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The Work Wife
Zanne Klein never planned to be a personal assistant to Hollywood royalty Ted and Holly Stabler. But a decade in at thirty-eight, that's exactly how she spends her days, earning six figures to make sure the movie mogul and his family have everything they could ever dream of and more.
However, today is no ordinary day at the Stabler estate. Tonight, everyone who's anyone will be there for the Hollywood event of the season, and if the party’s a success, that chief of staff job Zanne's been chasing may soon be hers. Which means she can buy a house, give her girlfriend the life she deserves, pay off her student loans.
Nothing's going to get in Zanne’s way—not disgruntled staff, not a nosy reporter, not even a runaway hostess. But when Ted’s former business partner, Phoebe Lee, unexpectedly shows up right before go time, Zanne suddenly has a catastrophe unfolding before her—one with explosive consequences. As the truth comes out and Zanne realizes how deeply entangled she's become in the Stablers' world, she must decide if the sacrifices she's made for the job are worth the moral price she has to pay.
Told over the course of a single day and from three fierce perspectives, The Work Wife is a richly observed novel about female ambition, complicity, privilege and what happens when the brightest of stars aren't allowed to shine.
However, today is no ordinary day at the Stabler estate. Tonight, everyone who's anyone will be there for the Hollywood event of the season, and if the party’s a success, that chief of staff job Zanne's been chasing may soon be hers. Which means she can buy a house, give her girlfriend the life she deserves, pay off her student loans.
Nothing's going to get in Zanne’s way—not disgruntled staff, not a nosy reporter, not even a runaway hostess. But when Ted’s former business partner, Phoebe Lee, unexpectedly shows up right before go time, Zanne suddenly has a catastrophe unfolding before her—one with explosive consequences. As the truth comes out and Zanne realizes how deeply entangled she's become in the Stablers' world, she must decide if the sacrifices she's made for the job are worth the moral price she has to pay.
Told over the course of a single day and from three fierce perspectives, The Work Wife is a richly observed novel about female ambition, complicity, privilege and what happens when the brightest of stars aren't allowed to shine.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 19, 2022
314 people are currently reading
11198 people want to read
About the author
Alison B. Hart
2 books96 followersAlison B. Hart is the author of The Work Wife and April May June July. Her writing has appeared in Joyland Magazine, Literary Hub, The Missouri Review, and The Millions, among others. She co-founded the long-running reading series at Pete’s Candy Store in Brooklyn and received her MFA from The New School. She grew up in Los Angeles and now lives in North Carolina. Find her on Twitter, @alisonbhart, and on Instagram, @alisonhart800.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews
June 20, 2022
I thought this one was going to be a nice juicy read, but i had a hard time getting into it. I don't think these stories about the hollywood elites are my favorite. 😬 Do not let my opinion dissuade you, because I have seen many trusted reviewers really enjoying this one.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own!
September 19, 2022
The Work Wife is a story offering 3 POVs of women connected to Ted Stabler, Hollywood film mogul. Zanne is Ted’s personal assistant and has worked for him for the last 8 years. Holly is Ted’s wife and Phoebe is his former business partner.
The entertainment industry is a competitive one and it can be hard to know who to trust. It’s also easy to become swayed by the money and justify what you’re doing and why you choose to stay.
Despite not caring for most of the characters, overall, I enjoyed The Work Wife. It covers one long day, where Ted and Holly fulfill their work and family commitments while their staff prepares for a large fundraising party at their estate that night. It’s helpful to know heading into this book that it’s a very character-driven story. Wealth, privilege and the me too movement are all at play, which feels realistic of the current Hollywood landscape — 3.5 stars
The entertainment industry is a competitive one and it can be hard to know who to trust. It’s also easy to become swayed by the money and justify what you’re doing and why you choose to stay.
Despite not caring for most of the characters, overall, I enjoyed The Work Wife. It covers one long day, where Ted and Holly fulfill their work and family commitments while their staff prepares for a large fundraising party at their estate that night. It’s helpful to know heading into this book that it’s a very character-driven story. Wealth, privilege and the me too movement are all at play, which feels realistic of the current Hollywood landscape — 3.5 stars
January 11, 2022
This year I'm trying to focus on reading more quality books, rather than the quantity.
