A Second Chance for Friendship and Romance in Robyn Carr’s The Life She Wants
Robyn Carr’s The Life She Wants introduces readers to Emma Shay Compton, who is having a pretty good time of things, living a life of wealth and privilege in New York City—until her husband is found guilty of running a massive Ponzi scheme. Among the legal and media hullabaloo, he commits suicide, leaving his unsuspecting widow to cope with the consequences of his actions. Emotionally and financially devastated, Emma goes home to Sonoma County, California in an attempt to rebuild her life.
Emma’s former best friend, Riley Kerrigan, still lives in the area. Riley and Emma drifted apart when Emma left for college, after Riley betrayed her in a way that changed the course of both their lives. However, since then Riley has worked tooth and nail to rebuild her own life, including starting a successful cleaning organization that (hero alert!) employs lots of single mothers.
The Life She Wants
Hardcover $26.99
The Life She Wants
By Robyn Carr
Hardcover $26.99
Riley isn’t exactly thrilled to know that Emma is back in town. The way she sees it, Emma gave up on their friendship even before she made the mistake that drove them apart. Readers will get the sense that Riley is a woman who has worked extremely hard to get to where she is today, and is terrified of letting her guard down, even for a second.
As for Emma, she’s not out for revenge, nor does she hold any grudges. She is focused on rebuilding her life, one step at a time. It seems fitting that she and Riley aren’t exactly squealing with joy when they see each other again. There’s a lot for each of them to process before they can begin to reconnect.
It’s fascinating to see how these two women’s lives have evolved over time, and how their highs and lows have aligned and diverged. When they were young, Riley had a warm, loving family and no money. Emma, on the other hand, came from a financially secure background but was stuck with an indifferent stepmother. Fast forward several years and they are in similar places emotionally, but Riley is now a wealthy businesswoman in her own right, and Emma is straight up broke. She’s not totally despondent, though. Indeed, Emma’s attitude towards her situation is one of the most inspiring parts of the story. Despite how much she has lost, Emma is nothing if not practical when it comes to starting again after hitting rock bottom. She first takes a job at a fast food restaurant, and then takes another job cleaning houses. This would be devastating for a lot of people, but Emma, like Riley, is quite determined to make the best of a difficult situation.
Ah, but now for the romance side of things!
After her return to Sonoma County, Emma reconnects with Riley’s older brother Adam, who always carried a torch for his little sister’s ex-best friend. That old, loving feeling comes back easily when he sees Emma again, and it’s not hard for her to fall for him. He’s sweet, sexy, and they have a positive history. Plus, he’s the kind of guy your mom would want you to bring home. As for Riley, she and a local cop start up a little romance, but it is soon clear that Riley’s heart really belongs to another; someone with whom she shares a complicated past.
The story is deepened by an assortment of complicated but relatable secondary characters, including Riley’s mother, June, whom Emma reaches out to upon her return. June wholeheartedly approves of the woman Emma has become, and any adult who, as a child, loved a friend’s parent will instantly recognize their affectionate relationship.
Carr’s latest might seem like a simple tale of love and friendship, but there is quite a bit beneath the surface. Readers will feel pulled into the story as they watch Riley and Emma come to terms with the choices they’ve made, the lives they’ve led, and the futures they’re pursuing. Add in the amazing backdrop of Sonoma County, and the story’s emphasis on the importance of family, and The Life She Wants makes for a sweet, satisfying read.
The Life She Wants is on B&N bookshelves now.
Riley isn’t exactly thrilled to know that Emma is back in town. The way she sees it, Emma gave up on their friendship even before she made the mistake that drove them apart. Readers will get the sense that Riley is a woman who has worked extremely hard to get to where she is today, and is terrified of letting her guard down, even for a second.
As for Emma, she’s not out for revenge, nor does she hold any grudges. She is focused on rebuilding her life, one step at a time. It seems fitting that she and Riley aren’t exactly squealing with joy when they see each other again. There’s a lot for each of them to process before they can begin to reconnect.
It’s fascinating to see how these two women’s lives have evolved over time, and how their highs and lows have aligned and diverged. When they were young, Riley had a warm, loving family and no money. Emma, on the other hand, came from a financially secure background but was stuck with an indifferent stepmother. Fast forward several years and they are in similar places emotionally, but Riley is now a wealthy businesswoman in her own right, and Emma is straight up broke. She’s not totally despondent, though. Indeed, Emma’s attitude towards her situation is one of the most inspiring parts of the story. Despite how much she has lost, Emma is nothing if not practical when it comes to starting again after hitting rock bottom. She first takes a job at a fast food restaurant, and then takes another job cleaning houses. This would be devastating for a lot of people, but Emma, like Riley, is quite determined to make the best of a difficult situation.
Ah, but now for the romance side of things!
After her return to Sonoma County, Emma reconnects with Riley’s older brother Adam, who always carried a torch for his little sister’s ex-best friend. That old, loving feeling comes back easily when he sees Emma again, and it’s not hard for her to fall for him. He’s sweet, sexy, and they have a positive history. Plus, he’s the kind of guy your mom would want you to bring home. As for Riley, she and a local cop start up a little romance, but it is soon clear that Riley’s heart really belongs to another; someone with whom she shares a complicated past.
The story is deepened by an assortment of complicated but relatable secondary characters, including Riley’s mother, June, whom Emma reaches out to upon her return. June wholeheartedly approves of the woman Emma has become, and any adult who, as a child, loved a friend’s parent will instantly recognize their affectionate relationship.
Carr’s latest might seem like a simple tale of love and friendship, but there is quite a bit beneath the surface. Readers will feel pulled into the story as they watch Riley and Emma come to terms with the choices they’ve made, the lives they’ve led, and the futures they’re pursuing. Add in the amazing backdrop of Sonoma County, and the story’s emphasis on the importance of family, and The Life She Wants makes for a sweet, satisfying read.
The Life She Wants is on B&N bookshelves now.