A wry, honest, and heartfelt novel of female friendship, romance, and self-discovery
Married to a man who no longer loves her, Lou realizes it’s time for a change. So she moves out and moves on, with a spring in her step and an exciting new business venture in the works. In honor of her newfound freedom, Lou travels to India, where she befriends Ali, another woman traveling alone.
A serial mistress, Ali couldn’t be more different from Lou. Before her trip to India, Ali’s latest lover changes the rules and asks her to make a life with him, a prospect she comes to accept with glee. But upon her return, Ali learns that her would-be partner is not the man she took him for, and now she, too, needs a new beginning.
As Lou and Ali work together to put the past behind them—even at a time when it’s perhaps most inclined to stick around—they discover new possibilities for life and for love. And as their stories unfold, it just so turns out that the two women have shockingly more in common than they had thought.
With Women of a Dangerous Age, Fanny Blake celebrates that powerful yet terrifying time in a woman’s life when she must find the courage to reconcile the life she leads with the life she desires.
Fanny Blake was a publisher for many years, editing fiction and general non-fiction before becoming a freelance journalist and writer. She has written several bestsellers and acted as ghost writer for a number of celebrities. She is also Books Editor of womanandhome magazine. Her novels include The Secrets Women Keep (Orion) and With a Friend Like You (Orion).
It took me a while to really get into this story but once I did it was difficult to put down. From the synopsis I had expected more of the book to be based in India but there was only a small section at the beginning. This small section was written beautifully though and the descriptions made me feel like I was there with them.
There were some funny moments in the book that had me laughing out loud, in particular the scene at the airport when Lou and Ali were on their way home from India, and an evening out for Lou that involved an authentic curry in London, make sure you watch out for those if you read this book!
I loved the characters, they were all very real and I found myself relating them to people in my own life (although I wont say who). I really liked Lou’s courage in following her dream and learning to live for herself after so many years, this was really empowering to read. I had mixed feelings towards Ali at the start because of her life as a serial mistress, I think as a married woman it’s always difficult to read about characters like that, but as I read through the book I really warmed to her which surprised me. She seemed to have lots of things from her past that she hadn’t managed to resolve and I enjoyed following her story as she tried to finally settle everything.
It was great to see Lou and Ali’s friendship blossom from the moment they met and I was really worried when a huge bombshell threatened this. They were both at the start of their new lives and there were many ups and downs for them to overcome, this was interesting to read and a couple of the revelations that came along literally made me gasp in shock!
Something that I really liked about this story was following Lou and Ali as they embarked on a new business venture, I’ve always wanted a shop of my own so I found it really fascinating to follow their progress.
The end of this book was perfect in my opinion, I had tears in my eyes as I read the last few pages.
This is an enjoyable book, a perfect curl up on the sofa read.
So what exactly are women of a dangerous age? According to this book, they are women in their mid to late 40's, a bit overweight, and unsatisfied with their current relationships. If you can relate to that, then you will most likely enjoy this book.
I had difficulty with this book. The main character Lou is a 40 something mother of 3 grown children and she had recently separated from her husband of many years. She goes off to find herself in India and meets Ali, a serial mistress who is about to settle down with her man. The two women hit it off and become fast friends. The scenes in India were well done and it would have been nice for that part of the novel to be expanded.
Lou is branching out on her own and is starting a retro clothing store. Ali is a talented jewelry designer. When Lou asks Ali to prepare some pieces for her store, Ali agrees. They go to celebrate at a hoity-toity hotel and the two see something that surprises them. Talk about uncomfortable situation. The thing is, Lou is kind of a doormat, and she just takes everything in stride.
I absolutely detested Hooker, Lou's ex. What a man-whore. The man could not keep his pants zipped to save his life. Then each time, he'd try to manipulate Lou back into his life. Lou refuses, but each time it looks like her resolve is waning. I was particularly disturbed when Hooker manipulated Lou into watching Rory, dismissing the fact that her store was a real job. What a prick.
