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While We Were Watching Downton Abbey
From the bestselling author of My Ex-Best Friend's Wedding comes a novel about four friends who share a passion for a beloved British television show that will change all of their lives.
When the concierge of The Alexander, a historic Atlanta apartment building, invites his fellow residents to join him for weekly screenings of Downton Abbey, four very different people find themselves connecting with the addictive drama, and—even more unexpectedly—with each other...
Samantha Davis married young and for the wrong the security of old Atlanta money—for herself and for her orphaned brother and sister. She never expected her marriage to be complicated by love and compromised by a shattering family betrayal.
Claire Walker is now an empty nester and struggling author who left her home in the suburbs for the old world charm of The Alexander, and for a new and productive life. But she soon wonders if clinging to old dreams can be more destructive than having no dreams at all.
And then there’s Brooke MacKenzie, a woman in constant battle with her faithless ex-husband. She’s just starting to realize that it’s time to take a deep breath and come to terms with the fact that her life is not the fairy tale she thought it would be.
For Samantha, Claire, Brooke—and Edward, who arranges the weekly gatherings—it will be a season of surprises as they forge a bond that will sustain them through some of life’s hardest moments—all of it reflected in the unfolding drama, comedy, and convergent lives of Downton Abbey.
When the concierge of The Alexander, a historic Atlanta apartment building, invites his fellow residents to join him for weekly screenings of Downton Abbey, four very different people find themselves connecting with the addictive drama, and—even more unexpectedly—with each other...
Samantha Davis married young and for the wrong the security of old Atlanta money—for herself and for her orphaned brother and sister. She never expected her marriage to be complicated by love and compromised by a shattering family betrayal.
Claire Walker is now an empty nester and struggling author who left her home in the suburbs for the old world charm of The Alexander, and for a new and productive life. But she soon wonders if clinging to old dreams can be more destructive than having no dreams at all.
And then there’s Brooke MacKenzie, a woman in constant battle with her faithless ex-husband. She’s just starting to realize that it’s time to take a deep breath and come to terms with the fact that her life is not the fairy tale she thought it would be.
For Samantha, Claire, Brooke—and Edward, who arranges the weekly gatherings—it will be a season of surprises as they forge a bond that will sustain them through some of life’s hardest moments—all of it reflected in the unfolding drama, comedy, and convergent lives of Downton Abbey.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Wendy Wax
20 books1,460 followersI write novels that explore friendship, self-discovery and the challenges life brings us, leavened with a touch of humor. I'm proud of all my books and perhaps best known for my "Ten Beach Road" titles including the USA Today bestsellers, Ten Beach Road and The House on Mermaid Point, and for While We Were Watching Downton Abbey.
I was born in St.Petersburg, Florida and grew up on St. Pete Beach within spitting distance of the Gulf of Mexico. I went, appropriately enough, to Sunshine Elementary School where recess and art class sometimes took place on the beach, and the highlight of every school year was the annual fish broil.
It’s hard to be a type-A personality when you grow up in such a laid back environment, but I managed. Convinced that you were expected to know how to read BEFORE you showed up for school, I forced a neighbor friend to teach me to read at the age of five. I’ve been reading ever since.
Books, in all forms, are one of my greatest pleasures and best forms of escape. And they’ve had a major impact on my life.
I went to the University of Georgia after reading Gone with the Wind one too many times. For a while I re-read Margaret Mitchell’s classic yearly, saw the movie whenever it played within twenty miles, and could quote large passages from memory. Today I have a growing GWTW collection, and the time I spoke at he Margaret Mitchell House was an incredible thrill.last
After college I worked in radio, television, and film. Like Olivia in 7 DAYS AND SEVEN NIGHTS, I’ve done live talk radio. I hosted a show in the eighties called Desperate & Dateless, and while I was never locked in an apartment for a week with a webcam rolling as she was, I did fall in love. Happily, the man who swept me off my feet consults with financial types and understands the bottom line. Unlike Olivia’s nemesis, Matt Ransom, my husband has never, to my knowledge, advised anyone to ‘love the one they’re with.’ We live in Atlanta with our two sons.
I was born in St.Petersburg, Florida and grew up on St. Pete Beach within spitting distance of the Gulf of Mexico. I went, appropriately enough, to Sunshine Elementary School where recess and art class sometimes took place on the beach, and the highlight of every school year was the annual fish broil.
It’s hard to be a type-A personality when you grow up in such a laid back environment, but I managed. Convinced that you were expected to know how to read BEFORE you showed up for school, I forced a neighbor friend to teach me to read at the age of five. I’ve been reading ever since.
Books, in all forms, are one of my greatest pleasures and best forms of escape. And they’ve had a major impact on my life.
I went to the University of Georgia after reading Gone with the Wind one too many times. For a while I re-read Margaret Mitchell’s classic yearly, saw the movie whenever it played within twenty miles, and could quote large passages from memory. Today I have a growing GWTW collection, and the time I spoke at he Margaret Mitchell House was an incredible thrill.last
After college I worked in radio, television, and film. Like Olivia in 7 DAYS AND SEVEN NIGHTS, I’ve done live talk radio. I hosted a show in the eighties called Desperate & Dateless, and while I was never locked in an apartment for a week with a webcam rolling as she was, I did fall in love. Happily, the man who swept me off my feet consults with financial types and understands the bottom line. Unlike Olivia’s nemesis, Matt Ransom, my husband has never, to my knowledge, advised anyone to ‘love the one they’re with.’ We live in Atlanta with our two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,238 reviews
July 26, 2013
First, let me just say how happy I was to finally read a book about people who become friends by bonding over a tv show. Usually I don’t go for chick lit, but given that the television show in question was Downton Abbey, I had to at least give it a shot, right? I was really glad, though, that the book didn’t rely too heavily on the show or try to make the book characters thinly-veiled copies of the characters on the show. Instead, the three focal women are all rich and interesting characters on their own, but watching their friendship grow creates a reading experience that far exceeds the sum of its parts. Though this book is unapologetic chick lit at its finest,* Wax makes a welcome departure from genre convention by filling her story with more than just whiny girls lamenting for hundreds of pages about why so-and-so won’t love them back (and let me tell you, after suffering that for about 20 pages, I’ve usually got a few ideas of my own I’d be happy to throw at them). That’s not to say that romance is entirely eliminated; it just takes a backseat or is used as a device to grow the newfound friendships. From the women’s awkward first meetings to when they prove they have the others’ backs, by the end of the novel they are a cohesive unit worth rooting for. As inspiring as it is to see the group work together, however, it is equally thrilling to see how each character grows as an individual as a result of the support.
