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Bellevue Wives #2
Mrs. Perfect
As a young California girl growing up in a blue collar neighborhood, Taylor Young dreamed of being popular, beautiful, and acquiring a wardrobe to die for. Not to mention marrying a handsome, successful man and living happily ever after in a gorgeous house with three wonderful children. Now, at 36, Taylor has reached the pinnacle of her dreams, but is it all about to unravel?
As the new school year approaches, Taylor prepares herself for playing the perfect alpha organizing class activities, fund-raising, and chairing the school auction. But the horror! Her archrival, bohemian mom Marta Zinsser, is named Head Room Mom of Taylor's daughter's fifth grade class. As tensions rise at committee meetings and school activities, the two rivals seem to be destined for a final confrontation. But as Taylor plans her next move, she is floored by a more serious blow at home-her husband has been secretly unemployed for the past six months. With her posh lifestyle crumbling, Taylor struggles to maintain her alpha image -- but could Marta, who cares little about appearances, be her only true friend?
As the new school year approaches, Taylor prepares herself for playing the perfect alpha organizing class activities, fund-raising, and chairing the school auction. But the horror! Her archrival, bohemian mom Marta Zinsser, is named Head Room Mom of Taylor's daughter's fifth grade class. As tensions rise at committee meetings and school activities, the two rivals seem to be destined for a final confrontation. But as Taylor plans her next move, she is floored by a more serious blow at home-her husband has been secretly unemployed for the past six months. With her posh lifestyle crumbling, Taylor struggles to maintain her alpha image -- but could Marta, who cares little about appearances, be her only true friend?
419 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2008
37 people are currently reading
1,801 people want to read
About the author
Jane Porter
548Ìýbooks1,933ÌýfollowersBorn in Visalia, California, I'm a small town girl at heart. I love central California's golden foothills, oak trees, and the miles of farmland. In my mind, there's nothing sweeter in the world than the heady fragrance of orange blossoms on a sultry summer night.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
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June 1, 2011
4.5 Stars
I didn’t think I was going to love Mrs. Perfect by Seattle author Jane Porter as much as I loved her preceding work, Odd Mom Out, but as it turns out, not only did I love it as much, I love it more! When I started reading the book, I had a preconceived notion of who the main character, Taylor Young, was. She was introduced in Mom Odd Out and appeared to be Marta Zinsser’s complete opposite, not to mention nemesis.
Taylor Young is a beautiful trophy wife with control issues who lives in a fairy-tale world with her handsome, high-earning, ex-quarterback husband, Nathan � in the dream home she decorated � with their three exquisite little girls, Jemma, Brooke and Tori in Bellevue, Washington. To anyone who looks at her from the outside, Taylor is Mrs. Perfect. However, as we read this book, we watch in amazement at how Jane Porter peels back the layers of Taylor’s character to reveal a woman that I didn’t loathe, but rather fell in love with, just like I did with Marta Zinsser in Odd Mom Out.
Taylor’s perfect life has begun to unravel when her husband takes a job in Omaha after finally admitting to her that for the past year he hasn’t been working, and because they’ve been spending way beyond their means for a very long time, they are now millions of dollars in debt and are going to lose their dream home. Taylor Young not only rises to the challenge of a very difficult situation, but she shows everyone around her what she’s truly made of. Even though she’s falling apart inside, she manages to make the most delicious lemonade out of the hairy lemons in her life. She matures on a visceral, cerebral, and spiritual level before our eyes and we love her for sharing her difficult journey with us.
“You’re bad. I silently repeat the last one as I load the dishwasher, knowing these voices are part of that horrible, hollow feeling inside of me. But I’m not hollow, and I’m not horrible. For all my mistakes, I do love my girls, and I try my best to take care of them. For all my flaws and my vanity and pride, I do love Nathan, and I love him with all my heart. The truth is, I do try. I always try.
Maybe Marta’s right about something else. Maybe trying your best, and doing your best, even if it’s not perfect, is enough.
Maybe it’s unrealistic to think I can be perfect.
