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The Mad Wife
From bestselling author Meagan Church comes a haunting exploration of identity, motherhood, and the suffocating grip of societal expectations that will leave you questioning the lives we build—and the lies we live.
They called it hysteria. She called it survival.
Lulu Mayfield has spent the last five years molding herself into the perfect 1950s housewife. Despite the tragic memories that haunt her and the weight of exhausting expectations, she keeps her husband happy, her household running, and her gelatin salads the talk of the neighborhood. But after she gives birth to her second child, Lulu's carefully crafted life begins to unravel.
When a new neighbor, Bitsy, moves in, Lulu suspects that something darker lurks behind the woman's constant smile. As her fixation on Bitsy deepens, Lulu is drawn into a web of unsettling truths that threaten to expose the cracks in her own life. The more she uncovers about Bitsy, the more she questions everything she thought she knew—and soon, others begin questioning her sanity. But is Lulu truly losing her mind? Or is she on the verge of discovering a reality too terrifying to accept?
In the vein of The Bell Jar and The Hours, The Mad Wife weaves domestic drama with psychological suspense, so poignant and immersive, you won't want to stop listening.
They called it hysteria. She called it survival.
Lulu Mayfield has spent the last five years molding herself into the perfect 1950s housewife. Despite the tragic memories that haunt her and the weight of exhausting expectations, she keeps her husband happy, her household running, and her gelatin salads the talk of the neighborhood. But after she gives birth to her second child, Lulu's carefully crafted life begins to unravel.
When a new neighbor, Bitsy, moves in, Lulu suspects that something darker lurks behind the woman's constant smile. As her fixation on Bitsy deepens, Lulu is drawn into a web of unsettling truths that threaten to expose the cracks in her own life. The more she uncovers about Bitsy, the more she questions everything she thought she knew—and soon, others begin questioning her sanity. But is Lulu truly losing her mind? Or is she on the verge of discovering a reality too terrifying to accept?
In the vein of The Bell Jar and The Hours, The Mad Wife weaves domestic drama with psychological suspense, so poignant and immersive, you won't want to stop listening.
Audible Audio
First published September 30, 2025
4389 people are currently reading
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About the author
Meagan Church
3 books873 followersMeagan Church is the author of emotionally-charged, empathy-inducing novels, including The Mad Wife, The Last Carolina Girl, and The Girls We Sent Away, a Southern indie bestseller and North Carolina Reads state-wide book club pick for 2025. After receiving a B.A. in English from Indiana University, Meagan built a career as a freelance writer. She is an adjunct for Drexel University’s MFA in creative writing program, and helps authors tell their own stories through editing, coaching, and workshops. A Midwesterner by birth, she now lives in North Carolina with her high school sweetheart, three children, and a plethora of pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,666 reviews
November 10, 2025
plot twist blewwww my mind! almost had to go back and read the whole thing over again! ending was kind of.. anticlimactic. but really enjoyed this one
November 13, 2025
4⭐️
”Of course, sometimes we forget that dreams and nightmares are two sides of the same coin.””
Set in the 1950s, The Mad Wife is a compelling blend of historical fiction, women’s fiction and psychological suspense. Lulu was so relatable in many ways, and the thoughts running rampant in her head felt raw and realistic. Sometimes they made me laugh, while other times they made me angry or frustrated for her. Many of them are thoughts I’m sure we’ve all had at some point, those unspeakable things that usually stay locked away unless you happen to have a broken filter like me. 🙋🏻♀️
This book explores themes of motherhood, identity, mental health, and societal expectations. One thing is for sure, I never would have survived as a 1950s housewife and I never would have survived so many jello mold salads.
Kudos to the author for that plot twist, I didn’t see that coming. This was my first Meagan Church book, but I will definitely be checking out her backlist.
”They called it hysteria. She called it survival.”
I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by Susan Bennett who did an excellent job capturing Lulu’s many emotions.
Available now. Many thanks to RBmedia and NetGalley for my ALC 🎧.
”Of course, sometimes we forget that dreams and nightmares are two sides of the same coin.””
Set in the 1950s, The Mad Wife is a compelling blend of historical fiction, women’s fiction and psychological suspense. Lulu was so relatable in many ways, and the thoughts running rampant in her head felt raw and realistic. Sometimes they made me laugh, while other times they made me angry or frustrated for her. Many of them are thoughts I’m sure we’ve all had at some point, those unspeakable things that usually stay locked away unless you happen to have a broken filter like me. 🙋🏻♀️
This book explores themes of motherhood, identity, mental health, and societal expectations. One thing is for sure, I never would have survived as a 1950s housewife and I never would have survived so many jello mold salads.
Kudos to the author for that plot twist, I didn’t see that coming. This was my first Meagan Church book, but I will definitely be checking out her backlist.
”They called it hysteria. She called it survival.”
I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by Susan Bennett who did an excellent job capturing Lulu’s many emotions.
Available now. Many thanks to RBmedia and NetGalley for my ALC 🎧.
November 11, 2025
For a slower pace I surprisingly couldn’t put this down! The twist actually got me pretty good, although I wanted a bit more from the ending. Overall a sad but solid read.
December 10, 2025
I went into this book blindly but sort of thought it was a thriller… I had so many feelings reading this one & so many thoughts afterward - if you have the time, read it.
November 29, 2025
Genres: Historical Fiction, Domestic Drama, Psychological Suspense-It isn’t HORROR, though this part of our history is pretty HORRIFIC.
Haunting and Heartbreaking 💔
The title-a double entendre for sure…
I felt “anxious” while reading this book.
The year is 1955 and Lulu Mayfield has spent the last five years trying to become the perfect 1950s housewife. She follows the Good Housekeeping chart as best as she can-scrubbing the kitchen until it shines (like her fake smile) on Mondays-changing bed sheets (and screaming into a pillow) on Tuesdays-and dusting the living room and staring out the window on Thursdays while wondering how she ended up here.
After grocery shopping each week, she collects the S & H green stamps she has earned, and licks and sticks them into their redemption booklets, saving up for the things she wants to get for her home-the one that her husband bought for her and her mother-in-law decorated.
Her husband is happy, her household is running, and she is known for making the BEST gelatin salads on Twychemham Court in the Greenwood subdivision-so why does she feel so DISSATISFIED?
When she gives birth to her second child, a daughter, her facade begins to fall apart.
A new neighbor, Bitsy, moves into the house across the street-the one with the “restless soul” whose occupants never stay very long-and Lulu dutifully brings over a pie to welcome her to the neighborhood, despite having just come home from the hospital:
“So kind of you-you didn’t have to” Bitsy says with a smile plastered across her face, feigning modesty.
“I was happy to” Lulu told her-nothing like starting a relationship with a lie.
This is what was expected and they both played their roles, until Lulu becomes fixated on Bitsy and her strange behavior…risking becoming “labeled” herself.
Is this really the life she was programmed to want since she was a young girl?
Is this life ENOUGH?
I LOVED the Author’s note at the beginning of the book-she thoughtfully cautions that if you find the pages growing heavy, or if the emotions press too hard against your heart-you have permission to set the book down.step away-take a breath-and return only when you’re ready. Stories will wait. May this one meet you in your time.
DO ALSO read the author’s note at the END of the book but ONLY AFTER you have finished as it may contain spoilers.
It’s a story that I won’t soon forget…
AVAILABLE NOW!
Haunting and Heartbreaking 💔
The title-a double entendre for sure…
I felt “anxious” while reading this book.
The year is 1955 and Lulu Mayfield has spent the last five years trying to become the perfect 1950s housewife. She follows the Good Housekeeping chart as best as she can-scrubbing the kitchen until it shines (like her fake smile) on Mondays-changing bed sheets (and screaming into a pillow) on Tuesdays-and dusting the living room and staring out the window on Thursdays while wondering how she ended up here.
After grocery shopping each week, she collects the S & H green stamps she has earned, and licks and sticks them into their redemption booklets, saving up for the things she wants to get for her home-the one that her husband bought for her and her mother-in-law decorated.
