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The Glass Wives

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Evie and Nicole Glass share a last name. They also shared a husband.

When a tragic car accident ends the life of Richard Glass, it also upends the lives of Evie and Nicole, and their children. There's no love lost between the widow and the ex. In fact, Evie sees a silver lining in all this heartache—the chance to rid herself of Nicole once and for all. But Evie wasn't counting on her children's bond with their baby half-brother, and she wasn't counting on Nicole's desperate need to hang on to the threads of family, no matter how frayed. Strapped for cash, Evie cautiously agrees to share living expenses—and her home—with Nicole and the baby. But when Evie suspects that Nicole is determined to rearrange more than her kitchen, Evie must decide who she can trust. More than that, she must ask: what makes a family?
The Glass Wives is Amy Sue Nathan's heartfelt debut novel.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published May 7, 2013

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About the author

Amy Sue Nathan

6 books538 followers
Writer of novels, lover of cats, morning coffee, dark chocolate, and bold lipstick. Former vegetarian, occasional crafter, adequate cook, loyal friend, proud mom to two awesome adults.

Website: AmySueNathan.com
Twitter: @AmySueNathan
Facebook: Amy Sue Nathan
Instagram: @AmySueNathan

(Are you sensing a theme, here?)

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5 stars
340 (17%)
4 stars
554 (28%)
3 stars
734 (37%)
2 stars
253 (12%)
1 star
70 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
Profile Image for Judy Collins.
2,855 reviews407 followers
November 28, 2017
The debut novel THE GLASS WIVES by Amy Sue Nathan was nicely done- fresh and contemporary.

The family unit (non-traditional) is the main element of the novel, with Evie Glass as the main character, and finds herself raising her 10 yr-old twins (Sophie and Sam) alone after her ex-husband dies in a tragic accident.

Then comes Richard’s second wife, Nichole who is also raising her toddler son (Luca). The second wife (former mistress) turns to the first wife (oh, you really have to humble yourself to do this) to come together to raise their children. (so much for cutting ties to the second wife…..right?)

I can sympathize with both women as I have been a first, and second wife. (Single is much better). However, these two women have to put their children first and the bond between them. Also, Evie decides this may help her financially as well (as she has no choice). Can Evie trust the woman who had an affair with her husband at one time?

There is new meaning to dysfunctional families – sometimes we do not have to be a traditional family to develop strong bonds and ties. Sometimes friends and outsiders can be more like family than our biological ones.

Amy does a great job demonstrating compassion with these two grieving families while portraying the narrow-mindedness of the not so accepting neighbors. Look forward to reading more from this author!

Check out her upcoming THE GOOD NEIGHBOR, coming Oct 13, 2015! (Love the cover).
Profile Image for Diana.
826 reviews670 followers
June 11, 2013
I'm having trouble deciding how I feel about this book. THE GLASS WIVES is told from the point of view of Evie Glass, who divorced Richard after he had an affair with Nicole. Nicole marries Richard, but becomes his widow after he's killed in an accident. The two women are left to raise his children - Evie has Sophie and Sam, 10-year old twins, and Nicole has an infant boy named Luca.

Both women are struggling financially with loss of support and delays in life insurance benefits. Nicole suggests that she and the baby move in with Evie and the twins. At first Evie is turned off by the idea. She was hoping that Richard's death meant his mistress/widow would be out of their lives for good. But there's no way to make the mortgage payment without extra help - at least until she can find a full-time job, so she agrees.

THE GLASS WIVES is a poignant look at an unlikely group of people forced to redefine family after a life changing event. I enjoyed how the story played out, with some surprising revelations along the way. Evie's character grew as she was compelled to forgive the unforgivable, and learn to trust again.

So what am I struggling with? None of the adult characters in this book were particularly likable, and I had a hard time connecting with them. I think the pacing of the plot was slow because I wasn't always engaged with the characters. I was also disappointed that Nicole's character wasn't fleshed out more. Since she was a huge part of the equation, I wanted to know her better and hear her side of the story.

I could sympathize with Evie more, though I never saw Nicole as the villain. I believe they handled the situation as best they could, in a way that would be best for their children. THE GLASS WIVES was a thought-provoking book, one that made me wonder what I would do in the same situation. 3-stars.

