An Ordinary Woman

by Donna Hill

From bestselling author, Donna Hill comes an evocative, unforgettable novel about love, friendship, marriage, adultery...

"You'll find out soon enough. So I may as well say it now. I slept with my best friend's husband. There is no explanation. Not a real one, anyway, not one that people will accept, especially people who know me. . .But I want to tell my side. . .Just hear me out. . ."

Asha and Lisa have been best friends since grade school and they have always shared everything. A beautiful and accomplished photographer, Asha never seems to lack excitement or a man to share it with. Yet, for a woman who appears to have it all there is always "that something" she needs to make her feel whole. . .worthy.

Lisa, "the good girl," has always dreamed of the perfect marriage to the perfect husband. Now she has both with Ross Davis and she has their future planned to the last, perfect detail.

Ross didn't want to believe that he and Lisa had married too soon. He didn't want to believe that each day the man he thought himself to be was being stripped away by the woman he loved--leaving him feeling like a kept man instead of the man of the house.

And then--betrayal. No one knows how it happened, how they could have done this to each other. But now, they each want to tell their side of the story.

As Asha, Lisa and Ross travel down the road to discovery, you will root for them, hurt for them, hate them and love them. But you will never forget them.

An Ordinary Woman is about the betrayal of the most sacred of trusts. It is about the that one moment when a single choice will change lives forever. It is a cautionary tale that dares to look deep inside the hearts and minds of the characters involved. Most importantly, An Ordinary Woman attempts to answer the How?

Genres: African American, Chick Lit, Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Anjali Kai-Bordley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book about a week ago and I must say I hated it when I first bought it. I tried over and over again to get past the first couple of chapters BUT I usually have a lot of down time at work so I decided to give it a try and it wasn't a bad book to be honest. I only gave this 3 stars for one I felt like there wasn't enough back story or character for Ross. The entire situation with Asha happen to fast and I don't feel like there was enough detail. I thoroughly enjoyed Asha's character but I truly felt the story was rushed after everything started falling a part between Lisa and Ross. I really wouldn't recommend this book but it is and ok read.

[M Landry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one started off slow, but got better in time. I loved the way the author resolved the issues in a way that seemed authentic to life. Everything wasn't wrapped up in a pretty little bow, but there was happiness and fulfillment at the end.

[Christine Irvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asha and Lisa have been best friends since forever. They are really very different in personality, but they made a connection when the two met. That connection has bonded them together through thick and thin, leading Lisa to make Asha her Maid of Honor in her wedding.

Lisa has imagined what the perfect life is, starting with finding just the perfect man, throwing a perfect wedding, and then living happily ever after. Asha is a free spirit. Although she has had many relationships with many men, she doesn’t want to be tied down to just one man.

After two relationships that didn’t work out, Lisa finds a man who she believes is her soul mate. The plans the perfect wedding for the two of them and the perfect honeymoon as a prelude to what she believes will be a perfect life.

This is the story of friendship, love, marriage, betrayal and so much more, with alternating chapters told from each of the three main characters’ points of view – Lisa, Asha and Ross.

[Jessica Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was glued to this book. Since we all knew what was going to happen as far as the adultery, the story was in the build-up and the aftermath.

It was kind of iffy for me at first because I wasn't initially feeling the narration. The characters were layered and flushed out. It was a little flashback-heavy, and there were a couple of times it got confusing, but I guess it was necessary in order to understand the reasoning behind the characters' actions.

I will say that I didn't care for the ending. That thing Lisa did at the end...I hated it. But, I guess I can understand the compulsion to have her do that. What came of Asha, Ross, and Lisa wasn't quite what I was expecting (which is good) and while my imagination went a whole other way, I still enjoyed the route the author chose to take. For the most part, anyway. :)

[rad librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like the book was a bit... too fast. Things seemed rushed. I think Lisa and Asha's character development was great, but Ross's character seemed incomplete. I do like how realistic the story is, in regards to forgiveness, moving on, and boundaries. Everyone had a happy ending, but I do feel like the story was a bit too rushed.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you just can't come back from a decision. Everything thing we do have consequences. Pay day some day.

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is amazing! I read this book a few years ago and just read it again recently. This was my first book I read by the author and I love her books. What's so great about this particular story is the way it was developed. Three lives are impacted greatly by one decision. As you read about Lisa, Ross & Asha you can't help but feel their joys, pains and insecurities. My heart went out to all of them. Without giving away any details, I think that once you read this story you will be amazed at how well the author goes about engaging your mind and heart into the lives of these three individuals . Great story a must read.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna Hill has taken a stereotypical plot of a story (cheating/adultery) and has made it her own. Not only does she open your eyes to each side of the story but through character growth and rawness you actually get closer to each character and become invested in this novel. I will recommend this novel to anyone that needs to dig a little deeper within self. This novel definitely allowed me to look at my own shortcomings (as a person and in a future relationship perhaps) and how I can mold myself from my flaws. I loved this novel and give it 5 stars because 6 is not available. Thank you for the eye-opening piece Donna Hill !

[Nancy Hadley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will definitely read more of this author. I loved the way she developed her characters through out the whole book, it really helped you establish why they behaved the way they did. I loved how at the end all the characters ended up living in a new place and living the life they should be. Really amazing read.

[Tiana Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm still in tears after finishing this novel. Donna Hill truly makes you feel while reading her novel. You'll get attached to the characters and completely forget about reality. There will even come a point where you don't want to put the book down. You'll put all of your hopes and dreams into these characters' stories and either be relieved and proud or just a bit sad.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hill develops her characters with skill. I normally struggle with this genre of book, but because of the depth in which you get to know the three main characters i was constantly wanting to know what would happen next. She expertly potrays that infidelity is not a black and white issue, but a complex symptom of many underlying problems

[Juanita Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book.

I was up for some light reading and decided on this book. You are never too old to learn some life lessons. Staying best friends is harder than most people think it is. Why? Because life happens! This books kept it real. I will read this author again.

[Martine · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorites by Donna Hill. An exceptional read

[Shannan Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of Asa and Lisa, best friends since Grade school, and Lisa's husband Ross, who they thought had the perfect marriage until an unfortunate event changes everything.

[Linda Ruvimbo]

makes u think of the things that we do in life

[Andrea Johnson pack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Kept me going from start to finish!