Oh my goooooooosh. Oh my gosh, oh my gosh.

It's no secret that my favorite trope is the whole butterfly effect/parallel universe thing.
In this book we follow Harper who is the newly wed wife to Ben. Ben knows he's dying, so his wish is for his wife to find love after his passing. In walks Leo, not only a NY Times journalist coming to interview the married couple, but he just so happens to be the long lost love of Harper from a decade prior.

This book was split into three parts: What Is, What Was, and What If. To be honest, the What Was section somewhat drove me crazy. If miscommunication drives you mad, then maybe skip this one.
When we dive into What If, this is where the parallel lives start. What would've happened had Harper and Leo stayed together...if Ben never even met Harper. Would their lives ever intersect?

I really enjoyed parts of it, but others were meh. If I'm rating a book solely on the emotion is brought to the table, then this is a 5/5. I absolutely SOBBED. I was hoping it would be more of a TJR Maybe in Another Life story, but it was actually very different, as we had more resolution in this one. I loved the open endedness of Maybe in Another Life.

All in all, i'd recommend this to someone who liked books like The Two Lives of Lydia Byrd and The Life Intended. This wasn't my favorite, but i definitely still enjoyed it.

Harper’s husband Ben is dying of cancer. But before he goes, he wants two things: one, to find someone new for her to love, and two, for her to give her art career another shot. Harper is not crazy about either of these ideas. But her world is turned on its head when a reporter assigned to write about Ben’s story turns out to be a man who, a decade earlier, Harper fell madly in love with in the space of a week and then never saw again. Someone about whom she’s always wondered, “what if?”

I was concerned at first that I’d picked up a straightforward contemporary romance kind of novel, and wondered why I’d selected it, as that’s not really my thing. But this book takes place not only in the present and the past, but also in alternate realities. I was happy when it took that turn, although honestly I think the writing was good and compelling enough to keep me interested even without that twist.

This book was overall really excellent, but there were a few things I didn’t like about it. I didn’t really care for Ben at times. I know he’s trying to help Harper by pushing her out of her comfort zone, but she specifically tells him that she does not want something – multiple somethings – and he goes behind her back and does it anyway. Even if he’s “doing it for her,” terminal cancer doesn’t give you the right to be a controlling partner.

I also don’t like that the woo-woo “power of positive thinking” workshop cured Ben’s cancer, even if it was just in the alternate world. I know this is a novel with time travel and parallel universes, but this was not set up as part of the magic, or even some sci-fi technology or something. From what I understood, it was a sort of mind-over-matter retreat for truly desperate people. Those things exist, and they are almost always scams that get people killed. I feel like it’s dangerous to promote such things as a miracle cure, even in fiction.

The book was excellent overall, but for me, those drawbacks were enough make a dent in its rating. Four and a half stars, rounded down to four.

Representation: LGBTQ+ characters, POC characters

CW: Cancer

When Ben and Harper are faced with a life-altering challenge, they make the best of it by purposefully living in the moment. Ben’s cancer prognosis is grim so he wants to see his wife, Harper, find a new love before he dies. This was such an easy going read despite the emotional subject matter. I really enjoyed reading about their relationship and all the ways they embraced memorable experiences together. With elements of magical realism, fantasy, and foreshadowing, I loved how Harper was able to get a glimpse into the “what if” moments of her life. A positively, enjoyable read!

It is on their honeymoon that Ben and Harper discover that Ben has pancreatic cancer. Soon Ben is contemplating his own mortality and wants for Harper to be happy. However, Ben believes that he needs to find Harper a new husband before he dies. Harper is resistant to this wacky plan as if she can't have Ben, then she doesn't want anyone. When a journalist gets wind of Ben’s crazy idea, they decide to visit ben and Harper to document this romantic gesture of a husband's dying wish for his beloved wife. When the New York Times sends a journalist to their house to do a feature, Harper opens the door to find the one man who got away. Or, rather, the man she spent one perfect week with a decade ago and never saw Leo Hale. Suddenly, Harper realises that the feelings that she had for Leo are unresolved and she begins to wonder ‘what-if’ and wishes for a better future for her and Ben. Suddenly, life for Harper becomes very interesting….
Without revealing too much of this storyline, I found this a very thought-provoking idea for a book. I am sure that many a person has contemplated how their life would have been altered if they took a different pathway. Ben and Harper are so sweet together, but it is Leo’s appearance that made for interesting reading. A great read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Really liked it, read it!
🌶️ Rating: 0

Rea Frey’s In Every Life is a beautifully written novel that blends dual timelines and time travel to create a unique and moving story. I rated this book 4 stars.

