First of all, how gorgeous is this cover?????

I enjoyed this story of newlyweds who are devastated by a terminal cancer diagnosis. It wasn’t nearly as depressing as I had anticipated and it was narrated beautifully.

Particularly nice was the unexpected bit of magical realism brought in partway through the book. In my opinion it added to the story immensely.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Muse and Rea Frey for the advance copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest feedback.

In Every Life is a tale of what could have been. Harper and Ben have a short perfect marriage until Ben is diagnosed with cancer just after their honeymoon. Willing to do anything to help Ben, Harper tries a spell that switches her to an alternate life she could have had.

I loved everything about this book! The characters are so real and the story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I fell in love with the characters. If you are looking for an emotional read, check out this book!

The only negative feedback for the narrator is the Chicago accent was terrible.

Wow, what would you do if your husband was trying to find your next love before he dies? Find out by reading In Every Life.

I barely made it through this one. The concept made this book seem like a beautiful tribute to grief and love. It did not land that way for me personally.

Ben came off extremely controlling. Your wife doesn't need a man to complete her when you pass. She just watched you go through cancer and will most likely be grieving, and that's okay. She doesn't need to fall in love before you die to bypass the sadness. Also the fact that he kept signing her up and pushing her towards things under the lines of "be brave" just because he wanted to see her do it. Ick!

The mfc was a joke! You have the biggest opportunity of a lifetime for your art, and you through it away for a boy you've known for a week that you got made at because he had an ex-girlfriend? I'm confused. Now you've been married for years, and this guy(you knew for a week) comes in your life and turns it upside down when your husband is terminal and you can't tell your husband who he is?

Don't even get me started on the time jump that seemed so out of place or the fact that Ben believes he can cure his stage 4 cancer with changing his mindset. I believe in the power of the mind, but come on.

This book overall felt controlling, unbelievable, and did a disservice to anyone who is grieving. This took "the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else" to a horrible level. That doesn't work when it's cancer and you're dealing with death. Also, to cast this light that after a week, you can love someone enough to walk away from your dreams. This book made me sad because holistic healing can be done right, but this book painted a horrible picture.

Thank you, netgalley, for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

In a word….EXCEPTIONAL.

I needed to gather my thoughts and write my review after I got some sleep. Got some sleep came back to write more. Then I was like what more can I say without spoilers!?! I had tears welling in my eyes while reading this and I’m so not that person. Anyway, I got some sleep and here’s what I thought…

I think the characters were very relatable. I saw a lot of myself in Harper’s character. The characters were well defined and likable. This isn’t one of those books where you need to dislike anyone. How rare is that!?!

The pacing of this one was perfect. Prose perfection.

I am not the type of person who reads a lot of magical realism because I legit just don’t like it. HOWEVER, for this book I apparently made an exception because this one was so good from start to finish and I just loved it so much.

There is a scene towards the end (with a box) that really surprised me. The final scene, while open ended, suited the storyline perfectly. Perfect way to conclude this tug of war of hearts.

I’ll admit, I’m one tough customer BUT this is one of my fav books of the year for sure. I highly recommend it and hope to read more of Rea’s work in the future.

Oh my goooooooosh. Oh my gosh, oh my gosh.

It's no secret that my favorite trope is the whole butterfly effect/parallel universe thing.
In this book we follow Harper who is the newly wed wife to Ben. Ben knows he's dying, so his wish is for his wife to find love after his passing. In walks Leo, not only a NY Times journalist coming to interview the married couple, but he just so happens to be the long lost love of Harper from a decade prior.

This book was split into three parts: What Is, What Was, and What If. To be honest, the What Was section somewhat drove me crazy. If miscommunication drives you mad, then maybe skip this one.
When we dive into What If, this is where the parallel lives start. What would've happened had Harper and Leo stayed together...if Ben never even met Harper. Would their lives ever intersect?

I really enjoyed parts of it, but others were meh. If I'm rating a book solely on the emotion is brought to the table, then this is a 5/5. I absolutely SOBBED. I was hoping it would be more of a TJR Maybe in Another Life story, but it was actually very different, as we had more resolution in this one. I loved the open endedness of Maybe in Another Life.

