Always the Last to Know

This was a pretty depressing book even though it had a \”happy ending\”: the characters are all quite unlikeable and the mother, Barb, is another bitter, cold, old lady like the one that appeared in Higgins\’ last book. There were hints of the old fun Higgins\’ style story (sort of like Catch of the Day, etc.) which started at about the 75% mark, but to get there it was unremitting misery for every one. And so repetitive. An editor could (and should) have fixed that and it would have cut the word count down considerably. This author used to write fun, light-hearted stories that take place in a small community with likable people. That is no longer the case, she has moved on to more \”real life\” stuff — and it is depressing and without humor. So this is my last Higgins book; her new style (not so new really, but I\’m slow to give up hope, so it has taken 3 or 4 books for me to realize she is definitely set in this new direction) takes itself too seriously and didn\’t leave me either cheered up or having learned something. I wish I could get my time back. Also, I now need to find something to cheer me up from this downer of a read.

Barbara Frost knew that her marriage was over long ago. Ever since the birth of their daughters, an invisible wall has been erected between them. Theyve been existing in the same house but living different lives. But within hours of making up her mind to finally tell John that it\’s over, he suffers a debilitating stroke. What she then discovers about the man she thought she knew will change the course of the lives of each of the Frost women for better or for worse. Even though they grew up in the same family, Juliet and Sadie Frost couldnt be more different. Juliet is truly her mothers daughter. She seems to effortlessly balance her career as a successful architect with her picture-perfect family. But at forty-three, she hides in her closet and is terrified that shell never be good enough. Sadies dream of being an artist was always nurtured by her father. She left her quaint hometown for the big lights of New York City as soon as she was old enough. Now at thirty-two, shes still searching searching for affirmation and for a connection to someone special like one she had so long ago. I can always count on Kristan Higgins to create stories where the characters somehow become a part of me and Always the Last to Know is yet another extraordinary example. She masterfully captures every nuance of love for friends, family and that one-of-a-kind soul deep devotion – in a way that makes my heart ache in the best of ways. Her characters are equally inspiring in both their strength and their fragility. I understood each of them on every level. They made me laugh. They made me cry and they made me proud. But for me, it was Sadie and Noah that really made this book so remarkable for me. What can I say? Im a sucker for wild boys with Heathcliff hair. This is a story for every woman who has ever doubted herself. Remember that you deserve the world and a friend just like Caro

Just plain did not like the characters. The mother\’s obvious preference for the older daughter, and the acceptance by everyone of it, made me crazy. Can\’t stand that part of the plot. Couldn\’t stand that we had cheating everywhere. That\’s ugly. Just a whole lot of unpleasantness. Characters were not particularly likeable and the storyline was ugly

My first Kristan book was The Best Man, her Blue Heron series…I adored her romantic comedies. When she switched to women\’s fiction, I had my doubts, but oh!!!!!! Doubt no more. This book is so good. This novel is full of such richly drawn characters who are so far from perfect yet so utterly real, reading this book was effortless. I never got pulled away from the story to reread sections for clarification. This book taught me that love comes in as many shapes and sizes as people do. Do you ever come to a book with pre-conceived notions about what\’s going to happen, how it will end? I\’m so happy to say this book surprised me. There is a scene in which a character writes a letter to his wife and I\’ve never envied a character more. I WANT A LETTER LIKE THAT. I am now a hard core Women\’s Fiction fan.

Told from multiple perspectives within one family, I would recommend this book for adults of any age. It is a lovely, modern take on love, life and partnerships. Be it friendships or marriage, this books tells a story that I think many would be able to relate with in one way or another. By the end of the book, youll care for all the characters. Your initial opinion of a character at the start will undoubtedly have changed by the end. Very well done. Ive loved Kristans work for a while and this is another great addition to the collection.

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