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The Birdcage
Matt’s in awe of his wife.
Feisty, intelligent, capable, and now excelling in her first executive sales position. But Jillian’s job requires long hours, and Matt can’t help but suspect an affair. Jillian’s become more suited to her impressive boss than the hapless schoolteacher she’s outgrown.
Jillian’s marriage is slipping through her fingers.
Jill loves meeting the challenges of her new job, despite the unreasonable demands of her misogynistic boss. But she needs to find the balance between being a woman, wife, mother and hard-charging executive. Even a patient man like Matt won’t tolerate her neglect for long.
Feisty, intelligent, capable, and now excelling in her first executive sales position. But Jillian’s job requires long hours, and Matt can’t help but suspect an affair. Jillian’s become more suited to her impressive boss than the hapless schoolteacher she’s outgrown.
Jillian’s marriage is slipping through her fingers.
Jill loves meeting the challenges of her new job, despite the unreasonable demands of her misogynistic boss. But she needs to find the balance between being a woman, wife, mother and hard-charging executive. Even a patient man like Matt won’t tolerate her neglect for long.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2021
5 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 29, 2022
Although the Genres for “The Bird Cage” by Krista Lynne White are Family Life Fiction and Women’s Domestic Fiction, this novel has a reality feel, and almost seems that it could be based on a true life story. I appreciate that the author touches on the emotional strength and weaknesses of the characters. Marriage is a working partnership and both Matt and Jillian seem to be negotiating conflicting feelings. Matt is an elementary first-grade teacher and would like something more gratifying in his career. Jillian is in an executive position in a company with long hours, which leaves her less time for Matt and their two daughters.
The author discusses the problems in a mostly male-dominated field when a woman wants to succeed. Jillian is feeling pressure in so many ways. It is difficult to get qualified men to teach certain primary grades in the educational field, and Matt feels trapped.
Krista Lynne White discusses the importance of communication, family, growth, support, love, and hope. I would recommend this thought-provoking novel to others.
The author discusses the problems in a mostly male-dominated field when a woman wants to succeed. Jillian is feeling pressure in so many ways. It is difficult to get qualified men to teach certain primary grades in the educational field, and Matt feels trapped.
Krista Lynne White discusses the importance of communication, family, growth, support, love, and hope. I would recommend this thought-provoking novel to others.
June 4, 2022
3.5 🌟
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐠𝐞 is a short novella that speaks to the importance of trust and communication in marriage.
Matt is a kind, patient first-grade teacher. He is married to Jillian, who is a successful sales executive. As much as Matt loves how intelligent and driven Jillian is, he can’t help but feel she may be more impressed with her rich and power-hungry boss.
The author does a great job showing what Matt and Jillian are each feeling and going through, yet they fail to convey it to each other appropriately.
Miscommunication, temptations, and outside influences tug at this marriage; how much can it withstand?
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @Kristalynnewhiteauthor for a spot on tour and a gifted ebook.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐠𝐞 is a short novella that speaks to the importance of trust and communication in marriage.
Matt is a kind, patient first-grade teacher. He is married to Jillian, who is a successful sales executive. As much as Matt loves how intelligent and driven Jillian is, he can’t help but feel she may be more impressed with her rich and power-hungry boss.
The author does a great job showing what Matt and Jillian are each feeling and going through, yet they fail to convey it to each other appropriately.
Miscommunication, temptations, and outside influences tug at this marriage; how much can it withstand?
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @Kristalynnewhiteauthor for a spot on tour and a gifted ebook.
May 18, 2022
This book perfectly shows what happens when miscommunication happens in a marriage. I really loved both main characters and how their individual stories progressed.
I am part of Suzy book tours to review this book.
I am part of Suzy book tours to review this book.
December 14, 2024
This novella packs a punch! A great insight into the world of a female executive, wife, mom attempting to “life” in the corporate world. Complete with daily exhaustion, guilt and “Rex” (most women have had to endure their own ‘Rex’ at work), Jillian does her best to navigate through it all. Well-written, witty and oh did I mention spicy, the author has captured even the tiniest details of a day in the life of her characters. Highly recommend The Birdcage and looking forward to more from this talented author.