All in all, this is a happy book. The women seemed like real people, and reading this reminded me of a sort of “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” for adults in that the women were all plenty interesting, albeit flawed, on their own, but when they were together they seemed to form a single, complete person who could handle anything. Read this book if you’re a fan of really good zings, a little bit of awkwardness, wine nights with friends, and, of course, Downton Abbey.
*I mean this entirely without irony. “Good” chick lit is hard to find, but when it’s done right, it’s a fantastic reading experience. And Wendy Wax does it right.
All in all, this is a happy book. The women seemed like real people, and reading this reminded me of a sort of “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” for adults in that the women were all plenty interesting, albeit flawed, on their own, but when they were together they seemed to form a single, complete person who could handle anything. Read this book if you’re a fan of really good zings, a little bit of awkwardness, wine nights with friends, and, of course, Downton Abbey.
*I mean this entirely without irony. “Good” chick lit is hard to find, but when it’s done right, it’s a fantastic reading experience. And Wendy Wax does it right.
April 29, 2013
This turned out to be a dud of a novel and I was bored silly by it. Three women who are living in an upscale apartment building in Atlanta Georgia are drawn together by weekly screenings of the first two seasons of Downton Abbey, arranged by the building's concierge Edward. While they all have problems of some sort or another, I just could not get into this one, and I was glad to see it end. Not even a die-hard fan of Downton Abbey would find this one at all interesting. Just barely three stars and not recommended at all.
For the longer review, please go here:
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For the longer review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/review/Wendy_...
December 7, 2013
If you think this book is going to be anything like watching Downton Abbey, THINK AGAIN. Life is short, so I quit reading after 141 pages (of 376). This seems like a book hastily written to capitalize on the interest in Downton Abbey -- so hastily written, it apparently wasn't even edited.
The reader wades through long, clunky sentences of painstaking detail, such as, "Dutifully rallied, she threw off the covers and put on the workout clothes she left folded on the chaise longue near her side of the bed." Really? This is after 3 boring paragraphs about whether or not she should get up. (An editor would've crossed out the badly-written filler and started the scene at the gym).
The dialogue is stilted and unnatural, the supposed hilarious banter of the British butler isn't even remotely amusing, and the characters are as shallow as paper dolls. This looks like a rejected manuscript from somebody's slush pile, not the work of a New York Times Bestselling author. Definitely a book to skip.
The reader wades through long, clunky sentences of painstaking detail, such as, "Dutifully rallied, she threw off the covers and put on the workout clothes she left folded on the chaise longue near her side of the bed." Really? This is after 3 boring paragraphs about whether or not she should get up. (An editor would've crossed out the badly-written filler and started the scene at the gym).
The dialogue is stilted and unnatural, the supposed hilarious banter of the British butler isn't even remotely amusing, and the characters are as shallow as paper dolls. This looks like a rejected manuscript from somebody's slush pile, not the work of a New York Times Bestselling author. Definitely a book to skip.
April 12, 2023
Truthfully, I ate this book up. It was a combination of three things I love: friendship, treats, and Downton Abbey. What a gift and steal it was from the Starkville public library! I loved the quote, “And that friendship was the most potent magic of all; able to form without warning or explanation and in the most unexpected of ways and places” 😭😭😭
May 15, 2013
Three women and a concierge. All residents of the Alexander, a luxury high-rise in downtown Atlanta. Each with their own story and set of problems.
Indebted to her husband for his generosity and financial support, Samantha Davis lives a life of routine and self-imposed expectations. Each morning, she wakes up and renews “her vow to make Jonathan Davis happy, his life smooth, and his confidence in his choice of her unshaken.” In addition to the beauty maintenance and hours of volunteer work, Samantha also includes a “much-dreaded-but-never-complained-about weekly lunch with her mother-in-law. Which would last exactly one hour but would feel more like three.”
Claire Walker is seeking a fresh start. In between “sixteen years of single parenthood on a shoestring” and caring for aging parents, Claire managed to write two Highland romances. After her daughter left her college, Claire sold her house and rented a studio apartment in the luxury high-rise. She gave herself exactly one year to write the breakout novel that would launch her career to the next level.
Divorced with two children, Brooke MacKenzie struggles with daily sadness and frustration as she watches her plastic surgeon husband take up residence with his reconstructed girlfriend in another apartment of the Alexander.
Under normal circumstances, these women would never meet, let alone become friends. But with Edward Parker’s gentle prodding, they meet on Sunday evenings for weekly screenings of Downton Abbey, the period drama that has sparked a worldwide frenzy. I enjoyed revisiting many of the episodes and watching as the women peeled back facades and forged friendships.
Some of my favorite scenes from While We Were Watching Downton Abbey...
“When the doors slid open, she nodded as regally as she could and then swept out of the elevator, channeling not just Scarlett O’Hara, but Downton Abbey’s Countess Cora, Lady Mary, and the dowager countess all rolled into one.
“He allowed himself to wonder why he’d turned being a concierge into the god-damned Holy Grail. Just like Downton Abbey’s Carson and even Mrs. Hughes, he’d given everything up in the service of others. How could he let all those sacrifices be for naught?”
An excellent read and beautiful tribute to the transformative power of friendship.
Indebted to her husband for his generosity and financial support, Samantha Davis lives a life of routine and self-imposed expectations. Each morning, she wakes up and renews “her vow to make Jonathan Davis happy, his life smooth, and his confidence in his choice of her unshaken.” In addition to the beauty maintenance and hours of volunteer work, Samantha also includes a “much-dreaded-but-never-complained-about weekly lunch with her mother-in-law. Which would last exactly one hour but would feel more like three.”
