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Friday Mornings at Nine
FRIDAY MORNINGS AT NINE is a standalone women’s fiction story about:
Three close friends
Two competing love interests (each!) &
One of life’s biggest “What-if?” questions…
Each Friday morning at the Indigo Moon Café, Jennifer, Bridget and Tamara meet to swap stories about marriage, kids, and work. But one day, spurred by recent e-mails from her college ex, Jennifer poses questions they've never faced before. What if they all married the wrong man? What if they're living the wrong life? And what would happen if, just once, they gave in to temptation...
Soon each woman is second-guessing the choices she's made—and the ones she can unmake—as she becomes aware of new opportunities around every corner, from attentive colleagues and sexy neighbors to flirtatious past lovers. And as fantasies blur with real life, Jennifer, Bridget and Tamara begin to realize how little they know about each other, their marriages, and themselves, and how much there is to gain—and lose—when you step outside the rules...
Praise for Marilyn Brant's According to Jane
"A warm, witty and charmingly original story." —Susan Wiggs, New York Times bestselling author
"An engaging read for all who have been through the long, dark, dating wars, and still believe there's sunshine, and a Mr. Darcy, at the end of the tunnel." —Cathy Lamb, author of Henry's Sisters
"This is a must-read for Austen lovers as well as for all who believe in the possibility of a happily-ever-after ending." —Holly Chamberlin, author of One Week In December
326 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2010
7 people are currently reading
1229 people want to read
About the author
Marilyn Brant
35 books405 followersMarilyn Brant is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of contemporary fiction. Her debut novel won RWA's prestigious Golden Heart Award® in 2007 and she was named the 2013 Author of the Year by the Illinois Association of Teachers of English. She wrote ACCORDING TO JANE, the story of a modern woman who receives dating advice from the spirit of Jane Austen, FRIDAY MORNINGS AT NINE, and A SUMMER IN EUROPE, all women's fiction releases from Kensington Books.
She's also a #1 Kindle & #1 Nook Bestseller and has written a series of fun and flirty contemporary romantic comedies, such as ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAE and PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND THE PERFECT MATCH, along with a bestselling coming-of-age romantic mystery (THE ROAD TO YOU), a sweet holiday romance (THE KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS), and the 7-book "Mirabelle Harbor" contemporary romance series. Look for her latest releases, THE SECRET LIFE OF MAGGIE BLAKE, a modern romantic spy comedy inspired by the Scarlet Pimpernel (May 2022), and NOT ANOTHER ROMAN HOLIDAY, a rom-com novella set in Italy (November 2023)!
Marilyn lives in the northern Chicago suburbs with her family, analyzing novels for the storytelling website Save the Cat! and working on her own writing projects. When she isn't rereading Austen's books or enjoying the latest releases by her author friends, she's daydreaming plot ideas for her next novel, eating chocolate indiscriminately and hiding from the laundry.
She's also a #1 Kindle & #1 Nook Bestseller and has written a series of fun and flirty contemporary romantic comedies, such as ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAE and PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND THE PERFECT MATCH, along with a bestselling coming-of-age romantic mystery (THE ROAD TO YOU), a sweet holiday romance (THE KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS), and the 7-book "Mirabelle Harbor" contemporary romance series. Look for her latest releases, THE SECRET LIFE OF MAGGIE BLAKE, a modern romantic spy comedy inspired by the Scarlet Pimpernel (May 2022), and NOT ANOTHER ROMAN HOLIDAY, a rom-com novella set in Italy (November 2023)!
Marilyn lives in the northern Chicago suburbs with her family, analyzing novels for the storytelling website Save the Cat! and working on her own writing projects. When she isn't rereading Austen's books or enjoying the latest releases by her author friends, she's daydreaming plot ideas for her next novel, eating chocolate indiscriminately and hiding from the laundry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 3, 2016
Enjoyable story about three married fortysomething women who get together on Friday mornings to discuss what's going on in their lives. One morning their discussion leaves them wondering whether or not they married the right man, or if there is someone else who got away that they were meant to be with. I enjoyed following Tamara, Bridget, and Jennifer on each of their journeys to discovering what it is that they really want in their lives and if the choices they made along the way were the right ones.
I loved the inclusion of many songs from the '70s throughout the story, since I absolutely love the music from that decade.
I loved the inclusion of many songs from the '70s throughout the story, since I absolutely love the music from that decade.
Read
March 30, 2018As the author, I worked very hard to make this a book that explored something important to me, and I thought the best way to explain that element was to post an interview question I was asked about the novel, along with my response. Whether I was successful or not in my attempt is, of course, up to each individual reader. Regardless, many thanks to all of you for your interest in the story!
Q: What was most important to you in the writing of this story?
A: I’m always striving to be as honest as possible about the complexities of human emotion, particularly in regards to relationships. I would say with FRIDAY MORNINGS AT NINE, the biggest issue I wanted to explore was not so much the concept of “cheating” as a theme but, rather, the far less titillating subject of “choosing.” I feel that a woman can really only commit fully to a relationship -- marital or otherwise -- once she understands how and why she's chosen to be there. That she has to look closely enough and listen deeply enough to know who she is and what she wants. And that in every romantic relationship or good friendship, she chooses over and over again (either consciously or unconsciously) whether she wants to stay. I tried to show my characters in this story moving from living lives I would consider unexamined...to consciously, actively making a choice about where they were headed.
Q: What was most important to you in the writing of this story?
A: I’m always striving to be as honest as possible about the complexities of human emotion, particularly in regards to relationships. I would say with FRIDAY MORNINGS AT NINE, the biggest issue I wanted to explore was not so much the concept of “cheating” as a theme but, rather, the far less titillating subject of “choosing.” I feel that a woman can really only commit fully to a relationship -- marital or otherwise -- once she understands how and why she's chosen to be there. That she has to look closely enough and listen deeply enough to know who she is and what she wants. And that in every romantic relationship or good friendship, she chooses over and over again (either consciously or unconsciously) whether she wants to stay. I tried to show my characters in this story moving from living lives I would consider unexamined...to consciously, actively making a choice about where they were headed.
