A Very Good Life

Dana McGarry #1

by Lynn Steward

A Very Good Life ranked #1 for more than 26 hours on Amazon's list of Top 100 Free ebooks! Dana McGarry is an "it" girl, living a privileged New York lifestyle of a well-heeled junior executive at B. Altman, a high end department store. With a storybook husband and a fairytale life, change comes swiftly and unexpectedly. Cracks begin to appear in the perfect facade. Challenged at work by unethical demands, and the growing awareness that her relationship with her distant husband is strained, Dana must deal with the unwanted changes in her life. Can she find her place in the new world where women can have a voice, or will she allow herself to be manipulated into doing things that go against her growing self-confidence?

Set in 1974, A VERY GOOD LIFE recreates a unique time in New York City when women like Dana hungered to have it all. From lunch at Cipriani’s to the annual Rockefeller Center holiday tree lighting ceremony, from meetings with business icons like Estee Lauder to cocktail receptions with celebrity guests like legendary Vogue editor Diana Vreeland, Steward’s intimate knowledge of the period creates the perfect backdrop for this riveting story about a women’s quest for self-fulfillment. A VERY GOOD LIFE is bound to become a beloved favorite of readers everywhere.

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Ebooks, New York, Contemporary

284 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2014

About the author

Lynn Steward, a veteran of the New York fashion industry and a buyer on the team that started the women’s department at Brooks Brothers, created the Dana McGarry series, set at a transformational time in the 1970s world of fashion and in the lives of multigenerational women. What Might Have Been is the second volume in the series. A Very Good Life, Steward’s debut novel, was published in March 2014.

Reviews

[April Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We know what a determined woman can accomplish, don't we? -She would need to be focused. It was almost 1975, International Woman's Year. If she wanted to live up to the expectations of women like Nina Bramen, she would have to rise to the occasion."--A Very Good Life

Dana McGarry hungers to have it all; a successful NYC fashion career, a devoted husband, children someday, and a vacation house in the country. Her handsome husband Brett, rising star at his firm, has his mind on one thing and one thing only; making partnership.

After 8 years of marriage, Dana feels alone and distant from her husband. To make things worse, at the NYC dept store she works for, someone has fixed a teen contest, and she is expected to turn her head the other way and play along!

Set in 1974, a year before International Women's Year, Dana is at a crossroads... having a successful marriage and career shouldn't be this difficult!

A chance encounter with a virtual stranger is about to shake things up in Dana and Brett's life, starting a whirlwind of events that will lead to Dana making the biggest decision of her life...

My Thoughts:

I wasn't sure what to make of this story at first, but I am really glad I stuck with it. At about chapter 5 or 6, A Very Good Life REALLY picks up the pace and throws you into a whirlwind of scheming opportunists, blackmail, unethical demands, and a marriage on the rocks. Dana McGarry was a woman before her time. She is a heroine to be proud of! If I've ever wanted to give a protagonist a big ole' high five, it was her!

I enjoyed the setting of this story; 1974, Christmas in NYC. It was a magical time filled with cocktail parties with celebrities, and fashion designers. The Author herself is well versed to create this setting, because she herself was a successful business woman in NYC's fashion industry. Lynn Steward really made the time period come alive.

A Very Good Life is the first in a five part series about New York in the seventies, featuring the lovable Dana McGarry. An absolutely heart warming women's fiction novel, I am giving A Very Good Life 4 very well deserved stars!



***I received a paperback copy of A Very Good Life in exchange for a fair & honest review.

[Julie Gerber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed with Lynn Steward's debut novel, "A Very Good Life." It's not a story that I would have looked for in the past, but you can be sure I will be watching for more books like this in the near future. It was absolutely wonderful! Lynn makes the characters come alive and she has a knack for putting the reader right in the middle of it all. Lynn writes in a way that makes the reader see and experience everything the characters see or feel. That takes talent and Lynn has plenty of it. There was never a dull moment and I learned so much! I felt like I was a part of Dana's group of friends, and trust me, that is a great group of friends to be around. There are a lot of strong emotions in the book and I enjoyed witnessing Dana's journey through this part of her life, through all the challenges and the ups and downs. There is strong character development and a well thought out plot. Not only do you get a story, you get an experience as well. Visit NYC in the 70's, and have a rare chance to see what life was like for women during that time. I am eagerly awaiting the next "A Dana McGarry Novel." True greatness. You won't be disappointed!

