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The romance, the heartbreaks, the revelations, the friendship: The Act brings it all back and more as the sassy and stylish sisterfriends of Center Ring face new challenges and old demons. Norah, Cami, Leila, Kate, and Ellie will need each other more than ever in this highly anticipated next installment of The Circus of Women Trilogy.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2017
4 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Waggoner
4Ìýbooks126ÌýfollowersNicole Waggoner is author of the Circus of Women trilogy. Book one, Center Ring, debuts April 26th, 2016. In addition, Nicole is a decorated teacher with 12 yearsâ€� experience teaching upper level English and Literary Criticism courses. She is proud to call her husband and children her biggest fans. The other loves of her life include green tea, great conversation over vino, all things theater, skipping the gym, women’s health, and a fanatical commitment to live her belief that love is a verb to be paid forward.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 23, 2017
After reading Center Ring last year, I couldn't wait to read the second book in this series! and The Act, did not disappoint!! It was so exciting to reconnect with this group of sister-friends, 5 amazingly talented women dealing with life; each of the women, Ellie, Leila, Cami, Kate and Norah are struggling with a multitude of issues, and they rely on each other when other people in their lives let them down. It's quite a feat to tell a story from five points of view, but Nicole Waggoner has shown us again how brilliant she is at this; each of the women are completely distinguishable from each other, their stories unique and their own. The story is told with bristling, honest, searing dialogue; genuine conversations between people who love and care about each other. The supporting characters in this book...the husbands, the lovers, the families...are all equally well-written. The story is fast-paced, and as the women's stories progress, it is impossible to put this book down! This book, like the first one, ended with a huge cliffhanger, one that left me gaping, and I'm excited to read book 3 to find out how it all turns out!!
April 9, 2017
I loved (reviewed ), so I was more than eager to read as soon as it became available for review. Naturally, I devoured it. It was like reuniting with close friends whom I hadn't seen in a year.
While I may have forgotten some of what happened from one year to the next, Nicole did a good job putting in reminders. It was interesting to see the direction in which each woman's story went. I wasn't sure what to expect and Nicole kept me on my toes. She creates some difficult foils for her protagonists, whether it is Ellie's ex, Leila's mother and sister, Norah's in-laws, Kate's mother, or even the Holy Pearls. She also puts them into conflicting situations for themselves.
I enjoyed every moment I got to spend with Kate, Ellie, Cami, Leila, and Norah. I hope Nicole won't wait so long to put her next book out. Especially since she leaves us with quite a cliffhanger! (And yes, even a year is too long for me to "wait for it." Speaking of which, I caught all the Hamilton references in the story.)
I thought I'd try my hand at casting some of the males this time. I definitely agree with Nicole's choice of Henry Cavill as Patrick Grayson though. I would not change that at all!
Wes (Leila's husband):
Matt (Norah's husband):
Ken (Kate's husband):
Dean:
Enrique:
While I may have forgotten some of what happened from one year to the next, Nicole did a good job putting in reminders. It was interesting to see the direction in which each woman's story went. I wasn't sure what to expect and Nicole kept me on my toes. She creates some difficult foils for her protagonists, whether it is Ellie's ex, Leila's mother and sister, Norah's in-laws, Kate's mother, or even the Holy Pearls. She also puts them into conflicting situations for themselves.
I enjoyed every moment I got to spend with Kate, Ellie, Cami, Leila, and Norah. I hope Nicole won't wait so long to put her next book out. Especially since she leaves us with quite a cliffhanger! (And yes, even a year is too long for me to "wait for it." Speaking of which, I caught all the Hamilton references in the story.)
I thought I'd try my hand at casting some of the males this time. I definitely agree with Nicole's choice of Henry Cavill as Patrick Grayson though. I would not change that at all!
Wes (Leila's husband):
Matt (Norah's husband):
Ken (Kate's husband):
Dean:
Enrique:
April 4, 2017
I received an ARC of The Act in exchange for an honest review. Here goes.
