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The Bitches of Brooklyn
From the author of Pushing Up Daisies and Dead Head. Are they really bitches? That depends who you ask. Four friends await the arrival of a fifth at a Cape Cod bungalow they share annually for an all-girls weekend. But this time the fifth woman doesn't show. Instead she sends a note that she's run off with one of their men. Fun, flirty and filled with Harris' trademark snappy dialogue and quirky characters forced to reevaluate their marriages, their friendships and their memories, The Bitches of Brooklyn has been called "a cross between Pretty Little Liars and Sex in the City."
264 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2013
About the author
Rosemary Harris
18 books57 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
ROSEMARY HARRIS has worked in marketing for Crown Publishers and American Express Travel Related Services and as a producer for Disney/ABC and WNET. She lives in New York City and Connecticut.
Series:
* Dirty Business Mystery
ROSEMARY HARRIS has worked in marketing for Crown Publishers and American Express Travel Related Services and as a producer for Disney/ABC and WNET. She lives in New York City and Connecticut.
Series:
* Dirty Business Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
January 16, 2016
An annual all girls weekend hits a snag when one of the women doesn 19t show up. Rachel, Clare, Tina and Jane are surprised all the receive from Abby is a gift basket and a note 26 1CI 19ve run off with one of your men. 1D They can 19t decide if this is a prank or if they should worry. Can they still relax and have fun or is this a mystery they need to solve?
Dollycas 19s Thoughts
Even when Rosemary Harris writes Chick-Lit she throws in a bit of mystery. I loved this story!
These women use the term 1CBitches 1D as a sign of affection for each other, but those growing up around them probably did not. Four of them together forever, the fifth joined the group in high school. This weekend is their way to stay in touch and connected without the stress of family and work. A time to get away and just have fun. This year Abby 19s mysterious note makes them all think and reexamine their own relationships with their significant others.
Harris has written a fantastic story that the women of today can identify with. All of our lives are in constant flux and we tend to take the relationships of those closer to us for granted. Work or the kids come first and we just assume our mates will be there no matter what. They story is filled with ups and downs and plenty of humor too!
Dollycas 19s Thoughts
Even when Rosemary Harris writes Chick-Lit she throws in a bit of mystery. I loved this story!
These women use the term 1CBitches 1D as a sign of affection for each other, but those growing up around them probably did not. Four of them together forever, the fifth joined the group in high school. This weekend is their way to stay in touch and connected without the stress of family and work. A time to get away and just have fun. This year Abby 19s mysterious note makes them all think and reexamine their own relationships with their significant others.
Harris has written a fantastic story that the women of today can identify with. All of our lives are in constant flux and we tend to take the relationships of those closer to us for granted. Work or the kids come first and we just assume our mates will be there no matter what. They story is filled with ups and downs and plenty of humor too!
December 9, 2013
Received from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book when I requested it. I think I assumed "great, a quick, easy, light read." Well it was definitely an easy and quick read but I think the light part is up for discussion. The book centers around a group of five women who have known each other since they were teenagers (and in some cases since elementary school). Every year the women get together to spend a weekend together without their children, without their husbands or boyfriends and they relax, drink wine, gossip, etc. This year, one of them doesn't show up and sends a note saying that she has run off with one of their men. What happens next is a journey of self-doubt, discovery and honesty. Each woman starts to wonder if their friend has run off with their significant other and starts to analyze all the aspects of their relationship. I found this very real. I think we all analyze our relationships, especially when faced with the possibility that everything we know is about to change. I also liked the way the women supported each other through all the ups and downs they experienced throughout the story. I was not expecting to get such a deep message from this book but I'm glad I picked it up.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book when I requested it. I think I assumed "great, a quick, easy, light read." Well it was definitely an easy and quick read but I think the light part is up for discussion. The book centers around a group of five women who have known each other since they were teenagers (and in some cases since elementary school). Every year the women get together to spend a weekend together without their children, without their husbands or boyfriends and they relax, drink wine, gossip, etc. This year, one of them doesn't show up and sends a note saying that she has run off with one of their men. What happens next is a journey of self-doubt, discovery and honesty. Each woman starts to wonder if their friend has run off with their significant other and starts to analyze all the aspects of their relationship. I found this very real. I think we all analyze our relationships, especially when faced with the possibility that everything we know is about to change. I also liked the way the women supported each other through all the ups and downs they experienced throughout the story. I was not expecting to get such a deep message from this book but I'm glad I picked it up.
May 8, 2014
The Bitches of Brooklyn is that light and fun book that is best enjoyed on your summer/beach vacation. And that is exactly how it starts - with a mini vacation, five childhood friends meeting annually on Cape Cod for a weekend of wine, gossip and escape from their daily lives. Except this year Abby, the group's designated femme fatale, fails to show up and instead sends the girls a gift basket with a message "I’ve run off with one of your men." Initially the remaining four, Jane, Tina, Clare and Rachel, laugh it off, claiming it's just another one of Abby's pranks. However, soon their inner doubts and issues in their respective relationships, in combination with the fact that each one of their partners is suddenly "unreachable" due to various circumstances, make them question if in fact she could be talking about one of "their men".
The rest of the book takes us on a journey into the lives of each one of the women, weaving throughout the bits and pieces (and a few secrets) of the history of their friendship. While each one of the women is forced to take a closer look at their life and love, they keep trying to support each other, as well as try to unravel the mystery that is Abby's disappearance.
The premise of the book is what initially drew me to it but the fact that it made me feel like I'm lying somewhere on the beach, providing a fun mental escape, is what kept me reading. At times I found the jump between the women's stories slightly confusing, mainly because there were so many different characters and names to remember but overall it's the kind of book I would gladly pass on to my girlfriends. The mystery behind Abby's message was also another element of the book I truly enjoyed but I do wish that the ending was just a tad less predictable and maybe a little less rushed. Overall an entertaining read that will mostly appeal to chick lit fans and those looking for a light summer read.
The rest of the book takes us on a journey into the lives of each one of the women, weaving throughout the bits and pieces (and a few secrets) of the history of their friendship. While each one of the women is forced to take a closer look at their life and love, they keep trying to support each other, as well as try to unravel the mystery that is Abby's disappearance.
