What do you think?
Rate this book
Best Ever Book Club #1
The Secret Life of Book Club
Book Club Just Got Real.
Jeanine Phelps is tired of reading about other women who grab life and have epiphanies. She challenges her book club to live like the heroines in the books they love.
At first, seizing the day is pure fun until it generates an upset in each of their lives:
Jeanine’s husband is so inspired by her new vitality it triggers a bizarre mid-life crisis involving tacos.
Paula, the model PTA soccer mom, starts fighting with her man about the family printing business until she’s drawn back to her
secret passion.
Kate, a single mom and teacher, can’t figure out if the rekindled friendship with the new museum creator is worth the romantic risk.
Anne, a mother of four babies, works to hold the book club together while trying to figure out her own identity.
When everyone wants to quit the challenge, the media’s spotlight makes it impossible. Can they rely on each other while keeping their priorities? And more importantly, is their sanity worth the chance to each become a heroine in her own life?
Jeanine Phelps is tired of reading about other women who grab life and have epiphanies. She challenges her book club to live like the heroines in the books they love.
At first, seizing the day is pure fun until it generates an upset in each of their lives:
Jeanine’s husband is so inspired by her new vitality it triggers a bizarre mid-life crisis involving tacos.
Paula, the model PTA soccer mom, starts fighting with her man about the family printing business until she’s drawn back to her
secret passion.
Kate, a single mom and teacher, can’t figure out if the rekindled friendship with the new museum creator is worth the romantic risk.
Anne, a mother of four babies, works to hold the book club together while trying to figure out her own identity.
When everyone wants to quit the challenge, the media’s spotlight makes it impossible. Can they rely on each other while keeping their priorities? And more importantly, is their sanity worth the chance to each become a heroine in her own life?
318 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2014
44 people are currently reading
764 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 11, 2016
Jeanine Phelps and her book club friends decide to live the life of heroines instead of just reading about them by doing an A - Z challenge of new experiences. So far so good. I had high hopes for this book because in recent years I have read two books where the action was based around completing a list of challenges - The Single Girls To Do List by Lindsey Kelk, and The Seven Steps To Closure by Donna Joy Usher, both of which I love to bits because I liked the heroine and there were genuine laugh-out-loud moments. Unfortunately not this time.
What I did not like about this book. Of the four women three were married and the other one divorced, all had children. Why did all four have to have children. Children give a different perspective, and as I have no children I don't share that perspective. I felt it would have made it more interesting if one at least was child free.
How old were these women? Who knows we are not told. As Anne's youngest children are six months, I would hazard a guess at twenties, and as Jeanine' husband is in his forties I guess she may be the same, the other two - in between? Which leads me to ''ladies''. The narrator refers to them as ''ladies'' and Anne does as well saying how ''these ladies'' improved her life. Why LADIES ? It makes them seem so formal, so frumpy. What happened to GIRLS? - as in ''seeing the girls'' or ''girls night out''. Much more friendly and fun.
What I liked about this book. The challenges were quite fun, maybe more time should have been spent on them. And the deepening friendships were emotional.
All in all, this book was ok, not outstanding.
What I did not like about this book. Of the four women three were married and the other one divorced, all had children. Why did all four have to have children. Children give a different perspective, and as I have no children I don't share that perspective. I felt it would have made it more interesting if one at least was child free.
How old were these women? Who knows we are not told. As Anne's youngest children are six months, I would hazard a guess at twenties, and as Jeanine' husband is in his forties I guess she may be the same, the other two - in between? Which leads me to ''ladies''. The narrator refers to them as ''ladies'' and Anne does as well saying how ''these ladies'' improved her life. Why LADIES ? It makes them seem so formal, so frumpy. What happened to GIRLS? - as in ''seeing the girls'' or ''girls night out''. Much more friendly and fun.
What I liked about this book. The challenges were quite fun, maybe more time should have been spent on them. And the deepening friendships were emotional.
All in all, this book was ok, not outstanding.
January 28, 2015
I am a raving fan. Seriously. These characters captured me to the point that it's almost embarrassing to admit, but I will admit it here anyway...
I had to force myself to put the book down to go teach my yoga class, and at the end of yoga I usually have everyone close their eyes as I guide them through a relaxation exercise. Not this day. I had them close their eyes and "listen to the music" so I could think about the book some more.
