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Red Mountain Chronicles #0.5
A Marriage Well Done
In the marriage game, when is it time to throw in the towel?
Margot Simpson was raised to believe that you don’t run for cover the moment it rains. You don’t slide divorce papers across the kitchen island, especially when you have a teenage son. You roll up your sleeves, toss your hair in a bun, and dance in the downpour.
When Margot abandoned her singing career on Broadway to follow the man of her dreams to Burlington, Vermont, she never looked back. She embraced her new role as a wife, mother, and homemaker with an artist’s passion.
For years, her husband was a dedicated partner and father, but his political aspirations are getting in the way of his family’s happiness. With his eyes focused on a Senate seat, he’s forgotten the people that matter most.
Lucky for him, the words “give up” aren’t in Margot’s vocabulary. She's convinced that if she loves her husband hard enough, he’ll awaken from the daydream he’s trapped in. But as Margot does everything she can to be the perfect wife, she realizes it's her own awakening—and even sanity—that are at stake.
A Marriage Well Done, the prequel to The Red Mountain Chronicles, is a quirky, off-the-wall tale of one woman’s dysfunction while carrying out an unorthodox plan to get her husband back.
Margot Simpson was raised to believe that you don’t run for cover the moment it rains. You don’t slide divorce papers across the kitchen island, especially when you have a teenage son. You roll up your sleeves, toss your hair in a bun, and dance in the downpour.
When Margot abandoned her singing career on Broadway to follow the man of her dreams to Burlington, Vermont, she never looked back. She embraced her new role as a wife, mother, and homemaker with an artist’s passion.
For years, her husband was a dedicated partner and father, but his political aspirations are getting in the way of his family’s happiness. With his eyes focused on a Senate seat, he’s forgotten the people that matter most.
Lucky for him, the words “give up” aren’t in Margot’s vocabulary. She's convinced that if she loves her husband hard enough, he’ll awaken from the daydream he’s trapped in. But as Margot does everything she can to be the perfect wife, she realizes it's her own awakening—and even sanity—that are at stake.
A Marriage Well Done, the prequel to The Red Mountain Chronicles, is a quirky, off-the-wall tale of one woman’s dysfunction while carrying out an unorthodox plan to get her husband back.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2019
2764 people are currently reading
941 people want to read
About the author
Boo Walker
20 books1,192 followersBestselling author Boo Walker initially tapped his creative muse as a songwriter and banjoist in Nashville before working his way west to Washington State, where he bought a gentleman’s farm on the Yakima River. It was there amongst the grapevines and wine barrels that he fell in love with telling stories that now resonate with book clubs around the world. Rich with colorful characters and boundless soul, his novels will leave you with an open heart and a lifted spirit.
Always a wanderer, Boo currently lives in Valencia, Spain with his wife and son. He also writes thrillers under the pen name Benjamin Blackmore. You can find him at boowalker.com and benjaminblackmore.com.
For a free copy of his Red Mountain cookbook, updates, and other goodies, sign up for his newsletter at boowalker.com.
Always a wanderer, Boo currently lives in Valencia, Spain with his wife and son. He also writes thrillers under the pen name Benjamin Blackmore. You can find him at boowalker.com and benjaminblackmore.com.
For a free copy of his Red Mountain cookbook, updates, and other goodies, sign up for his newsletter at boowalker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
September 12, 2021
I loved Walker's "The Singing Trees" so I thought I would take a peek at what appeared to be a popular and well-liked series (Red Mountains Chronicles). Well, just know that it wasn't for me. I found it full of ridiculous, petty and child-like acts of revenge. Granted her hubby was a royal jerk, but they are not teenagers. They have a teenage son. Anyway, it was just not something I enjoyed and I definitely will not continue Margot's journey of growth -- but I wish her well.
September 20, 2019
I prefer reading about new relationships from the meet cute to the declarations of love. This book, however, was a pleasant detour from my usual genre. I enjoyed it a lot.
This is a story about a wife of twenty plus years. She’s tired of being invisible and the decorative asset for her husband. This is the tale of a wife who’s discovered she still has dreams to fulfill. This is the journey of a woman going from “us” back to “me.” I love finding women’s fiction that refuses to sugarcoat the harsh realities of marriage and family life. This book turned on the lights and opened the drapes to reveal the rocky state of one marriage and its ultimate decline. I can’t wait to read the next two books in the series and find out what happens to Margot and her son when they move to Washington.
This is a story about a wife of twenty plus years. She’s tired of being invisible and the decorative asset for her husband. This is the tale of a wife who’s discovered she still has dreams to fulfill. This is the journey of a woman going from “us” back to “me.” I love finding women’s fiction that refuses to sugarcoat the harsh realities of marriage and family life. This book turned on the lights and opened the drapes to reveal the rocky state of one marriage and its ultimate decline. I can’t wait to read the next two books in the series and find out what happens to Margot and her son when they move to Washington.
