Waiting for Saturday

by Catherine Morrison

A new friendship turns a woman’s life upside down.“An excellent book on a sensitive topic.” 5⭐ Amazon ReviewWhat readers are saying about Waiting for Saturday“It felt frustratingly real to me.”“A sensitive topic, really well handled while still being an enjoyable read.”“Realistic story with plenty of underlying tension.”“A true reflection of what life can be like.”From the back coverAbigail Preston can’t understand why she isn’t happy. She’s married to Kevin, a successful salesman whose generous salary allows her to be a stay-at-home mum to their four-year-old daughter. She tries her hardest to give her husband the perfect home – but she just can’t seem to get things right. She meets divorced dad Henry at soft play one Saturday morning, and their developing friendship gives Abi the confidence to see her marriage in a different light. But when Kevin finds out about her friendship with Henry, Abi’s life is changed forever.Also by Catherine MorrisonThe Hook – A Whirlwind Romance - “A cosy, uplifting and fun read.” 5 ⭐ Amazon ReviewRecovering Alice - Relapse. Recovery. Romance. - "Engaging & uplifting." 5 ⭐ Amazon Review

Genres: Romance

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2021

Reviews

[Andy Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic, feel-good read by my very clever writer friend Catherine Morrison. 😃

[Michele Quirke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waiting for Saturday is a quick, easy read that's perfect for a weekend at home. The writing is clear and concise and even though contemporary isn't my favorite genre, I did enjoy this one.

I'm not usually a fan of plots where the protagonist is married and considers having an affair, but the author did such a fantastic job of making us HATE Kevin that I spent the whole book rooting for her to get away from him. He's controlling, jealous, and super verbally abusive to Abi. That said, I wasn't really eager to see her jump into Henry's arms either. This book has a lot of head-hopping so we get to see things from his point of view as well. While I can rationalize and understand Abi's feelings towards a man who is finally giving her the attention and companionship she so desperately craves, I felt a bit icky about it from Henry's viewpoint. He knew she was married (with a young daughter) and had no idea how awful the marriage was. For that reason, I felt it was wrong of him to invest so much in Abi. As the reader, we knew her husband was an absolute jerk behind closed doors. Henry didn't. So I can't excuse his desires to have Abi for himself and get time alone with her. That said, as things progressed and Kevin got even worse, I admit I was glad Abi had Henry to turn to, even if I think Henry should've chilled a bit.

Overall, it was a solid, enjoyable read and held my attention.

[E.P. Stavs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for book club this month and found it to be an easy, enjoyable read. I don’t read a lot of women’s lit, but I didn’t have any trouble falling into this story and finished fairly quickly. The MC Abigail was a bit hard to like at first, but she grew on me as the history of her marriage/ situation unfolded. On the other hand, I liked Henry from the get go, then found myself questioning his actions more and more as the story progressed. But it did add a realistic feel to it all, as people AREN’T perfect and often make poor choices. I would have loved to see a bit more action/drama at the end, but overall it was a solid story. I’d happily pick up another title by this author.

[Cindy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable story

Entertaining story. Ugh.....Kevin......but Henry was to swoon for. Glad Abi discovered Kevin's true colors, through I wish it didn't take so long.

[Barbara Avon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book leans very close to "4 stars" for me, so I did round up.

I was immediately drawn to "Waiting for Saturday" because of its fabulous cover. Once I started reading, I couldn't wait to see how the romance between Henry and Abi unfolded. Henry is a very likable character, which is exactly what you want in a male love interest! The villain, Kevin (Abi's husband) was someone I wanted to punch. (Again, this means the author did a wonderful job creating him.) By the time we reach the pivotal point in the story, I couldn't wait to finish the book. However, the ending was a bit unsatisfying. I wanted more drama, more love, just...more. Kevin also sort of vanishes and it would have been great to get into his head, and/or see him come to justice. The writing had a bit too much "telling" rather than "showing" but that's a matter of personal preference. Overall, I enjoyed it and will be picking up "The Hook", the author's previous work. 