It was the best book I read last year, and there are a couple scenes I told everyone about. Even my dad, who doesn't read women's fiction.
I laughed. I cried. (I had to take out my contacts because I cried so much they got blurry.) But it is definitely a feel-good book.
So there you have it. My embarrassing rave review. And just so you know, I don't rave very often. I actually don't even finish most books I pick up. But this one is that good.
I had to force myself to put the book down to go teach my yoga class, and at the end of yoga I usually have everyone close their eyes as I guide them through a relaxation exercise. Not this day. I had them close their eyes and "listen to the music" so I could think about the book some more.
It was the best book I read last year, and there are a couple scenes I told everyone about. Even my dad, who doesn't read women's fiction.
I laughed. I cried. (I had to take out my contacts because I cried so much they got blurry.) But it is definitely a feel-good book.
So there you have it. My embarrassing rave review. And just so you know, I don't rave very often. I actually don't even finish most books I pick up. But this one is that good.
May 31, 2015
What an amazing book! This book revolves around 4 friends in a bookclub who decide to live out adventures, instead of just reading about them. They have an A-Z challenge. Sometimes in books you favor one character over the other. Not so with this one! I equally enjoyed and loved each lady and their lives. I was totally caught up in and hung on every word I read. I found the relationships from friendship to work to spouses very realistic and spot on. I also loved there was romance for the single mom. It was well done and utterly cute! Read this book and I guarantee you'll love the ladies! A new favorite!
December 31, 2014
I have to admit, I loved the premise of this story right away. I mean: Moms. Books. Messy relationships. Lots of fun adventure. Count me in. Even better, the story did not disappoint. In fact, it made me laugh, cry, and then laugh some more. I recommend this particularly for book clubs...because it offers even more than a lively discussion--it's an inspiring challenge that can actually be emulated. You can't go wrong with this one. I truly enjoyed it.
June 26, 2015
Oh my goodness! I soaked this book up. I felt like the four main characters in the book club were friends. I loved the realism with the marriage/children dynamics. And the adventures had me LOL-ing so often! Three words: fake cop car. That scenario was so vivid! I hope against hope Heather has another book coming out soon along these lines, because this one was excellent. A new fave.
September 26, 2017
This is my favorite kind of book. A story with drama but not ruled by it. Laugh-out-loud funny. Wholesome but not goody-goody. These characters faced some real challenges in their work, marriages, and friendships, but they persevered.
February 15, 2017
This story is about thinking outside the box!
Jeanine, Anne, Paula and Kate, all neighbors, have formed a cozy little book club. It gets them out of their "taking care of kids" and "taking care of their home" rut one night a week. As Jeanine's turn to pick the next book approaches, she decides, after a little internet surfing, to approach the other ladies with a crazy idea .... an A to Z Challenge!
After a little resistance, they all agree it sounds like a fun and interesting idea. Each month they will pick an adventure and everyone will participate. Month One needs to start with the letter A. This group of ladies gets involved with belly dancing, elephants painting and glow in the dark golfing ... as well as solving a murder at a dinner party and getting caught skinny dipping in a private hot tub!
The challenge that starts as a fun idea begins to create discord. As they continue with their challenges, they begin to learn things about themselves either unknown or long buried and forgotten. Things they enjoyed when they were younger, things they hate to do but continue doing because it is expected, changes they want to make in their lives and the lives of their families. As their husbands see the changes in each of their wives, they begin to pursue dreams they have set aside also.
This book navigates the changes at each stage of life. It looks at relationships between husbands and wives and the ups and downs they experience and the ability to grow together.
It is a fun group of characters that we watch grow and change and become better versions of themselves.
April 18, 2015
As a reader, I enjoy reading books that have book clubs in them. Whether that's the focus or a side story, I love them! In this story, the book club is the reason these women know each other.
Jeanine, Paula, Kate and Anne live in the same neighborhood and all have such different lives. They meet together to discuss books. After two years in their book club, Jeanine feels like they're acquaintances rather than friends. She brings up a challenge for the group to undertake which will require that they try new things. Little does she realize what massive changes this will bring for all of them.
