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The Adjustments
In the postcard Connecticut town of Cannondale, attending yoga classes taught by the sexy and mysterious Yogi Jack is part of every elite woman's routine. It allows them a daily escape from the madness of their over-scheduled lives. But the inner peace that yoga brings is only part of the many of the women come for Yogi Jack, the studio's sexual energy, and the seductive in-class adjustments. And in his private sessions, Yogi Jack provides services above and beyond the usual realm of warrior pose and shavasana.
As high-profile magazine editor Elizabeth Kelly and her realtor sister Abigail Davis-Powell find themselves ensnared by Yogi Jack, drama, jealousy, and intrigue emerge as they are forced to delve deeper into the greedy, status-obsessed underbelly of Cannondale. When one dark secret finds the light of day, it will threaten to change their lives forever.
As high-profile magazine editor Elizabeth Kelly and her realtor sister Abigail Davis-Powell find themselves ensnared by Yogi Jack, drama, jealousy, and intrigue emerge as they are forced to delve deeper into the greedy, status-obsessed underbelly of Cannondale. When one dark secret finds the light of day, it will threaten to change their lives forever.
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First published June 21, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 11, 2016
3.5 Social Climbers Need for Zen Stars
* * * 1/2
Every once in a while I pick up something that will just catch my eye and imagination. Seeing the cover then reading the blurb of The Adjustments caused me to request and dig in. It had the hint of Desperate Housewives on Materialistic Steroids being led by a Zen Yogi Pied Piper down to their eventual demise.
We are given the overall view of this from the discerning eye of Elizabeth. She and her sister were raised in this Connecticut town which could boast of having roots back to a time when things were done a certain way. The "Old Money Way"... never flaunting or bragging about wealth or showing off in a crass in your face way...It was almost the opposite practice of who could drive the most nondescript car showing money didn't matter to those who had lived with it all their lives.
The draw to this little town of Cannondale had the town divided... old timers were appalled by the invasion of the new up and comers. It was difficult because the town had all the elements which drew interest... close enough to New York City...land turned into Bright Shiny McMansions and the feel like everything was safe. Families who had raised their children successfully had these children returning to continue to do the same.
With the new invaders came new establishments; trendy restaurants, wonderful daycare and Mommy & Me classes, gourmet grocers and new Yoga Studio. All of the new ventures had that feel of needing to be seen there.
We meet all of the players through the eyes of the master magician, Yogi Jack. As a new business funded by one of the financial players in the town, he has developed quite a following. The new yoga studio was a converted space from the past and was just the perfect combination to cause the senses to rest and feel cocooned by his presence. For Jack was a man who had "seen" the way to enlighten these overwrought housewives/business women. His training, charm and insight of what exactly was needed for these singularly focused women was the key to the studio's success.
We are introduced to the key players in this tale having Jack's insights as well as Elizabeth's observations. We are aware of the vast wealth of the inhabitants or at least what they had had in the past. Many of the players' husbands are either actively involved with the financial sector or were in the past. Real Estate and the complimentary businesses of Landscaping and Design are there, too. This gives us the understanding of the accumulation and one-upmanship which drives the women.
As each of the characters are given mini bios, we understand their weaknesses, needs, motivators and desires. One looking to prove she is not her upbringing... rising from a distressing childhood and embarrassing mother. Could another student's need to stifle anger repressed so long ago is only a matter of time when it will explode not if...What does a woman do when the man she married originally made her feel safe and no longer does....
All of these women have been sucked into the vortex of believing this lifestyle of consumerism and doing everything perfect is the way to prove them as the perfect wife and mother...and each have found by being at Yoga Jack's class is a relief from all the stress and happens with just a glance from him...As Yoga Jack knows what these women need...and has taken upon himself to show them.... in many ways.
The story had all of the necessary details to bring us into this world. It gave not only the authenticity but also felt as over indulged as the characters... like it was needed to drill in the mindset and emptiness of some of these lives. Husbands were used by having them address their shopping, beauty treatments and spending.... with moments which were staggeringly cutting. They highlighted how these marriages had lost the essence why they married in the first place.