The premise of the book is what initially drew me to it but the fact that it made me feel like I'm lying somewhere on the beach, providing a fun mental escape, is what kept me reading. At times I found the jump between the women's stories slightly confusing, mainly because there were so many different characters and names to remember but overall it's the kind of book I would gladly pass on to my girlfriends. The mystery behind Abby's message was also another element of the book I truly enjoyed but I do wish that the ending was just a tad less predictable and maybe a little less rushed. Overall an entertaining read that will mostly appeal to chick lit fans and those looking for a light summer read.
February 10, 2014
The Bitches of Brooklyn is a decent airport novel, with a one-star ending.
Five lifelong friends are meeting for their annual beach weekend, a perfect premise for chicklit friendship novel, like The All-You-Can-Dream Buffet . The fifth friend, Abby, doesn't show up, sending instead a message that she can't be there because she's run off with one of their men. Each woman at the beach house pretends to consider it a joke, until it turns out that each of their partners has gone out of town unexpectedly, for a last-minute teaching gig, a visit to a brother, a meeting in London, and none of them can be reached.
...
Back home, the four friends continue to have private revelations about their marriages and relationships and their history with each other. The second half of the book drags, painfully, as the friends pursue dramatic red herrings. A woman is found dead at the train station where Abby was supposed to be, a smell of death from Abby's unoccupied apartment, one of the husbands is not where he claims to be, one friend is getting a divorce, there's a mysterious doctor's appointment by the friend planning to adopt a baby (Guess what she finds out? Ugh.) It comes out that Abby may or may not have slept with her friend Jane's father. And she was definitely sleeping with her friend Rachel's daughter's father. Mostly I was disappointed that the friendly banter of the first part had been replaced with extreme drama at every turn.
Read the rest, including the truly bizarre ending
Five lifelong friends are meeting for their annual beach weekend, a perfect premise for chicklit friendship novel, like The All-You-Can-Dream Buffet . The fifth friend, Abby, doesn't show up, sending instead a message that she can't be there because she's run off with one of their men. Each woman at the beach house pretends to consider it a joke, until it turns out that each of their partners has gone out of town unexpectedly, for a last-minute teaching gig, a visit to a brother, a meeting in London, and none of them can be reached.
...
Back home, the four friends continue to have private revelations about their marriages and relationships and their history with each other. The second half of the book drags, painfully, as the friends pursue dramatic red herrings. A woman is found dead at the train station where Abby was supposed to be, a smell of death from Abby's unoccupied apartment, one of the husbands is not where he claims to be, one friend is getting a divorce, there's a mysterious doctor's appointment by the friend planning to adopt a baby (Guess what she finds out? Ugh.) It comes out that Abby may or may not have slept with her friend Jane's father. And she was definitely sleeping with her friend Rachel's daughter's father. Mostly I was disappointed that the friendly banter of the first part had been replaced with extreme drama at every turn.
Read the rest, including the truly bizarre ending
January 19, 2014
I received this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
I was terribly disappointed with this book. The premised look very promising, five friends on their annual get-a-way, but the fifth friend has run off with “one of their men.”
First, I found it hard to connect to the characters. There was a lot of jumping around within the narration. In my opinion, the author should have told the story in the first person POV, giving each woman her own voice. I may have made that vital connection.
I did connect and empathize with their insecurities, as the women second guess their relationships. There are too many backstories in attempt to build the relationships, and the writing veers off into different directions and unnecessary tangents.
The middle of the book provided a little suspense, and had my attention... for a while. The ending was wrapped in a nice little bow, and the holes were quickly swept under the rug with brief explanations. I think the concept and the writing has potential, but it left me wanting.
I was terribly disappointed with this book. The premised look very promising, five friends on their annual get-a-way, but the fifth friend has run off with “one of their men.”
First, I found it hard to connect to the characters. There was a lot of jumping around within the narration. In my opinion, the author should have told the story in the first person POV, giving each woman her own voice. I may have made that vital connection.
I did connect and empathize with their insecurities, as the women second guess their relationships. There are too many backstories in attempt to build the relationships, and the writing veers off into different directions and unnecessary tangents.
The middle of the book provided a little suspense, and had my attention... for a while. The ending was wrapped in a nice little bow, and the holes were quickly swept under the rug with brief explanations. I think the concept and the writing has potential, but it left me wanting.
August 13, 2013
From Rosemary Harris comes a wonderfully funny, compelling story about a group of "best friends since high school" who are jolted out of their complacencies by the one who does not show up for their scheduled annual weekend retreat. Uppermost in every woman's thoughts: Was the note a joke? Or was it real?
And what about that body at the train station? Could it be their missing friend?
In this highly recommended book, there are more than a few surprise twists as the women take stock . . . and discover that nothing is exactly as it seems.
And what about that body at the train station? Could it be their missing friend?
In this highly recommended book, there are more than a few surprise twists as the women take stock . . . and discover that nothing is exactly as it seems.
January 9, 2014
I found the excerpt very attractive but the book is very different..
the reviews are great and sometimes that can blow up your expectations..I am into 15% of the book, and have not connected with the story or the characters..not sure whether i will plod on...especially with over a 100 other books on my wait list.
Have you ever felt you are missing something when you don't like something that a lot of other people have liked?
the reviews are great and sometimes that can blow up your expectations..I am into 15% of the book, and have not connected with the story or the characters..not sure whether i will plod on...especially with over a 100 other books on my wait list.
Have you ever felt you are missing something when you don't like something that a lot of other people have liked?
December 27, 2017
I like the challenge of reading new authors and, even more so, when the book is a stand alone (you know, too many series and trilogies out there).
The book brings the story of 5 longtime girlfriends who always met in the summer, in a bungalow, for a weekend of drinking, gossip and fun. No family and no responsibility.
Abby, Clare, Jane, Rachel and Tina.
But one of them doesn't appear. Abby.
In her place, a message: she ran away with the man of one of them.
Everything could be a prank, until each of them check on their husbands and none of them were available to be found.
Truths hidden beneath the rug about their lives begin to emerge.
Analyzes are done. Even a corpse appears in story!
