Dear Wife may be my favorite book by this author yet. Smart, quick moving, and suspenseful, the story kept me reading WAY past any reasonable hour. Do yourself a favor and get this book. Start reading without so much as a glance at the back blurb. You will not be disappointed!

She did it again. Kimberly managed to give me yet another book that had me on my toes through every single sentence and had me guessing what was happening.. until it happened. I will never get tired of her writing. This is my second Belle, and it will NOT be my last. This solidified my love and put her into my top authors. The character build was perfect, the suspense was just enough, the action had you wanting to rip pages out. I loved the writing style with the cleared labeled chapters as to which person you were going to be hearing from, it added depth and didn't leave you wanting more from that chapter like most split time-line of p.o.v chapters do. It was just, perfect. There was not a single thing I would have changed.

What a shocker! This is a fantastic thriller. You won’t know what hit you. This book kept me up and I could not put it down. Read this now!

Kimberly Belle is a freaking force to be reckoned with. Her books leave me spinning EVERY DAMN TIME. She hooks you immediately, never lets you go, and then leaves you reeling. Belle is one of the only, and I mean ONLY, authors that keep me guessing.

Dear Wife is another home run from K Belle. True to form, you are taken in by the very first paragraph and you can’t stop until you finish the last page. That’s really all there is to it. I can’t even continue to talk about it without giving something away. It's a helluva thriller that I only started to figure out when the author wanted me to. I had so many ideas and theories. She amazes me. Just read the damn thing, will you?

**I do however want to provide a trigger warning. There are many flashbacks of domestic violence in this thriller. If you have ever been involved in anything close to abuse, this may not be the book for you. If you are in trouble currently and are in need of help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You are not alone**

I enjoyed this read. I was interested in it because I like books with strong female leads, suspense and unexpected twists.
Dear Wife is told from the perspectives of 3 people, primarily. Each has secrets, which are gradually unfolded. A woman on the run from an abusive husband, a husband suspected of killing his missing wife, and a detective investigating her disappearance.
I had read that there was a good twist, which there is near to the end. I was slightly disappointed in the twist because I’d nearly figured it out. Before reading Dear Wife, I had read another book with an amazing twist, which is probably why I wasn’t wowed by this one.
The ending is fast paced with everything coming together and a satisfying resolution.
In short, this is a good read, and I recommend it.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for honest feedback..

4.5 stars—fantastic, breakneck-paced twisty thriller

I want to start by saying that you should go into this book knowing as little as possible. If you like psychological thrillers just trust me and pick this up.

That said, I pretty much saw where this was headed for the most part from the beginning, but it is the sign of a great writer that it didn’t matter, because the way it is put together is so well done.

Great characters with a fast moving plot that I literally could not put down. My regular errands and tasks were out to the side today while all I did was read!

Great twist, great writing, great execution, great everything. This book was just GREAT! LOL! That is what I am tag-lining Dear Wife. GREAT!

Normally books that follow the "mystery/thriller/domestic violence" trope are never really fully developed for my liking, but this one was an exception. I think the prose and presentation of the story-line helped with that. The ole' bait and switch. It got me! It got me good!

The three different POVs were a great addition to this book! It helped that we had some unreliable narrators and even reliable narrators that added to the story rather than took away from it. Also, I think I was pretty partial to the location and setting of this one. It was awesome to read a book that took place close to where I live also-- always fun putting locations in real time. It was very vivid to me the entire time I was reading.

Dear Wife was a great read for any one looking for something quick-paced and not too long. It doesn't drag out, you don't really ever lose interest, and I think at the end of the book you will really enjoy the twist and the way the author constructed it! Also-- if you're into reading about domestic violence tropes I think this one will satisfy your liking.

4 stars, 3 points of view, 2 evenings to read it, 1 fabulous story
Y'all seriously j wanted to skip work and keep reading. It was so good. I thought i had figured it out and then another twist comes around!! I really enjoyed getting to know the 3 characters:. The runaway wife, the husband and the detective and I highly recommend this book.

I received an Advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own. :-)

ALL THE STARS!!!

Thank you Kimberly Belle for writing a great thriller. The characters are great. They all have very distinct voices which helps keep them from all blending together. The multiple narrators kept m intrigued throughout the book. I really enjoyed being able to know what the other characters were doing and thinking in relation to the others.

The writing was amazing. Very few books make me want to go back and read them again now that I know the ending. I did have some suspicions about what was going on. I was right but it still did not ruin the book because I was always questioning myself.

The atmosphere was great. I live in Atlanta and the details about the city were not lost on me. It made the story feel more realistic and drew me in. You can also tell that the author did a lot of work on how to run away. It felt very logical.

I was intrigued from beginning to end and want to read it again.

I would highly recommend this book. Especially to thriller lovers that need a new favorite book.

