Review: It's Always the Husband

Summary: Kate, Aubrey, and Jenny first met as college roommates and soon became inseparable, despite being as different as three women can be. Kate was beautiful, wild, wealthy, and damaged. Aubrey, on financial aid, came from a broken home, and wanted more than anything to distance herself from her past. And Jenny was a striver—brilliant, ambitious, and determined to succeed. As an unlikely friendship formed, the three of them swore they would always be there for each other.

But twenty years later, one of them is standing at the edge of a bridge, and someone is urging her to jump.

How did it come to this?

Kate married the gorgeous party boy, Aubrey married up, and Jenny married the boy next door. But how can these three women love and hate each other? Can feelings this strong lead to murder? When one of them dies under mysterious circumstances, will everyone assume, as is often the case, that it’s always the husband?

A suspenseful, absorbing novel that examines the complexities of friendship, It’s Always the Husband will keep readers guessing right up to its shocking conclusion. -- St. Martin's Press

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of having lunch with author B.A. Paris and a few fellow bloggers. It had the best time, and of course, when you put together a bunch of bloggers, they will inevitably talk about books they've read recently. One book that had a few of the bloggers raving was IT'S ALWAYS THE HUSBAND by Michele Campbell. I'm always on the lookout for books for Mystery Mondays, and I knew I had to get my hands on a copy.

IT'S ALWAYS THE HUSBAND tells the story of three women who meet in college and quickly become best friends. Kate, Aubrey and Jenny are completely different; however, when they are assigned as roommates at an Ivy League type school, they not only watch out for each other but become inseparable. Kate was the wealthy gorgeous risk-taker, while Jenny was the hometown girl who was driven to succeed; and Aubrey was the outsider from a troubled home life who came to the school on scholarship.

The novel actually begins twenty years after these girls met when one of the them is standing on a bridge being urged to jump from an unknown individual. IT'S ALWAYS THE HUSBAND delves into what happened during those college years (both the good and the bad!) to what is happening now between these three women... and why one of them is being urged to kill herself. All three women have moved on from their college years despite sharing a horrific and fatal secret, but there are many hard feelings generated along the way. When one of these women is found dead, are one of both of the other two women responsible or is it always the husband?

IT'S ALWAYS THE HUSBAND was a very fun read for me... and very quick too. I read it in a little over the day, and I found myself caught up in the lives of these three women. Interestingly enough, I didn't really like any of the main female characters in the novel (they were all so selfish!), so I wasn't sure I'd appreciate it. However, I ended up liking the twists and turns of the plot as well as the strange surprise at the end.

One thing that stood out to me about IT'S ALWAYS THE HUSBAND were the characters, and by that, I mean their actions. I felt as if the girls at beginning of the novel, when they were arriving at the university and getting to know each other, was a terrific portrayal of teen girls and the difficulties with becoming roommates and friends. However, as their friendship developed and their individual personalities (and selfishness) began to really stand out, I thought the author did a very good job in showing the complexities of friendship... especially between teen girls.

However, once a pretty significant event occurs in the novel (one that I can't share because it's a major spoiler), their true colors really began to shine. And as a result, their friendship took on an even more complicated dimension. Through the years, they remained friends, some times more than others, but their connection was never the same after this tragedy. As much as I was dismayed by their behavior, I did think the author nailed female friendships (albeit not in the most positive of ways.)

The end of the novel took a bit of a twist when one of these women ends up dead. It's not clear to the police whether it was a suicide or murder, but they knew something was suspicious. And guess what? It's always the husband in cases like this, right? Once again, I don't want to give away any major spoilers, but as a reader, I definitely went back and forth and back again on who was responsible for her death. I loved that I wasn't sure how this novel would end, and I can definitely say that I was surprised with the conclusion.

I've mentioned before that I didn't really like or relate to any of these women; and if I had one slight issue with this novel, it would be that I wanted a bit more when it came to character development. While I felt as if the friendship angle was explored well in this story, I do think these three women could have been a little more complex. And by that I mean, readers could have been given more insight into multiple aspects of their characters to make them more likable... and more real.

