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The Life She Wants
In the aftermath of her financier husband's suicide, Emma Shay Compton's dream life is shattered. Richard Compton stole his clients' life savings to fund a lavish life in New York City and, although she was never involved in the business, Emma bears the burden of her husband's crimes. She is left with nothing.
Only one friend stands by her, a friend she's known since high school, who encourages her to come home to Sonoma County. But starting over isn't easy, and Sonoma is full of unhappy memories, too. And people she'd rather not face, especially Riley Kerrigan.
Riley and Emma were like sisters—until Riley betrayed Emma, ending their friendship. Emma left town, planning to never look back. Now, trying to stand on her own two feet, Emma can't escape her husband's reputation and is forced to turn to the last person she thought she'd ever ask for help—her former best friend. It's an uneasy reunion as both women face the mistakes they've made over the years. Only if they find a way to forgive each other—and themselves—can each of them find the life she wants.
Only one friend stands by her, a friend she's known since high school, who encourages her to come home to Sonoma County. But starting over isn't easy, and Sonoma is full of unhappy memories, too. And people she'd rather not face, especially Riley Kerrigan.
Riley and Emma were like sisters—until Riley betrayed Emma, ending their friendship. Emma left town, planning to never look back. Now, trying to stand on her own two feet, Emma can't escape her husband's reputation and is forced to turn to the last person she thought she'd ever ask for help—her former best friend. It's an uneasy reunion as both women face the mistakes they've made over the years. Only if they find a way to forgive each other—and themselves—can each of them find the life she wants.
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2016
1614 people are currently reading
6893 people want to read
About the author
Robyn Carr
160 books12.6k followers Robyn Carr is a RITA® Award-winning, eleven-time #1 New York Times bestselling author of over sixty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River series and Sullivan's Crossing series. Robyn's new women's fiction novel, THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB, will be released in January 2024. The new hit Sullivan's Crossing TV series (season 1) inspired by Robyn's book series was released in the USA in the fall of 2023! Plus, season 5 of the worldwide fan-favorite Virgin River TV Series is now streaming on Netflix (July 2023) with two holiday episodes coming November 30, 2023. Both TV series have been renewed for another season!
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 881 reviews
November 7, 2016
2 1/2 *
I won this book on a Goodreads Giveaway. I've never read a Robyn Carr book before. I know she is an established writer. I thought I would like this one more than I did. The premise sounded really good. A disgraced rich woman, whose crooked husband committed suicide moves back to her childhood town to rebuild her life. Unfortunately for me something was missing.
The friends re-uniting and bonding again after many years apart was a big aspect of the story. I just couldn't really get into the characters and did not much care for them.
I won this book on a Goodreads Giveaway. I've never read a Robyn Carr book before. I know she is an established writer. I thought I would like this one more than I did. The premise sounded really good. A disgraced rich woman, whose crooked husband committed suicide moves back to her childhood town to rebuild her life. Unfortunately for me something was missing.
The friends re-uniting and bonding again after many years apart was a big aspect of the story. I just couldn't really get into the characters and did not much care for them.
March 8, 2017
Emma Shay's idyllic life shattered overnight when her husband was arrested for running a massive Ponzi scheme (think Bernie Madoff). Even worse, most of the world believe she knew what was going on and has secretly stashed away millions of dollars. With nowhere to turn, Emma goes back to Santa Rosa, California, the hometown she left over 15 years ago. She's almost penniless and virtually unemployable and with the help of one of her childhood friends, has a place to stay and a minimum wage job. But, her toughest challenge is yet to come...confronting Riley Kerrigan, the woman who was her best friend until she committed the ultimate betrayal.
This is primarily Emma's story but it's also Riley's as well. Over the years, she's convinced herself that she has just as much reason to be angry with Emma because she wouldn't accept her sincere apology or forgive her for her betrayal. As crazy as that logic may seem, Carr does a fine job of crafting both characters so that both points of view become logical. These are ordinary people confronting issues that aren't extraordinary but have lasting impact. That betrayal set both women on a path that reshaped their lives. The journey back is frustrating, heartwarming and realistic, making for a very interesting story.
I loved the narrator, Thèrése Plummer, and how she distinguished each character and really captured the rhythm of the story. This was my first listening experience with her and she delivered an excellent performance.
I really enjoyed this quiet gem of a story that doesn't have a few big moments, just a lot of very special ones. There are some strong themes of family, friendship, accountability and values with a bit of romance to spare. I liked how it ended as it wasn't as predictable as I thought it might be.
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
This is primarily Emma's story but it's also Riley's as well. Over the years, she's convinced herself that she has just as much reason to be angry with Emma because she wouldn't accept her sincere apology or forgive her for her betrayal. As crazy as that logic may seem, Carr does a fine job of crafting both characters so that both points of view become logical. These are ordinary people confronting issues that aren't extraordinary but have lasting impact. That betrayal set both women on a path that reshaped their lives. The journey back is frustrating, heartwarming and realistic, making for a very interesting story.
I loved the narrator, Thèrése Plummer, and how she distinguished each character and really captured the rhythm of the story. This was my first listening experience with her and she delivered an excellent performance.
I really enjoyed this quiet gem of a story that doesn't have a few big moments, just a lot of very special ones. There are some strong themes of family, friendship, accountability and values with a bit of romance to spare. I liked how it ended as it wasn't as predictable as I thought it might be.
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
March 12, 2017
This was the first book I've read by Robyn Carr, and I'll definitely check out some more from her soon. I enjoyed her writing style, and the main character was easily likeable and relatable. This book starts heavy and ends with hope; just what I needed right now. Thanks to a sweet friend for sharing this great book with me.
September 29, 2016
Emma has returned to Sonoma County after the suicide of her husband, a man convicted of bilking millions of dollars from investors reminiscent of Bernie Madoff. Her husband was a piece of work, but Emma sort of let herself be taken on a fairytale ride without examining the details too closely before everything blew up. After living a life of supreme luxury, Emma is left with nothing and not many options for employment on the East Coast after the notoriety of the trial. At the urging of an old friend Emma returns, after sixteen years away, but not without some reservations. Going back will surely mean that she’ll run into her former best-friend, Riley. Riley and Emma were like sisters until Riley’s betrayal in college, and I couldn’t blame Emma for leaving after discovering the details.