Tropes:
* Time Travel
* Cancer (Trigger Warning)
* Dual Timelines
* Emotional Strain of Caregiving
* Magical Realism

Ben and Harper’s marriage faces a significant challenge with Ben’s unexpected late-stage cancer diagnosis. Wanting to ensure Harper’s future happiness, Ben wishes for her to find a new partner before he passes away. Though initially resistant, Harper’s life takes an unexpected turn when a New York Times journalist, sent to cover Ben’s story, turns out to be Liam Hale—the man Harper spent a perfect week with a decade ago and never saw again.

Harper is thrust into a whirlwind of what-ifs:
* What if she had ended up with Liam instead of Ben?
* What if she had pursued her dreams as an artist instead of teaching?
* What if her life had turned out differently?


After making a wish, Harper awakens in a parallel universe where these what-ifs become her reality. As she navigates this new world, she must confront the question: Is the grass really greener on the other side, or is she right where she should be, despite the impending loss of her beloved Ben?

Frey has crafted a sweet and heartfelt story that explores the depths of love and the complexities of life's choices. Harper and Ben’s relationship is deeply touching, showcasing a love so profound that Ben wishes for Harper’s happiness even in his absence. Their short-lived yet intense connection adds a layer of poignancy to the story, making Harper’s journey all the more compelling.

While the premise of a young man dying shortly after marriage is heart-wrenching, the novel balances its sadness with moments of hope and upliftment. It’s a perfect blend of heartache and inspiration, making it a must-read for those who enjoy emotionally resonant stories with a touch of magic.

Overall, In Every Life is a uniquely beautiful novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. I loved how everything played out and am excited to read more from Rea Frey.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy of In Every Life. As per the description, what happens when a husband's dying wish is for his wife to find a new love . . . before he's even gone? Harper has no desire to find a new love, but what if she could get what she really wants; her husband free of cancer and to be known for her art? A well written tell of be careful what you wish for.

What happens when a husband’s dying wish is for his wife to find a new love … before he’s gone??

After failing to make a life as an artist in New York and leave her first love, Harper’s dreams crumbled and she returned to Chattanooga and made a life with her new husband, Ben.

When Ben is diagnosed with terminal cancer their new life together is shattered. Despite the devastating news his dying wish is for her is to find a new partner.

When New York Times sends a journalist to do a feature story about Ben’s life, Harper meets Liam Hale the man she fell head over heels in love with all those years ago in New York.

Suddenly, Harper is faced with all of those old what if’s:

What if Harper had ended up with Liam instead of Ben?

What if she’d pursued a life of an artist instead of teaching?

What if it had all turned out differently?

After making a wish Harper wakes up to find herself in a parallel universe … where her what ifs become a reality.

Is the grass really greener - or is she standing right where she’s meant to be - no matter the cost.

There’s no spoiler alerts here but it’s a
heartbreaking and wonderful story about love, loss, grief and growth

I really enjoyed this magical story.

Thank you #reafrey and #netgalley for a copy.

When Harper & Ben are on their honeymoon, Ben begins having severe stomach pains, and after throwing up, he passes out. Within a year he is diagnosed with late stage cancer, and the life they had planned together, is obliterated. His final wish is for Harper to find someone else to love before he dies, so he knows she won't be alone. When the New York Times sends a journalist to do a feature story about Ben's life, to Harper's astonishment, the reporter they sent was none other than the man she fell for and then walked away from years ago, Liam Hale. The chemistry is immediately rekindled between the two, and Harper is faced with all of the "what ifs" in her life. After making a wish, Harper wakes up to find herself in a parallel universe . . . where her what-ifs become a reality. Is the grass really greener, or is she standing right where she should be--no matter the cost?

I am of two minds about this book. I loved the beginning of the story, and it gave me Cecelia Ahern & Nicholas Sparks vibes. I felt like I was going to need a tissue box before the book was over. Then the book started going back and forth between "what is" and "what was" and it just gave me whiplash. I am not a fan of alternate reality themes, so that could have also added to my dislike of this section, I will admit. Then came the ending and I almost needed the tissue box again. I really liked the beginning and end, but the middle drove me crazy. Not just for the reasons I stated above, but also because Harper was so wishy-washy about what she wanted, and it seemed to go on an endless loop. Overall it was a 3.5 rounded up to a 4.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Rea Frey, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Ben and Harper are on their honeymoon when they learn he has cancer. Ben's final wish is that he wants Harper to find a new husband before he dies. Harper doesn't want to entertain the notion. But when a journalist comes to interview Ben when his idea is made public, it is Liam at the door. Liam, who Harper spent a magical week with 10 years ago, and never saw again. Those unresolved feelings come bubbling up. What if she would have ended up with Liam?

I love Rea Frey's looks into the "what if." We all wonder what would happen if we would have taken a different path in our lives. This book adds a dose of magical realism into that thought when Harper does a Stand in Your Power full moon ritual to manifest her dreams. Suddenly, she's getting a look into what might have been. There's a lot of feelings in here, from love and second chances, to grief and moving on, to being confident in your dreams. I liked the peek into the art world, especially with the high schoolers. Rea Frey creates magical books that I love spending time with!