SOURCE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ameena.
74 reviews19 followers
October 28, 2013
This book had great potential but ultimately just didn't hit the mark. Here's why:

* Many of the characters irritated me. This included Evie, whose desire to be a doormat to everyone from her children to her husband's mistress / widow made me want to scream, Nicole, whose cluelessness about everything from her dead husband's ex-wife to her oddly portrayed mother also made me want to scream, and Beth / Laney's formulaic character profiles who - you guessed it - made me want to scream.

* The story dragged on at points, especially towards the end when I found my interest and patience waning and yet I had to read through totally irrelevant details that just prolonged an already too long story.

* The ending was cheesy and not believable. Such a disappointment.

Overall the interesting premise of this story is what kept me reading. But I certainly wished, throughout the story, that Evie would stop being such a slob / lazy / a doormat and get herself together.

Sorry but I wouldn't recommend this one.
95 reviews12 followers
March 25, 2013
I am so lucky to have received an advanced copy of my childhood friend's debut novel! And I was not disappointed!!

Amy describes her characters with loving detail; you understand who they are and what motivates them. Having gone through the loss of a parent at the age of ten, I relate to the emotions of Evie and her children and many of the situations in which they find themselves. I was fascinated by the blending of the families and the resulting modern family she created. Amy handled these difficult topics with sensitivity and tenderness. I cared about her characters and wished I could have been there to offer Evie advice or a shoulder on which to lean or to head off those suburban moms who were giving her a hard time!

So I say "Bravo" Amy! I eagerly await your next novel and I hope you come to my town so I can get my copy signed and give you a hug!
Profile Image for PacaLipstick Gramma.
503 reviews32 followers
August 8, 2013
I received an ARC through a Goodreads Giveaway.

The author created a believable situation that was certainly unique, and probably not so desirable, but in all likelihood, has happened more often than we think.

I did not care for the main character, Evie. She didn't want to lose her home because she didn't have enough money to make mortgage payments, but didn't really actively pursue trying to better her financial situation, or curb her spending habits. She just waited for the insurance money to fall in her lap. I would tend to think that women who are single parents are more driven than that.

Her "friends" and acquaintances were extremely nosy and interfering. I have a hard time believing that most everyone else (in her community) was so concerned about her living situation that they were always offering unsolicited advise. Evie was always being so judgmental of others too.

I liked the premise of the story, but it left me being irritated with the characters because most of them just didn't seem to have a real grasp on reality. Life is work, not very often a walk in the park on a sunny day, every day.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
2,965 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2013
Did not enjoy this book. A good indicator of a good book for me is to fly thru it. This was drudgery. I could not relate to the characters and I felt the main character was somewhat self-righteousness when her friend confessed to her something that happended over 20 years ago. Even though it smoothed itself out, it was painful to read. The plot was thin and not an engaging. It was hard to care for the people in the story. You either have a character that you fall in love with or you love to hate. It was neither.
Profile Image for Therese Walsh.
Author 7 books505 followers
January 30, 2013
An intricate look at one woman's struggles as she works through unexpected loss and new challenges to redefine the concept of 'family.' Culturally rich, believable, and ultimately engrossing.
52 reviews
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January 15, 2024
Not even rating this one. I skimmed the last 70 pages just to get through it. It was childishly written, the main character was totally un-relatable and all over the map. Sad I wasted my time with it.
Profile Image for Shelleyrae at Book'd Out.
2,524 reviews532 followers
May 14, 2013

I've been following Any Sue Nathan's blog, Women’s Fiction Writers for a while, appreciating it's focus on an often maligned genre that I enjoy. When I discovered her debut novel, The Glass Wives, available for review on Netgalley I jumped at the chance to read it.

In the Glass Wives, the unexpected demise of Richard Glass threatens to shatter Evie's hard won, post-divorce equilibrium. While supporting her eleven year old twins, Sophie and Sam, as they mourn the loss of their father, Evie is forced to confront not only her changing circumstance but also Richard's legacy, his widow (once mistress), Nicole, and her infant son, Luca.
Prompted by financial complications, her children's affection for their half sibling and the young widow's neediness, Eve reluctantly invites Nicole and Luca to live with her in a temporary but mutually beneficial arrangement.