Having said that, IT'S ALWAYS THE HUSBAND was a very entertaining read that also delved into some complex issues like friendship and marriage. I highly recommend it to fans of women's fiction and mysteries.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.
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Kid Konnection: National Geographic Kids Almanac 2018

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a book that I feature every year, but one that always manages to impress me.

Summary: Kids can have fun keeping up with our quickly changing world with the New York Times best-selling Almanac, packed with incredible photos, tons of fun facts, crafts, activities, and fascinating features about animals, science, nature, technology, and more. New features include three chapters on engineering and technology, space and Earth, and life sciences; a guide to New Orleans, just in time for its 300th birthday; an updated Fun and Games chapter filled with all-new games, jokes, and comics; all new weird-but-true facts, crafts, and activities; 18 Facts for 2018 feature in every chapter; updated reference material, and much more. -- National Geographic Kids

When the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS ALMANAC 2018 arrived on my doorstep this past week, Booking Son was excited. He's not exactly a kid who gets excited about books, but he always looks forward to reading the yearly ALMANAC. This year's version has a scary shark on the cover, so I'm sure many kids will be enticed to pick up this book!

The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS ALMANAC 2018 epitomizes what I've come to know and expect from National Geographic Kids' books. They are both educational and fun, and this year's almanac contains loads of terrific information. The book is over 350 pages and has over 500 full color photographs. And if you've ever see anything by National Geographic, then you know you're in for a treat when it comes to their photography.

One cool extra feature is a website with digital extras. With kids always being on their devices, I think it's very smart that the authors use both print and digital media to teach them. There are some other new features in the 2018 book too including a Your World 2018 chapter with things to do, places to see, and ways to change the world; and chapters dedicated to engineering and technology, space, and Earth and life sciences. There is also a section featuring an Almanac Newsmakers Challenge to "Save Our Sharks!"

Of course, I was happy to see that much of what I've come to enjoy about the almanacs is still in this book. There are sections with games, jokes and comics, as well as some interesting facts about our Earth, nature, animals, and pop culture. Booking Son was thrilled to see a section with facts about all of the countries including their flags. He's a bit of a geography geek so it was fun to see his mind churning as he tried to memorize the specifics.

The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS ALMANAC 2018 has been a New York Times Best Seller and deservedly so. I highly recommend the fun and educational book for kids of all ages!

Thanks to Media Masters for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Review: The Weight of Him

Summary: At four hundred pounds, Billy Brennan can always count on food. From his earliest memories, he has loved food’s colors, textures and tastes. The way flavors go off in his mouth. How food keeps his mind still and his bad feelings quiet. Food has always made everything better, until the day Billy’s beloved son Michael takes his own life.

Billy determines to make a difference in Michael’s memory and undertakes a public weight-loss campaign, to raise money for suicide prevention—his first step in an ambitious plan to save himself, and to save others. However, Billy’s dramatic crusade appalls his family, who want to simply try to go on.

Despite his crushing detractors, Billy gains welcome allies: his community-at-large; a co-worker who lost his father to suicide; a filmmaker with his own dubious agenda; and a secret, miniature kingdom that Billy populates with the sub-quality dolls and soldiers he rescues from disposal at the local toy factory where he works. But it is only if Billy can confront the truth of his pain, suffering, and the brokenness around him, that he and others will be able to realize the full rescue and change they need.

Set in rural, contemporary Ireland, Ethel Rohan's The Weight of Him is an unforgettable, big-hearted novel about loss and reliance that moves from tragedy to recrimination to what can be achieved when we take the stand of our lives. -- St. Martin's Press

I am horribly remiss that I haven't reviewed THE WEIGHT OF HIM by Ethel Rohan before now. I read this novel a few months ago and really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, my spring was totally crazy and now it's summer... and well, I'm finally getting around to reviewing it.

THE WEIGHT OF HIM tells the story of Billy Brennan, a husband and father who just happens to weight over 400 pounds. Billy has an interesting relationship with food -- he loves it; and frankly, it acts as a comfort to him, especially now that he's lost his son Michael to suicide.

After his son's death, Billy decides he wants to make a difference in the world. He is determined to lose weight, in a very public setting, and in the process, raise money for suicide prevention. His family isn't quite standing behind him like he had hoped. They just want to move on and try to exist without Michael -- not call more attention to it.

