In Every Life

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

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧, 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧, 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝. 𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐍𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐝. 𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫.

Five hours after starting this book, here I am.
I'm having a hard time thinking about anything right now.

I was just looking for a book to read on Netgalley.
I didn't expect to find a favorite. Ironically, this favorite broke my heart.
This book broke me in such a beautiful way.

Ben and Harper have just gotten married when the bad news comes : Ben has cancer, stage 4, and he has little time to live.

Illness is a sensitive subject whether we are faced with it or not. And this book makes us feel it because the words that Rea Frey gave us are simply magnificent.

And that’s when I tell myself that pain has a certain beauty. A heartbreaking, striking beauty.

Ben loves Harper more than anything, but he wishes she could have someone else before he dies. He wishes her to fall in love with someone else before he dies.

And again, it hurts.

One of the reasons this hurts so much is because this situation can and probably has happened in real life. It’s a situation that’s entirely likely, that’s where the pain lies.
It hurts because it's easy to imagine being in Ben's place, wishing the love of our life to move on, to continue living.

Ben and Harper's relationship is beautiful. Their love is magnificent. I truly believe that this type of love that exists and never dies.

Then fate invites itself. The journalist supposed to interview Ben about his life happens to be the man Harper loved intensely - for a week - more than ten years ago, when she still dreamed of making a living from her art.

From there, we alternate between present and past. The past which allows us to discover this love which only lasted a week.

Perhaps this is where my heart also alternated between “joy” and pain. The past allowed me to detach myself from the present, from the present of Ben and Harper.
But as soon as Liam and Harper's past ended, my heart had to face the inevitable.

The writing style is absolutely perfect. If that hadn't been the case, I wouldn't have loved this book the way I do.

This book is not all pain, far from it.
Like I said, pain has a kind of beauty. Just like the uncertain.

What if? What if Harper had never left Liam? What if she had succeeded in becoming the artist she wanted to be?

After all these questions, we find ourselves in a completely different reality. Harper never left New York, and she never left Liam. And it’s a whole other life that we discover.

I really loved this part. It was a breath of air before reality caught up with Harper, before it caught up with me.

I cried, I cry. And I think my heart will always sink when I think of this book. Because the inevitable has happened. But it arrived in a beautiful way.

"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 didn't expect this ending. I didn't want to see this ending. But it came, it broke me and it made me smile. It was so beautiful.

"𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬, 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐦 𝐅𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭."

This book is about love, illness, lack of time, second chances. But it also talks about finding yourself, giving yourself time to move forward.

Harper loves and always will love Ben.
Harper loves and always will love Liam.
But Harper loves and will always love herself as well.

I loved reading this book. I don't regret spending the whole night reading it. This is a book I won't forget and will buy as soon as it becomes available for purchase.

Thank you Rea Frey for this masterpiece, and thank you Netgalley.

Here's some of my favorite quotes.

—
𝟕. 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫, 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞.
𝟖. 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞.. 𝐬𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡.

"𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮."

"𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞," 𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬. "𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞, 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞." 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭.

"𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐚𝐦 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡, 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬, 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝, 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦."

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫,
𝐈𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮.
𝐋𝐢𝐚𝐦.

"𝐈𝐟 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧, 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥," 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐞𝐚𝐫. 𝐌𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐞𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞. "𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝." 𝐇𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞, 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲, 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐚𝐦 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞.

"𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐠"

"𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭, '𝐁𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫: 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞?"

"𝐈'𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞"

"𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨?"
"𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫."

Thank you so much, NetGalley for the chance. Could not put this book down! I was immediately drawn into the creative storyline and the author’s smooth writing style.

Harper is such a strong yet vulnerable heroine. There are several creative twists that had my heart bending for both loves of Harper. One of the most tender love triangles I have ever read.

If the synopsis left you intrigued, just wait until you get into the novel. Unputdownable!!

