When Harper's husband Ben is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Ben's final wish is for Harper to find love again before he dies. When the New York Times journalist sent to do a piece on the story turns out to be Harper's long ago 'what if' romance, Liam, Harper wonders how things may have turned out differently in another life.

This was another solid read from this author, a beautiful story of love and resilience. Alternate universe/time travel is my favorite trope, and this was done so well with such a unique plot. I truly didn't know what way the story would go, and that made me that much more invested. I loved Harper and Ben, their story and their selfless love for each other was so beautiful. I loved every alternate universe and I had no idea what the right answer was until I reached the satisfying conclusion, which wrapped up so perfectly. I teared up more than once, I recommend having tissues handy. Definitely a recommended read!

Harper and Ben Foster are the perfect couple but that all changes on their honeymoon when Ben starts to feel sick. Ben is diagnosed with cancer as the couple navigates their first year of marriage and they begin to talk about their bucket list. Ben wants Harper to find love again before he is gone. As fate would have it the one that got away Liam walks back into her life as a reporter sent to interview Ben.
The book explores what could have been and we get to experience an alternate timeline to Harper’s life.
The writing is beautiful and brilliant I didn’t want this book to end. The love that Harper experiences in this book is heartbreaking yet so sweet.
I love how this book explores what was and what is in a way that the reader would be happy with either timeline.
I look forward to reading more by Rea Frey. This is a must read

A really lovely magical realism romance. Fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid and Ashley Poston will love this. I enjoyed the writing, and pacing. The characters were likable. I didn’t love the “workshop”story line but it did fit with the theme. Have the tissues ready.

This book gripped me from the get go, it was very unique and unlike anything I’ve read. This is my second book by this author and I will now always read Rea Frey. Four stars.

I had to sit and think about this after reading it. I wasn’t sure what to rate it. I knew that I really enjoyed it, but something was also holding me back.

I felt a lot of feelings during and after. The topics discussed are heavy and emotional. I shed some tears and felt a lot of sadness for the situation. Ben is honestly one of the best characters. My heart breaks every time I think of him. I loved the ending. It was perfect.

I really enjoyed the writing. It was really easy to follow and I liked the flips between past, present, and other. I love magical realism, but I’m not so sure that this book needed it. Although, I understand why it was there, I felt it interrupted the emotional momentum for me. It detached me a bit from the characters. I would’ve preferred it to be a dream or something similar (I won’t say anything more, because spoilers stink).

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Thank you so much to Rea, Harper Muse, and NetGalley for this ARC! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received a copy for review purposes; all opinions are honest and mine alone.


Dual timelines and twisty time traveling make a for thought provoking read in Rea Frey’s sophomore offering, IN EVERY LIFE.

If I were to summarize this book in one word, it would be - UNIQUE. Frey starts slowly, almost to the point of frustration. There are too many short chapters bouncing between past and present trying to build a foundation and develop characters. I’d have preferred a less TikTok approach. Once the time travel element is added at the halfway point, the story is more engaging. Important details about the characters are still being revealed well into the story. It’s one of the difficult parts about dual timelines and could have been done better here.

Cancer is a difficult subject to explore. This insidious disease affects so many families; emotions abound. I’m a cancer survivor; others in my family succumbed. Our journeys were all different but on some levels, they were very similar. Frey did a good job showing a variety of protocols and their general side effects. The book is only 340ish pages and isn’t a medical treatise. Frey also was successful in portraying the intense emotional strains, guilt, torn feelings, hurt, pain, anticipation, etc. of the caretaker.

I’m not a fan of New Age philosophy but it worked in this story and with these characters. Frey was respectful and didn’t push an agenda. I enjoyed the art elements and walk thru “Dumbo”, NY. Other aspects of the story were difficult as they reminded me of difficult times fighting my own battle with cancer and watching loved ones lose theirs.

Without causing any spoilers, the MFC has time travel adventures of the unexpected variety. She is put in a position where she needs to make multiple choices that could cause change IN EVERY LIFE📚


Read & Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks to Harper Collins, The First Editions

I was gripped by this book immediately. It flowed really well and the characters were extremely relatable. It was a beautiful love story with a kind of twist to it, nothing like what I have read before. I don’t usually like time-travel related themes but this was different. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book and can’t wait to read more by this author.

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

I was browsing titles on the Netgalley site when I stumbled upon the synopsis of this book: “What happens when a husband’s dying wish is for his wife to find a new love…before he’s even gone?” Intrigued, I couldn’t help but wonder, if I were the husband, would I make such a wish? Or if I were the wife, would I fulfill it? Out of curiosity, I requested a copy.

