I was only able to read about 100 pages of this book and really enjoyed it. I do not remember reading in the initial synopsis that it had anything to do with 9/11 and that is a trigger for me. I was not personally involved in 9/11, nevertheless I am unable to read or watch anything about it, still, without having overwhelming anxiety so I will not be able to finish this book. HOWEVER, I do plan to recommend it to many customers as her writing is always impressive. Thank you for sending me this copy.

I generally enjoy Griffin’s novels, so. I was excited about reading this. But, I was sorely disappointed to read this hodgepodge of coincidences and miscommunication that the author chose to set around 9/11 as a way to try to glue the pieces together.

The plot smacked of immaturity and downright silliness. The BIG plot twist was imagined by many before and really doesn’t work. Though Cecily is a perfectly lovely protagonist, everything around her is just too convenient and senseless.

Sorry, but for the first time, I cannot recommend a Griffin novel.

Thank you Netgalley for this book.

Emily Giffin has done it again! The story of Cecily, Matthew, Grant, Amy, Scottie, and Byron was so beautifully interwoven and well-written. I was entranced by this tale of love, loyalty, and lies. Big lies. Very big lies. Lies that lead to heartbreak, a possible shot-gun wedding, and even prison. The ending was a little abrupt but overall, it was a great story.

I love all books by Emily Giffin and this one was one of her best. Loved the story and the writing was excellent. Can't recommend this book enough!!!!

I felt a bit ridiculous trying to explain the plot of this book to someone else. It seems like the author threw together every soap opera plot element (unhappy relationships, proposals, extra marital affair, tragic death, tragic illness, a faked death, white collar crime, twin swap), mixed them up, and came up with this book. That being said, if you are in the mood for that kind of escapist read, you probably will enjoy this book. It is well plotted and you probably won't see the twists coming because they are that outlandish.

I've been a huge fan of Emily Giffin since her debut novel "Something Borrowed" 15 years ago, so I was thrilled to get an advanced copy of her latest book, coming out this June. And I think it's one of her best books ever! It's about a 28 year old woman named Cecily and her romantic travails over the course of a year or so - I will say no more about the plot because I think it's best to just let it unfold without any spoilers. Interestingly, instead of being set in the present, it's set back in 2001, and she did such a good job with the setting that it really brought me back to my own 20s living in Manhattan at the turn of the century. Adding that to Giffin's characteristically great writing, I really felt like Cecily was a real person and I was very invested in her story. I seriously couldn't put this book down - I read it all in one day including staying up way too late last night to finish it. I'm not sure I'm 100% sold on the ending, but I'd love to discuss it with someone - I think this would make a great book club selection as there is definitely a lot to discuss about various choices Cecily and other characters make during the book and what you would do in that situation. 4.5 stars.

Nearly 20 years after 9/11 I still get a lump in my throat reading about that horrible day. Impossible to believe almost two decades have passed. The Lies That Bind begins in May 2001, and the tragedy looms large-especially difficult because the characters obviously have no idea what's coming. Cecily is whallowing in sorrow after breaking up with her longtime boyfriend Matthew. Sitting alone in a dive bar on the Lower East Side of Manhattan Cecily is about to call Matthew when she hears a voice behind her say "Don't do it. Don't call him." When Cecily turns to the handsome stranger who uttered those words she finds Grant-another lonely soul also nursing a broken heart. Cecily and Grant spend the rest of the night talking, ending at Cecily's apartment where she and Grant go to bed and sleep- but nothing else. Cecily is smitten with Grant and he appears to feel the same about her so Matthew is soon forgotten. Although their physical relationship takes awhile to develop, the chemistry and passion between Grant and Cecily is undeniable. Sounds like the perfect opening to an Emily Giffin book, and it is-except for one very large detail-Grant and Cecily's relationship is built on lies from the get go. Cecily thinks it's sweet Grant doesn't want to rush into sex, not bothering to look deeper for the reason. The Lies That Bind is a hard book to like- every charcter except for supporting ones (Miss Giffin fans will recogonize several from her earlier novel Something Borrowed) are among the most selfish and shallow you'll find. Cecily gets over Matthew with warp speed, and Grant has more baggage than Southwest Airlines. Even so, in Emily Giffin's masterful hands The Lies That Bind is heartbreaking and stunningly poignant. It's only flaw-besides the deeply flawed characters-is Miss Giffin goes overboard in trying to explain away Grant's awful behavior. Still, The Lies That Bind is a lovely read-amazing considering the horror surrounding it.

A wild roller coaster ride of a story.
Love, lies, illness and tragedy and still
a happy ending. So many twists and turns my head was spinning yet I loved it. A challenge to the definition of love.
Age old questions of loyalty, honesty and respect. A rare tapestry of real life.

