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The Mom Group
✨The Mom Group. It’s a story about loneliness and joining a mom group to make friends and fill that void. But it’s also much more.
✨It’s about friendships and family relationships and how both wonderful and hurtful they can be.
✨It’s about figuring out who you are, who you want to be, and what it will take to get there.
✨Join Erika on her journey as her simple desire to belong to a mom group sets off a spiral down some rather slippery slopes.
BOOK COVER SYNOPSIS:
Loneliness can motivate a woman to put herself out there, to meet new friends. But when it doesn’t go as planned, what’s next? Perhaps a little revenge…
Erika Thompson is a lonely housewife. With her kids recently off to college and her husband working long hours, she spends much of her time reading, hanging out with her dog, and trying to figure out what her next steps should be.
But an invitation to join a local mom group is about to change everything. After numerous attempts to fit in and make new friends, Erika is all but shunned. Her sorrow over this unexpected outcome quickly turns to anger, and she retaliates against the moms who’ve done her wrong. But things don’t go as planned for Erika, and she’s in for some surprises of her own.
Erika’s journey includes a trek through childhood friendships, narcissistic family, an obsession with 80s rock music, and the trials and joys of being a wife and mother. With relationships tested and secrets revealed, can she face the stakes of her quest and become who she needs to be?
✨It’s about friendships and family relationships and how both wonderful and hurtful they can be.
✨It’s about figuring out who you are, who you want to be, and what it will take to get there.
✨Join Erika on her journey as her simple desire to belong to a mom group sets off a spiral down some rather slippery slopes.
BOOK COVER SYNOPSIS:
Loneliness can motivate a woman to put herself out there, to meet new friends. But when it doesn’t go as planned, what’s next? Perhaps a little revenge…
Erika Thompson is a lonely housewife. With her kids recently off to college and her husband working long hours, she spends much of her time reading, hanging out with her dog, and trying to figure out what her next steps should be.
But an invitation to join a local mom group is about to change everything. After numerous attempts to fit in and make new friends, Erika is all but shunned. Her sorrow over this unexpected outcome quickly turns to anger, and she retaliates against the moms who’ve done her wrong. But things don’t go as planned for Erika, and she’s in for some surprises of her own.
Erika’s journey includes a trek through childhood friendships, narcissistic family, an obsession with 80s rock music, and the trials and joys of being a wife and mother. With relationships tested and secrets revealed, can she face the stakes of her quest and become who she needs to be?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
45 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer A. Jones
2 books53 followersJennifer loves animals, rainy days, and the fun of living a frugal lifestyle. She is married with two grown children and spends time at her Texas home cuddling dogs, reading, and pinching pennies because every cent leads to a dollar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
December 3, 2022
Just finished Jennifer A. Jones' contemporary fiction "The mom group" and it was so lovely to read some genres different to what I'm used to!
Jennifer presents a story that being fiction could be so real! The story happens today's time, Erika is a mom whose son and daughter have already flown out of the nest and whose husband spends too much time at work. Surfing the internet, she finds "The Mom group", a blog where different moms raise questions and chat about being that, a mom. Erika will find it challenging to interact with the other moms of the blog, making some troubles on the way.
Quite surprised to know that this is the debut novel of Jennnifer, such talented work tells us that we can expect more quality works from her! The story is solid and perfectly developed, showing the reality of a woman that even being married, she's totally alone in the world. Such a story of today, such a story that deserves reading.
Totally recommended
Jennifer presents a story that being fiction could be so real! The story happens today's time, Erika is a mom whose son and daughter have already flown out of the nest and whose husband spends too much time at work. Surfing the internet, she finds "The Mom group", a blog where different moms raise questions and chat about being that, a mom. Erika will find it challenging to interact with the other moms of the blog, making some troubles on the way.
Quite surprised to know that this is the debut novel of Jennnifer, such talented work tells us that we can expect more quality works from her! The story is solid and perfectly developed, showing the reality of a woman that even being married, she's totally alone in the world. Such a story of today, such a story that deserves reading.
Totally recommended
June 25, 2023
Self-discovery while walking the thin line between sanity and reality.
Jennifer Jones has hit the mark with this intrapersonal story from Erika's POV. She delivers it cleverly leaving me pondering on what just happened.
Erika's state of mind evolves with a simple decision of joining a Mom's Group. She has a side that any mother can relate to. But she also enkindles and coddles a dark side when things turn unfavorable. It was her way to cope up with the middle age adversities of her life. I found her character was well defined and developed with a compelling pace. A woman that appeared normal had much more to her than just being a mom and a wife. She has a special bond with her dog, reiterating that animals sometimes are more supportive by being mute companions. There are so many wonderful quotes that highlight the ups and downs of life. Something that I or anyone can relate to.