September 29, 2010
The Indigo Moon Café on Friday mornings is the meeting place for three women. Outspoken Tamara, introverted Jennifer and nurturing Bridget have been repressing their own needs to take care of their families. But as their children are getting older and more independent, their lives are changing, too.
Tamara's husband is cold, and now that her son is in college she's noticing her young neighbor could warm her nicely. Jennifer loves her husband, but she never got over her first love who is in her life again. Bridget, whose husband makes her feel like wallpaper that carpools and cleans, enjoys her new job - especially the hunky dentist who shares her passion for cooking and gourmet food.
Men are involved in all their conflicts, but the book isn't about the men. It's about finding themselves again, it's about being first in their lives. And at the heart of the book, it's about friendship.
I loved Brant's first book, According to Jane, but this was even better. It has more of a grown-up feel, with women friends at turning points of their lives. The characters - women, men and families - felt like people I know, and it was fascinating to watch their stories unfold. I never knew what was going to happen.
Brant's writing has a Jane Austen feel that lets us see beneath the characters' surfaces. I'm a big fan of Austen's, and now I'm a huge fan of Brant's.
Tamara's husband is cold, and now that her son is in college she's noticing her young neighbor could warm her nicely. Jennifer loves her husband, but she never got over her first love who is in her life again. Bridget, whose husband makes her feel like wallpaper that carpools and cleans, enjoys her new job - especially the hunky dentist who shares her passion for cooking and gourmet food.
Men are involved in all their conflicts, but the book isn't about the men. It's about finding themselves again, it's about being first in their lives. And at the heart of the book, it's about friendship.
I loved Brant's first book, According to Jane, but this was even better. It has more of a grown-up feel, with women friends at turning points of their lives. The characters - women, men and families - felt like people I know, and it was fascinating to watch their stories unfold. I never knew what was going to happen.
Brant's writing has a Jane Austen feel that lets us see beneath the characters' surfaces. I'm a big fan of Austen's, and now I'm a huge fan of Brant's.
November 10, 2010
Marilyn Brant masterfully writes on the intricacy of female friendship in a carefully crafted, entertaining and yet philosophical look at love, marriage and family. In Friday Mornings At Nine, we’re dropped into an inner circle of three women who have spent years forging their bonds of trust — but still remain skeptical of opening their hearts too much. Who hasn’t felt that way? That our inner lives are something to be guarded, something to be protected, even with close friends?
That’s what struck me most about this novel: how well Brant understands the complexity of women. Being one herself, of course, our author gives us three ladies who, for better or worse, we get. While I didn’t always agree with Tamara’s behavior, I understood completely where she was coming from. And though mousy Jennifer occasionally annoyed me by not sticking up for herself, I knew why she wasn’t able to rip her no-good ex a new one.
Friday Mornings At Nine has a little something for all lovers of women’s fiction, including my favorite plot: the return of an old love. Of the three storylines, Jennifer’s was the most compelling for me. This is a woman who, after being unceremoniously dumped by a man she loved more than a decade ago, still wonders what happened. Still harbors hurt feelings and misconceptions, all because she never got that mystical thing called “closure.” Though my situation isn’t just like hers, I felt very similarly as recently as last winter — in desperate need to let go of my first love but unable to figure out exactly what went wrong. I eagerly anticipated Jennifer’s chapters and wondered endlessly about what she would choose.
Brant’s dialogue is what really propels us forward here, too. Never one to “tell” rather than “show,” she lets most of her characters do the talking — literally. From the aloof husbands to the nagging children to the random Halloween partygoers, everyone in the novel was brought to life through consistently well-written conversations. I felt like I could hear the cadence of their speech without any modifiers, and that’s a mark of a great book for me.
Fans of women’s fiction shouldn’t miss this novel full of wonderful insights into our friendship and family, people and topics always at the forefront of our minds. I was so pleased with the way this one turned out and highly recommend it and Brant’s debut novel, According To Jane.
That’s what struck me most about this novel: how well Brant understands the complexity of women. Being one herself, of course, our author gives us three ladies who, for better or worse, we get. While I didn’t always agree with Tamara’s behavior, I understood completely where she was coming from. And though mousy Jennifer occasionally annoyed me by not sticking up for herself, I knew why she wasn’t able to rip her no-good ex a new one.
Friday Mornings At Nine has a little something for all lovers of women’s fiction, including my favorite plot: the return of an old love. Of the three storylines, Jennifer’s was the most compelling for me. This is a woman who, after being unceremoniously dumped by a man she loved more than a decade ago, still wonders what happened. Still harbors hurt feelings and misconceptions, all because she never got that mystical thing called “closure.” Though my situation isn’t just like hers, I felt very similarly as recently as last winter — in desperate need to let go of my first love but unable to figure out exactly what went wrong. I eagerly anticipated Jennifer’s chapters and wondered endlessly about what she would choose.
Brant’s dialogue is what really propels us forward here, too. Never one to “tell” rather than “show,” she lets most of her characters do the talking — literally. From the aloof husbands to the nagging children to the random Halloween partygoers, everyone in the novel was brought to life through consistently well-written conversations. I felt like I could hear the cadence of their speech without any modifiers, and that’s a mark of a great book for me.
Fans of women’s fiction shouldn’t miss this novel full of wonderful insights into our friendship and family, people and topics always at the forefront of our minds. I was so pleased with the way this one turned out and highly recommend it and Brant’s debut novel, According To Jane.
August 14, 2010
Review For:
Friday Mornings at Nine, by Marilyn Brant
ISBN: 9780758234629
Publisher: Kensington Books
Author Marilyn Brant worked as an elementary school teacher, a library staff member, a freelance magazine writer and a national book reviewer before becoming a full-time novelist. According to Jane is her first novel, which won the prestigious 2007 RWA Golden Heart Award. Her next novel, The Grand European, is set for release in October 2011. Marilyn resides in Illinois with her husband and son.
