A good reminder of why I don't like "chick lit" so much. While not offensively bad, I had much higher hopes for this book. The concept was a good one, then entered the characters... None of the depth one would hope to find in a group of this type was found on these pages. In fact, having both led groups and been a group member through the years, this was wildly unrealistic. The women did stupid things, all presented false fronts not only to the world but also to their therapy group, yet they all seemed able to create genuine friendships. How exactly is that possible? These characters, every single one, needed an intervention.

This is one I even resented using my time to read. I'm glad it was a library book.

I really, really like this. Who would have thought since it is so far from my current lifestyle.

Oh, my poor broken heart. The Wednesday Group is Sylvia True's debut novel, but I can promise you right now that it doesn't read like one. It's stunning, and heartbreaking. I came into a story about women whose problems were far removed from my own life. My biggest worry was that I wouldn't be able to connect enough to really enjoy this story. Trust me, I shouldn't have had any doubts. True's characters came to life. They embraced me as part of their group, and I watched as they laid their hearts and their souls on the table for me to pick apart. Be warned, this isn't the happiest of stories. It is beautiful though, and so very important.

Gail, Hannah, Bridget, Lizzie and Flavia couldn't be more different from one another when the book begins. Learning each of their unique personalities was actually one of my favorites parts of this story. My heart was pulled in all directions while I slowly fell into each one of their lives. Some meek, some angry, but all stronger women then they could ever know. That is, until they came together as a group. I was so impressed at how bluntly, and yet at the same time sensitively, True tackled the concept of men with sex addiction, and how it affects their wives and families. I adored that she didn't lump all of these characters into one coping mechanism. She allowed them their own flaws, and poor decisions, which ultimately made this a much more satisfying story.

What's even more brilliant about this story is the simple fact that it's all forward movement. There's very little fluff, or filler. It's all decisions, consequences, and tons of human growth. Of course, while this was utterly satisfying to read, it also meant that it was emotionally draining as well. I ran the full gambit of emotions while I followed these women on their journey. I felt rage, despair, hope, and so much sadness that it almost overwhelmed me. If I can give credit where credit is due, Sylvia True definitely has mastered the art of pacing. It was perfection.

I can't state enough how impressed I was with The Wednesday Group. Where I started out wary that I wasn't going to feel involved enough, I ended up completely enmeshed in these women's lives. I can't recommend this enough.

When I first started listening to this book, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to finish it. The women in this book just felt so... other. By that, I mean that I've been blessed to never have to deal with even a tiny bit of the problems these women face. I've never been cheated on. Never dealt with living with a sex addict. I didn't know if I could deal with the issues, the sadness, and the rage these women felt.

And then... it all just clicked. Suddenly I totally understood what they were going through. I felt for them, understood the rage and the despair. I don't know how it happened, but it did.

I'm almost done, and I'm honestly kind of sad.

I'm going to miss these ladies.

Recently I was delighted to discover, three of my newfound Boston authors formed a JDC Book Blogger Fan Club.  A book blogger's dream!  Am honored - from a great lineup of talent! 

From L to R:  Hedi Pitlor, Sylvia True, Annie Weatherwax  

All book bloggers are keenly aware of the time and devotion it takes on a daily basis, to read, and review books, as we carefully put together our thoughts-- all the reasons we love a certain book, and what makes it special and unique to us as a reader.  We want to share our love with fellow readers and followers.  

Of course, then we need to post it on all the popular websites, blogs, book sites, and social media. Then interact with readers and authors. Some days you wonder if anyone reads your reviews; is it worth the time, or if the author or readers care about your thoughts? 

However, when you think about it, a minor undertaking, compared to the effort on the author's part in getting the book in our hands!

When I think of all the time, devotion, sweat, tears, and passion it takes for an author to write a book, with the entire process from creation, edits, to the final product, plus the marketing and time interacting with readers, via social media, in order to sell their books----I am tired just thinking about it!   They deserve more than just a "pat on the back."  I have worked with authors in a marketing capacity, and it is no joy ride for them, with constant changes. 

Reading, writing, and posting of reviews may seem like such a small minor task, yet can speak volumes -- assisting an author to help spread the word-- to thousands of followers, is critical to the overall success of the book, and its future sales.  In addition, when you love an author, you become a fan for life--following them for years to come with their future books.  A win, win!