Her husband is happy, her household is running, and she is known for making the BEST gelatin salads on Twychemham Court in the Greenwood subdivision-so why does she feel so DISSATISFIED?
When she gives birth to her second child, a daughter, her facade begins to fall apart.
A new neighbor, Bitsy, moves into the house across the street-the one with the “restless soul” whose occupants never stay very long-and Lulu dutifully brings over a pie to welcome her to the neighborhood, despite having just come home from the hospital:
“So kind of you-you didn’t have to” Bitsy says with a smile plastered across her face, feigning modesty.
“I was happy to” Lulu told her-nothing like starting a relationship with a lie.
This is what was expected and they both played their roles, until Lulu becomes fixated on Bitsy and her strange behavior…risking becoming “labeled” herself.
Is this really the life she was programmed to want since she was a young girl?
Is this life ENOUGH?
I LOVED the Author’s note at the beginning of the book-she thoughtfully cautions that if you find the pages growing heavy, or if the emotions press too hard against your heart-you have permission to set the book down.step away-take a breath-and return only when you’re ready. Stories will wait. May this one meet you in your time.
DO ALSO read the author’s note at the END of the book but ONLY AFTER you have finished as it may contain spoilers.
It’s a story that I won’t soon forget…
AVAILABLE NOW!
November 23, 2025
Lulu Mayfield keeps her husband and little boy happy, her home immaculate, and everything on schedule while striving to be the model of perfection as a 1950s housewife and mother. Her gelatin-molded salads are the talk of the neighborhood and the highlight of all wives' get-togethers and every neighborhood dinner party.
After the birth of her second child, a daughter, Lulu's well-organized and methodical suburban life begins to unravel. When new neighbors move in across the street, Lulu becomes obsessed with Bitsy and her husband, suspecting dark and disturbing things that begin to spill over into her own life...
The Mad Wife is one I almost skipped, but once I started listening, I was all in. Church does a fine job of giving this tense and tight psychological suspense an authentic midcentury feel with the home designs, the appliances, the food, the clothes, the doctor's house calls, and with the domestic drama thrown in—it's all there and spot on. I thought I had everything figured out and felt smart and smug, but boy-oh-boy, was I wrong.
I partnered my Kindle with the advanced listening copy for an immersion read. The audiobook narrator, Susan Bennett, does a fantastic job of becoming Lulu. She doesn't skip a beat, and at points, she doesn't take a breath between words, sentences, or paragraphs. She succeeds in making Lulu and her circumstances feel very believable. The audio is definitely the way to go!
The Mad Wife, in all seriousness, felt frightening to me as a woman, and therein lies the horror in this story. I cried several times for dear Lulu and her sweet daughter. Take the time to read the author's note, but only after you finish the book, as it does contain spoilers. Church's insight and reasons for writing this novel are also reasons why I love this story so much!
5⭐
Thank you to Recorded Books and Meagan Church for the gifted ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
After the birth of her second child, a daughter, Lulu's well-organized and methodical suburban life begins to unravel. When new neighbors move in across the street, Lulu becomes obsessed with Bitsy and her husband, suspecting dark and disturbing things that begin to spill over into her own life...
The Mad Wife is one I almost skipped, but once I started listening, I was all in. Church does a fine job of giving this tense and tight psychological suspense an authentic midcentury feel with the home designs, the appliances, the food, the clothes, the doctor's house calls, and with the domestic drama thrown in—it's all there and spot on. I thought I had everything figured out and felt smart and smug, but boy-oh-boy, was I wrong.
I partnered my Kindle with the advanced listening copy for an immersion read. The audiobook narrator, Susan Bennett, does a fantastic job of becoming Lulu. She doesn't skip a beat, and at points, she doesn't take a breath between words, sentences, or paragraphs. She succeeds in making Lulu and her circumstances feel very believable. The audio is definitely the way to go!
The Mad Wife, in all seriousness, felt frightening to me as a woman, and therein lies the horror in this story. I cried several times for dear Lulu and her sweet daughter. Take the time to read the author's note, but only after you finish the book, as it does contain spoilers. Church's insight and reasons for writing this novel are also reasons why I love this story so much!
5⭐
Thank you to Recorded Books and Meagan Church for the gifted ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
December 29, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and RBmedia/Recorded Books for an ALC of this book!
Horrifically realistically and terrifyingly brilliant.. Definitely a book where the trigger warnings should be checked( and I NEVER say that, ok? I'm the lord of the underworld for crying out loud! You think I'm reading trigger warnings?.. which leads me to me next statement) I did not unfortunately and I was OK but this would probably be the one time I wish I did in all seriousness.. If you are/were struggling with Postpartum Depression or infant loss you might want to leave this one on your TBR for a while. For those not effected by either of these issues above you're in for a treat! This is a literary piece of art! I love, love, LOVE, it so much when a book can give me genuine jaw dropping moments. The more of a seasoned reader you become, the rarer those moments are. Which is highly unfortunate, since it's one of the best parts of reading IMO. The twists in this literally crept up on me like an assassin!!..This is definitely going to be one of those books you pick up first thing in the morning while the birds are chirping and the first time you look up it will be dark out and the birds will be replaced by owls.. definitely clear your schedule the day you pick this up! .. And if you are one of those people who feel it might be best to let this one sit for a bit, that is perfectly OK!! Take care of yourself first! This book will be here when you're ready!! And just hold on I promise the brighter days are coming! My DM'S are always open to anyone about anything. Again I don't unusual bring up the trigger warnings in my reviews, nevermind actually discuss them.. But this author just does such an eerily exquisite job of bringing feelings to life, it just couldn't be glazed over. But overall this book is an absolute grandslam!!
Until next time,
Hades
🩵
Horrifically realistically and terrifyingly brilliant.. Definitely a book where the trigger warnings should be checked( and I NEVER say that, ok? I'm the lord of the underworld for crying out loud! You think I'm reading trigger warnings?.. which leads me to me next statement) I did not unfortunately and I was OK but this would probably be the one time I wish I did in all seriousness.. If you are/were struggling with Postpartum Depression or infant loss you might want to leave this one on your TBR for a while. For those not effected by either of these issues above you're in for a treat! This is a literary piece of art! I love, love, LOVE, it so much when a book can give me genuine jaw dropping moments. The more of a seasoned reader you become, the rarer those moments are. Which is highly unfortunate, since it's one of the best parts of reading IMO. The twists in this literally crept up on me like an assassin!!..This is definitely going to be one of those books you pick up first thing in the morning while the birds are chirping and the first time you look up it will be dark out and the birds will be replaced by owls.. definitely clear your schedule the day you pick this up! .. And if you are one of those people who feel it might be best to let this one sit for a bit, that is perfectly OK!! Take care of yourself first! This book will be here when you're ready!! And just hold on I promise the brighter days are coming! My DM'S are always open to anyone about anything. Again I don't unusual bring up the trigger warnings in my reviews, nevermind actually discuss them.. But this author just does such an eerily exquisite job of bringing feelings to life, it just couldn't be glazed over. But overall this book is an absolute grandslam!!
Until next time,
Hades
🩵
December 3, 2025
Haunting tension, vintage allure, and emotionally charged character depth!
Holy Shooty Balls!!! I had no idea what I was walking into with The Mad Wife by Meagan Church. Lulu Mayfield’s immaculate 1950s world, her carefully measured routines, and the soft hum of expectations around her kept me curious and turning the pages. Was she reliable? Was she losing her mind? I couldn’t tell, and that uncertainty made every moment compelling.
As I settled into her world, Lulu’s longing, guilt, and desire to be understood surfaced in the smallest moments, and they felt achingly real. Because I’ve always been fascinated by vintage homemaker culture and the 1950s housewife, I loved the little period touches. The trading stamps. The product catalogue dreaming. The daily rituals that gave women pride while also binding them to impossible expectations. Those details brought back warm memories and made the story feel vividly authentic.