This novel explores three women who contemplate wanting more outside of their marriage. Bridget, in a marriage with children, begins to feel an attraction for her boss, and though loves her husband, feels he just doesn't notice her anymore, nor allows her to explore her interests, like cooking. Tamara, in a marriage of convenience which has long grown bitter, begins feeling a sizzling attraction for her younger neighbor after her son goes away to college. Jennifer, though in a committed marriage with a man she loves, begins to feel regrets about her first love when he recently resumes contact for a college reunion. Exploring marriage, friendship, and being true to ones self is always shaky ground.
I was riveted to this author's first book, and this one didn't disappoint. Emotionally packed, it's hard to put down for all the sordid details and what ifs. This author writes with a very narrative voice, which usually makes for a detached read, but she really pulls it off and captures your attention. What intrigued me most was this book was as much about friendship as it was about what goes on behind the closed doors of marriage. Does anyone really know someone? Do we even know ourselves? Will we have the courage to go after what we want when presented with the options? This isn't a book about infidelity, and the author was very careful not to go that route or cross that line. A highly recommended women's fiction read.
Kelly Moran,
Award-winning author of SUMMER'S ROAD
and WHEN THE LEAVES STOP FALLING
Friday Mornings at Nine, by Marilyn Brant
ISBN: 9780758234629
Publisher: Kensington Books
Author Marilyn Brant worked as an elementary school teacher, a library staff member, a freelance magazine writer and a national book reviewer before becoming a full-time novelist. According to Jane is her first novel, which won the prestigious 2007 RWA Golden Heart Award. Her next novel, The Grand European, is set for release in October 2011. Marilyn resides in Illinois with her husband and son.
This novel explores three women who contemplate wanting more outside of their marriage. Bridget, in a marriage with children, begins to feel an attraction for her boss, and though loves her husband, feels he just doesn't notice her anymore, nor allows her to explore her interests, like cooking. Tamara, in a marriage of convenience which has long grown bitter, begins feeling a sizzling attraction for her younger neighbor after her son goes away to college. Jennifer, though in a committed marriage with a man she loves, begins to feel regrets about her first love when he recently resumes contact for a college reunion. Exploring marriage, friendship, and being true to ones self is always shaky ground.
I was riveted to this author's first book, and this one didn't disappoint. Emotionally packed, it's hard to put down for all the sordid details and what ifs. This author writes with a very narrative voice, which usually makes for a detached read, but she really pulls it off and captures your attention. What intrigued me most was this book was as much about friendship as it was about what goes on behind the closed doors of marriage. Does anyone really know someone? Do we even know ourselves? Will we have the courage to go after what we want when presented with the options? This isn't a book about infidelity, and the author was very careful not to go that route or cross that line. A highly recommended women's fiction read.
Kelly Moran,
Award-winning author of SUMMER'S ROAD
and WHEN THE LEAVES STOP FALLING
October 15, 2010
I won this book from Goodreads and what a good one it was to read! Jennifer, Bridget, and Tamara are married mothers who meet up once a week for coffee, talking about their lives rather superficially until the one day when Jennifer talks about getting emails from her ex... and they all begin to think about choices they've made in the past and what could happen if they acted on impulses instead of sticking out their imperfect marriages because that's what they feel is expected. Jennifer still wonders what could have or should have been with her ex from college, had he not dumped her without explanation before graduation; Bridget finds herself exploring new hobbies in an effort to impress her boss; and Tamara, starved for attention, strikes up a friendship with her attractive neighbor. Woven into all these plots are subplots to do with the their kids and husbands, all posing obstacles that prevent the women from truly understanding what they want out of life.
There was a lot of character growth throughout the book (always a good thing!), and I liked how different the three women's storylines were, despite being based on the same sort of "what if..." scenario. The beginning felt a little rough around the edges, especially in terms of dialogue, but this may be because the story hadn't taken off and I had yet to be drawn into the characters. Many moral issues were raised, and there were a number of thought-provoking points - even more if you count the questions in the reader's guide at the end of the book! I think this would be a fun one to discuss with a book club.
I really enjoyed the book overall and think the author did a great job bringing three somewhat tame stories to life in a way that was both entertaining and thoughtful.
There was a lot of character growth throughout the book (always a good thing!), and I liked how different the three women's storylines were, despite being based on the same sort of "what if..." scenario. The beginning felt a little rough around the edges, especially in terms of dialogue, but this may be because the story hadn't taken off and I had yet to be drawn into the characters. Many moral issues were raised, and there were a number of thought-provoking points - even more if you count the questions in the reader's guide at the end of the book! I think this would be a fun one to discuss with a book club.
I really enjoyed the book overall and think the author did a great job bringing three somewhat tame stories to life in a way that was both entertaining and thoughtful.
April 11, 2011
Friday Mornings At Nine wasn't quite what I expected. Each woman in the story was hitting a crisis point in their marriages. As the story started it was hard to believe that any of the ladies would stay in their current situations.
Brandt writes from three different point of views in this novel, and each woman is vastly different from the others. The only thing they have in common is a dissatisfaction with were they are in their lives.
She really does a great job showing her readers why the women are in the state that they are in. She also shows how they grow and come to terms with their relationships, even if the end results aren't what the reader would expect.
This book isn't about happily ever afters. If it was, Jennifer, Bridget and Tamara would have either found new loves or stayed happily with their husbands, but that isn't the case. Marilyn makes these women real. The feel hardships. They make mistakes, some that they regret. None of them are perfect, but that's why the reader is drawn to them.
They all harbor, hopes and dreams that they cast aside years earlier for marriage. Marilyn takes you on their journey of self discovery.
Of the three women, Jennifer is the one who surprised me the most. She seemed more comfortable in her marriage and yet, when the story was ending, her marriage still wasn't good. I wished a little more for Bridget because she was the mousey one of the bunch. As for Tamara, the outcome there was what was expected.