All in all, i'd recommend this to someone who liked books like The Two Lives of Lydia Byrd and The Life Intended. This wasn't my favorite, but i definitely still enjoyed it.

4.5 stars

This was such a beautiful and emotional story. It explores themes of "what if" and is perfect for fans of One True Loves, Maybe in Another Life, and other books where the "right path" isn't clear. This story does involve cancer, so if this is a trigger, proceed with caution. I also enjoyed the incorporation of magical realism to allow Harper to explore different avenues. There is so much about this book to love-- it really made me think about what I would do in Harper's position. This would make for a solid book club choice, as there doesn't seem to be a "right" answer.

Frey always writes books that gets me invested from the first chapter and this one is no different. Ben and Harper is the perfect couple that is active and happily in loved until he is diagnosed with a terminal illness. The story is about how Ben wants Harper finds her next love before he goes. I wasn't sure how the story would go when her a former fling, Ben, comes back to their lives. I was worried this going to be a love triangle and glad it wasn't that. The magical realism aspect added a good twists to the story and I liked that all 3 of them were still connected in the alt universe.

The was an emotional read and I cried. I love the story dealt with dying, starting over and self discovery. I enjoyed Jennifer Jill Araya's narration and bringing out all the emotions of the story.

Thank you @harpermusebooks for a copy of this book.

Thank you @reafreyauthor @netgalley @harpercollinsfocus @harpermusebooks for the audio to give my honest review!

"𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐈 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭." 𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞. "𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠."

I absolutely loved this book. I randomly chose it on NetGalley one morning just off of a vibe and the audio hit my inbox within a few hours. I sat everything aside to start it and I flew through it.

It's such a moving story. It's touches on lots of things like.. Illness. Loss of a loved one. Second chances. Love. Self discovery. With a little magical realism.

Ben and Harper's lives are completely turned upside when he is disanosed with terminal cancer. Their journey through it is so bittersweet. Seeing Ben try to help her prepare was so dang emotional. I choked up many times during this book.

It hit the spot where the magical realism was introduced and I was a little taken back at first. I wasn't sure how I would feel but it really gave some cool perspective into Harper's journey and helping her find her way with reconnecting with someone from her past.

I was scared for the ending. Knowing kinda what was to come but still also surprised with how it wrapped up. It was beautifully done. The entire story was so real, raw, and vulnerable. I highly recommend this one if you are feeling an emotional and touching read.

Fantastic and griping audio. The narrator did a fantastic job!

I don't know how she does it, but Rea Frey writes the best 'what if' stories. While each one is unique, they're all simultaneously tragic and inspiring. And this one is no exception. I'd love to wax poetic about the reasons I loved this one, but I think it's better to go in blind.

"I see you"

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Really liked it, read it!
🌶️ Rating: 0

Rea Frey’s In Every Life is a beautifully written novel that blends dual timelines and time travel to create a unique and moving story. I rated this book 4 stars. This audio for this book is excellent.

Tropes:
* Time Travel
* Cancer (Trigger Warning)
* Dual Timelines
* Emotional Strain of Caregiving
* Magical Realism

Ben and Harper’s marriage faces a significant challenge with Ben’s unexpected late-stage cancer diagnosis. Wanting to ensure Harper’s future happiness, Ben wishes for her to find a new partner before he passes away. Though initially resistant, Harper’s life takes an unexpected turn when a New York Times journalist, sent to cover Ben’s story, turns out to be Liam Hale—the man Harper spent a perfect week with a decade ago and never saw again.

Harper is thrust into a whirlwind of what-ifs:
* What if she had ended up with Liam instead of Ben?
* What if she had pursued her dreams as an artist instead of teaching?
* What if her life had turned out differently?

After making a wish, Harper awakens in a parallel universe where these what-ifs become her reality. As she navigates this new world, she must confront the question: Is the grass really greener on the other side, or is she right where she should be, despite the impending loss of her beloved Ben?