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I easily gobbled up this book and read it in two evenings! Morrison had me riveted from the very first chapter and I found it hard to put down. While the story is predictable, at times it felt like "showing" rather than "telling" would have had more impact on me as a reader, but it didn't deter me from continuing to read. The only thing that left me unsatisfied was how the ending of the story was tied up in a pretty little bow with a certain character receiving little to no consequences for his actions. That being said, Morrison is a great storyteller and I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I was immediately captured by Abi and Henry. (How I wanted to meet Kevin in a dark alley with a baseball bat!) Kudos to Catherine for handling such a sensitive topic. Hopefully, women who suffer through the same experiences as Abi will see the similarity and seek freedom.

Fantastic job Catherine! A great sophomore novel!

[M.E. Aster · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Actual rating: 3.5 stars)

Waiting For Saturday has been on my tbr list for quite some time so when the book club I’m in chose it for this month’s read I was very excited and I dove right into the story.

This book has great bones. Overall I really enjoyed it. The plot moved at a good pace and I liked the author’s writing style.

Certain things did bother me—mostly the constant head hopping. I don’t mind multiple POV’s but I wish they had kept a consistent one from one chapter to the next and I think a few of them (like Kevin’s) were unneeded.

I also wish there had been a bit more to Kevin’s character in general. He came off as almost too evil for me to believe that Abi would have been with him for that long and although I know there is very likely someone who acts exactly like him out there in the world, I still wish there was more to him than this black and white character.

But honestly, I’m being very nit-picky. Like I said before, this was a great read that I barely put down. I would happily read more by this author.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the story very intriguing, so much so I sped through it. I liked the characters and the growing relationship between Abi and Henry. However, I do agree with the other reviewers there was a lot of telling, rather than showing in this story.

I already have 'The Hook' by the author on my Kindle ready to read. And I will read her other books. I'm so glad I picked up this independently published book.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankyou again @nicolaloweauthor for recommending another new author & their gorgeous book to me.

I think we've all had a 'Kevin' in our lives at some point & can relate to his toxic behaviour towards Abi, his wife, the person he is supposed to love. Abi was so lovely, with such a beautiful kind hearted soul & I'm so glad Henry came along & showed her she was loved.

I don't know why but I read the book envisioning Henry being portrayed by Dwayne Johnson @therock 🥰

Beautifully written, with gorgeous characters, apart from Kevin! This is a second chance romance, that's heartwarming, realistic & relatable.

[K.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

I adore this book. Such a deep, emotional, heart breaking yet heart warming story that delves into a sensitive subject with grace and respect. The relationship between Abi and Henry develops at a perfect pace & the connection is written so well, I was rooting for them from the first time they met. I was so immersed in Abi & her journey, I read this in two hours - I couldn’t put it down. A definite must read!

[N Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

The two main characters are an absolute delight to get to know. And the themes of toxicity in relationships all too real . I loved the idea of them waiting for Saturday. An excellent read. Highly recommended

[Robert Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turning romance grounded in the real world
Waiting for Saturday is an enjoyable read with the right amounts of heart, romance, and wit. Morrison writes this romance with enough heart to make you think it’s a fairytale, but enough character development to ground our characters in reality.

I was invested in our characters from the get-go. In no time at all, Morrison does a great job of introducing us to our main characters Abi and Henry. Both easy to root for well developed main characters. Unfortunately, we also meet our main villain Kevin. A grade A certifiable asshole in just about every way possible. Ignoring him, I was longing for the happily ever after immediately after the adorable meet-cute which was centered around books! The way to any readers heart.

Morrison does a great job keeping the story grounded as well. Kevin isn’t some sort of cartoonish victim, we see evidence of real abuse, both physical and mental, and the toll gaslighting takes on Abis psyche. I appreciate the authors willingness to tackle real issues and not go just “sunshine and roses” when there is so much sunshine in the book already.

