Again, Only More Like You

by Catalina Margulis

She hadn't turned 40 yet, and already she was over it ...

Dumped. Pregnant. Fired. For best friends Carmen and Ally, the approach of their 40th birthdays is anything but a celebration. Yet, it might be exactly what they need to set their lives on the right path.

In the bustling heart of New York, Carmen has it all—a high-profile career, a loving family, and a home straight out of a magazine. But as her 40th looms, her life begins to unravel. A surprise pregnancy, a shocking job loss, and the unwelcome sight of crow's feet force her to rethink her perfect life and what it means to truly have it all.

Meanwhile, in the quiet of Maine, Carmen's best friend Ally, a spirited marine biologist, confronts her own crisis as she faces the fallout from a doomed affair with her boss. With her romantic life in shambles and her professional life no better, Ally relocates to Portland, Oregon, hoping for a fresh start and one last chance at love.

As their individual journeys to happiness lead them in different directions, the strength of their friendship is tested. Tragedy strikes, bringing hidden resentments to the surface and forcing them to confront their past—and each other. In the process, they must answer a pivotal question: Are their best years really behind them, or is turning 40 just the beginning of their greatest adventures?

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook

350 pages, Paperback

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

Catalina Margulis is an author and super mom working on her next novel and generally trying to do and have it all.

Cat has written about relationships, motherhood and living your best life for many of Canada’s top publications over the past 20 years. She has been an editor at ELLE Canada, Flare and Today’s Parent, and has been a regular #momlife contributor to Savvymom, Yummy Mummy Club and Walmart Canada, among others.

Cat’s book Again Only More Like You, published by Rising Action, arrives in book stores on April 29, 2025.

She lives in Toronto with her husband and four children whom she loves very much, especially when she’s travelling for work.

Find Cat on Instagram @catmargulis. Learn more at catmargulis.com

Reviews

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

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The Book Review Crew Blog

2.5 Stars

This is a book about female friendship and how complicated it can be, especially when we hit middle age. As I am a woman of a certain age, there was a lot I could relate to between these pages, and I loved the premise, but the execution fell a tad short. The book follows two friends, Carmen and Ally, who are reaching middle age. One has a surprise pregnancy, and the other is escaping the backlash of an affair.

I loved how the book shows the little details of female friendship and the dynamic between the main characters. It showed their support of each other with humour, but it also showed the negative side and tensions. This shows that even the oldest friendships can be tested. As much as I enjoyed these aspects, the pacing was a little slow, and it made investing in the characters and their journeys difficult.

Even though I could relate to their problems and issues, the development of the ladies lacked any depth. Carmen's story had her losing it, but it was a tad too melodramatic for me. I understood Ally wanting to start over, but I wasn't sympathetic as she brought it on herself. The humorous parts were funny, but they cheapened the more serious issues.

Overall, the book was a relatable read of female friendship and midlife issues. I enjoyed reading about the complex relationship of the two leads as they look for fulfillment in their lives.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[J.L. Lienhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, Only More Like You is a touching and visceral look into the sacrifices women make 'to have it all', finding joy when the life you have isn't the one you wanted, and the power of female friendships.

[Karen Axnick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite an interesting book synopsis, this novel was disappointing on several levels.

Carmen and Ally, best friends since childhood, are both turning forty and taking stock of their lives against the hopes and aspirations of their youth. Each has followed a vastly different life path in terms of family and career which has strained their connection geographically and personally. As with most relationships there is a complicated mix of emotions – love, respect, admiration, envy, jealousy, and criticism – to name a few.

All the above could have made for a thoughtful examination of friendships, but it was tarnished by repetitive whining by the two main characters about their respective circumstances. While their perspectives were valid, the immaturity displayed by these two did not engender much empathy as the story unfolded. After persevering through 90 % of the book waiting for the redemption, I was dismayed that the happily-ever ending was revealed in the last two or three chapters with no realistic bridge from the discontent to the resolution. I would have preferred more detail about their successes and less annoying handwringing over children, significant others, and career satisfaction.