Then, near seventy percent, the twist hit and everything snapped into focus. It was shocking, perfectly timed, and completely changed my reading experience. That moment is when the book grabbed me fully and made me care in a way I was not expecting. I even found myself wanting to go back and read the first half over again just to catch all the small details I had missed. This is why it’s holy shooty balls for me: the atmosphere, the emotional depth, the psychological tension, and that twist that punches you in the gut.
✨ Key Thoughts
📖 A slow burn that begins as a domestic character study before steadily tightening its emotional grip.
🧡 Lulu’s voice is intimate, raw, and deeply affecting.
💭 The weight of 1950s expectations for women adds meaningful emotional depth.
🌫️ Rich period details, including trading stamps and product catalogues, bring warm nostalgia and vivid authenticity.
🧩 A thoughtful blend of domestic drama, identity, and quiet psychological suspense.
The pacing starts slowly, more emotional than plot driven, but the buildup is completely worth it. When the twist landed I shouted “Wait, what?!” It was shocking, perfectly timed, and reframed everything I had been reading. This story explores motherhood, identity, and the impossible pressures women face in a way that is incisive, haunting, and still relevant today.
Overall, The Mad Wife completely captivated me and left me emotionally spent in the very best way. I loved experiencing it and I am so glad I went in blind.
Holy Shooty Balls!!! I had no idea what I was walking into with The Mad Wife by Meagan Church. Lulu Mayfield’s immaculate 1950s world, her carefully measured routines, and the soft hum of expectations around her kept me curious and turning the pages. Was she reliable? Was she losing her mind? I couldn’t tell, and that uncertainty made every moment compelling.
As I settled into her world, Lulu’s longing, guilt, and desire to be understood surfaced in the smallest moments, and they felt achingly real. Because I’ve always been fascinated by vintage homemaker culture and the 1950s housewife, I loved the little period touches. The trading stamps. The product catalogue dreaming. The daily rituals that gave women pride while also binding them to impossible expectations. Those details brought back warm memories and made the story feel vividly authentic.
Then, near seventy percent, the twist hit and everything snapped into focus. It was shocking, perfectly timed, and completely changed my reading experience. That moment is when the book grabbed me fully and made me care in a way I was not expecting. I even found myself wanting to go back and read the first half over again just to catch all the small details I had missed. This is why it’s holy shooty balls for me: the atmosphere, the emotional depth, the psychological tension, and that twist that punches you in the gut.
✨ Key Thoughts
📖 A slow burn that begins as a domestic character study before steadily tightening its emotional grip.
🧡 Lulu’s voice is intimate, raw, and deeply affecting.
💭 The weight of 1950s expectations for women adds meaningful emotional depth.
🌫️ Rich period details, including trading stamps and product catalogues, bring warm nostalgia and vivid authenticity.
🧩 A thoughtful blend of domestic drama, identity, and quiet psychological suspense.
The pacing starts slowly, more emotional than plot driven, but the buildup is completely worth it. When the twist landed I shouted “Wait, what?!” It was shocking, perfectly timed, and reframed everything I had been reading. This story explores motherhood, identity, and the impossible pressures women face in a way that is incisive, haunting, and still relevant today.
Overall, The Mad Wife completely captivated me and left me emotionally spent in the very best way. I loved experiencing it and I am so glad I went in blind.
October 17, 2025
Breathtaking, immersive, and beyond special, The Mad Wife was a story that most women will be able to feel to the depths of their souls. Often overlooked, discouraged, or outright ignored, being female in our society comes with a whole host of dilemmas that men couldn’t possibly understand. Despite this, however, they often get to make judgements and decisions about our bodies and minds. It was this shiver-inducing theme that grabbed me and didn’t let go as I got to know Lulu and her family over the course of the novel. A 1950s housewife gradually losing her grip on her day-to-day life, I got swept up in her story in no time at all. After all, she was everything I could want in an unreliable narrator. Was she losing her mind? I couldn’t tell.
In spite of how much I got sucked in by this book, I do have to warn you that it was initially more of a domestic drama than a tale of suspense. A definite slow burn without much tension at first, Lulu’s descent into madness was tempered by the in-depth character study and thought-provoking themes. But let me tell you, when I reached the jaw-dropping twist about 70% in, I found myself shouting “Wait, what?!” into the night. A shocking about-face that had me in tears, it rocked my world in the best possible way. I can’t say much more without spoiling the plot, but just know that it was impossible to predict before its perfectly timed reveal. I mean, I happen to know quite a bit about the topic behind the twist, and I still didn’t see it coming at all.
All said and done, this book was not only an ode to The Bell Jar, but also so much more. Exploring motherhood, identity, and the societal expectations we face as women, it was as profound and incisive as it was poignant and unsettling. You see, while this book was set in the 1950s, the kinds of things that happened within these pages still take place, just in a slightly different manner. I mean, how often have you been told that “It’s all in your head?” by a doctor. For this reason alone, I believe this novel would be an excellent book club selection. After all, on top of the character-driven narrative, cliffhanger chapters, and dark, haunting secrets was a plot that was as unforgettable as it was compelling. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Lulu Mayfield has spent the last five years molding herself into the perfect 1950s housewife. Despite the tragic memories that haunt her and the weight of exhausting expectations, she keeps her husband happy, her household running, and her gelatin salads the talk of the neighborhood. But after she gives birth to her second child, Lulu's carefully crafted life begins to unravel.
When a new neighbor, Bitsy, moves in, Lulu suspects that something darker lurks behind the woman's constant smile. As her fixation on Bitsy deepens, Lulu is drawn into a web of unsettling truths that threaten to expose the cracks in her own life. The more she uncovers about Bitsy, the more she questions everything she thought she knew―and soon, others begin questioning her sanity. But is Lulu truly losing her mind? Or is she on the verge of discovering a reality too terrifying to accept?
Thank you to Meagan Church ands Sourcebooks Landmark for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 30, 2025
Scroll down for my potentially plot-spoiling list of triggers.
Content warning: pregnancy, polio, suicide, child death, mental illness, forced institutionalization, medical trauma, chronic illness
In spite of how much I got sucked in by this book, I do have to warn you that it was initially more of a domestic drama than a tale of suspense. A definite slow burn without much tension at first, Lulu’s descent into madness was tempered by the in-depth character study and thought-provoking themes. But let me tell you, when I reached the jaw-dropping twist about 70% in, I found myself shouting “Wait, what?!” into the night. A shocking about-face that had me in tears, it rocked my world in the best possible way. I can’t say much more without spoiling the plot, but just know that it was impossible to predict before its perfectly timed reveal. I mean, I happen to know quite a bit about the topic behind the twist, and I still didn’t see it coming at all.
All said and done, this book was not only an ode to The Bell Jar, but also so much more. Exploring motherhood, identity, and the societal expectations we face as women, it was as profound and incisive as it was poignant and unsettling. You see, while this book was set in the 1950s, the kinds of things that happened within these pages still take place, just in a slightly different manner. I mean, how often have you been told that “It’s all in your head?” by a doctor. For this reason alone, I believe this novel would be an excellent book club selection. After all, on top of the character-driven narrative, cliffhanger chapters, and dark, haunting secrets was a plot that was as unforgettable as it was compelling. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Lulu Mayfield has spent the last five years molding herself into the perfect 1950s housewife. Despite the tragic memories that haunt her and the weight of exhausting expectations, she keeps her husband happy, her household running, and her gelatin salads the talk of the neighborhood. But after she gives birth to her second child, Lulu's carefully crafted life begins to unravel.
When a new neighbor, Bitsy, moves in, Lulu suspects that something darker lurks behind the woman's constant smile. As her fixation on Bitsy deepens, Lulu is drawn into a web of unsettling truths that threaten to expose the cracks in her own life. The more she uncovers about Bitsy, the more she questions everything she thought she knew―and soon, others begin questioning her sanity. But is Lulu truly losing her mind? Or is she on the verge of discovering a reality too terrifying to accept?
Thank you to Meagan Church ands Sourcebooks Landmark for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 30, 2025
Scroll down for my potentially plot-spoiling list of triggers.
