It's a fairly simple story. Four life-long friends: Cassie, Anouk, Kelly, and Suzy are in their early 30's, and have gathered together to celebrate Cassie's tenth anniversary with a party at her husband's Scottish estate. Kelly lives in New York and works in the fashion industry, Suzy lives in London and is a wedding planner, and Anouk likes in Paris and designs high-end jewelry. Cassie has been happily married for ten years to her stuffy husband, Gil. He's promised her they can start to think of having children after they've hit their tenth anniversary.
At the party, Cassie's world crumbles, and her friends bundle her off to New York to escape the pain of a broken marriage. They have all decided that Cassie will spend four months with each friend, and in doing so, rebuild her life and decide what she wants to do as a single woman. First stop is New York and Kelly. Cassie's world in New York is the complete opposite of her country life in Scotland. Wow. I mean completely opposite! A whole lot of stuff happens that I can't share because then you wouldn't read the book. Needless to say, Cassie has a lot of choices to make. Suzy's younger brother, Henry, gives Cassie a list of things to do in each city. It's Henry's way of helping Cassie move along and rebuild her life--and I have to say the lists are pretty awesome.
Paris and London follow New York, and in each location Cassie undergoes tremendous change; grows up, and experiences a lot of life. I couldn't put this book down! And it clocks in at almost 600 pages. No kidding. But you will get completely sucked into Cassie's adventures. I loved it! I'm kind of sad to see it end.
This novel is a bit more serious that the usual chick-lit. I would recommend it to fans of contemporary women's fiction, college-age ladies, and pretty much anyone looking for a good read with some great international locations. It's all about friendship, looking at yourself and your choices, and most importantly, timing. As you will see, timing is everything in this novel.
Rating: 8/10. I loved Cassie, Anouk, Kelly, and Suzy and their friendship. The different locations around the world added a sophistication to the novel that I had me itching to pack my bags.
Available in paperback and e-book.
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ReplyDeleteThis book really sounds like something I would be interested in reading! Probably not the type that i call my favourite, but it does sound good. I was just wondering if it's the type similar to Eat Pray Love. In that case I wouldn't be too into it :/ but awesome review!
ReplyDeleteWell, I quite agree with you. This, indeed is the time for some great holiday books! As for me, I am reading my all time favorite Christmas book 'The Special Guest' by Lee Allen. I read it the first time 20 years back and was lucky to get my hands on the special 20th Century edition!
ReplyDeleteThis wouldn't be the type of book I'd normally read, but sometimes you just need a good old-fashioned holiday read, you are absolutely right.
ReplyDeleteI've recently written a post on books - my 5 recommended for Christmas, just a small and select list! I'd be delighted for you to check it out, and let me know if you've read any and what you think if you have.
http://thesignorina.com/2014/12/13/5-must-read-books-for-this-christmas/