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Eliza Starts a Rumor
The author of Nine Women, One Dress delivers a charming, unforgettable novel about four women, one little lie, and the big repercussions that unite them all.
It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. When Eliza Hunt created The Hudson Valley Ladies’ Bulletin Board fifteen years ago she was happily entrenched in her picture-perfect suburban life with her husband and twin preschoolers. Now, with an empty nest and a crippling case of agoraphobia, the once-fun hobby has become her lifeline. So when a rival parenting forum threatens the site’s existence, she doesn’t think twice before fabricating a salacious rumor to spark things up a bit.
It doesn’t take long before that spark becomes a flame.
Across town, new mom and site devotee Olivia York is thrown into a tailspin by what she reads on the Bulletin Board. Allison Le is making cyber friends with a woman who isn’t quite who she says she is. And Amanda Cole, Eliza’s childhood friend, may just hold the key to unearthing why Eliza can’t step out of her front door.
In all this chaos, one thing is for sure…Hudson Valley will never be the same.
Funny, romantic, raw, and hopeful, this is a story about being a woman and of the healing power of sisterhood.
It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. When Eliza Hunt created The Hudson Valley Ladies’ Bulletin Board fifteen years ago she was happily entrenched in her picture-perfect suburban life with her husband and twin preschoolers. Now, with an empty nest and a crippling case of agoraphobia, the once-fun hobby has become her lifeline. So when a rival parenting forum threatens the site’s existence, she doesn’t think twice before fabricating a salacious rumor to spark things up a bit.
It doesn’t take long before that spark becomes a flame.
Across town, new mom and site devotee Olivia York is thrown into a tailspin by what she reads on the Bulletin Board. Allison Le is making cyber friends with a woman who isn’t quite who she says she is. And Amanda Cole, Eliza’s childhood friend, may just hold the key to unearthing why Eliza can’t step out of her front door.
In all this chaos, one thing is for sure…Hudson Valley will never be the same.
Funny, romantic, raw, and hopeful, this is a story about being a woman and of the healing power of sisterhood.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2020
817 people are currently reading
28293 people want to read
About the author
Jane L. Rosen
8 books967 followersJane L. Rosen is an author and Huffington Post contributor. She lives in New York City and Fire Island with her husband and three daughters. Her first novel Nine Women, One Dress was translated into ten languages. Her second novel Eliza Starts a Rumor has been optioned by NBC. A Shoe Story is out now and On Fire Island is dropping o May 23rd.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,319 reviews
July 6, 2021
This is a real beautiful, sentimental, tear jerking, refreshing, motivational, friendship, sisterhood story! Bring out your napkins and prepare yourself cry and laugh at the same time because this book will conquer your hearts and steals a crucial part of it!
Eliza struggles with being middle aged. Her children already left the house. She needs a purpose, special aim, an anchor to achieve something concrete in her life. She loves writing about parenting at Hudson Valley Ladies Bulletin Board. She has been doing it for 15 years. But her page hasn’t been refreshed for a long time and other parenting forums threaten the only thing she enjoys! She already suffers from empty nest syndrome and agoraphobia! She has to keep her mind at ease.
She needs an inspiration to share with the community. Maybe a little cheating can create some spark! What about posting a rumor! Nobody can hurt because it is not even a small town gossip. She will just make something up and share it. That’s it! No harm done. She has no idea what she’s igniting and what kind of havoc she’s getting herself into! Because Olivia York from the other side of the town is not happy about what she just read. We’re also introduced Allison who fancies virtual friendship and Amanda is the long time best friend of Eliza. And we witness how those amazing women’s stories intercept.
It’s impossible not to love and feel for Eliza who tries so hard to brighten her life and find her new purposes as she deals with real problems. It’s so heartfelt and well written book about mental health, marriage, importance of forming real friendships to support each other, mother-daughter relations. It’s funny, entertaining, joyful journey!
This book is another literature medicine to heal our souls and emotional scars. I highly recommend you to read for feeling good, positive and hopeful again! It’s a real stress killer, mood brighter!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this meaningfully poignant ARC with me in exchange my honest review.
