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More Than A Wife #1
The Sidelined Wife
She’s getting back in the game, one blog post at a time.
Samantha Higgins never thought driving her husband’s car would forever change her life. But one conversation later, heard through his Bluetooth, and Samantha is changing her last name. While trying to figure out who Samantha Decker is, she writes what she thinks is one final post on her blog, announcing her divorce. When the post goes viral, she finds herself with a new title, The Sidelined Wife, and an unbelievable following.
To make matters more interesting, her younger brother’s best friend, Reed Cassidy, who was a thorn in Samantha’s adolescent side, moves back to town as the new head football coach for her son’s high school team. Unbeknownst to Samantha, Reed has harbored a crush for his old babysitter all these years. But, Samantha isn’t keen on dating anyone, much less a younger man that used to booby trap her bedroom with firecrackers.
While Samantha is doing her best to learn and even make up some of the rules of single life and being a semi-celebrity, Reed comes in and changes the game. Now Samantha must decide if she should get back on the field or if she prefers the sidelines.
Samantha Higgins never thought driving her husband’s car would forever change her life. But one conversation later, heard through his Bluetooth, and Samantha is changing her last name. While trying to figure out who Samantha Decker is, she writes what she thinks is one final post on her blog, announcing her divorce. When the post goes viral, she finds herself with a new title, The Sidelined Wife, and an unbelievable following.
To make matters more interesting, her younger brother’s best friend, Reed Cassidy, who was a thorn in Samantha’s adolescent side, moves back to town as the new head football coach for her son’s high school team. Unbeknownst to Samantha, Reed has harbored a crush for his old babysitter all these years. But, Samantha isn’t keen on dating anyone, much less a younger man that used to booby trap her bedroom with firecrackers.
While Samantha is doing her best to learn and even make up some of the rules of single life and being a semi-celebrity, Reed comes in and changes the game. Now Samantha must decide if she should get back on the field or if she prefers the sidelines.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2018
2485 people are currently reading
1904 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Peel
63 books1,379 followersJennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-two years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews
January 23, 2018
Raw and honest are the words I'd use to describe this book. Divorce isn't a theme I generally enjoy in a book, but the author skillfully wove in a new relationship with fun romance while also focusing more on Samantha finding herself after being redefined by her new status of single. There is angst and grief over her loss, but I loved her attitude of looking forward and exploring how she wants her life, personality, and priorities to shift. Her family is hilarious and while the Sunday dinners are not always easy, there is a strong sense of loyalty there. Her brothers and sister-in-laws especially came to life and were a dynamic supporting cast.
Reed came into the picture immediately after her divorce finalizes, and his childhood background with Samantha provided a foundation that made their developing friendship in the midst of her personal drama work. I loved how she didn't pick up on his attraction to her and his subsequent frustration, it brought humor with the awkwardness and embarrassment, especially when she unwillingly realized how much chemistry they had. And boy did they have chemistry! Reed's pursuit of Samantha made him endearing and I loved the creativity of their "clandestine" dates.
Samantha's voice brought a wry humor throughout the book that's part sassy and part snarky and part self-deprecation. That humor also made the exploding popularity of her brutally honest blog posts believable, and the therapeutic outlet gave her a confidence boost as well as a new direction to pursue. I loved that her number one priority remained the happiness of her teenage son, and I admired the relationship she had with him- expressing that love without being too overbearing, and being his anchor through the disinterest and betrayal of his father.
Overall I think this book isn't about being single or divorced- it's about the feelings that inevitably come during change and transition, about self-care and not losing oneself in an unbalanced relationship, about rediscovery and redefining. It made me evaluate my own life and think about if the things I spend my time doing are worthwhile, productive, and bring joy. Highly recommend!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Reed came into the picture immediately after her divorce finalizes, and his childhood background with Samantha provided a foundation that made their developing friendship in the midst of her personal drama work. I loved how she didn't pick up on his attraction to her and his subsequent frustration, it brought humor with the awkwardness and embarrassment, especially when she unwillingly realized how much chemistry they had. And boy did they have chemistry! Reed's pursuit of Samantha made him endearing and I loved the creativity of their "clandestine" dates.
Samantha's voice brought a wry humor throughout the book that's part sassy and part snarky and part self-deprecation. That humor also made the exploding popularity of her brutally honest blog posts believable, and the therapeutic outlet gave her a confidence boost as well as a new direction to pursue. I loved that her number one priority remained the happiness of her teenage son, and I admired the relationship she had with him- expressing that love without being too overbearing, and being his anchor through the disinterest and betrayal of his father.
Overall I think this book isn't about being single or divorced- it's about the feelings that inevitably come during change and transition, about self-care and not losing oneself in an unbalanced relationship, about rediscovery and redefining. It made me evaluate my own life and think about if the things I spend my time doing are worthwhile, productive, and bring joy. Highly recommend!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
July 12, 2019
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Liked it!
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I liked the reading.
Our heroine is an ordinary woman who sees her world collapse when she discovers her husband's cheating with a much younger woman.
Her family is very traditional and has very funny scenes with her grandmother and mother.
We can feel the torment and confusion our heroine is going through. She finds herself discarded by a younger model and begins to doubt herself as a woman and as a person.
I liked the hero, he was in a hurry she moves on and overcome the end of her marriage, but she took her time.
The ex-husband lost after all. He was a selfish idiot.
She has gained a happier new life, an ideal partner and a happier son.
It's never too late to be happy and start over.
==================
I liked the reading.
Our heroine is an ordinary woman who sees her world collapse when she discovers her husband's cheating with a much younger woman.
Her family is very traditional and has very funny scenes with her grandmother and mother.
We can feel the torment and confusion our heroine is going through. She finds herself discarded by a younger model and begins to doubt herself as a woman and as a person.
I liked the hero, he was in a hurry she moves on and overcome the end of her marriage, but she took her time.
The ex-husband lost after all. He was a selfish idiot.
She has gained a happier new life, an ideal partner and a happier son.
It's never too late to be happy and start over.
He shuffled the box in his hands, using both now to hold it. “I didn’t mean for us to turn out this way.” “I think you mean you never meant to get caught.”
“You should have asked yourself that when you decided to forget you were a married man.”
Even knowing that my husband—I mean ex-husband, I needed to remember that—was having a baby with another woman.
Neil left me for a twenty-five-year-old waitress and, not only that, he believed her when she said she was on the pill. The man who only wanted one child, whose mind I could never change on the subject, would be a new father in several weeks.
Neil hadn’t been to Sunday dinner in months, but this week it was official. I was single, and my siblings were happily married.