In summary, Ben is diagnosed with stage 4 cancer (⚠️TW) early in his marriage to Harper. His dying wish is for her to find a new love, before he passes, but she resists this uncoventional idea. Meanwhile, an old flame reappears in Harper’s life, creating a love triangle. This leads FMC to ponder all the what-ifs.

I’ll start with what I like about the book.
~I enjoyed the narrative moved between the past, showing “what was,” and the present, “what is”. It also has an element of magical realism, exploring the “what if”, which I found creative as this is new to me.
~The journey of self-discovery. The characters especially Harper faced numerous challenges and questions about her identity and choices, leading her to deeper understanding of who she is and what she truly wants in life.

Now, onto what I didn’t like.
~Ben’s constant plea for Harper to find a “man” to love felt uncomfortable and unrealistic for me. In reality, while it’s natural to want your partner to be happy again, I think, we should also let them acknowledge their pain and mourn. Additionally, I was hoping the new love wouldn’t necessarily be a man. Perhaps it could have been about finding love in a different form.
~I wasn’t satisfied with the ending. Initially, I was okay with it, as Ben’s wish was somewhat fulfilled with a “twist”. (Spoiler ‼️) However, when Harper rekindled an old flame. It felt off. For someone to be your TOTGA (the one that got away), no second chances.

All in all, this book hooked me with its intriguing premise and raised many questions in my mind. Highly recommended to readers who are intrigued by the idea of exploring life’s what-if.

Love, grief, and new beginnings combine in this novel of then, now and what if. Harper and Ben are happily married when he's diagnosed and tells her that her to find a new partner. Even as she's processing this, the reporter sent to write about him turns out to be her old flame Liam. Suddenly, she's thinking what if she'd been with Liam instead and there's a parallel universe thing going on. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's a plot pulled in part from real life but twisted with the Liam angle. It's also an emotional read with characters you'll care about.

This book was heartwarming but it felt too similar “my wife said you may want to marry me“” but I don’t know if that was intention?

This book was so well done! It wasn't your typical romance novel and there were fantasy-esque elements that totally surprised in me in the best way. I loved the formatting of the book... hopping between 'What Was' and "What Is" and even giving us some "What If?' It was really unique and kept the pacing of the novel on point.

A romance novel about a young man dying shortly after he marries the love of his life sounds devastatingly tragic and while it was certainly sad and there plenty of moments of emotion, overall, this book didn't feel soul crushingly sad which I really appreciated. Sometimes you need a good cry but this was the perfect blend of uplifting and interesting while also being emotional and heart wrenching.

The 'what if' portion of the book really surprised me. It was totally unexpected but I did think it was a good twist that added a lot to the story.

All in all, this book was totally unique, well written, and very moving. I loved how everything played out and I can't wait to read more by Frey.

Thank you to Harper Muse for the copy.

In Every Life is a moving and emotional romance with a touch of magical realism. It has similar feel to Taylor Jenkins Reid’s In Another Life which is what initially drew me to the story.

I’m afraid I struggled to connect with Harper, Ben and Leo, and to get a sense of their chemistry. I found Ben’s insistence for Harper to find love, and Harper’s secrets from Ben both a bit uncomfortable given the circumstances.

However I did really enjoy the writing and the magical realism aspects of the story. The story flowed well and kept my interest throughout. I liked Harper’s journey in terms of finding her personal and professional identity, and would have loved to have read more about her early relationship with both Ben and Leo.

Thank you HarperMuse, and NetGalley for a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

This book is so good! It is the most interesting romance book I've read in a long time. Ben and Harper's story is full of ups and downs. It starts with their honeymoon when Ben gets sick and is diagnosed with stage three cancer soon after. Ben has the crazy idea that he wants to find Harper a new man to love before he dies. When Leo, an old flame of Harper's, enters the picture they can't help but wonder if he's the one. This book has a few surprising twists that keep it interesting including a little time travel. Thanks to @NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC of this wonderful book. I know Rea's fans are going to love it as much as I do.

Ben is diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at the start of his marriages. He wants his wife, Harper, to find a new partner before he passes. She is resistant to this crazy idea. At the same time, an old fling comes back in Harper’s life and makes her wonder.. what if?

This was a special read that leaves your heart warmed. I don’t read a lot of romance but my favorite romance has a touch of magical realism, which this one does. The magic really adds something special here. There’s a lot of answers to the “what if” and how we accept our path in life.

“When you fall in love with someone after a single week and then you never see them again… well, that kind of aching can drive someone insane.”

In Every Life comes out 8/6.

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!