Our voice of reason, Elizabeth, was the only one who saw exactly what was happening; she never became involved with Yoga Jack in the way others did. She was like the one who saw everything, was told everything and just took it all in. When her sister moves back, Abby take a class and becomes intrigued with the ideas Jack shares about his Yoga practice.
The book has much more than what I am giving you. There is this trail of women captivated by this Yogi and what he offers... it is much more than the stretching and centering of a regular class...and is he all he proclaims to be...All these women thinking their special sessions are the answer to their overindulged lives...or is it....
The writing kept me interested; although I had an idea of what was the outcome, it did not deter my interest in following where the author led me. I must say though, none of the characters were true favorites of mine....There was cheating involved; it was a major part of the story. Also, I understand Elizabeth was to be my eyes for this... her marriage, career and mothering solid... It was her participation as a bystander during most of it was what left me at times at odds. Her sister's story-line gave edge and heart yet also played fast and loose with ethics.
The most touching part of this story was the blunt and real way the financial crisis was described; how it impacted those responsible, those who were victims and the families left behind. Financial pain and loss of careers impacts all, no matter the status level...
If you are looking for a peak into how those society page couples live, learning dirty secrets and having a touch of sexuality...then The Adjustments by Anne Lineberger is just the thing. Ms. Lineberger is an accomplished reporter, editor, and writer for numerous publications with focus on entertainment, real estate, gardens and design. With this experience.... she knows from where she writes.
A gifted copy was provided by Full Fathom Five Digital for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2
Every once in a while I pick up something that will just catch my eye and imagination. Seeing the cover then reading the blurb of The Adjustments caused me to request and dig in. It had the hint of Desperate Housewives on Materialistic Steroids being led by a Zen Yogi Pied Piper down to their eventual demise.
We are given the overall view of this from the discerning eye of Elizabeth. She and her sister were raised in this Connecticut town which could boast of having roots back to a time when things were done a certain way. The "Old Money Way"... never flaunting or bragging about wealth or showing off in a crass in your face way...It was almost the opposite practice of who could drive the most nondescript car showing money didn't matter to those who had lived with it all their lives.
The draw to this little town of Cannondale had the town divided... old timers were appalled by the invasion of the new up and comers. It was difficult because the town had all the elements which drew interest... close enough to New York City...land turned into Bright Shiny McMansions and the feel like everything was safe. Families who had raised their children successfully had these children returning to continue to do the same.
With the new invaders came new establishments; trendy restaurants, wonderful daycare and Mommy & Me classes, gourmet grocers and new Yoga Studio. All of the new ventures had that feel of needing to be seen there.
We meet all of the players through the eyes of the master magician, Yogi Jack. As a new business funded by one of the financial players in the town, he has developed quite a following. The new yoga studio was a converted space from the past and was just the perfect combination to cause the senses to rest and feel cocooned by his presence. For Jack was a man who had "seen" the way to enlighten these overwrought housewives/business women. His training, charm and insight of what exactly was needed for these singularly focused women was the key to the studio's success.
We are introduced to the key players in this tale having Jack's insights as well as Elizabeth's observations. We are aware of the vast wealth of the inhabitants or at least what they had had in the past. Many of the players' husbands are either actively involved with the financial sector or were in the past. Real Estate and the complimentary businesses of Landscaping and Design are there, too. This gives us the understanding of the accumulation and one-upmanship which drives the women.
As each of the characters are given mini bios, we understand their weaknesses, needs, motivators and desires. One looking to prove she is not her upbringing... rising from a distressing childhood and embarrassing mother. Could another student's need to stifle anger repressed so long ago is only a matter of time when it will explode not if...What does a woman do when the man she married originally made her feel safe and no longer does....
All of these women have been sucked into the vortex of believing this lifestyle of consumerism and doing everything perfect is the way to prove them as the perfect wife and mother...and each have found by being at Yoga Jack's class is a relief from all the stress and happens with just a glance from him...As Yoga Jack knows what these women need...and has taken upon himself to show them.... in many ways.
