Book Review: Otherwise Engaged

 


A twisty, tender and wise look at how secrets can transform the powerful—and sometimes problematic—bond between mothers and daughters, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.


When Shannon gets engaged, her beloved mom, Cindy, is the first person she wants to tell—and the last. Cindy’s engaged, too, and has already hinted at a double wedding. The image of a synchronized bouquet toss with her mom fills Shannon with horror. She’ll keep her engagement a secret until Cindy’s I-dos are done.

Victoria has never been proper enough for her mother, Ava, so she stopped trying. She lives on her own terms and amuses herself by pushing Ava’s buttons. Ava loves but doesn’t understand her stuntwoman daughter. When a movie-set mishap brings Victoria home, Ava longs to finally connect.

Chance brings the four women together at a wedding venue, where a shocking secret comes tumbling out. Twenty-four years ago, desperate teenager Cindy chose wealthy Ava to adopt her baby—then changed her mind at the very last second. The loss rocked Ava’s world, leaving her unable to open her heart to the daughter she did adopt, Victoria. As Shannon and Victoria deal with the fallout from the decisions their mothers made, they wrestle with whether who they are is different than who they might have become.


My Review

Susan weaves an emotional story about the relationship between mothers and daughters. Susan brought me back to her storytelling that I really enjoy from her with this book. 

Shannon, Cindy, Ava, and Victoria may be different but at the same time that are the same in ways. Cindy and Ava both just wanted to love their daughters. This was easy for Cindy with Shannon as she is her daughter. Yet for Ava and Victoria, their relationship was difficult. 

I could understand where Victoria was coming from with her feelings when she learned the truth about her adoption. I am adopted too but I knew this from a young age. I luckily have a great, close and loving relationship with my mom and dad. 

You could say that I did become invested in the lives of these four women. 

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