The Hole in the Middle

by Kate Hilton

The heartfelt and hilarious, international bestselling debut about having it all without losing your mind.

Sophie Whelan is the kind of woman who prides herself on doing it all. In a single day, she can host a vegan-friendly and lactose-free dinner for ten, thwart a PTA president intent on forcing her to volunteer, and outwit her hostile ‘assistant’ in order to get her work done on time.

With her fortieth birthday looming, and her carefully coordinated existence beginning to come apart at the seams, Sophie begins feeling like she needs more from her life—and especially from her husband, Jesse.

The last thing Sophie needs is a new complication in her life. But when an opportunity from her past suddenly reappears, Sophie is forced to confront the choices she’s made and decide if her chaotic life is really a dream come true—or the biggest mistake she’s ever made…

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Humor, Book Club, Womens Fiction, Romance

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 23, 2013

About the author

KATE HILTON is a bestselling Canadian writer. Her fiction includes City of the Muse, The Hole in the Middle, Just Like Family, and Better Luck Next Time. She is also the co-author, with Elizabeth Renzetti, of the Quill and Packet mystery series, including Bury the Lead and Widows and Orphans. When not writing, Kate maintains an active psychotherapy practice, with a particular focus on personal reinvention and life transitions. She lives with her family in Toronto.

Reviews

[Catherine McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun look into the life of someone who thought she had it had all ... then realized she did.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sophie Whelan is approaching her 40th birthday and seems to have it all. The terrible boss, a distracted husband, childcare issues, problematic employees and worries about whether her parenting skills are up to scratch. Sophie finds herself close to the edge and on the verge of a midlife crisis. Then in steps Will Shannon, the great unresolved love of her life. The unexpected return of Will throws Sophie back into the past and memories of their college romance, forcing her to confront the choices she has made in life and in love and to re-evaluate what it is that she does really want?

What can I say, I enjoyed this book from the first page and literally could not put it down at times; it was smart, poignant and laugh-out-loud. The characters are easy to relate to, especially Sophie as a full time working mum and the worries this entails. Then comes the memories of her great-unrequited love interest Will and the effect this still has on her as she approaches 40. I loved how this book moved back and forth between the present and her past, and the few surprise twists that happened along the way.

The Hole in The Middle is a well-written and refreshing read that will have you hooked from start to finish. Definitely a book to be added to your “to be read” pile this

[AngryGreyCat · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was an Amazon freebie. I will say that it was a well written book which often is not the case with Amazon free books. The book has a cheerful cover and I started it thinking, chick lit/women’s fiction light kind of thing…no, not exactly. Everyone is miserable and stressed out. The main character’s life is an essay on everything that can go wrong with a dual working couple’s life. Sophie, her husband, her children, her mother, her co-workers, basically everyone is miserable. There is no humor to soften the misery. This is a very realistic portrayal of failure in a marriage, a family, a life.

So, if that part of the book is the doughy part of the doughnut, then the feminist manifesto parts are probably the sprinkles on top, which only leaves the chocolate frosting. That is where the light read, chick lit piece comes into play. The uber rich fairy godmother type who swoops in at the end and makes everything better after admitting she meddled around with questionable results back in the beginning.

I’m really torn about this book. I’m not so sure that the three parts work so well together, but the writer does write well. I think it is just so depressing in the beginning, it doesn’t achieve that angsty kind of misery balanced by humor that other chick lits seem to excel at. Then, the mood shift at the end seems almost jarring in contrast, like reading two separate books. Maybe it just wasn’t the book for me. I thought I was getting a light, escapist read and this is not that, for most of the book.

[Karine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hole in the Middle is a vivid and insightful portrayal of a professional woman struggling to balance work and family and reminiscing about her college days. I particularly enjoyed the college days because they have a fairy tale like quality, complete with a wealthy "fairy grandmother." The aggravations of work, on the other hand, were so fully expressed that they were a little annoying to read. While this book lacks the frivolity associated with chick lit (a good thing), I do think that women will enjoy it more than men.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilton has an easy style of writing that makes her book enjoyable. Sophie is a likable character who laughs at herself and lets the reader in on the humor. This novel is sure to be a popular summer read.
Read my review at http://pennyformythoughts-nona.blogsp...

