In Every Life blew me away with how emotional I got reading this book. It’s an alternate timeline love story for one woman, Harper, between her husband Ben, who she just wed, and Liam, the one who got away ten years ago. After Ben is diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer and given little odds of surviving, Harper starts going down the road of what-ifs… what if she hadn’t given up on her art, what if she hadn’t left NYC, what if she had stayed with Liam and never met Ben? Still in denial about Ben’s impending death, Harper makes a desperate wish to the universe to give her the possibility of a life where she hadn’t given up art and where Ben isn’t sick. The next morning she wakes up in NYC, in Liam’s bed, and running the same gallery that she fled from all those years ago. In this alternate timeline, she stayed instead of running, and has a decade of art and relationship with Liam to show for it, but because she never left, she never met Ben. As she begins to get acquainted with her new life, she realizes how much she misses Ben and desperately wants to get back to him - but can she return to a life where she knows she will lose him? Dripping with emotion, this book was a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. I found it to be a very satisfying read, and I definitely needed a box of tissues by the bittersweet end.

The thought of a current partner finding you a new partner doesn't sound romantic to me at all, it sounds controlling and manipulative. I know Ben was supposedly doing it from his heart but it seemed to me he was doing it for himself because he has to know Harper's okay before he dies. Like she can't be okay without a man in her life? And him wanting her to do her art was because HE wanted to see one of her shows before he goes. It just pissed me off to no end. Everything just sounded like manipulation disguised as love and for her benefit.

All the secrets Harper's been keeping drove me mad as well. She too was only thinking of herself by not revealing the truth about her and Leo. The whole plot just seemed to go round and round in circles and the repetitiveness of it all was boring. This was another almost DNF for me but it has such rave reviews I wanted to give it a chance. It was just too unbelievable where Ben's health worries were concerned. One minute he can't go in the sun because of his treatment and the next minute he is out feeling the sun on his face and doing hikes. He had stage four pancreatic cancer and is supposed to be in hospice.

It was so damn slow getting the plot to go forward, the characters were all one-dimensional and the ending was just too much for me to take. It was so implausible and outlandish that it made me want to barf. (spoiler) All that new age "your mind can cure stage four cancer" bullshit. (end spoiler) I can't believe all the five-star reviews for this one. This is my first and my last book by this author.

Rea Frey’s *In Every Life* is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the infinite possibilities that shape our existence. The narrative follows Harper, a once-aspiring artist whose dreams crumbled after a whirlwind romance and a failed attempt to find her place in the bustling art scene of New York City. A decade later, she has settled into a quieter life as an art teacher in Chattanooga, enjoying the companionship of her devoted husband, Ben. However, their idyllic existence is shattered when Ben receives a diagnosis of late-stage cancer, prompting a heartbreaking yet selfless wish for Harper to find a new partner before he passes away. Frey masterfully weaves a tapestry of emotions, showcasing Harper’s internal struggle as she grapples with the weight of her husband’s request. The arrival of journalist Liam Hale, Harper’s first love, reignites unresolved feelings and plunges her into a whirlwind of nostalgia and “what-ifs.” The author deftly portrays the complexities of human relationships, emphasizing that love is not a finite resource. Rather, it expands and evolves, even in the face of heartbreak. As Harper makes a wish and wakes up in a parallel universe where her past choices have led her down a different path, Frey invites readers to ponder the age-old question: Is the grass really greener on the other side? This alternate reality throws Harper into a whirlwind of possibilities, forcing her to confront the life she could have had with Liam and the dreams she set aside for the sake of practicality and love. The parallel universe serves as a compelling device, illuminating the consequences of choices made and unmade while simultaneously highlighting the importance of acceptance and gratitude for the life one leads. Frey’s writing is imbued with a sense of realism and authenticity that resonates deeply with readers. The emotional depth of Harper’s character transforms her from a mere protagonist to a relatable figure grappling with universal themes of regret, hope, and the complexities of love. The narrative flows seamlessly, and the pacing allows readers to savor the moments of introspection while remaining engaged in the unfolding drama of Harper’s life. Ultimately, *In Every Life* is not just a story about choices; it is a meditation on the beauty of the life we live and the relationships we hold dear. Frey deftly demonstrates that every life has its share of what-ifs, but it is the acceptance of our journeys that truly shapes our happiness. As Harper navigates the parallel universe and confronts her past, readers are left with a profound message: the paths we take, no matter how divergent, contribute to the richness of our experiences. In conclusion, Rea Frey’s *In Every Life* is a beautifully crafted narrative that invites readers to reflect on their own choices and the intricate tapestry of their lives. It challenges us to appreciate the present while simultaneously acknowledging the dreams that may have remained unfulfilled. As Harper ultimately discovers, the heart’s true home may not lie in the past or in the possibilities of the future, but in the love and connections forged in the present moment. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeply moving reflection on love, loss, and the inherent beauty of our individual journeys.

