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Everything She Never Knew
The author of When We Were Widows turns to life after betrayal in this emotional, heartwarming novel about a woman whose marriage and friendship collapse all at once.
As next-door neighbors and best friends, Claudia and Rachel share everything. But in Claudia’s mind, that means recipes and clothes—not husbands. So it’s a huge shock when Rachel runs off with hers.
If that weren’t enough, her mom shows up at her door with heavy suitcases in tow. She intends to stay until Claudia has pulled through this. But behaving like a typical mother or grandmother isn’t Gloria’s style, and Claudia wonders why she’s really there. She also wonders why she can’t stop thinking about Nick, the husband Rachel jilted for her own, who still lives in the next house over.
It’s all a bit much for Claudia, who, unlike her impulsive mother, has always prized the familiar comforts of stability and routine. Now that those have been snatched away, she’ll have to face her fears and take some risks—for herself and for her daughter.
As next-door neighbors and best friends, Claudia and Rachel share everything. But in Claudia’s mind, that means recipes and clothes—not husbands. So it’s a huge shock when Rachel runs off with hers.
If that weren’t enough, her mom shows up at her door with heavy suitcases in tow. She intends to stay until Claudia has pulled through this. But behaving like a typical mother or grandmother isn’t Gloria’s style, and Claudia wonders why she’s really there. She also wonders why she can’t stop thinking about Nick, the husband Rachel jilted for her own, who still lives in the next house over.
It’s all a bit much for Claudia, who, unlike her impulsive mother, has always prized the familiar comforts of stability and routine. Now that those have been snatched away, she’ll have to face her fears and take some risks—for herself and for her daughter.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
691 people are currently reading
12373 people want to read
About the author
Annette Chavez Macias
10 books695 followersAnnette Chavez Macias writes stories about love, family, and following your dreams. She is proud of her Mexican American heritage, culture, and traditions, all of which can be found within the pages of her books. For readers wanting even more love stories and guaranteed happily ever afters, Annette also writes romance novels under the pen name Sabrina Sol. A Southern California native, Annette lives just outside Los Angeles with her husband, three children, and four dogs.
To learn more about Annette and her books, visit www.authorannette.com. Or follow her on Instagram at @authorannette.
To learn more about Annette and her books, visit www.authorannette.com. Or follow her on Instagram at @authorannette.
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September 16, 2025
UPDATE: NOW AVAILABLE AND ON KU
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
Everything She Never Knew by Annette Chavez Macias
Publication date: September 16th 2025
Thoughts
New author unlocked!! A no brainer 5 star read! Even though this story explores several characters and situations, they came together in way that left me feeling somewhat emotional - aside the fact of it being a tear jerker, the writing style gorgeous! I loved the author's ability to portray flawed, growth, self reflection in such an emotional way, it felt as though I was going through it alongside side the FMC! Another aspect I loved about this read is the aftermath of what it feels like knowing your entire life shattering in front of you and what you thought you knew turns out to truly be everything you never knew! One dynamic that will stay with me for a long time to come is the mother and daughter - Claudia and Gloria did things to my heart 🥹 sometimes it takes a simple conversation to understand why someone is the way they are ...❤️🩹
Plot Summary
Claudia never imagined her best friend and neighbor, Rachel, would betray her by running off with her husband. Just as she’s reeling from the shock, her unconventional mother, Gloria, shows up determined to “help,” though her unpredictable presence only adds to the upheaval. Meanwhile, Claudia finds herself drawn to Nick—Rachel’s ex and the man still living next door. For someone who’s always clung to routine and security, Claudia must now confront change head-on and take risks—for herself and her daughter.
Many thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for providing the ALC
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
Everything She Never Knew by Annette Chavez Macias
Publication date: September 16th 2025
Thoughts
New author unlocked!! A no brainer 5 star read! Even though this story explores several characters and situations, they came together in way that left me feeling somewhat emotional - aside the fact of it being a tear jerker, the writing style gorgeous! I loved the author's ability to portray flawed, growth, self reflection in such an emotional way, it felt as though I was going through it alongside side the FMC! Another aspect I loved about this read is the aftermath of what it feels like knowing your entire life shattering in front of you and what you thought you knew turns out to truly be everything you never knew! One dynamic that will stay with me for a long time to come is the mother and daughter - Claudia and Gloria did things to my heart 🥹 sometimes it takes a simple conversation to understand why someone is the way they are ...❤️🩹
Plot Summary
Claudia never imagined her best friend and neighbor, Rachel, would betray her by running off with her husband. Just as she’s reeling from the shock, her unconventional mother, Gloria, shows up determined to “help,” though her unpredictable presence only adds to the upheaval. Meanwhile, Claudia finds herself drawn to Nick—Rachel’s ex and the man still living next door. For someone who’s always clung to routine and security, Claudia must now confront change head-on and take risks—for herself and her daughter.
Many thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for providing the ALC
October 31, 2025
Thanks to GR challenges for suggesting this book as an Hispanic Heritage read. I probably wouldn’t have found it otherwise, and I am certainly glad that I did 🎉 And moreover, I found a new author that I enjoy reading ✍🏼
This was an emotional, character-driven story about a woman whose marriage and friendship collapses simultaneously. The storyline is based on the themes betrayal, grief, healing and self-discovery. But furthermore, it also has a particular essence of the Mexican-American culture, which adds both a unique spin and a real richness to the plot 🇲🇽 I have always been a big fan of Hispanic novels so I really cherished this one.