So not only was I now divorced, I also felt like the plain-Jane of the family. Divorce had a way of sucking the self-esteem right out of you.
Neil’s one-night stand turned into a full-blown relationship. He blamed it all on Roxie; she wouldn’t let him be. She threatened and bribed him. He couldn’t say no. Those were all excuses. I had believed his lies of it being a one-night stand. I even tried to work it
Then, to nail that point home, Neil altogether quit touching me. Later he said it was because he felt guilty about the affair and he was afraid he might transmit an STD to me.
When he told me about Roxie, the thought of him touching me made me physically ill.
October 9, 2019
I've been dragging myself through this story and I finally gave up at around 60%. I kind of like the characters, at least in principle. I like that he's six years younger and doesn't care. I like that she's finding her voice after her divorce. I like how much they both care about her son, Cody. I like how well Peel has drawn Cody and his flashes of need and anger and occasional kindness. And I really like the sibling dynamic.
Unfortunately, that's not enough to keep me going in the face of her cardboard parents and all the stupid negative motivation*. Seriously, Samantha doesn't want anything. She's completely defensive, even in terms of her son "getting through this". This book could stand as the iconic example of negative motivation killing plot dead. Reed is working really hard to make things happen putting up with condition after brush-off after excuse and I can't help feeling that he's having to try way too hard. Them sneaking around and setting landmines that they'll obviously trip over later is the last nail in my interest coffin.
I'm going to slip this a second star because, as I said, I like the characters. And the blog articles are flavorful and interesting. And the sisters-in-law are awesome so some great female friendships. I just really wish this had worked out better.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
Unfortunately, that's not enough to keep me going in the face of her cardboard parents and all the stupid negative motivation*. Seriously, Samantha doesn't want anything. She's completely defensive, even in terms of her son "getting through this". This book could stand as the iconic example of negative motivation killing plot dead. Reed is working really hard to make things happen putting up with condition after brush-off after excuse and I can't help feeling that he's having to try way too hard. Them sneaking around and setting landmines that they'll obviously trip over later is the last nail in my interest coffin.
I'm going to slip this a second star because, as I said, I like the characters. And the blog articles are flavorful and interesting. And the sisters-in-law are awesome so some great female friendships. I just really wish this had worked out better.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
January 15, 2018
I'm in love and I don't care who knows it! I absolutely LOVED Sam and her story! I adore the way Sam is able to use a bit of humor and words to soften her pain and in doing so, support a lot of other women who have gone through something similar. She is a character who isn't going to back down from her choices, even when it might be easier to do so, but is going to stay strong and create a new path for herself and her son. There were some situations that Sam found herself in that would have made me wither and die, but no. She rises up in the face of pain. I love how she finds who she really is.
Sam's relationships are truly what captured my heart in this book. She is so close with those who mean the world to her, even when the ties could be cut, and they're not all selfish relationships. She gives as much as she takes and I honestly felt like I was one of her closest friends. I want to be her best friend! Her family is hilarious and her Mimsy had me rolling on the floor.
As for the romance? This one is a slow burn and that right there, grabbed me. She has a lot of doubts and insecurities, but the chemistry is present and smoldering. There's no rebound relationships for her and I fell for another book boyfriend, right along with Sam. Who could resist the charm and sweetness of Reed?! He is perfection and his ideas of showing her how he feels, especially in the grocery store, set the butterflies a-fluttering.
I could NOT put this book down and had a lump in my throat when all was said and done. Although I was completely satisfied, I need more; I'm not ready to let go of these people yet and it sounds like I won't have to (hint: Book 1). I'm seriously wondering if Jennifer Peel is magic because I feel this way about every single book she writes--I emotionally connect and I do NOT want to let go.
Content: mild language; mild-moderate romance (kissing; talk of infidelity; innuendo; sex talk, but nothing at all graphic).
*I received a copy, which had no influence on my thoughts. All opinions are my own.*
Sam's relationships are truly what captured my heart in this book. She is so close with those who mean the world to her, even when the ties could be cut, and they're not all selfish relationships. She gives as much as she takes and I honestly felt like I was one of her closest friends. I want to be her best friend! Her family is hilarious and her Mimsy had me rolling on the floor.
As for the romance? This one is a slow burn and that right there, grabbed me. She has a lot of doubts and insecurities, but the chemistry is present and smoldering. There's no rebound relationships for her and I fell for another book boyfriend, right along with Sam. Who could resist the charm and sweetness of Reed?! He is perfection and his ideas of showing her how he feels, especially in the grocery store, set the butterflies a-fluttering.
I could NOT put this book down and had a lump in my throat when all was said and done. Although I was completely satisfied, I need more; I'm not ready to let go of these people yet and it sounds like I won't have to (hint: Book 1). I'm seriously wondering if Jennifer Peel is magic because I feel this way about every single book she writes--I emotionally connect and I do NOT want to let go.
Content: mild language; mild-moderate romance (kissing; talk of infidelity; innuendo; sex talk, but nothing at all graphic).
*I received a copy, which had no influence on my thoughts. All opinions are my own.*
abandon-dnf
January 17, 2018I wanted to like it and it started off good. Heroine took the house, alamony, got child support, and the ex’s prize car in the divorce. Good for her she deserved it...but by 13% I was regretting my decision. The religious hypocrisy is outstanding. Grandma constantly throws “holy” water on heroine because she got a divorce and according to her Catholic (don’t fuss at me...the author made it clear the family’s denomination) beliefs a divorce is the worst possible thing that could ever happen. She even had a Priest go to the heroines our to cleanse it of evil spirits. The heroines Mom hates - quite verbally if I say so myself AND this is from someone who’s MIL hates her (me) - her daughter in law to the extent that she is causing extreme problems between her son and HIS wife.
Now, I’m a Christian and according to my bible - Matthew 19:9 specifically - adultery is biblical grounds for divorce. I’m not even gonna begin to list the scriptures on acceptance, tolerance, and forgiveness. It was quickly obvious how those situations were gonna go...
Next the Hero. I’ll admit..I skimmed starting at 13% so I didn’t get a good feel for him BUT he pulled a douche move and I lost all respect for him. He wanted the heroine to be completely over the divorce and her ex in less than 3 months after the divorce was finalized. He became selfish and failed to realize or consider just how hard all of that would be for the heroine.
For the heroine...like I said I initially liked her. Then her inner monologue became sooo tedious that I hated her. At 91% she’s lying in bed crying over the ex....do I need to go on? I think you all get the the jest considering that happed at 91 freaking percent!!
I’m in the minority here and I’m ok with that....I won’t be reading the next one and I can’t honestly say I’ll try the author again. Nothing personal to her...just my preferences.
