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When We Fall
LOVE LOST, LOVE FOUND
Ready for a fresh start, Allison Parker moves back to her hometown in the suburbs of New York. While she’d once savored the dynamic pace of city life, sadly, it lost its allure after her husband’s untimely death. Now, ready to focus on her art career accompanied by her ten-year-old son, Logan, Allison doesn’t anticipate that her past will resurface. When the wife of her husband’s best friend from summer camp takes her under her wing, things begin to spin out of control.
At one time, Charlotte Crane thought she had it all—a devoted husband, a beautiful little girl, and enough financial security to never have to worry. But behind her perfect facade lie a strained marriage and a fractured relationship with her sister. When new girl Allison arrives in Wincourt, Charlotte welcomes the chance to build a friendship. Before long, Charlotte begins to see her life through Allison’s eyes, and the cracks in her seemingly flawless existence become impossible to ignore.
As Allison heals from the loss of her husband—even wondering if she might be ready to date again—Charlotte feels more distant from her loved ones than ever before. The emerging friendship between the two women appears to be just the antidote both of them so desperately need...until everything falls apart.
Ready for a fresh start, Allison Parker moves back to her hometown in the suburbs of New York. While she’d once savored the dynamic pace of city life, sadly, it lost its allure after her husband’s untimely death. Now, ready to focus on her art career accompanied by her ten-year-old son, Logan, Allison doesn’t anticipate that her past will resurface. When the wife of her husband’s best friend from summer camp takes her under her wing, things begin to spin out of control.
At one time, Charlotte Crane thought she had it all—a devoted husband, a beautiful little girl, and enough financial security to never have to worry. But behind her perfect facade lie a strained marriage and a fractured relationship with her sister. When new girl Allison arrives in Wincourt, Charlotte welcomes the chance to build a friendship. Before long, Charlotte begins to see her life through Allison’s eyes, and the cracks in her seemingly flawless existence become impossible to ignore.
As Allison heals from the loss of her husband—even wondering if she might be ready to date again—Charlotte feels more distant from her loved ones than ever before. The emerging friendship between the two women appears to be just the antidote both of them so desperately need...until everything falls apart.
290 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2014
43 people are currently reading
3201 people want to read
About the author
Emily Liebert
12 books985 followersEmily Liebert is the USA TODAY Bestselling Author of seven books.
PERFECTLY FAMOUS, her newest novel, was released on June 2, 2020. Prior to that, PRETTY REVENGE published on July 2, 2019. Both with Gallery/Simon& Schuster.
Her first narrative non-fiction book, FACEBOOK FAIRYTALES, is available across the globe.
In 2012, Emily wrote her debut novel, YOU KNEW ME WHEN, which published on September 3, 2013. Her second novel, WHEN WE FALL, published on September 2, 2014. THOSE SECRETS WE KEEP, her third novel, released on June 2, 2015, and her fourth novel, SOME WOMEN, came out on April 5, 2016, all with Penguin Random House.
Emily is featured often in the press, by outlets such as: Today Show, The Rachael Ray Show, Anderson Cooper, FOX News, Good Day New York, The Couch, Oprah Radio, Martha Stewart Radio, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, InStyle, OK!, Nylon, Ladies’ Home Journal, Woman’s World, WWD, Woman’s Day, The New York Post, The Washington Post, The New York Daily News, The Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, and The Huffington Post.
She has also served as a spokesperson for Microsoft, appearing on TV and radio stations nationwide.
PERFECTLY FAMOUS, her newest novel, was released on June 2, 2020. Prior to that, PRETTY REVENGE published on July 2, 2019. Both with Gallery/Simon& Schuster.
Her first narrative non-fiction book, FACEBOOK FAIRYTALES, is available across the globe.
In 2012, Emily wrote her debut novel, YOU KNEW ME WHEN, which published on September 3, 2013. Her second novel, WHEN WE FALL, published on September 2, 2014. THOSE SECRETS WE KEEP, her third novel, released on June 2, 2015, and her fourth novel, SOME WOMEN, came out on April 5, 2016, all with Penguin Random House.
Emily is featured often in the press, by outlets such as: Today Show, The Rachael Ray Show, Anderson Cooper, FOX News, Good Day New York, The Couch, Oprah Radio, Martha Stewart Radio, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, InStyle, OK!, Nylon, Ladies’ Home Journal, Woman’s World, WWD, Woman’s Day, The New York Post, The Washington Post, The New York Daily News, The Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, and The Huffington Post.
She has also served as a spokesperson for Microsoft, appearing on TV and radio stations nationwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
September 27, 2018
Wow!!! That was one of the most boring books I have ever read. I don't know how or why I made myself finish it.
September 14, 2014
"When We Fall" is the story of two very different women. Allison is a woman who has to move back to her hometown for fresh start with her young son. She isn't looking forward to moving to her hometown, which she knows he's filled with catty women but she thinks it will be better to be home. Charlotte is one of those women (who fits into exactly the group that Allison is worried about) who wants everything to look perfect and it does look perfect, at least from the outside. But inside, it's a whole different story. Charlotte lets her fears get the best of her and causes a commotion in the small town. This is a story about friendship and trying to see that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
I really enjoyed this book. I could fully understand Allison's hesitancy in wanting to go back to her small hometown. I really like her character and the one that really surprised me was how much I ended up liking Charlotte. Charlotte is definitely not the easiest character to like. She is so lost and trying to make up for so many things by overcompensating a little bit. As the book goes on we learned that it's that Charlotte is really just so afraid that she doesn't know what to do. She's definitely a good lesson in why you should never jump to conclusions.