I believe the author's goal was to bring a light and fun plot, but sometimes the subject becomes hard.
But it's worth reading the book and finding out for yourself: Was it a prank or a test?
4 stars
The book brings the story of 5 longtime girlfriends who always met in the summer, in a bungalow, for a weekend of drinking, gossip and fun. No family and no responsibility.
Abby, Clare, Jane, Rachel and Tina.
But one of them doesn't appear. Abby.
In her place, a message: she ran away with the man of one of them.
Everything could be a prank, until each of them check on their husbands and none of them were available to be found.
Truths hidden beneath the rug about their lives begin to emerge.
Analyzes are done. Even a corpse appears in story!
I believe the author's goal was to bring a light and fun plot, but sometimes the subject becomes hard.
But it's worth reading the book and finding out for yourself: Was it a prank or a test?
4 stars
April 29, 2022
This story had very sex and the city vibes, except all of the characters were married/in serious relationships. Overall, I did enjoy reading this but it did take me awhile to get into it. I had trouble keeping the characters straight at first since you are moving back and forth between each POV. I'd say about 60% of the way through was when I really figured this out and I was hooked at finding out where Abby was. The story was slightly predictable but there were some decent twists at the end.
October 26, 2021
I've read (and I miss) Rosemary Harris's mystery novels, so I wanted to read this one. It was good, but it couldn't quite decide if it wanted to be a mystery or chick lit. I like the characters well enough, but this story left me wanting a little something else.
May 27, 2023
Mediocre writing at best. Silly plot line. Good for a casual I don’t want to think read.
July 18, 2023
It was very hard to follow. I had to keep going back to read who was talking.
March 8, 2017
Very disappointed in this book. I felt it was choppy and disjointed There didn't seem to be any true deep emotions and I felt no affinity to the characters
December 18, 2013
"Apologies for the short notice but I won't be making our little reunion this year. I've run off with one of your men."
The Bitches Of Brooklyn is the story about five sassy women in their thirties who have been friends since high school. They keep the bonds of friendship alive throughout the years with an annual all-girls weekend on Cape Cod. Jane, Tina, Clare and Rachel are waiting for Abby to arrive, only to receive a gift basket and a mysterious note from her that will test the women's bonds of friendship, and reexamine their relationships with the men in their lives.
Author Rosemary Harris weaves a sassy and thoroughly entertaining tale about friendships and relationships that easily captivates the reader's attention. Mixed with humor and a touch of mystery, the reader follows the story of five girlfriends from Brooklyn, who throughout the years have maintained their bonds of friendship along with the intricacies of their lives and relationships until one late summer getaway weekend in Cape Cod changes how they view everything with the arrival of one little mysterious note. Is the note for real, or just one of Abby's pranks? While Jane, Tina, Clare and Rachel vow to not let Abby's note ruin their weekend together; the mystery of which of their men ran off with their friend causes tiny niggling fears, doubts, and questions to arise, while some personal secrets are revealed.
Anyone can relate to these five friends, each of them are as different as night is to day, yet the bonds of their friendship keeps them together throughout the years until Abby's note has each of them wondering are they really best friends? Filled with humorous misadventures and sassy banter, these ladies take the reader on a journey of ups and downs, leaving them hoping that the friendships will survive.
I loved that the author keeps the mystery going with hints and clues throughout the story, it keeps the reader guessing as each of the women's personal lives and their past memories are revealed. This was such a fun book to read, the sassy banter and humorous interactions mixed with the varying differences between the friends kept me engaged and thoroughly entertained. It is easy to relate to any one of these ladies, I saw a lot of myself in Clare, but I have to admit that I really loved smart-ass Tina the best. As the four friends question the reality of the intricacies and issues within their lives and relationships, it makes them take stock of what they have as they discover that not everything is exactly as it seems.
The Bitches Of Brooklyn is a wonderful exploration of friendships and relationships, it has an enjoyable mixture of humor and drama with a twist of mystery on the side!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
The Bitches Of Brooklyn is the story about five sassy women in their thirties who have been friends since high school. They keep the bonds of friendship alive throughout the years with an annual all-girls weekend on Cape Cod. Jane, Tina, Clare and Rachel are waiting for Abby to arrive, only to receive a gift basket and a mysterious note from her that will test the women's bonds of friendship, and reexamine their relationships with the men in their lives.
Author Rosemary Harris weaves a sassy and thoroughly entertaining tale about friendships and relationships that easily captivates the reader's attention. Mixed with humor and a touch of mystery, the reader follows the story of five girlfriends from Brooklyn, who throughout the years have maintained their bonds of friendship along with the intricacies of their lives and relationships until one late summer getaway weekend in Cape Cod changes how they view everything with the arrival of one little mysterious note. Is the note for real, or just one of Abby's pranks? While Jane, Tina, Clare and Rachel vow to not let Abby's note ruin their weekend together; the mystery of which of their men ran off with their friend causes tiny niggling fears, doubts, and questions to arise, while some personal secrets are revealed.
Anyone can relate to these five friends, each of them are as different as night is to day, yet the bonds of their friendship keeps them together throughout the years until Abby's note has each of them wondering are they really best friends? Filled with humorous misadventures and sassy banter, these ladies take the reader on a journey of ups and downs, leaving them hoping that the friendships will survive.
I loved that the author keeps the mystery going with hints and clues throughout the story, it keeps the reader guessing as each of the women's personal lives and their past memories are revealed. This was such a fun book to read, the sassy banter and humorous interactions mixed with the varying differences between the friends kept me engaged and thoroughly entertained. It is easy to relate to any one of these ladies, I saw a lot of myself in Clare, but I have to admit that I really loved smart-ass Tina the best. As the four friends question the reality of the intricacies and issues within their lives and relationships, it makes them take stock of what they have as they discover that not everything is exactly as it seems.
The Bitches Of Brooklyn is a wonderful exploration of friendships and relationships, it has an enjoyable mixture of humor and drama with a twist of mystery on the side!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
January 24, 2014
I really, really don't like to give negative reviews. Especially one star reviews. Because, you know, I don't want to deter potential readers just because something wasn't exactly my cup of tea. Usually I'll throw a book in the DNF pile before rating one star. But the thing is, the one star option was put there for a reason, and occasionally you have to use it.