Now, I’m a Christian and according to my bible - Matthew 19:9 specifically - adultery is biblical grounds for divorce. I’m not even gonna begin to list the scriptures on acceptance, tolerance, and forgiveness. It was quickly obvious how those situations were gonna go...
Next the Hero. I’ll admit..I skimmed starting at 13% so I didn’t get a good feel for him BUT he pulled a douche move and I lost all respect for him. He wanted the heroine to be completely over the divorce and her ex in less than 3 months after the divorce was finalized. He became selfish and failed to realize or consider just how hard all of that would be for the heroine.
For the heroine...like I said I initially liked her. Then her inner monologue became sooo tedious that I hated her. At 91% she’s lying in bed crying over the ex....do I need to go on? I think you all get the the jest considering that happed at 91 freaking percent!!
I’m in the minority here and I’m ok with that....I won’t be reading the next one and I can’t honestly say I’ll try the author again. Nothing personal to her...just my preferences.
January 12, 2018
Loved this one!! And really that should come as no surprise to anyone since I have loved everything Jennifer Peel has written.
This was another book that kept me up way too late because I could not put it down. There was no point in doing anything else until I finished it so I pled exhaustion so I could climb into bed at 7 last night to read it. There was no sleep for me until I finished shortly before midnight.
Reed is definitely swoon worthy and so perfect he's almost too good to be true. There is a host of lovable characters from Mimsy & Gelaire to Avery & Delanie - you'll fall in love with all of them. This is a happily ever after story but the road leading to that point is complicated. I laughed out loud multiple times while reading this one and despite the smile-inducing ending I was sad that this was over. Thankfully there is a sneak peek for book #2 at the end of this book and I am so excited that we get to revisit these characters in future books in this series!
This is a contemporary romance but it's so much more than that. Sam's Sidelined Wife blog posts are full of so much wisdom and heart. Jennifer writes characters who are so easy to relate to that it feels like they are real people who you want to call up and invite over.
Don't miss this fabulous book!
Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it!
Content: Clean (does have a few mild swear words and some talk of sex)
This was another book that kept me up way too late because I could not put it down. There was no point in doing anything else until I finished it so I pled exhaustion so I could climb into bed at 7 last night to read it. There was no sleep for me until I finished shortly before midnight.
Reed is definitely swoon worthy and so perfect he's almost too good to be true. There is a host of lovable characters from Mimsy & Gelaire to Avery & Delanie - you'll fall in love with all of them. This is a happily ever after story but the road leading to that point is complicated. I laughed out loud multiple times while reading this one and despite the smile-inducing ending I was sad that this was over. Thankfully there is a sneak peek for book #2 at the end of this book and I am so excited that we get to revisit these characters in future books in this series!
This is a contemporary romance but it's so much more than that. Sam's Sidelined Wife blog posts are full of so much wisdom and heart. Jennifer writes characters who are so easy to relate to that it feels like they are real people who you want to call up and invite over.
Don't miss this fabulous book!
Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it!
Content: Clean (does have a few mild swear words and some talk of sex)
October 19, 2023
So, so good and everything a romance is meant to be.
Unlike many cheating stories, this h has moved on in a big way from her loser husband. He only confessed to his affair because he got his young tribe sidepiece pregnant.
Enter left, the H. Besotted, romantic and intense, he's a whopping 4 1/2 years younger than the h and has always held a candle for her since he was a teen. He's pretty much perfect and actually woos the heroine.
Age gap: four plus years when you're a teen is a big deal, not so much when you're 39 and he's 34. Things are more complicated than an age difference: the h has a son that the H coaches, the loser ex wants her back, the h struggles with her identity after being cheated on, and she has the Muhther from Hell. Ye gods. Sarah, she who needs to fall into the fires of Mordor. Having read out of order, I already knew Sarah was the worst!
I really, really enjoyed it as it is romance at an honest level. The heroine is smart and her pushback is a result of her husband's betrayal rather than manufactured BS from the author.
I loved, loved the heroine's blog even if it exploded a little quickly. At 61, I could identify with her issues with being marginalized even though she's only 40.
All in all a great read and romance.
Unlike many cheating stories, this h has moved on in a big way from her loser husband. He only confessed to his affair because he got his young tribe sidepiece pregnant.
Enter left, the H. Besotted, romantic and intense, he's a whopping 4 1/2 years younger than the h and has always held a candle for her since he was a teen. He's pretty much perfect and actually woos the heroine.
Age gap: four plus years when you're a teen is a big deal, not so much when you're 39 and he's 34. Things are more complicated than an age difference: the h has a son that the H coaches, the loser ex wants her back, the h struggles with her identity after being cheated on, and she has the Muhther from Hell. Ye gods. Sarah, she who needs to fall into the fires of Mordor. Having read out of order, I already knew Sarah was the worst!
I really, really enjoyed it as it is romance at an honest level. The heroine is smart and her pushback is a result of her husband's betrayal rather than manufactured BS from the author.
I loved, loved the heroine's blog even if it exploded a little quickly. At 61, I could identify with her issues with being marginalized even though she's only 40.
All in all a great read and romance.
February 5, 2022
Divorced. Samantha never would have thought her marriage would end in a divorce. But it has. Her ex-husband is off having a baby with another woman. For 19 years she has been Samantha Higgins, wife and mother. But now she's Samantha Decker, mother. It's time to pick herself back up, figure out who she is meant to be and bring light and laughter back into her's and her son, Cody's life.
She needs an outlet. A place to let all her hurt, anger, frustration, disappointment, fear and loneliness go. She will beat this and she will become better for it. She turns to her blog to post what she thinks is her last post. It's time to end one book and start a new story.
But something terrifyingly wonderful happens. Her favorite author shares her blog post and she has gone viral. She can't believe the outpouring of love, encouragement and comradery she has received. It saddens her that there are so many women out there who have gone through what she is. Maybe being The Sidelined Wife will not only give her the outlet she needs but also allow her to be a voice for all those who are going through the same thing.
As if she doesn't already have enough on her plate, life decides to add more. Enter Reed Cassidy. Her younger brother's best friend and kid she used to babysit. Reed has been in love with Samantha since he was 13 years old. Now that they're older and she's divorced, maybe he'll actually have a chance with her. But will she ever look at him and see the man he has become? Or will she always see him as the kid she used to babysit?
Samantha has no desire to date... ever again. What she needs the most is a friend. Someone that she can talk to and be herself with. Reed proves to be just that. But somewhere along the way she starts falling for him. It may have been those spine-tingling kisses, or their clandestine meetings, or the shoulder he freely offers for her to cry on. Whatever it is has their feelings for each other growing.
