Leanne and her daughter-in-law Nichole are both starting over, after their respective divorces. Both husbands had been cheaters, and they each finally decided that they deserved better.
The relationship between the women is more like that of a mother and daughter. They move into apartments across the hall from each other, and become a support system to one another. They also make some rules for their new lives. Rules that will help them put the past behind them and move on.
A Girl’s Guide to Moving On was narrated in first person alternating perspectives, so the reader could feel connected to each of the women. Leanne was the most damaged by her experiences, in my opinion, because for most of her thirty-five year marriage to Sean, she knew that her husband was cheating. When she finally gathered up the courage to leave, she was emotionally battered.
Nichole left after first discovering Jake’s infidelities, but even though she hadn’t lived with the knowledge very long, it definitely hit her hard.
How will each of the two women learn to stand on her own two feet? What will their first dating experiences be like for them? Can they stand up to the two men who treated them badly when those very men now show signs of jealousy over their new lives?
I liked how we got to see the women struggling and achieving their goals. Their new friendships with two unique men, Nikolai and Rocco, were interesting, as the men were definitely nothing like their ex-husbands. What conflicts arise that almost derail the lives the women have created?
Characters from another novel, Last One Home, also made an appearance in this book: Nichole’s sisters Karen and Cassie. I enjoyed getting to peek into their lives, too. The connections between them had grown stronger since we last saw them.
A deeply satisfying story of starting over, finding oneself again, and developing confidence kept me rapidly turning pages. 4.5 stars.
SERENDIPITY 
I love Debbie Macomber’s books and this sounds like another great one.
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So do I, Yvonne, and I haven’t read as many of these as I would like. I really want to read more of the Cedar Cove books, as I’m hooked on the Hallmark TV show. Thanks for stopping by.
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I enjoyed the book that preceded this so I’m glad you liked it. It’s on my wish list. One thing I wonder is why she named characters similarly (Nicole, Nikolai).
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Yes, I kept skipping over those two names and then having to backtrack…I thought it was an odd thing to find, too. Thanks for stopping by, Mary.
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I’ve enjoyed many of Debbie Macomber’s books for years. This one sounds very good, as well as the earlier one you mentioned. I’ll have to look for it soon.
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Thanks, Kay, I wasn’t sure I would be drawn into this one, after all my twisty thrillers, but I found myself curling up and letting myself go with the characters.
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I haven’t read a Debbie Macomber book in years. It is interesting to see her tackle women dealing with divorce. I’m so glad that you enjoyed this one. Great review!
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Yes, Carole, I think it’s a different perspective for her, too; usually her divorced people are struggling, and they come into her knitting group to find support. I liked the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law connection.
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I like that line – a deeply satisfying book – this sounds like a very appealing book involving a journey from marriage through divorce and beyond
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Thanks, Cleo, it was a book with just enough conflict to keep me interested, but with a conclusion that left me feeling really good.
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I really want to read this now! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Great review!
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Thanks for stopping by, Annika…I really enjoyed this one.
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She’s an author I keep hearing good things about – and since reading your excellent review, I’m inspired to track this offering down. Thank you!
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Thanks, Sarah, I hadn’t read her books in a while, so I was pleased to find this one fun and engaging.
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