This book was sent to Traveling With T for review consideration.

The Life She Wants

Summary: #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr creates an emotional and uplifting ensemble of characters in this rags-to-riches-to-rags novel about women, friendship and the complex path to happiness

In the aftermath of her financier husband’s suicide, Emma Shay Compton’s dream life is shattered. Richard Compton stole his clients’ life savings to fund a lavish life in New York City and, although she was never involved in the business, Emma bears the burden of her husband’s crimes. She is left with nothing.

Only one friend stands by her, a friend she’s known since high school, who encourages her to come home to Sonoma County. But starting over isn’t easy, and Sonoma is full of unhappy memories, too. And people she’d rather not face, especially Riley Kerrigan.

Riley and Emma were like sisters—until Riley betrayed Emma, ending their friendship. Emma left town, planning to never look back. Now, trying to stand on her own two feet, Emma can’t escape her husband’s reputation and is forced to turn to the last person she thought she’d ever ask for help—her former best friend. It’s an uneasy reunion as both women face the mistakes they’ve made over the years. Only if they find a way to forgive each other—and themselves—can each of them find the life she wants.

 

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

A Robyn Carr book to me is a quick and easy read. Something light! While The Life She Wants deals with some heavy topics (suicide, putting your life together after your husband swindled money from investors and facing old friends) Robyn tackles the topics with an easy hand- she paints the picture, but keeps her trademark light and easy storytelling ways about her.

Riley and Emma were besties until Riley broke the girl code about besties before boyfriends- and Emma left. Never spoke to her again. Went on to marry the love of her life and thought she was living happily every after (until she wasn’t).

I LOVE stories like this. Friendships can be so intense, so consuming at times- and mistakes between friends can blow up- which makes for sucky life, but good fiction!

What I liked:

Emma and Riley. Strong personalities. Both of them have had to be strong for different reasons- can they set aside their differences and find the way back to each other?

Adam. Riley’s brother. He’s my new book boyfriend.

The relationship between Riley’s mom and Emma. Emma did not have the easiest childhood and Riley’s mom (can’t remember her name!) really takes on a role of mothering Emma, helping her reach her best potential.

Riley’s mom laying down the law with Riley. There is a point in the book when Riley is getting upset because she feels that Emma is taking people from her. Riley’s mom lays down the law and lets her know a few truths- and that Riley is allowed to upset by the things that happened in the past, but she is not allowed to upset other people’s apple carts. It was a turning point for Riley!

 

Add this to your TBR list– it’s totally worth a read if you are a fan of Robyn Carr and it’s a perfect book to start with if you have never read her books before!

 

*This book was sent to Traveling With T for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.*

 

Happy reading and bookishly yours,

T @ Traveling With T