I thought this was gonna be a funny chick-lit, with new love along the way, but turned out it isn't. It's a bit weird, quite mellow. Reading it was OK. The tone of some parts felt weird to me.

Quick, mindless read. I had trouble relating to the main character but the book was relaxing and a good pick for a couch Saturday.

Izzy is a single mom, jealous of her ex husband's new relationship, and her two best friends, thinking they all have it together. What starts out as a way to cope, writing a personal blog, leads to a web of lies which start to unravel. Told with humor, as well as a familiarity with growing up in an urban neighborhood where close friendships flourished, the author takes us on a fun ride.

High end chic lit; quick read; a few aha moments and some real emotional honesty. Full disclosure to my review: I am biased against plots that involve honest, hardworking people doing something that is fundamentally against their nature, like lying and continuing the lie despite all indications to the contrary that one is digging a deeper hole. And that's pretty much the basis for this entire plot, thus the neutral rating.

The story line wasn't much to write home about. It dragged on at parts, but the writing was good and it was a quick read.

I was completely smitten by Nathan's first book, which, I admit, made me pause before reading this one.

I shouldn't have waited.

Nathan has the ability to create characters with depth, characters with flaws, and characters who readers can't help but love because of their perfect imperfections. And the writing is brilliant - single lines and full paragraphs of universal truths scattered throughout the novel, not only sharing the story of the characters but also allowing the reader to learn the beautiful lessons regarding love and hope and disappointments and expectations along with the fictional characters.

I will not pause when Nathan's next book comes out, and will be recommending this one to many people.

The Good Neighbor by Amy Sue Nathan is a novel about how secrets can cause harm. Elizabeth “Izzy” Lane is thirty-nine and divorced. Her husband, Bruce Silverstein decided he needed to find himself (typical). Izzy and her son, Noah (five years old) have moved back into her family home. She has taken over the mortgage from her parents and they have moved to Margate. The day her husband left, Izzy started a blog called The Bizzy Blog (she did not want to use her real name). Izzy gives advice and tells stories about dating (Izzy is a school guidance counselor during the day). It has become very popular and now her friend, Jade wants Izzy to write for her Pop Philly site. Izzy would write Philly over 40 (even though she is only 39). Izzy agrees to write the column because she needs the money on the condition that she remain anonymous. Bruce has decided to go to California with his girlfriend, Amber. Bruce has lost his job and cannot continue his financial obligations to his son (he is a real gem).

The one thing that Izzy fails to mention is that some of the information in her blog is fiction. She has been writing about dating Mac. Mac is a fictional boyfriend. Will Izzy be able to keep up her lie and who is she going to hurt in the process (you just know that this is not going to end well). I found this to be a mediocre novel. It is okay, but very silly and bland (like food with salt, pepper, and spices). The characters lack depth. The most interesting character is the elderly neighbor, Geraldine. I give The Good Neighbor 3 out of 5 stars (for okay). This novel was lacking in depth and humor. It could have been a funny novel, but it missed the mark.

I received a complimentary copy of The Good Neighbor from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Check out my blog for more information: http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-good-neighbor.html

Talented Amy Sue Nathan returns after her winning debut, The Glass Wives , with her latest contemporary, THE GOOD NEIGHBOR --filled with humor, friendship, and life’s complications.

Izzy Lane is going through a rough patch. She has been dumped by Bruce, her husband, and as a single mom, she decides to move back to Philadelphia, to the home where she grew up after her parents have moved. Along with her five-year-old son, Noah-- she works as a high school counselor, where she is determined to live a normal life.

She has a few friends (Jade and Rachel), to help along the way and support her through her time of need, and the funny elderly neighbor, Mrs. Feldman. Then her ex-husband shows up with his girlfriend. Izzy comes up with a plan and decides to invent a boyfriend of her own. (all ex-wives do this). However, it gets quite complicated to keep up the charade and the lies.

Izzy comes up with this idea of blogging. Her new love interest, with her free nights when her son is asleep, she is in another world online. What she does not expect is how popular her blog will turn out to be. Soon she is the online dating expert. We have a Dear Abbey on our hands.

Of course, her friends want to meet the mysterious Mac, and some think she is a fake. She begins to worry what she has gotten herself into. Then her neighbor gets involved, and she is in a real pickle.

A witty heartwarming story, of secrets, lies, betrayal, friendship -- and the desperate attempts for second chances. As with her first book, Nathan tackles real issues in non-traditional families (been there, so can relate)….she uses contemporary topics and humor mixed in with lots of obstacles along the way, making her books relatable, by women in today’s world.

I liked the idea of the different age groups of women. As I get older, the 80 something crowd fascinates me. In my hi-rise, there are many older single women--they are always lots of fun with some great stories of the past! Mrs. Feldman was my favorite character with some stories of her own - a nice addition!

A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Love the Cover!

JDCMustReadBooks

Couldn't get through this. The story didn't seemed to move anywhere. The writing was bad and the dialogue was awkward.
It's too bad because the cover is really pretty.