Billy does have his fair share of supporters, though. He meets some special people who truly appreciate his efforts like another man who lost his son to suicide. However, Billy is still struggling with his own demons and his journey isn't easy. Billy must accept the loss of Michael before he can truly live again... and make a difference in other's lives.

THE WEIGHT OF HIM is really a special novel. You will fall in love with Billy and his earnestness, and I'm pretty sure this novel will warm you heart. That's not to say that much of this book isn't painful because it does deal with a man's loss of his son and his doubts about what he could have done differently. However, ultimately, I think this novel's message was about strength and resilience... and the difference one person can make in the world.

I didn't mention that this novel takes place in a small Ireland village. I am a huge fan of books that take place in Ireland, and this book reminded me why. I loved the quirkiness of the community as well as the author's descriptions of the town. Ms. Rohan did a great job of bringing the setting to life, and I loved visualizing Billy's home.

I have to commend the author for writing such a beautiful novel, and I loved the way she captured the essence of so many larger themes. For example, Billy's losses -- both his son and half his body weight -- were major themes throughout the novel. However, she was also able to show, through Billy's character, the importance of never, ever giving up. It was an interesting juxtaposition to Michael's suicide. Finally, I loved the hope in the novel -- not only Billy's determination in his weight loss but also his determination to make sure Michael was never forgotten and to help others.

I do think THE WEIGHT OF HIM would make a terrific book club selection. I wasn't able to find a reader's guide, but I don't think you need a formal one. There are so many important themes to discuss including family, devotion, love, guilt, and perseverance. In addition, I think this is novel gives an honest look at the many different ways grief can manifest itself in people. However, you will also want to talk about the meaning of the title as well as the many different ways loss is incorporated into the story.

Overall, I think THE WEIGHT OF HIM is a well-written novel that will both touch your heart and make you smile. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: Same Beach, Next Year

Summary: New York Times bestselling author Dorothea Benton Frank returns to her magical Lowcountry of South Carolina in this bewitching story of marriage, love, family, and friendship that is infused with her warm and engaging earthy humor and generous heart.

One enchanted summer, two couples begin a friendship that will last more than twenty years and transform their lives.

A chance meeting on the Isle of Palms, one of Charleston’s most stunning barrier islands, brings former sweethearts, Adam Stanley and Eve Landers together again. Their respective spouses, Eliza and Carl, fight sparks of jealousy flaring from their imagined rekindling of old flames. As Adam and Eve get caught up on their lives, their partners strike up a deep friendship—and flirt with an unexpected attraction—of their own.

Year after year, Adam, Eliza, Eve, and Carl eagerly await their reunion at Wild Dunes, a condominium complex at the island’s tip end, where they grow closer with each passing day, building a friendship that will withstand financial catastrophe, family tragedy, and devastating heartbreak. The devotion and love they share will help them weather the vagaries of time and enrich their lives as circumstances change, their children grow up and leave home, and their twilight years approach.

Bursting with the intoxicating richness of Dorothea Benton Frank’s beloved Lowcountry—the sultry sunshine, cool ocean breezes, icy cocktails, and starry velvet skies—Same Beach, Next Year is a dazzling celebration of the infrangible power of friendship, the enduring promise of summer, and the indelible bonds of love. -- William Morrow

Over the next few weeks, you will be seeing a lot of "beach" book reviews here at Booking Mama. We were at the beach a few weeks ago and I read seven novels -- not all beach books, but a lot of them were! I'm trying to get them reviewed in a timely manner so I can help with your summer reading list. The very first one I picked up was SAME BEACH, NEXT YEAR by Dorothea Benton Frank. It's become a tradition of mine to read one of her books at the beach every summer.

SAME BEACH, NEXT YEAR is about two couples who meet every year on the Isle of Palms with their families. The story follows them from the first summer when they met through the next twenty years, and it's full of secrets, romance, drama and more!

Adam and his with Eliza seemingly have it all. Adam has a successful business, Eliza is a terrific mom to their young twin boys, and their marriage is going strong; however, during their vacation to the beach, Adam "runs into" his old high school flame Eve. (Yep -- Adam and Eve!) Eve is coincidentally at the same resort with her gorgeous (and charming) husband Carl, who's just happens to be a doctor, and their precocious young daughter. Eliza and Carl notice right away that there is something strange going on with their spouses (and a little spark between them too), but the couples forge a friendship anyway.