WOW! Just WOW! I've read a lot of suspense/mystery stories. Recently, many have purported to be the next "Gone Girl". This just might be it.

The first chapter sets the stage -- a woman is on the run, fleeing an abusive husband. With each succeeding chapter, the story is slowly revealed and all things may not be as the reader suspects. Each chapter is told in the voice of a major character -- Beth (the woman on the run), Jeffrey (the husband whose wife (Sabine) is missing), and the detective investigating Sabine's disappearance. I was completely enthralled; my curiosity was definitely piqued and I had a difficult time putting it down. There are several twists and turns, and once I reached the final 50 pages I couldn't stop reading until I finished. Not the most literary entry in this genre, but definitely one of the most riveting. Highly recommended.

Wow, leaving a abusive husband.. one who abuses you at every move you make every thought in your head.. you take money a little at a time to get by so when you make your Escape you can survive.. and so your husband won't notice the little bit you pull 10 hear 20 there because if he noticed he would beat you.. sabine is the one who helps women who want to leave their abusive spouses but in the end it all turns sour and Beth comes out looking good I really don't want to say a whole lot about this book because it was just totally wow it blew me away this is my first book by Kimberly Belle and I was totally Blown Away by the ending and I loved how the end came... I can say this is a must read anyone who picks it up will be enthralled and will not want to stop reading definitely a 5-star read fabulous fabulous book...

4 stars, thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy of Dear Wife. I couldn't put this book down & thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. The only reason I went down a star was I kind of figured out towards the end that the cop was up to no good & he probably had something to do with the disappearance of his wife. The 2 women that were missing got a little confusing overlapping stories but I still really enjoyed this thriller & trying to figure everything out. Well written!

What a ride this book is! I felt fairly confident I knew what was going on and then all of a sudden I was SO wrong and the story revealed truths that took me in another direction. Kimberly Belle dropped just enough clues through out to lead us down a dead end and then whip us around on the right path. Wow. I loved this one!


I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Kimberly Belle and the publisher (Park Row) for allowing me an early read of this book.

I haven't read a book like this in a long time....this book kept me up way later then I should have been, as well as kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. I could not believe the plot twist towards the end, however I was able to feel that it was coming a few chapters before the book actually spelled it out.

In a nutshell, this book was extremely amazing and I am so happy that the author wrote this one, and I cannot wait for more!!!

Kimberly Belle nails it here with this intense thriller. Dear Wife is one exciting thriller that is not to be missed. The most exciting thing here is how Kimberly Belle takes a story that really isn’t a new storyline and turns into an exciting, entertaining and compelling thriller. She introduces us to the characters through their different POV and kept us guessing on how they are connected by layering clues along the way, with those multiple plot twists. She reveals what we need to know right at the perfect time and skillfully keeps it feeling new without it ever feeling predictable making it entertaining yet plausible.

The link between our characters is the biggest surprise here with just how Kimberly Belle is able to create that high suspense and tension keeping that excitement going right up to that explosive ending that had me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend!

I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2019/06/25/dear-wife-by-kimberley-belle-harpercollinsca-kimberlysbelle-parkrowbooks-harlequinbooks-travelingsistersread/

Check out my FUN Q&A Elevator Ride Exclusive Interview with powerhouse author, Kimberly Belle. (BLOG)

DEAR WIFE is cleverly constructed, twisty, fast-paced, emotionally explosive, heart-pounding suspense, characters to die for, superb writing, and razor sharp! Be prepared to be "blindsided." The talented author exceeds all expectations and then some. Loved this book.

My initial IG and Twitter post after reading: "WOW!! 🎬 Blown Away "Hotlanta"#thriller The BEST of 2019. @KimberlySBelle knocks #DEARWIFE "out of the park" 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Her BEST yet!" My favorite book this year.

A woman escapes an abusive husband.

She plans every move, with limited resources.

She must one step ahead of him.

He is smart and calculating.

Will she leave enough clues to trap him and beat him at his own game?

After all, the monster taught her everything she knows.

This multi-level masterpiece is much more than a modern day marriage, domestic abuse, psychological thriller, and a woman on the run.

DEAR WIFE is brilliantly crafted with colorful characters woven in and out of this woman's life. There is a deep meaningful human spiritual and emotional connection, as those cross paths for a reason. No matter the race, class, or color - people experience problems. There is the dark evil side of human nature, and there is a good side. Belle explores both, in the least expected places.

To name a few: from an illegal Mexican gal, a drag queen, housekeeper, a Reverand, a church, a boarding house, former prostitute, identity document forgery specialist—plus we have a cop, realtor, hacker, a software salesman, husband, lover, sister, and a mom.

All these well-developed characters are connected. Some nice. Some not. Some guardian angels in disguise. We never know other's past and what goes on behind closed doors- as for why this genre is so popular.