From the author’s note at the conclusion, it appears much of the content was drawn from her own life. I wish her well, but the book left much to be desired.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

[Laurel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a relatable premise and characters with promise but ultimately I found the friendship not very nice or understanding, the trajectories of the two characters too neatly divergent and the book about 30% too long.

Side note: For a less boring, more nuanced, poignant and hilarious exploration of a similar theme — best friends who grow up together wanting it all, family, love, career, navigating their friendship as one finds love and children more easily, the other finds career success but strikes out on love — check out the emerging musical, Showing Up. https://www.showingupmusical.com/about

Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the moral of this story is that whether you’re single or have 18 kids and your entire identity is “Mommy,” you’ll still be miserable. Lol jk. Maybe. Hehe.

I actually finished this audiobook in a day because it kept my interest—and let’s be honest, no one enjoys two unlikable women spiraling quite like I do. Margulis does a great job of making both perspectives equally aggravating. Like yes, I hate you for hating your mom life and your single life. Duality!

Am I supposed to feel bad because motherhood is hard, yet you keep making cringe-worthy choices and forgetting basic responsibilities? And sure, you want to be taken seriously in the corporate [marine biologist] world... but you also slept with your boss? Okay then.

I wanted to hate them—and also go to brunch with them, order mocktails and french fries(knowing someone will probably be pregnant again), and complain about the useless lumps of men in their lives like we were lifelong friends.

I hope Margullis comes out with another novel soon!

Thank you netgalley, for the ARC!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of books about female friendship, particularly friendships that have weathered many decades of life. Margulis does an excellent job in AGAIN, ONLY MORE LIKE YOU of painting a picture of two lifelong best friends, the divergent paths their lives have taken, and the growing pains they still experience even as they embark on their 40th birthdays. I found myself missing these characters once the book was over and wondering where the next phases of their lives would take them. This novel feels real, and the characters feel like people I've gotten to know well. It's a beautiful story about friendship, life choices, getting older, and found family.

[Mary Taggart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will appeal to fans of Kristen Hannah’s Firefly Lane. Told through a seamless dual protagonist POV, the author shows how easily women end up pushing their needs and interests aside in the name of doing it all!
Ally and Carmen offer a glimpse into two different versions of middle age chaos and what true friendship means. I read the novel quickly and felt drawn into the lives of both women thanks to Margulis engaging writing style!
This book comes out April 29th just in time to add it to your summer reading list!

[Jenn (burlingtonbiblio) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review
Again, Only More Like You
By Catalina Magulis
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5

New to me author
Genre:Women’s fiction
Publisher: Rising Action
Pub date: April 2025

What its Got
✅ Dual point of view
✅ Motherhood and the desire to be a mother
✅ friendship
✅ Career
✅ Married and wanting a partner
✅ Yearning and striving for something more while battling feelings of “not enough”
✅ Feminism. Sacrifice. Joy.

Thoughts
I really connected to Carmen’s inner dialogues and musing. The things we are afraid to say out loud- our anxieties, doubts and dreams.
The author looks at the evolution of
Female friendships and the challenges of staying connected when your paths diverge. Magulis explores the constant pressure women feel to compete and compare- even with those closest to them. Some readers might be deterred by our FMCs negative outlook but it was this characteristic that drew me in- not everything is always sunshine and daisies- sometimes you have to weather the storm.

Thank you to the author for my copy. Opinions expressed are my own.

[C. Jerez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful conversation between the realities of women living their individual lives and trying to figure out who they are and what they want. It explores the complexities of womanhood, motherhood, and adulthood. Beautifully written with the natural style of two best friends whose lives have gone in different directions while they fight to hold onto one another. Strongly recommended!

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to come.