Claire Walker is seeking a fresh start. In between “sixteen years of single parenthood on a shoestring” and caring for aging parents, Claire managed to write two Highland romances. After her daughter left her college, Claire sold her house and rented a studio apartment in the luxury high-rise. She gave herself exactly one year to write the breakout novel that would launch her career to the next level.
Divorced with two children, Brooke MacKenzie struggles with daily sadness and frustration as she watches her plastic surgeon husband take up residence with his reconstructed girlfriend in another apartment of the Alexander.
Under normal circumstances, these women would never meet, let alone become friends. But with Edward Parker’s gentle prodding, they meet on Sunday evenings for weekly screenings of Downton Abbey, the period drama that has sparked a worldwide frenzy. I enjoyed revisiting many of the episodes and watching as the women peeled back facades and forged friendships.
Some of my favorite scenes from While We Were Watching Downton Abbey...
“When the doors slid open, she nodded as regally as she could and then swept out of the elevator, channeling not just Scarlett O’Hara, but Downton Abbey’s Countess Cora, Lady Mary, and the dowager countess all rolled into one.
“He allowed himself to wonder why he’d turned being a concierge into the god-damned Holy Grail. Just like Downton Abbey’s Carson and even Mrs. Hughes, he’d given everything up in the service of others. How could he let all those sacrifices be for naught?”
An excellent read and beautiful tribute to the transformative power of friendship.
April 3, 2013
While We Were Watching Downton Abbey was completely and utterly.....delightful!! I found myself really liking Sam, Claire, Brooke, and most especially Edward. What is so funny about this book is that I suggested to my friend a few months ago that a group of us go to her house on Sundays to watch Season 3 of Downton Abbey together, which is exactly what we will be doing! There were so may parallels between the women's stories and our own and how we tend to forget all of our worries when we're talking about Downton Abbey.
Recommend? Yes! I love how Wendy really has her pulse on women's friendships and real-life situations. I felt that I could have sat down with these three characters on any given Sunday evening and left with life-long friends!!
Source: NetGalley and Berkley Trade
Six Sentence Bookish Thoughts #90
© 2013, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
August 31, 2014
What can I say about “While We Were Watching Downton Abbey”? It was one of those strange like/dislike reads… let me explain, the parts that I liked, I really, really liked; and the parts that I disliked, well, I wished I didn’t have to read at all because it was driving me crazy to read it at all. Even the parts that I did like had a few bits that drove me crazy here and there, because you just wanted to shake these women and wake them up! I’m all about the fictional character. I’m all about suspending reality and enjoying a good read, but jeez… there were just some parts that were like nails on a chalk board for me. OK, characters: Edward, the concierge… I loved him! Samantha Davis, for the most part, I loved her story… so much so, I really would have enjoyed an entire book just about her and her husband/family. She had her moments of annoyance, but all in all, she was a very good character. Claire Walker… Claire, Claire, Claire! I could have done completely without Claire! Seriously, I’m not sure what she added to the store at all… other than a giggle here and there. The less I say about Claire, the better. Moving on… Brooke MacKenzie, here is another character that I liked and would have enjoyed knowing more about and especially knowing more about the budding relationship with a certain someone. As for the setting, I loved the idea of a group of very divers women being brought together weekly to watch DA (one of my favorite series) and watching the relationships and friendships develop. So, you see, it was a love/hate relationship for me. Was it time wastes… NO! Would I read it again… probably not? Would I recommend this book to someone else… sure, why not, especially if you enjoy watching DA and you enjoy southern women writers.
June 13, 2014
This is a read that I really enjoyed. It is set in The Alexander, an apartment building in Atlanta and revolves around three women who live there, all from diverse backgrounds, who get to know each other when their Concierge arranges weekly screenings of Downton Abbey.
I have only ever seen Downton Abbey a few times but it is not necessary to have watched it to understand this book, although it does really make me want to sit down and watch every season now. I really enjoyed getting to know Brooke, Claire and Samantha and reading about how they start to bond and form real friendships throughout the screenings. They all have their own problems to deal with and, even though they become very close, it does take quite a while in the book for them to open up to each other about their deepest feelings and problems.
It is a nice, warm, cosy read that you can get lost in and as I said, I really enjoyed it. However, as is often the case, one really stupid error made me quite cross and blighted the whole read for me.
Each screening is accompanied by typically English nibbles - trifles, sausage and mash, scones etc. On one evening they are served Shandy, and over the course of a couple of hours Claire drinks so much Shandy that she is blind drunk and has to be taken home and put to bed. As anyone over this side of the pond knows, it is impossible to get drunk on Shandy because of the sheer volume needed. It is after all the drink we give to teenagers who want to appear grown up. The incident was then referred to quite a few times later on in the book, and it really did niggle me.
That having been said, it is a hugely enjoyable read that is well paced, although the last couple of chapters which rounded everything off did feel a little rushed.
I have only ever seen Downton Abbey a few times but it is not necessary to have watched it to understand this book, although it does really make me want to sit down and watch every season now. I really enjoyed getting to know Brooke, Claire and Samantha and reading about how they start to bond and form real friendships throughout the screenings. They all have their own problems to deal with and, even though they become very close, it does take quite a while in the book for them to open up to each other about their deepest feelings and problems.
It is a nice, warm, cosy read that you can get lost in and as I said, I really enjoyed it. However, as is often the case, one really stupid error made me quite cross and blighted the whole read for me.
Each screening is accompanied by typically English nibbles - trifles, sausage and mash, scones etc. On one evening they are served Shandy, and over the course of a couple of hours Claire drinks so much Shandy that she is blind drunk and has to be taken home and put to bed. As anyone over this side of the pond knows, it is impossible to get drunk on Shandy because of the sheer volume needed. It is after all the drink we give to teenagers who want to appear grown up. The incident was then referred to quite a few times later on in the book, and it really did niggle me.
That having been said, it is a hugely enjoyable read that is well paced, although the last couple of chapters which rounded everything off did feel a little rushed.
June 29, 2013
I loved this book - chick lit for the over 40s!!! With subtle ties to the much loved TV show, this has a story that can stand alone with a trio of characters that will take you on their journey of development!
