Publication Date: 9th April 2013
Pages: 352
Book Source: Simon & Schuster & NetGalley
Synopsis: Following a once-in-a-lifetime invitation, a group
of old college friends leap at the chance to bring their husbands for a week’s
vacation at a private villa in Jamaica to celebrate a former classmates'
thirty-fifth birthday.
All four women are desperate for a break and this
seems like a perfect opportunity. Tina is drowning under the demands of
mothering four young children. Allie needs to escape from the shattering news
about an illness that runs in her family. Savannah is carrying the secret of
her husband’s infidelity. And, finally, there’s Pauline, who spares no expense
to throw her husband an unforgettable birthday celebration, hoping it will
gloss over the cracks that have already formed in their new marriage.
The
week begins idyllically, filled with languorous days and late nights of
drinking and laughter. But as a hurricane approaches the island, turmoil
builds, forcing each woman to re-evaluate everything she’s known about the
others—and herself.
My
Thoughts:
Who wouldn't love an all-expenses-paid,
no-expense-spared tropical island holiday to celebrate a friend's birthday? ... nup not me I wish ;)
Sarah's writing is smooth and easy to read, she
does a wonderful job giving 4 women a unique voice, exploring their
relationships, the everyday demands on marriage and friendship, the love, laughs, troubles and secrets, balancing it all. That was the fun part along with
the private jet, sun, sea, cocktails, massages, in house chef, gourmet meals
... I have serious vacation envy.
All marriages/relationships have their highs,
plateaus and low lows but I have zero tolerance for lies, more so than the
actual act of infidelity (if that makes sense) ... making a conscious decision to live with the guilt
and protect your spouse and friend from hurt ... yeah whatever.
Cocktail just curdled.
The Best Of Us was my first Sarah Pekkanen read but
I'm sure it won't be my last. Personal gripe aside, it was a quick,
entertaining read and I enjoyed Sara's writing style so much I'd love to try
something else. Any recommendations?
Sounds like a good little read!!!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to read more of her work Julie so that's a good sign :)
DeleteAs a fan of her previous books, I look forward to this one.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a favourite to recommend of her previous books Nise?
DeleteI loved Skipping A Beat!
DeleteI need to try a Pekkanen book one day
ReplyDeleteI'd been saying that for a while too B lol
DeleteHm I'll think about this one. I loved Skipping a Beat.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary, maybe I'll pick up Skipping a Beat next
DeleteI've heard great things about this book and this author, but I can see how the lying and infidelity would turn you off a bit.
ReplyDeletehmmm don't want to spoil anything Lindsey, it was a particular lie that got up my nose. Hope you get to read it!
DeleteWhoa! You've so got me intrigued by your review. I wasn't overly crazy by the first book I read of hers last year, but it wasn't terrible so that's why I picked up this one. Now I can't wait to see what my reaction will be!
ReplyDeleteWaiting impatiently on your thoughts Staci lol. I really like her writing style so while this one won't be a fave I'm keen to try others
DeleteCocktail just curdled, LOL!
ReplyDeleteI read Skipping a Beat but didn't love it as much as everyone else seemed to.