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The Sound of Crickets
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Four women who have never met ...
Four lives inextricably joined ...
Four friendships that will last forever ...
Named after Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, Amelia Thompson always thought life would have given her wings. Instead, she finds herself stuck at home with three small children, and a body she no longer recognises. Hoping to connect with like-minded people, she decides to reach out on a women’s forum to try to find others with whom to start a blog.
To her delight, she gets a response. Sara, a romance author whose elderly mother has just moved in with her. Kelly, whose husband only wants to spend time down the pub, and Charlotte, who is suffering from empty nest syndrome now her daughter has left home.
Told in the medium of their blog posts and emails to each other, The Sound of Crickets is a touching novel of friendship in the digital age.
Four women who have never met ...
Four lives inextricably joined ...
Four friendships that will last forever ...
Named after Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, Amelia Thompson always thought life would have given her wings. Instead, she finds herself stuck at home with three small children, and a body she no longer recognises. Hoping to connect with like-minded people, she decides to reach out on a women’s forum to try to find others with whom to start a blog.
To her delight, she gets a response. Sara, a romance author whose elderly mother has just moved in with her. Kelly, whose husband only wants to spend time down the pub, and Charlotte, who is suffering from empty nest syndrome now her daughter has left home.
Told in the medium of their blog posts and emails to each other, The Sound of Crickets is a touching novel of friendship in the digital age.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2014
87 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Marissa Farrar
138 books1,094 followersMarissa Farrar is a multi-published romance and fantasy author. She was born in Devon, England, loves to travel and has lived in both Australia and Spain. She now resides in the countryside with her husband, three children, a crazy Spanish dog, two rescue cats and six hens. She has a degree in Zoology, but her true love has always been writing.
Marissa is the author of sixteen novels, including the dark vampire ‘Serenity’ series. Her short stories have been accepted for a number of anthologies including, Their Dark Masters, Red Skies Press, Masters of Horror: Damned If You Don’t, Triskaideka Books; and 2013: The Aftermath, Pill Hill Press.
If you want to know more about Marissa, then please visit her website at www.marissa-farrar.blogspot.com. You can also find her at her facebook page, www.facebook.com/marissa.farrar.author or follow her on twitter @marissafarrar.
She loves to hear from readers and can be emailed at marissafarrar@hotmail.co.uk.
Marissa is the author of sixteen novels, including the dark vampire ‘Serenity’ series. Her short stories have been accepted for a number of anthologies including, Their Dark Masters, Red Skies Press, Masters of Horror: Damned If You Don’t, Triskaideka Books; and 2013: The Aftermath, Pill Hill Press.
If you want to know more about Marissa, then please visit her website at www.marissa-farrar.blogspot.com. You can also find her at her facebook page, www.facebook.com/marissa.farrar.author or follow her on twitter @marissafarrar.
She loves to hear from readers and can be emailed at marissafarrar@hotmail.co.uk.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 7, 2014
The Sound of Crickets by Marissa Farrar is written as a blog and as e-mails between four women. They met online after one of the women (Amelia) put up an ad asking for people to join a blog to talk about everyday life. The women are from different places and each have a different home life and work situation. Most women reading this book will be able to relate to one or more of the women in the book. They have their ups and downs, adultery, cancer, new jobs and babies and share their experiences, through the blog and e-mails to each other.
I very much enjoyed this book, I could relate to one of the women quite easily and agreed with a lot of what she said and did. It is written well and will leave you feeling happy and sad for the characters depending on what they are going through at that point in their lives.
I totally fell in love with the book and its characters, the ladies are so witty, charming, caring and funny, they form strong bonds of friendship almost immediately despite the fact that they have never met face to face but only online. They support each other in their times of need but they also tell each other the harsh truths when needed. I found myself missing the characters once I had finished the book and wondering what was happening in their lives now.
It shows how important online relationships can be and how easy it is to make strong lasting friendships.
I would recommend The Sound of Crickets by Marissa Farrar to all those who love books about real life issues, and blogging and funny, warm touching stories.
I very much enjoyed this book, I could relate to one of the women quite easily and agreed with a lot of what she said and did. It is written well and will leave you feeling happy and sad for the characters depending on what they are going through at that point in their lives.
