Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The Life You've Imagined

by Kristina Riggle (Goodreads Author)

3.41 of 5 stars 3.41 · rating details · 348 ratings · 95 reviews

Is the life you're living all you imagined?

Have you ever asked yourself, "What if " Here, four women face the decisions of their lifetimes in this stirring and unforgettable novel of love, loss, friendship, and family.

Anna Geneva, a Chicago attorney coping with the death of a cherished friend, returns to her "speck on the map" hometown of Haven to finally come to terms wit...more

Paperback, 352 pages

Published August 17th 2010 by William Morrow Paperbacks (first published August 1st 2010)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 1,176)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jul 24, 2012 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

This story follows the lives of four women, Amy (the previously fat high school girl engaged to one of the son's of a prominent family in town), Anna (the Chicago based high powered lawyer who's come home because she was put on a bereavement leave due to the loss of her mentor only to encounter her first love, who is not-so-happily married with a daughter), Maeve (Anna's mom who runs a run-down liquor store slated for demolition but who is also chasing the ghost of her husband and Anna's father...more This story follows the lives of four women, Amy (the previously fat high school girl engaged to one of the son's of a prominent family in town), Anna (the Chicago based high powered lawyer who's come home because she was put on a bereavement leave due to the loss of her mentor only to encounter her first love, who is not-so-happily married with a daughter), Maeve (Anna's mom who runs a run-down liquor store slated for demolition but who is also chasing the ghost of her husband and Anna's father who abandoned them 20 years earlier), and Cami (who's come back home after being dumped from her boyfriend because of her compulsive gambling habit- and she's forced to live with her alcoholic father). All four women are in the town of Haven and are Cami, Anna, and Amy were previously friends when they were younger.

What I love about this story is that it's real. All four characters have their own storyline and the author jumps from character to character perfectly. You can relate to all four characters without a problem and you are rooting for them. I read this book in two days because I really couldn't put it down.

All of the characters are driven by the sentiment that every decision that you make should push you towards the life that you have always imagined for yourself. It might require a tough decision, it might require that you give up temporary happiness but it ultimately should be worth it in the end.

Will Maeve really meet up with her estranged husband? Will Anna forgive her father for leaving and her mother for pining over him all of these years later? Does Anna rekindle her relationship with Will, her first love, despite him being married? Does Cami ever stand up to her father and learn to overcome her gambling addiction? Will Amy decide to marry her fiance.....or will she leave him and take up with a new found friend, Ed?

I obviously know all of the answers to these questions, but it keeps you intrigued and you are constantly racing to the next chapter to see what is going to happen. I highly recommend this book and I am pretty excited to delve into Ms. Riggles other books. And I'm going to say that I related to each of these characters in different ways and it made me think about those in my life that are very much like these characters a little differently. It's always nice when you can gain a perspective that you otherwise might not have had.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 09, 2012 Joyanne rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd title I have read by the author Kristina Riggle. This tale is multi-perspective where you hear from each of the main characters: Amy, Anna, Cami and Maeve. Each of the protaganists is at a cross-roads in their lives...Amy is getting married after finally shedding the extra weight she was plagued with during her formative years...Anna is home visiting her mom after a friend is killed in a car accident and her boyfriend has left her...Cami is back home as well after her gambling ad...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 09, 2011 CoffeeBook Chick rated it 3 of 5 stars

Four women in Haven, Michigan find that life in a small town, whether they've just returned or have never left, can be just as tumultuous and disappointing, as it's ever been. Are they living the life they've imagined?

Maeve is the proprietor of the local convenience store and the mother of her daughter, Anna, a Chicago city lawyer. Maeve never thought that the convenience store was going to be her career, but she's been waiting twenty years for her husband to return after he left her and Anna on...more Four women in Haven, Michigan find that life in a small town, whether they've just returned or have never left, can be just as tumultuous and disappointing, as it's ever been. Are they living the life they've imagined?

Maeve is the proprietor of the local convenience store and the mother of her daughter, Anna, a Chicago city lawyer. Maeve never thought that the convenience store was going to be her career, but she's been waiting twenty years for her husband to return after he left her and Anna one day with no word. Recently, she's been receiving letters from him, promising her a better future.

