REVIEW ~ Beatrice Munson

Beatrice Munson by Lorena Bathey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from the author to review.
Age recommendation: Adult
Genre: Adult Contemporary Fiction

Description from Goodreads:  In Vista Heights, the women of the neighborhood have started to look like their homes, varying shades of beige. Lost in this world of suburbia, Marissa Lyons learns her high school nemesis has bought the house right across the street from her. Afraid that her arch enemy, Beatrice Munson, will arrive with Marissa's high school crush as her husband and cause Marissa to relieve the insecurity of high school in her her forties, she decides to face the music and head to Beatrice's house with warm cupcakes. But what Marissa finds is something she never expected. How will Marissa and the rest of the women of San Martino deal with someone like Beatrice Munson, whose defining moment in her life was to get a boob job or go on a trip to Egypt. This story is about friendship, love, learning to look at things differently, and great parties. Step into the world of Vista Heights where you might not only recognize the women, you might be one of them.

My thoughts:  This book is so beautifully written. I was caught up in the story and entranced by the people in this book.

Picture an average neighborhood in the suburbs. Mothers get caught up in the lives of their children, husbands, and homes and put all of their dreams on hold. Life becomes commonplace until an amazing woman moves in across the street and shakes everything up. That is the basis behind this story.

Beatrice Munson has lived her life as she wanted to live it. She comes back to the neighborhood of her growing up years to have the final dream, to become a mother to an adopted child. She is now in her 40's and content with the life she has lived. She breathes vitality into those around her because of her love and zest for life.

Marissa is the first person that her vitality touches. Marissa is a divorcee, stay at home mother. She begins to notice the monotony of the neighborhood and starts to make small changes, the first thing is her wardrobe.

Pretty soon, Beatrice has touched the lives of many of the women of the neighborhood. They begin to dream again and grab life. Their relationships begin to change, not just with each other, but with their families.

Romances come, marriages are strengthened, new friendships are forged. This is a book about hope and love.

I was amazed at how some sensitive life issues were handled. I loved how it was illustrated those others who are living a different life, or whose lifestyle is different are human, with hopes and dreams.

There are some elements of the story that I would say that it takes a mature reader to appreciate this book. There are some issues, like a near date rape that are hard to read, but show the growth of the characters, and the love of caring neighbors and friends.

Overall, a great book.  I received this book to review from the author.  I would love it no matter the source from whence it came.