The Widow Waltz

by Sally Koslow

A husband's secret upends a pampered widow's life, from the author of "The Late, Lamented Molly Marx"
Georgia Waltz has things many people only dream a plush Manhattan apartment overlooking Central Park, a Hamptons beach house, valuable jewels and art, two bright daughters, and a husband she adores, even after decades of marriage. It's only when Ben suddenly drops dead from a massive coronary while training for the New York City Marathon that Georgia discovers her husband--a successful lawyer--has left them nearly penniless. Their wonderland was built on lies.
As the family attorney scours emptied bank accounts, Georgia must not only look for a way to support her family, she needs to face the revelation that Ben was not the perfect husband he appeared to be, just as her daughters--now ensconced back at home with secrets of their own--have to accept that they may not be returning to their lives in Paris and at Stanford subsidized by the Bank of Mom and Dad. As she uncovers hidden resilience, Georgia's sudden midlife shift forces her to consider who she is and what she truly values. That Georgia may also find new love in the land of Spanx and stretch marks surprises everyone--most of all, her.
Sally Koslow's fourth novel is deftly told through the alternating viewpoints of her remarkable female protagonists as they plumb for the grit required to reinvent their lives. Inspiring, funny, and deeply satisfying, "The Widow Waltz" explores in a profound way the bonds between mothers and daughters, belligerent siblings, skittish lovers, and bitter rivals as they discover the power of forgiveness, and healing, all while asking, "What "is" family, really?"

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Family, Womens Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Book Club

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

THE REAL MRS. TOBIAS, Sally Koslow's forthcoming novel (September 2022--Harper Perennial) is a smartly funny story about mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law who are trying to navigate personal difficulties, some of which are with another. In ANOTHER SIDE OF PARADISE, Sally Koslow brings to life the tender, torrid tale of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Hollywood love affair with the Gatsby-esque Sheilah Graham, a gossip columnist and fascinating self-invention. Her other novels include the international bestseller, THE LATE, LAMENTED MOLLY MARX, THE WIDOW WALTZ, WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE, and her debut, LITTLE PINK SLIPS, an insider’s view of the magazine industry (which she knows only too well, as the long-time editor of McCall's Magazine.) She is also the author of one noon-fiction book, SLOUCHING TOWARD ADULTHOOD. Her books have been translated into 14 languages. Sally has contributed essays and articles to numerous magazines, newspapers, websites, and anthologies, including MOMS DON'T HAVE TIME TO and ALONE TOGETHER: Love, Grief, and Comfort in the Time of Covid-19. She lives in Manhattan but was born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd give it an extra half star if I could but truly cannot bring myself to give it a neutral three stars. The characters were two-dimensional and unemotional - even in the face of monumental life events - and the storyline was sketchy in spots and ridiculously unbelievable far too many times. I'm all for a certain required "suspension of belief" to enjoy a story but really? This author expected too much and delivered too little. Can't even say the writing was good enough to overcome the plot deficiencies and I'm not sure the proofreaders paid any attention whatsoever: i.e. things come DUE, not DO etc. etc. Spellcheck can only get you so far in life, people.

[David Kinchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Widow Waltz" is a cautionary tale about trusting a spouse about the
family's finances. In a word: Don't!

Successful litigator Benjamin Silver, an avid marathon runner, has never shared information about the family finances with his adoring wife Georgia Waltz. Only when Ben suddenly is felled by a massive coronary while training in Central Park for the New York Marathon is Georgia made aware of the realities of the Silver-Waltz finances: Georgia, and her daughters Louisa (Louey) and Nicola discover they are virtually penniless.

The three women discover that the Manhattan apartment, on Central Park South, is mortgaged to the hilt, as is the beach house in the Hamptons. Their credit cards are maxed out. Just about the only things they own are Georgia's jewels and their clothes. Georgia's lawyer promises to look for hidden assets, but he's not optimistic about any success along those lines. They put their apartment on the market and retreat to the beach house where Georgia discovers the secret of the disappeared assets. No, I'm not going to reveal anything!