The writing of this book was pretty good. I really liked how the author was able to create such different characters. I did think that the ending dramatic event was a little bit far-fetched because I didn't really understand Charlotte's actions. But overall, the author does a really good job of showing us the various character motivations which really will help the reader get into the book. Overall, I thought this was a good story about two women who aren't exactly sure what they're looking for but they know that don't know when they find it.
I really enjoyed this book. I could fully understand Allison's hesitancy in wanting to go back to her small hometown. I really like her character and the one that really surprised me was how much I ended up liking Charlotte. Charlotte is definitely not the easiest character to like. She is so lost and trying to make up for so many things by overcompensating a little bit. As the book goes on we learned that it's that Charlotte is really just so afraid that she doesn't know what to do. She's definitely a good lesson in why you should never jump to conclusions.
The writing of this book was pretty good. I really liked how the author was able to create such different characters. I did think that the ending dramatic event was a little bit far-fetched because I didn't really understand Charlotte's actions. But overall, the author does a really good job of showing us the various character motivations which really will help the reader get into the book. Overall, I thought this was a good story about two women who aren't exactly sure what they're looking for but they know that don't know when they find it.
September 18, 2014
From cover to cover [quite literally! have you seen it?] this book was beautifully designed. And the story was simply amazing. I love that the characters actually had scruples and weren't falling all over each other to get into bed together. They simply evolved in their relationships at a good old fashioned kind of pace. Which, stop me if I'm wrong, but I found to be quite refreshing for a change. The story was in no way any less than it could have been had the character's lives been more gratuitous or flagrant, but instead was actually better. By relying on her story building skills alone the author was able to draw up a very realistic cast of characters and draw readers in by the emotional storyline instead of the quick fix sexual release we find in many books these days. This is a book I wouldn't be afraid to let my daughters read, if they were just a bit older. Briefly put, it was really really good. I am so happy to have had the review opportunity.
March 20, 2016
This was the first book I've read by Emily Liebert. I liked the alternating viewpoints of the very different characters and how their storylines merged. Emily's writing style is easy to read and keeps you turning the pages. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
November 22, 2018
This book is about 2 women: Charlotte and Alison. Charlotte is a wealthy housewife. She’s married to Charlie and has a daughter named Gia and she does a great job of putting up a perfect front. She volunteers, does the PTA stuff, etc but behind closed doors her marriage is suffering and she is not happy.
Alison is new to town. She is a single mom to her son Logan. Her husband was killed in a bus accident when she was pregnant and now years later she’s back to her hometown, still very broken and sad. She had a very hard time moving on and has not dated at all.
When Charlotte first meets Alison she wants to take her under her wing so they become friends. However, Alison and Charlie were friends when they were young (he was best friends with her husband) and their close relationship sparks jealousy in Charlotte. With Alison she sees the man Charlie used to be, he’s kind and caring and not the married-to-the-job, cold man she now knows.
The book goes back and forth between the women. They get close then Charlotte goes crazy on her because she thinks she and her husband are cheating, etc. Then the confusion gets cleared up and they’re friends again. Even more, she and Charlie figure out how to make it work and everyone is happily ever after.
I felt like a lot of the tension between the women was underdeveloped. We didn’t know enough about charlottes thoughts on the “affair” and it all snowballed and then was over quickly.
Alison also starts a relationship with a dreamy guy she used to know. While I’m glad she’s happy and was moving on (she’s a very sweet and likable character) I thought the relationship was weak and unbelievable. Why now after all these years or so deeply grieving?
Overall, I’m disappointed in this book because I love the author. I feel like the characters weren’t developed enough so I never got the emotional connection that propelled me through the story.
Okay, quick read.
Alison is new to town. She is a single mom to her son Logan. Her husband was killed in a bus accident when she was pregnant and now years later she’s back to her hometown, still very broken and sad. She had a very hard time moving on and has not dated at all.
When Charlotte first meets Alison she wants to take her under her wing so they become friends. However, Alison and Charlie were friends when they were young (he was best friends with her husband) and their close relationship sparks jealousy in Charlotte. With Alison she sees the man Charlie used to be, he’s kind and caring and not the married-to-the-job, cold man she now knows.
The book goes back and forth between the women. They get close then Charlotte goes crazy on her because she thinks she and her husband are cheating, etc. Then the confusion gets cleared up and they’re friends again. Even more, she and Charlie figure out how to make it work and everyone is happily ever after.
I felt like a lot of the tension between the women was underdeveloped. We didn’t know enough about charlottes thoughts on the “affair” and it all snowballed and then was over quickly.
Alison also starts a relationship with a dreamy guy she used to know. While I’m glad she’s happy and was moving on (she’s a very sweet and likable character) I thought the relationship was weak and unbelievable. Why now after all these years or so deeply grieving?
Overall, I’m disappointed in this book because I love the author. I feel like the characters weren’t developed enough so I never got the emotional connection that propelled me through the story.
Okay, quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2019
This was cute. Not boring or slow, but I felt like it didn’t have a lot of substance really and was a bit predictable. It kept my interest and it wasn’t hard to get through, but I felt like it was similar to other books I’ve read in this genre. Nothing really stood out in it for me.
May 25, 2017
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you!
I'm adding Emily Liebert as a favorite. Loved reading this very much. I plan to read more by this author.
