The Party, written by Robyn Harding, allows readers to become entranced in one family's drama, and to see firsthand how one single choice can have such dire and far-reaching consequences.

Jeff and Kim Sanders are a successful San Francisco couple. On the outside, they seem to have it all. Great careers, a luxurious lifestyle, a dream home, and two teenage children. When they decide to throw their daughter, Hannah, a simple Sweet Sixteen slumber party, it seems that nothing could go wrong. Five innocent girls relaxing in the basement, sharing in Hannah's joy and helping to celebrate her special milestone. With Jeff and Kim upstairs, surely the girls would not attempt to engage in anything that might be dangerous. Right?

What occurs in the basement that evening is not altogether clear. However, what is crystal clear is that one of the teenage guests suffers a tragic accident, one that renders her both physical and emotional suffering. As a result of this horrible incident, lives begin to become tangled all around. Who, if anyone, was at fault? Were Jeff and Kim ultimately responsible for the actions of the girls, or was there a more insidious reason for the events of the evening? After all, how well did all of these girls really even know each other?

After the shocking events of the evening, it becomes clear that nothing in the Sanders family will ever be the same again. Fingers are pointed left and right, and in the process of uncovering who was ultimately responsible, ugly truths, jealousy, and greed are unearthed. For don't we all know that the most perfect of families are often putting on a show, and that all that glitters is not gold?

I really did enjoy this novel. It sucked me in pretty quickly, and I enjoyed the plot, no-brainer that it was. While I certainly would not say that this is a story that will resonate with you after reading it, it provided a great diversion, and I was sincerely interested to find out how it would all play out. If you enjoy suspense novels or thrillers, I think you would find this novel to be right up your alley.

Oh, and you may think twice about hosting any teen slumber parties in the future.

This book title caught my attention after recently reading The Dinner by Herman Koch. I was also very intrigued by the synopsis and was eager to read and review! This story centers on one fateful night, a girls 16th birthday party, which was planned to be a rather low-key event at her parents home with just a small handful of girl friends invited. The groups of girls come from different times in Hannah's life and as she struggles to fit in with the popular crowd, she has found herself leaving her old faithful girlfriends behind. The new group of "mean girls" decide to bring over alcohol and scripts while inviting boys to crash the party. What happens is the result of many factors, a father that wants his daughter to be happy, girls that want to grow up too soon, kids that want to be popular and parents that will do anything for their children. Friendships and relationships are tested and lessons are learned the hard way. A great read, kept my interest throughout the book. Unfortunately, I felt the ending was a little flat, but it did tie the story up nicely. Great job of the author in portraying teens in a realistic manner.

I totally bought into the Party's "Sweet 16 Party Gone Wrong" premise, but found myself more interested in its impact on Hannah and her friends than the parents. Just when I was ready to throw my hands up at the parents' entitlement and bad decisions, the kids came through with a disturbing, cruel storyline that kept me reading to the very end. 3.5 stars. Full review at DailyWaffle.com.

I have flip-flopped on my thoughts on this read many times. I just wasn't sure how I felt about it and what was holding my thoughts on it hostage.

The synopsis drew me in. I was curious to see what exactly would happen in this book. I wanted to know if I had found a new author to wow me.

Needless to say, I wasn't wowed by this book. I was intrigued. The storyline and events kept me turning the page. It definitely kept my attention as things slowly unfolded about what actually happened that night, what was happening since and the secrets each character were hiding from one another.

The family dynamics in this book were so palpable and realistic. The teenage angst was spot on. Overall, this book was good. It may not be one of my top favorites, but it was definitely worth the read.

The Party was an interesting, twist turning YA novel. It all starts out innocently enough - Hannah is turning 16 and is having some friends over to spend the night to celebrate. But it's not as innocent as it seems, even at first. The four girls invited are two of Hannah's oldest friends and the two most popular girls at school, Ronni who Hannah used to be childhood friends with, and Lauren, the queen bee. Hannah knows this party will seal her fate as popular or unpopular, and she has to make this party a hit. But her mom is an uptight, do-goody typical rich white mom who says no boys, no alcohol, no drugs. So Hannah has gone behind her back and stole some vodka, which she hopes will be enough. Hours later, the party is going just as planned, and more; there's booze, drugs and boys all snuck into the house. Then, a terrible accident happens, leaving Ronni hurt and Hannah covered in Ronni's blood. The novel to follow shows the aftermath of this fateful night. With Ronni's single, poor mom suing Hannah's rich family, Hannah's family begins to unravel. As it turns out, there's a lot going on with Hannah's family that isn't apparent on the surface. I really enjoyed the story, but thought the ending was a bit too rushed !

This is the first book that I've read by Robyn Harding. This was a great story that I think any reader of women's fiction will love.

Wow, this is quite a read. Watching everyone in the story slowly unraveling was both fascinating and depressing. Very well written and very believable.

I was expecting something slightly juicier and slightly more shocking: instead, I got a slightly naughty family that histrionically reacts to everything. The way the teen characters spoke -- both internally and in conversation -- felt far too old and inauthentic.