September 14, 2022
White does a great job with character building in this story of a couple who's trying to navigate the changing landscape of a marriage that's endured the arrival of children and Jillian's return to the workforce. This causes a shifting dynamic in the marriage, leaving her husband, Matt, uncertain of his place and his importance in her life.
The story is compelling, heartfelt and fast-paced, with well-developed, multi-dimensional characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to her next work!
The story is compelling, heartfelt and fast-paced, with well-developed, multi-dimensional characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to her next work!
May 18, 2022
The Bird Cage by Krista Lynn White is a powerful domestic drama. The story is about Jill and Matt who are a seemingly happy couple until Jill is promoted to a high powered executive position as a VP.
While Matt is supportive, Jill works alot and he suspects infidelity. Is that what is going on or is it something worse? Matt is having trouble being intimate with Jill because of this.
This was a quick read and I really enjoyed the characters. Both Jill and Matt were well written characters.
The story is very relatable as it is very difficult for women to have it all in today's society without some suspicion not earning their way.
A well written story that I enjoyed.
While Matt is supportive, Jill works alot and he suspects infidelity. Is that what is going on or is it something worse? Matt is having trouble being intimate with Jill because of this.
This was a quick read and I really enjoyed the characters. Both Jill and Matt were well written characters.
The story is very relatable as it is very difficult for women to have it all in today's society without some suspicion not earning their way.
A well written story that I enjoyed.
September 18, 2022
I loved this book. I mean, I really really really loved it. It’s one that will stay with me for many years to come. Jill and Matt’s story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Here are two people who are desperately in love with each other, but have somehow lost the ability to communicate those feelings, resulting in misunderstandings. I adored both characters and read the book in two sittings because I was so eager to learn if they could find their way back to one another. The author has such an enchanting way with words and a breathtaking ability to bring this struggling couple to life on the page with tenderness. Her talent for capturing the nuances of personalities and the complexities of relationships in a relatable way is awe-inspiring. I cannot recommend this book highly enough and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
December 26, 2022
What an engaging romance!
This story got my attention from the very first pages and kept it until the end. I really enjoyed the story of this married couple who are going through the new challenging stage of their relationships.
As all good-quality novels, it is very well written, and the story flow is smooth. Also, Jillian is the character who sheds light on multiple tricky questions that many modern females face: Is it possible to be a good working mom? How to survive in a business dominated by men? And the most uneasy one - how to avoid sexual harassment?
I would recommend this read to all women who try to combine work and family life.
This story got my attention from the very first pages and kept it until the end. I really enjoyed the story of this married couple who are going through the new challenging stage of their relationships.
As all good-quality novels, it is very well written, and the story flow is smooth. Also, Jillian is the character who sheds light on multiple tricky questions that many modern females face: Is it possible to be a good working mom? How to survive in a business dominated by men? And the most uneasy one - how to avoid sexual harassment?
I would recommend this read to all women who try to combine work and family life.
August 3, 2024
This story clearly illustrates how miscommunication and misunderstandings can hurt us in the workplace and our relationships. The suspense of wondering if the main characters would ever clear up their misunderstandings pulled me from page to page, and Krista did a great job writing from both of their perspectives.
Well-written and engaging, I can't wait to read what Krista Lynne White writes next!
(This is a repost of my review at amazon.com)
Well-written and engaging, I can't wait to read what Krista Lynne White writes next!
(This is a repost of my review at amazon.com)
March 21, 2022
Is love stronger than pride? This is the central question around which Krista Lynne White weaves a fast-paced and well-crafted story in her novella, The Birdcage. Led by compelling characters and relatable situations, the author takes us on a journey that keeps us guessing until the very end.
When Jill, a stay-at-home mom and wife, decides to rejoin the corporate world, it kicks off an unintended chain reaction that puts her marriage in jeopardy. Her husband, Matt, begins to grow weary of her career aspirations, taking her frequent absences and professional successes as evidence of her growing dissatisfaction with him. However, Matt doesn't know that Jill is fighting her way through a toxic and male-dominated company that requires her to work twice as hard as others. And while Jill senses Matt's discontent, her belief of the reasons behind it causes her to make moves that only serve to widen the gap between them.