This was my first read by this author and I have taken a liking to her writing style. She unfolded Erika's amazing journey masterfully. I especially loved the questionnaire in the end for the readers to examine Erika and the underlying emotions it evoked. It will certainly help us see the similarities and difference between this complex character and ourselves.
This most definitely is a highly recommended read!
Jennifer Jones has hit the mark with this intrapersonal story from Erika's POV. She delivers it cleverly leaving me pondering on what just happened.
Erika's state of mind evolves with a simple decision of joining a Mom's Group. She has a side that any mother can relate to. But she also enkindles and coddles a dark side when things turn unfavorable. It was her way to cope up with the middle age adversities of her life. I found her character was well defined and developed with a compelling pace. A woman that appeared normal had much more to her than just being a mom and a wife. She has a special bond with her dog, reiterating that animals sometimes are more supportive by being mute companions. There are so many wonderful quotes that highlight the ups and downs of life. Something that I or anyone can relate to.
This was my first read by this author and I have taken a liking to her writing style. She unfolded Erika's amazing journey masterfully. I especially loved the questionnaire in the end for the readers to examine Erika and the underlying emotions it evoked. It will certainly help us see the similarities and difference between this complex character and ourselves.
This most definitely is a highly recommended read!
September 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! It was funny and sad and kept me completely engaged throughout! I flew through this one and totally recommend it to anyone who loves a great story about family, friendship, and growth!
September 16, 2022
This was a fantastic debut! I loved how real the characters were - both their interactions with each other and their conflicts. I’d love to see a second book with either Allison or Olivia as the main character. That would be a great continuation.
September 16, 2022
This was such a fun book! Highly recommend it!
August 23, 2023
This was a great read! Didn’t see either twists coming. Well played. Well I might have suspected the second one but wasn’t sure - more a fleeting thought.
Everyone is struggling through something - always be kind. This is mostly my motto also until someone wants to play with me. I can be a little petty and passive aggressive, but it doesn’t have to come out of me that often. People take things way too seriously. I’m 79% troll, always having a good time no matter what it is I’m doing. It’s not that serious and my life lessons aren’t so literal. Not literal at all.
This book was devilishly good - in every sense. I loved the Mom Group page and how it was tied into the story. Def one of favorite reads.
Everyone is struggling through something - always be kind. This is mostly my motto also until someone wants to play with me. I can be a little petty and passive aggressive, but it doesn’t have to come out of me that often. People take things way too seriously. I’m 79% troll, always having a good time no matter what it is I’m doing. It’s not that serious and my life lessons aren’t so literal. Not literal at all.
This book was devilishly good - in every sense. I loved the Mom Group page and how it was tied into the story. Def one of favorite reads.
November 18, 2022
Incredible read!!
From the opening line, I was hooked on this book! It was impossible to put down and I flew through it - the writing was effortless.
Erika was so well developed, you could immediately connect to her brokenness and loneliness. And while I judged (and laughed at) her poor decisions, I also didn't dislike her for them because I could see her suffering that caused them.
This book was so much more than I expected it to be - I thought it would be mostly about the dynamics of the mom group, which was definitely a piece of it.
But the story really dove into the challenges of being a mom with grown children, struggling in marriage, trying to find a sense of self and purpose, and dealing with extremely difficult relationship issues.
Along the way, there were hilarious situations, heartbreaking moments, and scenes where you shake your head at Erika's ridiculous thinking!! 😅
The ending was fantastic - without giving spoilers, by the end, her whole journey and emotional state makes complete sense, making the theme of the book transform into something incredibly meaningful.
From the opening line, I was hooked on this book! It was impossible to put down and I flew through it - the writing was effortless.
Erika was so well developed, you could immediately connect to her brokenness and loneliness. And while I judged (and laughed at) her poor decisions, I also didn't dislike her for them because I could see her suffering that caused them.
This book was so much more than I expected it to be - I thought it would be mostly about the dynamics of the mom group, which was definitely a piece of it.
But the story really dove into the challenges of being a mom with grown children, struggling in marriage, trying to find a sense of self and purpose, and dealing with extremely difficult relationship issues.
Along the way, there were hilarious situations, heartbreaking moments, and scenes where you shake your head at Erika's ridiculous thinking!! 😅
The ending was fantastic - without giving spoilers, by the end, her whole journey and emotional state makes complete sense, making the theme of the book transform into something incredibly meaningful.
February 16, 2023
Wow what a great read! I had never heard of The Mom Group until I saw a review for it on Bookstagram. The instant I saw that the MC was a mom in her 40s I immediately downloaded it from Kindle Unlimited! Being that I’m 46, I love when I can find truly relatable books and this is one of those! The writing is fantastic, and I was pulled in from the start!