I totally fell in love with the book and its characters, the ladies are so witty, charming, caring and funny, they form strong bonds of friendship almost immediately despite the fact that they have never met face to face but only online. They support each other in their times of need but they also tell each other the harsh truths when needed. I found myself missing the characters once I had finished the book and wondering what was happening in their lives now.
It shows how important online relationships can be and how easy it is to make strong lasting friendships.
I would recommend The Sound of Crickets by Marissa Farrar to all those who love books about real life issues, and blogging and funny, warm touching stories.
April 18, 2014
The Sound of Crickets. It’s what four women expected to hear when they started a blog about life. Each took turns posting about their day-to-day, ranging from the ramblings to a stay-at-home mom of three under-fives to a single woman facing the possibility of life alone (while humoring her disapproving mother who had recently moved in with her).
I know Marissa Farrar’s writing from The Dark Road, an entirely different kind of story from Crickets. Her voice has always been succinct, her characters clear, but Crickets was an entirely different novel from what I’m used to. Let me tell you that switch in genre did nothing but prove beyond a shadow of a doubt she’s a versatile author.
Crickets touched on the things women struggle with: the monotony of staying at home, a few extra pounds, finding your soul mate, aging, empty nesting, infidelity, and ultimately mortality. Charlotte’s story became impossible to read without tears. Approaching forty, this one touched me in a profound way, echoing a lot of my own insecurities while making me count my blessings. That’s what good stories do, right? They resonate. A job well done. I finished the book in two days. The blog-style format made it a super fast read. Kudos, Marissa.
I know Marissa Farrar’s writing from The Dark Road, an entirely different kind of story from Crickets. Her voice has always been succinct, her characters clear, but Crickets was an entirely different novel from what I’m used to. Let me tell you that switch in genre did nothing but prove beyond a shadow of a doubt she’s a versatile author.
Crickets touched on the things women struggle with: the monotony of staying at home, a few extra pounds, finding your soul mate, aging, empty nesting, infidelity, and ultimately mortality. Charlotte’s story became impossible to read without tears. Approaching forty, this one touched me in a profound way, echoing a lot of my own insecurities while making me count my blessings. That’s what good stories do, right? They resonate. A job well done. I finished the book in two days. The blog-style format made it a super fast read. Kudos, Marissa.
April 25, 2014
Having read most of Marissa Farrar's books I was delighted to receive a copy of her latest book for review.
As a fan of Marissa's books I was a bit wary of the fact that this book was so different from her usual style, but I was blown away! Written in the style of a blog following the lives of four very different women, I laughed, cried and often found myself wanting to comment on the blog posts.
A fantastic book with a very thought provoking ending, bringing everyone together, highly recommended read.
As a fan of Marissa's books I was a bit wary of the fact that this book was so different from her usual style, but I was blown away! Written in the style of a blog following the lives of four very different women, I laughed, cried and often found myself wanting to comment on the blog posts.
A fantastic book with a very thought provoking ending, bringing everyone together, highly recommended read.
February 16, 2015
I've read a few books by this author now which are very different to this one. What can I say about this book apart from I absolutely loved it. A great storyline that had me sobbing at the end. Feel a bit sad now I have finished this book as the characters felt like my friends and am already missing their blogs. One of my favourite books this year.
May 2, 2014
I received this book in exchange for a review.
I absolutely loved this book.. 4 women who don't know each other start a blog.. Amazing story!! Laughs and tears both, I couldn't put it down.
I absolutely loved this book.. 4 women who don't know each other start a blog.. Amazing story!! Laughs and tears both, I couldn't put it down.
January 4, 2022
What an excellent book! This was a very interesting story that interwove the lives of four women who never met in real life, but became very close friends when the decided to join up and create a blog. I found myself drawn into their lives and read each blog post and the responses eagerly to find out what had happened over the last week. When one of them decided to have a baby without a father via IVF, I quietly rooted for a successful pregnancy. When one woman's husband left her for another woman I felt her insecurities and confusion, then anger as she was left to pick up the pieces and take care of her children. When a bad decision by another one resulted in an affair that was later discovered, I felt sympathy for both parties and hoped for this couple to be able to put their marriage back together. When tragedy struck another I found myself in tears. This story made me feel but not in a manipulative way. It was well written and I really enjoyed it. I'm sorry it's out of print. I would have loved to share it with others.
