The Hot Flash Club: A Novel

When I bought & read this book, I was unaware that there were sequels to it. I enjoyed this book so much that when I came to its conclusion, I was saddened to leave behind what felt like "4 good friends" - the protagonists of this novel. The 4 protagonists - Faye, Shirley, Marilyn and Alice, are each so unique - yet because of this very reason, the merging of their lives into the wonderful friendship that blossoms is terrific to follow as one turns page after page filled with what unravels to be their lives, their insecurities, their fears, joys and accomplishments. Through this, I could so easily identify with what they were each going through. The author did a marvelous job of pinpointing issues of the midlife woman and making the reader really feel one with the characters, also realizing that it's OK to feel the insecurities and special problems of this age group. I felt that the characters were very real-each in their own way. As I said, I felt the kind of sadness one feels as a reader (though not too often I might add) when a book ends that feels like its characters and setting have become like family. That is why I am so pleased now to have discovered that there are more "Hot Flash" books available by Nancy Thayer. And I've begun reading the next one already! I very highly recommend this book to every woman who is of the "Hot Flash" age - you'll find yourself within at least one of the characters - and you'll laugh and cry with how she handles the ups and downs of this special time in life.

A must read for any woman over 50 who understands what that means. A very good story line as well as the humorous parts of menopause.

Nancy Thayer is a fantastic writer. She knows women and the way they think and feel. There are so many issues that women have dealt with since the "liberation" movement that come into play in this novel. I loved all of her characters. I read the book right away and am now disapointed that I have to wait for her next one!I have introduced many of my friends to Nancy Thayer and they all love her novels. Happy Reading!

How refreshing to read a book about four women in their mid-fifties to early sixties who experience pleasures and problems we real women of a certain age can relate to: grown children and their problems, retirement, husbands, and boyfriends and menopause with weight gain, to name a few. It's a story of friendship and support told with humor and compassion that will be a break from books with that always young and perfectly beautiful protagonist. All the women are so interesting, and the book so well written, you will find yourself eagerly turning each page, yet dreading when the book ends.How I'd love to find more books like this!