The story had all of the necessary details to bring us into this world. It gave not only the authenticity but also felt as over indulged as the characters... like it was needed to drill in the mindset and emptiness of some of these lives. Husbands were used by having them address their shopping, beauty treatments and spending.... with moments which were staggeringly cutting. They highlighted how these marriages had lost the essence why they married in the first place.
Our voice of reason, Elizabeth, was the only one who saw exactly what was happening; she never became involved with Yoga Jack in the way others did. She was like the one who saw everything, was told everything and just took it all in. When her sister moves back, Abby take a class and becomes intrigued with the ideas Jack shares about his Yoga practice.
The book has much more than what I am giving you. There is this trail of women captivated by this Yogi and what he offers... it is much more than the stretching and centering of a regular class...and is he all he proclaims to be...All these women thinking their special sessions are the answer to their overindulged lives...or is it....
The writing kept me interested; although I had an idea of what was the outcome, it did not deter my interest in following where the author led me. I must say though, none of the characters were true favorites of mine....There was cheating involved; it was a major part of the story. Also, I understand Elizabeth was to be my eyes for this... her marriage, career and mothering solid... It was her participation as a bystander during most of it was what left me at times at odds. Her sister's story-line gave edge and heart yet also played fast and loose with ethics.
The most touching part of this story was the blunt and real way the financial crisis was described; how it impacted those responsible, those who were victims and the families left behind. Financial pain and loss of careers impacts all, no matter the status level...
If you are looking for a peak into how those society page couples live, learning dirty secrets and having a touch of sexuality...then The Adjustments by Anne Lineberger is just the thing. Ms. Lineberger is an accomplished reporter, editor, and writer for numerous publications with focus on entertainment, real estate, gardens and design. With this experience.... she knows from where she writes.
A gifted copy was provided by Full Fathom Five Digital for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
April 1, 2017
Thanks to Ann Lineberger for this Goodreads win.
Quite a book. It was a complete surprise to me the plot of this book. I expected yoga but the title "The Adjustments" brought a new meaning to it. Lots of interesting things in this book and loved the women of affluent Cannondale, CT, and their escapades not always dealing w/yoga and their upscale lives.
Quite a book. It was a complete surprise to me the plot of this book. I expected yoga but the title "The Adjustments" brought a new meaning to it. Lots of interesting things in this book and loved the women of affluent Cannondale, CT, and their escapades not always dealing w/yoga and their upscale lives.
May 18, 2018
I live in Connecticut and I had no idea! I might class the enjoyment of this book as a guilty pleasure, much in the way that Yogi Jack is a guilty pleasure (in more ways than one) for the self-absorbed women of a tony Connecticut town. Thank heavens it's fiction!
August 3, 2016
A saucy satirical story revolving around a corrupt male yoga teacher in an affluent town. There have been many male yoga teachers who have taken advantage of their students in real life, so this plot line has truth and timeliness. The writing style starts out superficial and then delves more deeply into the psyches of the women characters. I believe the author intends for her writing to mirror how we view others in our community and make assumptions, but later realize we all have more in common than at first appearance. Some of plot is pretty racy and good for a summer read: a little Desperate Housewives and 50 Shades of Grey mixed together. It's fun to identify locations and neighborhoods in this "fictional" blend of a few CT communities since I live here too. I look forward to seeing where the sequel will go with the strongest characters who remain standing by the end of The Adjustments.
August 18, 2016
A juicy read -- perfect for an escape from the everyday! I could not put the book down. I couldn't wait to see what happened next to the women of Cannondale. Think I might take up yoga now!!
April 24, 2020
I had a very mixed experience of this book for a few reasons
1. I did not like the main characters Abby and Elizabeth. I found them to be judgemental of the other women and hypocritical given Abbys involvement with Jack later on in the book, and I did not appreciate them trying to get the Leigh character to reconnect with her mother whilst also constantly bitching about how much they dislike her as a person. I also didn't like how Abby and Elizabeth dealt with Jack and then took over the yoga studio that felt like a too neat ending for me and I would have preferred if they went to prison.