Or to put it in Marta-speak, that’s why we have religion. God’s perfect. We’re human.�
Jane Porter knows how to write a meaningful, emotional story for women. She knows how to find the chord that connects us all and how to tug on it to get our attention. She reminds us that many other people in this world are in the same boat as we are and she makes us feel as if we have a cheerleading team behind us, letting us know that we’re going to be better than fine…that things are going to turn out great!
Her contemporary style is flawless and she speaks my language, fluently. She moved me to tears again with this book and in the three books of hers that I’ve read, she’s managed to climb very close to the top of my favourite authors list. Don’t let the candy-coloured book covers fool you. These books are much more substantial than a box of chocolates or a slice of cake. I can’t wait to go and buy her latest 5 Spot release, Easy on The Eyes. It’s at my local bookstore and I know exactly the shelf it’s on.
If you’re looking for a wonderful read with marvelous characterization and relevant contemporary themes, look no further than the divine Ms. Jane Porter.
I didn’t think I was going to love Mrs. Perfect by Seattle author Jane Porter as much as I loved her preceding work, Odd Mom Out, but as it turns out, not only did I love it as much, I love it more! When I started reading the book, I had a preconceived notion of who the main character, Taylor Young, was. She was introduced in Mom Odd Out and appeared to be Marta Zinsser’s complete opposite, not to mention nemesis.
Taylor Young is a beautiful trophy wife with control issues who lives in a fairy-tale world with her handsome, high-earning, ex-quarterback husband, Nathan � in the dream home she decorated � with their three exquisite little girls, Jemma, Brooke and Tori in Bellevue, Washington. To anyone who looks at her from the outside, Taylor is Mrs. Perfect. However, as we read this book, we watch in amazement at how Jane Porter peels back the layers of Taylor’s character to reveal a woman that I didn’t loathe, but rather fell in love with, just like I did with Marta Zinsser in Odd Mom Out.
Taylor’s perfect life has begun to unravel when her husband takes a job in Omaha after finally admitting to her that for the past year he hasn’t been working, and because they’ve been spending way beyond their means for a very long time, they are now millions of dollars in debt and are going to lose their dream home. Taylor Young not only rises to the challenge of a very difficult situation, but she shows everyone around her what she’s truly made of. Even though she’s falling apart inside, she manages to make the most delicious lemonade out of the hairy lemons in her life. She matures on a visceral, cerebral, and spiritual level before our eyes and we love her for sharing her difficult journey with us.
“You’re bad. I silently repeat the last one as I load the dishwasher, knowing these voices are part of that horrible, hollow feeling inside of me. But I’m not hollow, and I’m not horrible. For all my mistakes, I do love my girls, and I try my best to take care of them. For all my flaws and my vanity and pride, I do love Nathan, and I love him with all my heart. The truth is, I do try. I always try.
Maybe Marta’s right about something else. Maybe trying your best, and doing your best, even if it’s not perfect, is enough.
Maybe it’s unrealistic to think I can be perfect.
Or to put it in Marta-speak, that’s why we have religion. God’s perfect. We’re human.�
Jane Porter knows how to write a meaningful, emotional story for women. She knows how to find the chord that connects us all and how to tug on it to get our attention. She reminds us that many other people in this world are in the same boat as we are and she makes us feel as if we have a cheerleading team behind us, letting us know that we’re going to be better than fine…that things are going to turn out great!
Her contemporary style is flawless and she speaks my language, fluently. She moved me to tears again with this book and in the three books of hers that I’ve read, she’s managed to climb very close to the top of my favourite authors list. Don’t let the candy-coloured book covers fool you. These books are much more substantial than a box of chocolates or a slice of cake. I can’t wait to go and buy her latest 5 Spot release, Easy on The Eyes. It’s at my local bookstore and I know exactly the shelf it’s on.
If you’re looking for a wonderful read with marvelous characterization and relevant contemporary themes, look no further than the divine Ms. Jane Porter.
