Peeking Between the Pages

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Book Review & Giveaway: The Four Ms. Bradwells by Meg Waite Clayton

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The Four Ms. Bradwells by Meg Waite Clayton is, at its heart, a story about the enduring ties of friendship. I love novels that explore the friendships that women have and this novel doesn’t disappoint in that area. The Four Ms. Bradwells is about four women: Betts, Laney, Mia, and Ginger, who have extremely strong ties to each other and have all been harboring secrets from each other for over thirty years.

While Betts is waiting for confirmation of her appointment to the Supreme Court something that she and her friends have always kept quiet about, rears its ugly head. Thirty years ago when the girls were at Ginger’s family home one of her family members turns up dead. It’s ruled a accident/suicide and the girls all continue to go on with their lives. Now it’s coming back to haunt them, especially Betts, and the secrets behind it all could have a devastating effect on the career she’s worked so hard to build. Not knowing what else to do the women all flee back to where it all began: Chesapeake Bay, where they begin to unearth many things that they’ve kept from each other.

What I liked most about the portrayal of these women and their friendship was how real the author made it seem. These women obviously cared deeply for each other but at the same time they could make biting remarks that they knew would cut into the other. What I mean to say is that the relationships between these women didn’t seem to good to be true as I find with some other novels about women’s friendships. These really seemed like women who have been friends for over thirty years and know each really well – well enough to know that these remarks may hurt but ultimately wouldn’t break the friendship.

As for the women in the novel – well I’m not so sure I really connected with any of them on any level but I appreciated the fierceness with which they protected one another. The story also jumped around a little too much and at times I wasn’t quite sure whether I was in the past or the present or which of the women the story was focusing on. I did like how the author writes about how certain events in our lives often send us in different directions than we may have taken without them. The mystery of what really happened all those years ago really adds a nice touch to this novel and was what kept me reading.

Even with some of the issues I had reading this I think it’s an extremely well written novel with a great premise. While the beginning of the novel had a slow start for me, the last half flew by and I quite enjoyed it. The Four Ms. Bradwells would make an excellent book club choice as there are so many discussion topics within it: mother/daughter relationships, friendships, marriage, children, issues facing women, violence against women, and so much more. I think that a discussion of this novel could be quite lively.

I read The Four Ms. Bradwells by Meg Waite Clayton for her book tour with TLC Book Tours. Make sure to visit all the other tour stops here to see what others thought of the novel. You can find Meg on her website, blog, Facebook and Twitter. You can also purchase your own copy of the book here in the US and here in Canada.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I have one copy of The Four Ms. Bradwells by Meg Waite Clayton to share with my readers. To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment with an email address in order to contact you.
  • For 2 entries follow my blog. If you already do, thank you, and please let me know so I can pass the extra entry on to you.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway to spread the word.

This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, May 14/11. Good luck everyone!

© 2010, Darlene of Peeking Between the Pages. All Rights Reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than Peeking Between the Pages or Darlene’s Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

My copy of The Four Ms. Bradwells by Meg Waite Clayton was received for review from TLC Book Tours and the Publisher.

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Comments

  1. I just won this book over on another site, and I am really excited to get the chance to read it. I loved your review, and I love that you mention that the women's friendships weren't saccharine sweet. It's good to know the author strove for reality. Fantastic review, Dar!

  2. I love books about friendships and long-lasting relationships among women. The fact that these are educated and ambitious women adds to the appeal. I'd love to read this novel. Thanks for the giveaway.

    extra entry – Google follower
    lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com

  5. I am looking forward to reading this book. Please enter me in the contest.
    I follow you on RSS feed and GFC.
    karen.hofmaier[at]gmail[dot]com

  8. Perhaps this could be a book for me. it all depends on my mood, and I would sure have to be in the mood for fiction

  14. This book seems to be getting mixed reviews and I've read others that felt similar to you. Hopefully I'll get it read soon and see what I think for myself. No need to enter me.

  15. I agree with you about reading about friendships between women. Being friends with other women is one of the best things about being a woman. I would love to read this book and enjoyed your review. Please enter me in this giveaway.

    Thank you,

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

  19. The mixed reviews have gotten my interest. I'll have to move it up in the list. No need to enter me.

  22. I'm very interested in reading this book because of the strong female characters, their law school background and the intriguing storyline. Thank you for hosting a giveaway of it. Please include me in it!

    Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com

  31. I felt that way about the book she wrote a couple of years ago…I just didn't connect with the characters. Not sure if I'm willing to read her again, but thanks for your awesome review!

    Please do not enter me in contest.

  34. Great, honest review Dar. I know what you mean about not really connecting with characters but still wanting to keep reading.

  37. Please enter my name in the book giveaway. Thank you!

    pboylecharley(at)hotmail(dot)com

  40. I'm glad that you enjoyed this one in spite of the issues you had with it. I can see it being a great one for discussion!

    Thanks for being a part of the tour.

  43. I totally loved this book! I liked that the friendship between these women were so much more realistic than I usually read about. You wrote a fantastic review!

  44. I'm really becoming a big fan of books that feature well developed characters and relationships. It sounds like a good one. I follow on Google reader/FC, and I've posted your giveaways in the sidebar on Tutu's Two Cents

    tbranco24 AT gmail DOT com

  52. This book is everywhere! I'd love to read it!

    I also follow!

    areallibrarian[at]gmail[dot]com

  56. I am a follower of your blog and would love to win this book.

    hootowl1978 at gmail dot com