Within the framework of this unusual set up, Nathan explores the idea of family and it's changing definition in modern day society. While Evie initially thinks Richard's death frees her from ongoing contact with Nicole, she hadn't considered the bond between her children and their half sibling. It creates an interesting connection between the widow and the ex wife which Nathan dissects with compassion and keen insight into the situation's unique challenges.
Friendship, trust, forgiveness and moving on are other themes explored in The Glass Wives. Evie is forced to reconcile her relationships and her hopes for the future with the baggage of her personal experience.

The characters of The Glass Wives are well drawn and easy to relate to. I greatly admired Evie and her decision to deal with a difficult situation as gracefully as possible. I doubt I could be so generous to my ex husband's mistress, even under such desperate circumstances. I found it hard to develop much sympathy for Nicole, even when her tragic history was revealed. I do think her motivations were a little confusing at times and I never really developed a sense of who she was. Laney and Beth, Evie's best friends, provided much needed levity and warmth through out the book whilst still playing devil's advocate Evie's decisions and opinions.

Well written, The Glass Wives is a thought provoking, enjoyable debut novel exploring the challenges of defining family and love in a time of social change.
Profile Image for Kay.
482 reviews134 followers
May 28, 2013
(3.5/5)

I read The Glass Wives right after reading The Lost Husband, and in some ways I felt it did affect my appreciation of the book. Both books have slightly similar themes, telling the stories of widows grieving and raising their children alone. The mood was incredibly different though : where The Lost Husband had been light and fun and super cute, I found The Glass Wives to be quieter, heavier and more serious. Not in a bad way, just in a different way.

I have to say I found this novel's idea incredibly interesting; what would you do if your ex-husband died, leaving another wife behind? The wife would be easy to forget if one wanted to; but what about other children, linked by blood to your own children? It seems there may be more than one right answer in this situation, but it certainly a question that can lead to some very interesting discussions. Their situation might sound unique, but I found it to be very actual in fact.

Despite the subject, I had a bit of an emotional disconnect to Evie. I felt she was a bit closed off, even though she spent a lot of the time questioning her own actions and motivations. I guess I was surprised that she had very little emotional reaction to her ex-husband's death. On the other hand, they had been divorced three years after his latest affair, and he died leaving her in a financial mess. Her priority was to make ends meet, to be sure that her children were doing good. It made sense.

The relationship between Evie and Nicole was a bit strange, unusual, and definitely awkward, as one could expect. Nicole was a bit weird to me, and I had a very difficult time saying whether her motives were good or bad, or somewhere in between. That kept me reading for sure, but in the end, I found that the author portrayed the whole situation very realistically. Nicole, like Evie, was complex and very well written.

On a side note, I loved how big a presence Evie's friends had in the novel.

The Glass Wives wasn't a perfect fit for me, but I have no hesitation to say that I enjoyed the story and found the ending to be very satisfying. I also have no doubt that readers of women fiction will find the story compelling, and I can see The Glass Wives creating very interesting discussions.
Profile Image for Kricket.
2,294 reviews
Shelved as 'abandoned'
August 11, 2014
i made it a little over the halfway point in this book. then i started to wonder if i had maybe put the same disc in twice, or if it was skipping tracks, because the main character kept obsessing over the same things over and over and over.

the book is about a woman, evie, who has 10 year old twins. three years ago her ex-husband, richard, left her for a younger woman named nicole. richard and nicole have a baby boy named luca. at the beginning of the book, richard has just died in a car accident. evie, while somewhat concerned that her children no longer have a father, is mostly upset about the fact that she will no longer receive child support. which i guess is somewhat understandable, since he left her. but still, you would think that there might be some reflection about the love they used to share or the fact that this person was her husband and fathered her children. nope. it was HOW AM I GOING TO STAY IN MY HOUSE WITHOUT THE ALIMONY?! WHY HASN'T THE INSURANCE COME THROUGH?!

so anyway. she decides to solve her money problem by allowing nicole and luca to move into their house with them. this is actually nicole's idea. she wants to be a family now that richard is dead. this is so weird to me. nicole essentially stole evie's husband. why would she want to be besties with this person? at first evie is all "aww hell no" but then she's like "$$$$$" so in moves nicole. one of evie's friend's, lainey, is all "ummmm are you kidding me with this" and evie's like "nope." lainey keeps coming around and bitching about how crazy evie is to let nicole move in. even though i completely agreed with lainey, it got really boring and repetitive.

maybe i'm cutting and running too early. maybe the second half of the book is super interesting and the characters start acting like human beings. i'm willing to never find out.
Profile Image for Julie Kibler.
Author 4 books1,128 followers
January 28, 2013
I read an early copy of The Glass Wives, provided by the author, and thought it was fabulous.

