Husbands and Lovers
3.5 stars
This month the Literary Lovelies read Husbands and Lovers by Beatriz Williams.
This is my first book by the author.
This one took me quite awhile to get into. In the beginning the writing felt really awkward. Two women united by a family heirloom decades and continents apart Present timeline is - Mallory Dunne raising a son with kidney failure who must come to terns with her son’s paternity if she is to save his life. The other is 1951 Cairo, Hannah Ainsworth a Hungarian Refuggee, is forced to start her life over and becomes respectable after marrying a British diplomat.

I didn’t not get invested in Hannah’s story and was a little confused as to what was going on. I only fully understood when Mallory gave a recap. Hannah’s past was filled with many affairs included sexual encounters that were described in great detail.
I was very invested in Mallory and Monk’s storyline and that helped make the book much more enjoyable! After discussing this book with the rest of the Literary Lovelies, many of us felt the book would have been better without Hannah’s story. Instead we would have liked to seen more from Mallory’s sister Paige.

This was a slow start for me but once I hit the 50% mark the book really flew. I found Hannah's storyline to be a little chaotic and distracting and honestly would have preferred if the entire novel was set in the modern day. Give me more Monk! While the book was still really enjoyable and made for some great book club conversation, a more contemporary focus would have made this a 5-star read for me.

I really loved this one. I finished it in one sitting. It was deep, set in two different time periods and I couldn’t get enough. There was heartbreak and turmoil but also love and life. So good!

I loved this book - the setting, the characters, the “hook” at the beginning! I got a little confused with the three timelines/two stories method of writing, and that seemed to “interrupt” my reading at times, but overall, great book!

Thanks to NetGalley for sharing this ARC with me!

Thank you Celadon for the opportunity to read an ARC. I have always enjoyed Williams' books, but this one might be my favorite. I love historical fiction, and it was exciting to read about a time that I've not yet read much of: post WWII and Egypt. This history was really interesting, and I enjoyed the storyline that linked that time to the modern day story. Enjoyable read!

This month the #literarylovelies read @anovel_idea_11 pick of Husbands and Lovers! This was one I was looking forward to and I was so excited to cross off a @bookofthemonth book too!

This is a dual timeline story- one is modern day, Mallory’s story. She and her young son are forced to deal with serious health issues after he eats a poisonous mushroom. He desperately needs a new kidney, but there are no family matches. But what if his out of the picture father is a match? Is it worth bringing him back into their lives?

The other story is a historical plot taking place in Cairo, Egypt. Hannah is traveling with her diplomat husband when she meets Lucien, a handsome hotel manager. They have instant chemistry that’s hard to resist. Lucien reminds Hannah of her first husband Janos, who died tragically young. Hannah had buried these feelings deep within her.

What do these two stories have in common? Who knows? It takes until the very end of the story for them to connect. I really wish we didn’t have the historical plot and we had more time with Mallory’s story. I would have also liked much more of Paige’s life if we needed a second plot.

As a new mom, I couldn’t begin to imagine what Mallory must have felt when she received that phone call from her son’s camp. She was a wonderful devoted mother. The cover of this book doesn’t depict that at all. The book had so many plot devices that were unnecessary to me.

That being said, I was riveted by Mallory and Monk’s story. It’s still worth the read in my opinion. Thank you @penguinrandomhouse for my gifted ebook.

I read this book as long as I give an honest review.
Mallory has a secret from when she was a nanny for her boyfriend’s Monk father & step mother. She has a son Sam who has gotten sick and needs kidney.
Her & her sister find out secrets about the bracelet that her mother gave Mallory. They go to Cairo to find answers. Will she be able to tell her secret and get back the love of her best friend?

This is like two books in one, each on a separate trajectory coming together at the end. The women at the heart of each story are brave, strong, independent and committed to their children. Hannah lost two in the war, taken from her, while Mallory does all she can to protect her son. I enjoyed this book, especially the way it was written, and the locations. The characters are believable, some likable. Highly recommended for historical and women’s fiction fans.

Historical Fiction, Contemporary Romance, European History, Lost Family Search, Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous, Family Saga- This book has it all!