This book has it all!
It is heartwarming,yet sooo very heartbreaking that it will stir all your emotions.
Now add some time-hopping to keep one guessing and you have a touching, novel that I had to finish in a day..
Can you imagine being on your honeymoon and finding out your new husband is terminally ill?
When Harper asks Ben what is on his bucket list, he has a wish that she cannot imagine or believe.
The story continues as a bit of magic comes in to play.
There is love,acceptance, drama, tears and so much more that I truly enjoyed this story and as always Rea Frey has done it again!
Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Harper Muse for this ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review.
Excellent!

what a beautiful, inspiring story. a story about love, about loss, about learning how to follow your dreams every moment of your life.

the execution is really well-done, and the book is infused with a variety of endearing characters. to be honest, I was prepared to not be swayed by Liam as a character and instead focus more on Harper’s husband, Ben. that went out the window when Liam first stepped onto the page, because of his compassion, kindness and invalueble insight. you can’t help but love him!

I think the most interesting part of this book is Harper’s journey and self-discovery. she learns how to come to terms with Ben’s diagnosis, with the decisions she’s made throughout her life and how they shaped her present. it’s a fascinating transition, made all the more compelling by the manifestation/spiritual elements scattered in the story.

the ending wraps everything up splendidly, and I was left with a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. definitely recommend!

I really loved this book. The emotions it made me feel and the storytelling were beautiful. I felt for all the characters and would definitely reread when I want something to have me in my feels!

I absolutely loved this novel about Ben and Harper as they navigate his cancer diagnosis and literally "wait" for him to die! But journalist (and old flame) Liam suddenly appears to do an article and Harper is thrown back into her unresolved feelings for this handsome man. As a high school art teacher, Harper has thrown herself into work and caring for her husband and is shocked and somewhat delighted to see Liam but also unsettled by the newest "condition" Ben has put on her. Told in a "then" and "now" format (and even a "what if" one), the novel documents this beautiful love story that still has me teary-eyed in its emotional impact.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

I definitely felt "in five years" vibes from this one, and I mean that as a compliment. It was a sweet story, of course heartbreaking. I felt the ending left some questions, but I realize that may have been intentional. I will definitely recommend this to other readers.

This book hit so close to home. It’s emotionally gripping, sad, but extremely poignant and powerful. A definite read worth your time. Don’t miss it.

Ben and Harper just started their life together when Ben collapses on the honeymoon. How could this man have late stage cancer? As Ben and Harper navigate this terrifying time, Ben finds a way to ease his transition; find Harper a new love. he wants to know that Harper will be okay once he dies. He can't have her mourning over him. He wants her happy. Harper doesn't even want to entertain this in the least. Before Ben gets too sick, Ben is going to be featured in the New York Times. As soon as Harper opens the door to let the journalist in, Harper is taken back to her life in New York. How is Liam, the man she spent an amazing week with, at her door getting ready to write about her dying husband's life? Liam brings everything back for Harper and why she left New York. How is Harper ever going to figure all of this out?
In Every Life by Rea Frey is an amazing story that will have you in tears by the end of the story. I love that this included a love story, a little paranormal time-traveling, and friendship. This book has it all. I will be recommending this to all my book loving friends and will always be on the outlook for the new work by Rea Frey. Special thanks to NetGalley, Rea Frey, and Harper Muse for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion. 5 stars for me!
#InEveryLife #NetGalley

This book is worth getting into. I love the premise of alternate realities and parallel lives...etc... so I'm glad I stuck with it! I found that going back and forth between "what is..." and "what was..." to be very helpful as far as moving the story along and filling us in on Harper's history with Liam without confusing us as we read. Then as soon as I read the section that led in with "what if...." I was totally hooked! The author made the month that Harper spends in NYC with Liam and the life they could have had totally believable. I loved all the little surprises along the way, and how much the whole novel made me think about things like marriage and love at first connection and grief and the Universe and the power of community. Special kudos to the author for writing so beautifully about art and artists and their creative lives.

Thanks to the author and publisher, and NetGalley, for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

GOODBYE, farewell, this book will be the death of me! (But internally more like !!!!!!!) Magical realism is one of my favorite genres and this reminded me of so many great books that I love and hold close to my heart <spoiler>(like The Time Traveler's Wife, one of my go to reads for a big cry!)</spoiler>. I found the story to be so well done in every timeline and packed with meaning – there's nothing in this book that I would cut, and in fact, I was left wanting an epilogue to the epilogue.

