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While We Were Watching Downton Abbey {Review and #Giveaway}

January 13, 2014 by Jennifer Donovan

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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whilewewerewatchingdowntonabbeyYes, I’m a fan, are you? I was really excited when it came back on. Even if you aren’t, if you like novels about women’s friendships, you might appreciate Wendy Wax’s novel While We Were Watching Downton Abbey that explores what goes on in the lives of some residents of an upscale downtown Atlanta high rise apartment building.

Edward, the British concierge, schedules a Sunday night screening party to introduce season 1 of Downton Abbey to get ready to watch season 2 when it comes on. He wants to foster more of a community bond in the building, and he thinks this is the way to do it. He feels like he practically has to force some people to attend that first week, so he’s not sure it will be a success. But week after week, women keep showing up, and bonds are formed, especially between 3 unlikely residents: Claire, Brooke, and Samantha.

Claire and Brooke first meet when Brooke’s dog’s leash entangles Claire’s legs in the lobby, bringing her down with a dog and a child on top of her. Brooke already feels out of place in the posh apartment that she and her husband moved into shortly before he left her. It’s “accidents” like this that confirm her feelings of unworthiness.

Claire is understanding, because she also knows the pressure of being a single mom, but now her only daughter has moved out to go to college. Claire took her departure as a chance to sell her house in the suburbs, move into town, and pursue her writing full time. She’s given herself a year to write her 3rd novel, but that gift is beginning to feel a bit more like a curse.

Brooke meets Samantha later that week when she decides to check out the building’s gym. She knows she’s out of shape, but decides to try to do something about it, hoping to perhaps drum up some endorphins to counteract the sadness she feels as she tries to carve out a new life for herself. When perfect Samantha gets on the machine next to her, Brooke feels even worse about herself. When she can’t even figure out how to get the elliptical machine started, she ends up in tears.

Samantha seems perfect on the outside, but she knows the truth. Though her rich husband takes good care of her, Samantha knows that he only married her because she and her family were in dire straights. She can’t figure out what he wants from her, she can’t manage to make a decent meal no matter how hard she tries, and her mother-in-law constantly belittles her. Will Samantha let down her guard to let in some friends?

When Claire, Brooke, and Samantha are seated next to each other at the first screening, their friendship is given a nudge. It turns out they all need each other, and each has something to give. They help each other navigate through marital problems, money problems, family trouble, work upsets, and forging new pathways.

I devoured this novel in a couple of days. I love novels that explore the rich relationships of women. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters and was curious to find out how everything would work out for them. If you are a new fan, you might appreciate getting introduced to this hot show along with these women.

Enter to win

If you’re a fan of the show, tell me who your favorite character is. If you’re not, tell me what interests you about this book.

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About Jennifer Donovan

Jennifer Donovan has been a part of the 5 Minutes for Mom team since 2007. She writes product reviews, covers events, and manages the 5 Minutes for Books weekly column and website. She lives in Houston and blogs at Snapshot about life with her family.

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28 Comments

  1. Pamela j says

    January 26, 2014 at 9:30 am

    i would have to say anna

    Reply
  2. Mary Jacobowitz says

    January 26, 2014 at 9:03 am

    Believe it or not I like Daisy.

    Reply
  3. Annmarie W. says

    January 26, 2014 at 8:50 am

    I don’t watch Downton Abbey. But a good friend of mine is a huge fan of the show. And a huge reader, too. So I’d love to win this for her!

    Reply
  4. maggie says

    January 24, 2014 at 3:56 pm

    I must say Anna

    Reply
  5. Sherri says

    January 23, 2014 at 9:08 pm

    I have not watched it, but my daughter is a huge fan.

    Reply
  6. amanda hardesty says

    January 23, 2014 at 3:34 pm

    I do not watch the show

    Reply
  7. Linda Kish says

    January 19, 2014 at 6:33 pm

    I don’t have a favorite.

    Reply
  8. Brenda Smith says

    January 19, 2014 at 6:27 pm

    I have watched yet

    Reply
  9. Jessica T says

    January 19, 2014 at 1:50 am

    Well…we did name our hamster Lady Sybil!

    Reply
  10. Susan P. says

    January 19, 2014 at 12:06 am

    I like Mrs. Hughes and Carson.

    Reply
  11. Janet says

    January 17, 2014 at 6:09 pm

    Anna is my favorite

    Reply
  12. heta s says

    January 16, 2014 at 3:19 pm

    I would pick Anna.

    Reply
  13. karenk says

    January 16, 2014 at 10:05 am

    I enjoy the dowager 🙂

    Reply
  14. tammy shelton says

    January 15, 2014 at 10:17 am

    My favorite character is Anna. She’s so sweet & real.

    Reply
  15. Gail says

    January 15, 2014 at 12:08 am

    It’s hard to pick one! The Dowager has the best lines/one liners!

    Reply
  16. Amber says

    January 14, 2014 at 8:51 pm

    Anna is my favorite character.

    Reply
  17. Carole M says

    January 14, 2014 at 3:54 pm

    Hard to pick one. I love Daisy. Maggie Smith kills me, she looks like she is having so much fun.

    Reply
  18. Vickie Couturier says

    January 14, 2014 at 2:35 pm

    yes ive watched it a lot an I like Anna

    Reply
  19. Kristie says

    January 14, 2014 at 8:39 am

    I don’t watch DA, but I’m sure I’d enjoy it if I did 🙂

    Reply
  20. Daniel M says

    January 13, 2014 at 10:07 pm

    i don’t watch but me mom does

    Reply
  21. emily says

    January 13, 2014 at 8:55 pm

    Even though sometimes I love to hate her, I’d have to say Lady Mary.

    Reply
  22. Beth says

    January 13, 2014 at 6:21 pm

    I am a huge fan of Maggie Smith and her portrayal of the Dowager Countess.

    Reply
  23. Beth C says

    January 13, 2014 at 4:57 pm

    I would pick Anna.

    Reply
  24. Deedee says

    January 13, 2014 at 4:27 pm

    I love Anna – such a sweet person!

    Reply
  25. anne says

    January 13, 2014 at 11:08 am

    I watch avidly and The Dowager, Maggie Smith is my favorite of all.

    Reply
  26. Denise M says

    January 13, 2014 at 10:16 am

    Oooh dont make me choose, its like picking a favorite child. Well of course I love the Dowager Countess- you cannot beat Maggie Smith and her interactions especially with Isabel. Downstairs, I love Carson and Mrs Hughes

    Reply
  27. Alicia P says

    January 13, 2014 at 9:05 am

    It is so hard to pick just one but if I had to I would pick Anna.

    Reply
  28. DEBIJOT says

    January 13, 2014 at 8:16 am

    The book should be an interesting study of forming relationships.

    Reply

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