Eliza struggles with being middle aged. Her children already left the house. She needs a purpose, special aim, an anchor to achieve something concrete in her life. She loves writing about parenting at Hudson Valley Ladies Bulletin Board. She has been doing it for 15 years. But her page hasn’t been refreshed for a long time and other parenting forums threaten the only thing she enjoys! She already suffers from empty nest syndrome and agoraphobia! She has to keep her mind at ease.
She needs an inspiration to share with the community. Maybe a little cheating can create some spark! What about posting a rumor! Nobody can hurt because it is not even a small town gossip. She will just make something up and share it. That’s it! No harm done. She has no idea what she’s igniting and what kind of havoc she’s getting herself into! Because Olivia York from the other side of the town is not happy about what she just read. We’re also introduced Allison who fancies virtual friendship and Amanda is the long time best friend of Eliza. And we witness how those amazing women’s stories intercept.
It’s impossible not to love and feel for Eliza who tries so hard to brighten her life and find her new purposes as she deals with real problems. It’s so heartfelt and well written book about mental health, marriage, importance of forming real friendships to support each other, mother-daughter relations. It’s funny, entertaining, joyful journey!
This book is another literature medicine to heal our souls and emotional scars. I highly recommend you to read for feeling good, positive and hopeful again! It’s a real stress killer, mood brighter!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this meaningfully poignant ARC with me in exchange my honest review.
June 26, 2020
This one surprised me in a good way!
Hello, gorgeous purple cover!
Eliza founded The Hudson Valley Ladies’ Bulletin Board when she was a young mom. Now, the nest is empty, and she’s been diagnosed with agoraphobia. As you can imagine, the bulletin board gives Eliza an important outlet now.
Except there’s a new parent forum in town, and it threatens Eliza’s site.
So does Eliza do? She starts a rumor about the new site.
Eliza Starts a Rumor surprised me. It has plenty of emotion and depth, and I loved the sisterhood between the women. There’s also some charming humor interspersed throughout and the different points of view.
Overall, Eliza Starts a Rumor is a genuine-feeling story about the strength and resiliency of women, especially when we come together to support one another. It’s like a warm hug from your girlfriends after a lingering lunch.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Hello, gorgeous purple cover!
Eliza founded The Hudson Valley Ladies’ Bulletin Board when she was a young mom. Now, the nest is empty, and she’s been diagnosed with agoraphobia. As you can imagine, the bulletin board gives Eliza an important outlet now.
Except there’s a new parent forum in town, and it threatens Eliza’s site.
So does Eliza do? She starts a rumor about the new site.
Eliza Starts a Rumor surprised me. It has plenty of emotion and depth, and I loved the sisterhood between the women. There’s also some charming humor interspersed throughout and the different points of view.
Overall, Eliza Starts a Rumor is a genuine-feeling story about the strength and resiliency of women, especially when we come together to support one another. It’s like a warm hug from your girlfriends after a lingering lunch.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
September 8, 2020
Looking for a light, dishy read, I picked this up on the strength of her previous, Nine Women, One Dress, a frothy book of interconnected stories. I wanted a little candy and ended up with a piñata of plotlines.
√ #metoomovement
√ Infidelity
√ Single parenthood
√ Agoraphobia
√ Buried trauma
√ Social networks
√ City vs. Suburbia
√ Middle-aged Women vs. Millennial Mommies
I think this book also suffers from an identity crisis. It seemed to aspire to humor, though I didn’t find it, but also wanted to be topical and address rather serious subjects. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this is another book that promised one thing and delivered another.
I should have put this aside when it failed on the humor front, but two other recent ones met that fate and I wanted to see one through. I’ve bumped up from 2.5 because not once did I want to fling this across the room and I was curious enough to finish.
√ #metoomovement
√ Infidelity
√ Single parenthood
√ Agoraphobia
√ Buried trauma
√ Social networks
√ City vs. Suburbia
√ Middle-aged Women vs. Millennial Mommies
I think this book also suffers from an identity crisis. It seemed to aspire to humor, though I didn’t find it, but also wanted to be topical and address rather serious subjects. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this is another book that promised one thing and delivered another.
I should have put this aside when it failed on the humor front, but two other recent ones met that fate and I wanted to see one through. I’ve bumped up from 2.5 because not once did I want to fling this across the room and I was curious enough to finish.