However, the closer they get, the more scared Samantha becomes. What will Cody think? Would he be okay with her dating his coach? And what about her family? She can't get involved with her younger brother's best friend! It will never work! Her first marriage ended because her husband cheated, who's to say that Reed wouldn't cheat as well? Life will be safer for all involved if she just stayed single.
But life would also be miserable. Can she take that leap of faith and give Reed a chance? She owes it to herself, Reed and Cody to figure out if there's a happily ever after in their future.
Oh how I loved The Sidelined Wife! I knew from the moment I started it that it would be an emotional rollercoaster! It was beautiful, tragic, hilarious, perfect and did I mention beautiful?! I laughed, I cried, I growled in frustration, let out little dreamy sighs and loved every single minute of it! I absolutely adore Samantha and Reed! And that epilogue... *dreamy sigh* You guys are going to LOVE it!
I have to say that this is a perfect start to what I know will be an amazing series! I am SO excited! I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
I know I say this all the time but Ms. Peel has done it again! I absolutely love all her books! There is a reason she is one of my favorite authors. If you haven't read any of her books that you are seriously missing out!
Let's all just take a moment and stare at this casting... aren't they perfect?! I absolutely LOVE these two! *dreamy sigh*
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.*
Nominated for a 2018 Swoony Award, vote here http://bit.ly/2CWYB9U
She needs an outlet. A place to let all her hurt, anger, frustration, disappointment, fear and loneliness go. She will beat this and she will become better for it. She turns to her blog to post what she thinks is her last post. It's time to end one book and start a new story.
But something terrifyingly wonderful happens. Her favorite author shares her blog post and she has gone viral. She can't believe the outpouring of love, encouragement and comradery she has received. It saddens her that there are so many women out there who have gone through what she is. Maybe being The Sidelined Wife will not only give her the outlet she needs but also allow her to be a voice for all those who are going through the same thing.
As if she doesn't already have enough on her plate, life decides to add more. Enter Reed Cassidy. Her younger brother's best friend and kid she used to babysit. Reed has been in love with Samantha since he was 13 years old. Now that they're older and she's divorced, maybe he'll actually have a chance with her. But will she ever look at him and see the man he has become? Or will she always see him as the kid she used to babysit?
Samantha has no desire to date... ever again. What she needs the most is a friend. Someone that she can talk to and be herself with. Reed proves to be just that. But somewhere along the way she starts falling for him. It may have been those spine-tingling kisses, or their clandestine meetings, or the shoulder he freely offers for her to cry on. Whatever it is has their feelings for each other growing.
However, the closer they get, the more scared Samantha becomes. What will Cody think? Would he be okay with her dating his coach? And what about her family? She can't get involved with her younger brother's best friend! It will never work! Her first marriage ended because her husband cheated, who's to say that Reed wouldn't cheat as well? Life will be safer for all involved if she just stayed single.
But life would also be miserable. Can she take that leap of faith and give Reed a chance? She owes it to herself, Reed and Cody to figure out if there's a happily ever after in their future.
Oh how I loved The Sidelined Wife! I knew from the moment I started it that it would be an emotional rollercoaster! It was beautiful, tragic, hilarious, perfect and did I mention beautiful?! I laughed, I cried, I growled in frustration, let out little dreamy sighs and loved every single minute of it! I absolutely adore Samantha and Reed! And that epilogue... *dreamy sigh* You guys are going to LOVE it!
I have to say that this is a perfect start to what I know will be an amazing series! I am SO excited! I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
I know I say this all the time but Ms. Peel has done it again! I absolutely love all her books! There is a reason she is one of my favorite authors. If you haven't read any of her books that you are seriously missing out!
Let's all just take a moment and stare at this casting... aren't they perfect?! I absolutely LOVE these two! *dreamy sigh*
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.*
Nominated for a 2018 Swoony Award, vote here http://bit.ly/2CWYB9U
February 12, 2018
Another great read by Ms. Peel!
I admit, I stayed up way too late finishing this one. I kept thinking "just one more chapter" and it was totally worth it. This was a fun one to read all in one sitting, really get into the story and characters.
Recently divorced, Samantha Decker doesn't quite know what to do with herself. Still reeling from the shock of her husband cheating and getting his mistress pregnant, she starts writing in her blog again and is surprised when her posts become so popular. Writing helps not only heal the pain she is feeling, but helps others as well. Finding a new purpose she is able to slowly start moving on with her life. I could relate to Samantha in a lot of way (thankfully not the bad stuff), we're close in age, both mothers and so it was easy to relate to what she was going through and admire how she handled everything. She's a strong and vulnerable character. Ah, and Reed Cassidy was a nice little surprise for Samantha!
I thought this was a great story and kept me glued to the pages. The characters are well-developed and felt like there was a lot of substance to the story. It's easy to root for Samantha and really want to see her get a new HEA. I look forward to more from this new series, More Than a Wife.
Content
Romance: Clean. Kissing, talk of infidelity and mild talk of sex-not graphic
Language: Mild
Violence: None
Religious: None
Series: More Than a Wife, Book One
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Nominated for a 2018 Swoony Award, vote here http://bit.ly/2CWYB9U
I admit, I stayed up way too late finishing this one. I kept thinking "just one more chapter" and it was totally worth it. This was a fun one to read all in one sitting, really get into the story and characters.
Recently divorced, Samantha Decker doesn't quite know what to do with herself. Still reeling from the shock of her husband cheating and getting his mistress pregnant, she starts writing in her blog again and is surprised when her posts become so popular. Writing helps not only heal the pain she is feeling, but helps others as well. Finding a new purpose she is able to slowly start moving on with her life. I could relate to Samantha in a lot of way (thankfully not the bad stuff), we're close in age, both mothers and so it was easy to relate to what she was going through and admire how she handled everything. She's a strong and vulnerable character. Ah, and Reed Cassidy was a nice little surprise for Samantha!
I thought this was a great story and kept me glued to the pages. The characters are well-developed and felt like there was a lot of substance to the story. It's easy to root for Samantha and really want to see her get a new HEA. I look forward to more from this new series, More Than a Wife.
Content
Romance: Clean. Kissing, talk of infidelity and mild talk of sex-not graphic
Language: Mild
Violence: None
Religious: None
Series: More Than a Wife, Book One
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Nominated for a 2018 Swoony Award, vote here http://bit.ly/2CWYB9U
January 15, 2018
Oh. My. Swoon. Reed!! My tummy butterflies were all a flutter over the persistently sweet and sexy ways Reed worked his magic on Samantha. Honestly, grocery shopping will never be the same for me again. There is just something so sexy about a man who goes out of his way to give the woman he is interested in the message that he wants her. Reed is expert at this.
