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All the Difference
Once again, everything isn't what it seems in the wonderful suburb of Grandville. ALL THE DIFFERENCE is the story of three women whose lives become entangled by the choices they make and how, ultimately, one of them turns to murder to achieve her goals.
Roommates Laura and Angie couldn't be more different. Laura is a local celebrity, the television anchor who is motivated to move out of small-time media markets and on to the big time, no matter the cost. Meanwhile, Angie, a luckless waitress, spends her time waiting for Mr. Right to save her from temporary jobs and a life spent making bad choices.
On the other side of town, Ellen abandons her life as a successful fundraiser for that of an isolated housewife in the country estate she shares with her husband, whose affairs become increasingly hard to ignore. When the city’s gossip columnist, Maddie, and restaurant reviewer, Dixon, become involved in the mystery, the unlikely duo stir up more than they intended. But will anyone be able to stop the next murder?
Roommates Laura and Angie couldn't be more different. Laura is a local celebrity, the television anchor who is motivated to move out of small-time media markets and on to the big time, no matter the cost. Meanwhile, Angie, a luckless waitress, spends her time waiting for Mr. Right to save her from temporary jobs and a life spent making bad choices.
On the other side of town, Ellen abandons her life as a successful fundraiser for that of an isolated housewife in the country estate she shares with her husband, whose affairs become increasingly hard to ignore. When the city’s gossip columnist, Maddie, and restaurant reviewer, Dixon, become involved in the mystery, the unlikely duo stir up more than they intended. But will anyone be able to stop the next murder?
290 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2012
1020 people are currently reading
1967 people want to read
About the author
Kaira Rouda
41 books2,871 followersKaira Rouda is a USA TODAY and #1 Amazon and Amazon Charts bestselling author of contemporary fiction exploring beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Her suspense novels include BEST DAY EVER, THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER, ALL THE DIFFERENCE, THE NEXT WIFE, SOMEBODY'S HOME, THE WIDOW, BENEATH THE SURFACE, UNDER THE PALMS, THE SECOND MRS STROM, WHAT THE NANNY SAW and JILL IS NOT HAPPY. Her next novel, WE WERE NEVER FRIENDS, is out February 3, 2026.
She lives in Southern California with her family and is at work on her next novel. Visit her webiste, KairaRouda.com for more. Connect with her on Instagram and Pinterest: @KairaRouda; and on Facebook at Kaira Rouda Books.
If you'd like to host Kaira at your book club, please reach out through her website KairaRouda.com
Sign up to receive a monthly email from Kaira with exclusive sales news, book excerpts, sweepstakes, and giveaways at: kairarouda.com/signup/
She lives in Southern California with her family and is at work on her next novel. Visit her webiste, KairaRouda.com for more. Connect with her on Instagram and Pinterest: @KairaRouda; and on Facebook at Kaira Rouda Books.
If you'd like to host Kaira at your book club, please reach out through her website KairaRouda.com
Sign up to receive a monthly email from Kaira with exclusive sales news, book excerpts, sweepstakes, and giveaways at: kairarouda.com/signup/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
April 9, 2012
I absolutely loved Here, Home, Hope, the debut novel from Kaira Rouda. She embodied what I hope to do with my writing – inspire other woman. When Kaira asked me to host her at CLP Blog Tours for her second novel, I was blown away. Of course I was ecstatic, and I’m happy to report I highly enjoyed All the Difference. I thought this book was very different from her first, but to me it just showed the talent that Rouda possesses. The story is set in Grandville, and follows multiple characters in this suburban town. The main focus is three women – all with different stories, different problems, different lives – but one has turned to murder to get her way. A suspenseful novel filled with hard-hitting decisions and scenarios, I was flipping frantically to the end to tie everything together.
I will say that at first the amount of characters overwhelmed me. There is a lot going on in this book, different viewpoints, stories, opinions, and in the beginning it was a lot to handle. I was able to adjust after the first few chapters, but that’s just my warning that the beginning my throw you off. Other than getting over that bump, I had a lot of fun with this story. Again, I thought it was a different direction for Rouda, and I loved the suburban mystery aspect. I will admit that I thought I knew which woman was the murderer – and I was totally wrong. I loved the little flashbacks that we got, how all the stories entwined together and I would recommend All the Difference!
I will say that at first the amount of characters overwhelmed me. There is a lot going on in this book, different viewpoints, stories, opinions, and in the beginning it was a lot to handle. I was able to adjust after the first few chapters, but that’s just my warning that the beginning my throw you off. Other than getting over that bump, I had a lot of fun with this story. Again, I thought it was a different direction for Rouda, and I loved the suburban mystery aspect. I will admit that I thought I knew which woman was the murderer – and I was totally wrong. I loved the little flashbacks that we got, how all the stories entwined together and I would recommend All the Difference!
