After a failed attempt at being an artist in NYC, Harper now is an art teacher in Chattanooga with the love of her life Ben. But when Ben collapses on their honeymoon her life completely changes when he is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Rather than beginning a life together they begin to prepare for his death. Ben decides he wants Harper to find her next love before he goes and The NY Times sends a journalist to write a story about it; but the journalist turns out to be the other love in Harper’s life from her time in NYC- Liam. Now Harper looks back at her life wondering what if her choices had been different; until one night her wish becomes a reality and an alternate path is there for her to experience.

This is the second novel I have read by Frey and she seems to like this “what if” concept, that alternative reality/sliding door narrative. This one took a different bit of magical realism turn which I wasn’t expecting but liked. Harper had two men that she loved for completely different reasons and both were good for Harper for different facets of her personality. I listened to about 50% of this one and I find her novels very conducive to audiobooks and the narrator was great! This was a novel where I was crying so much that I had to stop reading because I needed to grab tissues and take off my glasses (luckily my husband was away and didn’t witness the ugly cry). If you’re up for a tearjerker and cancer is not a trigger for you, this one was definitely worth it!

Thank you to HarperCollins Focus and NetGalley for the ARC to review

I was somewhat unsure but also intrigued reading the blurb of this book. And wildly excited and surprised as I devoured it! This book is devastatingly beautiful. And the narrator does a devine job! I am beyond excited to experience more from this author!

Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins Focus for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"In Every Life” is a poignant and emotional romance novel that explores the depths of love, loss, and second chances. The story centers around Ben and Harper, a couple who have faced the trials of a cancer diagnosis early in their marriage. After celebrating Ben’s remission, they are devastated when the cancer returns with no viable treatment options. As they work through Ben’s bucket list, he makes a heart-wrenching request: he wants Harper to find a new love before he passes away.

The novel begins with Ben and Harper’s journey through his terminal illness, highlighting their deep bond and the strength of their relationship. Ben’s unconventional wish for Harper to find a new partner before his death introduces a unique twist to the narrative. As they navigate this emotional terrain, a journalist’s interest in their story brings Leo Hale back into Harper’s life—a man she once shared a perfect week with a decade ago.

The themes of the book include love, grief, and the complexities of moving on. It delves into the idea of whether the grass is truly greener on the other side and the impact of unresolved feelings on present relationships. The story also touches on the importance of cherishing every moment and the courage it takes to face life’s most challenging situations.

I enjoy Rea Frey’s writing as I find it evocative and heartfelt, capturing the raw emotions of her characters with precision. The narrative here is well-paced, balancing moments of sorrow with instances of hope and love. Frey’s ability to create vivid, emotional scenes makes the reader feel deeply connected to the characters and their experiences.

I truly enjoyed the narration of Jennifer Araya here. I felt her pace and reading style truly added to my reading pleasure. I could somehow picture myself in scenes of the book due to emotion portrayed.

All in all, "In Every Life” is a beautifully written novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories about love, loss, and the possibility of new beginnings. The unique premise and well-developed characters make it a compelling read. Frey’s exploration of the human condition and the complexities of relationships adds depth to the story, making it more than just a typical romance novel.

Book Doula, a favorite author and master storyteller, Rea Frey returns following The Other Year with her latest emotionally charged 'what if' story, IN EVERY LIFE.

Beautiful, compelling, and inspiring —exploring dual realities —the what ifs—what happens when a husband's dying wish is for his wife to find a new love... before he's even gone?

About...

Harper and Ben are happily married, and she is an art teacher in Tennessee excited about her new life and their plans for a family.

Then, the devastating news. Ben has late-stage cancer. However, Ben has a final wish before he dies. He wants to help Harper find a new partner.

That is the last thing Harper wants. She wants no one but Ben and wants to spend precious limited time with him, not talking about a new love to replace him.

When the New York Times sends a journalist for a feature story about Ben's life, Harper is front and center with Liam, her former lover who she never saw again—the man before Ben.

Faced with the what-ifs. In a different universe, what if she had married Liam and never met Ben? Would her life have turned out differently?

