Two 2 word reviews: Thought provoking! Must read! Rea Frey’s characters tend to be unforgettable so I’m not surprised that I’m still thinking about Harper, Ben and Liam. I quickly became invested in all of them and their stories were extremely compelling. I loved the parallel universe concept in this book and Harper’s glimpse into what might have been if she had taken a different path. All of this author’s books have made me think and opened my eyes to new perspectives which I love. This was another five star read by Rea Frey and the narrator was perfect for this powerful story.

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.

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.

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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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!

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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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.

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

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

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 📖✨

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!

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!

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

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"

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.

Thank you Harper Muse for the #gifted ALC to read and review.

What an incredible book. The title. The characters. The love. The narration. All of it was wonderful.

Expect 👉🏼 Magical Realism, Emotional Journey, Cancer, Love, What Ifs, multiple timelines

Ben is a dreamboat. He’s everything. When he gets his cancer diagnosis, his dying wish is to find Harper someone new to love before he dies. 💔

In walks a reposter to write a story on Ben’s life. And he just happens to be Harper’s only “what if.”

I started this book late in the afternoon expecting to maybe get 10% in before calling it a night. But I couldn’t stop. I listened to the entire book straight through. Jennifer Jill Araya did such a beautiful job narrating.

This book is agonizingly emotional and beautifully written. This story will stay with me for a long time.

Please be aware that it is a heavy read 🙏

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.

My heart. Ben & Harper encounter what no newlywed couple would ever want to have to face. A cancer diagnosis. But, Ben has a plan. Watching things play out in their story was beautiful. I really enjoyed the touch of magical realism that the author used. We get glimpses from the past, present, and an alternate reality. I loved this one. Definitely recommend. 🩵

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to listen to this audiobook. I loved the concept of this book and the way Rea Frey made me constantly wonder how it was going to end. I absolutely loved the ending and the narration by Jennifer Jill Araya was fantastic. If you're a crier, grab the tissues!

Ty to NetGalley and publishers for the audiobook!!

The Notebook meets P.S. I love you

Read if you like:
-what ifs ✨
-parallel universes
-cancer stories
- the art world

This book is so gods damñ sweet. 🥹

It follows Harper & Ben Foster following a cancer diagnosis. Ben is insistent on finding his wife someone to love before he dies.

Liam pulled at my heartstrings, and I somewhat wish she would have stayed. ❤️

But in the end, Harper found someone to love (no spoilers) and everything worked out for our beautiful FMC.

Don't walk to B&N for this one, run!

Thank you to Netgalley, Rea Frey, and Harper Collins Focus for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

In Every Life is a beautiful and inspiring story that explores love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams. Ben and Harper’s marriage begins with a cancer diagnosis—a storm that threatens their future. But they celebrate as Ben goes into remission, cherishing every moment. When cancer returns, the doctors deliver devastating news: no viable treatment options remain. As Ben creates a bucket list, he hatches an unconventional plan: he wants Harper to find a new love before he passes away. Harper is resistant, unwilling to imagine life without Ben. Yet, when a journalist learns of Ben’s wish, their story captures hearts.

Enter Leo Hale— the journalist who wants to write Ben's story and the man who got away. A decade ago, Harper spent a perfect week with him and begins to question what would be if she had stayed and chosen differently all those years ago? Now, faced with old feelings and the ultimate what-if, she grapples with the pain of losing the one she loves. The story weaves together love, alternate realities, and the pain of loss, leaving readers pondering their own life-changing moments.

Rea Frey masterfully combines elements of magical realism with genuine emotion. Harper’s exploration of alternate lives and her connection with Leo make this novel a captivating read. It’s a reminder that our choices shape our destinies, and sometimes the grass isn’t greener—it’s right where we stand. If you enjoy heartfelt romance and thought-provoking narratives, In Every Life is definitely worth adding to your reading list.

As someone who recently lost a loved one to pancreatic cancer, this story hit hard for me and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It's a good reminder that life is full of twists and turns that often lead us to unexpected places. If you decide to read In Every Life, I hope it resonates with you as much as it did with me.

I was so emotional during and after reading it that my heart hurts a little every time i think of this story. I loved it from the begining to the end.

It's sad and heartbreaking but at the same time it give us hope.

If you're looking for a romance novel that will crack you, this is it!

Wow, all the emotions with this one. The author told a gripping story here and could just love how it pieces together. I love how hard she fought for Ben and how hard he fought for her. And Liam. It’s just a great way to sum up a lot of “what if” questions. The main character had so many choices to make and it ultimately lead to the same person but I’m very, very different ways. Fair warning, the end of this book nearly ripped my heart right out. I was so hopeful and refused to see what was in front of me. Beautiful, heart breaking, and yet so much love.