Of course, this doesn't mean all my requests from NetGalley will fall in the former category.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Work Wife.
This is just one of many books that reference the #MeToo era in which the downfall of a media mogul painfully similar to Weinstein circles the periphery of a story centered around three very different woman.
Zanne Klein is the personal assistant to Ted Stabler; the creator and wunderkind of a movie trilogy that sounds suspiciously like Star Wars.
Zanne is good at what she does; anticipating her employer's needs, planning the event of the season at the Stabler estate and juggling personal issues of her own and determined that tonight go off without a hitch.
Holly Stabler is the wife of Ted Stabler; a woman who came from humble origins, now has a household staff of 30 and talks down to those who work for her.
And last, but not least, is Phoebe Lee, the co-creator of the movie trilogy that brought her business partner and former husband fame and fortune, but only disgrace and obscurity to her when she ran into the likes of the disgraced media mogul now in the headlines.
Each of these women will face their own personal reckoning; to seek justice, to make amends and to right the wrongs of their lives.
I enjoyed an inside look at what a personal assistant does to manage a celebrity household but I found the plot boring.
I didn't sympathize or empathize with any of the characters, except for Phoebe.
I found Zanne pretty bratty despite her age; she worried constantly about keeping her much younger girlfriend, her desperation was pitiful and pathetic.
They recently met and already she's envisioning a future with a woman over a decade younger than her.
She was good at her job, but immature emotionally and mentally.
Holly was a caricature of a Hollywood wife; despite the fact she came from humble beginnings, it didn't take her long to treat her employees like servants, being driven around and escorted like she was a queen.
She was shallow, superficial and a cliche. Maybe that was the author's intention.
Phoebe was a more relatable character; a woman of color ostracized and blacklisted from the film industry and community and struggling to retain her dignity and seek justice for the wrong that was done to her so many years ago.
The writing is good and the ending is satisfying, but I didn't like the characters or the story.
Nothing new here.
Of course, this doesn't mean all my requests from NetGalley will fall in the former category.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Work Wife.
This is just one of many books that reference the #MeToo era in which the downfall of a media mogul painfully similar to Weinstein circles the periphery of a story centered around three very different woman.
Zanne Klein is the personal assistant to Ted Stabler; the creator and wunderkind of a movie trilogy that sounds suspiciously like Star Wars.
Zanne is good at what she does; anticipating her employer's needs, planning the event of the season at the Stabler estate and juggling personal issues of her own and determined that tonight go off without a hitch.
Holly Stabler is the wife of Ted Stabler; a woman who came from humble origins, now has a household staff of 30 and talks down to those who work for her.
And last, but not least, is Phoebe Lee, the co-creator of the movie trilogy that brought her business partner and former husband fame and fortune, but only disgrace and obscurity to her when she ran into the likes of the disgraced media mogul now in the headlines.
Each of these women will face their own personal reckoning; to seek justice, to make amends and to right the wrongs of their lives.
I enjoyed an inside look at what a personal assistant does to manage a celebrity household but I found the plot boring.
I didn't sympathize or empathize with any of the characters, except for Phoebe.
I found Zanne pretty bratty despite her age; she worried constantly about keeping her much younger girlfriend, her desperation was pitiful and pathetic.
They recently met and already she's envisioning a future with a woman over a decade younger than her.
She was good at her job, but immature emotionally and mentally.
Holly was a caricature of a Hollywood wife; despite the fact she came from humble beginnings, it didn't take her long to treat her employees like servants, being driven around and escorted like she was a queen.
She was shallow, superficial and a cliche. Maybe that was the author's intention.
Phoebe was a more relatable character; a woman of color ostracized and blacklisted from the film industry and community and struggling to retain her dignity and seek justice for the wrong that was done to her so many years ago.
The writing is good and the ending is satisfying, but I didn't like the characters or the story.
Nothing new here.
April 12, 2022
Full disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
There should be a word for a book that is both a 'page turner' and one you never want to end. This sometimes painful and beautiful story is (and will be) a touchstone for the emerging and overdue Me Too stories that are coming to light. Hart presents the delicate subject matter with a forthright, often uncomfortably honest storyline balanced with a loving portrayal of human, complicated connections.