Frey has crafted a sweet and heartfelt story that explores the depths of love and the complexities of life's choices. Harper and Ben’s relationship is deeply touching, showcasing a love so profound that Ben wishes for Harper’s happiness even in his absence. Their short-lived yet intense connection adds a layer of poignancy to the story, making Harper’s journey all the more compelling.

While the premise of a young man dying shortly after marriage is heart-wrenching, the novel balances its sadness with moments of hope and upliftment. It’s a perfect blend of heartache and inspiration, making it a must-read for those who enjoy emotionally resonant stories with a touch of magic.

Overall, In Every Life is a uniquely beautiful novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. I loved how everything played out and am excited to read more from Rea Frey.

The ending!! Ugh!!
This book pulls you in and pulls at your heart strings. Love… this book is all about love! Not the I have to have you love. The love for your friends, your career, your partner, and life!
Dealing with an untimely death is a constant tone in this story.
A young couple in their honeymoon are thrust into a medical diagnosis that changes their lives forever.
This story really makes you think about the choices you would make if put in these circumstances.
Stellar performance by the narrator.
Solid 5 stars

Thanks to Harper Muse for the gifted audio copy of this book.

Don't worry I didn't cry at work or anything at those last few lines before the epilogue. I should've known when I teared up within the first 3% of the book.

This is the ultimate "what if" book. Harper's husband Ben is diagnosed with cancer, and his dying wish is for her to fall in love with someone else before he goes so that he knows she'll be taken care of. A journalist friend shows up to write an article about this crazy idea -- and also happens to be Harper's "one that got away."

This was an emotional ride, and written beautifully because Rea Frey has some personal experiences in this area. My heart was clenching so many times! What a difficult situation. The ending was absolute perfection. Check this one out if you're a fan of emotional books! I highly recommend the audio, narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya - she really brought the story to life!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Rea Frey, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Ben and Harper are on their honeymoon when they learn he has cancer. Ben's final wish is that he wants Harper to find a new husband before he dies. Harper doesn't want to entertain the notion. But when a journalist comes to interview Ben when his idea is made public, it is Liam at the door. Liam, who Harper spent a magical week with 10 years ago, and never saw again. Those unresolved feelings come bubbling up. What if she would have ended up with Liam?

I love Rea Frey's looks into the "what if." We all wonder what would happen if we would have taken a different path in our lives. This book adds a dose of magical realism into that thought when Harper does a Stand in Your Power full moon ritual to manifest her dreams. Suddenly, she's getting a look into what might have been. There's a lot of feelings in here, from love and second chances, to grief and moving on, to being confident in your dreams. I liked the peek into the art world, especially with the high schoolers. Rea Frey creates magical books that I love spending time with!

This book is touching and heartfelt story of what ifs. A story of love, loss, and grief. I recommend going in blind just trusting and falling for the story right from the beginning. There’s a touch of magical realism that makes you think about life’s what ifs and if things would be different if you made a different choice.

The audiobook was so well done. Narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya. She brings the voices of the characters to life with so much emotion and feeling. I was captivated by the story.

Harper and Ben are happy newlyweds on their honeymoon. Ben had been sick to his stomach but they just thought it was something he ate. When he got home, he went to the doctor, and he was served a devastating diagnosis. After much thought and his health worsening, he tells Harper that he has one dying wish. He would like to find Harper a wonderful husband to take care of her when he's gone. Harper is not as committed to his plan. Ben contacts a journalist to chronicle their story. I laughed, cried, smiled, and sighed throughout this wonderful story. It is a bittersweet tale of love, losses, and finding strength through second chances.

In Every Life
by Rea Frey

Thank you so much @reafreyauthor for the gifted ARC and HarperCollins focus & Netgalley for the free audiobook.

About the book 👇🏽

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

Harper is living a life she never expected. After a failed attempt at making it as an artist in New York while falling for and losing her first love, her dreams crumbled in the span of a week. A decade later, Harper is happily living a simpler life as an art teacher in Chattanooga with her beloved new husband, Ben.

