Release Day Review: Releasing Gillian's Wolves by Tara Woolpy

ISBN #: 978-0-9832033-0-8

Page Count: 280

Release Date: 8/1/11

Book Summary:

(Taken from back cover)

Thirty years ago, Gillian married Jack Sach, now a United States Congressman.  Through the years she's remained faithful.  He hasn't.  Ever.  She cooks to soothe herself and others, takes care of her mother-in-law, gardens, sneaks off to the studio to explode with angry paintings and tries to keep Jack's dalliances secret.  As she nears fifty, her friends think she should leave, but she lingers, bound by inertia and fear of the effect media coverage of a divorce would have on her family.

Gillian shares a trust fund with Edward, her gay neighbor and best friend.  Their grandfathers made a fortune together and left it to the two of them.  Over the years, in support of Gillian's marriage, the trust bankrolled Jack's many successful campaigns.  Not particularly interested in politics, Gillian survives by ignoring everything outside her kitchen, garden and studio.  Edward has his own ragged past filled with bad relationships, drugs and alcohol.  Through the course of a summer, Gillian's marriage continues to deteriorate while Edward's life finally starts to improve.  He's sober, stable and has found life-changing love with Sam, a biology professor at the local university.  Their happiness shines a stark light on Gillian's loveless marriage.

Finally, when Gillian meets Jack's latest conquest, twenty-year-old Ashley, she's forced to confront the rot at the core of her relationship.  Is it too late for happiness?

Mandy's Review:

Cover

The red background and gold lettering of the title and author's name blends well with the fall colors on the trees in the cover photo.  Add a lake and a boathouse and you now have a place I am envious to visit.

Plot

The author gives us a glimpse into what life could be like for a wife of an unfaithful politician.  Gillian is the faithful, dependable wife who Jack can always lean on to help out in a pinch.  The problem is, Gillian is fed up with all of the lies.

With the help of her best friends, Gillian finally finds the freedom and peace of mind she so desperately craves.  The road getting there is long and often filled with potholes, but Gillian goes through it with considerable grace and aplomb.

Main Characters

Gillian - This woman amazes me.  She is faithful, loyal and strong.  She's there for every one.  I don't know how she manages to cram as much into a day as she does.  I loved this character.

Jack - Gillian's husband - It's like he's never left his teenage years.  The man is controlled by his hormones.  He's not satisfied with having a wonderful wife like Gillian ... oh no, he has to have the affections of every intern who shows him the slightest bit of interest as well.

Edward - Gillian's best friend - Edward is Gillian's oldest friend and hates to see her married to Jack because he knows what a sleazeball Jack is.  He often goes to Gillian's to eat her cooking since he has no skills of his own.

Sam - Edward's boyfriend - Sam is wonderful, understanding, patient, kind ... he is Edward's better half.  He makes a wonderful addition to this story.

Overall

This is a wonderfully written tale about family, friendship, happiness, peace and what we sometimes have to endure in order to obtain those things.  I find this an excellent debut for a new author.  I would recommend this story more towards adult women who enjoy reading a book that helps you wonder ... "What if...?"