February 27, 2019
Knowing the background of a major character in a book is paramount to understanding what makes them tick. The Red Mountain series is wonderful and after reading this book I can not wait for the next book be released! If you ever felt betrayed by a spouse or lover you will want to read this book then begin Red Mountain!
June 26, 2019
Absolutely ridiculous with unlikable characters.
sampled-not-interested
October 26, 2020Definitely not for me. Kind of a weird anti-romance vibe with crazy, unlikable trophy wife trying to save her marriage. She's amusing for the first couple of pages, but got grating and just annoying by the 12% mark.
It's not exactly chick-lit, but I'm shelving it that way because I can't think of where else to put it. It's kind of in that same "no man would read this on purpose" place as things like Eat, Pray, Love, 50 Shades, and maybe those series with covers of men who never seem to own shirts with fully clothed women draped over them. Which is fine if that's your thing. Those authors have mortgages to pay, too.
It's not exactly chick-lit, but I'm shelving it that way because I can't think of where else to put it. It's kind of in that same "no man would read this on purpose" place as things like Eat, Pray, Love, 50 Shades, and maybe those series with covers of men who never seem to own shirts with fully clothed women draped over them. Which is fine if that's your thing. Those authors have mortgages to pay, too.
November 19, 2023
If you are looking for a great series to sink your teeth into, this is it. Start with A Marriage Well Done where you meet Margot Simpson once described as the "skinny blonde perfect wife with first lady hair." or words to that effect. Margot believes in marriage and love. But her husband, the Mayor, with his eye on a senate seat and probably asperations beyond, believes in power. Their son Jasper is a teenage wise-beyond-his-years musical prodigy caught in the middle of their dysfunctional family. It's not as if they argue or fight. Margot is determined to lure her husband back from the abyss by being perfect. The perfect wife, mother, cook, housewife, Mayor's wife, with the best body which she dresses yes, perfectly. But under those perfect smiles lies a pressure cooker building up steam. And Margot relieves the pressure in wildly passive aggressive amusing ways until the pressure cooker finally blows and with the all the stuff inside the pot dripping from the ceiling Margot must decide whether it's best to continue on being perfect or to face her fears and live an authentic, imperfect life.
Over these four books watch Margot's life run it's peaks and valleys until she learns to finally burn the bullsh*t and embrace herself just as she is. It's a lesson that takes a long time to sink in as the lure of being perfect is a siren call to a lot of women. Everything would be fine if only ___ were perfect. Our weight, our body shape, our fitness, our dress size, our bra size, our youthful appearance our income, our marriage status...
This was a richly charactered, deeply emotional, funny, sad, and frustrating book about the lot of so many women and the question that women are so resistant to ask, "What about my happiness?"
Boo Walker is a marvelous author who paints places so well you'd swear you used to live there and knew the characters. Start here and follow all four Red Mountain novels for a wonderful experience. But take my advice and go slow, there are only four books. You'll want to make savour them.
Over these four books watch Margot's life run it's peaks and valleys until she learns to finally burn the bullsh*t and embrace herself just as she is. It's a lesson that takes a long time to sink in as the lure of being perfect is a siren call to a lot of women. Everything would be fine if only ___ were perfect. Our weight, our body shape, our fitness, our dress size, our bra size, our youthful appearance our income, our marriage status...
This was a richly charactered, deeply emotional, funny, sad, and frustrating book about the lot of so many women and the question that women are so resistant to ask, "What about my happiness?"
Boo Walker is a marvelous author who paints places so well you'd swear you used to live there and knew the characters. Start here and follow all four Red Mountain novels for a wonderful experience. But take my advice and go slow, there are only four books. You'll want to make savour them.
August 3, 2025
Margot Simpson once pursued a Broadway singing career—but she ditched it to marry and move to Burlington, Vermont, where she embraced domestic life with heartfelt intensity as a devoted wife, loving mother, and enthusiastic homemaker.
When her husband shifts his focus from family to political ambitions—setting his sights on a Senate seat—Margot finds herself increasingly sidelined despite her unwavering dedication and sacrifice. Determined to reclaim their marriage, she doubles down on perfection, convinced that loving harder will wake him up.
As Margot pushes herself toward an extreme version of the “perfect wife”—managing household responsibilities, parenting their teenage son, and suppressing her true self—the facade begins to crack. What starts as her attempt to salvage the relationship becomes a personal reckoning: the cost to her own identity and emotional sanity forces her to question how much of herself she’s willing to give up.
Told with quirky charm and offbeat humor, A Marriage Well Done functions as a prequel to The Red Mountain Chronicles, illustrating one woman’s unconventional—and sometimes dysfunctional—journey to rediscover herself and confront the dynamics of her marriage head-on.
When her husband shifts his focus from family to political ambitions—setting his sights on a Senate seat—Margot finds herself increasingly sidelined despite her unwavering dedication and sacrifice. Determined to reclaim their marriage, she doubles down on perfection, convinced that loving harder will wake him up.