I found this book hard to put down. Once I got wrapped up in the characters lives I didn't want to put it down. The only thing that bugged me was that she left some loose ends with Jennifer. I would have liked to have seen her situation res
Brandt writes from three different point of views in this novel, and each woman is vastly different from the others. The only thing they have in common is a dissatisfaction with were they are in their lives.
She really does a great job showing her readers why the women are in the state that they are in. She also shows how they grow and come to terms with their relationships, even if the end results aren't what the reader would expect.
This book isn't about happily ever afters. If it was, Jennifer, Bridget and Tamara would have either found new loves or stayed happily with their husbands, but that isn't the case. Marilyn makes these women real. The feel hardships. They make mistakes, some that they regret. None of them are perfect, but that's why the reader is drawn to them.
They all harbor, hopes and dreams that they cast aside years earlier for marriage. Marilyn takes you on their journey of self discovery.
Of the three women, Jennifer is the one who surprised me the most. She seemed more comfortable in her marriage and yet, when the story was ending, her marriage still wasn't good. I wished a little more for Bridget because she was the mousey one of the bunch. As for Tamara, the outcome there was what was expected.
I found this book hard to put down. Once I got wrapped up in the characters lives I didn't want to put it down. The only thing that bugged me was that she left some loose ends with Jennifer. I would have liked to have seen her situation res
August 28, 2010
Tamara, Jennifer, and Bridget are three middle-aged friends, all married and living in the Chicago 'burbs, who meet regularly at the Indigo Moon Cafe for lattes, muffins, and gossip. Then one day, they start talking about "what if," as in "what if we aren't supposed to be with the men we're with." We learn that Jennifer, the computer geek of the bunch, has been receiving emails and texts from her first love. He's putting together a reunion of their college computer club, and he really wants to see her. Since he dumped her back when without explanation, she's always wondered why. Plus, she feels like maybe they have some unfinished business to, er, finish. Tamara is having empty nest syndrome after her son Benji goes to the University of Texas. She's also realizing how distant she and her husband have become, which is probably why a good-looking younger dude who lives on her street has caught her eye. Bridget is a harried housewife working a part-time job at a dental office. She harbors a secret dream of becoming a chef, something that only the people in the dental office seem to know and appreciate, especially Dr. Luke. So what might happen when these three women decide to see if their "what ifs" are worth shaking up their lives for? Marilyn Brant takes us down that road with each woman and shows us why sometimes the grass isn't always greener (and occasionally, why it is!). Recommended for fans of chick lit and mommy lit. Out on September 28, 2010.
October 30, 2010
For years, Tamara, Bridget and Jennifer have a standing date for coffee every Friday morning at nine. They talk about everything, including children, husbands, work and sex.
As the book begins, they've each reached a sort of crossroads and are hesitant about choosing a direction. Tamara's son Benji has just left for college, her husband is constantly away on business and she has a very attractive neighbour who works from home; Bridget has started back to work part-time, and finds herself attracted to her boss; while Jennifer whose husband and kids take her for granted, has received an email from her college sweetheart.
Feeling frustrated, they make a pact to find out who they really want to be with by stepping out of their comfortable routines. They say they're not intending to have affairs, just know themselves better, but each of them wonders to herself if an affair is really what she's considering.
The story follows each of them, separately and together, as she explores herself and her situation in life. This description makes it sound like a self-help book, but it absolutely is not. It's an interesting, absorbing story of three women who are not afraid to test the limits of their relationships with their husbands and families in order to learn what they really want from their lives.
Reminiscent of Marge Piercy, this is definitely a women's novel, topical and thought-provoking.
As the book begins, they've each reached a sort of crossroads and are hesitant about choosing a direction. Tamara's son Benji has just left for college, her husband is constantly away on business and she has a very attractive neighbour who works from home; Bridget has started back to work part-time, and finds herself attracted to her boss; while Jennifer whose husband and kids take her for granted, has received an email from her college sweetheart.
Feeling frustrated, they make a pact to find out who they really want to be with by stepping out of their comfortable routines. They say they're not intending to have affairs, just know themselves better, but each of them wonders to herself if an affair is really what she's considering.
The story follows each of them, separately and together, as she explores herself and her situation in life. This description makes it sound like a self-help book, but it absolutely is not. It's an interesting, absorbing story of three women who are not afraid to test the limits of their relationships with their husbands and families in order to learn what they really want from their lives.
Reminiscent of Marge Piercy, this is definitely a women's novel, topical and thought-provoking.
March 27, 2011
This book was a delightful little read. I enjoyed ever moment that I was sitting down with this book. Marilyn told a very relateable story about three women who were trying to find themselves outside of being a wife and mother. I think this is something that many women can relate too. This book focused more on the stay at home crowd I feel. Most of the women worked from home if they did work. Jennifer, Bridget, and Tamera are the three women we take the journey with. Jennifer opens up a topic on one of their Friday mornings, and that is about if any of them have thought about having an affair. For the next year of these ladies life's, we take a journey as Jennifer decides if she wants to leave her life for her ex flame; Bridget is making eyes for her boss, and Tamera has a hunky neighbor and a husband who always travels and pays her no attention.
One thing I enjoyed most was that this book was real. It wasn't a bunch of fudge. These women really had to make decisions and they way there spouse reacted was real. All three situations were different. This books ends in away where there isn't a happy ending for all. Your left to ponder about one character and wonder what is to come. I think it was a perfect ending.
I recommend this book to the stay at home/work at home woman crowd. This book is right up your ally. Also, if you just a fan of chick lit I think you will find this book enjoyable.
One thing I enjoyed most was that this book was real. It wasn't a bunch of fudge. These women really had to make decisions and they way there spouse reacted was real. All three situations were different. This books ends in away where there isn't a happy ending for all. Your left to ponder about one character and wonder what is to come. I think it was a perfect ending.
