THE LIFE SHE WANTS
#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr brings together a poignant novel with a rich tapestry of characters. A moving story that will leave the reader laughing and crying, as two friends confront their pasts and move towards their futures.
In the aftermath of her financier husband’s suicide, Emma Shay Compton’s dream life is shattered. Richard Compton stole his clients’ life savings to fund a lavish life in New York City and, although she was never involved in the business, Emma bears the burden of her husband’s crimes. She is left with nothing.
Only one friend stands by her,
#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr brings together a poignant novel with a rich tapestry of characters. A moving story that will leave the reader laughing and crying, as two friends confront their pasts and move towards their futures.
In the aftermath of her financier husband’s suicide, Emma Shay Compton’s dream life is shattered. Richard Compton stole his clients’ life savings to fund a lavish life in New York City and, although she was never involved in the business, Emma bears the burden of her husband’s crimes. She is left with nothing.
Only one friend stands by her, a friend she’s known since high school, who encourages her to come home to Sonoma County. But starting over isn’t easy, and Sonoma is full of unhappy memories, too. And people she’d rather not face, especially Riley Kerrigan.
Riley and Emma were like sisters—until Riley betrayed Emma, ending their friendship. Emma left town, planning to never look back. Now, trying to stand on her own two feet, Emma can’t escape her husband’s reputation and is forced to turn to the last person she thought she’d ever ask for help—her former best friend. It’s an uneasy reunion as both women face the mistakes they’ve made over the years. Only if they find a way to forgive each other—and themselves—can each of them find the life she wants.
- MIRA
- Paperback
- September 2016
- 368 Pages
- 0778319679
Buy the Book
$10.86
About Robyn Carr
Robyn Carr is an award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River and Thunder Point series, as well as highly praised women’s fiction such as Four Friends and What We Find. Robyn and her husband live in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Praise
“A layered, well-paced plot and flawed, three-dimensional characters whom readers will care about make this a quick and entertaining read for those who relish contemporary family sagas with strong female characters as well as readers who like their stories tinged with romance.” —Library Journal
“A satisfying reinvention story that handles painful issues with a light and uplifting touch.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Robyn Carr has done it again…What We Find is complex, inspirational, and well-written. A romance that truly inspires readers as life hits them the hardest.”—San Francisco Review Journal
Discussion Questions
1. In the beginning of the story, Emma is still holding on to a lifelong feud with her former best friend. Would you have held onto that anger over a high-school relationship? Do you understand Emma’s frustration?
2. Emma is innocent, yet people assume she’s guilty based on their own biases. Have you ever found yourself judging someone without really knowing what’s truth and what’s rumor?
3. The one friend to stand by Emma offers her a place to start over. Do you have a friend who would do anything to help you with a fresh start? Could you be that friend for someone else?
4. Emma is forced to give up her entire life and start over completely. Have you ever thought about starting over? What would you change? Is there anything you would do differently?
5. Emma learns a lot about people when cleaning their homes. What do you think someone might learn about you? Does this make you think differently about people in service jobs are treated?
6. Emma learns that fortune doesn’t mean everything. If you had the option to live in New York City with more wealth than you could imagine, or alternatively to live in a small town with a close community, what would you choose? Why?
7. Do you think this book would make a good film? Who would you cast?