In the process of healing after Ben's death, Georgia meets a man who rekindles her love life. Ben, described by one admirer as looking like a younger Jeremy Irons, was her one and only love, so the process of dating at her age, described by Koslow as "just past 50," requires a major lifestyle adjustment. Georgia supports herself with her writing skills rewriting essays for students entering college. She also discovers that her skills at raising plants are marketable, in a most unusual way. Along the way, she learns how to deal with her daughters and their challenges, a process that is often hilarious and always touching.


In an email to me, Koslow said that some elements of "The Widow Waltz" -- her fourth novel -- were inspired by her research and reporting for her wonderful 2012 nonfiction book "Slouching Toward Adulthood," a book I recommend for all parents -- and their offspring. Georgia Waltz's two adult daughters are living in the family's Central Park South apartment after taking breaks from college at Stanford for Louisa (Louey) and a heavily subsidized dream job in a Paris restaurant for Nicola, their oldest.

Koslow told me that's one of the takeaways from "Slouching Toward Adulthood" -- the tendency for offspring to return to the nest when changes in one's life occur. Men and women alike will enjoy "The Widow Waltz" and they may learn a valuable lesson or two or three from reading it.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I am an Elizabeth Berg fan, so I knew this would probably be a book that I would love.

Georgia Waltz seemed to have it all, but when he husband dies unexpectedly, she learns that her life is not what it seems. Her story is told through three different view points, and it is a story of healing and forgiveness.

Georgia's is a remarkable story and this novel is the perfect accompaniment to a day at the beach, beside the lake, on a train or plane.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A summer beach read with an unrealistic ending.

People are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be. Abraham Lincoln

[SheilaRaeO · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh- the heroin of this book is so unlikeable, and I don't believe that was the author's intent. I believe Koslow wants us to feel sympathy for Georgia Silver-Waltz as her husband has died suddenly and it becomes apparent that he has left her and their two daughters penniless, but it is so hard after reading her description of her husband (an adonis) and then herself (she was a real beauty and when she walked with her friends and heads turned she and her friends all knew they were turning to look at her - Oh Please) She has been living a life of privilege and ignorant trusting bliss up to that moment. It comes crashing in when she realizes her beloved husband has been living a double life. All the money is gone, the trust funds for their daughters are gone, the maid and driver are gone.... As she tries to find out where it all went, she discovers disturbing evidence of his "other life". The characters in the story all feel a bit cliche to me and or underdeveloped. Not Koslow's best effort.

[Ionia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I both liked and did not like this book at times. The writing was good and the characters were interesting, but I never really developed a connection with them that made me feel turning the page was a must rather than an option.

There were parts of this story that were written so beautifully you are reminded how talented some authors can be at making you forget reality. Other parts didn't really hold my interest all that much.

Overall this was a good book and a very thoughtfully written one. I would recommend it for those who like to become emotionally invested in family stories.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. I was coming down with something so I headed to bed with a cup of tea and this book. Judging from the blurb on the back cover, I was pretty sure I would enjoy it. Instead, I found that I couldn't put it down. I read it all in one sitting. The Widow Waltz was charming, sad and heartwarming. I will be sharing this with friends and family.

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light summer read, The Widow Waltz, Sally Koslow's fourth novel, is an enjoyable novel about family, loss, independence and moving on.

When successful litigator Ben Silver suffers a fatal heart attack while training for the New York City Marathon, his wife of twenty something years, Georgia and their two daughters, are devastated but their grief turns to bewildered hurt when it is revealed that their expensive Upper East Side apartment and beach house in the Hamptons are mortgaged to the hilt, the girl's trust funds have been drained and Georgia's inherited property portfolio has been offloaded. While Georgia's lawyer searches for the missing funds, Georgia, Nicola and Louise are forced to let go of their driver and housekeeper and are reduced to selling their possessions on E-bay while trying to figure out what else Ben was hiding and what to do next.