Pretty addictive story about how one event can turn your life upside down . The ramifications of an accident turn Jeff and Kim's picture perfect life asunder. This is also a good portrayal of what a sixteen year old will do to be part of the in crowd. A good beach read

Just before reading this, I spent way too long slogging through Tangled Vines, and really needed something easier to read. While The Party is steeped in drama and not light or fluffy, it was a much easier read, and for that I am grateful. However, I found the characters and their issues more eye-rolling than compelling. Still, I was entertained enough to finish it.

I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley and Scout Press.  Sadly, time got away from me and I did not read it before it’s release.  My apologies for being late to The Party….
Jeff and Kim Sanders have their issues, but they have a good life.  Money, friends, respect, and two good children.  Hannah, their sweet daughter with good grades, is turning sixteen!  Invitations have been sent- four of her “best friends” for a slumber party.  The girls have been told the rules of the house- no drinking, boys, drugs or porn.  What could go wrong?
The answer to that, is everything.  Rules are broken and extremely bad choices are made that result in a life altering event.  One of our girls’ lives will change forever, each of them will feel the effects.  As the Sanders’ world unravels, secrets come out- no one is innocent.
I am glad that Goodreads labeled this correctly as adult fiction.  The blurb on Netgalley and the writing style often made one think of YA, and that would be a mistake.  I was on the fence about this book.  Like several other books I have read this year, it showcased the worst in teens- how cruel they can be.  Laden with bullying and backstabbing, this book cut me to the quick.  Throughout the novel one question came through my mind- would I want my niece- now 14- to read this?  Even though I trust her to be smart, to make good choices…. the answer is a resounding no.
As an adult, I can respect the nuances in the writing and how each of these characters were exceptionally crafted disasters.  I can love the plot, and watching it unfold.  As someone with a teen in her life, I hate it.  None of those girls- none of them!- showed any real growth throughout the heartbreaking story.  I despised the ending, but could it have ended any other way when there had been no lesson learned?  I guess I just hit on my main issue- there was no lesson learned.  I could sit Jules down and talk about each and every part of that book, but I can’t show her an epiphany- a moment where a character changes for the better.  Now, these characters weren’t all bad- and they did a lot of good things- but I feel like most if not all of the good they ever did was in self interest or pity.  Not because it was right, or they felt empathy.  For me, this is a three star book.     It was good, and I enjoyed it; but it could have been so much more and I was left dissatisfied.
On the adult content scale, this is a doozy.  Mild violence, sexual innuendo and some sexual content, drug use, alcohol, bullying and hate.  I give it an eight because it disturbed me, and I don’t know how it would affect a teen.

The Party is a domestic drama revolving around an incident that occurred the night of a Sweet Sixteen party. The book is told through the prospective of four narrators central to the happenings of the party and drama that ensues afterwards. Taglined as “One invitation. A lifetime of regrets.”; the reader instantly knows that the party is not going to go smoothly, but it’s the human interaction and truth that bubbles to the surface after, that is meant to captivate.

Hannah, the daughter of Kim and Jeff Sanders, is turning sixteen and has recently seen a shift in her popularity at school due to her new boyfriend, Noah. Suddenly Hannah is thrown in to a friendship with the popular girls, Lauren and Ronni, who she would do anything to impress. Hannah has known Ronni since they were little girls, but even as former best friends, she knows she has to shed her good-girl reputation and throw an amazing party to win the girls over. That night things take a tragic turn, when one of the girls is involved in an accident. The events that occur after the incident turn the Sanders’ picture perfect life upside down and reveal secrets along the way that they would prefer had stayed buried.

I picked this book up because of the comparisons drawn between Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies and Herman Koch’s The Dinner, both books I thoroughly enjoyed. The Party sadly fell flat for me. I couldn’t help but hate every single main character. Each time I thought I could pick out a redeeming characteristic in them, something new was revealed and I found myself intensely disliking them once again.

Despite my agitation with the main characters, I did not hate this book! I was hoping for more of a WOW factor or something to keep me on the edge of my seat. While this was lacking, I did find myself speed reading through the second half of the book, wanting to know the outcome of the situation. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a drama to read on the beach this summer. If you’re looking for something with a more psychological thriller or suspense-filled vibe, I would suggest looking elsewhere.

Thanks to Gallery Books & NetGalley for providing me a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

The Party starts with a sweet sixteen party gone wrong and then progresses through the aftermath. I absolutely loved the first half of this book where everything is still mysterious. Since it has been likened to Big Little Lies, I went in thinking it would be more of a mystery than it actually is. It sucked me in and I enjoyed the whole book, but it feels a little uneven in the pacing as well as the seriousness. I love the structure of this book (the shifting perspectives between four of the main characters) and I would definitely read another book by this author, but this one fell a little flat for me.

Families suffer consequences after accident occurs at a Sweet 16 sleepover. Who was at fault? The parents? The party girl? The lax mother of the party girl? The nice girl who just wants to be popular? Who should claim responsibility, and try to make things better?

"The Party: One invitation. A lifetime of regrets."

This one would make for a good book club discussion!

