superficial to some level, but Sandra was the worst. It was just hard to relate to someone who spent all day focusing on her own appearance, wanted to trick her unlikable husband into having a baby, and punched her best friend’s daughter for doing the same thing she did (stealing another woman’s husband). I felt like she brought out the worst in the other characters, especially Popsy, who she encouraged to be superficial (i.e., despite the fact that Popsy is broke, she tells Popsy to keep the new Ferrari Popsy’s equally senseless husband just bought for her, because she deserved it).
Despite some odd character motivations and some too convenient plot turns, Wellesley Wives is an entertaining read. Hopefully there will be a sequel, because I’m curious to see what happens to the characters. Except for Sandra. I could care less.
Popsy is a flawed but likable character. In the beginning, we find her as someone completely dependent on her husband and unable to function without money. Unlike her daughters, she seems a little out of touch with reality throughout the novel, definitely not someone who has ever had to struggle or really think for herself. However, she is kind and well-meaning and you could see some growth in her character, although it is a little too convenient that her broke husband dies and she is able to receive his life insurance and not have to worry about money. This means that she never quite reaches her full potential as a character.
Her daughter Lily represents the modern woman in some ways, although she too has never really had to struggle for anything in her life. She’s a single hedgefund manager whose relation to her wealthy father gave her an inside connection to a high paying promotion and whose Boston apartment was paid in full as a gift from her dad. She also has an affair with her father’s partner, which causes a rift in the family. She is flawed but hard working, although her reasoning for staying with her lover, despite the fact that she wants children and he doesn’t, is confounding and not adequately realistic.
Rosie was the most likable character, although the reader is left to wonder why on earth she would ever agree to go to a swinger’s destination and why she would forgive her husband for dragging her there. I also found their lavish lifestyle odd, especially since her husband is a pilot and she a former flight attendant. It would have made sense early in the book, but once the family lost their money, she and her husband seemed entirely unconcerned. Maybe there’s an explanation, but I missed it.
To be honest, I found Sandra’s story the weakest of the four, primarily because I just found her so unlikable. All of the characters were superficial to some level, but Sandra was the worst. It was just hard to relate to someone who spent all day focusing on her own appearance, wanted to trick her unlikable husband into having a baby, and punched her best friend’s daughter for doing the same thing she did (stealing another woman’s husband). I felt like she brought out the worst in the other characters, especially Popsy, who she encouraged to be superficial (i.e., despite the fact that Popsy is broke, she tells Popsy to keep the new Ferrari Popsy’s equally senseless husband just bought for her, because she deserved it).
Despite some odd character motivations and some too convenient plot turns, Wellesley Wives is an entertaining read. Hopefully there will be a sequel, because I’m curious to see what happens to the characters. Except for Sandra. I could care less.
September 29, 2012
Bear with me while I get my thoughts in order here.
This is one of those books that left me with a lot to say, a lot to think about, a couple of questions and the feeling that it really doesn't matter what life has in store for you - you can still kick life's ass if you have the right girlfriend, sister, mother or daughter beside you.
I'll be honest, at first I read it as a "Gossip Girl"/ "Desperate Housewives" mash up.
I had issues with the way they view their life and money.
But then I got to listen to their voices, each of the MCs in this story has a unique voice.
Popsy, how to explain how clueless she was?! She had the perfect house, husband and daughters. Nothing was wrong in the world as long as she and her family were save. Well, she was not ready for her life to fall down in front of her eyes. And then she just proves what an strong woman she is. Something she didn't even know herself, because she relay on her husband too much.
Sandra, I love her! I see myself in her (minus the money of course!) She is a strong a determined woman. One that finds herself in a marriage at 40 years old, wanting something that her husband wont give her, a child of her own.
And just like, it sometimes happen in real life, Jack decides that enough is enough and he is in love with a new girl half his age.
Lily and Rosie are Popsy's daughters. Each with their own issues and secrets. They both have to be strong in their own way. One standing up for herself and her own child, demanding respect out of her husband, and the other one needs to let the guilt go and find her own way in life.
If there is one moment not to miss is the conversation between Sandra and Lily, OMG! I was waiting too long for it to happen.
The men in this book, serve their purpose.
Peter, Popsy's husband is the love of her life. A type of love you don't get to experience twice in your life.
Jack, it's been a long time since I hated a fictional character as much but he does have a heart, even if he hides it most of the time.
Matt, Shane and Sven are the ones totally worthy and we don't even get enough of them.
It was amazing to be in each of this woman's minds. Each character gets the space they need, so you as a reader can understand how they think, how they feel.