Women of a Dangerous Age is the story of new beginnings. It is chick lit, so if that's your cup of tea, you will most definitely enjoy it.
*I received a free copy of this book from the Goodreads FirstReads program. *
Another book I picked up at the library and found surprisingly good. I take issue with the title though - I didn't find these women to be at a dangerous age, it was more like an age where they finally knew themselves and weren't putting up with much.
Although I don't think I could live on a steady diet of fluffy reading, it is nice to lighten the mix every so often. This was a fun, gossipy, "ohhhh!" kind of read. Two middle aged women meet on a trip to India and go on to be friends once they return home, only to find out that they are wife and mistress to the same man. Of course. It's a soap opera book, I don't know how else to describe it. But there's a time and place for everything, and this book got its day.
After reading and enjoying 'What Women Want, I couldn't wait to get started on this one! I wasn't disappointed in the least; in fact, I might have enjoyed this even more. With realistic, easy-to-relate-to characters and a plot full of twists and turns, I couldn't put it down.
An enjoyable read about the friendship of two British women in different points of their love lives. Lou is leaving a marriage and starting a new business. Ali is hoping for a more permanent arrangement with her married man. Laughter and tears ensue.
This book had a great start but sadly didn't live up to my expectations. I was hoping for more humour but the storyline descended into too much of a soap opera.
This book didn't quite end up being what it wanted to be (hen lit, for older readers). Too much telling, not enough showing. It was all right... nothing stellar. No laugh old loud moments like a Marian Keyes or Helen Fielding book has for me, in spite of the book jacket's promise of a "grown up Bridget Jones."
Anyway, in this book a woman and a woman who has been a serial mistress become friends (you will have a heart attack and die when you discover that the serial mistress was with the one woman's husband. Oh, spoiler alert.) Also, the cuckolded woman owns a vintage clothing store, which makes that the second book IN A ROW that features someone who owns a vintage clothing store. What, is it the new "cupcake bakery"?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
"Women of a Dangerous Age" by Fanny Blake was a decent enough read. Two women, Lou and Ali meet while vacationing in India. Lou has decided to leave her husband, Hooker, after twenty years of marriage. Ali, a serial mistress, is looking forward to finally settling down with her boyfriend, Ian. Who claims to be leaving his wife and wants a life with her. Their lives intermingle once they return from India. There are several ups and downs in their lives that keep the plot interesting. I enjoyed how Ms. Blake kept the plot going. The ending was also a positive for me. If you are looking for a light read, this may be the novel for you.
"When two women of a `dangerous age' meet ... sparks are sure to fly!"
I have to say, that I thought I had worked out the storyline for this book, almost before I had turned the first page ... and at a very basic level, I had. What I was totally unprepared for, were the number of twists and turns and small, yet lethally important sub-plots, which kept landing in the mix at fairly regular intervals, throwing me off balance each time.
I began to wonder just whether this plethora of random events, were designed to shock me and make me sit up and take notice, or whether they were a true representation of the modern middle-aged woman and a reflection of morality in our society, as the author perceives it. When I then took a look around at my own circle of friends and acquaintances, I realised just how prevelant some of the issues raised in the book, have become, although I do have to add here, that whilst many experiences are well able to compete with those of Lou's character in the story, I don't actually know many `serial mistresses', who could match the exploits of Ali.
Equally story and character driven, the plot was given the additional bonus of providing the women with a neutral meeting place far away from home, in India, which worked really well. References to the indigenous sights and sounds which the two women experienced were minimal, yet pivotal in adding an extra dimension to their characters. Serving both to highlight the obvious differences between them in confidence, appearance and overall demeanour, whilst at the same time preparing the way for them to discover a common ground, in their mutual love of vintage clothing, materials and hand crafted jewellery.
Both women are `damaged goods' and have been living for many years with unresolved issues which stretch way back in time. Both have now reached the turning point in their lives, where family secrets, which have been kept hidden, are being forced out into the open by their actions and resolve to change their lives. Where the pain and anguish of confrontation is ultimately going to prove to be the catalyst which will lead to the healing process for them both.