When Ben is diagnosed with late-stage cancer, their whole world shifts. Despite the bad news, Ben comes up with one final wish for his wife: he wants Harper to find a new partner before he dies. When the New York Times sends a journalist to do a feature story about Ben’s life, Harper comes face to face with Liam Hale, the man she fell madly in love with all those years ago and never saw again.

✨ My thoughts:
The way this wrecked me at 5am before I’ve had my coffee…. I was not prepared. Magical realism truly has my heart when it’s don’t right and Rea Frey did it right! This story pulled at every string my heart has to give and transported me straight into the shoes of Harper and I am unwell. Coincidentally my husband asked me the other day what I’d do if he does so… I’m a little extra sensitive now that’s he’s scratched the surface of that possibility. Although I’m aware that everyone dies in the end, I enjoy the comfort in la la land where I think everyone will live forever. This really is a beautiful story and without rain there is no growth but dammit did I cry… and I cried A LOT. In fact, thinking about this story now… I can feel the tears trying to escape. If I could, I’d give infinite stars but at the very least I’ll be getting my hands in a finished copy to cherish forever. In Every Life is out TODAY 8/6/24. Happy publication day to one of my favorites of 2024!

Happy reading 📖✨

In Every Life by Rea Frey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
PUB DATE: today!! August 6, 2024

Synopsis:

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

Harper is living a life she never expected. After a failed attempt at making it as an artist in New York while falling for and losing her first love, her dreams crumbled in the span of a week. A decade later, Harper is happily living a simpler life as an art teacher in Chattanooga with her beloved new husband, Ben.

When Ben is diagnosed with late-stage cancer, their whole world shifts. Despite the bad news, Ben comes up with one final wish for his wife: he wants Harper to find a new partner before he dies. When the New York Times sends a journalist to do a feature story about Ben’s life, Harper comes face to face with Liam Hale, the man she fell madly in love with all those years ago and never saw again.”

I was captivated by this story. Harper and Ben were the perfect couple: active, competitive, hopeful, and just so in love. Liam, the first love, was also incredibly likeable, as were all of the other characters involved in this story.

I was iffy on the idea of Ben wanting to find his wife a new partner while he was still alive, because let’s be honest, it is incredibly morbid and sad. BUT, the execution of this story was done so beautifully. In all of the heartbreak Harper learns so much about herself, and what is actually important in her life moving forward. The ending and epilogue were perfection. I couldn’t have picked a better way to wrap up this story. It was so beautifully done.

I highly recommend this one, especially on audio, because I’m really picky with narrators and I loved it👏🏼

Thank you so much @netgalley @reafreyauthor and @harpermusebooks for this advanced copy!!

Be ready for this book to take you through an emotional wringer.

The 3 characters Harper, Ben and Liam are each so well developed. The witter did a great job of bringing together this love triangle in a poignant manner, using the pov of then, now, what if. Harper sees a lot of character growth in this book - the choices she made that changed the trajectory of her life, and the path she now needs to take forward.

A unique romance.

I also listened to the book and the narration was very well done.

#netgalley #ineverylife

This book explores big feelings - love, hope, grief, regret - and the age old question "What if?"

Harper's husband Liam is battling terminal cancer. And while she loves him with all her life, one question is plaqueing her: What would her life look like if she'd persued her art? Especially when her ex boyfriend suddenly appears on her doorstep to interview her dying husband. Encouraged by her esotheric friend she perfomes a ritual to find out...

I'm a little torn. This book portraited Harper's feelings so beautiful, but I still didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped. I'm a big fan of "alternative timeline" stories, but the way this was handled (ritual/return) just wasn't for me.

The pacing was off, the start was slow (the timeline jump happens at 50%), I didn't enjoy how the return into "her timeline" was handled and the ending was soooo cliché I rolled my eyes.

On the other hand I loved all the Charakters and thought the narrator gave everyone a distinct voice.

So, only 3.5 stars from me...

Thanks to Netgalley for the download of this audio book