In the end I think it’s a lovely read that even romance novices will enjoy. The book flows well and it makes for a quick read because you’ll want to keep turning every page to see how it ends!

[whataimeereads_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible , raw, emotional and realistic.
Very impressed with this book! I loved it.

[Judy Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad marriage

Abingdon is in a bad marriage with Kevin. She meets Henry and life changes. This beautiful story by Catherine Morrison is an excellent read. It will make your day.

[Jarryd Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I read this book because it was recommended to me. To be honest, it was out of my comfort zone. Way out. I usually do not like romance novels. Twice I turned my Kindle off and tried to walk away from it. I came back. The author does an amazing job of building the characters to the point where I was cheering for one, and hating the other. Like boiling rage hate. It takes an amazing author to do that and keep someone reading even if it's not their genre of choice.

I enjoyed the book and will read more.

[D.R. Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second outing from the author is every bit as well written as her first novel. I particularly like the way that the characters are very real, and believable. I think that's an important point and she has a fabulous knack of being able to bring them to life as if they are people you might very well know. The book fires up and in with a bang from the first page. It's most definitely a page-turner as you will want to know what happens next. Without giving away spoilers Kevin is a person you really want to do something bad and I've plenty of expletives for his character. Absolutely love the heroine and also the hero. Overall it's an only too realistic story with plenty of underlying tension. It's well written, nicely handled on what is a difficult subject and unfortunately all too common. Another excellent novel from a skilful and talented author. Absolutely recommended for your bookshelf.

[Heather Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A feel-good read for sure! As Abi figures out how her life became what it is with husband Kevin, we get to watch her romance with new friend Henry grow and develop. I enjoyed seeing Abi take back her life. I will certainly add other works by Catherin Morrison to my tbr pile!

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished Waiting for Saturday! You are a fab writer! I felt the fear, the anticipation and the relief, you handled a sensitive subject really well and portrayed it so accurately 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[Kimberly Morehouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail is married to a narcissist jerk, who has her brainwashed to think she is the problem. She doesn't even realize what he is doing to her is abusive. All she knows is she is unhappy and feels as if its all her fault. One day she meets a man named Henry at a play park while each watch their kids play. She is instantly taken with him and he is completely enamored with her. He knows she is married and want to respect that, however he can't help but want more. I hated her husband so much, what he was doing was awful, and she really deserved a wonderful man like Henry! I fell in love with these two and is was a pure joy sharing their journey to the prefect life they both deserved.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waiting for Saturday is a fast-paced tale, part domestic drama, part romance, following the turbulent personal life of Abigail. There are some dark and difficult themes in this book, which were handled with due delicacy. There are true page-turning moments and some disturbing and unsettling scenes. Yet, despite the darker themes, I think this is going to be a hit for fans of slightly lighter and happier books in which things come right for the people who deserve happiness. It was an enjoyable read with an engaging and light writing style, and I’d recommend for fans of contemporary, cosy romance who like to engage with stories containing darker themes of female experience.

[Danielle Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in only a few days which tells you everything you need to know about the storytelling of Catherine Morrison. I was engaged in both the developing friendship of Abi and Henry as well as Abi's tumultuous marriage with Kevin. As someone who was in an abusive marriage, I found the small details that Catherine included about Abi's behavior, both outward and within her internal monologue, to be spot-on. I don't typically read this genre of book, so the ending was a little too perfect for me, but there's nothing wrong with a happy ending where everyone gets what they want. All in all, I really enjoyed Waiting for Sunday and recommend to anyone looking for a quick read with engaging characters.

[Cat Bowser · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written look at relationships

I wasn’t entirely sure what I would think of this book when my book club picked it. Given the premise, I was wary as cheating is a trope I loathe.

But this book surprised me. It took a bit for me to warm to Abi but as the book went on, you began to see why. The author clearly did research on domestic abuse because the nuances of the cycle of abuse were all present.