April 13, 2021
This book is a must read. I almost stopped reading after the first couple of pages because I wasn't sure if this was a book I would enjoy. I am SO glad I kept reading. I laughed and I cried. I want to be friends with these women. It is a very emotional book but so worth the time.
June 29, 2018
Good. Touching. Heartfelt. Part of it was a bit predictable. Too soon finished.
September 13, 2018
Thought provoking
This book was intriguing and explores many different subjects. It is not your standard novel. I was hooked from the start and had tears in my eyes at the end.
This book was intriguing and explores many different subjects. It is not your standard novel. I was hooked from the start and had tears in my eyes at the end.
July 30, 2014
Bittersweet blogging. Those are the words that stand out in my mind when thinking about this book. I finished it last night just before Sandman Time. So I was left hoping I could remember to do the review justice when I finally put fingers to keyboard.
For my blogging friends, the senarios presented are not so far fetched. We find people we consider friends, from all over the world, with differing opinions, who we have never met. We care deeply when they report of illness or loss in their lives. We feel anger when we see that they are making mistakes that we know they must to learn who they are. We feel elation at those finding love or giving birth. We share 'Ah ha!' moments together and wonder, "Why didn't I think of that?" when they present simplistic marvels within their blogs. Most of all we enjoy support and support others in the process. The Sound of Crickets embraced it all.
Spoilers keep wanting to slip out as I write this. Though at times in the book, you can see what is coming, still it is lovingly fed out to us, byte by byte. There are a few laugh out loud moments and others where you might need your kleenex, but it is worth the ride.
By the way, don't feel like you wouldn't know what to do with a book that blogs out the lives of four women. If you love books using letter, email, or tweets to convey the story, this works just as well. The fact, that these four didn't know each other at all when they set up this blog leads us all through their getting to know each other and themselves while living their lives.
I wanted a book that would help me relax and go to sleep. The title drew me in. But this book isn't boring at all. No, it isn't a thriller/suspense novel, but the characters draw you in and lead you down roads that you might not expect. It gives a glimpse of humanity at its best and most human. I do hope others will pick it up as it is worth the read.
Dear Marissa Farrar (author), PLEASE, a sequel??? I want to see the characters grow even more, maybe add a few more bloggers?
Bittersweet blogging. Those are the words that stand out in my mind when thinking about this book. I finished it last night just before Sandman Time. So I was left hoping I could remember to do the review justice when I finally put fingers to keyboard.
For my blogging friends, the senarios presented are not so far fetched. We find people we consider friends, from all over the world, with differing opinions, who we have never met. We care deeply when they report of illness or loss in their lives. We feel anger when we see that they are making mistakes that we know they must to learn who they are. We feel elation at those finding love or giving birth. We share 'Ah ha!' moments together and wonder, "Why didn't I think of that?" when they present simplistic marvels within their blogs. Most of all we enjoy support and support others in the process. The Sound of Crickets embraced it all.
Spoilers keep wanting to slip out as I write this. Though at times in the book, you can see what is coming, still it is lovingly fed out to us, byte by byte. There are a few laugh out loud moments and others where you might need your kleenex, but it is worth the ride.
By the way, don't feel like you wouldn't know what to do with a book that blogs out the lives of four women. If you love books using letter, email, or tweets to convey the story, this works just as well. The fact, that these four didn't know each other at all when they set up this blog leads us all through their getting to know each other and themselves while living their lives.
I wanted a book that would help me relax and go to sleep. The title drew me in. But this book isn't boring at all. No, it isn't a thriller/suspense novel, but the characters draw you in and lead you down roads that you might not expect. It gives a glimpse of humanity at its best and most human. I do hope others will pick it up as it is worth the read.
Dear Marissa Farrar (author), PLEASE, a sequel??? I want to see the characters grow even more, maybe add a few more bloggers?
For my blogging friends, the senarios presented are not so far fetched. We find people we consider friends, from all over the world, with differing opinions, who we have never met. We care deeply when they report of illness or loss in their lives. We feel anger when we see that they are making mistakes that we know they must to learn who they are. We feel elation at those finding love or giving birth. We share 'Ah ha!' moments together and wonder, "Why didn't I think of that?" when they present simplistic marvels within their blogs. Most of all we enjoy support and support others in the process. The Sound of Crickets embraced it all.
