Member Reviews
I love this author and I am happy I read this book. I just maybe need a break from books where women are competing with or being enemies with other women. This one is weird. Our girl has an episode, someone dies, she loses access to her kid, and now the new stepmom is trying to keep her away. The dad is like passive.
Lots of twists and lots of drama.
"The Wife at the Window" by Cara Reinard is a nail-biting psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end guessing who is at the center of the going ons. With its intricate plot, well-drawn characters, and suspenseful twists, the novel is a must-read for fans of the genre. Reinard's writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the tension and paranoia that slowly envelops Emerson. The novel expertly builds suspense, with each chapter revealing new layers of intrigue and mystery. The pacing is brisk, keeping readers hooked as they try to piece together the puzzle alongside Emerson. This book is told by the two main character's in the book, Emerson and Talia who is the ex husbands new girlfriend. You get to go back and forth in the timeline to piece everything together, these books of this type of narrating are definitely what I prefer. This one had me hooked, and it certainly won't be my last Cara Reinard book!
Emerson has been recently released from a mental health facility, following the death of her daughter (an event she allegedly had something to do with) and working through getting visitation rights for her son. Her husband's new partner seems hell bent on making sure that doesn't happen....
I felt for Emerson, trying to get her life back on track but plagued with nightmares and ongoing challenges. Some of which seem quite suspicious and just when she has a glimmer of hope, it's pulled out from underneath her.
The book unraveled nicely, with a few twists and turns and alternating between the two women characters. It really ramped up towards the end, in a direction that I didn't see coming. I liked the flashbacks and back story, which helped make the ending really satisfying.
My first book by Cara Reinard, but certainly won't be my last.
I would like to express my profound gratitude to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Emerson will do anything to gain back custody of her son (and possibly her ex-husband too), but his new girlfriend, Talia, will do anything to make sure that doesn’t happen.
I enjoyed this story, we get first person pov from Emerson but third person from Talia. I wish both had been first, I love being inside the character’s mind! The middle part of the book was slightly boring to me, a bunch of work talk about projects they were doing that I had no interest in and zoned out every time it was mentioned. Overall a great story and I did not guess the ending!
Read if you love:
-love triangles
-memory loss trope
-workplace drama
-dual POV
4 ⭐️
Read the trigger warnings for this one! Some heavy subjects are discussed.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC! Pub date 6.17.24
Thank you net galley and publisher for this ARC. I didn’t finish this book based on the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. Lots of other readers enjoyed this book though!
First of all, thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book! I enjoyed Cara Reinard’s writing, and I would definitely read another book by her.
I was hooked with the story, and I love books that are written from different character perspectives. I did not see the ending coming, and I kept questioning what was really going on. I didn’t feel a huge connection to the characters though. But, without giving anything away, I was cheering for one and despising the other. The ending seemed a bit rushed, and I really want to know more about the character of Brooks! Yet, I did enjoy the story, and I will be looking forward to more books by Ms. Reinard!
Emerson, grappling with the loss of her daughter and a wrongful suspicion for murder, returns home from treatment. Now, she must fight for her mental health and regain custody of her son, Leo. But a new woman has assumed her role in the family, creating hostility between the two women and her ex-husband. Ghosts of the past and present haunt the pages of this novel
I've enjoyed all of Cara Reinard's books, and
this book was fantastic! I couldn't put it down and almost finished in a single sitting. The twists and turns of the storyline had me constantly changing suspects, and the ending was a total shock! Overall, a fantastic read!
This book is emotional and unpredictable! Some of the ideas and scenarios seemed a little too unlikely. But over all I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The ending was shocking and intense and took a startling turn I definitely did not see coming!
Thank you #NetGalley and #Bookouture for allowing me to read this arc!