Harper and Ben are happy newlyweds on their honeymoon. Ben had been sick to his stomach but they just thought it was something he ate. When he got home, he went to the doctor, and he was served a devastating diagnosis. After much thought and his health worsening, he tells Harper that he has one dying wish. He would like to find Harper a wonderful husband to take care of her when he's gone. Harper is not as committed to his plan. Ben contacts a journalist to chronicle their story. I laughed, cried, smiled, and sighed throughout this wonderful story. It is a bittersweet tale of love, losses, and finding strength through second chances.

This was an interesting book and story. I'm still not quite sure how I would rate it! I really liked some parts of it but didn't like other parts. To me, the story had two storylines and I would have loved to have cut out the part I didn't like! However, I liked the lessons that the main character, Harper, learned by the end of the book. She is madly in love with her husband, Ben, when on their honeymoon he is diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and their lives are immediately changed forever. After treatment and as Ben struggles to come to terms with his looming future, he decides he wants his wife to find another man to love while he's still alive, so he knows she'll be ok after he dies. Harper is stunned and angry. When a journalist comes to interview Ben, who should he be but the man that Harper fell in love with before she knew Ben - Liam Hale. What a coincidence and talk about awkward! That would have been interesting and fine right there but then the story goes into "time travel and parallel universe" stuff. It's all a little "woo-woo" to me. I know some people enjoy that type of fiction, but it really isn't my thing. Harper is supposed to learn something from these different experiences in her trips to a parallel universe and help her make decisions. I just couldn't get into it. I did like the way it helped her make the hard decision at the end though. Personally, I didn't particularly like Ben's character. Harper didn't NEED a man to take care of her and he shouldn't have pushed that on her. I know that he was coming from a place of love but still - she could do what lots of other widows do and follow her own path of grief. I really liked Liam's character though. All in all, it was a good book, and I did rush through some parts to get to the "real" stuff!

Be ready for this book to take you through an emotional wringer.

The 3 characters Harper, Ben and Liam are each so well developed. The witter did a great job of bringing together this love triangle in a poignant manner, using the pov of then, now, what if. Harper sees a lot of character growth in this book - the choices she made that changed the trajectory of her life, and the path she nows needs to take forward.

A unique romance.

I also listened to the book and the narration was very well done.

#netgalley #ineverylife

Wow, this book really got me in all my emotions!!!

There were so many layers to this book, to this story, to the love. It was so well written, and really felt personal.

Ben. Harper. Liam. They were all wonderful. They all lived and loved, so well.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Oh my heart. This book tugs at all the heart strings but is written so beautifully. I really enjoyed this book and love how Rea Frey tied in the title to the book meaning.

Thank you NetGalley, Rea Frey, and Harper Muse for the ARC!

You found the love of your life, its fate! Your relationship moves quickly and you marry! Ben & Harper Foster are destined for bliss until they receive shocking news of Ben’s terminal cancer. Author Rea Frey takes us down the path of raw emotion, a love like no other and one special wish!

Absolved in the fiction of “In Every Life”is a dream, a glimpse , a look at a different life than the one Harper chose. Can you imagine? Haven’t you ever said “What if”? Harper did! She took the advice of a close friend and wished upon a magical realism where Ben is healthy and she has everything she ever wanted in her art career. You should be careful what you wish for!

“In Every Life” is so well written, something we are used to with Rea Frey! Written in parallel lines with Harper’s reality and her “glimpse” of “What if”.
This novel is fiction at its best but it’s also a reminder to love now, cherish now and live NOW!

Ben’s last wish is one we sometimes think about but only in a lighthearted manner, “ if something happens to me , I want you to find someone to love and have the life you’ve dreamed about! He meant it ! Harper, in complete shock is in no way agreeing to Ben’s plan!
A reporter hears of Ben’s wish and shows up on their doorstep in hopes of a storyline no one will ever forget. When Harper opens the door, her life flashes back 10 years, it’s Liam, the one who got away! Coincidence?

Highly recommend this read, full of love, loss and the possibility of a second chance. Hope gives Harper the peace she needs to hold on to HER dreams if dreams still exist.

Thank you @Harpermuse @netgalley @reafrey for this eARC in exchange for my honest review . Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

After a failed attempt at being an artist in NYC, Harper now is an art teacher in Chattanooga with the love of her life Ben. But when Ben collapses on their honeymoon her life completely changes when he is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Rather than beginning a life together they begin to prepare for his death. Ben decides he wants Harper to find her next love before he goes and The NY Times sends a journalist to write a story about it; but the journalist turns out to be the other love in Harper’s life from her time in NYC- Liam. Now Harper looks back at her life wondering what if her choices had been different; until one night her wish becomes a reality and an alternate path is there for her to experience.