The Bitches of Brooklyn starts out well enough. Five lifelong friends head out to Cape Cod for their annual weekend away, leaving behind husbands, children, work, etc to focus on their friendship and themselves for a couple days. Four friends arrive. The fifth sends a note saying she's not coming. Oh, and a message - "I've run off with one of your men." What ensues is each woman doubting her marriage/relationship and secretly believing that her significant other has left her for her friend. To make matters worse, none of the women are able to get in touch with their partners. Would Abby really run off with one of their men? Would their husbands/partners really do that to them? Who is the least trustworthy of them? Who is having the most problems in their relationship?
The initial premise is fine. It's everything else that's awful. The Bitches of Brooklyn could have been a deep and meaningful novel about women really analyzing their lives and the way they interact with their partners, and delving into the true nature of their friendships, but it wasn't. (What did I expect, with a title like this?) It was a silly little fluffy novel where the women do stupid things like break into the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens or take a several hour break to have a leisurely dinner while their lives are falling to pieces.
Abby is the only character who stands out. (Well, Abby and Tina. Tina only because I love Bob's Burgers and I kept envisioning Tina Belcher as an older, married woman.) The rest of the women run together, to the point where I can barely remember their names, and I just finished this book last night. Abby only stands out because she doesn't show up to the weekend getaway, so she's separate from everything that's going on.
The writing is awful - I know I was reading an uncorrected proof, but COME ON. I would be embarrassed to hand out ARCs in this condition. I would say that at least half of the punctuation was missing. Many sentences are unattributed to any characters, and since the characters all have the same voice, it's impossible to know who's speaking. The mystery is laughable, and several plot points are brought about with no resolution. (Example: the dead girl at the train station.) I had difficulty finishing this book. I nearly threw it in the DNF pile on more than one occasion.
I'm not sure that I can recommend this book to anyone. I feel like if there's an audience for it, it's very limited. Flip through the book prior to buying it to make sure that the punctuation and editing errors have been fixed.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Bitches of Brooklyn starts out well enough. Five lifelong friends head out to Cape Cod for their annual weekend away, leaving behind husbands, children, work, etc to focus on their friendship and themselves for a couple days. Four friends arrive. The fifth sends a note saying she's not coming. Oh, and a message - "I've run off with one of your men." What ensues is each woman doubting her marriage/relationship and secretly believing that her significant other has left her for her friend. To make matters worse, none of the women are able to get in touch with their partners. Would Abby really run off with one of their men? Would their husbands/partners really do that to them? Who is the least trustworthy of them? Who is having the most problems in their relationship?
The initial premise is fine. It's everything else that's awful. The Bitches of Brooklyn could have been a deep and meaningful novel about women really analyzing their lives and the way they interact with their partners, and delving into the true nature of their friendships, but it wasn't. (What did I expect, with a title like this?) It was a silly little fluffy novel where the women do stupid things like break into the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens or take a several hour break to have a leisurely dinner while their lives are falling to pieces.
Abby is the only character who stands out. (Well, Abby and Tina. Tina only because I love Bob's Burgers and I kept envisioning Tina Belcher as an older, married woman.) The rest of the women run together, to the point where I can barely remember their names, and I just finished this book last night. Abby only stands out because she doesn't show up to the weekend getaway, so she's separate from everything that's going on.
The writing is awful - I know I was reading an uncorrected proof, but COME ON. I would be embarrassed to hand out ARCs in this condition. I would say that at least half of the punctuation was missing. Many sentences are unattributed to any characters, and since the characters all have the same voice, it's impossible to know who's speaking. The mystery is laughable, and several plot points are brought about with no resolution. (Example: the dead girl at the train station.) I had difficulty finishing this book. I nearly threw it in the DNF pile on more than one occasion.
I'm not sure that I can recommend this book to anyone. I feel like if there's an audience for it, it's very limited. Flip through the book prior to buying it to make sure that the punctuation and editing errors have been fixed.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
January 30, 2014
I always say, when asked, that I read “everything,” and I do usually mean it. My tastes are pretty wide ranging, from hard sci-fi to poetry, from literary fiction to true crime. Upon reflection, however, there are some genres that I have tended to avoid: romance (of all flavors, paranormal and otherwise), mysteries, and what is often somewhat-pejoratively referred to as “chick lit.” Not because I think poorly of those genres, but because I know myself and my tastes. And as you can see from previous reviews, when I’ve been fooled into reading romance in the guise of sci-fi or fantasy, I’ve been…less than kind.
With all of that in mind, you might wonder why I decided to read mystery writer Rosemary Harris’s latest, The Bitches of Brooklyn. Three words: title and cover. They were eye-catching and kind of hilarious, and I couldn’t help myself. Additionally, I live in New York City and enjoy reading books that take place here, especially in the boroughs. So I thought, “ah, what the hell,” and clicked to download The Bitches of Brooklyn e-book.
It didn’t take me too long to realize I had made a mistake, but I’m too stubborn to stop reading a book I’ve started.
The gist of The Bitches of Brooklyn is simple: five women who have been friends since grade school meet up once a year at a house on Cape Cod to drink wine, gossip, and catch up. A wrench is thrown into the proceedings when, instead of showing up to their latest gathering, glamorous Abby sends a gourmet food basket and a note reading, “I’ve run off with one of your men.” With that, the plot lurches into gear as the remaining four ladies–Clare, Tina, Rachel, and Jane–try to determine which of their men Abby has stolen away.
The first issue arises when it is evident that each woman’s voice sounds exactly the same, despite Tina being the sassy Italian, Jane being the entrepreneur, etc. To be completely honest, I had to go back to look up the names of the protagonists–that is how forgettable they were. Even while I was reading, I often forgot who said what, whose husband/partner was whose, and how they related to one another. With so few characters, establishing distinctive voices for each one should not have proved so difficult, but each woman read almost exactly the same. The male characters were basically non-entities.
Read the rest of this review over at Bookwanderer!