Even though the story unfolds over one day, it still feels fast paced and filled with layers of stories. I pictured much of it developing between the lines of a tightly packed schedule of an elite Hollywood family and the very human people who work for them. Hart succeeds in this attempt to bring that energy to life, while peeling back the artificially constructed layers wealthy people build to make themselves look good. Overall, this book surprised me and still has me thinking about the many moral challenges it lays bare. Highly recommend!
There should be a word for a book that is both a 'page turner' and one you never want to end. This sometimes painful and beautiful story is (and will be) a touchstone for the emerging and overdue Me Too stories that are coming to light. Hart presents the delicate subject matter with a forthright, often uncomfortably honest storyline balanced with a loving portrayal of human, complicated connections.
Even though the story unfolds over one day, it still feels fast paced and filled with layers of stories. I pictured much of it developing between the lines of a tightly packed schedule of an elite Hollywood family and the very human people who work for them. Hart succeeds in this attempt to bring that energy to life, while peeling back the artificially constructed layers wealthy people build to make themselves look good. Overall, this book surprised me and still has me thinking about the many moral challenges it lays bare. Highly recommend!
May 27, 2022
I’m trying to reflect on this book and I’m honestly not even sure how I feel.
This is a multi POV story that highlights the how difficult it is to be a woman working in Hollywood and the film industry and especially in the wake of the #metoo movement.
I desperately wanted to like this because I feel that the message is important and I appreciated it asking hard questions and showcasing the less than pretty, but the story honestly felt like it ended without any sort of a resolution. The book was a bit of a whirlwind with so much happening but nothing really happening at the same time.
The characters were interesting, but I didn’t find myself particularly attaching to any of them. I really feel like the story would’ve benefited from some sort of resolution instead of leaving us readers in the dark and scratching our heads as to WHAT exactly happened.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing. All opinions are my own.
This is a multi POV story that highlights the how difficult it is to be a woman working in Hollywood and the film industry and especially in the wake of the #metoo movement.
I desperately wanted to like this because I feel that the message is important and I appreciated it asking hard questions and showcasing the less than pretty, but the story honestly felt like it ended without any sort of a resolution. The book was a bit of a whirlwind with so much happening but nothing really happening at the same time.
The characters were interesting, but I didn’t find myself particularly attaching to any of them. I really feel like the story would’ve benefited from some sort of resolution instead of leaving us readers in the dark and scratching our heads as to WHAT exactly happened.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing. All opinions are my own.
June 17, 2022
When I first started this one I was thinking, ok this is gonna be kind of a light read, definitely some drama but nothing too deep. Well I was wrong, this absolutely went darker and even though it wasn’t what I was expecting I ended up really liking it. It’s told over the course of just one day and you get three perspectives. Zanne, a personal assistant to a Hollywood power couple, Phoebe who was business partners with Zane’s boss Ted years ago and Holly who is married to Ted. It pulls back the curtain and gives you a glimpse at the dark side of fame when Zanne uncovers some shocking accusations from the past. I’ll stop with plot details there and just finish by saying that if you want a book that feels like a summer read but still has depth and dimension give this a try. It would also be a great book club pick as it brings up a ton of questions too.
January 2, 2022
Triple POV, the wife, the former wife, the work wife. The man is a big Hollywood producer who takes advantage without cognizance, as easily as he breathes. It all happens on a single day, when there's a big fundraiser at the compound to raise money for low-income mothers and the three women compare notes. #metoo
First few chapters sounded like so many romcoms but then it got great, so persevere.
#netgalley
First few chapters sounded like so many romcoms but then it got great, so persevere.
#netgalley
Read
March 17, 2023Zanne is stuck in a job she no longer has a passion for but she doesn’t know it yet. What she knows instead is that she’s absolutely absorbed into the intimate & mundane lives of a powerful Hollywood couple. She knows the entire family’s ins and outs - she knows things that the press would pay huge amounts of money to know. She’s seen so much & knows Ted, a tycoon film director, so well she’s somehow falling into becoming his right hand, even if she’s just a personal assistant. A huge promotion is on the table for Zanne until a secret resurfaces & unravels everything in one single day.