Husbands & Lovers centers around the character of Mallory, a single mother of pre-teen son who at the start of the novel is facing a medical crisis.
Mallory has endured the loss of her beloved mother, and leans heavily on the support of her sister to keep her afloat during tough times.

The book flashes back in alternating chapters to the story of Mallory's biological grandmother Hannah, the wife of an English Diplomat living in 1950s Cairo, at the time of political uprising. Hannah is a survivor or WWII tragedy, and is desperate to have a baby- even if that means straying outside of her marriage.

How will a Cobra shaped bangle bracelet lead Mallory to Hannah, and what will we learn of Hannah's story in the process?
How will a summer baby-sitting job during college forever tie Mallory to one of the world's biggest music stars?
Can Mallory face the past, even if it means admitting a trauma that she's kept secret for years?
Will Hannah survive yet another heartache?

This story was an absolute page turner. I love historical fiction that takes me to a time and place I've never visited or known about before.This novel ticks off all the boxes for me: intriguing story, family mystery, great characters, overcoming hardships, and beautiful romance. The scenery is laid out so well you feel like you've been to the places Beatriz Williams is describing, and I finished this book wanting to immediately dive into another of her novels.

I was very intrigued by this book (the cover too!). I felt like this could have been two separate books, the two timelines seemed forced. I wasn't a fan. Thank you, NetGalley.

A poignant look at the sometimes tangled relationships that we lead within and out of marriage. Told in two time periods with intriguing characters both in the past and present, the story telling will take you on a journey that will cause you to look within yourself as well.

I didn't need this to be a dual narrative, but was pulled in by the modern storyline (and the recent-past of the main modern characters, so really three storylines) so I was happy to keep reading. Family secrets and twists kept me turning the pages, and for the most part I liked where those twists took us. I'd argue the main modern character was a little too stubborn in a lot of her choices, but ... pot, kettle, and all.

Book Review: HUSBANDS AND LOVERS by Beatriz Williams

Return to Winthrop Island as Beatriz Williams, known for her captivating historical fiction, delivers another engaging tale with Husbands and Lovers. This novel masterfully blends the allure of a summer beach read with the depth of a serious story exploring identity, relationships, and long-held secrets.

Set in the richly detailed alternating backdrops of New England in 2022 and Cairo in 1951, the story navigates the complexities of love and loyalty as the characters grapple with the choices that define their lives. Williams' prose is as lush and evocative, drawing readers into a world where every decision carries weight, and every relationship hides a secret.

The novel's strength lies in its well-drawn characters and the intricate web of their connections. Williams excels at making the reader care about her characters, even as they make questionable choices. The alternating timelines and perspectives keep the narrative fresh and engaging, and the tension between past and present adds a layer of suspense that keeps the pages turning.

However, while the journey through Husbands and Lovers is undeniably compelling, the ending may leave some readers wanting more. Though fitting for the story, the resolution feels abrupt and may not satisfy those who prefer a more conclusive wrap-up. This slight disappointment at the end and one chapter presenting the perspective of a character who had never been a point-of-view character before are the only things that hold the book back from being a five-star read. However, it remains a highly enjoyable experience overall.

In summary, Husbands and Lovers is a well-crafted novel that successfully combines the appeal of a summer read with a serious exploration of personal and relational dynamics. Despite the somewhat unsatisfying ending, it is a book worth reading, offering a rich, immersive story that lingers long after the last page. Four stars.

#HusbandsLovers #NetGalley #HistoricalFiction #Romance #WomensFiction
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine @randomhouse for sending this book for review consideration. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

So, I quite frankly inhaled this book. What a shockingly delightful journey through the lives of two women, in two different time periods, with so much heartbreak and turmoil - but more in common than either could have ever imagined. This will stand as a top read for me throughout the whole year. Brava!

It took me a bit to get through this one. I loved Mallory’s story when she was younger; however, her drastic change in personality when she’s older makes it harder to empathize.

I’m usually all for a changing timeline boom, but we got up to 4 stories interchanging back and forth and it became a little hard to follow.

I wanted a whole book on Mallory and Monk’s story when they were younger! 3.75 stars for me!