March 17, 2013
In the historic Alexander, a lovely downtown Atlanta apartment building, an assortment of residents fill its rooms, from the gorgeous and wealthy Jonathan and Samantha Davis in the penthouse to the writer/single mom Claire in her studio apartment. And the glue that holds them all together is Edward Parker, the concierge, whose impeccable charm and manners lend an Old World level of comfort to them all.
So when Edward invites his fellow residents to join him for weekly screenings of Downton Abbey, four very different people find themselves connecting with the addictive drama, and, unexpectedly, with each other.
As we meet each of them, we learn about their private lives, those that are hidden from their neighbors. Brooke MacKenzie: divorced with two children; she is the somewhat mousy woman in beige while her ex is the preening Peacock—and plastic surgeon—arriving after the divorce to take up residence in one of the apartments with his reconstructed mannequin-like new girlfriend.
Writer/single mom Claire Walker has sold her suburban home to spend a year doing nothing but writing her next novel, hoping, now that her daughter is off at college, to turn her full attention to her creativity. But why is her writing not happening? Why does she sit for days on end staring at a blank computer screen?
And what about “Princess” Samantha and the perfect life that everyone envisions? How could she possibly connect to any of the others, since she couldn't possibly have any real problems?
How does the world of Downton Abbey appeal to them each in very different ways, and yet somehow shines a light on those very secrets and longings that are hidden from the others?
Friendship is born during these Sunday night events, and very slowly, the facades are peeled back.
Some of the characters will bloom in the glow of the connections formed, while others will discover that the surface behind which they're hiding must crumble if they are to truly connect to the others.
While they are watching the drama unfold, the women (and Edward) will find their lives forever changed in just a few months. How will they fare afterwards? Can anything repair the damage of a shocking betrayal? And who will remain connected afterwards?
Beautifully drawn, the true-to-life characters felt like people I wanted to know. I couldn't stop turning the pages to see what would happen next, and even as I finished, I definitely wanted to read more about them. Perhaps in a sequel. "While We Were Watching Downton Abbey" is a complex story of human flaws and foibles and the bonds that develop between people, sustaining them through the tough times. Five stars.
So when Edward invites his fellow residents to join him for weekly screenings of Downton Abbey, four very different people find themselves connecting with the addictive drama, and, unexpectedly, with each other.
As we meet each of them, we learn about their private lives, those that are hidden from their neighbors. Brooke MacKenzie: divorced with two children; she is the somewhat mousy woman in beige while her ex is the preening Peacock—and plastic surgeon—arriving after the divorce to take up residence in one of the apartments with his reconstructed mannequin-like new girlfriend.
Writer/single mom Claire Walker has sold her suburban home to spend a year doing nothing but writing her next novel, hoping, now that her daughter is off at college, to turn her full attention to her creativity. But why is her writing not happening? Why does she sit for days on end staring at a blank computer screen?
And what about “Princess” Samantha and the perfect life that everyone envisions? How could she possibly connect to any of the others, since she couldn't possibly have any real problems?
How does the world of Downton Abbey appeal to them each in very different ways, and yet somehow shines a light on those very secrets and longings that are hidden from the others?
Friendship is born during these Sunday night events, and very slowly, the facades are peeled back.
Some of the characters will bloom in the glow of the connections formed, while others will discover that the surface behind which they're hiding must crumble if they are to truly connect to the others.
While they are watching the drama unfold, the women (and Edward) will find their lives forever changed in just a few months. How will they fare afterwards? Can anything repair the damage of a shocking betrayal? And who will remain connected afterwards?
Beautifully drawn, the true-to-life characters felt like people I wanted to know. I couldn't stop turning the pages to see what would happen next, and even as I finished, I definitely wanted to read more about them. Perhaps in a sequel. "While We Were Watching Downton Abbey" is a complex story of human flaws and foibles and the bonds that develop between people, sustaining them through the tough times. Five stars.
November 17, 2013
I am a huge Downton Abbey fan & that was the draw for me reading this one. Unfortunately, I didn't think this was very good. Downton was barely a backdrop & basically seemed like any popular show could have been plugged in for the very same story (While We Were Watching The Walking Dead or While We Were Watching Scandal). The characters were stock & flimsy, doing nothing unexpected & ending up exactly where you would predict. Aside from the descriptions of the posh building, I never felt these characters existed in any sort of lush surroundings approximate to my beloved Downton. I skimmed the last third of the book out of sheer need to finish because it was, by that point, clear that it was irrevocably boring & a trite ending was coming. There's nothing wrong with a light read but I wouldn't even recommend this one for a weekender. It simply had no charm to speak of, that I found & offered nothing new as a twist to an old trope (women at various stages in life, forging friendships). This reader was disappointed at this middling (at best) story.
November 5, 2015
Smart marketing to cash in on Downton Abbey mania, strike while the iron is hot. I'm not sure how popular the story will be once the show loses some of its popularity. Still,chick lit always has a place on a bookshelf or e-reader.
Wendy Wax shows us once again that a beautiful facade doesn't tell the whole story. That's true of the Alexander, one of Atlanta's most desirable addresses and the people living in the 1913 building including the concierge Edward and his tenants Samantha, Claire and Brooke along with their families.
Wax's story is predictable in what will happen to the characters for the most part. When certain characters are introduced you can already see the neon arrows pointing them toward other characters. It ends just the way I figured it would, however that doesn't spoil my enjoyment of the characters and the bond they build. Especially in the cases of Brooke and Samantha, it was nice to see them develop some backbone.
Kudos for having a dachshund, that always livens up a story and for constantly referencing a couple of characters as Ken and Barbie. Been there, done that. Come on, have't we all?
Can't wait for Season 4 of Downton Abbey even if I can't watch it at the Alexander.
Wendy Wax shows us once again that a beautiful facade doesn't tell the whole story. That's true of the Alexander, one of Atlanta's most desirable addresses and the people living in the 1913 building including the concierge Edward and his tenants Samantha, Claire and Brooke along with their families.
