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Regrets Only Lib/E
From the author of Bond Girl and Lost Along the Way, comes a fiercely funny, insightful story of marriage, family, and the crooked path to figuring out who we really are.
Claire thought she had everything a woman was supposed to want--a loving husband, a newborn son, a beautiful home in the suburbs. Then she walks in on her husband canoodling with their realtor in their newly renovated kitchen, and in an instant, her perfect life comes crashing down.
With her marriage heading for divorce, Claire knows it's time to stop feeling sorry for herself. But how can she move on when she's still stuck in the orbit of her husband's world? For starters, she can get rid of her soon-to-be ex's possessions--including his prized, gigantic foosball table--by dumping them onto the curb...until complaints from the neighbors get the police involved. Now Claire is busy dodging the mean mommies at story hour and hiding from her ex-husband's girlfriend in the grocery store. But as Claire soon learns, suburbia still has a few surprises in store for her--surprises that will make her question her choices from the past, send her down an unexpected road to self-discovery, and maybe even lead to new love.
Desperate for a positive outlet to channel her frustrations, she turns to girlfriends Lissy and Antonia for help. Together they join forces to rebrand Lissy's local stationery store and turn it into a thriving business. But as Claire soon learns, suburbia still has a few surprises in store for her--surprises that will make her question her choices from the past, send her down an unexpected road to self-discovery, and maybe even new love.
Featuring a second coming-of-age story, Regrets Only deftly explores the subtle nuances of marriage, family, friendship, and what it means to be a woman today, while delighting readers as its unforgettable heroine acts on impulses we've all been guilty of having.
Claire thought she had everything a woman was supposed to want--a loving husband, a newborn son, a beautiful home in the suburbs. Then she walks in on her husband canoodling with their realtor in their newly renovated kitchen, and in an instant, her perfect life comes crashing down.
With her marriage heading for divorce, Claire knows it's time to stop feeling sorry for herself. But how can she move on when she's still stuck in the orbit of her husband's world? For starters, she can get rid of her soon-to-be ex's possessions--including his prized, gigantic foosball table--by dumping them onto the curb...until complaints from the neighbors get the police involved. Now Claire is busy dodging the mean mommies at story hour and hiding from her ex-husband's girlfriend in the grocery store. But as Claire soon learns, suburbia still has a few surprises in store for her--surprises that will make her question her choices from the past, send her down an unexpected road to self-discovery, and maybe even lead to new love.
Desperate for a positive outlet to channel her frustrations, she turns to girlfriends Lissy and Antonia for help. Together they join forces to rebrand Lissy's local stationery store and turn it into a thriving business. But as Claire soon learns, suburbia still has a few surprises in store for her--surprises that will make her question her choices from the past, send her down an unexpected road to self-discovery, and maybe even new love.
Featuring a second coming-of-age story, Regrets Only deftly explores the subtle nuances of marriage, family, friendship, and what it means to be a woman today, while delighting readers as its unforgettable heroine acts on impulses we've all been guilty of having.
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First published May 8, 2018
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About the author
Erin Duffy
9 books196 followersErin Duffy graduated from Georgetown University in 2000 with a B.A. in English and worked on Wall Street, a career that inspired her first novel, Bond Girl. She lives in New York City with her husband (whom she met the old-fashioned way—in a bar).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
June 13, 2018
Thanks to the publisher for this free review copy!
*
It is well-established that I love stories about motherhood + friendship + entrepreneurs so this one definitely was already destined to be one I'd highly enjoy......and I really, really did. I laughed out loud at parts of it and although Claire was rather over-the-top in her actions against her cheating ex-husband, who am I to judge? I have no idea how vindictive and furious I'd be in her same situation! My very favorite part of the book, however, was the small-business makeover of Lissy's stationary store. It combined redecorating, social media strategy and a unique business model to thoroughly intrigue me and wish that S.W.A.K. was a real place that I could shop at! Oh, and Claire's "death folder" she keeps on her computer ~ what mother DOESN'T have at least an internal list of all the things people need to know about her kids in case she dies? I know I sure do! This cracked me up because it was so so realistic.
*
My very favorite quote from the book was this ~ because it epitomizes how I want ALL books to approach body image:
*
"I'd put on a few pounds, which was how I knew that I was finally happy. My mother would describe women in town who were starting to look a little plumper than usual that way, and I never understood it. I was sure if she was here right now, she'd say, "Oh honey, you look beautiful. I haven't seen you this happy in a long time," and she'd be right."
*
Highly recommended for fans of comedic domestic fiction ~ I devoured this book in half a day and it would be a great beach or vacation read!
*
It is well-established that I love stories about motherhood + friendship + entrepreneurs so this one definitely was already destined to be one I'd highly enjoy......and I really, really did. I laughed out loud at parts of it and although Claire was rather over-the-top in her actions against her cheating ex-husband, who am I to judge? I have no idea how vindictive and furious I'd be in her same situation! My very favorite part of the book, however, was the small-business makeover of Lissy's stationary store. It combined redecorating, social media strategy and a unique business model to thoroughly intrigue me and wish that S.W.A.K. was a real place that I could shop at! Oh, and Claire's "death folder" she keeps on her computer ~ what mother DOESN'T have at least an internal list of all the things people need to know about her kids in case she dies? I know I sure do! This cracked me up because it was so so realistic.
*
My very favorite quote from the book was this ~ because it epitomizes how I want ALL books to approach body image:
*
"I'd put on a few pounds, which was how I knew that I was finally happy. My mother would describe women in town who were starting to look a little plumper than usual that way, and I never understood it. I was sure if she was here right now, she'd say, "Oh honey, you look beautiful. I haven't seen you this happy in a long time," and she'd be right."