Content warning: pregnancy, polio, suicide, child death, mental illness, forced institutionalization, medical trauma, chronic illness
December 7, 2025
Much like her famous gelatin salads, Lulu Mayfield has spent the last five years molding herself into the idyllic 1950s housewife — whose smile never falters, complaints remain unvoiced, and exhaustion stays invisible.
Gosh, everything was going so well, too...until the birth of her second child, that is.
Beneath the polished veneer of a spotless home, well-fed family, manicured lawn, perfectly coiffed hair and attire, poor Lulu's coming undone.
The constant demands (and sleepless nights) of motherhood collide with her husband’s expectations and society’s rigid rules about proper wifely behavior.
Lulu knows she’s playing a role(s): the Perfect Housewife, the Devoted Mother, the Uncomplaining Wife.
Good golly, she tries so very hard to stay on script.
Thank goodness for her hubby. He believes the answer to her ills is to buy her an automatic dishwasher.
Is he a saint...or utterly clueless? Hmmmm. 🤔
In The Mad Wife, author Meagan Church paints an exacting and colorful portrait of the rigid gender expectations characteristic of post-war American suburbia.
Set in the lovely enclave of the Greenwood Estates, the neighborhood women all police each other’s adherence to unspoken rules and schedules of the "happy homemaker."
I laughed out loud at Lulu's obsessive recitation of the S&H Green Stamps* value of virtually every household object imaginable.
[*The little green stamps distributed by various US retailers to shoppers, who dutifully lick 'em and stick 'em into booklets to redeem for "rewards" such as toasters, lamps, tricycles, bathroom scales, and radios from the IdeaBook.]
The Mad Wife doesn't shy away from exposing the dark underbelly of the so-called American Dream, where the pursuit of perfection and the suppression of self-expression often leads to isolation, madness, and loss.
Church deftly depicts the era’s dangerous conflation of women’s mental health with "nerves," “housewife fatigue,” and "hysteria." And sadly, treatments like lobotomy and electroshock therapy as common practice.
She also keeps readers off-balance, questioning our own assumptions about sanity and the thin line between justified paranoia and actual mental illness.
This is really historical fiction that reads like a page-turning psychological thriller...or domestic horror. 😱
The Mad Wife is a powerful exploration of the ways in which women's pain — physical and emotional — has been dismissed, pathologized, and punished by both individuals and institutions for what feels like forever.
Highly recommend, particularly for book clubs looking for some good fodder for discussion.
Welcome to Greenwood Estates.
November 20, 2025
╰┈➤ 𝟺.𝟻 ★ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ
❝𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒌𝒔, 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒕, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝐦𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓.❞
📚┆𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡
📱┆𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: 𝙺𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚕𝚎
🏷️┆𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝙷𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕 𝙵𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗, 𝚃𝚑𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚛
📆┆𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝: 𝟷𝟷/𝟷𝟹/𝟸𝟻 - 𝟷𝟷/𝟷𝟼/𝟸𝟻
📃┆𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
「 “They called it hysteria. She called it survival. Lulu Mayfield has spent the last five years molding herself into the perfect 1950s housewife. Despite the tragic memories that haunt her and the weight of exhausting expectations, she keeps her husband happy, her household running, and her gelatin salads the talk of the neighborhood. But after she gives birth to her second child, Lulu's carefully crafted life begins to unravel.”」
━ ◦ ❖ ◦━ ━ ◦ ❖ ◦━ ━ ◦ ❖ ◦━
❝𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒏𝒐𝒘, 𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒚 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒆𝒕. 𝑺𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒑𝒕.❞
ᴍʏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★★ ½
ɢᴏᴏᴅʀᴇᴀᴅꜱ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 𝟺.𝟶𝟸 ☆ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ
ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴡᴇᴀᴛʜᴇʀ: ⛈️
ᴘᴀɪʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ: ɢᴇʟᴀᴛɪɴ ꜱᴀʟᴀᴅ 🍽️
ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ɪ ʀᴇᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴅ?: 👍🏼
ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: 🎶 ʙɪɢɢᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡʜᴏʟᴇ ꜱᴋʏ — ᴛᴀʏʟᴏʀ ꜱᴡɪꜰᴛ
0:53 ———♡——— 3:38
⇄ ◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹ ↻
╭───
┆
╰⪼ ”goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, you were bigger than the whole sky, you were more than just a short time. and I've got a lot to pine about, I've got a lot to live without. I'm never gonna meet what could've been, would've been, what should've been you.”
⊱ ────── {⋆ ‧₊˚♪𝄞 ⋆} ────── ⊰
❝𝑶𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆, 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒊𝒏.❞
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
🍑 ꜱʏʟᴠɪᴀ ᴘᴀᴛʜ
🥧 ᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʟ ʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ
🍑 1950’ꜱ ꜱᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ
🥧 ᴅᴏᴍᴇꜱᴛɪᴄ ᴅʀᴀᴍᴀ
🍑 ᴜɴʀᴇʟɪᴀʙʟᴇ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛᴏʀ
🥧 ᴠɪɴᴛᴀɢᴇ ʜᴏᴜꜱᴇᴡɪꜰᴇ ᴀᴇꜱᴛʜᴇᴛɪᴄ
⚠️TW: miscarriage, depression, grief, suicide, suicidal ideations, postpartum struggles
━ ◦ ❖ ◦━ ━ ◦ ❖ ◦━ ━ ◦ ❖ ◦━
𝑫𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒂:
1. 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠
2. 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬
3. 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬
💬┆𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
⟢ I usually hate when I can figure out a book’s plot twist, but even though I figured out this one pretty quickly, it didn’t ruin the book for me. That’s how much I enjoyed The Mad Wife.
♡ What I Loved:
➳ The setting. I’m a sucker for anything that has to do with the fifties & mental health especially. It’s so eye opening as to what these poor women went through at that time when they struggled with depression.
➳ Lulu. Sure, she’s unreliable & made me want to scream, but her story hit me hard, I found myself even tearing up with her at some parts. I wanted only the best for her.
➳ The writing was immersive & kept me engaged the whole time.
➳ The SUSPENSE OF IT ALL.
✘ What I Didn’t Love:
↬ Was there even a point to the cat? Lol. Where did she go in the end? I have questions…
↬ I wanted to know the reason behind Lulu saying she could hear colors & taste sounds.
━ ◦ ❖ ◦━ ━ ◦ ❖ ◦━ ━ ◦ ❖ ◦━ ━ ◦ ❖ ◦━ ━ ◦ ❖ ◦━ ━ ◦ ❖ ◦━
❝𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒐, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔
𝑰 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐. 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓,
𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓. 𝑨𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓,
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓. ❞
December 6, 2025
I cried, felt mad and then just a bit sad and lethargic. Books that manage to bring different emotions out in me automatically gets remembered, and this definitely deserves to be. It got under my skin, and I guess I’m not the only one after reading other reviews.
October 31, 2025
"They called it hysteria. She called it survival."
Lulu Mayfield has spent five years shaping herself into the perfect 1950s wife - smiling through exhaustion, cooking flawless meals, and keeping her husband happy no matter the cost. But when she becomes pregnant with her second child, the façade begins to crack. Haunted by the ghosts of her past and suffocated by the roles society forces upon her, Lulu finds herself slipping between reality and something darker. Her obsession with her new neighbor, Bitsy, unravels the thin thread holding her sanity together.
Despite being labeled, among other things, as a "thriller" and "horror" novel on Goodreads, "The Mad Wife" is mostly a deeply unsettling work of historical fiction, though it does have some (unsurprising) elements of psychological suspense certainly does portray real-life horrors. Meagan Church sensibly and infuriatingly paints a vivid portrait of mid-century domestic life; told from Lulu's point of view, "The Mad Wife" describes her challenges with motherhood, mental health, and the role expected of women at that time - a world where women's pain was dismissed as "hysteria" or "housewife's syndrome" and their confinement was cloaked in floral wallpaper and polite smiles. The result is horrifying not because of ghosts or monsters, but because it feels so real - and because of how little, perhaps, has changed.
