This story begins with Stella excited for her 40th birthday lunch with her husband, Rob. He is pretty cold when he shows her a house and announces he wants a divorce. Rob seems to think that she will also allow him to have their daughter Georgie during the week and Stella will only get her on weekends.
What is really going on? Why does Rob think he has leverage over Stella? What are the secrets they are keeping?

I enjoyed this story. Read it all in one day. Trying to understand what is driving the sudden decision to get divorced.
Thank you to Netgalley for complimentary copy.

A new author for me - this novel focuses on Stella, her relationship with her husband Rob, daughter Georgia and sister. It’s a very easy book to read and as it explores the closeness of families and bonds but at the same time also the heartbreak of secrets and the realisation that there is no such thing as a perfect family. Emotions run high and as I got further through the book I was surprised to discover the real twist in the tale. Enjoyed this book as it was a little different to my usual reads.

“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times….”

Anxious excitement. You know the feeling. You strut into the very expensive low-lit restaurant in your killer heels and little black dress. You’ve made it. Happy marriage. Great kid. Lovely home. Gorgeous, successful husband. This is your 40th birthday lunch. You can afford to relax and enjoy it. Can life really get any better? The present must be at home, you think. Your anticipation is killing you on the way home. Only….wait. Where is he going now? Well, this weird. He pulls up to a gated, secluded mansion, punches in a code and as the gate slides open, encourages you to step out of the car and to come have a look. He’s got a key to the home! Your heart pounds. The home is gorgeous. He gives you a tour. Then….he throws the keys at you and tells you it’s yours. Not ours. Yours. He wants a divorce he tells you before he drives off and leaves you all alone. Happy Birthday.

The best birthday present ever or the worst one imaginable?

You’ve got to read this ‘on the edge of your seat’ novel to find out! This is one of the most compelling novels I’ve read in a long time. The author throws you into a situation that shocks you because it is so utterly unexpected and you know that there’s more to the story so you have to keep reading to find out. Mercer’s characters are absolutely fantastic; each is crafted with a flaw and struggling to appear perfect. The birthday girl is the one who experiences the most growth. It’s forced upon her. I cheered so loudly for her as I read, anxiously flipping pages. My favourite character was the husband. I know, I know. WHAT?! I think what appealed to me was that I couldn’t figure out how someone could be so calculatingly cruel yet so accommodating and seemingly thoughtful at the same time. Mercer describes him as “one of the most insidious and intrusive characters” she’s ever put into a story. Perhaps there’s a desire deep down in all of us to not worry what others think of us; her husband doesn’t. The plot – well, it’s like one of those tea cup rides at the amusement park that seems innocuous but you end up with bruises after being slammed from side to side as it whirls you all over the place….but you still smile and say the ride was awesome!

The theme of gift giving in all its forms will make you smile, yell out in frustration and gasp in disbelief.

I’ll share a secret with you. I hate surprises and especially surprise gifts. Birthdays are anxiety ridden. I truly felt the emotion emanating from the wife. The author deftly explores the unexpected consequences for the giver as well as for the person on the receiving end of a surprise gift.

There’s so much going on in this spectacular book; so many different gifts to open. The 40th birthday present is just one of them….

A must read come May 28, 2021.

I was gifted this advance copy by Ali Mercer, Bookouture and Netgalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

A bombshell birthday leaves Stella shaken and stirred. As she gets to grips with more shocking revelations, the back story comes to the forefront.
A huge twist that I definitely didn't see coming made this even more spectacular and forced me to change my character perceptions,
Some really beautiful moments and characters reactions often surprised me.
Great plot that keeps you guessing throughout and lots to think about.
Real life wrapped up in a world of secrets.

The marriage lie is an entertaining read that will take you,the reader on a journey of discovery as old surprising secrets are revealed and the repercussions of it live on! Stella and rob have what looks like an idyllic lifestyle a lovely house, financial security and a gorgeous daughter! Appearances can be so deceptive though as Stella finds out when Rob drops a bombshell on her birthday totally changing her life!
Stella has no choice but to go along with Robs plans as he threatens to reveal a secret that they have kept concealed for years, as time progresses and events overtake them particularly family deaths the secret is revealed and Rob has to accept that the hold he had over Stella is long gone and that although his life seems to be on a downhill trajectory, Stella and their daughter are flourishing and embracing life and all that it offers.
Thank you netgalley for this early read.

#TheMarraigeLie #NetGalley
An excellent and emotional drama.
Stella follows her handsome husband Rob to the beautifully laid-out table in the restaurant he’s chosen specially for her fortieth birthday lunch. As the waiter pops the champagne, Rob proposes a toast and their crystal glasses clink together in celebration. Stella knows how they must look to anyone watching. Two people very much in love, with the perfect marriage and the perfect life.
But Rob is about to drop a bombshell on Stella. He wants a divorce.
If she doesn’t give him exactly what he wants – the house, the money and full custody of fourteen-year-old Georgie – he will tell their precious daughter the one secret Stella has worked so hard to protect her from.
Stella has a choice to make. To fight for her daughter, there is only one person she can turn to for help. Someone she hasn’t spoken to in over a decade. If she doesn’t, Rob will win. But to do it means facing up to her biggest regret, and risks losing Georgie forever, once she learns the truth…
I loved it's characters. All were awesome.
I'm doing more promotion on its release date among my fellow Authors Bloggers Family Friends and followers.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me an advanced copy of this book.