After making a wish, Harper wakes up to find herself in a parallel universe of what-ifs.

My thoughts...

Rea is a pro, and no one can spin a heartfelt intense story like the master storyteller. IN EVERY LIFE IS hopeful, magical, and heartbreaking with time travel.

Her well-developed characters are faced with two profoundly different paths in this emotionally charged story of what ifs— infused with art, love, loss, grief, magic, forgiveness, healing, marriage, parenthood, loyalty, and second chances.

Have you ever wondered about the what if? If you had taken a different path, where you would be?

Thought-provoking, moving, and intriguing, I can't wait for you to meet Ben and Harper. Have some Kleenex handy. This is an ideal book club pick for further discussions.

I have read all of Rea's books and have been a fan since her debut. Each one is unique, moving, and thoughtful.

Audiobook...

I read the e-book and listened to the audiobook narrated by the talented Jennifer Jill Araya who delivers an outstanding performance, making the characters come alive.

Recs...

This book is for readers who enjoyed Rea's previous book, The Other Year, Sarah Addison Allen, and Eileen Goudge's The Replacement Wife. It is for those who enjoy women's fiction, domestic suspense, love and emotional stories, time travel, and a touch of magical realism.

Upcoming Interview...

Stay tuned for my upcoming #AuthorElevatorSeries Ride (Aug 7) with Rea and for a behind-the-scenes look at IN EVERY LIFE and this fascinating author!

Thanks to Harper Muse and HarperCollins Focus for a gifted digital ARC and ALC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion. #CoverLove

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@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Aug 6, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars
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I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I’ve read Lies that Bind by Emily Griffin and One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid, both whom I consider to be great writers, and I assumed this would be somewhat similar but doubted it would be of the same caliber. I am happy to say that I enjoyed this even more than I did those great books! I often feel emotions during books but rarely become emotional, but there was a moment in this book where I felt in my soul the moment of the book and the heartbreak the main characters were experiencing. My only wish is that moment had lasted a little longer and dug a little deeper. It was perfect and left me wanting more.

As a hospice worker for more than 16 years, this really touched my heart and I appreciated the various timelines portrayed in this book and how well thought out each life was. I was concerned I would be let down when the ending arrived, as I was fairly certain I knew what it would be, but I once again was pleasantly surprised. I usually do not enjoy books that provide a somewhat open ending but I feel in this case it was well thought out and perfectly executed. I thought this was a great audiobook and will absolutely be recommending it to others.

I would like to thank Rea Frey, Harper Muse, and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy of this audiobook.

In Every Life by Rea Frey was such an emotional read. Harpers husband Ben was diagnosed with late stage pancreatic cancer. His dying wish is for Harper to find someone to love. Harper refuses to entertain his wishes until the "one who got away" unexpectedly comes knocking on her door. She makes a wish and ends up in an alternate universe.

Thank you Rea Frey, NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for the ARC. This story and audiobook was great ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Another great read from Rea Frey! I liked this one so much. It was so emotional and I couldn’t stop listening to it. Asking the question What If is something we all do!

4.5 ⭐️ Ben and Harper are devastated when a cancer diagnosis threatens their new marriage and the future they envisioned. To prevent Harper from spending a life alone, Ben decides to find her a new love, while he is still alive and able to do so.

As soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I needed to get my hands on this book immediately, especially given that Frey’s last book continues to live rent free in my mind a year later. Her pitch perfect pacing and overall writing style, along with a dabble of magical realism, feels made for me.

This is a story of love and of coping with potential loss. It is a story of the deepest romance and a look at what makes a love story exactly that. At its core, it is a deeply emotional book, that at times will leave the reader feeling a whole gamut of emotions. And the concept of “what if” was woven in so masterfully, even those who don’t necessarily love magical realism, will enjoy it. This would make a great book club selection.

🎧 The audiobook, narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya, is outstanding. It both amped up the emotional component and helped further my connections to each of these characters. I would suggest either doing an immersive read (both physical/ebook and audio) or reading this one solely with your ears.