This is the second novel I have read by Frey and she seems to like this “what if” concept, that alternative reality/sliding door narrative. This one took a different bit of magical realism turn which I wasn’t expecting but liked. Harper had two men that she loved for completely different reasons and both were good for Harper for different facets of her personality. I listened to about 50% of this one and I find her novels very conducive to audiobooks and the narrator was great! This was a novel where I was crying so much that I had to stop reading because I needed to grab tissues and take off my glasses (luckily my husband was away and didn’t witness the ugly cry). If you’re up for a tearjerker and cancer is not a trigger for you, this one was definitely worth it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC to review

Book Doula, a favorite author and master storyteller, Rea Frey returns following The Other Year with her latest emotionally charged 'what if' story, IN EVERY LIFE.

Beautiful, compelling, and inspiring —exploring dual realities —the what ifs—what happens when a husband's dying wish is for his wife to find a new love... before he's even gone?

About...

Harper and Ben are happily married, and she is an art teacher in Tennessee excited about her new life and their plans for a family.

Then, the devastating news. Ben has late-stage cancer. However, Ben has a final wish before he dies. He wants to help Harper find a new partner.

That is the last thing Harper wants. She wants no one but Ben and wants to spend precious limited time with him, not talking about a new love to replace him.

When the New York Times sends a journalist for a feature story about Ben's life, Harper is front and center with Liam, her former lover who she never saw again—the man before Ben.

Faced with the what-ifs. In a different universe, what if she had married Liam and never met Ben? Would her life have turned out differently?

After making a wish, Harper wakes up to find herself in a parallel universe of what-ifs.

My thoughts...

Rea is a pro, and no one can spin a heartfelt intense story like the master storyteller. IN EVERY LIFE IS hopeful, magical, and heartbreaking with time travel.

Her well-developed characters are faced with two profoundly different paths in this emotionally charged story of what ifs— infused with art, love, loss, grief, magic, forgiveness, healing, marriage, parenthood, loyalty, and second chances.

Have you ever wondered about the what if? If you had taken a different path, where you would be?

Thought-provoking, moving, and intriguing, I can't wait for you to meet Ben and Harper. Have some Kleenex handy. This is an ideal book club pick for further discussions.

I have read all of Rea's books and have been a fan since her debut. Each one is unique, moving, and thoughtful.

Audiobook...

I read the e-book and listened to the audiobook narrated by the talented Jennifer Jill Araya who delivers an outstanding performance, making the characters come alive.

Recs...

This book is for readers who enjoyed Rea's previous book, The Other Year, Sarah Addison Allen, and Eileen Goudge's The Replacement Wife. It is for those who enjoy women's fiction, domestic suspense, love and emotional stories, time travel, and a touch of magical realism.

Upcoming Interview...

Stay tuned for my upcoming #AuthorElevatorSeries Ride (Aug 7) with Rea and behind the scenes of IN EVERY LIFE and this fascinating author!

Thanks to Harper Muse and HarperCollins Focus for a gifted digital ARC and ALC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion. #CoverLove

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Aug 6, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars
Author Interview
Aug 2024 Must-Read Books
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4.5 ⭐️ Ben and Harper are devastated when a cancer diagnosis threatens their new marriage and the future they envisioned. To prevent Harper from spending a life alone, Ben decides to find her a new love, while he is still alive and able to do so.

As soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I needed to get my hands on this book immediately, especially given that Frey’s last book continues to live rent free in my mind a year later. Her pitch perfect pacing and overall writing style, along with a dabble of magical realism, feels made for me.

This is a story of love and of coping with potential loss. It is a story of the deepest romance and a look at what makes a love story exactly that. At its core, it is a deeply emotional book, that at times will leave the reader feeling a whole gamut of emotions. And the concept of “what if” was woven in so masterfully, even those who don’t necessarily love magical realism, will enjoy it. This would make a great book club selection.

Read if you like:
• women’s fiction
• magical realism
• love stories
• thought-provoking books
• emotional reads

Thank you Harper Muse for the gifted copies.

I don't really know what I was thinking going into this read, but I was pleasantly surprised. As we venture into this world of then, now, and what-ifs we can truly see the journey of self-exploration that Harper must go on throughout the story. This one is 100% a tear-jerker so make sure you have plenty of tissues on hand.

TW: Cancer

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was an interesting book..It reminds me a bit of a movie I watched awhile ago. It was well written with characters who sometimes infuriated me, but were relatable and loveable all the same.
When your husband is dying, and an old flame shows up what do you do? Especially when your husband wants you to fall in love again...before he dies.
The book has some interesting twists and is a very good novel.