The Trophy Wives Club

Trophy Wives Club #1

by Kristin Billerbeck

Haley Cutler is the consummate trophy wife. Perhaps was is the more accurate term. Haley married Prince Charming when she was only twenty—back in the day when highlights came from an afternoon at the beach, not three hours in the salon. Unfortunately, after seven years as Jay Cutler's wife, a role that provided significance and what she thought was love, Jay walks out, and Haley finds herself with few life skills that translate to the real world, not to mention a sense of amnesia about who she used to be. But before Haley can find her way, she must meet with Jay's lawyer, the strikingly handsome Hamilton Lowe. Although she can't stand his self-righteous contempt for her divorce, she takes his suggestion to attend a group at his church called "The Trophy Wives Club," a Bible study composed of women who have been dealt a raw deal. Haley's never been into the whole Jesus thing but could really use some friends to walk her through this phase (how do you apply for a credit card anyway?). As Haley begins to realize that she really can stand on her own two feet, she also learns that sometimes in losing we find the real reward . . .

Genres: Chick Lit, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Rom Com, Contemporary, Christian Romance

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2007

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

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is incredible and deep, yet entertaining at the same time. In fact, I don't believe I've ever read a Christian fiction novel before that did such a fabulous job capturing the emotion a divorced woman feels and the self-condemnation that goes along with the whole situation. Billerbeck brings out some important truths through dialogue and relationships that is emotionally moving. I wish there were more books likes this in CBA. It's so real!

In addition to the above, this is one of the most romantic novels I've ever read and definitely Billerbeck's best novel in the genre. I love Women's Fiction and this story reads like Women's fiction with a touch of romance. Only this story will leave you breathless because the tension is so well done. The character arc is also one of the best I've read to date with the spiritual portion being subtle, yet powerful at the same time. Nothing is watered down, but it's all in there. And the ending is dynamite. I loved it!

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really never quite got the concept of trophy wife until I read this book. It is set in LA and Haley, the main character got married at 20 to a B grade movie producer and while she loved him, he represented security to her, but he was not a good husband. The story picks up when he decides to divorced her or upgrade to a new 20 year old (Haley is now 28). Haley's divorce settlement is pitiful. She must get a job, make new friends and reestablish her self-esteem. She joins a support group at a church "The Trophy Wives Club". These girls help Haley get her life going again. Haley is attracted to a Christian man and he is attract to her, but he must overcome his judgements of divorce in order for them to have a relationship.

[Ann Mulholland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first "Christian chick lit" book. I liked it.
Haley, who's husband blindsided her with another woman learns to let go and live her life, finding God along the way. I wish the author had done a bit more with the relationships in the story, but I enjoyed it.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent chick lit about a former Hollywood wife. Good message about judging others.

[Reading For Sanity · Rating 2 out of 5]

read this review and others at http://readingforsanity.blogspot.com/...

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times thoughtful and at other times shallow but then that is the point of the story. As Haley copes with her divorce and the devastation of realizing that her husband never really loved her for herself, she begins to lean on a group of women in a church Bible study and realizes a new life is possible.

[Rebeca Santana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5
I liked the story and how the main character, Haley, has to grow as a Christian to move on with her life after it’s completely taken from her. However, I didn’t like the romantic plot line and how it was developed; I don’t think it lived to its full potential

[Laura Lee Grommersch · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED!

[*Weebles* · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know... I guess it was okay, but not really the best.

[Anne Gabrielle Cousineau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written with a lot of humour!!! I did like the quote IF YOU ARE NOT CONTENT WHEN YOU ARE POOR, YOU WILL NOT BE CONTENT WHEN YOU ARE RICH.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed other books by the author especially the laugh out loud humor. Although I wanted to like this one, it fell a little flat for me. Even the writing was subpar in my opinion.

[Carolyn Lockwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great chick lit

[Karrie Thomason · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my third experience reading Kristin Billerbeck's books, and I can always count on her books to give me a good laugh. And while there's a good dose of humor in this book, The Trophy Wives Club deals with a very difficult topic: divorce. I cannot imagine being blindsided with a divorce after being married to a man I thought loved me, but apparently, never did. This is exactly what Haley Cutler experiences, and this book follows her journey of self-discovery.

Personally, I know I would've immediately reached for the tub of chocolate frosting as well as had a TV marathon with Maury and Judge Judy just like Haley did. But I also know that after a few days of doing that, I would realize that it's time to try to turn my life around. The good news for Haley is that she has a wonderful new group of friends from a local church--The Trophy Wives Club--who have experienced everything that she is just now getting a taste of. Through these great friends, Haley turns her life around dramatically, and has a few things handed to her that I thought weren't very realistic. Honestly, how many people do you know that have million-dollar condos that they don't live in, and will let you live there rent free? Not to mention, friends that have connections in the film industry, and just happen to have a job waiting for you?