[Sherry Steveson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whenever I get the opportunity to listen to any author’s book, I take that responsibility seriously because this individual has poured so much into their work. I respect that work and give high praise for that alone. With that said, not every book fits every reader. While I really loved the message within this book about two best friends who lead completely different lives. One is married with children struggling with a career and family life and the other is a single career woman who is struggling with relationships. This book dwells a lot on the individual choices of each woman and they both seem to flounder a lot within their respective lives. Because they live far apart, their interactions were mostly by phone. Would have loved for more openess and honesty with each other. I also cringed at Ally’s relationship decisions. So these flawed woman often made it hard to root for their decisions. This one is a strong woman’s fiction with heavy emphasis on the life of the 40somethings.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall rating: 2.5/5
I absolutely love reading a relatable story about women facing challenges and struggles that come with motherhood, careers, middle age, and just existing as a woman. However, this book was… kinda boring to me. The relationship between Ally & Carmen is very realistic in terms of having a long distance best friend, but I just did not like the dynamic between them. While both at different points in the book were jealous/envious of each other, Ally seemed to be the one who carried more disdain towards Carmen for living her life as a mother and being more family centric - all while Carmen is kicking herself for not having time/energy to check in with Ally more frequent.
Overall, the whole story just felt mundane and flat to me.
Thank you Netgalley for the ALC.

[emily *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay this book had an interesting synopsis that drew me in but, the story as a whole didn't do much for me. I do appreciate the emphasis on how hard mothers work and how selfless mothers can be but, i just found myself really uninterested on what came next. I will say I did enjoy getting to know the 2 main characters and appreciated their friendship with each other.

thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!

[Sara Mion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn’t quite was I was expecting from the synopsis, but it did capture my attention.

Written in a duel POV we get to hear from best friends Carmen and Ally, who are living two very different lives at 40, but working through their own struggles.

I found myself relating a lot to Carmen, and I am sure others could see parts of themselves in either character. I really enjoyed watching her adjust her expectations and embrace the life that she had. This easily could have been a story of loss for what life could have been, but I appreciated acknowledging that loss and turning it on its head.

There were parts of them book I was slightly confused, like the emails Carmen sent to Ally, but they did eventually make sense and were explained a little bit better further on in the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[BookTrib.com]

Love a story that starts at 40!

[Mary Brydon-Kehoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting Catalina Margulis through my professional organization where I hosted her as a speaker. Her reading of Again, Only More Like You (which I think is a fantastic title, by the way), intrigued me and prompted me to pick up her book.

Central characters Carmen and Ally, who share alternating chapters in the book, feel incredibly relatable. The struggle that Carmen faces in “having it all” and balancing life’s ample responsibilities (while neglecting herself in the process) is something that so many of us deal with on a day-to-day basis. Ally’s story is also fascinating; her hyperindependence and focus on her career both leave her feeling bereft of a relationship and family like her best friend Carmen has. These women feel like two sides of the same coin, two different paths that a person might take in their life, and it’s interesting to see how it unfolds for them both individually and in the context of their friendship. Both are women navigating a society that puts so much pressure on their performance in all aspects of life, a topic that I’m grateful Margulis has tackled head on.

The book’s introspective style of narration suits the honest, slice-of-life nature of its plot and themes. It feels like the characters are never hiding what they think and how they feel from the audience, but there is so much to read between the lines about how they came to be this way and what forces, invisible or not, have shaped (and are still shaping) them. I also appreciated how grounded the conflicts felt. There was real tension between characters that never relied on misunderstanding or miscommunication. They have genuine flaws and competing motivations that they must work through and reconcile in themselves and with one another.

A lot of the story was inspired by Margulis’s own experiences, something she has been very open about, and it’s her willingness to be vulnerable that lends the book its verisimilitude. I found myself invested in the characters, and I felt like I wanted more about them at the end, which just showed me how engaged I was in their stories.

As someone in the midst of reinventing her own life, the book caused me to stop and reflect quite a number of times. I’m happy to say there is a great deal of encouragement and optimism for the future in there as well. Life has its challenges, but it is worth the effort to make what you want of it and to be completely yourself while doing so.

[Laura Coppolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a thoughtful, relatable read that really caught me off guard in a few places. It follows two women—Carmen and Ally—as they both hit that almost 40 crossroads, and everything they thought was steady starts to shift. Careers unravel, relationships fracture, secrets surface. But underneath all of it is this quiet question: Are your best years behind you, or could they still be ahead?