"How I got here wasn’t that important anymore. How I moved on from here was what I needed to focus on." 😌💖✨
In all honesty, it actually took me a few chapters to really FEEL this book. I was enjoying reading it, but I couldn’t connect with Claudia and was slightly confused about who was writing the diary entries. However, once I got into it, I REALLY got into it!
I think one of the most refreshing things about this read was how REAL it was. There was no pretentious advice, just hard, solid emotion. Much of this was conveyed through a clever writing style that took the form of diary entries, spanning from Claudia’s childhood to present day. It gave us a real and truth insight into many aspects of her life, particularly the relationship she had with her mother, Gloria.
"But when the worst thing in the world is going to happen to you anyway, you kind of want it to go ahead and just happen so you can figure out what to do next." 💔 🩹 ❤️🩹
Although this was a story about Claudia's life falling apart, as her husband leaves her for her best friend, it actually uncovered a whole new beginning. Yes, her life did fall apart in many ways, but it actually grew in more ways than it had failed. Through perseverance, love, and kindness, she created a beautiful, wholesome life for her and her family.
"You have a good heart, Claudia. You want to believe that people in your life also have good hearts. That’s not pathetic. That’s beautiful.” 💖 ✨
I also love how faith and God’s plan for us was woven into this story in a natural way. And furthermore, how Claudia and her family explored their cultural roots. It gave a really special feel and insight into their lives that was unique for this family.
"But I’m a believer about things happening for a reason, because they propel us into our next life lesson. That’s how we grow as humans.” 👣
Overall, this was a beautifully written tale of healing and self-discovery. Macias wrote in such a way that she balanced out the heavy elements with light, sweet and fun moments. Her writing was consistently engaging and moved at a perfect pace. And by the end, everything was tied up cohesively. 🙌🏽
4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was an emotional, character-driven story about a woman whose marriage and friendship collapses simultaneously. The storyline is based on the themes betrayal, grief, healing and self-discovery. But furthermore, it also has a particular essence of the Mexican-American culture, which adds both a unique spin and a real richness to the plot 🇲🇽 I have always been a big fan of Hispanic novels so I really cherished this one.
"How I got here wasn’t that important anymore. How I moved on from here was what I needed to focus on." 😌💖✨
In all honesty, it actually took me a few chapters to really FEEL this book. I was enjoying reading it, but I couldn’t connect with Claudia and was slightly confused about who was writing the diary entries. However, once I got into it, I REALLY got into it!
I think one of the most refreshing things about this read was how REAL it was. There was no pretentious advice, just hard, solid emotion. Much of this was conveyed through a clever writing style that took the form of diary entries, spanning from Claudia’s childhood to present day. It gave us a real and truth insight into many aspects of her life, particularly the relationship she had with her mother, Gloria.
"But when the worst thing in the world is going to happen to you anyway, you kind of want it to go ahead and just happen so you can figure out what to do next." 💔 🩹 ❤️🩹
Although this was a story about Claudia's life falling apart, as her husband leaves her for her best friend, it actually uncovered a whole new beginning. Yes, her life did fall apart in many ways, but it actually grew in more ways than it had failed. Through perseverance, love, and kindness, she created a beautiful, wholesome life for her and her family.
"You have a good heart, Claudia. You want to believe that people in your life also have good hearts. That’s not pathetic. That’s beautiful.” 💖 ✨
I also love how faith and God’s plan for us was woven into this story in a natural way. And furthermore, how Claudia and her family explored their cultural roots. It gave a really special feel and insight into their lives that was unique for this family.
"But I’m a believer about things happening for a reason, because they propel us into our next life lesson. That’s how we grow as humans.” 👣
Overall, this was a beautifully written tale of healing and self-discovery. Macias wrote in such a way that she balanced out the heavy elements with light, sweet and fun moments. Her writing was consistently engaging and moved at a perfect pace. And by the end, everything was tied up cohesively. 🙌🏽
4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
December 4, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
September 6, 2025
EASILY 5 stars!!! This was so beautifully written, I am now making this author a must-read on my list to "auto buy." She wrote this book so beautiful, I was instantly drawn into it and felt like I was going through it alongside Claudia. It took a bit, but I ended up loved Gloria. Claudia and Gloria's character development throughout this book was so beautiful to watch blossom and grow. I loved Claudia and how the author showed the messy bits of life but also how STRONG Claudia was without knowing she could be that strong. This truly shows her grit and determination in the aftermath of what feels like your entire world falling apart. There were times I giggled at the funny moments and stuff happening, and then times I got teary-eyed by situations. This book had my emotions all over the place, but I truly loved every minute of it! The audiobook narrator did an AMAZING job of portraying the characters and feelings throughout the book, I just couldn't stop and had to devour it in one sitting.
I received the ARC Audiobook from Brilliance Publishing to listen/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully listening to this audiobook.
I received the ARC Audiobook from Brilliance Publishing to listen/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully listening to this audiobook.
December 6, 2025
3.5 stars- available via Kindle Unlimited with Audio.
Overall, the narration, editing, and plot were very well done. The story is rich with authentic Mexican culture and is beautifully told, alternating between the past (presented as diary entries) and the present (written in real-time). I particularly enjoyed the diary entries, as they offered necessary backstory and helped develop the characters.
I went into this book blind, not realizing the emotional depth it held. Be prepared for a heartbreaking journey as the Claudia (FMC) navigates three levels of grief: losing her grandmother, losing her best friend, and losing her husband through divorce. However, this is balanced by heartwarming moments as she re-establishes a broken relationship with her mother, forms new friendships, and overcomes her initial losses. While not a tear-jerker, it is an emotional read, and you will certainly feel for the character and her losses. Her adorable daughter also adds significant depth to the narrative.
