The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin

Emily Giffin's first books, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and Baby Proof were all books I found extremely entertaining and ones I enjoyed thoroughly.  After that, I noticed I wasn't enjoying them as much anymore.  I couldn't put my finger on it but I kept reading her work.  

Then, this advance reader copy came along and I was so excited to see that I got absorbed into the story right away.  I thought for sure I was heading to a 4.5 star review on Goodreads.  Then, I heard the stars falling away about 60 percent into the book and it hurts me to say that! 

The book starts off strongly.  In New York, summer of 2001, Cecily is reeling from a breakup with her boyfriend Matthew and decides to drown her sorrows in a quick drink one night when she's feeling exceptionally morose.  She meets Grant at the bar she chooses and there just seems to be an instant connection.  They start off on a relationship and Cecily just cannot get over how it is working out.  

You know right away with the way things are worded and the time frame, the horrors of 9/11 are going to happen in the story.  I thought up to, and including this part was written well.  I felt the sadness and tragedy of 9/11 all over again and the author did a good job in describing the feel of the city and the effects it had on all who lived there.  

So, it was no big surprise that Cecily and Grant's story would be affected by the terrorist attacks, but I don't want to give anything away.  Suffice to say, that because of the attacks in the book, secrets come out. 

I was totally fine with all this and the FIRST secret that came out. Then, the SECOND thing learned was also kind of, if not surprising, still kind of a blow, but still in a good way.   I was looking forward to how the author was going to address these issues and how Cecily would come out the other side.  I looked down at my Kindle and saw that I was about 60 percent through and thought,  "Wow, how in the world is this going to wrap up and end?" There is also a lot more that happens with Cecily and her ex, too, but that wasn't what was engrossing me most at that point. 

Then, unfortunately in the book just started nose diving.  No spoilers, but the reactions of the people to certain events were mind blowing and totally unrealistic. Almost like the author thought that she didn't know quite what to do with them and hurriedly wrapped it up.  The THIRD thing (at the cabin) seemed like just an extra thing to throw in for shock value and nothing more. 

Finally, I got one of those endings that are really far fetched and left scratching my head in disbelief in the way it was wrapped up in a bow. I really do hate leaving negative reviews, but there's no sense in acting like I liked it if I didn't. I'm sure some will love this story upon its' release in June 2020.  

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for this opportunity.  No review was required and all opinions are my own.  

The Dilemma by B.A. Paris

I  always enjoy a good B.A. Paris book and this one was no exception.   This is the story of Liv and Adam as well as their two kids,  Josh and Marnie, who are now grown.  Liv and Adam had their kids very young and missed out on some things in life, including the big wedding that Liv dreamed of.  

Now that life has moved on and the children have grown, Liv is throwing herself a 40th birthday party.  She says she has been planning this for years and while some may think that seems a little frivolous, Liv admits she also may be subconsciously  making up for the wedding she never had. 

However, Liv is keeping a secret.  It's something she wishes she didn't know about her daughter and doesn't want to tell Adam because she knows the devastation it will bring on him and their tight circle of friends.  In the meantime, Adam is living life normally and helping Liv get her party off the ground.  He wants everything to be perfect for her. 

Then, something happens (not spoiling it here) and now Adam finds himself not wanting to confide in Liv.  Now the couple is at a crossroads with each other and neither of them know it.  What follows is (what I thought ) a roller coaster of emotions and the ramifications of when secrets are kept. 

I really enjoyed this book.  Again, without giving too much away, I found I was holding my breath for a certain outcome.  I know I read some reviews where some people thought there would be no way Adam could have kept what he knows to himself and that it was weird that he did.  However, I feel the author did a good job in describing Adam's motives in doing what he did.  

Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of this.  I found myself quickly reading and wanting to get to the bottom of things.  I wish SOME things would have turned out differently, but I thought it was a good read.  Releases June 2020.  All opinions are my own and no review was required.