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I liked this book. I found it really intriguing. I liked the psychological aspect and digging into the motives and thoughts behind many of the characters' actions. However, I guess I was just expecting a little different after reading the blurb. I thought it would be more thriller than drama. It wasn't as dark. It didn't have as many twists as I expected and I felt the ending was kind of lackluster.

However, that being said, It is an enjoyable read and it did keep me interested.

Love, love, loved every moment of this page turner! Fans of Lianne Moriarty won't want to miss this one! Un-put-down-able!!

This was a pretty good book. It seemed a bit over the top/not very realistic in some aspects. It also seemed to end very abruptly with all the loose ends tied up in a single sentence each.

The Party by Robyn Harding is a so-so domestic drama.

Jeff and Kim Sanders are throwing a sweet sixteen birthday slumber party for their daughter, Hannah, and four of her friends. Kim has listed the house rules to the girls: no alcohol, no drugs, no boys. They provide food and leave the girls alone in the downstairs family room. Naturally, the girls don't follow the rules, resulting in disaster. One of the girls, drunk, crashes through a glass-topped coffee table and is rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night. While the police investigation cleared the Sanders from culpability in the accident, the mother of the injured girl files a lawsuit asking for three million dollars. The impending lawsuit alienates friends and causes division, as secrets are revealed and nothing is as perfect as it appears.

The narrative is told through four characters: Kim, Jeff, Lisa (the mother of the injured girl), and Hannah. Sure, we learn their secrets, but the secrets are not as shocking as the blurb for the novel implies. They are, actually, pretty standard stuff and can be revealed on both sides of the lawsuit, something that no one seems to be pointing out about the mother of the injured girl. It also seems unlikely that one of the five girls would not break down and tell the truth instead of the half-truths/lies about what happened.

Additionally, this is one of those novels filled with unlikable characters. You may try to find someone to pull for, but you will likely be let down as the few characters that seem to take a stand also don't seem to have a backbone. The ones telling you their side of the story never give you a reason to care. Harding does present the mean girls/high school queen bees social hierarchy effectively, although stereotypically. Sometimes I like a novel where everyone is unreliable and unlikable, but it didn't quite work for me here.

For me, The Party missed the mark. It had potential, but something just never clicked for me. I grew very tired of all the characters and sort of wanted to lecture them to just grow up, adults and kids. I also found it hard to believe that a sixteen year old would want a sleep over party. Sorry, but that seems absurd to me. It also seemed odd that given they were doing this party, that the parents wouldn't be checking on the girls, staying awake all night to make sure they were following the rules. I'll also admit that I didn't like the ending.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of the publisher/author.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2017/06/the-party.html
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2026640420

Thank You to Gallery, Threshold, and Pocket Books for providing me with an advance copy of Robyn Harding's novel, The Party, in exchange for an honest review.

PLOT - Kim and Jeff Sanders are doing everything possible to raise their children right. Despite their Silicon Valley wealth, they throw a simple sleepover for their daughter Hannah's Sweet Sixteen. Hannah has invited over a few friends and the girls are going to have pizza and watch PG-13 movies in the basement. Hannah's parents have been very clear with the rules = No drinking, no drugs, and no boys. 

Hannah's parents trust the girls and go to bed. They are awoken in the middle of the night to learn that one of the teenagers in their care has fallen through a glass coffee table, and is seriously hurt. This accident will change the Sander's family forever.

LIKE- The Party is a page-turner. Harding does a fabulous job at teasing out information that kept me turning the page. For example, early in the story we learn that Jeff's younger colleague has turned him on to microdosing LSD, a new trend in Silicon Valley that is supposed to foster alertness and creativity. This is something that Jeff has done a handful of times and although he does not have a drug problem and this has nothing to do with the accident that occurred at the birthday party, this decision will continue to haunt him. The Party is filled with little decisions, seemingly innocuous decisions, that will have a negative impact. It's about the fine line between perceptions and the truth. It will make you consider your own decisions. It's quite maddening!

Harding's characters are rich and memorable. A large chunk of The Party deals with popularity and bullying, both with teenagers and adults. It's cynical, but also rings true. A theme of The Party is kindness, which seems to be in short supply with many of the characters. 

The Party is reminiscent of one of my favorite films, American Beauty, with regard to tone and themes.

DISLIKE- I'm torn about the ending. Although I felt it was a realistic scenario, it didn't sit well that an accident turned into a punishment/reward scenario. The very last scene was a shock. It made me want to shake the character involved. Was nothing learned? 

RECOMMEND- Yes! The Party is fast-paced and thought-provoking. This is my first time reading Harding and I will definitely check-out her other novels.

The Party by Robyn Harding is a read that will have you riveted from page one. Hannah is turning 16 and invites a few friends over to help her celebrate. After her parents go to bed and leave the girls unsupervised trouble starts. The girls engage in drinking, drug use, and other events. As a result of their behavior one girl ends up seriously injured and in the hospital. Hannah and her family deal with the repercussions of their behavior on that night as well as how they are viewed by the community and their peers. This book delves into the life-long consequences resulting from one night of bad decision making. Read and enjoy!