Jeanine is a dental hygienist who feels like her life has become predictable and boring. When she shakes things up, her husband has a mid-life crisis which causes a lot of tension between them as he seems determined to live a dream he's apparently had for a long time but never shared with her. Paula works part-time with her husband and volunteers the rest of the time. She has a secret passion which almost destroys her marriage. Kate is a single mom and second grade teacher. She is reunited with someone from her past. She's confused as he doesn't appear to be what she thought and they both need to decide if a relationship is what they're looking for. Anne is a stay at home mom with four children under the age of four and is dealing with a major decision her husband made without discussing it with her first.
Through their experiences with their challenge, these women become friends and are there for each other as they're going through their individual struggles. I enjoyed getting to know each of them. This book deals with their relationships with each other and with the men in their lives. They were imperfect and had their ups and downs. Some were quite funny! I'm not personally looking to challenge myself the way these women did, but it was fun to read about their experiences!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
Jeanine, Paula, Kate and Anne live in the same neighborhood and all have such different lives. They meet together to discuss books. After two years in their book club, Jeanine feels like they're acquaintances rather than friends. She brings up a challenge for the group to undertake which will require that they try new things. Little does she realize what massive changes this will bring for all of them.
Jeanine is a dental hygienist who feels like her life has become predictable and boring. When she shakes things up, her husband has a mid-life crisis which causes a lot of tension between them as he seems determined to live a dream he's apparently had for a long time but never shared with her. Paula works part-time with her husband and volunteers the rest of the time. She has a secret passion which almost destroys her marriage. Kate is a single mom and second grade teacher. She is reunited with someone from her past. She's confused as he doesn't appear to be what she thought and they both need to decide if a relationship is what they're looking for. Anne is a stay at home mom with four children under the age of four and is dealing with a major decision her husband made without discussing it with her first.
Through their experiences with their challenge, these women become friends and are there for each other as they're going through their individual struggles. I enjoyed getting to know each of them. This book deals with their relationships with each other and with the men in their lives. They were imperfect and had their ups and downs. Some were quite funny! I'm not personally looking to challenge myself the way these women did, but it was fun to read about their experiences!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
May 17, 2015
(4.5 Stars) I belong to a book club and we're all so different. It was fun to read about these four women and what makes them unique. What really hit me is that each and every person has challenges and we all need that out to help us cope with them.
The story follows Jeanine, a dental assistant who struggles with her husbands mid-life crisis. Her life is in a rut and they're just in survival mode, but breaking out of that mold disrupts her organized life and throws her for a loop. We meet Paula, a woman with a big secret. She just wants to feel appreciated and secure. Kate is a teacher and single mom of two, who just can't get over her college crush. And Anne, a mom to four kids under four. She seems to be the most secure in her marriage and strives to find peace with things that happen in her life. I tried to find a character to identify with and it was tough because they each have a little piece of me.
I really liked this idea. Instead of just reading and living life vicariously through fictional characters, these women decide to take a challenge to help them experience new things. They each take turns choosing something that goes with each letter of the alphabet--for example, "G" for glow-in-the-dark golf, which was my favorite because I laughed so hard what happened. This challenge really stretched them and forced them to re-evaluate their lives and to rediscover themselves. I laughed, I cried, and felt everything in between. Not only is the story entertaining, but I found myself thinking about my life and the changes I can make to make life better. It really is easy to get stuck in doing the same old thing day in and day out, year after year. I really enjoyed it all!
Content: mild language; mild religious elements (a verse of scripture helps a character and it mentions them attending church); mild romance; no violence. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
The story follows Jeanine, a dental assistant who struggles with her husbands mid-life crisis. Her life is in a rut and they're just in survival mode, but breaking out of that mold disrupts her organized life and throws her for a loop. We meet Paula, a woman with a big secret. She just wants to feel appreciated and secure. Kate is a teacher and single mom of two, who just can't get over her college crush. And Anne, a mom to four kids under four. She seems to be the most secure in her marriage and strives to find peace with things that happen in her life. I tried to find a character to identify with and it was tough because they each have a little piece of me.
I really liked this idea. Instead of just reading and living life vicariously through fictional characters, these women decide to take a challenge to help them experience new things. They each take turns choosing something that goes with each letter of the alphabet--for example, "G" for glow-in-the-dark golf, which was my favorite because I laughed so hard what happened. This challenge really stretched them and forced them to re-evaluate their lives and to rediscover themselves. I laughed, I cried, and felt everything in between. Not only is the story entertaining, but I found myself thinking about my life and the changes I can make to make life better. It really is easy to get stuck in doing the same old thing day in and day out, year after year. I really enjoyed it all!
