Nicola Marsh

A gripping emotional page turner with a breathtaking twist

Have you ever read a book and then you sit with it and you aren’t sure what to say? That is how I felt with this one. It has the making for an amazing thriller and it is unique. Three friends living in the Hamptons Marisa, Claire and Elly each living a life that is of there own making and putting out the best versions of themselves. What you quickly realize while reading is that not one person is who the portray to be. What adds to their drama is a woman named Jodi who has come to their lives to find the father of her baby. It seems that she brings a dark cloud over this town because shortly after a murder happens. A swarm of drama ensues as the story unfolds and we learn more about the three women’s pasts. The perfect wife in an unhappy marriage the divorcee who uses her body as a weapon against men and the cop with the loving partner. I specifically left out who is who because that is part of the fun of reading this book. I love the garden parties that were in this book. I felt like it was a murder club meeting. I will say there are a few parts that fall flat but is worth the time.… (mere)

Two strong leads, ER doctor Manny and food stylist Harper. And how great is it to read a book set in Auckland, although there wasn't enough specific detail that would link the story to Auckland or Lake Taupo for me.

This novel has a lot going for it - the characters as mentioned, the banter, the idea, the setting.

I think I figured out what it lacks, however. It just doesn't have the momentum that keeps you turning the page. How you infuse that into the writing I don't know, but that is the mastery that make the top romance writers stand out. A romantic comedy, in particular, must race along.

And this material is not worthy of 352 pages/9.3 hours of audiobook.

31 Aug 2022 - I really must do a better job of remembering the titles of the books I consume. I've borrowed this and only when I entered it into Library Thing did I see that I've read it, and not long ago. And actually, it was quite memorable - just hadn't remembered the name at all.… (mere)