Told from three multiple perspectives- Zanne, Ted’s wife (Holly) and Phoebe (Ted’s ex), the novel to me, felt like an exploration of what it feels like to live in the shadows of powerful people. It also casts a light on those in the inner circles of the #metoo movement predators, through a fictional lens and some of the ways they might have contributed (even inadvertently) to covers up.
The first half the novel moved so slowly for me, as we get to know Zanne, while the later half pushed forward so quickly I felt there was little room for me to sit with Holly & Phoebe’s narratives. Though I understood Zanne to be the main character, I really wanted more of Phoebe’s perspective/narrative.
Overall I enjoyed this book because I haven’t read a story like it. It made me think about the decisions authors make to build ethnicity and race into their characters. It made me think about narrative & the way authors choose which voice to follow into a story.
Told from three multiple perspectives- Zanne, Ted’s wife (Holly) and Phoebe (Ted’s ex), the novel to me, felt like an exploration of what it feels like to live in the shadows of powerful people. It also casts a light on those in the inner circles of the #metoo movement predators, through a fictional lens and some of the ways they might have contributed (even inadvertently) to covers up.
The first half the novel moved so slowly for me, as we get to know Zanne, while the later half pushed forward so quickly I felt there was little room for me to sit with Holly & Phoebe’s narratives. Though I understood Zanne to be the main character, I really wanted more of Phoebe’s perspective/narrative.
Overall I enjoyed this book because I haven’t read a story like it. It made me think about the decisions authors make to build ethnicity and race into their characters. It made me think about narrative & the way authors choose which voice to follow into a story.
June 20, 2022
Have you ever wondered about ALL THE PEOPLE who knew what Harvey Weinstein or Bill Cosby were up to for DECADES, who didn't tell a soul? Who kept working for them/with them? Who turned away from their accusers?
Alison B. Hart’s debut novel, “The Work Wife”, is uncomfortably illuminating, and un-put-downable.
This intimate look at Hollywood and the film industry had me thoroughly engrossed; the action takes place in one day, and the plot is perfectly-paced accordingly; there is nary a dull moment.
Ted Stabler, mega-rich and famous film maker, is the “Sun” and this novel reflects his “shine” from the points of view of three very different women who are, or have been, in his orbit.
Zanne is Ted’s acting Chief of Staff; just one of the phalanx of people that the uber-rich surround and insulate themselves with. The day starts with a Producer’s Guild breakfast hosted by Ted’s wife, and ends with a fund-raising party at his home. Zanne is highly competent and ambitious, and on this day she discovers a secret about Ted that shocks her to the core.
Holly is Ted’s “trophy wife”. She has “humble origins” which make her at the same time ridiculed and valued by the Hollywood “limousine liberals”. (Expect a LOT of hypocrisy in this story!)
Phoebe was once Ted’s college BFF and then a producing partner in their first forays into film making when Ted began to “make it big”. She has been out of Ted’s orbit for years, but it’s clear early on that there is a LOT more to their story.
Did I eat up all the glitzy and gritty details of the lives of the elite super-rich? Of course I did! Hart has served up a meal of fame, privilege, ambition, greed, and empty promises, that was satisfying, thought-provoking, and calorie-free. HOWEVER, there is more depth to this novel than “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”, as the characters explore the systemic scourge of sexual abuse in the entertainment industry and its vast and devastating ramifications.
Not surprisingly, this novel confirms what we already suspected about the pervasive hypocrisy and sexism across the entertainment industry (Hollywood specifically), and it’s well worth reading for that illumination alone. “The Work Wife” would make an excellent series.
My thanks to Graydon House/Harper Collins for an ARC of this riveting novel.
Alison B. Hart’s debut novel, “The Work Wife”, is uncomfortably illuminating, and un-put-downable.
This intimate look at Hollywood and the film industry had me thoroughly engrossed; the action takes place in one day, and the plot is perfectly-paced accordingly; there is nary a dull moment.
Ted Stabler, mega-rich and famous film maker, is the “Sun” and this novel reflects his “shine” from the points of view of three very different women who are, or have been, in his orbit.
Zanne is Ted’s acting Chief of Staff; just one of the phalanx of people that the uber-rich surround and insulate themselves with. The day starts with a Producer’s Guild breakfast hosted by Ted’s wife, and ends with a fund-raising party at his home. Zanne is highly competent and ambitious, and on this day she discovers a secret about Ted that shocks her to the core.
