The Goddesses

Huntley’s (We Could Be Beautiful) second novel is an engaging account of a middle-aged woman’s journey for an identity apart from her family. Nancy Murphy moves from San Diego to Hawaii with her husband, Chuck, and their twin sons after he has an affair. In search of transformation, she tries a yoga class, where she connects with the magnetic teacher, Ana. The two begin a friendship, and Nancy is drawn in by Ana’s stories of battling cancer and her rough past. She joins Ana in her quest to reverse her karma, and soon the two declare themselves goddesses in their quest for reinvention. Nancy’s sons and husband feel neglected as she gets closer to Ana and allows her to move in with her family when her cancer returns. However, Ana’s behavior grows suspicious, culminating in an ill-fated revenge plot that has fatal consequences. Though the characters lack substantial depth, readers will be pulled along by the quick-moving story. (July)