I loved that this book felt adultish and more mature. I love young love, first love (which this book has some of) but as I get older (ahem, cough*cough) there is something satisfying in reading about more mature situations and feelings that come with time and experience. Samantha is a mother to a teenage son. Life isn't quite the same as when she was in her twenties. I loved watching Sam find her own self again- processing all those emotions that were swirling inside her. Healing from hurtful experiences looks different for all of us and I really enjoyed Sam's journey. She was heartfelt and entertaining. The perfect balance.
Jennifer Peel has a knack for writing realistic emotion that I really connect to. No matter the age or the circumstances of her characters, I feel things when I read her books. That's why her books have become an addiction of sorts for me. I just can't get enough. I could have read about Reed all week and been a happy girl.
I also loved how well Jennifer peeked my interest in the next books in this series. I am so interested in these side characters who will steal the show in the next books.
Content: Some mention of affairs, kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
I loved that this book felt adultish and more mature. I love young love, first love (which this book has some of) but as I get older (ahem, cough*cough) there is something satisfying in reading about more mature situations and feelings that come with time and experience. Samantha is a mother to a teenage son. Life isn't quite the same as when she was in her twenties. I loved watching Sam find her own self again- processing all those emotions that were swirling inside her. Healing from hurtful experiences looks different for all of us and I really enjoyed Sam's journey. She was heartfelt and entertaining. The perfect balance.
Jennifer Peel has a knack for writing realistic emotion that I really connect to. No matter the age or the circumstances of her characters, I feel things when I read her books. That's why her books have become an addiction of sorts for me. I just can't get enough. I could have read about Reed all week and been a happy girl.
I also loved how well Jennifer peeked my interest in the next books in this series. I am so interested in these side characters who will steal the show in the next books.
Content: Some mention of affairs, kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 11, 2024
Unusual story of a woman who gets cheated on by her middle aged husband with a twenty something woman who accidentally gets pregnant. She divorces him and basically gets reborn. She becomes successful businesswoman on the internet with a personal blog and her only teenage son helps her moving on. Her husband is a pathetic loser, he wanted to feel young again but gets trapped by ow. It’s very satisfactory that in the end the husband is not only sorry but definitely unhappy and full of regrets and disappointment because he thought he would play teenager while he will have to spend his life taking care for another child he didn’t want. I loved that the heroine didn’t go back to him and found a new love, a younger and better man and her son was fond of him while he hated his dads new woman and didn’t want to have nothing to do with his father and his new cozy family. I wished the heroine was more of a bitch, she tried to persuade her son to see his father and his lil daughter, why is that? The son was hurt by his fathers betrayal as much as she was and he is no example to follow, so it was ok if the son didn’t want to have much to do with his father. I liked the part where the heroine sees him looking like an aging teenager, with scruffed jeans, fake and tinted hair and she feels pity for him. I felt second hand embarrassment! He thought he would have fun with his new side piece and have a new youth while he was trapped into being a parent all over again, I rejoiced knowing he won’t make it out alive since being already in his mid 40 he will be retired when his daughter went to college! Ha! The little joys in life!
January 11, 2019
I LOVE Jennifer Peel's books (well I love her too even though I've never met her), so when she posted or sent an email saying she had codes for a free audiobook of The Sidelined Wife I jumped at the chance for one. Unfortunately, I didn't get one, but then I got a PM on Facebook that she had one if I was still interested. IF I was still interested? Is she crazy?! Of course, I was still interested!! There was no "if". Needless to say I didn't hesitate to use my code, download the audiobook and start listening to it IMMEDIATELY.
Wow! Having gone through a divorce after more than 10 years of marriage this book hit all the right notes, especially since the reason(s) for my divorce were similar. Even though it's been 30 years since my divorce some of the feelings I had while going through it came back while listening to this audiobook. Making us feel such emotions is one of Jennifer Peel's strengths as a writer, although sometimes it takes a toll on us readers.
The book opens with Samantha's ex-husband, Neil, picking up the rest of his belongings and giving her his key to what had been their home. He threw it all away by having an affair and now he's living with his pregnant, much-younger, girlfriend--who sounds dreadful and had I me wondering more than once why he got involved with her. I'd really like to know the backstory on that.
Sam has her family for support, although I think most of the support came from her brothers and their wives, not her mother and grandmother who were quite hilarious with the NDA's and "holy" water. I loved Sam's relationships with her sisters-in-law and I felt they were just what she needed. Girlfriends are the best when going through hard times and changes in your life, especially when the changes are thrust upon you.
Sam receives a real shock when Reed, her younger brother's best friend, shows up at her first the-divorce-is-final family dinner. He's moved back to town and is her son, Cody's football coach. Sam definitely notices that Reed is all grown up, but has a hard time getting past the memories of babysitting him and the pranks he and her brother Peter pulled on her. She has no idea that Reed has always had a crush on her and pulled those pranks to get her attention. It takes her more than a little while to push all those memories to the back and get to know the man Reed is now.
I liked that Cody was Samantha's priority, as he should be, and that she admitted she wasn't ready to start dating. No rebound guy for Sam, she was concentrating on herself--healing and finding out who she was now. I was glad she was taking it super slow with Reed--while it may have been painful for Reed, it was great for Sam and those reading the book. Slow burning romances are the best!! While I loved reading Sam's bog entries I could never open myself up like that to the world. As it was I felt so bad for her when she overheard comments at the football games, like her being divorced meant she was on the prowl for someone else's husband or it was contagious so they had to keep away from her to avoid being infected. What nonsense! That was one positive thing about moving during/after a divorce--no one knows the ex-husband so friends don't have to "choose a side".
If you can't tell I loved this book, as I've loved every Jennifer Peel I've read. The characters are so developed it's like I'm reading about a real person, not a fictional character. I already have the next book in the series The Secretive Wife (More Than A Wife #2) and look forward to reading it soon.
The only drawback to having an audiobook vs an ebook is I can't refer back to it while reviewing and I can't mark favorite lines or things I found hilariously funny. I may just have to get an ebook of this one afterall.
Wow! Having gone through a divorce after more than 10 years of marriage this book hit all the right notes, especially since the reason(s) for my divorce were similar. Even though it's been 30 years since my divorce some of the feelings I had while going through it came back while listening to this audiobook. Making us feel such emotions is one of Jennifer Peel's strengths as a writer, although sometimes it takes a toll on us readers.
The book opens with Samantha's ex-husband, Neil, picking up the rest of his belongings and giving her his key to what had been their home. He threw it all away by having an affair and now he's living with his pregnant, much-younger, girlfriend--who sounds dreadful and had I me wondering more than once why he got involved with her. I'd really like to know the backstory on that.