I have read all of Emily Giffin's books and especially enjoyed this one. Very different from her prior books, I really liked the setting of this book back in 2001. As someone who was flying on September 11th, reading this book really brought about so many memories of 19 years ago. Overall, a quick read and one I really enjoyed and will recommend. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

Can't wait to give a heads-up to all our Emily Giffin fans to let them know that a new book is coming out soon, and it is great! Giffin has such a talent for getting us into the minds of relatable, appealing characters -- characters who always follow their hearts, even when it isn't practical or wise. Don't want to give anything away, because the element of surprise is important to readers of this book, but it is basically the story of a young woman who falls in love just before 9/11 in New York City. Her guy, an employee of one of the companies based in the Twin Towers, is presumed dead. She starts to pick up the pieces and begins to make some very interesting discoveries. This is a terrific read, filled with romance and intrigue. As the main character discovers, be careful about the secrets you keep.

Thank you so much to #NetGalley and Ballantine books for the Arc in exchange for my honest review.

I have been hooked on Emily Griffin since I first red Something Borrowed. Since then I've devoured all her books, however, her last book had fallen a little flat for me. Don't get me wrong, it was a great book, but different from her other books. This one, brought it all back to what I love about her. Raw emotions, awesome friends and a good if what somewhat unbelievable story all wrapped up into one. If you loved Something Borrowed, this is a read for you! In fact there is even some throwback to Something Borrowed and I WISH there was a little more to that, but The Lies that Bind is its own story.
The hardest part to read however, was the 9-11 part. However, it was a vital part to the story and it was done in such a great way that the day didn't become the vocal point of the story. This was not a 9-11 story and I was so happy to see that the book continued on after the event. It was just hard reliving that day.
All in all this was a great read!

I am a huge Emily Giffin fan, and I'm..not going to deny that. I've read all 10 of her novels now and she's one of my favorite writers. But this book has some major flaws. And I feel like she is going to get a lot of flack for it. I loved the first 47% of it. And the the rest just went downhill with the main characters making some bad decisions and telling lies. Its called The Lies That Bind for a reason I guess ...but there's some controversial lies. And I don't know. I wanted to love it so much. The quality of her writing is still amazing, and Emily Giffin knows how to suck her readers in with a sweeping romance. But I just hated the story she ended up telling especially with the reveals at the end and I wasn't satisfied with how naive her main character seemed to be. I'm gonna give it 3 stars. People will still enjoy it. Especially fans of Something Borrowed. The first 47% is classic Emily Giffin. But wow. Those lies. They're gonna stick with me. To say the least, this book will get people talking. I can envision the book club discussions already.

I’ve been a fan of Emily Giffin for a long time but for some reason haven’t read her last few books: this book was a reminder of why I enjoy her work so much.

I enjoyed the main character, Cecily and found her relatable as she is a young woman in her 20’s that is trying to figure out all of the marriage and soul mate type stuff that many young women are confused by also. Watching her struggle through the end of a relationship, quickly find new love, and quickly lose it again was easy because of her. Walking with Cecily through both her relationship with Matthew and Grant was interesting because she was able to change my perspective on each character almost every time. I was convinced I wasn’t going to like Matthew because of how he was portrayed in the beginning of the book but I ended the book believing he’s a good guy, just maybe not the right one.

The one part of the book I struggled with was the ending. The beginning of Grant and Cecily’s relationship was understandably rushed but in the ending it was also. The main character ends up with someone we barely know and she’s leaving someone we spent all this time getting to know and care for.

That being said, I really enjoyed my time with Cecily and hope she and her family are doing well.

I have been a long time fan of Emily Giffin. I follow her on instagram and knew she was writing a book about 9/11 and I knew that it would be a page turner. I had no idea how much of one until I was given the opportunity by Net Galley to read an advanced copy. Emily said on instagram that she made more changes so this is not the final copy but let me tell you... it was an amazing read. The book starts out as many do. A woman in her 20s, who has just broken up with her boyfriend of three years, is at a bar where she meets this guy she has an instant attraction to. They end up going home together that night but just sleep. She finds out the next day his name is Grant, he is a twin, and he does something with finances. A whirlwind relationship happens over a summer (with Grant traveling with his brother and Cecily working at the Mercury newspaper in NYC). Grant returns from Europe where he was trying to find a cure for his brothers ALS on September 10. He spends the night with Cecily and is gone in the morning. 9/11 changes everyone, including Cecily, who discovers a lost poster for Grant. This is where the book becomes so beyond interesting. I don't want to give any spoilers beyond what I have but I did not see the ending coming at all. With lots of great supporting characters (don't we all want a best friend like Scotti?) This book gives lots of examples of whether we should love those for what we see or what we feel.