[Angelica Dimeo · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this book on goodreads.
I could not even finish the book
it was terrible and I know this is fiction
but it was beyond unrealistic in my opinion.
The husband was looking at other women and he is this
confident lawyer and suddenly he is "blackmailed" into having
a fling with a co- worker in the law firm he works in?
The wife Dana knows there is something off in the relationship
but instead of saying anything she does not want to ruin the
moment, give me a break any women would confront their husband is there
was a obvious distance long term in the relationship.
thanks for the opportunity.

[Mayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Good Life is the first book in an exciting new series by successful business woman now author Lynn Steward.

In this story, which crosses over from the literary to women’s fiction to romance, Steward takes us to 1970s Manhattan, home of the sophisticated and the elite. There, we meet Dana McGarry.

Dana has everything — a successful job at a prestigious department store, a handsome lawyer husband, a beautiful home, and loving family and friends. But things aren’t always as perfect as they appear to be, aren’t they?

When Dana’s husband begins to drift away, and demands at her job require that she behaves unethically, her world begins to crumble. She finds herself at a crossroads. Will she make the right decisions and stay true to herself and her vision of what a ‘good life’ should be?

This was a wonderful read! It reminded me of novels I read years ago by Barbara Taylor Bradford. Female readers will no doubt empathize with Dana as she struggles to keep her career and marriage together. She is strong, but also caring and sensitive. Readers will also be swept away by the setting. With vivid detail, the author brings Christmas in 1970s New York City alive in all its splendor. I really felt transported in time and place, felt the snowflakes and smelled the holiday trees. The characters are sympathetic and interesting and, of course, the antagonist is just one of those persons the reader will love to hate.

Steward has created a wonderful world of drama in this new series. Book two is supposed to come later this year and I’m really looking forward to reading the new installment. If you love women’s fiction and are a fan of strong female protagonists, I recommend you pick this one up. It won’t disappoint.

[Carole P. Roman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though Lynn Steward's debut book A Very Good Life takes place in the 1970 in New York City, it has a kind of timelessness to it. Dana McGarry is an "it" girl. She lives a privileged lifestyle of a well heeled public relations manager in a high end department store. With a storybook husband and a fairy tale life filled with society parties, change comes swiftly and unexpectedly. Cracks begin to appear in the perfect facade. Challenged with an ethical problem at work and the growing awareness that her relationship with her distant husband is strained, Dana must deal with the unwanted changes in her life. Can she find her place in the new world where women can have a voice, or will she allow herself to be manipulated into doing things that go against her growing self confidence? Lynn Steward creates a beautiful slice of New York's bustling holiday life, filled with rich imagery.

[Gayle Tepper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and engaging. The accuracy and reference to prominent people and places in the 70's in Manhattan paints a vivid picture enriching the story. The colorful characters capture you and draw you into their lives, recognizing the strengths and frailties of human nature. The main female character, Dana on a journey of self discovery, makes choices for "A Very Good Life." Can't wait for the next series.
Entertaining, intelligent and a GREAT read!

[Melanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trite and predictable from start to finish.

[Tamara · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sad story about a couple who were at one time in love but when money and notoriety got to the husband's ego, things changed and so did their marriage. Dana is a woman who is a good wife and wants to be successful in her career. She works at B. Altman's in NY and is climbing up the ladder quickly. Her husband, an attorney, is unfortunately a very egotistic man and when temptation comes his way, he takes it. I do not care for these types of books, as I find them very depressing. For me, this is not a book I would recommend.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Divorce in the 70’sg

After finishing I struggle with why did the author write this story. Brett was portrayed as a awful person and it did not take long for me to dislike him. Even so I also questioned my feelings about Dana. The book ended as I expected.interesting to se the real people interjected into the story. Seemed a little strange that a gay man was her best friend. Can not say I really enjoyed this, but did read it to the end.

