Alison B. Hart's The Work Wife follows the lives of three women over the course of one day. Zanne is the personal assistant, charged with knowing what "Hollywood It Director" Ted wants before he wants it. She probably knows Ted better than his wife. Except when she learns some new things about Ted - and then she must decide whether to protect her job and boss at the continued expense of the women in his life.
Phoebe just wants a chance to finally make her movie on her terms - and not under Ted's shadow. It's one of the reasons her marriage to Ted failed and she left L.A. Jerry Silver, yet another Hollywood predator revealed thanks to the #metoo movement, is the other.
And Holly is Ted's wife and mother of his two children. Once an aspiring artist, she sacrificed a career to become a trophy wife, giving speeches, throwing parties, and supporting Ted.
All three women's lives merge on the night of a big Hollywood party, one hosted by Holly, overseen by Zanne, and crashed by Phoebe. The past will be revealed, but will it change the future?
Written based on the author's experience as an assistant to a wealthy family, The Work Wife showcases the work that goes on behind the scenes - and generally done by women - and the unfair advantage of privileged white men.
I definitely didn't know what to expect from this novel, but it was a nice summery read for the start of my vacation. That's not to say that it's easy-breezy. But the California location was perfect for this time of year, and there is an element of The Devil Wears Prada running throughout the book, even as you're reading about serious topics. My favorite characters were Phoebe and Zanne. I had questions about Holly and the book's ending in general that I think would make for a good book club discussion.
The Work Wife is published by Graydon House and will be available to purchase on July 19, 2022. I received an advance review copy in exchange for this review.
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