The Perfect Wife

Rating:
Summary: Thought provoking....
Review: The Perfect Wife takes place in Rhode Island, in 1893. It's a romance about a young woman whose weight and appearance puts her in last position as a popular debutante, but in first place with a man desperately looking for a woman he couldn't possibly have an emotional attachment with, marry, and ultimately leave in order to get his rightful inheritance from his wicked, selfish grandfather.

In the first chapter, the reader is made aware of Henry Owens feelings, and what he feels are acceptable reasons for choosing Anne Foster and treating her the way he does. I'm sure each reader will have her own reaction to it and to the story line that reveals everyone's secrets, including Henry's parents and grandfather. My reaction was sympathy for Anne, but I had none for Henry or his grandfather, even up to the end. When Anne is rejected, her family and society put her out. She disappears, and after two years comes back for revenge. This is where the story takes off. Anne's friend Beatrice Leyden, Bea's brother, and mother, Helen, take part in The Plan to make Henry pay for ruining Anne's life. Henry's moral support will be found in his life long friend Alex Henley and a famous socialite.

The story as a whole was an interesting read. Jane Goodger juggles the different story lines quite well. Once I realized that the grandfather's journal was going to pop up, off and on, throughout the story I was able to capture each bit of the information, put it aside, and continue on with the main story. Once at the end I was able to put the grandfather's journal pieces together and understand the impact of it. Like I said, I held no sympathy for his character, but I thought his storyline added a great mystery feel to the main plot.

I will give a couple of fair warnings: the sexual content is bold and passionate and the author successfully reveals the sad side of prejudice that is shown against those who are overweight. It's a serious, though provoking read that will have you turning the pages in hopes of a happy ending.

Rating:
Summary: Keeps you glued!
Review: This is a Cinderella story with a twist of revenge.Ms. Goodger has drawn her characters so well that they come alive. This story takes place when Newport was THE place to be and when divorcees were absolutely to be shunned. Henry Owen, a ruthless rogue in need to marry to claim his inheritance of an ancestral home, sets his sights on Anne Foster to complete his plans. Anee is an overweight, shy wallflower and can hardly believe that this wonderful man (in her eyes) wants to marry her. At the end of their wedding day Henry tells Anne that he must see to some business and will be back soon. He disappears and shortly thereafter, when Anne has to return to parents' home in disgrace, divorce papers arrive with no word of explanation. Anne soon becomes aware of the plot concocted by Henry and his friend Alex Henley to get Henry's inheritance. Anne is comforted by her best friend, Beatrice, and is totally shunned by everyone, even to the degree of being pushed out of her own home. Her mother does not want to lost HER social standing. Two years later a slim, beautiful woman - Anne - appears at a social gathering at the urging of her friend, Beatrice. Anne knows she will be shunned but feels she must do this.When Henry sees her, he does not recognize her and is instantly attracted to her. When he learns her identity, he is stunned and can hardly believe that this sophisticated woman is the woman he dumped two years ago. Beatrice convinces Anne to turn the tables on Henry by leading him on until a marriage proposal and then refuse him. However, the complication is that Anne has never stopped loving Henry. A subplot between Alex and Beatrice is very good. Five stars ++/

Rating:
Summary: Keeps you glued!
Review: This is a Cinderella story with a twist of revenge.Ms. Goodger has drawn her characters so well that they come alive. This story takes place when Newport was THE place to be and when divorcees were absolutely to be shunned. Henry Owen, a ruthless rogue in need to marry to claim his inheritance of an ancestral home, sets his sights on Anne Foster to complete his plans. Anee is an overweight, shy wallflower and can hardly believe that this wonderful man (in her eyes) wants to marry her. At the end of their wedding day Henry tells Anne that he must see to some business and will be back soon. He disappears and shortly thereafter, when Anne has to return to parents' home in disgrace, divorce papers arrive with no word of explanation. Anne soon becomes aware of the plot concocted by Henry and his friend Alex Henley to get Henry's inheritance. Anne is comforted by her best friend, Beatrice, and is totally shunned by everyone, even to the degree of being pushed out of her own home. Her mother does not want to lost HER social standing. Two years later a slim, beautiful woman - Anne - appears at a social gathering at the urging of her friend, Beatrice. Anne knows she will be shunned but feels she must do this.When Henry sees her, he does not recognize her and is instantly attracted to her. When he learns her identity, he is stunned and can hardly believe that this sophisticated woman is the woman he dumped two years ago. Beatrice convinces Anne to turn the tables on Henry by leading him on until a marriage proposal and then refuse him. However, the complication is that Anne has never stopped loving Henry. A subplot between Alex and Beatrice is very good. Five stars ++/

Rating:
Summary: Newport in its elegant past
Review: To learn what it was like in the auspicious society in Newport, Rhode Island and the thinking that made the life of the rich so facinating, read The Perfect Wife. The book takes us to the ballrooms and mansions that were the norm at the turn of the century. But more that that, it is a love story of the times. Anne Foster isn't very attractive, so she is the perfect wife to discard. Henry Owens weds her to fulfill a demand by his grandfather in order to get his inheritance. She tries to make him suffer for his thoughtless act, but her heart breaks in the trying. There are sub-plots that are just as captivating as the main story. All in all, I loved the book.