July 15, 2020
Absolutely adored this one. So charming, beautifully written, fun, and relatable. Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Laura Hankin.
April 9, 2021
What started out as a story about lies and secrets, turned out to be a great story about friendship and empowerment.
Eliza has been crippled by agoraphobia since high school. She's now a mother of twins in college, and struggles to stay connected to the outside world. She created the Hudson Valley Ladies' Bulletin Board years ago when her twins were young. It's an online forum for ladies to offer support to each other, and now the only way she stays connected with her community.
When Eliza becomes worried a rival online forum will make hers obsolete, she decides the best way to save it is to start a rumor. She quickly posts an anonymous rumor, expecting to simply generate more interest in her forum. Instead, it turns up issues and suspicions for people in the community.
The story is told from the POV of various characters. The main ones are Eliza, Olivia, Alison, and Amanda. I really enjoyed following their journey and friendship.
This is a witty, heartwarming, and thought-provoking story. While it's overall a fun story, it also addresses serious and relevant themes. I like the full circle ending because it brought closure to the issues and problems that were addressed throughout.
Eliza has been crippled by agoraphobia since high school. She's now a mother of twins in college, and struggles to stay connected to the outside world. She created the Hudson Valley Ladies' Bulletin Board years ago when her twins were young. It's an online forum for ladies to offer support to each other, and now the only way she stays connected with her community.
When Eliza becomes worried a rival online forum will make hers obsolete, she decides the best way to save it is to start a rumor. She quickly posts an anonymous rumor, expecting to simply generate more interest in her forum. Instead, it turns up issues and suspicions for people in the community.
The story is told from the POV of various characters. The main ones are Eliza, Olivia, Alison, and Amanda. I really enjoyed following their journey and friendship.
This is a witty, heartwarming, and thought-provoking story. While it's overall a fun story, it also addresses serious and relevant themes. I like the full circle ending because it brought closure to the issues and problems that were addressed throughout.
June 24, 2020
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
There was no way Eliza’s polished, stick-thin mother, with her shiny golden hair, would have admitted that her daughter, who did not receive her skinny gene or her shiny gene, had only inherited her crazy gene.
The only thing worse than being cheated on was being made a fool of, and if that was what was going on, she would take him down.
She assumed that those first accusations against Carson were only the tip of the iceberg. Her gut told her that her husband would be going down like the Titanic, and like on the Titanic, all women and children belonged in lifeboats.
I am a twenty-eight-year-old feminist woman intent on raising a feminist daughter. We are just starting out on this journey together. There are no circumstances that would make me suck it up.”
“Do you want a protein shake?” “If by protein you mean tequila, then yes.”
“Alison could defend me. Temporary insanity.” “One can only hope it’s temporary,”
My Review:
This was a highly amusing yet thoughtfully written, perennially relevant, timely, engaging, and cleverly paced tale with multiple story threads that tangled and converged into a smoothly woven unit. The large cast of characters was diverse, endearing, deeply flawed, and interestingly quirky while dealing with humorous and curious conundrums as well as common and uncommon issues. There were a few mysteries to solve and personal and professional snooping was required to mete out the appropriate justice to make most things right in the end. And it all started with an impulsively spread yet titillating and synergetic rumor that had been posted in haste in a desperate attempt to stay relevant.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
There was no way Eliza’s polished, stick-thin mother, with her shiny golden hair, would have admitted that her daughter, who did not receive her skinny gene or her shiny gene, had only inherited her crazy gene.
The only thing worse than being cheated on was being made a fool of, and if that was what was going on, she would take him down.
She assumed that those first accusations against Carson were only the tip of the iceberg. Her gut told her that her husband would be going down like the Titanic, and like on the Titanic, all women and children belonged in lifeboats.
I am a twenty-eight-year-old feminist woman intent on raising a feminist daughter. We are just starting out on this journey together. There are no circumstances that would make me suck it up.”
“Do you want a protein shake?” “If by protein you mean tequila, then yes.”
