I have been a fan of Williams work for a long time. I anticipate every book she writes.

I loved how the chapters are broken down by decades timelines and continents and how the story all comes together.

We follow Mallory Dunne in New England in 2022 and Hannah Ainsworth In Cairo in 1951.

Mallory is a single mother with a 10-year-old son Sam who is fighting for his life. He ate a toxic mushroom and the father is not in the picture. This was Mallory’s choice, but life intervenes and the father Monk is able to meet Sam. I adored this story. Sometimes we meet people who make a difference in our lives and we learn something. Other times, timing is off. Can they find their way back to each other? Mallory’s sister Paige has been there for her and Sam and wants to best for them.

Hannah Ainsorth’s life has been complicated. She meets a powerful diplomat and gets married but she the marriage is strained. She meets Lucien Beck a hotel manager after she is bitten by a snake. Their relationship changes and Hannah must decide about her life. Unexpected challenges face them all.

I was completely invested in all of the characters. Williams always draws me in with her books. She has a unique way of telling a story and invites you in.

Thank you to NetGalley for an opportunity to read an ARC. I have enjoyed many Beatriz Williams novels, unfortunately this one did not hit for me. It was a story of two women told in two timelines. The stories did not tie well together for me and I felt the stories were not developed enough to provide a clear connection to past and present. I generally like the sassy attitudes of women created by Williams but these women lacked the usual spunk. Mallory was unlikable for me, with a somewhat odd storyline and last minute twist to get her back to her young adult love 13 years later.

I am relatively new to the historical fiction genre, and this book absolutely sold me on continuing to read it. This story follows Hannah through her tragic experiences during WWII, her survival of the war, and getting to Egypt and experiencing the tensions that led to the Suez Crisis. The story is dual POV switching between Hannah and Mallory, her biological granddaughter who lives in modern day New England, that doesn’t even know of her badass feminist icon grandmother’s existence. Mallory is navigating healing from her own trauma and taking care of her son who’s in desperate need of a kidney.

This is a beautiful story of how our ancestry shapes us and makes us who we are— even if we can’t even begin to understand the depth of our familial history. I loved how in depth the author went into Hannah’s story and how her life shaped the generations that followed her. I also really enjoyed seeing a happy ending for Mallory— her grandmother truly paved the path for her success.

I only took off a star because at times I found the writing a bit confusing. The timelines/flashbacks alternating in the same chapter weren’t necessarily distinct enough for smooth transitions. But this is an unedited copy— so errors were naturally expected.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing, and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read this as a #NetGalleyArc!

I always love a Beatriz Williams book! I liked that this one had a story line about Egypt because it was an area of the world that I hadn’t read much about. There were a few plot holes, but overall I really liked the book and I loved Monk!

I have always loved this author’s book. Husbands and Lovers was no exception. At times I found it difficult to keep track of which characters story I was following….lots of back and forth. But found the journey of the characters fullfilling and entertaining. A great vacation read!

“Husbands & Lover” by Beatriz Williams is fantastic!!!!! This book had me spellbound to the last paragraph. The book is written with a historical component that weaves into the lives of Mallory & her family. The story goes from Hannah Vecsey in the 50’s with her complex and emotional story. To Hannah with a similar complex life story. Beatriz Williams tugs at your heart strings and makes you cheer out for these characters. A must read this summer! It comes out June 25th, order your copy now. Thank you to Net Galley and Ballantine Publishing for this advance read. Amazing book!

Wow, what a way to weave a story!
Please starts out with Mallory, receiving a call that her son is in critical condition in the hospital, after eating, a poisonous mushroom, which ultimately affects his kidneys
It also goes to Hannah in 1951 living in Egypt

While looking for family connections and donate kidneys for her son, Mallory sister, find out their mother was adopted
This leaves these sisters to try and peace together the pieces of the past

I could not put this book down, I especially love the storytelling part of it, and the characters are just so memorable

The only words I could come up with to describe this book are complex and enthralling.

This book follows the lives of 2 women across 3 different timelines and a family heirloom that ties them together. It is a combination of historical fiction and second chance romance and it sucks you in immediately! The story/stories were so beautifully crafted and woven together that I was glued to my seat all day reading. I cried and sighed and swooned over these characters. This was my first Beatriz Williams novel and it has left me wanting to read more of her books.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I was very excited to receive the latest novel by Beatriz Williams. This one does not disappoint! The chapters alternate between Egypt right after WWII and contemporary Massachusetts. I liked both storylines and especially enjoyed the New England characters.

Husbands & Lovers is a beautifully written novel that takes you on a captivating journey! This is part historical novel, with a love story weaved through both the past and present. The seamless transitions between the 1950 Egypt timeline and the current timeline was seamless to me. I loved both characters the novel focuses on, Mallory in current day and Hannah in Egypt. I thought the characters were all well defined. I wish I could have read more about Hannah’s story but here is hoping she gets her own book one day! All the details of the settings were well done and really did make me feel like I was transported to either New England or Egypt.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing me with an advance e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. Look for it in your local and online bookstores and libraries on June 25, 2024.

First, a BIG thank you to Beatriz Williams, Random House & NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early! This is my first Beatriz Williams & it for sure won’t be my last! I love the multiple POV’s and the different time lines! This had 3 different timelines going, which could be a lot, but it flowed wonderfully. Cairo in the 1950’s…such a gem. & I am a sucker for second-chance romance as well!