Told through Lulu's unreliable yet compelling perspective, the novel captures the claustrophobia of motherhood and the quiet rage of women trapped by expectation, resulting in an unsettling, thought-provoking read with a heartbreaking twist. My only hesitation was the slightly too-neat ending, which didn't quite reflect the grim reality of the era, but it hardly dulled the book's emotional impact.
The audiobook, narrated by Susan Bennett, perfectly channels Lulu's descent - brittle, tender, and trembling with suppressed emotion. Though a few technical issues (uneven volume and abrupt cuts) sometimes disrupted the flow, Bennett's performance more than compensates, making the listening experience both intimate and haunting.
A poignant, disquieting exploration of identity, repression, and the lies we live, "The Mad Wife" resonates deeply.
Many thanks to RBmedia | Recorded Books for providing me with an advance copy of the audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The audiobook of "The Mad Wife" is slated to be published on November 4, 2025.
Lulu Mayfield has spent five years shaping herself into the perfect 1950s wife - smiling through exhaustion, cooking flawless meals, and keeping her husband happy no matter the cost. But when she becomes pregnant with her second child, the façade begins to crack. Haunted by the ghosts of her past and suffocated by the roles society forces upon her, Lulu finds herself slipping between reality and something darker. Her obsession with her new neighbor, Bitsy, unravels the thin thread holding her sanity together.
Despite being labeled, among other things, as a "thriller" and "horror" novel on Goodreads, "The Mad Wife" is mostly a deeply unsettling work of historical fiction, though it does have some (unsurprising) elements of psychological suspense certainly does portray real-life horrors. Meagan Church sensibly and infuriatingly paints a vivid portrait of mid-century domestic life; told from Lulu's point of view, "The Mad Wife" describes her challenges with motherhood, mental health, and the role expected of women at that time - a world where women's pain was dismissed as "hysteria" or "housewife's syndrome" and their confinement was cloaked in floral wallpaper and polite smiles. The result is horrifying not because of ghosts or monsters, but because it feels so real - and because of how little, perhaps, has changed.
Told through Lulu's unreliable yet compelling perspective, the novel captures the claustrophobia of motherhood and the quiet rage of women trapped by expectation, resulting in an unsettling, thought-provoking read with a heartbreaking twist. My only hesitation was the slightly too-neat ending, which didn't quite reflect the grim reality of the era, but it hardly dulled the book's emotional impact.
The audiobook, narrated by Susan Bennett, perfectly channels Lulu's descent - brittle, tender, and trembling with suppressed emotion. Though a few technical issues (uneven volume and abrupt cuts) sometimes disrupted the flow, Bennett's performance more than compensates, making the listening experience both intimate and haunting.
A poignant, disquieting exploration of identity, repression, and the lies we live, "The Mad Wife" resonates deeply.
Many thanks to RBmedia | Recorded Books for providing me with an advance copy of the audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The audiobook of "The Mad Wife" is slated to be published on November 4, 2025.
December 11, 2025
Initial Quick Review:
5 powerful stars!
Raw, honest, thought-provoking, heavy and so extremely well written. This was so much more intense than I expected. Wow, this was excellent. A 2025 favourite for me!
Audio was fantastic! Thank you to my lovely local library for the audio loan!
——————————————————————————-
I can’t stop thinking of this book and I wanted to give a little more depth to my initial review.
5 incredibly powerful stars!
An unexpected gem!
Raw. Honest. Thought-provoking. Heart-wrenching. Shocking. Emotional.
1950’s housewife criteria…
Strict adherence to weekly household cleaning and chores schedule as posted in Good Housekeeping magazine ✔️
Perfect appearance at all times ✔️
Collect your stamps to complete your booklets for household shopping ✔️
Make sure your husband feels appreciated and dinner is ready when he arrives home from work ✔️
Impress your friends and neighbours with flawless gelatin salad ✔️
Don’t show any emotion other than happiness ✔️
This book was unexpectedly heavy hitting. I had absolutely no idea how intense and emotional this story would be and I loved every word of it. Such an eye-opening, real, raw, honest portrayal of society where appearances matter far more than truth.
This book follows one woman through the early years of her new marriage and motherhood. Her character was absolutely fantastic. I can’t say enough about how exceptional the main character was. I was so engrossed and immersed in her world that I was literally hanging on every word of this dark, thought-provoking story. I felt so deeply for her.
⚠️ There are heavy trigger warnings with this book. Please be sure to check those out or message me if you have questions (not listing them for spoiler avoidance).
This is a stand out book for me this year. An easy 5 stars. Highly recommend!
Audio rating: 5 stars. The audio narrator was excellent. Brilliant narration! Her tone, pauses and emotion were absolute perfection and greatly enhanced my overall connection and investment. I’ll never forget listening to this book.
5 powerful stars!
Raw, honest, thought-provoking, heavy and so extremely well written. This was so much more intense than I expected. Wow, this was excellent. A 2025 favourite for me!
Audio was fantastic! Thank you to my lovely local library for the audio loan!
——————————————————————————-
I can’t stop thinking of this book and I wanted to give a little more depth to my initial review.
5 incredibly powerful stars!
An unexpected gem!
Raw. Honest. Thought-provoking. Heart-wrenching. Shocking. Emotional.
1950’s housewife criteria…
Strict adherence to weekly household cleaning and chores schedule as posted in Good Housekeeping magazine ✔️
Perfect appearance at all times ✔️
Collect your stamps to complete your booklets for household shopping ✔️
Make sure your husband feels appreciated and dinner is ready when he arrives home from work ✔️
Impress your friends and neighbours with flawless gelatin salad ✔️
Don’t show any emotion other than happiness ✔️
This book was unexpectedly heavy hitting. I had absolutely no idea how intense and emotional this story would be and I loved every word of it. Such an eye-opening, real, raw, honest portrayal of society where appearances matter far more than truth.
This book follows one woman through the early years of her new marriage and motherhood. Her character was absolutely fantastic. I can’t say enough about how exceptional the main character was. I was so engrossed and immersed in her world that I was literally hanging on every word of this dark, thought-provoking story. I felt so deeply for her.
⚠️ There are heavy trigger warnings with this book. Please be sure to check those out or message me if you have questions (not listing them for spoiler avoidance).
This is a stand out book for me this year. An easy 5 stars. Highly recommend!
Audio rating: 5 stars. The audio narrator was excellent. Brilliant narration! Her tone, pauses and emotion were absolute perfection and greatly enhanced my overall connection and investment. I’ll never forget listening to this book.
May 28, 2025
ARC for review. To be published November 4, 2025.
3 stars
It’s the 1950s, when, I don’t know, but it doesn’t really matter. Lulu Mayfield is married to Henry, an architect who is waiting for a big promotion. They have one child, Wesley, and live in a nice neighborhood, with Lulu busy running her household and making gelatin salads. It all sounds pretty typical for those of their race and socio-economic status at the time.
Then Bitsy (you have to love these names) moves in across the street and there’s something a little bit off about her. Lulu doesn’t like her but also wants to know her secret. At the same time, Lulu is becoming more and more unhappy with life.
I was torn about this book. I really enjoyed the first half but didn’t like the second nearly as much. Yes, women’s health complaints were certainly often ignored or misdiagnosed then (and the more things change…). But the author, while drawing attention to some uncomfortable truths, on one hand, also, takes the easy way out, I felt. It’s hard to say much without spoilers. 4 stars for part one, 2 stars for part two means…..carry the nine….3 stars.
3 stars
It’s the 1950s, when, I don’t know, but it doesn’t really matter. Lulu Mayfield is married to Henry, an architect who is waiting for a big promotion. They have one child, Wesley, and live in a nice neighborhood, with Lulu busy running her household and making gelatin salads. It all sounds pretty typical for those of their race and socio-economic status at the time.
Then Bitsy (you have to love these names) moves in across the street and there’s something a little bit off about her. Lulu doesn’t like her but also wants to know her secret. At the same time, Lulu is becoming more and more unhappy with life.
