A slightly soapy, fun, domestic drama that is just as gripping as any thriller. Fans of Liane Moriarty will love it.

honestly felt a bit uncomfortable when reading this book (not enough to stop) because it made me feel as though I really was peeping too far into other people’s personal lives.
In a neighborhood in Los Angeles, Anne gets involved in an affair with a younger man. One morning when Frances, who usually drives the car pool, returns to Anne’s house to pick up some school supplies, she accidentally sees something she wishes she hadn’t.
The lives of these four families are laid bare to the reader, although Waxman does it in a humorous way. And the end has a nice twist to it.
I also loved Waxman’s “The Garden of Small Beginnings.”

I enjoyed this book it shows you should never judge people because you have no idea what they are really going through. These characters felt like friends. The story just flowed and was so enjoyable.

3.5

This book was a surprise hit for me! I haven't read Waxman's The Garden of Small Beginnings, so I wasn't familiar with her writing style but I shouldn't have feared. Somehow Waxman is able to weave a hilarious, sarcastic but accurate (at least I think) picture of a stay at home mother in the suburbs. I was sad when I finished this book because by the end, Waxman makes you feel like you live on the block, like these are your friends, your problems. Highly recommend.

I liked the story and the funny situations the characters encountered. It was a humorous and at times honest look at what happened behind the closed doors of our neighbors. I didn’t get out of itvwhat many others who have read it already did though. For that reason I want to give it a reread to see if it was just my state of mind ir if I just didn’t connect with the story as others did.

Families and friends may be a source of support, stability, and comfort. However, when you least expect it, even those who normally have your back can turn on you. In "Other People's Houses," Abbi Waxman peeks into a number of homes located in a Southern California neighborhood and reveals what goes on behind closed doors. Although Frances Bloom and her husband, Michael, seem to be a perfect couple, they have issues. Their fourteen-year-old daughter, Ava, frequently treats her mother like something she wants to scrape off her shoe. In addition, when Michael has one drink too many, he belittles Frances, saying caustically, "You put everyone else first so you don't have to look at your own life."

Another twosome, Sara and Iris, are happily married, but Iris secretly longs for a second child. She is afraid to express her desire to Sara, who believes that their young son is enough for her. In addition, when a beautiful neighbor has an affair a young lover, things become ugly; the gossips have a field day deconstructing the scandal. Why all this turmoil among these well-off residents of Los Angeles? Perhaps the pressure of taking care of a household (sometimes with little or no acknowledgement for one's efforts), nervousness about the physical decline that come with aging, and the burden of trying to keep up with other helicopter parents and their entitled offspring can take their toll.

Waxman is a deft writer who has an eye for detail and insight into domestic dysfunction. She brings her settings and characters to life, and satirizes the hypocrisy of those who pretend to be kind until their fangs emerge. Although the author's tone is bitingly humorous, she also demonstrates compassion for those who struggle to be satisfied with what they have, even though they may secretly want more. To her credit, Waxman's men are as three-dimensional as their female counterparts. Some of the guys cry, get depressed, rant and rave, and ultimately show contrition. Nor are the women perfect examples of grace under pressure. They get annoyed; make mistakes they later regret; and must compromise in order to maintain their equilibrium. "Other People's Houses" is weakened by some clichéd passages, some of which veer too close to melodrama. Still, this seriocomic work of fiction is an engaging and pointed look at the struggles, satisfactions, dreams, and disappointments that make family life both incredibly rewarding and enormously challenging.

This book follows Frances Bloom and the surrounding neighbors and how one neighbor affair ends up affecting them all in one way or another.

I was honestly super excited for this book from Abbi Waxman. I read her first book and really enjoyed it. I knew a little about what to expect going into this book, so when I started listening to it none of it really surprised me.

In this this book Abbi tackles the familiar road map of marriage, children, and neighborhood drama. I found this book funny, and in many parts easy to relate to (minus the obvious parts). I found the audiobook a lot more enjoyable in audio than I did on ebook. I like the narrator and thought she did a wonderful job on it, enough that it made me coming back to it.

I can see why many people were put off by this book. Crude humor and cussing do appear throughout the book, and although these things I do not mind, I can see why people found it a bit shocking after reading her first book. To me, I feel like this is a way for the author to test the water, come out of her comfort zone and explore in which direction she wants to take her writing. The two books are extreme night and day, so while her first book was light and fluffy, Other People’s Houses was definitely stark and uncomfortable. I did find myself laughing most of the time and a lot of stuff can be found relatable.