What I found most frustrating was the sheer naivete of Claudia. I constantly found myself thinking, "How are you this clueless?" For a fictional story, her lack of awareness was a significant drawback. Readers are likely to piece together the clues regarding her mother's condition(repeat headaches, dizzy, fatigue, unable to read), her husband and best friends relationship, quickly, yet Claudia remains oblivious until the very end. This disconnect with what was happening in her own life was a turn-off and prevented me from rating the book higher.
There is closure for all in the end and for me, the saving grace. I will read more from this author.
The setting is in various locations in California. The timeline runs from early fall through Christmas, focusing on Día de los Muertos and Thanksgiving, with an epilogue set one year later. It was a great read to finish right after Thanksgiving.
🌴🦃📖
Overall, the narration, editing, and plot were very well done. The story is rich with authentic Mexican culture and is beautifully told, alternating between the past (presented as diary entries) and the present (written in real-time). I particularly enjoyed the diary entries, as they offered necessary backstory and helped develop the characters.
I went into this book blind, not realizing the emotional depth it held. Be prepared for a heartbreaking journey as the Claudia (FMC) navigates three levels of grief: losing her grandmother, losing her best friend, and losing her husband through divorce. However, this is balanced by heartwarming moments as she re-establishes a broken relationship with her mother, forms new friendships, and overcomes her initial losses. While not a tear-jerker, it is an emotional read, and you will certainly feel for the character and her losses. Her adorable daughter also adds significant depth to the narrative.
What I found most frustrating was the sheer naivete of Claudia. I constantly found myself thinking, "How are you this clueless?" For a fictional story, her lack of awareness was a significant drawback. Readers are likely to piece together the clues regarding her mother's condition(repeat headaches, dizzy, fatigue, unable to read), her husband and best friends relationship, quickly, yet Claudia remains oblivious until the very end. This disconnect with what was happening in her own life was a turn-off and prevented me from rating the book higher.
There is closure for all in the end and for me, the saving grace. I will read more from this author.
The setting is in various locations in California. The timeline runs from early fall through Christmas, focusing on Día de los Muertos and Thanksgiving, with an epilogue set one year later. It was a great read to finish right after Thanksgiving.
🌴🦃📖
September 19, 2025
- David, the husband? A pile of burning trash.
- Rachel, the best friend? Narcissistic and jealous.
- Gloria, the mom? Trying to be better?
- Maya, the daughter? I’m sorry your parents suck.
- Claudia? Por el amor de todo lo que es santo, VE A TERAPIA! 🗣️
- Rachel, the best friend? Narcissistic and jealous.
- Gloria, the mom? Trying to be better?
- Maya, the daughter? I’m sorry your parents suck.
- Claudia? Por el amor de todo lo que es santo, VE A TERAPIA! 🗣️
May 7, 2025
I have really come to love this authors writing. She once again gave us a beautiful story about the strength a woman has when she doesn’t realize it. I enjoyed this story more because I feel that it is very relatable as it shows how perfectly flawed we are. Claudia’s anger was focused on her friend throughout the book as that is where her true heartache came from.
I loved the flashbacks with the diary entries that detailed Claudia’s childhood experiences and how they related to present day events. A great depiction of breaking generational trauma.
Thank you Montlake and Netgalley for this Advance Readers Copy ebook in exchange for my honest review.
I loved the flashbacks with the diary entries that detailed Claudia’s childhood experiences and how they related to present day events. A great depiction of breaking generational trauma.
Thank you Montlake and Netgalley for this Advance Readers Copy ebook in exchange for my honest review.
October 20, 2025
*Betrayal*
Childhood friends Claudia and Rachel grew up and became like sisters, sharing everything with each other.
As they grew older, they got married and even became next-door neighbours. Claudia believed her life was perfect, with a husband and a daughter.
One day, Claudia returned home to find her husband gone with all his belongings, and worse, her best friend had left with him. She had never imagined this would happen.
This story is told from Claudia’s point of view, mainly through her journals and diaries. We discover that the best friend she thought she knew had been withholding important information from her.
Claudia avoids Rachel’s husband wanting to take on his pain, but gradually learns that the narrative Rachel had told her about him was not entirely true.
Claudia grapples with the fallout and must confront her estranged mother, who unexpectedly reappears. She navigates this complex relationship while trying to keep things calm for her daughter.
Throughout this journey, Claudia confronts her blind spot regarding Rachel and begins to rebuild her life, determined to move forward.
Childhood friends Claudia and Rachel grew up and became like sisters, sharing everything with each other.
As they grew older, they got married and even became next-door neighbours. Claudia believed her life was perfect, with a husband and a daughter.
One day, Claudia returned home to find her husband gone with all his belongings, and worse, her best friend had left with him. She had never imagined this would happen.
This story is told from Claudia’s point of view, mainly through her journals and diaries. We discover that the best friend she thought she knew had been withholding important information from her.
Claudia avoids Rachel’s husband wanting to take on his pain, but gradually learns that the narrative Rachel had told her about him was not entirely true.
Claudia grapples with the fallout and must confront her estranged mother, who unexpectedly reappears. She navigates this complex relationship while trying to keep things calm for her daughter.
Throughout this journey, Claudia confronts her blind spot regarding Rachel and begins to rebuild her life, determined to move forward.
September 6, 2025
Picking up the pieces of a life that fell apart is not always easy.
Audiobook Stats:
⏰: 8 hours and 6 minutes
🎤: Elena Rey
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Format: Single POV/ Multi Timeline
I found the narrator to be clear and concise in her narration. I never had to adjust my speed and was able to listen within my typical range. I enjoyed the tone and tempo of this narrator. I enjoyed the pronunciation and mixed in Spanish in the novel. It was very well done.