The Mom Group touches on several topics and struggles that a stay at home empty nester wife faces. We follow Erika Thompson who has found herself in the next chapter of her life. She’s lonely now that her kids have gone off to college, and her husband, Levi, is at work more than he’s at home. Her best friend is her dog Ozzie. After she receives an invitation to join a mom group, Erika joins thinking that maybe she can find some new friends. She is not welcomed with open arms, and some of the group members were down right mean to her. She decides to take revenge on the group member who treated her badly after her sorrow turns into anger. Now Erika is on a mission to make them feel as miserable as she does. Meanwhile her relationship with her husband is quickly deteriorating and soon Erika will end up with some surprises of her own.
This is a very easy book to read. The writing is so well done and it flows very well. I felt invested in the characters and I enjoyed the topics that were discussed. I loved seeing a woman in her 40s as the main character, and how much I related to her.
Hoping to read more by this author soon!
The Mom Group touches on several topics and struggles that a stay at home empty nester wife faces. We follow Erika Thompson who has found herself in the next chapter of her life. She’s lonely now that her kids have gone off to college, and her husband, Levi, is at work more than he’s at home. Her best friend is her dog Ozzie. After she receives an invitation to join a mom group, Erika joins thinking that maybe she can find some new friends. She is not welcomed with open arms, and some of the group members were down right mean to her. She decides to take revenge on the group member who treated her badly after her sorrow turns into anger. Now Erika is on a mission to make them feel as miserable as she does. Meanwhile her relationship with her husband is quickly deteriorating and soon Erika will end up with some surprises of her own.
This is a very easy book to read. The writing is so well done and it flows very well. I felt invested in the characters and I enjoyed the topics that were discussed. I loved seeing a woman in her 40s as the main character, and how much I related to her.
Hoping to read more by this author soon!
October 6, 2022
What a surprisingly fun debut novel by Jennifer! I loved that she draws you in with multiple problems without any of the disturbing details most mystery books use these days. Laugh out loud funny at times, kept me guessing until the end!
September 24, 2022
This is a great debut book! Such a fun and quick read. The character development is fantastic, and you really feel like you know these characters. As another review said, I would love to see a book on the other characters.
September 21, 2022
Got to read an early copy and loved it! Especially fun if you’re in a mom group, but even if not, the story is really good. Some great anticipation and twists.
November 11, 2022
The Mom Group tells the story of Erika, an empty nester who is struggling to find hobbies or a fulfilling way to spend her days while her kids are away at college and her husband seems to be working longer and longer hours. She decides to join a mom group on social media and finds that the kind of advice and support the other members are looking for is not the kind of advice or support she can offer or wants to receive. After a few uncomfortable virtual confrontations and some even more awkward real-life meetings, Erika feels frustrated by the way she is being treated, both by her family and by the other mom group members. She creates a fake profile and begins teaching people a lesson about how to treat others, and in doing so, causes some pretty significant problems for the other moms and even herself. When she begins to believe her husband is having an affair with another woman in the group, the boxing gloves come off and Erika does whatever it takes to expose the truth, even though what is actually going on is not as straightforward as she once thought.
Wow. Such a good book. I read over half of it last night and was up way too late reading! While it wasn't really a suspense book, there were definitely some twists and turns that kept me guessing. There were some subtle clues peppered throughout that made me start to think I knew what was going on, but in the end it really did come down to the last few chapters before the truth was revealed, which added to my desire to just keep reading! Jones' description of Erika and her needs and wants was so well done. I felt at times like I was hearing a story told by a friend and wanting to interject: "No, that is a bad idea, wait a second and think this through" or "omg, I can't believe (s)he just did that, you need to stand up and say that's not ok!" I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a strong female character who takes charge of the crap in her life and makes changes, even if they are not always the wisest choices to make. It is a really well written novel, is a great length at a little under 300 pages and is definitely going to make you want to keep reading! I believe this is a debut novel so I definitely hope to see more from Jones in the future! Thanks to Katie and Brey PA and book funnel for the chance to read and review this book, and join in the fun of this book tour!
Wow. Such a good book. I read over half of it last night and was up way too late reading! While it wasn't really a suspense book, there were definitely some twists and turns that kept me guessing. There were some subtle clues peppered throughout that made me start to think I knew what was going on, but in the end it really did come down to the last few chapters before the truth was revealed, which added to my desire to just keep reading! Jones' description of Erika and her needs and wants was so well done. I felt at times like I was hearing a story told by a friend and wanting to interject: "No, that is a bad idea, wait a second and think this through" or "omg, I can't believe (s)he just did that, you need to stand up and say that's not ok!" I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a strong female character who takes charge of the crap in her life and makes changes, even if they are not always the wisest choices to make. It is a really well written novel, is a great length at a little under 300 pages and is definitely going to make you want to keep reading! I believe this is a debut novel so I definitely hope to see more from Jones in the future! Thanks to Katie and Brey PA and book funnel for the chance to read and review this book, and join in the fun of this book tour!