Ben is a composer and Harper is an artist. They are madly in love, honeymooning in Hawaii, when Ben gets sick. His diagnosis of stage four pancreatic cancer changes everything. In Every Life, by Rea Frey, takes the reader on a journey filled with love and grief. (There’s even an alternate life episode which was a little strange.) Ben wants Harper to find someone to love before he passes, so when Liam, the one who got away, shows up to write an article on them things get complicated. The love Ben and Harper have for each other shines through, each wanting the best for the other. The book is a little different, but it’s worth the read.

WOW! Easily one of the best books I have ever read. 5 stars is just not enough!

Ben Foster has been diagnosed with terminal cancer just weeks after being wed to Harper. Harper, once an aspiring artist, teaches art near their home in Chattanooga. Ben compiles a list of his dying wishes - the main one being for Harper to find new love before he dies. Such a noble wish to assure she is loved, she is taken care of, and she knows it is okay to move on. Harper is undeniably against this wish - she will never find a love like hers and Bens. But when the reporter who is covering Ben's story shows up Harper cannot believe her eyes - its Liam. . . the "one that got away".

I absolutely could not put this book down! Filled with love, heartache, hope, and grief. A beautifully written story that will give you all the feels. Harper's character was relatable in so many ways. Facing hardships and life's lessons, her vulnerability and willingness to search herself and admit her mistakes. The raw truth behind terminal illness and all of the thoughts and emotions that brings with it. I laughed, I cried, I battled internally with how I hoped this story would end but everything about it was beautiful and perfect.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Rea Frey, and Harper Muse. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Just finished reading “In Every Life” by Rea Frey.

I really enjoyed this book and the storyline. It sounded interesting- a husband and wife get a cancer diagnosis and the husband wants to find a new love for his wife when he’s gone.

Enter the ex boyfriend- coincidence? The story evolves into what if’s, what was and what is to come.

It makes the reader think about their own life and how a single decision can change the course of your life.

Very enjoyable! I binged this book and would definitely recommend it!

“I’ve got all the time in the world.”

I read The Other Year when it came out and fell in love with Rea Frey’s writing. When I participated in an author chat about that book and she told us about In Every Life, and I knew I had to read it. I’m so thankful to WunderbooksPR for sending me a digital ARC!

With a little bit of magical realism and time travel/sliding doors aspects, In Every Life explores what life could be like if different choices had been made, and if we really did have all the time in the world. Harper gets a chance to decide if she will stay and face the grief that will soon be hers as her husband grapples with his terminal cancer diagnosis or if she will take a shot with the one who got away. The range of emotions was vast in reading this book and I loved every bit of it.

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

Read if you like:
The Other Year
The Last Love Note
Here After
Princess Bride quotes
Magical realism
Sliding Doors
Explorations of grief

In Every Life a little rain must fall, but for Ben & Harper it's a monsoon, not a light sprinkle. Married barely a year when Ben is diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, the future he planned with Harper is shattered. Ben hatches a plan for Harper to "find someone to love before I leave," and into this plot walks Liam-Harper's "one who got away" from ten years earlier. Although Harper and Liam only spent a week together, it was love and first sight and Harper was sure Liam was her forever. But things don't always turn out the way we thought, and now Harper is devoted to Ben. Through a spell Harper is able to see how her life would have turned out if she had stayed with Liam. In Every Life is a sweet blend of fantasy and reality-who wouldn't want a peek into "what could have been" had we made a different choice? But when Ben shows up in Harper's "other life" happy and cancer free, she is torn between staying in a reality where she is not with Ben but he gets to live, or returning to their lives together where Ben will likely die. In Every Life is escapist fiction at its best-tender, insightful, but messy-just like the real thing.

Rea Frey has created a compelling exploration of "the one who got away" or "what if" scenarios.

Harper Swanson Foster loves her husband. They are a great match. After a whirlwind romance, they got married and went off to honeymoon. On the honeymoon, Harper's husband Ben collapses. They soon discover he has stage four pancreatic cancer- practically a death sentence.

