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A Happy Marriage
She’s planning the perfect wedding.
He’s planning the perfect alibi.
Cathy’s a wedding planner for the rich and famous. After she gets a contract to plan the wedding of the wealthiest couple in town, she knows her business will skyrocket if she does well.
Cathy’s husband has his own plans.
She presents her marriage as perfect. It’s better for business. Sometimes even Cathy believes her own lies. She knows things are not the best between her and her husband.
She didn’t realize how bad it truly was until it was too late.
A Happy Marriage is a psychological thrilling short story, perfect for fans of page-turning suspense novels. Included is an excerpt of James Caine’s best-selling book, The In-Laws.
He’s planning the perfect alibi.
Cathy’s a wedding planner for the rich and famous. After she gets a contract to plan the wedding of the wealthiest couple in town, she knows her business will skyrocket if she does well.
Cathy’s husband has his own plans.
She presents her marriage as perfect. It’s better for business. Sometimes even Cathy believes her own lies. She knows things are not the best between her and her husband.
She didn’t realize how bad it truly was until it was too late.
A Happy Marriage is a psychological thrilling short story, perfect for fans of page-turning suspense novels. Included is an excerpt of James Caine’s best-selling book, The In-Laws.
77 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2024
376 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
August 19, 2024
Never underestimate the power of vengeance. “Fool me once. He did it again. Fool me twice, and I guess I have to kill you.” This short story by James Caine pulled me in immediately. It’s original, entertaining, and had me racing to the satisfying conclusion. The plot is clever and unpredictable. Even though it was short, it was full of twists and very engaging. A big thanks to the author for my copy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 30, 2024
Another excellent story by James Caine. This one had quite a twist that I really enjoyed.
April 9, 2024
Short, but definitely not sweet. This story from James Caine packs quite the punch in just a few chapters, from the captivating prologue to the twisty ending! And despite its brevity, A HAPPY MARRIAGE introduces characters who are not only well-developed, but relatable. Cathy is a protagonist I found myself liking very much as the short story unfolded. I couldn’t help but be reminded that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!!
If you want an intense yet quick read filled with lots of twisty fun, interesting characters, and sweet revenge, you can’t go wrong with this short story.
If you want an intense yet quick read filled with lots of twisty fun, interesting characters, and sweet revenge, you can’t go wrong with this short story.
April 2, 2024
This is one of my go to authors and it was a nice short read but quite fun. Really enjoyable.
December 29, 2024
Ha! What a clever and twisty little tale.
April 7, 2024
I don't usually like short stories, but this had all of the twists and turns of a full length novel! Loved it.
October 31, 2024
My Review | My Recommendation
A Happy Marriage - James Caine
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
A really short read and it’s on Kindle for free. A story based on a women who’s a wedding planner with the suspicion her husband is cheating. A really short thriller, with an unexpected twist.
This was a fun read! But had so much potential to be more!
“I accomplished more than what was expected”
“Things will happen that you can’t plan for. Act accordingly”
“I need to make sure he’s loyal to me before I continue to give him my time”
“Fool me once. Then he did it again. Fool me twice, and I guess I have to kill you”
A Happy Marriage - James Caine
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
A really short read and it’s on Kindle for free. A story based on a women who’s a wedding planner with the suspicion her husband is cheating. A really short thriller, with an unexpected twist.
This was a fun read! But had so much potential to be more!
“I accomplished more than what was expected”
“Things will happen that you can’t plan for. Act accordingly”
“I need to make sure he’s loyal to me before I continue to give him my time”
“Fool me once. Then he did it again. Fool me twice, and I guess I have to kill you”
April 19, 2025
the blurb and the five-star ratings intrigued me, so i started this. it’s not like i was bored—the pacing was fast, and i finished it in one sitting.
at first, i saw all these high ratings and thought i was in for some major twist. it’s not that the twist was bad, but it wasn’t what i expected based on the hype. i think the ratings raised my expectations more than they should’ve.
recommend? yes—if you’re looking for a short novella with a few twists, this works.
at first, i saw all these high ratings and thought i was in for some major twist. it’s not that the twist was bad, but it wasn’t what i expected based on the hype. i think the ratings raised my expectations more than they should’ve.
recommend? yes—if you’re looking for a short novella with a few twists, this works.
September 2, 2024
James Caine did his big one with this one!
April 14, 2024
Short novella with a shocking ending. This story focuses on a wedding planner named Cathy who plans the perfect wedding for her wealthy clients however her own marriage is far from perfect.
