I lived in Wellington, Florida for 3 years and that is a small suburb of West Palm Beach. I can say this book is an funny but accurate description of the women of Palm Beach. So fun to read a book about where I spent some of my time as a wife.

I really enjoyed this story about a very strong character named Faith. She came from nothing, she got more than she ever wanted and then she lost it all and had to dig herself out.

Faith is used to a life filled with fancy parties and designer clothes. She has several vacation homes and a very wealthy husband. But she doesn’t take it for granted and she doesn’t need it either.
One day her husband says he’s lost everything. Everything to the tune of 30 million dollars.
Does Faith leave him? Does she have an emotional break done. No, she does not.
When her husband then proceeds to completely drop the ball and leave Faith with the reins, she jumps in and takes over.

I like a book with a strong female character. I also appreciate a book with likable characters. I liked Faith a lot. She’s incredibly strong. Even when confronted with the repercussions of her own scandal, she holds it together. And frankly, after everything her husband has done, I don’t think Faith’s scandal even compares.

Then we can add in a few fun details that appeal to me personally. Faith owns a an upscale resale boutique. Each item sold comes with its own story, written by her daughter and inspired by a classic literary tale. Could I afford to buy anything in this store if it was real? Of course not. But I’d want to browse anyway.

My only complaint was actually the last couple pages of the book. The end felt too sudden and somewhat unclear. Is this to have a sequel?

I think this would make a fantastic book to put in your beach bag or even to tear through on a long weekend.

I received an early edition ebook of this through NetGalley. Thank you!

I love a book that talks about and I incorporates shopping! As far as detail into couture level/high end shopping this was a treat! The rest of the book didn’t fair as quite as well, unfortunately. The plot was a bit far fetched? Sometimes less is more. There was a great story hidden in the book which often got lost in “too much going on” and implausibility. Ultimately, the ending of the book is dismal. Watching a heroine change and overcome only to be slapped in the face at the end is disappointing. I was ultimately left with a “huh?” Moment. This could be a great book, but veers off the mark.

They are pretentious, with egos bigger than life and they are the Palm Beach wives, but we're only interested in one Palm Beach wife and her name is Faith. Just given the news by Edward, her husband, she has learned they are now $30,000,000 poorer, or should I say in debt, as all the personal wealth is no longer. Making some rather bad investments, he now has to see if he is able to recover all (or any) of his money. Her days of high society are numbered.

With high end names that could just about sink a yacht, we read on. We have Manolo Blahnik shoes, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, the list goes on and on. Room-like closets filled with names some can't even pronounce. But Faith has to keep her equilibrium, because in Palm Beach everyone knows your business, discusses and dissects your business...you have to be careful and play it well. As the owner of Vintage Tales, a consignment shop where upscale goods sell in the thousands to women of her class, she hears the gossip, just hoping she is not the one to be gossiped about! But can her husband recoup his loss, will they be able to stay in Palm Beach, more importantly, at least to Faith, will she avoid both gossip and scandal? Will she stay strong or collapse under the pressure?

I totally enjoyed this story, I felt the author with her excellent writing skills, set the scene in a manner that fits the style of what we, the ordinary people, think of as Palm Beach. Yes, there are charity events, balls and galas, ah the lifestyle of the rich and "famous". For a while, the reader steps into another world. In my mind, this was sort of set as a spoof and not to be taken seriously. It was a light read, to be sure an enjoyable one.

A Palm Beach aside by author Susannah Marren is a fun read. Big little lies slash suspense. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a light hearted read.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of The Palm Beach Wife in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 47%

It's hard when I don't like a book and am obligated to leave a review (in this case receiving an ARC in exchange for a review) b/c who am I to criticize the hard work an author has put into their novel? Unfortunately I didn't connect with this book at all. I found it boring. It's full of lists of expensive items -- "On the Intracoastal, mini whitecaps become waves as a Viking 60, a Fleming 65, and a Nordic Tugs 44 cruise along." I wasn't interested in any of the characters either.

I guess I was hoping for more of a Crazy Rich Asians feel. Another book about obscene wealth but with fascinating characters.

Love the cover though.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.