I recommend this book to the stay at home/work at home woman crowd. This book is right up your ally. Also, if you just a fan of chick lit I think you will find this book enjoyable.
January 3, 2011
I won a copy of Friday Mornings at Nine at Kelly Moran's blog. I was eager to read it because I'm an acquaintance of Marilyn's through an online writing group, just Cherry Writers (formerly Jenny's Cherry Writers, back in the days when Jennifer Crusie participated). Marilyn breaks a lot of "Cherry Rules" in Friday Mornings at Nine, yet I enjoyed it thoroughly. The most interesting thing to me, as a writer as well as a reader, was the omniscient voice she used when the three women were all together at their weekly chat sessions. In some ways, I would have liked to have read those scenes from the perspective of just one of the women, because there's a certain amount of mystery in only knowing what someone tells you. It changes the reader's perceptions to know all... yet, in this book, it worked. It's creatively done, and it more than held my attention. I loved that the three women were so different - that each of their situations and stories had a different outcome. I could relate to each of them, and cared not only for them, but for the supporting cast of spouses, children, co-workers and love interests. Nothing is ever black and white, and I enjoyed the complexity of emotions that this book called forth in me. Good job, Marilyn!
November 9, 2010
This wonderful followup to Marilyn Brant's debut novel, According to Jane, does not dissapoint! Tamara, Bridget and Jennifer meet every Friday morning at the Indigo Moon Cafe for coffee and gossip on their surburban lives. One day, Jennifer tells her pals that she's been in contact with her college sweetheart and this sets the plot in action. Soon, all three women are wondering if the lives they are living are the ones they're meant to have and begin to ask themselves the eternal question: is the grass really greener on the other side?
I have to say, of all the characters, Tamara was the one I was most rooting for. Her only son has just left for college and she's stuck in a loveless marriage with a man who seems to ignore her. I so identified with her empty nest syndrome!
This book is excellently written and all three stories end with an entirely satisfying conclusion. This is women's fiction at it's best!
I have to say, of all the characters, Tamara was the one I was most rooting for. Her only son has just left for college and she's stuck in a loveless marriage with a man who seems to ignore her. I so identified with her empty nest syndrome!
This book is excellently written and all three stories end with an entirely satisfying conclusion. This is women's fiction at it's best!
January 11, 2011
Marilyn Brant has a way of writing where you see bits and pieces of yourself, if not thinking she must have been spying on you because that is YOU in the book.
This time we have three friends, and they meet every Friday morning at a coffee shop. Tamara is the outspoken one, her only child having gone off to college and her husband traveling extensively. Bridget feels like she isn't appreciated at home, but at the dentist office where she is now a part-time receptionist she feels worthy. Jennifer has never gotten over her college boyfriend. All feel stuck and maybe the grass is greener on the er side.
During one Friday conversation they discuss maybe having affairs. Each goes on their journey of love and discovery. Each with their own tale to tell.
My only complaint is the women on some level were a bit shallow, especially with each other. I never really felt a connection between any of them, which I really wanted.
I can't wait to see what Marilyn Brant puts out this year!
This time we have three friends, and they meet every Friday morning at a coffee shop. Tamara is the outspoken one, her only child having gone off to college and her husband traveling extensively. Bridget feels like she isn't appreciated at home, but at the dentist office where she is now a part-time receptionist she feels worthy. Jennifer has never gotten over her college boyfriend. All feel stuck and maybe the grass is greener on the er side.
During one Friday conversation they discuss maybe having affairs. Each goes on their journey of love and discovery. Each with their own tale to tell.
My only complaint is the women on some level were a bit shallow, especially with each other. I never really felt a connection between any of them, which I really wanted.
I can't wait to see what Marilyn Brant puts out this year!
September 16, 2011
Friday Mornings at Nine (Marilyn Brant)
Three women gather every Friday for coffee and talk. One woman brings up the question have you ever considered having an affair. Each woman then begins to think deeply about this. They all have been married for an long time, and they all have their problems. They each start to wonder if maybe they have married the wrong man. They each have a secret and reluctantly share bits to each other.
I really enjoyed this read. I did like two of the character and one I tried to like her, but she was just too much different than I am. I
liked the setting, Chicago and the Suburbs (of). Since I was born and raised in this area.
I would love to check our more work by Marilyn Brant
Three women gather every Friday for coffee and talk. One woman brings up the question have you ever considered having an affair. Each woman then begins to think deeply about this. They all have been married for an long time, and they all have their problems. They each start to wonder if maybe they have married the wrong man. They each have a secret and reluctantly share bits to each other.
I really enjoyed this read. I did like two of the character and one I tried to like her, but she was just too much different than I am. I
liked the setting, Chicago and the Suburbs (of). Since I was born and raised in this area.
I would love to check our more work by Marilyn Brant
December 6, 2010
This book was great from beginning to end. I loved the three ladies (and the men in their lives) and their journey through the fall/winter. This is the perfect book to read while wrapped up in a blanket by fire (or on the beach). Without giving away too much, I am so happy where all three ladies ended up at the end of the book. Even though they are experiencing the same issue at different points of their marriage/family and end up making completely different choices from each other, the book has you wanting more until the very end. Oh how I wish I had a Friday morning coffee group! I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read other books by Marilyn Brant.
June 4, 2011
I truly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I loved the women Tamara is outspoken, Jennifer is introverted and Bridget is very nurturing. Every Friday morning they meet at the Indigo Moon Cafe to talk and catch up. In some ways i feel we can all relate a little bit to these women. It,s an entertaining yet philosophical look at love, marraige and family. Tamara , Jennifer and Bridget have spent years forging their bonds of trust- but still are a bit wary of opening their hearts or revealing to much to each other. A great weekend read.
September 25, 2010
I was pleasantly surprised with this book especially since it was a goodreads giveaway! I felt involved with the characters and wanted to know how they were going to turn out. The author really knows how to get you into the heads of the characters and even though there were three very different women characters, you didn't get confused with who was who and you rooted for all of them. The endings of each woman's story was satisfying - no feeling that the author could have elaborated or ran out of steam in the end.
