Review: Paige (The Newport Ladies Book Club) by Annette Lyon

After a bitter divorce from her unfaithful husband, Paige moves from Utah to California with her two little boys and vows to make a fresh start. She finds a job at a dental practice that helps her get back on her feet, but it's the friends she makes at her new book club who help her realize how strong she is and who give her support to carry on as she faces the challenges of being a single mom. She also meets Derryl, a wonderful, kind, attentive man who treats her right, something her ex never did. Yet Paige struggles to figure out who she is as a woman rather than a wife, how to help her boys adjust to a broken home, and whether she can ever trust a man or love again. As Paige leans on the book club ladies and Derryl's ever-present care, one thing becomes clear: healing from the past requires more than a change of address.

This is the third installment of the Newport Ladies Book Club series where we get to know Paige a little bit better.  I was really looking forward to reading about Paige based on the glimpse I had of her in the other books, Olivia and Daisy.  (titles are linked to my reviews on these books if you are interested)

When I received instructions and information on reviewing this series, I was given the caution that not every book has a happily ever after ending.  They weren't kidding about that.  This women's fiction series deals with very real life situations and we all know that real life is hard and not always happily ever after.  Even though I don't get that resolution and happily ever after ending, I always find a sense of satisfaction at the end of these books.  The characters face troubles and heartache, make mistakes of their own and struggle to find their way.  They rely on friendships to help them through.  These women find strength to continue on and face life.  That is admirable.

Another thing I love is that each book happens at exactly the same time as the other books in this series.  All these women attend the book club together, each drawn there by the idea of meeting new friends, sharing a love of books and trying something new.  They come from different religions (Catholic, Mormon, Greek Orthodox and Jewish) yet they share a bond that carries each of them through the tough spots.

Paige's story is not unique.  Unfortunately.  I know Paige (although her name isn't Paige).  She is in my family.  She is also the lady down the street.  Paige's story will resonate and you will feel her emotions.  I sure did.

If you haven't had a chance to pick up one of the Newport Ladies Book Club series, you should.  It doesn't matter where you start, each book will take you to the same place just with a different person.  This is a unique series unlike any I've read before.  It's a fantastic idea.

You can find out more about this series and the authors by heading to their blog.

Josi Kilpack, Annette Lyon, Julie Wright, & Heather Moore