June 9, 2015
When We Fall by Emily Liebert, is a thought-provoking, complex, witty, and emotionally honest realistic account of flawed female friendships and relationships; what it is like to fall, when things get complicated, and back up--to survive, stronger than ever.
Revolving around two women in transition: one recently widowed young mother returning to her suburban hometown, and her new best friend whose life only looks perfect on the outside. Their friendship seems to be just what they both need, until it falls apart.
After the death of Allison Parker’s husband, Jack—she and her son, Logan move from Manhattan to her hometown of suburbs of Wincourt, New York. Allison feels being closer to her family, will allow her to focus on her art career, and give her time away from her memories of Jack to begin healing.
In an attempt to feel connected, Allison befriends, Logan’s classmate (Gia)’s mom, Charlotte, married to her late husband’s best friend, Charlie. Their friendship includes a lot of differences and issues began to surface, as it would appear Charlotte and Charlie’s marriage—not so perfect. Charlotte’s sister Elizabeth also befriends Allison, and silly jealousy occurs between the two sisters and things spiral out of control.
Where some things are not as they appear on the exterior, Emily explores the good, bad, bitches, nasty gossip, insecurities, name dropping, the judgmental and petty actions, misunderstandings, shallowness, jealousy, backbiting, and the all ugly truths of women, emotions, female friendships, and relationships (women are as mean as the teens in high school);as they journey to being true sisters and friends, for a heartwarming and contemporary novel of surviving loss and love.
Fans of Emily Giffin, Jane Green, and Sarah Pekkanen, will enjoy, as well as readers of chick-lit, drama, and female relationships involving wives, mothers, sisters, and friendships.
I love the reference to Canyon Ranch, (what an escape), as I love it and wish I could be there, right now! Tucson and Miami Beach. If you have not been, highly recommend!
If you have not read Emily Liebert's You Knew Me When, would highly recommend as she takes readers from New York to Vermont. A poignant story of friendship and the struggles of sacrificing yourself for your friends, or staying true to your heart to do the right thing.
Emily, in regards to your blog about female relationships: I prefer men or gay guys as friends, for a drama free zone. I always wanted to have sons, so got my wish (2 sons and 3 step-sons), thank you, God.
Now, I see why girls are so much harder to raise than boys. My grandson is five, and we get along perfectly! However, my granddaughter, seven is a total diva, and everything about her is DRAMA and complicated! (they start early these days). :)
JDCMustReadBooks
Those Secrets We Keep 6/2/2015
You Knew Me When 9/3/2013
Revolving around two women in transition: one recently widowed young mother returning to her suburban hometown, and her new best friend whose life only looks perfect on the outside. Their friendship seems to be just what they both need, until it falls apart.
After the death of Allison Parker’s husband, Jack—she and her son, Logan move from Manhattan to her hometown of suburbs of Wincourt, New York. Allison feels being closer to her family, will allow her to focus on her art career, and give her time away from her memories of Jack to begin healing.
In an attempt to feel connected, Allison befriends, Logan’s classmate (Gia)’s mom, Charlotte, married to her late husband’s best friend, Charlie. Their friendship includes a lot of differences and issues began to surface, as it would appear Charlotte and Charlie’s marriage—not so perfect. Charlotte’s sister Elizabeth also befriends Allison, and silly jealousy occurs between the two sisters and things spiral out of control.
Where some things are not as they appear on the exterior, Emily explores the good, bad, bitches, nasty gossip, insecurities, name dropping, the judgmental and petty actions, misunderstandings, shallowness, jealousy, backbiting, and the all ugly truths of women, emotions, female friendships, and relationships (women are as mean as the teens in high school);as they journey to being true sisters and friends, for a heartwarming and contemporary novel of surviving loss and love.
Fans of Emily Giffin, Jane Green, and Sarah Pekkanen, will enjoy, as well as readers of chick-lit, drama, and female relationships involving wives, mothers, sisters, and friendships.
I love the reference to Canyon Ranch, (what an escape), as I love it and wish I could be there, right now! Tucson and Miami Beach. If you have not been, highly recommend!
If you have not read Emily Liebert's You Knew Me When, would highly recommend as she takes readers from New York to Vermont. A poignant story of friendship and the struggles of sacrificing yourself for your friends, or staying true to your heart to do the right thing.
Emily, in regards to your blog about female relationships: I prefer men or gay guys as friends, for a drama free zone. I always wanted to have sons, so got my wish (2 sons and 3 step-sons), thank you, God.
Now, I see why girls are so much harder to raise than boys. My grandson is five, and we get along perfectly! However, my granddaughter, seven is a total diva, and everything about her is DRAMA and complicated! (they start early these days). :)
JDCMustReadBooks
Those Secrets We Keep 6/2/2015
You Knew Me When 9/3/2013
September 8, 2014
Even though I didn’t enjoy Emily Liebert’s previous book, You Knew Me When, I wanted to give her another chance with her newest book When We Fall. I thought this book was better and I liked it more. Unlike with the previous book, I was more engrossed in the story and its characters. The one constant about Liebert’s books is the writing, which was good.
I thought Liebert did a good job of melding the story of her two main female characters, Allison and Charlotte. I felt a more natural continuation between them where it didn’t feel like they were created separately and now are having their stories be forcefully fitted together. I thought reading both of their narratives provided a juxtaposition of Allison’s and Charlotte’s lives. You get perspective on what both are going through.