Anna has lost a close friend and mentor at the Chicago law firm and has been granted bereavement leave. Returning to Haven isn't easy, but she's not sure where else to go. She's always been strong, almost cold, but coming back to Haven means she might have to deal with her ex-boyfriend, the man who might be the love of her life, who she broke up with before they left for different colleges.

Cami is an old high school friend of Anna, who has recently returned back to Haven with her tail tucked between her legs after submitting to her gambling addiction and stealing money from her boyfriend and losing it all. She returns to her father's home - to a man who doesn't hold back from expressing his emotions of anger and resentment drunkenly and violently. [One nagging little gripe: My only issue with her is that she ends every statement with "yeah." So, for example: "Everything is good, yeah?" I subconsciously began tallying up how many times she ended her sentences like that.]

Amy, once overweight in high school, has now become obsessed with maintaining her successful weight loss. She's engaged to the son of the town's richest developer who happens to be planning to renovate Haven to appeal to tourists and Maeve's convenience store is one that will soon be destroyed. Amy's dream to have her perfect wedding, though, is on track. So she thinks, until the stress of wedding planning and wondering if she's making the right decisions has her doubting. Recently, she's bumped into Ed, an overweight and friendly guy who has a dog that just happens to get along with her own dog. Will the life she's imagined be what she's needing?

Ultimately, I liked this story a lot, even though each character frustrated me with Amy disappointing me completely. I cheered her on and for just a moment, I thought she had grown a backbone, but then...she didn't. With each chapter alternating between the primary characters making it a quick read, and although I wanted just a touch more from specific secondary characters, Kristina Riggle successfully exposes the lives of four women who feel like they just may have missed out on life. After a while, each character finds that there is a beauty and sadness in realizing that it may be possible that the life being lived right now isn't any better or worse than what imagination can bring.

Moral of the story? Make good choices, people. But, no matter what, never look back.(less)

like · see review

Sep 06, 2010 Shonda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2010

Are you living the life you’ve imagined? In Kristina Riggle’s second novel, four women ask themselves this very question. Anna is a lawyer living in Chicago. She left her small hometown of Haven as quickly as she could without looking back. She’s made a new life for herself, a life she is proud of. She’s worked hard and is up for Partner at her law firm. All this changes when her mentor and close friend, August, dies. Much to her chagrin she’s asked to take bereavement leave to cope with her gri...more Are you living the life you’ve imagined? In Kristina Riggle’s second novel, four women ask themselves this very question. Anna is a lawyer living in Chicago. She left her small hometown of Haven as quickly as she could without looking back. She’s made a new life for herself, a life she is proud of. She’s worked hard and is up for Partner at her law firm. All this changes when her mentor and close friend, August, dies. Much to her chagrin she’s asked to take bereavement leave to cope with her grief. For all intent and purposes, her time home was only supposed to be for a little while. Funny how life can detour your plans.

Cami has also returned home. She and Anna are high school friends. The two woman part ways shortly after graduation. Cami is a tutor and recently broke up with her boyfriend. She has no place to go after he learns of her gambling addiction. Her father is an abusive alcoholic and doesn’t care much for Cami’s return home. He allows it with a condition: she must never go into his bedroom. Naturally this causes Cami to wonder what is it he is hiding from her.

Maeve is Anna’s mother. She owns the Nee Nance store and resides in the apartment above the store. She was once married to Robert, Anna’s father, and he left them when Anna was a little girl. Now, Robert is back in her life and wants a second chance. Maeve is hesitant at first, but eventually her love for Robert gets the best of her and she begins answering his letters. Fate may be kind to her this time as his plans to start over come when Maeve’s lease for the store is up. Maybe she won’t have to spend the rest of her life alone.

Amy is marrying into one of Haven’s wealthiest families. Amy feels very lucky to have met Paul. In high school she was quite overweight and none of the boys paid her any attention. Now in her mid-30s, she’s lost a lot of weight (thanks to running every morning) and is determined to stay that way. Even if it costs her her happiness.

In her second novel, Riggle examines the dreams and hopes we had growing up and in early adulthood. Each woman is at a turning point in her life and comes to face the question: is this the life that I’ve imagined? As each woman struggles with this answer, Riggle takes us back to their past to help the reader fully understand the path taken that has brought each woman to the fork in the road. Told in alternating chapters, Riggle does a fantastic job of giving each woman her own voice.