Content: mild language; mild religious elements (a verse of scripture helps a character and it mentions them attending church); mild romance; no violence. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
July 10, 2015
The Secret Life of Book Club by Heather Woodhaven is the perfect book for any Mom who feels like she is in a rut and wonders what would happen if she could get herself pushed out (way out) of that rut. In this novel, a group of women morphs their book club into an A - Z challenge. They pick something new to try for each letter of the alphabet and hilarity ensues.
There were portions of this book that hit, well, a little too close to home. When you are a Mom and your life is so intertwined with that of your children that you begin to lose sight of who you are, it can be terrifying. Now, I handle this differently than the characters in this book do, but that doesn't make either choice a wrong one.
In addition to hitting close to home, The Secret Life of Book Club had a few portions that had me laughing out loud. Now how often does that happen while reading? At other times, the characters seemed a little over-dramatic, but that is coming from a pragmatist, so take it with a grain of salt!
If your life seems like a chain of "work, kids, not enough sleep, work, kids, not enough sleep, work, kids, not enough sleep," with no end in sight, you will really get a kick out of how far these women go to get a jump start and feel truly alive again. The characters seem like people you could really know in your own life, but with just enough extra to make them jump off the page. Pick up a copy!
{Find this review, and more, on my blog, Plan to Happy (www.plantohappy.com). I was sent a complimentary Advanced Reading Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.}
There were portions of this book that hit, well, a little too close to home. When you are a Mom and your life is so intertwined with that of your children that you begin to lose sight of who you are, it can be terrifying. Now, I handle this differently than the characters in this book do, but that doesn't make either choice a wrong one.
In addition to hitting close to home, The Secret Life of Book Club had a few portions that had me laughing out loud. Now how often does that happen while reading? At other times, the characters seemed a little over-dramatic, but that is coming from a pragmatist, so take it with a grain of salt!
If your life seems like a chain of "work, kids, not enough sleep, work, kids, not enough sleep, work, kids, not enough sleep," with no end in sight, you will really get a kick out of how far these women go to get a jump start and feel truly alive again. The characters seem like people you could really know in your own life, but with just enough extra to make them jump off the page. Pick up a copy!
{Find this review, and more, on my blog, Plan to Happy (www.plantohappy.com). I was sent a complimentary Advanced Reading Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.}
February 11, 2015
If an author is unknown to me, I read the sample of the beginning of the book – not really to see if I will like the storyline, but mainly to see if I enjoy the writing style. Sadly, nearly all of them fall flat. Most of the time there is too much telling and not enough doing. This is the first sample that actually led me to purchase the entire book. As soon as I read the bit about Kate and the Christmas card, I knew I had to keep reading.
What did I enjoy about the book? The characters felt real – I could imagine myself having neighbors like these. The situations they found themselves in were things that could happen in everyday life. Jeanine, Paula, Anne and Kate were far from perfect – and I found that absolutely refreshing. There were funny moments and endearing moments, and at the end I found myself tearing up a bit. When I stopped to question myself as to why that was happening, I decided it was just because these ladies WERE, and I got to know them, and I was grateful.
So, what bothered me about the book? Just when I would get really invested in a character’s story, the point of view would change to another character and leave me hanging. The suspense was killing me!
Thank you, Heather, for a great story. Reading it preempted writing my own last night, and that rarely happens.
What did I enjoy about the book? The characters felt real – I could imagine myself having neighbors like these. The situations they found themselves in were things that could happen in everyday life. Jeanine, Paula, Anne and Kate were far from perfect – and I found that absolutely refreshing. There were funny moments and endearing moments, and at the end I found myself tearing up a bit. When I stopped to question myself as to why that was happening, I decided it was just because these ladies WERE, and I got to know them, and I was grateful.
So, what bothered me about the book? Just when I would get really invested in a character’s story, the point of view would change to another character and leave me hanging. The suspense was killing me!
Thank you, Heather, for a great story. Reading it preempted writing my own last night, and that rarely happens.
February 26, 2015
This is a book about life. Yes, I generally avoid those books too. :) I figure I read to escape my life not embrace it! Yet, when I started reading this book I knew right away I was holding something special.