I love the premise--
A woman's ex-husband dies, leaving not only her children without a father, but his widow and her child without a father, too. Evie Glass would like nothing more than for Nicole and her child to quietly disappear from her life now that Richard Glass is dead, but Nicole has other things in mind. When she proposes moving in with Evie to share expenses and childcare duties and to keep their children from losing contact, Evie surprises herself--and everyone else--by agreeing.

In her debut novel, Nathan handles the story of Evie, Nicole and their children with expertise and ease, allowing the reader to become wrapped up in this very genuine feeling story. I chuckled and cried on more than one occasion as I eavesdropped on the two Glass Wives navigating their grief and their tentative shared lives. While the subplot of Evie exploring a new love interest in the midst of dramatic life changes is intriguing and sweet, the crux of the story is family--what defines it and the lengths mothers will go to for the sake of their children.

I highly recommend this for readers of women's fiction and book clubs. A wonderful debut.
Profile Image for Angela.
503 reviews42 followers
May 10, 2013
3.5 stars,rounded up to 4.

The Glass Wives by Amy Sue Nathan is a story of the restructuring of a family’s life, following the death of Richard Glass, who was husband of one Mrs Glass and ex-husband of another.

In her debut novel, the author looks closely at family relationships, close friendship and what happens if you “step outside the box”. As a result, some unusual and controversial decisions are made by the two main characters, Evie and Nicole, which lead to the breakdown and rebuilding of friendships and family structure. Amy Sue Nathan also delved into the issues of trust and forgiveness throughout the course of the story.

To my surprise, I enjoyed this novel. I am not a great fan of so-called “women’s fiction”, but the author developed the characters with insight and the pace was good. I would be interested to read more by Amy Sue Nathan.

I received this free for review from NetGalley.
Profile Image for Brittney.
Author 23 books349 followers
February 3, 2015
I finished the last page of "The Glass Wives" and had to close my misty eyes -- to hold in a tear and take a quiet second to soak the story into my heart. I just loved this book ... I loved how Amy Sue Nathan fleshed out a story and characters that realigned the version of "a normal family." As a step-mother (and happily part of a "not so normal" family), I related to thoughts, feelings, and situations that BOTH Evie and Nicole battled through.

The Glass Wives is one of my new faves ... and I'm excited for the release of Amy Sue Nathan's second book. I've already added it to my to-read list.


Brittney Joy
Author of YA Red Rock Ranch Series
http://brittneyjoybooks.squarespace.com/
Profile Image for Censie.
47 reviews8 followers
February 2, 2018
I'm having trouble deciding if I love this book or not. I'm happy with the happiness of the storyline but wonder if that is even a possible outcome in real life. I wanted Evie to stand up for herself more often. Overall a good chic lit book that was a fast read.

See my review here ---> http://www.buildingourstory.com/2018/...
Profile Image for Kristi Fleming.
224 reviews30 followers
May 30, 2013
This book was just ok for me. Parts were extremely slow and I didn't really buy into the premise, nor did I like the characters. I did like learning about the Jewish funeral traditions but felt the book was flat.
134 reviews4 followers
July 6, 2014
I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did, but it wasn't your typical (aka boring/repetitive/shallow) "women's fiction" book and I ended up really enjoying it. An interesting collection of characters and I felt the plot moved along quickly, but without leaving you missing anything.
Profile Image for Valarie Kinney.
Author 17 books69 followers
July 25, 2017
Loved the premise, but not the execution. Did not connect with any of the characters at all. There's nothing remotely relatable about any of them. They move through the story making random choices that seem to make no sense. They just all felt like cardboard cutouts. I nearly quit reading but kept thinking something great would happen to save the book. It didn't.
Profile Image for Kim Bruce Daniel.
268 reviews34 followers
August 13, 2017
Really enjoyed this book. Caught me right from the beginning to see how the relationship would be after time.
Profile Image for Margaret.
581 reviews5 followers
December 5, 2014
I had read the summary of the book on the back cover and thought what an innovative plot! Evie Glass, mother of twins, divorced from Richard, who cheated on her with a younger woman finds herself with a dead ex-husband. While she has no more love for the man as a husband, she has to think of the twins he fathered and left behind. The "real" widow, Nicole Glass, thinks that she and Richard's young son are now bound together as FAMILY. Evie wants none of it. Yes, the young son is the half-brother of her twins, but that's as far as it goes as far as she is concerned.