November 16, 2022
ARC Book Review
The Mom Group
A Novel Written By Jennifer A. Jones
Fiction - Family Drama
Published 2022
334 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book! Wow! It is so well written. I was hooked after reading the first page. I couldn’t put it down. I read it in a day.
The main character, Erika Thompson, is 44 years old. She has been a stay at home mom for over 20 years. Both of her children are off to college. She loves 80’s music, and has a dog named Ozzy. She is having a difficult time adjusting to life as an empty nester. Her husband works all the time and is away a lot. (Red flag there!) She doesn’t have any close friends and is lonely. Now that her children are older and on their own she has time to do what she wants. Unfortunately, she has no one to do these things with.
She finds a Mom Group online and decides to join. After making comments online and joining in a few activities socially, she feels disrespected and bullied by other members. This causes her to retaliate. Her revenge causes devastating consequences for the moms she targeted.
This book is about much more then revenge. It is about family, relationships, loneliness, and betrayal.
There were times while reading this book that I did not like Erika. This was mostly in the beginning. I also felt sorry for her, wanted to hug her, wanted to be her friend, and wanted to cry with her. She showed much growth as the story progressed.
This book is the author’s debut novel. I am keeping my eye out for her. With such an awesome first book, I can’t wait to read what she writes next.
Thank you to KatieandBreyPA and the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review such an unforgettable book!
“It’s much worse to be with someone who makes you feel alone. Marriage is suppose to erase the tears, not erase the joy.”
“Maybe this is why we read. In moments of darkness we find comfort in words and stories.”
The Mom Group
A Novel Written By Jennifer A. Jones
Fiction - Family Drama
Published 2022
334 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book! Wow! It is so well written. I was hooked after reading the first page. I couldn’t put it down. I read it in a day.
The main character, Erika Thompson, is 44 years old. She has been a stay at home mom for over 20 years. Both of her children are off to college. She loves 80’s music, and has a dog named Ozzy. She is having a difficult time adjusting to life as an empty nester. Her husband works all the time and is away a lot. (Red flag there!) She doesn’t have any close friends and is lonely. Now that her children are older and on their own she has time to do what she wants. Unfortunately, she has no one to do these things with.
She finds a Mom Group online and decides to join. After making comments online and joining in a few activities socially, she feels disrespected and bullied by other members. This causes her to retaliate. Her revenge causes devastating consequences for the moms she targeted.
This book is about much more then revenge. It is about family, relationships, loneliness, and betrayal.
There were times while reading this book that I did not like Erika. This was mostly in the beginning. I also felt sorry for her, wanted to hug her, wanted to be her friend, and wanted to cry with her. She showed much growth as the story progressed.
This book is the author’s debut novel. I am keeping my eye out for her. With such an awesome first book, I can’t wait to read what she writes next.
Thank you to KatieandBreyPA and the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review such an unforgettable book!
“It’s much worse to be with someone who makes you feel alone. Marriage is suppose to erase the tears, not erase the joy.”
“Maybe this is why we read. In moments of darkness we find comfort in words and stories.”
April 24, 2023
An emotional rollercoaster!
This has been on my TBR list for a while- and I’m so glad I picked this up! It was amazing! This story had me feeling all the emotions!
Meet Erika Thompson - a lonely housewife. Her kids are now at college and her husband working long hours. She spends most of her time reading and trying to work out what she should do with her life. She has a infatuation with 80s rock music and loves her dog. An invitation to join a local mom group changes everything.
Unfortunately Erika is not welcomed warmly into the group and begins to get revenge against the moms who've done her wrong via social media messages and a fake profile.
Erika’s own family situation and feelings are tested throughout and she is faced with a surprise situation of her own- with a plot twist at the end that truly pulls on your heart strings. Secrets, lies, new friendships, the challenges of motherhood and being a wife - what a relatable and emotional rollercoaster this story takes you on! Wow! I couldn’t put this book down!
What an excellent read
This has been on my TBR list for a while- and I’m so glad I picked this up! It was amazing! This story had me feeling all the emotions!
Meet Erika Thompson - a lonely housewife. Her kids are now at college and her husband working long hours. She spends most of her time reading and trying to work out what she should do with her life. She has a infatuation with 80s rock music and loves her dog. An invitation to join a local mom group changes everything.
Unfortunately Erika is not welcomed warmly into the group and begins to get revenge against the moms who've done her wrong via social media messages and a fake profile.
