Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakthrough (Paperback)

by Isabel Sharpe (Author)
Key Phrases: New York, Lorelei Taylor, Social Club (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Little happens in Kettle, Wis., but when Sharpe, who has written over 20 romance and erotica novels, sends an acquitted murderess to the town days after her sensational New York trial concludes, there's trouble in the offing. Lorelei Taylor, found not guilty of murdering her "publishing magnate" lover, heads to Kettle, home of her late grandmother, to lay low after the trial. As luck would have it, there's a too-good-to-be-true widower/ handyman across the street, but he refuses to be another sex toy for the gorgeous Lorelei. Neighbor Sarah Gilchrist is long accustomed to her beautiful home and ugly marriage, but Lorelei's ballsy New York attitude rubs off on her. Same with dowdy Erin Hall: abused by her husband, Erin is given hope by the arrival of the flamboyant woman she sees as a hero. Although the "surprise" at the end isn't surprising and the loose ends are tied too neatly, this feel-good story won't disappoint women readers looking for a light read. (Feb.)
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Product Description

Welcome to Kettle, Wisconsin, a town where everyone knows nothing bad ever happens.

Enter Lorelei Taylor—notorious, glamorous, and hot off a not-guilty murder verdict that stunned the nation. To the women of Kettle, bad things seem suddenly inevitable . . .

Sarah Gilchrist—A perfect house and garden can't quite make up for a marriage that's a wreck. Sarah is determined to rise above her opinion of Kettle's dreadful newcomer and give her a perfect welcome. But in the face of Lorelei's outrageous provocations, Sarah's control starts to unravel.

Erin Hall—What her husband does to her behind closed doors stays hidden. But Lorelei's acquittal gives Erin hope for the first time. Convinced Lorelei did kill her abusive lover . . . and got away with it, Erin thinks she may have some power after all.

Lorelei Taylor—In Lorelei's eyes, peaceful, heavenly Kettle could not look any more like hell. She vows to shake up the town—smug, priggish Sarah; mousy, downtrodden Erin; and while she's at it, her widowed neighbor, Mike. Except the harder she shakes, the more the shake-up is happening to her.

Sometimes the only thing women on the edge need . . . is a push.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Avon A (February 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061140554
• ISBN-13: 978-0061140556
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #594,638 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-read and a Keeper, February 12, 2007

By	Barbara Daly "an Isabel Sharpe fan" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakthrough is a simply fabulous book. The characters are wonderfully drawn, I feel as if I've visited the setting, Kettle, Wisconsin, and the stories of these three women touch the heart. The surprises in the twists and turns of the story continue right up to the last words. Sharpe's voice is energetic and the writing is flawless. This book gets my highest recommendation.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Breakthrough novel of female empowerment, July 30, 2007

By	Tracy Vest (Northern California) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Accused of electrocuting her abusive and philandering lover, Lorelei Taylor manages to escape prosecution nearly penniless. In need of some down time, she drops her sex kitten former stripper persona and reverts back to her given name, Vivian Harcourt, to relocate to the small Wisconsin town of her deceased grandmother. She has happy memories of Kettle, Wisconsin, unfortunately, the townspeople aren't excited to have someone who they think got away with murder in their midst.

Vivian unwittingly has quite an effect on the town, from Mike the widower she wants to seduce, to the frigid wives like Sarah, who seemingly has the perfect life, but it's a mask of unfulfilled promise. Former childhood playmate, Erin has been a punching bag for her abusive husband, something a fellow victim is able to detect. As she navigates the small mindedness of her adopted small town, Vivian tries valiantly to live up to her image and maintain control her heart, while Mike slowly chips away at her armor.

Sharpe's novel of female empowerment is at times funny, bittersweet, and cathartic, and a lesson in not believing first impressions or gossip. Unfortunately, an abrupt ending and an all too brief epilogue cheats readers of the action surrounding the outcomes of each woman's life.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reading this book was a terrific use of my time!, June 5, 2007

By	Bookaholic "Moongoddess" (Madison, Wi) - See all my reviews

I loved living in this world of women who are young, old and in between and who are not all unrealistically rich and/or ultra skinny and model-beautiful....these woman are very real and very fun. I enjoyed Sharpe's witty, observant, and genuine style. I especially liked the little surprises along the way...a character action or comment or situation I hadn't expected. A previous reviewer made a recommendation I'll second: Get this book for you, but also get copies for your friends. It's a great girlfriend book. Looking forward to Sharpe's next book coming up soon!