While there is nothing particularly original about the plot of The Widow Waltz, I thought it was a well crafted and evenly paced story. I appreciated Koslow's dry sense of humour and natural dialogue. I also thought the characterisation was deft and for the most part, realistic.

I thought Georgia responded to the crisis she was faced with poise and practicality. Usually the protagonist in this sort of story drifts into hysterics and waits for someone to rescue her but Georgia, though distressed and angry, is proactive and determined to move on. There is a start of a new romance for Georgia but it doesn't detract from Georgia's own journey towards creating a new life for herself.

The sibling rivalry between Georgia's daughters, Nicola and Louise is an interesting dynamic which adds to the story. While Louise is closer to the stereotype of a rebellious uptown princess, she describes Nicola, the elder of the two as "...the sort of woman Luey would never strike up a conversation with, even at a party; overly groomed, overly careful." Both girls, in their early twenties, are forced to grow up after their father's betrayal and take responsibility for creating their own futures.

The resolution reveals an unusual twist for Georgia which I quite liked, despite the scenario being somewhat implausible. It also neatly ties up loose ends and is a satisfying conclusion.

"I am...walking into the future, away from anger, from disappointment, and from regret. I refused to be sacred, or to believe that my future is a well of endless lament. I am galvanized by possibility. I am choosing happiness"

[Carole P. Roman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book looks like a summer read but I found it heavy handed. Husband drops dead leaving his pampered wife and offspring pole axed with confusion, when they discover he left them penniless. Each one of them is disconnected, held together simply together by a common gene pool, thinking they are close, but each in his or her own way, living in insular and splendid isolation. Somehow the emotions didn't ring true and the characters I liked best were her brother Stephen and his lover. It took so long to get from point A to B, and both daughters Luey and Cola were supremely unlikable. The change as they mature felt both fake and manipulative. As her life crumbles, coupled with the dawning realization of her husbands duplicity, Georgia seems to greet it with the same apathy as her mother's criticism. Her seething resentment fizzles with the unrealistic plot. There are side stories about a ring, stolen necklaces, french chefs, rock stars, and dog watching that seem the clutter the plot with meaningless chatter that takes away from what could have been a roiling emotional book about a woman discovering she didn't need her husband to feel useful and productive. The ending annoyed me and how just from Theo's name she didn't figure out the whole thing out ( I don't want to give anything away) seems to seal the deal that her husband Ben was right: Georgia wasn't the brightest bulb in the marquee.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgia’s husband has suddenly died, and with him goes the privileged lives that she and her daughters have always enjoyed. Koslow tackles themes of love, betrayal, loss, anger, resilience, and family dynamics in surprising and refreshing ways through wonderfully flawed characters. The end result is a smart and witty contemporary read that never bogs down under the weight of sentimentality, but instead is a page-turner with twists and turns that expose mysteries and revelations alike.

There are many gems within the pages of this book, and one of my favorites is: “I am in the middle, walking into the future, away from anger, from disappointment, and from regret. I refused to be scared, or to believe that my future is a well of endless lament. I am galvanized by possibility. I am choosing happiness.” (Page 340) Kindle edition.

[Erika Robuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

With style, wit, and unflinching honesty, Sally Koslow explores the devastating confusion of a woman and her daughters betrayed by their beloved husband and father, who has died suddenly and taken secrets with him, and how these women summon wisdom and power to help one another heal.

[Ginny Supranowitz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would like to give this book 2 1/2 stars, but cannot justify 3 stars. I have not read any of the author’s other books, so I don’t know if her writing style is the same in the others. At first I thought her use of metaphors and similes was good writing, until I realized she overused them to the point of distraction. The storyline was a little weak with few surprises and as others have said, an ending that was hard to believe. While the story was intended to be about the women, I found the men in this book more interesting.

[Lydia Laceby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated 3.5 Star

Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes.

