This dual timeline story touches on the senior picnic that left two kids dead. Scarlett and her best friend, Pepper, vowed to never talk about that night again.

Today, Pepper's daughter, Zoey, is back in town trying to find out who her father is and finds a note from her mom to Scarlett about an accident that happened in high school. She feels like this could be a clue into who her father is and will stop at nothing to find out the truth.

There are a lot of secrets that in this one along with some shocking twists that will keep you reading to find out what is going to happen.
I was surprised at how much Zoey was able to uncover in such a short amount of time. Some things are predictable but there are some surprising events that take place toward the end.

I love a dual timeline because we get the YA thriller along with the adult thriller.

Thank you NetGalley! I love books by this author and A Lovely Lie was no exception. The back and forth between the present and past including police interviews is a must to follow the story. The twists and turns kept coming. I throughly enjoyed the narrator of this audio book as well

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“A Lovely Lie” Audiobook Review

In the world of psychological thrillers, Jaime Lynn Hendricks’ audiobook “A Lovely Lie” stands out as a masterful blend of suspense and emotional depth. Narrated by Hillary Huber, whose voice brings a haunting resonance to the story, this audiobook is a journey through the shadows of the past and the complexities of human relationships.

The story unfolds with Scarlett Russo, who has carefully constructed a life far removed from the tragic night of her senior picnic that ended in a fatal car accident. The event, which led to the death of two classmates, has been buried deep within Scarlett’s conscience, shielded by a pact of silence with her best friend Pepper. However, the sudden appearance of Pepper’s daughter, Zoey, two decades later, threatens to unravel the fabric of lies Scarlett has woven around her seemingly tranquil existence.

Hendricks crafts a narrative that is as much about the fragility of the human psyche as it is about the suspense of the unfolding mystery. The audiobook format adds an extra layer of intimacy to the experience, with Huber’s narration capturing the nuances of each character’s emotional turmoil. The pacing is impeccable, with each revelation more surprising than the last, keeping the listener on the edge of their seat.

What sets “A Lovely Lie” apart is its exploration of the moral gray areas that define our lives. It poses the question: Is it better to live with a comforting falsehood or to face the harrowing truth? As Scarlett’s carefully curated life begins to crumble, listeners are compelled to confront their own perceptions of truth and loyalty.

The audiobook is a testament to Hendricks’ ability to weave complex characters and intricate plots into a compelling narrative. It’s a story that echos the haunting question of whether the lies we tell ourselves are indeed lovelier than the truths we hide from.

“A Lovely Lie” is a must-listen for fans of psychological thrillers. With its rich character development, gripping plot, and thought-provoking themes, it is a standout addition to the genre and a testament to the power of storytelling in the audiobook format.

4.5 🌟 (rounded up)

A Lovely Lie is one of those books that grabs you from the very first page and doesn't let go. I couldn't put it down, finishing the audiobook in no time at all. Jamie Lynn Hendricks did a great dob weaving together dual timelines, making both equally gripping and fun to follow.

The story is split into three parts and told from multiple points of view, which adds layers of intrigue. We hear from Scarlet, the determined wife; Zoey, the curious daughter of Pepper, the best friend; Vince, the complicated husband; and Juliet, whose role becomes clear near the end of the story. This variety of perspectives kept me on my toes and made the audiobook all the more engaging.

The book centers on a mystery from 1999, with the senior picnic accident at its core. A series of revelations that span decades is triggered by this accident. The story is revealed through Zoey's quest to uncover the truth about her mother, Pepper, and meet her father.

The integration of flashbacks in A Lovely Lie is one of my favorite aspects. They really drive the story forward and add to the tension as past and present collide. The characters' realizations that their past actions are coming back to haunt them create a sense of dread that kept me interested throughout.

Although I was unfamiliar with Jamie Lynn Hendricks, I found her book ‘A Lovely Lie’ to be a fantastic read, full of twists and turns. If you love a good flashback series where the past and present collide in unexpected ways, this book is for you.

It’s a yes for me! 🖤

@deannsdailydrop

Thank you NetGalley, RB Media and Jamie Lynn Hendricks for the ALC in exchange for my honest review. It was my pleasure.

Very good! Kept me guessing! The twists were great! It was a little confusing with there only being one narrator reading for multiple characters but other than that it was really good! I thought I had figured it out and then BOOM...plot twist! Then there was another plot twist! It was great!

Is it better to believe a lovely lie or know the horrible truth? This books makes all aspects of that dilemma and adds some twists as I read it some outcomes seemed pretty obvious, however, I wasn't always right because there were more twists to come. I loved the writing style, it kept me engaged from the beginning. The narration was great, really added to the plot. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC audiobook.

Tragedy struck the high schoolers and it all comes back around 20 years later when a girl shows up claiming to be the daughter of the popular girl who took off after that tragedy. She tells the her mom is dead and she wants to find out who her father is. This was so good and I loved the audio version.

