The Life She Wants

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. 

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Robyn Carr

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Type and Source: eAudiobook from Audible (freebie)

Narrator: Thèrése Plummer

Run Time: 11 hours, 20 min

Publisher: Recorded Books

First Published: September 29, 2016

Book Description from GoodReads: #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr creates an emotional and uplifting ensemble of characters in this rags-to-riches-to-rags novel about women, friendship and the complex path to happiness

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.