🌟 rating: 4/5
🗣️ genre: women’s fiction • historical fiction • romance
📖 pages: 384
🍾 publishing date: 6/24/2024
📝 same author as: The Summer Wives, A Hundred Summers, The Secret Life of Violet Grant

Another page turner by Beatriz Williams with locations and characters we have met in previous books. Winthrop island, family drama, historical aspects, all tied up in a nice package for a great read!

Beatriz Williams never disappoints. This story moves back and forth in time between two women , one in Cairo in 1951 and the other in New England in 2022 linked by an exotic bracelet. I enjoyed learning about a period in Cairo’s history of which I had no knowledge. This is a beautifully written novel that addresses complex issues of love and family. I thank the author and publisher for granting me the privilege of reading this advanced copy.

3 stars on my rating scale is a good solid book. It definitely kept my interest but there was just soo much going on. I felt that every chapter something else happened with a new character, when I felt like the plot was sooo good and could have been more focused. The stories were very very different, I almost wanted them to be 2 separate books as I found myself annoyed going back and forth! I wanted to stay with Hannah and then stay with Mallory! Overall very good and interesting with the genealogy

The story begins with a young mother, Mallory Dunne, receiving a call from her young son Sam’s summer camp counselor saying that he has been rushed to a hospital after ingesting a poisonous mushroom. After being treated for the effects of the poison Sam’s kidneys no longer function properly and he must receive dialysis three days a week until and if a donor can be found that will be a match for a kidney transplant. Malloy and her sister Paige are not a match, their father isn’t around and their mother has recently passed. Mallory has had no contact with her college love who is Sam’s biological father since she left him knowing she was pregnant. This book has it all. Historical fiction, post WWII unrest in Egypt, past and present loves, old money, parental expectations, celebrities, influencers, near death experiences and lots of secrets. Put this one on your TBR list for summer beach reading! Release date 6/25/24. This ARC was provided by Random House publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Thoughtful Examination of "Husbands and Lovers" by Beatriz Williams

Beatriz Williams' "Husbands and Lovers" rises above the conventional landscape of historical romance. Interweaving intricate storylines spanning continents and decades, the book provides a poignant exploration of female agency, the intricate dynamics of desire and love, and the lasting impact of history. Against the backdrop of mid-century Egypt and present-day New England, Williams' expert prose creates a rich tapestry of human emotions, societal constraints, and moral uncertainty.

The narrative unfolds in 1951 Cairo, where Hannah Ainsworth, a Hungarian refugee, grapples with the façade of an ideal life as the wife of a wealthy British diplomat. Williams skillfully evokes the vibrant atmosphere of the city, its underlying political tensions, and the subtle echoes of colonialism in society. Despite the apparent fulfillment, Hannah yearns for something beyond societal expectations. Her illicit affair with Omar, the enigmatic hotel manager, challenges the limitations imposed on women by a patriarchal society, prompting reflection on duty and desire.

Decades later in contemporary New England, Mallory Kipling navigates a troubled marriage and unravels the shadows of her past. Through a dual-timeline narrative, Williams reveals the profound parallels between Hannah and Mallory's lives, underscoring the cyclical nature of history and the enduring impact of family legacy.

"Husbands and Lovers" excels in its portrayal of nuanced characters. Hannah emerges as a woman seeking self-determination, while Mallory embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Even peripheral characters like the stoic Omar and judgmental Mrs. Van der Meer are imbued with depth, enriching the overall narrative.

While the novel adopts the trappings of historical romance, Williams surpasses them through her exploration of moral quandaries. The narrative delves into societal expectations, the repercussions of choices, and the enduring force of love, even when it challenges societal norms. The novel embraces the complexities of human nature and the messy realities of love, loss, and the pursuit of fulfillment.

In conclusion, "Husbands and Lovers" transcends mere entertainment. With its compelling narrative, nuanced characters, and profound exploration of weighty themes, it emerges as a significant contribution to contemporary historical fiction. The novel invites readers to critically engage with issues of societal constraints, personal desires, and the lasting influence of the past on our present and future.

4.5 stars
I absolutely adored this book! Beatriz Williams is an auto buy author for me so I expected to enjoy this, but it exceeded my expectations. The writing was fast paced and descriptive. I really enjoyed being back in Winthrop and how it ties into her previous books. I loved reading from both Mallory and Hannah's perspectives but wish there was more from Hannah's perspective! This story takes place in 3 different timelines which I think was a great choice to allow us to understand Mallory and Monk’s relationship and add layers to the story. The characters felt so real and captivating. I also enjoyed experiencing 1950s Cairo and getting a glimpse of another side of this time. My only complaint would be that it wasn't longer. If you are looking for a historical fiction book with a strong romance, I strongly recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for an advanced copy of this title in exchange for my honest review!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6267548903

Review:This book is going to live rent free in my head for a long time.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

Beatriz Williams is an auto-read for me, so when I saw this ARC available to request, I jumped on it. It hooks you from the beginning, and while some of the big things were a little predictable, it's still one million percent worth the journey. I loved the multiple timelines - I believe a first present day timeline for her! - and really enjoyed the history of post-WW2 Egypt.

The characters were real and sympathetic, the spice was perfection, and the setting descriptions were delicious. 10/10 recommend!

Another good read from author Beatriz Williams. I have enjoyed every book I have read from her, and this one is no exception. A duel time line story which links stories with a singularly unique bracelet which the present day character was given by her birth mother, of whom she knows nothing. By working with her sister, she discovers the bracelet is Egyptian, which launches the search for her mother. The story of her mother is the origin story. It is filled with interesting historical facts of Egypt during the time of great unrest in the area and the British expats living there.
I recommend wholeheartedly.