July 9, 2017
All the Difference
Struggled to get into this, took me a while to finish because I just kept getting bored. The characters were incredibly shallow and unlikable. I found a few things about the investigation of deaths lazily implausible. Not for me l, but as usual, I must have missed something or other readers have different ideas of a good story because it's rated highly by others so...
Struggled to get into this, took me a while to finish because I just kept getting bored. The characters were incredibly shallow and unlikable. I found a few things about the investigation of deaths lazily implausible. Not for me l, but as usual, I must have missed something or other readers have different ideas of a good story because it's rated highly by others so...
June 8, 2012
After reading "Here, Home, Hope," I couldn't wait to read Rouda's next book, All The Difference. It was a stunning novel that immediately drew me into the story, with the tragic pasts of all three main characters gradually revealed as the events of the book unfolded. It really is amazing what a difference one's childhood can have on the choices that we make as adults. Due to their various circumstances, the three main characters, Ellen, Laura and Angie were left with no moral compass. One abused as a child, one raised by con artists and the other abandoned to fend for herself at a young age. Only one is a murderer, though, and the answer will definitely surprise you!
August 21, 2017
Too many books, too little time to bother finishing this one. It honestly feels like reading a spellchecked first draft--it's nowhere near "book ready".
I've made it about a third through, and I cannot stomach anymore of this poorly written Desperate Housewives-y fan fiction.
The only reason I downloaded this book is because it was free, and the blurb that accompanied it sounded somewhat interesting. It, however, stopped there.
The characters are two dimensional, no character development, and I cannot bring myself to like any of the characters. They're all awful. The story drags on and on and on and on and o--it's like you're reading the story in real time--and it could have definitely been cut down to AT LEAST half of its size.
(Also, the author cannot write 'sexy', or a bloody sex scene, to save her life--"Michael told her she was unbelievable in bed. They’d done it three times so far, but she’d used her best sex performance. At least an A plus." FUCKING CRINGE.)
If I could give this book a half star--or no stars, I would in a heartbeat. I don't understand how there are so many good reviews for this book--I'm embarrassed to include this not-even-half-read attempt to my 'read' pile. (I'll extend my 2017 reading challenge by +1 to make up for it.)
I've made it about a third through, and I cannot stomach anymore of this poorly written Desperate Housewives-y fan fiction.
The only reason I downloaded this book is because it was free, and the blurb that accompanied it sounded somewhat interesting. It, however, stopped there.
The characters are two dimensional, no character development, and I cannot bring myself to like any of the characters. They're all awful. The story drags on and on and on and on and o--it's like you're reading the story in real time--and it could have definitely been cut down to AT LEAST half of its size.
(Also, the author cannot write 'sexy', or a bloody sex scene, to save her life--"Michael told her she was unbelievable in bed. They’d done it three times so far, but she’d used her best sex performance. At least an A plus." FUCKING CRINGE.)
If I could give this book a half star--or no stars, I would in a heartbeat. I don't understand how there are so many good reviews for this book--I'm embarrassed to include this not-even-half-read attempt to my 'read' pile. (I'll extend my 2017 reading challenge by +1 to make up for it.)
July 17, 2017
SPOILERS AHEAD! I'm surprised at the ratings this book has. Thank goodness it was a free Kindle download and I didn't pay any money for it.
It was so poorly written and the big twist at the end is not really a twist since the killer starts suddenly acting manipulatively. It didn't make sense for her to make a turn around like that when her sections were written from her point of view. Ah well, another notch on my 2017 challenge.
It was so poorly written and the big twist at the end is not really a twist since the killer starts suddenly acting manipulatively. It didn't make sense for her to make a turn around like that when her sections were written from her point of view. Ah well, another notch on my 2017 challenge.
July 21, 2017
No idea why so many people like this. Not a single character is likable in the least. Dialogue and random relationships between people are odd. Nothing is the least bit realistic. Some say it's a murder mystery but that's really only the last third of the book, and it's pretty obvious. Can't count how many times I rolled my eyes. Almost gave up on it several times. All of a sudden it just ends - but I can't say I wasn't grateful.
July 19, 2024
1.5 stars
It took me forever to finish this. I love Kaira Rouda books and was incredibly disappointed with this one. If I hadn't committed to reading it for multiple challenges. It would have been a DNF.
It took me forever to finish this. I love Kaira Rouda books and was incredibly disappointed with this one. If I hadn't committed to reading it for multiple challenges. It would have been a DNF.