Cecily a writer in NYC heads to a bar late at night after ending her long term relationship with her boyfriend. Sitting alone she ponders if she made a mistake and whether to drunk call her ex when a handsome stranger comes up to the bar and tells her “Don’t do it. Don’t call him.”

Instantly drawn to each other, Cecily and Grant begin and epic and world wind romance. But thinking you’ve found your soulmate in just a couple weeks can’t just be that easy can it? Every thing comes to a crashing halt when Grant is presumed dead after the Twin Towers are hit on 9/11.

Without giving too much away, this story is a rollercoaster ride from beginning to end filled with love, secrets, lies and heartbreak.

I absolutely, completely loved the first half of this book. It was everything I wanted. Unfortunately the second half until just before the ending wasn’t as strong and fell a little flat. I still adored this book and would highly recommend, I just wish the middle half had the punch that the beginning and ending gave.

Huge thank you to NetGalley for gifting me with this wonderful ARC.

I’ve always felt that if something or someone seems “too good to be true” than it or they probably aren’t showing us all their cards!

Cecily, a young woman working as a journalist in NYC has just ended a long term relationship with Matthew. It’s only a short time later that she is feeling down while in her apartment, alone, and she decides to grab a drink in a local bar. She ends up bringing home a total stranger, Grant, and they apparently fall head over heels in love. This inauspicious beginning did not bode well for a good outcome. There are many hints that things aren’t right with this guy, he doesn’t take her to his home, he is away a lot and shows up at times in the middle of the night, uninvited. Cecily is a late 20’s woman and I felt that she was portrayed as being very naive, most women I think would have caught the signs that something wasn’t right with Grant. He does tell her about his twin brother who is very ill, and that is another part of the story I’ll leave you to discover.

The first half of the book I felt was entertaining enough and I did turn the pages quickly to find out what our heroine was going to do next. Unfortunately, for me, I felt that the plot was predictable, and I pretty much knew what was going to happen.

I thought the time spent in the novel about 9/11 was very good. It demonstrated just how horrible things were for the people in NYC and the grief that surrounded the city.

I enjoyed the character of Scottie, her gay, best friend whom she calls frequently for advice although she seldom follows it. Grant’s twin brother was a difficult character to understand, but we don’t really know much about him except for his battle with illness. There is another character, Amy, who comes across as very unrealistic particularly when she is supposed to be grieving for her dead husband.

This was still possibly a 4 star book for me until the ending! After all that Cecily has been through with Grant she still seems to hold out hope that their love will somehow last. “The Lies That Bind” definitely have Cecily tied into a relationship which doesn’t seem sustainable.

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. This book will publish on June 2, 2020.

Will post to Amazon upon publication

I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this book on NetGalley. I love all of Emily Griffin’s work and this book did not let me down. I was extremely invested in these characters and I was unable to put this book down.
Cecily is struggling after a break up with a long term boyfriend when she meets Grant at a bar. What ensues is a rocky passionate relationship complicated by the 9/11 terrorist attacked and his ill twin brother.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be recommending it to my books clubs as well as friends and family. Thanks again to NetGalley.

Eh. The entire plot -- and the way it wrapped up so neatly -- was a little far-fetched for me. The narration, though in the first person, seemed to keep me at a distance. For the most part it kept my interest, but overall, I just didn't buy it -- the emotions or the ending.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

Always a fan of Emily Giffin and she did not disappoint in this book! I loved how the book took place in 2011, and i loved how all the characters were well written and ones that you liked. I enjoyed the plot twists, but I will admit I kept waiting... and waiting for the lies (you know referenced in the title). I thought the ending was just perfect and I could not wait to get my hands on this book.

There are too many secrets that I do not want to give up, but if you are a fan of Giffin, this book will not disappoint!

I should start by saying I really like Emily Giffin, I have read literally ALL of her previous novels, and have enjoyed them all to varying degrees. At first, with this one, I found myself rolling my eyes many, many times, thinking the concept of meeting someone and practically falling in love instantly was absolutely ridiculous. (Says the woman who met her current husband in March, found out we were expecting in June, and married him in November. Hypocrisy at its finest). I just thought it was silly. I kept with it though, and somehow, someway.... it started to come together for me, to make more sense. I didn't agree with a lot of our narrator's decisions, but again, they all made sense in the end. So the end justified the means, I suppose. There were several twists and turns- nothing scary or really even suspenseful; just life throwing wrenches in spokes, so to speak. I got really into this book about halfway through, and ended up devouring the second half in one sitting. When all is said and done, I'd have to say that this is one of my favorite books by Giffin, if not THE favorite. A delightful, heartwarming "women's fiction " novel that will leave you smiling and hoping for the best for ALL the characters, long after the last page. She long ago cemented her status as a "must read" author for me; this just cemented it even further.