After reading so many glowing reviews on this book, I entered it with some trepidation, worried I was going to be disappointed. I’ve fallen flat on my face before, hoping a novel would meet my expectations.
In this case, my hopes were not only fulfilled, but absolutely blown out of the water.
The story follows an up and coming professional soccer player, Alex, who meets a wealthy self-made business woman, Catharine, in a sailing accident in South Carolina. The pair are drawn to one another, but it is without any of the common “love at first sight” nonsense so popular in this genre.
Instead, the reader is treated to a truly beautiful, slow burn, impeccably developed relationship that deepens over time.
Ms. Lyon spends just the right amount of time on character building, developing these two women with immense care and consideration. They are uplifted by the brilliantly written cast of minor characters surrounding them, who are diverse, masterfully written, and entertaining all on their own right.
There are scenes in this book that will make you laugh out loud. There are scenes in this book that will make you cry. And there are scenes that will make you fall head over heels in love with these two beautiful women, over and over again.
It’s been so long since I have read a book that has made me feel everything this novel made me feel. I was heartbroken. In love. Devastated. And yet, somehow, beautifully put back together again.
The book probably isn’t for everyone. It is dramatic. There is a lot of angst and it will not sit well with someone who is looking for a light read, or who is troubled by a lot of ups and downs. And that’s okay. There isn’t a book in the world that will fill the needs of all readers.
But for those who want something real, something poignant and beautiful, written with craft and detail, this book is for you. It is that realness, that frustration, that makes it special. The fact that a woman in Catharine’s position is still battling a horrible relationship with the man (the senator…God, you will hate him) she is divorcing, despite having all the money in the world, and still can’t easily extract her from her troubles that makes the story engaging. That she can’t just buy her way out of strife.
And Alex, so confident and brilliant at the game of soccer, but still struggling to define herself off the field. Growing up in the heart of the Christian south, feeling pressured to behave a certain way, to be a certain kind of person. And finding the strength to break away from that and be who she needs to be. It is a lovely character arc and the struggles both women go through will have you rooting for them to somehow find a way to their deserved HEA.
It is very obvious why the book was made into a series. A trilogy, if I understand correctly. There is so much to unpack, and instead of cramming it all into one heavy stand alone novel, it is given room to breathe and grow, nurturing the story in a way that never allows the action to die, but still giving it enough time to actually mature. But I must stress the fact that the plot never really slows. Every chapter is left with the reader eager to turn the page. One of the things that drew me to it were the amount of reviews saying they read the book in one night. That’s how I determine if something is excellent… if I am unable to put it down. And this was, plain and simple, a book I couldn’t walk away from.
Anyway, I’ve already given too much away in this review, but let me just say… give this book a chance. It is special. It is different than so many other books in this genre. It has made this trope refreshing and exciting. And it is deserving of the incredible reception it has received by the WLW community at large.
Bravo, Jen Lyon, on a home run debut. This is one (of many, no doubt) reader who can’t wait to see what you pull off next.
The Senator's Wife: The Senator's Wife Series Book 1
4.5 | 2,374 ratings
Price: 21.83
Last update: 11-21-2024
About this item
Top reviews from the United States
Ashlyn
How Do I Love This Book, Let Me Count The Ways...
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2023Magddy
elegantly beautiful
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2024P. Johnson
interesting read
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2024LS
A Unforgettable Tale of Forbidden Love
Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2023
LS
Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2023
The magnetic pull between Alex and Catharine eventually ignites a passionate affair, painting a canvas of breathtaking romance and heart-wrenching moments. Lyon's storytelling prowess shines through the juxtaposition of beautiful, intimate moments with spine-tingling horror. The emotional depth woven into the narrative immerses readers into a tumultuous yet exhilarating journey.
The strength of Lyon's prose lies in its ability to evoke a myriad of emotions effortlessly. The chemistry between Alex and Catharine is palpable, resonating with readers on a profoundly emotional level. As they navigate their personal struggles, their connection becomes a beacon of resilience.
While the narrative confronts challenging themes, including moments that are emotionally demanding, Lyon handles them with grace and authenticity, compelling readers to empathize deeply with the characters.
The story left an indelible mark, triggering a powerful book hangover that lingered long after the book was closed. "The Senator's Wife" is not just a novel; it's an unforgettable experience that invites readers to ponder the complexities of love, identity, and the human spirit. Engaging, emotional, and thought-provoking, this is a must-read for those captivated by evocative, passionate storytelling. It's a debut that will make readers rush to read her second book.
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Kathy
What a compelling story!
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2023