A fun story- wanted to share with other bloggers, readers, and authors.  I think others may appreciate, how exciting it is to CONNECT. .  

_________________________________________________

Last year I reviewed a debut book
ALL WE HAD 
8/5/2014 by Annie Weatherwax.  
Of course, loved it, and wrote a five star review.  

The stunning debut novel from sculptor and painter Annie Weatherwax, a wry and sharply observed portrait of a gritty mother and daughter, living on the edge of poverty, who find an unlikely home amid the quirky residents of small town America.

It then landed on my

Top 30 Book List for 2014. 
Furthermore, I thought, what a cool book for a movie. 
Most recently Annie emailed me to share the news
of an upcoming movie, based on the novel!
 Like how cool is that?  

Read My Review    Visit Annie's Website    Movie News    Connect Twitter 

 ________________________________________________

Thereafter, most recently, I read another ARC debut, 
THE WEDNESDAY GROUP, by Sylvia True, 
3/24/2015,  which I loved, loved  . . . 
 again resulting in a glowing 5 star review.

From author Sylvia True comes The Wednesday Group, a captivating, moving novel about friendship, marriage, and the bonds that connect us all.

Read My Review     Visit Sylvia's Website      Connect Twitter 

 ________________________________________________

 A few weeks later, I am reading and reviewing an ARC of
THE DAYLIGHT MARRIAGE, by Hedi Pitlor,
upcoming 5/5/2015.  Once again, the book stood out as exceptional

and another 5 star review.   

With unforgettable intensity, balanced wit and heartbreak, and emotional acuity, The Daylight Marriage is a novel about what happens when our intuitions lead us down the wrong paths.

Read My Review      Visit Hedi's Website      Connect Twitter  

_________________________________________________

Little did I know these THREE talented authors and extraordinary women are friends in the Boston area, until Sylvia emailed me via Goodreads, afterwards. Ironically, all were extraordinary stories each unique with powerful messages, and greatly deserving of a winning review.

Thereafter, was invited to come to Boston and join them for dinner as they were celebrating Syliva's most recent launch.  Since I could not attend, being in South Florida, they were nice enough to send me a photo (thank you ladies) - loved it and am honored.

One of these days, will take them up on the offer, as would be so much fun, being in the same room with such talent and fun women.  I have found it so inspiring to connect with authors via Goodreads, and in particular, Twitter.  Twitter is an easy way to connect and say a special "Happy Pub Day", share your review; a place to say a few words,  which can go along way. 

________________________________________________

BTW:  I also wanted to mention another one of my
favorite southern authors, from New Orleans,
(one of my favorite cities, too)

Yes, Amy Conner, would love to be there like now!   

Another great story, connecting with her last year with her debut,

THE RIGHT THING 5/27/2014,

also landed on my
Top 30 Books of 2014! 

 Moving, witty, and beautifully told, The Right Thing is a story of love and courage, the powerful impact of friendship, and the small acts that can anchor a life--or, with a little luck, steer it in the right direction at last.

Most recently read and reviewed an ARC of Amy's 

upcoming 5/27/2015 MILLION DOLLAR ROAD,

and you guessed it, another 5 star winner.  

Set in the heart of Louisiana, Amy Conner’s spellbinding new novel tells of a young woman yearning for a better existence—and of the secret longings that will change the lives of all those around her.

Read My Review     Visit Amy's Website     Connect Twitter 

 Amy has joined the JDC Fan Club,

and now we have to find a way to ALL meet up one day;

from New Orleans, Boston, and West Palm Beach -

three cities, not so shabby (what fun)! 

________________________________________________

Hopefully this story will inspire authors, readers, and bloggers to connect, as you never know who may be is reading your reviews, and a lifelong friendship develops.

Thank you, for my new fan club of authors.  A tribute to all of you - Keep up the great writing.  Maybe if I hang out with these authors, some of their creativity will rub off on me eventually.  I still have a novel in my head and one of these days . . ..   just maybe, will become a reality. Until we can meet in person, love connecting with you on Twitter.  

On behalf of all readers and bloggers,  a special thank you to ALL the talented authors which continue to bring avid readers and bloggers much happiness, as they continue to share their thoughts, creations and talents.

I also want to mention all of these books came to me through NetGalley and the respective publishers.  Sending out a special thanks and regards to them, for introducing me to this fine group of talented authors.

Visit My Book Blog     Connect Twitter