Sam has her family for support, although I think most of the support came from her brothers and their wives, not her mother and grandmother who were quite hilarious with the NDA's and "holy" water. I loved Sam's relationships with her sisters-in-law and I felt they were just what she needed. Girlfriends are the best when going through hard times and changes in your life, especially when the changes are thrust upon you.
Sam receives a real shock when Reed, her younger brother's best friend, shows up at her first the-divorce-is-final family dinner. He's moved back to town and is her son, Cody's football coach. Sam definitely notices that Reed is all grown up, but has a hard time getting past the memories of babysitting him and the pranks he and her brother Peter pulled on her. She has no idea that Reed has always had a crush on her and pulled those pranks to get her attention. It takes her more than a little while to push all those memories to the back and get to know the man Reed is now.
I liked that Cody was Samantha's priority, as he should be, and that she admitted she wasn't ready to start dating. No rebound guy for Sam, she was concentrating on herself--healing and finding out who she was now. I was glad she was taking it super slow with Reed--while it may have been painful for Reed, it was great for Sam and those reading the book. Slow burning romances are the best!! While I loved reading Sam's bog entries I could never open myself up like that to the world. As it was I felt so bad for her when she overheard comments at the football games, like her being divorced meant she was on the prowl for someone else's husband or it was contagious so they had to keep away from her to avoid being infected. What nonsense! That was one positive thing about moving during/after a divorce--no one knows the ex-husband so friends don't have to "choose a side".
If you can't tell I loved this book, as I've loved every Jennifer Peel I've read. The characters are so developed it's like I'm reading about a real person, not a fictional character. I already have the next book in the series The Secretive Wife (More Than A Wife #2) and look forward to reading it soon.
The only drawback to having an audiobook vs an ebook is I can't refer back to it while reviewing and I can't mark favorite lines or things I found hilariously funny. I may just have to get an ebook of this one afterall.
February 16, 2018
This is women’s fiction with a kick of humour and I enjoyed the experience. The story is not something I personally identify with but the heroine, nearing 40 and very newly divorced, finding her feet, was an engaging one. Samantha decides to ‘blog-it-out’ and the results find her a semi-sensation.
“I think there should be a law of nature that states that pimples and wrinkles are not allowed to exist on the same face. Can I get an amen?”
Her funny blogs of her tragic, destroyed life are merely a cover for a lot of emotion and wreckage. Soon, along comes Reed the boy she used to babysit and a lot of slow burning banter and chemistry ensues.
“You’ve grown up.” That sounded ridiculous. Of course he had; he was thirty-four, the same age as Peter.
He laughed at me. “You might have heard. I have a big boy job now too and everything.”
Samantha is the kind of women most of her gender would identify with at some point in their lives, lacking in self-belief and self-esteem. Her teenage son made for good reading as did the ex.
This is a fun, easy read with serious themes and a great message of empowerment.
“I think there should be a law of nature that states that pimples and wrinkles are not allowed to exist on the same face. Can I get an amen?”
Her funny blogs of her tragic, destroyed life are merely a cover for a lot of emotion and wreckage. Soon, along comes Reed the boy she used to babysit and a lot of slow burning banter and chemistry ensues.
“You’ve grown up.” That sounded ridiculous. Of course he had; he was thirty-four, the same age as Peter.
He laughed at me. “You might have heard. I have a big boy job now too and everything.”
Samantha is the kind of women most of her gender would identify with at some point in their lives, lacking in self-belief and self-esteem. Her teenage son made for good reading as did the ex.
This is a fun, easy read with serious themes and a great message of empowerment.
October 6, 2018
4 Stars!
Engaging read about moving on after divorce. Cute story and a clean romance. Very much enjoyed this author's story telling and writing, hoping the rest of the series is as good as this first book. My only complaint is I could have done with a little less of Samantha's internal dialogue, still in all a good read!
Engaging read about moving on after divorce. Cute story and a clean romance. Very much enjoyed this author's story telling and writing, hoping the rest of the series is as good as this first book. My only complaint is I could have done with a little less of Samantha's internal dialogue, still in all a good read!
not-interested
January 14, 2018I have read this blurb before, for another book, another time... deja vu feeling. Lol
June 11, 2023
I don’t know how she does it!
It’s no secret that I absolutely LOVE this author. I have yet to read a book of hers that I haven’t fallen in love with. When I purchased this new book of hers I thought I could pace myself and enjoy each and every moment, savoring the story.
I should have known better.
I couldn’t put this book down- and often stayed up late and brought it with me in case there was ANY chance I could read just a little bit more. I fell in love with our main character, Sam. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain of divorce and what it does to your family, your child, and especially to you. Sam was strong and brave and yet I loved how she was vulnerable and her emotions were raw. This was such a great story, and I am so excited to read the rest of the series! I’m hoping Delanie and Avery get their own story too 😉
It’s no secret that I absolutely LOVE this author. I have yet to read a book of hers that I haven’t fallen in love with. When I purchased this new book of hers I thought I could pace myself and enjoy each and every moment, savoring the story.
I should have known better.
I couldn’t put this book down- and often stayed up late and brought it with me in case there was ANY chance I could read just a little bit more. I fell in love with our main character, Sam. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain of divorce and what it does to your family, your child, and especially to you. Sam was strong and brave and yet I loved how she was vulnerable and her emotions were raw. This was such a great story, and I am so excited to read the rest of the series! I’m hoping Delanie and Avery get their own story too 😉
January 26, 2018
Really cute. Loved all the family dynamics and Reed was awesome.
Looking forward to the next one.
Looking forward to the next one.
May 9, 2019
It's confirmed. I would make a terrible therapist. Because as realistic as I think the inner musings of this heroine are, she comes across as whiny and ungrateful. And I know that I read through the lens of my life, but I just want to shake her and say: "Stop moaning and groaning already! You have a beautiful son, a nice house, a luxury car, a family who loves you to pieces, and your cheater husband didn't give you an STD!" I'm sorry. Maybe I'm not compassionate enough.
All that aside, I didn't enjoy the first person narrative. Especially of such a whiny character. (Eep! Sorry, that slipped out. I promise I'll keep it nice from now on.) Her inner monologue is very repetitive, and her mother and grandmother, are not nice people. The holy water bit was offensive as well, and I'm not even Catholic.