*
Highly recommended for fans of comedic domestic fiction ~ I devoured this book in half a day and it would be a great beach or vacation read!
May 11, 2018
The book started out fine. I like that Claire was not in denial of the fact that she was going through a divorce. Yet, there really wasn't anything endearing enough about Claire, the rest of the characters, or the storyline that could keep my focus. After several chapters into the book, my interest had wavered. I tried to find it again but I couldn't find it. It was apparent when I found myself more going through the motions of reading and not remembering a word that I just read or the fact that I was skimming the book. After a while, I put the book down with "no regrets". Maybe someone else will be able to connect with the characters and sorry better than I could.
May 10, 2018
Solid characters with an ease in the writing style that foreshadows and allows readers to instantly sort the “good” from the “bad” and find the likeable characters. To be honest, the characters here were the best thing about the story – as we struggle through with Claire as she tries to reframe her life and her outlook as her marriage crumbles around her. Her husband has moved on with a new girlfriend, even as his “stuff” is left out on the curb to avoid that ‘face to face’ that Claire so desperately wants to avoid. Best friends Lissy and Antonia provide support, a new project and some badly needed positive reinforcement, allowing Claire to find a new purpose and direction as she reviews her choices, good and bad, and tries to set her feet on a new path.
Unfortunately, the perseveration and lack of conviction with ALL of her decisions leave readers feeling Claire is a windsock – blowing with the wind from one direction to another – none that feel particularly well thought out or even decided with any sort of thought. That, combined with the lack of anything particularly unique or unexpected kept the progress and story solidly in the middle of the road range – while there was a serious change around for Claire, and she did find a new way of being, the path wasn’t full of revelations but more an expected story of growing up and attaining adulthood.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Unfortunately, the perseveration and lack of conviction with ALL of her decisions leave readers feeling Claire is a windsock – blowing with the wind from one direction to another – none that feel particularly well thought out or even decided with any sort of thought. That, combined with the lack of anything particularly unique or unexpected kept the progress and story solidly in the middle of the road range – while there was a serious change around for Claire, and she did find a new way of being, the path wasn’t full of revelations but more an expected story of growing up and attaining adulthood.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
September 18, 2019
Erin Duffy's debut, Bond Girl, made it to one of my annual favorites lists. When I saw the cover and synopsis paired with her name for Regrets Only, I knew I wanted to read it.
Regrets Only was an easy and entertaining read. I instantly was absorbed in the story and felt lots of sympathy towards Claire. She was in an awful situation from the very beginning, and her soon-to-be ex-husband kept making things worse for her, even though he was the one at fault. I got so mad at him on her behalf! And to top it off, the women in town were acting like middle school mean girls. I could definitely relate to her loneliness in a new town where it's hard to make friends, especially with other moms.
I like the trajectory of this novel and where it led throughout. There were some funny moments alongside the sad and frustrating ones. The entrepreneurial angle was really good and I liked how Claire helped Lissy remodel and re-brand her stationery store.
The only part that felt a bit much for me was how Claire tended to overreact or fly off the handle more than necessary. I understand why she was angry, but sometimes I felt embarrassed for her. This did not take away from my enjoyment of this novel.
I found it hard to put this novel down until I was finished. I look forward to reading whatever Erin Duffy comes up with next, and I also need to add Lost Along the Way to my TBR pile in the meantime.
Movie casting suggestions:
Claire: Anna Kendrick
Antonia: Jaimie Alexander
Lissy: Julia Goldani Telles
Owen: Allen Leech
Fred: Corey Stoll
Dee Dee: Emily Rose
Originally posted at Chick Lit Central
Regrets Only was an easy and entertaining read. I instantly was absorbed in the story and felt lots of sympathy towards Claire. She was in an awful situation from the very beginning, and her soon-to-be ex-husband kept making things worse for her, even though he was the one at fault. I got so mad at him on her behalf! And to top it off, the women in town were acting like middle school mean girls. I could definitely relate to her loneliness in a new town where it's hard to make friends, especially with other moms.
I like the trajectory of this novel and where it led throughout. There were some funny moments alongside the sad and frustrating ones. The entrepreneurial angle was really good and I liked how Claire helped Lissy remodel and re-brand her stationery store.
The only part that felt a bit much for me was how Claire tended to overreact or fly off the handle more than necessary. I understand why she was angry, but sometimes I felt embarrassed for her. This did not take away from my enjoyment of this novel.
I found it hard to put this novel down until I was finished. I look forward to reading whatever Erin Duffy comes up with next, and I also need to add Lost Along the Way to my TBR pile in the meantime.
Movie casting suggestions:
Claire: Anna Kendrick
Antonia: Jaimie Alexander
Lissy: Julia Goldani Telles
Owen: Allen Leech
Fred: Corey Stoll
Dee Dee: Emily Rose
Originally posted at Chick Lit Central
October 3, 2018
Started out strong and I really related to the main character but it sort of lost steam in the middle and seemed unbelievable what some of the characters said and did
September 16, 2019
A book about post divorce life and the triggers Claire Stevens goes through after finding her husband of only 2 years messing around with their real estate agent/his old high school girlfriend. After the discovery of Deedee eating frozen waffles in Claire's kitchen in purple underwear, Claire learns she is the middle age soon to be ex-wife whose life is now stuck in suburban Connecticut. She can't go back to Chicago (her home) because she shares a 8 month old son named Beau with Owen, her soon to be ex husband.
