Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC!

This novel was not at all what I expected. I’ve never read this author before, and her prose is certainly… unique! I liked that it had a lot of voice, but it was also confusing. In the same vein, I liked that there were multiple POVs given, but that was confusing too. However, it was interesting to see the same situation from different angles. Haven’t we all wished to be in someone else’s head and wonder what they’re thinking about something?

Overall, this book was a bit too dense for my taste. I think it’s probably suited to older audiences who have more experience in these kinds of situations. I don’t like novels that take themselves too seriously, and this was one.

A great marriage? Does that exist? This talented author has written a novel with realistic characters who keep the story moving. This would make a great movie. I enjoyed reading about the family and friends in this book of fiction that read like nonfiction, at times. The author kept me guessing...the characters changed throughout the story...they were not static...they came to life on the pages...real people. Thanks Netgalley.

When Dara Willcox of Hillston, North Carolina (just outside Durham/Chapel Hill) and Austin Clarke of London meet at an NYc art opening it’s love at first sight. She’s headed for law school; he’s an architect temporarily working in the city. They quickly decide they are ready for a life together.

However, just after their engagement dinner Austin gets distressing news from London which upsets their plans and Dara cancels the wedding. She won’t tell anyone why, which is surprising, her parents, Lee and Rich have a great marriage and her grandmother Charlotte, married to a late Senator, actually wrote a book about good marriages.

Dara flees to California, then South Carolina to recover while Austin returns to London to face what he must. Ultimately, it’s Dara’s parents and grandmother who take a trip to London….what happens to both families?

I’m not much on romances, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this book, although Lee and Rich seemed a little too good to be true to me, as did Charlotte and her late husband. No wonder Dara was so worried she would suffer by comparison! And it killed me that Dara could just blithely take time off to do what she wanted….um, where do you get the money to support yourself? Where do all of these artists in South Carolina get money? See, I guess I’m just too cynical for romance!

All that said, I still liked the book, especially the line, “Plan B for southerners is always to return home.” That is so true. Love that. So, if you are a romance fan, read this!

Thank you @randomhouse and @netgalley for the eARC of A Great Marriageby @francesemayes in exchange for an honest review!

📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 Dara is descended from a line of great marriages, couples that foster love and honesty that awes and inspires. Naturally, it would seem as though she would follow suit. When she meets handsome Austin in NYC while traveling, it seems as if the stars have aligned in the universe for her to follow in the footsteps of her family. Except right before the wedding, Dara calls it off and her family and friends are left wondering what happened. One secret, one unknown truth, one letter can change our life as we know it in a split second. Frances Mayes writes an absolutely mesmerizing, poetic story full of every human emotion imaginable. A Great Marriage is an artful tale by a master storyteller, a gripping and heartfelt must-read novel.

5/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review is posted on Goodreads and will be on Instagram ahead of the publication date

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to read A Great Marriage by Frances Mayes.

It is always a pleasure to read words written by Ms. Mayes; perfectly chosen poetic words building the most beautiful scenes and descriptions.

I loved this story of Dara and Austen's love, their family and their friends. It's a book I'll be recommending to everyone I know.

A pleasure to read - the writing is lovely and the characters and storyline are compelling. Dara and Austin are perfect for one another - anyone who has seen them together agrees. However, a couple of weeks before their wedding, Austin shares devastating news that shocks Dara. She cancels the wedding and tries to figure out what is next for her while Austin deals with the consequences of his actions.

I was so intrigued by this seemingly simple story of a love that suddenly unravels. Is it possible to recover? What makes a relationship worth fighting for? We get the points of view of several characters throughout the novel which added dynamism and nuance. After the first chapter, once I got a hang of the rhythm of the story and frequently alternating perspectives, I was hooked.

Thank you very much to Random House Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

The Under the Tuscan Sun author's poignant new novel reveals the complexities of love and marriage. Highly recommended!