October 24, 2013
“Bitches of Brooklyn” definitely deserves it’s place in the Chick Lit genre. It revolves around a group of five women, who are supposed to spend a weekend together. When one doesn’t show up, giving only the explanation that she has ‘run off with one of their men’, the remaining four women quickly switch gears to engage in behaviour that women all over the world would recognise immediately; quiet doubt that perhaps someone you trust isn’t quite all they seem to be.
The book explores the lives of the four women. Each have their own issue, from which their insecurities over the whereabouts of their missing friend stemmed. Harris explored these issues well; they were believable and recognisable, even though I’m twenty years younger than the protagonists. I liked how the story progressed, and the small details that Harris included, like the loving grandmother, and the nighttime break-in to a public place – these added some much needed depth to a story that may have otherwise been all caught up in the heads of the four women.
There was one facet of the book, however, which annoyed me immensely. This group of women were dubbed ‘Bitches of Brooklyn’ in their teens, hence the title of the book. BUT, there is nothing to indicate that these girls were, in fact, bitches. Rather, they are portrayed as fairly nice, friendly teens. The book then has these girls regularly calling themselves bitches, immediately followed by one of them disclaiming that they’re just joking, or referencing that they earned the name as teenagers. The discrepancy between their behaviour and their nickname frustrated me throughout the book; though perhaps a seemingly minor detail, it felt incongruent with what was otherwise a well-written book, with a flowing plot. It almost seemed as if Harris had settled upon the title and subsequently wrote the reason for it into the book…
That inconsistency aside, I liked the book, and liked that it focused on the relationship between the women, rather than a relationship between a man and a woman. I also liked the ending, which is crucial!! It’s worth a read.
The book explores the lives of the four women. Each have their own issue, from which their insecurities over the whereabouts of their missing friend stemmed. Harris explored these issues well; they were believable and recognisable, even though I’m twenty years younger than the protagonists. I liked how the story progressed, and the small details that Harris included, like the loving grandmother, and the nighttime break-in to a public place – these added some much needed depth to a story that may have otherwise been all caught up in the heads of the four women.
There was one facet of the book, however, which annoyed me immensely. This group of women were dubbed ‘Bitches of Brooklyn’ in their teens, hence the title of the book. BUT, there is nothing to indicate that these girls were, in fact, bitches. Rather, they are portrayed as fairly nice, friendly teens. The book then has these girls regularly calling themselves bitches, immediately followed by one of them disclaiming that they’re just joking, or referencing that they earned the name as teenagers. The discrepancy between their behaviour and their nickname frustrated me throughout the book; though perhaps a seemingly minor detail, it felt incongruent with what was otherwise a well-written book, with a flowing plot. It almost seemed as if Harris had settled upon the title and subsequently wrote the reason for it into the book…
That inconsistency aside, I liked the book, and liked that it focused on the relationship between the women, rather than a relationship between a man and a woman. I also liked the ending, which is crucial!! It’s worth a read.
February 9, 2014
That's What Friends Are For
This would be a perfect beach read but it’s too good a book to wait for a sunny day. Grab it now, get comfortable and just pretend you’re at the beach. You won’t regret it. Taking the basic premise from the 1949 drama ‘A Letter to Three Wives’ four childhood friends get together for their annual ladies-only reunion, however, their fifth friend sends a huge fruit basket with a note saying, ‘I’ve run off with one of your men.’ The four women who are all married (one is living with someone) are left to figure out if their absent buddy is serious and if a fruit basket is really the appropriate way to break that kind of news. Or maybe she meant the gardener… Nobody wants to admit their relationship might be the weakest link and with no cell service at their cottage they are left to ponder their individual relationships while trying to put a brave face on for a night. But this is not a weepy woman’s drama. This is only the beginning and once they get back to the land of cell service they are still a bit hindered since some of their men are either still on preplanned trips or suddenly taken unexpected journeys. The story starts moving in unexpected directions as the four women start becoming more determined to get to the bottom of what their friend is up to. Individually and together these women are forces to be reckoned with. These characters are smart, witty and loyal to each other including their absent fifth friend. The banter between them was extremely funny and yet spoke of deep friendships. Each character had her own well developed out presence. The story itself kept the mystery going by taking clever twists and unexpected turns with it that kept you guessing up to the end. Frankly I didn’t want it to end, I wanted to hang out with these dynamic characters and go on another adventure with them.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This would be a perfect beach read but it’s too good a book to wait for a sunny day. Grab it now, get comfortable and just pretend you’re at the beach. You won’t regret it. Taking the basic premise from the 1949 drama ‘A Letter to Three Wives’ four childhood friends get together for their annual ladies-only reunion, however, their fifth friend sends a huge fruit basket with a note saying, ‘I’ve run off with one of your men.’ The four women who are all married (one is living with someone) are left to figure out if their absent buddy is serious and if a fruit basket is really the appropriate way to break that kind of news. Or maybe she meant the gardener… Nobody wants to admit their relationship might be the weakest link and with no cell service at their cottage they are left to ponder their individual relationships while trying to put a brave face on for a night. But this is not a weepy woman’s drama. This is only the beginning and once they get back to the land of cell service they are still a bit hindered since some of their men are either still on preplanned trips or suddenly taken unexpected journeys. The story starts moving in unexpected directions as the four women start becoming more determined to get to the bottom of what their friend is up to. Individually and together these women are forces to be reckoned with. These characters are smart, witty and loyal to each other including their absent fifth friend. The banter between them was extremely funny and yet spoke of deep friendships. Each character had her own well developed out presence. The story itself kept the mystery going by taking clever twists and unexpected turns with it that kept you guessing up to the end. Frankly I didn’t want it to end, I wanted to hang out with these dynamic characters and go on another adventure with them.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 27, 2015
I have just finished this book and don’t really know how to rate it. It was alright but overall this reader was disappointed. The premise was promising but the execution fell short for me.
There were quite a few characters and after the initial introduction, the four friends told their story (both forward and back) in alternating chapters so it is feasible that some people may get confused by these multiple points of view. The proofing errors did not help in this regard, as instead of starting a new line for a new speaker the text continued on.
I do think that in any group of friends you will find these characters and this reader identified mostly with Tina although my background was totally different to hers. The insecurities of all these women seemed to be something that anyone could experience and it was nice that these women were over thirty.