Wax's story is predictable in what will happen to the characters for the most part. When certain characters are introduced you can already see the neon arrows pointing them toward other characters. It ends just the way I figured it would, however that doesn't spoil my enjoyment of the characters and the bond they build. Especially in the cases of Brooke and Samantha, it was nice to see them develop some backbone.
Kudos for having a dachshund, that always livens up a story and for constantly referencing a couple of characters as Ken and Barbie. Been there, done that. Come on, have't we all?
Can't wait for Season 4 of Downton Abbey even if I can't watch it at the Alexander.
May 31, 2014
This was a treat of a book in two ways. A friend passed the title on to me which is always worth 2-3 published book reviews AND I had such a nice time reading it. I've since passed it on to two other friends because it is interesting enough to grab you right away but not so dark that you feel like it will bring you down.
"Perfect reading for the summer", seems like the right thing to call it but lately I have friends who need "perfect reading for a person who is accompanying loved ones to medical appointments" or "perfect reading for a person who has children who are driving her crazy". It's distracting enough and has enough variety of characters that you feel like you can identify with at least one of them.
I was pleasantly surprised by the way that some of their lives changed (but secretly hoped for one change that never came) and was relieved that Wendy Wax didn't take the easy way out on some of the resolutions. A lovely book that makes me want to put her next book on my list of what to read next.
"Perfect reading for the summer", seems like the right thing to call it but lately I have friends who need "perfect reading for a person who is accompanying loved ones to medical appointments" or "perfect reading for a person who has children who are driving her crazy". It's distracting enough and has enough variety of characters that you feel like you can identify with at least one of them.
I was pleasantly surprised by the way that some of their lives changed (but secretly hoped for one change that never came) and was relieved that Wendy Wax didn't take the easy way out on some of the resolutions. A lovely book that makes me want to put her next book on my list of what to read next.
June 28, 2016
I loved it. It is a light read, and I picked it out just because the title caught my eye. While the book is mostly not about Downton Abbey, I liked how it referenced the show (which I adore). I was rooting for the main characters and enjoyed the friendships that were built.
March 1, 2020
I purchased this book years ago, and finally read it on my library conference trip. It was enjoyable and easy to read, and now I want to re-watch Downton Abbey!
Read
June 17, 2017After a slightly slow start, and once I got a feel for the characters, I started to really enjoy this book. In fact as the story progressed I became more and more involved with it, and was curious as to just how all the characters would end up at the end.
The book is about three women who all live in the same building but probably wouldn't become friends if it wasn't for Edward the building's concierge, how has decided to start doing screenings in a communal room of the first two seasons of Downton Abbey, ahead of the third season starting in the States.
It is through the screenings and mutual love of Downton that the friendship between Samantha, Claire and Brooke flourishes, and Edward plays a key role too in the story.
Samantha married young and has always been grateful to her husband for helping her raise her younger brother and sister after the death of her parents. However appearances in their marriage can be deceiving.
Claire is a published author of 2 historical romance,s and has moved into the building to embark on a grand year of writing. I think that just about any author reading this would identify with Claire and her brilliant ability to procrastinate!
Brooke is a single mother to two young children, has a dog, and her ex-husband isn't that pleasant. She is a character that I could identify with the most as she just felt the most real to me, whereas our introduction to Samantha felt like a bit of a fairy story.
If you have watched the first couple of series of Downton Abbey then when the ladies are discussing the episodes I think you will smile and nod in recognition, or wish you could join in the discussions. As someone that has never watched an episode, I just let those bits wash over my head, as they didn't really mean much to me.
I loved the various friendships the ladies struck up, and how Samantha tried to deal with her siblings. There is a fledgling romantic interest for Brooke which I liked seeing how it may develop, and also the web of lies Claire was trying to construct around her, so that her writer' block wasn't evident.
This is an enjoyable story, but one I may have enjoyed a lot more had I watched the TV programme that links the characters together!
The book is about three women who all live in the same building but probably wouldn't become friends if it wasn't for Edward the building's concierge, how has decided to start doing screenings in a communal room of the first two seasons of Downton Abbey, ahead of the third season starting in the States.
It is through the screenings and mutual love of Downton that the friendship between Samantha, Claire and Brooke flourishes, and Edward plays a key role too in the story.
Samantha married young and has always been grateful to her husband for helping her raise her younger brother and sister after the death of her parents. However appearances in their marriage can be deceiving.
Claire is a published author of 2 historical romance,s and has moved into the building to embark on a grand year of writing. I think that just about any author reading this would identify with Claire and her brilliant ability to procrastinate!
Brooke is a single mother to two young children, has a dog, and her ex-husband isn't that pleasant. She is a character that I could identify with the most as she just felt the most real to me, whereas our introduction to Samantha felt like a bit of a fairy story.
If you have watched the first couple of series of Downton Abbey then when the ladies are discussing the episodes I think you will smile and nod in recognition, or wish you could join in the discussions. As someone that has never watched an episode, I just let those bits wash over my head, as they didn't really mean much to me.
I loved the various friendships the ladies struck up, and how Samantha tried to deal with her siblings. There is a fledgling romantic interest for Brooke which I liked seeing how it may develop, and also the web of lies Claire was trying to construct around her, so that her writer' block wasn't evident.
This is an enjoyable story, but one I may have enjoyed a lot more had I watched the TV programme that links the characters together!
March 26, 2016
Not really a bad book, this is basically a chicklit book for the beach or a rainy day when you have nothing else to do.
April 18, 2013
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.
Quick & Dirty: A refreshing tale of three women that are so different from one another, but come together for a great friendship.
Opening Sentence: As a child Samantha Jackson Davis loved fairy tales as much as the next girl.
The Review:
I was drawn to Wendy Wax’s While We Were Watching Downton Abbey mostly because of the infamous TV show. For those of you who don’t know, Downton Abbey is a period drama about life in the early 1900s, between the life of those upstairs (the wealthy) and downstairs (the help). I am a huge fan of the show, so when I read that the premise was about three women coming together for weekly screenings of the show, I had to read it. Wax is marvelous writer, bringing me the lives of these three very different women and rekindling my love for the show.