Spoilers keep wanting to slip out as I write this. Though at times in the book, you can see what is coming, still it is lovingly fed out to us, byte by byte. There are a few laugh out loud moments and others where you might need your kleenex, but it is worth the ride.
By the way, don't feel like you wouldn't know what to do with a book that blogs out the lives of four women. If you love books using letter, email, or tweets to convey the story, this works just as well. The fact, that these four didn't know each other at all when they set up this blog leads us all through their getting to know each other and themselves while living their lives.
I wanted a book that would help me relax and go to sleep. The title drew me in. But this book isn't boring at all. No, it isn't a thriller/suspense novel, but the characters draw you in and lead you down roads that you might not expect. It gives a glimpse of humanity at its best and most human. I do hope others will pick it up as it is worth the read.
Dear Marissa Farrar (author), PLEASE, a sequel??? I want to see the characters grow even more, maybe add a few more bloggers?
Bittersweet blogging. Those are the words that stand out in my mind when thinking about this book. I finished it last night just before Sandman Time. So I was left hoping I could remember to do the review justice when I finally put fingers to keyboard.
For my blogging friends, the senarios presented are not so far fetched. We find people we consider friends, from all over the world, with differing opinions, who we have never met. We care deeply when they report of illness or loss in their lives. We feel anger when we see that they are making mistakes that we know they must to learn who they are. We feel elation at those finding love or giving birth. We share 'Ah ha!' moments together and wonder, "Why didn't I think of that?" when they present simplistic marvels within their blogs. Most of all we enjoy support and support others in the process. The Sound of Crickets embraced it all.
Spoilers keep wanting to slip out as I write this. Though at times in the book, you can see what is coming, still it is lovingly fed out to us, byte by byte. There are a few laugh out loud moments and others where you might need your kleenex, but it is worth the ride.
By the way, don't feel like you wouldn't know what to do with a book that blogs out the lives of four women. If you love books using letter, email, or tweets to convey the story, this works just as well. The fact, that these four didn't know each other at all when they set up this blog leads us all through their getting to know each other and themselves while living their lives.
I wanted a book that would help me relax and go to sleep. The title drew me in. But this book isn't boring at all. No, it isn't a thriller/suspense novel, but the characters draw you in and lead you down roads that you might not expect. It gives a glimpse of humanity at its best and most human. I do hope others will pick it up as it is worth the read.
Dear Marissa Farrar (author), PLEASE, a sequel??? I want to see the characters grow even more, maybe add a few more bloggers?
April 24, 2014
The epistolary novel may be a form that belongs mainly to our past, but there is still something to the form that is uniquely compelling to a reader.
Email and blogging are the new letter writing. We email to share the short pieces of information and the better blogs reveal the thoughts and feelings of the author in a concise, entertaining way.
That is what "The Sound of Crickets" does so well. We meet the four main characters immediately - Amelia from Britain, Kelly from New Zealand, Sara from the USA and Charlotte from Canada. Each woman is at a different moment in her life, and together, they build the blog "Life's Too Short for Bad Wine."
What follows is a wonderful glimpse at four unique journeys, and the power of words to grow friendships, even around the world. In our information based society, when so much of us spend huge portions of our lives online, is it any wonder that we are capable and eager to form the bonds of friendship - or that they can be every bit as real as people we meet in our daily lives?
To speak about any one of the womens' experiences would be to spoil the fun of compulsively peeking into the public diary of four special characters.
Marissa Farrar does a great job of giving her main characters a unique voice, and makes us, the reader, an equal part of the action as we are exposed to each new blog post. Comments appear at the end of the articles - and this is one of the only areas that the story falters a little. By giving us reactions to each new piece, the reader is robbed a little of the ability to form their own reaction. However, as the story goes on, we realize that we ARE commenters, and that whether or not we agree with what the women are doing, our opinion is just as valid as any of the others who chime in. (Some of the commenters actually become minor, recurring characters, so their presence is made more and more important as the story goes on.)
The other (small) thing I would point out is that, at points, the individual plots line up a little "too" perfectly - each story has its own beats that never seem to falter, but instead march on to a proper and fitting conclusion. However, this doesn't take away from the fun of reading the stories. After all, Romeo and Juliet begins by spoiling its own ending - and the journey is no less interesting as a result. The same is true here - we keep reading because we WANT to keep reading.
