Our book reviewers have three novels that together offer a rich tapestry of personal and historical narratives, exploring the complexities of relationships, resilience, and societal dynamics. “Perfect” is a captivating novel that explores the delicate balance between personal satisfaction and professional success.  “An American Beauty” vividly portrays Arabella Huntington’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming the richest woman in the Gilded Age. “Count the Ways” is an epic family saga that traces Eleanor and Cam’s relationship from the 1970s to its ultimate demise against a backdrop of historical events.

Inside the “Perfect” Marriage

Perfect by Suzy England is a captivating novel that examines the delicate balance between personal satisfaction and professional success.  Everyone thinks this couple has the perfect marriage.  We all know there is no such thing as a perfect life or marriage.  I loved how England talked about the idea of perfection in this book.

This story is about Rebecca Albright, a debut author whose book has become an instant best seller.  She has a beautiful home, on the New York Times bestseller’s list and a successful home.  From the outside, she appears to have it all, the absolute perfect life and marriage.  While her professional life is taking off, her personal life is slowly falling apart.  Her husband, Will, is having a difficult time adjusting to her new fame and being gone so much.  He is missing having his wife around.  Family secrets begin to be exposed, and their marriage starts to show a strained relationship.  When Rebecca’s ex-husband, suddenly comes back into the picture, acting like the man she always dreamed he would be, she must make a choice.  Does she work for her current marriage, or return to her ex-husband?

Rebecca’s Dad becomes ill, she goes to him immediately to care for him.  Will goes with her and when her mother arrives, she can tell that there is something off with Rebecca and Will’s relationship.  Rebecca’s parents are divorced, and her mother shares some insight to their divorce that helps Rebecca to know how she can repair the hurt feelings in her marriage.

Suzy England perfectly weaved the narrative through three timelines, with a multi-layered exploration of Rebecca’s life. This novel shows the intimate details of a relationship under stress while capturing the feelings of emotions, like jealousy, neglect, and temptation.  These characters are so very relatable and well-developed.  The story is filled with love and heartbreak.  England has beautifully written a book showing us how we can make sacrifices for those we love, and a perfect portrayal of marriage.  I really loved this book.  I highly recommend this five-star book. GET THE BOOK.

~Francene Katzen, Richmond, Virginia, advocate for parents who have children with drug addictions.

If You Love the Gilded Age, You Will Love This Novel

An American Beauty: A Novel of the Gilded Age Inspired by the True Story of Arabella Huntington Who Became the Richest Woman in the Country is a captivating historical novel that vividly brings to life the opulence and complexity of the Gilded Age.

This book follows the extraordinary journey of Arabella Huntington, a woman who rose from humble beginnings to become the richest woman in the country. The novel intricately weaves factual history with imaginative storytelling, creating a narrative that is both informative and engaging.

The author masterfully portrays Arabella’s determination, intelligence, and resilience as she navigates a male-dominated society. Her strategic marriages and astute business acumen are highlighted, demonstrating how she defied societal expectations and carved her own path to success. The rich descriptions of the era’s lavish lifestyles and the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty immerse readers in the historical context, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in this fascinating period.

Overall, “An American Beauty” is a beautifully written tribute to a remarkable woman, offering insights into her life and the broader social dynamics of the Gilded Age. It’s a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those intrigued by the stories of powerful women who shaped history. GET THE BOOK.

~Cheryl Benton, aka, “The Head Tomato”

An Epic Family Saga

Count the Ways, prolific author Joyce Maynard’s 10th book published in 2021, sets the stage for her new release, How the Light Gets In. A story about love, marriage, parenting, infidelity, loss, and forgiveness, Count the Ways is an epic family saga that follows the lives of Eleanor and Cam all the way from meeting in the 1970’s through to their blossoming romance onto raising a family, and eventually to the demise of their relationship in the wake of a heartbreaking tragedy.

As an artist and writer, Eleanor has earned enough money in her early career to drop out of college and buy a farm in NH, which plays a central part in the narrative. The well-loved farmhouse assumes the role of a character, both during the early years of solitude where Eleanor cultivates it before meeting Cam, and then after, when they follow their dream of raising three children, filling it with the chaos, laughter, and joy of a family.

This flawed family of complex characters evolves against the backdrop of the farm, from an outwardly idyllic life of summer softball games and Labor Day cookouts, snow days, and skating on the pond to a reality fractured by painful truths, mistakes, and wrongdoings

Tracing the course of their lives with a nostalgia that is effortlessly woven throughout the story, Maynard taps into the current events of the era – illegal abortions, the draft, the early computer age, the Challenger explosion, the Aids epidemic, and beyond, including the gender transition of one of the children.

A sensitive and comprehensive tale about an imperfect family, Count the Ways evokes strong sentiments of love, loss, and the redemptive power of forgiveness. And if it leaves you wanting more, the story continues in Maynard’s new book, How the Light Gets In. GET THE BOOK.

~ Joan Pagano, is the founder and CEO of Joan Pagano Fitness, NYC