Many of Lou's problems stem from her increasingly fragile relationship with her errant husband and increasingly independent children, who no longer need to rely on her, either physically or emotionally. Her new found resolve to live and survive independently of her family, is still in its fledgling stages, as she finally opens her eyes to what she has always known, that she is being used as a doormat by her husband, with his philandering, scheming and lying ways.
Ali has emotional problems of a different kind, which go way back to a childhood where a mother's love, comfort and understanding, had been denied her; although until now, no-one has ever had the courage to tell her exactly why. The resultant family rift and the strong resolve with which she has shielded herself over the years, has seen her unable to commit to a genuine relationship, preferring to take what is not hers to have, knowing that she can walk away from a situation at a moments notice. Ali's perception of reaching her `dangerous age', is fundamentally different to Lou's, in that, rather than crave independence, she now hankers after the complete opposite, a secure and loving relationship with one single man.... or is it?
Lou and Ali, seem the unlikliest of bedfellows, however, the sudden realisation that they have substantially more in common than they think, rather than seeing them at each others throats, has the opposite affect of uniting them in the common cause of making sure that after confronting the miscreant, they are there for each other, to pick up the pieces and be mutually supportive as each attempts to carve out a new place for themselves in society.
I almost made the mistake of assuming that Lou was the weaker of the two women, as she had led the more sheltered life, built up around a small nucleus of family and friends. I came to the conclusion however, that the gregarious, flirtatious and freedom loving Ali, was in fact the more insecure of the two. When the chips were down, Lou is the truly courageous one who is ready to make the clean break from her old life and follow her dreams independently and fully committed, whereas Ali is still searching for a compromise in the situation, which will give her the `get out of jail free' card, if she ever needs it and still leaves her short of the full committment to change.
With its easy flowing and at times witty dialogue, there are some genuine laugh out loud moments in this story and many points where a wry humour in the situation can be detected. These moments are however, tempered with a certain amount of regret and sadness, for the passing of a chapter in the lives of Lou and Ali and everyone connected with them.
The edges are definitely blurred, as to where and when this perceptive and interesting work of fiction, becomes a reality check and an almost frightening article of social comment. It is definitely a poignant and empowering story, highlighting not only the importance and unconditional support of family and friends, but the concept that every individual should be afforded the oppotunity to follow their dreams, without fear of the consequences, although never at the expense of innocent others, whose feelings and emotions should be respected at all times... Definitely a thought provoking read.
I loved this book. It was funny, sad, poignant and, above all, human. I liked the characters very much and the story was full of twists and unexpected turns. The writing was beautiful and cohesive. I will definitely read Fanny Blake again.
A very enjoyable book. I enjoyed how the story unfolded little by little and you are always given a little more information about the characters. Worth a read if you are after something light and fun
The book was a book club one and I really thought it was my thing!! But it seemed to take me ages to read such an easy reading book. In the end I enjoyed it but I just couldn’t ever seem to get into it
I fell in love with this book shortly after page 1 and the sadness I feel now that is over is so great! I just loved Lou and Ali. At first, my nose went up with Ali. I mean who really likes a serial mistress? But Ali is easily liked! And Lou, after all those years of marriage, things aren't easily undone.
Lou and Ali meet on a trip to India and become friends quickly. Lots of scenes will have you laughing out loud, Lou's suitcase popping open in the airport comes to mind! Lou is divorcing her husband Hooker and is starting a boutique with her vintage clothing. Ali's recent married man has asked her to move in with him, and he is leaving his wife.
Well Lou gets a famous idea of having Ali go into business with her, selling her jewelry at the boutique. So they meet to discuss the business, and they see Ali's married man, and Lou's soon to be ex-husband. Yes they are the same person! Hooker is Ian. Ahhhh!!!!! And the drama begins. Hooker is a liar and a terrible husband but a good father. That is why and how he can play on Lou's sympathy.