“Alison could defend me. Temporary insanity.” “One can only hope it’s temporary,”
My Review:
This was a highly amusing yet thoughtfully written, perennially relevant, timely, engaging, and cleverly paced tale with multiple story threads that tangled and converged into a smoothly woven unit. The large cast of characters was diverse, endearing, deeply flawed, and interestingly quirky while dealing with humorous and curious conundrums as well as common and uncommon issues. There were a few mysteries to solve and personal and professional snooping was required to mete out the appropriate justice to make most things right in the end. And it all started with an impulsively spread yet titillating and synergetic rumor that had been posted in haste in a desperate attempt to stay relevant.
February 25, 2021
3.5 Stars
I think I might have read this one wrong, but . . . .
I have an infinite number of neighborhood drama llama types of stories both in my Read pile as well as my TBR because . . . .
Sometimes they have heavy issues (like this one), sometimes not so heavy, sometimes someone gets stabbed or otherwise made dead, sometimes they wind up with HEA. I read them all. But since I read them all, there are some that simply shine like beacons in the recesses of my brain and those ones don’t allow me to always enjoy others. I think that was the case here.
So the story goes that Eliza has been running a neighborhood forum where women can ask advice on pretty much anything. When she runs into a couple of gals talking about some apparent competition to her site who then also point out . . . .
It makes Eliza feel like a real boomer and she decides to spice up the original board by creating a fictitious post about a supposed extramarital affair going on in the ‘hood. And then the shit sort of hits the fan, eleventy characters get introduced and you hear about all of their problems.
I really think my wrongreading with this was due to combination of some level of stupidity/naiveté with several of the characters (in particular the supposed high power Manhattan attorney who never thinks twice about getting her baby daddy to sign off on his parental rights or come to some sort of written agreement regarding the child whatsoever and the husband who doesn’t know his wife has pretty much not left the house in months) and that when the comparison is made to Big Little Lies I expect a little bit of humor – even if serious subjects are being tackled. Blame it on Lianne Moriarty and Abbi Waxman that I just can’t enjoy all the things. They ruined me ; )
I think I might have read this one wrong, but . . . .
I have an infinite number of neighborhood drama llama types of stories both in my Read pile as well as my TBR because . . . .
Sometimes they have heavy issues (like this one), sometimes not so heavy, sometimes someone gets stabbed or otherwise made dead, sometimes they wind up with HEA. I read them all. But since I read them all, there are some that simply shine like beacons in the recesses of my brain and those ones don’t allow me to always enjoy others. I think that was the case here.
So the story goes that Eliza has been running a neighborhood forum where women can ask advice on pretty much anything. When she runs into a couple of gals talking about some apparent competition to her site who then also point out . . . .
It makes Eliza feel like a real boomer and she decides to spice up the original board by creating a fictitious post about a supposed extramarital affair going on in the ‘hood. And then the shit sort of hits the fan, eleventy characters get introduced and you hear about all of their problems.
I really think my wrongreading with this was due to combination of some level of stupidity/naiveté with several of the characters (in particular the supposed high power Manhattan attorney who never thinks twice about getting her baby daddy to sign off on his parental rights or come to some sort of written agreement regarding the child whatsoever and the husband who doesn’t know his wife has pretty much not left the house in months) and that when the comparison is made to Big Little Lies I expect a little bit of humor – even if serious subjects are being tackled. Blame it on Lianne Moriarty and Abbi Waxman that I just can’t enjoy all the things. They ruined me ; )
February 26, 2024
I feel like I read an entirely different book after reading these reviews? This book was a mess.
June 29, 2021
Really enjoyed!! It was easy to get into and easy to pick up. The story was lighthearted at the beginning but developed some stronger themes towards the end (infidelity and rape). I think this would be a super fun book club book with lots of discussion points!!
May 16, 2020
This is a great read. A group of women find each other in a small town community. Each one has a past and a secret that they feel like they cant's share with anyone. Some of the men in their lives and out of their lives have secrets of their own also. These women are looking for happiness but can't find it. Some have lived in this small town all their lives and have never left and some have left and came back looking for a fresh start. It starts with an on-line bulletin board where women can ask for advice on any subject. A group of women that have been friends and grown up together meet new women that have moved back to town from the city and some new women that are new to their town. A great bond develops between this small group of women and they help each other with their dark secrets and difficult lives. It made my heart happy. What a great group of loyal caring friends. A must read. It will change your life and you will know there is a friend or friends just waiting to hear your story and bond with you and stand by your side through any problem or secret you have. Blood isn't always thicker then water.
