While We Were Watching Downton Abbey
by Wendy Wax
published by Berkley Books
2013
Summary
When the concierge of The Alexander, a historic Atlanta apartment building, invites his fellow residents to join him for weekly screenings ofDownton 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 reason: 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. (from Goodreads)
My Review
I originally wanted to read this book because I am completely in love with Downton Abbey. The movie centers around three very different women who lie in the same building in downtown Atlanta. They find themselves attending a weekly screening of the first two seasons of the wildly popular BBC series Downton Abbey, arranged by the concierge of the building, Edward. Claire, Brooke, and Samantha slowly become friends, each week bringing them closer together.
I really enjoyed this book. While it can be labels chick lit to some degree, it is clearly written in a more mature voice than many out there. Wendy wax is a wonderful writer who really brings her character-good and bad-to life. I would love to see a sequel- especially more about Edward!
rating-4 out of 5
Turn the Page Reviews 
You won’t believe this but I’ve never seen Downton Abbey, so I’ve been hesitant to pick up this book. I just read today that it’s possible to enjoy it without having seen the series so I’ll have to look for it.
You can definitely read it without having seen it- the book stands on it’s own. But- I would really recommend the show-it is wonderful!
I’ve been curious about this book for a while now. (I LOVE Downton Abbey, like the rest of the world, lol) Yours is the 2nd review I’ve read today for this particular book and you’ve tipped me over the edge. I’m going to request this from my local library, thanks!!
Hope you like it!
I haven’t watched Downton Abbey either, but I thought I’d enjoy getting a taste of it by listening to this audiobook. I’m not very far into it yet, but I like it so far. You make it sound really good!
I must be the only one who doesn’t watch Downton Abbey 🙂
This book sounds great – similar to The Jane Austen Book Club. I’ll check it out!!
I enjoyed this one too! The title of course is what got me to read this book because I’m a Downton Abbey fan.
This one looks like a lot of fun. I’m also a huge Downton Abbey fan, so of course the title got my attention. 😀
Thanks for the review. I saw this book in the bookstore and it looked good, but I was unsure. Sometimes I find that the books that are centered or started around a really popular thing, can be disappointing. I will have to check it out.
Downton Abbey is really good.
I did pick it up because I LOVE DA, but it actually doesn’t center around it- just some cool references. I think a person who never watched DA would still enjoy it- a fun easy read.