Women with children have figured out that life cannot be over structured and flexibility is a must. It is not easy and it certainly can be complex and quite harrowing much of the time… or at least until the kids are grown. Many moms I know recognize the terms frazzled, over scheduled and tiring. When the work day is done, the work begins again at home. It is an expected duty for many women.
THE GOOD WOMAN (Berkley Trade Paperback Original; September 4, 2012; $15), by bestselling author Jane Porter introduces a new trilogy about the Brennan sisters, women who grapple with very real issues.
About the Book:
Meg Roberts is the eldest of the Brennan sisters and she is used to being in control and presenting an image of perfection to those around her. But Meg’s life isn’t perfect and lately it’s been feeling out of control as well.
As she approaches her 43rd birthday and reflects on her 17 years of marriage, Meg realizes she wants more out of life. More love, more passion, more something. She embarks on an affair that shatters her world and her family relationships. Meg is forced to come to terms with the person she was, and who she has become, as well as learning that happiness isn’t something she has to chase, but rather a choice she must make for herself.
Readers will find comfort in Porter’s revelation that real life is messy and that while every woman’s choice to find happiness and self-acceptance may take a different path, many experiences and feelings are universal.
My Thoughts:
I started reading this book and could immediately identify with the main character. Meg is a take charge machine. She runs the household, the kids, works full time and does everything in between. I also very much identified with Meg when she started to burn out and look inwards realizing she was not a machine and her life as she was living it, was just not enough. She turned to her husband and was not given what she needed. In many marriages this is a huge factor too. Then the affair occurred and emotions went wild within the whole family.
I enjoyed how the author wrote from the heart about what a woman feels and how it affects those that surround her. The writing is real and emotional. There were several parts that I found tears rolling down my face. The characters struggle to find a foothold and work out their issues. The author is not afraid to show how devastating martial strife is to the family and writes about it in a manner that leaves you feeling like you are right there in the same room, feeling all of the emotions too. I cheered on the romance in many ways but realized healing in the family must begin again too.
The author crafted this book in a fabulous manner so that you are involved from the beginning and all the way through. You get to know the entire family and it is so easy to relate to them all. The siblings, the parents, the husband and the kids. I for one will be looking forward to the next book in this series about the Brennan sisters and their stories.
About the Author:
Jane Porter is an award-winning novelist with over 5 million books in print. Porter is known for her emotional, heartfelt stories about women struggling with issues of friendship, marriage, family, and self-acceptance. She grew up in central California, graduated from UCLA and holds an MA in writing from the University of San Francisco. Porter writes full time and lives in southern California with her family. Visit her website at www.janeporter.com.
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
I am almost afraid to read this book. I know I will get so involved in the actions/activities of Meg that I shall cry, etc.
Ohhhh! This book looks great!