The Good Woman

What makes a spouse become a cheater?

On the surface, Meg Roberts has it all. She has a loving husband, three children and a job she loves doing PR for an area winery. But Meg is feeling as though she is missing something, that her life lacks some essential thing that she can’t put her finger on. She and her husband Jack have been married for seventeen years but she feels as though they are losing the connection between them. Meg discovers that her charismatic boss Chad has been harboring feelings for her and drifts into an affair which causes the disintegration of her life as she knows it. Meg is an interesting character. She has always been the good girl, the good wife, the good mother and she has a strong sense of loyalty and a need for structure. This story looks at how someone who has been so tightly controlled all of her life finds herself doing something that she knows is wrong and also knows could ruin her life. The book does not make excuses for her behavior or paint her husband in a terrible light. Yes, he is sometimes distracted and may be a little selfish in the marital bed, but does that excuse adultery? Meg’s family is an old school Irish Catholic one that is having issues of its own. Her sister Kit is getting over the breakup of her long term relationship. Her sister Sarah is married to a professional athlete who cheated on her in the past. Needless to say, Sarah is not sympathetic to Meg’s situation. Meg’s parents are supportive but unhappy with what she has done and they are dealing with their own problems as well. The story weaves all of their lives into Megs and gives the reader a variety of viewpoints of Meg’s situation. When I started the book, I was concerned about the theme because I wasn’t sure I could relate to a character that cheats. However, the way the topic was handled in this book made it relatable and not uncomfortable. The resolution of the situation is handled realistically and appropriately. Ms. Porter did not take the easy way out for the character. This is the first book in the series about the Brennan family. Based on the characters from this book it looks like they will all be pretty interesting. The next book is due out in February, 2013.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Highly Recommend!

WOW! That was my reaction when I finished “The Good Woman.” It is an exceptional book from accomplished author Jane Porter. Porter has the ability to take you on an emotional life journey with her characters. Meg, “The Good Woman” is going through true life problems and I think that all women can relate to her whether or not you are single or married. Meg is very “real” as are the other Brennan family members introduced to us in this book. This is the first book in a very long time that not only captured my attention, but made me want to read it straight through and when I wasn’t able to do that, I found my mind wandering to the book and its characters. I wanted to know what they were going to do next or if I was in their situation how would I handle it. I know that I will love the next 2 books in this series, because I already feel like I know the main characters, and thanks to Jane Porter, I feel like I am part of the Brennan clan.
“The Good Woman” isn’t just a worthy read, it is a MUST read!

This book would make an excellent book for book groups! I am still thinking about the characters and can't wait to discuss it with my group!

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

I highly recommend this book. You HAVE to read it!

As with all of Jane Porter's books, this one is exceptional. The characters and story are amazing and you find yourself feeling like you're part of their family. If the story line of the first in the trilogy is of this caliber, I can't wait to see how the other two books in the series will be! I would recommend not only buying and reading this book, but all of Jane's books. They are great reads and NEVER disappoint.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Jane Porter Delivers Again

Could. Not. Put. This. Down. I read this in one sitting. In this first book about the Brennan sisters, Jane Porter delves deep into what it is like to be a modern woman, a mother, a wife, a sister, and explores what happens when you examine your past choices and perhaps make some unwise new ones. As the oldest sister Meg slowly comes undone from the pressure of creating and keeping the perfect life, we see the impact her choices have on not only her marriage and her kids, but the dynamic between her sisters and her parents. I'm a huge fan of Jane Porter's books and have read all of her non-category novels, plus some of the category ones. I especially love how she explores issues and characters from different perspectives and shows the complexities of human life. Things are not black and white in a Porter book, they are multiple shades of gray and often explode into technicolor kaleidoscopic messiness, just like real life. In THE GOOD WOMAN, Porter does all of the above exceptionally well by showing events from multiple points of view. True family dynamic comes to life as the sisters and their parents recollect and judge past and present events. The author shows how the stories we tell ourselves are only that, our stories. Our parents and siblings who were at every event in our lives, have a completely different interpretation of those events and therefor completely different emotional scars. The same is true for our spouses. This sounds very dire, but remember it's a Jane Porter book so you are going to cry as you relate to the emotional upheaval of the Brennan family, but you are also going to do a lot of laughing as you recognize yourself and your family and your relationship with significant others in this fabulous book.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

I could not put Jane Porter's new book, The Good Woman, down. Sh

I could not put Jane Porter's new book, The Good Woman, down. She takes you into Meg Roberts world and her family life. You become friends with Meg and her family. Felt like I was along for the Brennan Girls Weekend in Capitola! The emotion that Ms. Porter puts into her books jumps off page after page. What Meg goes through in her daily life and how she struggles with the choices she makes, the book was just fabulous! You will not be disappointed with this book. The only thing I was sad about is that I have to wait until February 2013 for the NEXT book! Thank you, Jane, for writing about real issues that women struggle with every day....... Is the grass truly greener on the other side?