For the next twenty years or so, the couples return to the Isle of the Palms to spend a few weeks together; and they continue to get closer and closer. They eventually even buy condos right next to each other. Both families experience quite a bit through the years as their children turn into adults and the adults become empty nesters. Through it all, their friendship is at times tested; however, in the end, they find that their love for each other surpasses any of the tragedies they faced.

I remember reading SAME BEACH, NEXT YEAR on a gorgeous day in the Outer Banks, and I couldn't have had a better setting for reading this novel. I read a Dorothea Benton Frank novel every summer, and I think SAME BEACH, NEXT YEAR is my favorite of the past few years. I enjoyed the characters in this book, even when I wanted to shake them; and I loved the settings of the South Carolina low country and Greece -- yes one of the characters travels to Greece! It was a great summer read, and fans of Ms. Frank are going to love it!

I'm sure you can tell by my description that these couples' marriages are challenged. Just imagine if your husband's ex girlfriend showed up at the beach one summer with no warning. I'm not sure I would have been quite as understanding as Eliza was. However, I grew to appreciate these characters, even their flaws; and it was extremely interesting to see how their relationships evolved throughout the years.

I especially appreciated the character of Eliza. I admit I was startled as to her initial reaction of Eve showing up at the beach. However, throughout the course of the novel, Eliza definitely became her own person. I loved that she decided to travel to Greece (on her own) to see discover and get in touch with her roots. Of course, it didn't hurt that it was extremely fun to read about the amazing people and the wonderful foods and drinks she experienced during her trip.

As interesting as these characters were to follow, there were times that I had to wonder why their friendship was going strong after all these years. I mean there was just a little too much attraction between the couples for me. However, when a few of these characters hit rock bottom or had life-threatening health issues, the strength of the friendship really became apparent. And that's what I enjoyed the most about this novel. Love, family, and friendship were the central points of this story!

SAME BEACH, NEXT YEAR would make a fun book club discussion. There are quite a few topics to discuss as evidenced by this reading guide. Some of the themes you might want to explore include marriage, trust, secrets, love, addiction, priorities, friendship, and forgiveness. If I were hosting book club for this novel, I'd be sure to have lots of Mediterranean goodies to eat and drink!

All in all, I enjoyed SAME BEACH, NEXT YEAR and think it's a great addition to your beach or pool tote this summer!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: Magpie Murders

Summary: From the New York Times bestselling author of Moriarty and Trigger Mortis, this fiendishly brilliant, riveting thriller weaves a classic whodunit worthy of Agatha Christie into a chilling, ingeniously original modern-day mystery.

When editor Susan Ryeland is given the manuscript of Alan Conway’s latest novel, she has no reason to think it will be much different from any of his others. After working with the bestselling crime writer for years, she’s intimately familiar with his detective, Atticus Pünd, who solves mysteries disturbing sleepy English villages. An homage to queens of classic British crime such as Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, Alan’s traditional formula has proved hugely successful. So successful that Susan must continue to put up with his troubling behavior if she wants to keep her job.

Conway’s latest tale has Atticus Pünd investigating a murder at Pye Hall, a local manor house. Yes, there are dead bodies and a host of intriguing suspects, but the more Susan reads, the more she’s convinced that there is another story hidden in the pages of the manuscript: one of real-life jealousy, greed, ruthless ambition, and murder. Masterful, clever, and relentlessly suspenseful, Magpie Murders is a deviously dark take on vintage English crime fiction in which the reader becomes the detective. -- Harper

I can still remember when I first heard the folks at Harper talking about MAGPIE MURDERS by Anthony Horowitz. Suffice it to say, they were very excited about this novel... almost giddy! As a reader who loves mysteries, I would have to say that I was definitely looking forward to reading it too. In fact, despite it being a pretty big (and therefore heavy) book, I packed it for my train trip home from New York. And even though it's never fun to wait at Penn Station for a train (which just happened to be delayed!), at least I had a good book to read.