TW for a cancer battle and diagnosis, which I imagine could be really triggering to read.

This is an enjoyable heartwarming book. There was a good storyline with well developed characters. The author kept the reader interested throughout. This is a book which I would recommend to all.

A beautiful story about love, loss, and what ifs. I didn’t want it to end!
Harper and Ben are newlyweds faced with devastating news. Through his sickness, Harper is reunited with a past love, Liam- and her worlds collide. This is a beautiful, heartbreaking story about what it means to truly love someone.

😢😢😢😢😢
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In Every Life Rea Frey

What a beautiful story so much love and shows you to follow your dreams.
I think going in blind is best and I don’t want to give anything away. I will say…
Wowie what a love triangle with some twists that have your heart.
Such amazing characters honestly each one I loved so much.
I know I will think about it for a long time to come. Rea is an amazing author with such a talent for words, feelings, emotion and what a way to make you feel connected to the book.
I say for sure read this book, you will not be disappointed 💜

“In Every Life”

I am so thankful to Rea Frey for sending me a physical ARC of this beautiful book! Also to Netgalley for sending an e-copy.
I am usually a thriller girlie all suspense and murder
But let me tell you what a beautiful story this is all be it far from a thriller. This book just consumed me, I couldn’t put it down! Such heart and so many learning lessons about growing and finding yourself, following your dreams, dealing with grief and fear. I just can’t find enough words.
I don’t get emotional over books ….I mean I do but I don’t usually physically cry too often over the ones I read. This one had tears running down my face!

🗽 Side note: Anything about NYC makes me happy. I feel this book showed how New York is magical and alive and a place for people ready for things to happen!

😢😢😢😢😢
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+

Wow. Just, wow. This is the perfect “what if” book. You might think it would be great to have the opportunity to see how your life might have turned out if you’d made different choices, but, like Harper found out, be careful what you wish for. The choices she has to face are heart-wrenching. She learns to live in the moment and to love whole-heartedly. I absolutely loved this book and wish it didn’t have to end!

I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This novel is a beautifully written, gripping and profound read. A story full of emotions: love, loss and grief.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Ben becomes seriously ill during their honeymoon. He is diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer and told he has no hope for survival. Ben decides Harper should find a new love before he dies. Harper thinks it’s absurd idea however during his illness events unfold that makes Harper wonder if his idea is really that absurd when her old love from 10 years ago walks into their lives to interview Harper about her love of art and her studio.
I enjoyed this book and was glad that I received ARC from NetGalley for exchange of my review.

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

This is a wonderful book about a "what if". Harper is a soon-to-be young widow and her dying husband suggests finding a new love before he dies, She writes the idea off until a chance encounter with a former short fling occurs. In a strange twist of fate she enters an alternate universe where she is living with the fling and has fulfilled one of her lifelong dreams. I found the characters to be realistic and found myself cheering for the main character in both her real life and her alternate life. There was a strong sense of be careful what you wish for, because although some dreams came true, others changed as well. In addition, past regrets came to light - making the main character question some of her life choices. Overall, it was a fantastic read and well worth the time invested,

In Every Life was one of the most surprising reads of the year. I did not expect it to be as good as it was, and Rea hit it out of the park!
With a depressing precise of a family’s life cut short, we follow the FMC, Harriet, through her life with a husband who has stage 4 cancer.
He accepts his fate and uses his time to try to find Harriet a new love of her life.
With a ton of laughs and cries, we get a super heartwarming story of accepting life and never taking anything for granted.

I almost stopped reading at the start because I felt this book was going to be extraordinarily sad. I am so glad I held out. As the lessons of love and life and grief were touching.
I loved the aspect of time travel. I also found myself being annoyed at the indecision of the Main character but I also appreciated that this was reflective of a life completely out of your control.
5 stars

In Every Life by Rea Frey hit really close to home and as such, it was a heartwarming read that soothed the soul.

TW - the central premise is terminal cancer (Pancreatic Cancer is a cruel disease that takes without discrimination) and as I have seen this first hand, I almost did not read the book, but on impulse, I changed my mind and I am so glad that I did

Anybody that has dealt with terminal illness will have considered that big question "What if", will grieve for the past and the present, and that is just in the palliative care stage, let alone after the loved one has passed.