Krista Lynne White does a remarkable job allowing the reader to witness both Jill and Matt's missteps as they do everything but talk openly about their private struggles. Each missed opportunity for transparency leads them—and us—further down a ragged path littered with frustration, temptation, and danger. The further we go, the higher the stakes until events play out in a surprising and satisfying resolution.
When Jill, a stay-at-home mom and wife, decides to rejoin the corporate world, it kicks off an unintended chain reaction that puts her marriage in jeopardy. Her husband, Matt, begins to grow weary of her career aspirations, taking her frequent absences and professional successes as evidence of her growing dissatisfaction with him. However, Matt doesn't know that Jill is fighting her way through a toxic and male-dominated company that requires her to work twice as hard as others. And while Jill senses Matt's discontent, her belief of the reasons behind it causes her to make moves that only serve to widen the gap between them.
Krista Lynne White does a remarkable job allowing the reader to witness both Jill and Matt's missteps as they do everything but talk openly about their private struggles. Each missed opportunity for transparency leads them—and us—further down a ragged path littered with frustration, temptation, and danger. The further we go, the higher the stakes until events play out in a surprising and satisfying resolution.
March 24, 2023
Matt and Jillian know they are lucky. They’re a young, Canadian suburban two-career couple, with two young daughters. Matt teaches at the local elementary school, and Jillian, after having stayed at home since the girls were born, is getting her feet wet back in the workforce – having landed an executive position at a local manufacturing company.
But all is not as perfect as it appears on the surface. Matt is finding it hard to adjust to his wife’s long work hours and his increased role at home after his own tiring work day. And he fears Jillian’s distance might reflect her preference for her more glamorous colleagues. At the same time, Jillian suffers guilt at not having enough time for her family and she’s having a hard time navigating workplace landmines. It doesn’t help that her husband no longer seems interested.
This novella is told in alternating perspectives, with both Matt and Jillian recounting their fears, insecurities and missed opportunities to communicate with one another. This is an enjoyable, realistic and easy-to-read story of the inner life of a seemingly idyllic couple.
But all is not as perfect as it appears on the surface. Matt is finding it hard to adjust to his wife’s long work hours and his increased role at home after his own tiring work day. And he fears Jillian’s distance might reflect her preference for her more glamorous colleagues. At the same time, Jillian suffers guilt at not having enough time for her family and she’s having a hard time navigating workplace landmines. It doesn’t help that her husband no longer seems interested.
This novella is told in alternating perspectives, with both Matt and Jillian recounting their fears, insecurities and missed opportunities to communicate with one another. This is an enjoyable, realistic and easy-to-read story of the inner life of a seemingly idyllic couple.
March 16, 2022
A young couple no longer have sex because the husband feels inferior to his wife’s professional ambitions. His worry over her leaving leaves him limp, longing, and vulnerable to an affair. While Matt struggles with his inability to be a journalist, and settles for teaching six-year-olds, he fantasizes that Jillian, his wife of sixteen years who’s just returned to work as a high-powered professional, will leave him for a handsome CEO. Meanwhile, Jillian struggles in a male-dominated industry with a misogynistic boss and considers leaving her career because she knows the long hours it requires threatens her marriage. The tension that escalates as each spouse tries to save their marriage, not realizing they’re making things worse, kept me turning pages. You’ll like this quick read if you enjoy women’s domestic fiction.
Favorite line: She’d probably craft interview questions for executive assistants in her head while he went down on her.
Favorite line: She’d probably craft interview questions for executive assistants in her head while he went down on her.
May 24, 2022
This is a novella that really hits home the importance of communication in marriage. In THE BIRDCAGE both spouses, Jill and Matt come perilously close to making potentially marriage ending decisions based on assumptions.
This read also shares great lessons in the importance of work life balance, women going back into the workforce after working in the home, and really bad bosses.
There is also a nice little twist at the end with the Human Resources director at Jill’s job.
Jill has gone back to work as a Vice President in a company where she has a misogynistic boss which causes her to work harder than her peers to prove her value.