It isn't long before Evie realizes that she will no longer have support checks coming in to help keep her and the twins in the lifestyle they are accustomed to. Her few working hours at a small boutique type shop just brought in extra spending money. It won't be enough to keep the twins in sports, shoes, braces...so when Nicole proposes that she and her son move in with Evie and pay rent, she gnashes her teeth, but tries to give it a try. Nicole just needs to stay out of the way and not get too cozy with the idea of "FAMILY."

The story drags on a bit. First Evie doesn't like Nicole. Then she does. Then she doesn't. Then more money problems arise when Richard's life insurance becomes an issue for not just the twins, but for his younger son as well. Evie's two friends keep giving her advice. Then the two friends argue. Then Evie gets mad at each of her friends--separately. Each friend tries to sway her feelings and actions. It was actually quite childish and I did not like any of the characters.

Evie was rather self-righteous and while she didn't always appreciate her friends' advice, she was constantly seeking them out for opinions. She couldn't seem to think for herself.

The two friends were not the kind of friends I could relate to. They were both manipulative
rather than supportive, with Evie and with each other.

Nicole was the most interesting, but way too many pat and perfectly contrived incidents in her life made me unsympathetic to her. Her life story was told in way that just made the story outcome what the author wanted it to be.

The plot brought up interesting questions. I am sure first wives find themselves in this situation--trying to figure out just what to tell the children, how to keep a relationship with a half-sibling, and how to pick up the financial pieces of life and move forward. I am sure those real wives find themselves making sacrifices, but the character of Evie wanted it all and she wanted it all her way.

What was truly most interesting for me, was the author's own essay that she wrote after the ending where she talks about her own painful and messy divorce. She admits that she took quite a different route when writing the book, but it was very enlightening to read of her own struggle with raising children on her own after a divorce. She really should have written that story instead. I think I would have felt more of a connection.
Profile Image for Katie Kenig.
515 reviews25 followers
December 20, 2015
This book has been on my to-read list on the library website for a while now, and I can't remember why it originally made it onto that list, but I've been trying to work through that (as it has more than 100 on it, and my list here has more than 500 on it, and they only overlap a little - oy vey).

At any rate, I'm not sure what I think about this book. I was, by turns, entertained and annoyed by it. There were often times I had trouble with my suspension of disbelief because the characters were doing things that were just so weird. I can put up with a good degree of that in books, but sometimes, here, it was just over the top.



The Glass wives is the tale of two Mrs. Glass'. The ex, mother of ten year old twins, who was divorced from her philandering husband a few years ago, and the current, mother of his baby and former mistress. We meet them at Mr. Glass' funeral, which is full of all the complexity and angsty-in-law-divorce-ness. The two - widow and ex - now have one another left for family. Throw in a pair of friends/neighbors and somewhat removed by geography family members and you have a full crew of bizarre behaviour.

This book was okay. I found myself scratching my head more often than not and questioning reality through half of it. I found parts of it sad and parts of it life-affirming and most of it just kind of weird. I just... it's been a while since I read this and I still can't really wrap my head around some of the plot points here. People move in together who just shouldn't. Friends get mad at each other over stuff that is ridiculous. People forgive people for things they shouldn't, honestly, and don't for things they should. There's lots of drama and it seems in places like it's trying to drum up some Wisteria Lane type nonsense, but just doesn't do it well enough to slide past me.



I have a hard time writing reviews for books that are this middle-of-the-road for me. It was okay. Just okay. Nothing special either good or bad.
Profile Image for Laurel-Rain.
Author 6 books252 followers
June 27, 2013
When Richard Glass died unexpectedly, he left behind a wife, Nicole, and baby Luca—but he also left an ex-wife Evie and twins Sophie and Sam.

The ex-wife and widow combine their efforts to sit shiva after the death. And Evie thinks that will be the final connection between her and Nicole. After all, Nicole was the last straw that came between Richard and Evie that led to their divorce three years before.