June 20, 2012
Even with all the characters in the beginning causing me a lot of confusion, I found this story to be A+ reading. The depth of the characters, the realities of their pasts and struggles were all written incredibly well. Laura as the type A personality without much care for anyone else, had a perfect history to show how she became as self-centered as she was. Angie, the waitress, was ridiculously silly, young, and naive. She'll never really be much of anybody, but she's the kind of character you end up loving for their stupidity. Ellen is the reclusive homebody, who's never quite been able to find herself, and seems to live completely in her husbands shadow. All the other women of mention in the book are as well done as the the three main characters, especially Maddie, who I feel should have been one of the mains.
The story starts out with Janet walking in on her husband cheating on her, and while Janet is never a main character, she's an important one whom all the women look up to. After this complicated incident, things just start getting worse for this circle of friends. Or is it better, since they all seem to love the intrigue and gossip of it all. Anyway, an important man of the community and husband of a main character dies in suspicious circumstances, and then after another untimely death, suspicion begins to fall on each of the main characters. As their stories unravel, you begin to see that they all may have had motive, and question who is the killer. The surprise unveiling of the culprit was well guarded for most the book, and was not easily seem before the author wanted us to. It was my guess, but I loved the way the other characters never really saw it. Great book, read it if you want a good female friendly murder mystery.
The story starts out with Janet walking in on her husband cheating on her, and while Janet is never a main character, she's an important one whom all the women look up to. After this complicated incident, things just start getting worse for this circle of friends. Or is it better, since they all seem to love the intrigue and gossip of it all. Anyway, an important man of the community and husband of a main character dies in suspicious circumstances, and then after another untimely death, suspicion begins to fall on each of the main characters. As their stories unravel, you begin to see that they all may have had motive, and question who is the killer. The surprise unveiling of the culprit was well guarded for most the book, and was not easily seem before the author wanted us to. It was my guess, but I loved the way the other characters never really saw it. Great book, read it if you want a good female friendly murder mystery.
April 18, 2012
Three different women, three different choices in lifestyles, one murderer ... the men of Grandville aren't safe from one of these women.
Kaira Rouda takes the readers for a suspenseful thrill ride with her second novel, All The Difference. The story is about three very different types of women: the mother figure, the power figure and the hooker. The author weaves a story that reads like a modern day Peyton Place. The intriguing storyline is filled with enough suspense that keeps the reader captivated and guessing what will happen next, and who the killer is right up to the very end. With intertwining subplots of deception, adultery, betrayal, jealousy, scandal, heartache and murder; it is a fascinating look at how devious a person can really be. The chapters alternate between the present time with flashbacks of a haunting childhood of one of the women, but the reader is kept guessing which woman had such a horrifying childhood until the end of the story. There were so many characters in this story that I had to write them down to keep them straight, but the author does a brilliant job of intertwining all of their lives, and all of the pieces of the puzzle come together in a very thrilling, suspenseful and surprising ending.
All The Difference is an entertaining suspense thriller that keeps the reader holding their breath from beginning to end. This second novel is a departure from the author's first novel, Here, Home, Hope, but she has provided her fans with an exciting new twist to her writing style. For fans of women's fiction and chick lit genres, this isn't your classic romance novel, it is a romantic suspense thriller that you should definitely put on your reading list!
Disclaimer: At the request of the author and Chick Lit Plus, a PDF edition of the book was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review and participation in the virtual book tour event.
Virtual Book Tour Event: On Wednesday, April 18, 2012, in association with Chick Lit Plus, author Kaira Rouda participated in a virtual book tour event with an Author Guest Post on Jersey Girl Book Reviews.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Kaira Rouda takes the readers for a suspenseful thrill ride with her second novel, All The Difference. The story is about three very different types of women: the mother figure, the power figure and the hooker. The author weaves a story that reads like a modern day Peyton Place. The intriguing storyline is filled with enough suspense that keeps the reader captivated and guessing what will happen next, and who the killer is right up to the very end. With intertwining subplots of deception, adultery, betrayal, jealousy, scandal, heartache and murder; it is a fascinating look at how devious a person can really be. The chapters alternate between the present time with flashbacks of a haunting childhood of one of the women, but the reader is kept guessing which woman had such a horrifying childhood until the end of the story. There were so many characters in this story that I had to write them down to keep them straight, but the author does a brilliant job of intertwining all of their lives, and all of the pieces of the puzzle come together in a very thrilling, suspenseful and surprising ending.
All The Difference is an entertaining suspense thriller that keeps the reader holding their breath from beginning to end. This second novel is a departure from the author's first novel, Here, Home, Hope, but she has provided her fans with an exciting new twist to her writing style. For fans of women's fiction and chick lit genres, this isn't your classic romance novel, it is a romantic suspense thriller that you should definitely put on your reading list!
