Tuesday, April 09, 2013

The Best Of Us by Sarah Pekkanen

Genre: Women's Fiction
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?


Connect with Sarah Pekkanen on her Website, Facebook or Twitter



14 comments:

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    1. I'd like to read more of her work Julie so that's a good sign :)

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  2. As a fan of her previous books, I look forward to this one.

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    1. Do you have a favourite to recommend of her previous books Nise?

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  3. I need to try a Pekkanen book one day

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  4. Hm I'll think about this one. I loved Skipping a Beat.

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    1. Thanks Mary, maybe I'll pick up Skipping a Beat next

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  5. I'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.

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    1. hmmm don't want to spoil anything Lindsey, it was a particular lie that got up my nose. Hope you get to read it!

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  6. Whoa! 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!

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    1. Waiting 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

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  7. Cocktail just curdled, LOL!
    I read Skipping a Beat but didn't love it as much as everyone else seemed to.

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