The Widow Waltz is an intriguing and entertaining read. The thoughtful observations and wit within are first encountered with the title’s play on words and then continues throughout. An easy read, not only does this novel grapple grief and loss, but tosses in a deceitful spouse who has left behind a legacy of lies. Unfortunately, Georgia Waltz doesn’t discover her husband’s deceit until after the massive coronary that takes him from her – and not only it take her from him, but also takes away her privileged life.

I can’t imagine what it would be like to learn your husband had continuously lied to you after he’s dead. How do you come to terms with that when you can’t yell and freak out on him in person, when you’re grieving the love you lost, the love you thought you had – and the life you’ll now lose too? Georgia has it rough, but she meddles through somehow and we see her independence re-emerge as she is forced to deal with the aftermath of her husband’s death – and his lies.

At times, I felt I couldn’t connect to the characters as much as I wanted to. They came across as cold, aloof, and distant to me. Georgia seemed more devastated about the impact on her lifestyle rather than worried about how she (and her ridiculously spoiled daughters) would eat and where they would live. Yes, she had to get used to living with less money – but at least all was not lost.

The daughters drove me slightly insane. Irresponsible, unreliable and spoiled rotten, these twenty-somethings had barely worked a day in their lives. And they didn’t make the brightest decisions. I did enjoy their gradual improvement and seeing the relationship with their mother evolve and grow. I actually would have liked more scenes from the daughters perspectives as they had more growth and development than their mother.

Even though part of the ending came as a surprise to me, I thought it wrapped up in a rush. I wanted to see much more development and because there wasn’t, I am not entirely sure it came across as believable to me. In my opinion, the daughters had better resolutions to their woes. All in all, The Widow Waltz is a solid read with very witty prose - one of the things that kept me rapidly flipping pages and would be suitable to tuck into your beach bag this summer.

Thank you to Penguin for our review copy. All opinions are our own.

[Stephanie Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

'The Widow Waltz' is a heartfelt novel that follows main character Georgia Waltz as her life spirals downward when her husband, Ben, dies from a sudden heart attack while training for a marathon. Even more surprising is the fact that Ben left Georgia practically penniless - her life of luxury had been built on lies. As Georgia tries everything in her power to keep her family together while learning about Ben's secrets, as well as her daughters' lies, she comes to the realization that nobody is perfect and we must love them - all of them - including their flaws. Amidst the pain of losing her husband, her efforts at rebuilding her life and retaining her family, Georgia will find the most surprising thing of all - self realization and - maybe - even love.

This was a wonderfully written novel that was full of well rounded and realistic characters and memories along with heartbreaking realizations, self discovery, and the strength of love. The writing was fantastic and I was immediately drawn into Georgia's world. She was an interesting main character - strong and intelligent yet flawed and uncertain at times. She was easy to identify with and I was rooting for her early on in the story. The plot was fresh and dealt with deeper topics underneath the surface, especially those of family, love, the past, secrets, self discovery, and inner strength. Although there are aspects of the book that are heavy, the book itself was uplifting and a fast read. The characters - especially Georgia - and the dialogue really keep the book moving and flowing seamlessly. The writing was very well done and shows the immense talent the author possesses. Definitely recommended for fans of women's fiction and contemporary fiction!

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sad, happy, and surpizing book wrapped all in one:)
The amazon.com review reads:
Georgia Waltz has things many people only dream of: a plush Manhattan apartment overlooking Central Park, a Hamptons beach house, valuable jewels and art, two bright daughters, and a husband she adores, even after decades of marriage. It’s only when Ben suddenly drops dead from a massive coronary while training for the New York City Marathon that Georgia discovers her husband—a successful lawyer—has left them nearly penniless. Their wonderland was built on lies.

As the family attorney scours emptied bank accounts, Georgia must not only look for a way to support her family, she needs to face the revelation that Ben was not the perfect husband he appeared to be, just as her daughters—now ensconced back at home with secrets of their own—have to accept that they may not be returning to their lives in Paris and at Stanford subsidized by the Bank of Mom and Dad. As she uncovers hidden resilience, Georgia’s sudden midlife shift forces her to consider who she is and what she truly values. That Georgia may also find new love in the land of Spanx and stretch marks surprises everyone—most of all, her.

