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The Perfect Plan
She wanted to give the ultimate gift. It became the ultimate betrayal.
Fabiola has spent her life being good. The perfect daughter to her single father. A supportive wife to her entrepreneurial husband, who’s throwing everything they have at launching his start-up. A devoted mother to her three beautiful children. And a loyal best friend to Liz, who’s been by Fabiola’s side since Liz married her oldest childhood friend, Peter.
When Liz needs help starting her own family, Fabiola comes up with the perfect plan. She’s good at being pregnant, and she so badly wants to help her friend. It seems like the greatest gift one woman can give another. And Peter? For Peter, she would do anything.
But then one reckless moment changes everything. Now Fabiola must decide who to her best friend, the man she’s never stopped loving, or the child growing inside her. With her marriage unraveling and her teenage daughter hiding secrets of her own, she's discovering that the hardest promises to keep are the ones we make to ourselves.
A deeply moving and unforgettable exploration of motherhood, friendship, and the complex choices women make in the name of love, perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Lucinda Berry and Liane Moriarty.
Fabiola has spent her life being good. The perfect daughter to her single father. A supportive wife to her entrepreneurial husband, who’s throwing everything they have at launching his start-up. A devoted mother to her three beautiful children. And a loyal best friend to Liz, who’s been by Fabiola’s side since Liz married her oldest childhood friend, Peter.
When Liz needs help starting her own family, Fabiola comes up with the perfect plan. She’s good at being pregnant, and she so badly wants to help her friend. It seems like the greatest gift one woman can give another. And Peter? For Peter, she would do anything.
But then one reckless moment changes everything. Now Fabiola must decide who to her best friend, the man she’s never stopped loving, or the child growing inside her. With her marriage unraveling and her teenage daughter hiding secrets of her own, she's discovering that the hardest promises to keep are the ones we make to ourselves.
A deeply moving and unforgettable exploration of motherhood, friendship, and the complex choices women make in the name of love, perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Lucinda Berry and Liane Moriarty.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2025
465 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Caitlin Weaver
4 books39 followersCaitlin Weaver is the bestselling author of suspenseful, emotionally layered domestic dramas that are perfect for book clubs.
Her writing has been featured in Well+Good, Business Insider, Huff Post, Scary Mommy, and more.
Caitlin lives in Atlanta with her husband and children.
Her writing has been featured in Well+Good, Business Insider, Huff Post, Scary Mommy, and more.
Caitlin lives in Atlanta with her husband and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
December 14, 2024
When I saw that Caitlin Weaver (Things we Never Say, Such A Good Family) was releasing another book-I downloaded it without reading the synopsis-and I am glad I did. The very FIRST sentence hints at what is to come, and I am glad that I didn’t know!
I did figure (correctly) that she would offer us another story with a good moral dilemma (or two!) to ponder-and that she did!
Is Fabiola as altruistic as she appears?
When her “BEST” friend Liz, who cannot have children, needs a surrogate, Fabiola offers up the perfect plan-she will carry the baby. But is she doing this for Liz-or for Liz’s husband Peter, who was Fabiola’s childhood friend, and remains her unrequited love, despite her marriage to Aron, and their three children.
When things become “complicated” who will she put first?
I was NOT immediately drawn in by this story, which took awhile to become interesting, although eventually, I became engaged and wanted to find out how it would all end. While it is still a good book-I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first two.
The biggest issue for me was the denouement-which was MUCH TOO TIDY, and not one that I found to be very believable. Had the dilemma occurred sooner, and had we been able to explore in the second half, the dynamics which helped the characters to come to these resolutions- this story might have been more plausible, and worked better for me.
For that reason, I will award this one 3.5 ⭐️ rounded down.
Thank You to Storm Publishing for the gifted ARC provided by NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
I did figure (correctly) that she would offer us another story with a good moral dilemma (or two!) to ponder-and that she did!
Is Fabiola as altruistic as she appears?
When her “BEST” friend Liz, who cannot have children, needs a surrogate, Fabiola offers up the perfect plan-she will carry the baby. But is she doing this for Liz-or for Liz’s husband Peter, who was Fabiola’s childhood friend, and remains her unrequited love, despite her marriage to Aron, and their three children.
When things become “complicated” who will she put first?
I was NOT immediately drawn in by this story, which took awhile to become interesting, although eventually, I became engaged and wanted to find out how it would all end. While it is still a good book-I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first two.
The biggest issue for me was the denouement-which was MUCH TOO TIDY, and not one that I found to be very believable. Had the dilemma occurred sooner, and had we been able to explore in the second half, the dynamics which helped the characters to come to these resolutions- this story might have been more plausible, and worked better for me.
For that reason, I will award this one 3.5 ⭐️ rounded down.