October 23, 2011
EXCELLENT! LOVED IT! Could not put it down! How often does this happen in real life? Women acting a bit immature but then through life's struggles, some not so nice things happen to you, and some great girlfriends how have your back, you eventually grow up and start facing life head on.
I recommend this to everyone!
Can't wait to read more of Marilyn's books :)
I recommend this to everyone!
Can't wait to read more of Marilyn's books :)
September 3, 2011
It was nice to read a book about women in transition. The three women in this book are all going through life's changes; kids growing up, what should I do next, that sort of thing. I enjoyed reading their stories.
July 15, 2013
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: NON-Austenesque, Women's Fiction
TIME FRAME: Present Day – the beginning of September to New Year's Eve
MAIN CHARACTERS: Three forty something wives and mothers – Tamara, Jennifer, and Bridget
WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS NOVEL:
I'll be honest, unlike Marilyn Brant's According to Jane and A Summer in Europe, this book wasn't instantly added to my wishlist. Three women in unhappy marriages contemplating affairs doesn't really sound like something my romantic heart would enjoy. But having read and ADORED both of Marilyn's other books (as well as her lighter contemporary romances) I figured I should still give it a try.
WHAT I LOVED:
Three Heroines: I loved how this story was divided up by the three main characters. Some chapters followed just one of our three heroines at a time and others displayed their exchanges and interactions when they assembled together. I liked having multiple main story lines, learning more about three diverse heroines, and seeing the story from three distinct point-of-views. Triple the heroines, triple the drama, triple the romance!
Accessible and Real Marriage Issues: The return of an ex, the emergence of indifference and inattention, feeling unfulfilled and undervalued – all these things are common causes for unhappiness or dissatisfaction in marriage. It was interesting to observe how each couple dealt with these issues and how they altered each woman's feelings and futures.
Complex and Philosophical: Lots of introspection, self-examination, and reflecting going on. Marilyn Brant does a fantastic job of conveying the varying dynamics and dilemmas in modern marriages. This novel isn't just a simple romance – it is thought-provoking, sensitive, and multilayered!
Marilyn Brant Staples: There are some things you should expect to find in all of Marilyn Brant's novels: decadent and vivid descriptions of food and a music playlist that perfectly matches the story's tone. I love this about Marilyn's novels! The only downside...the reader doesn't get to eat the delicious delicacies first hand! (I so want to eat Bridget's creations!)
WHAT I WASN'T TOO FOND OF:
More Resolution, Please: I sort of wish that there was a little bit more closure for this novel. I really enjoyed my time with Tamara, Bridget, and Jennifer and I would have loved to seen a little more of how their futures panned out.
CONCLUSION:
If you are skeptical about this novel because of the premise or because it sounds like it is about extramarital affairs – I'd recommend you still give it a chance. It is NOT about adultery and divorce. This novel is about self-identity and relationships. As with any Marilyn Brant novel this story is well-crafted, absorbing, and skillfully written!
Austenesque Reviews
TIME FRAME: Present Day – the beginning of September to New Year's Eve
MAIN CHARACTERS: Three forty something wives and mothers – Tamara, Jennifer, and Bridget
WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS NOVEL:
I'll be honest, unlike Marilyn Brant's According to Jane and A Summer in Europe, this book wasn't instantly added to my wishlist. Three women in unhappy marriages contemplating affairs doesn't really sound like something my romantic heart would enjoy. But having read and ADORED both of Marilyn's other books (as well as her lighter contemporary romances) I figured I should still give it a try.
WHAT I LOVED:
Three Heroines: I loved how this story was divided up by the three main characters. Some chapters followed just one of our three heroines at a time and others displayed their exchanges and interactions when they assembled together. I liked having multiple main story lines, learning more about three diverse heroines, and seeing the story from three distinct point-of-views. Triple the heroines, triple the drama, triple the romance!
Accessible and Real Marriage Issues: The return of an ex, the emergence of indifference and inattention, feeling unfulfilled and undervalued – all these things are common causes for unhappiness or dissatisfaction in marriage. It was interesting to observe how each couple dealt with these issues and how they altered each woman's feelings and futures.
Complex and Philosophical: Lots of introspection, self-examination, and reflecting going on. Marilyn Brant does a fantastic job of conveying the varying dynamics and dilemmas in modern marriages. This novel isn't just a simple romance – it is thought-provoking, sensitive, and multilayered!
Marilyn Brant Staples: There are some things you should expect to find in all of Marilyn Brant's novels: decadent and vivid descriptions of food and a music playlist that perfectly matches the story's tone. I love this about Marilyn's novels! The only downside...the reader doesn't get to eat the delicious delicacies first hand! (I so want to eat Bridget's creations!)
WHAT I WASN'T TOO FOND OF:
More Resolution, Please: I sort of wish that there was a little bit more closure for this novel. I really enjoyed my time with Tamara, Bridget, and Jennifer and I would have loved to seen a little more of how their futures panned out.
CONCLUSION:
If you are skeptical about this novel because of the premise or because it sounds like it is about extramarital affairs – I'd recommend you still give it a chance. It is NOT about adultery and divorce. This novel is about self-identity and relationships. As with any Marilyn Brant novel this story is well-crafted, absorbing, and skillfully written!
Austenesque Reviews
July 6, 2012
Jennifer is married to Michael, mother to twin girls, and works as freelance web designer.
Bridget is married to Graham, mother of three and had just recently started work again.
Tamara, married to Jon, has one son and is stay-at-home mom.
These three middle-aged women meet each Friday at the Indigo Moon Cafe, to share their lives with each other.
Tamara’s husband is a lawyer who’s never home. Keeping company with her neighbor, a very handsome writer seems a thing to do. As their only son is off to college, she’s left all alone. Lonely and bored she makes her home and especially her garden a sanctuary of sorts.