I fell in love with the sister-friends in Center Ring last summer, and am so happy to see them all back. Nicole Waggoner picks up right where she left off and we get the answer to does Pat live or die.
Nicole's style of writing makes it very easy to follow along with the plethora of characters in the book, whereas other authors one might find it difficult to follow along. I will say though, this is not a stand alone book - you really need to read Center Ring to understand the character's back stories. Since I had read Center Ring early, I found myself trying to remember what each of the sister-friends did (specifically Cami and Kate - I had forgotten their back stories). I appreciated Norah's story a bit more this time around and cringed with her when she went to her in-law's home. Cami is so rough around the edge, I would like to see much more about her. Like Center Ring, I feel this book focuses a lot around Ellie and Pat, and that isn't a complaint - I LOVE their story.
Once again though, Nicole leaves us with a cliff hanger. So once again, I will wait until her third of the trilogy comes out - next summer.
I would highly recommend The Act to any of my chick lit loving friends, and absolutely anyone who has already read Center Ring. Way to go Nicole!! Loved it!
I fell in love with the sister-friends in Center Ring last summer, and am so happy to see them all back. Nicole Waggoner picks up right where she left off and we get the answer to does Pat live or die.
Nicole's style of writing makes it very easy to follow along with the plethora of characters in the book, whereas other authors one might find it difficult to follow along. I will say though, this is not a stand alone book - you really need to read Center Ring to understand the character's back stories. Since I had read Center Ring early, I found myself trying to remember what each of the sister-friends did (specifically Cami and Kate - I had forgotten their back stories). I appreciated Norah's story a bit more this time around and cringed with her when she went to her in-law's home. Cami is so rough around the edge, I would like to see much more about her. Like Center Ring, I feel this book focuses a lot around Ellie and Pat, and that isn't a complaint - I LOVE their story.
Once again though, Nicole leaves us with a cliff hanger. So once again, I will wait until her third of the trilogy comes out - next summer.
I would highly recommend The Act to any of my chick lit loving friends, and absolutely anyone who has already read Center Ring. Way to go Nicole!! Loved it!
April 10, 2017
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this marvelous book. I cannot tell you how excited I was to hang out with these girls again. Nicole Waggoner picked up right where she left off with Pat in Center Ring and didn't waste a minute getting back into the lives of these women (and their men). I stopped working, I stopped sleeping in order to reunite with Cami, Norah, Katie, Ellie, and Leila. Waggoner nails the friendship between females yet again in this second book in the Circus of Women trilogy. As I've said many times before, it is like Sex and the City on a relatable level. You will find a part of yourself in each and every one of these girls. You will understand them, laugh with them, be frustrated with them, and fall in love with them all over again. These are the friendships every woman cherishes, or wishes they had. This book is REAL. Brava, Nicole.
*Please note* Nicole Waggoner is the Shonda Rhimes of books. You will be left wanting SO. MUCH. MORE. Of course, if you read Center Ring already, then you know this. If you haven't, pick it up. Not only because these are some of my favorite characters, but also because you will need to in order to understand this second book. Now, I wait for book 3. Please hurry.
*Please note* Nicole Waggoner is the Shonda Rhimes of books. You will be left wanting SO. MUCH. MORE. Of course, if you read Center Ring already, then you know this. If you haven't, pick it up. Not only because these are some of my favorite characters, but also because you will need to in order to understand this second book. Now, I wait for book 3. Please hurry.
April 9, 2017
Thanks to the author for providing me with an early copy of this book. I really couldn't wait any longer to get back into the lives of these five friends that we first met in Center Ring last year. The author left us with a life or death cliff hanger and it's been a long wait to find out what happened. The Act was a fantastic continuation of the series. (Warning: this is a trilogy that needs to be read in order. I re-read book 1 last week so that I could remember all the intricacies of the characters lives when I started book 2.)