Where I struggled wasn’t with the cussing as much as the whole book fell a bit short for me. The ending wrapped up, but it left kind of open and in the end, I wasn’t really sure if there was a point in this book. It was definitely entertaining, quick, pallet cleanser, but I guess I was kind of looking for a bit more. It was definitely an okay read and if these are the type of books you enjoy, I do recommend it. It is perfect for adult for the summer if you do not mind a bit of cursing, a bit of cheating and a not enough resolution.

Having long ago discovered that dysfunctional relationships were often a key to my enjoyment of fiction, preferably with a side of dry humor and sarcasm, when I read the description of Other People's Houses I assumed it would be worth a try. When it was later announced as a Book of the Month pick, I was excited to have snagged an early copy.

Early comments I read from other readers, however, seemed to dull my enthusiasm; I wasn't sure whether I would be willing to shuffle around the books I was really looking forward to reading in order to make time for this one. I am happy to report that Other People's Houses was definitely worth the time.

"She took her time, flipping through the racks in her walk-in closet, spinning her shoe tower, and steaming her face to open her pores and maximize the effectiveness of her skin regime. None of that was true: She pulled on the same pair of jeans she’d had on the day before and the hooded sweatshirt she found under them. Look, if they hadn’t wanted to be worn a second day they would have run away, but instead they just laid there overnight, asking for it."

There were a couple of moments when I, a childless introvert who couldn't care less about her neighbor's exploits, felt like the novel might have bogged down just a bit; Waxman rarely allows the pace to linger for long, though, and I found myself surprisingly invested in her characters and their relatable struggles. From marriage, adult friendship, and same sex partnerships to the comedy and challenges that come along with all of these relationships, Waxman entertains.

"Marriage had so little to do with the bedroom, and so much to do with every other room in the house. Conversations around the kitchen table, discussions about toothpaste and toilet paper, decisions about pets and children and car insurance. How you chose to physically please each other was such a small part of it, but it got all the press."

If you are a reader who is offended by foul language, just a heads up that this is not your book; having said that, I love the fact that the novel's characters speak candidly about their relationships and challenges. In spite of its minor flaws, this aspect of the book kept me engaged and it was just what I needed. This would be a great selection for a weekend or vacation read; I promise you'll laugh out loud, likely on several occasions.

I really enjoyed Abbi Waxman's The Garden of Small Beginnings so when I saw that she had another book coming out, I was very excited to read it. Other People's Houses did not disappoint. In this book, Frances is the dependable neighbor who drives carpool, volunteers at the three different schools her children attend, and takes care of anyone and everyone she meets. One day while stopping by her neighbor's home to pick up something one of the carpool children has forgotten, Frances inadvertently witnesses the lady of the house shagging someone in the middle of the living room floor. Someone not her husband. Oh, dear- neighborhood drama.

This book is hilarious and so wryly written, full of sarcastic asides and such an accurate picture of a the life of a stay-at-home/ volunteer mom and wife you will wonder if Waxman has been peeking in your windows. Or maybe it's just me and I've accidentally just given you too much information about myself. Oh, well.

For instance, this tidbit seemed quite on the button:

Marriage had so little to do with the bedroom, and so much to do with every other room in the house.

And this about the problem with school volunteer positions:

Like childbirth, volunteering to organize a school event was way more painful that you expected it to be, but the minute the event was over you forgot how awful it was. It's the only possible explanation for why those lovely but exhausted women of it every year.

If you don't know what she means by that you haven't spent enough time decorating a school gym to look like a tropical getaway or wrangling a dozen of other people's children on a day-long field trip.

Really, this book was wonderful, though I was a tiny bit disappointed in the last little couple of chapters as it felt almost rushed to finish. Something about it didn't quite fit with the rest of the story, but I can let it go for such a fun book. I will give you the warning that the author does not shy away from the use of most swear words and she is particularly fond of the f-word.
Other than that, it was just delightful.

A book that takes place in one of my favorite neighborhoods? Sign me up! I knew this was a book I had to get my hands on after reading the description and I'm happy to say, I was not disappointed.

Waxman paints a vivid picture of the various families on this Larchmont block to a point where I had no trouble at all playing this out in my head as I read (and there are a lot of people to keep track of). When the neighborhood carpool mom, Frances, comes across a scandalous scene on a weekday afternoon she decides to keep mum until shit hits the fan. Not only does the main scandal play out but we also get to peek inside the lives of the other families on the block. The Horton's with the family illness they're shielding their kid from, the Carter-Gilespie's and the tug of war over having another kid, and even the Bloom's (Frances' family) with a various array of growing pains.

