Imagine you are about to get married and your fiancé’s crazy ex begins to show up, send letters and call to bug the heck out of you.

Imagine that you are the ex-wife, doing all you can to end your ex-husband’s new relationship.

Imagine being the husband, wishing that your ex would just leave you be.

As you read the book, you suddenly realize something….

Things are not always what they seem. I promise that as you read this your mind will latch on to one bendable truth, naturally but prepare for the twists!

The Wife Between Us centers around the theme of not always knowing who you marry. That fact alone is humbling enough and in reality, many of us experience this, however the authors made sure to keep us on one plane of thought while systematically, twisting our mind around in the middle of the book.

The secrets, the mystery, the psychological torture is only the tip of the iceberg and I can honestly say I was not ready for the many revelations.

At least two revelations surprised me, but the biggest one of all towards the end shocked the mess out of me.

For those used to linear storytelling, however, do not fear but I do warn you. The true gem of this work lies not only in storytelling and pacing, but how the story is told. It may give you whiplash if you are not paying attention.

“We think we’ve entered into a union with another person when, in fact, we’ve formed a triangle with one point anchored by a silent but all seeing judge…” (from The Wife Between Us by Hendricks and Pekkanen, 2018)

All in all I highly- and I do mean highly recommend this book to you. If there is one you pick up this Winter, let it be The Wife Between Us.

**This book was received for my unbiased review through Netgalley.

I'm always on the trail of a good thriller, so The Wife Between Us was high on my reading list for this fall. Maybe it's just me, but I was confused as I read the book. I was totally engaged at the start, but as it took its twists and turns -- and there are many -- I became lost in the plot. I like a good, sharp thriller and twists and turns are mandatory, but this one twisted and turned too much for me. I felt I needed to make plot notes, which took away from my enjoyment of the book.

I enjoyed the New York City setting and loved the detailed descriptions, but ultimately what many readers will find most engaging -- the plot line -- was what I found least engaging. I had very high hopes for The Wife Between Us, but for me it was disappointing.






I'm always on the trail of a good thriller, so The Wife Between Us was high on my reading list for this fall. Maybe it's just me, but I was confused as I read the book. I was totally engaged at the start, but as it took its twists and turns -- and there are many -- I became lost in the plot. I like a good, sharp thriller and twists and turns are mandatory, but this one twisted and turned too much for me. I felt I needed to make plot notes, which took away from my enjoyment of the book.

I enjoyed the New York City setting and loved the detailed descriptions, but ultimately what many readers will find most engaging -- the plot line -- was what I found least engaging. I had very high hopes for The Wife Between Us, but for me it was disappointing.

I received a free electronic copy of The Wife Between us from Netgalley for my honest review. WOW! This was a very intense and twisted psychological thriller. I loved the way the author set the tone in the beginning of the story. The characters were written so brilliantly and with such imagery. Just when you think you know what is going on with this book it quickly changes. Such an exciting and addicting read and written with such intensity. Every plot twist left me awe struck. Fantastic writing that makes we sad the book is over. This would make a great movie by the way.

2 likes

This book was definitely not what I thought it would be. It had quite a few twists and turns and just when I thought I had things figured out, some surprise would come at me.

It was a very typical story of an egomaniac marries who he thinks is the "perfect" woman, but lo and behold, she's just a normal gal. He begins to show what a jerk he really is because he's not getting what he thought he was getting.

Told in alternating voices, the story has depth and dimension instead of coming off as a "poor me, spurned wife" story. This is definitely not that kind of book.

I recently read "The Last Mrs. Parrish" and thought found this book to have some similarities, but a little more intricate.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this publication in exchange for my unbiased review.

The Wife Between Us is a story about a woman whose husband has left her for another younger replacement. Richard was a lovely doting husband, who was wealthy, charming, and attractive. She thought she gave him everything, but now she lives with her aunt in a small apartment and works for the department store trying to keep as low key as possible.

She thought she was done with Richard, until she find out that Richard is now getting married to her younger replacement and now she must stop the wedding from happening. Especially since the young replacement has no clue what is coming.

Oh.., Wow.., Wow.. I will stop right there. I don’t think I can go on past this point without ruining the book and with this book you have to go into this completely blindly. It is far the best way to experience what is coming.

There is an abundance of secondary characters at play and everything is very well done, including the main characters.

Hendricks and Pekkanen do and amazing collaboration job with this book. Once I started it, I was completely hooked from the first chapter. I could not put it down. The writing just drew me in and did not relinquish me until I was done. I wanted to know what was happening, I needed to know how it was going to end.