Sally Koslow’s fourth novel is deftly told through the alternating viewpoints of her remarkable female protagonists as they plumb for the grit required to reinvent their lives. Inspiring, funny, and deeply satisfying, The Widow Waltz explores in a profound way the bonds between mothers and daughters, belligerent siblings, skittish lovers, and bitter rivals as they discover the power of forgiveness, and healing, all while asking, “What is family, really?”

[Laura Kay Bolin · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://anovelreview.blogspot.com/2013...

Georgia Waltz has a comfy life. A fabulous apartment over looking Central park, great daughters, jewels, art and most importantly she is still madly in love with her husband, Ben. But when Ben suddenly dies everything about Georgia's life begins to unravel. After a visit with the family attorney, Georgia and her daughters find out the money--the money is gone and that isn't all Ben was hiding from his family.

Daughters, Nicola and Louisa (Luey) are no longer sure of what their futures will look like as their whole way of life is suddenly gone plus one of them has a secret! The three women must pull together to make the best of the situation, each finding inner strength.

I really felt for Georgia. She has just lost her husband and then her whole world begins falling apart. Not only is there no money, but it doesn't make sense why there isn't any money. It just wasn't like Ben. So not only is she dealing with grief, but she is no longer sure what to think of her husband anymore.

This is a story about finding your stronger self, the self you didn't know you even had. This isn't a high drama page turner, it is a very well written story about characters filled with love, pain and discovery. I know I really connected with Georgia on multiple levels, I could see myself and this made the story more real. I even connected with the girls as they grieved their father.

Don't miss this inspiring, witty and very touching story of THE WIDOW WALTZ.

[Natra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this book after reading the great reviews about via iBooks and Goodreads. After read the blurb, I decided to download and start reading.

In all honesty, I was attracted to this book by the blurb. I've always liked to know the insight of what happens to a woman when she discoveries such as what Georgia had discovered upon her husband's death. But, I was kind of disappointed.

The book is written well; this I cannot fault. But, I found the overall book long winded. If the suspense was towards an inevitable, shocking outcome, I would have been satisfied and found more interesting. However, I found myself having to push through each page, hoping it gets better and the suspense of the story being drawn out would have a type of 'wow' factor.

I never got the 'wow' factor. By the time I reached the part where Naomi contacts Georgia for a meet up, I had knew the story already before reaching the end. I then did get to the end and was considerably disappointed. I am all for a good ending, but I felt there was this build up to Georgia's hurt, betrayal and possibly anger that never really developed...it almost got forgotten and side stepped with a love interest.

The characters were hard to relate to, predictable and unlikeable and I felt like I was reading a well written paper on a woman's heartbreak.

[PopcornReads - MkNoah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review & Giveaway: In my quest for this summer’s beach reads, I ran across The Widow Waltz by Sally Koslow and knew I’d hit beach-read pay dirt. Whoot! To make it even better, the publisher graciously sent me a finished hardcover copy to offer in a giveaway. Double Whoot! The Widow Waltz is women’s fiction at its best. Whether you’ve been widowed, divorced, are happily married, or are single, I think this one will speak to you because these are issues women face when they least expect it. We all think this could happen to someone else but never to us – well, heads up ladies, because this can and does happen to anyone. We all are faced with reinventing ourselves, often many times during our lives and when we least expect it. Read the rest of my review & enter to win it at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6130.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, so there is no reason I can find for the intense verbiage used in this book. It was so pretentious is distracted from the story. There are 3, maybe 4, instances where they even talk about the big words they used. Only once was it necessary to the plot; the rest just seemed liked the author trying to brag about how big their vocabulary is. It kept me from getting into the book and caring about what what happening when I was reaching for my dictionary every 50 pages or so.
The cover makes it seem like a beachy read. Alas, I suppose this is an instance where you shouldn't judge the book by its cover, because I was sadly mistaken. Part mystery, part family drama, no parts light-hearted. I feel like I cheated by using it as part of a challenge - read a book that takes place in the summertime - but, what the heck.

