What’s it all about?:
A novel of suspense that explores the complexities of marriage and the dangerous truths we ignore in the name of love.
When you read this book, you will make many assumptions.
You will assume you are reading about a jealous wife and her obsession with her replacement.
You will assume you are reading about a woman about to enter a new marriage with the man she loves.
You will assume the first wife was a disaster and that the husband was well rid of her.
You will assume you know the motives, the history, the anatomy of the relationships.
Assume nothing.
Discover the next blockbuster novel of suspense, and get ready for the read of your life.
What did WE think?:
CHRISSI: What were your first impressions of this book?
BETH: This novel is written by two authors – Greer Hendrick and Sarah Pekkanen, sadly neither of whom I’m familiar with. I’m always a bit nervous when I read a book that is written by two people, no matter who those two people are. I always wonder about how the writing process and how they manage to write together coupled with worrying that it might feel a bit disjointed as a result. I’m not sure why I feel this as my last experience with dual authors was very positive! Luckily, I had nothing to worry about. From that very first read of the synopsis, I was hooked and remained that way from the beginning to the end of this novel – it was fast-paced, easy to read and very compelling.
BETH: When you read that startling synopsis do you think it prepared you for the story within? Or were you still surprised by the twists and turns?
CHRISSI: Confession time! I didn’t read the synopsis before I read this book. When I looked at your question, I just had to look it up. What a cracking synopsis! After reading this book, I know it had so many twists and turns along the way. I think if I had read it prior to starting the story I may have been very cautious about the characters and events that happen in the story.
CHRISSI: Did you find any of the characters in this book likeable? If so, who? And if not, did it affect your enjoyment of the story?
BETH: Good question! Hmm. I don’t always need to find a character likeable to enjoy a story. Sometimes, I even prefer to read about more unlikeable individuals as I think it makes for a juicier narrative but it was quite hard with The Wife Between Us. I say that because I didn’t particularly like ANY of the characters. I disliked one of them intensely (but the less said about that the better), I disliked others to different degrees and I felt indifferent to others still! I did however, really like Aunt Charlotte, she was a lovely addition to the novel.
BETH: How do you think this novel compares to others in the genre?
CHRISSI: It’s an interesting one. This genre is so heavily populated, yet I do think it’s a book that stands out. I quite often can guess where a book is going yet with this one, it did surprise me. I definitely had a WTF moment when reading it and the ending did surprise me. I didn’t predict the ending and I’m pretty sure my mouth did actually fall open during the last chapter. It also stands out because it’s written by two authors. I can often struggle with this as their styles can be so different, but with this book it really, really worked!
CHRISSI: Without spoilers, were you able to predict the ending?
BETH: Nope. Not at all. Not even a little bit. I texted you about 42% through and I was like: “I’m so confused right now!” and although I then started to understand what was going on quite quickly afterwards, the twists and turns were not over by a long shot. There are still a multitude of surprises to be found throughout the second half of the book and particularly at the end. I love a novel where I can’t see something coming and it’s completely unpredictable and that’s what The Wife Between Us was for me.
BETH: Did you enjoy the relationship between Vanessa and her Aunt Charlotte in this novel? How did it differ to the one she had with her mother?
CHRISSI: Good question! The relationships in this book are fascinating. I feel like Vanessa’s relationship with Aunt Charlotte was much stronger than her relationship with her mother. They seem incredibly close. Aunt Charlotte seems to somewhat have Vanessa on a pedastal. I feel like Aunt Charlotte would tell Vanessa what she wanted to hear, whereas her mother might question her actions more?
CHRISSI: Do you think this book would make a good film?
BETH: Ooh, yes. Absolutely! I can totally see perhaps Reese Witherspoon and Patrick Dempsey in some of the lead roles and I think if it’s done in the right way, with the right cast, screenplay and director, it could be absolutely explosive. I’d definitely watch it. I would also hope that I would have forgotten the ending by then so I could be surprised and shocked all over again!
BETH: Would you read another book by these authors?
CHRISSI: I would! I see that the authors have another book coming out next year. I’m definitely intrigued to read that!
Would WE recommend it?:
BETH: But of course!
CHRISSI: Of course!
BETH’s Star rating (out of 5):
CHRISSI’s Star rating (out of 5):
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One of my favorite books of last year, Beth! I’m so happy you two enjoyed it, and it was entertaining to read your thoughts and re-visit the book. I’m so excited about their newest book and cannot wait to read it!
Thank you Jen 😘 oooh when is their next coming out, do you know?
You’re welcome, Beth! It comes out in January- An Anonymous Girl via St. Martin’s Press, and it’s up on NG now! It has been a “read now” before, but I’m not sure if it is now? ♥️
Thanks!! 🙏🏻
This one is on my shelf and now you’ve got me wanting to move it up! Great discussion, Chrissi & Beth. And thanks for keeping it spoiler free.
No problem at all, it was damn tricky though lol 😆 and thank you so much I really hope you enjoy it! 😘
Great post, Beth! I love the Q & A! I really liked this one and I am glad to see you both did too!
Thank you so much 😊 we do love reviewing books together like you and your sisters! 😁
Glad you loved it! One of my favorite books that I read last year, and I’m dying to read their newest (I have the ARC but I’m waiting until Nov or Dec when I have more time but it’s killing me, LOL). I agree it would be a great movie, and last I heard the movie rights for the book had been bought by the same people who did The Girl On the Train movie. Personally, I hope they do a better job bringing this book to the big screen!! 🙂
Yes! I’m still a bit sore about that, it was a bit disappointing really wasn’t it?! Very much looking forward to your thoughts on the new book though! 😊
I know; it really was! It needs a do-over, lol. I hope they do a better job with this one! Oh thanks!! I’m excited. I keep walking past my bookshelf and staring at it, but I just can’t read it yet even though I want to, LOL. I will get through these Oct ARCs and it will be all mine, hahaha! 🙂
So glad that you both enjoyed this one. I especially loved the first twist at the end of part one. Great Q & A.
Thanks Diana, I was SO surprised! I was confused for about three minutes and then it clicked! Haha 😆 and thank you 😊