Holly is Ted’s “trophy wife”. She has “humble origins” which make her at the same time ridiculed and valued by the Hollywood “limousine liberals”. (Expect a LOT of hypocrisy in this story!)
Phoebe was once Ted’s college BFF and then a producing partner in their first forays into film making when Ted began to “make it big”. She has been out of Ted’s orbit for years, but it’s clear early on that there is a LOT more to their story.
Did I eat up all the glitzy and gritty details of the lives of the elite super-rich? Of course I did! Hart has served up a meal of fame, privilege, ambition, greed, and empty promises, that was satisfying, thought-provoking, and calorie-free. HOWEVER, there is more depth to this novel than “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”, as the characters explore the systemic scourge of sexual abuse in the entertainment industry and its vast and devastating ramifications.
Not surprisingly, this novel confirms what we already suspected about the pervasive hypocrisy and sexism across the entertainment industry (Hollywood specifically), and it’s well worth reading for that illumination alone. “The Work Wife” would make an excellent series.
My thanks to Graydon House/Harper Collins for an ARC of this riveting novel.
August 8, 2022
This had potential but I didn’t enjoy the way it was written. It jumped back and forth from past to present, but I was constantly lost and had to reread paragraphs multiple times because it was confusing. I think it could’ve benefitted from having specific chapters based in the past so the reader can follow along more easily.
What is with these books I’m reading lately?? Is it me?! The characters in this had ZERO depth. We have Zanne- the emotionless assistant; Holly- the desperate housewife; and Phoebe- the woman scorned. I tried hard to sympathize with them but I just didn’t care.
I appreciate the message this book was trying to address (the #metoo movement) but the story itself just didn’t quite do it for me.
Thank you @netgalley and @harlequinbooks for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
What is with these books I’m reading lately?? Is it me?! The characters in this had ZERO depth. We have Zanne- the emotionless assistant; Holly- the desperate housewife; and Phoebe- the woman scorned. I tried hard to sympathize with them but I just didn’t care.
I appreciate the message this book was trying to address (the #metoo movement) but the story itself just didn’t quite do it for me.
Thank you @netgalley and @harlequinbooks for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
August 4, 2022
Thank you to Graydon House, @harperaudio & @libro.fm for the complimentary copy, all thoughts are my own.
3 to 3.5 ⭐️
First, I could have sworn I have read a novel by Alison B Hart previously, but nope this is her debut novel. I discovered this at the end of the book as she summarized her vantage point of writing a book regarding the #metoo movement.
For me, it was almost catching a glimpse how someone like Harry Weinstein could’ve possibly hired any staff that stayed with knowledge with what he was up too.
The wouldn’t and you will see how it can go all away when you pay your people the right money.
All in all, for a debut it was okay however it was one noted.
3 to 3.5 ⭐️
First, I could have sworn I have read a novel by Alison B Hart previously, but nope this is her debut novel. I discovered this at the end of the book as she summarized her vantage point of writing a book regarding the #metoo movement.
For me, it was almost catching a glimpse how someone like Harry Weinstein could’ve possibly hired any staff that stayed with knowledge with what he was up too.
The wouldn’t and you will see how it can go all away when you pay your people the right money.
All in all, for a debut it was okay however it was one noted.
July 21, 2022
It was a very special book, the story happens in one day and is told from three different perspectives.
Zanne Klein is a personal assistant to a Hollywood royalty at Stabler estate and is aiming to get the chief of staff job. she is planning to buy a house and build a beautiful life with her girlfriend.
When a catastrophe unfolds during the Hollywood event of the season at Stabler estate, Zanne is left to decide if she is willing to pay the moral price for the sacrifices she makes at her job.
The story was not at all what I expected, it was instead a dark and heavy read. The story is told from three points of view, and the characters are really unique. The plot is really good, and I enjoyed the writing style. It is not an easy read thus if you are looking for a light juicy book, this is not for you.
Zanne Klein is a personal assistant to a Hollywood royalty at Stabler estate and is aiming to get the chief of staff job. she is planning to buy a house and build a beautiful life with her girlfriend.
When a catastrophe unfolds during the Hollywood event of the season at Stabler estate, Zanne is left to decide if she is willing to pay the moral price for the sacrifices she makes at her job.