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Growing up as a good girl doing everything right, Meg is brought

Growing up as a good girl doing everything right, Meg is brought to a cross road in her life between doing what's right and doing what feels right for her happiness. She chooses what feels right to herself and then lives to regret the actions she has made. Many women have thoughts or have given in to those thoughts of another man. But, how would you react if you were in Meg's shoes? This book was written beautifully and makes you feels like you are right there with her and part of her family. I wasn't ready for it to end yet. I can't wait for the next book to come out. I'll be counting down the days. I have been a Jane Porter fan for many years and this book is right up there with the rest of her books, a wonderful entertaining read.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

The Good Woman by Jane Porter is a wonderful book, I consumed i

The Good Woman by Jane Porter is a wonderful book, I consumed it in two days. It was raw and honest. Porter created a character that’s so real…flawed, yet likeable…that I felt like I was watching the life of good friend unravel. And unravel, it did.

Mary Margaret Brennan Roberts, Meg, is the focus of this book, the first in a new trilogy about the Brennan sisters. Meg is the eldest child of a large Irish Catholic family, who’s always taken care of everyone and continues to now, as a wife and mother with a full time job. She was a “good girl” who grew up to be a “good woman”. Her life and her expectations for everyone percolate with responsibility, always doing as she’s expected…until she doesn’t. Then things get complicated.

Meg’s story is compelling, full of real life complications, many of which lead to heartbreak, yet Meg is a fighter and she eventually gains the strength to fight for what she wants. The story is heavy – lots of tears, both for Meg and for me, as a reader. But even when she wasn’t “the good woman”, I routed for her.

I really loved the book. I know it’s going to stay with me for a long, long time. The ending most definitely left me wanting more. Meg’s book may be done, but her story certainly isn’t over.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Wonderfully well written book

A good book about honest to real women dealing with tough and everyday situations. Jane Porter´s "The Good Woman" is a good modern lit novel but somewhat different from her other books. If you know Jane Porter´s other novels and expect "The Good Woman" to be exactly the same you might be a little disappointed. But that said. It´s a really good modern lit novel and Jane is really evolving in her writing style and is a fabulous writer. I love reading all her books and have almost read every book she has written. I loved Jane´s "She´s Gone Country" and still think this is her very best book to date. But I´ll take that up to review when I have read all tree books in The Brennan Sisters trilogy. I have already pre-ordered the next book "The Good Daughter" and can´t wait for it to be released on February 5th 2013.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I have been waiting for this book for a long time! The Good Woma

I have been waiting for this book for a long time! The Good Woman certainly lived up to my expectations with a touching and loving story of a Meg trying to live up to her high standards when life is full of the unexpected. She fought for her marriage and life. I highly recommend this book, you will not be disappointed.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I loved this story about Meg and her life. It showed her life as

I loved this story about Meg and her life. It showed her life as "the good woman " and her figuring out all that has shaped her into the person she is. Can she leave behind her 17 year marriage or find what she wants within her marriage. Is she who she wants to be or the woman everyone expects her to be.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A "must read"!

This is the first book I have read from Jane Porter and I must say that I was quite impressed. This book is a must read for any woman going through the forty something life changes. this book mirrored my life as it is right now, minus the affair. The characters felt real and relatable. This is an exceptional piece of work by Jane Porter. I have already read the second book and I’m looking forward to many more of her outstanding writing.

A review copy was provided for an honest review. The Good Woman

A review copy was provided for an honest review. The Good Woman is heart-gripping, real, and moving on so many different levels. It sheds light on the real-life struggles women face and it's extremely relatable. The story is engaging, fun, emotional, and written wonderfully. Jane Porter has the gift of connecting with readers on a very personal level and making them feel for the characters deeply. I will admit to putting the book down a few times just so I could take in and fully appreciate everything I was reading. It pulls you in like a tide—put plain and simple—it's addicting. I was unsure in the beginning how I would be able to connect with the topic of marital infidelity but how the whole issue is handled it shows you another side to the situation. It doesn't condone such behavior, or even take it lightly but merely portrays the realistic scenario as it is and that I found really nice for a change. I could easily relate with Meg and her internal struggles, also having family members with high expectations. Nobody is perfect and that's what this book explores.

The story centers on Meg Brennan Roberts who is the eldest daughter of a big Irish-American family. Meg's life upon outside inspection seems perfect—having a supportive husband, three bright children, and a well-paying job as a wine publicist—it's a great illusion. Her sisters have always looked up to her for being so well put together but underneath Meg's skillfully constructed facade she's falling to pieces. Mary Margaret—as her sisters like to call her—is methodical, over-worked, and has a complicated relationship with her family members. But now she faces the new addition of a stale marriage that no longer seems like enough—Meg comes to the realization that she needs more. Always playing the role as the good woman has finally taken its toll and she's ready for something to change.

This is a self-discovering journey of a woman who has always done everything by the book until she shakes things up and starts living for herself instead of others. It's inspiring; it'll make you laugh, come close to tears, and make you frustrated all at once. The Good Woman evokes soo many emotions good and bad—you'll find it difficult to put it down! Porter weaves her words into your heart. The Good Woman is a fantastic read, with down-to-earth characters, terrific writing, realistic situations, and family drama that will keep you continuously intrigued. Fans of Women's Fiction and Chick-Lit will really enjoy it!