Disclaimer: At the request of the author and Chick Lit Plus, a PDF edition of the book was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review and participation in the virtual book tour event.
Virtual Book Tour Event: On Wednesday, April 18, 2012, in association with Chick Lit Plus, author Kaira Rouda participated in a virtual book tour event with an Author Guest Post on Jersey Girl Book Reviews.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
June 17, 2021
Desperate Housewives meet the Kardashians - trash. Ms Rouda should be ashamed to have her name on the cover of this book. Vivid sex, horrible child abuse and a plot beyond ridiculous. I didn’t think it could get any worse as I kept reading, but it did! I can’t believe I finished it - shouldn’t have bothered.
It was very confusing, you actually needed a diagram to keep track of the characters and who was sleeping with which husband. I had a tough time keeping all those women/men and their lovers straight 👎
The term is anchors aweigh (to pull up) not away!! Where are the editors?
STOP HERE FOR SPOILER QUESTIONS:
Where was Addy (who she never leaves for 2 seconds) when Ellen is out in a rowboat with Ron? Taser? Did the police just ignore all the clues?
Unless she comes up with a new psychological thriller, I’m through with Kaira Rouda!
It was very confusing, you actually needed a diagram to keep track of the characters and who was sleeping with which husband. I had a tough time keeping all those women/men and their lovers straight 👎
The term is anchors aweigh (to pull up) not away!! Where are the editors?
STOP HERE FOR SPOILER QUESTIONS:
Where was Addy (who she never leaves for 2 seconds) when Ellen is out in a rowboat with Ron? Taser? Did the police just ignore all the clues?
Unless she comes up with a new psychological thriller, I’m through with Kaira Rouda!
July 23, 2017
I cannot understand how this book managed to get so many good reviews, I'm not convinced I was reading the same book. Characters very one-dimensional; uninteresting and drawn-out plot-line (using the word "plot" loosely). Sorry, not for me.
May 7, 2012
This book tells the story of three women whose choices and actions affect each others lives. It is more complicated than it sounds though. Two of them sleep with the other woman's husband, and then one day he is killed. It initially appears to be an accident, but it seems some people have their doubts about that.
This was a very entertaining book and I was able to read it very quickly. I was anxious to find out what was going on, and I liked how the writing kept me engaged in the story. There was a lot of deceit and betrayal in this book. These women all had their own best interests in mind and didn't care what they did to each other.
I thought all of the characters were well written and developed. As much as I disliked the personalities of a couple of characters (Michael and Angie), I found them very realistic. The plot was full of twists, and while I was sure I had the culprit figured out I was still second guessing myself a few times. The ending was a bit of a surprise and a little creepy!
The only downside for me was that there were a lot of characters to keep track of and sometimes that distracted me from the story.
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads. Thank you!
This was a very entertaining book and I was able to read it very quickly. I was anxious to find out what was going on, and I liked how the writing kept me engaged in the story. There was a lot of deceit and betrayal in this book. These women all had their own best interests in mind and didn't care what they did to each other.
I thought all of the characters were well written and developed. As much as I disliked the personalities of a couple of characters (Michael and Angie), I found them very realistic. The plot was full of twists, and while I was sure I had the culprit figured out I was still second guessing myself a few times. The ending was a bit of a surprise and a little creepy!
The only downside for me was that there were a lot of characters to keep track of and sometimes that distracted me from the story.
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads. Thank you!
July 30, 2017
Ugh! The attractive cover and free Kindle download suckered me into this book, but they couldn't sustain me. I stopped reading 25% of the way in. Far too many characters, all shallow and stereotypical "types", to keep straight. The storyline, such as it was, seemed pointless, and although it might have improved if I'd stuck with it longer, I didn't want to invest any more time in a book that didn't engage my interest in any way. Sometimes I enjoy "chick lit" and contemporary fiction, but not this time.
December 7, 2018
Verdacht
Sie sind starke Frauen. Janet, die ihren Mann verlässt, nachdem er sie betrogen hat. Ellen, die sich wieder einen Job sucht, nachdem sie erfahren hat, dass sie keine Kinder bekommen kann. Francis, die nach ihrer Scheidung durchstartet. Laura, erfolgreich im Nachrichten TV. Maddie, erfolgreich als Kolumnistin. Sie sind auch sehr unterschiedliche Frauen, die einen sehen mehr den beruflichen Erfolg, während andere sich eine Familie wünschen. Und dann ist da noch Lauras Wohnungspartnerin und Kellnerin Angie, die eigenartigerweise gerade die Ehemänner einiger der anderen besser kennt. Ausgerechnet sie ist in der Gesellschaft eines dieser Ehemänner, als dieser bei einem Unfall mit einem Grill zu Tode kommt.