Themes:
💥: Unconventional Mother/Daughter Relationship
💥: Loss and grief
💥: Finding yourself after divorce/betrayal
💥: Toxic Friendships
Representation:
: Mexican FMC and side characters
: Spanish conversation
: Teaching a child Spanish
: Dia De Los Muertos
🥵: Spice: 🚫
Potential Triggers: domestic violence **check authors page/socials for full list.
General Thoughts:
Claudia's personal life is imploding from all angles. And it is rough to watch. The author does a great job of immediately tying emotional threads between the reader and the main character by making her relatable yet level headed. Which pulls your sympathy from the first chapter while keeping her likable and relatable.
The book was a mix of predictable and mysterious. There was clearly a secretive plot surrounding the mother that I was able to predict the main idea of, but not the intricacies. So it kept me engaged and guessing. I was also able to predict where Claudia's character arc was going to go. But watching it unfold was both fun and interesting for me. The story and the jumping timelines from past to present were very compelling.
I enjoyed the Mexican representation surrounding the textiles and Mercados. Dia De Los Muertos and talks of Ofrendas was so refreshing and welcome within the text. I loved watching Claudia not only reclaiming her heritage in her grief but passing it on to her daughter. Lovely addition!
Claudia was a very layered and nuanced character. Watching her development through the novel was difficult. At times I loved her, was exasperated by her and was straight annoyed with her. However, I never stopped rooting for her or generally liking her. Impeccable character work to be able to feel so many things for a main character seamlessly.
The ending felt complete and wrapped up everything well. I was happy with how things turned out and it felt realistic.
Disclaimer: I read this audiobook via free ALC through NetGalley and Brilliance Audio. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Audiobook Stats:
⏰: 8 hours and 6 minutes
🎤: Elena Rey
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Format: Single POV/ Multi Timeline
I found the narrator to be clear and concise in her narration. I never had to adjust my speed and was able to listen within my typical range. I enjoyed the tone and tempo of this narrator. I enjoyed the pronunciation and mixed in Spanish in the novel. It was very well done.
Themes:
💥: Unconventional Mother/Daughter Relationship
💥: Loss and grief
💥: Finding yourself after divorce/betrayal
💥: Toxic Friendships
Representation:
: Mexican FMC and side characters
: Spanish conversation
: Teaching a child Spanish
: Dia De Los Muertos
🥵: Spice: 🚫
Potential Triggers: domestic violence **check authors page/socials for full list.
General Thoughts:
Claudia's personal life is imploding from all angles. And it is rough to watch. The author does a great job of immediately tying emotional threads between the reader and the main character by making her relatable yet level headed. Which pulls your sympathy from the first chapter while keeping her likable and relatable.
The book was a mix of predictable and mysterious. There was clearly a secretive plot surrounding the mother that I was able to predict the main idea of, but not the intricacies. So it kept me engaged and guessing. I was also able to predict where Claudia's character arc was going to go. But watching it unfold was both fun and interesting for me. The story and the jumping timelines from past to present were very compelling.
I enjoyed the Mexican representation surrounding the textiles and Mercados. Dia De Los Muertos and talks of Ofrendas was so refreshing and welcome within the text. I loved watching Claudia not only reclaiming her heritage in her grief but passing it on to her daughter. Lovely addition!
Claudia was a very layered and nuanced character. Watching her development through the novel was difficult. At times I loved her, was exasperated by her and was straight annoyed with her. However, I never stopped rooting for her or generally liking her. Impeccable character work to be able to feel so many things for a main character seamlessly.
The ending felt complete and wrapped up everything well. I was happy with how things turned out and it felt realistic.
Disclaimer: I read this audiobook via free ALC through NetGalley and Brilliance Audio. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
October 10, 2025
✨a strong 4 stars✨
Goodreads Hispanic Heritage bookmark
Goodreads Hispanic Heritage bookmark
April 28, 2025
Special thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review
I have many things to say, and almost none of them are good. But here goes. First of all, this is not a romance story. It took until around 51% for Claudia and Nick to even have a real interaction, and even in the very last chapter of the book, Claudia says she's not sure she sees herself and Nick together. So. No romance. Which is not what I was wanting when I picked this up in the first place.
Moving on. Claudia was INSUFFERABLE.
She's one of those girls that, instead of blaming her husband for being a shitty person who cheats, she blamed the girl that he cheated with. Everything was Rachel's fault. Any time anything went wrong, it was Rachel this and Rachel that. Everything was all because of Rachel. Because heaven forbid anybody else be at fault for anything that happened within these 255 pages.
Every time Gloria said anything, it was met with a scoff or an eye roll or defensiveness that was really undeserved. Claudia was always looking for a fight and was never willing to admit that she was the problem in a lot of the problems she was having.
She bonded with Mercedes because she felt Mercedes was the only person who could truly understand her for losing her husband. To be clear, David just moved to San Fransisco. But Mercedes' husband DIED. But yeah, sure. Totally the exact same thing.
She got upset when she went to a parent teacher conference, and the teacher had concerns about Maya's behavior. She suggests Claudia be a bit more honest about the situation of the divorce, Claudia says no, because she isn't ready for that conversation, and also suggests counseling. And instead of taking that advice, and thinking about what is best for her child, Claudio wants to be offended because that means the teacher is telling her that she isn't helping Maya enough. This is particularly annoying because Claudia admits herself that she hasn't been a good mother up to this point, and is created an environment where her daughter is not thriving. Which is exactly what she hates Gloria for so much. She also made mention at some point that she was glad she had Maya so she didn't have to go through the divorce alone, and I'm sorry, BUT WHY IS THAT A BURDEN YOU ARE HAPPY TO SHARE WITH YOUR 8 YEAR OLD???
