Dew review published in April, but re-posting to join the blog tour for the celebration of the fourth season of Downton Abbey and the Mass Market Release of the book!__________________________________________
While We Were Watching Downton Abbey
Author: Wendy Wax
Jove Mass Market; December 31, 2013
Book Description:
When the concierge of the Alexander, a historic Atlanta apartment building, invites his fellow residents to join him for weekly screenings of Downton Abbey, four very different people find themselves connecting with the addictive drama, and—even more unexpectedly—with each other...
Samantha Davis married young and for the wrong reason: the security of old Atlanta money for herself and her orphaned brother and sister. She never expected her marriage to be complicated by love and compromised by a shattering family betrayal.
Claire Walker is now an empty nester and struggling author who left her home in the suburbs for the old-world charm of the Alexander, and for a new and productive life. But she soon wonders if clinging to old dreams can be more destructive than having no dreams at all.
And then there’s Brooke MacKenzie, a woman in constant battle with her faithless ex-husband. She’s just starting to realize that it’s time to take a deep breath and come to terms with the fact that her life is not the fairy tale she thought it would be.
For Samantha, Claire, Brooke, and Edward, who arranges the weekly gatherings, it will be a season of surprises as they forge a bond that will sustain them through some of life’s hardest moments—all of it reflected in the unfolding drama, comedy, and convergent lives of Downton Abbey.
Read an excerpt HERE:
Idgie Says:
Something I enjoyed about this book is that the characters are generally quite likable. Often when you read a novel there is on character you like, others you "understand" but you feel no bond toward and a few you just could care less about. I would love to sit down and join in with these ladies - and Edward - when they have their pizza and wine nights.
The ladies involved in the story all have some issues, but it hasn't left them acidic and bitter towards life - they're still open to new experiences and friends.
They live in fairly posh apartment building (though some live on the very edge of their ability to be there) complete with a concierge service run by the lovely and intelligent Edward.
This story has a simple theme surrounding each woman's issues that they're dealing with. While trying to solve their own personal problems, at the same time they are finding out that friendship is integral to well-being and provides a strong support system to help deal with life.
The apartment building begins having a Sunday evening Downton Abbey screening where all the ladies show up, eat, drink and bond. If you enjoy watching that show, you'll appreciate the little tidbits thrown out from the series - Seasons 1 and 2 only - nothing given away!
There are also a few fun behind the scenes publishing tidbits included, and I enjoyed how several of Wendy's friend's names appear in the storyline.
This is a nicely told story of friends - making them and then sticking with them. Watch how many Shandies you drink when you're with them though!