I’d admit after reading Real Life & Liars last year, I had high expectations for her follow-up novel. I’m happy to say not only was I not disappointed, it was just as good or better than I thought it would be. I must warn you though, long after the book ends, you may find yourself thinking about where you are today and the choices you’ve made that led you to this point. Some of these choices may have been good ones, and some. . . well, may have you asking for a do-over. All in all, I highly recommend this novel.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Sep 14, 2010 Nely rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

Anna is an attorney in Chicago, she's up for partner at her firm, everything is thriving and looking up for her. But when her mentor dies she is forced to take time off from work and heads back to her hometown. Cami has also returned back home. Her and Anna were close friends in high school. She's back to live with her father - who is none-too-thrilled to have her back. She has no other place to go since her boyfriend found out of her gambling addiction and broke off their relationship. Maeve is...more Anna is an attorney in Chicago, she's up for partner at her firm, everything is thriving and looking up for her. But when her mentor dies she is forced to take time off from work and heads back to her hometown. Cami has also returned back home. Her and Anna were close friends in high school. She's back to live with her father - who is none-too-thrilled to have her back. She has no other place to go since her boyfriend found out of her gambling addiction and broke off their relationship. Maeve is Anna's mother. She's resided in Haven her whole life running the Nee Nance Convenience Store. Her husband Robert disappeared 20 years ago leaving her to raise Anna on her own. But with her store about to close and Robert's out-of-the-blue correspondence - she'll have to choose between the life she's lived on her own or a possible happily ever after. Amy is about to marry into one of Haven's wealthiest families. She used to be overweight while in high school but (thanks to running every morning) she has lost all that excess weight and now has the perfect body. She has the everything she's ever dreamed of, but will it be enough to keep her happy?

Told in alternating chapters between the four women. Each woman finds herself at a point in their lives where they question themselves and wonder if this is the life they've imagined. They are all happy with the lives they've led and have struggled to reach their goals yet find that although they've reached those goals in life they still are not happy. This is the main thread in The Life You've Imagined. I found myself taken in by these four women. Not only does Ms. Riggle create characters that you can easily relate to but I found a little bit of myself in each of them. Their struggles are real - one is searching for perfection, one is dealing with addiction, one is overly conscious about her weight, while one continues to wait for someone else to bring her happiness instead of taking the reins and searching for her own joy.

This story deals with friendship and family and the decisions that we make in life that lead us to wonder about the life we imagined. A very touching and sweet story.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 12, 2011 Weena rated it 4 of 5 stars

Completion update: I really liked some of the characters in this book and hated others. There was no in-between for me with this one. I wish the storyline had taken a slightly different turn: Cami could have been more developed and her story not as rushed as it ended up being; it felt that there was a layer of depth to Anna that was never explored, hinted at but not explored; Amy was just around but I'm not sure that enough was done with her character; and I was sick of Maeve and simply wanted h...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 23, 2011 Sandra rated it 4 of 5 stars

I liked this book.

OVERVIEW:

Is the life you're living all you imagined?

Have you ever asked yourself, "What if??" Here, four women face the decisions of their lifetimes in this stirring and unforgettable novel of love, loss, friendship, and family.

Anna Geneva, a Chicago attorney coping with the death of a cherished friend, returns to her "speck on the map" hometown of Haven to finally come to terms with her mother, the man she left behind, and the road she did not take.

Cami Drayton, Anna's dearest...more

like · see review

Aug 18, 2010 Staci rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Staci by: Jen

Shelves: 2010-reads

I jumped at the chance to read this book when Jen of Devourer of Books offered this one as a Book Club selection. I can't believe that I haven't read Riggle before! Especially because she a Michigan author! I was immediately drawn into the storyline because I'm at that age where you often times sit back in a contemplative mood and wonder "what if" and "is this the life I imagined I would have?" The characters were what I loved about this book. Riggle made them human...oh, so human. I saw a littl...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 15, 2012 Literary Mama added it

Shelves: fiction

"The four central characters in The Life You've Imagined, Anna, her mother Maeve, and her high school friends Amy and Cami, find themselves drawn home, where they balance on the cusp of an uncertain future. Circumstances pull these unlikely friends back into each other's orbit as each embarks on a personal transformation. ...