It’s a little more difficult to talk about Riley without spoiling some things. At first I was really ticked at her for what she did in the past. But life isn’t black and white and when you get down to the details and feelings, I could understand, and I felt bad for Riley, too. One mistake was a huge blow to both of them, with the loss of such a close friendship they never quite recovered from the betrayal. Emma’s situation paved the way to understanding and reconciliation, because it’s really hard to stay mad at someone when you see them on a regular basis. You end up having to face the problem, and work it out.
My heart went out to both women, but I have to say Emma was my favorite here. She didn’t let humiliation, regrets or self-pity stop her from trying to get her life back. Her plight really touched me! It made me grateful for what I have and my place in life.
Besides the story of Emma and Riley’s friendship, there are two romances, and I loved both! These romances felt true to life, and had the just the right amount of steaminess! Adam, Riley’s older brother, made a wonderful love interest for Emma; so steadfast, determined and an amazing support for Emma! Riley’s romance was a little more complicated, but I’m very pleased how it worked out.
I’m a huge fan of Robyn Carr. I’ve been working my way through her Virgin River series and I’m happy I still have several books to go. She really makes you feel for the characters, not only the main ones, but also all the secondary cast, too. Once I pick up one of her stories, I’m consumed, and time flies by! The Life She Wants made me feel a whole range of emotions, and I closed my kindle with a happy, contented sigh by the end!
A copy was kindly provided by Mira via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
It’s a little more difficult to talk about Riley without spoiling some things. At first I was really ticked at her for what she did in the past. But life isn’t black and white and when you get down to the details and feelings, I could understand, and I felt bad for Riley, too. One mistake was a huge blow to both of them, with the loss of such a close friendship they never quite recovered from the betrayal. Emma’s situation paved the way to understanding and reconciliation, because it’s really hard to stay mad at someone when you see them on a regular basis. You end up having to face the problem, and work it out.
My heart went out to both women, but I have to say Emma was my favorite here. She didn’t let humiliation, regrets or self-pity stop her from trying to get her life back. Her plight really touched me! It made me grateful for what I have and my place in life.
Besides the story of Emma and Riley’s friendship, there are two romances, and I loved both! These romances felt true to life, and had the just the right amount of steaminess! Adam, Riley’s older brother, made a wonderful love interest for Emma; so steadfast, determined and an amazing support for Emma! Riley’s romance was a little more complicated, but I’m very pleased how it worked out.
I’m a huge fan of Robyn Carr. I’ve been working my way through her Virgin River series and I’m happy I still have several books to go. She really makes you feel for the characters, not only the main ones, but also all the secondary cast, too. Once I pick up one of her stories, I’m consumed, and time flies by! The Life She Wants made me feel a whole range of emotions, and I closed my kindle with a happy, contented sigh by the end!
A copy was kindly provided by Mira via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2025
What do you do when all your dreams come crashing down around you? That is exactly what Emma Shay Compton must decide.
Her husband was convicted of stealing people’s life savings, kills himself and leaves Emma with the mess left behind. The law thinks she is hiding money, people hate her for what her husband did and worse of all she had no clue and let herself be deceived by the man she thought loved her.
Returning to her home town, Emma has more demons to face while trying to rebuild her life. She left and never looked back, cutting ties with almost all her past, especially her best friend and her best friends family who took her in when her family life fell apart.
Raw emotions and true character bring Carr’s characters to life in The Life She Wants. Another great small town romance from Carr, The Life She Wants is about heart, home and forgiveness.
I received this ARC copy of The Life She Wants from Harlequin (US & Canada) - MIRA in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication Sept. 27, 2016.
Her husband was convicted of stealing people’s life savings, kills himself and leaves Emma with the mess left behind. The law thinks she is hiding money, people hate her for what her husband did and worse of all she had no clue and let herself be deceived by the man she thought loved her.
Returning to her home town, Emma has more demons to face while trying to rebuild her life. She left and never looked back, cutting ties with almost all her past, especially her best friend and her best friends family who took her in when her family life fell apart.
Raw emotions and true character bring Carr’s characters to life in The Life She Wants. Another great small town romance from Carr, The Life She Wants is about heart, home and forgiveness.
I received this ARC copy of The Life She Wants from Harlequin (US & Canada) - MIRA in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication Sept. 27, 2016.
September 30, 2017
This is not a romance, even though it looks like one and sometimes acts like it, too. Phwew. I'm glad I got that out of my system. This book might have been excellent, except that it has a serious flaw that penetrates deep into the story and I don't see any way to fix it without fundamentally changing pretty much everything. Fortunately, Carr is a very good writer and if you can get past the cracks in the foundation the house itself is very pretty.
So anyway, we start the novel with Emma about as down as she can be coming back to her home town with her tail between her legs so that she can at least be somewhere that one person loves and accepts her (the gay best friend that they seem to be handing out at the chick lit checkout counters these days) and everybody else who knows her hates her for things that predate her national disgrace. And I'll say that I really like Emma and could respect her resolution and determination to start making good choices in her life and to help and support others and do her best to find her own happiness independent of wealth or the opinions of others. And Carr did an equally good job with the man she ends up with and that's all good stuff.
And I liked Riley, too, except for the hate for Emma going on. She, too, is strong and determined and I like that she turned her own troubles into opportunities to help others and that she works so hard to provide for the people she loves.
The problem with the book is the huge time that has passed since the events that tore them apart. Yeah, I can see holding a grudge for sixteen years, sure. But both these ladies seemed to have nurtured their resentment and given it a garden to grow in for all this time and that I have almost no patience with—particularly when they have such great bridges between them in the form of people they both love who still maintain as much contact with each as they can. Riley's mother is an excellent example of loving acceptance and caring support that should have been both an anchor and example to them and yet neither seems to have learned a thing from her about forgiveness and acceptance and tolerance in all the time they've had with her. And it doesn't help that Riley is the same with the boy who drove them apart and holding him in such unreasoning contempt while she's at it.
I could actually see this working without being such a huge hurdle if you cut the time in half, or so. That makes so many of the conflicts work better and would be much more realistic if both women were still in their mid-twenties, say, and learning to let things go and move on and maybe, just maybe, reaching out to people they loved who hurt them so badly. Only that doesn't work because Carr made Riley's daughter such an important part of this story. She just couldn't have fulfilled key story moments as an eight year-old that she's almost perfect for at sixteen. Add a slew of other convenient contrivances (like Emma's father's friend who somehow never mentions actual numbers even though he'd totally know them and any normal person would have tossed one or two out in their conversations) and you have a lot of little flaws in and around the huge one and it just doesn't hold up!