As in many cases, and I speak from experience, women (victims) in this situation must put others out of their reach to protect them and themselves. The abuser keeps them from others. The victim does not trust others and has very few close friends or family.

This novel is a perfect example of how we must trust others in some cases (no matter their past), to survive. A story so realistic, it could be ripped from today's headlines, versus a fictional account.

What makes this thriller a "stand-out" is not only the clever writing, the riveting heart-pounding suspense, vivid descriptions, the intensity, the highly creative plot, but the "excellent" character development.

Think thriller crosses "This is Us." The author has done her research (even the cop procedural, hacking, guns, medical, church, religion, psychological, etc.) Not many writers can master this. Author, Michael Robotham (huge fan) has this unique quality, and now we have another . . . Kimberly Belle.

I have been a fan since her first book and read each of them. (Being an Atlanta gal, I love books set in the town). However, I will say, DEAR WIFE hands-down, "is on another entire level." It speaks volumes.

I am dying for everyone to read this book. 📕 I cannot say enough. I almost want another follow-up book with these characters. These characters will haunt you and linger well after the book ends. I am still thinking of them. Movie-quality guys! 🎬

To sum up, thriller author, Kaira Rouda has the narcissistic personality "down" and Kimberly Belle has the domestic "deceptive/marriage" down. They have locked in these respective titles, and readers have come to expect the "best" and are never disappointed.

This story resonates with me in many ways. Compelling and entertaining. I hope you enjoy as much as I did. I cannot wait to hear your thoughts. Congrats, Kimberly, A HIT! 🥂 Top of your game. 🏆

Stay tuned for my upcoming Q&A Elevator Ride with Kimberly, coming June 25! Cannot wait.

#JDCMustReadBooks

A special thank you to Park Row and NetGalley for an early reading copy.

Kimberly Belle Top Book List
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Wow! This story is such a thrill ride of I did not see that coming! Clever and realistic writing that makes this a five star read! A must read that begs to be shared and discussed.

Beth is on the run, Sabine is missing. What ties these two women together, or are they the same person? This book was definitely a thriller that entertains from start to finish. Fast paced and clever, I finally thought I had it all figured out, but I was only half right! A solid domestic thriller!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 5 rounded up!

Oh this is a good one guys... Dear Wife by Kimberly Belle is a whirlwind of a story that is impossible to put down.

What it's about: Beth Murphy is on the run from her abusive husband after plotting to leave him for the past year. At the same time, in her hometown of Pine Bluff, Sabine's husband comes home to find her missing without a trace. The only clue that can seem to be found of her is her abandoned car in a parking lot. The detective on the case is determined to find Sabine and bring the missing woman home. And the biggest question of all, just who exactly is Beth anyway?

I am keeping my summary super vague because I really don't want to give any of this book away! The wow factor at the end is everything, and I didn't predict what was going to happen even a little bit. The book moves around between viewpoints from Sabine's husband Jeffrey, Beth, and the detective on Sabine's case - Marcus. I loved this approach and coupled with short chapters it really kept me on the edge of my seat.

My heart was just breaking for Beth throughout the entire book, and while abuse is a strong part of this novel, if it is a trigger for you, you should still be able to read this. The abuse is talked about in a manner that is easier to read - although is it ever really easy to read about? - than in other books I have read with this theme.

I was really interested in Marcus' POV which made the book feel like a tiny bit of a police procedural as well. Belle throws suspicion on everyone in Dear Wife, and I really didn't know who to suspect so I suspected everyone, and still didn't figure anything out! This was also a pretty fast read, one that I was able to get through in 4 hours and 43 minutes so this will be a 'read in one-sitting' type of book for a lot of people.

Song/s the book brought to mind: 100 Letters by Halsey

Final Thought: This was my first time reading a Kimberly Belle book and I was completely blown away. Dear Wife is such an addictive, page-turner that you won't want to put it down until you read the very last word. I think this would make a great movie too! And I think it goes without saying, but I will say it anyway, that I definitely can't wait to go back and read all of Belle's backlist now!

I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I want to thank NetGalley, Harlequin, and Kimberly Belle for the Arc of dear wife. Kimberly Belles book the marriage lie is one of my all time favorite books so when I saw this one coming out I was so excited to read it. While it is a lot different then the marriage lie it is equally as good.
This story centers on a woman named Beth who is on the run from an abusive husband and another woman named Sabine who has gone missing and her dead beat husband Jeffrey is the prime suspect. Are Beth and Sabine two different people or one in the same?
This story is told through 3 different people and really has you guessing on things until the very end. This story does touch on domestic abuse so if you are sensitive to that you may want to skip it but if you love thrillers then this book is for you. It was riveting and Kimberly Belle never disappoints!