Harper is deeply in love with her new husband, Ben, enjoying life in Chattanooga. Ben was not Harpers first love, but he is her greatest love and she is living a much quieter life with him than the one she knew back in New York

However, their happiness is shattered when Ben is diagnosed with stage iV pancreatic cancer and cannot bear to see his beloved wife alone, to relive her past heartbreaks and as such, his final wish is for her to find a new love before he dies. However, what happens when you come face to face with the person that broke your heart? What if, what if, what if?

Harper wakes up in the world of the what if, the world where she and Liam did not break up. Is it a better world? Or does she already have the best life?

An emotional, heart-wrenching read, but a highly engaging one. Loved it

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse and the author Rea Frey for this beautiful ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

Just finished reading “In Every Life” by Rea Frey.

I really enjoyed this book and the storyline. It sounded interesting- a husband and wife get a cancer diagnosis and the husband wants to find a new love for his wife when he’s gone.

Enter the ex boyfriend- coincidence? The story evolves into what if’s, what was and what is to come.

It makes the reader think about their own life and how a single decision can change the course of your life.

Very enjoyable! I binged this book and would definitely recommend it!

WOW! Easily one of the best books I have ever read. 5 stars is just not enough!

Ben Foster has been diagnosed with terminal cancer just weeks after being wed to Harper. Harper, once an aspiring artist, teaches art near their home in Chattanooga. Ben compiles a list of his dying wishes - the main one being for Harper to find new love before he dies. Such a noble wish to assure she is loved, she is taken care of, and she knows it is okay to move on. Harper is undeniably against this wish - she will never find a love like hers and Bens. But when the reporter who is covering Ben's story shows up Harper cannot believe her eyes - its Liam. . . the "one that got away".

I absolutely could not put this book down! Filled with love, heartache, hope, and grief. A beautifully written story that will give you all the feels. Harper's character was relatable in so many ways. Facing hardships and life's lessons, her vulnerability and willingness to search herself and admit her mistakes. The raw truth behind terminal illness and all of the thoughts and emotions that brings with it. I laughed, I cried, I battled internally with how I hoped this story would end but everything about it was beautiful and perfect.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Rea Frey, and Harper Muse. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rea Frey’s *In Every Life* is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the infinite possibilities that shape our existence. The narrative follows Harper, a once-aspiring artist whose dreams crumbled after a whirlwind romance and a failed attempt to find her place in the bustling art scene of New York City. A decade later, she has settled into a quieter life as an art teacher in Chattanooga, enjoying the companionship of her devoted husband, Ben. However, their idyllic existence is shattered when Ben receives a diagnosis of late-stage cancer, prompting a heartbreaking yet selfless wish for Harper to find a new partner before he passes away. Frey masterfully weaves a tapestry of emotions, showcasing Harper’s internal struggle as she grapples with the weight of her husband’s request. The arrival of journalist Liam Hale, Harper’s first love, reignites unresolved feelings and plunges her into a whirlwind of nostalgia and “what-ifs.” The author deftly portrays the complexities of human relationships, emphasizing that love is not a finite resource. Rather, it expands and evolves, even in the face of heartbreak. As Harper makes a wish and wakes up in a parallel universe where her past choices have led her down a different path, Frey invites readers to ponder the age-old question: Is the grass really greener on the other side? This alternate reality throws Harper into a whirlwind of possibilities, forcing her to confront the life she could have had with Liam and the dreams she set aside for the sake of practicality and love. The parallel universe serves as a compelling device, illuminating the consequences of choices made and unmade while simultaneously highlighting the importance of acceptance and gratitude for the life one leads. Frey’s writing is imbued with a sense of realism and authenticity that resonates deeply with readers. The emotional depth of Harper’s character transforms her from a mere protagonist to a relatable figure grappling with universal themes of regret, hope, and the complexities of love. The narrative flows seamlessly, and the pacing allows readers to savor the moments of introspection while remaining engaged in the unfolding drama of Harper’s life. Ultimately, *In Every Life* is not just a story about choices; it is a meditation on the beauty of the life we live and the relationships we hold dear. Frey deftly demonstrates that every life has its share of what-ifs, but it is the acceptance of our journeys that truly shapes our happiness. As Harper navigates the parallel universe and confronts her past, readers are left with a profound message: the paths we take, no matter how divergent, contribute to the richness of our experiences. In conclusion, Rea Frey’s *In Every Life* is a beautifully crafted narrative that invites readers to reflect on their own choices and the intricate tapestry of their lives. It challenges us to appreciate the present while simultaneously acknowledging the dreams that may have remained unfulfilled. As Harper ultimately discovers, the heart’s true home may not lie in the past or in the possibilities of the future, but in the love and connections forged in the present moment. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeply moving reflection on love, loss, and the inherent beauty of our individual journeys.