The story was not at all what I expected, it was instead a dark and heavy read. The story is told from three points of view, and the characters are really unique. The plot is really good, and I enjoyed the writing style. It is not an easy read thus if you are looking for a light juicy book, this is not for you.
February 22, 2022
I could not get into this book. The characters were unlikeable. "Zanne, like Van" was a weird name that I every time I saw it I reminded myself how it was pronounced. That made the character hard to find sympathy for and she did deserve sympathy for the situation she found herself in as the Work Wife to movie mogul Ted Stabler and his family. Zanne Klein's job is to make Ted & Holly Stabler's lives run smoothly and make any request her duty to deliver.
If you enjoyed The Maid by Nita Prose, you will probably enjoy The Work Wife. Unfortunately I did not.
I volunteered to read this ARC through Net Galley.
Release date July 19, 2022
If you enjoyed The Maid by Nita Prose, you will probably enjoy The Work Wife. Unfortunately I did not.
I volunteered to read this ARC through Net Galley.
Release date July 19, 2022
January 1, 2025
This book had such promise based on the description. The wife, ex wife, and work wife? I struggled to even finish it. Too wordy and honestly you couldn’t even keep track of the storyline.
August 29, 2022
this book was solid. it had all my favorite things: takes place in one day, multiple perspectives, about rich people. this book was all about detail. there was times where half a page would just be a character checking their email. the book would flash back and go into little things in the middle of paragraphs. you really had it pay attention. i really appreciated the writing to this book. this book was overall really well done.
July 20, 2022
I definitely wasn't sure where this book would end up taking me but I was happy with the journey. Its a study of how powerful men can change the course for a woman without even knowing they did it. It becomes subconscious for them. Or is it? Powerful men have always been scared of strong and talented women.
What we women need to work on is our ability to lift each other and support each other. This is ultimately the point of The Work Wife.
August 5, 2022
A look at what goes into the making of power and prestige. And the blind lies that people tell themselves to obtain their personal place in it.
September 19, 2022
hmmmm.....
June 9, 2024
Eat the rich ✌️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2022
The book weaves a story of one day in the lives of four different people but we only get three POVs. The story was captivating and kept me curious what would come next. “Seeing” the inside lives of a neurotic almost reclusive filmmaker and the personal assistant whom he relies too heavily on was very interesting. The ending fell a little flat for me because it was more open ended and I was hoping for more resolution. The author was able to turn two characters I liked throughout the book very quickly into people I no longer liked after some of their actions came to light. I like the way she paralleled this timing with Zanne’s self awakening. Overall I definitely recommend for a compelling read.
August 8, 2022
TWW follows 3 women in the orbit of (fictional) Hollywood royalty, Ted Stabler: Zanne, the temporary chief of staff who thrives off the validation of successfully completing a task. Holly, Ted's wife, who seeks validation through the parties and charity events that keep Ted socially relevant. And Phoebe, Ted's former right-hand woman, who suspects Hollywood's blacklisted her after struggling to get her own work picked up for 20 years.
So. My primary struggle with TWW is that while the story is in a vague way, there's no engaging core to keep the reader's interest for the full book. TWW is set during the length of a fundraiser/party Holly's hosting that's supposed to tie everything together, but the party's just sort of… there. Phoebe is arguably the heart of the story, but most of her page time is spent on flashbacks.
Although I liked Zanne, no self-respecting lesbian would be obsessed with a guy to the degree where she proudly claims she knows him better than his wife, so jot THAT down. Her internal motivation is also weak: she wants the promotion to keep her much younger gf. But they have no chemistry and her gf is kind of a flake.
Holly is interesting, but also underutilized. She makes messes, but never to a damning degree. She's on the cusp of being sympathetic to the reader but also on the cusp of full loathing. She's the sort of woman who cries misogyny when someone dares criticize her.
TWW is smart, and I loved loved loved lots of the ideas within, but it never fully "works", there's too much telling over showing, and it takes too long to show its true heart: it's never too late to be creative. It's never too late to follow your dreams. And watch out where you seek your validation from.
(Thank you to Graydon House and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.)