Scandal, sleuthing, and surprise developments!

A compelling story with a mostly morally shallow and reprehensible cast.

A LOVELY LIE is my favorite Jaime Lynn Hendricks book yet. PUB DAY tomorrow May 28th! Don’t Miss It!!!

Special thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for the amazing digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

#ALovelyLie #NetGalley #Suspense #Thriller #Audiobooks @JaimeLynnHendricksAuthor @HillaryOutLoud @BookShell_F @HighBridgeAudio

Loved this book!

A Lovely Lie is focused on a group of high schoolers wrapped up in a gruesome event that comes back to haunt them years later. Hendricks uses dual timelines (1999 and present day) and multiple perspectives to propel the story forward in an interesting way.

There are twists but they aren’t all that shocking. Instead, Hendricks leads you into each reveal slowly…in a dramatic way that’s quite satisfying.

This book is a real page turner. I finished it in just two days!

This was my first Jaime Lynn Hendricks book but I’ll definitely be checking out her other titles.

3.9 rounded up to 4.

Jamie Lynn Hendricks' "A Lovely Lie" is a fast-paced thriller that kept me engaged with its intricate web of secrets and a plot that steadily unravels as high school friends reunite. The audiobook's pace is brisk, making it a fun ride as you try to connect the clues and piece together the mystery. The narrator’s voice wasn’t my favorite, because it sounded a little robotic, but the narration wasn’t exactly bad either. The trope of high school friends coming together again adds a nostalgic layer, and the characters, though largely unlikable, are compelling in their flawed and secretive ways.

However, the story does suffer from a few predictable turns that dampen the overall suspense. The subplot involving Pepper as an aspiring actress felt unnecessarily forced, adding little to her character's depth or the plot's progression. Similarly, Scarlett’s affection for her son comes across as unnatural and forced, lacking the emotional resonance one would expect. The connection between Zoey and Luke also felt off, creating a dissonance that detracted from their storyline.

Despite these drawbacks, "A Lovely Lie" remains an enjoyable listen for those who appreciate a quick-moving thriller with a twisty plot. Hendricks' ability to weave secrets and lies among her characters keeps the listener intrigued, even if the overall execution could have been tighter.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this early in exchange for an honest review!

Jaime Lynn Hendricks's latest, A LOVELY LIE, is a multi-layered twisty domestic thriller as the past and present collide— dark secrets, betrayal, manipulation, and murder are unraveled with jaw-dropping twists. #Covercrush

Is it better to believe a lovely lie or know the horrible truth?

Audiobook...
I read the book and listened to the audiobook narrated by one of my favorites, Hillary Huber, delivering an outstanding and entertaining performance for all voices. Unputdownable!

About...
With dual timelines, we visit the past/present.

PAST: 1999: Scarlett and her best friend Pepper, teens drunk after a party, are involved in a deadly car accident, leaving two of their classmates dead. Both lied to the cops, and no one was held accountable. Pepper moved on to New York to explore her acting career, and Scarlett in Florida, married to Pepper's old boyfriend. Now they have a son, Luke.

PRESENT: 22 years later
Scarlett is a hotel concierge. She is married to Vince and has a son, Luke. They reside in Florida, and she and her husband are not all that happy together. He still pines for his old flame, Pepper.

Zoey:
When Zoey, a young girl, shows up at the hotel with news that her mother, Pepper, is dead and she is looking for her biological father, things go a little crazy. Nothing or no one is as they appear.

She has a cryptic letter from Pepper addressed to Scarlett that refers to the events long ago and their secret. Pepper was pregnant back then but planned on having an abortion. Did she keep the baby? Is Vince the father?

Zoey starts digging into the past, and all the secrets start unraveling. What really happened that night years ago? Who was the real murderer?

My thoughts...
The past refuses to stay buried. A LOVELY LIE is INTENSE, twisty, and full of characters you will love to hate. (Pepper is the worst) and those she controls and manipulates from past to present. The author keeps you guessing as to the identity of the killer and the biological father of Zoey. Adults and teens behaving badly with a YA vibe.

A fast-paced psychological drama! From lies, secrets, and unlikable characters the author keeps you glued to the pages to see how all will unravel. I enjoyed the ending! My first book by the author, and I look forward to reading more.

Recs...
A LOVELY LIE is for fans of Megan Miranda, Wendy Walker, Stephen Amidon, Christina McDonald, and Michele Campbell.

Thanks to Penzler Publishers, Highbridge Audio, and NetGalley for gifting an ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
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I absolutely LOVED this one! Jaime’s books are always so captivating and I tend to finish them in just 2-3 sittings. This was no exception. A Lovely Lie was so entertaining from beginning to end and I really enjoyed this cast of characters. Easy five stars and I highly recommend!

