She Makes It Look Easy by Marybeth Whalen

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.

My Review:
In a dream neighborhood, the grass always seems greener. Justine lives a perfect life, in a perfect neighborhood--similar to Bree of Desperate Housewives. Ariel, new to the EssexFalls, and desperate to make new friends, strives to be just like Justine==at first. But then, the plot takes a left turn, and serious decisions must be made.

I love the moments of humor. Ariel and her typically energetic three sons are delightfully written. There were humorous episodes such as when the boys played with the "rockets" they found in Ariel's bathroom cabinet. It is easy to understand how a child might imagine a tampon is a rocket.

I agree with an important thought from this novel. Don't waste time wishing for what you do not have; live in the moment by counting your blessings. I have found this quite effective in realizing my happiness.

This is one I recommend. Included is an interview with the author, discussion questions, and recipes, including one for Play Dough.

Thank you to Bonnie at Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and David C. Cook for my copy.

If you would like to read the first chapter, click here.

If you would like to buy a copy, click here.