Her husband, Matt, is a primary school teacher, who wants to teach older students.
Their home life is strained and their intimacy level is nonexistent.
Matt thinks Jill is having an affair. Jill thinks maybe she should just scrap the whole idea of working outside the home.
Then there is an incident at Jill’s office… How will that affect Jill and Matt’s marriage?
This read also shares great lessons in the importance of work life balance, women going back into the workforce after working in the home, and really bad bosses.
There is also a nice little twist at the end with the Human Resources director at Jill’s job.
Jill has gone back to work as a Vice President in a company where she has a misogynistic boss which causes her to work harder than her peers to prove her value.
Her husband, Matt, is a primary school teacher, who wants to teach older students.
Their home life is strained and their intimacy level is nonexistent.
Matt thinks Jill is having an affair. Jill thinks maybe she should just scrap the whole idea of working outside the home.
Then there is an incident at Jill’s office… How will that affect Jill and Matt’s marriage?
May 31, 2022
The Birdcage
Author, Krista Lynne White
Pub date: 2.15.22
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @kristalynnewhite for my #giftedebook!
The Birdcage is a fast- paced and quick novella that really packs it all in! Domestic drama, marital issues, sexual harassment and misogyny in the workplace, and one ambitious woman trying to balance it all!
Jill and Matt were well- written characters. I loved their insightful inner monologues, but just wished they would have communicated! This novella was a perfect example of the many consequences in a marriage that have a lack of communication and connection- insecurities, suspicions, and unhappiness. This viscous cycle can really break down the foundations of any connected and loving marriage. The ending had a brilliant twist that made me proud of women- supporting and caring for each other, rather than competing or knocking one another down.
Author, Krista Lynne White
Pub date: 2.15.22
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @kristalynnewhite for my #giftedebook!
The Birdcage is a fast- paced and quick novella that really packs it all in! Domestic drama, marital issues, sexual harassment and misogyny in the workplace, and one ambitious woman trying to balance it all!
Jill and Matt were well- written characters. I loved their insightful inner monologues, but just wished they would have communicated! This novella was a perfect example of the many consequences in a marriage that have a lack of communication and connection- insecurities, suspicions, and unhappiness. This viscous cycle can really break down the foundations of any connected and loving marriage. The ending had a brilliant twist that made me proud of women- supporting and caring for each other, rather than competing or knocking one another down.
October 17, 2022
I really enjoyed this novella and as often happens, I wish it was a full-length novel as I wanted to know more about the characters but it certainly delivers a complete ending! The story is well written and the characters well developed. The authors packs a lot into this short novel, with miscommunication in Jill and Matt’s relationships, work and life balance, being the main focus. I definitely wanted to bang their heads together at one point and tell them to just talk to each other! But feeling emotion towards a story and the characters means it has hit its mark – I look forward to the next book from this author.
March 14, 2022
An extremely powerful story of a married couple, each coming to terms with struggles within themselves, with outside influences and issues as well. Real-life-type issues I could see the average human being experiencing. I rarely read short novels, but this work of art drew me in quickly and had me curious about how the characters would navigate their problems. It held my attention and satisfied my need for the characters to end up better in their lives than where they were when the story opens. I will definitely add author Krista White to my “must-read” list in anticipation of her future works!
May 24, 2022
I got this book as a gift. I really enjoyed White's mastery of tension that is displayed throughout the book — especially when Jill gets herself into big trouble!! This novella is vivid, crisp & clear with a believable yet happy resolution.
I like the book club questions at the end of the book because (though it is a quick read) the book is ideal for book clubs. It gently touches on many big issues that are relevant to our everyday lives.
The one that resonated most with me, was the emotional journey of returning to work for a parent -- it is a story that needs to be told more often!
I like the book club questions at the end of the book because (though it is a quick read) the book is ideal for book clubs. It gently touches on many big issues that are relevant to our everyday lives.
The one that resonated most with me, was the emotional journey of returning to work for a parent -- it is a story that needs to be told more often!