February 2, 2013
I loved this book. I didn't think I would...especially since the main character (Taylor) was super shallow and annoying in the first couple of chapters. But then suddenly Taylor's perfect life was totally blown apart and I could completely relate and sympathize with her plight.
I think this book should be required reading for every girl...not because we should or should not work or stay at home with kids, and not because I'm a feminist or an anti-feminist, but because we should never get to a point where our lives are in someone else's hands. We should never stop taking responsibility. And we should always, always have a fallback plan.
I loved this book so much that I bought several copies to give as gifts. I highly recommend it and will be searching out the author's other books.
I think this book should be required reading for every girl...not because we should or should not work or stay at home with kids, and not because I'm a feminist or an anti-feminist, but because we should never get to a point where our lives are in someone else's hands. We should never stop taking responsibility. And we should always, always have a fallback plan.
I loved this book so much that I bought several copies to give as gifts. I highly recommend it and will be searching out the author's other books.
October 10, 2009
(Bang!) Ow. (Bang!) Ow. (Bang!) Ow.
Seriously, this book brings to mind the phrase "like watching a train wreck."
It's a story about a judgemental rich bitch who only does everything for the good of the children (including being horribly offended when someone else is picked for head room mother) who -- surprise! -- is actually insecure from a childhood of trauma and rejection. Everything in her life looks oh-so-perfect and then -- surprise! -- her husband is actually out of work and they're a couple million dollars in debt. But -- surprise! -- she learns deep lessons about what really matters in life and -- surprise again! -- they live happily ever after.
I spent the first third of the book alternating between thinking that nobody could actually be like this woman and being horrified that somewhere there's actually a community of women like this. Would readers like this book because they think that such snobbish groups are glamorous and they want to be part of one, or because they want to see such obnoxious people brought low? I can't figure it out.
I spent most of the rest of the book wondering several things. First, how can a smart woman can be so utterly clueless about money (she rang up a $17,000 credit card bill one typical month and had literally no idea that such things as automatic deductions from checking accounts could exist)? And how does a woman with an administrative assistant job pay $1800/month rent and feed three kids? And while I see that most of her friends drop her (the way she dropped someone else with socially embarrassing problems), the story starts out being entirely about those relationships and then they virtually disappear. There are a few scenes, but hardly in keeping with the early story.
Yes, this book is chick lit, and so is geared to be a light read (though it tries to offer meaty bits about self-esteem, financial independence, children's experience of divorce, adults' relationships with their parents, societal expectations, the value of volunteering, women returning to the work force, the job market, "one mistake" adultery, single parenthood, and more). But the beginning is too annoying, the middle too unbelievable, and the ending too perfect.
Seriously, this book brings to mind the phrase "like watching a train wreck."
It's a story about a judgemental rich bitch who only does everything for the good of the children (including being horribly offended when someone else is picked for head room mother) who -- surprise! -- is actually insecure from a childhood of trauma and rejection. Everything in her life looks oh-so-perfect and then -- surprise! -- her husband is actually out of work and they're a couple million dollars in debt. But -- surprise! -- she learns deep lessons about what really matters in life and -- surprise again! -- they live happily ever after.
I spent the first third of the book alternating between thinking that nobody could actually be like this woman and being horrified that somewhere there's actually a community of women like this. Would readers like this book because they think that such snobbish groups are glamorous and they want to be part of one, or because they want to see such obnoxious people brought low? I can't figure it out.
I spent most of the rest of the book wondering several things. First, how can a smart woman can be so utterly clueless about money (she rang up a $17,000 credit card bill one typical month and had literally no idea that such things as automatic deductions from checking accounts could exist)? And how does a woman with an administrative assistant job pay $1800/month rent and feed three kids? And while I see that most of her friends drop her (the way she dropped someone else with socially embarrassing problems), the story starts out being entirely about those relationships and then they virtually disappear. There are a few scenes, but hardly in keeping with the early story.