There are a lot of twists and turns, at times it feels like the authors spun you around into a circle. I don’t find it a bad thing, despite the fact that it felt a little flip floppy and at times I was questioning what I originally knew about the book. Looking back at it, it was all just part of the ploy to keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

I applaud the two ladies for a job well done. For the addictive writing style of this book. For a well done, interesting plot that kept me hooked and flipping through the pages.

This book felt like a puzzle and it is because it’s not till you keep reading do you see the pieces come together as more is revealed through the story and finally everything starts to come together as a whole.

I personally found that I really enjoyed this, not because just for how it was done, but because of the plot. I found that I really loved the plot. It wasn’t easy to read at time, especially the relationship parts, but oh, I was hooked.

I think the only issue I had was, that I wanted to know more about Richard’s sister and the fact that at times it did feel a little flip floppy – but again – this was all part of the plan and that plan was the reason I was so hooked through the entire book. The style was creative, it felt original, I have not myself read anything like it, and I really appreciated it. But, guys I absolutely love books like these that feel like domestic thrillers, they get bonus brownie points.

This is one of the best book I have read. I absolutely loved it.
I loved the characters, the storyline, and the ending.
A woman divorced from het husband tries to save the future wife. She is willing to sacrifice everything, including her life. Her reasoning, no one should have to suffer through the trauma that she has been through. All the bruises, the mind games, the shame.
A definite must read!
5 stars

WOW! This one captivated me. Assume nothing is such an understatement. Honestly, when flipping page to page just don’t assume AT ALL. Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen will lead you down a completely different path than you could ever expect.

Initially, I felt there was a slow start as the backstory of the characters were laid out. Although I did note that Hendricks & Pekkanen portrayed that something ominous was going to happen, I did not see the twists that came. Especially that which came once I veered Part II of this novel. I had to close the book and soak in all that I just read. Evaluate the bomb that Hendricks & Pekkanen just dropped on me. My whole perspective on the start of this novel immediately changed. It was not a slow start but a well written and suspenseful lead up to a twist I never saw coming.

I apologize for the bare bones review, but to elaborate on its plot, its characters, and so forth will only ruin your reading experience of this intelligently written psychological twister. It is so difficult to discuss this book without revealing surprisingly juicy spoilers, so I shall refrain.  What I can tell you is get this book, read this book. The hype that surrounds it is with reason!

This book held my attention from the very beginning and I kept wanting to skip to the end of the book to find out how it ends. I like that it took place in two different time periods and that what happens in the earlier one is revealed a little at a time instead of just one big surprise at the end.

I loved this book!!!! I don't want to write any details, because I don't want to give anything away. This is a book that you need to read as little as possible about before you pick up so you can just go along for the ride. But, it is a must read. Sure to be a bestseller!!!!

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Have you already been seeing the major buzz surrounding this book? I can’t imagine any active reader not seeing this somewhere, but in case you haven’t I’m here to ensure that you really need to add this to your must read list for 2018. The hype is real you guys, this book was SO fantastic, it’s fresh, exciting and I guarantee everyone will be raving about it in the new year AND it’s already been optioned as a movie!

There’s a reason that the blurb for this is so vague, I fear saying too much will ruin things, but I’ll do my best. Assume nothing is solid advice, this is not the book you think it is, it’s better and so much more than what it appears to be. It’s divided into three parts and the first part alternates between Nellie and Vanessa. Be patient here because the best is yet to come, I was by no means bored during this section, it was highly entertaining and addictive but when part two begins and things get flipped on their head I was beyond shocked. I’m talking jaw dropping stunned, this was so cleverly, sharply executed, it blew my mind! I had to reread several pages after some heart stopping twists just to make sure that I had indeed read correctly. I had and again, I was floored.

You know those special books that you want to immediately read again as soon as you finish because it was THAT amazing? This is that book. Even knowing what I now know wouldn’t take away from my enjoyment on a reread I don’t think, instead I think I would be more like, ahh ok I see what Hendricks and Pekkanen did here, look at this smart little breadcrumb! Outstanding characterization, an insanely twisty and complicated plot and a super addictive writing style will make this a huge book in 2018, preorder this one now and thank me later!

It seems I am in a minority regarding this book and my opinions are certainly going to be very unpopular.

This was not the psychological thriller I was promised and it is purely a women's fiction novel, in my opinion. For me there was far too much talk about clothes and make-up and hair in the story which became boring and repetitive and put me off very early on. This distracted from the plot and I found it difficult to take the characters seriously or sympathise with them.