Thank you Ms. Duffy for a great book! I look forward to read more from you in the future.
I received a free ARC directly from the publisher.
This is one of those books that left me with a lot to say, a lot to think about, a couple of questions and the feeling that it really doesn't matter what life has in store for you - you can still kick life's ass if you have the right girlfriend, sister, mother or daughter beside you.
I'll be honest, at first I read it as a "Gossip Girl"/ "Desperate Housewives" mash up.
I had issues with the way they view their life and money.
But then I got to listen to their voices, each of the MCs in this story has a unique voice.
Popsy, how to explain how clueless she was?! She had the perfect house, husband and daughters. Nothing was wrong in the world as long as she and her family were save. Well, she was not ready for her life to fall down in front of her eyes. And then she just proves what an strong woman she is. Something she didn't even know herself, because she relay on her husband too much.
Sandra, I love her! I see myself in her (minus the money of course!) She is a strong a determined woman. One that finds herself in a marriage at 40 years old, wanting something that her husband wont give her, a child of her own.
And just like, it sometimes happen in real life, Jack decides that enough is enough and he is in love with a new girl half his age.
Lily and Rosie are Popsy's daughters. Each with their own issues and secrets. They both have to be strong in their own way. One standing up for herself and her own child, demanding respect out of her husband, and the other one needs to let the guilt go and find her own way in life.
If there is one moment not to miss is the conversation between Sandra and Lily, OMG! I was waiting too long for it to happen.
The men in this book, serve their purpose.
Peter, Popsy's husband is the love of her life. A type of love you don't get to experience twice in your life.
Jack, it's been a long time since I hated a fictional character as much but he does have a heart, even if he hides it most of the time.
Matt, Shane and Sven are the ones totally worthy and we don't even get enough of them.
It was amazing to be in each of this woman's minds. Each character gets the space they need, so you as a reader can understand how they think, how they feel.
Thank you Ms. Duffy for a great book! I look forward to read more from you in the future.
I received a free ARC directly from the publisher.
September 5, 2012
I cannot begin to express my love for this book! I complained when I had to put it down, and am still thinking about it now, 15 or so hours after I finished it. If I could give it more than five stars I would.
I've always been a big fan of Irish chick lit, but this one is a little bit American, too, and the contrasts between Boston and Ireland are really what makes the story tick along. I loved the first half of the book, but the second half was where I was really gripped. I became invested in all the characters - there wasn't a dud one, even among the bit players - and what Popsy went through was so accurately portrayed that it reminded me of my own family's experience with grief. This book is sad, but it's also very funny and full of hope. I only wish I knew what happened next... but it's the start of a series so maybe I will find out (I hope!).
I love, love, love it, and I love the cover, too! I highly recommend Wellesley Wives to everyone!
I've always been a big fan of Irish chick lit, but this one is a little bit American, too, and the contrasts between Boston and Ireland are really what makes the story tick along. I loved the first half of the book, but the second half was where I was really gripped. I became invested in all the characters - there wasn't a dud one, even among the bit players - and what Popsy went through was so accurately portrayed that it reminded me of my own family's experience with grief. This book is sad, but it's also very funny and full of hope. I only wish I knew what happened next... but it's the start of a series so maybe I will find out (I hope!).
I love, love, love it, and I love the cover, too! I highly recommend Wellesley Wives to everyone!
October 5, 2012
Definition of Wellesley Wives
Genre – Female.
They tend to be more capable than they realize and more envied than they wish.
When I first started this book I wasn’t sure where it would go or what I would get into. You get a lot of information right out of the gate but once you settle down, a certain lunch happens , the story begins. I strapped in for the ride, conjured up my girlfriends who don’t live in the same town and joined in the journey with four wonderfully, different, funny, heart breaking and ultimately fearless women.
“Well, at least I’m still alive. Looking young isn’t everything. Being happy is. That’s what it’s really about.”
Popsy just turned 50 and for her birthday she gets a brand spankin’ new Ferrari. Everything is right with the world. She has Peter, the love of her life and husband of almost 30 years. Sandra her best friend and partner in crime. Rosie and Lily her wonderful Daughters and Natasha her adorable Granddaughter. She has a nice quiet birthday lunch planned with the family when Peter and his business partner “Uncle Jack” walk in and drop a bomb. The world around Popsy begins to unravel and she has only one choice to make, hide or face it head on? I have such respect for this woman and what she goes through. The scene at the gas station is just one reason I will route for her over and over again. There are more reasons but I can’t give those up, you will have to read the book for that.
“You know, I found it easier after I left the penthouse. I felt like the ax that had been hanging over me was suddenly gone.”
