The Good Woman (Review)

The Good Woman

(Brennan Sisters, #1)

By: Jane Porter

Release Date: September 4th, 2012

Genre(s): Women's Fiction/Chick-Lit/Contemporary

My Review: (4.5/5 stars*)

  

The Good Woman is heart-gripping, real, and moving on so many different levels. It sheds light on the real-life struggles women face and it's extremely relatable. The story is engaging, fun, emotional, and written wonderfully. Jane Porter has the gift of connecting with readers on a very personal level and making them feel for the characters deeply. I will admit to putting the book down a few times just so I could take in and fully appreciate everything I was reading. It pulls you in like a tide—put plain and simple—it's addicting. I was unsure in the beginning how I would be able to connect with the topic of marital infidelity but how the whole issue is handled it shows you another side to the situation. It doesn't condone such behavior, or even take it lightly but merely portrays the realistic scenario as it is and that I found really nice for a change. I could easily relate with Meg and her internal struggles, also having family members with high expectations. Nobody is perfect and that's what this book explores.

The story centers on Meg Brennan Roberts who is the eldest daughter of a big Irish-American family. Meg's life upon outside inspection seems perfect—having a supportive husband, three bright children, and a well-paying job as a wine publicist—it's a great illusion. Her sisters have always looked up to her for being so well put together but underneath Meg's skillfully constructed facade she's falling to pieces. Mary Margaret—as her sisters like to call her—is methodical, over-worked, and has a complicated relationship with her family members. But now she faces the new addition of a stale marriage that no longer seems like enough—Meg comes to the realization that she needs more. Always playing the role as the good woman has finally taken its toll and she's ready for something to change.

This is a self-discovering journey of a woman who has always done everything by the book until she shakes things up and starts living for herself instead of others. It's inspiring; it'll make you laugh, come close to tears, and make you frustrated all at once. The Good Woman evokes soo many emotions good and bad—you'll find it difficult to put it down! Porter weaves her words into your heart. The Good Woman is a fantastic read, with down-to-earth characters, terrific writing, realistic situations, and family drama that will keep you continuously intrigued. Fans of Women's Fiction and Chick-Lit will really enjoy it!  

Synopsis:

Is it possible to leave it all behind?
The firstborn of a large Irish-American family, Meg Brennan Roberts is a successful publicist, faithful wife, and doting mother who prides herself on always making the right decisions. But years of being “the good woman” have taken a toll and though her winery career thrives, Meg feels burned out and empty, and more disconnected than ever from her increasingly distant husband. Lonely and disheartened, she attends the London Wine Fair with her boss, ruggedly handsome vintner, Chad Hallahan. It’s here, alone together in an exotic city, far from “real” life, that Chad confesses his long-standing desire for Meg.

Overwhelmed, flattered, and desperately confused, Meg returns home, only to suddenly question every choice she’s ever made, especially that of her marriage. For Meg, something’s got to give, and for once in her life she flees her responsibilities—but with consequences as reckless and irreversible as they are liberating. Now she must decide whether being the person everyone needs is worth losing the woman she was meant to be. 

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