So I'm left with a story where I can't edit it in my head to actually work. And yet . . . And yet it still stands as a great story of growth and conflict and love and family and forgiveness and with some great strong women and the men who love and support them (without being clichéd or problematic at all). The story has some laugh-out-loud moments and some ugly-cry moments (the cathartic kind) and I hate that I can't let go of the cracks in the foundation.
So I'm left with a 3.5 star read that I'm rounding up even though I can't help but feel that I shouldn't because I'll mislead future-me into thinking I liked it better than I did. So future-me: sorry about that, man...
A note about Steamy: There's two, maybe three, explicit sex scenes in the story which is on the low end of my steam tolerance. Or would be except they were kind of laughably idealized and, er, analogized. I may have guyggled (it's like a giggle, but totally manly) a little bit at the euphigasmic excess. May have. Not saying I did, or anything.
So anyway, we start the novel with Emma about as down as she can be coming back to her home town with her tail between her legs so that she can at least be somewhere that one person loves and accepts her (the gay best friend that they seem to be handing out at the chick lit checkout counters these days) and everybody else who knows her hates her for things that predate her national disgrace. And I'll say that I really like Emma and could respect her resolution and determination to start making good choices in her life and to help and support others and do her best to find her own happiness independent of wealth or the opinions of others. And Carr did an equally good job with the man she ends up with and that's all good stuff.
And I liked Riley, too, except for the hate for Emma going on. She, too, is strong and determined and I like that she turned her own troubles into opportunities to help others and that she works so hard to provide for the people she loves.
The problem with the book is the huge time that has passed since the events that tore them apart. Yeah, I can see holding a grudge for sixteen years, sure. But both these ladies seemed to have nurtured their resentment and given it a garden to grow in for all this time and that I have almost no patience with—particularly when they have such great bridges between them in the form of people they both love who still maintain as much contact with each as they can. Riley's mother is an excellent example of loving acceptance and caring support that should have been both an anchor and example to them and yet neither seems to have learned a thing from her about forgiveness and acceptance and tolerance in all the time they've had with her. And it doesn't help that Riley is the same with the boy who drove them apart and holding him in such unreasoning contempt while she's at it.
I could actually see this working without being such a huge hurdle if you cut the time in half, or so. That makes so many of the conflicts work better and would be much more realistic if both women were still in their mid-twenties, say, and learning to let things go and move on and maybe, just maybe, reaching out to people they loved who hurt them so badly. Only that doesn't work because Carr made Riley's daughter such an important part of this story. She just couldn't have fulfilled key story moments as an eight year-old that she's almost perfect for at sixteen. Add a slew of other convenient contrivances (like Emma's father's friend who somehow never mentions actual numbers even though he'd totally know them and any normal person would have tossed one or two out in their conversations) and you have a lot of little flaws in and around the huge one and it just doesn't hold up!
So I'm left with a story where I can't edit it in my head to actually work. And yet . . . And yet it still stands as a great story of growth and conflict and love and family and forgiveness and with some great strong women and the men who love and support them (without being clichéd or problematic at all). The story has some laugh-out-loud moments and some ugly-cry moments (the cathartic kind) and I hate that I can't let go of the cracks in the foundation.
So I'm left with a 3.5 star read that I'm rounding up even though I can't help but feel that I shouldn't because I'll mislead future-me into thinking I liked it better than I did. So future-me: sorry about that, man...
A note about Steamy: There's two, maybe three, explicit sex scenes in the story which is on the low end of my steam tolerance. Or would be except they were kind of laughably idealized and, er, analogized. I may have guyggled (it's like a giggle, but totally manly) a little bit at the euphigasmic excess. May have. Not saying I did, or anything.
July 3, 2019
4.75 to 5 stars
Before I had been reading an ebook that I didn't like much (gave it a 1 star) and was so disappointed in it. This book had been on my mind for reading but something happened to make me keep putting it back down and reading something else. My nervousness had to do with the fact that I hadn't read a Robyn Carr book and romance isn't necessarily my genre of choice. After that ebook, I decided to give this book a shot as it couldn't be as bad as that book. I'm so glad that I finally took a chance on this book as it was such a delight!
This isn't the perfect book but it's pretty darn close. It has great characters who I can see myself being friends with and even share similarities with (Emma's perpetual bad luck but finding the perfect guy for her is me to a T). Still there were little things that bothered me about the plot that weren't smoothed out but these points didn't ruin the book for me personally. One of these moments has to be the uncomfortableness that Riley has with the idea of Emma in her family life. I'm not sure I buy that the reason for this issue is that Riley never was forgiven by Emma but everyone else wants her back in their life. Emma even says that Riley has to invite her back into her life so I wonder if there is something else bothering her. In the end everything worked out and I still thoroughly enjoy this book. The friendship between two young girls and how it split apart and then life moving on bringing it back together later was such a great story. The romance, the little town, the friendships and how it all came together after some really horrible struggles was just a great feel good story.
This one was one of the best audiobooks I’ve listened to in the romance genre!! Therese Plummer was the perfect narrator for this book and probably makes this book better than it really is. Her narration is so far above so many other female narrators. I started to hear her mannerisms as other people spoke. The story was thrilling yet predictable in some senses. Definitely plan to try and read more books by Robyn Carr.
Before I had been reading an ebook that I didn't like much (gave it a 1 star) and was so disappointed in it. This book had been on my mind for reading but something happened to make me keep putting it back down and reading something else. My nervousness had to do with the fact that I hadn't read a Robyn Carr book and romance isn't necessarily my genre of choice. After that ebook, I decided to give this book a shot as it couldn't be as bad as that book. I'm so glad that I finally took a chance on this book as it was such a delight!
This isn't the perfect book but it's pretty darn close. It has great characters who I can see myself being friends with and even share similarities with (Emma's perpetual bad luck but finding the perfect guy for her is me to a T). Still there were little things that bothered me about the plot that weren't smoothed out but these points didn't ruin the book for me personally. One of these moments has to be the uncomfortableness that Riley has with the idea of Emma in her family life. I'm not sure I buy that the reason for this issue is that Riley never was forgiven by Emma but everyone else wants her back in their life. Emma even says that Riley has to invite her back into her life so I wonder if there is something else bothering her. In the end everything worked out and I still thoroughly enjoy this book. The friendship between two young girls and how it split apart and then life moving on bringing it back together later was such a great story. The romance, the little town, the friendships and how it all came together after some really horrible struggles was just a great feel good story.