She has to go through so much to finally reach a place where she is content with her life. These items include mean mom's at the playground and library, enduring Deedee and her horrible way of confronting Claire in a grocery store after Yoga and seeing Deedee with Owen out to dinner when she was on her first date with Fred.
The book had some funny parts - cutting Owen's shirts with nipple holes made me giggle, placing beans in all of his pockets, posting his number on Craigslist, logging in as him on Facebook and posting a whole post about how he cheated on Claire, and the list goes on. Those parts made a very heavy subject very light and funny. I found the writing to be flawless and the characters to be enjoyable. It was missing one thing - Owen realizing he messed up. But the reader is only eluded to it in the end. I wish it was prominent. Otherwise it was a great story. 4 stars.
She has to go through so much to finally reach a place where she is content with her life. These items include mean mom's at the playground and library, enduring Deedee and her horrible way of confronting Claire in a grocery store after Yoga and seeing Deedee with Owen out to dinner when she was on her first date with Fred.
The book had some funny parts - cutting Owen's shirts with nipple holes made me giggle, placing beans in all of his pockets, posting his number on Craigslist, logging in as him on Facebook and posting a whole post about how he cheated on Claire, and the list goes on. Those parts made a very heavy subject very light and funny. I found the writing to be flawless and the characters to be enjoyable. It was missing one thing - Owen realizing he messed up. But the reader is only eluded to it in the end. I wish it was prominent. Otherwise it was a great story. 4 stars.
January 8, 2019
Since I enjoyed Bond Girl, I thought I would try this book. 2 stars because I did stay with it to the end. Guess this is not my kind of book. I found Claire’s episodes of anger too ridiculous. For a mother so concerned about her infant, there were too many times in the story when I wondered who was watching the baby. Considering the serious opioid problem in this county, I didn’t think jokes about Percocet were very funny. I find it hard to believe that anyone would act out their anger the way Claire did.
April 4, 2019
This book started out okay, I thought I would enjoy it, I wanted to enjoy it. But the main character was way too damn whiny. I never thought I could experience so much irritation reading words because all’s they did was bitch. It could’ve been more irritating to me too since I’ve been divorced twice and I don’t think women should whine so much about exes... just put on your big girl panties and take care of your kid already! Sheesh! Ending was good, I like how it came all together the last chapter. I will always be able to literally hear the lady whining though. 🤔
June 6, 2018
Took a likable character and made her totally unhinged. What a caricature of a wronged woman. And, wth with Page 281 - “Those who cannot do, teach”. That didn’t even make sense within the context of the chapter, not to mention how insulting that saying is. Book was way too long.
May 23, 2018
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Regrets Only follows a woman named Claire. Claire thinks she is really happy, she has a perfect husband who she moved from Chicago to Connecticut to be with, and a baby boy. Just when she thought her marriage couldn't be more perfect her husband surprises her with a night off in the city with a full spa treatment. When Claire accidentally forgets her keys and comes back home, she finds her realtor in lingerie making waffles and drinking in her kitchen. Claire ends up literally catching her husband with his pants down while their baby son is sleeping upstairs.
Hurt beyond belief Claire ends up going through divorce, dealing with her feelings and rebuilding her life with the help of some amazing friends.
This book doesn't seem to get a lot of positivity on goodreads, but I found that I actually really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed Erin Duffy's writing a whole lot. It was snarky, funny, light and entertaining. I found it fast paced and the conversations humorous. I never felt like she was trying so hard.
The story itself is definitely very character driven. Claire is a jaded character, she is hurt, she is furious, and she flies off the handle because her world completely fell apart. Given Claire's situation, I totally understood where her wild emotions were coming from. Claire couldn't go home to Chicago, where most of her support network is because her ex-husband wants her to stay in Connecticut due to their son. Claire doesn't know anyone there so her awesome best friend Antonia (Erin Duffy if you are listening, this girl really needs a book) ends up moving in with Claire to help her. To top it off, Claire has to watch her soon to be ex, parade his new girlfriend around town and won't let her sell the house and move. The house where Claire feels uncomfortable because that is where she found the affair happening. Claire is very emotional and does some although funny, but questionable things and sometimes you wonder if she will ever grow as a character, but she does. Her feelings very were real and human and I personally totally see where she was coming from and why she was letting her emotions run the show.
I was glad to see Claire grow as a person towards the ends of the book and finally start to build some sort of life for herself outside of the old one she left behind. It wasn't an easy road, and given her ex-husband's reasons for the affair, I don't think we can all judge that moment in time how each of us would ever behave in those kind of situations, but I can imagine the pain that Claire went through. Though some people found her emotions and actions unjustifiable, I can honestly say that it was nothing compared to what I have seen other jaded women had done in their life.
Overall, this was a fun read that is perfect for the summer with interesting characters and humor. I am looking to reading more future books from this author.This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Cafe
Hurt beyond belief Claire ends up going through divorce, dealing with her feelings and rebuilding her life with the help of some amazing friends.
This book doesn't seem to get a lot of positivity on goodreads, but I found that I actually really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed Erin Duffy's writing a whole lot. It was snarky, funny, light and entertaining. I found it fast paced and the conversations humorous. I never felt like she was trying so hard.