"Riggle's attention to small details and gestures brought me into the room with her characters; for instance, Maeve describes an interaction with Anna in this way: 'She star...more

like · see review

Mar 19, 2012 Sue Merrell rated it 4 of 5 stars

As she did in her previous book, Real Life and Liars, author Kristina Riggle creates very believable everyday characters. Nothing earth shattering happens beyond the usual romantic ups and downs, a wedding, a funeral, family squabbles, a near drowning and an eviction. But the excellent pacing makes it easy to get caught up in the tale. The story is told by four women, three former high school friends who are now in their 30s and still waiting for life to begin and one of the friends' mother, who...more

like · see review

Jul 05, 2011 Beth Peninger rated it 3 of 5 stars

I picked this book up on a whim, and based on the front cover art, and am glad I did. While it wasn't the most amazing book I have ever read it was good enough that I read it straight in one sitting because it captured my attention.
Four women whose lives semi-intersect have some things to work out and it takes all four of them being involved with each other in some way to work out the life issues. each chapter is written from one of the four's POV which makes for an interesting and quick read....more

like · see review

Aug 25, 2010 Jenny rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

I won this book in the GoodReads FirstReads program. I couldn't put this book down. It follows four women as they try to figure out if they have the lives they've imagined. I think the mother/daughter duo (Maeve and Anna) are the most fleshed out. Cami was OK but I still wanted to know a bit more about her recent back-story. Amy was probably the least developed I thought. She used to be fat and wasn't anymore and had a hot/rich fiance. But honestly he seemed like kind of a jerk so I wasn't sure...more

like · see review

Sep 21, 2010 Riley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010

Note: I first took interest in this book because it revolves around a small family-owned store and the people connected to it. Growing up the daughter of small business owners, I totally understood that setting, and I was curious to see it expressed in fiction. Riggle did bring that aspect to life, and believably, even though the store was not the focal point of the story, and the characters' experiences with it were different from mine with my parents'.

The first two-thirds of this book is a sl...more

like · see review

Jan 10, 2013 Chris rated it 3 of 5 stars

Enjoyed this book. Enjoyed the author's notes at the end. It made sense to me that this book was in process of being written before some of her others - and was rewritten and adapted along the way. The author was attempting to talk somewhat autobiographically, I believe, and wanted to set a story in the hometown she remembered from her childhood. The characters are interesting though somewhat frustrating as well. You wonder why healthy women would tolerate some of the situations they find themse...more

like · see review

Aug 04, 2010 Joelle Anthony rated it 5 of 5 stars

I could not put this book down. I was already a fan if Kristina Riggle after Real Life & Liars, but I think this one is even better. And just for the record, I read very little adult fiction because I think it's usually kind of boring, but this kept me interested from the first page to the last.

And to be perfectly honest, I do sort of "know" Kristina (we were both members of The Debutante Ball at different times), but if I didn't like the book and couldn't give it at least 4 stars, I wouldn'...more

like · see review

Feb 21, 2011 Mrs. Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

I liked the format of this book; the stories of the lives of four women were told at the same time. Each chapter was titled with the narrator's name. Anna and Cami return to Haven after moving away following high school. Maeve, Anna's mother, and Amy, Anna's high school classmate, have never left Haven. Each woman is struggling with the difficulties of life, but learn that leaning on each other can help one to come to terms with the idea that living "the life you've imagined" doesn't always work...more

