The New Husband by D.J. Palmer

The New Husband by D.J. Palmer

Published by St. Martin's Press

Published on April 14, 2020

Genre(s): Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Contemporary

Page Count: 384

Source: Publisher

Format: ARC

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Description: What makes Simon Fitch so perfect?

-He knows all her favorite foods, music, and movies.

-Her son adores him. He was there when she needed him most.

-He anticipates her every need.

-He would never betray her like her first husband.

The perfect husband. He checks all the boxes.

The question is, why?

Nina Garrity learned the hard way that her missing husband, Glen, had been leading a double life with another woman. But with Glen gone―presumably drowned while fishing on his boat―she couldn't confront him about the affair or find closure to the life he blew apart.

Now, a year and a half later, Nina has found love again and hopes she can put her shattered world back together. Simon, a widower still grieving the death of his first wife, thinks he has found his dream girl in Nina, and his charm and affections help break through to a heart hardened by betrayal. Nina's teenage son, Connor, embraces Simon as the father he wishes his dad could have been, while her friends see a different side to him, and they aren't afraid to use the word obsession.

Nina works hard to bridge the divide that’s come between her daughter and Simon. She wants so badly to believe her life is finally getting back on track, but she’ll soon discover that the greatest danger to herself and her children are the lies people tell themselves.

Hello Readers.

I was sent an ARC of this book and was really excited about reading it. I loved the other book written by D.J. Palmer and was delighted to hear that there was a new book. The premise looked so promising. Life got a little crazy so I did not get to read it as soon as I got it. Thankfully, I finally got to read it. 

I had such high expectations for this book. Perhaps they were too high going into it. The first chapter started out strong. The scenario was intriguing and I wanted to read as much as I could. I ended up reading five chapters that night before I needed to sleep. I wish that I could say that the momentum continued but it did not. The book became quite slow and even drug in some parts. I developed a love-hate relationship with some of the characters. I liked them at first and then grew to hate them as the book continued then liked them by the end. I wanted to throttle some of them at times. 

I am rating this book Three Orange Books because I liked it but it was really touch and go for a bit there. It took way too long for me to read. I tried to get into it more but there were moments that I wanted to read anything and everything else. I may be able to go back and read it again and feel differently about it but a three is all that I can give it now. I am not sure if I would recommend it.

InkedBookDragon

Something In The Water by Catherine Steadman

Something In The Water by Catherine Steadman

Published by Ballatine Books

Published on June 5, 2018

Genre(s):Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller

Page Count: 352

Source: Purchased

Format: Hardback

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Book Description: If you could make one simple choice that would change your life forever, would you?

Erin is a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough, Mark a handsome investment banker with big plans. Passionately in love, they embark on a dream honeymoon to the tropical island of Bora Bora, where they enjoy the sun, the sand, and each other. Then, while scuba diving in the crystal blue sea, they find something in the water. . . .

Could the life of your dreams be the stuff of nightmares?

Suddenly the newlyweds must make a dangerous choice: to speak out or to protect their secret. After all, if no one else knows, who would be hurt? Their decision will trigger a devastating chain of events. . . .

Have you ever wondered how long it takes to dig a grave?

Wonder no longer. Catherine Steadman’s enthralling voice shines throughout this spellbinding debut novel. With piercing insight and fascinating twists, Something in the Water challenges the reader to confront the hopes we desperately cling to, the ideals we’re tempted to abandon, and the perfect lies we tell ourselves.

Hello Again!

I am a fan of book clubs. I always have been. I enjoy being able to read a book and automatically having people to discuss it with. I had not heard of this book prior to seeing it on a post about Reese Witherspoon's Book Club. It looked promising and I agreed to "buddy read" it with a friend. Bonding over books is always great. 

The premise of this book caught my attention and I thought it would be a fun read. It started in such a way that I was not quite sure how it was going to proceed. In the very beginning, the author painted herself into a corner. I was intrigued about how she was going to write herself out of it so I continued. In some ways, I am glad that I did. It was interesting to see where the events were going to lead. With that said, too many of plot twists were predictable. Most of the characters were not likeable and greatly frustrating at times. I found myself wanting to shake the main character on more than one occasion. Large holes in story. One is not one hundred percent sure who is actually orchestrating what. 

I am rating this book Three Orange Books because it was a good debut novel. The potential was great but the finished story fell short. Too many loose ends left untied. Reader left wondering when it all truly began. Overall, it was a decent read. I am intrigued as to what the author may do for her next offering. I may recommend to some. 

InkedBookDragon