Sandra is having trouble with her marriage. She wants a baby at 45 but being Jack’s second wife that just isn’t going to happen. After the beans are spilled at Popsy’s birthday party, Jack comes clean with not one but two secrets and throws Sandra’s world in tail spin. What else would a Wellesley Wife do but jet off to Ireland with her best friend armed with a Thelma and Louise plan?
“Sex was just a physical thing for Marcus, and back then it had been the same for Rosie. But those years had changed her, and now for her it was intimate and private. How could she explain that in a way he would understand?”
Rosie, dear Rosie a girl after my own heart. Deeply in love with her husband Marcus and desperate to save their marriage by any means she can. But what line do you cross for the sake of love and how much of yourself are you willing to give up to make another person happy? I cannot buy into the “Be an Ostrich” when it comes to the situation in Mexico. I would not know how to deal with that and oh Rosie I am so glad you found Sam and the NO Club. Hang in there girlfriend!
“What did it matter? They were together now and in love. They would just work through this tough patch.”
Lily, a girl who follows her heart more than her head and just wants to be with the man she loves even though it may be wrong. The guilt she feels over the events actually breaks my heart. She really is just a girl who fell in love with the wrong guy. To take the world onto her shoulders is too big a burden for someone so slight. She is always trying to do the right thing and be the people pleaser but she never ends up pleasing her self that way. Thank goodness for Matt! Sigh.
“You love this town
Even if that doesn’t ring true
You’ve been all over
And it’s been all over you.”
~Beautiful Day, U2
I completely fell in love with the women in this book. They are all so different yet so alike dealing with the loss, the struggle and the journey to who they really are at the core. The story is told in a delightful way that is never rushed, giving the reader ample time to know the characters; not just by name but by actions of their heart and soul. Oh yes, there are the men, the men aren’t so bad, well some of them at least. Peter is my favorite and Jack my least. Marcus well, he needs a good spanking though I am scared he might enjoy it. The “extra” men from the story are pure gems hidden away; Sam, Matt, Shane and Sven. Each one held a pivotal role in our ladies lives and they wouldn’t be the same without them.
Wellesley Wives is for me a story about strength. Strength in self, love, loss, trust, friendship and taking a chance. This book makes me want to hug my sisters and conference call my girlfriends (who take me for who I am both good and bad) to make sure our date in Atlanta next July is still on and plans are being made.
“How would I know what people think, and more important, why would I give a hoot? The world is full of jealousy. Just dance to your own tune.”
*ARC provided by the publisher SMITH PUBLICITY, INC.*
September 18, 2012
Review on http://passionforpages.blogspot.ca/20...
What first caught my attention was how much the summary (from the publisher's website) of this book sounded like a Jackie Collins novel. Multi-character point of views by rich, over the top drama queens. If you’re a JC fan, then you know what I’m talking about. And that’s not a complaint, I actually like the trashy romances Collins spits out and that’s one reason why I wanted to read Wellesley Wives. Turns out the two authors are very similar in their story telling—minus the trashiness on Duffy’s part.
Wellesley Wives follows the lives of four women: Popsy, Sandra, Rosie and Lily. If you read the summary of this book from the publisher's website then you’ll get the gist of the plot. Popsy and Sandra are best friends, Lily is screwing Sandra’s husband and Rosie is trying to do everything in her power to keep her marriage together and give her husband what he wants—even though it’s not at all what she wants. See? A Jackie Collins book!
That being said, I really enjoyed this story! I wasn’t expecting it to be as heartwarming and hit at my emotions like it did. The story of Popsy and her husband Peter was a surprise that I didn’t see coming, honestly, and it broke my heart. It was their story that I feel really made the book shine. It made it more than just about spoiled, rich women learning how to live without money.
I like the strength Sandra had and her loyalty to her best friend. At first I wasn’t really into her because of her plans to trap Jack with a baby. She was manipulative and selfish. But as the story went on and her marriage crumbled I really enjoyed seeing a different side of her—one that wasn’t this needy, pathetic, devious, neglected wife.
Rosie and Lily were my least favourite characters. I wanted to slap them both for different reasons. Lily blamed herself for all the horrible events that happened to her family because of her affair with Jack, and because of that she was willing to stay in a relationship she really no longer wanted to be in. Stupid girl! I know that there are so many couples who do this and I want to scream! Forget the whole don’t judge people without knowing their story bullshit. The truth is if you’re not happy no one is going to be happy. There is no saying more real than that.
