Review by Booklist Review
Divorced with two kids, Jackie Laurens is facing her fortieth birthday, and she is depressed. Hr friend Anne decides that they should go to Hawaii to celebrate but backs out once they're at the airport. So, Jackie goes solo. She has never done anything like this before and is full of trepidation. The trip turns into a series of firsts, including surfing lessons and sex with Kai, her young, hunky instructor. Jackie realizes it's a cliche, but she can't stop thinking of Kai after she gets home. Over the next few months, she makes several return trips to the island. Even though her friends are no longer supportive of her, Jackie can't let go of Kai--until her daughter is hospitalized while Jackie is away. Riddled with guilt, she breaks off the relationship, but what she thinks is the end is only the beginning of her issues with Kai. Readers of a certain age will find much to empathize with in this amusing, poignant, and compelling story. --Maria Hatton Copyright 2006 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In Porter's second dip into the chick lit pool (after The Frog Prince), Seattle single mom Jackie Laurens begins wondering how important happiness is: divorced with two kids and a thriving decorating business, she assumes she's happy, but can't help feeling like something's missing. When her married friend, Anne, arranges for the two of them to indulge in a Hawaiian getaway in honor of Jackie's 40th birthday, Jackie agrees. Anne backs out at the last second, but Jackie decides to suffer through the vacation solo. Hawaii is gorgeous, but the hotel pool deck groans under the weight of middle-aged men whose coarse chutzpah is only overshadowed by their flabby bellies. Just before she resigns herself to the depressing prospects, she meets Kai, a sexy, tan and much younger surfing instructor. Life doesn't get better, only more complicated as Jackie tries to balance the sultry, sweaty joys of Hawaii and Kai with the obligations of motherhood. Porter's romance roots show in the gratuitous sex scenes and in how easily tears flow from Jackie's eyes, but this book fits the bill as a calorie-free accompaniment for a poolside daiquiri. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
Jackie never imagined turning 40 would be like this-a divorced, single mother working what seems like 'round-the-clock hours, desperate for a break. She also never dreamed of meeting a guy like Kai while on vacation in Hawaii. This young, handsome surf instructor touches her heart, causing unexpected ripples in Jackie's life in Seattle. Jackie's torn between two worlds, until a crushing accident forces her to choose. Porter's (The Frog Prince) introspective look at postdivorce life is balanced by bittersweet humor. Despite a somewhat predictable plot, Porter's thoughtful prose and strong characters make for an entertaining and thought-provoking summer read. Strongly recommended. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Seattle divorce hopes surf lessons will be a solution to her midlife crisis. When they divorced, Jackie Laurens's husband got the vacation house in Palm Springs and a hot young girlfriend. Jackie got the kids and a mega-dose of bitterness. She works as an interior designer, a job that requires her to coddle affluent clients during their outrageous shopping sprees. In her free time, Jackie and her friends gripe about their empty lives and the endless familial obligations that take up so much time. It's a stretch to feel pity for this privileged crew of heavily caffeinated and flawlessly highlighted ladies. As she nears her 40th birthday, Jackie surmises that her existence is shallow and that she is owned by her possessions. The solution to her malaise is decidedly uninspired--on a quest to simplify her life and find true happiness she books a luxurious getaway to Hawaii. Her search leads her to Kai, a surf instructor. This surfer boy leads a life free from guilt and expectations. Kai provides Jackie with a little spiritual guidance and a lot of steamy sex. Jackie is drawn to his live-for-today philosophy. It doesn't hurt that this feel-good guru happens to be smoking-hot and ten years younger. The two lovers carry on a long-distance romance that shocks Jackie's friends and her ex-husband. Despite their disapproval, Jackie continues to see Kai--he makes her feel sexy, young and full of potential, but the impracticalities of the relationship eventually wear Jackie down. She talks a big game about embracing life, but she's pitiful when it comes to putting her words into action. In the hands of Porter (The Frog Prince, not reviewed), the plight of the middle-aged woman is bleak. The book reads like a rough draft of a memoir, lacking polish and nuance. The ruminations of the heroine are monotonous and the ending is as subtle as a Lifetime made-for-TV movie. The premise is that women should know more joy in their lives, but this hollow novel is a joyless chore. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