What I appreciated most is how real Carmen felt. She’s not perfect, and there were moments where I didn’t agree with her, but I still felt for her. The uncertainty, the exhaustion, the internal tug of war between who you were and who you’re becoming,that all rang true. There were times I found myself nodding along like, “Yep, I’ve been there.”

I loved the Goodnight Sweetheart song reference. My parents used to sing that to me as a little girl, and the second I saw it on the page, it completely caught me in the heart. It’s wild how something so small can connect you to a character instantly.

I also really liked how the story handled friendship. Carmen and Ally are on such different paths, but their connection is what keeps them grounded. It reminded me that good friendships can bend, stretch, even break a little and still matter deeply. I have childhood friendships like that, the kind that stay rooted no matter where life takes us. It was beautiful to see that kind of connection reflected on the page.

The writing was accessible, emotional, and reflective without getting too heavy. It’s not a big, dramatic story but it’s a sincere one. It’s more about sitting with the hard questions, the quiet disappointments, and the flickers of hope that come when you least expect them.

This landed at 4 stars for me. I liked it, I connected with it in meaningful ways, and I’m glad I read it. It left me feeling like maybe 40 isn’t something to fear… maybe it’s just the start of something new.

If you’re into stories about friendship, reinvention, and the quiet chaos of being a woman in your late 30s or 40s, this one’s worth picking up.

“Life had taught her so many reasons to say no, but when she finally dared to say yes, it made miracles happen.”

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced release copy!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 STARS)

[Claire Bartholomew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really interesting, and although I didn't love it all the way through and I waffled between three and four stars, in the end I did find it moving and was glad I read it. Carmen and Ally are childhood best friends whose lives have taken them in very different directions. As they near their 40th birthdays, Carmen gets fired and has a surprise pregnancy, while Ally's relationship breaks down and she wonders what to do next. We follow them over the course of several months as they try to figure out what to do and how they are.

Summed up, this is a book about the pressure to have it all as a woman and to find a relationship and settle down. I loved all of Carmen's introspection about whether she wanted to go back to the workforce, if she could work and still be the mom she wanted to be, and all the ins and outs of wondering who she was decades into marriage and years into being a mom. It felt very real and honest, and echoed many things I've thought to myself before. I loved the relationship she had with her kids and her husband, and I was really rooting for her.

Ally's perspective wasn't as magical for me - there were times when her pity party became too much for me, and there was some insta love in there that was hard to swallow. I did appreciate her introspection about her life not turning out the way she thought it would and feeling the hopelessness and loneliness associated with not living the "typical" life, but sometimes it felt really shallow and pat. But I enjoyed the juxtaposition between her and Carmen, especially when their friendship had strife because it was so hard for them to understand each other's lives.

Overall, this one was an enjoyable, fast read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Company for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Kristy Chown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. The main story revolves around two friends entering their forties in very different situations. Carmen and Ally have been lifelong friends who are struggling to maintain their friendship and find their way amid extremely different life situations. Carmen was a magazine editor and balancing her three kids and work life before a surprise baby and job loss. Ally has a career she enjoys forcing her to relocate and she continues to struggle navigating her way to a meaningful relationship. Trying to be earnestly happy for their friend and making the right space for it amid the hardships of life becomes increasingly difficult.
I listened over a few days and found it extremely relatable. I will identify more with Ally, someone in her mid 30s with no kids and home responsibilities. I know too well about losing touch with a close friend in the thick of motherhood and postpartum. Sometimes we can have the best intentions but communication and making time for people can be hard. The inevitable fact is that friendships over time can change, and they take work. Simply for the fact this novel was incredibly honest, full of compassion, and also humour, is why I recommend this audiobook to anyone, particularly anyone who knows what it’s like to struggle to juggle all the parts of life, or has found it tough making time for friendship amongst the chaos.