Kleine Rückblicke in die Vergangenheit schüren einen Verdacht. Sie sind jedoch so geschickt eingestreut, dass eine vermeintlich klare Sache mit immer größerer Unsicherheit betrachtet wird. Wer sind die Frauen? Worauf gründet ihre Freundschaft oder auch ihre Feindschaft? Nicht alle sind miteinander befreundet. Welcher Art sind die unterschwelligen Beziehungen? In welche Richtung gehen die oberflächlichen Strömungen? Männer sind da häufig echt einfacher gestrickt, sie geben eine klare Kante. Die Metamitteilungen zwischen Frauen sind dagegen manchmal schwer zu lesen.
In ihrem bereits 2012 erschienen Roman macht es die Autorin den Lesern nicht ganz leicht. So richtig sympathisch werden ihre Heldinnen bis auf wenige Ausnahmen nicht. Und die Männer kommen noch schlechter weg, denn meist wirken sie wie Frauenverächter, die schließlich nur auf Sex aus sind. Man ist geneigt, sich doch wieder auf die Seite der Frauen zu schlagen, denen man etwas besseres wünscht. Aber sollten sie da nicht selbst aktiv werden? Aufstehen? Offen und ehrlich und nicht nur hintenrum und Strippen ziehend? So wie man es häufiger antrifft zieht sich dieses Buch am Anfang etwas, doch man sollte nicht aufgeben, denn je weiter man liest, desto mehr genießt man das Verwirrspiel, dem einen die Autorin unterzieht. Möglicherweise möchte man nur wenige der Akteure näher kennenlernen, doch diesen durchaus ansprechenden Thriller wird man schon in positiver Erinnerung behalten.
3,5 Sterne
Sie sind starke Frauen. Janet, die ihren Mann verlässt, nachdem er sie betrogen hat. Ellen, die sich wieder einen Job sucht, nachdem sie erfahren hat, dass sie keine Kinder bekommen kann. Francis, die nach ihrer Scheidung durchstartet. Laura, erfolgreich im Nachrichten TV. Maddie, erfolgreich als Kolumnistin. Sie sind auch sehr unterschiedliche Frauen, die einen sehen mehr den beruflichen Erfolg, während andere sich eine Familie wünschen. Und dann ist da noch Lauras Wohnungspartnerin und Kellnerin Angie, die eigenartigerweise gerade die Ehemänner einiger der anderen besser kennt. Ausgerechnet sie ist in der Gesellschaft eines dieser Ehemänner, als dieser bei einem Unfall mit einem Grill zu Tode kommt.
Kleine Rückblicke in die Vergangenheit schüren einen Verdacht. Sie sind jedoch so geschickt eingestreut, dass eine vermeintlich klare Sache mit immer größerer Unsicherheit betrachtet wird. Wer sind die Frauen? Worauf gründet ihre Freundschaft oder auch ihre Feindschaft? Nicht alle sind miteinander befreundet. Welcher Art sind die unterschwelligen Beziehungen? In welche Richtung gehen die oberflächlichen Strömungen? Männer sind da häufig echt einfacher gestrickt, sie geben eine klare Kante. Die Metamitteilungen zwischen Frauen sind dagegen manchmal schwer zu lesen.
In ihrem bereits 2012 erschienen Roman macht es die Autorin den Lesern nicht ganz leicht. So richtig sympathisch werden ihre Heldinnen bis auf wenige Ausnahmen nicht. Und die Männer kommen noch schlechter weg, denn meist wirken sie wie Frauenverächter, die schließlich nur auf Sex aus sind. Man ist geneigt, sich doch wieder auf die Seite der Frauen zu schlagen, denen man etwas besseres wünscht. Aber sollten sie da nicht selbst aktiv werden? Aufstehen? Offen und ehrlich und nicht nur hintenrum und Strippen ziehend? So wie man es häufiger antrifft zieht sich dieses Buch am Anfang etwas, doch man sollte nicht aufgeben, denn je weiter man liest, desto mehr genießt man das Verwirrspiel, dem einen die Autorin unterzieht. Möglicherweise möchte man nur wenige der Akteure näher kennenlernen, doch diesen durchaus ansprechenden Thriller wird man schon in positiver Erinnerung behalten.
3,5 Sterne
October 13, 2017
Black Widow meets Peyton Place meets... ?
The choices we make... good and bad... make all the difference. Some people learn this early on in life...some later... and some never.
All The Difference is a well-paced domestic suspense thriller that will keep you up til the wee hours of the morning... "just one more chapter; I promise"... as you race to its shocking conclusion. Sex, murder, betrayal, intrigue make this truly a "can't-put-down" book.