Waxman's style is very fun and approachable, making this a great read you can happily breeze through. Be prepared for some hilarious laugh out loud moments (AYSO, anyone?) sprinkled throughout the book!

I was able to attend Waxman's book launch at Chevalier's Books (appropriately situated on Larchmont) which was pretty much attended by the entire neighborhood (Waxman's neighbors). It was a delight to hear her speak about how the book came together and how several of her friends/neighbors inspired the characters (the "real" Frances introduced herself to me, lol). I also learned that some of the characters from her first book (THE GARDEN OF SMALL BEGINNINGS) make a cameo in this book, and some of the characters from this book make a cameo in her upcoming book (which also takes place on Larchmont). Can't wait for the third book but for now, I'll pick up her first and catch up!

Waxman illustrates the age old question when it comes to neighbors: how close is too close? At what point do the problems of your neighbors and friends become your own and impact your own relationships? Other People's Houses takes us inside a tight knit community where secrets are buried...or displaying themselves right in the middle of the living room floor. Frances finds her routine, carpool mom life has taken a sudden dramatic turn when she learns what's hiding behind the closed doors on her street. A read that is both relatable and entertaining, and will be a quick read for any woman who has ever found herself wondering if the grass really is greener on the other side.

Must-read women’s fiction: ‘Flying at Night,’ ‘The Secret to Southern Charm,’ ‘The Family Gathering’ and ‘Other People’s Houses’
It’s time again for some women’s fiction recommendations. What is so wonderful about this genre is there are books that explore every stage of a woman’s life — from finding love, to raising a family, to dealing with aging parents.
And while the books might explore the different challenges we face during our lifetime, the basic core of the books is the same. It’s in our DNA to build, nurture and repair relationships, and this month’s selections do a wonderful job of showcasing that.
Flying at Night by Rebecca L. Brown
What it’s about:
While she was growing up, Piper’s father, Lance “the Silver Eagle” Whitman, became a national hero piloting a plane through an emergency landing. But at home, he was a controlling and overbearing presence in her life, raining emotional and verbal abuse upon the entire family.
It’s no surprise, then, that as an adult, Piper has poured all of her energy into creating a warm and loving home for her own family, while catering to her son Fred’s ever-growing idiosyncrasies.
Then Lance has a heart attack, leaving him with a brain injury—and dependent upon Piper for his care—just before tests confirm Piper’s suspicions that Fred is on the autism spectrum.
A powerful and extraordinary novel, Flying at Night gives voice to Fred, trying to find his place in a world that doesn’t quite understand him; to Lance, who’s lost what made him the man he was, for better and worse; and to Piper, who, while desperately trying to navigate the shifting landscape around her, watches as her son and father start to connect—in the most miraculous ways.
Why you should read this: Truly a spectacular read. The developing bond between grandfather and grandson is exceptionally moving, as is the slow repair of the fractured relationship between father and daughter.
The Secret to Southern Charm by Kristy Woodson Harvey
What it’s about:
Kristy Woodson Harvey returns with the second novel in her beloved Peachtree Bluff series, featuring a trio of sisters and their mother who discover a truth that will change not only the way they see themselves, but also how they fit together as a family.
After finding out her military husband is missing in action, middle sister Sloane’s world crumbles as her worst nightmare comes true. She can barely climb out of bed, much less summon the strength to be the parent her children deserve.
Her mother, Ansley, provides a much-needed respite as she puts her personal life on hold to help Sloane and her grandchildren wade through their new grief-stricken lives. But between caring for her own aging mother, her daughters, and her grandchildren, Ansley’s private worry is that secrets from her past will come to light.
But when Sloane’s sisters, Caroline and Emerson, remind Sloane that no matter what, she promised her husband she would carry on for their young sons, Sloane finds the support and courage she needs to chase her biggest dreams—and face her deepest fears. Taking a cue from her middle daughter, Ansley takes her own leap of faith and realizes that, after all this time, she might finally be able to have it all.
Why you should read this: Looking for a perfect romancey-angsty read? Then look no further. While the story is mainly centered around Sloane, all four women have plenty of romance challenges. Harvey’s exploration of infidelity and the challenges of being a military wife add wonderful layers to an already great read. (See an excerpt from The Secret to Southern Charm on HEA.)
The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr
What it’s about:
Having left the military, Dakota Jones is at a crossroads in his life. With his elder brother and youngest sister happily settled in Sullivan’s Crossing, he shows up hoping to clear his head before moving on to his next adventure. But, like every visitor to the Crossing, he’s immediately drawn to the down-to-earth people and the seemingly simple way of life.
Dakota is unprepared for how quickly things get complicated. As a newcomer, he is on everyone’s radar—especially the single women in town. While he enjoys the attention at first, he’s really only attracted to the one woman who isn’t interested. And spending quality time with his siblings is eye-opening. As he gets to know them, he also gets to know himself and what he truly wants.
When all the Jones siblings gather for a family wedding, the four adults are drawn together for the first time in a way they never were as children. As they struggle to accept each other, warts and all, the true nature and strength of their bond is tested. But all of them come to realize that your family are the people who see you for who you really are and love you anyway. And for Dakota, that truth allows him to find the home and family he’s always wanted.
Why you should read this: For many just seeing the name Robyn Carr is enough of a recommendation. If you need additional reasons, then this story is book three in the Sullivan’s Crossing series about the Jones siblings. We’ve fallen in love with the Jones family while seeing how the challenges they’ve faced — growing up with a schizophrenic father and an enabling mother — have impacted their adult lives, more so than they realized. So it is especially rewarding to see them find love and happiness. (See an excerpt from The Family Gathering on HEA.)
Other People’s Houses by Abbi Waxman
What it’s about:
At any given moment in other people’s houses, you can find…repressed hopes and dreams…moments of unexpected joy…someone making love on the floor to a man who is most definitely not her husband…
*record scratch*
As the longtime local carpool mom, Frances Bloom is sometimes an unwilling witness to her neighbors’ private lives. She knows her cousin is hiding her desire for another baby from her spouse, Bill Horton’s wife is mysteriously missing, and now this…
After the shock of seeing Anne Porter in all her extramarital glory, Frances vows to stay in her own lane. But that’s a notion easier said than done when Anne’s husband throws her out a couple of days later. The repercussions of the affair reverberate through the four carpool families—and Frances finds herself navigating a moral minefield that could make or break a marriage.
Why you should read this: This one is wonderfully sardonic, insightful and humorous — like her interview on HEA. Waxman’s exploration of infidelity shows the impact it can have not only on family but friends, too. Her stay-at-home-mom scenarios are fun and humorous.
Leigh Davis is a former contributor to Heroes and Heartbreakers. When she is not reading, she’s usually outside throwing balls to her insatiable dogs. She loves hearing and talking about great books. You can connect with her on Twitter and Goodreads.