2. I felt like there was an unexpected and disproportionate amount of references to abuse in this book considering the subject matter. (The chacter Kate Musto and Adair) While I appreciated the author was trying to humanise some of the characters by using it, it felt out of place and considering I don't like abuse in books that much I didn't like it. However I felt it was well written and I was glad there was a happy ending for one of the characters.
But saying that I did finish the book and I found I had a hard time putting it down when I did read it and it felt like an original subject matter to me so overall not a bad book.
1. I did not like the main characters Abby and Elizabeth. I found them to be judgemental of the other women and hypocritical given Abbys involvement with Jack later on in the book, and I did not appreciate them trying to get the Leigh character to reconnect with her mother whilst also constantly bitching about how much they dislike her as a person. I also didn't like how Abby and Elizabeth dealt with Jack and then took over the yoga studio that felt like a too neat ending for me and I would have preferred if they went to prison.
2. I felt like there was an unexpected and disproportionate amount of references to abuse in this book considering the subject matter. (The chacter Kate Musto and Adair) While I appreciated the author was trying to humanise some of the characters by using it, it felt out of place and considering I don't like abuse in books that much I didn't like it. However I felt it was well written and I was glad there was a happy ending for one of the characters.
But saying that I did finish the book and I found I had a hard time putting it down when I did read it and it felt like an original subject matter to me so overall not a bad book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2026
Ann Lineberger, the Author of “The Adjustments” has written a captivating, exotic, suspenseful and intense novel. The Genres this novel are :Suspense, Mystery, Amateur Sleuths, and Women's Fiction. In this intriguing novel are: blackmail, secrets, betrayals, lies, and seduction.. In a small town in Connecticut, most of the women are thrilled to go to Yogi Jack, who is a mysterious, handsome, and known as a hands-on Yoga Instructor. The atmosphere is seductive, and Yogi Jack makes sure he corrects the adjustments of all the women. The women leave with a sense of serenity and peace, and many of the elite women have private ‘yoga” sessions and arrangements with Yogi Jack, where he suggests that he can be extremely helpful. He provides the location and the necessities.
The author vividly describes the scenes, plot, and the dramatic and colorful characters. In this wealthy town, the women are complex, competitive and complicated. Each has their own agenda and motivation for seeking Yogi Jack out. There is jealousy, and manipulation. A few of the women realize that something sinister and deeper is going on, and become obsessed with knowing the truth. I highly recommend this captivating novel.
The author vividly describes the scenes, plot, and the dramatic and colorful characters. In this wealthy town, the women are complex, competitive and complicated. Each has their own agenda and motivation for seeking Yogi Jack out. There is jealousy, and manipulation. A few of the women realize that something sinister and deeper is going on, and become obsessed with knowing the truth. I highly recommend this captivating novel.
February 5, 2019
“You can’t buy happiness.” This old adage came to my mind again and again as I was reading Ann Lineberger’s The Adjustments (Full Fathom Five Digital), a sharp satirical novel on the upper crust of Connecticut society, flourishing in so many ways, and yet incredibly vulnerable in others.
It’s in rare circumstances that we pity those in affluent positions. As more of the emotional baggage of these wives of financially well-to-do men are unpacked, I was starkly reminded that everyone has their own weaknesses, whether or not they are clearly visible, or abruptly revealed within a few minor adjustments.
In Cannondale, your wealth defines you and appearance is everything. The wives of Fairfield County have internalized this belief and equate their own worth with their household’s financial gain. Whether it is a determined quest to obliterate a ramshackle trailer park past, covering up an abusive marriage, or seeking the universal and impossible adoration of the whole community, each wife has their own complicated history and toxic insecurities.
--
Read the rest of the review - https://booktrib.com/2019/02/twisting...
It’s in rare circumstances that we pity those in affluent positions. As more of the emotional baggage of these wives of financially well-to-do men are unpacked, I was starkly reminded that everyone has their own weaknesses, whether or not they are clearly visible, or abruptly revealed within a few minor adjustments.
