She Makes It Look Easy by Marybeth Whalen

Published 2011

Ariel Baxter has just moved into the neighborhood of her dreams. The chaos of domestic life and the loneliness of motherhood, however, moved with her. Then she meets her neighbor, Justine Miller. Justine ushers Ariel into a world of clutter-free houses, fresh-baked bread, homemade crafts, neighborhood playdates, and organization techniques designed to make marriage better and parenting manageable.

Soon Ariel realizes there is hope for peace, friendship, and clean kitchen counters. But when rumors start to circulate about Justine’s real home life, Ariel must choose whether to believe the best about the friend she admires or consider the possibility that “perfection” isn’t always what it seems to be.

A novel for every woman who has looked at another woman’s life and said, “I want what she has,” She Makes It Look Easy reminds us of the danger of pedestals and the beauty of authentic friendship. (Goodreads)

Review:  4 Stars

Loved this book from the moment I picked it up. I found myself in Ariel. A woman stuck in a routine. She loves her family, but is always looking for more. When she moved into the house of her dreams in the neighborhood of her dreams, Ariel was overwhelmed with keeping up with the Jones'.

When Ariel met Justine, she soon found herself wrapped up in their new friendship and role-model.

Just because you're a mom doesn't mean you can't be stunning" - Justine Miller

I found myself saying, I can do what Justine does. I can be the super wife, super mom and super hostess. As the novel progressed, I realized....her life is so much more complicated and that status was not worth the turmoil.

Remember a happy home is not always what it seems.