Read if you like:
• women’s fiction
• magical realism
• love stories
• thought-provoking books
• emotional reads

Thank you Harper Muse for the gifted copies.

The story started off so compelling about a newly married couple, Harper and Ben, whose lives are turned upside down when Ben is given a devastating diagnosis of stage four pancreatic cancer. Ben decides he wants to make sure before he dies that Harper finds another love to live out her life so he doesn't leave her alone. I did not realize the story was going to be a romance as I had not read the full synopsis. I had requested the book based on reading the author's past book, The Other Year, which was also a "sliding glass door" or parallel timelines exploring two different outcomes and the "what if" question depending on how a person decision played out depending on two different decisions. This story had the element of the what if question as the main character Harper wonders about a past love and her present love as well as a past chance of becoming an artist against her present life as an art teacher. There was a lot to like about the story and I found the main three characters of Ben, Harper, and Leo likable, well developed, and memorable. The narrator for the audio was excellent and really made the story even better. Highly would recommend the audiobook for her narration. However, I didn't think the story and the what if parallel timelines work and fully developed into a compelling and thought provoking as her other novel, The Other Year. Furthermore, I didn't like the medical story line of going to a camp for a week and suddenly being cured from cancer and other diseases was insensitive and not scientific. I would recommend this as a fast paced and heartwarming romance that discusses love, grief, and loss. I listened to the book in 2 days as I was hooked and wanted to know what happened to all the characters but about half way through the story fell apart and the ending was predictable.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

What a phenomenal book!!
This one pulled at ALL the heartstrings!
This one brought out ALL the emotions!
This one was one of the best books I've read in a while...and I read A LOT!!

Harper and Ben. Ben and Harper.
They met. They fell in love. They got married. Everything's coming up roses!!

On their honeymoon, Ben was not feeling well.
When they got home he got checked out.
Stage IV Cancer diagnosis... when their lives were only just beginning.

How is this even possible?? How can this be happening to the love of her life? And at the very beginning of their journey. They were supposed to have forever together!

Yes! This is how the book OPENS UP!!
You are literally left gut wrenching, at the very beginning!

BUT...Ben loves Harper so much that he devises a plan...
He wants her to have someone to love after he is gone. 😮
Harper wants NOTHING to do with this line of thinking...and tells him so, but he is convinced that she needs to have someone to love once he moves on...

And so he begins scheming ways to get her to meet up with someone that she would be able to fall in love with. This in itself, when you actually S T O P for a minute to T H I N K about it, is hysterical!! What could he possibly be thinking??

So, Ben decides he wants to have a journalist come and chronicle his life AND share the story of how he wants his wife to have someone to love, when the time comes...

He ends up settling on a journalist from the NY Times. But, when the guy shows up at their door, it is none other than THE ONE that got away, all those years ago...in Harper's life.
And so, a whole other story begins to unfold now.

But, that's not even the best part...
That comes when Harper and Ben's best friends talk Harper into doing a moonlit ritual during the full moon cycle. She has NO IDEA what this involves, or what she is in for, but, this opens up a whole other can of worms, and brings new light to all the craziness already going on in the book!!

I loved the sense of love and family that Ben and Harper had, as well as that feeling with all of their close friends! You can clearly see, feel and hear the love shining through on the pages. But, that all makes it so much harder to read through the difficult parts...and there are many.

I also loved the nod to magical realism in this one. I love how it's all incorporated into the threads or fiber of the story.

And the way they delve into the 'what ifs' of life!
If you are like me, that has crossed my mind many times over the years...What if I had done this or that differently? What would've happened? Where would we be right now??

Kind of told in dual timelines of 'what was' and 'what is now'.
Sweet, sad, strengthening, and at the same time shredding my heart to pieces...

This was a beautiful story. This was an inspiring book. This will stay with me for a while.
Even though there were characters who you actually do NOT want to like, it seems like they are all just good people. So, no one you even want to yell at or be mad at... Just a whole cast of characters and each one of them makes your heart a little bigger, a little harder, and maybe even a little more broken for all that they have to go through...