As Margot pushes herself toward an extreme version of the “perfect wife”—managing household responsibilities, parenting their teenage son, and suppressing her true self—the facade begins to crack. What starts as her attempt to salvage the relationship becomes a personal reckoning: the cost to her own identity and emotional sanity forces her to question how much of herself she’s willing to give up.
Told with quirky charm and offbeat humor, A Marriage Well Done functions as a prequel to The Red Mountain Chronicles, illustrating one woman’s unconventional—and sometimes dysfunctional—journey to rediscover herself and confront the dynamics of her marriage head-on.
January 14, 2021
I found about this book because I was looking for books set in the Northeast. I wanted to read it first because I thought I would like to Red Mountain trilogy as well (also like the Northwest setting) and didn’t want to mess up the chronology. To say bluntly, I found this book mediocre and I am not sure if I will buy the next 3 books. I might try the first one if the library has it.
I was left unsatisfied for several reasons. Mismatch between premise and delivery. Telling there was a problem, but not showing/narrating the problem. Wrong perspective on wrong problem. Loose ends. Missing or inconsistent storyline. (My comments can be actually constructive because I will get into details of the book. And there are SPOILERS too.)
The biggest issue with this book is that it is a woman’s account of a marriage gone wrong, but it is written by a man! It’s obvious. It doesn’t match the experience of any woman in a marriage.
We’re told Margot’s husband didn’t hold his end of the bargain, that she is in the right. But you read the book and see an unassertive, passive aggressive bitch. The husband was too occupied with his work (whose isn’t?) but until the infidelity, I didn’t read anything that was outrageous on his part. He seemed to speak softly, apologize, listen. In the beginning when he said “did you overprepare?” I wondered if that was meant as a positive comment when Margot went crazy over the comment.
I mean, he didn’t support her opening a bed and breakfast. Duh? Does that make for a broken marriage? Or not wanting chickens? Throughout the first half of the book, I read waiting for a twist, maybe my confusion was intentional, maybe she was going to turn out to be the broken one and she was wrongfully blaming her husband. Then, once it became clear that wasn’t the case, I even wondered if the male author had a bias against women who just can’t be satisfied. I’m not saying a man can’t write a book from the position and voice of a woman but get help, get feedback. At least read a Terrence Real book or two beforehand.
As a woman, being seen is not about getting sex. A woman is likely going to complain about not spending time together, not being listened to (!!!), and not being appreciated publicly before she complains about not having sex. She was appreciated publicly quite well. And by the way, she approached him for sex once, only once, and he rejected her. (Earlier in her bathtub self talk, she desired him, didn’t say anything, and then was disappointed.) So what? Anyone who has been married for 20 years will experience that a few times. No your life doesn’t crumble because of that.
Sex being so central was a misreading of women. As others also said, we didn’t need explicit descriptions of sex. We also didn’t need men’s insider porn references (MILF).
Second, her “stress releases” are essentially passive aggression. That isn’t uncommon in societies that don’t accept or allow assertive women, or where women are dependent on their husbands. The author never told us about her origins or upbringing except that she was taught not to leave a marriage. I assumed she was a New York girl, but 2/3 of the way into the book her parents in Virginia were mentioned. (Who was her social circle anyway? Other than Erica, who did she talk to? It’s ok to have one friend in cheap movies where they can’t afford actors. Doesn’t she even call her mom? A sister?). Anyway, to return to the character, if she’d been introduced as a Southern girl, it would be easier to make sense of it. She’s not unique.
Third, the relationship was not described. How quickly she met and married Rory was told in maybe one page. But no description of the 6 months of dating, the first 19 years of marriage, how and when things started going badly, how they were before. He became mayor early on, but somehow it didn’t bother her until about a year ago. Btw, why did they have one child? If she was made for being a housewife, did she not want more kids? What did they talk/decide about it? Were there issues?
Why did Erica say Rory was always an asshole? What did she know? Just because he cheated? Reading that, I also suspected we would read a twist later about how he hit on Erica when he was drunk, or that she/her ex knew something about Rory’s earlier affairs. No that was never followed up.
Fourth, his infidelity has not been clearly settled. How long has he been with Nadine? Was there anyone else? Was he emotionally attached and let his marriage suffer because of that? Hints were dropped early on, but not followed up. (we suspected it, but Margot should have had flashbacks to put the dots together in her mind. And then it would be even more dramatic if she would go through his messages or something and realize he was a serial cheater or something. As it is, Margot was right that some couples can move on after one affair). Why did Nadine hope Rory would take her with him if he became a senator? Were the two going to get together? What happened between Rory and Nadine when the tape got out? Erica said he must be with her now. We never found out if he was. Also, the tape must have been released to hurt his political career. But he had no intention to resign until Margot told him to. Was he going to work everyday until that time like nothing happened?