These are not characters you can ignore on the pages of a book, because they are people you know. Your best friend, your sister, your neighbor, or the PTO mom that you prefer to avoid when you see her at the grocery store. When you read this book, you will relate to the stories and the struggles will become real, because they are things you deal with in everyday life. The difference is Heather’s amazing sense of humor. I love love love her humor. I’ll be honest not everyone can write humor. I can’t. It takes a real talent to make the flu funny or working in a food truck, wait.. that last one could be funny. Just wait and see….
The one and ONLY downside to this book was the sheer number of characters. It took me a few chapters before I could keep them all straight in my head, but I’m so glad I stayed with it. I loved each of these women and when I finished reading the book I felt like I was leaving behind a friend.
I hope Heather has plans to write a follow-up, because I think readers are going to demand it.
These are not characters you can ignore on the pages of a book, because they are people you know. Your best friend, your sister, your neighbor, or the PTO mom that you prefer to avoid when you see her at the grocery store. When you read this book, you will relate to the stories and the struggles will become real, because they are things you deal with in everyday life. The difference is Heather’s amazing sense of humor. I love love love her humor. I’ll be honest not everyone can write humor. I can’t. It takes a real talent to make the flu funny or working in a food truck, wait.. that last one could be funny. Just wait and see….
The one and ONLY downside to this book was the sheer number of characters. It took me a few chapters before I could keep them all straight in my head, but I’m so glad I stayed with it. I loved each of these women and when I finished reading the book I felt like I was leaving behind a friend.
I hope Heather has plans to write a follow-up, because I think readers are going to demand it.
July 16, 2015
I think Woodhaven has an exceptional knack for capturing the joys and pains of being a 30-something wife and mother in middle-class America today. Many women in that place will relate strongly to these characters. Like ensemble women's fiction? This is the book for you -- perfect for a summer read, and better yet, for a summer book club...
February 8, 2017
The book is entertaining and I did enjoy the challenge, although not exactly reading related. One of the questions in the Book Club Questions was "Which character do you relate to the most?". I have no children and am in a very stable, communicative marriage. It was hard for me to relate to any of these ladies. Therefore, 3 stars instead of more.
April 2, 2015
Really good. Hard to put down!
January 25, 2016
I enjoyed every minute of this book- I was sad when it ended- it left me yearning for a book club of my own and reminded me the importance of friendships as we journey through this life.
September 11, 2017
STORY-LINE THE SECRET LIFE OF BOOK CLUB BY HEATHER WOODHAVEN:
In The Secret Life of Book Club, four neighbors formed a book club two years ago. Living life day-to-day, same old, same old, Jeanine decides to mix things up. Suggesting each week, rather than read about adventure, they should participate in an adventure. Something each woman had wanted and never done. So, Anne, Paula, Jeanine, and Kate set out on an adventure of renewal, discovery, and perhaps, deep lasting friendship. But things will become complicated before long as family dynamics and relationships come into play. My inspirational romance book reviews of The Secret Life Of Book Club follows.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:
Heather Woodhaven created an intensely introspective story in The Secret Life Of Book Club. Each woman's family, dreams, past, and problems, high-lighted skillfully by Woodhaven, made a book I could not put down. The four find, although neighbors and members of the same neighborhood book club, they did not really know each other. Whether single mothers, harassed mothers, divorced, or just plain taken for granted, each woman will find encouragement, renewal, and companionship. They find the rut they're stick in, is no more; they learn to live life rather than exist day-to-day in the endless round of domesticity.
At times funny, I laughed out loud; then other times in tears, as Woodhaven skillfully developed the story-line. Heather Woodhaven aptly penned the rut we can all get into as we journey through marriage and friendship; life can become dull, boring, and the same day after day as we battle through. Woodhaven skillfully shows there is much more to life and we should live life to the fullest each day. Live to the fullest, these ladies do, as they try things I never would have thought about. But at home family dynamics came in to play; drama, male mid-life crisis, taco trucks, police chases, decisions made that can not be unmade, and so much more. Woodhaven skillfully matured and renewed the characters through it all as she packed this story with emotion; revealing secrets, ambitions, and forming lasting bonds.
With well-rounded believable characters, plotting which will hold you spell-bound, and pacing perfect for the length of the book, I found The Secret Life Of Book Club a wonderful read. Woodhaven's scenes transitioned smoothly from scene to scene; each chapter's dedicate to one of the ladies. I found myself involved in their lives, felt their emotional highs and lows, and found myself rooting for each one of these ladies. What a story! Go ahead and get the box of Kleenex ready, as you will need them. I would not hesitate to buy this book for myself or a friend. This is a clean read suitable for anyone.