In While We Were Watching Downton Abbey, Summary Samantha Davis, Claire Walker, Brooke MacKenzie are all residents of The Alexander. Each one with an individual story, and each with their own problems. They arrived at The Alexander for different reasons: the prestige, a settlement, and a fresh start. A weekly viewing of Downton Abbey brings these three women together. A show is the main reason for introductions and a bond, but they are what keeps them together. A merry group brings together these wonderful story of love, friendship, and Downton Abbey.
Samantha was swept off her feet by her husband. Along with his riches, he played her white knight and saved herself and her two younger siblings. She is indebted for his generosity and financial support. Many years later, Samantha is about routine and expectations. The expectations she puts on herself to keep a happy home to make her husband’s life as stress free as possible. Routine of meeting her mother in law and placating her weekly questions. But through it all, Samantha loses who she is and whom her husband met all those years ago. I liked Samantha. Many people misconceive who she is. Deep down she’s warm and loving, and a regular person like anyone else. She was easy to get along, and my favorite, by far.
Claire is seeking a fresh start. She is a writer who is finally considering herself a full-time writer. Her daughter is away at college and has downgraded from her spacious home to a place at The Alexander. Claire left her husband long ago, when she felt that it wasn’t right for her or her daughter. Her writing saved her, Highland romances with a humble following. But the time is now for Claire to start thinking about herself and her goals. The only problem is, she can’t focus with all this free time. I didn’t relate to Claire as much as the other two women, but I enjoyed her story. Starting fresh isn’t something that can be taken with a grain of salt. I’m glad she had friends to help her, even if I felt she could have done it on her own.
Brooke is a divorced mother of two. She put her husband through medical school and has quickly become the starter wife. Her husband isn’t the kindest man, nor is he consistent. Brooke has catered to everyone but herself. Her husband is threatening to cut her financial support and to kick her out of her home. But with due diligence, Brooke slowly gains her independence. I liked Brooke’s story. I feel she had the most difficult situation, only because I disliked her ex-husband. But she is a strong character, not only as a mom, but as a woman.
While We Were Watching Downton Abbey is written in a mature voice. The women are established in who they are, despite any shortcomings they feel they may have. The dialogue is witty and clever, perfect for the genre it is written in. I never once felt like the story dragged, nor did I feel the characters were mundane. The Alexander serves as a great background for the story, allowing Wax to mirror between present day and the time period of Downton Abbey. Regardless of social stature, Wax made it clear that self respect and self worth was important. I also found it interesting that the scenes chosen from Downton Abbey were relevant to the scenes in the story. It made everything come full circle, and also for an enjoyable read.
I really enjoyed While We Were Watching Downton Abbey. Friendship plays a big part in the the story, from the power to the importance. And I really appreciate the fact that it wasn’t about romance or about a guy. The story was just about women believing in themselves and in each other.
Great read! I urge you to pick it up and enjoy it for yourself.
Notable Scene:
Brooke barely breathed as she watched a finger tap out a message on a Teletype. A train whistle sounded. The train cut through the countryside while an unknown man stared out the window. Scenery swept by. Music played lightly. The hum of the telegraph wires that ran along the track could be heard, an urgent clacking. The message arrived at a British telegraph office, but it was too early to deliver it.
The music swelled and a magnificent castle loomed toward the screen to better breathe in the stunning opening visuals as the servants began their day and the fateful telegram arrived. Beside her Samantha Davis went still as Robert, the Seventh Earl of Grantham and his rich American wife awoke to discover what the sinking of the Titanic would mean to all of the inhabitants of Downton Abbey.
FTC Advisory: Penguin/Berkley Trade provided me with a copy of While We Were Watching Downton Abbey. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: A refreshing tale of three women that are so different from one another, but come together for a great friendship.
Opening Sentence: As a child Samantha Jackson Davis loved fairy tales as much as the next girl.
The Review:
I was drawn to Wendy Wax’s While We Were Watching Downton Abbey mostly because of the infamous TV show. For those of you who don’t know, Downton Abbey is a period drama about life in the early 1900s, between the life of those upstairs (the wealthy) and downstairs (the help). I am a huge fan of the show, so when I read that the premise was about three women coming together for weekly screenings of the show, I had to read it. Wax is marvelous writer, bringing me the lives of these three very different women and rekindling my love for the show.
In While We Were Watching Downton Abbey, Summary Samantha Davis, Claire Walker, Brooke MacKenzie are all residents of The Alexander. Each one with an individual story, and each with their own problems. They arrived at The Alexander for different reasons: the prestige, a settlement, and a fresh start. A weekly viewing of Downton Abbey brings these three women together. A show is the main reason for introductions and a bond, but they are what keeps them together. A merry group brings together these wonderful story of love, friendship, and Downton Abbey.
Samantha was swept off her feet by her husband. Along with his riches, he played her white knight and saved herself and her two younger siblings. She is indebted for his generosity and financial support. Many years later, Samantha is about routine and expectations. The expectations she puts on herself to keep a happy home to make her husband’s life as stress free as possible. Routine of meeting her mother in law and placating her weekly questions. But through it all, Samantha loses who she is and whom her husband met all those years ago. I liked Samantha. Many people misconceive who she is. Deep down she’s warm and loving, and a regular person like anyone else. She was easy to get along, and my favorite, by far.
Claire is seeking a fresh start. She is a writer who is finally considering herself a full-time writer. Her daughter is away at college and has downgraded from her spacious home to a place at The Alexander. Claire left her husband long ago, when she felt that it wasn’t right for her or her daughter. Her writing saved her, Highland romances with a humble following. But the time is now for Claire to start thinking about herself and her goals. The only problem is, she can’t focus with all this free time. I didn’t relate to Claire as much as the other two women, but I enjoyed her story. Starting fresh isn’t something that can be taken with a grain of salt. I’m glad she had friends to help her, even if I felt she could have done it on her own.
Brooke is a divorced mother of two. She put her husband through medical school and has quickly become the starter wife. Her husband isn’t the kindest man, nor is he consistent. Brooke has catered to everyone but herself. Her husband is threatening to cut her financial support and to kick her out of her home. But with due diligence, Brooke slowly gains her independence. I liked Brooke’s story. I feel she had the most difficult situation, only because I disliked her ex-husband. But she is a strong character, not only as a mom, but as a woman.