Thank You to Storm Publishing for the gifted ARC provided by NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
January 7, 2025
This surrogacy was not The Perfect Plan!
And this was not a spoiler, it was abundantly clear in the first few pages. So, we have Fabiola, who is married with three children, and her best friend Liz who is unable to conceive due to medical issues. Liz is married to Peter, Fabiola’s oldest friend since middle school. Fabiola’s more-than-twenty-year infatuation and codependency over Peter is all kinds of icky and wrong, made even worse by the fact that Fabiola’s married to someone else, and her friendship with Liz. It was the ultimate betrayal! No one involved was doing this for the right reasons. Anyway, because Fabiola thinks motherhood is the ultimate, since she enjoyed being pregnant with her own kids, and because she would do anything for Peter, and way down the list of reasons, because she wants to give the gift of a child to her friend Liz, Fabiola offers to be their surrogate. As you can imagine, it’s a train wreck. Red flags all over the place.
This one was fairly predictable, especially if you happened to read the book blurb, which fortunately I didn’t until after I’d finished reading, so please avoid it if you can as it gave so much away. Having said this, there were still some surprising twists that I didn’t foresee. Predictable or not I excitedly anticipated where this was going, was never bored, and was always eager to pick up where I left off. This author is known for writing novels that deal with real-life, relatable social issues, and The Perfect Plan was no exception, there were some heavy and emotional moments. However, I did find this one tended towards family and friendship drama/soap opera, more so than her previous books, and I was 100% here for the deception. Fabiola’s life unraveled fast.
I was in two minds regarding Fabiola. At times she came across as naïve, selfish and self-centred, and her obsession with Peter was very unhealthy. But she was a good mother, she was juggling a lot, she was surrounded by people whose love and supportiveness was inconsistent or withheld, and she was just trying to do the best she could. This one was narrated solely by Fabiola, which again was different to Caitlin Weaver’s other two books which utilised multiple POV’s. I was completely invested in Fabiola’s storyline and predicament, so much so that when Part Two flashed across my screen I was momentarily worried that we were going to shift to another character’s perspective and I didn’t want that, so was relieved when it didn’t. I loved that this one was set in New York, rather than the suburbs – as it offered up a different take on lifestyle, work/home balance, and parenting in the city.
The Perfect Plan was my third read by Caitlin Weaver in the past six months, and I’ve rated them all 4.5 ⭐️. I admire how fast she writes and releases these books – no complaints from me. Caitlin Weaver is now an auto- read/acquire/buy author for me.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Caitlin Weaver for the e-ARC.
Release Date: 15 January 2025.
And this was not a spoiler, it was abundantly clear in the first few pages. So, we have Fabiola, who is married with three children, and her best friend Liz who is unable to conceive due to medical issues. Liz is married to Peter, Fabiola’s oldest friend since middle school. Fabiola’s more-than-twenty-year infatuation and codependency over Peter is all kinds of icky and wrong, made even worse by the fact that Fabiola’s married to someone else, and her friendship with Liz. It was the ultimate betrayal! No one involved was doing this for the right reasons. Anyway, because Fabiola thinks motherhood is the ultimate, since she enjoyed being pregnant with her own kids, and because she would do anything for Peter, and way down the list of reasons, because she wants to give the gift of a child to her friend Liz, Fabiola offers to be their surrogate. As you can imagine, it’s a train wreck. Red flags all over the place.
This one was fairly predictable, especially if you happened to read the book blurb, which fortunately I didn’t until after I’d finished reading, so please avoid it if you can as it gave so much away. Having said this, there were still some surprising twists that I didn’t foresee. Predictable or not I excitedly anticipated where this was going, was never bored, and was always eager to pick up where I left off. This author is known for writing novels that deal with real-life, relatable social issues, and The Perfect Plan was no exception, there were some heavy and emotional moments. However, I did find this one tended towards family and friendship drama/soap opera, more so than her previous books, and I was 100% here for the deception. Fabiola’s life unraveled fast.
I was in two minds regarding Fabiola. At times she came across as naïve, selfish and self-centred, and her obsession with Peter was very unhealthy. But she was a good mother, she was juggling a lot, she was surrounded by people whose love and supportiveness was inconsistent or withheld, and she was just trying to do the best she could. This one was narrated solely by Fabiola, which again was different to Caitlin Weaver’s other two books which utilised multiple POV’s. I was completely invested in Fabiola’s storyline and predicament, so much so that when Part Two flashed across my screen I was momentarily worried that we were going to shift to another character’s perspective and I didn’t want that, so was relieved when it didn’t. I loved that this one was set in New York, rather than the suburbs – as it offered up a different take on lifestyle, work/home balance, and parenting in the city.