I think the biggest difference between this book and the last were the characters. I felt more invested in Allison and Charlotte. This was probably due to their circumstances which is more compelling to read. Although if I were to be honest, Charlotte’s story was more interesting. It was probably due to how she and her marriage was portrayed, both the good and the bad. I appreciated how Charlotte wasn’t portrayed as the wronged wife, putting all the blame on her husband, Charlie. Through Charlotte you see how both parties contribute to the breakdown of a marriage. Charlotte can do some things that I didn’t like, but at the same time you understand it comes from her insecurity and fear regarding herself and her marriage. As for Allison, I feel like she came off a little too perfect. Her story wasn’t as compelling as Charlotte’s even though Allison is a widow who is returning home as a single mom. That doesn’t mean she wasn’t likeable, but when she’s put next to Charlotte, it was hard for me to find anything wrong with her.
The only issue that I had with the book, was the ending. For 95% of the book, I thought Liebert did a great job of establishing Allison and Charlotte as individuals and then cultivating their friendship. I also thought the little twist in the story was a nice touch. However, when it got towards the end, I felt the story’s resolution was a bit rushed. Perhaps, I was expecting a more drawn out process for the reconciliation between Allison and Charlotte and Charlotte and Charlie. It just seemed everything was fixed and packed together with a nice bow on top.
Overall, I enjoyed Liebert’s newest book. It was written well with likeable characters with whom you can sympathize and perhaps even relate with. If you don’t include the ending, the story was paced well and you got absorbed into the story.
*Received Uncorrected Proof from Goodreads First Reads giveaway
I thought Liebert did a good job of melding the story of her two main female characters, Allison and Charlotte. I felt a more natural continuation between them where it didn’t feel like they were created separately and now are having their stories be forcefully fitted together. I thought reading both of their narratives provided a juxtaposition of Allison’s and Charlotte’s lives. You get perspective on what both are going through.
I think the biggest difference between this book and the last were the characters. I felt more invested in Allison and Charlotte. This was probably due to their circumstances which is more compelling to read. Although if I were to be honest, Charlotte’s story was more interesting. It was probably due to how she and her marriage was portrayed, both the good and the bad. I appreciated how Charlotte wasn’t portrayed as the wronged wife, putting all the blame on her husband, Charlie. Through Charlotte you see how both parties contribute to the breakdown of a marriage. Charlotte can do some things that I didn’t like, but at the same time you understand it comes from her insecurity and fear regarding herself and her marriage. As for Allison, I feel like she came off a little too perfect. Her story wasn’t as compelling as Charlotte’s even though Allison is a widow who is returning home as a single mom. That doesn’t mean she wasn’t likeable, but when she’s put next to Charlotte, it was hard for me to find anything wrong with her.
The only issue that I had with the book, was the ending. For 95% of the book, I thought Liebert did a great job of establishing Allison and Charlotte as individuals and then cultivating their friendship. I also thought the little twist in the story was a nice touch. However, when it got towards the end, I felt the story’s resolution was a bit rushed. Perhaps, I was expecting a more drawn out process for the reconciliation between Allison and Charlotte and Charlotte and Charlie. It just seemed everything was fixed and packed together with a nice bow on top.
Overall, I enjoyed Liebert’s newest book. It was written well with likeable characters with whom you can sympathize and perhaps even relate with. If you don’t include the ending, the story was paced well and you got absorbed into the story.
*Received Uncorrected Proof from Goodreads First Reads giveaway
September 10, 2014
I received a copy of When We Fall by Emily Liebert in exchange for an honest review.
More than a decade after her husband’s death, Allison moves back to her hometown with her son, having her family nearby is great and the change of pace from the hustle in New York City is welcomed. She’s making new friends with some of the moms at her son, Logan’s new school and it seems that Allison and Charlotte with be good friends. On the outside, Charlotte seems to have it all, a husband, a daughter, financial security means she never has to work, but inside she feels as if her life is falling apart. Charlotte’s husband happens to be her deceased husband’s best friend and it all seems to be falling into place for Allison, even with the cute guy at the Bistro. I found this book to be emotionally challenging to read, and their were characters that although I did empathize with their plight, how dense could you be?? I was sad for Allison but I thought she was irritatingly naïve, could she not as a friend see what it would have been like for her if the shoe was on the other foot? I rooted for Charlotte in this book the most, I got her, and it seemed that almost everyone preyed on her insecurities, and she just wanted a friend who did not need or expect anything from her. I liked this author ability to bring to the surface the emotions that surface when dealing with some of life’s tragedies, but also how animosity can surface when there is no balance in friendship and family.
More than a decade after her husband’s death, Allison moves back to her hometown with her son, having her family nearby is great and the change of pace from the hustle in New York City is welcomed. She’s making new friends with some of the moms at her son, Logan’s new school and it seems that Allison and Charlotte with be good friends. On the outside, Charlotte seems to have it all, a husband, a daughter, financial security means she never has to work, but inside she feels as if her life is falling apart. Charlotte’s husband happens to be her deceased husband’s best friend and it all seems to be falling into place for Allison, even with the cute guy at the Bistro. I found this book to be emotionally challenging to read, and their were characters that although I did empathize with their plight, how dense could you be?? I was sad for Allison but I thought she was irritatingly naïve, could she not as a friend see what it would have been like for her if the shoe was on the other foot? I rooted for Charlotte in this book the most, I got her, and it seemed that almost everyone preyed on her insecurities, and she just wanted a friend who did not need or expect anything from her. I liked this author ability to bring to the surface the emotions that surface when dealing with some of life’s tragedies, but also how animosity can surface when there is no balance in friendship and family.
