Review: I'll Take What She Has by Samantha Wilde

Perfect for fans of Marisa de los Santos and Allison Winn Scotch, Samantha Wilde’s new novel is a funny and heartfelt look at friendship, marriage, and the dynamics of modern motherhood.

Nora and Annie have been best friends since kindergarten. Nora, a shy English teacher at a quaint New England boarding school, longs to have a baby. Annie, an outspoken stay-at-home mother of two, longs for one day of peace and quiet (not to mention more money and some free time). Despite their very different lives, nothing can come between them—until Cynthia Cypress arrives on campus.
Cynthia has it all: brains, beauty, impeccable style, and a gorgeous husband (who happens to be Nora’s ex). When Cynthia eagerly befriends Nora, Annie’s oldest friendship is tested. Now, each woman must wrestle the green-eyed demon of envy and, in the process, confront imperfect, mixed-up family histories they don’t want to repeat. Amid the hilarious and harried straits of friendship, marriage, and parenthood, the women may discover that the greenest grass is right beneath their feet.
(Goodreads.com)
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Review
This was an interesting take on two women's complicated lives. Nora and Annie have been life-long friends with a relationship they seem to take for granted. When another women threatens their friendship, loyalties are tested. Nora and Annie must confront their true feelings and take responsibility for their actions.

The overall story was enjoyable and an easy read. The characters made some unusual and interesting life choices but they became quite annoying and whiny. That did lend well though to the theme and the complexity of friendships, especially among women. Jealousy and envy were huge stumbling blocks for Nora and Annie which was understandable. What was frustrating was that these characters didn't talk to each other about their problems. They could have saved so much time and energy if they had been honest with each other. Of course real life isn't that simple and that would have led to a much shorter book.

I did like the writing and sense of humor even when I didn't like the characters and their often dumb decisions. I look forward to trying future books from this author.

Author
Publisher  
Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Release date: 2/26/13
Publisher: Bantam/Random House
Pages: 416 (paperback)
Type: Contemporary fiction, Chick Lit