[Jess · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bought this book because of all the 5-star reviews...BIG mistake! Kept reading to try to figure out what everyone liked about it?
Conclusion: Stiff characters. Predictable plot. Nothing new.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sophie Whelan is the epitome of the modern superwoman. When she operates at peak performance, she can cajole balky employees, soothe her cranky children, troubleshoot career disasters, throw a dinner party for ten and draft an upbeat Christmas letter—all in the same day.

But as Sophie's fortieth birthday looms, her seamless life reveals disturbing web-like fractures. Conflict with her boss, blossoming jealousy of her husband's femme fatale business partner and her feelings of hopeless inadequacy as a mother and daughter are cracking the edifice of her life.

Rescue may be at hand when Lillian Parker, a wealthy widow who befriended Sophie during her university days, makes Sophie an irresistible offer. Why, then, does Sophie hesitate? The answer is the reappearance of Lillian's nephew, Will Shannon, the great unresolved love of Sophie's life. As she remembers the vivid drama of their college romance, Sophie confronts the choices she has made in life and in love and looks for the answer to a question that has always troubled her: What does she really want?

The Hole in the Middle is a heartbreaking love story, a laugh-out-loud portrayal of the twin demands of work and family and a fresh take on the hot debate about having it all. It is not to be missed

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story brings to mind the phrase . . . "Be careful what you ask for." The main character, Sophie, is moving up the corporate ladder, married, a mother to two little boys, friends and colleagues but she seems to still be in want of fulfillment and happiness. (The "rat race" of the younger generation.)
There were moments of laughter and times when I was so thankful to be at an age where many of Sophie's dilemmas are now in my past.
One of the best parts of reading is when I come across a nugget of wisdom and think . . . Oh that is good! Some in this book were:
1) "The past is always with us. But it doesn't have to drive all of our decisions. Scars or not, you need to live your life."
2) "My young friends give me such a healthy perspective on life."
3) "I think you might feel better if you could come to grips with the fact that you are not in control of everything."
I especially appreciated the explanation for the naming of the book - the generation of 35-40 year olds is "the donut years". The first half of life is about getting as far away from your past as you can. And then, just when you've established yourself as a full-fledged adult, a hole opens up in the middle of life and the past comes rushing back in. Interesting thought!

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved my look at the corporate world, from the viewpoint of a woman who is trying to do it all. She's an executive in a large hospital as well as being a wife, mother, and friend. She is struggling to be it all for all those people in her life who are counting on her.

More alarming, I can feel an aching weariness in my chest. I've noticed it with some regularity lately, and it makes me nervous. Some days it's just a knot of anxiety, but today it feels like the hole in the middle of a donut: empty but for the wind whistling through it.

I love it when I find that little tidbit that ties the title to the story.

Sophie is having a difficult time in her marriage, her family life (kiddos and mother issues), her job, (her boss and her assistants are both an issue). She muddles through it but eventually has to stop and figure out what is really important.

Part of the story is told in flashbacks to the time when she was a student at university. The people she knew then are still a big part of her life now. I really liked that part of the story. The flashbacks give the reader a sense of how Sophie got to be where she is now and to understand how important all of these people are to her.

I absolutely loved Lillian, the elderly widow who knew Sophie way back when and is still involved in her life. She does whatever she wants to and has fun doing it. She also shares her thoughts about the 'hole in the middle' - that stage of life called 'the donut years'. I want to have a Lillian in my life!

One of my favorite passages is this one. Such wisdom.

'With love, it's not the why the matters. It's the how. It's the million of ways we reach out and connect with the people we love and try to make them happy and protect them from harm.'

I love Kate's writing and really enjoyed reading The Hole in the Middle. I look forward to reading whatever she writes next.

[Kathryn Laceby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes

Kate Hilton’s novel was completely engrossing and all consuming- I felt like she was talking directly to me. I won’t pretend that I’m half as busy with a career as Sophie and I don’t have to negotiate some of the things she had to with her husband. But even without an office to go to I do find that the negotiation of timing regards to child care with your spouse takes over your life even more than the children themselves invariably do.