MAGPIE MURDERS is terrific! I'd normally say it's an extremely complicated murder mystery with lots of potential suspects that will appeal to Agatha Christie fans. However, it's so much more than that. It's actually a mystery within a mystery. Or maybe the best way to say it is, "It's a mystery book within a mystery book!" Regardless, it's like nothing I've ever read... in a very good way!

The novel begins when Susan Ryeland, a book editor for the best-selling Alan Conway's mystery novels, picks up his latest book. She's expecting nothing different than an intriguing mystery with the detective, Atticus Pund, who she's come to know well through the years. Mystery fans love Pund and his ability to figure out complicated murders that occur in small English villages. (Think Agatha Christie or Dorothy Sayers type books.) While Susan isn't exactly personally fond of Conway (he can be a wee bit difficult), she knows that the publishing company is highly dependent on Conway's novels for its survival.

Conway's latest novel has a few surprises for Susan. While the novel appears at first to be in the same veins his other Pund books, this one feels a little different for Susan. There are still lots of dead bodies and potential suspects, but Susan feels as if there are some hidden messages in this novel. And when she finishes the manuscript and realizes that it's missing the last chapter, Susan in on the hunt to figure out exactly what's going on... and get her hands on the missing pages. As she delves into this mystery, she realizes that the characters and places in the novel match up well with with Conway's real life. Is Conway trying to communicate some hidden secrets to his readers about his own mysterious life?

I adored MAGPIE MURDERS and it will probably be one of my favorite mysteries of the year. It was so smart (which you'd expect from Horowitz), and it's also a great mystery (or should I say mysteries?). I definitely got lost in Conway's novel and even forgot that it was part of a larger premise. I had absolutely no clue where the book was going or who was responsible for the murders, so I'd definitely say the book inside the book was a well-crafted mystery.

But the real treat of the novel was the over-arching story about Susan trying to figure out the clues in Conway's MAGPIE MURDERS. I admit she was much more intuitive than I was even realizing that Conway had hidden clues into the novel that related to his real life. After she finished reading the manuscript and began her own investigation, the book really became something special for me. I was continually amazed by how clever the book was. I can't even imagine the planning Horowitz did before he even started writing the novel -- it's that smart!

I love mysteries and that's why I'm so committed to my Mystery Mondays posts. Mystery Mondays is a way that I make sure I review a mystery a week... and share my thoughts with you! Well, MAGPIE MURDERS is definitely a book that I'm recommending to fans of mysteries. It pays homage to the classics like Christie, but it also has a contemporary feel to it through the Susan storyline. So it's got a little something for every mystery fan. But I'm telling you, the concept of this book is incredible. It's actually a novel (minus one chapter) within a novel... and it's nothing short of brilliant!

MAGPIE MURDERS is a clever and one-of-a-kind novels that is a must-read for mystery fans. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.
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Kid Konnection: Animal Planet Chapter Books

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you two early reader chapter books from Animal Planet.

Summary: Animal Planet introduces information-packed nonfiction chapter books that are just right for pleasure reading and schoolwork.

Slither along to an amazing adventure in Snakes!. Meet the biggest, the fastest, and the most venomous snakes--from massive anacondas and pythons to fierce and fanged vipers and cobras. Learn about snakes that climb trees and others that swim in ocean waters. Snakes! is the perfect overview for developing readers ready to explore this popular animal subject on their own. Special features include full-color photography throughout, "Meet the Scientist" sidebars, and "In Your Newsfeed" articles about amazing new discoveries.

Don't miss the other books in the Animal Planet Chapter Books series: Bugs!, Dinosaurs!, and Sharks! -- Liberty Street

Summary: BUGS! From grasshoppers to cicadas and the deadly black widow spider, this accessible narrative is packed with full-color photos and fascinating information about every kid's favorite subject. Bug profiles highlight facts and figures about insects around the world, "Fact File" features go in-depth on important animal biology features, and "In Your Newsfeed" teaches readers about breaking news in the field. Packed with information for thrill-seekers and animal lovers alike, this is the perfect book for new readers who are ready to take a deeper dive into their favorite subject. -- Liberty Street

SNAKES! and BUGS! by James Buckley, Jr. are two terrific books for early readers that are excited to start chapter books. I have to admit that these books aren't exactly ones I would have picked out, nor would have my daughter, but there are plenty of kids out there who will love these books. I'm a little grossed out by just the covers!!!