The Sound of Crickets is at once a fun, quick read in a format that most of us are familiar with outside of books - and a beautiful statement on the growing interconnected-ness of our world.
Email and blogging are the new letter writing. We email to share the short pieces of information and the better blogs reveal the thoughts and feelings of the author in a concise, entertaining way.
That is what "The Sound of Crickets" does so well. We meet the four main characters immediately - Amelia from Britain, Kelly from New Zealand, Sara from the USA and Charlotte from Canada. Each woman is at a different moment in her life, and together, they build the blog "Life's Too Short for Bad Wine."
What follows is a wonderful glimpse at four unique journeys, and the power of words to grow friendships, even around the world. In our information based society, when so much of us spend huge portions of our lives online, is it any wonder that we are capable and eager to form the bonds of friendship - or that they can be every bit as real as people we meet in our daily lives?
To speak about any one of the womens' experiences would be to spoil the fun of compulsively peeking into the public diary of four special characters.
Marissa Farrar does a great job of giving her main characters a unique voice, and makes us, the reader, an equal part of the action as we are exposed to each new blog post. Comments appear at the end of the articles - and this is one of the only areas that the story falters a little. By giving us reactions to each new piece, the reader is robbed a little of the ability to form their own reaction. However, as the story goes on, we realize that we ARE commenters, and that whether or not we agree with what the women are doing, our opinion is just as valid as any of the others who chime in. (Some of the commenters actually become minor, recurring characters, so their presence is made more and more important as the story goes on.)
The other (small) thing I would point out is that, at points, the individual plots line up a little "too" perfectly - each story has its own beats that never seem to falter, but instead march on to a proper and fitting conclusion. However, this doesn't take away from the fun of reading the stories. After all, Romeo and Juliet begins by spoiling its own ending - and the journey is no less interesting as a result. The same is true here - we keep reading because we WANT to keep reading.
The Sound of Crickets is at once a fun, quick read in a format that most of us are familiar with outside of books - and a beautiful statement on the growing interconnected-ness of our world.
June 11, 2016
Told through occasional emails and blog entries, four stories unfold from four women who, despite being surrounded by people and living the lives they chose, are very lonely. Through the anonymity of the internet these four women find support and friendship and themselves.
At first I was thrown by the format of blog posts with reader comments and occasional emails sent between the four women. It took me a few days to get into the flow and I'm still sure that the first 20% of the ebook is somehow longer than the remaining 80%.
Once I got into the flow of the style, I really got into it. I sometimes found myself trying to scroll through the webpage instead of swiping to the next page. Once or twice I looked for the "add a comment" section because I had something I wanted to say. Needless to say, I really got into this story and feel like these were real people and their life stories I was reading, which made the ending somewhat devastating. I think the only reminder that I really had that this wasn't a real blog was getting into their emails and the fact that all the comments were grammatically correct and devoid of rape threats.
I highly recommend this book, I think it might even be one of the author's best, but I warn you, it leaves you reeling and wanting more.
At first I was thrown by the format of blog posts with reader comments and occasional emails sent between the four women. It took me a few days to get into the flow and I'm still sure that the first 20% of the ebook is somehow longer than the remaining 80%.
Once I got into the flow of the style, I really got into it. I sometimes found myself trying to scroll through the webpage instead of swiping to the next page. Once or twice I looked for the "add a comment" section because I had something I wanted to say. Needless to say, I really got into this story and feel like these were real people and their life stories I was reading, which made the ending somewhat devastating. I think the only reminder that I really had that this wasn't a real blog was getting into their emails and the fact that all the comments were grammatically correct and devoid of rape threats.
I highly recommend this book, I think it might even be one of the author's best, but I warn you, it leaves you reeling and wanting more.
April 19, 2014
I wish it were possible to give this more than 5 stars. I would give it at least 10. This is the best book I have read in a very long time. The idea of four women who have never met starting ab log together kind of threw me at first. The format of the book was very interesting and difficult to get into. However, once i did I literally could not put it down. I finished it today during my lunch break and I know half my office was wondering the hell was wrong with me. This story took me through every emotion possible.
As i started to read I kept looking for the mouse so I could click on the comment section and respond to the blog posts. :) Some of the responders, Robert, made me want to punch them and others made me laugh and cry. The every days lives of four women were written so truthfully it would be simple for anyone, man or woman, to relate to the stories; two affairs, a woman realizing she wanted a child event though she had no significant other, a mother going through empty nest syndrome, and a family losing their wife and mother.