I loved that Sophie was a force to be reckoned with at her job and wished for her that she could take a little space to enjoy the amazing things in her life. Her mother’s little probes into her taking care of herself rang so true with me too- every parent has to balance their responsibilities with their family time and The Hole In The Middle really explored every aspect of this while remaining incredibly funny. Sophie’s internal rating system to prioritize an action was hysterical- I don’t think I have the head space (even on a good day) to add up those numbers and come up with an action plan! It just goes to show how many things run through women’s heads! The most intense stress is obviously with Sophie’s husband but it’s so far down on the totem pole of things to deal with that it doesn’t become clear until the end of the novel that they’re not even aware of the other’s stresses. That easily happens in my house so I’m sure we’re not the only ones getting buried beneath our own “stuff”.

I laughed out loud a lot reading about Sophie’s life (and then got worried about the stress we’re all under!) - I am so pleased I read it and should probably re-read it every year as a bench mark on how we’re all managing our loads in our house. With all the joy in the things we do there should be an equal moment to sit back and enjoy it.

Thank you to HarperCollins Canada for our review copy. All opinions are our own.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story Description:
HarperCollines|November 4, 2013|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-1-44342-953-5
Sophie Whelan is the epitome of the modern superwoman. When she operates at peak performance, she can cajole balky employees, soothe her cranky children, troubleshoot career disasters, throw a dinner party for ten and draft an upbeat Christmas letter - all in the same day.
But as Sophie's fortieth birthday looms, her seamless life reveals disturbing web-like fractures. Conflict with her boss, blosdsoming jealousy of her husband's femme fatale business partner and her feelings of hopeless inadequacy as a mother and daughter are cracking the edifice of her life.
Rescue may be at hand when Lillian Parker, a wealthy widow who befriended Sophie during her university days makes Sophie an irresistible offer. Why then does Sophie hesitate? The answer is the reappearance of Lillian's nephew, Will Shannon, the great unresolved love of Sophie's life. As she remembers the vivid dreams of their college romance, Sophie confronts the choices she has made in life and in love and looks for the one answer that has always eluded her: what does she really want?
THE HOLE IN THE MIDDLE is a heartbreaking love story, a laugh-outloud portrayal of the twin demands of work and family and a fresh take on the hot debate about having it all. It is not to be missed.
My Review:
I don't think there is much I can add to the above synopsis. It does a great job of describing the story which was extremely enjoyable.

[Carol Balawyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Hilton’s protagonist, Sophie Whelan-Walker is exhausted from struggling with her life as career woman, mother of two children and wife to a man whose own career is on the up and expects Sophie to sort out the domestic part of their lives without him. After all, he has important meetings with investors to attend to.
Everyone (her mother, the women in her book club, her boos, the people she supervises, parents at her son’s school…) want a piece of her time.
What I liked about the novel, besides its upscale tone, is that Sophie really tries hard to be good at whatever she does. That she sees herself as inadequate in the pressures of her role and efforts to keep from sinking keeps us emotionally invested in her story. We root for her – or at least I did – as someone intimate: your friend, your sister or even you.
Don’t let the cute girly covers (and yes, there are at least three different covers) of the book fool you. This is no flaky chick-lit novel. Although it does have its moments of heartwarming humor and the injection of romance - the trademarks of chick lit - the seriousness of the issues faced by Hilton’s protagonist and her exquisite language place it more in the literary women’s fiction genre.
It’s her debut novel and I’m certainly looking forward to reading more of her.

[Bonnie Goldberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilton has an uncanny ability to take what we are all secretly thinking and turn it into a readable, thought-provoking and humorous novel. When I say, “we”, I am referring of course to those of us who are thirty-and-forty something mothers, daughters, wives, employees, and friends. Hilton artfully weaves the contemporary story of Sophie’s spiraling descent into a blur of work, relationships, and responsibilities, artfully with the story of what made Sophie the woman she is today. We go back in time with her to some of her most formative moments – a young woman in college – giving the reader insight and understanding into the woman she has become today. We root with Sophie as she looks for and finds the inner strength she will need to navigate the challenges of her current path. For any woman, who has ever thought, “Why can’t I just lie down?” and realized that it is because someone somewhere is relying on you to do something, this book is for you. A funny, poignant, smartly written read.

[Melissa (Always Behind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
Hilton reaches right into the hearts, minds and insecurities of women and lets them know that they aren’t alone in their struggles. There is something in Sophie that everyone will identify with — sometimes painfully — and seeing her come to terms with her life will give hope that it can happen for all. The friendships, work relationships and struggles are so beautifully depicted that you will want to read it again to pick up on the wisdom you missed the first time through.
Sophie Whelan seems to have it all: a loving husband, two fantastic children, a meaningful career and good friends. Yet Sophie can’t seem to keep things in balance, and things are missed, forgotten and done haphazardly. When Will Shannon, the man Sophie views as “the one that got away,” re-enters her life, she must decide whether she wants to see where things go with him or try to fix her already chaotic existence. Is it possible to reinvent her life? Does she even want to?
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...