[Slickery · Rating 1 out of 5]

About 100 pages in and I just can't with this book anymore. I don't know how I fell into this hole of reading several books about spoiled rich ladies but I wish I hadn't. I'm sure there are rich East Side ladies-who-lunch that disdain work and know nothing about their finances that end up like this when their husband dies up to his neck with debt they don't know about. have zero sympathy for this family and am kind of glad he died and left their spoiled asses penniless. But the final straw was the adopted Korean daughter's views on the Korean kids she went to high school with. It's like the (white) author googled "Korean stereotypes" then did a copy-and-paste.

[Hannah Gampe · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/2.5 stars. I was so hooked on this book in the beginning, but then there was a turning point - it was like I missed something or forgot something important. It was really strange. And don’t get me started on the the ending??!! No way. It felt really rushed and kinda random. I wasn’t a fan. Fairly decent characters. They had really interesting history and occupations! Really good descriptions. It felt like I was walking the streets of NY with them. Varying character’s perspectives in a clean, easy to understand, and simple/polished way was a plus for this book too. I love reading other character’s thoughts and getting inside of their heads!
Honestly, just disappointing that this book started SO good and then didn’t continue that through. I felt like there was information missing for the reader and the ending was poor.

[Dayle VanderBurg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked it. It was a little unrealistic but entreging . Not everyone can imagine being a widow and finding out there's no money left. Especially those in the highest income level. There were so many story lines to follow but anyone with children can imagine the level of dispar. The ending was different than what I could imagine. I think Georgia and her children learn to grow and continue living after losing the father and husband.

[Arlena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Widow Waltz
Author: Sally Koslow
Publisher: Viking Adult
Genre: Mainstream
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:

"The Widow Waltz" by Sally Koslow...

What Is This Book About?

"Georgia Waltz has things many people only dream of: a plush Manhattan apartment overlooking Central Park, a Hamptons beach house, valuable jewels and art, two bright daughters, and a husband she adores, even after decades of marriage. It’s only when Ben suddenly drops dead from a massive coronary while training for the New York City Marathon that Georgia discovers her husband—a successful lawyer—has left them nearly penniless. Their wonderland was built on lies.

As the family attorney scours emptied bank accounts, Georgia must not only look for a way to support her family, she needs to face the revelation that Ben was not the perfect husband he appeared to be, just as her daughters—now ensconced back at home with secrets of their own—have to accept that they may not be returning to their lives in Paris and at Stanford subsidized by the Bank of Mom and Dad. As she uncovers hidden resilience, Georgia’s sudden midlife shift forces her to consider who she is and what she truly values. That Georgia may also find new love in the land of Spanx and stretch marks surprises everyone—most of all, her.

Sally Koslow's fourth novel is deftly told through the alternating viewpoints of her remarkable female protagonists as they plumb for the grit required to reinvent their lives. Inspiring, funny, and deeply satisfying, The Widow Waltz explores in a profound way the bonds between mothers and daughters, belligerent siblings, skittish lovers, and bitter rivals as they discover the power of forgiveness, and healing, all while asking, "What is family, really?"



What I liked from the read....


"The Widow Waltz" was a intricate story that had many twist and turns that you may find hard to believe...but maybe not. I will say this story really take the cake and icing when all is said and done...and that ending leaving only for me to say Wow...I was all caught up in this story until that ending? I will say that this novel was a fast paced read for me because I couldn't put it down once I had started reading from it.

This was truly a story that was woven into many lives with such intermingle with all the discoveries that would be found out in the process of it all was deliciously presented by this author. I liked how this author was able to give us a good read of how this main character (Georgia) was able to deal with her unexpected circumstances of life. This was quite a family of dynamics which involved the widow(Georgia), two, daughters (Luey & Cola), brother (Stephen) and I think even the brothers' partner too. For the heroine along with the daughters had to learn to re evaluate the life they had lived and enjoyed and for a live of change. I did like the interchange between the daughters because I felt it was real.

