The Wrong Life

A Novel

by Judy Wood

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Pub Date 12 Nov 2023 | Archive Date 6 Mar 2024

ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Proving Press

General Fiction (Adult) | Literary Fiction | Women's Fiction

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Description

On the outside, Samantha has it all: money, looks, opportunity, love. But on the inside, Samantha is different. She can’t stop making bad choices. She’s restless and often reckless. In The Wrong Life, we meet Samantha’s family, friends, doctors, lovers, spouse, and her children, all of whom she enlists for help in her constant search for that one elusive thing—happiness.

When Samantha meets Alice, both their lives have fallen into disarray. They develop strong ties as they help each other through dark times. They are soulmates.

Kelly Anne Johnson loves red lipstick, perfectly manicured nails, and strong men. She and Samantha get along so well as college roommates that after school they move together to NYC. Kelly has a lot to say about relationships.

Jay Anthony Russo meets Samantha in high school. He’s been attracted to Samantha forever and regularly shows up wherever she settles—no matter her relationship status.

When Samantha meets Dennis McKenzie, she believes she has found her true love, her protector, and the right life, the one she’s been searching for all this time. Dennis is a celebrated surgeon who adores Samantha, and although he’s aware of her problems, he’s certain he can fix whatever’s wrong and that they’ll be the perfect couple.

And Samantha feels that way too—for a time—until the fear, doubt, and questions creep back in: Did I choose the wrong life? Is there a right life?

Advance Praise

"In a stunning debut novel, author Judy Wood delves into the intricacies of loneliness and how easily our perception of self can begin to rule over reality. The Wrong Life tells the story of Sam, a young woman who seemingly has it all: She's pretty, successful, and her family loves her. But as the narrative unwinds through a close, introspective writing style, the fragile and complicated nature of Sam's relationship with herself begins to unravel her perfect life. Raw and poignant, this is a must-read novel for those seeking character-driven literary fiction."

—Laura Bush, celebrated First Lady of The United States, published author, avid reader, and founder of the National Book Festival Mrs. Bush encourages Americans and people around the world to celebrate books and the joy of reading.

"Judy Wood has created a very reliable heroine in Samantha McKenzie: one who wonders if her flaws are insurmountable, or if she is forever doomed to fall short-----with her husband, her family, but most importantly, with herself. The Wrong Life invites you inside Sam's head, and you'll find yourself rooting for this complex young wife and mother to find the solid ground she is searching for. I tore through this whole book in a few days' time."

—Jenna Lamia, actress (The Fighter), audiobook narrator (The Help), and a writer/producer for film and television (Good Girls, Resident Alien) At present she is showrunner and executive producer on Netflix's upcoming series The Perfect Couple.

"'And now I sit here under this stupid tree on this stupid bench in this stupid park, wondering for the millionth time what's wrong with me.' In The Wrong Life, Judy Wood explores the sadness at the center of life and a woman's quest to try and work out her pain and find answers. Through honest, gripping prose, skilled descriptions, and characters you'll feel like you've always known, Wood tells a powerful story of discovery and hope."

—Ethan Joella, author of A Little Hope and A Quiet Life.