This book reminded me of Lisa Patton’s Dixie series. Unassertive/passive Southern girl running a bed and breakfast in Vermont after an unfaithful husband leaves her. But that had the upper hand for two reasons: 1) written by a woman about a woman (actually drawing closely from her own life) and 2) building on the stereotypical Southern belle character template.
I was left unsatisfied for several reasons. Mismatch between premise and delivery. Telling there was a problem, but not showing/narrating the problem. Wrong perspective on wrong problem. Loose ends. Missing or inconsistent storyline. (My comments can be actually constructive because I will get into details of the book. And there are SPOILERS too.)
The biggest issue with this book is that it is a woman’s account of a marriage gone wrong, but it is written by a man! It’s obvious. It doesn’t match the experience of any woman in a marriage.
We’re told Margot’s husband didn’t hold his end of the bargain, that she is in the right. But you read the book and see an unassertive, passive aggressive bitch. The husband was too occupied with his work (whose isn’t?) but until the infidelity, I didn’t read anything that was outrageous on his part. He seemed to speak softly, apologize, listen. In the beginning when he said “did you overprepare?” I wondered if that was meant as a positive comment when Margot went crazy over the comment.
I mean, he didn’t support her opening a bed and breakfast. Duh? Does that make for a broken marriage? Or not wanting chickens? Throughout the first half of the book, I read waiting for a twist, maybe my confusion was intentional, maybe she was going to turn out to be the broken one and she was wrongfully blaming her husband. Then, once it became clear that wasn’t the case, I even wondered if the male author had a bias against women who just can’t be satisfied. I’m not saying a man can’t write a book from the position and voice of a woman but get help, get feedback. At least read a Terrence Real book or two beforehand.
As a woman, being seen is not about getting sex. A woman is likely going to complain about not spending time together, not being listened to (!!!), and not being appreciated publicly before she complains about not having sex. She was appreciated publicly quite well. And by the way, she approached him for sex once, only once, and he rejected her. (Earlier in her bathtub self talk, she desired him, didn’t say anything, and then was disappointed.) So what? Anyone who has been married for 20 years will experience that a few times. No your life doesn’t crumble because of that.
Sex being so central was a misreading of women. As others also said, we didn’t need explicit descriptions of sex. We also didn’t need men’s insider porn references (MILF).
Second, her “stress releases” are essentially passive aggression. That isn’t uncommon in societies that don’t accept or allow assertive women, or where women are dependent on their husbands. The author never told us about her origins or upbringing except that she was taught not to leave a marriage. I assumed she was a New York girl, but 2/3 of the way into the book her parents in Virginia were mentioned. (Who was her social circle anyway? Other than Erica, who did she talk to? It’s ok to have one friend in cheap movies where they can’t afford actors. Doesn’t she even call her mom? A sister?). Anyway, to return to the character, if she’d been introduced as a Southern girl, it would be easier to make sense of it. She’s not unique.
Third, the relationship was not described. How quickly she met and married Rory was told in maybe one page. But no description of the 6 months of dating, the first 19 years of marriage, how and when things started going badly, how they were before. He became mayor early on, but somehow it didn’t bother her until about a year ago. Btw, why did they have one child? If she was made for being a housewife, did she not want more kids? What did they talk/decide about it? Were there issues?
Why did Erica say Rory was always an asshole? What did she know? Just because he cheated? Reading that, I also suspected we would read a twist later about how he hit on Erica when he was drunk, or that she/her ex knew something about Rory’s earlier affairs. No that was never followed up.
Fourth, his infidelity has not been clearly settled. How long has he been with Nadine? Was there anyone else? Was he emotionally attached and let his marriage suffer because of that? Hints were dropped early on, but not followed up. (we suspected it, but Margot should have had flashbacks to put the dots together in her mind. And then it would be even more dramatic if she would go through his messages or something and realize he was a serial cheater or something. As it is, Margot was right that some couples can move on after one affair). Why did Nadine hope Rory would take her with him if he became a senator? Were the two going to get together? What happened between Rory and Nadine when the tape got out? Erica said he must be with her now. We never found out if he was. Also, the tape must have been released to hurt his political career. But he had no intention to resign until Margot told him to. Was he going to work everyday until that time like nothing happened?
This book reminded me of Lisa Patton’s Dixie series. Unassertive/passive Southern girl running a bed and breakfast in Vermont after an unfaithful husband leaves her. But that had the upper hand for two reasons: 1) written by a woman about a woman (actually drawing closely from her own life) and 2) building on the stereotypical Southern belle character template.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2019
A Captivating Story
I am so happy to find this author! His words flow off the page in such a way the reader cannot possibly put the book down until the last word is absorbed. I am anxious to read Red Mountain and all that follows to find out how Margot, Jasper, and Phillipe adapt to their new environment and all the future has in store for them. This is one of the best books i have read in a while. I highly recommend A Marriage Well Done.