December 22, 2014
Absolutely amazing! Every single part from the characters to the plot to the conflict I enjoyed it! Emily Liebert did a fantastic job at creating real, a few wholesome and some mean, characters that made you think you know them in real life. I'm so happy with how it turned out for Allison. I sincerely hope there is a sequel. If not, I will just have to imagine how it goes with Allison and Dempsey in my head. I also felt that I was right smack dab in the middle of the story which is my favorite kind.
October 1, 2014
Of course Emily hit this one out of the ballpark again! Love her books & highly recommend reading them!
January 29, 2015
Not a bad book overall, but characters were quite shallow.
June 25, 2017
It was alright. I just thought the stupidity of the characters and the predicability of the story was just blah.
November 5, 2019
Predictable storyline, much like some Hallmark movies. Nonetheless I enjoyed this book. A quick and easy read if you need a break from something heavy.
August 28, 2015
This isn’t a romance. Not in the terms that most people would classify that genre in any case. It is a story about bored, wealthy, materialistic, greedy, snotty, self-centered, entitled idiots that underneath it all are really miserable little people with zero self esteem.
I honestly didn’t find anything redeeming in a single one of the characters in this book. For the majority of the story, I thought that Allison was the only decent person in the whole mess. Turns out, she is just this paragon of virtue that can forgive any offense, no matter how horrid and awful, which actually makes her a door mat.
With some of the stuff that happened in this book, there should have been some claws unsheathed and some serious ass kicking, but no. It was, I was just utterly shredded so I’m going to go cry in a corner until I get an apology and then everything is back to rainbows and bunny farts perfect.
I cannot stand the personality types that are everywhere in this book in real life. I can tolerate them even less in the book world. Spiteful, catty, social climbing, elitists. You get pretty much every bit of this here. It is not entertaining.
You have Allison, the doormat. Charlie, the asshole husband that thinks the wife that doesn’t have a job outside the home doesn’t actually do real work and that it is totally okay to not do squat at home to help out but that it is totally okay to go help some other woman with all her stuff. Charlotte, the wife with zero self esteem, suspects everyone of hiding ulterior motives, is maybe a size 6 and cannot get over how fat she is and practically has dollar signs running through her head with regards to everything in her life. Elizabeth, the sister that can’t be bothered to do a thing for herself and has no problem mooching off her sister and letting her sister do everything that needs to be done for their parents.
I seriously disliked this on so many levels. The fact that you read through all of these truly awful people and think there is no way that this is going to be a pretty end, but it is. From all sides and seriously, forgiveness and acceptance of awful people and the things they do is only believable to a point. The fact that this ended with everyone perfectly okay with each other and are still friends or their marriage is now all fixed and perfect is just not even remotely realistic. So, yeah. Not a romance. Fantasy? Yeah, not even in that genre does it work.
I honestly didn’t find anything redeeming in a single one of the characters in this book. For the majority of the story, I thought that Allison was the only decent person in the whole mess. Turns out, she is just this paragon of virtue that can forgive any offense, no matter how horrid and awful, which actually makes her a door mat.
With some of the stuff that happened in this book, there should have been some claws unsheathed and some serious ass kicking, but no. It was, I was just utterly shredded so I’m going to go cry in a corner until I get an apology and then everything is back to rainbows and bunny farts perfect.
I cannot stand the personality types that are everywhere in this book in real life. I can tolerate them even less in the book world. Spiteful, catty, social climbing, elitists. You get pretty much every bit of this here. It is not entertaining.
You have Allison, the doormat. Charlie, the asshole husband that thinks the wife that doesn’t have a job outside the home doesn’t actually do real work and that it is totally okay to not do squat at home to help out but that it is totally okay to go help some other woman with all her stuff. Charlotte, the wife with zero self esteem, suspects everyone of hiding ulterior motives, is maybe a size 6 and cannot get over how fat she is and practically has dollar signs running through her head with regards to everything in her life. Elizabeth, the sister that can’t be bothered to do a thing for herself and has no problem mooching off her sister and letting her sister do everything that needs to be done for their parents.
I seriously disliked this on so many levels. The fact that you read through all of these truly awful people and think there is no way that this is going to be a pretty end, but it is. From all sides and seriously, forgiveness and acceptance of awful people and the things they do is only believable to a point. The fact that this ended with everyone perfectly okay with each other and are still friends or their marriage is now all fixed and perfect is just not even remotely realistic. So, yeah. Not a romance. Fantasy? Yeah, not even in that genre does it work.
October 4, 2014
I was really torn when I was done with this book. I had some high expectations going into it and now that I’m done I had to take a few days to write this review. I’m really 50/50 when it comes to this read. I didn’t really love it but I didn’t really dislike it either.
The story of Allison and her son moving back home after many years of being alone since her husband’s death. While there she reunites with an old childhood friend of her husbands. She was kind of relived to see a familiar face hoping to make some good solid friends. Instead she doesn’t know that all these women are social climbers and gossips. She thinks she will make a friend in Charlotte instead she is seen as women who might steal your man. I liked Allison she is a good and honest woman who is still trying to put the pieces of her life together after the death of her husband. Her whole life has always been about her son and her love life is nonexistent. She sees Charlotte as a friend whom she hopes to get closer too. But Charlotte’s friends don’t like how she is so close to Charlotte’s husband and start to put doubts into her head.