The story itself is definitely very character driven. Claire is a jaded character, she is hurt, she is furious, and she flies off the handle because her world completely fell apart. Given Claire's situation, I totally understood where her wild emotions were coming from. Claire couldn't go home to Chicago, where most of her support network is because her ex-husband wants her to stay in Connecticut due to their son. Claire doesn't know anyone there so her awesome best friend Antonia (Erin Duffy if you are listening, this girl really needs a book) ends up moving in with Claire to help her. To top it off, Claire has to watch her soon to be ex, parade his new girlfriend around town and won't let her sell the house and move. The house where Claire feels uncomfortable because that is where she found the affair happening. Claire is very emotional and does some although funny, but questionable things and sometimes you wonder if she will ever grow as a character, but she does. Her feelings very were real and human and I personally totally see where she was coming from and why she was letting her emotions run the show.
I was glad to see Claire grow as a person towards the ends of the book and finally start to build some sort of life for herself outside of the old one she left behind. It wasn't an easy road, and given her ex-husband's reasons for the affair, I don't think we can all judge that moment in time how each of us would ever behave in those kind of situations, but I can imagine the pain that Claire went through. Though some people found her emotions and actions unjustifiable, I can honestly say that it was nothing compared to what I have seen other jaded women had done in their life.
Overall, this was a fun read that is perfect for the summer with interesting characters and humor. I am looking to reading more future books from this author.This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Cafe
July 1, 2018
This was a hilarious romp -slash- heartbreaking story about the collapse of a young marriage. Yes. It truly is both of those things.
At times, what the female protagonist was going through in her mind, which many times translated to ill-advised behaviors, made me have to set the book aside so I could take deep breaths and stop yelling at her. But her voice is so realistic, and her relationships with old and new friends so poignant, I always picked it back up again. I really liked that she presented the male characters--both the cheating ex-husband and her fantabulous new boyfriend--in ways that kept them from one-dimensional
While the dialogue at times went on a bit without enough clarification about who was talking, that is the only complaint I have and I do plan to read more from this new-to-me author.
At times, what the female protagonist was going through in her mind, which many times translated to ill-advised behaviors, made me have to set the book aside so I could take deep breaths and stop yelling at her. But her voice is so realistic, and her relationships with old and new friends so poignant, I always picked it back up again. I really liked that she presented the male characters--both the cheating ex-husband and her fantabulous new boyfriend--in ways that kept them from one-dimensional
While the dialogue at times went on a bit without enough clarification about who was talking, that is the only complaint I have and I do plan to read more from this new-to-me author.
October 23, 2025
I hate too easy puns, but it's low hanging fruit so..... I am providing my "regrets only" for reading this boring pointless book. It wasn't funny, light hearted and yes I understand that the heroine Claire is hurt and suffering from her husband's infidelity, but she was whiny, immature and erratic. I found her unlikable and the story simply boring.
February 13, 2021
I really wanted to like this book but it just did not hit the mark mark me. Overall, the idea was intriguing, and what kept me reading was I thought Claire would finally have a break through. It just never happened.
April 7, 2018
This book is completely and utterly average.
April 28, 2018
It started out okay but then went downhill. The main character's mood swings and opinions were volatile to say the least. I know she's going through a divorce and there will be up days and down days but she would literally say something and then change her opinion to the polar opposite opinion in a flash. She says she has no regrets and then suddenly she says she noting this incident down on her ever growing list of regrets. I thought you didn't have any regrets Claire... And this constant whiplash wasn't always about her feelings on the divorce, she was unsteady in her feelings, opinions, and thoughts on E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. It made the book difficult to read and very annoying. To top it all off, the writing is only subpar. Conversations happening between adults come across juvenile and makes me wonder if a sixth grader is writing the dialogue. And the constant use of metaphors and similes does not help this speculation. A few are funny and well placed, but the frequency at which they are used sends a repetitive and childish vibe that is hard to shake. I would not recommend this book, not even as a light poolside book. Why does it have 2 stars then? Because in the beginning there was hope that this would be an average 3 star book. Sadly, that hope spiraled away the farther you got in the book.
May 22, 2018
I honestly hate to give a 3 star review but I really had to struggle through this book. Nothing about Claire made me fall in love with her, nor any of the other characters. My biggest problem with Claire was that she was so erratic. I understand that the author was trying to show the effects of the divorce and cheating on her, but it was hard to follow her and just seemed out of place when she would suddenly up and do something crazy, out of nowhere. My biggest complaint, however, was that the conversations were also so erratic. Instead of easing into a conversation, Claire would randomly just jump into this rant about herself to explain something that wasn't even brought up. She did it once when she was gathering for the first time with both of her friends to explain what it was like to be in her shoes and another, when Fred comes to pick her up and comes up with the name Sealed With A Kiss. Fred never asks what they're doing or anything like that, and she goes on a rant about how sorry she is that she hasn't come up with a name. It could have meshed, had Fred asked what all they're doing. But, I felt like most of the conversations felt forced anyway. There wasn't much about this book that kept my interest, until the last 1/4, when I finally began to just enjoy it instead of force myself through it.
April 14, 2019
I received an ARC of Regrets Only in a Goodreads Giveaway. I read just over a quarter of the book and stopped because I was bored with the storyline. Besides, the end of Chapter 5 (where I stopped reading) ties the first 25% of the book up in a nice, neat bow, like a decent feel-good short story. Nothing that happened up to that point made me care about what might happen after that point.
While reading the Prologue-Chapter 5, Lissy was the only character that felt real to me (perhaps because I, too, work in a library and with people just like her). I actually considered continuing on the with the book just to read more about her, but unfortunately, I had absolutely no interest in anything else about the story, and as awesome as Lissy was, she wasn’t enough incentive for me to continue.
