Published by Grand Central Publishing
At the request of The Hachette Book Group, an ARC TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
Synopsis: It’s New Year’s Eve 2008, and best friends Magnolia Butler, Rebe Richardson, and Darla Clark, all born in 1969, are about to turn the dreaded 4-0 in January 2009. Magnolia, a New Year’s Day baby, is childless, and always a bridesmaid, never a bride. Rebe, the mother of a college-aged daughter named Trinity, has just gone through a divorce from a man whose sexual appetite far exceeded her desires and abilities. Darla is also a New Year’s Day baby, still mourning her husband’s death after five years.
My Thoughts and Opinion: I started reading this book thinking it was going to be about three long time friends who are facing the big 4-0 and seeing their individual perspective of what it means to each of them. Both looking into the past and what they are hoping for the future. I truly thought it was a typical chick lit read. And even though it has been a few years that I have passed that milestone, I really thought it was going to be the type of novel whereas you become part of the characters’ lives. It started off that way with chapters alternating between the three ladies and their lives with some sexual undertones that were, understandably part of the story line. However, after reading over 100+ pages, I then realized that the sexual undertones were not just an undercurrent but the main premise of the book. I don’t consider myself a prude by any means but when the story turned to very graphic and erotica descriptive chapters, that I felt took away from the actual concept of friendship and lives, I knew it was time to set this one to the side. I would have continued reading it if it was written with more of a substantive storyline with sexual undercurrents.
I judged this book by it's cover and it seems I did so rightly. Thank your for your honest review.