Back to Life

Trophy Wives Club #2

by Kristin Billerbeck

Lindsay took to marriage like a starlet to stilettos, but her husband had a deeper love for his business. Left alone after his death, Lindsay must find out who she is when there isn't a party to plan or another person's life to be organized. Can she find her way Back to Life ? Lindsay realized when she married Ron, a man seventeen years her senior, that the odds were he'd see heaven before her, but she never expected to be a widow at thirty-five. She knows there's too much of life remaining for her to just sit around in mourning, but she can't seem to kick-start the rest of her life. Then unexpected help arrives...when Ron's first wife, Jane, shows up at Lindsay's front door. The executor of their late husband's estate, Jane is everything Lindsay's strong, stubborn, independent...and a lot older. There are other surprises as well, including Ron Jr. (whom Jane insists is not "really" Ron's son). But against all odds, a most unlikely friendship begins to develop—as each woman discovers how to own up to her past mistakes and to reevaluate what is really important. Told in the alternating voices of Jane and Lindsay, and featuring the return of many of the unforgettable characters introduced in The Trophy Wives Club , Back to Life is a lighthearted, relatable read about where to turn when life goes in a direction you never planned.

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Romance

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

About the author

About Kristin
I grew up with a strong sense of justice. I simply knew the way things should be. And since I’m not smart enough to be a district attorney, I am a novelist. My childhood was slightly confusing. I blame my parents for this. Oh heck, I’m going to blame them for everything. I think I would have turned out normal if it weren’t for them.
the billerbeck's

Okay, probably not. I am a fourth-generation Californian, and an American mutt, but identify most strongly with my Italian heritage. My mother’s family, of strong Norwegian/German descent, tried to teach me how to do things right. How to cook, clean, sew, budget accordingly – all the things a proper young girl should know to be a contributing member of society. I, however, failed miserably. For my 40th birthday, my grandmother gave me a cookie gun, so it’s clear she hasn’t given up on me yet! That is eternal optimism!

My dad’s Italian family taught me about the good life. The indulgent life. How to eat, shop and be merry. My Nana had very tiny feet and a penchant for shoes (she worked at the Emporium, no doubt to fund her shoe addiction). My afternoons at her house had no lessons, other than how to walk in her high heels, drape myself in her mink stole and drip myself with rhinestones. Tastefully, of course. I picked up on this lifestyle much quicker.

I graduated San Jose State University with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communications (emphasis in Advertising), gave my life to Jesus during college and found my true love in a Christian Singles’ Group, which yes, I skewer in “What a Girl Wants”. He is German. Practical. And a Contributing Member of Society. I am still Italian, fluffy and an aficionado of fine shoes & handbags.

Together, we have four children and now it’s our turn to confuse them. The circle of life. Dysfunctional family style.

Reviews

[Melissa (Always Behind) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute Christian chick lit, nothing surprising or earth shattering, but a fun way to spend an afternoon.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avon Inspire has done it again! One more fabulous book to add to my keep shelf, I have never read something from Avon Inspire that I was not in love with immediately. This is my first experience with Kristin Billerbeck and it was a great one, I'm definitely a new fan. This is book two of a series, and even though I read this one without reading the first one, I was completely drawn in and felt that I really knew the characters and really enjoyed the story-lives of Jane and Lindsey. I cannot wait to go back and get my hands on a copy of the first book.

Lindsey and Jane are two very different women and odd points in life, but they really could not have more in common at the same time. The way that things work together to bring about the will of God is incredibly shown in this story. There is plenty of Christ in this story without preaching at every corner, and I definitely think that this story would be a joy read from any market. One of the best things in life is to know your friends, not take them for granted, and to move one day at a time. This is a great story for anyone to read and learn from.

I was hesitant at first, because this does take place in L.A. with a good set of Trophy Wives, and I am a makeup-less book junkie who could really care less about shoes, makeup, and clothes. (I think it's probably been at least two years since I bought any clothes...) But I was pleasantly surprised and brought into a wonderful group of women getting to know each other and themselves better. I could see myself in their personalities and learned to like a few things as well as let some others go. This story is really a great weekend or spa read or just a fun one for anywhere and anytime and I strongly recommend it.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love the trophy wives series from all Kristin Billerbeck's books the most because these books really show us that no matter how messed up we are, we're still God's children. these books are a great reflection that God is not only for those who are perfect but the complete opposite.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awkward but a fun fast read. Not the first book in the series. Liked how they used the "Trophy Wife" and used it to double mean from a Bible quote.
It seemed to be a good mix of a bunch of women and they're trying to survive different issues across different ages, plus a few ancillary hilarious characters. Which was great on its own, funny, smart dialogue and inner monologue thoughts. But then it had a lot of awkward Christian references thrown in at the totally wrong spots. I have read much better, smoother Christian fiction. I debated my usual 3 stars and 2 stars.