But things don't always work out the way we think, and when Nicole starts showing up on Evie's doorstep and making herself entirely too much a part of Evie's life, she is annoyed. Then, at about the same time as Evie realizes that her finances are a mess, Nicole suggests the two families join forces to help with expenses. In some ways, this makes sense. The life insurance money hasn't come through, and Evie's part-time job is not going to bring in enough. And it will be good for the siblings to stay connected.

But what are Nicole's true motives? Does she have a secret agenda? And if she does, what will happen when it is revealed?

Evie's friends, Laney and Beth, have mixed feelings about Nicole when she moves in. But soon Evie comes to learn of a secret Beth has been keeping. Does her secret somehow explain her apparent connection to Nicole? What astonishing betrayal on Nicole's part will bring a halt to their living arrangements?

While I enjoyed seeing how Evie would figure out how to restart her new life, I didn't like or trust either Nicole or Beth. They each seemed too "good" to be true. And even toward the end, as things started to come out, I still didn't trust either of them. But that's how characters make us feel sometimes...they often remind us of people we've known. Situations that have troubled us. In that sense, "The Glass Wives: A Novel" was a book that engaged me, for the most part, in its ability to resonate with real life issues. There were scenes toward the end that seemed too contrived in their attempt to tie up loose ends "happily." But overall, the story was one I enjoyed. Four stars.
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,317 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2013
By: Amy Sue Nathan
Published By: St Martin's Griffin
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Book Blog For: GMTA
Review:

"The Glass Wives" by Amy Sue Nathan was a different kind of read for me but it was a good contemporary read about relationships and family.

The story as on the back of the cover:

“There’s no love lost between the ex and the widow.” No question this is an understatement. It’s been several years since Nicole Glass had an affair with, then married Evie Glass’s husband, Richard. Yet, after Richard’s death, Evie chooses to see past her animosity—partially for financial reasons but also for the sake of her 10-year-old twins and Nicole’s baby Luca—and invites Nicole to move into her home."

Now, how is this to work ...as you read you will see that his author 'handles this with honesty, humor and empathy.' You will be drawn into it all.. 'from kitchen and food preparation to visits for memorable best friends and family time with Nicole and Evie's children.' This author did a wonderful job at showing the lives of "The Glass Wives" which ended as a blended 'Glass Family.' This novel was definitely one 'from friendship to marriage...to family relationships to motherhood.' I think I understood this novel a little more though reading. This novel wasn't just about there last names but now they say themselves in each other. This was a family not merely by blood but caught up into a situation where it can be friends, neighbor, strangers and in this situation.. ex's that were forced to redefine family after a life changing event.

This one was a thought provoking read that will leave you with some thoughts long after the read. Would I recommend? YES!
Profile Image for Bonnie Schroeder.
Author 3 books9 followers
June 5, 2014
Evie Glass’ world comes apart when her ex-husband Richard dies unexpectedly in a car crash. Suddenly left on her own with her ten-year-old twins, Evie also faces financial hardship because Richard’s support payments will stop. Richard remarried and had a child, Luca, with his newer, younger wife Nicole, who appears hell-bent on creating a relationship with Evie. In a way it makes sense: the twins spent a lot of time with their father and his new wife and have become attached to Nicole, and especially to Luca. When Nicole proposes she move in with Evie and pay rent to help relieve Evie’s financial burdens, it makes an odd sort of sense. But things get complicated: one of Evie’s best friends disapproves, and another friend establishes a bond with Nicole that throws Evie off balance. In addition, Evie learns Nicole is not the bland young thing she assumed. Nicole has an agenda all her own, and when things come to a head, Evie is left feeling betrayed, not only by Nicole but also by one of her friends. As she tries to cope with this turmoil, in addition to having to earn a living again after years of being a part-time worker and full-time mom, Evie feels her life unspooling and at the same time discovers reservoirs of strength within herself that surprise her. The story is interesting, and the characters complex and credible. The middle of the book gets a bit repetitive, and Evie’s reaction to her good friend’s revelation (about an event that took place long ago) doesn’t ring true. But Evie is such a spunky woman, and clearly dedicated to her children, that the reader can’t help but root for her all the way. There are plenty of surprises in this book, and the writing itself is stellar.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
1,372 reviews42 followers
June 17, 2013
http://charlotteswebofbooks.blogspot....

