The Way I've Heard It Should Be

by Rachel Cullen

You never know what you have until it's gone.The story of four women living seemingly perfect lives in an exclusive Manhattan suburb - filled with beautiful people, over-sized bank accounts and gorgeous homes. But in reality, they are each unsatisfied, looking to fill a void, and are a testament to the myth of the adage ‘the grass is always greener.' While searching for the impossible, these four friends create a spiral of destruction where they each stand to lose what is most important to them.

Genres: Book Club

291 pages, Paperback

Published April 29, 2016

Reviews

[Kim Nicastri · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was mentioned in Westchester Magazine so I thought that it would be a fun read since it is based in Rye (2 towns over). Thankfully it was a quick read (kind of like flipping thru People Magazine in the dentist office). Characters are silly (not in a fun way) and the storyline ridiculous. And not to mention the typos. Happy that I have the rest of my snow day to start something new.

[Dani Peeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who grew up in Westchester - this book is comically on-point. Yes, there are plenty of grammatical and spelling errors, but as light of a read as it is, that really didn't bother me. A quick, funny, yet realistic read with characters that resonated. If you want a fun, gossipy read - this is it. Hard to put down. One negative was the abruptness of the end. All the sudden, I was at the epilogue - however, Cullen wraps everything up with a nice little bow in the epilogue. If you were a fan of "The Clique" books back in the day... you'll enjoy this as an adult.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite author

I loved this book. In fact I enjoyed it so much that I had to make myself put it down several times as did not want it to end. The storyline is one that I have read quite a few times in other books. The perfect family not being perfect is not a new revelation but this book goes deeper. You get in-depth views of each character and their family members. It also has a sense of humor which makes the characters so human. I loved the way the author wrapped up each character in the end and just wish their was a sequel.

[Eileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

One long run-on sentence

I read other reviews about spelling and punctuation errors but really this is ridiculous. I know it is intended as a light beach read, but it is like reading the diaries of very wealthy self-centered whiny women.

[Sara Stetz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soapy book about women who trying to maintain an identity after becoming mothers. The working world is nothing compared to the politics and caste system of the helicopter/tiger/super mom world! I loved this book. Great vacation read.

[Rachel Bond · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a simple, easy, and fun read. I flew there it because the characters were so engaging with their unique flaws and martial struggles. The tiny bit of infidelity did make me a little uncomfy, but overall a good read!

[Doug North · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Cullen did it again!

I loved every aspect of this book! The details of the beautiful homes in Rye and the trials of marriage, friendship and acceptance of others without judgment.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just meh. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Mary Unger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fluff, but OK fluff. Sometimes that’s just what I need, and this fit the bill. Ok enough that I will try the author again, it’s always nice to have something on hand that’s easy.

[Suetr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good quick read

Good quick vacation read. Minimal brain effort required so perfect for the beach, pool or backyard. Fairly predictable but not terribly so.