When Jennifer receives an unexpected message from her ex-boyfriend arrives, she has a choice to make. See him with telling her hubby, or not see him and not tell her hubby?!
Bridget gets a job at Dr. Luke’s dental office, and both are happy to discover that they share their love for cooking…
The suspense of this tale is in trying to figure out which one of these women will succumb to infidelity. To be honest, I didn’t see it coming, and hope you won’t either.
Marilyn Brant went out on a limb with this story, calling it romance, and while some will no doubt not see it as such, once you get into the story, vest yourself in these complicated, sometimes frivolous yet very human characters, you’ll see the romance of it. What drew me to this story at first was the subject matter, but what grabbed me and held me captive was the humanity of the story.
You’ll appreciate this author’s serious thought and consideration to this topic which I’m sure wasn’t an easy thing to do when writing romance. She went all out in making sure we, the readers, would have the full story and in the end we were left to accept the decisions of these women without any prejudices and judgments. Now, that I call some crafty writing!
This was one book I wasn't looking forward to reading and ....for the rest of this review, please visit me at ....
http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.co...
Melanie for b2b
Bridget is married to Graham, mother of three and had just recently started work again.
Tamara, married to Jon, has one son and is stay-at-home mom.
These three middle-aged women meet each Friday at the Indigo Moon Cafe, to share their lives with each other.
Tamara’s husband is a lawyer who’s never home. Keeping company with her neighbor, a very handsome writer seems a thing to do. As their only son is off to college, she’s left all alone. Lonely and bored she makes her home and especially her garden a sanctuary of sorts.
When Jennifer receives an unexpected message from her ex-boyfriend arrives, she has a choice to make. See him with telling her hubby, or not see him and not tell her hubby?!
Bridget gets a job at Dr. Luke’s dental office, and both are happy to discover that they share their love for cooking…
The suspense of this tale is in trying to figure out which one of these women will succumb to infidelity. To be honest, I didn’t see it coming, and hope you won’t either.
Marilyn Brant went out on a limb with this story, calling it romance, and while some will no doubt not see it as such, once you get into the story, vest yourself in these complicated, sometimes frivolous yet very human characters, you’ll see the romance of it. What drew me to this story at first was the subject matter, but what grabbed me and held me captive was the humanity of the story.
You’ll appreciate this author’s serious thought and consideration to this topic which I’m sure wasn’t an easy thing to do when writing romance. She went all out in making sure we, the readers, would have the full story and in the end we were left to accept the decisions of these women without any prejudices and judgments. Now, that I call some crafty writing!
This was one book I wasn't looking forward to reading and ....for the rest of this review, please visit me at ....
http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.co...
Melanie for b2b
July 3, 2012
I've been trying to decide how I feel about this book, and have come to the conclusion that I have mixed feelings about it. It was a compelling read. It held my attention, and for a long-ish book, I got through it relatively quickly, because I kept wanting to get back to it. Exploring the idea of temptation outside of marriage is a touchy subject, and could have gone either way for me, so I was a bit wary going into this book. I can't say that I was entirely satisfied with it in the end, but for the most part, the subject matter was handled well.
I've read some of the other reviews, and I do agree with those who said that the three women in this story did not seem to have much in common. I did sense a lack of true connection between them, and it was hard to imagine that they had been friends for so long. They were all very different in personality and temperment. The one common thread that they all share is that in their roles as mothers and wives, they have lost themselves, and that is something that many of us can relate to. The story centered around the three women dealing with attraction to men other than their husbands and making choices of what to do with it, which seemed to imply that they blamed their husbands for the way their lives turned out. I think they all learned, in the end, that it was up to each of them as individuals to reclaim their true selves and to find their own happiness, and that's a lesson we should all take to heart. The story ends very differently for each woman, and the moral of the story is you have to be happy with yourself in order to be happy with someone else. I did not agree with or like the choices made by all of the characters. This book does not necessarily have a "happily ever after" ending, but it did leave me feeling like there were lessons learned.
I've read some of the other reviews, and I do agree with those who said that the three women in this story did not seem to have much in common. I did sense a lack of true connection between them, and it was hard to imagine that they had been friends for so long. They were all very different in personality and temperment. The one common thread that they all share is that in their roles as mothers and wives, they have lost themselves, and that is something that many of us can relate to. The story centered around the three women dealing with attraction to men other than their husbands and making choices of what to do with it, which seemed to imply that they blamed their husbands for the way their lives turned out. I think they all learned, in the end, that it was up to each of them as individuals to reclaim their true selves and to find their own happiness, and that's a lesson we should all take to heart. The story ends very differently for each woman, and the moral of the story is you have to be happy with yourself in order to be happy with someone else. I did not agree with or like the choices made by all of the characters. This book does not necessarily have a "happily ever after" ending, but it did leave me feeling like there were lessons learned.
September 27, 2010
Tamara, Bridget, Jennifer are all good friends. They meet up with each other every Friday morning at nine to catch up on what is happening in each other’s lives. Tamara, Bridget, Jennifer love their husbands but lately they all have been feeling like they are in a rut.
You have heard the say…the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Well for Tamara, Bridget, and Jennifer; they are willing to consider testing this theory out for themselves. Tamara is tempted by her hot, young neighbor, Aaron. Bridget is tempted by her boss Dr Luke, a dentist. Finally, Jennifer is tempted by her high school sweetheart David. For these three women they will learn that once you cross the line you can never go back.
Friday Mornings at Nine is the second novel from author Marilyn Brant. I just fell in love with this author when I read her first book, According to Jane. So I was excited to read this book. While I like how this story touched on a heavy subject, I just wished that the characters were a little more upbeat and exciting. It was a little hard for me to get into this book unlike the first one. Though, I still enjoyed reading it. Mrs. Brant is a good story teller. I plan to check out her next novel. Friday Mornings at Nine is a better alterative then a cinnamon roll to go with your coffee.