This one was one of the best audiobooks I’ve listened to in the romance genre!! Therese Plummer was the perfect narrator for this book and probably makes this book better than it really is. Her narration is so far above so many other female narrators. I started to hear her mannerisms as other people spoke. The story was thrilling yet predictable in some senses. Definitely plan to try and read more books by Robyn Carr.
October 2, 2016
This is bullSh#*. Let me get this straight; you sleep with your best friend’s boyfriend while she is away at college, she stops speaking to you (and rightfully so) because she is hurt that her best friend and boyfriend was sneaking around behind her back. Now, you are mad at her for not supporting you because you got pregnant for her boyfriend while she was away at college. You betrayed your friend and stabbed her in the back. Now she should apologize to you (15 years later) because you no longer trust anyone, because of your dishonesty. And you blame her who you stabbed in the back because you wanted her to support you during your pregnancy and felt you had no one (oh, did I mention you slept with her boyfriend while she was away at college and got pregnant). I was so pissed off, I had to stop reading and removed the book from my device. It took me two days to get over any angst at this Bulls#^*. This just doesn’t make sense. In whose world, do you blame your friend for your betrayal and expect her to make amends with you. And you only apologize to her after you got back together with her ex-boyfriend. You are also angry because when she comes back to town (after a bad marriage that cost her, her livingly hood, privacy, and even the ability to support herself because of what her husband did) your brother starts dating her and basically warns her away from your brother as if you are not the backstabbing jezebel. So, because she didn’t want to end up homeless she had to swallow her pride and beg you for a job (oh and did I mention you were the one who stabbed her in the back).
Sorry, I would have remained homeless rather than asking her for any help, and to make matters worse your father dies and leaves you an inheritance, your stepmother and her daughters cheated you out of your spoils for years, you find out about their lies and deception and decides, oh let them keep what my father rightfully left to me because they will be bitter a fat with no one). You must be Fuc*^#@ kidding me.
Sorry there are ppl out there with big hearts but this is way to fancifully for me, complete garbage. Is it just me, that has noticed ever since 50 Shades of Gray, everyone is now drinking wine (all the authors now has to mention wine in their books), when it was barely mentioned before.
Sorry, I would have remained homeless rather than asking her for any help, and to make matters worse your father dies and leaves you an inheritance, your stepmother and her daughters cheated you out of your spoils for years, you find out about their lies and deception and decides, oh let them keep what my father rightfully left to me because they will be bitter a fat with no one). You must be Fuc*^#@ kidding me.
Sorry there are ppl out there with big hearts but this is way to fancifully for me, complete garbage. Is it just me, that has noticed ever since 50 Shades of Gray, everyone is now drinking wine (all the authors now has to mention wine in their books), when it was barely mentioned before.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2016
Please note that I gave this book 2.5 stars and rounded it up to 3 stars on Goodreads.
Wow. This was a shock to my system after reading the early Virgin River books this past weekend. I went from those books to this standalone and really didn’t get what was happening in this book. We follow two women whose storyline barely merged with each other and a happy ending that really didn’t work based on all that came before it.
Emma is dealing with the fallout from her husband’s suicide and her realization that he was well on his way to being another Bernie Madoff before his suicide. She thought she had it all before she had a couple of eye opening moments realizing her entire courtship and marriage was a lie. She decides to return to her hometown of Sonoma since she only has $9,000 to her name and no way of getting another job in New York City due to her being known.
Riley is a successful businesswoman and single mother. She may still grieve over the end of her friendship with Emma, but she thinks that she is well past it until Emma returns to Sonoma.
Emma I felt for though she may leave you a bit frustrated at times. For someone who literally is attacked with a full bedpan by a victim of her husband’s schemes, I thought she was a bit too calm at times. You keep reading about how she needs to get her life together, but she falls into a romance pretty quick. That romance was boring as anything too. I mean I don’t need to read about people upside down on chandeliers, but there was no passion there. I think Emma gets involved in it because the person is safe. The male hero sees her as an ideal he has always wanted since he was younger so I felt like he was just happy to be anywhere near her. The romance doesn’t struggle or go through anything big at all so I maybe shrugged about it a lot while reading. Emma sticking her nose into everyone’s business also didn’t work for me either. It just came out of nowhere and really threw off the book. We get a B plot that this book didn’t need. In fact when I think of it there are two main plots and two B plots. I would rather have had her interacting more with Riley and building back up their friendship.
Riley and her business (cleaning) was great. I loved that Carr adds in a ton of details so once again you know she did research or at least knew enough about the subject. I would love to see some of the employees mentioned in their own follow up books, but that’s just me. I thought Riley trying to hide from her teen daughter how she came to be was lame. This is the age of Facebook, Twitter, etc. I find it unbelievable that no one told her daughter before now about her mom’s past. Riley’s two love interests, once again I found bland as anything. It was weird, I could have done without the men since they were all pretty faceless and unimpressive in my eyes.
We have some secondary characters (two of the love interests, the third I guess doesn’t need to allow readers to be privy to his thoughts). Everyone else except for a few were interchangeable.
The writing was good because as I already said, you definitely get that Carr did research on the cleaning business. Everything else though, the investigation into Emma didn’t really work though. It just felt thrown in.
The flow was up and down. I think because the book felt like two separate stories about two women who grew up together, but then definitely grew apart.
I think there were enough elements to make this a good book, but unfortunately, the two characters never fully came together for me. I felt like I was reading two stories where the characters just happen to live in the same town. I really needed to see more interaction between Emma and Riley. Or at least maybe a huge prologue of showing them together as best friends before their rift.
The ending was okay, but once again Carr throws in a infertile woman finds herself pregnant element and after reading Virgin River I am pretty good on not reading that trope in romance for a good long while.
Wow. This was a shock to my system after reading the early Virgin River books this past weekend. I went from those books to this standalone and really didn’t get what was happening in this book. We follow two women whose storyline barely merged with each other and a happy ending that really didn’t work based on all that came before it.
Emma is dealing with the fallout from her husband’s suicide and her realization that he was well on his way to being another Bernie Madoff before his suicide. She thought she had it all before she had a couple of eye opening moments realizing her entire courtship and marriage was a lie. She decides to return to her hometown of Sonoma since she only has $9,000 to her name and no way of getting another job in New York City due to her being known.
Riley is a successful businesswoman and single mother. She may still grieve over the end of her friendship with Emma, but she thinks that she is well past it until Emma returns to Sonoma.