Be ready for some side stories in the rich tale as Georgia life crumbles, stories about a ring, stolen necklaces, French chefs, rock stars, dog watching...all coming to emotional roll coaster as she finds that she really didn't need her husband to feel useful and or productive. Thank God for that assurance!

What I also liked from the read...

When all is said and done this could be any women who suddenly loses her husband and you are caught having to deal with something like this can really give us something for all to think about.

In the end "The Widow Waltz" showed that change is possible for one through loving and healing.

What gave me cause to wonder ...WHAT IN THE WORLD...JUST HAPPENED????

That ending and I won't spoil it for you but that left me saying W O W and a few more words! Is that believable!...OK...I know it's fiction but really????

[Annie McDonnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not one to give many details about a book, so that you can read it and have the story unfold in your own time. This books hits on the highs and lows of familial and other relationships; regarding stability, trust, loyalty and financial security. You name it; “The Widow Waltz” has it!
This is a perfect summer, vacation, and weekend or truly “anytime” read! Sally Koslow’s writing is superb. I was entertained by the way she methodically introduced characters and told this story…She gave you the next piece to this huge conundrum, piece by painful piece.
Georgia Waltz’s husband, Ben dies suddenly and her world is truly scattered. She learns that she was living a life without all of the puzzle pieces; even though; she definitely thought her puzzle fit nicely together and was undoubtedly whole.
I cannot imagine moving forward after losing a husband that you love so dearly and thought was perfect in every way. She believed their love to be that of a fairy tale. Exactly, how do you move on when everything you know to be true, begins to unravel into falsehood?
Ben and Georgia have two daughters that are in their early 20’s, Nicola (Cola) and Louisa (Luey), and Georgia needs to carry them through their grief along with her own. All while trying to remain afloat financially as Ben’s money is being hunted down, with the hopes of finding it fast.
This is a story about sustaining life without the man of the family, and moving forward and being able to look up again. Becoming motivated to travel to the next chapter in her life; Georgia’s story is a true delight. Even with all of the kinks.
Get this book! Devour it! It is one now one of my favorite books, quickly adding Sally Koslow to the list of authors that I absolutely adore.
Can something new and beautiful come from such a tragedy?

[Imogene Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Widow Waltz captivated me to such an extent that I luxuriated and did nothing else except immerse myself in it for a day and a half. This deeply engaging novel is about what happens when the American Dream, suddenly and unexpectedly, turns upside down.

The mystery of what happened, why, and what the future holds, pulls the reader in and propels the story forward. The main characters—Georgia Waltz and her two daughters—are beautifully etched and knitted together in a family torn by a shocking catastrophic event in their lives. Koslow’s fluid writing is enhanced by her authentic dialogue, original observations, and imaginative metaphors.

The writing is so natural that I didn’t notice until midway through that the first person voice of the main character Georgia Waltz changes to third person in the chapters about her daughters. The technique of shifting from first to third person, rather than being disruptive, reinforces the story’s flow.

All the novel’s elements are finely wrought. However, the ending takes this excellent novel to an exceptional level. For me, Koslow is a rare thing—a stealth writer who engages, fascinates, titillates, and then at the end, delivers a transformative twist. Where a less insightful author would tie up a plot neatly with ribbons and bows, or conversely gut our emotions with cataclysmic destruction, Koslow shows us an expanding universe, and helps us experience the possibility that we are part of it. For me, this book is about what can happen when quietly good people are challenged by life’s adversity, to grow. They can surprise you.

Highly recommended.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

When golden boy Ben Silver dies his wife and daughters find out he wasn’t quite the man they thought he was. Their lives have changed overnight and they’re left to solve a mystery – why did he leave them without the expected inheritance but instead needing to sell off possessions in order to live?

