The Other Side

August 30, 2019

Bernadette, Arizona, and Tess have two things in common: they share the same birthday and they all have problems in the love department. Nearing her 50th birthday, sophisticated Bernadette has relocated from Washington, DC, to the sleepy town of Bourbon, NC, five years after her last relationship ended bitterly. Almost 30, former wild child Arizona and her fiancé have mutually agreed to uphold a vow of celibacy until their wedding day, but a moment of weakness has her questioning if she can go through with the marriage. Bernadette's cousin, best-selling author Tess, is turning 40 and has been let down again by her cheating, noncommittal boyfriend. Tess feels her chance at marriage and motherhood slipping out of her grasp. This trio of strong women come to realize that the best birthday present is the support they find from one another amid the ups and downs of their love lives. VERDICT Hickman (Deadly Satisfaction) weaves the stories of three independent women with modern relationship troubles, albeit with some extraordinary coincidences. Readers who enjoy strong female characters with supportive friendships will be delighted, if also surprised, by the abrupt cliff-hanger ending, ensuring there will be a sequel.-- Nicole Suarez, Frankfort P.L., IL

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2019
Fans of Mary Kay Andrews and Mary Monroe may enjoy this excellent, dramatic story, featuring three smart women. Hospital executive Bernadette is celebrating her fiftieth birthday in the southern town of Bourbon, where she has just moved. She's been on a dating hiatus for five years, since she nearly married a con man. She begins seeing the intriguing Coop after meeting him at a party, despite troubling questions about his past. Her cousin, author Tess Sinclair, also struggles to move past a bad relationship as she celebrates her fortieth birthday. After Tess comes to Bourbon to visit and make a serious health decision, she meets chef Mateo, and hopes her health won't derail the future they plan together. On her thirtieth birthday Arizona meets Bernadette and needs her and Tess' advice as the wedding to the man of her dreams draws closer. Her fianc� is loving, but he can't satisfy her in one important area. With an ending that will leave readers wondering what happens next, Hickman's romance offers plenty of satisfying emotions and surprises.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)