“Divorce is like apple pie. It’s the American way of life.”
As expected from a novel categorized as chick lit, The Amicable Divorce was light and humorous. And to my surprise, it offered more than just a good laugh because the plotline was laced with mystery.
Out of nowhere and without sufficient explanation, Vanessa’s husband Brian announces he wants a divorce. As a result, Vanessa is left to figure out where things went wrong with the help of her thrice-divorced sister Beth. When Beth convinces Vanessa that Brian is having an affair, Vanessa is compelled to investigate.
The story flows nicely from chapter to chapter and is told from Vanessa’s POV. Her sarcastic, slightly bumbling personality is funny and paved the way for humorous dialogue. However, as amusing as Vanessa’s inner dialogue is, I found myself skimming those parts at times because I wanted to get back to the plotline. Bradeen certainly knows how to piece together a cozy mystery.
If you’re looking for light-hearted chick lit and a flawed heroine who comes out on top in the end, then this one might be right up your alley.
K. J. Farnham 