I am so happy to find this author! His words flow off the page in such a way the reader cannot possibly put the book down until the last word is absorbed. I am anxious to read Red Mountain and all that follows to find out how Margot, Jasper, and Phillipe adapt to their new environment and all the future has in store for them. This is one of the best books i have read in a while. I highly recommend A Marriage Well Done.
February 21, 2021
This prequel to the Red Mountain series was terrific. Good story, great characters and ties in perfectly with the series. I can't wait for "The Singing Trees" to come out in August. Read Boo! You won't be disappointed.
March 26, 2019
I only gave this book 3 stars simply because the sex scenes are too descriptive for me to recommend to any one that knows me well. I'm conservative, I know, but that's how it is.
October 27, 2025
2.5 plain sugar free vanilla stars. Spoilerish review/rant , so be aware.
The author is talented. However, not to my preference, or my cuppa anything...l rolled my 👀 eyes so many times throughout reading and listening via Audible, I'm scheduling an appointment with my optometrist stat to prevent any permanent ocular damage. Funnily enough, one of the chapters is titled Eye Rolls and Amended Dreams.. . I kid you not.
Those that will enjoy this book will likely:
✅ love low angst marriage in trouble storylines
✅prefer G -PG 13 max , for example, an argument over the discovery of her husband's infidelity,
🔹"Don’t even try to say you were starved for some kind of touch. Let’s be honest, you were starved for those…those huge tatas and that young mouth around your wretched…thing.” major eye roll.
✅ juvenile retaliation for her husband's blatant disrespect even prior to the discovery of his affair.
ex. switching his socks pairing to one black and one navy blue, tying tight knots in his tennis shoe laces. No, let's not have a grown-up conversation regarding:
full year without sexual intimacy
lack of respect, never spending time with her or their son,just to name a few of his less egregious actions or no action in some cases.
✅loves Doormat heroines,
she doesn't want to stand up for herself, because their 17 yr son deserves to grow up in a two parent home. let's not rock the boat, or upset the absentee hubby... BTW, the son... HE'S 17!!! NOT 7. GEEZ! I suppose loveless. home is always better...note my sarcasm.
Don't even get me started on her mindset after the affair discovery. Some will see this as a heroines strength to take these blows on the chin to keep her family together. Sadly, I'm not the audience for these bravely depicted protagonists.
On that note, who doesn't discuss a whole year of no sexual intimacy with their spouse, especially when married for near 20 years?? Note: The protagonist does overshare in one chapter the importance of the Big O, even if given by a solo performance and made of silicone: who says loveless needs to be lifeless too?
You know what? I could go on with my negative for me and positive for someone else review, but my eye rolling has led to an ocular migraine so, better make that an emergency optometrist appointment 👁️
The author is talented. However, not to my preference, or my cuppa anything...l rolled my 👀 eyes so many times throughout reading and listening via Audible, I'm scheduling an appointment with my optometrist stat to prevent any permanent ocular damage. Funnily enough, one of the chapters is titled Eye Rolls and Amended Dreams.. . I kid you not.
Those that will enjoy this book will likely:
✅ love low angst marriage in trouble storylines
✅prefer G -PG 13 max , for example, an argument over the discovery of her husband's infidelity,
🔹"Don’t even try to say you were starved for some kind of touch. Let’s be honest, you were starved for those…those huge tatas and that young mouth around your wretched…thing.” major eye roll.
✅ juvenile retaliation for her husband's blatant disrespect even prior to the discovery of his affair.
ex. switching his socks pairing to one black and one navy blue, tying tight knots in his tennis shoe laces. No, let's not have a grown-up conversation regarding:
full year without sexual intimacy
lack of respect, never spending time with her or their son,just to name a few of his less egregious actions or no action in some cases.
✅loves Doormat heroines,
she doesn't want to stand up for herself, because their 17 yr son deserves to grow up in a two parent home. let's not rock the boat, or upset the absentee hubby... BTW, the son... HE'S 17!!! NOT 7. GEEZ! I suppose loveless. home is always better...note my sarcasm.
Don't even get me started on her mindset after the affair discovery. Some will see this as a heroines strength to take these blows on the chin to keep her family together. Sadly, I'm not the audience for these bravely depicted protagonists.
On that note, who doesn't discuss a whole year of no sexual intimacy with their spouse, especially when married for near 20 years?? Note: The protagonist does overshare in one chapter the importance of the Big O, even if given by a solo performance and made of silicone: who says loveless needs to be lifeless too?
You know what? I could go on with my negative for me and positive for someone else review, but my eye rolling has led to an ocular migraine so, better make that an emergency optometrist appointment 👁️
November 28, 2020
Very Excited to Find This Author
This is not my top genre to read, but I needed a break for my top, and Red Mountain popped up in my suggested reads. Not sure how or why it came up with this, but it had to involve serendipity!
As I opened the book to read it, there was a small brief mentioning by Walker, suggesting to read Red Mountain:Prequel first, and I’m so glad I did!