So. My primary struggle with TWW is that while the story is in a vague way, there's no engaging core to keep the reader's interest for the full book. TWW is set during the length of a fundraiser/party Holly's hosting that's supposed to tie everything together, but the party's just sort of… there. Phoebe is arguably the heart of the story, but most of her page time is spent on flashbacks.
Although I liked Zanne, no self-respecting lesbian would be obsessed with a guy to the degree where she proudly claims she knows him better than his wife, so jot THAT down. Her internal motivation is also weak: she wants the promotion to keep her much younger gf. But they have no chemistry and her gf is kind of a flake.
Holly is interesting, but also underutilized. She makes messes, but never to a damning degree. She's on the cusp of being sympathetic to the reader but also on the cusp of full loathing. She's the sort of woman who cries misogyny when someone dares criticize her.
TWW is smart, and I loved loved loved lots of the ideas within, but it never fully "works", there's too much telling over showing, and it takes too long to show its true heart: it's never too late to be creative. It's never too late to follow your dreams. And watch out where you seek your validation from.
(Thank you to Graydon House and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.)
March 18, 2022
Here is the blurb that I wrote for Alison's crazy engrossing debut novel:
“Alison B. Hart’s debut novel, The Work Wife, takes us behind the scenes and into the carefully constructed lives of the Hollywood elite and their staff. It’s not pretty. Feminist and furious and sometimes very funny, The Work Wife is bursting with love for these wounded characters.”
“Alison B. Hart’s debut novel, The Work Wife, takes us behind the scenes and into the carefully constructed lives of the Hollywood elite and their staff. It’s not pretty. Feminist and furious and sometimes very funny, The Work Wife is bursting with love for these wounded characters.”
May 6, 2022
I simply didn’t relate to the characters in this book. I did love the high-powered Hollywood setting, but it wasn’t enough to keep me engaged. Some of the over the top demands seemed a bit too caricatured and stereotypical.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
August 29, 2023
Congratulations to Alison Hart! Impressive first novel. Author draws you in for a slow reveal of who supports who - and who doesn’t - concerning sexual abuse and career blacklisting in a cast of characters including Hollywood movie 1%-ers, their staff and associates.
November 8, 2022
2.5 stars
Alison B. Hart's The Work Wife is a story about ambition, power, and what sacrifices you must make to fulfill your dreams.
When Zanne was struggling with her sexuality and addiction years ago, she never would’ve believed she’d land a job as a personal assistant to a powerful Hollywood couple, Ted and Holly Stabler. She’s exceptionally good at getting things done, solving crises and fulfilling the family’s often-ridiculous requests.
Tonight is a big fundraising party at the Stablers’ mansion in support of a charity. Zanne is hopeful that if the party is a success, she might get promoted to chief of staff, which would mean more money and the power she’s been craving.
If the party is going to succeed, Zanne and the team will have to contend with major chaos, from finding circus animals to dealing with a reporter stirring up scandal. But when Phoebe Lee, Ted’s former business partner, shows up, suddenly Zanne has to question if her unswerving loyalty to Ted and the family is worth sacrificing everything, including her happiness and her sense of right and wrong.
I love books about personal assistants to famous people and I love books about show business, but this one never really grabbed me. The pacing was quite slow and I felt like there were a lot of moving parts that didn’t quite mesh.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
Alison B. Hart's The Work Wife is a story about ambition, power, and what sacrifices you must make to fulfill your dreams.
When Zanne was struggling with her sexuality and addiction years ago, she never would’ve believed she’d land a job as a personal assistant to a powerful Hollywood couple, Ted and Holly Stabler. She’s exceptionally good at getting things done, solving crises and fulfilling the family’s often-ridiculous requests.
Tonight is a big fundraising party at the Stablers’ mansion in support of a charity. Zanne is hopeful that if the party is a success, she might get promoted to chief of staff, which would mean more money and the power she’s been craving.
If the party is going to succeed, Zanne and the team will have to contend with major chaos, from finding circus animals to dealing with a reporter stirring up scandal. But when Phoebe Lee, Ted’s former business partner, shows up, suddenly Zanne has to question if her unswerving loyalty to Ted and the family is worth sacrificing everything, including her happiness and her sense of right and wrong.