Emma I felt for though she may leave you a bit frustrated at times. For someone who literally is attacked with a full bedpan by a victim of her husband’s schemes, I thought she was a bit too calm at times. You keep reading about how she needs to get her life together, but she falls into a romance pretty quick. That romance was boring as anything too. I mean I don’t need to read about people upside down on chandeliers, but there was no passion there. I think Emma gets involved in it because the person is safe. The male hero sees her as an ideal he has always wanted since he was younger so I felt like he was just happy to be anywhere near her. The romance doesn’t struggle or go through anything big at all so I maybe shrugged about it a lot while reading. Emma sticking her nose into everyone’s business also didn’t work for me either. It just came out of nowhere and really threw off the book. We get a B plot that this book didn’t need. In fact when I think of it there are two main plots and two B plots. I would rather have had her interacting more with Riley and building back up their friendship.
Riley and her business (cleaning) was great. I loved that Carr adds in a ton of details so once again you know she did research or at least knew enough about the subject. I would love to see some of the employees mentioned in their own follow up books, but that’s just me. I thought Riley trying to hide from her teen daughter how she came to be was lame. This is the age of Facebook, Twitter, etc. I find it unbelievable that no one told her daughter before now about her mom’s past. Riley’s two love interests, once again I found bland as anything. It was weird, I could have done without the men since they were all pretty faceless and unimpressive in my eyes.
We have some secondary characters (two of the love interests, the third I guess doesn’t need to allow readers to be privy to his thoughts). Everyone else except for a few were interchangeable.
The writing was good because as I already said, you definitely get that Carr did research on the cleaning business. Everything else though, the investigation into Emma didn’t really work though. It just felt thrown in.
The flow was up and down. I think because the book felt like two separate stories about two women who grew up together, but then definitely grew apart.
I think there were enough elements to make this a good book, but unfortunately, the two characters never fully came together for me. I felt like I was reading two stories where the characters just happen to live in the same town. I really needed to see more interaction between Emma and Riley. Or at least maybe a huge prologue of showing them together as best friends before their rift.
The ending was okay, but once again Carr throws in a infertile woman finds herself pregnant element and after reading Virgin River I am pretty good on not reading that trope in romance for a good long while.
September 12, 2016
I was just informed that I won an Advanced Reader Copy of this from Goodreads and I can hardly wait to get it in the mail!
I read this as soon as I got it in the mail, and I enjoyed it all the way through. I liked the main character, Emma, who just moved back to her hometown after her rich husband was found guilty at a trial and then committed suicide. I wish the author had made the whole trial and suicide situation a bigger part of the story; instead, it all happened before the story began and was only recapped for the reader's benefit. I think I would have felt more sympathy for Emma if the story actually started with the trial. The other main character was Riley, Emma's former best friend who stole her boyfriend during college. It was interesting to see these two women try to work out their differences after many years of not speaking to each other. The theme of the book was forgiveness, and that is always a great thing to read about.
I read this as soon as I got it in the mail, and I enjoyed it all the way through. I liked the main character, Emma, who just moved back to her hometown after her rich husband was found guilty at a trial and then committed suicide. I wish the author had made the whole trial and suicide situation a bigger part of the story; instead, it all happened before the story began and was only recapped for the reader's benefit. I think I would have felt more sympathy for Emma if the story actually started with the trial. The other main character was Riley, Emma's former best friend who stole her boyfriend during college. It was interesting to see these two women try to work out their differences after many years of not speaking to each other. The theme of the book was forgiveness, and that is always a great thing to read about.
September 27, 2016
I am not sure what I was expecting but it wasn’t this. Almost as soon as I started reading this story drew me in and wouldn’t let me put it down for a second. That hardly ever happens now a days and I am thrilled that this one did!
The Life She Wants surprised me because of how much I enjoyed it. From beginning to end this is a well written and well paced story. You can very easily connect to the characters and the situations they find themselves in. You just feel for Emma and you want to cheer her on as she moves forward in her life. Riley has also overcome so much and it looks like her life is finally on track and where it should be. The ending is quite perfect and it put me in a good mood for the rest of the day.
I haven’t read a lot of Ms. Carr’s books but this one has me adding her to my must read list! This is one book that I would happily read over and over again. I highly recommend you read this book. You will be so happy that you did!
The Life She Wants surprised me because of how much I enjoyed it. From beginning to end this is a well written and well paced story. You can very easily connect to the characters and the situations they find themselves in. You just feel for Emma and you want to cheer her on as she moves forward in her life. Riley has also overcome so much and it looks like her life is finally on track and where it should be. The ending is quite perfect and it put me in a good mood for the rest of the day.
I haven’t read a lot of Ms. Carr’s books but this one has me adding her to my must read list! This is one book that I would happily read over and over again. I highly recommend you read this book. You will be so happy that you did!
December 19, 2018
The romance was okay, but the main character struck me as unforgivably immature, so I had a hard time getting into this one. I don't have a huge tolerance for people who hold grudges and act against their own best interest just because they're mad.
March 22, 2017
It was like a Hallmark movie. :)) Nothing extraordinary.
July 15, 2025
I think I say this every time I read a Robyn Carr novel, I go in with no expectations, usually when I just want a little bit of filler and I end up walking away surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed the story, this one was no different: I really enjoyed it!
Warm, cozy and feel good!
The narration was great!
Currently included with audible 🎧
Warm, cozy and feel good!
The narration was great!
Currently included with audible 🎧
January 22, 2019
4 stars! Really enjoyed reading this book!
Emma's life turned from a glamorous, picture perfect marriage to a millionaire into a nightmare nearly overnight.
Her husband shoots himself awaiting trial for his collapsed Ponzi scheme affairs.
Emma is left alone, with no penny to her name, no friends, no family...
Defeated, she has no other ton but to return to her home town, which also full of not so happy memories...
I loved Emma! She is very likable, very easy to relate to, she is your girl next door.
I also liked Adam. Reilly for the most part came across as annoying cow, who gets angry and moody if the things don't go to her liking.
I enjoyed the writing, it's quite easy flowing.
Emma's life turned from a glamorous, picture perfect marriage to a millionaire into a nightmare nearly overnight.
Her husband shoots himself awaiting trial for his collapsed Ponzi scheme affairs.
Emma is left alone, with no penny to her name, no friends, no family...
Defeated, she has no other ton but to return to her home town, which also full of not so happy memories...
I loved Emma! She is very likable, very easy to relate to, she is your girl next door.