THE SECRET LIFE OF BOOK CLUB RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4.5
My featured book of the month's usually only one outstanding book, however, the Secret Life Of Book Club's highly deserving and will be in my featured book of the month for September. You will find two book under the month of September, 2017. Please click tab at top of page for featured book of the month selections.
FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:
Additionally, I borrowed this book from kindle unlimited and received this book from the author. I chose to voluntarily review the book with honest contemporary inspirational romance book reviews. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. In addition, no one influences my voluntary contemporary inspirational romance book reviews.
In The Secret Life of Book Club, four neighbors formed a book club two years ago. Living life day-to-day, same old, same old, Jeanine decides to mix things up. Suggesting each week, rather than read about adventure, they should participate in an adventure. Something each woman had wanted and never done. So, Anne, Paula, Jeanine, and Kate set out on an adventure of renewal, discovery, and perhaps, deep lasting friendship. But things will become complicated before long as family dynamics and relationships come into play. My inspirational romance book reviews of The Secret Life Of Book Club follows.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:
Heather Woodhaven created an intensely introspective story in The Secret Life Of Book Club. Each woman's family, dreams, past, and problems, high-lighted skillfully by Woodhaven, made a book I could not put down. The four find, although neighbors and members of the same neighborhood book club, they did not really know each other. Whether single mothers, harassed mothers, divorced, or just plain taken for granted, each woman will find encouragement, renewal, and companionship. They find the rut they're stick in, is no more; they learn to live life rather than exist day-to-day in the endless round of domesticity.
At times funny, I laughed out loud; then other times in tears, as Woodhaven skillfully developed the story-line. Heather Woodhaven aptly penned the rut we can all get into as we journey through marriage and friendship; life can become dull, boring, and the same day after day as we battle through. Woodhaven skillfully shows there is much more to life and we should live life to the fullest each day. Live to the fullest, these ladies do, as they try things I never would have thought about. But at home family dynamics came in to play; drama, male mid-life crisis, taco trucks, police chases, decisions made that can not be unmade, and so much more. Woodhaven skillfully matured and renewed the characters through it all as she packed this story with emotion; revealing secrets, ambitions, and forming lasting bonds.
With well-rounded believable characters, plotting which will hold you spell-bound, and pacing perfect for the length of the book, I found The Secret Life Of Book Club a wonderful read. Woodhaven's scenes transitioned smoothly from scene to scene; each chapter's dedicate to one of the ladies. I found myself involved in their lives, felt their emotional highs and lows, and found myself rooting for each one of these ladies. What a story! Go ahead and get the box of Kleenex ready, as you will need them. I would not hesitate to buy this book for myself or a friend. This is a clean read suitable for anyone.
THE SECRET LIFE OF BOOK CLUB RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4.5
My featured book of the month's usually only one outstanding book, however, the Secret Life Of Book Club's highly deserving and will be in my featured book of the month for September. You will find two book under the month of September, 2017. Please click tab at top of page for featured book of the month selections.
FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:
Additionally, I borrowed this book from kindle unlimited and received this book from the author. I chose to voluntarily review the book with honest contemporary inspirational romance book reviews. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. In addition, no one influences my voluntary contemporary inspirational romance book reviews.
May 5, 2020
Cute premise of a book club trying to expand their experiences and spice up their lives. But though they start the A-Z challenge as a fun thing, it has unforeseen repercussions in their friendships and marriages. Kind of slow and difficult to keep the ladies and their families straight, but it had a nice HEA ending.
It's better to just be open in your rebuke, your scolding, your complaints, than keep your love a secret. or Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Proverbs 27:5
Likes:
* Friendships and book club
Dislikes:
* Book club of 4 is kind of small
* Marital problems
* Book club reading slows down
Inside jokes:
With-reservations:
marital problems, financial problems, secrets, bullying, nudity
Seattle ~ Anne's mother lives in Seattle
A-Z Challenge:
It's better to just be open in your rebuke, your scolding, your complaints, than keep your love a secret. or Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Proverbs 27:5
Likes:
* Friendships and book club
Dislikes:
* Book club of 4 is kind of small
* Marital problems
* Book club reading slows down
Inside jokes:
With-reservations:
marital problems, financial problems, secrets, bullying, nudity
Seattle ~ Anne's mother lives in Seattle
A-Z Challenge:
October 8, 2024
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. First of all, I'm always hesitant to read indie authors. I'm always worried they will fall short of industry standards. And yes, this book has its share of typos. At least twice, the author switched from 3rd person to 1st person. It can be distracting.