This is where I was split. I loved Allison but hated Charlotte. Sure she has her own problems and insecurities but I disliked how she just instantly believed what others said. She never really gave Allison the benefit of the doubt. Deep down she knew Allison wasn’t a man stealer yet believed these women who just wanted to cause trouble and spread gossip. I just thought there was a lot of pettiness when it came to the females. I loved how Allison was trying to move on and make a real life for her and her son. And her whole family being there I thought was wonderful. Plus I really enjoyed when she finally opened herself up to love again. Honestly I would’ve been satisfied just reading about Allison’s story. Like anything else there are pros and cons to this read. However definitely on the fence when it comes to this one though.
The story of Allison and her son moving back home after many years of being alone since her husband’s death. While there she reunites with an old childhood friend of her husbands. She was kind of relived to see a familiar face hoping to make some good solid friends. Instead she doesn’t know that all these women are social climbers and gossips. She thinks she will make a friend in Charlotte instead she is seen as women who might steal your man. I liked Allison she is a good and honest woman who is still trying to put the pieces of her life together after the death of her husband. Her whole life has always been about her son and her love life is nonexistent. She sees Charlotte as a friend whom she hopes to get closer too. But Charlotte’s friends don’t like how she is so close to Charlotte’s husband and start to put doubts into her head.
This is where I was split. I loved Allison but hated Charlotte. Sure she has her own problems and insecurities but I disliked how she just instantly believed what others said. She never really gave Allison the benefit of the doubt. Deep down she knew Allison wasn’t a man stealer yet believed these women who just wanted to cause trouble and spread gossip. I just thought there was a lot of pettiness when it came to the females. I loved how Allison was trying to move on and make a real life for her and her son. And her whole family being there I thought was wonderful. Plus I really enjoyed when she finally opened herself up to love again. Honestly I would’ve been satisfied just reading about Allison’s story. Like anything else there are pros and cons to this read. However definitely on the fence when it comes to this one though.
December 31, 2015
This is a thought provoking book about relationships between women. The story explores how complex and flawed female relationships can be by showing us very different personality types, capturing the fragility of each and examining how nothing is as it seems from the outside. The story is written well, feels emotionally honest as each character battles their own demons. A woman can relate to everything in this book, and most certainly knows someone with each character types, or experienced similar hiccups. There are the good, the bad, the ugly, the bitchiness, the gosspis, the inflated insecurities, the jugdmental egomaniacs, the pettiness, the shallowness (this one totally stumped me), the jealousy and the resulting backstabbing... It's all in here.
At times it is hard to read, as it is so confronting. It's hard to believe that adult woman can act like this - but as I said before, I'm sure everyone knows this, albeit not many dare to talk about it.
A thought-provoking, well written novel where women desperately want to belong, want real friendships and maybe after many ups and downs and hideous misunderstandings and backstabbing bitchiness they might just finally get there.
A good, good read.
At times it is hard to read, as it is so confronting. It's hard to believe that adult woman can act like this - but as I said before, I'm sure everyone knows this, albeit not many dare to talk about it.
A thought-provoking, well written novel where women desperately want to belong, want real friendships and maybe after many ups and downs and hideous misunderstandings and backstabbing bitchiness they might just finally get there.
A good, good read.
November 11, 2014
Really 3.5 stars. Charlotte is a bored housewife living in a wealthy New York suburb. Her marriage is rocky and her friends are superficial. Charlotte welcomes the chance for a true friend when Allison, a widow of 10 years, moves back to her hometown. Allison, her deceased husband and Charlotte's husband, Charlie, were childhood friends. The friendship between Charlotte and Allison becomes strained when Charlie begins to to start spending too much time with Allison. Things come to blows at a charity auction over a misunderstanding between Allison and Charlotte. For all of them it makes them examine themselves more closely and recognize their need to move forward with their lives. At times I found Allison a bit too dense and Charlotte a bit too whiney and self absorbed and the ending was a bit too much "happy ever after", but overall an easy, enjoyable read.
October 13, 2017
One of my favorite authors for charming and light hearted quick read. The tale of a family with past issues and how they work thru these issues in the end coming together. Emily's writing is extremely relatable so you can relate to the characters, their emotions, situations people go thru daily. If you are looking for a light escape from the day this one is a great read.
December 14, 2014
This is profoundly a book for a female audience. It involves a young attractive widow moving back to her home town and she is embraced by her husband's best friend and his wife. This guy falls all over himself trying to help her out and guess what - his wife who is initially a saint eventually becomes jealous. Go figure. Let me tell you this, I don't care how close I was to my best friend my wife would never let me do what this guy does for her. You will never convince me this guy doesn't have a hidden agenda. That said, if you can buy the premise the book is well written and moves along effortlessly.
February 28, 2017
This story was so enjoyable! It is a story of loss, love, friendship and betrayal, although that betrayal was only in the mind of Charlotte. It is the story mostly of Allison and Charlotte. Allison lost her husband eleven years earlier and her son never knew his father. They moved back to Allison's hometown in New York for a fresh start. Charlotte seems to have everything, a husband, lovely daughter, and so much money that she never has to worry about it. Allison and Charlotte begin a friendship but then it falls apart.
February 13, 2015
I started out really liking the book. it built up to the climax and was just getting good and ...went no where. The ending wrapped all to easily and everything wrapped up too perfectly in too short of time. I didn't feel like the ending stood up to the beginning. Too unbelievable and disappointing.
March 13, 2015
*received for free through Goodreads First Reads
The characters pissed me off from the start, especially Charlotte with her push-over attitude in raising her daughter. These attitudes made me not care about the story and was severely detrimental in my enjoyment of the book.