I was torn about this book. I really enjoyed the first half but didn’t like the second nearly as much. Yes, women’s health complaints were certainly often ignored or misdiagnosed then (and the more things change…). But the author, while drawing attention to some uncomfortable truths, on one hand, also, takes the easy way out, I felt. It’s hard to say much without spoilers. 4 stars for part one, 2 stars for part two means…..carry the nine….3 stars.
November 4, 2025
I was drawn to this book by the cover.
Lulu looks just like my mom and her friends did in pictures from the 50’s. Mom had me in ‘58 but still was the 50’s type of wife and mother.. we lived in an ideal neighborhood just like Lulu.
Lulu has a four yr old son Wesley and her husband works for an architectural firm, while Lulu does everything at home including on the spot dinner parties at requests from her husband.
It all becomes a little too much for her when she becomes pregnant with their second child and new neighbors move in across the street.
Then, the story goes off in a direction I had not expected.
It becomes dark, a story that many women, probably some you know have experienced.
It was a very good novel!
Too many women’s issues were just attributed to “hysteria” not looked into further. Very sad!
Lulu looks just like my mom and her friends did in pictures from the 50’s. Mom had me in ‘58 but still was the 50’s type of wife and mother.. we lived in an ideal neighborhood just like Lulu.
Lulu has a four yr old son Wesley and her husband works for an architectural firm, while Lulu does everything at home including on the spot dinner parties at requests from her husband.
It all becomes a little too much for her when she becomes pregnant with their second child and new neighbors move in across the street.
Then, the story goes off in a direction I had not expected.
It becomes dark, a story that many women, probably some you know have experienced.
It was a very good novel!
Too many women’s issues were just attributed to “hysteria” not looked into further. Very sad!
September 25, 2025
This one drew me in right from the beginning. I love reading books set in the 50’s. The main character, Lulu Mayfield, a mother and housewife, has her seemingly perfect life. She has a small group of friends in a cute cul-de-sac neighborhood, and has her good housekeeping that she uses religiously. But when she starts to obsess over the house across the street, and the cheerful new housewife, Bitsy, that just moved in, Lulu begins to see dark truths and secrets. The more she finds out about Bitsy, the more she questions everything about her own life. Her mental health begins to spiral, and she feels like she's losing control. This book is unsettling, but in the best way. The writing was so good and the author did such a great job transporting me into the 1950s housewife life. It is a slow burn with a good twist I didn't expect, but the ending was a bit too quick. I wanted a bit more there, but I gotta say…this was a riveting story.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
October 23, 2025
I listened to the audiobook version and really liked the narrator. I think she injected just enough emotion add depth to the character.
The story is pretty horrific, dealing with the treatment of women and mental illness in a still very recent period of history. Why some people present the "traditional American family" as glamorous is beyond me.
But unfortunately the story somewhat missed me. I didn't really know where it was going for the better part pmof the book and I did not connect with the main character, I just felt some pity for her and it was not enough to make me invested. I felt plenty of anger toward the side characters though.
Thank you RBmedia for this ARC.
The story is pretty horrific, dealing with the treatment of women and mental illness in a still very recent period of history. Why some people present the "traditional American family" as glamorous is beyond me.
But unfortunately the story somewhat missed me. I didn't really know where it was going for the better part pmof the book and I did not connect with the main character, I just felt some pity for her and it was not enough to make me invested. I felt plenty of anger toward the side characters though.
Thank you RBmedia for this ARC.
November 8, 2025
So glad I decided to pick this one up. It didn’t appear to be the type of book I normally go for, but hearing all of my GR friends rave about it I had to see what was up with it.
Greenwood Estates is the perfect place to live. The husbands all go to work while the wives stay home and ensure the house is sparkling clean and dinner is always on the table. It’s a neighborhood where everyone knows each other and hosts dinner parties and barbecues. Each housewife has their own niche(Lulu‘s specialty is gelatin salads, any kind imaginable) and everything is running smoothly until they get new neighbors. Lulu is convinced there is something off with Bitsy(the new neighbor) and she is determined to find out what it is.
I was so engrossed in the novel that it felt like I was actually at one of the dinner parties enjoying one of Lulu’s famous gelatin salads… preferably the fruit kind not the tuna kind. I was curious as much as Lulu was concerning Bitsy and her past, that I completely forgot I was reading a novel by the time the twist came, I was surprised I hadn’t tried to suss it out beforehand. It definitely took me by surprise. The second part of the novel didn’t seem to have the same amount of oomph the first half had but was still good nonetheless. It felt a bit rushed compared to the first half.
This book certainly will not be for everyone as there are definitely some triggering topics. But this is definitely a well written novel that will have you sucked in immediately.
Greenwood Estates is the perfect place to live. The husbands all go to work while the wives stay home and ensure the house is sparkling clean and dinner is always on the table. It’s a neighborhood where everyone knows each other and hosts dinner parties and barbecues. Each housewife has their own niche(Lulu‘s specialty is gelatin salads, any kind imaginable) and everything is running smoothly until they get new neighbors. Lulu is convinced there is something off with Bitsy(the new neighbor) and she is determined to find out what it is.
I was so engrossed in the novel that it felt like I was actually at one of the dinner parties enjoying one of Lulu’s famous gelatin salads… preferably the fruit kind not the tuna kind. I was curious as much as Lulu was concerning Bitsy and her past, that I completely forgot I was reading a novel by the time the twist came, I was surprised I hadn’t tried to suss it out beforehand. It definitely took me by surprise. The second part of the novel didn’t seem to have the same amount of oomph the first half had but was still good nonetheless. It felt a bit rushed compared to the first half.
This book certainly will not be for everyone as there are definitely some triggering topics. But this is definitely a well written novel that will have you sucked in immediately.
November 4, 2025
(Mad) Wife?
Check out that fantastic cover! What an attention grabber!
Lulu Mayfield is the perfect 1950s housewife. She runs the household, keeps her husband happy, and is raising a wonderful son. Not to mention she is the talk of the block with her amazing gelatin salads. However, after she gives birth to her second child, her seemingly perfect life begins to unravel. She becomes fixated on her new neighbor Bitsy, determined to learn her secrets. Is she really that happy? The more she finds out about Bitsy, the more she questions everything she thought she knew. Is she losing her mind? Or is her own reality too difficult to accept?
I listened to the audiobook which is read by Susan Bennett. She is a fantastic narrator and really sold the story. I highly recommend this format.
I enjoyed this book! While I was already familiar with the topic, I had the impression that the author might include an earth-shattering twist. While this is not the case, there are a few twists and turns that kept me on my toes. The Goodreads blurb also had me thinking there was more to this historical fiction novel, but it really is best suited to this genre. The Mad Wife is a haunting tale filled with palpable claustrophobia and Lulu is a very strong female character. I didn’t expect to feel so much hope!
This book deals with themes of post-partum depression, exploration of identity, motherhood, and societal expectations.
3.5/5 stars rounded up
Expected publication date: 11/4/25
Thank you to NetGalley and RBMedia for the ARC of The Mad Wife in exchange for an honest review.
Check out that fantastic cover! What an attention grabber!
Lulu Mayfield is the perfect 1950s housewife. She runs the household, keeps her husband happy, and is raising a wonderful son. Not to mention she is the talk of the block with her amazing gelatin salads. However, after she gives birth to her second child, her seemingly perfect life begins to unravel. She becomes fixated on her new neighbor Bitsy, determined to learn her secrets. Is she really that happy? The more she finds out about Bitsy, the more she questions everything she thought she knew. Is she losing her mind? Or is her own reality too difficult to accept?
I listened to the audiobook which is read by Susan Bennett. She is a fantastic narrator and really sold the story. I highly recommend this format.
I enjoyed this book! While I was already familiar with the topic, I had the impression that the author might include an earth-shattering twist. While this is not the case, there are a few twists and turns that kept me on my toes. The Goodreads blurb also had me thinking there was more to this historical fiction novel, but it really is best suited to this genre. The Mad Wife is a haunting tale filled with palpable claustrophobia and Lulu is a very strong female character. I didn’t expect to feel so much hope!
This book deals with themes of post-partum depression, exploration of identity, motherhood, and societal expectations.