While reading the Prologue-Chapter 5, Lissy was the only character that felt real to me (perhaps because I, too, work in a library and with people just like her). I actually considered continuing on the with the book just to read more about her, but unfortunately, I had absolutely no interest in anything else about the story, and as awesome as Lissy was, she wasn’t enough incentive for me to continue.
July 9, 2018
This book is at times funny and at other times sad. I think that most women will find a lot of this easy to relate to. Although I understood the main character and I understood her pain and struggles I also thought that she was very immature and vindictive for a woman in that age group. That is where this book often lost me. As a result I often understood but still disliked the main character.
I think you'll like this if you're a fan of chick lit.
I think you'll like this if you're a fan of chick lit.
June 24, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Owen made me so angry. So envious of how Claire just let if fly -- toward Owen, toward the battle-ax ex-mother-in law, etc. I guess those who didn't "get" her character have not been cheated on. I could completely identify.
July 24, 2018
Claire, the main character, was so horribly annoying. She made me dislike the entire story.
May 13, 2018
Regrets Only is full of drama, friendship, and laughter. I quickly formed a connection to Claire. I cheered her successes, giggled a little bit at her mischief towards her ex-husband, and felt the heartbreak when she was faced with things a new mother and new wife should never have to face.
Claire thinks she has the world by the tail and is so incredibly happy with her life. She has a perfect husband a wonderful 8-month-old little boy and is living the life she is sure to be filled with love an happiness. That is all swiped out from under her when she returns unexpectedly from a small getaway her "perfect" husband set up for her. She walks in on her husband and his rotten high school girlfriend and they're not exactly just talking about the house she sold them.
From that point on Claire is faced with so many different things that could have broken this new mother. She's in a town far away from family, not friends, and is now all on her own with her adorable son. Her best friend flies in to rescue her. Antonia is that best friend that every woman should be blessed to have.
Claire unexpectedly finds a new friend that is in need of help. Claire is in need of a project and something that will boost her moral. I loved how this friendship between Claire and Lissy developed. It was fun to watch them work together to make a success of their project.
This is one of those stories that quickly grabbed my attention and held on throughout the whole book. I found Erin Duffy to have a nice writing style that made for a smooth captivated read.
On the whole, I truly enjoyed this story. I cheered for Claire as she is faced to deal with her cheating ex-husband's old yet new girlfriend. Now that is one character I would have happily slapped. I enjoyed watching Claire work at putting her life back together piece by piece. The friendships she has with Antonia and her new friend Lissy are great. These ladies have each other's backs and stick together. It was fun to see an old friend and a brand new friendship fit together so well.
I would highly recommend this story to anyone that is looking for a good dramatic read with plenty of laughter. Anyone that has recently been through a dramatic break up may benefit from Claire's story. They may just find a helpful tip or two to put those pieces back together and move on from the broken relationship yet work with the father of her child to make his life as normal as possible.
I was given the opportunity to read this great story and it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you.
Claire thinks she has the world by the tail and is so incredibly happy with her life. She has a perfect husband a wonderful 8-month-old little boy and is living the life she is sure to be filled with love an happiness. That is all swiped out from under her when she returns unexpectedly from a small getaway her "perfect" husband set up for her. She walks in on her husband and his rotten high school girlfriend and they're not exactly just talking about the house she sold them.
From that point on Claire is faced with so many different things that could have broken this new mother. She's in a town far away from family, not friends, and is now all on her own with her adorable son. Her best friend flies in to rescue her. Antonia is that best friend that every woman should be blessed to have.
Claire unexpectedly finds a new friend that is in need of help. Claire is in need of a project and something that will boost her moral. I loved how this friendship between Claire and Lissy developed. It was fun to watch them work together to make a success of their project.
This is one of those stories that quickly grabbed my attention and held on throughout the whole book. I found Erin Duffy to have a nice writing style that made for a smooth captivated read.
On the whole, I truly enjoyed this story. I cheered for Claire as she is faced to deal with her cheating ex-husband's old yet new girlfriend. Now that is one character I would have happily slapped. I enjoyed watching Claire work at putting her life back together piece by piece. The friendships she has with Antonia and her new friend Lissy are great. These ladies have each other's backs and stick together. It was fun to see an old friend and a brand new friendship fit together so well.
I would highly recommend this story to anyone that is looking for a good dramatic read with plenty of laughter. Anyone that has recently been through a dramatic break up may benefit from Claire's story. They may just find a helpful tip or two to put those pieces back together and move on from the broken relationship yet work with the father of her child to make his life as normal as possible.
I was given the opportunity to read this great story and it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you.
October 8, 2018
Regrets Only by Erin Duffy is a complicated but inspiring story about a woman who has everything she's ever wanted and then loses it. It's a story of love gone wrong, friendship, and forgiveness. It's an emotional roller coaster from start to finish that left me a little dizzy at times.
Claire was blissfully happy. She has an amazing husband and beautiful baby boy. Just when she thinks life can't get any sweeter, her husband surprises her with a spa weekend to recharge her batteries. Halfway there she discovers she's forgotten her wallet, turns around, and heads back home. That's when she discovers her husband of two years has been having an affair with his realtor/ex-girlfriend. And in that moment, Claire's world shatters.
My heart broke for Claire. She left her job, moved to a new state, made her husband and family her whole life, to be betrayed in such a brutal way. And now, because of her son, she can't move back home without the father's permission, which he won't give. She's taken time off from her career to care for her family, and once you do that, it's hard to get back in to. She has to start over, rebuilding her life one block at a time with all these obstacles standing in her way.