This book is so good! It is the most interesting romance book I've read in a long time. Ben and Harper's story is full of ups and downs. It starts with their honeymoon when Ben gets sick and is diagnosed with stage three cancer soon after. Ben has the crazy idea that he wants to find Harper a new man to love before he dies. When Leo, an old flame of Harper's, enters the picture they can't help but wonder if he's the one. This book has a few surprising twists that keep it interesting including a little time travel. Thanks to @NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC of this wonderful book. I know Rea's fans are going to love it as much as I do.

A really lovely magical realism romance. Fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid and Ashley Poston will love this. I enjoyed the writing, and pacing. The characters were likable. I didn’t love the “workshop”story line but it did fit with the theme. Have the tissues ready.

Harper and Ben Foster are the perfect couple but that all changes on their honeymoon when Ben starts to feel sick. Ben is diagnosed with cancer as the couple navigates their first year of marriage and they begin to talk about their bucket list. Ben wants Harper to find love again before he is gone. As fate would have it the one that got away Liam walks back into her life as a reporter sent to interview Ben.
The book explores what could have been and we get to experience an alternate timeline to Harper’s life.
The writing is beautiful and brilliant I didn’t want this book to end. The love that Harper experiences in this book is heartbreaking yet so sweet.
I love how this book explores what was and what is in a way that the reader would be happy with either timeline.
I look forward to reading more by Rea Frey. This is a must read

Rea Frey is officially a must read author for me, I LOVED this book.

Harper is flying high in love when her husband, Ben, collapses on their honeymoon. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, and knowing he wants to leave her happy, Ben sets up a crazy proposition for her- she should find a new love before he dies. Harper doesn’t want anyone else but Ben, and declines, but when a news writer, Leo, comes to town to do a story on Ben, and he just so happens to be the one to get away from Harper’s past - Harper starts to question everything. Is this fate or is she exactly where she needs to be already?

I loved this book so much. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it reminded me how important it is to love the ones you love while you have the chance.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I honestly can’t recommend this book enough- it’s that good!

This was an interesting book..It reminds me a bit of a movie I watched awhile ago. It was well written with characters who sometimes infuriated me, but were relatable and loveable all the same.
When your husband is dying, and an old flame shows up what do you do? Especially when your husband wants you to fall in love again...before he dies.
The book has some interesting twists and is a very good 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 behind the scenes of 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

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Aug 6, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars
Author Interview
Aug 2024 Must-Read Books
Aug Newsletter

You found the love of your life, its fate! Your relationship moves quickly and you marry! Ben & Harper Foster are destined for bliss until they receive shocking news of Ben’s terminal cancer. Author Rea Frey takes us down the path of raw emotion, a love like no other and one special wish!

Absolved in the fiction of “In Every Life”is a dream, a glimpse , a look at a different life than the one Harper chose. Can you imagine? Haven’t you ever said “What if”? Harper did! She took the advice of a close friend and wished upon a magical realism where Ben is healthy and she has everything she ever wanted in her art career. You should be careful what you wish for!

“In Every Life” is so well written, something we are used to with Rea Frey! Written in parallel lines with Harper’s reality and her “glimpse” of “What if”.
This novel is fiction at its best but it’s also a reminder to love now, cherish now and live NOW!