The characters pissed me off from the start, especially Charlotte with her push-over attitude in raising her daughter. These attitudes made me not care about the story and was severely detrimental in my enjoyment of the book.
November 7, 2019
I've been going back and forth with my opinion on this book since I finished it this morning. There are aspects that I definitely liked, but there were also definitely things that just irked me. I appreciated that this was sort of a lighter book, based on what I usually read anyway, and it was really easy to finish in just a few days. I liked that it was about female friendship and starting over by admitting to ourselves what is not working in our lives. I enjoyed Liebert's writing style as a whole because I think it's simple, yet effective. She's there to tell us a story, not bog everyone down by long-winded details or complicated vocab to show off her intellect.
What I really did not like, were the characters. That's actually one of the discussion questions in the back of the book, which I read for once. There were multiple points throughout the book where I just hated everyone. I didn't like Charlotte because some of her behavior and personality reminded me of myself, and I wasn't very proud to see myself in writing. I didn't like Charlie because a lot of the time he came off as an honest-to-God asshole. I didn't think Alison's character was particularly realistic. She's perfect at everything, oh, except for singing 80's hits in her house and she's blind when it comes to considering how other people feel. Really? And Elizabeth comes off as a spoiled brat, but she gets a pass because she experienced trauma. No. Just no. And who is this younger brother that Alison has that we hear about exactly one time in the book, and never again! Is he just not a part of their family's life?
I also really didn't understand Charlotte and Alison's friendship. Those two couldn't be more different, but they both keep referencing something that draws each of them to the other person. What does that mean? Another one of the reflection questions was "What do you think draws [the two characters] together?" and honestly, I don't know how to answer that, because I don't think it was ever explained in the book! They both also seemed extremely spoiled at times, which I couldn't relate to. When Charlotte and Alison stayed at that spa for a weekend, they complained that two grown women shouldn't have to share a king-sized bed. I'm sorry, but do you even realize how big a king-sized bed is? How did either of them share a bed with their respective husbands? How did they have such a problem for one night, but not all those other nights?
To conclude, it was an okay book, but there were many things that I just didn't care for. I wouldn't completely write off Liebert's other books, but I'm also not really racing back to the library to pick them up.
What I really did not like, were the characters. That's actually one of the discussion questions in the back of the book, which I read for once. There were multiple points throughout the book where I just hated everyone. I didn't like Charlotte because some of her behavior and personality reminded me of myself, and I wasn't very proud to see myself in writing. I didn't like Charlie because a lot of the time he came off as an honest-to-God asshole. I didn't think Alison's character was particularly realistic. She's perfect at everything, oh, except for singing 80's hits in her house and she's blind when it comes to considering how other people feel. Really? And Elizabeth comes off as a spoiled brat, but she gets a pass because she experienced trauma. No. Just no. And who is this younger brother that Alison has that we hear about exactly one time in the book, and never again! Is he just not a part of their family's life?
I also really didn't understand Charlotte and Alison's friendship. Those two couldn't be more different, but they both keep referencing something that draws each of them to the other person. What does that mean? Another one of the reflection questions was "What do you think draws [the two characters] together?" and honestly, I don't know how to answer that, because I don't think it was ever explained in the book! They both also seemed extremely spoiled at times, which I couldn't relate to. When Charlotte and Alison stayed at that spa for a weekend, they complained that two grown women shouldn't have to share a king-sized bed. I'm sorry, but do you even realize how big a king-sized bed is? How did either of them share a bed with their respective husbands? How did they have such a problem for one night, but not all those other nights?
To conclude, it was an okay book, but there were many things that I just didn't care for. I wouldn't completely write off Liebert's other books, but I'm also not really racing back to the library to pick them up.
October 3, 2017
(More like 3.5 stars)
While I loved "When We Fall" and thoroughly enjoyed the story line and its characters, there were just enough gaps or a lack of a 'je ne sais quois' to it that made me give it 3.5 stars.
Allison is a lovely character and one you can't help but root for from the beginning. All of the characters have their faults and their redeeming qualities. However, I found it hard to believe that a grown woman with an adolescent kid wouldn't think that anything could be seen as possibly remiss by having her friend's husband over for a big dinner while the wife (Charlotte) is away taking care of her parents. I never got how Allison could stay so naive throughout the entire novel, never seeing (or maybe was it willfully not seeing?) how anyone on the outside could believe Charlotte's outburst accusal of Allison sleeping with her husband. Fixing a married man big dinner every time he's over your house doing fix-it work could be seen as a bit much to me. Even Allison's mother noted in a scene about her naivety. It bugged me even more at the end because instead of learning any lesson or feeling any remorse about her role in Charlotte's outburst at the big Gala, the ending seemed a bit swept under the rug and nicely tied up without a more thoughtful, decisive ending.
Sure the ending was good but not solidly thought out in my opinion. I would've liked at least some more gravitas for Allison to realize her part and not solidly put the blame on Charlotte just 'snapping'. It seemed off to me. Allison always kept coming off as the sweet, never-does-anything wrong hero which seems unrealistic.
Good book, I didn't regret reading it because I love Emily's works but this one reels you in but leaves you feeling a bit empty-handed at the end.
While I loved "When We Fall" and thoroughly enjoyed the story line and its characters, there were just enough gaps or a lack of a 'je ne sais quois' to it that made me give it 3.5 stars.
