Member Reviews
A story about friendship, love, and especially honesty. How things can go very wrong when we can't be honest with each other.
I really liked this book and the characters. There were several times when I really hated some of them, but they ended up redeeming themselves at the end. They opened up and their stories really made you want the best for them.
So I picked this book because Julia is my husbands favourite presenter on QVC not the usual way I choose my books but why not. What I found was a gem of a read about how secrets and lies can destroy relationships and how after walking away from a ten year relationship Charlotte has a one night stand on a holiday that changes the course of her life and that of her two best friends in ways that she never dreamed possible. When she is faced with loosing everything that matters to her she needs to make a decision that will change everyone’s life to save the one thing that means more to her than anything else in the world. This is a beautiful story about true love and heartbreak.
Is honesty always the best policy?
Author Julia Roberts explores the answer to this thought-provoking question in her gripping novel about a dilemma. Her protagonist makes a couple of split-second decisions that ultimately change the direction of her life. You’ll be fraught with anguish at the predicament she finds herself in and will be feverishly turning pages to find out what choices she makes and the ripple effect it has on those around her.
The twists are excellent as is the storytelling. I’ll be honest, though, this one took me way too long to get invested in as I detested the cutesy millennial character names and almost gave up. My advice is to be patient through the first 10 chapters because, all of a sudden, the pace picks up and you’ll not want to put this one down. I turned over the last page and was thankful for the many who’ve given me second chances. Maybe life isn’t really black and white?!
Go into it blind. Enjoy the deliberation.
Congratulations on a fantastic book that I won’t forget any time soon. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review.
I was gifted this advance copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This book was a little different for me, I've really been into murder mystery books and this book is more of a feel good kind of sad read?! It definitely had some heartache and heartbreak! The storyline was very interesting and flowed nicely! I will recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading! Its definitely a good read! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!
I read it in two sittings. The Dilemma is a well written, easy, quick read. Each chapter identifies the date and character, making it easy to follow the timeline of story/events. Lots of unexpected twists kept me turning the pages. Although the story’s premise is a little far fetched (and hopefully unlikely), Charlotte’s dilemma is non the less thought provoking. Recognizing that honesty is the best policy even when the truth hurts was my takeaway. I enjoyed it.
Thank You to Bookouture, NetGalley and Julia Roberts for the opportunity to enjoy this ARC.
3.5/5 rounded to 4/5
Gripping and emotional story from the very first page. Loved every minute I got to read this brilliant book. Highly recommend it, Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy for a honest review.
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Bookouture and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
What a twist a stunningly paced story with twists and turns.
THE DILEMMA was an excellent work of women’s fiction. Charlotte has been struggling for years with infertility and discovers that her husband Zack has lied to her. Rather than trying alongside her to get pregnant, he had a vasectomy years ago. In an impulsive moment after they split, she has a one night stand with a stranger while on vacation—Justin, who turns out to be married. Things only get worse when Justin turns out to be JJ, the husband of her best friend Tiff. But when her son is born with serious medical conditions, Charlotte is faced with the difficult decision of destroying her friendship and damaging her friend’s marriage in order to get her son the medical help her needs. This book was really well written and had lots of emotional twists. The friend group was pulled in both directions, understandably, and I especially liked how selfless the family that had been cheated on (Tiff and her children) proved to be despite everything. There were some surprise twists and this was an interesting read from start to finish. Will definitely be checking out more of this author’s books. 5/5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from Bookouture and NetGalley for review purposes.
"The Dilemma" is an emotional but easy read. It was a little too predicatable for me, I like a book where I can't predict the middle and ending from the beginning, but that being said, it is still a good read. The characters and story is well written and it will keep you turning the pages for sure!
Powerful thought provoking book, a page turner that keeps you wanting to know the outcome.
Charlotte has been with Zach for ten years, they are head over heels in love, but Charlotte has one thing missing in her life. Can she become fully complete if she were able to have a baby?
I thought this book was emotionally charged, and very thought provoking.
I liked the dynamics of the friendship group of the three women characters, how they were there for each other, and a strong female presence, though I don’t know that my reaction would have been like theirs.
Moral dilemmas, honesty and relationships are examined.
Just a note of caution the book does mention miscarriage and a poorly baby.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions are my own.
People lie. That’s just the way it is and they do it for different reasons. Sometimes it are white lies like telling your children Santa Claus or the Easter Burry are real. Sometimes it’s because you want to prank someone, but sometimes it’s because they have done something they are ashamed of and they know that telling the truth equals hurting a loved one.
Why, if they are so embarrassed, did they act the way they did? That’s a one million dollar question. It can be it was an accident happening, but from time to time they know exactly what they are doing. And they just cannot control themselves. Repentance comes after sin.
Some people are man (or woman) enough to fess up and face the music. Others want to forget what went on and hope and pray their secret will be safe forever and a day.
Some use the lame excuse saying they drank too much and did not realise what they were doing. Sorry, but you are an adult and you should know better. If you cannot hold your liquor, drink water or stop before the alcohol takes over.
Think about the lives you turn upside down with your selfish behaviour!
This is such a good book, but it has cost me a fortune in tissues!! Maybe I should consider buying shares in Kleenex 😉. I love these stories, but I cannot help it. I always get very emotional.
That’s, of course, the sign the author did a great job. Moving people with their words is the name of the game. I guess reading reviews where the readers admit the book had this effect on them, must be very pleasing.
After having writing such an amazing book, the praise is well deserved. I will translate my praise in a number of stars. 5 stars to be precise. 😊
Thank you
Charlotte has just come out of a long term relationship. Her partner had kept a terrible secret from her. To cheer herself up she goes on an exotic holiday with her friend Annabelle. On her last night she has a one night stand with a charismatic stranger. Justin..
On returning from her holiday she discovers she is pregnant. But worst of all. Following a party for a good friend from her modelling years. She discovers that Justin is Tiffs husband JJ.
After the birth of her child she needs to contact Justin. But telling him could destroy families and relationships. But a life is on the line.
A fantastic read from Julia Roberts.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to see an advance copy.
The dilemma was a great read by a new author to me! It’s an easy ready and had my attention from the first few pages.
There’s a lot to love it’s not just a romance, it’s about love and family, loss and healing, learning to live again and accept.
Aside from that it’s pure escapism and I loved the characters. Definitely be reading more by this author in the future!
Julia Robert's book The Dilemma is an intriguing and sweet story about love, heartache, friendship, and living with the choices we make. Everyone experiences highs and lows in life, but what you do with them is what matters the most.
Synopsis:
Tiff and Charlotte are best friends through their professional connections. Charlotte gives birth to a son with medical issues. His only chance of survival may involve a life-saving transplant. Will Charlotte risk her friendship with Tiff to save her son's life?
The Dilemma is a very curvy and emotional story. What starts as a slow burn quickly evolves into a page-turner. As I read, I kept thinking how wonderful it would be to turn this novel into a movie. My fingers are crossed for a sequel since the author left room for one. This is my first book featuring Julia Robert's work. It will be a pleasure to read more from such a gifted writer.
The Dilemma by Julia Roberts is available on October 26th.
(5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for sharing this heartwarming novel with me. Your kindness is appreciated!
#TheDilemma