Written with panache and a well-rounded cast of characters, All The Difference is a "must-read" I recommend without hesitation. Kaira Rouda never disappoints and All The Difference is no exception.
The choices we make... good and bad... make all the difference. Some people learn this early on in life...some later... and some never.
All The Difference is a well-paced domestic suspense thriller that will keep you up til the wee hours of the morning... "just one more chapter; I promise"... as you race to its shocking conclusion. Sex, murder, betrayal, intrigue make this truly a "can't-put-down" book.
Written with panache and a well-rounded cast of characters, All The Difference is a "must-read" I recommend without hesitation. Kaira Rouda never disappoints and All The Difference is no exception.
September 15, 2018
Have you ever considered who you would be, or where you would have ended if you had made different choices in your life? That’s what this story is about, the choices and consequences that befall the characters. There was plenty of greed and selfishness to keep me guessing who the murderer was, or if it was just coincidence. One thing is for sure, whichever way you see it, it made for an interesting read.
March 2, 2018
I think this was just a bargain ebook download I came across. It was pleasantly surprising! I loved the mystery and the fact that it kept me guessing right to the end even though I was pretty sure who the guilty party was. There were enough times throughout the book that left me thinking...”maybe it’s not, maybe it’s...” easy read, and entertaining!
May 16, 2012
http://anovelreview.blogspot.com/2012...
Kaira Rouda, author of Here, Home, Hope, takes us back to Grandville in her newest release, All The Difference. We are introduced to a number of new residents and someone has a secret. Unlike Rouda’s first novel, this one is darker and mysterious. Throughout the novel we not only learn about these new characters there are also flashbacks for one young girl and we don’t know who it is.
Three women entangled with the same two men makes for some pretty interesting reading. There is Laura, a tv anchor who has no intention of sticking around Grandville. She is waiting to break into a big city television station and she isn’t afraid to step on anyone’s back she needs to in order to get her to the top.
Then there is Angie, Laura’s roommate. She knows what she wants out of life too and she’s willing to lay on her back to get her dream life. Angie appears to be young and a little naive, but she doesn’t care who gets hurt in the process of finding her Mr. Right.
Last there is Ellen. Ellen is making a home for her and her husband and wishing for a baby of her own. Poor thing is married to a tomcat that doesn’t really care if she likes it or not. Ellen realizing her dreams might not come true decides to go back to work and find happiness. The only thing these three women have in common are two men—two men that will change their lives!
Kaira has written another great book! I really enjoyed All The Difference. I will say at the beginning there are a number of characters and situations setting up, I did struggle with getting everyone straight at first. By the time I was finished reading I couldn’t help but feel like Grandville is a little like Knots Landing (ok aged myself a little). I hope Rouda continues to visit Grandville and we get to see more and more out of these characters! I loved the dual mystery going on in the story. Who is having the flashbacks and was there a murderer? The more I read the harder I found putting the book down. A recommend! And you don’t have to read Here, Home, Hope first, but I also recommend you read it!
Kaira Rouda, author of Here, Home, Hope, takes us back to Grandville in her newest release, All The Difference. We are introduced to a number of new residents and someone has a secret. Unlike Rouda’s first novel, this one is darker and mysterious. Throughout the novel we not only learn about these new characters there are also flashbacks for one young girl and we don’t know who it is.
Three women entangled with the same two men makes for some pretty interesting reading. There is Laura, a tv anchor who has no intention of sticking around Grandville. She is waiting to break into a big city television station and she isn’t afraid to step on anyone’s back she needs to in order to get her to the top.
Then there is Angie, Laura’s roommate. She knows what she wants out of life too and she’s willing to lay on her back to get her dream life. Angie appears to be young and a little naive, but she doesn’t care who gets hurt in the process of finding her Mr. Right.
Last there is Ellen. Ellen is making a home for her and her husband and wishing for a baby of her own. Poor thing is married to a tomcat that doesn’t really care if she likes it or not. Ellen realizing her dreams might not come true decides to go back to work and find happiness. The only thing these three women have in common are two men—two men that will change their lives!
Kaira has written another great book! I really enjoyed All The Difference. I will say at the beginning there are a number of characters and situations setting up, I did struggle with getting everyone straight at first. By the time I was finished reading I couldn’t help but feel like Grandville is a little like Knots Landing (ok aged myself a little). I hope Rouda continues to visit Grandville and we get to see more and more out of these characters! I loved the dual mystery going on in the story. Who is having the flashbacks and was there a murderer? The more I read the harder I found putting the book down. A recommend! And you don’t have to read Here, Home, Hope first, but I also recommend you read it!