Other People's Houses

Abbi Waxman


Do we ever really know our neighbors? Do you ever think about what goes on behind closed doors on your street? Well, let me tell you, OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES will make you think about it if you haven't before! What a laugh out loud story it is! It's domestic drama at its finest and a story that will stay with the reader for a very long time. Frances is the car pool mom. She drives seven kids from four different houses to school each day. One day she drives back to her neighbor Anne's house to pick up toilet paper rolls that Kate left behind for a school project. When she walks in, she finds Anne on the floor, uh, busy, with a man, who isn't her husband!


OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES is a very realistic story that is filled with the ups and downs of family as well as the good the bad and the ugly of relationships. France's is there for everyone, available when ever they need her and earns the nickname Saint Frances from the snarky soccer moms. Her conversations with herself had me laughing out loud to the point where I was having a hard time breathing. I love when an author can do that to me and it's been a long time since its happened. All of the characters are very real, not perfect but with lots of flaws and secrets. Oh, the secrets!! Hang on tight people, this is one crazy and hysterical roller coaster ride. I'm still trying to get a grip on my emotions.


OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES is the first time I have read a book by Abbi Waxman but it won't be the last. She knows how to pull the reader in with her snark and humor and never lets them go. It's not all laugh out loud moments though. Abbi Waxman also weaves in the seriousness of relationships and how all actions have consequences. I know what you are thinking, do we really need to read about another neighborhood focused on family drama? Yes, yes we do! By the end of the story, you will feel as if you have known these characters for your whole life and you will truly care for them and will be cheering for all of them! They will feel as if they are your best friends. OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES is my favorite book of 2018 so far! I can not wait to read more by Abbi Waxman.

I’m so sad it’s over. These people feel like my friends. Other People’s Houses is the story of a group of neighbors and the things going on in their corner of the world. It’s funny, snarky, a little sad in places but probably a fairly accurate representation of what you might find in your own neighborhood. Loved it!