As mother and daughters slowly get their bearings they begin to move forward in directions they’d never anticipated. Georgia Waltz is witty and sometimes snarky. At first she grated on me but I soon understood her defense mechanisms and enjoyed her take on her new life. I especially appreciated that Koslow addressed dating in middle age realistically and with humor. I think there are a lot of readers our there who would love more novels with strong 50-something women dealing with life-changing events.

Filled with colorful characters The Widow Waltz is an entertaining novel that could be read in a few hours. The Widow Waltz is about acceptance and forgiveness and what being a family means – and sometimes it’s not what you’d expect.
I received a review copy. I was not compensated for my opinion.

[Katie Hanrahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pampered New Yorker of privilege is abruptly widowed and just as soon she discovers she is skint.

The makings of a sad tale, perhaps, but the tone of the narrative starts to grate after a few chapters and Ms. Waltz, along with her two daughters, became rather dull. Perhaps I have read too many novels featuring a female Jewish protagonist who dislikes her mother, but I was not drawn in by the narrator's flippant tone and penchant for metaphors.

This family trio comes to grips with unexpected impoverishment, the daughters maturing as they are forced out of their sheltered existence and a lifestyle without grounding because there was always Daddy's money to prop them up. Running through the tale is the question of what happened to Daddy's money, which appears to have disappeared into thin air with no paper trail to follow.

The loose ends are tied up as the story winds down, with Ms. Waltz discovering the pit into which her late husband poured his financial wealth. Which made the ultimate conclusion an unbelievable scenario, a disappointing ending to a tale that was otherwise well told.

[Paul Lunger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sally Koslow's "The Widow Waltz" is the story of Georgia Silver-Waltz whose husband Ben Silver has died & instead of leaving her with the fortune she thought she had left her with nothing. The tale then follows Georgia on her quest to return her life to normal & also to find out what happened to the money. Also in the story are 2 daughters Louisa (Luey) & Nicola whose own lives are chronicled through their own struggles in life in general. Koslow's story is one of growth, deception & of moving on & at times plays out like a Lifetime movie of the week event which may or may not be a good thing. The characters themselves are basically believable although the story tends to not exactly have a set direction although what course it does take is mostly fine. The ending, though, is literally something that I seriously doubt anyone would believe & seems so implausible that it almost seems hard to believe it was written at all. This is one of those so-so books for 2013 scheduled for release in July.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The heartwarming story of how to reinvent yourself when your husband dies and forgot to tell you the money was gone before he went. Georgina must find a way to keep a roof over her head, and find out where all their money has gone, she thought the houses were paid for and there was a nice trust fund for each of her daughters and herself, but this is not to be. The widow Waltz takes us on her journey as she learns new lessons about the kind of person she was and the kind of person she wants to be as a new chapter in her life unfolds, add to this the challenges her daughters face, Nicola or Cola as she is better known as never been able to find her place in the world and has spent many years trying different things, Louisa/ Luey has always been the child who fought with her mother on principle if she didn't have a better reason, but now they must also find a place in the world. As if this wasn't enough Georgina must also visit her mother in the Dementia ward of the nursing home and watch her slip away. A story of finding hope and new starts even when they aren't obvious.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

More summer reading schlop. Could be subtitled "Another New York Fairy Tale". Georgia Waltz's husband Ben drops dead from a heart attack. All the money from their joint accounts has disappeared, leaving Georgia struggling with how to support her two young adult daughters and their jet-setting, no money worries lifestyles.

Enter Georgia's brother who supplies a job for one daughter, the wealthy and popular music star one-night-stand who is the father of the second daughter's surprise pregnancy, and the attractive step-brother of the real estate agent hired to sell the country house on Long Island. Oh, and don't forget the dead husband's mistress and their bundle of joy!

No foul language, no steamy sex scenes, no knock-down drag-out cat fights with the other woman, and you get one happy ending that can only be a fairy tale of the most New York kind. Must be why its called Fiction.