And Rosie! Ugh! I hated, really hated, the way she let her husband convince her into something she was not at all comfortable with. I have no problem at all with the swingers lifestyle if that’s what you’re into, but it is a lifestyle that affects BOTH people in the relationship and because of that BOTH people should want it or else it’s basically just cheating on your spouse. The fact that she went along with it even though it made her sick to think about infuriated me! This is not okay! This is not what two people in a marriage should do to each other! You should not have to put yourself in this kind of position! Yes, I’m still pissed thinking about it. I hated that Rosie didn’t have the backbone to tell her husband there was no way in hell she was going on that kind of vacation. Because she wasn’t at all okay with this, I have no idea how she could look at it as him not cheating on her. And by him telling her he was going with or without her? Yeah, that’s blackmailing your wife into letting you cheat with her permission. She just gets the choice whether or not to witness it. There is no way, NO WAY I would be able to stay in that kind of marriage. I don’t care if Marcus did see the error in his ways at the end, the damage was already done. If I was Rosie I would never be able to get over the fact that he was so eager to touch someone else. I wouldn’t be able to stop wondering just how many women he had kissed, just how many eager legs had spread for him. I would be D.O.N.E. Gone.
Can you tell that was the real low point in the book for me? I’m surprised I didn’t ditch it just because of that.
But still, I’m giving it 4 stars because, aside from Rosie and Marcus, I really did enjoy everything else. I loved the three minor roles of Shane, Sven and Matt. Those three really are the “heroes” of the book because they saved Popsy, Sandra and Lily from one thing or another—emotionally, physically and literally. Especially Shane. We didn’t get to see very much of him but he’s the best by far in this book because of what he symbolizes.
Even though ¼ of the plot made me so furious, Wellesley Wives is a delightful read. And really, when an author can evoke that much hate from me, she’s done her job well.
What first caught my attention was how much the summary (from the publisher's website) of this book sounded like a Jackie Collins novel. Multi-character point of views by rich, over the top drama queens. If you’re a JC fan, then you know what I’m talking about. And that’s not a complaint, I actually like the trashy romances Collins spits out and that’s one reason why I wanted to read Wellesley Wives. Turns out the two authors are very similar in their story telling—minus the trashiness on Duffy’s part.
Wellesley Wives follows the lives of four women: Popsy, Sandra, Rosie and Lily. If you read the summary of this book from the publisher's website then you’ll get the gist of the plot. Popsy and Sandra are best friends, Lily is screwing Sandra’s husband and Rosie is trying to do everything in her power to keep her marriage together and give her husband what he wants—even though it’s not at all what she wants. See? A Jackie Collins book!
That being said, I really enjoyed this story! I wasn’t expecting it to be as heartwarming and hit at my emotions like it did. The story of Popsy and her husband Peter was a surprise that I didn’t see coming, honestly, and it broke my heart. It was their story that I feel really made the book shine. It made it more than just about spoiled, rich women learning how to live without money.
I like the strength Sandra had and her loyalty to her best friend. At first I wasn’t really into her because of her plans to trap Jack with a baby. She was manipulative and selfish. But as the story went on and her marriage crumbled I really enjoyed seeing a different side of her—one that wasn’t this needy, pathetic, devious, neglected wife.
Rosie and Lily were my least favourite characters. I wanted to slap them both for different reasons. Lily blamed herself for all the horrible events that happened to her family because of her affair with Jack, and because of that she was willing to stay in a relationship she really no longer wanted to be in. Stupid girl! I know that there are so many couples who do this and I want to scream! Forget the whole don’t judge people without knowing their story bullshit. The truth is if you’re not happy no one is going to be happy. There is no saying more real than that.
And Rosie! Ugh! I hated, really hated, the way she let her husband convince her into something she was not at all comfortable with. I have no problem at all with the swingers lifestyle if that’s what you’re into, but it is a lifestyle that affects BOTH people in the relationship and because of that BOTH people should want it or else it’s basically just cheating on your spouse. The fact that she went along with it even though it made her sick to think about infuriated me! This is not okay! This is not what two people in a marriage should do to each other! You should not have to put yourself in this kind of position! Yes, I’m still pissed thinking about it. I hated that Rosie didn’t have the backbone to tell her husband there was no way in hell she was going on that kind of vacation. Because she wasn’t at all okay with this, I have no idea how she could look at it as him not cheating on her. And by him telling her he was going with or without her? Yeah, that’s blackmailing your wife into letting you cheat with her permission. She just gets the choice whether or not to witness it. There is no way, NO WAY I would be able to stay in that kind of marriage. I don’t care if Marcus did see the error in his ways at the end, the damage was already done. If I was Rosie I would never be able to get over the fact that he was so eager to touch someone else. I wouldn’t be able to stop wondering just how many women he had kissed, just how many eager legs had spread for him. I would be D.O.N.E. Gone.