April 12, 2020
A very nice novel about female friendship. If you are tired of reading about mean girls and what to read something meaningful that will make you feel empowered, this book is for you.
www.theleisurediaries.blogspot.com
www.theleisurediaries.blogspot.com
September 17, 2020
Well fluffy reading but annoying that liberal mistruths just had to be drug in- Christine Blasey Ford was brave at the Kavanaugh trial? Please. The mattress girl at Columbia University? Please. That was debunked as well. Fake feminism is damaging to all women. The book would have been fine without those references that added...nothing to the story
June 26, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up
This is an ultimately touching and empowering book. So many heartfelt moments that brought me to tears.
One quibble is that there's quite a bit of head hopping and jarring POV changes, even from one paragraph to the next. It made it difficult to follow with changes in tense and going from an omniscient POV to a limited one and back again quickly.
Other than that, I warmed to all of the women characters and appreciated insights into each of their lives and histories. I thought Olivia's story was particularly meaningful, and of course Eliza's was as well. I loved the idea of the message board/Facebook group, it made the entire story relatable. There is a great deal of meaning focusing on many different aspects of #metoo and #timesup It doesn't look the same for everyone, but this book gives a face behind the stories to see that it can affect all types of people.
Glad I read this one!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This is an ultimately touching and empowering book. So many heartfelt moments that brought me to tears.
One quibble is that there's quite a bit of head hopping and jarring POV changes, even from one paragraph to the next. It made it difficult to follow with changes in tense and going from an omniscient POV to a limited one and back again quickly.
Other than that, I warmed to all of the women characters and appreciated insights into each of their lives and histories. I thought Olivia's story was particularly meaningful, and of course Eliza's was as well. I loved the idea of the message board/Facebook group, it made the entire story relatable. There is a great deal of meaning focusing on many different aspects of #metoo and #timesup It doesn't look the same for everyone, but this book gives a face behind the stories to see that it can affect all types of people.
Glad I read this one!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
June 9, 2020
Four women. One on-line forum. Jane L. Rosen has a gift for storytelling. This one packs a more serious punch than "Nine Women, One Dress," yet is still filled with engaging characters and relatable story lines. While dealing with #metoo issues and infidelity, there is a sisterhood that triumphs between two brand-new moms and two high school BFFs with teenagers. It is also refreshing to have a number of good men in the cast of characters of different generations. This will be a wonderful book for book groups giving them a plethora of issues to discuss: #metoo, trauma, parenting, marriage, social media, and even Shakespeare's relevance in modern culture. Highly recommended!
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2020
Eliza Starts a Rumor
By Jane L Rosen
Eliza Starts A Rumor is a beautiful, heart warming and engaging story about how an innocent rumor that is started permeates through the entire town of Hudson Valley and the snowball effect it started. This story was full of depth and serious topics though very hopeful and uplifting story about community and friendship. In such a simple premise, Jane Rosen delivered quite a powerful punch in delivering characters that are so well written, dialogue that flows well and the relationships between each of the women were fantastic. I loved reading this and getting lost in the story. Rosen is a master storyteller and this was incredible.
Everyone, read this book! I highly recommend it.
By Jane L Rosen
Eliza Starts A Rumor is a beautiful, heart warming and engaging story about how an innocent rumor that is started permeates through the entire town of Hudson Valley and the snowball effect it started. This story was full of depth and serious topics though very hopeful and uplifting story about community and friendship. In such a simple premise, Jane Rosen delivered quite a powerful punch in delivering characters that are so well written, dialogue that flows well and the relationships between each of the women were fantastic. I loved reading this and getting lost in the story. Rosen is a master storyteller and this was incredible.
Everyone, read this book! I highly recommend it.
January 26, 2022
I had to think awhile to figure out why this book didn't sit well with me. There's nothing wrong with the writing or the setting.