After a while, though the whole thing got tedious, each of their insecurities was constantly repeated and there was honestly too little action. There was little suspense and sometimes the writer digresses to things that are not pertinent to the story. There are also certain plot lines that are brought up and nothing is really resolved, plus things happened without a previous introduction. There appeared to be something missing though as the ending was sudden and rushed sweeping many of the plot holes under the carpet. In short this novel left this reader non-plussed – there was definitely something missing here as though the author was not sure how the book should end.
This reader read an ARC which had numerous punctuation and typesetting errors. Many times it was difficult to understand who was doing or saying what as they were all ‘speaking’ in the same voice.
As stated above this book had a lot of potential and fell short. But, there is obviously an audience for a book like this but it was not my cup of tea.
Full Disclosure: ARC received from Netgalley for an honest review.
There were quite a few characters and after the initial introduction, the four friends told their story (both forward and back) in alternating chapters so it is feasible that some people may get confused by these multiple points of view. The proofing errors did not help in this regard, as instead of starting a new line for a new speaker the text continued on.
I do think that in any group of friends you will find these characters and this reader identified mostly with Tina although my background was totally different to hers. The insecurities of all these women seemed to be something that anyone could experience and it was nice that these women were over thirty.
After a while, though the whole thing got tedious, each of their insecurities was constantly repeated and there was honestly too little action. There was little suspense and sometimes the writer digresses to things that are not pertinent to the story. There are also certain plot lines that are brought up and nothing is really resolved, plus things happened without a previous introduction. There appeared to be something missing though as the ending was sudden and rushed sweeping many of the plot holes under the carpet. In short this novel left this reader non-plussed – there was definitely something missing here as though the author was not sure how the book should end.
This reader read an ARC which had numerous punctuation and typesetting errors. Many times it was difficult to understand who was doing or saying what as they were all ‘speaking’ in the same voice.
As stated above this book had a lot of potential and fell short. But, there is obviously an audience for a book like this but it was not my cup of tea.
Full Disclosure: ARC received from Netgalley for an honest review.
December 20, 2013
The issue of trust always makes for an intriguing plot focus and author Rosemary Harris knows how to take it to the limit.
The five have been friends since high school and have been called bitches and witches. As they gather at a secluded Cape Cod bungalow for their annual summer all-girls weekend, things take a drastic turn when the fifth doesn’t show up.
Rachel, Clare, Tina and Jane aren’t so much worried that Abby is a no show. That is until her note arrives instead. It reads - “I’ve run off with one of your men.”
The ladies aren’t sure what to do. Did she really run off with one of their men or is it a prank? Can they enjoy their weekend without her and not start making phone calls? The friends reevaluate their lives and what they thought they knew.
Harris will have you smiling and shaking your head as she takes you on an amusing journey dealing with friendship. Her characters are eccentric, witty and likable. They are well-developed and may remind you of your own friends.
THE BITCHES OF BROOKLYN moves at a steady pace, grabbing your attention at the beginning and not letting go until the very end. It’s filled with romance, fun, friendship and laughter. There’s a touch of suspense thrown for a well-balance tale. A fascinating start to a captivating new series.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author's blog tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
The five have been friends since high school and have been called bitches and witches. As they gather at a secluded Cape Cod bungalow for their annual summer all-girls weekend, things take a drastic turn when the fifth doesn’t show up.
Rachel, Clare, Tina and Jane aren’t so much worried that Abby is a no show. That is until her note arrives instead. It reads - “I’ve run off with one of your men.”
The ladies aren’t sure what to do. Did she really run off with one of their men or is it a prank? Can they enjoy their weekend without her and not start making phone calls? The friends reevaluate their lives and what they thought they knew.
Harris will have you smiling and shaking your head as she takes you on an amusing journey dealing with friendship. Her characters are eccentric, witty and likable. They are well-developed and may remind you of your own friends.
THE BITCHES OF BROOKLYN moves at a steady pace, grabbing your attention at the beginning and not letting go until the very end. It’s filled with romance, fun, friendship and laughter. There’s a touch of suspense thrown for a well-balance tale. A fascinating start to a captivating new series.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author's blog tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
May 16, 2014
To read review and others like it check out my site at www.homelovebooks.com
I think this book had a lot of potential but it just didn't end up being as great as I thought it would. I thought that the premise of the book was great, a bunch of women friends getting together for their yearly vacation, only to find out that one of this is not just a no show, but she also ran off with one of the other women's husband. I really love books that deal with friendships between women, so I really thought this book would be right up my alley.
Right off the bat I felt like the book started of slowly. The writing style didn't jump out at me and grab my attention. I actually found the narration a little bit on the jump side, which actually made it even more difficult to connect with the characters in the story. And for me without a strong connection with at least a couple of the characters, I find it hard to get invested in the plot, which I think is why this book just didn't click for me.
The book did end up having a lot more of a suspenseful plot than I was originally expecting. And I will admit that about halfway through the book the pace picked up and the suspenseful element really helped me like the book a bit more. But the ending really didn't do it for me either, I felt like to many smaller elements were wrapped up in an unrealistic way, and some of the mystery plot just came out of nowhere.
I do think there is an audience for this book, but it wasn't for me.
I think this book had a lot of potential but it just didn't end up being as great as I thought it would. I thought that the premise of the book was great, a bunch of women friends getting together for their yearly vacation, only to find out that one of this is not just a no show, but she also ran off with one of the other women's husband. I really love books that deal with friendships between women, so I really thought this book would be right up my alley.
Right off the bat I felt like the book started of slowly. The writing style didn't jump out at me and grab my attention. I actually found the narration a little bit on the jump side, which actually made it even more difficult to connect with the characters in the story. And for me without a strong connection with at least a couple of the characters, I find it hard to get invested in the plot, which I think is why this book just didn't click for me.
The book did end up having a lot more of a suspenseful plot than I was originally expecting. And I will admit that about halfway through the book the pace picked up and the suspenseful element really helped me like the book a bit more. But the ending really didn't do it for me either, I felt like to many smaller elements were wrapped up in an unrealistic way, and some of the mystery plot just came out of nowhere.