Ben’s last wish is one we sometimes think about but only in a lighthearted manner, “ if something happens to me , I want you to find someone to love and have the life you’ve dreamed about! He meant it ! Harper, in complete shock is in no way agreeing to Ben’s plan!
A reporter hears of Ben’s wish and shows up on their doorstep in hopes of a storyline no one will ever forget. When Harper opens the door, her life flashes back 10 years, it’s Liam, the one who got away! Coincidence?

Highly recommend this read, full of love, loss and the possibility of a second chance. Hope gives Harper the peace she needs to hold on to HER dreams if dreams still exist.

Thank you @Harpermuse @netgalley @reafrey for this eARC in exchange for my honest review . Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Oh my heart. This book tugs at all the heart strings but is written so beautifully. I really enjoyed this book and love how Rea Frey tied in the title to the book meaning.

Thank you NetGalley, Rea Frey, and Harper Muse for the ARC!

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!

It is on their honeymoon that Ben and Harper discover that Ben has pancreatic cancer. Soon Ben is contemplating his own mortality and wants for Harper to be happy. However, Ben believes that he needs to find Harper a new husband before he dies. Harper is resistant to this wacky plan as if she can't have Ben, then she doesn't want anyone. When a journalist gets wind of Ben’s crazy idea, they decide to visit ben and Harper to document this romantic gesture of a husband's dying wish for his beloved wife. When the New York Times sends a journalist to their house to do a feature, Harper opens the door to find the one man who got away. Or, rather, the man she spent one perfect week with a decade ago and never saw Leo Hale. Suddenly, Harper realises that the feelings that she had for Leo are unresolved and she begins to wonder ‘what-if’ and wishes for a better future for her and Ben. Suddenly, life for Harper becomes very interesting….
Without revealing too much of this storyline, I found this a very thought-provoking idea for a book. I am sure that many a person has contemplated how their life would have been altered if they took a different pathway. Ben and Harper are so sweet together, but it is Leo’s appearance that made for interesting reading. A great read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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!

This is such a powerful story! Life presents everyone with choices, and Harper faces some very difficult ones. What will she choose for the story of her life? I thoroughly enjoyed this love story, and especially loved the path Harper chose!

“The moral of the story is simple: love. Love your people while you still have them. Love your partners while they’re still here. Love the ups and downs, the good and the bad. Love the fights and the trivial nonsense. Love it all.”

What is….What was…What may be

4.5 stars rounded up! There is just something about Rea Frey’s writing that makes you simultaneously think AND feel. She has you pondering your own life’s decisions while you’re lost in the stories her mind creates.

This story is heartfelt with strong characters that you just want to root for. I went into this one blind and I recommend that because, although this is not a twisty thriller, there are some aspects of the plot that are jarring in the best way when you’re not expecting them.

“You don’t have to know someone for years for them to make a lasting impression.” Indeed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Harper Muse. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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.

In Every Life is a beautiful story about the what-ifs and the opportunity to experience the road not taken. When newlyweds Harper and Ben face a devastating diagnosis shortly after their honeymoon, Ben becomes determined to make sure Harper finds love again before he dies. Harper is very opposed and doesn't even want to give this ridiculous-to-her notion another thought. Fate steps in as Ben's story has made it's way to The New York Times and a journalist is sent to interview both Ben and Harper. When Harper discovers the journalist is none other than Liam, the only other man she has loved, she finds herself questioning everything she knows and wonders what if....

After making a wish she finds herself in an alternate reality-one where she has everything she thought she wanted. But is it really? What if what we think we really want isn't accurate at all? Can we change fate or will we find love in every life? These questions and more are answered in this emotionally charged novel by Rea Frey.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

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.

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.

A moving story...
The first-person narrative of the main character, Harper, is on point. Harper and Ben are on their honeymoon when Ben experiences the first symptoms of cancer. Their new life together has barely begun and Harper takes us through the painful experiences while seeing her husband waste away. Ben is a famous award winning composer.
A New York Times reporter (Liam) is coming to write Ben's story, but Harper hates the idea. But when Harper opens the door to greet him, she is shocked to see it's a former lover of hers and possibly "the one who got away."
Ms. Frey puts the reader into Harper's head and we feel her every emotion. The mystical realism included in this story lays out what could have been with Harper and Liam and one wonders the outcome. Highly recommended!