I enjoyed this story, but found it to be pretty predictable. If the there were twists, they weren’t very “twisty” for me. The characters were fine. Overall, I’d say this is a fine domestic drama. I’d read more from this author based on her writing skill and the audiobook narration was good as well.

Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley!

There were no lovely lies. There were a lot of horrible lies. And a lot of very dislikable people. Some people do redeem themselves. SOme just make it through. Pepper is never a likable person. Not even when she is the narrator. She can’t even present herself well. Scarlet is pathetic and weak. Luke is OK, I guess. There is a certain amount of satisfaction with the end. What really happened on grad night isn’t that hard to figure out. Whether anyone will pay for it is less certain. This was a good Saturday in the hammock read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this audiobook for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this audiobook! I wasn't familar with Jaime Lynn Hendricks as an author, but after reading/listening to this audiobook, I can say I will definitely read more by her. One reason I picked this book is because I enjoy Hillary Huber as a narrator, and the second reason is the plot sounded very exciting. This book had so many twists and turns and I was hooked. I finished this book in under a day! I definitely recommend this book

Read if you like
Megan Miranda
Laura Dave
Shari Lapena

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Many Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

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This books started and I thought I immediately had it all figured out... I didn't

The book bounces through time following the lives of Scarlett and Pepper in 99 and again 21 years later with their kids and spouse. I thought it was a simple Whodunit? Like I usually really and there was always a little bit more to unravel. Pepper stands to be a true manipulative villain but it still remains complicated. Every character stands to be a little annoying, and albeit aggravating in a situation that has more layers to it than a wedding cake. In the end, all the loose ends were tied my questions were answered and I absolutely loved and vehemently hated at the same time, this book. I would without a doubt go back and read again!

My favorite character stands to be Zoey.
The formal release date is May 28th, 2024.
Thanks to NetGalley, and Jamie Lynn Hendricks for the ARC for this opportunity!

Thank you NetGalley and Jamie Lynn Hendricks for the chance to listen to this ARC!

A Lovely Lie has a duel timeline between now and 1999 after high school graduation and multiple point of views which I really enjoyed. It added and extra element to the novel and mystery. It did get a little confusing at times if you don't stay 100% focused though. It started a little slow for me but didn't take long to pick up and when it did there were several twists that kept you engaged and the story moving quickly and smoothly!

Wha....wait, what?? Did she, OH NO SHE DID NOT!
This is my brain on A Lovely Lie....

I was hooked from the very first sentence and the narrators reading was phenomenal.

Scarlet and Pepper are High School besties. Pepper is the manipulative, popular, and drop-dead gorgeous fireball that all the boys want and Scarlet is the pretty, nice, pushover, goody-two-shoes that just wants to be liked.

Twenty-two years ago, in 1999 there was a terrible accident, or was it? An accident? Many secrets have been kept since that fateful night of the senior picnic, but that won't be the case for much longer. Someone is about to pay Scarlet a visit that causes her world to change drastically.

Every time I thought I knew what happened there was another secret that came out, then I had to re-think everything I thought I knew!
I would highly suggest this book to anyone who likes a good mystery/thriller.
4.75
Thank you to NetGalley, HighBridge Audio, and the author for allowing me to listen this Audiobook in exchange for my honest review!
#ALovelyLie #NetGalley

I chose to read this for two reasons- the premise sounded interesting and the nostalgia. I was in high school in 1999. Unfortunately, this didn't deliver on either front.

Other than the year being stated, the portions about the past had absolutely nothing to pin them to a certain year. It could have happened yesterday. There are mentions of calling 911 from a remote area, so I suppose cell phones were alluded to. I did have a cell phone in 1999, but many people didn't. So even that information couldn't date the past.

As for the premise, I suppose a premise doesn't change. But the execution was predictable. There weren't any twists or surprises.

This book was full of awful people. They all sucked. Except maybe Chris. Even Luke, the teenager, sucked due to his chosen vocation. Unlikeable characters are necessary in books a lot of the time- especially books about lies. However, these people were truly terrible and had nothing redeeming. I wanted them all to die, lol.

Hillary Huber narrated the audiobook. I normally like her work, but didn't even take note. I was too busy hating all of the characters.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! The lies and the secrets harbored for 20 years!!! I definitely enjoyed this one from start to finish and could not put it down. Typically, in family drama mystery/thrillers, there's a lot of unlikeable characters. While Pepper was a narcissist, several of the other characters had really great redeeming qualities, which made you really root for them (for instance, sweet Luke and hottie Chris).

The audiobook narrator was great - it was easy to distinguish characters and the mixed media elements, in addition to past versus present.

I hope you decide to pick this book up when it comes out in the next few days (pub date: May 28, 2024). Thank you to NetGalley, Jaime Lynn Hendricks, and HighBridge Audio for the opportunity to listen to this Advanced Listener's Copy (ALC) in exchange for my honest opinion.