I tend to like novels by Jane Green. Most chick-lit is uncomplicated and full of women who fawn over men they think are usually out of their league. These women tend to be unassuming, befuddled, insecure, and annoying. Although Green's novels are always well-written and entertaining, her main heroine, Grace Chapman, holds at least a few of those qualities.Grace Chapman has the picture perfect life. She's married to a successful author, has a beautiful, talented daughter, and a knack for creating the perfect dish. The only problem is that these things are all not true. Her life isn't as perfect as it may seem. In fact her life isn't as perfect as she would even like to think it is.From the beginning, there is tension on every page. As the narrator describes Ted Chapman, Grace's husband, it's almost certain where the pages will lead in this book. Instead, Green totally changes the course and doesn't go with such a predictable plot, and brings us instead more of a cautionary tale. Actually, two cautionary tales. Without giving too much away, Grace and Ted are in need of a personal assistant when Beth falls into their laps. She's perfect. Beth is able to help Grace with her household duties, as well as calm the storm that is Ted. But... there's just something about her Grace can't quite put her finger on. Something that just isn't right. Before long Grace is questioning everything about her life, her husband, and this Godsend. This is when the second cautionary tale comes in to play. It's in reference to the American need to label all things and all people.Because I must have a gripe with almost every novel, I think what was most annoying about this novel was Grace. I know that most women in these novels are supposed to be a little annoying. They ignore signs that any blind person can see. They make dumb moves and almost always base their worth on a men. Grace is no different. She's absolutely draining because she's so weak. I guess that's the point. No one can save us but ourselves. Saving Grace is an interesting novel that will leave readers more aware of who they welcome into their lives and homes and running from their own truths. Jane Green always manages to reel me in with her writing and absolute need to finish the story. I am compelled to see it to the end no matter how much I like or dislike her characters. One other plus about this book is that it has recipes. Recipes are huge for a lot of women... so please, by all means, this book is for you. ***Copy provided by St. Martin's Press via netgalley
Sometimes I'm just in the mood for some good old chick-lit and no one does this genre better than Jane Green. Although the feature characters are often times flighty, superficial, and sometimes annoying there is something that keeps me coming back to revel in their lives. Tempting Fate is that type of novel for me. A story that is instantly engaging, so much so that I was shouting at my Kindle and falling in and out of love with Gabby all in the same breath.Gabby lives a relatively good life with her husband Elliot of 20 years. They have two wonderful daughters, a picture-perfect suburban life, and a marriage that seems impenetrable. All is good in her world until a girls' night out opens her up to the world of possibilities that include a gorgeous millionaire 10x's her junior. Before long, a night of innocent flirting turns into a dangerous attraction that threatens to end the perfect world Gabby created with her husband.Jane Green has a way of telling a story that captivates readers and holds them in suspense, waiting for the ball to drop. There are times when the plot is predictable, and other times where my jaw drops to the floor having not seen it coming. Amid all the circumstances that arise in Tempting Fate, Green still manages to get her point across.Themes pop up in this novel that are hard to ignore such as emotional versus physical affairs. Is one more acceptable than the other kept playing in my mind? I still don't have the answer. Gabby also battles with the one thing that only goes up and never comes down: Age. She sees a middle-aged housewife with lines as deep as the potholes in Chicago, and is unable to remain unfazed by the what she thinks is innocent communications with a man she clearly has an attraction to. Another issue that arises is how do we decide who's family. Is family always, or only, defined by blood? True family can overcome any issue, big or small, in an effort to stay together. Jane Green pushes the envelope in demanding readers to ask themselves what's most important and learning how to forgive. I was back and forth with this novel questioning how I would react to some of the jaw-dropping circumstances that happen to this unsuspecting New England couple.While reading this novel I couldn't help but notice the narrators voice was a little odd. There were times when I thought I was reading a fairytale in the way the characters' stories were being relayed. These instances are most noticeable in the beginning of a chapter when the narrator is trying to seem distant and tells the story almost in a catty, far off voice that borders on cautionary. Once again, Jane Green is my go-to when I'm in need of good chick-lit that isn't completely mindless. Tempting Fate definitely fit the bill for a great, easy read that brings up issues that really matter. I look forward to what's next from this author only because I definitely consider her one of my favorites. ****Copy provided by St Martin's Press via Netgalley