I also liked Adam. Reilly for the most part came across as annoying cow, who gets angry and moody if the things don't go to her liking.
I enjoyed the writing, it's quite easy flowing.
November 11, 2016
2 1/2 stars.
Gripe #1: I'm sorry was I supposed to feel sorry for Riley? She sleeps her with her best friend's boyfriend and then blames everyone else? She's so bitter and mean and she makes it sound like Emma did her a personal wrong by cutting off contact with her. You slept with her boyfriend. She had every right to never want to talk to you again. I had zero sympathy for her most of the book. Everyone is trying and she's running off blaming everyone and not taking any of the blame.
Gripe #2: I imagine if you've read a few books you'd probably see this coming but I'll put it as a spoiler just in case.
Gripe #3: Carr doesn't spend enough time on fleshing out Emma, her relationship with Adam, or Riley and her baby daddy. Emma and Riley's relationship seems really easily fixed. (Also, I hate the 'accident as a way to realize someone cares about someone else' trope). While it was your typical chick lit book, it feels like there was just a little bit too much to going on.
Gripe #1: I'm sorry was I supposed to feel sorry for Riley? She sleeps her with her best friend's boyfriend and then blames everyone else? She's so bitter and mean and she makes it sound like Emma did her a personal wrong by cutting off contact with her. You slept with her boyfriend. She had every right to never want to talk to you again. I had zero sympathy for her most of the book. Everyone is trying and she's running off blaming everyone and not taking any of the blame.
Gripe #2: I imagine if you've read a few books you'd probably see this coming but I'll put it as a spoiler just in case.
Gripe #3: Carr doesn't spend enough time on fleshing out Emma, her relationship with Adam, or Riley and her baby daddy. Emma and Riley's relationship seems really easily fixed. (Also, I hate the 'accident as a way to realize someone cares about someone else' trope). While it was your typical chick lit book, it feels like there was just a little bit too much to going on.
September 21, 2016
This is one of those rare novels that has left me speechless. Carr's hard hitting, emotional tale astounded me with it's intricacies while it drew me in with the sheer realism of the lives that she created. I'll admit that it was a little hard to get into at first, but once I was there Carr's masterful storytelling shone through. She brought this town to life, allowing me to visit the local haunts while my heart was being pulled in every direction by the intricate tale that she wove.
I love the way that Carr engages your emotions, drawing you deep into her character's stories. Readers become part of this small town, experiencing the highs and lows alongside the characters. I'll admit that I definitely fell in love with Adam. I felt for both Emma and Riley, even if I wanted to lock the pair in a room together for a while. The entire dynamic between everyone really allowed me to get a feel for the whole picture.
This novel may be different from what I've come to expect from Carr but it was still an absolutely fantastic read. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone who enjoys a little escape into a small town where the lives of the characters become part of you.
I love the way that Carr engages your emotions, drawing you deep into her character's stories. Readers become part of this small town, experiencing the highs and lows alongside the characters. I'll admit that I definitely fell in love with Adam. I felt for both Emma and Riley, even if I wanted to lock the pair in a room together for a while. The entire dynamic between everyone really allowed me to get a feel for the whole picture.
This novel may be different from what I've come to expect from Carr but it was still an absolutely fantastic read. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone who enjoys a little escape into a small town where the lives of the characters become part of you.
June 6, 2024
To be honest, this was a bit of a lukewarm story for me, but compelling enough to keep on reading. What I liked best were some of the characters ordinary circumstances, and then some of the elderly characters were particularly charming. I also enjoyed the fact that this book emphasized the fact that money doesn't make people happy. It’s hard work, family and friends that enriches our lives, makes us content.
Center stage is Emma Shay’s with whom we meet up when she returns to her hometown in CA, after her devastating marriage to a rich business man, but mostly a con man. She fell for him when she was 25 and didn't question his business ethics. Emma moves back to Sonoma County, hoping to start over. Too many people believe in her complicity and she is forced to ask an old estranged friend for a job, cleaning houses.
I really liked the setting of the cleaning houses business. It was quite an interesting point of view. A cleaning crew invading someone’s privacy. It goes without saying that here again, a high standard of work ethic is capital.
As for the relational aspects of the story, it was refreshing to note that the various couples involved, that is to say Emma and Adam; and Riley, Logan and Jock, had a kind of genuine feel about them, almost pragmatic.
Still, I think this is not Carr’s best work, which for me, will always be the Grace Valley series.
Center stage is Emma Shay’s with whom we meet up when she returns to her hometown in CA, after her devastating marriage to a rich business man, but mostly a con man. She fell for him when she was 25 and didn't question his business ethics. Emma moves back to Sonoma County, hoping to start over. Too many people believe in her complicity and she is forced to ask an old estranged friend for a job, cleaning houses.
I really liked the setting of the cleaning houses business. It was quite an interesting point of view. A cleaning crew invading someone’s privacy. It goes without saying that here again, a high standard of work ethic is capital.
As for the relational aspects of the story, it was refreshing to note that the various couples involved, that is to say Emma and Adam; and Riley, Logan and Jock, had a kind of genuine feel about them, almost pragmatic.
Still, I think this is not Carr’s best work, which for me, will always be the Grace Valley series.
February 12, 2017
3.5/5; 4 stars; B+
I liked this book for the aspect of Emma and Riley's friendship and how they finally healed their rather significant breech. There were some things I didn't' like about both main character's but overall it was a good book. Robyn Carr is an author I enjoy reading even when she is not at the top of her game.
I liked this book for the aspect of Emma and Riley's friendship and how they finally healed their rather significant breech. There were some things I didn't' like about both main character's but overall it was a good book. Robyn Carr is an author I enjoy reading even when she is not at the top of her game.
October 18, 2016
Robyn Carr does it again! She simply never ever disappoints. I loved this one, it took me quite a while to warm up to Riley but eventually you can't help but. The whole story was just fantastic.
February 20, 2017
If I could give minus stars, I would. I think I lost brain cells reading this.
March 28, 2019
3,5 SterneEin Frauenroman, der ernste Themen beinhaltet. Das wusste ich vorher und schreckt mich auch gar nicht ab, ganz im Gegenteil. Ein Buch über Finanzbetrug, und wie die unschuldige Ehefrau damit umgehen muss, habe ich noch nie gelesen und fand es hier sehr aufschlussreich dargestellt.