Claudia was also a huge hypocrite. She was angry at Gloria for hiding the tumor because she was just "avoiding dealing with something kind of huge--as per usual," as if Claudia didn't also spend the first 87% of the book avoiding her own problems. And then she blew up about how Gloria has never put Claudia first for just doing what is easiest for Gloria to handle...WHICH IS THE EXACT SAME THING CLAUDIA HAS BEEN DOING WITH MAYA FOR MOST OF THE BOOK. She literally refused to explain David's absence to Maya because it was too hard for Claudia to talk about. But sure. Gloria is the only bad parent here.
According to Claudia everybody else is wrong, and Claudia is right, and perfect, and wonderful, and has done nothing to deserve any of the bad things that have happened to her.
Claudia sucked. And I really didn't enjoy reading her voice at all.
I have many things to say, and almost none of them are good. But here goes. First of all, this is not a romance story. It took until around 51% for Claudia and Nick to even have a real interaction, and even in the very last chapter of the book, Claudia says she's not sure she sees herself and Nick together. So. No romance. Which is not what I was wanting when I picked this up in the first place.
Moving on. Claudia was INSUFFERABLE.
She's one of those girls that, instead of blaming her husband for being a shitty person who cheats, she blamed the girl that he cheated with. Everything was Rachel's fault. Any time anything went wrong, it was Rachel this and Rachel that. Everything was all because of Rachel. Because heaven forbid anybody else be at fault for anything that happened within these 255 pages.
Every time Gloria said anything, it was met with a scoff or an eye roll or defensiveness that was really undeserved. Claudia was always looking for a fight and was never willing to admit that she was the problem in a lot of the problems she was having.
She bonded with Mercedes because she felt Mercedes was the only person who could truly understand her for losing her husband. To be clear, David just moved to San Fransisco. But Mercedes' husband DIED. But yeah, sure. Totally the exact same thing.
She got upset when she went to a parent teacher conference, and the teacher had concerns about Maya's behavior. She suggests Claudia be a bit more honest about the situation of the divorce, Claudia says no, because she isn't ready for that conversation, and also suggests counseling. And instead of taking that advice, and thinking about what is best for her child, Claudio wants to be offended because that means the teacher is telling her that she isn't helping Maya enough. This is particularly annoying because Claudia admits herself that she hasn't been a good mother up to this point, and is created an environment where her daughter is not thriving. Which is exactly what she hates Gloria for so much. She also made mention at some point that she was glad she had Maya so she didn't have to go through the divorce alone, and I'm sorry, BUT WHY IS THAT A BURDEN YOU ARE HAPPY TO SHARE WITH YOUR 8 YEAR OLD???
Claudia was also a huge hypocrite. She was angry at Gloria for hiding the tumor because she was just "avoiding dealing with something kind of huge--as per usual," as if Claudia didn't also spend the first 87% of the book avoiding her own problems. And then she blew up about how Gloria has never put Claudia first for just doing what is easiest for Gloria to handle...WHICH IS THE EXACT SAME THING CLAUDIA HAS BEEN DOING WITH MAYA FOR MOST OF THE BOOK. She literally refused to explain David's absence to Maya because it was too hard for Claudia to talk about. But sure. Gloria is the only bad parent here.
According to Claudia everybody else is wrong, and Claudia is right, and perfect, and wonderful, and has done nothing to deserve any of the bad things that have happened to her.
Claudia sucked. And I really didn't enjoy reading her voice at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2025
4.5 stars 🌟
This book completely pulled me in!
If you're interested in a character-driven narrative that delves into themes of betrayal, self-discovery, and the intricacies of human relationships, then this book is a poignant and engaging experience. It’s less a romance and more a women’s fiction / emotional drama about grief, healing, and reclaiming one’s voice.
The story follows Claudia, a woman whose life is turned upside down. Claudia’s life falls apart in ways that feel both shocking and heartbreakingly relatable: her husband leaves her for her best friend, and her estranged mother shows up unannounced just when she doesn’t need more complications. The book explores Claudia's journey of healing and self-discovery as she navigates the aftermath of these betrayals.
The story weaves dual timelines: Claudia’s present-day crisis and diary entries from her past, giving insight into her childhood, friendship with Rachel, and the origins of her marriage.
Claudia is such a well-drawn character. You feel her heartbreak, frustration, and eventual growth. The relationships, especially with Rachel and Gloria, are complex and layered, and I loved how the book delves into themes of forgiveness, identity, and family dynamics without ever feeling preachy.
The touches of Mexican-American culture sprinkled throughout the narrative added richness and warmth. Macias’ writing is engaging, balancing the heavier emotional moments with lighter, even funny, beats that keep the story moving. I never got bored, and I found myself rooting for Claudia every step of the way.
A compelling, heartfelt read that I’d happily recommend.
This book completely pulled me in!
If you're interested in a character-driven narrative that delves into themes of betrayal, self-discovery, and the intricacies of human relationships, then this book is a poignant and engaging experience. It’s less a romance and more a women’s fiction / emotional drama about grief, healing, and reclaiming one’s voice.
The story follows Claudia, a woman whose life is turned upside down. Claudia’s life falls apart in ways that feel both shocking and heartbreakingly relatable: her husband leaves her for her best friend, and her estranged mother shows up unannounced just when she doesn’t need more complications. The book explores Claudia's journey of healing and self-discovery as she navigates the aftermath of these betrayals.