like · see review

Sep 01, 2010 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

From my book review blog, Rundpinne:[return][return]What if? A key question of The Life You’ve Imagined by Kristina Riggle as each of her characters takes a long look at their lives and ponders the ramifications of the actions they have taken thus far and the choices they have ignored. Cami Drayton has returned home to her alcoholic and verbally abusive father, severely in debt due to her gambling addiction. Maeve is Anna’s mother and harbors several secrets: her store is about to go through for...more From my book review blog, Rundpinne:[return][return]What if? A key question of The Life You’ve Imagined by Kristina Riggle as each of her characters takes a long look at their lives and ponders the ramifications of the actions they have taken thus far and the choices they have ignored. Cami Drayton has returned home to her alcoholic and verbally abusive father, severely in debt due to her gambling addiction. Maeve is Anna’s mother and harbors several secrets: her store is about to go through foreclosure and she has been in communication with her estranged husband. Her daughter, Anna, is a successful lawyer who has returned home on forced bereavement leave after the death of her friend and mentor, August. Amy Rickart is engaged to Paul Becker who happens to be brilliant, gorgeous and wealthy yet Amy may not be truly happy. She is finally thin and appears to have it all, yet her self-confidence does not quite allow the happiness that one hears comes from being thin, lovely, and with a handsome man. The Life You’ve Imagined is about four women; Cami, Anna, and Amy all went to school together and are catching up with each other while struggling with their own personal demons and Maeve, who has enough issues of her own. The story is told in first person and the chapters alternate between the four women. Riggle writes an intriguing and fast-paced story of life and how the choices we make affect where we are today. Riggle details the lives of each of the women to the point where the reader can easily identify with one, if not all of the characters. My all time favourite character was Maeve, possibly because I am closer to her age than to Cami, Anna, and Amy and my least favourite character from beginning to end is Amy, to the point that I cringed when I had to read about her. The Life You’ve Imagined is beautifully written and the characters are strong and witty and at times annoying, each sharing their joys and sorrows. If anyone has read the book, please leave a comment; I would very much like to discuss this one with someone besides my cat. I highly recommend The Life You’ve Imagined to any reader and think this would be an excellent discussion group choice.(less)

like · see review

Aug 23, 2010 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: goodreads-giveaway, own

Just won this book! Thank you Goodreads! I really enjoyed this story. Each chapter is told in the present by one of the main characters as they reflect on their present situation and daydream about their past and what their life would have been like if other decisions had been made. Anna and Cami, childhood friends, return to their hometown to face their parents who are dealing with ghosts of the past. This book deals with family and friendship and the decisions that we have to live and deal wit...more

like · see review

Sep 03, 2010 Laura de Leon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy, fiction

I'm not sure if this is 3.5 or 4 stars. There was so much about the book that I liked, but the overall book had some issues.

I liked hearing the stories of each of the 4 main characters. I think that four of them was too many, both because none of the stories got the full treatment it deserved, and because that seemed like a few too many crises at the same time.

I never felt I had a grip on the problems that sent Anna home, away from the life she'd always imagined, from the potential partnership s...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 01, 2010 Jael rated it 4 of 5 stars

" Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Life the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler." -- Henry David Thoreau

I've read that quote several times, and I don't know if I am truly living the life I've imagined. Part of that quote plays a big part in the latest book I finished. It's taken me a while to gather my thoughts on The Life You've Imagined by Kristina Riggle. Not because it is a bad book, it is quite wonderful, but rather Kristi...more " Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Life the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler." -- Henry David Thoreau

I've read that quote several times, and I don't know if I am truly living the life I've imagined. Part of that quote plays a big part in the latest book I finished. It's taken me a while to gather my thoughts on The Life You've Imagined by Kristina Riggle. Not because it is a bad book, it is quite wonderful, but rather Kristina Riggle had me thinking about my own life.

I thought back to my college days. If I hadn't applied for an editing internship after college, where would I be right now? At the time, I wavered on that decision, thinking I might not be good enough. The internship led to a job I've had for nearly six years. What if I had gone in another direction? Any book that causes me to examine myself is alright with me.

In The Life You've Imagined, four women -- Cami, Anna, Amy and Maeve -- get the opportunity to examine themselves. Big-shot lawyer Anna Geneva has returned to the small town of Haven, Michigan, after being forced to take a bereavement leave. Her beloved mentor has died, and now she must learn to coexist again with her mother Maeve.

Maeve is pining away for her wayward husband, Robert, a man who ran off decades ago. Their long, dormant love affair is rekindled through letters, which she keeps secret from Anna. Promises of happiness in a house built on their own land, offer Maeve the chance to dream of a better life. A life where she doesn't have to live in the small apartment above her convenience store -- the Nee Nee Nance. A life where she doesn't constantly have to worry about her erratic sister-in-law Sally. But is life with the dreamer Robert, the life she imagined?

Cami Drayton, Anna's high school friend, is also reluctantly returning to Haven. Having gambled away her boyfriend's money, Cami must return to her childhood home -- and her abusive, alcoholic father. Long-buried secrets surface, secrets that robbed her of a better life.

Amy Rickart, another childhood friend of Anna's, is about to marry into the most powerful family in town. She should be happy. Amy was once the fat kid in school, but now she has blossomed. That transformation has also led Amy to become a perfectionist. The flowers, dress, cake and dress for the wedding have to be just right. Her body also has to be just right -- a body she won't even let her fiance Paul Becker to see. But does perfection truly make Amy happy?