February 14, 2013
Kaira Rouda has a gift for engaging storytelling. All The Difference was a wonderful weekend read, that had me turning the pages to find out what happens next. I was captivated by the intertwined story lines that seamlessly wove adultery, betrayal, deceit, jealousy, murder, and reinvention in suburbia. All The Difference had me guessing who the murderer actually was until the last page. Although looking back, subtle clues were cleverly laid throughout the story, the twist and turns kept me guessing until the last page.
Kaira Rouda brilliantly captures the drama and scandals of suburbia, where nothing is quite as it seems. Her cast of characters, were rich, diverse, and beautifully developed. I loved the running theme throughout the story of choices and consequences, and how the each choice can make All The Difference.
I find myself eagerly awaiting her next book. Yes, there's a tantalizing preview at the end of the book.
Kaira Rouda brilliantly captures the drama and scandals of suburbia, where nothing is quite as it seems. Her cast of characters, were rich, diverse, and beautifully developed. I loved the running theme throughout the story of choices and consequences, and how the each choice can make All The Difference.
I find myself eagerly awaiting her next book. Yes, there's a tantalizing preview at the end of the book.
April 29, 2012
First, I have to say that I won this book through the Goodreads giveaway contest, and I am very glad that I did. Thank you to the author for the autographed copy. It is an excellent book. It is the story of 3 women in one town that is filled with lies, sexual misconduct, cheating and eventually, murder.
It is a real who-dun-it. The book keeps the reader guessing, right up to the end. Both my wife and I both enjoyed this book greatly.
If I have one pet peeve with the book, it is the number of characters in the book. There are a lot of people to keep track of, but this is strictly a personal problem with me, not the book. The book is written very realistically, just it would have happened in real life. I have to admire the author for being able to keep every one straight. All in all a very good read.
It is a real who-dun-it. The book keeps the reader guessing, right up to the end. Both my wife and I both enjoyed this book greatly.
If I have one pet peeve with the book, it is the number of characters in the book. There are a lot of people to keep track of, but this is strictly a personal problem with me, not the book. The book is written very realistically, just it would have happened in real life. I have to admire the author for being able to keep every one straight. All in all a very good read.
November 26, 2012
I love a good twistie-turner on film, but a suspense novel is not what I normally chose to read. Still, Kaira Rouda kept me going in All the Difference with her clever plotting and crisp writing style. What a wicked web she weaves with believable characters whose lives intersect in fascinating ways. A waitress on the prowl for the prince who will save her from a dull reality; a hard-driving news anchor cat-fighting her way to the top; and the house- bound wife of a womanizer are the lynch pins of the story set in a smallish town in Ohio. The under tow of a dark tale told simultaneously in italics gives many clues to who is behind the multiple murders that take place. I enjoyed Kaira’s insight into a world I know little about. I think this story renders itself nicely to film adaptation. Many less deserving stories have made there way to the silver screen.
April 19, 2012
ALL THE DIFFERENCE left me reeling. I was immediately drawn in by each one of the characters stories. Rouda masterfully wove the stories of these compelling and, at times, ruthless women into a novel that kept you turning pages.
Adultery, lies, friendship, marriage and murder mixed with the one thing that made all the difference to these women in their lives is the center of this novel.
Rouda may have left small clues throughout the book, but I was constantly thrown for a loop while reading this novel. Then came the very last paragraph and I may, quite literally, have held my breath the whole time I was reading it....wow is all I can say.
Pick up your copy of ALL THE DIFFERENCE to read an original novel with depth and spunk. I rate this book 4 stars!
Adultery, lies, friendship, marriage and murder mixed with the one thing that made all the difference to these women in their lives is the center of this novel.
Rouda may have left small clues throughout the book, but I was constantly thrown for a loop while reading this novel. Then came the very last paragraph and I may, quite literally, have held my breath the whole time I was reading it....wow is all I can say.
Pick up your copy of ALL THE DIFFERENCE to read an original novel with depth and spunk. I rate this book 4 stars!
May 7, 2012
I'd like to give this book 3.5 stars.... Maybe one day GR will give the 1/2 star option. I liked how there was this mysterious back story going on that kept you guessing about who they were talking about and where it was going. One thing that was a little hard for me was keeping track of all the characters that were introduced at the beginning but about 1/3 of the way through, I was finally able to keep them straight. lol
The book has love, hate, betrayal, sex and intrigue. You think you're getting chick-lit and end up with a murder mystery. There was one sentence in the book that helped me with the mystery so I had it figured out but if you don't catch that, this book is going to leave you guessing until the very end... so many possible motives.
Thanks for a good book Kaira!
