Yes, I’m a fan. And yes, I can’t wait for Downton Abbey to come back on, but even if you aren’t, I think you’ll appreciate Wendy Wax’s novel While We Were Watching Downton Abbey that explores what goes on in the lives of some residents of an upscale downtown Atlanta high rise apartment building.
Edward, the British concierge, schedules a Sunday night screening party to introduce season 1 of Downton Abbey to get ready to watch season 2 when it comes on. He wants to foster more of a community bond in the building, and he thinks this is the way to do it. He feels like he practically has to force some people to attend that first week, so he’s not sure it will be a success. But week after week, women keep showing up, and bonds are formed, especially between 3 unlikely residents: Claire, Brooke, and Samantha.
Claire and Brooke first meet when Brooke’s dog’s leash entangles Claire’s legs in the lobby, bringing her down with a dog and a child on top of her. Brooke already feels out of place in the posh apartment that she and her husband moved into shortly before he left her. It’s “accidents” like this that confirm her feelings of unworthiness.
Claire is understanding, because she also knows the pressure of being a single mom, but now her only daughter has moved out to go to college. Claire took her departure as a chance to sell her house in the suburbs, move into town, and pursue her writing full time. She’s given herself a year to write her 3rd novel, but that gift is beginning to feel a bit more like a curse.
Brooke meets Samantha later that week when she decides to check out the building’s gym. She knows she’s out of shape, but decides to try to do something about it, hoping to perhaps drum up some endorphins to counteract the sadness she feels as she tries to carve out a new life for herself. When perfect Samantha gets on the machine next to her, Brooke feels even worse about herself. When she can’t even figure out how to get the elliptical machine started, she ends up in tears.
Samantha seems perfect on the outside, but she knows the truth. Though her rich husband takes good care of her, Samantha knows that he only married her because she and her family were in dire straights. She can’t figure out what he wants from her, she can’t manage to make a decent meal no matter how hard she tries, and her mother-in-law constantly belittles her. Will Samantha let down her guard to let in some friends?
When Claire, Brooke, and Samantha are seated next to each other at the first screening, their friendship is given a nudge. It turns out they all need each other, and each has something to give. They help each other navigate through marital problems, money problems, family trouble, work upsets, and forging new pathways.
I devoured this novel in a couple of days. I love novels that explore the rich relationships of women. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters and was curious to find out how everything would work out for them. In addition, the nods to Downton Abbey made me smile, reminding why I love the show and easing the loss as I await season 4.
The giveaway is closed.
I have great news! One of you can win a copy of While We Were Watching Downton Abbey. Just leave a comment here. If you are a fan of the show, tell me which character you love (or which one you love to hate!). We’ll announce the winner in our April 24 giveaway column.
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riTa says
A fan indeed!
Jenni says
I came late to the Downton Abbey party, but I love it. Sounds like a great read.
karenk says
thanks for the chance to read this wonderful story
Sarah says
Sounds like a great book!
Liz says
I’ve not seen any of Downton Abbey but certainly read about it a lot.
diane says
Definitely a fan. This sounds wonderful.
pearl says
Very interested. Downton is special.
ellie says
Lovely and beautiful giveaway. I have watched Downton each season and find it captivating.
jen says
Love downtown. Can’t wait for the next season.
Linda Kish says
I would love to win a copy of this book.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Bonnie says
I haven’t seen the show, but this book sounds enjoyable.
Jennifer says
You won the book, Bonnie! Please reply to this email with your shipping info.
Leigh says
Will a non Downton Abbey watcher enjoy the book? I’ve read one Wendy Wax book, also set in Atlanta that I enjoyed.
Beth C says
I enjoy Downtown Abbey and would really love to read the book.
pclark(at)netins(dot)net
Bridget O says
I love Downton Abbey! The character I love is the Dowager Countess, mainly for her snarky comments. 🙂
Anita Yancey says
Sounds like a really good story. I would love to read the book. I have only had a chance to watch the show once. Thanks for this chance.
Rainbow says
My husband & I watched D.A. from the very beginning. Sybil of course was very likeable. The wit cracked us up.