Can you tell that was the real low point in the book for me? I’m surprised I didn’t ditch it just because of that.
But still, I’m giving it 4 stars because, aside from Rosie and Marcus, I really did enjoy everything else. I loved the three minor roles of Shane, Sven and Matt. Those three really are the “heroes” of the book because they saved Popsy, Sandra and Lily from one thing or another—emotionally, physically and literally. Especially Shane. We didn’t get to see very much of him but he’s the best by far in this book because of what he symbolizes.
Even though ¼ of the plot made me so furious, Wellesley Wives is a delightful read. And really, when an author can evoke that much hate from me, she’s done her job well.
April 22, 2013
Author: Suzy Duffy
Published by: Writer's Coffee Shop
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 4
Review:
"Wellesley Wives" by Suzy Duffy was really some reading being a contemporary, women fiction-chick lit, with lots of drama and some humor. After reading this novel I had many thoughts...Wow, this was some read where two best friends 'manage to stay strong and support each other through dreadful, heart wrenching crises.' This novel is one of friendship, love and family where "the author gets inside their motivations and hearts, so that even if we deplore their actions, a part of us will under stands them and more importantly forgives them." When reading you will find yourself caught up where you will find a 'beautifully woven story about high-life, friendship, love, loss, cheating, lying, marriage and second chances.' Wow, Ms. Duffy you are simply a wonderful storyteller! "Wellesley Wives" will have you laughing while still leaving you sobbing chapter after chapter. I found all of the characters were strong and were well developed in tough situation that would definitely keep you turning the pages until the end. What a local .... Wellesley, MA. that this author wrote her setting from. No, I am not from Wellesley, however this book was published on Sept 27th...which is my birthday! And yes, I would recommend "Wellesley Wives" as a good read.
Published by: Writer's Coffee Shop
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 4
Review:
"Wellesley Wives" by Suzy Duffy was really some reading being a contemporary, women fiction-chick lit, with lots of drama and some humor. After reading this novel I had many thoughts...Wow, this was some read where two best friends 'manage to stay strong and support each other through dreadful, heart wrenching crises.' This novel is one of friendship, love and family where "the author gets inside their motivations and hearts, so that even if we deplore their actions, a part of us will under stands them and more importantly forgives them." When reading you will find yourself caught up where you will find a 'beautifully woven story about high-life, friendship, love, loss, cheating, lying, marriage and second chances.' Wow, Ms. Duffy you are simply a wonderful storyteller! "Wellesley Wives" will have you laughing while still leaving you sobbing chapter after chapter. I found all of the characters were strong and were well developed in tough situation that would definitely keep you turning the pages until the end. What a local .... Wellesley, MA. that this author wrote her setting from. No, I am not from Wellesley, however this book was published on Sept 27th...which is my birthday! And yes, I would recommend "Wellesley Wives" as a good read.
October 7, 2012
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in return for an honest review. This is one of the best books, I have read in a long time. I adore chick lit and that was what I was expecting. I was pleasantly surprised. It reminded me of Marian Keyes or Maeve Binchy, it was much more than a sweet girlie story. The heart of the novel is about friendship, love, and family. The two best friends manage to stay strong and support each other through dreadful, heart wrenching crises. Their touching bond permeates the book as well as the intricate ties and pains of a family. Ms. Duffy writes with Irish warmth, wisdom, and wit. All of the characters reach us on different levels. We hate them, we love them. The author gets inside their motivations and hearts, so that even if we deplore their actions, a part of us understands them and more importantly forgives them. Wellesley Wives is the kind of book you could read again, just to find those little tidbits of wisdom about the value of life that you may have read too quickly. Wellesley Wives is a wonderful book and I can’t wait for the next one in the trilogy!
October 6, 2012
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of Wellesley Wives directly from the publisher. I absolutely adored this book and the characters. It reminded me of several of my favorite authors all rolled up into one. I love the author’s writing style and her humor, I found it very difficult to put this book down and I read it rather quickly. The characters could be equivalent to one of the Real Housewives show or a well-to-do group of well off people in the Hamptons. I love how all of the characters intermingle and the author makes you feel like you are right there with them. The characters seem so with it and then a series of unfortunate events tries to throw a wrench in the mix. I love how the main characters rise above and prevail during the low points. The main characters should hate each other over the series of circumstances that occur, but in the end, this only makes them stronger. I wish I was reading this book with a glass of wine in my hand at the beach, would have made it perfect. I will now add this book to my favorite chick lit books and would look forward to more books by this author.