When a reporter comes to report on Ben's life and work as a successful move composter, Harper's world is rocked. It turns out to be her proverbial one who got away. A man named Liam that she had one week with in New York when she was trying to make it as an artist. Couple Liam's appearance with Ben's wish for Harper to find a new love before he leaves, and Harper is in for an emotional rollercoaster. You might think you know what will happen, but you are probably wrong!

At first I thought this was going to be a 2 or 3 star read. The characters were well fleshed out, but obviously, it was a bit of a bummer. I was more so disappointed because I thought that the book was reading super predictably. Well Frey certainly subverted my expectations. The book took quite a few unexpected turns that I found really made the book! This is compelling read, and I would recommend.

Highlights:
-Grief and loss
-Facing death
-Exploration of "what if" or alternative universes so to speak
-Spousal role as a caretaker

Harper and Ben are on their honeymoon when Ben falls ill and is diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer.
As the couple deal with his illness, Ben expresses a desire to find someone else for Harper to love when he's gone.
The New York Times reporter Liam is scheduled to write a story about Ben and his life as a composer is interested in including Ben's search. Liam turns out to be an old love interest of Harper's. Harper is given the opportunity to see what
life with Liam would be like without forgetting what her life with Ben has been. Which life will she choose and what
is the lesson she needs to learn to move forward? A touching, emotional story .
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
#InEveryLife #HarperMuse #NetGalley

Ben and Harper start their married life with a cancer diagnosis but he eventually goes into remission and when it comes back the doctor insists there is no viable treatment for Ben this time.

Ben gets the crazy idea that he wants Harper to find a new husband before he dies, Harper thinks it’s a wacky idea, but not before a journalist discovers it. He comes to interview Ben and Harper. It turns out that Harper met this journalist a decade ago and spent a whirlwind week with him but left a lot of things unfinished.


This has a Sliding Doors vibe that appeals to me because I loved the movie, but I did not like some of the elements that were throughout the plot; I did not like. There was too much New Age that I did not realize would be present and had I known that I would’ve not read this. This is my first Rea Frey book, so I am unsure if this is the norm for her writing. This is a book that I would’ve read over twenty years ago but not now. So my much younger self would given this book a higher rating. 2.5 stars

My gratitude to Netgalley and Harper Muse. All opinions expressed were honest and completely mine.

4 what if stars

How far would you go for someone you love? What would you sacrifice to heal them? Those are the issues that Harper must grapple with in this book.

Harper marries Ben and all is well in their world, compatible in so many ways, and competitive! They met on an obstacle course and raced to the finish. Unexpectedly, on their honeymoon, Ben falls ill and is soon given a grim diagnosis.

As Ben’s days are numbered, he starts to worry about what Harper will do after he’s gone. She’s an art teacher, but that’s not enough, he wants her to find another to love. He sets out to accomplish this in any way he can, including soliciting a story.

Another surprise greets Harper when the reporter assigned to the story turns out to be the earlier love of her life (for one week) in New York. Harper tried to break into the art scene, but things don’t work out, leaving Liam and her dreams behind.

So now Harper must deal with Liam and navigate Ben’s wishes. Luckily, Harper has great friends who also want to help, and with a tarot card reading and wishing on a full moon, Harper wakes up in a new reality. She must grapple with her feelings for Liam and Ben and her abandoned art career. Is there a way for her to have it all? Is there a way to heal Ben?

I enjoyed thinking about the possibilities in this one, and I think the cover is spot on! I want to read more from this author. This was my first book of hers, but she’s written quite a few.

In Every Life is a charming tale of love which examines life's untaken paths. With a touch of magical realism, FMC Harper explores an alternate life and allows us into her imagination of where different choices might have led.

While I'm no stranger to contemporary romance, I don't typically stray into romantasy or sci-fi in my book choices - so this was a bit outside my comfort zone. With that being said, this book was definitely was an emotional read that helped open my eyes to exploring more literary genres. It was an interesting mash-up of genres that will appeal to a wide audience who enjoy a tug-at-your-heartstrings romance with a fairytale vibe (just check the TW first).

3.5 stars rounded up.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In Every Life by Rea Frey hit really close to home and as such, it was a heartwarming read that soothed the soul.