This series is about 5 best friends. They all have problems in their lives - work, husbands, families, boyfriends... but they know that they can always depend on each other to help them overcome their obstacles and to love them no matter what they are going through. It's difficult to write a book from five points of view, but Nicole does a fantastic job of creating five characters who feel like people that we know in our own lives.
As with book 1, Nicole ends book 2 with a cliff hanger so we'll have to wait another long year to find out what happens with our five new friends.
This series is about 5 best friends. They all have problems in their lives - work, husbands, families, boyfriends... but they know that they can always depend on each other to help them overcome their obstacles and to love them no matter what they are going through. It's difficult to write a book from five points of view, but Nicole does a fantastic job of creating five characters who feel like people that we know in our own lives.
As with book 1, Nicole ends book 2 with a cliff hanger so we'll have to wait another long year to find out what happens with our five new friends.
April 29, 2017
I was so looking forward to reading The Act, Book 2 in this trilogy, and now after reading it and having it end in another big cliffhanger, I'm so very eager to read Book 3. This book continues with the stories of sister-friends Norah, Leila, Ellie, Cami and Kate, each either dealing with a new issue in their lives or still trying to work out ones that they were going through in Center Ring, Book 1 of this trilogy, issues dealing with marriage, motherhood, dating, new relationships, parents and siblings, and even issues within their close friendship. Right from the opening paragraph, I gasped and my heart was pounding. Shocking beginning that had me hooked. I won't say what it was as I do not want to spoil it right from the start. It was just very well done! Nicole Waggoner does a phenomenal job in writing about women that I think all women can relate to. A very fast-paced read that was difficult to put down. Had it not been for that thing called life getting in the way, I could have read this book in a day or two. That's how good it is.
A big thank you to Ms. Waggoner for an advanced copy of this book.
A big thank you to Ms. Waggoner for an advanced copy of this book.
January 13, 2025
Shocking second installment.. loved spending time with this group. Lots to digest. Each POV has a strong voice and their own life
Ready to read the third and final book here’s hoping HEAs for these ladies
Ready to read the third and final book here’s hoping HEAs for these ladies
April 17, 2017
After finishing Nicole Waggoner's debut novel, Center Ring, I could not wait to get my hands on The Act! Fortunately I was chosen to receive an ARC and I devoured it in less than 3 days! (Even while taking care of an active toddler!) In The Act we are reunited with our sister friends as they share life's ups and downs. I really enjoyed "watching" all of the characters grow and push themselves in their relationships and other pursuits. Waggoner has a beautiful gift of writing characters that you feel so connected with. I feel like I'm reading my own life in so many of the chapters and want to be friend with all of "the girls". I have read many trilogies and I must say this was the best "2nd book" I have ever read. She answers questions, continues to push the story and of course leaves you hanging for the 3rd!!! I cannot recommend this book enough. The short chapters make the book move quickly and offer easy stopping points for busy lives!
June 8, 2017
Just like in Center Ring, I was immediately immersed in the stories of the characters. I felt like I was sitting down to dinner with my girlfriends. The women in the book are all so relatable. As a wife and working mom, I could identify with each of the characters. I found myself rooting for each of them, and kept reading to find out if their problems were resolved. I cannot wait for the conclusion in book 3.
I gave this book 4/5 stars because I initially had a hard time getting in to the book because my eyes had difficulty adjusting to the font. It was so different from Center Ring. I also noticed several spelling and grammar errors. Leila's stepfather also changed names between books and I found that confusing.
I gave this book 4/5 stars because I initially had a hard time getting in to the book because my eyes had difficulty adjusting to the font. It was so different from Center Ring. I also noticed several spelling and grammar errors. Leila's stepfather also changed names between books and I found that confusing.
September 7, 2017
After recently finishing Nicole Waggoner’s, CENTER RING, Book 1 of the Circus of Women Trilogy, I couldn’t wait to dive right in to Book 2, THE ACT. In this book, we are reunited with the five “sister-friends� from Book 1. We pick up after right after the cliff-hanging moment in the first novel. The five women continue to struggle with many issues of self-identity, family, friendship, love and betrayal. Because the story is told in brief chapters from alternating points of view, the reading is fast-paced and suspenseful while still delving deep into the lives of the characters. Just like Book 1, I simply couldn’t put this book down! I can’t wait until the story continues in Book 3 of the trilogy.
