Sharing Sean : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Wildly Romantic
Review: "Sharing Sean" may not be a groundbreaking book, but it was an utter delight for me from cover to cover. Actress and comedy writer Lily James has divested herself of a philandering husband and now has a hit TV sitcom on the BBC. She doesn't have any desire for a relationship with a man because she's too busy, but she does miss the sex. The problem is that most men with whom she connects fall in love or want to have a "relationship" rather than a good two or three times a week romp in the sheets. So she finds Sean who is a hunk, but then has to dump the guy when he wants them to move in together. Lily has three wonderful friends who have been close girlfriends since they were roommates 20 years ago. Mara lost her husband Jake who she now regards as a saint. Meanwhile her house is falling down around her with holes in the roof and no heat because she can't afford repairs. Her former in-laws are trying to take her kids Moo & Tilly; and Mara doesn't know what to do. Jules comes from the upper crust, but decided she wanted her own business rather than the typical marriage and family. But now she wants a baby! Terry drives a bus, has a rebellious teenage son Paul, and has never enjoyed relations. So Lily hatches the idea that they should share Sean. Sean is a great character. His kids were kidnapped by his ex, Isobel. They had lived with him since the divorce and now pines for their return. He's unaware of the arrangement and meets Lily's friends.

Yes, the plot may not be the most original. But Pye tells the romantic tale well, introducing complications and crises and some wonderfully written verbal spats between girlfriends. This is a quick read that I found extremely hard to put down. In short, it's a delight! Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: A fun book about friends
Review: "Sharing Sean" was an inticing romp following four women and the man they love to pass around. I think it explores the roles the sexes play in each other's lives, both past and present. Several of the chapters are short, which makes it a fast-paced read, but also makes you want to keep turning pages. I could hardly put it down. If you like stories about friendship between women and unusual romance, you'll love this book.

Rating:
Summary: A great read!
Review: Four women. One man. One crazy idea.

Independent, successful Lily only wants passionate sex two or three times a week, with no ties or responsibilities. Terry is having problems with her rebellious teenage son, who desperately needs a positive male role model in his life. Sophisticated Jules wants one thing - sperm. She longs to have a child and raise it on her own, with no father figure necessary - or even welcome. And beautiful Mara, who put her less-than-perfect husband on a pedestal when he died, could use a handy-man to help with repairs to her dilapidated home.

When Lily meets Sean Grainger, an utterly crazy idea occurs to her. Why not let all of them get what they need from Sean, and in return, the four of them could be his perfect woman? Perhaps, Lily reasons, this will be the future of relationships in the hassled and harried modern world. Lily's persuasiveness finally convinces Jules and Terry to go for the idea - unbeknownst to Sean, of course. After all, Sean could give each of the women something they long for, and in return get the companionship and attention of the women. It's a win-win situation, in Lily's perspective. Sean is all too willing to see Lily on her terms, and doesn't realize that he's being manipulated when he generously offers to help her friends, since Lily was clever enough to try to make it seem like his idea. (He does have to be persuaded on the sperm donor idea.)

The plan fails miserably of course, deeply hurting all five of them; especially Terry, who had fallen in love with Sean. Now the women must pick up the pieces - and also try to make up with Sean.

The characters are described very thoroughly, so that their actions and motivations are quite credible. You even sympathize for Lily, who honestly cannot see how manipulative her initial plan was. This is a far cry from a shallow romance - it's an intricate, captivating story about five very unique and likable individuals, all trying to get by in this very difficult world. A delightful read that will make you laugh, cry, and wonder about the future of relationships.

The book is set in London, where author Francis Pye currently resides. This witty and entertaining novel is surprisingly her first - but readers of SHARING SEAN will undoubtedly hope for more from Pye.

Rating:
Summary: Pathetic knockoff
Review: The plot of this book sounds amazingly similar to an American TV movie that came out in the 80's entitled Sharing Richard. The idea was the same of three friends sharing the same man. Maybe if Pye knew that, she'd have at least tried to make the title sound original. As it is, this book is just a rehash of every tired theme about materialistic, husband obsessed women making the rounds nowadays. Women, you can do better.