January 23, 2025
In the novella The Birdcage by Krista Lynne White, I was immediately drawn into the character dynamics—the tension between the protagonist’s work challenges and the strained relationship with her husband which created lots of emotional complexity. The mix of suspense, romance, and relatable issues was skilfully brought out through the author’s use of dialogue, her insight into the world she has created, and her ability to write smooth transitions between scenes.
I was captured from the beginning and look forward to seeing what this author has waiting for us in the future…
I was captured from the beginning and look forward to seeing what this author has waiting for us in the future…
July 3, 2023
This debut novella tackles the conflict of two people whose marriage is on the edge of divorce because they can’t communicate with each other. This makes it highly relatable, especially as men find their partners surpassing them in the workplace, and have to adapt or fail. It’s an interesting conundrum, and I think the author does a great job of conveying the secret lack of confidence on both sides that this couple must face in order to keep what’s important to them.
March 15, 2022
A relatable story for female managers in a man's world, who know having it all is next to impossible. Enticing and convincing story about a good marriage being at risk, caused by unspoken perceptions and expectations. With love for her characters, Krista wrote a compelling story with an important theme!
May 17, 2022
“Being in your arms reminds me I’m yours, and I’ll never, ever, be his.”
This was a solid and romantic domestic suspense novel! Matt and Jill were both extremely relatable characters, and watching their struggles to communicate and understand one another as a couple was something I feel that most of us can relate to in our own relationships at one point or another.
This book was a short, quick read with lots of action packed into less than 150 pages. It showed us an unfortunate but real example of what too many woman face in the workplace in regards to sexual harassment and just generally being taken less seriously, which is still happening to women around the world today!
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this one and am super grateful for @suzyapprovedbooktours for including me on another awesome book tour!!
This was a solid and romantic domestic suspense novel! Matt and Jill were both extremely relatable characters, and watching their struggles to communicate and understand one another as a couple was something I feel that most of us can relate to in our own relationships at one point or another.
This book was a short, quick read with lots of action packed into less than 150 pages. It showed us an unfortunate but real example of what too many woman face in the workplace in regards to sexual harassment and just generally being taken less seriously, which is still happening to women around the world today!
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this one and am super grateful for @suzyapprovedbooktours for including me on another awesome book tour!!
May 18, 2022
In this fast paced story, Krista Lynne White delves deep into the martial relationship of Jill and Matt, a married couple. The characters are well-developed and engaging. With a flair for drama, Krista pulls the reader into their struggle to get past a rough patch, but the story is more than that. Jill must cope with misogyny and sexual discrimination in the workplace. She feels torn between being a successful business woman and a good wife and mother. It is a fast read with a lot of content.
March 11, 2022
Author Krista Lynne White packs lots of drama and action into this fast-moving novella. Vividly drawn characters and rich detail packs a punch. If you like domestic suspense with a sexy dash of spice, I think you'll really enjoy The Birdcage. A quick read that's perfect for an airplane ride or a weekend at the beach. Recommended for those who like strong, feisty females taking on the misogynist in their midst.
August 28, 2023
While reading The Birdcage I found myself screaming in my head, "Just talk already!" Which is exactly what the author wanted us to be frustrated about. If you have a great romantic relationship, this book will remind you of how good you have it. If you are on rocky shores, this book will be a warning to have the conversations already. If you are not currently in a relationship, you will know better if you decide to enter into a new one. Talk, talk, talk! Great job!
January 22, 2022
Often it is difficult to say everything in a short span of time. But Krista Lynne White does that with panache. Her characters come alive in this slice of life drama. This one is steeped in reality and it celebrates feminity. It is about the birdcage called misogyny that has us trapped. It is about breaking free and acceptance ©️
Read the entire review on https://ofbookbabiesandmore.wordpress...
Read the entire review on https://ofbookbabiesandmore.wordpress...
January 27, 2023
In The Birdcage, Jill and Matt's relationship dynamics are explored when Jill returns to work after their children are older. The challenges the couple faces impact their relationship on many different levels. I enjoyed the rawness of both Jill's female and Matt's male energy in the story. I can't wait to read more by this author.
