The Other Wife

Written by Shirley Jump

Narrated by Courtney Patterson

The last person she expected to see at her husband's funeral was his wife!

But having learned her husband apparently bought his engagement rings in bulk, Penny Reynolds is shocked out of her well-ordered world. She can't bring herself to hate his wife, Susan, or toss his amazing piano-playing dog (another surprise) out on his rump. Still, she can get answers as to why her hubby led his secret life. All it takes is a little persuading before she and Susan embark on the trip of a lifetime with Harvey the Wonder Dog in tow.

As the two travel the show-dog circuit, Penny learns not just how to teach the dog to sing The Star-Spangled Banner, but also how to let go. She finds her answers (some less welcome than others). But thanks to her ex's legacy and Harvey's amazing trainer, Penny's ready to run with whatever curveball life throws at her!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bryant Street Publishing
• Release date: Nov 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781094430188

Shirley Jump

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shirley Jump spends her days writing romance to feed her shoe addiction and avoid cleaning the toilets. She cleverly finds writing time by feeding her kids junk food, allowing them to dress in the clothes they find on the floor and encouraging the dogs to double as vacuum cleaners. Chat with her via Facebook: www.facebook.com/shirleyjump.author or her website: www.shirleyjump.com.

Reviews for The Other Wife

[Kehinde Ogundapo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My favorite part is the secret wives and every moment spent with Harvey.

[katherine smith kennedy · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Meh- I needed to see it through to the end, but it was just ok. Story was decent, more unusual characters. Attempts at humor were lame. But nothing bad about it.

[Jessica Williams · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Heartwarming and sweet with a touch of laughter. Characters were all wonderful and her journey of self discovery was inspiring. Harvey the Wonder Dog stole my heart!

[learnculturedr · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It's really crazy that I didn't get to hate anyone in this book. When you think about someone secretly having another life, different wifes, a famous stage dog... it's easy to assume that the primary wifey would go nuts and you as the reader would throw the book away and never think about it again.

But as I read on, I realized that Dave wasn't as horrible a person as I had initially believed. I'm not saying what he did was right but the author's train of thought was very respectful with a topic as controversial as this.

This book was unbelievable most of the times, it was hilarious, kind of sad, and the perfect recipe for a nice movie.

It struck me that this book was published on 2006 and it talked about childhood trauma and its effects in adulthood in such a healthy and respectful way. I loved that part of the book.

It was some clichés, things that work out too well, situations that solved in a very convenient way. But it was enjoyable. Penny grows so much, and Harvey is the most wonderful dog.

[Felicity Ross · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was very different and unexpected in a strange way. Like it a lt

[Juanita · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story manages to be simultaneously both rather real and rather unreal, sad and funny, thoughtful and yet tongue in cheek. It is quite hilarious at times, with something of Joan Rivers' dark and irreverent humour. It should probably carry the recommendation "For Dog Lovers", as I suspect this is a requirement if it is to be appreciated.

I do have a criticism regarding the emotional development within the main character and her relationships with others during the supposed time frame, as I found this to be far too short, but perhaps I underestimate the powers available to control freaks.

The main character's journey towards trying to understand her husband was very interestingly portrayed, and her conclusion felt helpful towards me personally. I think that understanding the behaviour and choices of those we are closest too is often the most difficult of all life's challenges, and I found the author made an interesting and believable study of this subject.

The narration is beautiful and perfectly underlined the humour within the story.

[tshwarelom29 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The narration was brilliant. The story on the other hand... well, it was descent, I got annoyed with the excuses made for the cheating husband and the blame being put on his wives.

[lisa connolly · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A Cute story and you have the love the pup!

[Debra · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sad, funny, love how it all comes together throughly enjoyed

[Gina Laza Rains · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was witty, funny, heartwarming and wonderful!! It was actually very thought provoking on how we treat the people we love and how to accept our own faults as well as others. The narrator was great as well...love, loved it!

[Barbara Vastine · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Unusual plot, quite pleasant. Well written, and very well read.

[Amy Fortin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Book was easy to follow. Beach read material in my opinion.

[jacques bernard · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Nice story, funny all the way and unexpectedly. I recommend this light and easy book. Very entertaining

[Melanie Jessop · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Of course it's all a bit unreal and unlikely, but light and harmless. I would have given another star except for the use of clearly un-researched, outdated, unscientific, harmful statements regarding dog training. Pack and Alpha theories have been long disproved.

[April Frye · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Such an easy enjoyable read. It was the perfect length for the journey with Penny and Harvey!

[Pam Nugent · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Cute story, good narrator. I needed a shorter listen after finishing a long book.

[martha wessinger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I totally enjoyed this book!! Great story. I highly recommend it!

[Linda Smith · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book. Harvey was indeed a main character. This listen made me look for more from the author.

[Lauren Nichol · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It is okay. Pretty slow. But I followed through with it.

[Maria Areskoug · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Groning and meeting change and others with an open mind and acceptable. Feelgood

[Natale Michaud · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the story and the humor. I giggled a few times.

[Sylvie Potvin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Light, interesting story. A feel good book. I wanted more.

[Donna Larson Christian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

VERY well written. I really enjoyed the story. Well read too.

[Donna Benoit · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was Lighthearted and simple just not very engaging or interesting.

[Pam Pollick Saltmarsh · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I thought this book was going to be cute based upon the plot and some clever ideas, but it turned out to be a weak storyline, and a complete drop off for the ending. Undeveloped, storylines and characters.

[M. ball · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is actually a very amazing story very well, written, and very enjoyable book

[celeste_fisher_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Unusual, entertaining, tasteful! This was a quick listen, kept my interest!

[Annie Crauwcamp · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A bit far fetched. Actually not just a bit. A few life lessons though.
It definitely didn't change my life but I kept listening so wasn't too boring

[Lorna van Arkel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Also - lovely story, humour, easy, happy end. Like the writing style cool

[vicki · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Awesome book, loved the humor in pain. Harvey is adorable