Review for 'The idea of Him' by Holly Peterson

Publisher: William Morrow  (April 1, 2014)
Category: Contemporary Fiction/ Women’s Fiction
ISBN: 978-0062283108
Tour Date: April/May, 2014
Available in: Print & ebook, 384 Pages

In the fabulous and intrigue-packed new novel from Holly Peterson, the New York Times bestselling author of THE MANNY, THE IDEA OF HIM explores the dangers of falling for the idea of a person, and why facing reality is more liberating than we ever dreamed it could be. For anyone who’s let the fear of being alone keep them from seeing who someone really is, THE IDEA OF HIM is an inspiring, action-packed story of what happens when we embrace our own power and allow the truth to finally set us free.

Allie Crawford has the life she always dreamed of—she's number two at a high-profile P.R. firm; she has two kids she adores; and her husband is a blend of handsome and heroic. Wade is everything she thought a man was supposed to be—he's running a successful newsmagazine and, best of all, he provides the stable yet exciting New York City life Allie believes she needs in order to feel secure and happy. But when Allie finds Wade locked in their laundry room with a stunning blonde in snakeskin sandals, a scandal ensues that flips her life on its head. And when the woman wants to befriend Allie, an old flame calls, and a new guy gets a little too close for comfort, she starts to think her marriage is more of a facade than something real. Maybe she's fallen in love not with Wade—but with the idea of him. Captivating and seductive, told in the whip-smart voice of a woman who is working hard to keep her parenting and career on track, The Idea of Him is a novel of conspiracy, intrigue, and intense passion—and discovering your greatest strength through your deepest fears.

Praise for The Manny: "This is bestsellerland - the manny isn’t one of the popolo minuto. Nope, he’s an about-to-be-millionaire software developer from a neocon background with hot buns and fab abs. Three guesses? A diverting spell in the world of the greedy, The Manny is a genre-bender, sex and shopping and ambition and even a tinge of socialism, and brilliant fun."-Heatseeker Reviews "Peterson offers an amusing take on the mating habits of the Manhattan elite. And while the story holds few surprises, it benefits greatly from an attractive pair of would-be lovers."-Kirkus Review "Phillip's temper tantrums...are surprisingly funny, and a subplot where Jamie chases a trashy but potentially career-making story is strong." - Publishers Weekly "I leapt on The Manny and devoured it in one sitting. It's a riveting portrait of millionaires' life on 'The Grid', full of eye-watering details. And it made me instantly want to hire a male nanny...... for me!—Sophie Kinsella, author of Shopaholic & Baby

“Holly Peterson writes about the rich with acute understanding and a drop-dead eye for detail. The funniest, sexiest ride in the limo lane since The Bonfire of the Vanities.” —Tina Brown, author of The Diana Chronicles


About Holly Peterson: Holly Peterson is the author of the New York Times and international best seller, The Manny. She was a Contributing Editor for Newsweek and editor-at-large for Tina Brown’s Talk magazine. She was also an Emmy Award–winning producer for ABC News for more than a decade, where she cov­ered global politics. Her writing has been published in the New York Times, Newsweek, Talk, the Daily Beast, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and other publications.

Website: www.HollyPeterson.com
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Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/hollypetersonny
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My 5 Star review.

I received the book from the touring host for an honest review.

A fascinating book written from one protagonist view point, Allie Crawford. A young working mother with two small children that struggles with the infidelity of her husband, a tiring boss, a work load that left you breathless at times, and taking screenwriting classes to further her own writing career. Not to mention the issues of bullying at school as she tried to steer her son in the right direction and a little daughter that demand most of her time the moment she was close.

The idea of him is a topic most of us women folk struggles with, me included. From an early age we are so hyped up with finding a man, married said man and live happily ever after that we forget one important thing; me. As a woman you are so wrapped up with the idea of marriage, of belonging, having it all that when your world is shaken you struggle to find yourself in the maze that has become your life. Trying to make sense of it all and what's really your place in the world you are living in.

Allie superbly fitted this description. Loosing her father at a very young age she was looking for a replacement figure that would match the idea she had of her father. When she married Wade she thought he was the perfect match. But early on in the marriage he already showed his real colors and he had an affair with a young thing when she nursed their first born; as the story unfolds you learn more about his indiscretions and how she handled it.

When she met a young blonde woman, Jackie Malone, perfect in every way; who tried to become her friend after she had slept with her husband. Warning her to look closer at what her husband and boss did, and to protect herself; when she followed her advice her life had spin out of control drastically. This added to the plot and soon you were wondering about this woman yourself. What was her intentions? Was she still sleeping with him? Why all the secrets? Leaving Allie and you with many questions and no real answers as more and more things comes to the forefront of this unique story.

Jackie Malone, student, helping her struggling mum had many secrets and in the beginning I couldn't help but frown at her antics, which looked very deceptive and cunning to me. But yet as you learn more about her through Allie's eyes you knew there was more to the story. At the end I really liked her character, her wittiness as she put herself on the line for Allie and her family. Not afraid to do what was right to safe the day.

There were four distinctive men in Allie's life that played a huge role in who she was, what she does and the choices she would make.

Her husband Wade, was a schemer, business man, lover of self, playing the guilt trip to get his way found himself in between two worlds. One the traditional family with all its responsibilities and two a fast paced world that lives within its own rules. Trying to juggle it but making a huge mess of it all as he makes wrong choices every time, his family standing back so that he could be number one.

When Allie met Tommy, a man that attendant the same classes as she, helping her in the assignment they have received, the author just added another layer to the already filled plot. This raised more questions then answers in her life and when he shows his interest in her as a woman she had a few choices to make. This man offered her something that Wade didn't, he was interested in her and in the process helped her to find her own feet.

Her best friend James, a man that knew her the best and longest, and throughout the story she wondered about the fact that she never married her soul mate, her friend and lover. Hoping to maybe get back to him; that is if he would have her. Always there for her in her shambles of a life, guiding her and bringing her head back out of the clouds. Their casual relationship was born from years of long standing friendship, from hardships as they dealt with life, losses and truths. James did not hide the fact that he didn't like Wade but yet supported her unconditionally.

Her boss Marcus, what a character. Demanding, obnoxious full of nonsense that ruled her hours and days without any remorse for her or her young family. Acting like a spoiled brat as he demanded her attention and time to do his own bidding, but yet their relationship was open-minded as she reasoned with him about work related decisions. A relationship that had its ups and downs but yet they could work together as a team since Marcus trusted her.

With supporting characters that were out for only one thing; power and money; in a world where image and 'who you know' means something; you had a whole bunch of action going on as Allie struggles through her daily life, trying to find her feet and doing the right thing for all involved, while dealing with the image she have of men in general. As more twists are added and answers began to pop up; you get lost in her life, her choices and the greed that causes people to make the wrong decisions. All trying to find their own way in a very demanding world.

An excellent book with an unique plot that will keep you busy, leaving you with some thoughts to consider in your own life.