March 29, 2022
A short, fast-paced read packed with a whole lot of drama, The Birdcage explores themes of sexual harassment, failing marriages and working mothers. I loved the character of Jill, and particularly her journey over the book. She grew from being a timid and nervous woman to someone who had more confidence in her work and herself. Also, Rex - who is Jill's boss and basically a complete ass - was such a well-written character!
February 13, 2022
The Bird Cage by Krista Lynn White revolves around a married couple, Jill and Matt. Jill and Matt were a happy couple until Jill got promoted to a VP of a concrete company. Matt thinks Jill is having an affair with her boss whereas, in reality, Jill is struggling because of her misogynistic boss.
Will they be able to overcome these challenges? Or will their marriage slip through their own hands?
The title of the book is perfect for the storyline. The writing style of the author is beginner-friendly and well-paced. The book can be finished in one sitting.
I loved the character development in this book. Jill is an intelligent, ambitious, and strong-headed woman. While Matt is patient, empathetic, and the perfect dad.
A short yet impressive read!
Stars - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
The book is available on the Saga Fiction App. It has several books from various genres. Also, some books are available in episodic format. It is great for people who love reading on the go. I would definitely recommend you to try this app out.
IOS link - https://bit.ly/saga-ios
Android link - https://bit.ly/saga-android
Will they be able to overcome these challenges? Or will their marriage slip through their own hands?
The title of the book is perfect for the storyline. The writing style of the author is beginner-friendly and well-paced. The book can be finished in one sitting.
I loved the character development in this book. Jill is an intelligent, ambitious, and strong-headed woman. While Matt is patient, empathetic, and the perfect dad.
A short yet impressive read!
Stars - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
The book is available on the Saga Fiction App. It has several books from various genres. Also, some books are available in episodic format. It is great for people who love reading on the go. I would definitely recommend you to try this app out.
IOS link - https://bit.ly/saga-ios
Android link - https://bit.ly/saga-android
February 26, 2024
Note: This is not the story of Robin Williams and Nathan Lane living in the Art Deco section of South Miami Beach. That said, if you’re a fan of domestic drama that’s sprinkled with sex but, at its core, about more substantive issues, give THE BIRDCAGE by Krista Lynne White a try.
Jillian and Matt both feel their sixteen-year marriage starting to crumble. He’s a talented elementary school teacher dealing with academic politics that are thwarting his goals. She’s returned to work in executive sales after years as a stay-at-home mom.
She’s killing it! But will it kill their marriage?
Set in corporate Canada and told through the alternating viewpoints of Jill and Matt, The Birdcage delves into issues including life-work balance, ambition, personal doubts and insecurities, misogyny, and sexual misconduct in the workplace.
This book club discussion-worthy novella examines a husband and wife who still feel deeply but who have lost the knack for communicating those feelings to each other.
Jillian and Matt both feel their sixteen-year marriage starting to crumble. He’s a talented elementary school teacher dealing with academic politics that are thwarting his goals. She’s returned to work in executive sales after years as a stay-at-home mom.
She’s killing it! But will it kill their marriage?
Set in corporate Canada and told through the alternating viewpoints of Jill and Matt, The Birdcage delves into issues including life-work balance, ambition, personal doubts and insecurities, misogyny, and sexual misconduct in the workplace.
This book club discussion-worthy novella examines a husband and wife who still feel deeply but who have lost the knack for communicating those feelings to each other.
April 8, 2023
Matt and Jillian are a married couple with two young daughters. They are coping with some family dynamic changes after Jillian returns to the corporate workforce where she excels. This leaves Matt feeling insecure (which is aggravating to me that some men still struggle with feeling inferior to strong and intelligent women).
What this book does well is show how important keeping good communication is within a relationship. This is a dual POV story so we really get to see into the heads of each character and witness how all their problems could be resolved if they just talked to one another and stopped making assumptions!
I did like this one and it was well written with good character development.
TW: sexual assault, sexual harassment
What this book does well is show how important keeping good communication is within a relationship. This is a dual POV story so we really get to see into the heads of each character and witness how all their problems could be resolved if they just talked to one another and stopped making assumptions!
I did like this one and it was well written with good character development.
TW: sexual assault, sexual harassment
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews