Nice Wives Finish First

I really enjoyed this book. I really identified with Ashley in her "starting over" phase in the book. Her character showed a lot of determination despite her surroundings. Ashley discovered that with age the dream is still there and attainable. I found myself cheering for her through out the book!!

This book offered a glimmer of hope in a situation that could of been hopeless. I felt myself crossing my fingers that everything would be okay for her but in the end it was BETTER than okay. I liked this book because the characters were life like and you could find a small piece of yourself in at least one of them. Breaking up is hard to do and it can affect everyone around you but this book concentrates on staying focused at the big picture and going for your dreams. I love it and would recommend it anytime!

Ashley Lake is a modern day Cinderella in NICE WIVES FINISH FIRST. She is a forty-five year old multitasking wife and mother married for twenty-five years to the love of her life. She works a full time corporate job and goes home to put in overtime as the picture perfect suburban wife. Having accepted the diminishing passion in her marriage as part of becoming comfortable with one another, Ashley is happy without all of the glitz. She no longer expects the romance and wanderlust of her youth and she embraces the less than perfect image of herself as well. Despite the routine of her life she is content and she is sure her husband, Marcus, is happy as well until one day when she walks in on Marcus packing his clothes. Ashley's foundation is rocked like it was hit by a horrific earthquake. She's left to ponder what happens next and to decide if she has a life worth salvaging. NICE WIVES FINISH FIRST is the best kind of love story. Phillips has crafted a story where the characters are looking for more than feel good, physical love. Her characters are searching for hope and self-worth and they discover inner love and strength at the most trying times. A myriad of issues are explored in the story from infidelity to family secrets. But what shines brightest in this tale is the display of strong friendship and familial love that carries Ashley through some of the most difficult times of her life. NICE WIVES FINISH FIRST is an enjoyable read which will take the reader on a journey of emotional experiences. The ending is like a delectable dessert - sweet yet satisfying. Reviewed by Diane Marbury of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

This book went above and beyond the expected. I enjoyed watching Ashley bloom, she basically went from a daffodil to a full fledged beautiful rose! This woman lived for everybody else for so long, and her husband of 20+ years took it and spit in her face. Like Donnie McClurkin sings, "We Fall Down..." and Ashley did indeed "Stand." She found her inner strength and not only did she lose her security blanket called marriage, life had additional hills, valleys, and cliffs for her to travel. But the journey was well worth it in the end. Family drama is in full effect, and how she overcomes all obstacles and is finally rewarded in the end, it's inspirational. Ms. Phillips writes a very intricate tale that keeps you entranced with the challenges Ashley faces daily and at a time when she's weakest, but she triumphs over all adversity. This book fills a failing spirit with hope that 'joy does come in the morning.'

OK, here's the plot; Ashley has been married twenty five years to Marcus; She thinks life is good, but he doesn't, and one day she unexpectedly comes home to find him packing his bags to a new life(and woman, ain't it always someone in the wings?) then she ends up in the hospital for that overdue hysterectomy; comes out, broods on her life, while losing some pounds due to her loss and illness, and comes out a new Ashley!! Pow, she resigns from her job, and starts designing clothes for a living, which becomes a success; along the way, she gains and loses things and people, as well as a whole new outlook on life; As a first wife who hit the road herself, I found it great refreshing, enjoyable and empowering; If you are that phase of life and need a pick me up, this is it; I have also read Ms Phillips "Something in Common" which came out a few years back, and some of the characters in that novel are back to join us; Enjoy!