Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin

Publisher: St. Martin"s Griffin
Publish Date: March 15, 2011
Pages: 400
Format: Trade Paperback
ISBN: 978-0312554170

This story follows Tessa Russo and Valerie Anderson.  Both live in the same Boston suburb although they live in different social circles.  When Valerie’s son, Charlie, badly burns himself at a sleepover, he is rushed to the hospital and left in the care of Dr. Nick Russo, Tessa’s husband. At first, Nick and Valerie’s connection is only about Charlie but they soon grow very close.

Meanwhile, Tessa is struggling with her new role as a stay-at-home mother with her daughter Ruby and son Frankie.  It’s hard to adjust to suburban stay at home life, and Tessa is finding many of the women too obsessed with other people’s lives and appearances.  However, Tessa sometimes finds herself fitting the same mold.

When Nick becomes more distant and absent, Tessa becomes suspicious.  On Thanksgiving, she reads a text on his phone (from Valerie) that seems a little inappropriate but her friends and family try to tell her she’s being ridiculous.  However, after Nick and Valerie sleep together, Nick confesses to Tessa.  She battles with the decision of leaving Nick or forgiving him.  After meeting with Valerie for the first time, she meets with Nick who she hasn't seen in weeks.  Although she knows it is going to be hard, she realizes that she must try and give their relationship a second chance.

My Thoughts
Emily Giffin is back with some familiar characters (Tessa is Dex’s sister from something Borrowed) and a familiar plot of infidelity.  The novel is well written but still doesn't quite live up to her first two novels, Something Borrowed and Something Blue.  Giffin always has an enjoyable take on chicklit and is able to create characters that are emphatic but also flawed and imperfect.  A nice easy read with a thought provoking storyline about good people caught in a difficult situation.

My Rating: «««

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The reviews made here are my personal opinion. I’m not being paid to review any of these books. I am by no means a professional book reviewer or editor.  I do this for the love of books.