Despite what the title implies, this is not a self-help book. It is a cleverly written novel by one of my favorite authors that describes the healing process of two women, Nichole and Leanne, after their divorces. What makes this duo particularly unique is that Leanne is Nichole's mother in law. The two became such great friends during Nichole's marriage to Jake, Leanne's son, that they have now turned to each other for unconditional support as they work to build their lives once again.
Anyone who has ever read Macomber's books knows that they are filled with great, believable characters--characters you wished you knew in real life. A Girl's Guide is no different. We meet Rocco and Nikolai and Shawntelle, and we are reacquainted with Nichole's sister and family from a previous novel. I love how Macomber brings back beloved characters for a quick glimpse into their lives as she writes new stories. It's like getting all the benefits of a sequel without the story actually being a sequel.
I will admit that I cried at the end of this book. Well...for the last 50 pages or so. This story had a plot twist that I didn't see coming and one that tugged at my heart strings. Leanne's relationship with her ex-husband is a complicated one, as you'd expect when a divorce occurs after 35 years of a marriage, but Macomber creates a situation for them that makes their relationship even more complicated. One that left me crying and praying for a love like theirs, complications and all.
I used to think that one day, after reading all that Debbie Macomber has written, that I would get bored with her stories or her characters. Turns out, as I read each one of her latest novels, I am reminded of why I fell in love with her stories 10 years ago and still run to the bookstore today when a new one is released. It will be a sad day for me, indeed, when she stops writing books. I suppose I will just have to start re-reading them all, one by one.
Happy reading!
-Dodie