Erika’s own family situation and feelings are tested throughout and she is faced with a surprise situation of her own- with a plot twist at the end that truly pulls on your heart strings. Secrets, lies, new friendships, the challenges of motherhood and being a wife - what a relatable and emotional rollercoaster this story takes you on! Wow! I couldn’t put this book down!
What an excellent read
November 5, 2022
This book was so good! I related to so much of what the main character went through. The loneliness, struggling to find friends after you kind of lose yourself as a mom, feeling like you don’t fit in. So much of this character resonated with me which made the story that much more powerful.
The story starts with the main character, Erika, finding herself in a mom group full of mean girls. The women are fake, catty, and rude. Erika decides to take revenge and make some not so great choices on the low road. Erika dishes out karma In a way you probably wish you could.
As the story progresses, you watch Erika struggle with her marriage and loneliness in so many different ways. I was in full on tears by the end. Never once did I stop rooting for Erika as she navigated her way through this story. I loved this book so much - I almost wish I hadn’t read it in one sitting but I know I’d never have been able to stop reading.
The story starts with the main character, Erika, finding herself in a mom group full of mean girls. The women are fake, catty, and rude. Erika decides to take revenge and make some not so great choices on the low road. Erika dishes out karma In a way you probably wish you could.
As the story progresses, you watch Erika struggle with her marriage and loneliness in so many different ways. I was in full on tears by the end. Never once did I stop rooting for Erika as she navigated her way through this story. I loved this book so much - I almost wish I hadn’t read it in one sitting but I know I’d never have been able to stop reading.
October 13, 2024
This was a GREAT book!
November 11, 2022
About the book:
This book is about Erika Thompson who is a housewife, a mom of two, and a dog mom. Her adult kids are away attending college while Levi, her husband, is always on a business trip or working long hours. She felt lonely most of the time. She craves for her husband’s love and attention. Because of this, she tried to join a group of local moms hoping to make a friend. However, it did not work as she expected. She felt more unwelcomed and bullied. The sorrow that she felt later on turns to anger. She tried to take revenge which causes serious result to its recepient. On the other hand, her relationship with Levi become worst. More fight, miscommunication, lies, and more.
Will she be able to get through her loneliness? Will she make friends, get a new hobby or get more attention from her husband. Where does her loneliness bring her?
My Thought:
The plot is really good. Nothing fancy. It’s a day to day life of a housewife after the kids moved out of the house. The way the story is written will keep you thinking on what will happen next. It’s unpredictable whether it’s a happy ending or not. I felt like I became Erika’s companion in her battle with loneliness. Trying to understand both Erika’s and Levi’s side. I got emotional on some parts of the story.
There is a lot of awareness that this story laid out. It is important not to assume that everything is alright with the person you are with. You don’t know how lonely they are but just doesn’t know how to say it or how to express it. Do not ignore other’s emotions. Do not assume how your love ones will react to your reasons. Never break a trust in a relationship, this is hard to fix and sometimes its irrepairable.
Overall, communication is the key to any kind of relationship. To your love onse, to your family and to your friends.
This book is a good reads both for a husband and wife.
This book is about Erika Thompson who is a housewife, a mom of two, and a dog mom. Her adult kids are away attending college while Levi, her husband, is always on a business trip or working long hours. She felt lonely most of the time. She craves for her husband’s love and attention. Because of this, she tried to join a group of local moms hoping to make a friend. However, it did not work as she expected. She felt more unwelcomed and bullied. The sorrow that she felt later on turns to anger. She tried to take revenge which causes serious result to its recepient. On the other hand, her relationship with Levi become worst. More fight, miscommunication, lies, and more.
Will she be able to get through her loneliness? Will she make friends, get a new hobby or get more attention from her husband. Where does her loneliness bring her?
My Thought:
The plot is really good. Nothing fancy. It’s a day to day life of a housewife after the kids moved out of the house. The way the story is written will keep you thinking on what will happen next. It’s unpredictable whether it’s a happy ending or not. I felt like I became Erika’s companion in her battle with loneliness. Trying to understand both Erika’s and Levi’s side. I got emotional on some parts of the story.
There is a lot of awareness that this story laid out. It is important not to assume that everything is alright with the person you are with. You don’t know how lonely they are but just doesn’t know how to say it or how to express it. Do not ignore other’s emotions. Do not assume how your love ones will react to your reasons. Never break a trust in a relationship, this is hard to fix and sometimes its irrepairable.
Overall, communication is the key to any kind of relationship. To your love onse, to your family and to your friends.
This book is a good reads both for a husband and wife.
May 12, 2023
Fast page, cringy but in a funny, have to know more way, and SO GOOD!!!!