In Cannondale, your wealth defines you and appearance is everything. The wives of Fairfield County have internalized this belief and equate their own worth with their household’s financial gain. Whether it is a determined quest to obliterate a ramshackle trailer park past, covering up an abusive marriage, or seeking the universal and impossible adoration of the whole community, each wife has their own complicated history and toxic insecurities.
--
Read the rest of the review - https://booktrib.com/2019/02/twisting...
June 24, 2019
I recieved a free copy of this book from the author via voracious readers only.
I chose this book to read as it wasn’t like anything I’ve read before. We are pulled into the lives of privileged wives in canondale as they spend their days with frivolous spending of money and yoga classes. I found some of the characters intriguing whilst others downright annoying but when jealousy starts over the yogi master Jack everyone’s lives start to implode.
Not a book I thought would interest me but was surprised and read this quickly in a few sittings. A good mix of drama and mystery.
I chose this book to read as it wasn’t like anything I’ve read before. We are pulled into the lives of privileged wives in canondale as they spend their days with frivolous spending of money and yoga classes. I found some of the characters intriguing whilst others downright annoying but when jealousy starts over the yogi master Jack everyone’s lives start to implode.
Not a book I thought would interest me but was surprised and read this quickly in a few sittings. A good mix of drama and mystery.
May 28, 2019
Very easy to read and kept you entertained.
March 14, 2017
This book proved to be very interesting. I enjoyed reading it, especially the sauciness that didn't go overboard. The character development was also something I enjoyed. Definitely a book worth pickin up if you enjoy books that contain good sexcapades.
*won as a GoodReads Giveaway*
*won as a GoodReads Giveaway*
June 28, 2016
The Adjustments is a perfect-for-the-beach book that reminds us we all take our brokenness with us wherever we go, even the 1% of Fairfield County. Set in fictional Cannondale, this yoga-centric novel is a quick, enjoyable read. Ann Lineberger offers an on-point depiction of the depression and issues that accompany the 1% life including the anxiety / insecurity of lost jobs, looming layoffs and insecure employment and the isolation of parenting solo while their partners (usually husbands) navigate extremely demanding jobs with long commutes, long days and/ or significant business travel. Then, akin to Liane Moriarty, she uses a light touch and larger than life characters and happenings to keep these issues frothy enough for beach reading. As a side note, it is always fun to see places and character types you 'recognize' in a novel - and here that definitely added to my enjoyment.
July 13, 2016
I was expected to be entertained...
A horny version of "Desperate housewives" in a yoga studio.
Perfect if you like yoga but soon it becomes more about how the teacher will take care of his students sexual fantaisies.
Not really attractive or seductive, kind of pathetic, as the main character try to take advantage of the wife unhappiness.
Not really a read to escape after a long day but not a bad one either.
Lucie
http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr...
A horny version of "Desperate housewives" in a yoga studio.
Perfect if you like yoga but soon it becomes more about how the teacher will take care of his students sexual fantaisies.
Not really attractive or seductive, kind of pathetic, as the main character try to take advantage of the wife unhappiness.
Not really a read to escape after a long day but not a bad one either.
Lucie
http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr...
September 29, 2016
Although I was aware that this was described as "Desperate Housewives meets 50 Shades of Gray" it was less explicit than I was expecting and did not go into very much detail during the "sexcapades" and for that, personally, I'm glad.
I really liked most of the characters and enjoyed learning about their backgrounds and motivations.
I really liked most of the characters and enjoyed learning about their backgrounds and motivations.
October 20, 2025
I recieved a complementary copy of this novel from Voracious Readers Only.
An easy and at times humorous read. Had an unexpected ending which turned out to be really good! I definitely enjoyed reading this book and would recommend!
An easy and at times humorous read. Had an unexpected ending which turned out to be really good! I definitely enjoyed reading this book and would recommend!
July 4, 2016
What a wonderful read , such a fun book, read it
July 10, 2016
Unexpected from Ann Lineberger!
March 1, 2023
Cool concept, choppy writing, weird choices (like poor Miguel, dead before we knew his name)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews