The Good Woman by

The Good Woman (A Brennan Sisters Novel, #1)

Is it possible to leave it all behind?

The firstborn of a large Irish-American family, Meg Brennan Roberts is a successful publicist, faithful wife, and doting mother who prides herself on always making the right decisions. But years of being “the good woman” have taken a toll and though her winery career thrives, Meg feels burned out and empty, and more disconnected than ever from her increasingly distant husband. Lonely and disheartened, she attends the London Wine Fair with her boss, ruggedly handsome vintner, Chad Hallahan. It’s here, alone together in an exotic city, far from “real” life, that Chad confesses his long-standing desire for Meg.

Overwhelmed, flattered, and desperately confused, Meg returns home, only to suddenly question every choice she’s ever made, especially that of her marriage. For Meg, something’s got to give, and for once in her life she flees her responsibilities—but with consequences as reckless and irreversible as they are liberating. Now she must decide whether being the person everyone needs is worth losing the woman she was meant to be.

Reviewed by Cocktails and Books on

4 of 5 stars

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3.5 Stars

This story was written with a lot of insight from all of the characters. It introduces readers to the Brennan sisters & takes place in the San Francisco/Sonoma Valley area. The Good Woman focuses on Mary Margaret, the oldest of five. Meg is from a strong, close Irish Catholic family. She's busily raising her family, working, being an attentive daughter & wise big sister--being "good" all the time. We can all imagine that a person can only do that for so long before they wonder, what about me? Meg starts to think, maybe i do deserve more, to be happy.

When Meg does something completely out of character, there are consequences she does not anticipate. Even though Meg makes a poor choice, you can't help but feel for her as she tries to repair the damage that has been done. While I was sympathetic to Meg'a situation, Jane Porter did a great job of making me understand the perspective of Meg's family members & their reactions.

I look forward to keeping track of Meg & learning even more about the other Brennan sisters in Jane's upcoming books.

Highly recommend this one--just grab your Kleenex & some good California wine for the read!

Guest reviewed for Cocktails and Books by Joelle.

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  • 2 September, 2012: Reviewed