Perfect read to sit down with and race through with a surprise ending and a clever twist.
Perfect read to sit down with and race through with a surprise ending and a clever twist.
March 10, 2025
It was a really good book
I just wish this book was longer I finished it in a half an hour. I couldn't put it down it was very fun and entertaining.
I just wish this book was longer I finished it in a half an hour. I couldn't put it down it was very fun and entertaining.
April 5, 2024
This may be short but it will get you turned inside out working out the next turn.
Cathy a wedding planner for the rich and wealthy well the rest of us can't afford them anyway, is pulling off one off her specials and hoping to make contacts when the best job of the year appears in front of her. This could be her big chance but events well can't say more without ruining it but definitely worth reading to find out!
It's short I know I've said that but it's also a great read so I feel it's worth the 5 star recommendation
Cathy a wedding planner for the rich and wealthy well the rest of us can't afford them anyway, is pulling off one off her specials and hoping to make contacts when the best job of the year appears in front of her. This could be her big chance but events well can't say more without ruining it but definitely worth reading to find out!
It's short I know I've said that but it's also a great read so I feel it's worth the 5 star recommendation
May 3, 2024
Very short. Could potentially be flushed out into a full novel.
April 19, 2024
I enjoyed this short story! It’s about a wedding planner who prepares/plans for high end weddings. Too bad, her own life isn’t a fairy tale like the weddings! Delicious twists!
June 29, 2024
read this book while my husband pulled me around on the lake, short book where the dead body doesn’t even show up until the end. Enjoyable quick read
April 1, 2024
Cathy Kennedy is a wedding planner and is planning the wedding of some rich clients. While she presents “A Happy Marriage” to people, unfortunately her own marriage is not. She doesn’t realize it until it is too late, and she finds out what her husband has really been up to. This is another good psychological thriller by James Caine. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.
April 1, 2024
Well, I finally got round to starting my ARC copy this morning- just as well I had the day to myself because I couldn’t stop reading. The plot springs surprise twists that make you totally rethink what you have read - I won’t say more, but this is a must read
March 30, 2024
A Happy Marriage a an excellent short read that will leave you wanting to read more by James Caine. Catherine Kennedy is a wedding planner with a perfect marriage herself. Or was it? As you read this piece, you will navigate twists you didn’t see coming. I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2024
NOT A BOOK. A very very short story. But surprise ending
March 29, 2024
Revenge
This is a short story about a wedding planner and the wedding she is planning for some very rich clients. There is a great twist and hopefully a happy marriage at the end.
This is a short story about a wedding planner and the wedding she is planning for some very rich clients. There is a great twist and hopefully a happy marriage at the end.
March 27, 2024
A happy marriage
What a fantastic short story, more like a novel than a short story and not what I expected. Well worth a read!
Bonus you get a free book as well The Affair.
Superb writer
What a fantastic short story, more like a novel than a short story and not what I expected. Well worth a read!
Bonus you get a free book as well The Affair.
Superb writer
March 25, 2024
I read this as part of a box set. This book was a quick read because I couldn’t put it down. It had me fooled. I went through the story knowing what to expect. Until I didn’t know. Then was sure I knew and finally, nope. No clue. Never saw it coming. I should know better with this author. It is never what is expected! This book was really good!
March 20, 2024
A Happy Marriage is a short read about Cathy Kennedy, a wedding planner. Cathy plans dream weddings for her clients but in the meantime her own marriage seems to be going bad. Cathy eventually finds out exactly what her husband is up to and no one can predict what happens next.
I devoured this story and it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The characters are very well developed even though this is a short story and of course there are twists and turns throughout the whole book. I totally recommend this book with a ten out of ten rating!
I devoured this story and it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The characters are very well developed even though this is a short story and of course there are twists and turns throughout the whole book. I totally recommend this book with a ten out of ten rating!
March 21, 2024
This is only a very short book but it wasn’t small on drama and twists.
I really enjoyed it and will be looking for more by this author.
Would definitely recommend it
I really enjoyed it and will be looking for more by this author.
Would definitely recommend it
March 19, 2024
Another great story from one of my favorites! This may be a short story, but James still managed to pack an amazing storyline into it, per usual. He never disappoints me with his work! Definitely recommend!