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse books for this ARC for review. I should have known by the book description, but this should win the award for "Makes you cry within the first 5 minutes of reading". Ben and Harper just got married and are living in Chattanooga and planning their life together when Ben gets sick. Ben is diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. After all the treatments are done, Ben has one final wish he wants: He wants Harper to find someone to love before he dies. This tore me up how this all played out, but I have to say I really LOVED how it ended. Such a beautiful and heartrending story. FYI: Bring tissues.

I went into this book blind and couldn’t stop listening. WOW! The author makes you wish this book never ends. No spoilers here. Just do yourself a favor and TBR it. One of my top 5 of the year. It will make you laugh, cry and live rent free in your head forever! Well done.



Thanks Netgalley & Harper Muse Audiobooks for this advanced copy of this audiobook. I wish I could listen to it over again and over again for the first time.

After reading the author’s intro I was positive I was going to roll my eyes throughout this book. However, surprisingly, I loved this book! It’s not quite time travel nor sliding doors. It reminded me a little of Jenkins’ One True Loves. It’s about a woman loving two different men. There are triggers: cancer, death etc. The pace of the book was perfect! I couldn’t put it down. The audio was also very good.
Thank to Harper Collin’s Focus for the ARC copy.

I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! I love a good "Sliding Doors" style story, doesn't everyone? There's always going to be one of those "What if I took this route?" questions in life, and I thoroughly enjoyed Rea Frey's take on the trope. She did a really amazing job of showing how much shifts as we go through our lives, and things that we want so badly at one point in our lives change. I thought this novel was extremely thoughtfully laid out and it was such an engaging story!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC of In Every Life.

This was my first read by Rea Frey, so I wasn't sure what to expect. But it will certainly not be my last.

Right from the jump, this book tugs on your heartstrings and forces the question... Are you really living the life that you want to live?

Although at times I wanted to shake Harper and ask her what she's so afraid of, I really did enjoy reading about she was able to find herself among tragedy and start again.

I think the real winner here was the element of mystical realism. It came as a complete (pleasant) surprise, and really rounded the book out.

An easy 5 stars!

This was my first book by this author .I loved the characters and felt like I could relate to them .The banter was great .The book was fast paced and a great read .I could see myself as a character .Ben is one that will always stay with me .The audio was on point and entertaining. I most definitely will read more books by this author .

Imagine your husband receives a devastating cancer diagnosis, and as part of his final bucket list, he wishes to find you a new partner before he passes away. Then, the ultimate “what if” from your past shows up at your door to interview your husband. In “In Every Life”, Rea Frey delves into themes of love, grief, and the courage to embrace new beginnings, highlighting the strength one finds within themselves first before moving forward.

This book made me cry SO HARD. Oh my gosh, it was so beautiful and poignant and I can't say enough good things about it. It went in a different direction than I thought it would from the description, which ended up being much better than I could have dreamed up. So, yes.... cathartic tears were shed and everyone should read this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audiobook in exchange for this review.

Luckily for everyone I am less bitter now when a book makes me cry. OK this one made me sob and I knew it would from that very first chapter.

The author’s novels always have a little what if thrown into a tough situation. This one has a newly wed couple facing a cancer diagnosis and the dying spouse wanting the survivor to find a new other half. Before he’s gone.

I understand the concept but can’t fathom how it would work in real life other than a current affair stepping in but I didn’t think no way as I read this one.

Not really a love story but a my life story with what got Harper to her present along with a little what if. It’s a perfect bookclub book because everyone makes decisions worthy of discussion. Her story includes the only two men she has ever loved. Really tough choices. And an ending I could get behind.

Never thought I’d enjoy a touch of magical realism in a book with such a heavy topic but it worked. And I was a little surprised that what seemed like it would be about the diagnosis was really a study in Harper finding her true self.

Jennifer Jill Araya narrates the audiobook and does a great job with the somber tone of the story. She kept me engaged while telling Harper and Ben’s trials and tribulations. And she made the move to a little magical realism seamless with the present story.

But as I’ve already mentioned, make sure and have a box of tissues ready cuz even though I knew where this was headed, I still sobbed through part of it.

In Every Life
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A super beautiful written book. You will fall in love with the characters. It is a emotional lovely touching story that you will want to cherish. Enjoy the surprises along the way in the story.
Thank you NetGalley!

Wow! Have your tissues ready. Harper and Ben's love story is beautiful and heartbreaking. What is vs what could have been.

I love that Ben's wish to see Harper find someone new to love came true. I'm not into the magical stuff, so I'm pretending that part was an elaborate dream. I listened to this in one day as I could not stop.

I absolutely loved this book from the start. The narrator was fabulous and made you feel a part of the book. I think it's a must read.
It was also a book that during and after have had me thinking about the what if's of life and how the book ended. Sigh!
The book follows Harper who's husband is sick and how their life is unfolding immediately after getting married. There are then circumstanced that happen where Harper gets to see a parallel life if she hadn't married him and how that would all play out. Both good lives but very different. This book was very emotional, sweet, touching and easily flowed along through the different lives. It will for sure have you thinking about the choices you made and wondering what would have happened if you'd taken a different path.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC of this great book.