Marissa Farrar is certainly an author I plan to read more often.
As i started to read I kept looking for the mouse so I could click on the comment section and respond to the blog posts. :) Some of the responders, Robert, made me want to punch them and others made me laugh and cry. The every days lives of four women were written so truthfully it would be simple for anyone, man or woman, to relate to the stories; two affairs, a woman realizing she wanted a child event though she had no significant other, a mother going through empty nest syndrome, and a family losing their wife and mother.
Marissa Farrar is certainly an author I plan to read more often.
December 16, 2014
The Sound of Crickets by Marissa Farrar
Amelia Thompson mother of three small children, bored with herself and life decides to start a blog. She seeks out women to help her. Sara, a romance writer whose mother just moved in with her, Charlotte is an empty-nester whose daughter just moved out and Kelly whose husband spends all his spare time at the pub, all decide to join Amelia in her blog.
All four different women in different countries, United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand and Canada, living different lives find themselves bonding and becoming "internet" friends. The blog is a hit as each woman slowly opens up and soon they discover no one is perfect and they may need someone to lean on. They form a strong bond, something none of them expected.
A well written heart felt story, told though blog and email format. We get to know each character, see their flaws, and see how they connect in our cyber world. A story of hardship, struggles and friendship. Those who like drama and women's fiction, should enjoy The Sound of Crickets.
Amelia Thompson mother of three small children, bored with herself and life decides to start a blog. She seeks out women to help her. Sara, a romance writer whose mother just moved in with her, Charlotte is an empty-nester whose daughter just moved out and Kelly whose husband spends all his spare time at the pub, all decide to join Amelia in her blog.
All four different women in different countries, United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand and Canada, living different lives find themselves bonding and becoming "internet" friends. The blog is a hit as each woman slowly opens up and soon they discover no one is perfect and they may need someone to lean on. They form a strong bond, something none of them expected.
A well written heart felt story, told though blog and email format. We get to know each character, see their flaws, and see how they connect in our cyber world. A story of hardship, struggles and friendship. Those who like drama and women's fiction, should enjoy The Sound of Crickets.
December 31, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. The premise behind it, women coming together to create a blog, is right up my street as I also blog. I know a lot of people who have blogs, so I couldn't wait to start this.
The book is written, in the main part, in the form of blog posts. These were very well written, emotional at times, and openly honest from each of the 'authors' of the blog posts.
As we go through the book the relationships between the women develop into something more than when first started. This is, for me, what makes the story what it is. These women know each other only online, yet the friendships they build will last a lifetime.
The story isn't all hearts and flowers, the stories which begin to unfold from the women give us an insight into what goes on behind closed doors. It also gives us a lot of heartwarming moments, along with a few teary ones.
A brilliant read, highly recommended.
The book is written, in the main part, in the form of blog posts. These were very well written, emotional at times, and openly honest from each of the 'authors' of the blog posts.
As we go through the book the relationships between the women develop into something more than when first started. This is, for me, what makes the story what it is. These women know each other only online, yet the friendships they build will last a lifetime.
The story isn't all hearts and flowers, the stories which begin to unfold from the women give us an insight into what goes on behind closed doors. It also gives us a lot of heartwarming moments, along with a few teary ones.
A brilliant read, highly recommended.
November 6, 2015
I did not really know if I would like this book but I actually loved it. Quick synopsis: a woman looking to form a social blog to just talk about their thoughts, feelings, life. 3 other women contact her and they set up a blogging schedule rotating who posts on what day.
Sound simple? Actually, as it progresses it gets complicated. We get drawn in.
I loved the way the author wrote the story as if we really are reading a blog. Along with comments and some private emails offering each other support.
Some things I did not see coming. Watching the women, from different countries, getting to know each other and going from strangers to being friends was great.
My only complaint, and it is minor, not worth taking a star, is that almost all female issues were shoved into just 4 lives. Almost made it over the top but did not in the end detract from the story.
Sound simple? Actually, as it progresses it gets complicated. We get drawn in.
I loved the way the author wrote the story as if we really are reading a blog. Along with comments and some private emails offering each other support.
Some things I did not see coming. Watching the women, from different countries, getting to know each other and going from strangers to being friends was great.