July 1, 2013
I finished this and was bereft... wanting MORE... needing MORE... so I'm re-reading .
Suzy Duffy is a very very gifted writer; I'd say she's filling the shoes of our late Maeve Binchy... Just think... Rosamunde Pilcher has retired; Gene Stratton Porter and Maeve Binchy have gone to their heavenly reward... these and several other authors (Jan Karon) have wrapped me in warmth, humor, honest-to-goodness humananity throughout the years... I am so happy to have found Suzy Duffy.
This book has reaffirmed what a treasure "a women's strength" is and to value each and every friendship close to my heart.
Thank you Suzy Duffy for a wonderful, heart-warming and REAL story.
Suzy Duffy is a very very gifted writer; I'd say she's filling the shoes of our late Maeve Binchy... Just think... Rosamunde Pilcher has retired; Gene Stratton Porter and Maeve Binchy have gone to their heavenly reward... these and several other authors (Jan Karon) have wrapped me in warmth, humor, honest-to-goodness humananity throughout the years... I am so happy to have found Suzy Duffy.
This book has reaffirmed what a treasure "a women's strength" is and to value each and every friendship close to my heart.
Thank you Suzy Duffy for a wonderful, heart-warming and REAL story.
September 15, 2012
This book was just magical for me. When we first meet these four ladies I admit, I was stuck in the.."why should I feel sorry for these people that have everything.." well... Suzy Duffy is brilliant because she quickly shows the reader that money does not buy happiness. I am IN LOVE with these characters. The depths of their characterization is so moving. I laughed with them, cried so hard that I had to stop reading, and then cheered on their successes.
Bravo!! I am ready for much more.
Bravo!! I am ready for much more.
September 23, 2013
Braine's Talk Supe review
WELLESLEY WIVES is a story about love, loss and the drive to work with what we have and shape our own future. And just like in real life, some of the characters will make you laugh and some will make you want to pull your hair out. These women might be privileged but their hardships and how they responded and dealt with it are experienced by most women from all walks of life. And it is this characteristic that gave the characters resonance and made the story relatable.
WELLESLEY WIVES is a story about love, loss and the drive to work with what we have and shape our own future. And just like in real life, some of the characters will make you laugh and some will make you want to pull your hair out. These women might be privileged but their hardships and how they responded and dealt with it are experienced by most women from all walks of life. And it is this characteristic that gave the characters resonance and made the story relatable.
October 6, 2012
http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/RNZO14... <--- My review on Amazon.co.uk (If you found the review helpful and have a profile on Amazon, please vote. It would help me a lot, thanks.)
http://booktobookreviews.blogspot.co.... <---- My review on my blog, there is also a giveaway with a free entry! Feel free to enter! The giveaway ends on the 21st of October 2012!
http://booktobookreviews.blogspot.co.... <---- My review on my blog, there is also a giveaway with a free entry! Feel free to enter! The giveaway ends on the 21st of October 2012!
October 10, 2012
I couldn't put it down, and then was quite sad when it ended! Always the sign of a good story, in my book.
Suzy spins a great yarn that keeps you on the same rollercoaster as the characters and you laugh and cry with them without having to think whether Germaine Greer would aprove of it, but just read it for the sake of a good read! Jane Austen would aprove!
I am so looking foward to the next one...make it a trilogy of four, maybe xxx
Suzy spins a great yarn that keeps you on the same rollercoaster as the characters and you laugh and cry with them without having to think whether Germaine Greer would aprove of it, but just read it for the sake of a good read! Jane Austen would aprove!
I am so looking foward to the next one...make it a trilogy of four, maybe xxx
October 2, 2012
Loved this book! So much fun to read. Popsy and Sandra are friends who share a life of glamour and wealth with husbands, daughters and a grandchild! When the economic downturn as well as infidelity and loss affect their lives these women stay strong. With grace and humour Suzy Duffy tells Popsy and Sandra's survival story.
September 15, 2012
What a fun book!! Wellesley wives is a little bit of sunshine in a dreary day. The characters are like someone you might meet-their happinesses and troubles are pretty real. This book is a nice light treat.
December 14, 2012
It's a must read, so really enjoy this book, it's got that feel good factor
April 16, 2013
Wellesley Wives is a romantic comedy about Popsy Power, her friend, Sandra, her two daughters, Rosie and Lily and all the men in their lives. The folks of Wellesley form the cream of Boston society. Popsy, her daughters and her friend are the envy of many. With their Ferrari’s, furs, and fundraiser lunches they seem to have it all. However, when things start to go wrong it is up to the Wellesley Wives to prove what they are made of and just how they pull themselves up by the boot straps is where this story begins.
