Member Reviews

I really loved this. It's sad, funny, and twists your emotions. Just when you think you've got it figured out, something changes and your feeling something new.

Harper and Ben are newlyweds and discover he has cancer and doesn't have much to live. He wants her to find her new partner before he goes. Harper, an art teacher... Thinks he is crazy and only ever loved one other man before. Said man... Shows up at their door to do an article on Ben.

I wasn't expecting the... Freaky Friday moments of this book and it really added so much to the story. You fall in love with Ben, and Liam and watch Harper try to decide what she really wants in her life and for her to discover herself.

Thank you Harper Muse for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This book is about an unimaginable scenario- a diagnosis of late stage cancer to your new husband who hasn’t even hit 40. It is heart wrenching to even consider. As the book continued, I found myself rooting for both the real scenario and the “what if” scenario. Because of this, I really wasn’t sure how the book would end. I absolutely loved the ending and thought it was a perfect conclusion.

The narrator was very easy to understand and did a good job with the variety of speaking characters in the book.

Was this review helpful?

I really struggled with this book. The premise of finding a partner for your soon-to-be widow felt implausible, but I was interested to see how Frey would handle it and hopefully gain some insights into the opposing perspective. Unfortunately, this did not happen. For one thing, I still think the premise is flawed - the loss of your life partner is going to leave scars and you aren't going to be the same person if/when you're ready to meet someone new. So picking someone before doesn't even work. Equally frustrating as Leo's insistence on this was Harper's secrets. The plot never really went anywhere - but it did so slowly and painfully. On top of all that was the whole forceful rhetoric about using the power of your mind to cure yourself. As a person who has had a daily meditation practice since before 3rd grade and also lives with a serious autoimmune condition, this just gave me the ick.

A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Was this review helpful?

This book was so good. It was heartbreaking but hopeful. I am not a super huge fan of time travel and alternate realities though. I really think this has been done too many times recently. Just this year I have read no less than 20 books that deal with alternate time and time travel. It really makes the book hard to relate too.

Was this review helpful?

Oh my,This was a very emotional but satisfying, beautiful read , if could give ten stars I would , it's a perfect read for everyone, cause we all have loved someone in our lifetime . This has some What if moments, a bit of magic, alot of love ,choices and a perfect ending!

Was this review helpful?

I’m a sucker for a “what if?” story with alternating timelines. And Frey delivers every time 👏🏻

First of all, I was immediately drawn in just by reading the synopsis. I knew I was going to cry, which is a huge plus (I like what I like). Phew, and the emotions were there. The only thing that kept me from actually sobbing was that I was on an airplane with 150 other people.

I loved Harper and Ben’s relationship and how the other characters intertwined with everything. I was a little nervous about where the ending was going, but I ended up thinking it was perfect.

I also got an advanced audiobook copy and the narration was gorgeous 💯

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours, @harpermusebooks, @netgalley, and for the #gifted copy!

Was this review helpful?

Harper and her brand new husband, Ben, have just received devastating news. Ben has stage 4 pancreatic cancer. But Ben has one final wish for his wife. He wants her to find someone else to love. Then, Liam shows up to write an article about Ben. Liam just happens to be an old flame of Harper’s. And suddenly Harper is faced with a lot of what ifs!

Y’all! This book takes you on an emotional roller coaster. It is full of love, grief, hope, friendship and decisions!

My heart broke for Harper and Ben! They are so new in their marriage and then the diagnosis happens and their world is rocked.

Then Harper takes a stroll through an alternate universe. She was able to see what would have happened if she had pursued her art career in NYC and if she had stayed with Liam. And the grass is not always greener.

Ben, Harper and Liam have such a unique connection. But, Harper is the one my heart went out to. She is amazing in her strength and her love!

Need an emotional read that you will think about long after you finish…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

Was this review helpful?

A poignant and introspective novel that delves into themes of identity, relationships, and self-discovery. The story follows the protagonist as they navigate through pivotal moments and experiences in their life, exploring how these moments shape their sense of self and their connections with others. Frea's writing is noted for its emotional depth and lyrical prose, capturing the complexity of human emotions and the intricacies of personal growth. The novel’s strength lies in its reflective narrative and its ability to resonate with readers on a deeply personal level. It is a compelling read for those interested in character-driven stories that explore the nuances of human experience.

Was this review helpful?

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

Harper and Ben have it all, love, a beautiful relationship, a condo, and the comfort and peace of being in love with your best friend. So, what happens when they find out that Ben is now terminally ill?

This one was heartbreaking, real, raw, yet lighthearted and funny all at once. One thing that I can take from this one is that sometimes having our wishes granted does not always mean that life is going to be better. Overall, I highly recommend this one!

Thank you NetGalley and Rea Frey for this ARC!

Was this review helpful?

Some people might say that reading this book on the day my stepfather passed from brain cancer would not be the best idea, but having read several of Rea's books I trusted her to take me through this story and maybe even help me to heal. This is a beautiful love story that realistically portrays life as a couple navigates his stage four cancer diagnosis. With a hint of magic, Harper gets to see what life would look like had she made different choices and where they would be today. I cried heavy personal grief tears while reading this novel, but the message is uplifting and left me feeling more powerful in my own journey. I adored the ending and closed the book with a smile. Love and love well.

Was this review helpful?

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the parallel lives that were taking place. I love magical realism when it is done correctly. This book had all of the feels. This story makes you think about the choices in life and the paths that we take will lead to certain outcomes.
This is my first five star is some time. The narrator did an amazing job! Thank you to Net Galley and HarperCollins Focus for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This was a perfect read. The writing was excellent and flowed seamlessly. I read it via audiobook, and the narrator was perfect.