If Walker wouldn’t have said so, I would have never known that “Boo” was actually a male author. He writes so convincingly. I loved, and laughed, over his description of when he was writing in character, and half the time didn’t know who he was. Lol
Very rich, detailed, evocative, and has a wonderful flow to the entire story. Keeps you moving along without feeling like you need to skim through some parts, or slog through repetitive descriptions that I see as page fillers, in so many novels out there today, especially in this age of bursting e-books filling up with every wannabe writer out there. I assure you, Walker is a true author! What a breath of fresh air.
I look forward to the next in this series, and have to admit I was very torn between given this five stars versus four, but decided to go with a strong four. I will hold off, to see how the series turns out.
This is not my top genre to read, but I needed a break for my top, and Red Mountain popped up in my suggested reads. Not sure how or why it came up with this, but it had to involve serendipity!
As I opened the book to read it, there was a small brief mentioning by Walker, suggesting to read Red Mountain:Prequel first, and I’m so glad I did!
If Walker wouldn’t have said so, I would have never known that “Boo” was actually a male author. He writes so convincingly. I loved, and laughed, over his description of when he was writing in character, and half the time didn’t know who he was. Lol
Very rich, detailed, evocative, and has a wonderful flow to the entire story. Keeps you moving along without feeling like you need to skim through some parts, or slog through repetitive descriptions that I see as page fillers, in so many novels out there today, especially in this age of bursting e-books filling up with every wannabe writer out there. I assure you, Walker is a true author! What a breath of fresh air.
I look forward to the next in this series, and have to admit I was very torn between given this five stars versus four, but decided to go with a strong four. I will hold off, to see how the series turns out.
January 29, 2021
This short book is the prequel to the Red Mountain trilogy. It is the story of Margot, a young wife and mother, whose marriage is falling apart.
"Margot Simpson was raised to believe that you don’t run for cover the moment it rains. You don’t slide divorce papers across the kitchen island, especially when you have a teenage son. You roll up your sleeves, toss your hair in a bun, and dance in the downpour.
When Margot abandoned her singing career on Broadway to follow the man of her dreams to Burlington, Vermont, she never looked back. She embraced her new role as a wife, mother, and homemaker with an artist’s passion.
For years, her husband was a dedicated partner and father, but his political aspirations are getting in the way of his family’s happiness. With his eyes focused on a Senate seat, he’s forgotten the people that matter most." synopsis copied
It's good to know that Margot was able to move on to a bigger and better life.
Lucky for him, the words “give up” aren’t in Margot’s vocabulary. She's convinced that if she loves her husband hard enough, he’ll awaken from the daydream he’s trapped in. But as Margot does everything she can to be the perfect wife, she realizes it's her own awakening—and even sanity—that are at stake.
"Margot Simpson was raised to believe that you don’t run for cover the moment it rains. You don’t slide divorce papers across the kitchen island, especially when you have a teenage son. You roll up your sleeves, toss your hair in a bun, and dance in the downpour.
When Margot abandoned her singing career on Broadway to follow the man of her dreams to Burlington, Vermont, she never looked back. She embraced her new role as a wife, mother, and homemaker with an artist’s passion.
For years, her husband was a dedicated partner and father, but his political aspirations are getting in the way of his family’s happiness. With his eyes focused on a Senate seat, he’s forgotten the people that matter most." synopsis copied
It's good to know that Margot was able to move on to a bigger and better life.
Lucky for him, the words “give up” aren’t in Margot’s vocabulary. She's convinced that if she loves her husband hard enough, he’ll awaken from the daydream he’s trapped in. But as Margot does everything she can to be the perfect wife, she realizes it's her own awakening—and even sanity—that are at stake.
July 11, 2024
When I picked this book up I really hadn't taken the time to look at what type of genre this was, I simply liked the title. I actually enjoyed the the storyline and felt that it actually hit home on some pretty key points that a lot of marriages go through. Especially marriages where the wife tries to maintain her traditional roles and the husband takes advantage of that.
The best part of the book I found was the way the wife Margot found ways to release her pent up frustrations while trying to be the perfect wife for her distant political husband. These "releases" were sometimes relatable and often hilarious! Sometimes even leaving you saying to yourself "oh no, you didn't", with a little chuckle to oneself.
Ultimately I couldn't wait to read the rest of the Red Mountain Chronicle novels. Having finished Red Mountain and being 3/4 of the way through Red Mountain Rising, I am eager to see how the story continues to unfold and where Margot's life and adventures take her along with the rest of the Red Mountain key characters in Red Mountain Burning.
Stay tuned! Looking forward to reading more of Boo Walker's stories.
The best part of the book I found was the way the wife Margot found ways to release her pent up frustrations while trying to be the perfect wife for her distant political husband. These "releases" were sometimes relatable and often hilarious! Sometimes even leaving you saying to yourself "oh no, you didn't", with a little chuckle to oneself.