Anna must also confront her past. She must confront the one who got away -- her high school boyfriend, William "Beck" Becker Jr. Anna gets a glimpse at what a future with Beck, who is now married, could be. But is it the one she imagined?

Everyone can relate, including men who might think this is chick lit, to the issues raised by Riggle. Everyone at some point in their life has wondered "What if?" Each character has a say, as the chapters alternate between perspectives. Sometimes that can be a problem, but not here. Anna is hardened and practical, but learns to loosen up. Cami has learned to be guarded after years with her abusive father. Maeve is worn out from financial worry, but remains hopeful. Amy wants perfection, but learns to see through the denial. The conclusion isn't all wrapped up in a bow, which I thought it might. The ending is very true to real life because life is often unpredictable, and most of all not perfect.

Rating: Superb

Notes: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. For more information on author Kristina Riggle, visit: http://www.kristinariggle.net/index.html (less)

like · see review

Aug 25, 2010 Colleen Turner rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-read

I was blessed enough to receive an ARC copy of The Life You've Imagined from the author. It was so heart-felt and character-driven that I had a hard time putting it down. There is so much love, hurt and hopefulness throughout the pages that you have to simply keep reading to see where the characters will take their stories.

The book is broken up into four narratives: that of Anna, outwardly strong, slightly abrasive lawyer coming home for a visit after a close friend of hers dies; Cami, also comi...more I was blessed enough to receive an ARC copy of The Life You've Imagined from the author. It was so heart-felt and character-driven that I had a hard time putting it down. There is so much love, hurt and hopefulness throughout the pages that you have to simply keep reading to see where the characters will take their stories.

The book is broken up into four narratives: that of Anna, outwardly strong, slightly abrasive lawyer coming home for a visit after a close friend of hers dies; Cami, also coming home to Haven, Michigan after stealing her boyfriend's money to fuel her gambling addiction; Maeve, Anna's mother who has stayed stagnant in Haven waiting for her husband to return after a twenty year absence; and Amy, a former fat girl now skinny bride-to-be. Each character brings you into their own worries and problems while helping keep the larger narrative of their collective worlds flowing.

With each of these characters, I really think you can find a part of yourself or someone you know reflected in them. Anna has turned her back on Haven long ago for a better life but finds she cannot let loose once she comes back. Not only does she feel a need to help her mother from impending job lose and health problems but she feels an old love rekindle for her high school boyfriend. How far will she go for happiness? And can she be happy in Haven?

Cami has come home to her abusive father who torments her with his violence and his lack of interest in anything to do with her. She soon finds out that he has betrayed her far worse than a few black eyes. But what can she do to change her circumstances?

Maeve has continued to run her Nee Nance convenience store long after her husband disappeared to leave her to raise Anna all by herself. She has kept her heart open to this love of her life ever since, and when he suddenly resurfaces she must decide what the right thing to do is. And with her convenience store being ripped out from under her, how will she survive? Will she let her wayward husband back into her life for their happily ever after or will she have to pick up the pieces herself?

Amy is reveling in her new smaller self while still not believing what she sees in the mirror. She has the body she always wanted, the fiance everyone wishes they had and "friends" that used to make fun of her in school. But will all her hopes for a perfect wedding come true? What will she have to do or give up in order to find her dreams?

The connective thread between these characters, to me, is the fact that each thought they were living the life they imagined, or at least working towards that. Come to find out none of them really had what they wanted in life. Now, how can they get that?

In no way is this a happy, feel good book to me. There is so much heartache, hurt and abuse of all kinds running through it that I found myself wondering at times how the characters could put up with the mistreatment. None of them are completely happy with their lives even when they first appear to be. What this story is to me is an evaluation of how to lead yourself towards happy and how to figure out exactly what that means. When you can finally figure out what is most important to you you can begin walking down that path towards it. Great read!(less)

like · see review

Jul 11, 2012 Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars

3 1/2. This is the second book by Kristina Riggle that I have read. She is from Grand Rapids. It is good women's fiction and in this one, she follows several women's stories and how they intertwine. She writes each chapter from a different woman's point of view and does a good job of leaving you interested in what is going to happen next as she ends each chapter. The language is easy and reads true.