Harper and Ben are newlyweds when they discover his late stage cancer diagnosis and their entire world shifts. But Ben has an idea - he wants Harper to find someone new to love before he dies, and the New York Times even sends a journalist to do a story on his idea. The journalist that turns up though is a man from Harper’s past, a man she spent one incredible week with, the only other man she’d ever loved. And now Harper is left wondering what would’ve happened had she stayed with him all those years ago.

THE OTHER YEAR by Rea Frey completely devastated me at the beginning of this year so when I saw that she had a new book coming I knew I needed to read it. This one, while it didn’t hit me quite as hard, has cemented Frey as a go to author for me, one whose books I’ll eagerly await.

The love story, or love triangle, here is absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. The love that Ben and Harper have, especially as they navigate the end of this life and the end of their love story, will have you in tears. And getting to know Harper and her past with Liam was just as good. We’ve all wondered what if a time or two and the way that Frey took us through Harper’s own “what ifs” was really well done and I enjoyed getting to see what life could’ve looked like for her.

There was also an understory here of not losing who you are and remembering to go after what you want. Harper is an artist and when Ben is diagnosed she puts art on the back burner to care for him - something he absolutely doesn’t want her to do. But we also get to know more about Harper’s past and see that she let her insecurities get the best of her once before, too.

This book was fairly predictable but it didn’t matter to me because I loved the ride getting there and I loved the way it wrapped up. This is a beautiful book about a heartwrenching topic and Frey did a great job with it.

I discovered Rea Frey when I joined bookstagram in 2018. Her first nonfiction book was being released and I wanted it! I added it to my Christmas list and my mom was kind enough to get it for me. Once I read it, I devoured it. I’ve devoured every book she has written since, and In Every Life was no exception.

This book features the magical realism I’ve come to love from books by Rebecca Serle, so if your a fan of her work, I definitely encourage you to check out this latest release from Frey!!! Here we meet, Harper, a newly wed who has just found out she will soon be a widow. Ben, her husband who has stage four pancreatic cancer, has a dying wish - to find a new husband for Harper before he dies. Harper is not on board and can’t imagine fulfilling this wish. But then enters Liam…a journalist from the New York Times who is writing a feature about Ben’s life and whom Ben has also filled in on his unusual, final wish. He also happens to be the one that got away in Harper’s life; the man she once spent a perfect week with in New York years ago. Now Harper is faced with her unresolved feelings surrounding Liam and is faced to wonder…what if?

Thank you @netgalley and @harpermusebooks for the arc of "In Every Year" by Rea Frey in exchange for my honest review.
This was such a beautiful but heartbreaking story. Trigger warning: terminall illness

Synopsis:

Newlyweds Ben and Harper are on the top of the world. They are deeply in love, have succesful careers and share a love for sports and travel. Their future looks bright untill...Ben get's diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer and all their hopes and dreams come crashing down.

It's clear that Ben won't survive this battle, but it's his dying wish to find his wife a new love before he passes so he'll know she'd be happy again. Harper finds the whole thing ridiculous and wants to spend all the time they've got left with Ben.
When the New York Times wants to feature a story about Ben's life they sent journalist Liam Hale to run it.
Thing is, Harper and Liam share a history together and their story is far from over...

It's about halfway through the book when a magical realism element is thrown in. Harper gets to travel back in time to find out what would have happened all those years ago if she'd took a leap of faith and had ended up with Liam instead of Ben.

Although I loved the writing and characters, it was a very emotional read. It was hard to read about the final stages of a terminally ill patient and the effect it had on Ben and Harper's marriage. On the other hand their bond was so strong and loving, it jumped of the pages and really gave me goosebumps.

In general I'm not that keen on magical realism in stories but I decided to go with it and it did give alot more insight in Harper's character.

All in all a very memorabele read.

#InEveryYear#Netgalleyreview#Bookstagram#BooksOfInstagram#KindlePaperWhite#Bookworm#NeverNotReading

I have loved all of Rea Frey's books that I have read and this was no exception. I love how she can make parallel stories comes to life. My mom has read some of her books and been confused by the back and forth stories, but I personally found it so intriguing and I was hooked!