Doch in diesem Buch geht es nicht nur um Emma, sondern teilweise genauso viel um Riley, und auch um Maddie, Adam, Jock, Luna, Logan, Penny, Lyle, Bethany, Rosemary... Am Ende waren es mir ein bisschen zu viele Baustellen, die Robyn Carr da aufgemacht hat. Klar finde ich es toll, wenn ein Buch nicht nur eindimensional einem Protagonisten folgt, der einen Konflikt hat, diesen löst, Happy End. Ich mag mehrschichtige Plots. Aber hier war es mir irgendwie zu viel.
Zudem war ich diesmal nicht ganz so begeistert vom Schreibstil wie in den 2 anderen Büchern, die ich schon von der Autorin gelesen hatte. Besonders im 2. Teil des Buches kamen im Beziehungsdreieck Riley, Jock und Maddie ständige Wiederholungen vor ('wie toll sich das Mädchen gemacht hat, "trotz" allem' wurde in allen möglichen Variationen erwähnt). Stellenweise war der Satzbau auch extrem einfach gehalten, was vielleicht aber auch an einer unglücklichen Übersetzung liegen könnte.
Insgesamt aber eine dennoch lesenswerte Geschichte, in deren Mittelpunkt Emma und Riley stehen, die beide mit ihren Problemen zu kämpfen hatten oder haben. Und wie sie am Ende doch noch das Glück wecken können.
September 27, 2016
A beautiful and powerful story about life, love, forgiveness, family in all the different forms and shapes, and moving on after one of the life's curveballs.
The story flows well, with often taking a step back and going through the events again, with little more depth, with a different point of view. For those who like to read a book from cover to cover in one sitting, it might feel like repetition, but most might enjoy it.
The characters in the story have all faced life's difficulties, have had challenges most can't imagine. As they work through their past in the story, the complications, and disputes, without difficulty it made me reflect on the matters of the tale in my own life. I love stories that make you think and you get life lessons from them.
Emma's life situation felt like a never-ending nightmare, the consequences of her choices and the judgment from others seemed unbelievable. She wasn't perfect by any measure, but she was willing and eager leave the past behind, learn from it, and move on.
Riley had her own issues to be faced and dealt with. I loved how the two stories harmonized with each other. How both Emma and Riley developed, flourished, and matured as the tale unfolded.
A charming tale of life and love, with characters that fascinates, a pleasing plot that intrigues the mind, while delivering messages that make you take inventory of yourself, I believe that is called a life-changing romance novel
~ Five Spoons
The story flows well, with often taking a step back and going through the events again, with little more depth, with a different point of view. For those who like to read a book from cover to cover in one sitting, it might feel like repetition, but most might enjoy it.
The characters in the story have all faced life's difficulties, have had challenges most can't imagine. As they work through their past in the story, the complications, and disputes, without difficulty it made me reflect on the matters of the tale in my own life. I love stories that make you think and you get life lessons from them.
Emma's life situation felt like a never-ending nightmare, the consequences of her choices and the judgment from others seemed unbelievable. She wasn't perfect by any measure, but she was willing and eager leave the past behind, learn from it, and move on.
Riley had her own issues to be faced and dealt with. I loved how the two stories harmonized with each other. How both Emma and Riley developed, flourished, and matured as the tale unfolded.
A charming tale of life and love, with characters that fascinates, a pleasing plot that intrigues the mind, while delivering messages that make you take inventory of yourself, I believe that is called a life-changing romance novel
~ Five Spoons
June 18, 2019
The only reason this book got two stars instead of one is because I'm in a good mood today. That good mood could stem from the fact that I've finished reading this drivel.
If you love Harlequin Romance books, then this book is for you! Everyone is so beautiful or (in the case of the men) breathtakingly handsome and everything that happens is so dramatic. The main character, Emma, left her small hometown to go to college. While she was there, her best friend, Riley, slept with her (Emma's) boyfriend and got pregnant. Emma immediately hated them both. She moved to New York where she met and married a super rich thief (think Bernie Madoff) and her entire life was ruined when he was caught and convicted. Ruined! Did I say ruined? It was awful.
That's when she decides to move back to her little home town. Her parents are both dead, she has two hateful stepsisters and a horrific stepmother there so why go back? It makes no sense. But then again, why do we need the story to make sense? It's a Harlequin Rom... oh, wait, no, it's not! Yeah, it is.
Anyway, I'm sick of talking about it and even sick of making fun of it. If this type of story is for you, this is your book.
If you love Harlequin Romance books, then this book is for you! Everyone is so beautiful or (in the case of the men) breathtakingly handsome and everything that happens is so dramatic. The main character, Emma, left her small hometown to go to college. While she was there, her best friend, Riley, slept with her (Emma's) boyfriend and got pregnant. Emma immediately hated them both. She moved to New York where she met and married a super rich thief (think Bernie Madoff) and her entire life was ruined when he was caught and convicted. Ruined! Did I say ruined? It was awful.
That's when she decides to move back to her little home town. Her parents are both dead, she has two hateful stepsisters and a horrific stepmother there so why go back? It makes no sense. But then again, why do we need the story to make sense? It's a Harlequin Rom... oh, wait, no, it's not! Yeah, it is.
Anyway, I'm sick of talking about it and even sick of making fun of it. If this type of story is for you, this is your book.
March 25, 2017
If you're looking for a story to sweep you away for a few hours, this is a great choice! My second book this month to remind me sometimes you just want to hear a good story.
There were rich themes throughout the book. Namely that richness is not measured in possessions (unless you want it to be) and that self-reliance is not the same as independence.
The book also made me think about domestic work a little differently. Their job is not to be seen and yet THEY SEE EVERYTHING. If you've ever had a maid service, this book will definitely change how you see those people, or make you see them as people if you do not already.
Note: I picked this book up randomly and when the storyline reminded me of Blue Jasmine (a movie I was surprised to like, although Emma isn't suffering from psychosis) and Emma had my the same maiden last name as me (the odds) I decided to try it. I will definitely try more books by Robyn Carr.
There were rich themes throughout the book. Namely that richness is not measured in possessions (unless you want it to be) and that self-reliance is not the same as independence.
The book also made me think about domestic work a little differently. Their job is not to be seen and yet THEY SEE EVERYTHING. If you've ever had a maid service, this book will definitely change how you see those people, or make you see them as people if you do not already.
Note: I picked this book up randomly and when the storyline reminded me of Blue Jasmine (a movie I was surprised to like, although Emma isn't suffering from psychosis) and Emma had my the same maiden last name as me (the odds) I decided to try it. I will definitely try more books by Robyn Carr.