This is a tale of friendship and love, about making bad decisions and working to put things right again and about the eternal bond of womanhood. The women are intrinsically linked and when one of them does something incredibly selfish and stupid, the fall out affects them all.
I loved this book! When we are first introduced to the women they each appear to be quite shallow and superficial in their own way. I didn’t think I could empathise with them, especially as they seemed to have been rather spoilt and pandered to, in different ways. However, very soon, their fallibilities began to emerge and for me they quickly began to be likable. I found myself “talking” to them as events unfolded and by the end of the story I wanted to meet them in person, they seemed so real.
It is difficult to say too much about the story without giving away the plot. However, there is one chapter I will talk about because it is so brilliantly written that I read it three times, just for its entertainment value:
Very early on in the story it’s Popsy’s fiftieth birthday and she and Sandra are going to a charity lunch in aid of The Children’s Hospital in Boston. The lunch is being hosted by Jenny Lennox who has the most enormous house resplendent with pool, tennis courts and of course, a helipad. Jenny has also just acquired a genuine Renoir, a gift from her husband, Eddie, who reportedly paid $100 million for it. As Popsy and Sandra mingle amongst the other guest, Popsy finds herself standing in front of the Renoir. Taking a moment to admire it she is joined by another guest who seems to be somewhat of an art critic. After the appraisal she also tells Popsy some very interesting gossip about why Eddie had been so generous with his gift. Popsy is shocked. When she caught up with Sandra a few minutes later, she just couldn’t wait to tell her what the other guest had said.
“So, what do you think?”Sandra said as she came up beside her.
“I think it is gorgeous and did you know that it was a ‘charming and irreverent portrayal of the hedonistic life and subtlety of lust in the late 1800’s’?”
Sandra looked at Popsy , arching her eyebrows. “I never would have guessed”
Popsy nodded. “I also heard that Eddie Lennox paid $100 million for it”
“In fact, I had heard a rumour, but wasn’t sure that it was true. Nice round figure.
You know, in all likelihood it’ll be worth double that in twelve months. Do you get taxed on fine art appreciation?”
Popsy pulled her friend closer and glanced around to make sure nobody was in earshot. “Yes, but did you hear why he bought it? I heard Jenny discovered he was having an affair. This is his peace offering. His ‘get out of jail free card’ if you will. A frigging Renoir”
Sandra said nothing and examined the painting.
“Did you hear me , Sandy? Did you know about this? Was Eddie Lennox offside? Evidently he has a mistress. Well I assume it’s had a mistress and not has if he’s bought this painting and the Lennoxes are all happy families again”
At last Sandra tore herself away from the painting and looked at her friend. “Who told you this?”
“That woman over there. The tall, striking strawberry-blonde” Pospsy gestured discreetly.
“Figures” Sandra sighed.
“Why?”
“Because she’s the mistress.”
Can’t you just visualise that conversation and the look on Popsy’s face when Sandra delivers the last line?
I can!
This story is filled with great passages of conversation and what appear to be almost farcical turns of events, but, underlying all of this the Wellesley Wives find strength and courage in different ways by helping each other through some of the most difficult times in their lives. It is an excellent read, escapism of the highest order and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants to be entertained for a while.
This book was published on 27th September 2012 by The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing. It is the first of three in the series. I, for one, cannot wait to hear more from the ladies of Wellesley.
Wellesley Wives
This is a tale of friendship and love, about making bad decisions and working to put things right again and about the eternal bond of womanhood. The women are intrinsically linked and when one of them does something incredibly selfish and stupid, the fall out affects them all.
I loved this book! When we are first introduced to the women they each appear to be quite shallow and superficial in their own way. I didn’t think I could empathise with them, especially as they seemed to have been rather spoilt and pandered to, in different ways. However, very soon, their fallibilities began to emerge and for me they quickly began to be likable. I found myself “talking” to them as events unfolded and by the end of the story I wanted to meet them in person, they seemed so real.