Will Ali settle for married men her whole life? Will Lou be able to resist Hooker's charm? All this and more in this wonderful book that is so hard to put down, I had to do a couple of chores and come back for a few more chapters... Enjoy!! Perfect beach read to take enjoying these last few days of summer!!!
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads First Read program in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of Women of a Dangerous Age: A Novel via Goodreads giveaway. I appreciate the opportunity and share my unbiased review. The novel by Fanny Blake, shares the story of two middle aged women who are both facing significant turns in their lives. Their paths cross while they are both on a getaway in India and a friendship develops. Lou has recently left her husband seeking a new independence and freedom. Ali has been recently proposed to by her "boyfriend" and is living out her last days of independence and freedom. An unlikely twist of events brings Lou and Ali closer as they support one another through several unexpected life altering changes. The novels shares a story of the challenges faced by families impacted by infidelity and hidden secrets. The author presents a realistic portrayal of the dynamics that can exist among family when faced with the loss of what they once knew and the fears of what is yet to be. There is no white picket fence in this tale, it is a rather honest tale of two women, both facing mid-life crisis that have a ripple effect on those around them. I found this to be a light read, without any enduring feelings. There was a lack of emotion and I felt the author could have created more depth to the characters in what they were truly facing. It held my interest more so due to the humor within. It is a good summer read, 4/5 stars for chik-lit.
I enjoyed this book about Lou and Ali. Lou has just left her husband and decides to travel to India to celebrate. There she makes friends with Ali who is on the same trip. Ali is a serial mistress who has fallen for her latest boyfriend and is planning to move in with him when she returns home. Back in London they are both looking forward to a happier future, but things don't go quite to plan when some secrets are revealed. Lou is a lovely sympathetic character and from the start you are keen for things to work out for her. It took longer to warm to Ali but as the book moves on and you learn more of her story you do begin to see why she behaves as she does. This is a good story with believable characters and I recommend it.
There was a lot like about this book, the main characters Lou, and even Ali, most of all.
I was not at all surprised by the "twist" in the plot, nor even by the resolution of the crisis. But even if the story was predictable to me, there was a lot of good writing between its beginning and its ending.
Incidentally, I'm still not sure what the "dangerous age" is -- presumably somewhere in the forties or fifties for a woman, according to the book. Or, as I prefer, from the point in her life when she realizes that she doesn't NEED a man. I would have been dangerous for a long time using that second definition.
This is the story of the growing friendship and other relationships of two middle aged women, both having reached a middle aged crisis point from different perspectives. Unfortunately it didn't quite live up to its title as I was hoping for something a bit more radical, but that's just me!
It has some laugh out loud moments, some tearful moments and lots of moments of shared recognition of feelings and circumstances.
A gentle (slightly slow) journey through the turning points in two womens lives which is a positive, self-affirming read for women of all ages. Go for it ...
Kate and Ali meet on a trip to India . Out of friendship blossoms a business partenership Though both have different lives they become linked in an unexpected way after their business venture. It took a while to get into but once I got there I was unable to put down. An enjoyable book with twists and turns .
I just won this book at a First Reads giveaway. The title intrigued me, as I am a women of a dangerous age! Haha. It was a cute read. Lou decides she doesn't want to be married anymore and leaves her husband. She then celebrates by going to India and meets up with another woman named Ali. I was thinking it was going to be another Thelma and Louise...not quite. But, still enjoyable.
On a trip to India after leaving her unfaithful husband, Lou meets fellow Londoner, Ali. A friendship develops between the two, helping them each to find a new direction. Fun and witty, I recommend this book to fans of Katie Fforde and Sophie Kinsella.
after attempting to read this book for nearly a month I have decided to give it up. I can't get into it. can't get invested In the characters can't get interested in the plot. and the British spelling and flow of writing isn't working for me Ib this particular book. so there's that. ..