The Real Liddy James

October 17, 2016
Casey (No One Could Have Guessed the Weather) continues to probe the complexities of 40-something women's lives in her latest novel. Liddy James is one of New York's most successful divorce lawyers. Having literally written the book on how to have a healthy divorce, Liddy maintains a cordial, even friendly, co-parenting relationship with her ex, Peter, and his new partner, Rose. But when Rose's unexpected pregnancy coincides with teenage son Matty's behavioral problems and a divorce case that hits a little too close to home, it's clear that Liddy is just one step away from a breakdown. A return to her native Ireland may be exactly what she needs to remind her what's really important. Liddy's manic success, fueled as much by fear of failure as by ambition, offers rich potential for both humor and sympathy. Readers will enjoy spending time in her tumultuous company; they may even find themselves thumbing past the excessive sections devoted to Rose's less compelling quandaries, mostly stemming from her insecurities and lack of academic motivation. Liddy repeatedly asserts that she does not, in fact, know who she really is, which gets tiresome and a bit on the nose; nevertheless, readers will be rooting for this human manifestation of drive and blind determination to stop leaning in and start breathing in. And out. Slowly.

July 15, 2016
A powerful divorce attorney, Liddy James races through life under a shiny veneer of confidence that covers her loneliness and insecurity.Liddy was living a five-star existence in New York City with her son, Matty, and husband, Peter, until her once-happy marriage hit a roadblock and a rare spontaneous move on her part brought it to a close. She accepted the divorce with equanimity and now aims to coexist peaceably with her angry, vindictive ex and his girlfriend, Rose, as they co-parent teenage Matty. Now 40-something and known for her Liddy-ishness--a combination of cool, calm, collectedness--she juggles too many balls and watches in dismay as they pelt to the ground in an embarrassing public episode. When her story begins trending on social media, she flees for a summer abroad in the Irish countryside where she'd grown up (and which she'd once been so determined to leave). Her retreat is not without its problems, but Liddy finds her roots and begins the journey to heal her spirit. Casey (No One Could Have Guessed the Weather, 2013) paces the story slowly at first, then more and more briskly as Liddy crumbles. She reveals back story by gently pressing missing puzzle pieces into place. It's an energetic novel; Liddy's self-deprecating humor makes for chuckles in even the toughest situations. And while Liddy is clearly the protagonist, other characters have interesting triumphs and tribulations as well. There will be lots of opportunities to guess where this tale is leading, but readers who think they can foretell the ending early on shouldn't get too cocky. Casey is smarter than that, and roads that seem to meander to the obvious destination don't necessarily end there. Liddy is a memorable character who could easily appear again as The New and Improved Liddy James in Casey's next novel. Let's hope so.

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September 15, 2016

Liddy James is a successful New York City divorce attorney, mother of two, and best-selling author to boot. Despite their divorce, she and ex-husband Peter have agreed to raise their sons together. While Liddy is living the dream, complete with a gorgeous apartment, a housekeeper, and a nanny for her children, Peter and his (newly) pregnant partner, Rose, are managing on a professor's salary in the place that Liddy and Peter occupied when they were married. Liddy feels she has it all together--until a public breakdown shatters both her career and her character. Taking her dignity and moving to her homeland of Ireland with her sons is the best decision for her and her family. It's time for her to discover the real Liddy James. VERDICT Rife with drama both in and out of the courtroom, infidelity, and more, Casey's sophomore work (after No One Could Have Guessed the Weather) is perfect for fans of women's fiction with a dose of travel and a strong--and sometimes flailing--female lead.--Erin Holt, Williamson Cty. P.L., Franklin, TN

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2016
A modern-day Superwoman, Liddy James works as a New York lawyer at the top of her game while co-parenting her two boys with her ex-husband and his new partner, Rose. But when her nanny leaves the country, Rose makes a startling announcement to the family, and a television interview doesn't go as planned, Liddy's house of cards starts to fall. Not only is she decidedly not Superwoman; she struggles to admit, even to herself, that she may not want to be. Although there are plenty of other novels exploring the consequences of trying to have it all, Casey adds new perspective with narration from Rose. Liddy's family history in Ireland and her difficult relationship with her parents offer substance and true understanding of how she became the woman she is today. The language is smart and funny, and the observations are wry. Liddy will resonate with readers who love strong, mature women with a bit of Irish fire, such as fans of Cecelia Ahern and Marian Keyes and Maria Semple's Where'd You Go, Bernadette (2012).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)