Yes, this book is chick lit, and so is geared to be a light read (though it tries to offer meaty bits about self-esteem, financial independence, children's experience of divorce, adults' relationships with their parents, societal expectations, the value of volunteering, women returning to the work force, the job market, "one mistake" adultery, single parenthood, and more). But the beginning is too annoying, the middle too unbelievable, and the ending too perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2009
Taylor Young had the perfect life. She had a fine-looking husband three beautiful children, and a house that you could only dream about. You could say that Taylor lived the lap of luxury till now. Taylor’s husband shares with her that they are broke. So broke that he informs Taylor that she should start looking for a…gasp…J_O_B! What is Taylor going to do? She has not worked in a long time. The only thing Taylor is good at is spending money and lots of it.
Taylor can’t believe they are in this situation. All Taylor knows is that she can’t let any of her friends find out. Taylor ends up find an unlikely friend in her arch nemesis, Marta Zinsser. Soon Taylor is putting away all the designer clothes and getting her hands dirty in the real world.
You would think from the summary that Taylor would be a rich, spoiled diva, which at the beginning Taylor was that was but soon after she turned out to be pretty tolerable. For this I am thankful. If Taylor has stayed a diva the whole way through the story, it would have been hard for me to read. I probably wouldn’t have given this book a chance; except that I read Ms. Porter’s Flirting with Forty and enjoyed it. Plus I am not a big fan of the chick lit books, but hey every once in a while; everyone needs something that lightens the mood from psychopathic serial killers. Mrs. Perfect did just that for me, so for this reason, I say Mrs. Perfect was just that…perfect!
Taylor can’t believe they are in this situation. All Taylor knows is that she can’t let any of her friends find out. Taylor ends up find an unlikely friend in her arch nemesis, Marta Zinsser. Soon Taylor is putting away all the designer clothes and getting her hands dirty in the real world.
You would think from the summary that Taylor would be a rich, spoiled diva, which at the beginning Taylor was that was but soon after she turned out to be pretty tolerable. For this I am thankful. If Taylor has stayed a diva the whole way through the story, it would have been hard for me to read. I probably wouldn’t have given this book a chance; except that I read Ms. Porter’s Flirting with Forty and enjoyed it. Plus I am not a big fan of the chick lit books, but hey every once in a while; everyone needs something that lightens the mood from psychopathic serial killers. Mrs. Perfect did just that for me, so for this reason, I say Mrs. Perfect was just that…perfect!
July 20, 2008
I enjoyed Porter's look at the life of type A, perfect Taylor Young. She's not only on, but heads every PTA committee, is always head room mother, throws perfect parties and has a beautiful house in which to entertain. However, a life such as that is usually somewhat of an illusion. Taylor shops to excess, and is shocked when the strange Marta Zinsser (from Porter's Odd Mom Out)is made head room mother in one of her daughter's classes. Soon, she learns her handsome husband Nathan has been reluctant to tell her (and her expensive habits) that he's been unemployed for months, they're in debt up to their eyeballs and he's heading to Omaha for a new job. Taylor refuses to leave Bellevue. Taylor's life begins to crumble, but she's a great character, and really pulls it together. She and Nathan decide to list their beautiful home and it sells quickly, to the bane of Taylor's life, copycat Monica. Taylor finds a part-time job, as a secretary and also a much smaller house to rent, pending any decisions about Omaha. Cleverly, she "tricks" Monica into purchasing almost all of the contents of their former home. The book rushes to a somewhat pat ending, but it was a great summer read.
August 22, 2010
Another good Jane Porter book.
I like that Taylor was so different from Marta ("Odd Mom Out"), and yet they had similiarities with each other. That they both put their kids first, and yet strive to find what will balance them. They both have insecurities, though they're different types.
I, as always, enjoy Porter's ability to express a women's ability to laugh in the face of pure crisis. And to properly show it's not from laughter, but from pure self preservation that we find the ability to laugh instead of cry.
I love how her characters, though they may start as shallow and weak, are able to discover that inner strength I believe all women have.
Last Porter is able to show us "women's issues" without coming across as preachy or soapbox-ish. How women should stop tearing each other apart over choices (stay-at-home versus work-outside-the-home). How, regardless of the paths we choose, we should respect each other's differences and support one another.