I do think there is an audience for this book, but it wasn't for me.
November 29, 2013
An annual all girls weekend hits a snag when one of the women doesn’t show up. Rachel, Clare, Tina and Jane are surprised all the receive from Abby is a gift basket and a note…“I’ve run off with one of your men.” They can’t decide if this is a prank or if they should worry. Can they still relax and have fun or is this a mystery they need to solve?
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Even when Rosemary Harris writes Chick-Lit she throws in a bit of mystery. I loved this story!
These women use the term “Bitches” as a sign of affection for each other, but those growing up around them probably did not. Four of them together forever, the fifth joined the group in high school. This weekend is their way to stay in touch and connected without the stress of family and work. A time to get away and just have fun. This year Abby’s mysterious note makes them all think and reexamine their own relationships with their significant others.
Harris has written a fantastic story that the women of today can identify with. All of our lives are in constant flux and we tend to take the relationships of those closer to us for granted. Work or the kids come first and we just assume our mates will be there no matter what. They story is filled with ups and downs and plenty of humor too!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Even when Rosemary Harris writes Chick-Lit she throws in a bit of mystery. I loved this story!
These women use the term “Bitches” as a sign of affection for each other, but those growing up around them probably did not. Four of them together forever, the fifth joined the group in high school. This weekend is their way to stay in touch and connected without the stress of family and work. A time to get away and just have fun. This year Abby’s mysterious note makes them all think and reexamine their own relationships with their significant others.
Harris has written a fantastic story that the women of today can identify with. All of our lives are in constant flux and we tend to take the relationships of those closer to us for granted. Work or the kids come first and we just assume our mates will be there no matter what. They story is filled with ups and downs and plenty of humor too!
December 4, 2013
Rosemary Harris is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and The Bitches of Brooklyn
I just loved the way this book started off! The note really piqued my interest – who did she run off with? Whose marriage or relationship isn’t what it seems? Also, each woman started to question herself, her significant other, and their friendships in general. It was such a fabulous way to grab a reader’s attention right from the first page, and I was hooked! The story continues on with the four friends trying to enjoy their vacation, though each is secretly worried about the note. The next section follows the women after they leave vacation and get back into their lives, and readers can learn more about each character and what is happening in her life and her relationship. Since there are four characters (and a fifth that we are learning about from a distance) it’s a bit to take in, but that mystery aspect of who is Abby with really kept me invested in the story. The ending was great, and overall I really enjoyed this book. I also want to check out more mystery novels from Rosemary Harris!
I just loved the way this book started off! The note really piqued my interest – who did she run off with? Whose marriage or relationship isn’t what it seems? Also, each woman started to question herself, her significant other, and their friendships in general. It was such a fabulous way to grab a reader’s attention right from the first page, and I was hooked! The story continues on with the four friends trying to enjoy their vacation, though each is secretly worried about the note. The next section follows the women after they leave vacation and get back into their lives, and readers can learn more about each character and what is happening in her life and her relationship. Since there are four characters (and a fifth that we are learning about from a distance) it’s a bit to take in, but that mystery aspect of who is Abby with really kept me invested in the story. The ending was great, and overall I really enjoyed this book. I also want to check out more mystery novels from Rosemary Harris!
December 30, 2013
Author Rosemary Harris delivers a sassy and brassy girlfriend novel with her latest book, "The Bitches of Brooklyn."
This story finds five childhood friends who meet each year to have a mini-reunion/getaway, only this year one of the gals doesn't show up and leaves the other four pondering as to the reason and if she has possibly run away with one of their men.
As the story progress, Harris delves into the background and personality of each woman, tying the story together with the mystery of where their missing friend is and who is she with! The plot is fast moving and often times downright hilarious, and the characters are total "Jersey" girls with a lot of class and a lot of brass too!
I found this novel to be a fun and entertaining story, and think it would be perfect for book clubs to share. Any reader who loves a good "girlfriend" novel will absolutely love "The Bitches of Brooklyn." I'd personally love to see another story with an update on the gals and their lives.
Highly recommended!
This story finds five childhood friends who meet each year to have a mini-reunion/getaway, only this year one of the gals doesn't show up and leaves the other four pondering as to the reason and if she has possibly run away with one of their men.
As the story progress, Harris delves into the background and personality of each woman, tying the story together with the mystery of where their missing friend is and who is she with! The plot is fast moving and often times downright hilarious, and the characters are total "Jersey" girls with a lot of class and a lot of brass too!
I found this novel to be a fun and entertaining story, and think it would be perfect for book clubs to share. Any reader who loves a good "girlfriend" novel will absolutely love "The Bitches of Brooklyn." I'd personally love to see another story with an update on the gals and their lives.
Highly recommended!
January 9, 2014
3 stars, review to come...:)
Five ladies who have been friends since high school and who have a yearly "gals only" summer getaway to Cape Cod find their friendship tested one summer when waiting for the fifth friend to show up at the house they rent, a fruit basket arrives at the door with a note saying "I've run off with one of your men" this of course makes all the women re-examine their marriages, friendships and their lives.
The subject matter might not seem to funny but the author has some snappy & fun dialogue to keep the story moving along as well as a few mysteries to solve. Is this note a joke from their friend or will she call them laughing, saying she was just kidding? If so, why can't any of the husbands be located? When the ladies get home from their little weekend vacation they must all re examine their marriage, their lives and the secrets they have been keeping from everyone. Kind of makes you wonder if anyone is really as close with their friends and loved ones as they think they are....
Five ladies who have been friends since high school and who have a yearly "gals only" summer getaway to Cape Cod find their friendship tested one summer when waiting for the fifth friend to show up at the house they rent, a fruit basket arrives at the door with a note saying "I've run off with one of your men" this of course makes all the women re-examine their marriages, friendships and their lives.
The subject matter might not seem to funny but the author has some snappy & fun dialogue to keep the story moving along as well as a few mysteries to solve. Is this note a joke from their friend or will she call them laughing, saying she was just kidding? If so, why can't any of the husbands be located? When the ladies get home from their little weekend vacation they must all re examine their marriage, their lives and the secrets they have been keeping from everyone. Kind of makes you wonder if anyone is really as close with their friends and loved ones as they think they are....
