Helpful Score: 1
Tessa King is a 30-something single woman who has just returned to London after a hiatus in India. Her reason for the escape was to recover from an unfortunate stalking incident involved her married ex-boss. Tessa is returning home, jobless, to a life crowded with 30-something friends and their children. With countless best friends and many godchildren, Tessa prides herself on being the friend/godmother who is "there" in times of need or crisis, often neglecting her own endeavors as a result. When tragedy befalls Tessa and her tight-knit circle, she begins to reevaluate her motives and reconsider her life's direction.
For chick lit, this wasn't a terrible book (high praise, indeed, I know!). Many people who've spent most of their grown-up years single (myself included) may be able to relate to aspects of Tessa's life as they read this book. For example, without a family of your own, as a single person your friends can become like family and give you a sense of belonging. However, there were parts of this story that were mildly grating and extremely unrealistic (you knew this was coming, right?). For example, in the beginning, the sheer number of Tessa's "best" friends was overwhelming and it was difficult for me to keep them all (not to mention, their kiddos) straight. Secondly, despite the fact Tessa is without a job for 95% of the novel, she is never without the money. (How does she manage that?) Finally, at times, I felt that Tessa's decisions where her godchildren were concerned lacked a certain maturity that a 30-something person would realistically have acquired.
Toward the end of this novel, I was really beginning to roll my eyes and sigh in exasperation at the "happily-ever-after" direction I thought the novel was head. Luckily, Carrie Adams redeemed herself and Tessa's character (double entendre intended!) by taking the novel to a much more realistic and admirable ending.
For chick lit, this wasn't a terrible book (high praise, indeed, I know!). Many people who've spent most of their grown-up years single (myself included) may be able to relate to aspects of Tessa's life as they read this book. For example, without a family of your own, as a single person your friends can become like family and give you a sense of belonging. However, there were parts of this story that were mildly grating and extremely unrealistic (you knew this was coming, right?). For example, in the beginning, the sheer number of Tessa's "best" friends was overwhelming and it was difficult for me to keep them all (not to mention, their kiddos) straight. Secondly, despite the fact Tessa is without a job for 95% of the novel, she is never without the money. (How does she manage that?) Finally, at times, I felt that Tessa's decisions where her godchildren were concerned lacked a certain maturity that a 30-something person would realistically have acquired.
Toward the end of this novel, I was really beginning to roll my eyes and sigh in exasperation at the "happily-ever-after" direction I thought the novel was head. Luckily, Carrie Adams redeemed herself and Tessa's character (double entendre intended!) by taking the novel to a much more realistic and admirable ending.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