As for the promised twisty plot, in my opinion there are too many hints, making the twist predictable and no more than a damp squib when it is finally 'revealed'. This is a shame because had the twist been more of a surprise it would have been a very good one.

Unfortunately I personally found this book to be shallow and repetitive, and not very original. Another case of 'It's not you, it's me' perhaps.

I really tried to like this book but it just didn't happen. First thing is I am tired of weak women characters and there were two in this book. Women who are embarrassed to show the size of their engagement rings to their friends because they are embarrassed? Please. Women who need a man to rescue them and take care of them, not for me. I gave it 50% and then I just couldn't take anymore.

Whatever you do, follow the blurb’s advice and go into this book not assuming anything. Because I did and oh boy, was I served a serving of “Gotcha” by the end of the book. This book takes suspense to the next level. It will be a while before I read a book that is as good as The Wife Between Us. I sat and read this book within 2-3 hours. It was that good.

The book starts off with Vanessa reeling from her divorce. She had been married to Richard for 7 years before the divorce. She is beyond devastated. Richard was her life and she would do anything for him. Vanessa starts stalking the new girlfriend. She is hoping to scare her off from marrying Richard. Or so you think.

Nellie is a preschool teacher who meets Richard on an airplane. Nellie is terrified to fly and Richard is there to comfort her during the flight. One thing leads to another and before long, they are dating and engaged to be married. Nellie is plagued by hang-up calls and the feeling that someone is watching her. Nellie has a secret that haunts her and she fears that her secret will ruin any plans of happiness with Richard.

I have no words for this book. Honestly, I don’t. I thought I had every figured out but then the author put a twist on the storyline that I didn’t see coming. That changed how I viewed the characters. But then, towards the end, there are two twists that I didn’t see coming. They both took me by surprise. The twist at the end of the book was the one that affected me the most. I couldn’t wrap my head around it.

My view of Vanessa was one of pity. She had gone through a rough divorce, was living with her Aunt Charlotte and drinking her life away. She was wallowing in self-pity. I kind of wanted to give her a hug and tell her that everything would be alright. Then the twist came and blew my mind. That changed my view from pity to one of amazement with a touch of “you go girl“.

I liked Nellie. I thought she was very sweet. She definitely had her issues. Oh boy, did she but she was working through them. I felt awful when she finally disclosed what happened to her. I also did like that she knew something was off with Richard.

I can’t leave much of a review from the middle of the book on because of how much of a mind screw it is. I was not expecting things to happen the way they did. Then I wasn’t expecting the other turn of events. Of course, I couldn’t put the book down. I needed to read this book to the end. And then the two twists that happened there. All I can say is “Wow“.

The Wife Between Us is a taut thriller that doesn’t hold back punches. A fast read, I was held captive by the plot. The characters were believable, all of them. The ending blew this book out of the water. Like I said above, it will be a while before I read a book as good as The Wife Between Us.

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Violence, language, and sexual situations

I would like to thank Greer Hendricks, Sarah Pekkanen, St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The Wife Between Us.

All opinions stated in this review of The Wife Between Us are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

I loved the blurb to this book, and it caught me that there would be many twists and turns. It didn't take but a couple of chapters to know I wasn't going to be disappointed.

This book is very hard to describe, because characters will "flip" until the very last chapter. What readers are taking at face value may not be all there is to the story as a whole. The ending is wholly satisfying and wraps up the story with several neat and tidy bows.

Readers who enjoyed "Gone Girl", or "Behind Closed Doors" will really enjoy "The Wife Between Us".

This book was so good! Definitely one of my favorites for 2017 so far this year.

The Wife Between Us seems like the typical psychological thriller that is the norm right now but it's not! The twists, one right after another make it very unique. This book is not what it seems! Luv'd, luv'd it!!!

This book doesn't come out until January 18, 2018 but would expect that it becomes an early best seller for the year.

Thanks to the authors, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

A really good psychological thriller, and as with the other reviews, it would be a shame to elaborate on the plot and give the twists away. Suffice to say, there are some very good twists in this book and the story will keep you hooked.

The write-up for this psychological thriller warns that even when you think you have things all figured out, you’ll be wrong. This is true.

Lots of twists and unexpected turns make this a book that will keep you off-balance. What seems to be a somewhat unlikeable protagonist/narrator morphs into someone you begin to understand. Not everything she has said and done was reckless after all. She’s not as unreliable as she seems. There are good reasons why things happened the way they did. Things you don’t see coming suddenly make sense when you think back on how it all played out.