The Wife At TheWindow By Cara Rynard Emerson was a happy mother of two an artist for children’s books and she loved her life but a middle of the night intrusion colored her credibility and send her to a mental health hospital for a year her husband Shep has moved on with their son Leo and is now living with Tallia a coworker. When Shep tells Tallia that Emerson has been released she immediately goes in to protective mode wanting to keep four-year-old Leo away from her butt Shep, however is more forgiving and wants Leo to know his mother. Tal will do anything to keep Leo away from Emerson unfortunately for Emerson due to her pass she knows plenty of people willing to do her bidding thankfully Emerson has someone just as unscrupulous in her corner he just has a knack for making it look much more posh not to mention Talia and Shep or having issues at work and it seems in the background one person after another is dying. This book is really good because the whole time you’re focused on the fierce custody battle between demented Tallia and sweet Emerson, although I did think a few times Emerson did resort to some crazy shinanagins that had me questioning her mental faculties as well but having said that this is a great book I’ve read one other books by the author that I really enjoyed but I must admit I did like this one Waymore it truly is a thrilling thriller with lots and lots of twist and when I say I didn’t see the end coming I don’t think anyone who reads it will be able to say different. This was cleverly written intelligently done in a fun way to pass the day. I loved it and highly recommend it. I did think Shep was spineless and should have put a stop to Tallia way before everything happened but like great riders do she really nailed him as being a man who puts everything on his new girlfriend and his oblivious to things he should’ve paid attention to. I want to thank Bookoucher for my free arc copy via NetGalley. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
The Wife at the Window was a great book. I could not put It down I needed to find out what happened. I read it all in one day that's how great it was. I will most definitely be buying this book and wouldn't mind another story about Brooks mysterious life. The ending was a most definite twist and not what I would have expected. It's a book about loss and how she trys to get some of that loss back. The ending was great and I'm happy she got what some closure.
This book was such a rollercoaster of emotions throughout. It was a gripping read with many twists and turns and wow I don’t think I have read a book with such great character development it made it feel so real. It was extremely well written and a sensitive subject handled so well. Highly recommend this fantastic book. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my advanced copy.
A roller coaster of grief and resilience, "This is an Awesome Book" follows Emerson's journey after tragedy. Despite facing a hostile new family dynamic and her own lingering nightmares, she fights for a chance to rebuild her bond with her son. The story twists and turns, culminating in a surprising conclusion that leaves you wanting more. A 4-star read for fans of character-driven psychological thrillers.
Quote: "She was never supposed to get out."
The Wife at the Window begins with Emerson Wilder standing outside a window, looking at her ex-husband's girlfriend interact with their son.
Emerson has recently been released from a mental hospital. Her only goal is to see her son Leo. A tragic event resulting in the death of her second child, Thea, is what landed her in the hospital.
Is Emerson responsible for Thea's death?
The Wife at the Window follows two points of view -- Emerson and Talia
Talia is Emerson's ex-husband Shep's girlfriend. Talia and Shep work for the same company. Talia and Shep do not agree on Emerson having visitation with Leo. This disagreement ultimately causes destruction in their relationship.
What lengths will Emerson go to in order to be with her son?
What lengths will Talia go to in order to make sure that never happens?
Quote: "Our connection doesn't cease to exist just because we do."
The Wife at the Window by Cara Reinard is ultimately about a mother who just wants to be with her son, no matter what demons she has to fight in order for that to happen. This book has a lot of interconnected parts and pieces that fit together like a puzzle. Everyone we encounter in life is like a puzzle piece. Be careful who you trust. Someone just may turn out to be a ghost from the past. The twist at the end of The Wife at the Window was definitely unexpected. Cara Reinard did a fantastic job piecing everything together.
There is so much more to this book. I will not spoil it for you, just know that you will enjoy this book if you're looking for a book with a twist.
There is a content note at the beginning of the book that states, "This novel depicts content that deals with child death and mental health issues."
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Wife at the Window.
The wife at the window was a great read. There's something about the way the author writes that makes the words flow easily, and the pages turn themselves!
A pitch perfect thriller! . . . This author is an absolute master of psychological suspense!
⭐⭐⭐
The Wife at the Window by Cara Reinard was hard for me! I am starting to recognise that books where mental health is used as a weapon against the person is triggering me. And not personally but in general! I am starting to be worried that people will start to avoid admitting mental health issues as it will be used against them!
Talia... I hated that character from the beginning and could not stop hating... so many bad situations happen because of "Talia's"
This book made me sad, mad and angry! and usually, it's a good rating but not this time... just from the idea that someone could think to copy her actions made me sick!
I can't express myself truly to not give out any spoilers but be aware that child loss and mental health are triggering parts of this book!