Ultimately I couldn't wait to read the rest of the Red Mountain Chronicle novels. Having finished Red Mountain and being 3/4 of the way through Red Mountain Rising, I am eager to see how the story continues to unfold and where Margot's life and adventures take her along with the rest of the Red Mountain key characters in Red Mountain Burning.
Stay tuned! Looking forward to reading more of Boo Walker's stories.
January 24, 2022
The prequel to Boo Walker’s Red Mountain series should not be overlooked. This quick, easy read is funny and heartbreaking at the same time. The story of Margot and Rory Simpson and the rise and ultimate fall of their marriage is well written as people who have lived through a divorce can attest.
The triumph of the female spirit reigns strong as Margot puts on her big girl panties, leaves Rory in the dust and travels with her son Jasper and dog Philippe, cross country having purchased a B & B (a lifelong dream) sight unseen.
Having enjoyed the rest of the Red Mountain series prior to reading this, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the prequel.
The triumph of the female spirit reigns strong as Margot puts on her big girl panties, leaves Rory in the dust and travels with her son Jasper and dog Philippe, cross country having purchased a B & B (a lifelong dream) sight unseen.
Having enjoyed the rest of the Red Mountain series prior to reading this, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the prequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2023
I enjoyed this book about Margot Simpson. She is a woman betrayed by her husband in the most public manor. Her husband cheated on her and it was on the news since he was the mayor of their town. He spent years with her and then humiliated her.
Margot has always had a dream of opening a bed and breakfast in her backyard. So when her husband hurts her, she sees it as a chance to get her way after so many years of want. But her husband is still against it. She has dreams of owning her own chicken coop and fixing meals for everyone that visits. Her life is in turmoil, so she now has the chance to change her life.
Margot has always had a dream of opening a bed and breakfast in her backyard. So when her husband hurts her, she sees it as a chance to get her way after so many years of want. But her husband is still against it. She has dreams of owning her own chicken coop and fixing meals for everyone that visits. Her life is in turmoil, so she now has the chance to change her life.
July 28, 2024
This is the first novel I've read by Boo Walker. It was amazing that he wrote this in the first person...as Margo! I'm hooked and immediately added 4 more of his books to be read asap. Although I've never been cheated on, I still could relate to what Margo was going through in that I, too, always wanted to be the "perfect wife"! All the characters were well-written and believable, and the story kept surprising me, keeping me turning the pages and anxious to continue with the Red Mountain series, which I started as soon as I read the last page! Boo Walker in now my "Hero"!! Judy Welden, author: An Unstoppable Survivor
February 16, 2019
This is about a marriage that is unraveling. Margot has spent a year becoming the person she thinks her husband might see and love again in order to save their marriage. Her husband is a workaholic and probably has no idea his wife is unhappy.
As she has gone about losing weight, cutting her hair, and being an extremely supportive wife she is losing herself. A lot of the book was almost painful to read. I am considering reading the next book in the series, so I am not totally opposed to the characters.
As she has gone about losing weight, cutting her hair, and being an extremely supportive wife she is losing herself. A lot of the book was almost painful to read. I am considering reading the next book in the series, so I am not totally opposed to the characters.
September 16, 2021
Story 5* , Narration 1*
I could have really enjoyed this well crafted story about Margot’s pre-Red Mountain life. Unfortunately the narrator spoke as though we, the audience were in kindergarten, and the very adult issues the characters were good material for the 5 year old crowd.
I rely on audiobooks due to poor eyesight, and nearly returned the book, but had loved Margot’s character in the Red Mountain trilogy. So I kept it, got through this prequel as fast as possible.
I could have really enjoyed this well crafted story about Margot’s pre-Red Mountain life. Unfortunately the narrator spoke as though we, the audience were in kindergarten, and the very adult issues the characters were good material for the 5 year old crowd.
I rely on audiobooks due to poor eyesight, and nearly returned the book, but had loved Margot’s character in the Red Mountain trilogy. So I kept it, got through this prequel as fast as possible.
Read
June 9, 2022Wonderful prequel for Boo Walker series!
Red Mountain Chronicles is one of my favorite series, a must read.
Margot became a favorite character. This prequel makes me love her more. The series is filled with characters that Boo Walker has developed with such expertise, there is no end of of this wonderful story line. Real life ,love and adventure. Margot remains an integral part along with other strong and intriguing folks.
Recommend this book and series , you'll go back to read them again.
Red Mountain Chronicles is one of my favorite series, a must read.
Margot became a favorite character. This prequel makes me love her more. The series is filled with characters that Boo Walker has developed with such expertise, there is no end of of this wonderful story line. Real life ,love and adventure. Margot remains an integral part along with other strong and intriguing folks.
Recommend this book and series , you'll go back to read them again.
December 5, 2019
This story is about a woman who tries to be June Ceavwr on sreroids to save a marriage no one thinks is worth saving, including her son. The book details her actions & thought processes about her project, friends, family, & how they react to her. The ending will surprise mos people.