This is a MUST READ contemporary romance staring grief and dimension travel. If you enjoyed The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston and The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros, you will LOVE this book!!! This book will have you crying and giggling from the start.

In this story, Ben falls ill on Harper and Ben’s honeymoon. Turns out it is stage four pancreatic cancer, and it’s terminal. In comes, Liam—the one who got away—to write an article starring Ben’s life at the same time that Ben decides that he wants Harper to find love again and to start painting again. All Harper wants is for Ben to live, but she cannot help but wonder what her life would be like if she did not give up her dream to be an artist. Harper goes to her friend Wren for help, and Wren sends Harper off to do a full moon manifestation ritual. Except it does more than manifest, she wakes up in a parallel universe in a completely different life where she chased her dreams, lives with Liam, and has never met Ben.

In Every Life takes a poignant look at death and what happens to the living who wait for it. Harper and Ben are a relatively new couple, only together for a couple of years and married for a day when Ben collapses on their honeymoon. A terminal cancer diagnosis follows and the story takes off from there. Ben is close to the end when Liam comes into the picture. A reporter from the NYT, Liam wants to do a feature story on Ben. Thanks to a mid-book plot twist of pretty large proportions, the plot freshens up just when Ben's story starts to slow down.

I discovered Rea Frey’s books not so long ago and she’s now an author I look forward to read. Her stories are always unique and thought-provoking. This book took my breath away. And now I have a new favorite book from her, I loved every page.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.

𝗜𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 by Rea Frey released August 6, 2024.

What might've been examined in a raw and unflinching manner with a big, open-hearted dose of magical realism. The characters are well-rounded and pull you into their lives and stick with you long after you close the book. An impossible love story that twists and tangles you until you want everything for the characters and more. You should read it.

Aspiring artist turned teacher Harper is a happy newlywed when her husband Ben gets diagnosed wtih late stage pancreatic cancer. Essentially a death sentence, the couple stick together through the last months of Ben's life only for Ben to make a last request that Harper try to find someone new to love before he dies.

Not interested at all in appeasing this wish, Harper brushes it off, only to have Ben reach out to a New York Times' reporter to write a story about them and when the reporter turns up he happens to be Liam - the one man who got away - Harper's one week love affair from ten years ago that she's always wondered about.

In another emotionally charged sliding door style women's fiction book, In every life delivers on all the feels and will have you rooting for Harper to achieve all her dreams. Highly recommended for fans of authors like Kristan Higgins and great on audio narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya. This was a huge hit for me! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

This book was a roller-coaster of ALL the feelings. All the what-ifs, could have beens, and feelings rolled into one. I'm still speechless!

This book was so sweet. Ben is diagnosed with cancer and wants his wife, Harper, to find a new husband before he dies. Definitely a tear jerker.

In Every Life by Rea Frey is a book with a lot of highs and lows, and to capture the depth of emotion you need a strong narrator who is able to grip the reader and hold on. Jennifer Jill Araya was that narrator. Even though there were pieces of the story that made me feel physically ill (my own bias, not the writers fault), I still couldn't bring myself to skip ahead or put it down. Araya did a fabulous job.

Thank you HarperFocus for the gifted ALC.

I loved this book. It was so heartbreaking and yet so beautiful and poignant. I loved the characters and the plot was great. The story was really well paced. I also think this book has a lot to offer in terms of things we should all think about. The impacts of certain choices and jumping to conclusions about things being one of them. The narrator of this audio was fantastic.

This book broke my heart.
This was a love story everybody needs to read.

We get to know Harper, who found the love of her life, Ben, in the present. Sadly he got sick and they are struggling with everything it comes with but still want to make the best of it all. Ben decided that the last wish he has is for Harper to find a new love in her life.
Harper's past love Liam turns up to write about Ben's interesting life and last wish and that is when everything goes interesting...

Harper jumps into this hard situation where she cannot co-op with everything is happening. She wants things to change, she wants to love and she wants to save her husband from dying.
She has a chance to change everything.

I really cannot say more about the whole experience, because you need to read it yourself. If you love heartbreaking romance with deep topics and a little bit of a twist in it, this is your book!

For the audiobook I had the chance to be introduced to Rea Frey's work was perfectly narrated, I could not really put down right from the start..
I really like when a narrator can use various voices for different genders and characters and she perfectly was right on point for me.

All of the characters were lovable, the friendships were true and understandable.
The story reminded me a little of Taylor Jenkins Reid's books in a best way possible.

I am a little sad that I did not know the author before I listened this audiobook, but I will definitely read more of her works because I was so intrigued and enjoyed every moment I basically binged the whole story. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read/listen to this one.

This one gets you in all of your feels. Wow just wow. What an emotional and loveable book to read.so glad I read it

I adored this book so much!! it had such a unique premise, unlike anything I have read before. It was a great storyline, executed perfectly, the characters were amazing and the book was so emotional. It was just so well done and I really can’t wait to read more from this author.