I’ve heard some complaints that the husband was “too evil” but…I’m a therapist. And I’ve counseled people who had partners just as bad with very similar presentation. So, I found it sadly realistic.

The ending wraps up a bit too perfect but it’s fiction and I enjoyed how it ended so no complaints here.

Definitely worth a read, just be prepared for sone heavy topics.

[Emma Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something this author is so so good at is two quirky characters having such a chemistry it jumps off the page. Henry is a little bit lost, Abi is in a destructive marriage, and through soft play (for their children!) they form a friendship. Only we all know immediately how we want this to go.

This tackles a very difficult subject matter with primarily the emotional abuse Abi suffers. It feels real, and as a reader, I had that pit of the stomach dread for what Kevin may do next.

This world the author has created is vivid, with such relatable characters that I felt immersed from the off.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abi's marriage is not what it seems. Years of emotional abuse and gaslighting have left her lost in an unhappy marriage and life. It's not until she meets and befriends a good man that she comes to realize she's married to a bad one. Waiting for Saturday is a fascinating read. I do not have personal experience with domestic abuse, so I can't attest to its accuracy in the portrayal, but it felt frustratingly real to me.

TW: domestic violence and emotional abuse

[grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable book

Another great book by Catherine Morrison if you haven't already read her first book The Hook you should get it as also a brilliant read

[Gina Solomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely tale of triumph

This is a very well written story depicting elements of suttle abuse throughout a seemingly happy marriage. The way in which the story unveils the characters is very
enjoyable and entertaining, keeping the reader invested at all times wondering will there be a happy ending.

[Cody Pelletier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting for Saturday is the second book I’ve read by this author and I love this one every bit as much as her first. Great, descriptive characters and very engaging, can-not-stop-reading, plot. I was all-in from page one. Fantastic read.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up a digital copy of this book because I was intrigued by the title – in some ways, aren’t we all “Waiting for Saturday” to come around?

Based on the crushed red lollipop on the cover, I was expecting this book to be either a lighthearted YA romance or a sinister thriller about a young villain. Instead, I found an unexpected gem of a story about a young woman slowly opening her eyes to the mistreatment she suffers and regaining trust in herself.

On the surface, Abi seems to have it all – a beautiful 4 year old daughter, a gorgeous house in an upscale neighborhood, and a husband who provides for her every need. One Saturday morning, she meets Henry and his son at the play center. A friendship develops that gives Abi a new perspective on what’s really happening in her life.

I devoured this fast flowing 150 page story in one weekend morning, cheering for Abi with each page. Not everyone will be satisfied with how this book ends, but I appreciated some of the warnings and the hope Abi’s story offers.

After reading Waiting for Saturday, I definitely plan to check out more of Morrison’s work.

To read more of my reviews, visit my book review blog, www.bookpicksandpics.com.

[S.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is gripping right from the first pages and it is really hard to put it down (I literally read it all in one day). Charters, pace and writing style make you completely disconnected from the world and drawn in the novel. For a very difficult topic this book is dealing with - psychological abuse in the relationship - I found the author being really skillful in creating the complete picture. A point of view of not only or two people, but presented by the perception of many people around the main character. That, alongside with an impact presented in different situations (e.g. child behavior) made both the characters and the whole story really realistic.

Without giving spoilers though, regardless of the difficult topic, the story was very much uplifted by the romantic plot - which again - I thought was brilliantly structured. I very much enjoyed impatiently reading to find out what will happen next.

Finally, the ending. At the first moment, I kind of felt like there could be more punishment… More bad karma… But then, with the second thought, I actually realised it was the perfect ending. The main character remained consistent with who she was throughout the book and that made the entire story even more realistic.

While “Waiting for Saturday” is not my usual go-to genre, I really loved this book and author’s writing style and I am sure I will look to read more books written by Catherine Morrison in the future. If you are looking for psychological/contemporary fiction, I highly recommend checking this book!