3.5/5 stars rounded up
Expected publication date: 11/4/25
Thank you to NetGalley and RBMedia for the ARC of The Mad Wife in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2025
3.5!! so excited to discuss this with my BRBT gals
December 10, 2025
Thoughts
First of all can we address THE CRIME that GR has committed against this book-- THIS BOOK SHOULD HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE WINNERS!!!
I'm not even sure I have the right words to credit the author for this heartbreaking masterpiece. This book will stay with me for the rest of my life. It pulls you in from the get-go, the atmosphere, the characters -- everything about this book was so well done that I felt like I was watching Lulu live her story. A read I'll never forget and most definitely an author I'll be reading more from.
Plot Summary
They dismissed it as hysteria. Lulu Mayfield knew it was survival. For five years, Lulu has perfected the role of the ideal 1950s housewife—smiling through the grief she carries, keeping her husband satisfied, and earning praise for her spotless home and picture-perfect meals. But after the birth of her second child, the façade starts to crack. When a new neighbor, Bitsy, arrives with an unsettlingly bright smile, Lulu becomes convinced something is off. Her curiosity turns into obsession as she notices strange inconsistencies in Bitsy’s life—details that don’t add up, secrets that seem buried beneath all that cheer. And the more Lulu digs, the more her own stability begins to slip. Whispers start. People look at her differently. Is she unraveling… or finally seeing the truth? As Lulu edges closer to a reality darker than she ever imagined, she must decide whether she’s losing her grip—or waking up to a danger no one else will acknowledge.
My Bookstagram
First of all can we address THE CRIME that GR has committed against this book-- THIS BOOK SHOULD HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE WINNERS!!!
I'm not even sure I have the right words to credit the author for this heartbreaking masterpiece. This book will stay with me for the rest of my life. It pulls you in from the get-go, the atmosphere, the characters -- everything about this book was so well done that I felt like I was watching Lulu live her story. A read I'll never forget and most definitely an author I'll be reading more from.
Plot Summary
They dismissed it as hysteria. Lulu Mayfield knew it was survival. For five years, Lulu has perfected the role of the ideal 1950s housewife—smiling through the grief she carries, keeping her husband satisfied, and earning praise for her spotless home and picture-perfect meals. But after the birth of her second child, the façade starts to crack. When a new neighbor, Bitsy, arrives with an unsettlingly bright smile, Lulu becomes convinced something is off. Her curiosity turns into obsession as she notices strange inconsistencies in Bitsy’s life—details that don’t add up, secrets that seem buried beneath all that cheer. And the more Lulu digs, the more her own stability begins to slip. Whispers start. People look at her differently. Is she unraveling… or finally seeing the truth? As Lulu edges closer to a reality darker than she ever imagined, she must decide whether she’s losing her grip—or waking up to a danger no one else will acknowledge.
My Bookstagram
November 29, 2025
Lulu is a “happy housewife” in the 1950s, a time of gelatin salads and lobotomies. She is a square peg trying to fit herself into a round hole. She can’t seem to embrace the rigid housekeeping schedule that has taken over Greenwood Estates. She lives in a subdivision with her husband, Henry, and 4 year old son, Wesley, and is the “Queen of Molded Food”. She should be happy but after the birth of her second child, Esther, Lulu begins to struggle.
The first part of this historical fiction novel has an ominous feel, and reads like a thriller. The 1950s was a time when women had very little control over anything in their lives, even their own healthcare. Lulu’s family physician diagnoses her with hysteria after an “examination” and prescribes her tranquilizers. This was the standard of care during this time period. Henry discusses his wife’s struggles with his mother and they make a decision that they think “is best” for her. The consequence of these dismissals leads to a very traumatizing experience for Lulu. Fortunately, the second part of the story and the ending are much more hopeful.
The author’s note at the end of the book is definitely worth reading. It wasn’t until 1993 that NIH-funded studies mandated that women be included. 1993! Crazy. Hysteria was a used as catch-all diagnosis until the 1980s. This caused many issues to go undiagnosed which often led to treatments that proved tragic. The history of the everywoman is important. We need to learn it. We need to heed it.
I highly recommend this book. I will definitely be reading this author’s previous novels.
The first part of this historical fiction novel has an ominous feel, and reads like a thriller. The 1950s was a time when women had very little control over anything in their lives, even their own healthcare. Lulu’s family physician diagnoses her with hysteria after an “examination” and prescribes her tranquilizers. This was the standard of care during this time period. Henry discusses his wife’s struggles with his mother and they make a decision that they think “is best” for her. The consequence of these dismissals leads to a very traumatizing experience for Lulu. Fortunately, the second part of the story and the ending are much more hopeful.
The author’s note at the end of the book is definitely worth reading. It wasn’t until 1993 that NIH-funded studies mandated that women be included. 1993! Crazy. Hysteria was a used as catch-all diagnosis until the 1980s. This caused many issues to go undiagnosed which often led to treatments that proved tragic. The history of the everywoman is important. We need to learn it. We need to heed it.
I highly recommend this book. I will definitely be reading this author’s previous novels.
October 27, 2025
This is definitely one of my top reads of the year! I received the audiobook via NetGalley, but very quickly realized this was a story I’d want to fully sink into—highlight-worthy quotes and all—so I picked up the ebook to read along with the audio. It was absolutely the right choice, because this book pulled me in from the first page!
I love women’s fiction set in the 1950s, so this was already right in my wheelhouse, and it completely delivered. Lulu was such a standout character—imperfect, relatable, and deeply human. Her voice, struggles, and resilience were portrayed with so much authenticity that I couldn’t help but feel connected to her journey. I also really enjoyed the host of supporting characters and the roles they played throughout the story—they enriched the narrative and added meaningful layers to Lulu’s experience.
The writing was polished and immersive, with a subtle thread of suspense woven throughout—not a full-on thriller, but compelling and tense enough to keep my attention fully engaged. And I have to mention Susan Bennett’s narration, which was exceptional. She truly embodied Lulu, bringing emotional depth and nuance to every line.
Overall, this is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant story that I wholeheartedly loved. I’ll definitely be reading more by Church in the future!
** I received the audiobook ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **
I love women’s fiction set in the 1950s, so this was already right in my wheelhouse, and it completely delivered. Lulu was such a standout character—imperfect, relatable, and deeply human. Her voice, struggles, and resilience were portrayed with so much authenticity that I couldn’t help but feel connected to her journey. I also really enjoyed the host of supporting characters and the roles they played throughout the story—they enriched the narrative and added meaningful layers to Lulu’s experience.
The writing was polished and immersive, with a subtle thread of suspense woven throughout—not a full-on thriller, but compelling and tense enough to keep my attention fully engaged. And I have to mention Susan Bennett’s narration, which was exceptional. She truly embodied Lulu, bringing emotional depth and nuance to every line.
Overall, this is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant story that I wholeheartedly loved. I’ll definitely be reading more by Church in the future!
** I received the audiobook ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **
August 29, 2025
5 stars. Set circa 1950, this follows Lulu Mayfield, housewife and mother of a young son and new baby.. with tasks of a Good Housekeeping cleaning schedule, green stamp books and her beloved jello molds.. perfection is everything. Or at least it was.
The story follows Lulu’s inner thoughts as she begins to lose sight of herself as her mental state changes drastically, actions becoming erratic.. with her doctor prescribing pills, dismissing it as hysteria. And Lulu’s become fixated on the empty house across the street, then transfers that fixation onto the new neighbors that move there. She’s obsessed with thinking something isn’t right with them. I loved the sense of place and time.. the 50s vibe, food, objects. The story delves into motherhood, mental health, silence the norm not the exception.. so many harsh realities for women back in the 50s. I really enjoyed this, and that twist.. completely unexpected. So engaging, am still thinking about it. Do recommend. Pub. 9/30/25
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Lulu’s inner thoughts as she begins to lose sight of herself as her mental state changes drastically, actions becoming erratic.. with her doctor prescribing pills, dismissing it as hysteria. And Lulu’s become fixated on the empty house across the street, then transfers that fixation onto the new neighbors that move there. She’s obsessed with thinking something isn’t right with them. I loved the sense of place and time.. the 50s vibe, food, objects. The story delves into motherhood, mental health, silence the norm not the exception.. so many harsh realities for women back in the 50s. I really enjoyed this, and that twist.. completely unexpected. So engaging, am still thinking about it. Do recommend. Pub. 9/30/25
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2025
The gasp I gusped when I hit the 70% mark of this book. I had to immediately keep going. That twist I did not see coming at all. This author is such a great historical storyteller and I loved this book.