October 31, 2016
A wonderful story about love and forgiveness. Although the story has many challenges it is done in a loving and uplifting way. The characters are realistic and caring and give each other support when needed.
There are a few authors that I continuously listen and read and Robyn Carr is one of them, her stories are interesting, her characters are wonderful and I love that I end the story happy and wanting more.
There are a few authors that I continuously listen and read and Robyn Carr is one of them, her stories are interesting, her characters are wonderful and I love that I end the story happy and wanting more.
August 3, 2016
I have always loved Robyn Carr as an author and this book has not disappointed me. Got my interest in the first few pages and held it right through till the end.
June 12, 2018
I abandoned this book at like page 40 and I NEVER do that. It was sooooooooo bad bad bad. Poorly written, 1-D characters, predictable, and inane.
September 30, 2023
I have never read a book by Robyn Carr before, so I eagerly snagged a freebie Audible copy a couple of weeks ago. I didn't know what to expect but I really enjoyed this contemporary fiction novel that had lots of themes for readers to sink their teeth into - complicated friendships, family, secrets, overcoming life's obstacles and some romance t'boot.
It was narrated by the talented Thèrése Plummer and was enjoyable predictable. I enjoyed Carr's easy-going writing style and her characters (I always like it when secondary characters are more than passing players in the story) even though I didn't always like her main characters' choices or attitudes.
The plot stays fairly shallow in its exploration of the themes, but I enjoyed this lighter contemporary fiction read about friendship and forgiveness and plan to listen to more of Carr's work.
June 21, 2016
For Emma Shay Compton, life should be perfect. She has a rich, successful husband, life among the glittering ton of New York City and one as far as removed from her hometown in Sonoma County. Then it all crashes down on her with the indictment of her husband in a ponzi scheme that had him making millions off of others and Emma is devastated by the lie that was her life. When she is cleared of any wrong doing, she moves across the country back to her hometown and tries to pick up the pieces. But what she finds is so much more than she even imagined. Starting over isn’t easy and bad memories are coming at Emma from all sides. But a chance to work for Riley Kerrigan in her cleaning company gives her the step she needs to get on even footing and a friendship with Riley’s brother has all the makings of a romance…but the one thing Emma must do is face her past and make peace with it in order to get the future she longs for.
Wow is all I can say after finishing the latest novel from Robyn Carr. Ms. Carr delivers an emotional and heart rendering story that just pulls at your heart and doesn’t let up till the very last page is read. I just devoured this book and could not put it down. I literally forced myself to put it aside in order to sleep and eat. The story moves quickly with scenes so emotional you can’t help but well up with tears and the characters are just as diverse and engaging as ever. I love this author’s books but her new novel, THE LIFE SHE WANTS, is by far one of her bests to date. It has real life issues such as ponzi schemes, con men, victims and more to keep the reader glued to the pages. I eagerly flipped those pages just to see what would happen next for Riley and Emma.
Meet Emma Shay. A woman who lost so much yet always tried to raise above it…that is until her husband’s ponzi scheme blew up in the press and courts. Then Emma found out that the charmed life she wed into was all a bunch of cards. I won’t go into details so I won’t ruin the story for those who haven’t read it yet but Ms. Carr delves deep into the aftermath of such crime and how people react, etc. Emma is strong yet bruised, vulnerable and beaten down. But moving back to Sonoma County brings her a joy & comfort that she can’t explain. I loved Emma from the first moment I met her. She was so eager to move forward yet resigned over the fact that by being married to her husband, she is tainted just by association. I loved how the author uses the past to move forward the story and it is done in such a way that you see no abrupt point of views or anything. It just flowed seamlessly into the story. Riley and Emma have a history and a past that was done so well within the story. We got to see both point of views and memories and I loved how the author wove that shared history into the story. The secondary cast of characters was just as entertaining and intriguing. I loved meeting them and hope the author will come back to this little place again so we can see these wonderful people again.
Overall, THE LIFE SHE WANTS is one story that sticks with you long after the story is done. It’s powerful, emotional and so engaging that I was smiling through the tears a few times. The ending alone leaves you breathless and filled with joy. If you are looking for that perfect beach read or lazy afternoon book, then I highly recommend any of Robyn Carr’s books. They bring you a feeling of home and deliver a story that you can not help but fall in love with. I look forward with an eager breath at what else is coming from this talented author.
This is an objective review and not an endorsement
Wow is all I can say after finishing the latest novel from Robyn Carr. Ms. Carr delivers an emotional and heart rendering story that just pulls at your heart and doesn’t let up till the very last page is read. I just devoured this book and could not put it down. I literally forced myself to put it aside in order to sleep and eat. The story moves quickly with scenes so emotional you can’t help but well up with tears and the characters are just as diverse and engaging as ever. I love this author’s books but her new novel, THE LIFE SHE WANTS, is by far one of her bests to date. It has real life issues such as ponzi schemes, con men, victims and more to keep the reader glued to the pages. I eagerly flipped those pages just to see what would happen next for Riley and Emma.
Meet Emma Shay. A woman who lost so much yet always tried to raise above it…that is until her husband’s ponzi scheme blew up in the press and courts. Then Emma found out that the charmed life she wed into was all a bunch of cards. I won’t go into details so I won’t ruin the story for those who haven’t read it yet but Ms. Carr delves deep into the aftermath of such crime and how people react, etc. Emma is strong yet bruised, vulnerable and beaten down. But moving back to Sonoma County brings her a joy & comfort that she can’t explain. I loved Emma from the first moment I met her. She was so eager to move forward yet resigned over the fact that by being married to her husband, she is tainted just by association. I loved how the author uses the past to move forward the story and it is done in such a way that you see no abrupt point of views or anything. It just flowed seamlessly into the story. Riley and Emma have a history and a past that was done so well within the story. We got to see both point of views and memories and I loved how the author wove that shared history into the story. The secondary cast of characters was just as entertaining and intriguing. I loved meeting them and hope the author will come back to this little place again so we can see these wonderful people again.
Overall, THE LIFE SHE WANTS is one story that sticks with you long after the story is done. It’s powerful, emotional and so engaging that I was smiling through the tears a few times. The ending alone leaves you breathless and filled with joy. If you are looking for that perfect beach read or lazy afternoon book, then I highly recommend any of Robyn Carr’s books. They bring you a feeling of home and deliver a story that you can not help but fall in love with. I look forward with an eager breath at what else is coming from this talented author.
This is an objective review and not an endorsement
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