April 8, 2024
This book was crazy!!! At first I was like wow this mom really doesn’t want any other girl to have her son’s attention. Then come to find out his mom & dad really aren’t his parents!! Henry is crazy!! For him to go through multiple Arthur’s and Martha’s is insane. And for Martha to be Rachel, a previous lover, is terrible now that he has Chelsea! Poor Arthur is just the sweetest man, I’m so happy he got the ending (and Chelsea) that they deserve. Something I can’t put my finger on is who Chelsea was texting when she was texting Neil, before she found him buried in the garden.. was it Arthur? I dont know. Also, crazy that henry gave Rachel an emerald ring, then carrie.. and when Chelsea finally escaped & saw the missing person posters in the gas station, that was so sad!!
Can we also talk about where the heck Henry ended up? We know that Rachel escaped and is living a “normal life” now but where the heck did Henry go!! He better not come back for Chelsea or Arthur.
Highlights -
Tomorrow was the day they’re supposed to leave. Martha smiled. The garden was full of people who thought they were going to be leaving as well. Perfect, pretty Carrie Sanders thought she was going to leave. Now she was here forever, with the rest of them.
Can we also talk about where the heck Henry ended up? We know that Rachel escaped and is living a “normal life” now but where the heck did Henry go!! He better not come back for Chelsea or Arthur.
Highlights -
Tomorrow was the day they’re supposed to leave. Martha smiled. The garden was full of people who thought they were going to be leaving as well. Perfect, pretty Carrie Sanders thought she was going to leave. Now she was here forever, with the rest of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2024
A Happy Marriage is a good one!
Cathy is an incredibly successful wedding planner to the rich and famous. Obviously, she also has a successful marriage - until she doesn’t. It turns out her husband is a dirty cheat. Cathy is no pushover though and she gets the last word. This novella was quick, witty, and twisty. I read the entire story in one sitting and was left in awe of Cathy.
Caine writes realistically which is something I appreciate. The dialogue is realistic and the characters are flawed. Sometimes that ingratiates them to the reader, other times it makes one hate them. This is one of the things I like best about Caine’s work: he doesn’t shy away from the annoying characteristics that make people who they are. While some might hate this about his work, I think it makes his books even better.
Cathy is an incredibly successful wedding planner to the rich and famous. Obviously, she also has a successful marriage - until she doesn’t. It turns out her husband is a dirty cheat. Cathy is no pushover though and she gets the last word. This novella was quick, witty, and twisty. I read the entire story in one sitting and was left in awe of Cathy.
Caine writes realistically which is something I appreciate. The dialogue is realistic and the characters are flawed. Sometimes that ingratiates them to the reader, other times it makes one hate them. This is one of the things I like best about Caine’s work: he doesn’t shy away from the annoying characteristics that make people who they are. While some might hate this about his work, I think it makes his books even better.
November 26, 2024
It was ok (and free so that helps 🤣)
It might have been better as a novel where we get to see more of the characters and get into their heads but honestly i didn’t believe any of it:
- seriously who uses a password THAT simple and leave it next to his computer????
- the fact that we followed the whole story in a 1POV ruined the reveal for me
- why would the rich AF woman go in a cheap motel? This really bugged me, it’s so stupid…
- the police clearly had better things to do than investigate the murders even a little bit. What’s their explanation for the way the girl was murdered? And they didn’t think it weird that the wife didn’t call an ambulance at the end? Sure there’s no audio to hide the truth but the police should find it suspicious that she’s not trying to call for help…
Well at least it was free and short.
It might have been better as a novel where we get to see more of the characters and get into their heads but honestly i didn’t believe any of it:
- seriously who uses a password THAT simple and leave it next to his computer????
- the fact that we followed the whole story in a 1POV ruined the reveal for me
- why would the rich AF woman go in a cheap motel? This really bugged me, it’s so stupid…
- the police clearly had better things to do than investigate the murders even a little bit. What’s their explanation for the way the girl was murdered? And they didn’t think it weird that the wife didn’t call an ambulance at the end? Sure there’s no audio to hide the truth but the police should find it suspicious that she’s not trying to call for help…
Well at least it was free and short.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2024
This was a great short story that pulled off the drama and suspense of a full length books in a short amount of pages without feeling rushed. I'm not usually a short story person because in a lot of cases, I feel like detail is lost and it takes away from the storyline, but this story definitely didn't leave me feeling that way. I loved every bit of this story and cannot wait to read more from this author.
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.
April 26, 2024
Every book the author writes is an exhilarating, suspenseful, gripping, and intricate story. It is his trademark to write captivating on the edge of a cliff, teetering off twists that is brilliantly written that a reader will never see the revelation coming. His writing style is why I love psychological thrillers, the intensity, and heart palpitations flipping through the pages that leaves you saying wow! Highly recommend. He is a go to author absolutely incredible read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews