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It's Always the Husband

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Nestled on the edge of Hope Ridge, Pennsylvania, is an exclusive, upscale neighborhood called The Heights. From the outside, the residents of The Heights lead a charmed life, enjoying a lavish lifestyle in their grand homes, but behind closed doors they all have secrets.

When true crime buff, Bella Wright, moves into the neighborhood with her husband, Jack, she makes fast friends with her neighbors. The women of The Heights waste no time sharing their problems with Bella. Her kind, empathetic nature makes her a perfect sounding board.

While being a good listener has its advantages, being the only one who knows worrisome, private information is overwhelming to Bella.

Every husband in The Heights has something to hide. Every wife is living a lie.

If only someone had discovered the biggest secret before it was too late.

PUBLISHER NOTE: A Small-Town Thriller containing adult language, violence, and sexual themes. 56,000 words.

Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2023

3 people are currently reading
548 people want to read

About the author

Rosemary Willhide

19 books416 followers
Rosemary is an actress, turned fitness instructor, turned author of romantic suspense.

She's told stories and entertained people her entire life. Writing is her favorite because she doesn't have to leave the house or put on pants! Plus, the voices in her head do what she says, for the most part!

She lives in Las Vegas with her husband, Bill and their adopted senior pooch, Brownie. She still teaches cycling classes. She claims they keep her sane-ish!

If you pick up one of her books you're in for a ride full of suspense, humor and page turning drama. Also, there will be a rescue dog for some extra tail wagging fun.

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5 stars
86 (47%)
4 stars
53 (29%)
3 stars
22 (12%)
2 stars
14 (7%)
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7 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird.
1,398 reviews103 followers
September 15, 2023
I had never previously read any from this author, but was kindly approached for a review, and the book sounded right up my alley!
This was so great! Fast paced, twisty, and I didn't know who to trust or suspect!
There are a lot of characters, and their partners to keep track of, but the author does a great job of reminding the readers who is with who.
I was so impressed by this book, and would happily read more from the author!
Profile Image for Devons book corner.
1,423 reviews39 followers
October 8, 2023
I have fallen in love with Rosemary's books, and whenever I get the chance to get my hands on one, I devoure it (like called in sick to work so I could binge read this lol 🤫🤫). I have always loved a good mystery/thriller story, and she absolutely 100% knocks it out of the park and delivers every single time. I love how just when I think I have it figured out, I'm blindsided every time as well. I also loved how we got some of the characters from the other books in this one. This book flows so nicely and is a quick read. The characters are unique and interesting, and the plot is gripping and intriguing. Guys, if you haven't read any okof Rosemary's books yet, what the hell are you doing with your life?? You are missing out big time, and that needs to change lol. Go check out the Hope Ridge series today, and be prepared to fall in love and be shocked with every book.
Profile Image for J.L. Hyde.
Author 10 books1,289 followers
July 13, 2023
I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of Willhide's upcoming thriller and really enjoyed it. Short chapters, not unnecessarily wordy, and had a twist that I didn't see coming!
Profile Image for Heather Perrott.
16 reviews3 followers
August 29, 2023
Rosemary Willhide has done it again! So much unexpectedness. Twists that I didn't see coming. I did not want to set It's Always The Husband down! From the sweet dedication to the final page my attention was occupied. It's Always The Husband would be at the top of my pile of books to take on a deserted island (as well as all the Hope Ridge Thrillers). I highly recommend this for a read to those who love a thriller with a touch of true crime and whole lot of intrigue.
Profile Image for Irene Jonker.
138 reviews12 followers
July 23, 2023
Let me tell you I'm not going to spoil this ,the book will definitely keep you thinking and when you reach to the conclusion ha you'll be like heck no 😂😂😂 men was I all wrong 😂😂.
Great great book, Wow this author has one heck of an imagination, seriously if you haven not read any of Rosemary Willhide s books start with this one you will get hooked,is in pre-order omg purchase this book you will not regret there's so many twists in this book you will be like guessing who'd is the corprit.

Happy reading Rosemary Willhide keep in coming bless day on your release in Sept 15th have a ball And readers enjoy
This book you will definitely love this book.
Profile Image for Nicole Dunton.
1,419 reviews36 followers
September 25, 2023
Title: It's Always the Husband
Author: Rosemary Willhide
Release Date: September 15th, 2023
Page Count: 227
Format: ebook
Start Date: September 16th, 2023
Finish Date: September 21st, 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:

I've been excited about this book since I read the third book. This is the second book that I've read by this author. I can promise you that it won't be the last. I plan to read all of the author's back log and any book she releases in the future when I'm able to. This author has a way of drawing you in and then smacking you with twists and turns. Once I thought I figured it out, I was smacked with a curve ball.

I also want to comment on the fact that something that happened in the third book is referenced in this book. I am not going to say what. I will say that it was something that has nagged at me since I finished the book. That's all that anybody needs to know until they read the book for themselves.

I'm going to be honest, there was a big part that I kind of guessed. Just because of certain key words that were brought up through the book that kind of made it obvious. That being said, I mean obvious to ME. Not obvious in general. I'm sure that there will be a lot of people who are smacked by it. That's the ONLY thing I was able to figure out about the entire book though.
Profile Image for Michelle.
4 reviews
January 1, 2024
This was a great book where you don't know who to trust and trust no one. It's a twisty thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat and the pages turning, I would highly recommend!
Profile Image for Crystal Solis.
383 reviews22 followers
August 4, 2023
I was fortunate enough to get an early peek at Rosemary Willhide’s coming book, Its Always the Husband, due out on September 15th of this year. it was so good, like James Patterson eat your heart out good. I read this book slowly because I hadn’t read any of the other books in the series, so I basically went in blind just knowing it was a mystery thriller. To be honest, I feel like what I got was so much more. This book was so well written, a real meat and potatoes type with out all of the extra fluff.
In this story we meet Bella Wright who moves into a new neighborhood and meets all of these new neighbors. She really a homebody, private type person who likes to keep to herself so when she gets invited to Wine Down Wednesday by her across the street neighbor, everything changes for her. Now she has these five new women in her life, along with their husbands. It’s so strange to her because although everyone seems nice up front, she can tell that it’s just a facade for most.
As I continued on reading I became more and more invested in these characters and could just imagine the worst of everyone and their situations. Almost to the point that I thought to myself, “Oh boy, this could get really bad”. Then like getting hit by a Mack truck while hauling booty down an empty highway we are hit with the hugest twist that I just never saw coming. To drive it even harder, the ending is just…unbelievable!
This was an amazing story, spun by an amazing storyteller. I cannot tell you enough how much you need to read this book. Shoot, I’m headed off myself to go back and read the rest of the series that came before this book.
1,829 reviews49 followers
August 11, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by Rosemary Willhide.

What a delightful, suspenseful, twisty and turny book. She had me fooled until the very end…I had my suspicions but she fooled me.

This is a quick read but is full of intriguing characters, an interesting plot and the perfect delivery of a wonderful thriller.

Looking forward to reading other books in Rosemary’s catalog.
Profile Image for Maryann Larucci-Troche.
382 reviews41 followers
July 23, 2025
I love books that stun the hell out of me!! Stories that carry me throughout their pages until I’m rocked off my feet. No surprise to say Rosemary Willhide did it again!!!!! For those of you who love reading Freida McFadden’s books, I’m pleased to introduce you to Rosemary Willhide!!!! If I were blind reading by braille, without knowing the author I was reading, I promise you I would tell anybody this must’ve been another McFadden book. This is my honest opinion, and this is my favorite book so far by Willhide!! You can believe I had no idea what was coming my way. I had some theories that weren’t even close to what happened. My theories are lost in space somewhere; being a detective is definitely not my forte, because this ending has slammed me into a wall I never knew I would crash into. Wow, wow, wow!!

There were SO MANY characters and stories. I was impressed by how Rosemary Willhide kept them in order. There were many moments I paused to ensure I had the correct stories belonging to the proper characters. I often wondered if I should take some notes not to get confused. I slowed down my reading to absorb each character and their stories, which helped me keep it all nicely organized in my mind. That alone was very, very impressive!!

I dislike giving the story away in reviews because I want the reader interested in the book to be just as shocked, surprised, knocked off their feet, and any other words of surprise as a reader is finishing this book.

I’ll give you many of the character names and let you decide.

MC: Mr. and Mrs. Bella (Annabelle) & Jack Wright

Bellas’s brother: Anthony
Anthony’s possible gf: Leigh (lawyer)

Jack and Bella’s neighbors: Mr. and. Mrs. Nicole and Dave Taylor with their two daughters - Emily and Sarah, Julie, Mr. and Mrs’s Mia and Samuel Wallace with his two sons - Martin and Mason, Mr. And Mrs. Catherine & Mick, Mr. and Mrs. Wendy & Dr. Lance Anderson (therapist), Abby & boyfriend Ethan with her dog - Brownie

Vanessa Paige: owner of Turn the Page Bookstore and boyfriend, Sheriff Max Brady

Dr. Perrot: therapist and associate with Dr. Anderson.

Happy Reading!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,077 reviews39 followers
September 17, 2023
What a good story. I love Rosemary's work. This story had me very intrigued qnd wanting more.
32 reviews
November 10, 2023
What did i just read...
The story line is absolutely fantastic..
The mind..does things...not all good... .or bad
The ending...holy
Profile Image for Simone Dyers.
153 reviews
July 18, 2023
This was an absolute whirlwind of suspense. At first the drama keeps you, but when the shoe drops, it sure doesn’t disappoint.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
298 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2023
Wow! Rosemary Willhide has given us another great addition to the Hope Ridge saga!

The author’s ability to incorporate twists that you NEVER see coming is astounding. And you are left thinking “wait, what just happened?”

And the characters…so interesting.
Profile Image for Elisa Daniels.
Author 18 books95 followers
July 9, 2025
It’s Always the Husband by Rosemary Willhide
First off, I just have to say… this author is so sweet, and it absolutely shines through in her storytelling!

Now onto the book… It’s Always the Husband totally gave me Desperate Housewives vibes (which I LOVED), and I finished it in one day. It did not disappoint! The twists? She got me 100%—I did not see them coming.

This is my second book by this author, and I’m officially hooked. Her ability to tell stories is just next-level. I’m starting the second book in the series right now, and I plan to grab the third as soon as it is released on July 11th so I can stay caught up.

If you haven’t read her books yet, what are you even doing? I highly recommend everything she writes!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
215 reviews
September 30, 2023
Bella Wright and her husband Jack move to an upscale neighborhood in Pennsylvania called Hope Ridge. Bella is a true crime fan and soon all the women in the neighborhood want to share their problems with her. Jack tells her that she should not get involved. As time goes on, she realizes that although she was trying to help, she is now caught in the middle of a web of lies and secrets. She should have stayed out of it all. This book was awesome. It contained the perfect mix of character personalities and situations. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Rachel Browning.
630 reviews11 followers
May 25, 2025
“It’s Always The Husband” by Rosemary Willhide, is a gripping read packed with secrets, deception, and jaw-dropping twists. Rosemary Willhide masterfully weaves a story where dark truths slowly unravel, keeping you hooked from start to finish. The suspense builds with each chapter, and just when you think you have it figured out, another shocking revelation hits. I couldn’t put it down—a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and domestic drama.
Profile Image for KKEC Reads.
1,069 reviews70 followers
September 16, 2023
Its Always the Husband by Rosemary Willhide