[Jan farnworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can best be described at a cozy summer read or light hearted read that perfect for cozying up with before bed. It tells the story of mom who is trying balance her busy work life with the demands of being a wife and mother of two young kids.

The story goes between current time line and previous time line of university days. It was a comfortable read that had a good amount of story to be told with a nice twist at the end that makes you really look at the story in a whole new light.

Their a good amount of scences that i was able to identify with as the lady in her late 30’s as am i. I found her easy to identify with and was invested in where the story was going. It the perfect read if your in the mood for a light hearted sweet read.

[Sandra Hutchison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, thoughtful, funny, heartfelt women's fiction, cleverly plotted and very well written. My favorite parts were the awful work experiences that gave me flashbacks to some of my worst days in the corporate world (but made them a lot funnier). I didn't sink into it quite as much as I wished, distracted as I was by watching the author's ambitious construction techniques, but that's just me and the hazard of being a fellow writer. Readers -- especially over-burdened professional moms -- should thoroughly enjoy it.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time relating to this book, perhaps because I have never felt the need to "have it all". I am not career driven, and in fact, stayed at home with my children until they were all in school. I didn't connect with the characters at all. I did enjoy some of the humourous aspects of the story, though. Some of the reflections on marriage were interesting and I was able to relate to that. All in all, this wasn't a bad book, just not the book for me...

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I liked it. I enjoyed reading the frenzy in her life and the struggles she dealt with at work were very relatable. I think the ending was a little too neatly wrapped up which made it a bit disappointing.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly enjoyable read, and some fun innuendos that may - or may not - be related to Kate's time in Development at UofT.

[Courtney Novak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written, smart, funny - the perfect book to inhale on a Sunday when I'm stuck in bed with wicked PMS. The ending was very satisfying and I loved the cast of characters.

[Court · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reviewed this book at MustReadBooksOrDie with my friend Shelley.

Shel: This was a refreshing change from some of the things we've read lately. Our protagonist is a 39 year old woman--married with 2 young sons, and a stressful job. The narrative goes between her last year in college and the last few months of her 30's.

Shel: I think many women who have a spouse, kids, and are stressed out at work can identify with the anxiety and exhaustion that Sophie exhibits. I know I've had those moments --those moments when I feel like I'm barely holding my life together by my fingertips and any minute I may have a complete and utter meltdown. Kate Hilton captures those moments with the exact level of frustration and exasperation that I've felt. As a matter of fact sometimes when I was reading this novel, I felt my own anxiety levels rise just thinking about the events Sophie was experiencing.

Court: Girl, I've got the spouse and stress at work thing down pat, and I was utterly in awe of the dialogue between Sophie and Jesse and then the dealing of all of her co-workers. It is so true that this is a little bit different than what we normally read, because a lot of what is popular (and yes, we love it, so not knocking it) today is the gorgeous bad boy who stops his man whore existence to be with you and only you and the girl is breathtakingly beautiful, yada yada yada. In the craziness that is currently my life I appreciated this book so freaking much because it was real, and had heart, and even gave me a little bit of hope that I am in fact not crazy (although, eh, that might be debatable...but c'mon...dealing with the general public in healthcare is stick-a-pen-in-your-eye painful at times).

Shel: It was so nice to read something that I could identify with--the angst of being almost 40 and working your ass off to acquire what you have and looking around and wondering if this is all there is, how much longer can you sustain it, and if you had only done x, y, or z...how would life been better/different/easier/etc.? Then once that panic subsides, to have these perfectly wonderful moments of clarity, contentment, and joy is amazing.

Court: You are so right. I don't know how mom's today do it...there is so much going on all of the time...and if you're working: who's going to pick them up, what if they're sick, who calls in to work if they're sick, are you doing the right things, are they social enough, etc. ...I'm not a mom yet and I already feel the pressure of these things. Women are so quick, myself included sometimes, to judge each other and manipulate and overthink situations. I loved this book in its truth to the fact that we all have to face these things and it is ultimately about communication and openness with everyone around you albeit your spouse, parents, siblings, best friends, coworkers and even your children.

