****1/2

Stand by Me by Sheila O’Flanagan
(2010, Headline Review)

There was a time, i.e. before my most recent job, that I would have a Sheila O’Flanagan book the moment it arrived in my local bookstore.  But, sometimes the hectic pace of real life is so tough to manage that it supersedes everything, including even noticing that O’Flanagan has a new book out…indeed, this book included a teaser to A Season To Remember.  Another book which has come out that I hadn’t even noticed.  I’ll have to pick it up soon.

I have read all of O’Flanagan’s books, including her short story collections.  She is yet another Irish author who has an extraordinary ability to reach her audience in the most perfectly chick lit indulgent way.   For those who don’t know, O’Flanagan had a prominent role in finance, before turning her hand to writing.  She is actually living my dream life. Writing novels by day and playing competitive badminton (I’d be playing competitive tennis) when she’s not.

Anywho, on to the review.

This story has a protagonist, Dominique, who marries someone and really goes through life feeling that she owes it to him, and her daughter, to stay married.  This feeling of obligation continues despite what transpires in her marriage. One of her school friend’s marries Dominique’s brother-in-law.  The friend does something unforgiveable and O’Flanagan includes that as one of the main secondary plot (as always, there are several storylines).

Stand by Me is about the journey from girlhood to womanhood and learning strength, independence and courage.  If you’ve been through a tough time, a cheating partner, depression or a job loss, I think you’ll particularly enjoy the underlying theme of strength.  The cast of characters are large and believable.  O’Flanagan introduces characters who you think will never change their mean ways, but do.  And characters who you think won’t change, but do. It also brings up the theme that good girlfriends are always necessary in life, so don’t short change them. I have too many friends who have given up on friendships when their romantic life takes off. This book is a good reminder of why that’s not wise.

If this is your first Sheila O’Flanagan book, you’ll be hooked.  All of her books are just as chicklit perfect. Time and again, O’Flanagan offers the gold standard of chicklit.