My only complaint, and it is minor, not worth taking a star, is that almost all female issues were shoved into just 4 lives. Almost made it over the top but did not in the end detract from the story.
July 11, 2019
I downloaded this book a very long time ago and it was sitting in my Kindle patiently waiting to be read.
It is interesting from a very different point of view. It is not your normal fictitious taking you some time to really get into it but powerfully written.
Four women met online and begin with a blog. Each week, each person left a blogpost. The topics differ from person to person as it pertains to their life. But through it, you get to know each individually.
It touches a broad spectrum of topics but very relevant to us. The comments with each post adding to the questions raised, some with insight, some attacking, some with support. It is a global view of every person coming together, meeting at the blog, to give us a little view of their own struggles and choices.
In the end, I really enjoyed the book.
It is interesting from a very different point of view. It is not your normal fictitious taking you some time to really get into it but powerfully written.
Four women met online and begin with a blog. Each week, each person left a blogpost. The topics differ from person to person as it pertains to their life. But through it, you get to know each individually.
It touches a broad spectrum of topics but very relevant to us. The comments with each post adding to the questions raised, some with insight, some attacking, some with support. It is a global view of every person coming together, meeting at the blog, to give us a little view of their own struggles and choices.
In the end, I really enjoyed the book.
September 15, 2014
Although these four women have never met face to face, they start an internet friendship. A place to talk about the frustrations of their daily lives. As the book progresses their frustrations turn into more
serious problems. Women of all ages can relate to both their frustrations and their more serious problems as most of us have met
women with these issues in our own friendships. Perhaps you might
even recognize yourself. Even though they may not approve of what someone is doing, they temper their honesty with love. It is true
friendship minus the hugs and comforting physical presence in times
of trouble. Will recommend it to my book clubs and hope the author
will sometime in the future try this genre again.
serious problems. Women of all ages can relate to both their frustrations and their more serious problems as most of us have met
women with these issues in our own friendships. Perhaps you might
even recognize yourself. Even though they may not approve of what someone is doing, they temper their honesty with love. It is true
friendship minus the hugs and comforting physical presence in times
of trouble. Will recommend it to my book clubs and hope the author
will sometime in the future try this genre again.
September 7, 2015
Initially I wasn't sure if I'd like the blog and email format of this book, but it was so well written that I had a had time putting the book down. The blogs from the 4 women, who have never met before blogging, were very believable and none of it was sugar-coated. In fact, most of it was sad...these 4 women pouring their hearts out to the internet world revealing their struggles with their own personal problems. There were funny moments too. It was heartwarming how they got support from each other, even though they might approve of what their friend was doing, and their readers who left them comments. In the end, I was left with wanting more...to know more of the outcome of the women's lives.
July 27, 2016
I loved this book. Four women from different parts of the world blog about their lives. The book is mostly told in the format of their blog posts, interspersed with emails between them. I wasn't sure at first if this would work for me but then I found I couldn't put it down. I wanted to comment on the posts myself, to be a part of it. The women were not just characters in a book but complex people with real life situations to overcome and individual personalities with their own quirks and flaws. I laughed at some bits and shed tears at others; it is a genuinely emotional read.
This was a different type of book to the others I have read by this author but it was a great read.
This was a different type of book to the others I have read by this author but it was a great read.
May 31, 2015
I liked the idea of women blogging to help each other through happy and tough times! I saw it an outlet for seeking advice without being inhibited to share embarassing or difficult details with close friends or family.
At first I found it difficult to believe anyone could do this when they had never met or were not first in-person friends. By discussing this book with others, I learned there are numerous groups of blogging friends all over the world due to shared illness, careers, heartaches, religions, travel, etc.
This was a beautiful book of four women who, over time, enhanced each other's lives and were therefore forever changed!
At first I found it difficult to believe anyone could do this when they had never met or were not first in-person friends. By discussing this book with others, I learned there are numerous groups of blogging friends all over the world due to shared illness, careers, heartaches, religions, travel, etc.
This was a beautiful book of four women who, over time, enhanced each other's lives and were therefore forever changed!
December 11, 2015
I received this as a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is not my normal read and so found it very different. It took me a while to get into the story, but once I got used to the format and the 4 women writing the blog, the end came along very quickly. Being an empty nester I could relate to some of the story line. It was lovely to read the comments at the end of each blog from other people. By the end of the story these four ladies where my friends and I felt like I wanted to join their blog.