I do appreciate that books by this author are always clean (at least the two that I've read anyway). But they're just not for me. I'm not into chick lit. Readers who enjoy clean romances with a funny slant might really enjoy this author's books, so please don't let my low rating discourage you from giving her books a try. :)
All that aside, I didn't enjoy the first person narrative. Especially of such a whiny character. (Eep! Sorry, that slipped out. I promise I'll keep it nice from now on.) Her inner monologue is very repetitive, and her mother and grandmother, are not nice people. The holy water bit was offensive as well, and I'm not even Catholic.
I do appreciate that books by this author are always clean (at least the two that I've read anyway). But they're just not for me. I'm not into chick lit. Readers who enjoy clean romances with a funny slant might really enjoy this author's books, so please don't let my low rating discourage you from giving her books a try. :)
January 30, 2018
A sweet romance featuring Samantha who’s just divorced her husband of 19 years after he got a much younger woman pregnant. Their 15 year old son Cody lives with Samantha. Reed Cassidy is a friend of Samantha’s younger brother. That’s how these two know each other. Samantha is a bit older than Reed by 6 years so she’s not only hesitant about the age gap but also what her overbearing family will think when it becomes clear Reed wants her.
While this was mostly okay, there were bits that were very good whilst others were not. I thought the situation between Samantha and her ex husband Neil were very well written and it made a pleasant change to read a heroine with a backbone. I also liked Samantha’s relationship with her son Cody. Samantha and Reed together were a good combination as well. But Samantha’s mother and Grandmother were portrayed as OTT and they came across at times like characters from a pantomime. It was hard to believe that they tolerated the mother and her big mouth. The age gap between Reed and Samantha was constantly talked about it was only six years it’s not like at 40 she was elderly.
Overall this was an okay read.
While this was mostly okay, there were bits that were very good whilst others were not. I thought the situation between Samantha and her ex husband Neil were very well written and it made a pleasant change to read a heroine with a backbone. I also liked Samantha’s relationship with her son Cody. Samantha and Reed together were a good combination as well. But Samantha’s mother and Grandmother were portrayed as OTT and they came across at times like characters from a pantomime. It was hard to believe that they tolerated the mother and her big mouth. The age gap between Reed and Samantha was constantly talked about it was only six years it’s not like at 40 she was elderly.
Overall this was an okay read.
January 17, 2021
D I V O R C E – it’s final! Samantha tells her own story about turning forty, divorcing her cheating husband and raising a teenage son while dealing with a bunch of judgmental, eccentric and amusingly nutso family members. And in the meantime, becoming a very sought-after blogger under the gig “The Sidelined Wife.” Her blog posts are filled with honest and open discussions about hard facts – along with some laugh-out-loud musings, too.
And best of all, getting a second chance with a younger man. And Reed is perfect for the role. He was such a marvelous addition to the story. I admired his resilience and determination and understanding even when happily-ever-after appeared unachievable.
Keeping a lot of the goodies to myself because there are so many surprises and situations that need to be felt firsthand. No spoilers – just a solid recommendation.
I loved this story from start to finish. It was smart and witty, whimsical and endearing, all rolled into a wonderful script so heartfelt and real.
August 18, 2020
* Mainstream Fiction *
I was really entertained by this sweet and poignant love story. The main character's divorce has just been finalized when the story opens. And though I would always, in life and fiction want to see a marriage healed and redeemed, in this case it was not to be and that is also true in life. Samantha is devastated by her lost marriage but she finds an outlet for her pain through her blog. She has a 15 year old son to raise and love. Her age and mom status is easy to relate to. The romance is fun and sweet and a downright treat to read! I loved where she giggled at an inappropriate time. I actually laughed out loud several times while reading this. Reed, the hero is realistic. He's sweet, lovable, fun and super hot. I appreciated that even through Sam's painful divorce journey marriage is still held as honorable and respected. I have already downloaded book 2 and can't wait to dig in!
Content: Mild profanity
I was really entertained by this sweet and poignant love story. The main character's divorce has just been finalized when the story opens. And though I would always, in life and fiction want to see a marriage healed and redeemed, in this case it was not to be and that is also true in life. Samantha is devastated by her lost marriage but she finds an outlet for her pain through her blog. She has a 15 year old son to raise and love. Her age and mom status is easy to relate to. The romance is fun and sweet and a downright treat to read! I loved where she giggled at an inappropriate time. I actually laughed out loud several times while reading this. Reed, the hero is realistic. He's sweet, lovable, fun and super hot. I appreciated that even through Sam's painful divorce journey marriage is still held as honorable and respected. I have already downloaded book 2 and can't wait to dig in!
Content: Mild profanity
January 29, 2018
This is a reality check book. I has real life experience and frankly, so true. I did get a little bitterish vibe going on but hello, I think that comes with the territory. Anyway, I love how it started. I thought it would drag through what happened and it didn't I started out with her being strong and sending him packing right off, then she was a crying mess. I loved her strength. I got frustrated with how she treated the good guy, but even then she found the cause and fixed it to move on. Well written book, with yes, a happy ending. My favorite!
October 29, 2018
There was a whole lot that I liked about this book. It's well written and the different storylines and themes are woven together very well. The romance was sweet and had a great build. I like the age difference. I like that she's older and divorced. I like that the hero isn't the one to fix her, but he's a great support.
August 28, 2025
Another funny and angsty winner by Jennifer Peel
Jennifer Peel is my go yo author for the cheating ex trope. Her brand of humor and Angst are the perfect blend to keep me engaged.
This book was no different, I like the reverse age gap / brothers best friend trope as well so loved this book. The golden retriever mmc, Reed made my heart melt. The strong willed ,take no mercy from her cheating ex fmc was awesome.
Jennifer Peel is my go yo author for the cheating ex trope. Her brand of humor and Angst are the perfect blend to keep me engaged.
This book was no different, I like the reverse age gap / brothers best friend trope as well so loved this book. The golden retriever mmc, Reed made my heart melt. The strong willed ,take no mercy from her cheating ex fmc was awesome.
March 20, 2018
I loved The Sidelined Wife! I dropped the book I was reviewing (that had a lot of 5-star reviews out there) so I could read The Sidelined Wife right away and it was totally worth it!
Samantha is almost 40 years old and has just finalized her divorce (her husband had an affair with a 25-year-old bombshell). She is not where she pictured herself being at this stage in her life. So she started recording her thoughts on her blog and called it "The Sidelined Wife." The mysterious best-selling author Autumn Moore has advertised her blog and she now has lots of followers.
Right after her divorce finalized, Reed, her younger brother's best friend enters the picture. He is the new head football coach at the high school - which means he is coaching her 15-year-old son, Cody. Reed was so easy to love and cheer for - Sam is having a hard time admitting she likes him because she used to babysit him when they were younger - Ouch! And he and her younger brother Peter annoyed her while she was growing up. She's having a hard time seeing Reed as the grown man he is now. But she can't deny what a great influence he is on her son - or her attraction to him! And Reed isn't making it easy for her to ignore him.