Published: September 15, 2023
Small Town Mysteries
Pages: 227
Genre: Domestic Thriller
KKECReads Rating:
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Rosemary Willhide is an actress turned fitness instructor turned author of romantic suspense. She's told stories and entertained people her entire life. Writing is her favorite because she doesn't have to leave the house or put on pants! Plus, the voices in her head do what she says, for the most part! She lives in Las Vegas with her husband, Bill, and their adopted senior pooch, Brownie. She still teaches cycling classes. She claims they keep her sane-ish! If you pick up one of her books, you're in for a ride full of suspense, humor, and page-turning drama. Also, there will be a rescue dog for some extra tail-wagging fun.

“And remember, I’ll always come home to you.”

I love how this story is told. The way things are subtly mentioned or slowly played upon. It builds the suspense so much!

The representation of “bored housewives” was so well represented here. The shallowness/pettiness of people was also well displayed. The cattiness and gossip were vicious, of course, hidden behind the charming smile of your friend.

The characters in the book are all so well-developed, and I loved how different they were. The way they moved throughout the plot and how their storylines evolved was clever.

I love that there was just enough consistent mystery to keep us guessing. The cat-and-mouse plotting of this storyline is intense and mysterious- until the pieces connect and leave you speechless.

I was fortunate to have been a beta reader for this book, and I am honored to see some of my suggestions helped give the story its final shape. I have so much respect and appreciation for Rosemary, and I am genuinely humbled that she trusted me with her book baby.
Profile Image for C.A. Powers.
Author 2 books73 followers
November 22, 2023
What a fantastic read!!
"It's Always the Husband" by Rosemary Willhide is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark secrets and hidden lives of the well to do residents of The Heights a neighborhood in Pennsylvania. Myself being from a small mountain town in PA I was excited to read this.

The story revolves around Bella Wright, a true crime enthusiast who moves into the neighborhood with her husband, Jack. Bella quickly becomes friends with her neighbors and becomes the go-to person for them to share their problems. And boy do they have problems. Bella figures it gives her something to do while her husband is away during the week, working in D.C.

Rosemary does an excellent job of creating a sense of intrigue and suspense right from the beginning. The reader is immediately drawn into the lives of the characters, each of whom seems to have something to hide. The constant feeling of tension and the underlying sense that something sinister is lurking beneath the surface keeps the reader engaged throughout the book.

I loved Bella's character. Her kind and empathetic nature make her the perfect confidante for her neighbors.

This book will keep you guessing until the very end. Just when you think you have figured out the biggest secret, a new twist is introduced, leaving you questioning everything you thought you knew. The pacing is excellent, with the suspense building steadily throughout the story, culminating in a shocking and satisfying conclusion.
Profile Image for Lorey.
445 reviews29 followers
September 20, 2023
Man, oh, man! Mic drop! Another riveting read by Rosemary Willhide! I was totally thrown off guard with this one. Addicting! Unforgettable!. This story was no different from the other ones I've read by Rosemary...she pulled me in right from the beginning...again, which is what I really want from a story. "It's Always the Husband" has a wonderful cast of characters. As I was reading I was trying to figure everything out. Boy! Did I have it all wrong. This story has all the drama and secrets of any neighborhood. Full of suspense and intrigue. I absolutely loved it! If you're looking for a thriller with twists and turns I highly recommend you run and grab this story. 5 stars!
Profile Image for Tish.
1,532 reviews5 followers
August 10, 2023
My jaw is on the floor!! And I'm at a loss for words but will do my best.

Very quickly I became a fan of this author's work, so much so that I'm very impatiently waiting for news of the next book. And this one wasn't any different, as soon as I heard about it, I was chomping at the bit to get my hands on it.

I was kept guessing throughout the entire book. Everytime I thought I knew what was happening, BAM, the direction completely shifted.

I was on the edge of myseat right up until the end....that ending had me completely shocked and mouth agaped.