There is a sequel, but until its either on sale at a deep discount or available in the library, I'm not interested right now. Maybe someday....
There is a sequel, but until its either on sale at a deep discount or available in the library, I'm not interested right now. Maybe someday....
December 29, 2019
I actually really liked the premise of this book! It’s different than anything I’ve been reading. It’s a quick read, too. It’s about a wife who will do just about anything to get love back into her marriage in unorthodox ways. I’m the process she’s learning to find herself.
I gave it 3 stars... I don’t mind if people are going to have sex, but I don’t have to know every detail! There is also a bit of language. Overall a great read!
I gave it 3 stars... I don’t mind if people are going to have sex, but I don’t have to know every detail! There is also a bit of language. Overall a great read!
January 24, 2020
I read the first sentence and wondered what in the world the main character was doing because she appeared to be crazy. After reading the entire book, my first thought was true. This character is crazy. Not a little crazy or cute girl crazy. Just scary crazy. She needs to be medicated and go through counseling. It was not a book I enjoyed but I slogged through it. I couldn't relate to the plot and thought the character was unbelievable and unlikeable.
February 15, 2021
This is the prequel of the 3-book “Red Mountain” Series of which I had previously read Book One sometime ago. At that time had not known the story of why Margo had moved from Vermont to Washington. So this was very informative and gave more background into the series. Glad that I discovered it . Well written & nice to get to know the story behind this particular character in the series. I plan to read Books 2 & 3.
December 24, 2021
Highly entertaining
This is a story about a woman who gave up everything for the man she loved. He betrays her in many ways and when he is caught with his pants down ( literally) she has to make some hard choices. That sounds so depressing, but this story is written with humor and in such an enjoyable way, it is actually fun! I can't wait to see what becomes of this remarkable character and her son.
This is a story about a woman who gave up everything for the man she loved. He betrays her in many ways and when he is caught with his pants down ( literally) she has to make some hard choices. That sounds so depressing, but this story is written with humor and in such an enjoyable way, it is actually fun! I can't wait to see what becomes of this remarkable character and her son.
January 13, 2022
Hope for better things to come.
I've had Red Mountain in my library for years now waiting for the perfect time to read it and I just found this prequel and decided it was the perfect time. I'm hoping this isn't what I have been waiting for.
I didn't like the vengefulness nor the descriptions of the sex, it was just over the top too much. Just not impressed with the characters in the prequel. At all.
I've had Red Mountain in my library for years now waiting for the perfect time to read it and I just found this prequel and decided it was the perfect time. I'm hoping this isn't what I have been waiting for.
I didn't like the vengefulness nor the descriptions of the sex, it was just over the top too much. Just not impressed with the characters in the prequel. At all.
March 23, 2022
Go Ahead! Read it! You Won't Be Sorry!
I downloaded Red Mountain 1st and then saw this prequel. What the heck - it was free. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I downloaded it yesterday afternoon and finished it this morning. Excellent writing with a storyline that doesn't drag. Obviously since I am done and moving on to Red Mountain! Read the prequel 1st you will be glad you did. Oh and Red Mountain is free too! Next!
I downloaded Red Mountain 1st and then saw this prequel. What the heck - it was free. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I downloaded it yesterday afternoon and finished it this morning. Excellent writing with a storyline that doesn't drag. Obviously since I am done and moving on to Red Mountain! Read the prequel 1st you will be glad you did. Oh and Red Mountain is free too! Next!
September 28, 2022
Will she stay or will she go?
Blew through this book so quickly. At first I enjoyed the clever little ways that Margot got back at her husband. Childish but entertaining. Then it got creepy. Stay with or leave my husband. Margot makes a sincere but misguided effort to save her marriage. You’ll have to read to the end to find out about what happens to this family. I plan to read the rest of the series. Boo Walker is a great writer and excellent storyteller.
Blew through this book so quickly. At first I enjoyed the clever little ways that Margot got back at her husband. Childish but entertaining. Then it got creepy. Stay with or leave my husband. Margot makes a sincere but misguided effort to save her marriage. You’ll have to read to the end to find out about what happens to this family. I plan to read the rest of the series. Boo Walker is a great writer and excellent storyteller.
March 20, 2023
Wondering all the way
I read this in one sitting...easy since short. I laughed my way through the
first part, cried later. What is Margot doing? I wished her forward while simultaneously admiring her. Epiphany. Happily ever after but maybe not what you guess. Can't wait to see what happens in Red Mountain #1. Here we go again...half an hour from where I lived in Pasco. Connections.
I read this in one sitting...easy since short. I laughed my way through the
first part, cried later. What is Margot doing? I wished her forward while simultaneously admiring her. Epiphany. Happily ever after but maybe not what you guess. Can't wait to see what happens in Red Mountain #1. Here we go again...half an hour from where I lived in Pasco. Connections.
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