While We Were Watching Downton Abbey is written in a mature voice. The women are established in who they are, despite any shortcomings they feel they may have. The dialogue is witty and clever, perfect for the genre it is written in. I never once felt like the story dragged, nor did I feel the characters were mundane. The Alexander serves as a great background for the story, allowing Wax to mirror between present day and the time period of Downton Abbey. Regardless of social stature, Wax made it clear that self respect and self worth was important. I also found it interesting that the scenes chosen from Downton Abbey were relevant to the scenes in the story. It made everything come full circle, and also for an enjoyable read.
I really enjoyed While We Were Watching Downton Abbey. Friendship plays a big part in the the story, from the power to the importance. And I really appreciate the fact that it wasn’t about romance or about a guy. The story was just about women believing in themselves and in each other.
Great read! I urge you to pick it up and enjoy it for yourself.
Notable Scene:
Brooke barely breathed as she watched a finger tap out a message on a Teletype. A train whistle sounded. The train cut through the countryside while an unknown man stared out the window. Scenery swept by. Music played lightly. The hum of the telegraph wires that ran along the track could be heard, an urgent clacking. The message arrived at a British telegraph office, but it was too early to deliver it.
The music swelled and a magnificent castle loomed toward the screen to better breathe in the stunning opening visuals as the servants began their day and the fateful telegram arrived. Beside her Samantha Davis went still as Robert, the Seventh Earl of Grantham and his rich American wife awoke to discover what the sinking of the Titanic would mean to all of the inhabitants of Downton Abbey.
FTC Advisory: Penguin/Berkley Trade provided me with a copy of While We Were Watching Downton Abbey. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
October 7, 2019
This book had a lot of mixed reviews so I was very hesitant to start it but I’m glad that I did. I love Downton Abbey and I love that a friendship was created from strangers being forced to watch it together. It made me reflect on the friendships in my own life. A true friends sees you through the good and bad, not just when it is convenient for them. This story is one that will give you the warm and fuzzies.
March 20, 2022
Listen, not everyone is going to love this book, but I LOVED this book.
May 5, 2020
Couldn't finish. Didn't wanna finish.
February 19, 2019
After my last read, I was looking for a something "a little lighter" - not all about grief & loss as the last book was, not necessarily "high literature." What I needed was a well-written novel, excellent storytelling, a plot that I cared about, real-feeling people, something that perhaps would be difficult to put down at times. Maybe I wanted contemporary, but I also like a touch of the historical. Of course, I was also happy that the book I chose (already purchased a little while ago, as a matter of fact) also happened to satisfy one of the "challenges" in the GR "Around the Year in 52 Books" group that I'd recently joined.
I didn't have to challenge myself with a goal of an entire 52 books in a year, but I did. I'd also decided I was going to try to do it mostly with as-yet-unread books already in my possession, of which I have many. WHILE WE WERE WATCHING DOWNTON ABBEY by Wendy Wax met the latter self-imposed condition. As for fulfilling a "Challenge" condition: #44 ("A book related in some way to a tv show/series or movie [same topic, same era, book appeared in the show/movie, etc.]") was clearly met via the "etc." part - "Downton Abbey" is in the title of the book. Plus relationships/friendships develop within an historic Atlanta apartment building when its British-born concierge decides to foster more community amongst its residents - via Sunday night viewings of Downton Abbey episodes. Friendships, a bit of romance, a not-so-nice character that thickens the plot, believable dialogue. And a satisfying ending. Yes, this met my expectations.
I don't want to give away the story (no spoilers here), but the primary characters are the above-mentioned concierge and 3 women from quite different backgrounds - and secondary folks like an ex-spouse, a current spouse, a difficult mother-in-law, & more. All of which managed to provide plenty of drama - even if they are contemporary, rather than of an Old World TV version.
You don't need to have watched the Downton Abbey series to enjoy this novel. But if you did, you will love it even more. It's made me want to watch the whole series again - although it might have to wait until after I've read those 52 books...
I didn't have to challenge myself with a goal of an entire 52 books in a year, but I did. I'd also decided I was going to try to do it mostly with as-yet-unread books already in my possession, of which I have many. WHILE WE WERE WATCHING DOWNTON ABBEY by Wendy Wax met the latter self-imposed condition. As for fulfilling a "Challenge" condition: #44 ("A book related in some way to a tv show/series or movie [same topic, same era, book appeared in the show/movie, etc.]") was clearly met via the "etc." part - "Downton Abbey" is in the title of the book. Plus relationships/friendships develop within an historic Atlanta apartment building when its British-born concierge decides to foster more community amongst its residents - via Sunday night viewings of Downton Abbey episodes. Friendships, a bit of romance, a not-so-nice character that thickens the plot, believable dialogue. And a satisfying ending. Yes, this met my expectations.
I don't want to give away the story (no spoilers here), but the primary characters are the above-mentioned concierge and 3 women from quite different backgrounds - and secondary folks like an ex-spouse, a current spouse, a difficult mother-in-law, & more. All of which managed to provide plenty of drama - even if they are contemporary, rather than of an Old World TV version.
You don't need to have watched the Downton Abbey series to enjoy this novel. But if you did, you will love it even more. It's made me want to watch the whole series again - although it might have to wait until after I've read those 52 books...
August 16, 2013
The Downton Abbey hook is what pulled me in to this tale of unlikely friendships. Set in Atlanta, Georgia at a very tony apartment complex, three women bond over watching the Downton Abbey series at a regular Sunday night viewing party replete with a pseudo-housemaid and butler. The tv parties are the brainchild of concierge Edward, a British charmer who is out to make a success of his small personal services company. The unlikely friends include: Samantha, wife to a rich lawyer who for various reasons doubts her marriage, Claire a romance writer/empty nester with writer's block, and Brooke, a newly divorced mother of two small daughters. How these three women inspire and support each other is standard enough fare, none the less enjoyable. I did get a little tired of Claire's writer's block, which could have been "solved" earlier, and Samantha's inability to communicate with her husband did not always ring true, but Brooke's character rang true for me. The poor girl had to endure her plastic surgeon Ex moving into the apartment complex with his new "Barbie" wife. I may read another Wendy Wax book in the future, but in the mean time, I must say I am looking forward to Season Three of Downton Abbey a whole lot more!