The one storyline I was a bit bored with was Maeve. I know why it was there and it was necessary...more

like · see review

Jan 26, 2011 Proud Book Nerd rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, chick-lit, crazy-tours, do-not-have

This was a great book. I love the alternating points of view, and the way everyone's story comes together like an intricately woven blanket. I also like that everything doesn't come up roses –but rather that this book is realistic. Life happens, and not always the way we imagined it when we were young. And, more often than we'd like, life disappoints. But, we find a way to figure out what we want now that things have changed and find a way to move on. ...more

like · see review

Feb 13, 2011 Rhonda Rae Baker rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: second-chance, romance, fiction

I really enjoyed this novel. An easy read with some inspirational thoughts and hindsight for the rest of us. Are we really living the live we imagined when we were growing up? For most of us we are not and I would say that very few are even happy with where they are even if that is where they imagined being.

It's about second-thoughts about what really makes us happy. Learning to be honest with ourselves and with those that are in our lives. The ensemble story is alway interesting for me as I get...more

like · see review

Aug 23, 2010 Connie Borglin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

First time reading a Krisina Riggle book and I am going to read others by her. I loved that the book was set in Michigan and some of the towns I have heard of before. The characters were very well written and I related to them all in some way. I think we all at one time or another have had that "what if" experience. Each woman had different struggles that seem to touch most of us at one time or another. Loved the book and would recommend it to others.

like · see review

May 21, 2011 Justin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had my doubts with this one, I just wasn't sure it was it was the type of story I typically go for, and in some ways it wasn't. The female leads were all very different, strong and each in their own way lost as the story begins. By the end they've all healed a bit and started to find their way. Overall, I am glad I decided to read this one.

like · see review

Jul 23, 2010 Amy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Amy by: having read the first one

Kristina Riggle lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her first novel, Real Life and Liars -set in Charlevoix, has stayed with me with memorable characters. This one is also set in Michigan. I like it, the story and the characters and the ending,too. These aren't big novels with rock you to the core themes but enjoyable and touching.

like · see review

Jan 07, 2011 Lora rated it 2 of 5 stars

Great book for jury duty; plenty of divisions make it easy to put aside at a moment's notice and easily slip back into again. However, the characters' voices didn't strike me as terribly distinct from each other, which for an ensemble book is a major flaw. I did have trouble tracking whose head I was supposedly in at times.

like · see review

Jul 18, 2012 Kristi, A Book Fanatic added it

Shelves: chick-lit, abandoned, 2011

Putting this one down ... I am halfway in the book, and it has just not grabbed me. I hardly ever put a book down -- this is killing me. I do not care what happens to anyone in the book ... that signals to me that I need to find another book to get involved in! Life is too short to read a book you don't enjoy!

like · see review

Jan 26, 2011 Leanora rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit, self-discovery

This was a quick read with some serious messages/undertones; engaging characters, good storyline and I have to confess it didn't end the way I thought it would! Seems like one of those books that someone would turn into a movie; kind of lends itself well to a multiple plotline movie. Overall, really enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend!

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 39 40 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (3)

Genres

Womens Fiction > Chick Lit

11 users

Contemporary

8 users

Relationships

5 users

Family

4 users

Womens

4 users

Romance

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

With Friends Like These: A Novel
by Sally Koslow
Bone Fire
by Mark Spragg
Commuters
by Emily Gray Tedrowe
Our Little Secret
by Starr Ambrose
After the Fall
by Kylie Ladd

About Kristina Riggle

Kristina Riggle lives in West Michigan, where she writes character-driven novels about complex personal dynamics. Her debut novel, Real Life & Liars, was a Target "Breakout" pick and a "Great Lakes, Great Reads" selection by the Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association. Her latest novel, The Whole Golden World, comes out November 5, and is about two families and a community unraveled by...more

More about Kristina Riggle...

Books by Kristina Riggle

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About The Life You've I...

26 trivia questions

More quizzes & trivia...

title link	preview: The Life You've Imagined
avg rating	preview: The Life You've Imagined Goodreads rating: 3.41 (348 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7875576-the-life-you-ve-imagined?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1273781524l/7875576.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7875576-the-life-you-ve-imagined?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Life You've Imagined by Kristina Riggle[/url]

The Life You've Imagined

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website