[Sari0818 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually was not aware that this was Christian chick lit when I started reading it, which is not something I am into. However I gave it a go and got through it but just thought it wasn't a very relatable story or characters, and I didn't feel like it did a good job connecting religion to the story in a meaningful way, just kind of felt like propaganda. Wouldn't read anymore from this author.

[ReBecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was PAINFUL! I hated the main characters! They were super annoying and so self absorbed! The plot itself was okay, but the ending...just no! I wouldn’t recommend this book to others!

[Ana Kuykendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should have read the 1st book first

[Stefanie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

""

[Becki]

By being a �trophy wife� Lindsay expected to outlive her husband. However, she did not anticipate being a widow at thirty-five. Or to have to deal with Ron�s ex-wife, Jane, as the executor of his estate. But everyone has their secrets, and Ron had a reason for wanting them all together. \n\nI have to be honest, I love Kristin Billerbeck but I was pretty disappointed in this book. (Fingers crossed that her other �newer� book is better since it�s what we chose for book club in February). The story telling was very disjointed and jumpy. And I don�t think that is solely because the chapters alternate voice between Lindsay and Jane. Even within the chapters things didn�t flow.\n\nAdditionally, I didn�t really feel or see a lot of character development and change. Lindsay still hasn�t found a plan for her life. She has just found another man (and not the one I was cheering for). Jane grows a bit more, but still not to a satisfying level in my opinion. \n

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second and final installment in the Trophy Wives Club series. While I was happy that questions were answered in regards to the lives of the characters, the story was choppy. Each chapter was told from a different character's perspective, plus most of the storyline was too drawn out. You'd think you were finally getting to the bottom of something and the story would veer off course and on to another tangent. It took much too long to bring it all together.

If you've read the first book in the series, I'd recommend reading this one, if only for "closure." Otherwise, I'd skip the series all together.

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one a little more then the first Trophy Wife book. Maybe I liked it a little more because I felt like I knew some of the people. It was nice to see things from both Jane's and Lindsay's perspectives. I feel like you need to read the first book to really enjoy this one.

Even though it would be unlikely for Jane and Lindsay to have much of a relationship - under these circumstances it sort of makes sense. You need someone who understands your situation when things are difficult.

I do like Kristin Billerbeck books - this series just isn't my favorite of hers. Still a quick, easy read.


opesopinions.com

[Daniela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book hard to get into at the start however once i got past the first 10 chapters i honestly didn't mind it. The first thing to be aware of is to take note of who is talking by looking at the name at the start of each chapter. Overall a good story. I did find it odd though that the main character gets with the dead husbands nephew however during the story your made to believe its his son. I thought that was pretty complicated and odd as the writers could of chosen some other type ending to the story, but overall it was a good read and can't complain.

[Jennifer Melnyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

While still reeling from the death of her husband, Lindsay is trying to pick up the pieces of her life and move forward. An unexpected surprise arrives on her doorstep in the form of her husband's first wife. The two women form an unlikely alliance and begin to understand things about themselves that they wouldn't have learned alone.

Overall a good read. A little bit confusing about 2/3 of the way through, but I was able to make sense of it pretty quickly afterwards.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick, Christian chick lit book. Sequel to the Trophy Wives Club which I recommend reading first. It has been a while since I read the first book but it didn't take me long to get caught up with the characters. I liked that this story was told from both the perspective of Lindsay and Jane and how their lives intertwined and their response to the same situations. Good read.

[Michelle P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a feel-good Christian fiction "chick-lit" story that is a sequal to Trophy Wives Club. I wouldn't recommend reading it without reading the first or the characters won't make as much sense.

It is a quick read and the characters are complex and clever.

[Tracy Rauch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have recently picked up and read the twilight series so unfortunately one of my favorite chick lit authors got put on hold.

[Adriana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Kristin Billerbeck and I loved the first book in this series, but I could barely get through this one. Very disappointing.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one, great fast read not too deep, but does have great Christian overtones.

[Stacia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the first one and loved this one more!

[Elaine]

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[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

couldn't finish it was boring to me.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I barely remember the first one, so it took me awhile to get into this one. It's a cute life/death story with my preferred happy ending and a very quick read.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book jumps by chapter to each character. It was good but hard to get started to understand the characters.

[Lauri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Kristin Billerbeck! Interesting premise. I liked how Jane's story resolved without being too preachy.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into it.

[Laura Cee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't get into this book.

[Brooke Fradd · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is what good Christian fiction is all about - a story with a message but not preachy. characters who are real and relateable even if their lives aren't at all similar to the readers.

[Barbara]

Very funny, realistic book.

[Carman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book. Not my favorites though. Kristin sometimes (for my taste)doesn't tie up loose ends enough. A good read though.