December 16, 2023
An enjoyable read
I love reading books by local authors and enjoyed that this book is set in Fort Worth. Jennifer’s writing style is easy to read and she captured my attention right away. Her characters were relatable and believable. I couldn’t put this book down and hope she writes another book soon.
I love reading books by local authors and enjoyed that this book is set in Fort Worth. Jennifer’s writing style is easy to read and she captured my attention right away. Her characters were relatable and believable. I couldn’t put this book down and hope she writes another book soon.
November 1, 2022
This was a great read. It was realistic, a bit funny and sad. I love the character development and how relatable they were.
October 22, 2022
Everyone wants to belong!
The Mom Group is an easy read. I wanted to keep reading and finish in one sitting but I didn't want it to end.
The Mom Group is an easy read. I wanted to keep reading and finish in one sitting but I didn't want it to end.
March 19, 2023
Wow. What 👏 a 👏 ride! 👏 Let me start by saying that this was the best indie published book I’ve ever read. Hands down. (Again, wow)
The writing was stellar. Yes, at some points, the author did some telling, but I felt that it was all appropriate and the story never really lulled.
Erika is a likable character and Ozzy is too! Loved him! 🖤🐕
As with all stories, there were some predictable parts, but y’all… there were some parts that had me screaming in surprise (and second hand embarrassment, haha). My children were legitimately concerned about my well-being as I read certain parts because of my reactions. That is the sign of a well written story for sure.
I am so happy to have read this book. Though the character had some very serious struggles, I believed her and supported her from the sidelines. Team Erika! 👏
P.S. I would totally be Erika’s friend and wear punny plant shirts with her. ☺️
The writing was stellar. Yes, at some points, the author did some telling, but I felt that it was all appropriate and the story never really lulled.
Erika is a likable character and Ozzy is too! Loved him! 🖤🐕
As with all stories, there were some predictable parts, but y’all… there were some parts that had me screaming in surprise (and second hand embarrassment, haha). My children were legitimately concerned about my well-being as I read certain parts because of my reactions. That is the sign of a well written story for sure.
I am so happy to have read this book. Though the character had some very serious struggles, I believed her and supported her from the sidelines. Team Erika! 👏
P.S. I would totally be Erika’s friend and wear punny plant shirts with her. ☺️
March 5, 2023
I don’t know what I was expecting from this book but whatever it was, it delivered. I’d call this a women’s fiction or contemporary fiction, and it’s not a genre I read often but am prone to enjoying. I enjoyed how real Erika’s character was, how raw and feeling, the emotion was evident. I really felt connected with her, even though she did some truly horrible things. The writing in this book was well done and I appreciated both the pacing and style. I am giving this one a solid 4 out of 5 and hope you pick it up!
Thanks to @katieandbreypa for allowing me to be part of this tour!
Thanks to @katieandbreypa for allowing me to be part of this tour!
November 11, 2022
"Have I caused some mental and emotional anguish? Definitely. Could I have destroyed families? Maybe so. Essentially, I used my own suffering as an excuse to create the same outward chaos that I felt internally. "
Erika Thompson is a lonely housewife. With her kids off at college and her husband constantly working, she spends much of her time reading, hanging out with her dog, and trying to figure out her next steps. An invitation to a local mom group will change everything. After numerous attempts to fit in and make new friends, Erika is shunned. Her sorrow quickly turns to anger, and she retaliates against the moms who've done her wrong. Things don't go as planned for Erika and she's in for some surprises of her own. With relationships tested and secrets revealed, can she face the stakes and become who she needs to be?
Erika has few friends unless you count Amy her childhood friend. Her marriage isn't doing well and she isn't quiet sure why. She just knows her husband Levi has been acting suspicious lately. Her mom and her sister aren't the best and their relationship leaves much to be desired. The only thing Erika has are her children, and they are grown and off at college. The mom group seems like the perfect solution... Except they are a very tight clique and she just doesn't seem to fit in.
This book was everything I didn't know I needed! I instantly fell in love with the author's writing style and became immersed in the story. Erika quickly became a very relatable character! I was sold on this book from the first paragraph and my love just grew. Erika reacts to the catty behavior of these women by getting even. She creates a fake profile on the mom group and uses it to discover some secrets to use against them! I mean Allison kinda had it coming if you ask me... But that's not all this book is. It's a book about a woman trying to find her place in life now that she isn't just a mom.
She wants friends because she feels lonely in her marriage and unfulfilled in her life at the moment. Jones provides us with a moving story of love, friendship and finding oneself. Erika makes a friend Liz but quickly starts to wonder if she can trust her. She begins to find her confidence and stand up for herself. Erika voices her concerns about her marriage and confronts a reality she wasn't quite expecting. Yet, Erika comes out the other side a stronger and better person. This is a book that will have you dying to know what happens next. So go read it! Seriously.