When you think about it, the concept behind The Glass Wives is so unique, really, could YOU imagine inviting the woman who broke up your marriage to live with you after the death of her husband, your ex-husband? Evie's two closest friends Beth and Laney think that she has lost her ever-lovin mind and don't waste any opportunity to let her know it, too. And maybe she has, but I can totally understand that she felt it was really her only option. I can also understand her desire to give her twins whatever they need in order to help heal, but to invite "the other woman" into her home, I just don't know if I could be so generous. There is also a "betrayal" that comes to light with Evie's friend that causes Evie to question the black & white of her life, it is a nice subplot in a story that touches the heart.

Bottom line, The Glass Wives is a very well written novel about two women and one man. Forgiveness, healing, and sacrifice are all themes you will find in this novel. I found myself feeling empathy and compassion for both women and I found myself wanting a "happy ever after" for both women. That is never a bad thing, right?
Profile Image for AngryGreyCat.
1,499 reviews38 followers
May 31, 2013
The Glass Wives by Amy Sue Nathan is about family, infidelity, divorce, and trust. The premise is that a man has died leaving behind an ex-wife and a new wife, who just happened to be the mistress that precipitated the divorce from the first Mrs. Glass. Both women have children and this is what initially forces them to maintain contact and a relationship with each other, even though the first Mrs. Glass would probably rather crawl across broken glass. Their situation is a little contrived but ok. The financial issues of a provider dying drives the story. I don’t really want to say more because it would give away the plot but I will say that this was something I could relate to and it pulled me into the story.

The first Mrs. Glass, Evie, is a very likable, well drawn character and I really feel for her and understand her fears for the financial security of her children, all very realistic. The second Mrs. Glass, Nicole, I didn’t find likable, but that was okay because it gave me someone to root against in the story. I enjoyed the book. It was a very quick read. I wasn’t wholly satisfied with the ending but I feel that it was an ending that seemed to flow naturally from the story.
Profile Image for Literary Mama.
415 reviews45 followers
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October 7, 2013
In The Glass Wives, Nathan's debut novel, Evie Glass finds her ex-husband's new wife, Nicole, on her doorstep with packed bags and an infant son. This second Mrs. Glass has decided that the Glass wives should deal with their husband's sudden death together: share a roof, some finances, and babysitting while the estate settles and the smoke of their lives clears. Evie, mother of twins Sam and Sophie, doesn't like her replacement's low slung jeans, her tattoo, or her size two figure. She doesn't like how Nicole imposes Christmas tinsel and Hallmark sentiment on the household without regard for the twins' Jewish heritage. Yet one thing binds the two women irrevocably: motherhood. Both Glass wives are devoted to their own children and also love each other's, the offspring of their common husband, Richard. "The great equalizer," Nathan writes. "Mothers could unite over spit-up and night terrors or cherub cheeks and teething woes, no matter the situation."

Read Literary Mama's full review of The Glass Wives and our interview with Amy Sue Nathan here: http://www.literarymama.com/profiles/...
Profile Image for Samantha Hoffman.
Author 3 books28 followers
May 20, 2013
The Glass Wives not only has a great title but it has a unique story about two women who were married to the same man – not at the same time, of course – and how one finds herself a widow and the other, Evie, finds herself…well, the ex-wife of a dead man. Now Evie thinks she will be free of this second wife but she has overlooked the bond her children have with their little stepbrother. Through an odd set of circumstances the two women and three children find themselves living together.
Nathan tells this story with wit and charm and has created characters you can relate to, even if you can’t imagine yourself in this odd scenario. But one never knows what life has in store and sometimes the oddest circumstance brings about the biggest reward.
The Glass Wives is about finding friendship and solace in unexpected places and creating family in surprising ways.
This is a lovely debut novel from Amy Sue Nathan. More, please.
Profile Image for Ellen Wiseman.
Author 9 books4,366 followers
November 18, 2013
Within the first few pages of The Glass Wives, I knew I was in the capable hands of a skilled author. Not only does this book have a great title and intriguing premise, but Amy Sue Nathan's characters are beautifully drawn, her story-telling are abilities top notch, and the story is told with wit and charm. I truly admired the main character, Evie, for her bravery, honesty, and compassion, but most of all I loved her determination to follow her heart and make up her own mind. This wonderful, heart-wrenching novel about grief, forgiveness, and family is one I won't soon forget. I can't wait to read what Amy Sure Nathan comes up with next!
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