Do we really know what goes on behind the doors of our neighbors? Francis Bloom learns first hand when she interrupts her neighbor, Anne, having an affair. A forgotten art project leads to her bad timing and will cause a ripple effect on many lives. Francis earned her nickname “St. Francis” for being the reliable neighbor who drives everyone's children to school and she is quick to help in an emergency. After her shocking revelation, she is left to wonder if this is an isolated case or the norm for her friends.

The balance of the neighborhood is then thrown off balance when Anne’s husband finds out about her affair. The neighbors all witness the aftermath of their split and everyone begins to question their own relationships. Can a marriage be repaired after a breach of trust?

Abbi Hoffman’s novel inspects marriage, child-rearing, and mundane tasks with a touch of humor. I loved that she weaved Lily from her book The Garden Of Small Beginnings into the story. Other People’s Houses is a refreshing and honest view of life.

This was one of my March picks for Book of the Month. I absolutely loved it! I was a little leery when I picked it as my pick because my Book of the Month reading buddy had already picked the one that I was going to pick. It had a Big Little Lies feel but not really, and maybe little desperate housewives threw in there.

You meet Frances, her husband Micheal and their children. Anne and Charlie and their son and daughter. Iris and Sara and their son Wyatt. Bill and his son Lucas. You learn pretty quickly that Frances takes care of everyone else instead of herself and tries to make everyone happy.

I love how you see into everyone’s home and it’s just not from Frances’ point-of-view. You have anything and everything in this book. You have alcoholism, marriage, cheating, teenage angst, puberty, and generally everything.

You learn the dynamics of the neighborhood and how everyone has secrets. Each one has a different way of covering them up but their secrets do eventually come out. Everyone has to heal from the fallout or at least compromise.

It comes down to:

Frances wants acceptance.

Iris wants another baby.

Bill wants his wife to come home.

Anne wants her family back.

I completely fell in love with Frances and how she was trying to keep everything together for everyone. I know that feeling and felt that she could be my BFF. I not only could imagine how Frances felt, but I could completely relate to her! I would love to live in the same neighborhood as Frances.

I am a little sad that some storylines did go on undeveloped and left you wondering, but some of the storylines did get checkmarks has the book went that I thought were going to be left out. I am happy that this book made me laugh. I really needed that.

My rating: 4 stars

I requested this novel as all the ratings, I read were positive. I did not expect the foul language and sex scenes. I had trouble with it at the beginning and decided to put it aside and and read it later. I was happy I did this as I enjoyed the book. This was a new author for me and while I will read another book by her, I will be careful. The writing went smoothly and the characters developed. It cover family problems, there were heartbreaking and hilarious scenes. I found the ending satisfactory. I recommend this book

Disclosure: Many thanks to Berkley for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this honest portrayal of real life. I’m on a “neighbourhood book kick” lately, and this really fit in perfectly. Witty, snarky, truthful, and an all around entertaining feel has made for the kind of read I continue to go for. Thank you, Netgalley, for this ARC.

LOVED this book! I mean, who doesn't want a glimpse into their neighbors houses? Such an awesome concept and very well written. The characters were relatable and flawed and I definitely thought of my neighborhood and my carpool when I was growing up (though it wasn't this extensive). The plot was strong and I loved the role the kids played throughout the book. An awesome contemporary fiction read that I highly recommend.

One of those books that takes place in a neighborhood and the reader gets a view into a few of the houses and how this neighborhood works day to day. It is like a family drama but more since you get to see more than just one family in this book. I have read a few of these neighborhood dramas and a few have worked and some have not and this one actually sat in the middle for me.

First, I have to compliment the author or editor by including in the first few pages a page with the breakdown of whose whose in each family. AND then a map of the neighborhood! Yes please, I loved these extra add ons in the beginning.

As far as the families as the stories, it was all just ok with me. I loved the drama that is presented from the beginning with a stepford mom finding another mom having some sexy time with a man that is clearly not her husband. There were also some moments in each family that I laughed or cried or cringed, but overall it was just ok. The family that I loved peeking in on the most was Francis. I could relate with her need for perfection and being the one that her family and friends called and the need to be needed, so I would say when she wasn't involved I didn't love it as much.

Beyond that the writing was the middle of the road. I felt as though the writing could have been taken up a notch. I don't mean to literary fiction, I know this is "women's fiction" or as I am using currently pop fiction. I could tell at times the writing felt clunky and just not refined.

I loved The Garden of Small Beginnings, Abbi Waxman's debut novel. I will look forward to what she does next and see what kind of story she is going to tell.