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ +++++
ALL the STARS and then some for me!!
✨✨✨✨🌟🌟🌟⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟🌟🌟✨✨✨✨⭐️
If you have the opportunity to pick this one up, please don't pass it by.
It was so worth the read!!

Thanks to #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsFocus and #HarperMuse for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. And, yes, this was honest, heartfelt...and draining too!

#InEveryLife by one of my new favorite authors #ReaFrey and narrated magnificently by #JenniferJillAraya.

***** Of Note: This is due for release in a few days on 8/6/24. *****

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Meh, not for me. WAY too "woo-woo" and I like magical realism. Too many things that had me rolling my eyes. Did somewhat redeem itself in the end so therefore the 2 rather than 1

This starts with Ben and Harper on their honeymoon, where Ben collapses. Flash forward a year, and Ben is at the end of a battle with stage 4 prostate cancer. They have tried everything. Now, he wants to help Harper to find love again so he knows she will be taken care of (insert huge misogynistic eye roll here). Harper says no, and Ben isn't finished. He wants her to quit her job as an art teacher to pursue art full time. He has agreed to be interviewed for a New York Times article, and when the reporter shows up, it is Liam--Harper's "one who got away."

So the setup is good. But then, things take some really weird tangents where she gets to try out some different scenarios for her life. I just never had buy in for any of it. In my opinion, if you want to write magical realism, write it. Don't waffle back and forth between realistic fiction and magical realism, because it makes both of them ineffective. I either want to be able to realistically believe how the plot is unfolding or I want to go all into a magical reality. In the end, I absolutely didn't buy any of it. The characters were caricatures and not fully developed, and the magic didn't fit anything I could wrap my brain around.

Lots of others have enjoyed this one, so if this sounds intriguing, definitely check out their reviews and give it a try. It just wasn't for me.

This is very engaging and compelling read. I will definitely read more of Rea Frey. I feel the premise for the story and the well developed characters added to my enjoyment of the book. The shifting between what was and what is sometimes lead to a bit of confusion for me. The narrator of the audio book was easy to listen to.

I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you Net Galley, Rea Frey and Harper Muse for this opportunity.

Rea Frey’s *In Every Life* is an emotional rollercoaster that had me hooked from the very beginning. Even though I had an idea of the heart-wrenching journey I was embarking on, I was still not fully prepared for the emotional impact it would have on me. By the end of the book, my heart was thoroughly broken, and I found myself in tears. The story is beautifully crafted, and the depth of the characters is extraordinary.

Frey’s talent shines through in her ability to create such vivid and relatable characters. Each character is well-developed and feels incredibly real, which makes their experiences all the more impactful. The author's writing style draws you in and makes you feel every emotion alongside the characters.

Despite the emotional turmoil, I cannot help but forgive the author for breaking my heart because her storytelling is just that powerful. I absolutely loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates a well-told, emotional story.

This started off SO good. And then it was not. It is hard to write without spoilers.

The beginning- I was immediately drawn in by Harper and Ben's lives. That Ben wanted her to find love before he died- ugh. It was a gut wrencher. I was on the verge of tears from the beginning.

Then, the full moon came. Like, I read the blurb and the whole parallel universe thing. But it was still not what I expected. My biggest issues were with <spoiler> The fact that there were multiple different realities and Harper never had the opportunity to go back to her old life. Like, I expected one alternative. Not multiple. The second, all the more woo-woo stuff- including healing yourself with your mind. Ugh. </spoiler>

I guess my non-spoiler explanation for my dislike of the last 2/3 is that it went from being emotional and deep to kind of crazy supernatural stuff.

Jennifer Jill Araya narrates the audiobook. No complaints there.

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! I listened to the audio version and thought the narrator was fantastic!

In reviewing this audio, I’m struck by the way it intertwines profound emotional depth with elements of magical realism. The protagonist, Harper, finds herself navigating an incredibly complex emotional landscape. She’s married to a man battling cancer, who, despite his own suffering, wishes for her to find love and happiness after he’s gone. This poignant wish sets the stage for a deeply touching and intricate narrative.