Allison is a lovely character and one you can't help but root for from the beginning. All of the characters have their faults and their redeeming qualities. However, I found it hard to believe that a grown woman with an adolescent kid wouldn't think that anything could be seen as possibly remiss by having her friend's husband over for a big dinner while the wife (Charlotte) is away taking care of her parents. I never got how Allison could stay so naive throughout the entire novel, never seeing (or maybe was it willfully not seeing?) how anyone on the outside could believe Charlotte's outburst accusal of Allison sleeping with her husband. Fixing a married man big dinner every time he's over your house doing fix-it work could be seen as a bit much to me. Even Allison's mother noted in a scene about her naivety. It bugged me even more at the end because instead of learning any lesson or feeling any remorse about her role in Charlotte's outburst at the big Gala, the ending seemed a bit swept under the rug and nicely tied up without a more thoughtful, decisive ending.
Sure the ending was good but not solidly thought out in my opinion. I would've liked at least some more gravitas for Allison to realize her part and not solidly put the blame on Charlotte just 'snapping'. It seemed off to me. Allison always kept coming off as the sweet, never-does-anything wrong hero which seems unrealistic.
Good book, I didn't regret reading it because I love Emily's works but this one reels you in but leaves you feeling a bit empty-handed at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2018
It's a book about relationships--mostly friendships but some romantic relationships and familial relationships as well.
Allison and her son Logan move back to her childhood hometown to allow Logan to be closer to his grandparents. Allison's husband Jack died in a bus crash on the way to a ski trip many years before. Allison meets Charlotte on the first day of school for Logan. Charlotte is Gia's mom, and she happens to be married to Allison's and Jack's childhood friend Charlie. Allison and Charlotte connect as friends and Charlotte is the one who introduces Allison to Sabrina and Missy and also to Charlotte's sister Elizabeth.
Sabrina seems like she wants to be the "top dog" and to do so, she will tear down anyone. She may have an unfaithful husband. Either one could be why she seems to see an affair where there is none.
At first, Missy seems content to follow along with Sabrina--perhaps she too is insecure. By the end, she is more wiling to stand on her own and make her own judgements about people.
Charlotte blows hot and cold. OCD is mentioned with regard to her, though I'm not sure if it was truly diagnosed. She seems to feel that there is a lot on her shoulders and that she has to do it perfectly. She feels she has to bail her sister out of trouble, help her parents, raise her daughter, please her husband. But she feels few of them appreciate her efforts. Her marriage is rocky--and rather than talk to her husband, she lets it fester. Perhaps that's why she is so willing to believe Sabrina's concocted story about an affair between her husband and Allison.
Dempsey James is a unique man. One who's not afraid of being in the shadow of Allison's first husband. He's willing to acknowledge him, but also build a life with Allison post-Jack.
Allison and her son Logan move back to her childhood hometown to allow Logan to be closer to his grandparents. Allison's husband Jack died in a bus crash on the way to a ski trip many years before. Allison meets Charlotte on the first day of school for Logan. Charlotte is Gia's mom, and she happens to be married to Allison's and Jack's childhood friend Charlie. Allison and Charlotte connect as friends and Charlotte is the one who introduces Allison to Sabrina and Missy and also to Charlotte's sister Elizabeth.
Sabrina seems like she wants to be the "top dog" and to do so, she will tear down anyone. She may have an unfaithful husband. Either one could be why she seems to see an affair where there is none.
At first, Missy seems content to follow along with Sabrina--perhaps she too is insecure. By the end, she is more wiling to stand on her own and make her own judgements about people.
Charlotte blows hot and cold. OCD is mentioned with regard to her, though I'm not sure if it was truly diagnosed. She seems to feel that there is a lot on her shoulders and that she has to do it perfectly. She feels she has to bail her sister out of trouble, help her parents, raise her daughter, please her husband. But she feels few of them appreciate her efforts. Her marriage is rocky--and rather than talk to her husband, she lets it fester. Perhaps that's why she is so willing to believe Sabrina's concocted story about an affair between her husband and Allison.
Dempsey James is a unique man. One who's not afraid of being in the shadow of Allison's first husband. He's willing to acknowledge him, but also build a life with Allison post-Jack.
September 1, 2017
There are few words to describe how terrible this book is -- it has all the usual -- shallow, self-absorbed people who do nothing but treat their "friends" like shit and make trouble. Of course every woman is gorgeous, skinny and good at everything, but what was really, really bothersome was the portrayal of nine-year-old Gia. Throughout the book her parents are constantly on her for being chubby, she's nine!! But worse is the ending when Gia comes back from camp completely transformed, "Allison noticed a striking tall and slender young girl with shiny brown hair cascading down her back." Gia has changed so much, her own father doesn't recognize her and "can't keep his eyes off her." Nothing like sexualizing a ten year old and perpetuating terrible bodies images.
March 8, 2020
I really liked this book but I didn`t totally love it. Don`t know what it is that keeps me from loving it. Perhaps I will figure that out someday;) Until I got to about the half way mark, the plan was to give it 3 stars but then something clicked and began enjoying it more. At about the same time, something about this story made me think, `maybe this might make a good movie?`
The characters in the book are terribly flawed and make some dumb choices, and even worse ones. And there`s one character who`s just dreadful, a troublemaker from the get-go. However, there may be a possibility for a second chance. Recommending this one although it may not be for everyone.
The characters in the book are terribly flawed and make some dumb choices, and even worse ones. And there`s one character who`s just dreadful, a troublemaker from the get-go. However, there may be a possibility for a second chance. Recommending this one although it may not be for everyone.
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