May 25, 2017
Here's what I adore about this series: it is quick paced from page to page! You get a snippet of something and then bam it's something new!! The ADHD in me adores the style of the chapters and rotating perspectives! I see so much of myself and my own "sister friends" within every page of this book! If you loved the first book, you will not be disappointed by the adventures and sagas found in book two! And never fear... true to the first book... the ending will leave you praying book three is but moments from release!!!
May 6, 2017
Center Ring set the stage with beloved friends, real-life angsts, and a doozy of a cliffhanger. The Act continues the show as it delves deeper into the strength and vulnerabilities of these women who are trying to balance LIFE. These unique friends support and care for each other, even when they don't agree. I loved the honest and raw look into each of these character's heads. It was a bit of therapy to know I have thought and felt the same in certain situations. Bravo, Nicole Waggoner! You did it again!
April 6, 2017
Nicole Waggoner once again shows the struggles as five friends juggle life and love, struggling to find a balance between trust, friendship, family and self. This follow up to "Center Ring" leaves you falling more in love with the characters as they struggle with trying not to lose who they are as life keeps throwing obstacles in their way.
May 9, 2017
My biggest complaint is that it was over too fast. Nicole always knows how to suck you in, and then leave you wanting for more. The wait for part 3 is going to kill me!
May 13, 2020
The book was good. I got to the end and only then realized that there is no completion. It's billed as a trilogy but with only 2 books. Neither book can be read as a stand alone so the reader is left with an unfinished story. I wouldn't have started it if I didn't think there was a conclusion. I thought maybe the third would be coming soon but this was published in 2017. 3 years is a long time to wait for the final book.
August 12, 2024
If you loved the popular series, "Sex and the City," then you're going to love this trilogy by Nicole Waggoner! In this case, it's 5 girlfriends who are there for each other through all of life's crazy twists and turns. I really enjoyed the development of both the plot and the friendships in Book 2. And just like Book 1 (and the “Sex and the City� TV series), Book 2 left me feeling both satiated and desperately wanting to get my hands on the next book to find out what happens!
October 22, 2017
Waggoner leaves us wanting more with another cliffhanger down to the very last word of "The Act". Having enjoyed Center Ring, I was excited to read the follow up to what happens to Ellie, Norah, Kate, Cami, and Leila. It did not disappoint! The author's way with words continues to touch me. Can't wait to see how she concludes their stories.
January 14, 2018
This trilogy only gets better with each new book! The Act book two, has drawn me even closer to this knit tight group of sister friends! They are there for the ordinary of each day and for the crisis that swoops down and crashes into their lives. Don't miss the story of these amazing friends. The Circus of Women Trilogy is a must read!
June 19, 2017
I could not put this book down! Love the characters!
June 4, 2022
Thrilled the next book in the trilogy is out now to catch up with the ladies! A great book with each character facing their own challenges and dramas. Can't wait to read the conclusion!
July 5, 2022
Continued tales of the circle of friends.
April 8, 2017
I enjoyed reconnecting with this group of sister-friends in The Act after meeting them last year in Center Ring. Waggoner has created characters that are so real and true-to-life that I feel as if I'm leaving friends behind after I finish the book. Luckily, I can pick up the book and resume our relationship at any time. I can't wait for the third volume to round out this trilogy!
April 8, 2017
After reading "Center Ring" last spring, I couldn't wait to read the "The Act". I can't get enough of the five ladies who take charge of their lives despite obstacles that life throws at them. In typical Nicole Waggoner fashion, she doesn't disappoint with another cliffhanger and we'll just have to wait again to see how things will end with the sister-friends. I am so invested in these characters I feel like I know them each and want to have them over for dinner!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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