I love books about personal assistants to famous people and I love books about show business, but this one never really grabbed me. The pacing was quite slow and I felt like there were a lot of moving parts that didn’t quite mesh.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
August 1, 2022
I've read multiple novels inspired by the #MeToo movement this year, and The Work Wife underwhelmed me. The book takes place over the course of one day with the narration split between Holly Stadler, the obnoxious, privileged, and clueless wife of your typical white male Hollywood mogul Ted Stadler, Zanne, Ted's head of special projects for the Stadler "family office," and Phoebe Lee, Ted's ex-wife and former co-filmmaker. Of course, Ted has some skeletons in his closet, particularly in the wake of his friend Jerry Silver's arrest for sexual misconduct.
The Work Wife had too much exposition and too little plot. While the book dealt with serious issues of sexism, racism, harassment, and sexual abuse in Hollywood, the ending was then wrapped up in a neat little bow.
The three main characters also read like archetypes to me rather than fully fledged human beings. Holly was absolutely insufferable, and I did not care for her character at all—she was incredibly self-indulgent, oblivious, and irritating. I admired Zanne's ambition, but I could spot her "come-to-Jesus" moment about what an awful person Ted actually was to work for from a mile away. And while I empathized with Phoebe, a Korean-American woman who was clearly used and abused in the industry, she was also so nice and squeaky clean that she was too neat a foil to Holly and Zanne. I didn't think The Work Wife added much new to the conversation among similar novels, nor was I entertained reading it.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.**
The Work Wife had too much exposition and too little plot. While the book dealt with serious issues of sexism, racism, harassment, and sexual abuse in Hollywood, the ending was then wrapped up in a neat little bow.
The three main characters also read like archetypes to me rather than fully fledged human beings. Holly was absolutely insufferable, and I did not care for her character at all—she was incredibly self-indulgent, oblivious, and irritating. I admired Zanne's ambition, but I could spot her "come-to-Jesus" moment about what an awful person Ted actually was to work for from a mile away. And while I empathized with Phoebe, a Korean-American woman who was clearly used and abused in the industry, she was also so nice and squeaky clean that she was too neat a foil to Holly and Zanne. I didn't think The Work Wife added much new to the conversation among similar novels, nor was I entertained reading it.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.**
January 30, 2024
Don’t waste your time. This has to be one of the worst books I’ve ever read.
Read
July 22, 2022I knew nothing about this book before reading it and it was nothing like I falsely presumed from the title and cover. There was a ‘work wife’ but her duties astounded me. The story is told by three POV’s and it takes place over a one day period. Zanne is the work wife to Ted, a powerful movie executive. Ted and Holly run their home and business with an amazing amount of staff. It was mind boggling to see their expectations of their staff and how devoted the staff was in accepting the crazy rules and job responsibilities. There is a #metoo component to the story with the return of Ted’s first wife. Overall I found this book a bit of a stretch and I had a hard time connecting to it.
February 6, 2022
"The Work Wife" is an interesting behind-the-scenes look into the people that maintain the lives and lifestyles of the super-rich Hollywood elite. Zanne Klein had never set out to become a personal assistant, but after 8 years on the job, working for Ted and Holly Stabler, super wealthy Hollywood nobility at their home in Malibu, she was now offered the top position of Chief of Staff. She initially took the job because she was recovering from a long bout of bad decisions and had oppressive student debt and needed the income. The steady increase in responsibilities and pay locked her in to a job that gradually eroded her sense of self and her moral compass. The demands that the rich place on their huge staffs was described here in lurid detail, and the line between personal and professional tasks was totally erased.
The narrative arc revolves around a huge party that the Stablers are throwing at their compound to raise money for a children's charity (but really to raise their notoriety as "good philanthropists"). But it's also about a decades old "MeToo' incident involving another influential man in the business in which Ted is possibly implicated. As Zanne puts the pieces of the story together and digs further to find the truth, she questions her part in the system that perpetuates the myths and injustices upon which these powerful rich people build their lives.
The narrative arc revolves around a huge party that the Stablers are throwing at their compound to raise money for a children's charity (but really to raise their notoriety as "good philanthropists"). But it's also about a decades old "MeToo' incident involving another influential man in the business in which Ted is possibly implicated. As Zanne puts the pieces of the story together and digs further to find the truth, she questions her part in the system that perpetuates the myths and injustices upon which these powerful rich people build their lives.
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