AS GOOD AS IT GOT
Isabel Sharpe
Avon
ISBN: 978-0-06-114056-3
July 2008
Women's Fiction

Cindy Matterson was happy with her life, that is, until she found the red silk thong beneath the bed linens. Her husband, Kevin, had some "indiscretions" of this type before, but she thought they were in the past after their marital counseling sessions. Each time, Kevin promised it would never happen again. This time, however, he tells Cindy he is "in love" with Patty and wants their marriage to end.

Ann Redding and her husband, Paul, were the typical professional couple. In their forties, Ann felt they had their upcoming retirement well-planned. Then Paul committed suicide and she was fired from her job. Ann found herself moving back into her childhood home with her parents.

Martha is depressed. Five and half weeks ago, Eldon Cresswell, Vermont's state senator, had been stricken with a stroke, which left him in a coma. She and Eldon had been a couple during college. She knew he chose his wife, Bianca, only because she would further his political career. Martha believes she is his only true love.

All three women are invited to spend two weeks at Camp Kinsonu. The camp's brochure advertises that it helps hundreds of women who have lost the men in their lives. Its aim is to help women find "new beginnings" when endings are all they have recently known. None of the women are ecstatic about attending; in fact, none of them think they need to be there. However, all of them are embarking on a journey they will never forget.

This type of novel doesn't appeal to all types of readers. However, it is an honest account of life's circumstances. The author skillfully individualizes each character's story and delivers a few surprises, which prevents this novel from being predictable. It is a wonderful novel of empowerment and strength.

Reviewed By Charlene McConnell
Rating: 4