TW - the central premise is terminal cancer (Pancreatic Cancer is a cruel disease that takes without discrimination) and as I have seen this first hand, I almost did not read the book, but on impulse, I changed my mind and I am so glad that I did

Anybody that has dealt with terminal illness will have considered that big question "What if", will grieve for the past and the present, and that is just in the palliative care stage, let alone after the loved one has passed.

Harper is deeply in love with her new husband, Ben, enjoying life in Chattanooga. Ben was not Harpers first love, but he is her greatest love and she is living a much quieter life with him than the one she knew back in New York

However, their happiness is shattered when Ben is diagnosed with stage iV pancreatic cancer and cannot bear to see his beloved wife alone, to relive her past heartbreaks and as such, his final wish is for her to find a new love before he dies. However, what happens when you come face to face with the person that broke your heart? What if, what if, what if?

Harper wakes up in the world of the what if, the world where she and Liam did not break up. Is it a better world? Or does she already have the best life?

An emotional, heart-wrenching read, but a highly engaging one. Loved it

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse and the author Rea Frey for this beautiful ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

The beginning of this book was a solid 5 chair story. I was holding my breath to see what was going to come next. I couldn't read fast enough.

Then there was a huge shift in the story that I did not see coming. It felt out of nowhere and changed everything. I was not a happy reader at this point and almost quit reading. My attachment to the characters was what made me keep reading.

The ending was good, not great - it would have been better had there been the twist in the story.

I absolutely love Rea Frey!

Like all her stories this one is emotional and will have you in tears. She brings her readers into her story so you feel the happiness and pain. You won’t want to put this one down until you’ve read the last word.

A must read!

“There’s No Place Like Home”

TW: CANCER

Prologue:
“I’m a Wife!!”

Chapter 1:
“I’m Going to be a Widow”

OH what a difference a year makes!

Ben and Harper Foster have that “Hallmark” kind of romance-SAPPY sweet. “Name three things” one might say to the other at any random time-and while staring deeply into their partner’s eyes. The other will respond with three things they are grateful for at the moment-even while facing terminal CANCER.

So, it’s no surprise when Ben decides that he wants Harper to find new love BEFORE he passes away-so he will know that she will be alright. He is that selfless. Also, no surprise-Harper balking at the idea! But, Ben keeps pushing and even arranges for a journalist to write a story about it.

IS IT KISMET?

The NY Times reporter who shows up to interview the couple is none other than Liam Hale-the only other guy that Harper has ever fallen for. It was. “Insta Love” ten years ago, when Harper went to Brooklyn, hoping to pursue her Art-long before she met Ben. But, they only spent one week together before she went home to Chicago.

The story alternates between chapters titled “What Is” and “What Was”.

The book takes a turn towards “ MAGICAL REALISM” when a struggling Harper is guided by a close friend who reads her Tarot Cards and encourages her to soul search and think about what it is that Harper REALLY wants most. If she is honest, can she really manifest what she desires by repeating her wishes three times during the FULL MOON?

Reminding me of Dorothy, in the “Wizard of Oz”, when she had to click together her Ruby slippers and chant “There’s no place like home” Harper is desperate enough to give it a try. She carefully words her wish and….No Spoilers here!

The first half of the book was a bit too SAPPY for my taste. I thought that Harper’s relationship with Liam, felt more authentic than her marriage to Ben. But, I enjoyed the second half despite its FAIRY TALE vibes.

This was a buddy read with DeAnn which offered much for discussion!
I think BOOK CLUBS would also find it entertaining and fun to talk about!

3.75 rounded ⬆️

Expected publication date: August 6, 2024

Thank You to Harper Muse for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. These are my candid thoughts!

I almost stopped reading at the start because I felt this book was going to be extraordinarily sad. I am so glad I held out. As the lessons of love and life and grief were touching.
I loved the aspect of time travel. I also found myself being annoyed at the indecision of the Main character but I also appreciated that this was reflective of a life completely out of your control.
5 stars

Wow , absolutely loved it even though Im not usually a fan of magic realism. It made me cry and it touched my soul.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was an emotional read, for sure. I loved the first five or six chapters of this novel. However, I do not think I ever connected with any of the main characters. There was something that kept pulling me out of this story, but I do not know exactly what that thing was. Maybe it was because Harper kept trying to deny what was occurring as she was time-hopping? I kept feeling like right when each chapter got where it needed to go, the alternate story would take over, so I never really got to know either Ben or Liam. By the time I felt like I knew Ben, Liam, and Harper, the story was over.