[Yvonne Radley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, Only More Like You is a beautiful, overdue celebration of the kinds of women we don’t often see enough of in fiction—those navigating midlife with all its messiness, contradictions, and resilience. Catalina Margulis gives older women a voice, and more importantly, she gives them depth, complexity, and a chance to still chase love, friendship, and personal growth.

What struck me most was how honestly the book portrayed women who don’t have their lives perfectly sorted. Carmen and Ally’s relationship was particularly powerful—two lifelong friends who took very different paths yet managed to stay connected, even when distance and envy threatened that bond. I found myself completely drawn to their dynamic, often recognising moments from my own friendships, including those flashes of admiration—and sometimes jealousy—for the roads not taken.

The relationship felt grounded in reality rather than fantasy. I loved that they tried—despite everything life hurled their way. It didn’t tie things up with a neat bow, but it did something better: it showed real women making real choices, wrestling with regrets, and still daring to hope.

Catalina has written a moving, grown-up story about identity, connection, and second chances. It’s authentic, heartfelt, and full of wisdom. Brava to her for showing that older women’s stories matter—and for writing them with such care and clarity

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

While an interesting story it just didn’t draw me in.

She hadn't turned 40 yet, and already she was over it ...

Dumped. Pregnant. Fired. For best friends Carmen and Ally, the approach of their 40th birthdays is anything but a celebration. Yet, it might be exactly what they need to set their lives on the right path.

In the bustling heart of New York, Carmen has it all—a high-profile career, a loving family, and a home straight out of a magazine. But as her 40th looms, her life begins to unravel. A surprise pregnancy, a shocking job loss, and the unwelcome sight of crow's feet force her to rethink her perfect life and what it means to truly have it all.

Meanwhile, in the quiet of Maine, Carmen's best friend Ally, a spirited marine biologist, confronts her own crisis as she faces the fallout from a doomed affair with her boss. With her romantic life in shambles and her professional life no better, Ally relocates to Portland, Oregon, hoping for a fresh start and one last chance at love.

[Ary.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)

Again, Only More Like You by Catalina Margulis is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, reinvention, and the complicated beauty of life at a crossroads. Centered on two women approaching 40—Carmen, whose picture-perfect life in NYC suddenly falls apart, and Ally, a marine biologist starting over after personal and professional heartbreak—the novel balances emotional depth with moments of humor and warmth.

Margulis does a great job capturing the complexities of female friendship, especially as life takes Carmen and Ally in very different directions. The alternating perspectives keep the story moving, and the contrast between the fast-paced city life and quiet introspection in Portland gives the book a rich, layered feel.

That said, some plot turns feel predictable, and there are moments when the pacing dips. While it touches on big life themes—motherhood, loss, identity—the execution occasionally lacks the sharpness needed to fully land the emotional weight.

Still, if you’re looking for a story about second chances, growing pains, and the unshakable bond between friends, this book delivers. It’s not flawless, but it’s sincere—and sometimes, that hits just right.

[Christi Leaverton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave Again, Only More Like You three ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you Rising Action Publishing, Catalina Margulis and Net Galley for the ARC. These are my honest opinions.

I really liked the synopsis of this book, but could not get into the characters. I’m not sure which on was more aggravating, Carmen or Ally. There were times when I was invested in them, but then they would say or do something that had me rolling my eyes. Carmen is a married and pregnant mother of three, trying to hold on to a career that she doesn’t enjoy. Ally is single, but wants to be married, and having an affair with her boss. This sounds like very interesting characters. But, Carmen cannot sympathize with Ally at all when Ally needs support - she always turns the conversation back to herself. Ally is expecting her boss to “need” her - it’s an affair.

I think I would have enjoyed this much more if the characters had been better.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75⭐️ rounded up:

I appreciate the work that must be involved in writing and producing any piece of work to bring it to publication however unfortunately this one just didn’t seem to gather momentum.

From the book synopsis there is a lot of scope for this to be very relatable to many and although at certain points I absolutely could relate and understand the message and meanings behind the authors work I also found myself not really feeling the characters. This was one that was difficult to fully engage in the story, therefore keeping and holding my interest at times wasn’t always there meaning I felt distracted from the storyline. I didn’t feel fully immersed due to it being a little monotone overall and the relationships between the two main characters simply feeling more focused on this and that, rather than hopeful inspirational moments.