And yet, I still loved the writing. The characters felt believable. The dialogue was good. I enjoyed the arcs and development. Heather Woodhaven is very talented. She just needs a professional proofreader because, no matter how good you are at writing, you simply cannot proof your own work.
Secondly, I did not appreciate the early implication that a simple, quiet life is mundane and undesirable. It made me question the culture we live in, and the pressure to excel. The need for self-actualization is not about how many adventures we go on. We're not wasting our lives if we choose peace and calm over excitement and adrenaline.
But ultimately, I think that was the author's message, and Jeanine comes to realize that over the course of her journey. It's good character development, and I'm glad Jeanine gets there.
I really enjoyed spending my time with these four characters and their families. A lot of the drama was between the women and their husbands, but the author made it real. The husbands felt as fully developed as their wives. They weren't treated as incompetent or antagonistic, just flawed like everyone else, and I appreciated that.
The only thing I would have added would be therapy for Paula. I don't want to give too much away, but she is grieving, and she clearly hasn't healed. If she can't even share such a big secret with her own husband, then she is still in the thick of her mourning, and therapy would be so good for her.
Other than that, I loved this book. It's one I would happily reread.
And yet, I still loved the writing. The characters felt believable. The dialogue was good. I enjoyed the arcs and development. Heather Woodhaven is very talented. She just needs a professional proofreader because, no matter how good you are at writing, you simply cannot proof your own work.
Secondly, I did not appreciate the early implication that a simple, quiet life is mundane and undesirable. It made me question the culture we live in, and the pressure to excel. The need for self-actualization is not about how many adventures we go on. We're not wasting our lives if we choose peace and calm over excitement and adrenaline.
But ultimately, I think that was the author's message, and Jeanine comes to realize that over the course of her journey. It's good character development, and I'm glad Jeanine gets there.
I really enjoyed spending my time with these four characters and their families. A lot of the drama was between the women and their husbands, but the author made it real. The husbands felt as fully developed as their wives. They weren't treated as incompetent or antagonistic, just flawed like everyone else, and I appreciated that.
The only thing I would have added would be therapy for Paula. I don't want to give too much away, but she is grieving, and she clearly hasn't healed. If she can't even share such a big secret with her own husband, then she is still in the thick of her mourning, and therapy would be so good for her.
Other than that, I loved this book. It's one I would happily reread.
October 10, 2017
Fun idea, but just too many unbelievable details that prevented me from really loving the novel.
First of all: four women with families and jobs and/or volunteer responsibilities. And they can just impromptu plan outings multiple times a month? Friends and I struggle to find a time to fit in coffee and a chat! The women say how busy they are, but the reality of that is not shown in this book.
Next, can we just talk about how much these women do NOT talk to their husbands? Everyone has secrets, and apparently that's not a dealbreaker (and there are some pretty major things being hidden by both husbands and wives). Very dramatic for purposes of the book, but nothing but heartache in reality. There was one element that really got me, though.
There were other things that bothered me, too ("An elephant sanctuary? I had no idea this was here!" Seriously? A project like that, particularly in the Boise area, would have been BIG news. Construction, having the animals arrive, etc would all have been covered. Would have been so much more believable to just say, "Ooh, I've been wanting to check this place out!")
Despite all that, I didn't hate the book. I think there are many of us who would love to be part of a group like this - friends who support as well as challenge us.
First of all: four women with families and jobs and/or volunteer responsibilities. And they can just impromptu plan outings multiple times a month? Friends and I struggle to find a time to fit in coffee and a chat! The women say how busy they are, but the reality of that is not shown in this book.
Next, can we just talk about how much these women do NOT talk to their husbands? Everyone has secrets, and apparently that's not a dealbreaker (and there are some pretty major things being hidden by both husbands and wives). Very dramatic for purposes of the book, but nothing but heartache in reality. There was one element that really got me, though.