November 16, 2025
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Thank You, Erin for your terrific review. Made me want this Audio even more.
Glad I listened to this Audio. The Narrator did an excellent job. Really turned out Different than expected, but that was what made it great, it’s twists, but not in a typical thriller way. You just never know if Lulu is a reliable narrator and stifled by her grueling 50’s housewife routine, or is not really sane, or others are lying, or she’s a smart woman about to be destroyed. Just really never sure, and that is what made this one great.
You’ve Read the Warnings, You have Read More Detailed Reviews, All I can Say is Read This Book or Listen to the Audio. READ IT NOW!
I am listening to Meagan Church Right Now. Fascinating. I Flip, Get So Excited Coming to These Events Love Listening to Authors speak about their writing. Adds so much to the experience. Meagan Church has So Much to Say. Read This Book and Ask Me Questions. So, much I am Learning!
Update: 11/15: I just posted this on the FB Group Friends and Fiction. Love the Pictures the Meagan Church and I took where she has Black Glasses like the Cover. Enlightening and Terrific Event to Attend. Always better to Post on Established Reading Groups and where people can actually See
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for a Copy of this Audiobook. I always leave reviews of books I read.
Thank You, Erin for your terrific review. Made me want this Audio even more.
Glad I listened to this Audio. The Narrator did an excellent job. Really turned out Different than expected, but that was what made it great, it’s twists, but not in a typical thriller way. You just never know if Lulu is a reliable narrator and stifled by her grueling 50’s housewife routine, or is not really sane, or others are lying, or she’s a smart woman about to be destroyed. Just really never sure, and that is what made this one great.
You’ve Read the Warnings, You have Read More Detailed Reviews, All I can Say is Read This Book or Listen to the Audio. READ IT NOW!
I am listening to Meagan Church Right Now. Fascinating. I Flip, Get So Excited Coming to These Events Love Listening to Authors speak about their writing. Adds so much to the experience. Meagan Church has So Much to Say. Read This Book and Ask Me Questions. So, much I am Learning!
Update: 11/15: I just posted this on the FB Group Friends and Fiction. Love the Pictures the Meagan Church and I took where she has Black Glasses like the Cover. Enlightening and Terrific Event to Attend. Always better to Post on Established Reading Groups and where people can actually See
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for a Copy of this Audiobook. I always leave reviews of books I read.
December 24, 2025
Set in the 1950’s, when a woman’s place was in the home, and being a good housewife came with heavy expectations. A schedule of cleaning chores to complete daily, taking care of the children, cooking delicious meals, and greeting your husband after work with your pearls and fresh lipstick. Lulu has excelled in this role. And she’s known as the queen of gelatin.
But life changes with her second pregnancy and baby. She is tired, unable to focus, and fixated on her new neighbor Bitsy. Lulu is convinced that things aren’t right in Bitsy’s home and that her husband has harmed her. Lulu’s doctor gives her a prescription to help her, but it just makes her feel groggy and more confused. But in this time, women who are diagnosed with “hysteria” are not always well taken care of.
As Lulu’s life seems to fall apart, she questions her husband and everything about their lives. The ending is surprising, but also deeply troubling as a perspective on the times and women’s healthcare. It’s disturbing at times, highlighting this time for women. While initially thinking this was 4 to 4-1/2 stars, I think this book and characters are going to stay with me.
But life changes with her second pregnancy and baby. She is tired, unable to focus, and fixated on her new neighbor Bitsy. Lulu is convinced that things aren’t right in Bitsy’s home and that her husband has harmed her. Lulu’s doctor gives her a prescription to help her, but it just makes her feel groggy and more confused. But in this time, women who are diagnosed with “hysteria” are not always well taken care of.
As Lulu’s life seems to fall apart, she questions her husband and everything about their lives. The ending is surprising, but also deeply troubling as a perspective on the times and women’s healthcare. It’s disturbing at times, highlighting this time for women. While initially thinking this was 4 to 4-1/2 stars, I think this book and characters are going to stay with me.
December 8, 2025
I kept thinking about the MC, Lulu, long after I finished the book. That’s a sign of the author’s talent and the haunting story of her 1950s housewife struggling to maintain the “perfect little woman” facade in face of tragedy and mental health challenges.
This is part family saga, part suspense novel, and part historical fiction. I did not see the major twist coming,
This is part family saga, part suspense novel, and part historical fiction. I did not see the major twist coming,
November 7, 2025
The Mad Wife took me on a journey! I literally had no idea what was going on the entire time LOL but by the end everything made sense in a devastating way.
This takes place in the 1950s and is centered on Lulu, a traditional, perfect-at-the-surface stay-at-home-mom with a small child, doting, successful architect husband who is climbing the career ladder, living in an idyllic house in a quintessentially perfect suburban neighborhood, complete with nosy suburban neighbors. After Lulu becomes pregnant, one of the houses near hers that she'd hyper fixated on while it sat empty is purchased by a family that is eerie and compelling. Lulu's postpartum journey is filled with sleepless nights and mindless days that make her lose her grip on reality as her obsession grows, but no one notices until it's too late.
This book is historical fiction and a thriller but it is also a compelling examination of the postpartum journey, the lack of support and care around issues that mainly impact women, and what community looks and feels like during this time. It is also a bold rebuke of the medical system that turns the issues that mainly impact women into symptoms that need to be treated instead of getting to the core of what is causing the symptoms. Sometimes the easiest answer is completely off-base, which is why it's devastating that over 50 years from the timeline this takes place in, medicine has only slightly moved forward in how it cares for women's health. This is also solid disability fiction, as pregnancy in itself is disabling, but Lulu's actual diagnosis is more chronic than anything else. With all that said, Lulu is somewhat of an unlikable character to journey with in that she is frustrating and passive. But I appreciated the rawness of depicting her in this way; the challenge to empathize with her despite her flaws.
The narration was incredible; Lulu felt so alive. I absolutely loved this.
Thank you to RBmedia, Recorded Books, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for the ALC!
5 ⭐️s
This takes place in the 1950s and is centered on Lulu, a traditional, perfect-at-the-surface stay-at-home-mom with a small child, doting, successful architect husband who is climbing the career ladder, living in an idyllic house in a quintessentially perfect suburban neighborhood, complete with nosy suburban neighbors. After Lulu becomes pregnant, one of the houses near hers that she'd hyper fixated on while it sat empty is purchased by a family that is eerie and compelling. Lulu's postpartum journey is filled with sleepless nights and mindless days that make her lose her grip on reality as her obsession grows, but no one notices until it's too late.
This book is historical fiction and a thriller but it is also a compelling examination of the postpartum journey, the lack of support and care around issues that mainly impact women, and what community looks and feels like during this time. It is also a bold rebuke of the medical system that turns the issues that mainly impact women into symptoms that need to be treated instead of getting to the core of what is causing the symptoms. Sometimes the easiest answer is completely off-base, which is why it's devastating that over 50 years from the timeline this takes place in, medicine has only slightly moved forward in how it cares for women's health. This is also solid disability fiction, as pregnancy in itself is disabling, but Lulu's actual diagnosis is more chronic than anything else. With all that said, Lulu is somewhat of an unlikable character to journey with in that she is frustrating and passive. But I appreciated the rawness of depicting her in this way; the challenge to empathize with her despite her flaws.
The narration was incredible; Lulu felt so alive. I absolutely loved this.
Thank you to RBmedia, Recorded Books, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for the ALC!
5 ⭐️s
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