Shel: Enough about me...here are some other things that I think readers might like: Sophie's friend Zoe and the way she categorizes men/relationships, the relationship she has with her mom, Lil and her disguises and her manipulations, and the problematic coworkers--we've ALL been there, I think. Those all add to the humor and tension weaved throughout.

Court: I absolutely loved Zoe's classifications of what types of men we are looking for. The Jane Austen type person who is looking for the knight in shining armor to come and save the day but still prove that they see you as an equal partner in life and love...wow...could this have been written any more for me in my life? (Not that all of the situations are the same, but since I am currently preparing to leave my job of 5 years to go back for more nursing school, I can relate!) Her relationship with Lil was definitely a highlight as well. They have a long standing relationship where Lil is the one in a romantic comedy that doles out her epic life advice one teeny detail a time when you most need it and least expect it. Her manipulation of all of them in helping guide them to what they need, but still giving allowing for free will was profound. I want to be more like her.

Shel: Then, there is the Will/Jesse/Sophie tension--the ultimate did I marry THE one or did he get away? Sophie is married to Jesse but has questions about Will, the man she thought was her true love in college. Of course this questioning adds just one more level of stress to her already stressful life. I have to admit that the flashback/college Sophie was a bit sappy and naive--all of her thoughts on how men work, what they think, how love works was, at times, eye roll inducing but also sweet and funny. The overthinking/overanalyzing grown up Sophie is a step up from that but I found myself thinking...DON'T DO IT SOPHIE...don't throw away your marriage to pursue a 'what if'. The thing is she's tired and she and Jesse aren't firing on all cylinders and the miscommunications are messing with her thoughts on her marriage. Thankfully Zoe metaphorically bitch slaps her into reality and then Lil quietly nudges her in the right direction too.

Court: We had a long discussion about cheating in general this evening, and a little bit about it in the book sense where I really hate it, especially with it is giving me reasons to root for it. I hate that! But in a book it is justifiable, while real life..obvs not. I did not want that in any way for this story, or for those precious little boys. This whole plotline is perfectly paced, and got my heart racing just a bit, but did not reach Code Blue level angst, so I will just say....hang in there....yell at Sophie...yell at Jesse to pull his head out of his ass and help her...I just did a lot of yelling, okay! I had a little bit different outlook on the flashbacks....I liked them a lot in the sense that they weren't too long or too angst filled and gave us enough intrigue into the history of the relationships of these people to keep the pace going, but make me wonder numerous times how did they get from point A--to point B. And there is a teeny tiny twist at the end that had me shrieking and texting when I figured it out. It took forever to dawn on me, but I have to give a hearty golf clap up to Ms. Hilton for that one...kudos!

Shel: This book may not appeal to those much much younger because it may be hard to identify with the growing pains of almost 40--but I do think this book has a lot of wisdom and insight to offer. (It reminds me of the movie, This is 40--some of my younger friends just didn't get it yet....meanwhile my friends and I were laughing hysterically).

Court: I still need to watch This is 40! I loved this one because even though I'm 24, I'm married, I work...a lot...and sometimes it seems like everything is so damn perfect for everyone else. (So I am bitter that the motor has to be replaced in my car that I've only had a month...sorry I am projecting this on you fine people!) Anyways...it also could be that I have found I am at a new stage in life (I was really, really excited by how well my windshield wipers were when I replaced them....) where so many new and different things matter. I am hoping that I can get all this shit sorted out now, with the help of my wonderful friends (S, S, J & L) that when I get to this point I will be less crazy! Cheers to that...!

Shelley: 4 Stars
Courtney: 5 stars

[Dale L. Ricklefs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent on many levels. Though fictional, it describes beautifully and realistically:

a dysfunctional workplace;
contemporary business jargon meant to avoid actually working and communicating well;
the work/home conflict women attempt to manage;
women as people pleasers with a dash of expectations about others that just don't work out;
addiction to cell phones, texts, and email messages; and,
ultimately making choices for all the right reasons.

This is not to say that the character drove me crazy, probably because I don't view life and relationships in the same light as the character. On the other hand, there were intersections of experience the character and I do share. Where it was useful for me was that it helped me see how women I know who do this to themselves see the world and respond. That was very helpful.