December 1, 2013
Clearly there are a lot of women who enjoy superficial fluffy reads but I am not one of them. I got 10% in (per my Kindle) and deleted. The only reason I started it was for Book Club. There is nothing here to capture the mind, the spirit or the heart.
Junk food for the mind can be good, but some junk food is better than others.
Junk food for the mind can be good, but some junk food is better than others.
December 30, 2014
I was not looking forward to reading this book--it was "assigned" reading. for our library book club...But I'm so glad I did. I was expecting something light and fluffy--but it was actually quite smart--and an enjoyable read. I'll have to try more of Ms. Wax!
December 22, 2021
Okay. So.
This is not going towards my Goodreads reading challenge (though I did wrestle with the idea as a sort of payback for the time I wasted here, but decided not to because it's not worth it), and I'll tell you why.
Okay. *inhales big*
When you see a book with the words "Downton Abbey" in the title, it seems pretty obvious to assume that the story is going to revolve around Downton Abbey. While this story in it of itself seemed charming and fun and kind of engaging, there were, I kid you not, only around 10 pages in total that even mentioned Downton Abbey itself, let alone the characters and how they influenced the lives of these MCs.
If you love chick lit, you will love this book. If you love falling in love with new characters, you will love this book. If you're here (as I was) simply because there were the words "Downton Abbey" in the title, you will be sorely disappointed.
However, if you *are* here for the words "Downton Abbey," I shall enclose in spoiler tags a few of the notable moments in which Downton Abbey and its utterly fantastic characters are mentioned.
Here you go:
In the end, I think she included Downton Abbey (in part) as a shameless plug to try and get more readers to read a story about a butler, a rich lady, and some more troubled and quirky souls who I may actually have liked if they connected more with, ya know, Downton Abbey itself.
:)
This is not going towards my Goodreads reading challenge (though I did wrestle with the idea as a sort of payback for the time I wasted here, but decided not to because it's not worth it), and I'll tell you why.
Okay. *inhales big*
When you see a book with the words "Downton Abbey" in the title, it seems pretty obvious to assume that the story is going to revolve around Downton Abbey. While this story in it of itself seemed charming and fun and kind of engaging, there were, I kid you not, only around 10 pages in total that even mentioned Downton Abbey itself, let alone the characters and how they influenced the lives of these MCs.
If you love chick lit, you will love this book. If you love falling in love with new characters, you will love this book. If you're here (as I was) simply because there were the words "Downton Abbey" in the title, you will be sorely disappointed.
However, if you *are* here for the words "Downton Abbey," I shall enclose in spoiler tags a few of the notable moments in which Downton Abbey and its utterly fantastic characters are mentioned.
Here you go:
In the end, I think she included Downton Abbey (in part) as a shameless plug to try and get more readers to read a story about a butler, a rich lady, and some more troubled and quirky souls who I may actually have liked if they connected more with, ya know, Downton Abbey itself.
:)
August 18, 2020
While We Were Watching Downton Abbey is the story of unlikely friends: Samantha, unsure of her marriage to a wealthy man; Brooke, recently divorced mother to two young girls who is trying to find herself; and Claire, divorced empty nester who is also a blocked writer. The women meet while watching Downton Abbey with a group in their midtown Atlanta condo building. As the story onscreen unfolds, their lives begin to change too.
I wanted to read this novel because I love Downton Abbey. This looked like a light, fun read - perfect for summertime.
This is indeed a light read, but it's lots of fun. The characters are likable and the author does a great job at delineating their personalities and lives. This is a very heartwarming, Hallmark movie type of read. As a bonus, I loved the Downton Abbey details, the Atlanta setting, and Brooke's dachshund Darcy!
I recommend While We Were Watching Downton Abbey for fans of women's fiction, Downton Abbey, or an uplifting beach or weekend read.
I wanted to read this novel because I love Downton Abbey. This looked like a light, fun read - perfect for summertime.
This is indeed a light read, but it's lots of fun. The characters are likable and the author does a great job at delineating their personalities and lives. This is a very heartwarming, Hallmark movie type of read. As a bonus, I loved the Downton Abbey details, the Atlanta setting, and Brooke's dachshund Darcy!
I recommend While We Were Watching Downton Abbey for fans of women's fiction, Downton Abbey, or an uplifting beach or weekend read.
July 15, 2022
as someone who's been watching a bunch of Downton Abbey lately, this book caught my eye while i was at the local library. i didn't really know what i was expecting as this type of book isn't what i usually read, but i really enjoyed it.
it was fun to be able to sink into the drama of the characters' lives while i was reading, and they felt real enough that i cared about what happened to them
no complaints here -- not life changing, but not everything needs to be
it was fun to be able to sink into the drama of the characters' lives while i was reading, and they felt real enough that i cared about what happened to them
no complaints here -- not life changing, but not everything needs to be
June 28, 2019
This was a nice light read. I admit I picked it up from the used book sale because of the reference to Downton Abbey in the title, but was not at all concerned about the minimal presence the show had in the story. The important words in the title are While and We. This is a book about how a common interest can forge friendships in the most unlikely companions. It reminds us that we have no idea what is going on in the lives of strangers, and our assumptions can be very wrong.
I absolutely loved the final paragraph "...even an ordinary life could rival the comedy and tragedy of a really great period drama. That fairy tales could come true if only they were allowed to. And that friendship was the most potent magic of all, able to form without warning or explanation and in the most unexpected of ways and places. Just as it had while they were watching Downton Abbey." Sigh
I absolutely loved the final paragraph "...even an ordinary life could rival the comedy and tragedy of a really great period drama. That fairy tales could come true if only they were allowed to. And that friendship was the most potent magic of all, able to form without warning or explanation and in the most unexpected of ways and places. Just as it had while they were watching Downton Abbey." Sigh
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