[Reba · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing

From the description of this book, I expected much more. The characters are fairly likeable, for the most part, but the book is flat and far from interesting. I keep wondering why I wasted my time.

[Kathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

very wordy and descriptive for me. Read first 3 chapters and the last...........

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good life

This was such an interesting read...love Dana and her drive and common sense in all aspects of the life she was in.

[Pypa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uninteresting. The three stars is because the storyline finally picked up at about eighty percent done and there is no option to give two and a half stars.

[Daphnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh it was okay

I liked the summary when I got the book but it was boring and didn't hold my attention long enough.

[Michelle Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

1970s Marriage Drama

Very well developed characters and storyline of a mid-twenties couple trying to balance their careers and marriage. This is an easy read.

[Carol Miles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting enough to finish, but not enough for me to continue with the series. Good character development a d an easy read.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Very Good Life" is a wonderfully told story of love, trust, confidence and the expectations we all carry with us. Dana looks like she has it all. She has a prestigious job in Manhattan at a dept store, a husband (Brett) on his way to being a partner in his law firm and friends and family who adore her. Sometimes things aren't as they seem.

1974 Christmas time is when this book is set in. Such a perfect back drop for the story that unfolded. Seeing the store fronts during the holidays in Manhattan, picking out a tree, the hustle and bustle of city life. This story captures it all. The detail is written well and the author doesn't leave much to the imagination. You actually feel transported to this time and place.

The story started out a bit slow for me. I wasn't sure when the story was going to pick up but before I knew it, it was underway. Dana works at a department store in Manhattan called B. Altman's. She is a creative director but she works under a tough woman. She has creative ideas but her boss just keeps cutting her off and ignoring her ideas. Dana just wants to help the store succeed. This was a very powerful storyline on what it was like for woman in the workforce in the 70's. It was a constant struggle to keep proving yourself. You had to be on your toes at every turn. Wait, actually that isn't much different than today, right? :)

Dana is a strong, independent and determined woman. She goes after what she wants but she is not pushy at all. She is tough but not a bitch. Dana gives everything to her career but still gives her all to her husband Brett as well. She is supportive and understanding of his goals and dreams. She doesn't come off as snooty even though it is obvious that she comes from money and is used to living a privileged life. This was such a great character. I just loved Dana McGarry and can't wait to read the next book in this series.

Beautifully written and engaging, this book was told with accurate references to people and places seen from 1970's New York City. It brought to life vivid pictures of the scenes and introduced the well liked character Dana McGarry. This is the first book in the Dana McGarry series of five books. I would definitely recommend giving this author a chance to win your heart!

[Marion Marchetto · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I'm always on the lookout for a new series to lose myself in, I thought I'd give the Dana McGarry stories a try. Like me, Dana McGarry is a 20-something, happily married career woman in the early 1970s. She has a challenging job in one of the most exclusive department stores in New York City and she is very good at what she does. Dana has been married for eight years to Brett McGarry, a rising star in his law firm who is about to be offered a partnership. The life that Dana and Brett have laid out for themselves seems to be going according to plan. Dana dreams that with partnership on the horizon for her husband she may soon have that country house and the children she dreams of. But we all know that life doesn't always go according to plan. Dana realizes that her life is poised for a major change but she mistakenly takes it to be a good change. She is offered proof that her husband, who has grown more distant over the past three years, is engaged in an affair. Should she stay in her marriage or go? Is it just a passing thing or an omen of what the future holds?