I need more! ASAP!!
Profile Image for Patricia A.
202 reviews14 followers
August 15, 2023
Thank you to Rosemary Willhide for the opportunity to read It’s Always the Husband, to be published 15 September 2023. 5/5 Stars for this psychological thriller character study. And Bella was a character! She looms bright from the very beginning. She’s someone you’d want to get to know and would like a lot. The other ladies in the community are full of themselves and become fodder for Bella’s detective sleuthing. They just don’t know the half of it! So do they become listeners or only tellers of their own lives and what does Bella do with that information? Great read. #RosemaryWillhide
Profile Image for Barbara Jaros.
469 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2023
Rosemary Willhide brought her A-game do this mystery thriller. The Heights in Hope Ridge is filled with lies, back stabbing and duplicity. Bella Wright is the new wife in the neighborhood and befriends all the other wives. The narcissist women of the Heights only talk about themselves and tears each other down though and don't really get to know the real Bella, they only use her for her amateur sleuthing. Too bad for them.

I couldn't put his book down. I needed to know what would happen next and how it would end.
1,862 reviews32 followers
September 23, 2023
I simply could not put this book down. True crime enthusiast Bella is new to “The Heights” neighborhood. She is alone all week long because her husband stays in DC to work, only coming home on the weekends.

The neighborhood is filled with bored housewives and lots of drama. Still dealing with the grief from losing her parents, Bella tries not to get involved. But all the wives seem to keep telling her their secrets. What they don’t know is that Bella has some secrets of her own.

Brilliantly written! I was absolutely drawn in and did not figure out the twists. Just loved this.
Profile Image for Jennifer Bendel.
256 reviews86 followers
November 12, 2025
It’s always a relief when I enjoy a book by a new to me author. I loved the subtle desperate housewives vibes this book gives. I really liked Bella and how she wanted to always do the right thing. I guessed one big twist but I loved the twist so I didn’t mind. The end bummed me out a little but i don’t think Bella minded it. My only complaint was that the conversations didn’t sound realistic. A few times I got distracted thinking, people don’t actually talk like this. But overall a great read and I’ll be reading more by her.
Profile Image for Aimee.
196 reviews3 followers
September 29, 2023
This story was absolutely AMAZING!!! I dont know how to put it into words!! This story definitely keeps you wondering what's going to happen next. Bella and her husband Jack, and the rest of the neighborhood are quite interesting. Bella and Jack move into a nice neighborhood hoping for a fresh start. Get this book and you can find out more about Bella and Jack and the neighborhood. You won't be sorry amd if you like mystery, then definitely get this book!!!
Profile Image for Adrianna Gurgone.
20 reviews
November 14, 2023
Binge worthy doesn’t even credit it enough! I devoured it! I have become a HUGE fan of Rosemary Willhide and will continue to share her books with everyone. This story did not disappoint…. filled with chilling mysteries and page turning ‘need to know what happens nexts’. I love how the characters are so relatable and she always keeps you guessing!
Profile Image for Michelle.
1 review
November 15, 2023
This was recommended to me on a Facebook group I’m a part of by the author, and it did NOT disappoint!! What really makes a book good for me is a good ending and my god, this was ended well! The chapters were short, which I like. There wasn’t unnecessary “fluff” writing, it was to the point, which I like as well!! I’m definitely reading more books by this author!!
Profile Image for DS Book Promotions.
560 reviews13 followers
September 5, 2023
Amazing read! Rosemary is the QUEEN of mystery books!

I was hooked from the start. This had everything and just when you think you have it figured out Bam… massive plot twist that throws you in a completely different direction.

BRAVO 🙌
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
238 reviews6 followers
September 18, 2023
Oh my stars!!! Read this book, read this book now! Seriously put down everything else, bump this book to the top of your list and buckle up for this twisty tale! When I started I thought I had the whole thing figured out - I was wrong and now I am questioning everything! Highly recommend!

💙💙💙💙
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews

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