I loved The Devil Wears Prada and When Life gives you Lululemons but unfortunately her latest book fell a bit flat and it dragged on to long. I liked the premises, though the endresult was not to my liking. I still appreciate Lauren Weisberger for writing some of the best chicklit‘s. Hopefully, her next novel will suit me better.

Thank you NetGalley / HarperCollins for providing me with this free e-arc.

I have always enjoyed Lauren Weisberger books, and was really looking forward to reading this title.

On a whole, it was an easy and mostly enjoyable read, following the story of two sisters Peyton and Skye and their struggles and experiences in supporting their families, getting older and understanding their own aspirations whilst managing their role as Mum / daughter / wife.

The story was engaging and fairly topical, as a big fan of New York, I always enjoy a book set in this wonderful city. However, the two main characters, Peyton and Skye were fairly unlikable. Peyton, despite her drive and ambition, which are always good things, came across to me as insecure and not very clever. Is it really believable that an informed anchor in the media, having covered University admission fraud then makes a similar mistake without understanding why her actions were wrong and what the possible consequences might be? I don't' think so.

Skye, to me, came across as annoyingly nervous and awkward, I totally understand the social anxiety aspect, but didn't think it was explained well, in a way that endears the character to the reader.

My favourite character was Max, who I thought really epitomised the strength of character it takes to be yourself in a time of 'female clones' and how important it is to find your 'tribe'.

Overall a 3 out of 5; as much as this book wasn't as good a read as other Weisberger titles, I would always pick up her next!

Lauren Weisberger is, and always will be, an auto-read author for me. Instantly I was reminded why when in the opening restaurant scene a wooden stool is provided for designer handbags to be seated on. I love these ridiculous over-the-top satirical glimpses into the world of the rich and famous that provide the basis of her books. But, somehow this one just felt a little different, a little less fun and a little less satirical than normal. At first I thought it was because her characters are usually normal people who temporarily become self-absorbed after getting thrust unexpectedly into a privileged lifestyle before finding themselves again - but that actually is still true of main character Peyton. This one focuses more on family than romance so maybe it's that or that I didn't much care for Skye or the sub-plot involving her. But, then at the end Weisberger confides that she struggled creatively writing a book during a pandemic so maybe it is just a little flatter than her usual trademark style. That said it's still an entertaining read, with an enjoyable storyline (the main one) and two very likeable characters in Peyton and her genuine, quirky daughter, Max.

Where the Grass is Greener is the story of two sisters, Peyton and Skye, and the Ivy League scandal that rocks their family. Having not read any of Weisberger’s novels other than the famously known The Devil Wears Prada I was eagerly anticipating the wittiness, humour and scandal that Where the Grass is Greener promised. I was not disappointed, with a plot twist early on in the book… as well as on the very last page, that I just didn’t see coming!
Overall I thought the conversations and underlying relationships between Peyton, Skye and Max were amusing and enjoyable to read. Some of the text conversations between the three characters certainly made me chuckle. Despite this I often found myself skim reading some of the more descriptive paragraphs, I understand this is probably just a style of writing however I was more interested in getting back to the nitty gritty of the lives of the main characters.
In summary I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend it to family and friends. I could easily see Where the Grass is Greener also becoming a Netflix hit in the future!

Peyton Marcus is married to the love of her life, Isaac. They have a 17 – year – old daughter Mackenzie (Max), who’s becoming a very popular vlogger. She’s just graduated from Milford School and after the holidays she’s to start at the very prestigious Princeton University. Peyton is a very popular and adored morning news anchor, a job that she loves. Everything is perfect in the paradise. Until it isn’t – when Isaac is arrested by the FBI, apparently having made a „charitable“ donation that secured Max’s place at Princeton.
To avoid bigger scandal, Peyton, who has covered such topics in her morning programme, and is now suspended, hides with Max in Paradise, where her younger sister Skye lives, together with her architect husband and adopted daughter Aurora. Skye has her own issues that nobody knows about – due to her desire to set up a residential project for underprivileged girls to attend the great schools in Paradise, her debts are growing. And the scandal with Payton might be the unraveling of her.

For me Lauren Weisberger, no matter how many of her books I read (and I read almost all of them), will stay an author of only one title – sadly. Her last novel, „When Life Gives You Lululemons“, was also brilliant and I was hoping that „Where the Grass is Green“ will live up to the same level. But no. Sadly. It reads like repetition of the magazine headlines and titles, it didn’t feel refreshing. But it’s not all bad, of course not, and while it was perhaps not my favourite book this year, it might be something right for you. It was enjoyable and entertaining family drama set in New York and a wealthy suburb of Paradise.

I think the best character must have been Peyton and Skye’s mother and I truly enjoyed the few scenes with her. She felt authentic and real, because no matter what, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of the sisters being too fake and doing everything for show. Their mother was at least honest, telling things how they really are. Max, well, Max, I have a problem here, because she was so perfect and so understanding that it was simply too much, and while I liked her, and I sympathised with her, I also can’t seem to adore her as many other reviewers do. Sure, it was disheartening to see how her parents didn’t take her own opinions into considerations and she was really talented and she knew what she wants to do, and yes, the parents always want the best for their children, forgetting that the children are almost grown – up, but she was too obvious a victim. Sadly Payton and Skye were forgettable characters, there was nothing special in them to make them outstanding and I’m afraid that there was too much hypocrisy in them, both pretending to be holier than thou. They spend too much time judging and belittling other people and their values. However, the relationship between the sisters was well captured and felt real and genuine. Their banter was quick and straight to the point and this relationship was a bit dysfunctional, but also loving.

I think the author intended to take a satirical look at „how the other half live“ and well, she has managed, as she portrayed the characters, especially the background ones, those from the different committees and charity auction, like in a cracked mirror, not directly laughing at them and their life – style, but doing it in a subtle and between – the – lines style. She is a sharp observer and makes some witty and straight to the point observations that will make you hollow laugh.

So the author has complained that she’s written the book in the times of pandemy, with home – schooling her children and self – isolating. If it’ an excuse, then it’s a poor one, because a) many of us had work to do in the time of the pandemy and it turned out to be a great work and b) I’m sorry, but the book reads like written in the times of pandemy, ie. as if the author really lacked the get up and go for writing it. It’s too flat, too slow and was I the only one who had all the time seen Felicity and Lori? But what I mean, we’ve struggled as well and from this author I was expecting a real beach read that could take me to paradise (pun intended) and I had a feeling I am reading the magazines’ headlines. The writing felt too flat for my liking, half - heartedly. I was actually not sure what the book is expecting from me – shall I sympathise with a mum of a teenager who’s engaged in something illegal to get her kid into an Ivy League school? I was all the time confused, really not knowing what to think. Nevertheless, it IS a readable book, but without the „wow“ effect that I was hoping for.

I will be honest, I never read "The Devil Wears Prada," I just watched the movie. But after reading "Where the Grass is Green," I think I'll go back and read "The Devil Wears Prada!"
I really liked Lauren's style of writing and this story was funny with lots of drama. I was not disappointed.
Thank you to Lauren Weisberger, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I found this book to be witty and enjoyed the twist and drama of the Ivy League scandal, in read Laurens books before and always enjoyed so this did not disappoint, maybe a bit of a slow starter but once it got going I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this.

With Truth, Comes Scandal….
Perfect lives? What lies in wait behind the facade? For facade it is. When the lies kick in, the truth comes out and with truth, comes scandal. Entertaining, dryly witty and escapist reading.

The book centres around family dynamics of women - Peyton, a famous news anchor, her daughter Max and Peyton’s sister Skye, currently an unsatisfied housewife.
Peyton and her husband are exposed in a college admissions scandal and they have to deal with the fallout..
The relationship between the two sisters was very realistic- both successful in their own way, yet envious of the other.
Cons: slow start but soon picks up
Pros: Likeable characters, writing and lots of references to modern culture so it feels very now. A light enjoyable read !

I have always enjoyed reading Lauren Weisberger books and this one was just good enough to add to the collection! Liked the overall story of the Ivy League scandal that was current last year.

Absolutely fantastic read. I have loved this and been completely unable and unwilling to put this one down.
This is a great read which I will be highly recommending.

The Devil Wears Prada author, Lauren Weisberger. I haven't read anything by her since the aforementioned book back in 2000s. I was looking for something to read that would be different from my usuals (which is always one way or another connected to sci-fi) and I was not disappointed. I didn't expect the opening twist and the subsequent twists. l felt like the novel, in general, was easy to read and follow (apart from some very long and detailed descriptions of the interiors tbh). Sometimes, personally, it felt like maybe dialogues and the descriptions and flashbacks could be shorter, but at the same time, I do see how this must be the author's style of delivery. She really knows her stuff. I would definitely recommend Where the Grass is Greener to my friends. I really did enjoy it.

The Book Touches on the college Scandal and also tells the story of 2 sisters who have very different lives
with thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the arc of this book in exchange for this review

This is a character driven novel with no major plot twists. Instead it's a story of family ties, deception and finding your own way. 

The fictional look at the college admissions scandal was really well done. I read about the original scandal where high profile parents were paying for their child to get into prestigious colleges, and I remember the jail sentences that followed. I like how within this novel it shows the impact it had on the child who, in this case at least, had no idea what was going on behind the scenes. 

The characters developed really well and particularly warmed to Peyton a lot more towards the end of the book. The author cleverly manages to make privileged and wealthy families feel relatable. 

It's a light read but does have hidden depths. It encourages the reader to appreciate what they have and to worry less about appearances and to remember we all have our own paths. 

An enjoyable summer read.

It took me a while to get into this book but once I did I enjoyed it, very well written and all the characters were good, some I liked, some I didn't but the storyline was interesting.

Having read The Wives, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed by this book and I most certainly wasn’t. Lauren Weisberger manages to create mystery and tension but at the same time, a real family feel. The characters felt familiar and I really enjoyed the sense of intrigue whilst at the same time, enjoying the relationships between the different family members and the family dynamics. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book and can’t wait for the next book to be released by her.

I’ve read most of Lauren Weisberger’s novels (only have left The singles game) and, although Devil wears Prada and Lululemons still remain my favorites, I found Where the grass is green and the girls are pretty a light and enjoyable read. It takes a fictional look into the college admission’s scandal that came to light a few years back, affecting the lives of all those involved even indirectly (am I the only one that imagines the character’s with Lori and Felicity’s faces?)

Peyton is a successful TV anchor, happily married to Isaac and mother to Max, a 17 yo going to college in a few months. Princeton, no less! Skye, Peyton’s older sister, lives in the suburbs and is focused on the creation of a house for underprivileged girls. When Isaac is arrested, accused of having bribed her daughter’s way into college, all their lives will turn upside down, forcing them to take a deep look into themselves.

Max was my favorite character, hands down. It was so disheartening to see how her parents didn’t take her opinions into consideration while trying to force on her what they thought was best. I know every parent wants what’s best for their children, but some of them seem to forget that their kid’s lives are their own and not a second chance for them to live/do how/what they would have liked.

I had a bit of a hard time warming up to Peyton. I could not understand how she could put her career ahead of everything else, even when it was causing so much pain to her family. As the story progressed you could feel her struggle and her final decision surprised me in a really good way.

Skye’s problem was so relatable cause, honestly, online shopping is the devil’s work!

Weisberger’s writing was witty and fun and made of this look into the lives of the privileged a surprisingly relatable one that I absolutely recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book! The storyline, the characters and the setting were perfect. Like most people I’ve read of the American college scandals and made snap decisions about the parents who were willing to make these choices, but this book made me think about the people behind the headlines. Peyton and Skye’s relationship was lovely and made me long for a sister, I also loved the rest of the relationships in the book. It’s a light enough read, but in no way boring and it moves along quickly, keeping you hooked. I’d definitely recommend this for a summer read. Thanks so much for this arc.

Skye and Peyton. Sisters with totally different lifestyle, different views on life and parenthood. And one lie can change everything.

Not a typical Weisberger's novel, slow paced, with developed characters and with a well known story of college admissions scandal. The world of priviliged, but still human and reader can relate to character's issues.

Good read.

For Lauren Weisberger, the author of The Devil Wears Prada, this is a more underpowered lighter novel but I still found it a entertaining and enjoyable read, a family drama set in New York and in one of its more wealthier suburb of Paradise. On the cusp of becoming 4o years old, Peyton Marcus is married to the love of her life, Isaac, with a quirky 17 year old daughter, Mackenzie, a regular film journal vlogger, who has graduated from exclusive private Milford School, with a place at the prestigious Princeton University. Peyton is a popular morning news anchor, a well paid job that she loves, she appears to be a woman who has everything, the only trouble she is on the never ending treadmill of fighting all signs of ageing, botoxing to the hilt whilst evermore extreme treatments beckon.

Her life begins to unravel when instead of reading the news, she and her family become the news when Isaac is arrested by the FBI as part of a college admissions scandal and faces the prospect of prison, apparently making a 'charitable' donation that secured Max's place at Princeton. In a damage limitation exercise, the suspended Peyton joins Max at Paradise where her more bohemian sister, Skye, lives with architect husband, Gabe, and their beloved 6 year old adopted daughter, Aurora. The chalk and cheese sisters have always supported each other through thick and thin through the years as we learn their backstories, Skye the more academic one, Peyton having the wilder years in her youth, then having to overcome the obstacles she faced in succeeding in the career she wanted. Skye has her own issues, her growing debts, and in her desire to succeed in setting up a residential project for underprivileged Harlem girls to attend the excellent school in Paradise. Peyton's lies are to threaten every relationship that matters to her.

This is not going to be a read that appeals to everyone, there is not the same level of humour to be found in some of Weisberger's other novels, and the focus on the inconsequential and superficial lives of the class of wealthy New Yorkers depicted, exercising their power and privilege for their children, and chasing the latest in vogue trends can certainly grate. Despite this, I found this an engaging and fun read, I liked the character of Max as she develops to become more independent and secures the future she wants. Peyton begins as a woman who has lost her way, hamstrung by her past, lacking self awareness and not recognising what and who is important in her life, and has to learn the hard way to readjust her priorities. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.