A novel that spans decades and multiple stories, this was an engrossing work, if a little too broad. I was completely immersed in present day Monk and Mallory while not as enthralled by the story of Hannah in 1951 - it seemed tacked on. However, I understand the threads that connected the stories. And I must say that I was dying to know what ultimately separated Monk and Mallory - and most definitely did not see the answer to that coming. Overall, interesting but not my favorite from Williams.

I really have mixed feelings on this one. On the one hand, I really enjoyed the "present day" storyline with Mallory and Monk. Loved all the characters - they were real and funny and quirky. I loved understanding the backstory between Mallory and Monk, and found myself rooting for them almost from the start. Also loved Mallory's sister's "supporting" role in the book. This aspect of the book was fresh and witty and relatable.

On the flip side, I struggled with Hannah's story. Yes, the two stories were intertwined, but they were so disconnected and disjointed, it felt like I was flipping between two different books (which I don't do - I am a strict one-book reader). I think Hannah's story has a time and a place, it just wasn't done justice by trying to weave it into a book with a separate storyline. So I would have much preferred it if these two storylines had been further developed into their own books and given each storyline an opportunity to shine on its own.

I have a lot of Beatriz Williams' books on my TBR list, and now that I've read my first one, I will absolutely be reading more. I enjoy her writing style and her character development. I just wasn't a fan of how this particular book was laid out.

This is my second book by Beatriz Williams and I really enjoy her writing style. Husbands & Lovers is a story that has a little bit of everything: romance, historical fiction, and even mystery.

This dual timeline story follows present day Mallory as she recounts her college romance with Monk Adams, a now famous musician. The book also tells the story of Hannah Ainsworth, a young woman married to a British diplomat living in Cairo, Egypt in the 1950s. Eventually, these stories come together but how they get to that point is an intriguing mystery.

What I liked about this book: I really enjoyed Mallory and Monk's story and felt much more invested in this storyline compared to Hannah's story. This story immediately grabbed my attention. I did appreciate that the author focused on Cairo, Egypt in the 1950s as this was not a time period/setting I was familiar with so I found myself doing a bit of research and learning new things--always a fun benefit of historical fiction.

What did not work for me: The 1950s storyline, at times, was hard to follow and introduced too many characters. And, since it wasn't a historical event I was too familiar with, it was somewhat confusing. I also did not like the overuse of Monk's nickname for Mallory. "Pinks" was used so many times that eventually I found it overdone and rather annoying.

Other than those few things, I really enjoyed the book. I enjoyed that author's note at the end and will be sure to check out her earlier works, which inspired some of the characters in this book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the advanced digital copy.

I want to start off by saying that this book has a major trigger warning that really caught me off guard. There is a sexual assault scene on the page & I know that can be so triggering for some— so please take caution before you read this book.

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5 Stars

Husbands & Lovers was unlike anything I’ve ever read before! It was gripping, immersive & addictive. I would highly recommend and the audiobook was fantastic. This is one I won’t be forgetting any time soon.

This story follows two women separated by time, place & very different circumstances. It was very heavy so don’t pick this up looking for a light and fluffy read. However, it was also empowering & hopeful containing very strong women.

I can’t say I always agreed with the decisions made and sometimes both Mallory & Hannah drove me mad— however I was enthralled from this story from very early on. Aside from the decision making & lack of trigger warning I really have no notes on this book. Everything flowed so well. The story jumped around times lines and characters often but I never found myself confused.

Despite having an ARC of this book I actually ended up listening to 90% via audiobook and it was executed so well. I loved the narrators! Their voices and accents were *chefs kiss* I am a creature of habit and mostly stick to romance books, but I’d heard such great things about Beatriz Williams that I jumped at the opportunity and I’m so glad I did.

This is very niche but Husbands & Lovers vaguely reminded me of a tv movie I used to watch with my grandmother when I was a little girl based on the novel The Ring by Danielle Steel. Did anyone else watch this movie?!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for the ARC of Husbands & Lovers in exchange for a honest review.

This book started off strong for me, but didn’t love it by the end. Why was using language necessary for this story? The main characters were not likable.