It is difficult to say too much about the story without giving away the plot. However, there is one chapter I will talk about because it is so brilliantly written that I read it three times, just for its entertainment value:
Very early on in the story it’s Popsy’s fiftieth birthday and she and Sandra are going to a charity lunch in aid of The Children’s Hospital in Boston. The lunch is being hosted by Jenny Lennox who has the most enormous house resplendent with pool, tennis courts and of course, a helipad. Jenny has also just acquired a genuine Renoir, a gift from her husband, Eddie, who reportedly paid $100 million for it. As Popsy and Sandra mingle amongst the other guest, Popsy finds herself standing in front of the Renoir. Taking a moment to admire it she is joined by another guest who seems to be somewhat of an art critic. After the appraisal she also tells Popsy some very interesting gossip about why Eddie had been so generous with his gift. Popsy is shocked. When she caught up with Sandra a few minutes later, she just couldn’t wait to tell her what the other guest had said.
“So, what do you think?”Sandra said as she came up beside her.
“I think it is gorgeous and did you know that it was a ‘charming and irreverent portrayal of the hedonistic life and subtlety of lust in the late 1800’s’?”
Sandra looked at Popsy , arching her eyebrows. “I never would have guessed”
Popsy nodded. “I also heard that Eddie Lennox paid $100 million for it”
“In fact, I had heard a rumour, but wasn’t sure that it was true. Nice round figure.
You know, in all likelihood it’ll be worth double that in twelve months. Do you get taxed on fine art appreciation?”
Popsy pulled her friend closer and glanced around to make sure nobody was in earshot. “Yes, but did you hear why he bought it? I heard Jenny discovered he was having an affair. This is his peace offering. His ‘get out of jail free card’ if you will. A frigging Renoir”
Sandra said nothing and examined the painting.
“Did you hear me , Sandy? Did you know about this? Was Eddie Lennox offside? Evidently he has a mistress. Well I assume it’s had a mistress and not has if he’s bought this painting and the Lennoxes are all happy families again”
At last Sandra tore herself away from the painting and looked at her friend. “Who told you this?”
“That woman over there. The tall, striking strawberry-blonde” Pospsy gestured discreetly.
“Figures” Sandra sighed.
“Why?”
“Because she’s the mistress.”
Can’t you just visualise that conversation and the look on Popsy’s face when Sandra delivers the last line?
I can!
This story is filled with great passages of conversation and what appear to be almost farcical turns of events, but, underlying all of this the Wellesley Wives find strength and courage in different ways by helping each other through some of the most difficult times in their lives. It is an excellent read, escapism of the highest order and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants to be entertained for a while.
This book was published on 27th September 2012 by The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing. It is the first of three in the series. I, for one, cannot wait to hear more from the ladies of Wellesley.
Wellesley Wives
February 24, 2013
What would you say to the life where you can have as many expensive lunches and dinners you want, where you can go out to the most exotic vacations, where you have the gorgeous families and the best husbands and where the most common way of transport is Ferrari? Picture perfect? Hardly! Popsy and Sandra are not just friends but soul mates who stayed by each other’s side not only in thick and thin but also when one wrong step by Popsy’s daughter Lily shattered their lives. These are the women who had been there when Popsy’s other daughter Rosie is almost on the verge of losing it all. These are the women who are still rooting for each other when their enviously beautiful life has fall apart piece by piece. It’s beautifully woven story about high-life, friendship, love, loss, cheating, lying, marriage and second chances. This book will make you laugh and also leave you sobbing chapter after chapter. Fabulous locations, strong characters and toughest situation, this book has everything to make you turn pages.
November 17, 2013
What a cute, funny, pull you into everyone's lives book! As another reviewer added she loves books about women and I also love to read books that tell story so in depth that you can imagine yourself there with them. Popsi and Sandra are bff's and there husbands are partners in there company and quite well to do so the men work and the woman shop go to charity events etc. Until one day tragedy strikes and Popsi and Sandra's lives are forever changed but they stick by each other and it has a great beginning, middle and ending. Popsi's kids Lily and Rosie have there share of issues that also come out thru out this wonderfully written book. This books leaves you wanting more so its a good thing that Ms. Suzy Duffy wrote the 2nd book Newton Neighbors!!! I am definitely a fan now! * * * * * 5 stars of course because any book I cannot put down and has me laughing and cursing is a great book! Good Job Suzy!!
March 1, 2013
Although this book is definitely in my "chick lit" pile, I was pleasantly surprised to find it told a great story and I enjoyed the characters. I anticipated that the book would be filled with shallow, superficial characters, as the cover seems to portray. My mother-in-law gave me this book and I live in a town next to Wellesley. Instead, I was drawn into the plot and the dilemmas. I recommend it to any of my friends looking for a lighter, uplifting story.
January 2, 2013
Really enjoyed this book. And the stories of the wives!
October 17, 2012
Good enough. An easy read with story lines that were interesting enough to follow. I suspect I will forget all about it within the week.
February 6, 2013
I enjoyed this book.
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