The characters, though. There's way too many characters and I had problems with their actions. The ex-lawyer who moved to the country--why didn't she have the baby daddy sign off on his parental rights from the get-go? And that whole NYC mayor election setup...really, any reporter would have asked in two minutes why the "fiancee" lived outside the city.
None of the men here come off well (except maybe Luke, Eliza's husband but he had sins of omission). I don't like when the villian or an entire gender is painted with a wide brush of black...or when they "see the light" in a matter of seconds.
And not just the men--Ashley, the neighbor next door and a victim of the "rumor" is never shown directly. One could ask...didn't Eliza (a woman) cause as much grief for her as any man? Eliza stalks her, sets her up, gets a villante group to go "get her" and all because she was never thanked for a candle housewarming gift?
Eliza never really has to face the problems of her rumor. She sees what happens as a result of it, but she doesn't have to face the music and admit guilt herself...yet all the men do.
Does being a victim yourself excuse you from creating more damage?
So many reviews say this shows strong female support, but I didn't see that. I see women going along with their friends and not wanting to make a fuss, such as Amanda not telling Luke about Eliza's FOGO problems.
The characters, though. There's way too many characters and I had problems with their actions. The ex-lawyer who moved to the country--why didn't she have the baby daddy sign off on his parental rights from the get-go? And that whole NYC mayor election setup...really, any reporter would have asked in two minutes why the "fiancee" lived outside the city.
None of the men here come off well (except maybe Luke, Eliza's husband but he had sins of omission). I don't like when the villian or an entire gender is painted with a wide brush of black...or when they "see the light" in a matter of seconds.
And not just the men--Ashley, the neighbor next door and a victim of the "rumor" is never shown directly. One could ask...didn't Eliza (a woman) cause as much grief for her as any man? Eliza stalks her, sets her up, gets a villante group to go "get her" and all because she was never thanked for a candle housewarming gift?
Eliza never really has to face the problems of her rumor. She sees what happens as a result of it, but she doesn't have to face the music and admit guilt herself...yet all the men do.
Does being a victim yourself excuse you from creating more damage?
So many reviews say this shows strong female support, but I didn't see that. I see women going along with their friends and not wanting to make a fuss, such as Amanda not telling Luke about Eliza's FOGO problems.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2020
What a ride! I had never heard of Jan L. Rosen before I received this book in a goodreads giveaway. When I tell you that I ate and slept with this book! This book is a book of sisterhood, secrets, betrayals and triumph. The stories of Eliza, Amanda, Olivia and Alison will cause you to celebrate the wonderful gift of sisterhood. The book also deals with agoraphobia and PTSD. It is light and dark.This book will sit with me for a minute as I navigate its greater meaning in my life and the meaning of my sisterhood to me. Wow, just wow.
June 30, 2020
This book is not what I thought it would be. I thought it was going to be a light, funny book about a woman who accidentally starts a rumor. It started out ok, though reading about Eliza’s anxiety gave me anxiety. Then it just got to serious with people cheating and talk of rape. I was not expecting that. I just wanted a light fun read. It is a quick read, but there are to many characters. I kept getting them mixed up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2021
I loved the characters in this book. They have really stayed with me. It may be because I wrote them but who knows! JK! XX
May 16, 2022
Emotional, thought-provoking, captivating—Eliza Starts a Rumor by Jane L. Rosen is a genre-defying story about the damage a lie can cause, regardless of intention. Surprising and engaging!
This is a book that is hard to categorize. I thought the premise made it sound like it might be a bit of a fluff, popcorn-type read, but it truly has so much depth. This is a book about women and for women. Exploring female friendship, female rivalries, and at the end of the day, how only women can truly understand what one another have experienced.
Eliza has a crippling case of agoraphobia (anxiety about leaving her house) that we don’t immediately know the cause of. But Eliza is troubled—depressed, lonely, anxious, and bored. She’s a recent empty nester and her loneliness and lack of purpose is all-consuming. In an effort to connect with people despite her spatial limitations, Eliza starts a Facebook group for herself and other Hudson Valley moms to connect. The group gives Eliza a sense of purpose that she was lacking.