Hendricks and Pekkanen combine their respective careers as book editor and best-selling novelist to produce a work meant to make the most of what’s popular in today’s fiction. It’s full of familiar tropes: the rich, handsome, doting husband who’s too good to be true; the awestruck young wife blinded by her fairy-tale life; the vindictive former wife stalking the new wife. The authors cleverly tweak the familiar to keep it unpredictable and introduce new “aha!” moments that won’t let you put the book down until it’s finished.

A good read when you’re looking for something that holds your interest but then lets you move on without too much introspection… unless, of course, you’re married to someone who seems too good to be true.

To avoid spoilers, which is especially important for this book, I'm going to provide a bare bones review - just to give you an idea what the story is about.

*****

Years ago - when Vanessa was attending college in her home state of Florida - she was outgoing, happy, and the social director of her Chi Omega sorority. After graduation Vanessa was living in New York City and riddled with anxiety - nervous about flying, going out alone at night, scary movies, and other things.

Vanessa was teaching pre-school during the day, working as a bartender at night, and coping with her insecurities as best she could when she met Richard - a handsome, wealthy, 36-year-old hedge fund manager. Richard was attentive, sophisticated, fun, and - most of all- reassuring about Vanessa's fears. In fact Richard affectionately nicknamed Vanessa 'Nellie' (for being a nervous Nellie).

Vanessa and Richard fell in love, got married, moved to the suburbs, and planned to start a family. Some years later the couple divorced.

Vanessa is now living with her Aunt Charlotte in New York City and working as a fashion consultant at pricey Saks Department Store. Vanessa has lost a lot of weight, can't sleep, and is drinking WAY too much. For his part, Richard is involved with his beautiful office assistant Emma.

When Vanessa hears that Richard and Emma are engaged, she loses it. Vanessa pretends to be ill, neglects her job, and starts acting out....determined to prevent Richard and Emma's nuptials.

The story alternates back and forth between the past and the present. In the chapters set in the past we learn about Vanessa's mother; her college experiences; her move to NYC; and her best friend/roommate Samantha - with whom Vanessa does facials, eats Chinese take-out, and watches movies. We also follow Vanessa's engagement to Richard and their marriage.

In the present, we tag along as Vanessa tries to derail her ex-husband's wedding, much to his chagrin. At one point Richard threatens to get a restraining order if Vanessa doesn't stay away from Emma and himself.

The story is interesting, the characters are well-developed, and there are some big shockers (which seems to be de rigueur for current books). I empathized with Vanessa and admired her solicitude for her aging Aunt Charlotte. I also liked Samantha, a good and caring friend who planned a wonderful bachelorette party. I had an inkling about one of the surprises, but certainly didn't guess them all. So well done, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen.

On the downside, the story is slow in places, has a plotline that's somewhat derivative, and should wrap up more quickly after the climax (IMO). The final sections are too drawn out, with too much blather and too little action.

All in all, 'The Wife Between Us' is a well-wrought suspense novel that I would recommend to mystery fans.

Thanks to Netgalley, the authors (Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen), and the publisher (St. Martin's Press) for a copy of the book.

wow, just wow. the "replacement" wife, the scorned wife, the ex-husband, the twists, the turns, a wild roller coaster ride. stop what you're doing and read this book. now.

The Wife Between Us
Greer Hendricks
Sarah Pekkanen


MY RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️▫️
PUBLISHER St Martin’s Press
PUBLISHED January 9, 2018

A twisting and thrilling novel of marriage, relationships and the past that sometimes haunts us forever.


SUMMARY
Richard Thompson is a 36-year-old handsome and highly successful hedge fund manager. He is full of charm, has an easy smile, a runner’s build and deep blue eyes. He’s almost to good to be true. Nellie, a young and adorable preschool teacher, fell in love with Richard immediately. He romanced her when they met on a plane, and now they are getting married. But nothing is what it seems. There is a young woman entering into marriage with a man she loves unconditionally. The man has been married once before. There is a jealous first wife who is stalking her replacement. The ex-wife is a drunk and a disaster who needs help. But again, nothing is what it seems.

REVIEW
What a gripping tale of love and marriage and the complexities of relationships, personal history and past decisions. It’s a book full of masterful twists that will confound and amaze you. You may think you have read this book before, you may think you know what is going to happen, you may think you know who to trust, but think again. The Wife Between Us is a smartly structured, well-written and suspenseful tale that will have you thinking long after you turn the last page. A great read.

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and the authors for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.