Claire's emotions are all over the place in this book. Her stream of consciousness seemed spot-on! Though there were times I thought Claire was a little unhinged. It's lucky Duffy gave Claire a wonderful BFF, Antonia. Antonia seems to be Claire's voice of reason when she's close to the edge. Claire also finds friendship in Lissy, a younger woman who's recently lost her mother. Claire slowly starts to build her support system to get through this awful experience.
I listened to the audiobook of Regrets Only narrated by Nan McNamara. She did an amazing job. She captured the many emotions of Claire, and did a wonderful job with the other characters. Reading the book is good, but the audio brings out so much more. It breathes so much more emotion into the story.
Erin Duffy has written a thought-provoking novel that gives you all the feels. Regrets Only is a complicated book. There are some hilarious moments in this book, some 'YES!' moments, and some heartbreaking moments. I'm not sure I would recommend it to somebody who's currently going through a divorce. It definitely makes you think about how fragile relationships are and how much can change in an instance.
Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2018...
Claire was blissfully happy. She has an amazing husband and beautiful baby boy. Just when she thinks life can't get any sweeter, her husband surprises her with a spa weekend to recharge her batteries. Halfway there she discovers she's forgotten her wallet, turns around, and heads back home. That's when she discovers her husband of two years has been having an affair with his realtor/ex-girlfriend. And in that moment, Claire's world shatters.
My heart broke for Claire. She left her job, moved to a new state, made her husband and family her whole life, to be betrayed in such a brutal way. And now, because of her son, she can't move back home without the father's permission, which he won't give. She's taken time off from her career to care for her family, and once you do that, it's hard to get back in to. She has to start over, rebuilding her life one block at a time with all these obstacles standing in her way.
Claire's emotions are all over the place in this book. Her stream of consciousness seemed spot-on! Though there were times I thought Claire was a little unhinged. It's lucky Duffy gave Claire a wonderful BFF, Antonia. Antonia seems to be Claire's voice of reason when she's close to the edge. Claire also finds friendship in Lissy, a younger woman who's recently lost her mother. Claire slowly starts to build her support system to get through this awful experience.
I listened to the audiobook of Regrets Only narrated by Nan McNamara. She did an amazing job. She captured the many emotions of Claire, and did a wonderful job with the other characters. Reading the book is good, but the audio brings out so much more. It breathes so much more emotion into the story.
Erin Duffy has written a thought-provoking novel that gives you all the feels. Regrets Only is a complicated book. There are some hilarious moments in this book, some 'YES!' moments, and some heartbreaking moments. I'm not sure I would recommend it to somebody who's currently going through a divorce. It definitely makes you think about how fragile relationships are and how much can change in an instance.
Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2018...
March 9, 2019
This was my local library’s suggested read. I’m not quite sure why this is rated so low on Goodreads. I really enjoyed it and couldn’t put it down. It was a bit like a train wreck. You don’t really want to see what happened, but you can’t help but looking anyways.
This story is about a woman named Claire. She is happily married with an infant son. Her husband plans a spa weekend for her so she can get away and get some much needed mommy rest. Before Claire gets too far she realizes she forgot her wallet. She comes home to find her realtor wearing practically nothing in her kitchen making waffles. This story is all about Claire coming to terms with what has happened and what has resulted in a divorce. Claire does some pretty crazy things. I can’t help but feel so incredibly sorry for her and feel she is justified for her actions. While her ex just thinks she’s rude he doesn’t seem to take any responsibility of his own actions. There are so many things that are so wrong but are real. It angered me that he moved her to a new state away from all she knew and refused to let her move back home. I know this happens to women all the time, but it just made me so angry that she could do nothing about it. While Claire seemed nuts at times, what do you expect from someone who had her whole life turned upside down. To make it worse is forced to live in a place where she knows no one and is bullied by people around her. I’m glad she found her sanity and I loved Antonia. What a most perfect friend. We all need an Antonia in our lives.
While I Hope I never have to experience what Claire has and doubt I ever will, I think this is a good book to show us where women are after such an emotional life altering event. I think it’s fair to know that they aren’t always going to be sane all the time.
This story is about a woman named Claire. She is happily married with an infant son. Her husband plans a spa weekend for her so she can get away and get some much needed mommy rest. Before Claire gets too far she realizes she forgot her wallet. She comes home to find her realtor wearing practically nothing in her kitchen making waffles. This story is all about Claire coming to terms with what has happened and what has resulted in a divorce. Claire does some pretty crazy things. I can’t help but feel so incredibly sorry for her and feel she is justified for her actions. While her ex just thinks she’s rude he doesn’t seem to take any responsibility of his own actions. There are so many things that are so wrong but are real. It angered me that he moved her to a new state away from all she knew and refused to let her move back home. I know this happens to women all the time, but it just made me so angry that she could do nothing about it. While Claire seemed nuts at times, what do you expect from someone who had her whole life turned upside down. To make it worse is forced to live in a place where she knows no one and is bullied by people around her. I’m glad she found her sanity and I loved Antonia. What a most perfect friend. We all need an Antonia in our lives.
While I Hope I never have to experience what Claire has and doubt I ever will, I think this is a good book to show us where women are after such an emotional life altering event. I think it’s fair to know that they aren’t always going to be sane all the time.
January 30, 2019
This was a reader's choice book from the library. I will say that this book kept my interest as a fun book and I enjoyed the author's writing style. Claire, a mid thirties new mom, comes to home to find her husband cheating on her with their realtor (previous high school flame of her husband's).