Erika Thompson is a lonely housewife. With her kids off at college and her husband constantly working, she spends much of her time reading, hanging out with her dog, and trying to figure out her next steps. An invitation to a local mom group will change everything. After numerous attempts to fit in and make new friends, Erika is shunned. Her sorrow quickly turns to anger, and she retaliates against the moms who've done her wrong. Things don't go as planned for Erika and she's in for some surprises of her own. With relationships tested and secrets revealed, can she face the stakes and become who she needs to be?
Erika has few friends unless you count Amy her childhood friend. Her marriage isn't doing well and she isn't quiet sure why. She just knows her husband Levi has been acting suspicious lately. Her mom and her sister aren't the best and their relationship leaves much to be desired. The only thing Erika has are her children, and they are grown and off at college. The mom group seems like the perfect solution... Except they are a very tight clique and she just doesn't seem to fit in.
This book was everything I didn't know I needed! I instantly fell in love with the author's writing style and became immersed in the story. Erika quickly became a very relatable character! I was sold on this book from the first paragraph and my love just grew. Erika reacts to the catty behavior of these women by getting even. She creates a fake profile on the mom group and uses it to discover some secrets to use against them! I mean Allison kinda had it coming if you ask me... But that's not all this book is. It's a book about a woman trying to find her place in life now that she isn't just a mom.
She wants friends because she feels lonely in her marriage and unfulfilled in her life at the moment. Jones provides us with a moving story of love, friendship and finding oneself. Erika makes a friend Liz but quickly starts to wonder if she can trust her. She begins to find her confidence and stand up for herself. Erika voices her concerns about her marriage and confronts a reality she wasn't quite expecting. Yet, Erika comes out the other side a stronger and better person. This is a book that will have you dying to know what happens next. So go read it! Seriously.
November 15, 2022
Meet the Author: Jennifer Jones loves animals, avocados, and road trips. She is married with two grown children, a daughter and a son. She holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice, which she doesn’t use at all. She was born and raised in the Los Angeles area but currently resides in Texas with her husband and two dogs.
Synopsis: Erika is a lonely housewife living in an empty home. Her husband is constantly at work and her children have moved off to college. After joining a social media platform she takes to a local mom’s group in hopes of finding some friends to occupy her time. Once joined, she realizes the people within this group are conniving, secretive, fakes.
Reader’s Thoughts: I could relate with Erika 99% of the time throughout the book. Her love for Ozzy, YES! “My sunshine doesn’t come from the skies, it comes from the love that’s in my dog’s eyes.” I was so excited for Erika when she met Liz and had a true friend. She deserved that in her life. I found myself consistently disliking Erika’s husband. Everyone had a sorry excuse for him. It made me mad how so many people in Erika’s life did her wrong. This story had me from the very beginning. I couldn’t get enough! Thank you, @jenniferajoneswrites and @katieandbreypa for providing me with a complimentary review copy. In no way has that influenced my voluntary review.
Favorite Quote: “Once someone hurts you, it’s really hard to let go. But the truth is, unless you make a conscious effort to let go, to forgive yourself, to move on from the past, you cannot truly move forward.”
Available now in Paperback and eBook
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐️
Synopsis: Erika is a lonely housewife living in an empty home. Her husband is constantly at work and her children have moved off to college. After joining a social media platform she takes to a local mom’s group in hopes of finding some friends to occupy her time. Once joined, she realizes the people within this group are conniving, secretive, fakes.
Reader’s Thoughts: I could relate with Erika 99% of the time throughout the book. Her love for Ozzy, YES! “My sunshine doesn’t come from the skies, it comes from the love that’s in my dog’s eyes.” I was so excited for Erika when she met Liz and had a true friend. She deserved that in her life. I found myself consistently disliking Erika’s husband. Everyone had a sorry excuse for him. It made me mad how so many people in Erika’s life did her wrong. This story had me from the very beginning. I couldn’t get enough! Thank you, @jenniferajoneswrites and @katieandbreypa for providing me with a complimentary review copy. In no way has that influenced my voluntary review.
Favorite Quote: “Once someone hurts you, it’s really hard to let go. But the truth is, unless you make a conscious effort to let go, to forgive yourself, to move on from the past, you cannot truly move forward.”
Available now in Paperback and eBook
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐️
November 30, 2022
OMG. I don't know where to start. I literally had to tell myself to breathe while reading this book. Like there would be times I was gasping for air because I was so caught up in it. I will say this isn't the typical book I go for, but the title sucked me in. I'm so glad I chose it. I related way too much to the main character even though I haven't been through half of what she has, I literally felt like I was in the story. I could picture everything I was reading so clearly, which doesn't usually happen to me. I didn't want it to end. Most of my books are ebooks or audio, but this is one that I need the physical copy of because I enjoyed it that much.
