Three friends have lost it all. Doris finds out her husband is having an affair, Cheryl lost her fantastic job, and Jackie is poor after her husband passes away and leaves her with debt. When the three high school friends get together once again, now in their forties, they feel like everything is crashing around them. When they get an idea to reclaim their lives, their independence, and their happiness, it comes in the form of an unexpected business venture- a restaurant. But not just any old restaurant- a place where women can come for a delicious meal with a side of a yummy, half-naked waiter. The Whole Package centers on giving women some eye candy, a little show, and great food. But can the friends make their business succeed, or will their restaurant go bust- along with their friendships?
The Whole Package by Cynthia Ellingsen is a heartfelt story that still provides comedic relief. The idea behind the restaurant is a bit silly and out there, but I thought the ending was pitch perfect. The friendship between the three women is complex yet so utterly truthful. Each character well written and developed, and I enjoyed that they were in a different place in their lives. Doris was watching her marriage crumble and struggling to parent her teenage daughter, Jackie was still mourning her husband but having thoughts about her lawyer and late husband’s best friend, and Cheryl is the single gal that can’t seem to commit. I loved reading about all three of them, and was cheering for each woman to succeed. The middle seemed to lag a bit for me, but I definitely recommend The Whole Package. A delightful read from a new author that clearly has a way with the written word.
[Rating: 4.5]