You have heard the say…the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Well for Tamara, Bridget, and Jennifer; they are willing to consider testing this theory out for themselves. Tamara is tempted by her hot, young neighbor, Aaron. Bridget is tempted by her boss Dr Luke, a dentist. Finally, Jennifer is tempted by her high school sweetheart David. For these three women they will learn that once you cross the line you can never go back.
Friday Mornings at Nine is the second novel from author Marilyn Brant. I just fell in love with this author when I read her first book, According to Jane. So I was excited to read this book. While I like how this story touched on a heavy subject, I just wished that the characters were a little more upbeat and exciting. It was a little hard for me to get into this book unlike the first one. Though, I still enjoyed reading it. Mrs. Brant is a good story teller. I plan to check out her next novel. Friday Mornings at Nine is a better alterative then a cinnamon roll to go with your coffee.
March 10, 2011
Just as the title and book description suggest, FRIDAY MORNINGS AT NINE is like settling in with nearest and dearest friends for a coffee-catch-up--a heartwarming and by times hard to accept for the heartfelt honesty catch-up.
I was sold on Marilyn Brant's writing after I read her first release, ACCORDING TO JANE. Brant has an incredible talent for inserting the sort of details that make you feel as though her characters are the people you went to school with, but, as another reviewer mentioned, FRIDAY MORNINGS AT NINE is Brant all grown up.
This book is an entertaining, enlightening and by times mildly disturbing look at marriage, but more than that it is an exploration of female friendships. The author honestly and shamelessly explores the importance women have in each others lives, and the importance of being honest enough with yourself to be honest with your friends. I want to be at that cafe Friday morning at nine. I want to call these women my friends.
THAT is what a good story should make you feel!
I was sold on Marilyn Brant's writing after I read her first release, ACCORDING TO JANE. Brant has an incredible talent for inserting the sort of details that make you feel as though her characters are the people you went to school with, but, as another reviewer mentioned, FRIDAY MORNINGS AT NINE is Brant all grown up.
This book is an entertaining, enlightening and by times mildly disturbing look at marriage, but more than that it is an exploration of female friendships. The author honestly and shamelessly explores the importance women have in each others lives, and the importance of being honest enough with yourself to be honest with your friends. I want to be at that cafe Friday morning at nine. I want to call these women my friends.
THAT is what a good story should make you feel!
July 29, 2013
I liked this book more than another of the author's books, A Summer In Europe. Maybe an unfair comparison since the themes are so different. Friday Mornings at Nine is an exploration of marriage, and maintaining a sense of identity in the midst of it. I could really empathise with each of the women and the situations they found themselves in. I enjoyed the different personalities of each character, and this is where the author's writing skills shone. Even though this is not a deeply profound book, I found it quite thought provoking as the women's situations were a culmination of the many choices (big or small) they made along the way, the things they did or did not do.
January 27, 2011
Haven't received yet, just got notice I had won.
12/3/10 still haven't received. :(
emailed the lister of the giveaway almost two weeks ago, no answer. Still haven't received. 1/6/11
WOO-HOO! Finally received my copy today when I went home for my lunch break! October 27th to January 20th. Wow, long wait, but at least I have it and I actually even started it already. Page 10 or so.....Too bad I have to be at work now.
Finished it last night. 1/26/11 It was a good book. I loved the characters and how their relationships were shown. I liked how though they were best friends, they found certain things way too difficult to talk about to each other. It was real. I liked how their stories ended, except maybe for Tamara. I am not sure I liked her at the end. Still, a good read, and worth the wait I had before I received it.
12/3/10 still haven't received. :(
emailed the lister of the giveaway almost two weeks ago, no answer. Still haven't received. 1/6/11
WOO-HOO! Finally received my copy today when I went home for my lunch break! October 27th to January 20th. Wow, long wait, but at least I have it and I actually even started it already. Page 10 or so.....Too bad I have to be at work now.
Finished it last night. 1/26/11 It was a good book. I loved the characters and how their relationships were shown. I liked how though they were best friends, they found certain things way too difficult to talk about to each other. It was real. I liked how their stories ended, except maybe for Tamara. I am not sure I liked her at the end. Still, a good read, and worth the wait I had before I received it.
March 10, 2011
After having read (and adored) Marilyn Brant’s debut novel, According to Jane, I couldn't wait to dig into her sophomore novel, Friday Mornings At Nine. Featuring three friends who have started to question the direction their lives have taken. Did they marry the right man? Was exchanging their hopes and dream for carpools and laundry duty the correct path? I enjoyed this journey of self discovery for these three 40 something women. With the POV alternating between three main characters, I was impressed with the author's ability to give each character a unique voice. I also loved that the wit and sarcasm I enjoyed so much in According to Jane was also present in Friday Mornings at Nine's dialouge. This is a great book! I recommend giving author Marilyn Brant a try
May 6, 2013
I found myself relating to the love troubles of all three main characters, which just goes to show how very universal love troubles are. It's a reminder of the importance of communication, warmth, and not treating each other like roommates in a marriage (or any relationship). The book is also a great reminder of how important female friendships are to maintain while trying to maintain a marriage, children, a job, a feeling of self...the struggle every woman in these harried times faces. The story is engaging enough, without being overly chick lit-annoying.
October 7, 2012
A great novel about relationships, friendships, communication, and the truth about the choices we make. Did you marry the right person? Are you living the life you are meant to live? Are you living a lie? Marilyn Brant writes with beauty and honesty, as she raises these kinds of questions in Friday Mornings at Nine. We follow three very different women who face these challenging questions as they view their marriages and lives. Can they have the happily-ever-after ending? The answer may surprise you.
February 7, 2011
UGH. The one star was awarded to the author for using spell-check and choosing beautiful cover art. The story is of some women who are all unhappy in their marriages for various reasons. By the end of the book they have either left their long-suffering husbands or made peace with them. I found all the female characters to be insufferable twits. I felt sorry for their husbands and I RARELY feel sorry for male characters in women's lit!
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