I loved this book! It has a timeless quality about it as it deals with the betrayal of a spouse and the aftermath of emotional upheaval. I also was thrilled that while there was extra-marital sex involved there were no cheap, tawdry, or sensational scenes. Sometimes the imagination is more creative than what is written. The character of Dana McGarry is endearing. I found myself cheering for her throughout the book - whether in a work-related scene or one with her friends and spouse. Brett McGarry tries to be likeable but in spite of himself just proves to the reader what a slime ball he is. Secondary characters populate the rest of the book but none overwhelm the McGarrys. That is just what a secondary character should do - be present without drawing too much attention away from the main characters.

A Very Good Life by Lynn Steward is an easy read, a real page turner. I couldn't wait to see what would happen to Dana next and stayed up later than I should have a couple of times. A terrific book to take when traveling or to read by the pool this summer. I'm so happy to have discovered Lynn Steward's books and look forward to reading the next in the series.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review - post in full on TwoClassyChics.com

Having the story set in New York City during the 1970′s is important to the storyline of this book. The author creates a story of a young couple married for 8 years and takes us through their life and seasons of change.

Dana is a strong women who is learning her way through the corporate red tape in her job. She is smart and creative and knows that her ideas are strong and will serve her company well, but knowing how to maneuver through the hierarchy of the management is a learned trait. Dana catches on very quickly! But at the same time, she senses things are changing with her marriage. The story weaves through friends and family members that are a strong addition to the book and the author did a great job adding interest with twists and turns for Dana and her lawyer husband.

The author does a good job weaving in bit of history from the fashion and beauty industry into the story along with actual history from New York City in the mid 1970′s setting too. It was fun remembering some of the names I had forgotten in the beauty industry and even the British invasion that changed many of the beauty items we saw at that time was included in the storyline too. It is a combination women’s fiction novel with a splash of history. It made it an interesting read.

There were a few places in the novel that needed a bit of additional editing where a sentence stuck out as not being in the right place for the flow of the book. However, with this being the author’s first novel, overall the book flows well and she made it an interesting story that is unlike many I have read. I like that it is going to be a series because I want to follow Dana through her coming to age, so to speak and her life in the merchandising and fashion industry, as well as her personal trials.

This book is an easy read that is entertaining and great for that peaceful time you set apart to enjoy a good read. I look forward to additional titles from the author.

[Ruth Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first one-third of this book, I was not terribly interested. True, there were no bedroom scenes, and there was very minimal profanity. For that, I was quite pleased. But I felt quite disconnected from the story and the characters. When the reader realizes this is the beginning of a series, I suppose that is understandable since the first book in a series establishes the characters.

As the story intensified, I began to connect with Dana, and I appreciated the troubles with which she was faced. Although the book is essentially clean, it deals with the immeasurably difficult issue of infidelity. In addition to this, she has the work with cantankerous co-workers and even make decisions regarding her integrity in her job. Dana comes across as being a strong woman in a time period when feminism is in its infancy in this country. I would enjoy reading more books about this influential character.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

[Alyssa hoffmaster]

I definitely wouldn’t have usually picked this book off the shelf myself. I read mostly Young Adult novels so this was a big change for me but after reading this book I actually want to start reading more adult novels.

What really caught my attention about this book was the fact that it was based in NYC and from the year 1974. I don’t know what it is but I am attracted to anything NY. I just love the feel and the atmosphere whenever I go there and I wanted to feel what it would be like to go to NYC in the 70’s.
Lynn really has a way wit
h words and knows how to make the characters come alive. There were no times when I had a hard time imagining what the character looked like, what their emotions were and what they were feeling. The words jumped off the pages.

Dana’s life has so many ups and downs that you just want to jump in the book and give the poor woman a hug, but I loved every minute of her drama filled life.

I highly recommend reading this book and I can’t wait for the second book!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found A Very Good Life to be a nice read. I did not always like some of the characters, and the world they live in, but that is more of a personal take on it. I did however take a liking to the main character, Dana McGarry, and her late in life coming of age story (late, as in later 20s and not your usual teenage years). It was nice to see her grow and start to come into herself. Most people think you should have it all together by the time you reach a certain age, but for many of us that isn't always the case. This story shows that it is never too late to take charge of your life and make it more. The story also showed that just because life isn't turning out the way you planned, it doesn't mean life is over. You just have to brush yourself off and make the necessary changes.