When Eliza gets the courage to leave her house for a quick trip to the grocery story, she overhears two women talking about another Hudson Valley mom’s group on Facebook. Valley Girls sounds just like a younger, trendier version of her own group, The Hudson Valley Ladies’ Bulletin Board. Feeling her sense of purpose being ripped away from her, Eliza decides to start a small, harmless rumor by releasing a white lie from an “anonymous sender” that might hit a bit too close to the truth for some women in the neighborhood.
Told in alternating narratives from the point of view of Eliza, Amanda (Mandy) who is a childhood friend of Eliza’s, new-mom Olivia, and high-powered attorney and new-mom Allison, it does take a bit to keep the stories straight as you learn about each of the women. Touching on themes of infidelity, depression, parenting, abuse, friendship, marriage, and mental illness, this book is powerful and hits on many levels.
Overall I found the story heart-warming and a mix of serious, witty, and heartfelt. I liked each of the women and enjoyed reading their dynamics with one another. Uplifting and will leave you feeling warm and content!
This is a book that is hard to categorize. I thought the premise made it sound like it might be a bit of a fluff, popcorn-type read, but it truly has so much depth. This is a book about women and for women. Exploring female friendship, female rivalries, and at the end of the day, how only women can truly understand what one another have experienced.
Eliza has a crippling case of agoraphobia (anxiety about leaving her house) that we don’t immediately know the cause of. But Eliza is troubled—depressed, lonely, anxious, and bored. She’s a recent empty nester and her loneliness and lack of purpose is all-consuming. In an effort to connect with people despite her spatial limitations, Eliza starts a Facebook group for herself and other Hudson Valley moms to connect. The group gives Eliza a sense of purpose that she was lacking.
When Eliza gets the courage to leave her house for a quick trip to the grocery story, she overhears two women talking about another Hudson Valley mom’s group on Facebook. Valley Girls sounds just like a younger, trendier version of her own group, The Hudson Valley Ladies’ Bulletin Board. Feeling her sense of purpose being ripped away from her, Eliza decides to start a small, harmless rumor by releasing a white lie from an “anonymous sender” that might hit a bit too close to the truth for some women in the neighborhood.
Told in alternating narratives from the point of view of Eliza, Amanda (Mandy) who is a childhood friend of Eliza’s, new-mom Olivia, and high-powered attorney and new-mom Allison, it does take a bit to keep the stories straight as you learn about each of the women. Touching on themes of infidelity, depression, parenting, abuse, friendship, marriage, and mental illness, this book is powerful and hits on many levels.
Overall I found the story heart-warming and a mix of serious, witty, and heartfelt. I liked each of the women and enjoyed reading their dynamics with one another. Uplifting and will leave you feeling warm and content!
March 10, 2021
I've only been able to read TWO books this year. This was the third. Rosen is a talented writer who's created relatable characters and a potpourri of issues stemming from one little lie. Readers will enjoy the plot-driven story and the power of the sisterhood.
August 5, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up!
This book is a heartwarming, witty delight! The story is a journey that's entertaining and thought-provoking by tackling big, relevant themes without ever getting too bogged down. I enjoyed the snippets of humor and exchanges among the women. The characters and their challenges are explored in a way that feels real, and the story comes full circle in a satisfying way, leaving a powerful sense of closure.
Overall, it's a great read that offers both heart and substance!
This book is a heartwarming, witty delight! The story is a journey that's entertaining and thought-provoking by tackling big, relevant themes without ever getting too bogged down. I enjoyed the snippets of humor and exchanges among the women. The characters and their challenges are explored in a way that feels real, and the story comes full circle in a satisfying way, leaving a powerful sense of closure.
Overall, it's a great read that offers both heart and substance!
February 11, 2020
Put me on the train! Fast Page turner kept me interested to the very end. I was vested in what happens to all the characters.
April 11, 2020
I so enjoyed this book! I also want to move to the fictional Hudson Valley town. It’s a story of friendship and community, love and pain, and family. Perfect quarantine read.
January 10, 2022
Thanks to Goodreads for a copy of Eliza Starts A Rumor!
This story depicts perfectly how women should pick each other up rather than tear them down. Four women meet due to an online neighborhood blog post that Eliza falsely makes to create some activity … she succeeded. It touches on adultery, betrayal, agoraphobia and other issues but most importantly it focuses on friendship, parenthood and being strong enough to believe in yourself. I read this book rather quickly and enjoyed all of the different storylines coming together.