The twist comes when Harper’s former love, who never truly moved on from her, reappears. He begins writing a story about their shared past, which adds a layer of introspective reflection and longing. The story beautifully explores the notion of parallel lives through magical realism, presenting Harper with an opportunity to experience what her life might have been like had she made different choices.

The novel does a remarkable job of delving into the heartache and hope of Harper’s situation without giving away too much. It presents a sensitive exploration of love, loss, and the possibility of second chances, leaving readers with a rich tapestry of emotions to ponder. The story’s ability to blend reality with the fantastical makes it a deeply moving and memorable read, and it left me reflecting on the nature of love and the paths we choose in our lives.

I am going to need this to be a movie ASAP!

Wow. This was a beautifully written book and a wonderful love story. I loved the alternative universe aspect of this book as it shows that some people will connect “In Every Life” if it’s truly meant to be. What a beautiful concept.

I was expecting the story to focus more on the plot line of Ben finding someone for Harper, but I am happy with the direction it went.

A great story, a great audiobook, read by a great narrator.

IN EVERY LIFE is an emotional romance that I won't soon forget. For me this was a heavy read. If you have cancer or know someone that does this may be a trigger. Other than that I did like the audiobook and thought it was a well written story.

Many thanks for my gifted ALC.

In Every Life by Rea Frey was SO, SO good! It was a sliding doors sort of romance story. And I just adored it.

This is the first book I have read by Ms. Frey, and it will not be my last.

The characters were so likeable! Harper, Ben, and Liam were all great characters. It was so interesting to read about the characters and how they change/same the same in the different scenarios.

I love that Harper learns such an important lesson and that she is such a loving, loyal partner to her sick husband, Ben.

This book is very tame, with little spice and no vulgar language. I really appreciated the writing.

The narrator, Jennifer Jill Araya, is extremely talented and easy to listen to.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for the advance listen in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In Every Life by Rea Frey

Ben and Harper are newly married when Ben is diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. As the cancer progresses, Ben tells Harper that his dying wish is for Harper to find her next partner while he is still alive. He arranges for a reporter to document their story, and when the reporter shows up, it’s a man from Harper’s past. The rest of the novel is an exploration of her choices and what-if scenarios.

What worked for me: alternating time frame of chapters (“what is” vs. “what was”), interesting moral dilemmas and other discussion topics (might be a good book club pick), the writing in general (descriptions, realistic dialogue, etc.), and the audiobook reader.

THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS CONTAIN SOME INFO THAT COULD BE CONSIDERED SPOILERS! STOP READING HERE IF YOU DO NOT WANT SPOILERS:

What did not work for me:
Harper is a weak character. She’s never comfortable with her own decisions and she lets other people tell her what’s right for her life. I didn’t like that Ben’s idea of making sure she was happy was making sure she had another man. It felt irrational, and would surely create a complicated cluster of grief, guilt, doubt, resentment, etc. Not to mention, maybe she didn’t want that for herself!? Her friends also try to tell her what to do at times. I also couldn’t get into the time jumping element. I’ve read and enjoyed other books that manipulate time while still feeling realistic (Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver), but the fantasy elements were introduced fairly early in those novels, so it felt natural. The time hopping of In Every Life doesn’t happen until 52% through the novel, and it comes out of nowhere. It felt out of place. Lastly, in the alternate time plot, I didn’t like the idea that a week-long workshop about shifting your mindset could instantaneously cure stage 4 pancreatic cancer. As someone who lost my only sibling to stage 4 pancreatic cancer when she was 38, the if-you-have-something-to-live-for-then-do-it idea was absurd. It would have been more plausible if he had been on some breakthrough trial or something.

Overall, it’s fast-paced and thought provoking if you like romance with a bit of a fantasy element. If you’re more of a realist, you may have trouble buying in.

I would rate it 2.5, but rounded up to 3.

Thank you to Harper Muse Audiobooks and NetGalley for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.