(74)The Husbands by Chandler Baker

 

Nora and Hayden Spangler are your typical busy family. They both have successful, time-consuming careers and a toddler. And Nora is pregnant again. Nora loves her husband, but she just wishes that he would help more around the house. Nora just wishes that he would see just how exhausted she is. They talk about buying a bigger house. That will make it easier for Nora, right? Dynasty Ranch is the perfect community. The women are all successful working mothers, just like Nora. And all the husbands are doting, supportive spouses who take care of the home while their wives further their careers. Their real estate agent calls on Nora's legal abilities to help a recent widow in the neighborhood. And as she digs further into the cause of death, she realizes Dynasty Ranch may not be as perfect as it appears. 

The Husbands is a new twist on an old book, The Stepford Wives. One thing I don't like about books like The Husbands is the way it plays into stereotypes. Not all men leave their wives to do everything. Not all men prioritize their career over their wife's. Some men don't need extreme measures in order to be good men. Hayden's behavior clearly frustrated Nora and I understand why. The fact there was an HOA approval was my first warning flag that Dynasty Ranch was not what it appeared. There is a reason I will never buy a home with an active HOA. Nothing about the end surprised me. Even the last sentence was predictable. CLICK HERE FOR SPOILERS.

Bottom Line - If you aren't familiar with The Stepford Wives, I can see where The Husbands would be an innovative story. However, I found it annoyingly predictable. 

Details: 

• The Husbands by Chandler Baker
• On Instagram
• Pages: 352
• Publisher: Flatiron Books
• Publication Date: 8/3/2021
• Buy it Here!
• Thank you to NetGalley for the book in exchange for a review.