I am anxiously looking forward to when I'll be able to get my hands to the libarary to pick up the next Jane Porter book.
I like that Taylor was so different from Marta ("Odd Mom Out"), and yet they had similiarities with each other. That they both put their kids first, and yet strive to find what will balance them. They both have insecurities, though they're different types.
I, as always, enjoy Porter's ability to express a women's ability to laugh in the face of pure crisis. And to properly show it's not from laughter, but from pure self preservation that we find the ability to laugh instead of cry.
I love how her characters, though they may start as shallow and weak, are able to discover that inner strength I believe all women have.
Last Porter is able to show us "women's issues" without coming across as preachy or soapbox-ish. How women should stop tearing each other apart over choices (stay-at-home versus work-outside-the-home). How, regardless of the paths we choose, we should respect each other's differences and support one another.
I am anxiously looking forward to when I'll be able to get my hands to the libarary to pick up the next Jane Porter book.
July 4, 2011
A Seattle native, this book was hilarious to read as it accurately depicted the stereotypes of the east side. I highly suggest reading Porter's "Odd Mom Out" before reading this because it really gives you insight to Marta's character. This was a reaffirming book for me to read as a mother of two toddlers that has chosen to stay home and give up an income. I almost wish I hadn't read the book yet because I'd be able to look forward to reading it for the first time.
April 1, 2025
Mrs. PERFECT by Jane Porter
Have you ever picked up a book and started reading it and suddenly felt like this was your story and fell into the book totally? That's what happened last week, I was browsing at the library and couldn't leave without the novel Mrs. Perfect. Don't get me wrong, I'm not perfect, but I've tried to be my entire life. Like Taylor Young, I found out that life doesn't always turn out like you think it will.
My favorite character in the book was Marta Zinsser, a new mother in Taylor's community. Taylor thinks of her as a powerful nemesis, in combat boots and a Demin jumper.
Have you ever picked up a book and started reading it and suddenly felt like this was your story and fell into the book totally? That's what happened last week, I was browsing at the library and couldn't leave without the novel Mrs. Perfect. Don't get me wrong, I'm not perfect, but I've tried to be my entire life. Like Taylor Young, I found out that life doesn't always turn out like you think it will.
My favorite character in the book was Marta Zinsser, a new mother in Taylor's community. Taylor thinks of her as a powerful nemesis, in combat boots and a Demin jumper.
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August 19, 2013I am so upset by this book.
I get that the wife has a big spending problem, and a perfection problem, and priorities problems. But her husband (spoiler)
lied to her for 7 months, and she's then responsible for contributing to a problem she didn't fully understand the magnitude of. He doesn't talk to her about finances for years, faking, acting like all is well. Somehow she is supposed to absorb all this and not be upset, mourn the loss of her life as she knows it... he's had 7 months to process, and has no compassion for her when she gets just days to figure this all out. What kind of relationship is that? She not only lives a ridonkulous lifestyle, but these 2 adults can't have a real conversation once a year? So frustrated.
Ok, I 've now finished, and it all worked out, of course. You know the mentality behind commercials, if you hate the jingle or love the jingle, they both ensure you will remember the product. well, I really think I'll remember this book. I did modify my feelings on the characters, which is the point on a few different characters. I feel proud of them for growing up. I think sometimes we assume about ourselves and others that because we are over a certain age, we are adults and will be mature about things. Not so. Growing up comes in phases for many of us. (I hope people can be patient with me.)
I get that the wife has a big spending problem, and a perfection problem, and priorities problems. But her husband (spoiler)
lied to her for 7 months, and she's then responsible for contributing to a problem she didn't fully understand the magnitude of. He doesn't talk to her about finances for years, faking, acting like all is well. Somehow she is supposed to absorb all this and not be upset, mourn the loss of her life as she knows it... he's had 7 months to process, and has no compassion for her when she gets just days to figure this all out. What kind of relationship is that? She not only lives a ridonkulous lifestyle, but these 2 adults can't have a real conversation once a year? So frustrated.