This was a hard book to put down. So make sure you have time to

This was a hard book to put down. So make sure you have time to read this all the way in one day. Looking forward to book 2 & 3.

THE GOOD WOMAN by Jane Porter was, simply put, a fantastic read.

THE GOOD WOMAN by Jane Porter was, simply put, a fantastic read. I could not put it down.
The first in the Brennan Sisters series focuses on Meg, the oldest in a large, Catholic, Irish-American family. Meg, or Mary Margaret Brennan Roberts, has always been the responsible one. She has 3 younger sisters and a younger brother that she was always in charge of and is a perfectionist. Now, she is 42, married with three children and a great job. She is the epitome of a successful woman, but she feels like something is missing, that there has to be more to life than this. In trying to find it, she commits an uncharacteristically selfish act that has massive repercussions. But, that is not all of the book. The book also focuses on family and their dynamics, especially those between the four sisters, and her parents.
I have recently been introduced to Porter's books and can't believe I missed out for so long. Porter writes about real people and real emotions. I laughed and cried, and I felt Meg's conflicts. Porter's characters are very relate-able. She writes about life. The good and the messy parts of it. Even though I don't agree with her actions, I can see how she ended up following the path she did. Meg or any of her sisters could be friends of mine.
I can't wait to to read then next books in the series, not only to find out what happens with the other sisters (THE GOOD DAUGHTER -- Kit's Story, and THE GOOD WIFE -- Sarah's story). I look forward to seeing to seeing how each character grows and immersing myself in the dynamics of, not only the sisters, but the entire family.

I loved this book so much. It did a wonderful job of sucking me

I loved this book so much. It did a wonderful job of sucking me into the story and getting me emotionally attached to the characters right away. Meg's daily struggles are things most of us can relate to on some level. Juggling work, family, home and all of the stresses that come with it. It was very easy to imagine myself in her shoes and wonder if I would have made the same decisions she did. I highly recommend this book.

First couple of chapters had me hooked!I felt like i got to know

First couple of chapters had me hooked!I felt like i got to know each of the characters well, and could really relate to how they felt. By the middle of the book i couldn't put it down I had to know what happened.A great read for any woman especially one that has been married for awhile!

Meg Brennan Roberts is the oldest daughter in a Catholic raised

Meg Brennan Roberts is the oldest daughter in a Catholic raised family. She’s always the “good sister” doing everything right. Married for seventeen years and the mother of 3, Meg feels something is missing. She’s increasingly unhappy and dissatisfied with the path her life has taken. This midlife crisis or what not has her questioning her life, her career and her marriage and what she really wants out of life.
The first word that comes to mind if someone were to ask me about The Good Woman would be WOW! This book will take you on a roller coaster of emotions from happy to sad to wanting to throw the book across the room in denial and finally into happiness and hope for the future. I was a little apprehensive about reading The Good Woman because of some of the subject matter, but once I started, I was hooked. I could not put it down. Jane Porter did a great job with the story and working with the intricacies of not only being the older, more responsible sister who holds herself to a higher standard than everyone else, but also of a woman who’s not quite sure how her life ended up where it did and what to do about the feelings of loneliness and increasing unhappiness. I really enjoyed getting to know the Brennan family and I look forward to reading the rest of the books in The Brennan Sisters trilogy!

The Good Woman by Jane Porter is a great read. Once I got into t

The Good Woman by Jane Porter is a great read. Once I got into the story I didn't want to put it down...
very real issues in today's world. I would like to have had more of how their lives changed when
the book ended. Excited to read the next in the series!

All of us endure trials and tribulations in our lives, and this

All of us endure trials and tribulations in our lives, and this is no different for Meg Brennan Roberts. The oldest in her Catholic family, Meg was brought up with morals, ethics, and the need to put everyone else before herself. But just as we all encounter sin she is no different and is faced with choices that call out to her desires and longings. I hope you will decide to take this journey with her, and discover just how God can work in your life when you allow him to take over. Jane Porter has a true gift of bringing “real life” into written form. I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future.

The Good Woman is the first book in the Brennan Sister¿s series.

The Good Woman is the first book in the Brennan Sister’s series. This is also my first time reading Jane Porter’s work.
Synopsis:
Meg has it all three great kids, a wonderful husband, and a great job. Then there is her extended family that helps on the side. Meg loves to be successful in everything she does, but lately that hasn’t been enough. She doesn’t feel that she is getting what she needs from her husband or job. It is easier for her to give advice to others than face her own problems. One day Meg is confronted with a choice that could change everything. Will she decide to make that choice? Or continue her same routine?
My Thoughts:
I am always excited to share a new author with all of you. I have heard many good comments about Jane’s work. She definitely writes with passion and strength of character. The emotional conflict was so strong that I felt a great deal for Meg and her family as they grew through this novel. I look forward to where this series is going next?
Sisters are always interesting with their relationships. Conflict can affect those relationships. In character development roles can be developed to help develop conflict and make the story more interesting.
Have you ever struggled with your role in your family? How would you define yourself within your family? Are you a peace-maker, a perfectionist, or defiant?