Overall, I liked the premise of the story, and I definitely had a good laugh (blondes walking into walls is a hilarious mental image). But as I kept reading, this book slowly kept going downhill. In addition to the things I just mentioned, I have to admit that the ending ruined the book for me. I already knew how it would end, but I was so hoping for something different from everything else out there.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billerbeck does it again... another fascinating and highly enjoyable read, with a lesson to boot! Not only does the story draw you in but per usual so do the characters. Billerbeck, is gifted with that ability to write quirky, relatable characters that you just can't help but care for.

This novel, while dealing with hard issues (marriage, infidelity, divorce, etc.) has depth but is not depressing. It only goes to show you that you can teach truth, even hard lessons wrapped up in wit and humor. A great read for on the go, the beach or just to curl up on your sofa with!

*** while there is a dash of romance added in, that is not really what this story is all about. So for those looking strictly for a romantic tale come back to this one when you need some humor & truth woven into a personal growth journey.

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a light easy read. It was not my favorite Kristin Billerbeck book. She is a good writer, this just wasn't my favorite.

It was interesting to see how people in the church responded to Haley being divorced. It is great to have a good support group to help you go through whatever you are dealing with.

Why do we feel that Haley would not be complete until she was with another man? I would have liked to have seen her be a little more independent before someone else came into her life.

I will read the next book Back to LIfe - I hope I like it a little more then this one.

opesopinions.com

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book! Haley was such a likeable character...even though I couldn't really relate to her, I had no trouble rooting for her. This was a light, easy read and one of the things I enjoyed most was that it was Christian chick-lit but with a main character that was still struggling with her relationship with God. She had fallen away from her faith and she worked her way towards coming back throughout the entire book, without the theme becoming "preachy." I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series.

[Michele Minor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a former trophy wife whose much older husband leaves her for a younger woman when she is only 28 years old. Her husband’s divorce lawyer gives her information about a bible study at his church for woman who have been given a raw deal in life. Haley is forced to learn the basic life skills that she never had a chance to learn from the women since she married when she was twenty and relied on her ex husband for everything.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book. I really enjoyed reading it and was able to read it in one sitting. I was always wondering what was going to happen next. You don't have to be rich or be a trophy wife to identify with the main character. She has plenty of issues for us all to identify with! This novel also serves as a reminder that ALL people need God and we as Christians are to bring them to him if it is a nearly impossible job.

[Teresa K · Rating 2 out of 5]

i finished this book in a few short hours. I didn't realize it was a christian themed book and i just kept reading it. It was an interesting story but it seemed to be fully hinged on the main character being 'saved' or claiming jesus or something. I'm not sure I liked the ending since it was way too simplistic. (oh and she gets the guy at the same time she becomes born again)

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I would have preferred a little more romance (too little, too late) and a little less self-pity and angst from the main character, but I appreciated the central concept -- Haley's spiritual and psychological journey/transformation. It would be wonderful if all women had friends like the Trophy Wives!

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not nearly as good as her Ashley Stockingdale series, but it was enjoyable enough. There wasn't a lot of depth to this book, and I think I was just expecting something different.

Apparently there is a sequel but my library doesn't carry it. If they ever get it I'll read it, otherwise I feel fine with the way the story ended.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah...thank goodness. After recently reading (and hating) The Scent of Rain, I was worried I didn't like this author anymore, but this was good. Not too sappy, characters a little more real, overall an enjoyable experience. The last scene was kind of random, but I'll definitely read the rest in this series.

[Penny_Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike many others I loved the book. Sometimes predictability is just what you need in a book! This is not so much about the unrealistic turn of events ( we go to a book to escape reality not face it!) so I liked the fact the friends could help her with lavish things. But more importantly Kristen peppers it with Christian values and really helped me accept my own fail marriage.

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first Christian Chick Lit. I thought it was a bit forced...the searching and finding God part of it. I found the book very entertaining, but perhaps more of the main characters thoughts and struggle to resolve it through God would have helped. It seemed that suddenly God was not there on one page and your turned the page and God had settled in and she was at peace with it.

[Michelle]

Guess I never completed my review of this one. I really like Kristin Billerbeck, but I really DID NOT like this book. Usually I read her stuff as soon as it comes out, and I was very disappointed in this one.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy read. There wasn't a whole lot of substance, but it was still enjoyable...and as I said...easy...when I'm ready to crash at night..it's entertaining enough, but I don't have to be too alert.

[Idawati Wiguno · Rating 1 out of 5]

The idea behind the story is actually pretty interesting, which is why I brought the book at the first place. But it turns out the character was shallow, so does the plot, seems like everything in this book is NOT deep. Nope, didn't like it at all. It's not even entertaining, for me at least.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent book. Not my favorite from this author, but still a good read that I didn't want to put down at night. After reading this book, I definitely know I am middle-class and always will be. Don't think I want to be upper class.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author. Light fluffy books that make for a great read, enjoyed the main character's journey as she came to Christ and how the story ended.

Even happier to see that there is another book!