The book has love, hate, betrayal, sex and intrigue. You think you're getting chick-lit and end up with a murder mystery. There was one sentence in the book that helped me with the mystery so I had it figured out but if you don't catch that, this book is going to leave you guessing until the very end... so many possible motives.
Thanks for a good book Kaira!
March 7, 2016
I thought that this book was entertaining and a fast read. I liked the mystery weaved throughout the book and also the short blurbs about a young girl that was abused as she was growing up and trying to guess which three women it was about. This book shows the effect of trauma during childhood and how it could contribute to how a person is as an adult. I really enjoyed reading this book.
October 21, 2021
What did I just attempt to read?
What was this? The first few pages were okay. But by page 50 I felt like there were a 100 different characters. Yes. An exaggerated thought! I could not follow the plot. I gave up. Skipped way ahead. That didn't help. Sorry about this everyone. Just not for me.
What was this? The first few pages were okay. But by page 50 I felt like there were a 100 different characters. Yes. An exaggerated thought! I could not follow the plot. I gave up. Skipped way ahead. That didn't help. Sorry about this everyone. Just not for me.
April 30, 2012
I won this wonderful novel at Goodreads! All the Difference by Kaira Rouda is one of the best little stories I have read lately. The author cleverly combines elements from chick-lit and murder mystery. I loved it!
September 9, 2017
I rarely write reviews, just rate the books. But this really wasn't great. Too many characters in the first few chapters. Storyline wasn't interesting. Spent the book waiting for it to be over (I always read to the end!)
July 15, 2015
Excellent storyline.
The author keeps you guessing throughout the entire book. Very well written. Good book to relax and read anywhere. Enjoy the journey.
The author keeps you guessing throughout the entire book. Very well written. Good book to relax and read anywhere. Enjoy the journey.
September 26, 2017
I'm not completely sure what I just read. This was the most scatter-brained book I have ever read. I don't know why I even bothered to finish it.
May 7, 2021
All The Difference follows the lives of three women and the choices they make. Each one of these characters choices causes a chain reaction with the others linking them together.
Laura Mercer is the News anchor for Channel 5. She’s a driven-work-oriented woman with dreams of making it big. Janet Jones is a real estate agent. She’s a career-driven woman who devoted her time training her husband making them the best real estate team. Angie Brown is a waitress and a real estate assistant. She’s the town w-hore ruining marriages. Madeline Wilson is an editor for the Journal. She’s a working-class woman who writes in the society column spreading gossip. Ellen Anderson is a married childless housewife. She’s the desirable kept young woman that is alluring to men.
I know I’m suppose to be following the lives of three women, yet I haven’t determined which of the female characters introduced thus far I’m suppose to focus on. The story dives deep into each of these characters lives bombarding the reader with information. I’m waiting for these characters to get settled into their individual roles before processing all the information. Its taking me longer than I thought to sort thru the details, but when I finally organized my thoughts I found the subtle hints of suspicion quite fascinating.
I liked the dark humor in her diabolical characters. Kaira kept me guessing the entire time in this who-dun-it story.
Although, I struggled in the beginning with Kaira introducing a wide range of characters I did enjoy trying to solve the murder mystery. I had to train my brain to stop focusing on the three characters and just accept the information given. It was a well written story. It was easy to read even with its complexity of character introductions.
This was her second published book. While it wasn’t my favorite of hers I’m not yet done exploring her backlist of books. I just discovered her books.
Laura Mercer is the News anchor for Channel 5. She’s a driven-work-oriented woman with dreams of making it big. Janet Jones is a real estate agent. She’s a career-driven woman who devoted her time training her husband making them the best real estate team. Angie Brown is a waitress and a real estate assistant. She’s the town w-hore ruining marriages. Madeline Wilson is an editor for the Journal. She’s a working-class woman who writes in the society column spreading gossip. Ellen Anderson is a married childless housewife. She’s the desirable kept young woman that is alluring to men.
I know I’m suppose to be following the lives of three women, yet I haven’t determined which of the female characters introduced thus far I’m suppose to focus on. The story dives deep into each of these characters lives bombarding the reader with information. I’m waiting for these characters to get settled into their individual roles before processing all the information. Its taking me longer than I thought to sort thru the details, but when I finally organized my thoughts I found the subtle hints of suspicion quite fascinating.
I liked the dark humor in her diabolical characters. Kaira kept me guessing the entire time in this who-dun-it story.
Although, I struggled in the beginning with Kaira introducing a wide range of characters I did enjoy trying to solve the murder mystery. I had to train my brain to stop focusing on the three characters and just accept the information given. It was a well written story. It was easy to read even with its complexity of character introductions.
This was her second published book. While it wasn’t my favorite of hers I’m not yet done exploring her backlist of books. I just discovered her books.
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