Thank you to the publisher, Harper Collins, via Netgalley, for letting me read this ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Rea Frey’s novels always seem to pull on my heartstrings, and have me grasping for a box of tissues. Can you even blame me when the synopsis starts off like this:

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

😭😭😭

In her latest, IN EVERY LIFE Harper’s world is absolutely shattered when her husband, Ben is given a cancer diagnosis very early into their marriage. (The cancer diagnosis is a major part of the storyline, so please keep that in mind before reading.)

New York Times journalist, Liam gets wind of this crazy plan and decides to do a story on Ben’s dying wish. Little does he know, the woman he wants to play matchmaker with is Harper, the one who got away ten years ago.

😮😮😮

The reader essentially gets two love stories for the price of one! Ha! We’re 100% invested in the current timeline with caring for Ben, and also receive flashbacks of Harper and Liam’s whirlwind romance from a decade ago.

READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:

- Epic love stories
- A touch of magical realism
- Alternating timelines
- “What if” scenarios
- Emotional reads
- Reflections on loss and love
- New York & Chicago settings
- Artist/writer/creative lifestyle

What I loved most about this novel were the “what if” scenarios and parallel universe glimpses. This kinda surprised me as I’m not much of a magical realism type of girl. I loved to see “what could have been” if Harper made some very different decisions back in her past.

Frey’s novels always continue to surprise and charm me. They’re always very emotional, gripping, and thought-provoking. 4/5 stars for IN EVERY LIFE! It’s out now!

Was this review helpful?

Loved it!

I honestly loved it. The overall premise reminds me of the 90’s movie, Sliding Doors, but in a good way. I loved that Harper and Ben are living their best lives until they aren’t. Then, Harper is faced with not only someone from her past, but a chance to see what that past would have looked like if she wasn’t so busy running away.

In Every Life is engaging, quick paced and emotional. Truly a delightful read that wraps up with a tidy bow at the end.

Advance reader copy provided by Harper Muse and NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

When newlyweds Harper and Ben discover Ben has terminal pancreatic cancer they must take stock of their lives and love for each other. Ben hatches a plan to find Harper a new husband before he passes so that she will be taken care of. Harper is not thrilled and fights the idea tooth and nail, she loves the husband she has already. But when a journalist arrives at their door to interview Ben and his plan to find his replacement Harper is shocked to find Liam, the only other man she ever loved is the journalist that will write the story. So begins this 'What If' reality tale about second chances for love, being true to yourself, following ones dream and trusting ones instincts. Harper has always run away from conflict out of fear, but this time she must stay for love. I loved the bits of magical realism throughout the story. It was fun, refreshing, unpredictable and added depth to this romance. I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator was excellent.

Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for a chance to listen to an ARC version of this book. All opinions are my own 5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

I think this book would be a wonderful movie. It will make you cry. It's sad and sweet at the same time. It is one of the best books I've read this year. It's my first Rea Frey novel and I loved it. If you like a good tear jerker, this book is for you.

Was this review helpful?

This was my first Rea Frey read, and although I will probably pick her up again, this one, while enjoyable, gave me a little whiplash. This started out as a bittersweet love story in which a dying husband, Ben, wants his spouse, Harper, to find another love before he goes. (TW: cancer, widowhood) When her first real love appears to write a story about Ben, it seems like fate.

Harper, is of course, a little unsure about this and rightly so. Ben doesn’t seem to understand her need to grieve and his attempt to convince her to date while he is still alive ventures into a little bit of ick territory. But then Harper travels into an alternate reality That is not a spoiler, it’s in the cover copy…which I did not read. It was like I stepped into another story. This embedded plot point felt a little bit disjointed, like a ragdoll hastily stitched together.

This is a great listen on audio, especially if you’re doing other things while you listen.

Was this review helpful?

What an amazing story. A woman performs a chant and she is propelled into a parallel life for one month back to someone she loved ten years prior. She gets a glimpse into what her life could have been if she had stayed in New York and pursued her art career. Does she return to her current world, where her husband is dying from pancreatic cancer? When she returns will her world be the same? A story or love, could haves and sticking around when the world gets hard. I loved this book and the narrator is perfect for this book. Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Wow. Just wow! This book took me by surprise. Imagine one of the best days of your life turning into one of the worst. Be and Harper have fought a long hard health battle and it seems that they are at the end of the road. When Ben turns to Harper and suggests that he helps her find a new love before he's gone it does not go according to plan. A man from her past that she's always held near to her heart comes back and it shakes up her life. Harper is left wondering in every lifetime would she have made the same decisions? If she chose differently would Ben's life and health journey have been different? How would her life be different? This book is beautiful and you find yourself really torn and find yourself near tears.

Honestly this is one of the few books I read this year that surprised me and I genuinely didn't know who to root for. Do you root for the current love? The one where they fell fast and stuck out the hard stuff or do you root for the passionate young love who has clearly held on and pined for her? Fantastic. The story itself was beautiful and I found myself not wanting it to end. I was skeptical of the alternate reality element of the story and felt it didn't need it at first but I quickly got on board. What I do NOT recommend is reading this in public because there will be tears but I DO recommend this book to everyone who wants to imagine their life going down a different path or someone who asks themselves what could my life have been like.

I recommend this book to anyone who looks at their life and wonders "What If" but still loves the life that they have. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy this story.

Was this review helpful?

This is just too sad for me. It might pick up but I’m feeling too depressed I do like the narrator. Sorry! I also thought based on the title this was a time travel type book.

Was this review helpful?