I loved the complicated relationships Sam had with Ma and Mimsy (her mother and grandmother), and the love she maintained with Gelaire (her ex-mother-in-law) even after the divorce. Sometimes the relationships that should be easy are hard, and the relationships that should be hard are easy!
I loved this one! And I can't wait to get Peter's and Delanie's story next!
Source: Advanced Reader Copy (opinion is 100% my own)
Samantha is almost 40 years old and has just finalized her divorce (her husband had an affair with a 25-year-old bombshell). She is not where she pictured herself being at this stage in her life. So she started recording her thoughts on her blog and called it "The Sidelined Wife." The mysterious best-selling author Autumn Moore has advertised her blog and she now has lots of followers.
Right after her divorce finalized, Reed, her younger brother's best friend enters the picture. He is the new head football coach at the high school - which means he is coaching her 15-year-old son, Cody. Reed was so easy to love and cheer for - Sam is having a hard time admitting she likes him because she used to babysit him when they were younger - Ouch! And he and her younger brother Peter annoyed her while she was growing up. She's having a hard time seeing Reed as the grown man he is now. But she can't deny what a great influence he is on her son - or her attraction to him! And Reed isn't making it easy for her to ignore him.
I loved the complicated relationships Sam had with Ma and Mimsy (her mother and grandmother), and the love she maintained with Gelaire (her ex-mother-in-law) even after the divorce. Sometimes the relationships that should be easy are hard, and the relationships that should be hard are easy!
I loved this one! And I can't wait to get Peter's and Delanie's story next!
Source: Advanced Reader Copy (opinion is 100% my own)
March 20, 2018
Serious topics but handled with a sweet romance thrown in the mix.
The Sidelined Wife is full of tough topics. It starts out with our heroine, Samantha Decker, dealing with infidelity and divorce. She's thrown into this world of devastation, trials, heartache, struggles, .....but yet she handles it so beautifully. As I began the book I worried about how much I would enjoy it. I was afraid it was going to just be too sad....and honestly too serious for my tastes......but as always ....Jennifer's storytelling sucked me in and I couldn't put it down. I adored Samantha. Her character was so loveable. She is sweet, strong, a wonderful friend, daughter, and mother. The relationship between her and the other characters is completely endearing. I fell in love with her entire family. Our hero Reed is wonderful of course. He's the perfect fit for the story and I found myself cheering him on the entire time. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
Clean Romance but I would still consider it an adult read because of the following reasons :
Talk of infidelity (Ex Husbands affair, including him fathering a child with another woman.)
Mention of sex several times by the heroines Catholic Mother and Grandmother who are very concerned about their newly divorced daughter and granddaughter.
Kissing scenes between hero and heroine and talk of their strong physical attraction between each other.
The Sidelined Wife is full of tough topics. It starts out with our heroine, Samantha Decker, dealing with infidelity and divorce. She's thrown into this world of devastation, trials, heartache, struggles, .....but yet she handles it so beautifully. As I began the book I worried about how much I would enjoy it. I was afraid it was going to just be too sad....and honestly too serious for my tastes......but as always ....Jennifer's storytelling sucked me in and I couldn't put it down. I adored Samantha. Her character was so loveable. She is sweet, strong, a wonderful friend, daughter, and mother. The relationship between her and the other characters is completely endearing. I fell in love with her entire family. Our hero Reed is wonderful of course. He's the perfect fit for the story and I found myself cheering him on the entire time. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
Clean Romance but I would still consider it an adult read because of the following reasons :
Talk of infidelity (Ex Husbands affair, including him fathering a child with another woman.)
Mention of sex several times by the heroines Catholic Mother and Grandmother who are very concerned about their newly divorced daughter and granddaughter.
Kissing scenes between hero and heroine and talk of their strong physical attraction between each other.
August 26, 2020
When Samantha Higgin's husband cheats it's the end of her 20 year old marriage and time to put herself first. Samantha's ex-husband was an idiot who you can tell will spend the rest of his life regretting what he did and loosing Samantha (even if whispers of regret only came here and there after a few years). You do have to leave reality at the door with this one, affairs and the subsequent marriage break up and life for women is rarely so smooth if ever and the turmoil caused isn't depicted here well but I still liked the read.
At first I found it rather amusing that Samantha's grandmother kept throwing holy water on her and going on about the sins of divorce but then it just got a bit much. There were also moments where the heroine's mum needed to just stop causing problems (wish she had be called out on some of her behaviour).
I really liked Reed for Samantha and the two together made me smile, Reed was also really good with her son, just wish he had a bit more oomph to him.
Acquired via KU.
At first I found it rather amusing that Samantha's grandmother kept throwing holy water on her and going on about the sins of divorce but then it just got a bit much. There were also moments where the heroine's mum needed to just stop causing problems (wish she had be called out on some of her behaviour).
I really liked Reed for Samantha and the two together made me smile, Reed was also really good with her son, just wish he had a bit more oomph to him.
Acquired via KU.
February 24, 2018
Being familiar with Jennifer Peel by having read 14 prior works, it was no surprise to find an additional five-star reading experience. I am looking forward to the future books in this More Than a Wife Series. She skillfully set the stage for the next book by leaving unanswered questions, one of which is, “Who is Autumn Moone?” I have my suspicions, but I will have to wait and see. I am so pleased that Ms. Peel adheres to clean romance standards. I don’t know how she did her research on the issues surrounding divorce, but Ms. Peel did a masterful job of opening my eyes to something I have never before and hope never to experience. From page one to the closing paragraphs Ms. Peel held me captive through the eyes and feelings of strong characters, realistic scenarios, and a true-to-life plot. Thank you, Jennifer, for an outstanding reading experience.
March 1, 2018
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
This was a nice read. Interesting trope of cheating husband and the fall out that leaves behind. I don't think I felt the love between the H and h, but overall it was fun. It won't make it to my reread list.
This was a nice read. Interesting trope of cheating husband and the fall out that leaves behind. I don't think I felt the love between the H and h, but overall it was fun. It won't make it to my reread list.
December 30, 2018
Wow! What a great book. I loved Sam. She is smart, sassy, and I loved her inner thoughts and how she used those thoughts to create a wonderful outlet for herself and others. The supporting characters were just as wonderful. Reed was yummy. Ma and Mimsy were great too. Avery, Delanie, Peter, James, Gelaire, and Cody. All were written well and fantastic. I loved Sam’s journey and how she was able to move on from hard times.
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