Thank you so much to Strong Stories LLC, the author and NetGalley for the eARC!

I sometimes have a hard time with audiobooks, but I loved the author’s narration of this story - although I did listen at 1.5 speed.

The author really had a good handle on the MLM world and appeared to have an understanding of the Mormon lifestyle. There are 3 main characters whose lives are intertwined and the author does a great job of keeping each story line interesting and fast paced.

This was a really good story. As most of us have at least some experience with MLMs, whether you’ve been asked to participate in a “party”, join one or have actually worked with one, this is something most of us can relate to even if it’s just on the surface. I definitely recommend this book, although there are some trigger warnings- DV and SA, but nothing graphic or too detailed. Overall I loved it!

Splendid Little Schemes by Robin Strong follows the lives of three woman effected by a MLM company in various ways. It was a compulsive read, especially if you have ever been preyed through "Hey Hun" cold messages or the false promises of 6 figures if you just invest in XYZ company and get real comfortable hearing the word "no". Though fiction, there is a lot of familiarity in the way these operations work and I would love to meet some OWLs in real life. Humorous, with a bit of heavy relationship challenges (TW: domestic abuse and sexual harassment ) intertwining the three women's lives. You'll root for the underdogs and keep listening/turning the pages to see if they will succeed in their takedown attempt.

Thank you to Netgalley and Victory for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to Strong Stories LLC, the author and NetGalley for the eARC!

I tore through this book in just two days - I was popping my earbuds in to listen any time I had the chance!

It was clear from the onset that the author really knows her stuff; Strong is well-versed in all things MLM and is fluent in Mormon-ese. The reader is immediately immersed in Vicky’s world and will be furious at the blaring injustices before we even meet Anna, who is both the target of Vicky’s scheming and the game changer. Come ready to get angry and then have your heart melt a few times over! This was just the white collar thriller I was looking for. 4.5 stars rounded up for exceeding my expectations of the book’s premise/genre.

Per publisher request:

You can find my review for this book on Goodreads now (linked) or on Instagram @rockingchairreflections on the “mom” Story Highlight — scheduled to post on 10/9 ahead of publication date

A splendid contemporary novel set in suburban Utah. There were no reviews yet, but I’m glad I decided to take a chance on this novel skewering multi-level marketing schemes and devout Mormons, two subjects that need bright lights trained upon them. It’s also about secrets and the lies we tell ourselves. Most important, it’s about female empowerment, and how none of us has to go it alone. The overall tale has a predictable but entertaining storyline and satisfying ending. A fun read with some character growth. The author does a good job narrating it. 3.6 rounded up.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and #NetGalley for early access to #SplendidLittleSchemes for review purposes.

I feel absolutely terrible saying this, and I truly don't think it's the Robin Strong's fault - it's a "me" thing... But I can't stand her narration. I tried to put it aside and finish this anyway, but I kept finding myself completely tuned out because she annoyed me.

I seriously feel SO bad saying this, but pride myself on being honest in these reviews. Especially if I can't get all the way through this; Since I gave it 3+ strong efforts though, I've decided to post my opinions here so the publisher and/or author knows why I'm not rating/reviewing this publicly.