I look forward to continuing the journey into Dana's life (I hear there is a sequel coming out) and grow with her.

*I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review*

[Nancy Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is 1974 and women are starting to have it all, or so Dana McGarry thinks. She is an up-and-coming professional at a leading department store; she has a wonderful husband in Brett, a lawyer, but her life is starting to unravel.

Between another woman who wants (and is willing to do anything to get him) Brett for a lover and bosses who wish her to act against her own ethical standards, Dana will have to become stronger and make decisions that are painful. Can she do it? Will she, and if so, will she make lemonade from lemons?

A few typos, missing punctuation marks, etc., and the use of "whatever" before it was commonplace are a few picky little things noticed, but otherwise, willing to read the next one in the series (when it comes out).

[Sherrie Howey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book takes place in Manhattan in the 1970's and revolves around Dana McGarry who has a great job at B. Altman's. (What a shame that Altman's is no longer around). Dana must balance her career, a difficult husband and everyday life while facing a lack of cooperation from certain coworkers. I truly admire the way she works around obstacles in the workplace and could totally relate to the difficult personalities she encounters in her job.
I did not like her husband from the beginning and it was predictable that he would turn out to be a despicable character. This was an easy read and enjoyable and I look forward to her next book.

[Melissa Storm]

I really enjoyed this book. It's both classic and refreshing and offers an extremely relatable main character as she goes through a second coming-of-age. Sometimes, I just paused to admire the writing, which was flawless. I also enjoyed the inclusion of successful female icons from the 1970's era and enjoyed seeing how they helped Dana grow. I don't often sign up for series anymore, but I can't wait to see what's next for Dana McGarry.

Not leaving a star rating on this one, since I had the pleasure of assisting in the creation of the book club guide. I hope you'll all consider giving this wonderful literary novel a chance.

[Maryann Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to see what happens next

Can't wait to see what happens next

I loved this book. It had a despicable villain that I wanted to smack right up the side of the head. I am eager for the second book because I want to see how life treats Dana but I also would LOVE to see Janice get her just desserts. I also wonder if Brett has some redeeming qualities that will make him get his priorities straight. His biggest flaw is his incredible ambition. Is that fixable? I don't know but I think I would like to see him do some big time changing.

[Tamara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I try to stay away from books that revolve around adultery and divorce. I am not sure why I downloaded this book but I did read it from beginning to end. The story is about a twenty something in the 70's making her way in the world by climbing the ranks at B. Altman. She is married to a very arrogant lawyer who is climbing the ranks at his firm. Her husband is so arrogant that he gets involved with a woman at his firm and soon his wife finds out and divorces him. Overall it was a very depressing book and would not recommend it.

[Virginia · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is so much that is so wrong with this novel. Is there anything more predictable than a good, intelligent and kind woman who cannot see that her husband is a conniving, narcissistic cheater? There are so many unfinished storylines (must be why this is book 1) and so many characters that just wander in and then wander out, that the ending was totally unsatisfying. Nothing more than a soap opera in book form.

[Kathy Landers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, sensitive and satisfying.

Ms. Steward writes a good story. She draws you into the lives of the characters with subtlety and doesn't beat the reader over the head with words unnecessarily. The heroine, Dana, is a study in the classic womanly virtue of treating her spouse well but she isn't a doormat. You will enjoy this one as those deserving a reckoning get it in a classic and satisfying way.

[Jenna P · Rating 1 out of 5]

Clinical

It felt like I was being told a story and not shown one. Lots of descriptions I didn't care about. Main characters had repetitive descriptions and seemed too cardboard. main character love affair not believable... Emotionless. Lots of typos. Won't read the rest.

Did like reliving the 70's.