There were other things that bothered me, too ("An elephant sanctuary? I had no idea this was here!" Seriously? A project like that, particularly in the Boise area, would have been BIG news. Construction, having the animals arrive, etc would all have been covered. Would have been so much more believable to just say, "Ooh, I've been wanting to check this place out!")
Despite all that, I didn't hate the book. I think there are many of us who would love to be part of a group like this - friends who support as well as challenge us.
July 5, 2020
There were so many characters in this book. Four main characters, their spouses or love interests, and their children, plus a large supporting cast. My head was swimming for the first half and I had to finally take notes to remember who was whom. However, the ending is very satisfying and if you've still got a super-elastic set of synapses, you'll probably have less trouble than me (four kids takes a toll).
Sweet story, lots of tears, some dig-deep issues and I love that three of the four ladies dealt with "the in-between" when your children are still growing and you're so tired you don't know what to do. BUT, you feel yourself and your spouse changing...will you still be compatible when you hit the finish-line and those kids are grown? Great topic.
Sweet story, lots of tears, some dig-deep issues and I love that three of the four ladies dealt with "the in-between" when your children are still growing and you're so tired you don't know what to do. BUT, you feel yourself and your spouse changing...will you still be compatible when you hit the finish-line and those kids are grown? Great topic.
September 23, 2017
I loved this book so very much, I may have to buy it for my friends. There are a number of books out there about moms who have mid-life crises and need to do something new, but this story really grabbed more more than most. The narration rotates between four engaging POVs, and manages to be both funny and painful together, in the same way that “I Don’t Know How She Does It” was for the power-businesswoman crowd. This book touches on tensions in marriages, and the very real loneliness of being a middle-aged mom, with satisfying resolution at the end that isn’t overly saccharine.
November 18, 2016
I like the concept of the book. I was interested right a way and thought the A-Z challenge was a great idea and I had high hopes for it. And that part was good but the problems these four women had did not hold my interest so I actually skipped a lot and wasn't really happy with the book all in all.
June 10, 2017
Easy read that had some suprisingly deep themes that resonated with me and my life right now; being a mom and wife but wanting to be more - a better friend, an adventurer, a person that is pursuing their passion. I really liked that the discussions, the arguments, and the reactions the characters had were so realistic.
October 17, 2017
True to life adventures of lifelike women. Life has a way of getting inn the way of adventures unless you learn to make life itself the adventure it is supposed to be. Abandoning shyness and critical attitudes does much to make life an adventure.
Life becomes more alive for the book club members as they launch into their adventures. Ordinary women, as much as any life is ordinary, becomes extraordinary as they expand horizons.
Life becomes more alive for the book club members as they launch into their adventures. Ordinary women, as much as any life is ordinary, becomes extraordinary as they expand horizons.
May 23, 2020
A fun read
I enjoyed reading about the adventures of the book club, but I had a hard time keeping track of which character was which until I was almost at the end of the book. I loved that these four women had such a lovely friendship with each other and that their families were important to them.
I enjoyed reading about the adventures of the book club, but I had a hard time keeping track of which character was which until I was almost at the end of the book. I loved that these four women had such a lovely friendship with each other and that their families were important to them.
January 2, 2021
3.5 This was a cute story about friendships formed in book club - although they didn’t seem to spend much time reading books :). I liked how they came together to try new things and it made me sad that our book club can’t even meet in person right now. I also liked how their friendships grew and they supported each other throughout each challenge.
January 16, 2022
Woodhaven gives us a glimpse into the lives of five women wanting more out of their lives. Each of these ladies have discovered that true friendships take work to go beyond the surface. I so enjoyed the journey with these women. I highly recommend this novel.
Recommend to readers who enjoy women's fiction.
I won a copy. I've expressed my honest opinion.
Recommend to readers who enjoy women's fiction.
I won a copy. I've expressed my honest opinion.
May 26, 2020
Love, love, love this book!!
This book is amazing!! Talk about rekindling passions, rediscovering yourself, building friendships, it makes you want to do what these ladies have done! And it all stems from a book club. I can't wait to read the next one!
This book is amazing!! Talk about rekindling passions, rediscovering yourself, building friendships, it makes you want to do what these ladies have done! And it all stems from a book club. I can't wait to read the next one!
May 13, 2017
Very interesting characters and story. Laughter, tears and day to day life experiences are found in this story. I enjoyed reading this one and look forward to more stories by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews