Marjorie Duryea takes us right into the heart of this story - the protagonists are our best friends, the problems ones we understand well, and the North Shore in New York feels like home. I will be on the lookout for this author - I really like her style. We all have to make trade-offs in this world, give a little here, take a little there. Liz shows us how to do just that - with class and a grateful heart.

3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing a free copy in exchange of an honest interview. I think the blurb describes the story really well. The writing is really good though at first I was a bit confused. The characters well they’re all flawed. I like Fran but idk it was hard to relate to her. Minor spoilers but I’m sorry if a man had that much red flags and was obviously cheating on me well I would straight away leave him. Rocky is so terrible like I want him to suffer. It’s just hard for me to enjoy a story knowing that her husband has been cheating on her since the beginning.

Unfortunately this book just wasn't for me. The writing style didn't appeal to me. Although I liked the story, it felt rushed and incomplete somehow. Oh well...onto the next read.

3.5 rounded up
Good story and characters. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

Marjorie Duryea writes a realistic story of a mismatched couple whose teenage twins are not afraid to tell the truth. Liz is a blues lounge singer (who looks like musical superstar Cher) and her husband, Rocky, is a cop. Liz and Rocky marry when Liz became pregnant--yet they lead individual lives, hiding secrets from each other. Liz pursues her musical career and ponders the possibility that Rocky is having affairs. Their relationship is unusual, but most likely more common than not.

Love, jazz, an unfaithful husband and a crazy mother in law. Great bones for any book! While I was initially drawn in to the whole shore vibe, it was much more about a woman and second chances. A missed opportunity to be a famous jazz singer. It comes to fruition when she has goes to Las Vegas to perform once again.

This short book has a flowing writing style that is easy to read. However, I did find the quick switches between present and past tense a bit confusing. Although the characters feel very real, I did find the story a little bit boring and I was glad that the book was short. The whole book is from one woman’s perspective and her lack of agency, while realistic, does not make for a gripping read.