January 22, 2014
Not quite sure how to categorize this one: Women/friends book? A bit of a whodunit? Certainly a good beach read. The women characters are pretty fleshed out, and you could see yourself having a glass of wine with them. The husbands are, at times, flat stereotypes that are used as props to move the story along.
The setup is 5 high school friends meet at a beach house every year for a long weekend of catching up. The vixen of the group doesn't show, sending a fruit basket with the announcement she's not coming because "I've run off with one of your men." (Hence the whodunit.) Whose husband? Is she telling the truth? And how will their lives change because of it?
Somewhat a "count your blessings" (or husband, as it were) moment for all concerned, with some deciding they have keepers and others deciding to end it.
The last chapter was a little too abrupt for me, leaping one year into the future without much back story of how they got there. (Not hard to surmise, mind you, but a little more character insight would have been welcome.)
The setup is 5 high school friends meet at a beach house every year for a long weekend of catching up. The vixen of the group doesn't show, sending a fruit basket with the announcement she's not coming because "I've run off with one of your men." (Hence the whodunit.) Whose husband? Is she telling the truth? And how will their lives change because of it?
Somewhat a "count your blessings" (or husband, as it were) moment for all concerned, with some deciding they have keepers and others deciding to end it.
The last chapter was a little too abrupt for me, leaping one year into the future without much back story of how they got there. (Not hard to surmise, mind you, but a little more character insight would have been welcome.)
March 2, 2014
This is a well-written and entertaining read covering contemporary fiction, chick-lit, mystery and oh, so much more.
The 'bitches' are childhood friends who have grown up and remain close, heading off each year for a weekend on the cape. We slowly learn bits about their pasts whilst keeping up with the present - all very cleverly done, and their individual stories all meld seamlessly into their group. When one of them fails to turn up at the weekend rendezvous sending instead a gift basket, of all things, no-one seems too worried on the surface but each one continually mulls over the words on the accompanying gift card 'I've left with one of your men'.
Without giving away the entire story-line there are some serious moments and some very, very funny ones in this book. An extremely entertaining read, on which tidies up all the loose ends, something I really enjoy in a book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review but that does not impact on my words at all - I would happily have paid for this book and highly recommend it to others.
The 'bitches' are childhood friends who have grown up and remain close, heading off each year for a weekend on the cape. We slowly learn bits about their pasts whilst keeping up with the present - all very cleverly done, and their individual stories all meld seamlessly into their group. When one of them fails to turn up at the weekend rendezvous sending instead a gift basket, of all things, no-one seems too worried on the surface but each one continually mulls over the words on the accompanying gift card 'I've left with one of your men'.
Without giving away the entire story-line there are some serious moments and some very, very funny ones in this book. An extremely entertaining read, on which tidies up all the loose ends, something I really enjoy in a book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review but that does not impact on my words at all - I would happily have paid for this book and highly recommend it to others.
December 13, 2013
My favorite part about this book was how easy it was to relate to the characters. A lot of the thoughts and feelings they had when they were questioning their fifth friend's loyalty as well as their significant other's loyalties I've experienced (especially in past relationships!), and I know a good portion of other women can agree! I also know that we all have jumped to some pretty crazy conclusions. The beginning of the book had me a little lost while I was trying to sort out the four women, but once I got the characters figured out it was much easier to follow along even as new ones where added in. I wish there was a little bit more general description, but I loved how all the characters tied together. The Bitches of Brooklyn was a a good, quick read, and in the end it makes you think about and evaluate all of your current relationships.
*ARC provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
*ARC provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
February 1, 2014
SPOILER ALERT, but not really...
While I enjoyed reading this book, I found the end/resolution to be rushed. The majority of the book seemed to focus on the character Abby missing and who/why she was missing. Suddenly another character in the book went missing, then BOOM the original character of interest shows up out of nowhere. While the "who" was a twist at the end of the story, I simply felt it was too rushed once they finally got "to the heart of the matter". In addition, In my personal opinion, the actual laugh out loud moments in the story didn't really occur until the last part of the book. I always find humor in things that we can personally relate to or actually envision ourselves being a part of. Again, being a 30 something female, I didn't really "get it" until much later in the book. Overall, an enjoyable read, but it wasn't one of those books that I pick up and can't put down.
While I enjoyed reading this book, I found the end/resolution to be rushed. The majority of the book seemed to focus on the character Abby missing and who/why she was missing. Suddenly another character in the book went missing, then BOOM the original character of interest shows up out of nowhere. While the "who" was a twist at the end of the story, I simply felt it was too rushed once they finally got "to the heart of the matter". In addition, In my personal opinion, the actual laugh out loud moments in the story didn't really occur until the last part of the book. I always find humor in things that we can personally relate to or actually envision ourselves being a part of. Again, being a 30 something female, I didn't really "get it" until much later in the book. Overall, an enjoyable read, but it wasn't one of those books that I pick up and can't put down.
December 28, 2013
[Received this book as part of an author giveaway along with "book swag". My opinions are not swayed in anyway, and are entirely my own]
Trust.....can you trust the people closest to, and what happens when there is an open-ended challenge about your primary relationship(s), and even if finding out its not about you....then what happens?
Five friends since school days are set to meet on Cape Cod for their annual all girls weekend. However,one of them sends a basket with a cryptic note stating she is running off with "one of your men".....and they spend the rest of the trip,the rest of the week even, reevaluating their lives...Just who did Abby leave with? All are suspect, and by the time the situation is getting resolved, their lives and their friendships are well tested.
This is a great buddy book, and I really enjoyed it. I would read another of Harris' books.
Trust.....can you trust the people closest to, and what happens when there is an open-ended challenge about your primary relationship(s), and even if finding out its not about you....then what happens?
Five friends since school days are set to meet on Cape Cod for their annual all girls weekend. However,one of them sends a basket with a cryptic note stating she is running off with "one of your men".....and they spend the rest of the trip,the rest of the week even, reevaluating their lives...Just who did Abby leave with? All are suspect, and by the time the situation is getting resolved, their lives and their friendships are well tested.
This is a great buddy book, and I really enjoyed it. I would read another of Harris' books.
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