The story weaves dual timelines: Claudia’s present-day crisis and diary entries from her past, giving insight into her childhood, friendship with Rachel, and the origins of her marriage.
Claudia is such a well-drawn character. You feel her heartbreak, frustration, and eventual growth. The relationships, especially with Rachel and Gloria, are complex and layered, and I loved how the book delves into themes of forgiveness, identity, and family dynamics without ever feeling preachy.
The touches of Mexican-American culture sprinkled throughout the narrative added richness and warmth. Macias’ writing is engaging, balancing the heavier emotional moments with lighter, even funny, beats that keep the story moving. I never got bored, and I found myself rooting for Claudia every step of the way.
A compelling, heartfelt read that I’d happily recommend.
December 2, 2025
2.75 🌟
This book was excellent, featuring wonderful Hispanic representation. It tells a compelling story that evokes sympathy for Claudia and her situation. As the narrative unfolds, we gradually learn about the circumstances that influenced the behavior of those around her. This revelation brings about a mix of emotions, including pain, contentment, and fear, as she discovers things she never knew.
I rated this book poorly because I found it predictable in several places, and I struggled to connect with Claudia and her situation due to our age difference. The sense of connection and love was missing for me in this story.
This book was excellent, featuring wonderful Hispanic representation. It tells a compelling story that evokes sympathy for Claudia and her situation. As the narrative unfolds, we gradually learn about the circumstances that influenced the behavior of those around her. This revelation brings about a mix of emotions, including pain, contentment, and fear, as she discovers things she never knew.
I rated this book poorly because I found it predictable in several places, and I struggled to connect with Claudia and her situation due to our age difference. The sense of connection and love was missing for me in this story.
September 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Annette Chavez Macias, and Brilliance Publishing for this audiobook ARC. The following thoughts are, of course, my honest review.
So picture this: our main girl comes home, and poof—all her husband’s stuff is GONE. Like, vanished. Houdini style. And when she calls him, this man actually has the audacity to tell her to check her email. (Sir. Be serious.) Turns out, he didn’t just leave her—he left her for her best friend Rachel. Cue: “This call is for Rachel.” The dramaaaa. And the kicker? He ditched not just his wife, but also their daughter, Maya. Certified trash behavior.
Thankfully, this isn’t a book about chasing after a loser. It’s about healing, family, and rediscovering yourself when life sucker-punches you. Her mom, Gloria, shows up—complicated history and all—and we see their relationship explored through present-day tension and flashback diary entries. I loved the clever touch that each chapter opens with a little “thing she didn’t know.” Cute detail that ties it all together.
There’s also a lot of love for culture, tradition, and community—food, local businesses, Día de los Muertos, memories of her abuela—and it gave the story a warm, rooted feel. The female relationships are honestly the heartbeat of this book: mother/daughter bonds, fractured friendships, and the complicated ways women show up for each other. Yes, there’s also a clean romance arc (with Rachel’s very-blindsided ex, Nick), which felt natural and earned, but the spotlight stayed on the women for me.
The vibe? Hallmark movie but with cultural depth, heart, and a sense of real healing. I personally could’ve used just a tinysprinkle of revenge (I’m petty like that), but the emphasis on growth and closure made for a very satisfying, hopeful ending.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars) — Heartwarming, empowering, and clean, with all the “starting over and finding your people” energy you could want.
So picture this: our main girl comes home, and poof—all her husband’s stuff is GONE. Like, vanished. Houdini style. And when she calls him, this man actually has the audacity to tell her to check her email. (Sir. Be serious.) Turns out, he didn’t just leave her—he left her for her best friend Rachel. Cue: “This call is for Rachel.” The dramaaaa. And the kicker? He ditched not just his wife, but also their daughter, Maya. Certified trash behavior.
Thankfully, this isn’t a book about chasing after a loser. It’s about healing, family, and rediscovering yourself when life sucker-punches you. Her mom, Gloria, shows up—complicated history and all—and we see their relationship explored through present-day tension and flashback diary entries. I loved the clever touch that each chapter opens with a little “thing she didn’t know.” Cute detail that ties it all together.
There’s also a lot of love for culture, tradition, and community—food, local businesses, Día de los Muertos, memories of her abuela—and it gave the story a warm, rooted feel. The female relationships are honestly the heartbeat of this book: mother/daughter bonds, fractured friendships, and the complicated ways women show up for each other. Yes, there’s also a clean romance arc (with Rachel’s very-blindsided ex, Nick), which felt natural and earned, but the spotlight stayed on the women for me.
The vibe? Hallmark movie but with cultural depth, heart, and a sense of real healing. I personally could’ve used just a tinysprinkle of revenge (I’m petty like that), but the emphasis on growth and closure made for a very satisfying, hopeful ending.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars) — Heartwarming, empowering, and clean, with all the “starting over and finding your people” energy you could want.
September 25, 2025
I enjoyed her other 3 books but this one missed the mark. Claudia was not likable, there was no romance, and I don’t think the synopsis should have acted like there would be romance :/
September 17, 2025
She never knew her husband was unhappy - so unhappy he’d quit his job and move to another state.
She never knew her husband was having an affair with her best friend Rachel, and that Rachel was moving with him.
She never knew her mom’s secrets, that plagued her childhood, adolescence and now into adulthood.
When Claudia’s husband leaves her and moves to another state with her best friend it’s the last thing she ever saw coming. She’s completely broken and struggling to stay afloat, trying to keep a sense of normalcy for her daughter but barely keeping her head above water.