Highly recommend adding it to your list!
This story depicts perfectly how women should pick each other up rather than tear them down. Four women meet due to an online neighborhood blog post that Eliza falsely makes to create some activity … she succeeded. It touches on adultery, betrayal, agoraphobia and other issues but most importantly it focuses on friendship, parenthood and being strong enough to believe in yourself. I read this book rather quickly and enjoyed all of the different storylines coming together.
Highly recommend adding it to your list!
March 7, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up. The book started off pretty lighthearted and by the end, I was in tears. I really liked the characters and felt a connection to them. I loved the friendships. I also enjoyed the writing.
Potentially some difficult content to get through (sexual assault, etc).
Potentially some difficult content to get through (sexual assault, etc).
June 24, 2020
This takes us on a journey of different women who come together after a rumor has started. Eliza is homebound with anxiety and watches a neighbor and makes up a story and puts it on the community board online. Different people read it and think that it is other people or them. Friendships are formed and sisterhoods are made. I found it different than anything I have read before and have never heard of this author before.
I received this from Berkley and Netgalley for review.
I received this from Berkley and Netgalley for review.
January 22, 2021
I was looking for a light, dishy read after finishing a really fantastic but heavy/serious read, but boy did this one disappoint. At first I thought I would characterize this book as a poor second cousin of a Liane Moriarty novel, but after I got more into it, I realized that would be far too much praise. The concept was fine, the execution was pretty awful. Female characters who while having different back-stories all blended together because they were thinly written and came across all sounding the same (and it didn't help that they all had names starting with a vowel! - Eliza, Olivia, Amanda, Alison, Ashley, Andie, Eve, Abby - does the author not like consonants?). Multiple plot lines that were far too rushed and never given the chance to unfold, they were just clumsily dumped into chapters. And some really inane happenings that really stretched credibility. Does the husband really not notice that his agoraphobic wife hasn't left the house in 6 months? And don't get me started on the plot lines surrounding the Harvey Weinstein-esque character! I wished I had skipped this one.
March 2, 2020
As a reviewer, and ardent book lover, sometimes I feel incredibly fortunate to be given a book to read. This is one of those moments., I loved this novel. I liked the plot, the characters and the courage of the author to address some very serious issues.
I cannot wait to share this with my book groups and women’s studies seminars. There are so many topics to dig into and discuss. The me too movement, agoraphobia, self-mutilation and infidelity. The author never lets us forget the importance of the sisterhood of women.
Starting out as the story of one woman, it expand to include 3 others. The characters are fleshed out and the reader is given a good sense of closure.
I admit to being teary as I finished the book. It is well written and deeply affecting to all women, of many ages.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this lovely jewel of a novel.
I cannot wait to share this with my book groups and women’s studies seminars. There are so many topics to dig into and discuss. The me too movement, agoraphobia, self-mutilation and infidelity. The author never lets us forget the importance of the sisterhood of women.
Starting out as the story of one woman, it expand to include 3 others. The characters are fleshed out and the reader is given a good sense of closure.
I admit to being teary as I finished the book. It is well written and deeply affecting to all women, of many ages.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this lovely jewel of a novel.
June 30, 2020
Empty nester, Eliza, tries to spice up her online women's group by making a fake post about a cheating husband. Unbeknownst to her, group member Olivia immediately suspects the post is about her own husband, Carson, and begins to investigate his movements. What will she discover, and what happens when Olivia and Eliza cross paths?
I love stories about strong, supportive female friendships, and this was no exception. Even though there was quite a bit of drama happening in this small town, the author did a great job balancing it with heavier subjects, such as the "Me Too" movement and agoraphobia. If you love heartfelt women's fiction, then I would definitely recommend this one.
Location: Hudson Valley, New York
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
I love stories about strong, supportive female friendships, and this was no exception. Even though there was quite a bit of drama happening in this small town, the author did a great job balancing it with heavier subjects, such as the "Me Too" movement and agoraphobia. If you love heartfelt women's fiction, then I would definitely recommend this one.
Location: Hudson Valley, New York
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
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