Book Review: The Good Woman by Jane Porter

The Good Woman by Jane Porter
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Publish Date: September 4, 2012
Trade Paperback, 368 pages
ISBN: 9780425253007
Brennan Sisters #1



My Review:
I will get this out of the way first. I don't usually read books that involve a spouse cheating. And yes I knew that this was a major theme in this book, but I am a huge Jane Porter fan and this sounded like it was going to be a wonderful trilogy, so when I was asked to review this book, I said yes. I had a little trepidation, but I set it aside, because it was Jane Porter. I am so glad I did. Yes the affair features prominently but this book is about so much more and it's handled in a way that I really love. It's realistic and interesting. And I was right, this will be an amazing trilogy if this first book is any way to judge. So if you think the cheating angle will bother you, think twice, this book is so much more, Ms. Porter is an amazing writer and this book handles this exceptionally well.

The first third of this book sets up Meg's life and the trilogy introducing us to the Brennan family and the sisters that will be involved in the rest of the trilogy. I love them all, even Bree who is a little difficult. Meg is the focus of The Good Woman and I believe Kit will be the focus of The Good Daughter. I am assuming Bree will be the focus of the third book, but that is only my assumption. I am guessing that Sarah and the sister-in-law Cass will figure prominent in the other two books like they did in this book and I love that. I love that I get to see all the sisters and their dynamics with each others and their lives in each book. I can't wait to see Meg again in the next book as well.

So suffice it to say I love the characters. Meg is easy to relate to for me as a married woman and a mom of kids of varied ages. I am thankful that my husband is more attentive though. But I will admit to feeling some of Meg's feelings (not the cheating ones, but the tired, overwhelmed, why doesn't he help ones). The characters are very realistic, the situations are realistic and I think the family dynamic is realistic. I love the sisters, the love, the fights, everything.

I think Ms. Porter creates wonderful characters who change and grow through situations they are presented. And in The Good Woman, Meg, Kit and Sarah are all in some tough situations. Meg and her family is the focus of The Good Woman. This story never slows. I was absorbed by this book from the beginning. The pacing is perfect and the book was hard to put down. I became very engaged in the story and wanted to know what decision Meg would make next and what would happen next. It was just perfect. And the outcome did not disappoint. The book had emotional ups and downs and the ending was perfect for this book. However I will be eagerly awaiting the next book.

If you enjoy books with emotional depth and deal with real issues then The Good Woman is for you. This promises to be a wonderful trilogy and you will want to be introduced to the Brennan family with this book. Meg is a wonderful character and her and her family make a wonderful cast for this first book. I can't praise this book enough, I could almost start it again even though I just finished it, and I already miss the Brennan family.

My rating: 5.0/5.0

About The Good Woman:

In THE GOOD WOMAN, Meg Roberts is the eldest of the Brennan sisters and she is used to being in control and presenting an image of perfection to those around her.  But Meg’s life isn’t perfect and lately it’s been feeling out of control as well.  As she approaches her 43^rd birthday and reflects on her 17 years of marriage, Meg realizes she wants more out of life.  More love, more passion, more something.  She embarks on an affair that shatters her world and her family relationships.  Meg is forced to come to terms with the person she was, and who she has become, as well as learning that happiness isn’t something she has to chase, but rather a choice she must make for herself.

With her newest novel, Porter tackles issues all women face—strained family and marital relationships and the struggle to find happiness and peace when life doesn’t turn out as planned—with a strong sense of authenticity.  Porter sheds light on the difficult and sometimes painful consequences of the choices women make.  Readers will find comfort in Porter’s revelation that real life is messy and that while every woman’s choice to find happiness and self-acceptance may take a different path, many experiences and feelings are universal.

About the Author:

Jane Porter is an award-winning novelist with over 5 million books in print.  She grew up in central California, graduated from UCLA and holds an MA in writing from the University of San Francisco.  Porter writes full time and lives in southern California with her family.  Visit her website at www.janeporter.com.

***I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***