When her estranged mom turns up unannounced and uninvited to help her weather the storm, can they help mend their fractured relationship?
Claudia is used to stability and all the pieces of her life slotting neatly into place, after a tumultuous childhood - but with all the pieces on the floor she has the chance to rebuild into something new. To create a better life for her and her daughter in the aftermath of her husband and best friend’s betrayals.
I loved the way she rebuilds - from her friendship and bond she creates with Mercedes, to healing the bond with her mom and the way her friendship with Nick is strengthened.
Overall - a book I’d definitely recommend.
ARC copy provided by Montlake & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
She never knew her husband was having an affair with her best friend Rachel, and that Rachel was moving with him.
She never knew her mom’s secrets, that plagued her childhood, adolescence and now into adulthood.
When Claudia’s husband leaves her and moves to another state with her best friend it’s the last thing she ever saw coming. She’s completely broken and struggling to stay afloat, trying to keep a sense of normalcy for her daughter but barely keeping her head above water.
When her estranged mom turns up unannounced and uninvited to help her weather the storm, can they help mend their fractured relationship?
Claudia is used to stability and all the pieces of her life slotting neatly into place, after a tumultuous childhood - but with all the pieces on the floor she has the chance to rebuild into something new. To create a better life for her and her daughter in the aftermath of her husband and best friend’s betrayals.
I loved the way she rebuilds - from her friendship and bond she creates with Mercedes, to healing the bond with her mom and the way her friendship with Nick is strengthened.
Overall - a book I’d definitely recommend.
ARC copy provided by Montlake & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
September 23, 2025
thank you @netgalley and @brillancepublishing for the gifted audiobook!!
wow. this book had me hooked from the start! annette chavez macias writes such layered characters— you can really feel their pain, their mistakes, their growth, and their love.
i felt claudia's betrayal so deeply, especially with rachel's actions and david's nerve. but the heart of the story for me was the complicated but healing relationship between claudia and gloria. seeing gloria own her past shortcomings and try to pour into her granddaughter differently really moved me. claudia wasn't perfect (her handling of nick had me rolling my eyes sometimes
o9), but that's what made her feel human. grief
makes people messy, and the author captured that so well.
the audiobook narration was another highlight— the performance felt genuine and full of emotion, which made the story even more powerful.
overall, i just really loved this book. i didn't want it to end, but at the same time i felt a sense of completion for claudia, for nick, and really for all the characters by the final page. ohh and another thing i appreciate about annette chavez macias is that her books aren't overly long- they're the perfect length to tell a moving story without dragging things out. this is the second book i've read from her, and it most certainly won't be my last.
⭐️ 5 stars!!
wow. this book had me hooked from the start! annette chavez macias writes such layered characters— you can really feel their pain, their mistakes, their growth, and their love.
i felt claudia's betrayal so deeply, especially with rachel's actions and david's nerve. but the heart of the story for me was the complicated but healing relationship between claudia and gloria. seeing gloria own her past shortcomings and try to pour into her granddaughter differently really moved me. claudia wasn't perfect (her handling of nick had me rolling my eyes sometimes
o9), but that's what made her feel human. grief
makes people messy, and the author captured that so well.
the audiobook narration was another highlight— the performance felt genuine and full of emotion, which made the story even more powerful.
overall, i just really loved this book. i didn't want it to end, but at the same time i felt a sense of completion for claudia, for nick, and really for all the characters by the final page. ohh and another thing i appreciate about annette chavez macias is that her books aren't overly long- they're the perfect length to tell a moving story without dragging things out. this is the second book i've read from her, and it most certainly won't be my last.
⭐️ 5 stars!!
November 7, 2025
Of course, anything with cheating is awful, so I felt for Claudia, but honestly, I thought that she was so annoying. I'm not sure if she was meant to be written as such an unlikable character on purpose, or if it was just me, but she just drove me nuts which just made me not enjoy the book even more
August 31, 2025
This is a beautifully written book. It follows Claudia’s story of becoming a single mother, repairing relationships, and heartbreak. I wouldn’t consider this a romance novel. You can feel the emotions behind the main character and I feel many people can relate.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC.
May 2, 2025
Annette Chavez Macias, you have a beautiful way of writing heartbreaking stories. I love how you always include Hispanic communities and food. We have such a rich culture and you showcase that. (YOU are definitely mole worthy). I always appreciate the real life scenarios in your stories and you don’t hide the ugly stuff. The grief, heartbreak, betrayal and forgiveness. But there’s always hope, redemption and peace.
Thank you, NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Thank you, NetGalley for the advanced copy.
December 16, 2025
A heartfelt story about betrayal, resilience, and rediscovery. It feels honest and grounded, blending grief with hope and healing. The struggles authentic; finding strength in loss and the power of starting over. Came across this book in the GR Challenge and will definitely be reading more by this author.
October 14, 2025
A story of strength and beautifully spotlighted Mexican heritage! “Healing from grief is never about the final destination. You’re not going to wake up one day and magically be okay. It’s a journey just like any other, with stops and starts. The goal is just to always keep moving forward”
October 17, 2025
3.5 - a woman getting her life back together after everything falls apart.
November 7, 2025
this was a pleasant read.
The most fascinating thing about it to me was the multigenerational relationships between all the women🙌 it was the highlight of the story.
Hated the husband and the best friend. I feel like they deserved to suffer so much more than they did 🤬
Props to the author for leaving the book a bit open-ended.
The most fascinating thing about it to me was the multigenerational relationships between all the women🙌 it was the highlight of the story.
Hated the husband and the best friend. I feel like they deserved to suffer so much more than they did 🤬
Props to the author for leaving the book a bit open-ended.