The marriage is over and Claire is now on her way to being single without ever wishing for this to happen. I thought the first part of the book started out strong. However, there were a few things that I didn't connect with in the story.
1- Her new boyfriend, Fred. He was helpful in the story doing handyman things, but thought he seemed kind of rude to her and almost seemed like he was picking up on her friends a couple of times in the story. I didn't see him in love with Claire, but whatever.
2- Claire was certainly busy putting her life back in order and trying to re-establish herself as a single woman. But, I can't help but wonder who was watching her son throughout the book? Bo (her son) was mentioned a lot but didn't seem like she was with him a whole bunch.
3- Antonia, her best friend. O.K. I may not understand this because I don't have a best friend like this but is there ANY best friend who would pull up her roots in Chicago and come to be with her friend in CONNECTICUT for over 6 months? I didn't buy that - sorry!
4- I thought Claire was a little too erratic in this story. Yes, she was traumatized over her divorce (and should be) but she was cutting her ex-husbands hair off in the middle of a restaurant, etc.. that seemed a little unhinged. I think the author could've made it a little more believable because it shouldn't be easy for her. Give the main character a little more credit though!
The marriage is over and Claire is now on her way to being single without ever wishing for this to happen. I thought the first part of the book started out strong. However, there were a few things that I didn't connect with in the story.
1- Her new boyfriend, Fred. He was helpful in the story doing handyman things, but thought he seemed kind of rude to her and almost seemed like he was picking up on her friends a couple of times in the story. I didn't see him in love with Claire, but whatever.
2- Claire was certainly busy putting her life back in order and trying to re-establish herself as a single woman. But, I can't help but wonder who was watching her son throughout the book? Bo (her son) was mentioned a lot but didn't seem like she was with him a whole bunch.
3- Antonia, her best friend. O.K. I may not understand this because I don't have a best friend like this but is there ANY best friend who would pull up her roots in Chicago and come to be with her friend in CONNECTICUT for over 6 months? I didn't buy that - sorry!
4- I thought Claire was a little too erratic in this story. Yes, she was traumatized over her divorce (and should be) but she was cutting her ex-husbands hair off in the middle of a restaurant, etc.. that seemed a little unhinged. I think the author could've made it a little more believable because it shouldn't be easy for her. Give the main character a little more credit though!
July 17, 2018
Suburbia, infidelity, paybacks and friendships are the crux of REGRETS ONLY, a thought-provoking and at times funny look when life throws you a curveball.
Claire has given up everything for Owen; she's uprooted from Chicago and relocated to his native Connecticut and put her career on hold to stay home with their infant son Bo. She's exhausted and mentally stalled and Owen wants to make it up to her with a spa day - Claire feels like the luckiest woman in the world. Until she's not. She absently leaves the house without her wallet and upon returning to fetch it she finds their realtor and Owen's high school sweetheart, Dee Dee in their kitchen scantily dressed in lingerie indulging in champagne and waffles.
With no chance of moving back to Chicago and Dee Dee's mean-girl friends around every corner Claire reinvents herself with the help of her childhood best friend Antonia and new friend Lissy.
I've been there - relocating, trading in a career to stay home and raise children, physical exhaustion and mommy brain! I laughed at Claire's antics to get back at Owen. Personally I've not gone thru a divorce so who am I to say whether Claire handled things the right way. As a mom I totally related to her 'death folder' as I've often told my husband about should anything happen to me! I adored the introduction of the stationary store S.W.A.K. and thought it brought a charming element to an overall great story.
If you are looking for a beach read that is sharp, witty, gossipy and snarky then pick this one up!
Claire has given up everything for Owen; she's uprooted from Chicago and relocated to his native Connecticut and put her career on hold to stay home with their infant son Bo. She's exhausted and mentally stalled and Owen wants to make it up to her with a spa day - Claire feels like the luckiest woman in the world. Until she's not. She absently leaves the house without her wallet and upon returning to fetch it she finds their realtor and Owen's high school sweetheart, Dee Dee in their kitchen scantily dressed in lingerie indulging in champagne and waffles.
With no chance of moving back to Chicago and Dee Dee's mean-girl friends around every corner Claire reinvents herself with the help of her childhood best friend Antonia and new friend Lissy.
I've been there - relocating, trading in a career to stay home and raise children, physical exhaustion and mommy brain! I laughed at Claire's antics to get back at Owen. Personally I've not gone thru a divorce so who am I to say whether Claire handled things the right way. As a mom I totally related to her 'death folder' as I've often told my husband about should anything happen to me! I adored the introduction of the stationary store S.W.A.K. and thought it brought a charming element to an overall great story.
If you are looking for a beach read that is sharp, witty, gossipy and snarky then pick this one up!
July 2, 2018
Regrets Only by Erin Duffy is a novel. Claire Mackenzie-Stevens has it all. An adorable baby named Bo, a perfect husband named Owen, a gorgeous Colonial in the trendy upscale suburb of Darien CT, anything that a 30 something millenial would want. When her husband thoughtfully arranged a spa day in Manhattan as a surprise, Claire was thrilled to get a little pampering done, who wouldn't. Unfortunately, she forgor her wallet in her diaper bag and returned home unexpectedly to find her husband and real estate agent Dee Dee, in a compromising position. It turns out conveniently that Dee Dee is not only their real estate agent, but also Owen's high school sweetheart.
With her marriage heading for divorce, Claire knows that it's time to move on, but first she needs to get her anger out of her system. Desperate for a positive outlet to channel her frustrations, she turns to her best friend Antonia and new friend Lissy and together they work to re-brand Lissy's local stationary store into a thriving business. But, as Claire discovers, the suburbs have more to offer than she originally thought, including the opportunity to love once again.