Recommended for the younger women coming up the management and leader track, especially those with college degrees as there is terminology and concepts related to academia, who try to balance it all, have insufferable male bosses and incompetent coworkers, and a loving husband with a unrequited love lurking in the background.

[Mary(Beth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars because I at times I lost track of the timeline. This made it difficult to stay engaged. Throughout the story I could really identify with Sofie when I was a young mother of 3 and my husband was never home was crazy emergencies occurred! I could also identify with the Daycare owner as well. I had a family day home while my children were little so I could be a stay at home mom. Late pickups are the pits! I loved the relationship between Sofie and Aunt Lil. I think Aunt Lil was trying to get Sofie to see what an incredibly strong, capable and confident person she was. I cracked up at her antics in the board meetings when Aunt Lil pretended to be missing a few buttons to make Barry think she was not quite competent and could be easily swayed to vote for the candidate of his choice. In the last part of the book I was disappointed in Aunt Lil and Will for keeping Sofie in the dark about the secret of why Will avoided their past. I was gob smacked when I figured out the true identity of AJ at the end of the book. All in all it was a great story and a roller coaster of emotions.

[Amanda Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll start with the ending, because it deserves it: the ending was incredible. It was heartwarming, genuinely good-feeling, and felt exactly right.
The beginning, however, was difficult for me. It was extremely over-detailed and, at times, boring. I understand that this was intentional and meant to establish the monotony of the work life, but reading pages and pages of minute job details was a struggle. For me, the same point could have been made with about a third of that material.
The strongest parts of the book were the sections focused on the past and the moments with Lil. Those passages carried the most emotional weight and were the most engaging.
Overall, a mixed experience—but one that ultimately pays off if you make it to the end.

I would have given it a 2 but really the last few chapters were so good I gave it a 3 instead.

[Gwendolyn Broadmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hole in the Middle (what if the one who got away came back?) an insightful and witty novel, by Kate Hilton, is a treat. If you've ever juggled kids, a demanding job, a workaholic spouse, and a never-a-minute-in-the-day life this book is not to be missed. If you haven't been "there" yet, it's still okay to check in for a preview. I was delighted to find that the frantic, over-burdened life of Sophie Whelan, a forty-year-old executive (in a children's hospital), kept me riveted, alternating between laughter and sorrow, while passionately rooting for dear Sophie. Ms. Hilton is a gifted storyteller who shares wisdom with her readers. Save some moments for "The Hole in the Middle," you won't be sorry. Gwendolyn Broadmore, author of Life Came to a Standstill.

[Timber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book I picked up because it was so relatable. My 40th was around the same time and I can relate in terms of the career, kids, and just a million things to fit in. Along with the mid-life crisis/review of life...Is this all its going to be? Can it be better? Should I have made other choices? Can I make a better choice (daaa, that took a weirdly long time to make...??). And a happy ending, which is all we can wish for in our own lives when we make a big decision. The love stories were a little predictable. The main character could be quite frustrating. So a good quick read that was meh for me.

[Deirdre Crampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book resonated with me, as myself amongst so many women I know are all trying to have it all. The frustration and chaos of that sentiment is so well demonstrated with Sophie Whelan and the busy week during which the story is told. I loved the flashbacks and the ever eccentric character of Lilian, who wouldn’t love to have a Lilian on their life, she’s the fairy godmother of my dreams! I tore through this book and enjoyed all of it! Love that Kate is a local Toronto writer, would encourage everyone to give it a go!

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this contempory fiction about a women trying to balance work, motherhood, marraige friendships, and other aspects of her life. Entering her 40's, she experiences a midlife crisis and starts questioning her ability to deal with all her issuses and to question choices made in the past.
I think all working mothers and wives could relate to parts of this book.
The book is at times hilarious, or thought provoking.

[Jessica Toro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. I read a ton of books, but this random local library selection found itself in the right hands. I was caught-off guard laughing, my heart was touched, and the story was so raw, true, and relatable. Rarely do I read a book that I feel mirrors my own life in so many ways. I just loved it. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 stars!

[Bridget Nowicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oof. Rounding up from 2.5 stars. I forced myself to finish this with the hope that it would get better, that the main characters would finally un-ass themselves, and that lessons would be learned. All of that eventually happened, but this wasn't what I would call a pleasurable read.