November 18, 2025
This was so beautiful to read.
October 27, 2025
Ooo. This book made me BIG MAD. Excuse me but BEING BLINDSIDED BY YOUR BEST FRIEND AND HUSBAND?! I was so devastated for Claudia.
Claudia is a better woman than I when confronted by her friend.
This book was a good palate cleanser. Writing style was not my favourite. I felt like the story was lacking ✨ pizzazz✨.
Claudia is a better woman than I when confronted by her friend.
This book was a good palate cleanser. Writing style was not my favourite. I felt like the story was lacking ✨ pizzazz✨.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2025
I received this as an ARC and I did actually enjoy this one! Claudia is married to David, they have one daughter, Maya. Claudia comes home one day and discovers a lot of David’s personal belongings MIA, ones that you wouldn’t bring on just a work trip with you. She calls her best friend Rachel, who lives next door and she doesn’t answer. Come to find out, David and Rachel ran away together to San Francisco.
Claudia has to navigate being blindsided by a divorce from David, and her best friend of most of her life being the one who her husband was having an affair with. At the same time, her mom Gloria shows up on her step from Florida, and wants to help her through this difficult time in her life. Not to mention, Claudia and her mom have a rocky past.
I enjoyed reading about Claudia’s struggles as things in her life started to become a bit easier and watching her become this strong woman! I loved the diary entries from when she was younger, with prominent memories from her past related to her current situation. I loved how Claudia acted towards her daughter about the divorce and seeing Mayas growth too was amazing!
The best part was seeing Claudia start to slowly open up to her mom, and trusting her to take Maya to school. Claudia was able to secure a job, and also make friends with Nick, Rachel’s now ex husband. I loved their friendship and I enjoyed that it didn’t automatically turn into more between them. I loved this book and I loved just how strong and independent Claudia is! She didn’t take any backlash from her mom. I also loved learning more about some of the Mexican traditions, like Dia de Muertos and the different cultural foods as well! Thank you to NetGalley and Annette Chavez Macias for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Claudia has to navigate being blindsided by a divorce from David, and her best friend of most of her life being the one who her husband was having an affair with. At the same time, her mom Gloria shows up on her step from Florida, and wants to help her through this difficult time in her life. Not to mention, Claudia and her mom have a rocky past.
I enjoyed reading about Claudia’s struggles as things in her life started to become a bit easier and watching her become this strong woman! I loved the diary entries from when she was younger, with prominent memories from her past related to her current situation. I loved how Claudia acted towards her daughter about the divorce and seeing Mayas growth too was amazing!
The best part was seeing Claudia start to slowly open up to her mom, and trusting her to take Maya to school. Claudia was able to secure a job, and also make friends with Nick, Rachel’s now ex husband. I loved their friendship and I enjoyed that it didn’t automatically turn into more between them. I loved this book and I loved just how strong and independent Claudia is! She didn’t take any backlash from her mom. I also loved learning more about some of the Mexican traditions, like Dia de Muertos and the different cultural foods as well! Thank you to NetGalley and Annette Chavez Macias for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
I had to mull on this review because I think part of it was the story and part of it was the marketing. This is not a romance in any shape or form, despite what the blurb/teaser says. On NetGalley it was listed under romance and I think that had readers like me pick it up, when it really wasn't meaning it reached the wrong audience.
So there's no romance, oh well, I could closely relate to this book personally and vowed to give it a fair chance. It was really hard to root for Claudia, solely based on a difficult backstory. Her personality was overall really dislikable with moreso people picking her up rather than picking herself up. She was also quick to focus on the woman side of the affair and not hold equally accountability to her husband. I found that really disappointing, because while we got glimpses into their marriage I felt like the point of Maya being born to David leaving left me confused.
Overall, this shouldn't have ended up on my reading docket but I love a second chance romance and wanted to root for Claudia to find revenge and love which sadly this book didn't cover at all.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
So there's no romance, oh well, I could closely relate to this book personally and vowed to give it a fair chance. It was really hard to root for Claudia, solely based on a difficult backstory. Her personality was overall really dislikable with moreso people picking her up rather than picking herself up. She was also quick to focus on the woman side of the affair and not hold equally accountability to her husband. I found that really disappointing, because while we got glimpses into their marriage I felt like the point of Maya being born to David leaving left me confused.
Overall, this shouldn't have ended up on my reading docket but I love a second chance romance and wanted to root for Claudia to find revenge and love which sadly this book didn't cover at all.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
August 8, 2025
Claudia has the best of both worlds. Her best friend, Rachel, and her husband live next door. She has been married to her husband for ten years. She has an eight year old daughter, Maya.
Her husband leaves for a business trip and she starts to notice little things around the house that aren’t adding up. His phone keeps going to voicemail. He finally answers only to tell her to check her email.
Her husband and her best friend have been having an affair. He wants a divorce. She never saw this coming. What’s worse is the person she would turn to during this difficult time is one of the ones who betrayed her.
I enjoyed Claudia’s journey though it was difficult and messy. I enjoyed learning about some Mexican culture and heritage. Sweet Maya and Gloria <3
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Her husband leaves for a business trip and she starts to notice little things around the house that aren’t adding up. His phone keeps going to voicemail. He finally answers only to tell her to check her email.
Her husband and her best friend have been having an affair. He wants a divorce. She never saw this coming. What’s worse is the person she would turn to during this difficult time is one of the ones who betrayed her.
I enjoyed Claudia’s journey though it was difficult and messy. I enjoyed learning about some Mexican culture and heritage. Sweet Maya and Gloria <3
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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