Ok, I 've now finished, and it all worked out, of course. You know the mentality behind commercials, if you hate the jingle or love the jingle, they both ensure you will remember the product. well, I really think I'll remember this book. I did modify my feelings on the characters, which is the point on a few different characters. I feel proud of them for growing up. I think sometimes we assume about ourselves and others that because we are over a certain age, we are adults and will be mature about things. Not so. Growing up comes in phases for many of us. (I hope people can be patient with me.)
May 23, 2009
I won a set of Jane Porter books from a fellow book blogger and was excited to check out a new author. This book is very timely in terms of subject matter, but I found it a little too unrealistic that Taylor was so very clueless about her own family's financial situation. The book was fairly well-written, and I did like the parts where Taylor is forging a new life for her daughters by demonstrating how to make the best of a bad situation. Unfortunately, I thought the end was entirely too convenient and that left a bad taste in my mouth. All in all, a decent read that suffered from a rushed ending.
February 2, 2012
loved this. "Perfect" Taylor Young has it all, perfect husband, perfect house, perfect....everything. Then, seemingly overnight, it all starts to fall apart. What follows is self discovery and learning just what 'perfect' really is.
December 27, 2010
Predictable, but enjoyable... Good book to read while on vacation.... Characters were superficial, but again, good vacation book!
March 13, 2013
Like all Jane Porter books, loved it!
March 20, 2023
Fun, light, easy read. Relatable!
May 19, 2020
A different kind of Jane Porter story
At first, I wasn't really wanting to read this book. It didn't seem to get the warm fuzzy feelings of the other books she has written. But I didn't give up. I kept reading and reading and couldn't put the book down. I could see myself in this story. See how broken Taylor was, and how she had the courage to work to get her life back. What she wanted and what she got. I just wish I had Taylor's courage to do the things in life, to fight for what she wanted. Maybe someday.. But for now, I am happy to live through the wonderful stories Jane Porter has written.
At first, I wasn't really wanting to read this book. It didn't seem to get the warm fuzzy feelings of the other books she has written. But I didn't give up. I kept reading and reading and couldn't put the book down. I could see myself in this story. See how broken Taylor was, and how she had the courage to work to get her life back. What she wanted and what she got. I just wish I had Taylor's courage to do the things in life, to fight for what she wanted. Maybe someday.. But for now, I am happy to live through the wonderful stories Jane Porter has written.
November 8, 2022
I had a lot of trouble "identifying" with Our Heroine who was sending nearly $200 a month on her hair (I've always cut and colored my own until going COVID grey) plus multiple mani-pedis and other self-indulgent expenses such as "retail therapy" until her credit card debt was $50K+ (which is simply incomprehensible to me!)
Nevertheless I persisted to the end after her husband lost his job (and didn't tell her for months only mildly suggested she stop spending so much). I mean, they were both unreal to me. The wrting was pretty good and I'd picked up the book from the gym swap-table and it wasn't heavy -- either to read or to hold.
Pretty much a beach read and here it is November...
Nevertheless I persisted to the end after her husband lost his job (and didn't tell her for months only mildly suggested she stop spending so much). I mean, they were both unreal to me. The wrting was pretty good and I'd picked up the book from the gym swap-table and it wasn't heavy -- either to read or to hold.
Pretty much a beach read and here it is November...
October 25, 2024
Such an inspiring book.Ìý
Taylor starts out insecure needing her staus, husband, money, house, social standing to feel good about herself. She hates her past, worked hard to change who she is, but is super insecure about being the real her.Ìý
Through a series of events I won’t mention, her problems become public knowledge. This book is about how she handles them and comes to terms both with herself, and the changing relationship she has with her friends, community, etc.Ìý
***If you are down on your own luck and the world seems to be falling apart around you, this book can inspire hope.Ìý
Well done Jane Porter!!Ìý
Taylor starts out insecure needing her staus, husband, money, house, social standing to feel good about herself. She hates her past, worked hard to change who she is, but is super insecure about being the real her.Ìý
Through a series of events I won’t mention, her problems become public knowledge. This book is about how she handles them and comes to terms both with herself, and the changing relationship she has with her friends, community, etc.Ìý
***If you are down on your own luck and the world seems to be falling apart around you, this book can inspire hope.Ìý
Well done Jane Porter!!Ìý
February 22, 2018
I really connected with this book. The story was fun to read and an ideal balance between some serious topics and other light fun moments. Taylor, like most of us, is a work in progress, striving to make herself better. She experiences a lot of growth in the story and it feels believable. The topic makes you think about your own financial health which can only be a good thing.
