Catchy title, fairly predictable. Grown up version of the classic 'tween story of bad girl befriends good girl. Nothing earth shattering, no real pearls of wisdom to glean. --we're all going to make these same mistakes no matter what. There are some laugh out loud, and some roll your eyes moments. And after all, that's really where the fun of a novel like this really lies. ( )

Perfect mindless book for reading at an indoor waterpark.
Simplistic, one dimensional characterization (slut with a heart of gold, perfect wife and mother unhappy in life). Nice steamy bits with next door neighbor and handyman Mike.
Enjoyable, decadent, not fine literature but a fun quick read.
Would be interested to read more by Ms Sharpe. ( )

Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakthrough by Isabel Sharep was sent to me by Harper Collins to review. At first I thought this was going to be one of your average, run-of-the-mill "Chick Lit" books. But I was wrong. This book is so much more than that! It is the story of 3 women that live in Kettle, WI, a town where nothing BAD every happen. Sarah is the perfect wife, mother, and citizen of Kettle. She is polished and proper, the unofficial head of the Kettle Social Club, and appearances are EVERYTHING to Sarah. But her marriage is falling apart. Her husband has taken her for granted and her teenage daughter is rebelling, something Sarah never would have done. Erin is a shy, mousy woman, who hides the things that her husband does to her behind closed doors. I mean, nothing bad could every happen in Kettle, right? Just as she hid the things her father did to her before she was married. And Vivian, who has just returned to Kettle to live in her Grandmother's house. She is trying to pick up the pieces of her life since she has been acquitted of murdering her husband. She is brash and brazen and the media has had a field day with this "bad" girl. All she wants to do is blend in and not make any waves until the media has given up an her.
What do these women have in common? On the outside, it would seem to be nothing. But really they are alot more alike than even they want to admit. This story is more about becoming who you really are and putting away the masks that we hide behind. It is a tale of courage and struggle, friendship and love. I was very impressed with this book. It shows just how complex people really are. The characters were certainly NOT one-dimensional and I enjoyed the story alot. ( )