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Release date: June 26, 2018

Publisher: William Morrow

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Blurb:

The author of The Fifth Letter takes a laser look at the uneasy relationships between women and the real-world ramifications of online conflicts and social media hostilities in this stunning domestic drama. A story of privilege, unspoken rivalries, and small acts of vengeance with huge repercussions sure to please fans of Sarah Jio and Ruth Ware.

Overwhelmed at the office and reeling from betrayals involving the people she loves, Poppy feels as if her world has tipped sideways. Maybe her colleague, Annalise, is right—Poppy needs to let loose and blow off some steam. What better way to vent than social media?

With Annalise, she creates an invitation-only Facebook group that quickly takes off. Suddenly, Poppy feels like she’s back in control—until someone begins leaking the group’s private posts and stirring up a nasty backlash, shattering her confidence.

Feeling judged by disapproving female colleagues and her own disappointed children, Frankie, too, is careening towards the breaking point. She also knows something shocking about her boss—sensitive knowledge that is tearing her apart.

As things begin to slide disastrously, dangerously out of control, carefully concealed secrets and lies are exposed with devastating consequences—forcing these women to face painful truths about their lives and the things they do to survive.

Review:

I think most of us are are guilty of watching drama unfold online in various groups, I know I sure am and reading this was exactly like having a front row seat at someone else’s virtual cat fight. The mommy wars are nonstop arguing and bickering about how to parent the right way, but what if the fighting was actually not only between the mothers themselves but divided between those who have children and those who actively chose not to? An interesting premise to say the least and one that was rife with backstabbing, betrayals, secrets and lies.

While this was a super light and easy read I did appreciate that the author dove into some relevant issues surrounding womanhood in a unique way. The vast majority of WF seems to highlight women with children or who are desperate to have children and are struggling and while I can definitely relate to those types of characters, it was refreshing to read about the other side of the coin. Having kids is such a deeply personal decision and one that no one should ever be questioned about, so why is it common practice for people to boldly ask women why they made the choice not to have kids? It’s a bit absurd really and this book made me really think about why it’s a fairly common occurrence. I have several friends who don’t have kids and won’t ever and while we’ve had discussions about it I would never dream of interrogating them, or worse yet trying to convince them to change their mind. Imagine a friend trying to tell you not to have more kids, ridiculous right?!

This was a gossipy, fun read with a little intrigue and spice that had me turning pages easily. It was also quick witted and entertaining, it had a very fly on the wall feeling to it, maybe because it included snippets of Facebook posts and messages, but either way it made for one juicy read and one that doesn’t take itself too seriously but also dives a little deeper than the average Chick Lit book.

Those Other Women in three words: Gossipy, Sassy and Amusing.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.