I appreciate the opportunity to listen to this ELC from NetGalley & Dreamscape Media. Wish Catalina Margulis best wishes for publication on 29th April 2025. 🙏🏽📚

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book feeling unsure, there were parts I did not like- the two main characters were not kind to themselves or others. I did not always find the characters likable. But at the same time, I think this book is an important read because as women, we are not often kind to ourselves or others. Both main characters were not happy with where they were in life, enviable of each other while also being critical of each other.

What I really liked about the book was its honesty. Both being single and being married were portrayed as hard, enviable, and empowering. The portrayal of the mother being unsure of her life choices and overwhelmed with her children while still being in love with her husband and adoring her children was something I think many parent could relate to but do not realize other parents feel.

[Rina B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for this free ARC. All views and opinions in this review are my own.

“Again, Only More Like You” was an easy and relatable read for me. Just like the main characters, Carmen and Ally, I am 40 years old and a mother. I sometimes find myself longing for carefree days of the past, but also thinking a lot about the uncertainties of raising a child in today’s world.

The book doesn’t have anything groundbreaking or uniquely revealing in the story. However, the author does a great job expressing Carmen and Ally’s inner thoughts, doubts and fears. The characters felt so multi-faceted, I feel like I could be friends with these women in real life. It’s nice to read about characters who are not perfect but are just trying their best. It gives me hope that, in my own life, maybe everything will be okay.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two lifelong friends are reaching 40 and neither has the life that they'd expected. I felt the stress that Carmen had with a daily commute to NYC, a punishing job, 3 young kids, and a supportive husband. But he's growing tired of her being late for everything, seeming to give her job her best and not as much to her family. then she finds herself fired and pregnant. Ally has a job that she loves. She also loves her boss, but he's married. When he dumps her, her life starts again with a new job, a new state, and maybe a new relationship. But again, life disappoints her.

I didn't see much humor in this book, but it is reflective of life the way many of us have been living for many years. Always seeking more, better, whatever.

I listened to the audio book and the narrator did a great job.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook
3.5 stars

As childhood best friends approach their 40th birthdays, Carmen and Ally are at different but crucial crossroads. Carmen is trying to have it all, juggling a career and motherhood, while Ally is searching for her place in life. Add in some job changes, pregnancy, relationship turmoils, and death—the women must determine what is most important to them now.

I enjoyed this story of women's difficulties balancing past expectations, current social stigmas, and the need to find their own way. Carmen's and Ally's journeys are relatable; however, the story did not allow for much investment in their friendship. As a 41-year-old mom, I am always happy to see real motherhood life represented, and hope shining through in the chaos.

Early Listening Copy courtesy of Negalley and Dreamscape Media. All opinions are my own.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this debut about female friendship, motherhood and starting over/reinventing yourself in midlife. Told in alternating perspectives from best friends Carmen and Ally we get to see their very different lives and how each woman is struggling with her choices. Carmen is juggling life as an editor at a fashion magazine and discovers she's pregnant with her fourth child. Meanwhile Ally is also not finding the career satisfaction she yearns for and also can't seem to find the right man. I definitely connected more with Carmen than Ally both liked how the two friend's made different choices and each had regrets. Great on audio narrated by Cindy Kay. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review. I'm excited to read more by Toronto author Catalina Margulis.

[Brandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredibly-true-to-life exploration of women's lives and the myth of "having it all" — at least in the way that's defined for us: marriage, career, picture-perfect home and family, scarcely breaking a sweat. The two best friends whose stories the book unfolds are so well drawn, as are the complexities of their friendship. Their paths have led them in different directions, and Margulis deftly explores the tensions this surfaces. You find yourself rooting for both women, even more so as things start to go sideways in their lives. The new ways the characters define happiness and success for themselves over the course of the book make it a satisfying, page-turning read, one that feels authentic to the experience of being a woman.