SNAKES! and BUGS! are part of the Animal Planet Chapter Books series, and I think they are wonderful for newly independent readers. However, I also think they will appeal to reluctant readers. These books make learning (and reading) fun. The books have large text and amazing full-cover photographs which make it very readable (and by that I mean not intimidating) to early readers. There are also interesting illustrations as well as sidebars including "Meet the Scientists" and "In Your News Feed." And there are also "Fact File" pages that provide in-depth details about some very unique properties of these critters.

What really impressed me about these two books are how much information is included in these 100+ page books. I think I've already mentioned that I'm not crazy about snakes or bugs, but I will admit that these books are fascinating. Fans of science and animals will devour these books. They truly are the best of both worlds as far as parents are concerned -- educational and fun!

SNAKES! and BUGS! are wonderful resources for home and school libraries. In fact, these books are so much fun than your kid might actually enjoy his/her next book report assignment!

Thanks to Blue Slip Media for providing review copies of these books.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Summary: In this entrancing novel “that speaks to the Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor in us all” (Kirkus Reviews), a legendary film actress reflects on her relentless rise to the top and the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine.

Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

“Heartbreaking, yet beautiful” (Jamie Blynn, Us Weekly), The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is “Tinseltown drama at its finest” (Redbook): a mesmerizing journey through the splendor of old Hollywood into the harsh realities of the present day as two women struggle with what it means—and what it costs—to face the truth. -- Atria

When I was younger, I used to love to read celebrity tell-alls. I honestly don't know why I stopped reading them -- maybe my tastes just changed, but occasionally I crave the gossip and intrigue of Hollywood. And that's why THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenkins Reid probably appealed so much to me. This novel reads just like a celebrity memoir and it's chock full of lust, betrayal, secrets, and more!

THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO tells the dramatic story of the larger-than-life Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo. At almost 80 years old, Evelyn, a very private celebrity and eventual recluse, finally decides to tell her story... but on her own terms, of course. She requests an unknown magazine reporter, Monique Grant; and no one, especially Monique, can figure out why.

Monique isn't without her own story. She's kind of in a bad place.  Her husband has recently left her after she caught him with another woman, and she has an entry level job writing for a magazine. Writing the authorized biography (and certain bestseller) of one of Hollywood's most glamorous actresses could be just what she needs to get a fresh start.

Evelyn is definitely no holds barred when telling Monique her story. There are plenty of juicy tidbits and salacious stories, especially when it comes to Evelyn's seven husbands. She even shares some secrets about her life including a forbidden love! While Monique is fascinated by Evelyn's tales, she still wonders about why Evelyn requested her to write her memoir. The truth is even more startling than Evelyn's life story!

I enjoyed THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO a great deal. While Evelyn was certainly larger than life, I did feel as if the author created a realistic character. In fact, it was easy to forget that I wasn't reading the memoir of a real Hollywood actress. And of course, I couldn't help but wonder if parts of Evelyn's life story were based on old Hollywood.

The novel alternates between Evelyn and Monique's stories, but make no mistake about it --THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO is Evelyn's story. Don't think for a minute that she'd share the spotlight with anyone! It wasn't until the end that I even understood why the author included Monique in the book.

Evelyn begins her story when she was a child growing up in Hell's Kitchen. She continues with her various love affairs and the details about husbands (in chronological order). Of course, you won't be surprised to learn that she didn't always marry for love. She was a young woman trying to make it in Hollywood during the golden age. The specifics behind all of her relationships were sometimes surprising, sometimes sad, but always gossip-worthy.

There is a little twist at the end of the novel when Monique realizes why she was asked to write Evelyn's story. I won't say I was totally shocked because I knew she had to be there for a reason, but I admit that I didn't figure out all of the details. I did appreciate Monique's progression as a character throughout the story, but as I said earlier, this was really Evelyn's book!

Overall, I did like THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO and highly recommend it to fans of women's fiction and fans of celebrity tell-alls.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.