I would recommend this book to just about anyone.
With her marriage heading for divorce, Claire knows that it's time to move on, but first she needs to get her anger out of her system. Desperate for a positive outlet to channel her frustrations, she turns to her best friend Antonia and new friend Lissy and together they work to re-brand Lissy's local stationary store into a thriving business. But, as Claire discovers, the suburbs have more to offer than she originally thought, including the opportunity to love once again.
I would recommend this book to just about anyone.
May 3, 2018
Frankly, Claire got on my nerves but I kept reading this well written tale of divorce because I found some of the other characters, especially Lissy, engaging and there are some really funny bright spots. Claire is in her mid-30s, living in Connecticut, and a new mom when she finds her husband with his old high school flame. Bad, right? And pretty much everything she does after makes sense in it's way. I especially liked the scene in the Italian restaurant and with her mother in law. Some other things were just not- like her complaining about it being impossible to find work after being out of the market to be a mom for a year. A year? And the fact that she allowed her husband to be the sole owner of their home because she didn't want to go to the closing. Really? Then there's Fred, who is, I'll grant you, a great guy. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. Try this one, acknowledging up front that just as you might have had it with Claire, something just right will happen to keep you entertained.
August 14, 2018
Regrets Only by Erin Duffy
This book was recommended by my local librarian. I thought why not?
I did struggle through a bit of this book, it’s usually not my genre but I’m not quitter.
Claire thought she had the perfect life, until she didn’t and how she handles it is quite interesting.
Faced with a divorce, the new mother deals with all the drama that goes along with it is something she’s doesn’t grasp well.
I love her attitude about how to proceed, she’s quite funny and I’m sure thinks and does a lot of things women do while going through such a thing. (Or they wish they could do).
Her friends come together to reign her back into reality. Though I don’t know how much I like Fred.
She almost has a few mental breakdowns through out it the book. Will she survive and come out stronger? You’ll have to read to find out!
3 Stars
This is a quirky and funny read and I think many women will be able to relate to Claire!
Hits some real life moments.
Well written
This book was recommended by my local librarian. I thought why not?
I did struggle through a bit of this book, it’s usually not my genre but I’m not quitter.
Claire thought she had the perfect life, until she didn’t and how she handles it is quite interesting.
Faced with a divorce, the new mother deals with all the drama that goes along with it is something she’s doesn’t grasp well.
I love her attitude about how to proceed, she’s quite funny and I’m sure thinks and does a lot of things women do while going through such a thing. (Or they wish they could do).
Her friends come together to reign her back into reality. Though I don’t know how much I like Fred.
She almost has a few mental breakdowns through out it the book. Will she survive and come out stronger? You’ll have to read to find out!
3 Stars
This is a quirky and funny read and I think many women will be able to relate to Claire!
Hits some real life moments.
Well written
February 5, 2021
I found this book to drag on quite a bit and was slow for a good chunk of the book. This is sad since there was a good potential in the beginning and the end.
Claire had a seemingly perfect life with a new baby and a loving husband who sent her on a special spa day. What more can someone ask for? Except..... it turns out her husband is cheating on her with his high school sweetheart! GASP! Naturally Claire is on a downward spiral and took some drastic actions (which I secretly cheered her on for, although by a certain point it went too far)
I absolutely love Antonia and Lissy. The friendships between them are so sweet and awesome! Love how Lissy's shop was transformed and turned into such an awesome place and kind of helped Claire focus on making a life there instead of trying to go back to when things were perfect.
Overall, it was a slow and drawn out story where it was hard to connect with the main character. The supporting cast is awesome though.
Claire had a seemingly perfect life with a new baby and a loving husband who sent her on a special spa day. What more can someone ask for? Except..... it turns out her husband is cheating on her with his high school sweetheart! GASP! Naturally Claire is on a downward spiral and took some drastic actions (which I secretly cheered her on for, although by a certain point it went too far)
I absolutely love Antonia and Lissy. The friendships between them are so sweet and awesome! Love how Lissy's shop was transformed and turned into such an awesome place and kind of helped Claire focus on making a life there instead of trying to go back to when things were perfect.
Overall, it was a slow and drawn out story where it was hard to connect with the main character. The supporting cast is awesome though.
June 4, 2019
Imagine being happily married and a stay-at-home mom of an infant. Your husband travels a lot. He comes home and offers you a night out in a hotel complete with spa treatments and everything. As you are heading to the hotel, you realize you forgot your wallet. When you walk back into your home, your life takes one of those sudden unexpected turns in life.
Claire Stevens has to now navigate life as a single mom while trying to avoid her soon-to-be ex and his high school girlfriend and her uppity friends in a small town in Connecticut. I'm sure we would all like to do the things Claire's crazier side do to her husband. As Claire evaluates her life surrounded by a long-time friend and a sudden unexpected crazy new friend, she realizes life goes on and there is a happier ever after!
Great chicklit book! I look forward to reading some of Erin Duffy's other books.
Claire Stevens has to now navigate life as a single mom while trying to avoid her soon-to-be ex and his high school girlfriend and her uppity friends in a small town in Connecticut. I'm sure we would all like to do the things Claire's crazier side do to her husband. As Claire evaluates her life surrounded by a long-time friend and a sudden unexpected crazy new friend, she realizes life goes on and there is a happier ever after!
Great chicklit book! I look forward to reading some of Erin Duffy's other books.
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