Erika is a lonely housewife now that her kids are off to college and husband works seemingly endless hours. The only one there for her is her dog, Ozzy. At her husband's constant, yet annoying suggestion, Erika puts herself out there and tries to find something to do during the day. She joins a local mom group on social media. Immediately she tries to be helpful, but her suggestions are met with ridicule. She quickly decides this ain't the place for her, but she finds herself cleaning up a few messes prior to her departure.
On her journey, Erika is led to believe her husband is cheating on her. She is determined to get to the bottom of it, even if it means making a fool of herself in front of everyone she cares about. Eventually, Erika finds what she is looking for, but at the same time, it's what she least suspects.
Erika is a lonely housewife now that her kids are off to college and husband works seemingly endless hours. The only one there for her is her dog, Ozzy. At her husband's constant, yet annoying suggestion, Erika puts herself out there and tries to find something to do during the day. She joins a local mom group on social media. Immediately she tries to be helpful, but her suggestions are met with ridicule. She quickly decides this ain't the place for her, but she finds herself cleaning up a few messes prior to her departure.
On her journey, Erika is led to believe her husband is cheating on her. She is determined to get to the bottom of it, even if it means making a fool of herself in front of everyone she cares about. Eventually, Erika finds what she is looking for, but at the same time, it's what she least suspects.
June 8, 2023
Pay attention to who’s in your passenger seat.
“Pay attention to who’s in your passenger seat. Some people will only ride with you as far as they can get on your tank of gas. After that, they hitch a ride with someone else.”
I just finished Jennifer A. Jones' "The mom group" and it was refreshing to read outside of my usual genres!
Be ready for a raw, open and emotional journey about figuring out who you are, who you want to be. This book is a great example of contemporary women’s fiction that follows the life of the main character, Erika Thomson, as she struggles with the complications and joys of friendships and family as a lonely housewife and mother of children off to college. The writing is excellent. It really makes you feel for the character, as well as reflect on your own personal trials or how you would have behaved in a similar situation.
FleurLovesBooks
“Pay attention to who’s in your passenger seat. Some people will only ride with you as far as they can get on your tank of gas. After that, they hitch a ride with someone else.”
I just finished Jennifer A. Jones' "The mom group" and it was refreshing to read outside of my usual genres!
Be ready for a raw, open and emotional journey about figuring out who you are, who you want to be. This book is a great example of contemporary women’s fiction that follows the life of the main character, Erika Thomson, as she struggles with the complications and joys of friendships and family as a lonely housewife and mother of children off to college. The writing is excellent. It really makes you feel for the character, as well as reflect on your own personal trials or how you would have behaved in a similar situation.
FleurLovesBooks
June 9, 2023
I cannot believe this is a debut novel by indie author Jennifer Jones.Erika, the main character is facing what many mothers have or fear to have happen. You have poured your heart and soul into raising your family, being there for your spouse and family, and then it happens. Your children fly the coop and you are not quite sure how to fill your time. Well for Erika, with a needy sister and mother, a husband who works a lot pursuing his ambition, her choice is to accept an invite to a Mom’s group. Little does she expect how this will go and her reaction to retaliation. There are some mishaps along the way. The emotions were so real, the characters believable that this may as well have been nonfiction. You won’t be disappointed and will wonder when the next book will come out.
November 12, 2022
WOW. Just WOW. I loved everything about this book! Was the main character a little annoying at times, sure. Did she do things she shouldn’t have? Well, yes. But dang it! As this story moved on I really began to feel for Erika. I understood what she was going through and how those feelings can just drive you to make some questionable decisions. She was just so real and her emotions were so raw. I laughed out loud in a few places and actually teared up too. Never did I stop rooting for her as she maneuvered through the situations with her “friends” and her husband. Plus her mother and sister were a whole other story. It kept me guessing for sure. Was Erika just crazy? Was I just crazy as I tried to figure it out? I also enjoyed the fun 80s music references and then there was the adorable dog!!
I JUST LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! Go read it! Even if you aren’t a mom, it doesn’t matter. It isn’t focused on motherhood. So seriously, go read it!
I JUST LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! Go read it! Even if you aren’t a mom, it doesn’t matter. It isn’t focused on motherhood. So seriously, go read it!
November 17, 2022
I loved everything about this book! I’m not even a mom, and this book was just so real and full of emotion that it still spoke to me. While Erika joins a mom group to make friends and overcome her loneliness, the book focuses mainly on her and her struggles and growth. The writing was so well done, and I felt so connected to Erika. I kept thinking about this book after I finished it. It’s a recent favorite of mine. Five stars for me and I highly recommend it!
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