Different, very different.
This is not my normal read and so found it very different. It took me a while to get into the story, but once I got used to the format and the 4 women writing the blog, the end came along very quickly. Being an empty nester I could relate to some of the story line. It was lovely to read the comments at the end of each blog from other people. By the end of the story these four ladies where my friends and I felt like I wanted to join their blog.
Different, very different.
April 25, 2014
I received this as a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is not my normal read but I found that I really enjoyed reading about the lives of the 4 bloggers.
I felt as though I was peeking into the diaries that the ladies had written. These ladies could very easily have been my friends or neighbors! Dealing with being a stay at home mom, gaining weight, finding a soul mate, aging, empty nest syndrome is truly real life issues that I have dealt with myself so it was easy to relate to the women. Great job Marissa!
This is not my normal read but I found that I really enjoyed reading about the lives of the 4 bloggers.
I felt as though I was peeking into the diaries that the ladies had written. These ladies could very easily have been my friends or neighbors! Dealing with being a stay at home mom, gaining weight, finding a soul mate, aging, empty nest syndrome is truly real life issues that I have dealt with myself so it was easy to relate to the women. Great job Marissa!
September 12, 2015
I first thought I was reading a Memoir about 4 women who decided to write a blog together of their every day lives. It wasn't until I was fairly into the book that I realized it was fiction. Each of the four women share their day-to-day struggles with divorce, affairs, cancer, empty nest issues, etc. It could have been written by most anyone who has gone through the ups and downs of life. It took me a while to get into this one and I almost gave up, but I stuck with it. It has a sad ending so be prepared.
April 6, 2016
Having read most of Marissa Farrar's books I was delighted to receive a copy of her latest book for review.
As a fan of Marissa's books I was a bit wary of the fact that this book was so different from her usual style, but I was blown away! Written in the style of a blog following the lives of four very different women, I laughed, cried and often found myself wanting to comment on the blog posts.
A fantasticbook with a very thought provoking ending, bringing everyone together, highly recommended read.
As a fan of Marissa's books I was a bit wary of the fact that this book was so different from her usual style, but I was blown away! Written in the style of a blog following the lives of four very different women, I laughed, cried and often found myself wanting to comment on the blog posts.
A fantasticbook with a very thought provoking ending, bringing everyone together, highly recommended read.
July 23, 2014
It started out really good. By the end I hated Amelia with a passion and felt she was extremely selfish and my heart broke for Charlotte. The other two were ok. The one whose husband cheated I respected more than Amelia the slut. And the author well she was just to weird for my taste.
It was good until Amelia did what she did and then I had to force myself to read the rest but found myself skipping over Amelia's parts all together.
It was good until Amelia did what she did and then I had to force myself to read the rest but found myself skipping over Amelia's parts all together.
January 5, 2015
I wanted a light read to take a break from my usual mystery genre. I thought this book would be a funny book with just some light hearted moments. Well I sure was wrong. This book grasped my attention and really pulled at my heartstrings. I like the way the author closed at the end. I was kinda hoping it would fast forward to Sara's birth and she name the baby after Charlotte. It just seemed fitting for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2016
I loved it.
The story of four women who start as strangers, and become friends while writing a blog together. I had previously read a book written in a similar style, but it still took a little time to figure everyone out. Writing about their everyday lives, it gives a wonderful moving insight into their four different worlds. Touching, funny and sad. A very enjoyable read. Would recommend.
The story of four women who start as strangers, and become friends while writing a blog together. I had previously read a book written in a similar style, but it still took a little time to figure everyone out. Writing about their everyday lives, it gives a wonderful moving insight into their four different worlds. Touching, funny and sad. A very enjoyable read. Would recommend.
August 8, 2015
I loved the idea of this book but it just didn't work for me. The characters were so expected and I thought their stories were too cliche. I've been reading this for months in between other books and, while I refused to give up on it, I wasn't excited to read it. I'm glad to have finally finished it.
March 1, 2016
What a lovely book. Reading the blogs of 4 women's lives and how their lives change over the course of time was such a novel idea. I felt that I was able to connect with each of the women and got goosebumps reading bits of it. Was a real change from my usual psychological thrillers that I love but I'm really glad I read it.
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