I've enjoyed Cara Reinard's books for many years, and when I noticed the new one via NetGalley, I took a chance and was lucky enough to be awarded an early copy. Great news! I am mostly caught up in my TBR this quarter, so I was able to read it this week. A suspenseful drama about two women who tell readers their stories... one is a mother who may have accidentally killed her infant during a (un)real home invasion -- no one believes she was attacked. The other woman, the new woman in the husband's life who is raising the couple's son. The former wife is released from an institution and the ex wants to believe she will be okay around their son, but his new partner won't allow anyone to take her son away. She's a little obsessive... and as the plot unfolds, we learn what really happened almost two years earlier during the infant's death. Wow! Lots going on... enjoyed the premise. I did not like either of the characters. The former wife was childish and oddly distant. I couldn't get close enough to her to root for her to win. I was fairly certain she had been taken advantage of, but she also came across as if she perhaps was so immature, she shouldn't have had children nor been given so much flexibility with her release. I toed the line between the psychological damage done by being attacking, thinking you killed your infant, and being put in an institution vs. pre-event personality when maybe she was different. Then... the new girlfriend, wow... why did the husband see anything in her? It was as if she was intent on hurting the family. As the details unfold, so much more comes out, and the connections were very tightly weaved. So... I loved the plot and the writing, but the characters didn't sit well with me so I couldn't feel as strong a connection as was needed. Still a big Reinard fan!
After experiencing the loss of their daughter and receiving treatment at a mental health facility due to suspicions about her regarding her daughter's passing, Emerson has been released. However, she must now navigate through legal procedures to demonstrate her mental and physical well-being to regain visitation rights for her son, Leo. As she works towards stability and clarity, she must also confront a hostile woman who has taken over her role in the family. Can Emerson reunite with her son, or will her nightmares and crippling anxieties get in the way?
This is an awesome book! It presents a compelling narrative with alternating perspectives from Emerson and Talia, the two key women in Shep and Leo’s lives. Both women undergo significant personal and transformative growths throughout the journey of the book.
Readers may find themselves rooting for Emerson—I certainly was—who strives to rebuild her life following the tragic loss of her daughter and dissolution of her marriage. With the support of her loyal friends, Emerson navigates through challenging hurdles and circumstances.
One character that may evoke mixed reactions is Shep, who is noticeably self-serving and neglectful towards his family responsibilities in favor of his career. While some may empathize with his motivations, others may struggle to connect with his choices. I was in the latter group.
The final quarter of the book proved to not only be highly engaging, but also full of unexpected, unpredictable twists. I was so captivated by this section of the book that I finished it in one sitting. The story concludes in a manner that leaves room for potential follow-up narratives or spin-off stories. One such idea, perhaps exploring Leo’s perspective in the future?
My overall take: Like the subtitle suggests, this was a highly addicted and gripping book. I found myself rooting for Emerson consistently and dedicated to knowing how the book resolves itself, though I hadn't once thought it would go in the direction it did! I recommend to anyone interested in psychological thrillers.
I would like to express my profound gratitude to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Any mother knows she will go to the ends of the earth to protect her children and that is exactly what Emerson Wilder was trying to do.
Full of lies,deceit,secrets and murder this one has something for everyone. A shady cast of characters, it will have you rooting for Emerson to get the happy ending she was seeking and deserved. The ending was so good and not what anyone expecting.
I really enjoyed this book and will be checking out more from this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an early read on this great book.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me this ARC.
Emerson and Shep, once a happily married couple with their children Leo and Thea, face devastation following Thea's tragic death. Despite Emerson's insistence that she saw a man and is not responsible for her daughter's demise, her claims fall on deaf ears. Forced to undergo treatment in a mental hospital, Emerson returns yearning to reconnect with her son Leo. However, Shep has moved on with Talia, who is relentless in thwarting Emerson's attempts to reunite with Leo, going to extreme lengths to prevent their reconciliation.
Will Emerson succeed in getting custody?
Is Emerson really a threat to Leo as Talia thinks?
Is Emerson really responsible for her daughter's death or is she framed?
I liked how the story unfolds from both Emerson and Talia's perspectives, giving an interesting glimpse into their conflicting motivations. I admired the way Emerson's character was crafted, showing her resilience and determination to rebuild her life after experiencing such profound loss. Cara Reinard skillfully portrays the characters' determination, crafting a suspenseful and emotional narrative. The unexpected plot twist caught me off guard, despite my own theories. With its gripping storytelling and perfect characters development, this story is definitely worth the read!
Wow couldn’t put this book down! Was totally gripped reading it! Lots of twists and turns some that I just didn’t see! Highly recommend reading!