An OMG moment for me was when Marta gave Taylor a gift of vibrators. Any boss would have to be crazy to give that to an employee! Makes you realize how much has changed since this was written 10 to 5 years ago.
An OMG moment for me was when Marta gave Taylor a gift of vibrators. Any boss would have to be crazy to give that to an employee! Makes you realize how much has changed since this was written 10 to 5 years ago.
October 7, 2020
I didn’t realized until almost the end of the book that the main character in this book had been a minor character in the author’s previous work, Odd Mom Out, which I had not read. While I didn’t notice missing background while reading this, I would have preferred to understand her relationship with another character, the main one in Odd Mom Out, better. It wasn’t well fleshed out at first making their changing situation less important. So � read Odd Mom Out first is my advice.
September 4, 2017
Classic example of the "chick lit" genre. So predictable. Such irritating bad girl characters. Such thinly veiled sexism inherent in the entire thing. And yet... and yet.... like a rich exotic dessert full of ingredients that had to be flown in from distant lands at great cost to the environment and which is really very bad for me all things considered -- its consumption gave me great pleasure :)
August 21, 2018
I enjoyed the author's take on family. Light in tone, gritty in substance. Family in good times and bad. She skillfully depicted three little girls who are sisters as well as the narrator's overcoming of obstacles and problem solving. I wanted a happy ending as soon as the crisis appeared. Porter kept me entertained till the very end. Likeable characters and no harsh language.
August 6, 2021
I didn’t love this book at first because I didn’t love the main character. She got so worked up over material things and other people’s opinions that it bothered me. That said, I appreciated the ending and the growth her character went through both personally and professionally throughout the book. It became more enjoyable to read about midway through.
May 23, 2023
This was the first fiction book I've read in a while. I finished it in just 3 days. I could barely put it down!
Jane did such a good job at portraying each of the characters and their lives. I felt connected to Taylor in a way I didn't think I would. I learned a lot of valuable life lessons while reading the book.
Jane did such a good job at portraying each of the characters and their lives. I felt connected to Taylor in a way I didn't think I would. I learned a lot of valuable life lessons while reading the book.
May 22, 2018
I really rather enjoyed reading this book. It turned out to be quite refreshing and an easy read. I grew to feel closer to the main character and liked how her relationships changed and grew in the book.
October 25, 2019
I have read this book over and over. I can so relate to main character. So good. My favorite book ever. This was my life during the recession. It was so tough and humbling. But, I found out who my friends were and that has helped me immensely through the years since.
January 13, 2020
I liked the second half of the book better than the first half. At that point, I was hooked and I wanted to read to the end. It was also fun to see the references to Bellevue as she is a local writer.
June 21, 2022
Mrs. Perfect by Jane Porter. A page turner of a book. When the unexpected happens.
A story of family and friendships. I would totally recommend reading this book which you can as a standalone but you might want to read the first book in the series Odd Mom Out before this one.
A story of family and friendships. I would totally recommend reading this book which you can as a standalone but you might want to read the first book in the series Odd Mom Out before this one.
March 25, 2023
Want to give this one a 4 1/2....I almost didn't get it. I was afraid the cover made it look a little cheesy, but boy am I glad I gave this one a shot. Sooo good! I may even re-read later on. Enjoyed it that much. Make sure you read it!
May 28, 2017
I thought this book/story was okay. Her other books were much better. Hated the ending too.
November 17, 2017
It was a good book, however the ending completely shocked me.
Pick it up if you can.
Pick it up if you can.
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