The Perfect Plan was my third read by Caitlin Weaver in the past six months, and I’ve rated them all 4.5 ⭐️. I admire how fast she writes and releases these books – no complaints from me. Caitlin Weaver is now an auto- read/acquire/buy author for me.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Caitlin Weaver for the e-ARC.
Release Date: 15 January 2025.
July 29, 2025
TALK ABOUT SHEER AUDACITY
The perfect Plan revolves around Fabiola. Fabiola is a wife, mother to three children, business owner and best friends with Liz and Alice. At the weekly best friends brunch Fabiola offers to be a surrogate to Liz who is unable to have kids. Fabiola would do anything for Liz and Liz’s husband Peter. But when one reckless moment takes place. Fabiola worlds turn on its axis and she have a lot of decisions to make.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? I have never been so infuriated with a fictional woman in a hot minute! Fabiola has some NERVES AND BALLS! Without going into too much detail she behaved like a teenager who frankly had no morals.
This is domestic drama at its finest and although predictable, I am used to the author writing more on a moral-dilemma front than trying to exude thrills and suspense.
The book started of juicy but was slow. I would say that it picked more and I enjoyed it from Part 2 onwards.
I would have liked the book to have been rawer and more realistic. Maybe its just me but if this scenario played out in my circle of friendships, I promise you it wouldn’t have been as cut and dry. The drama would have been through the roof!
I would have also liked a different ending. I feel people were being rewarded for their utter stupidity and lack of awareness.
3.5 ⭐
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pre read
This author has become one of my instant go-to
The perfect choice for addictive contemporary women fiction
I hope this one impresses me like her other releases!
💙🤍💙
The perfect Plan revolves around Fabiola. Fabiola is a wife, mother to three children, business owner and best friends with Liz and Alice. At the weekly best friends brunch Fabiola offers to be a surrogate to Liz who is unable to have kids. Fabiola would do anything for Liz and Liz’s husband Peter. But when one reckless moment takes place. Fabiola worlds turn on its axis and she have a lot of decisions to make.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? I have never been so infuriated with a fictional woman in a hot minute! Fabiola has some NERVES AND BALLS! Without going into too much detail she behaved like a teenager who frankly had no morals.
This is domestic drama at its finest and although predictable, I am used to the author writing more on a moral-dilemma front than trying to exude thrills and suspense.
The book started of juicy but was slow. I would say that it picked more and I enjoyed it from Part 2 onwards.
I would have liked the book to have been rawer and more realistic. Maybe its just me but if this scenario played out in my circle of friendships, I promise you it wouldn’t have been as cut and dry. The drama would have been through the roof!
I would have also liked a different ending. I feel people were being rewarded for their utter stupidity and lack of awareness.
3.5 ⭐
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
This author has become one of my instant go-to
The perfect choice for addictive contemporary women fiction
I hope this one impresses me like her other releases!
💙🤍💙
January 9, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. The story unfolds with an odd yet captivating premise and is filled with engaging twists that draw you in and hold your attention. The characters are a mixed bag; some are well-developed and genuinely intriguing, while others feel underexplored, lack depth, and are honestly unlikeable.
Although the plot tends to be predictable, it maintains a nice pace that kept me turning the pages. I particularly appreciate how the narrative intertwines multiple side plots, which enhances the book as a whole. Overall, it was an entertaining read.
Thank you, Storm Publishing, for providing me with this ARC.
Publication Date: January 15, 2025. If you're into twisty domestic dramas, be sure to add this one to your TBR!
As always, all thoughts are my own. ✨🖤
Although the plot tends to be predictable, it maintains a nice pace that kept me turning the pages. I particularly appreciate how the narrative intertwines multiple side plots, which enhances the book as a whole. Overall, it was an entertaining read.
Thank you, Storm Publishing, for providing me with this ARC.
Publication Date: January 15, 2025. If you're into twisty domestic dramas, be sure to add this one to your TBR!
As always, all thoughts are my own. ✨🖤
December 13, 2024
Alice, Fabiola and Liz discuss potential candidates and then out of the blue Fabiola offers to give her best friend Liz the gift of surrogacy. It’s the perfect plan as all agree, until it all goes pear-shaped.
Although three stars is a perfectly decent rating, I’m a bit disappointed with this one, especially after having loved Caitlin Weaver‘s last book. I find the start is slow and it fails to fully grab my attention. This is principally because there is so much going on, not just the perfect (or not) plan but lots of side stories and I think you can have a plot that’s too busy as it becomes distracting.
However, I do like the friendships and the testing of them and they are sorely tested in this domestic drama. The on/off dynamics are done well too. I like Fabiola despite some of the choices that she makes. Although the ending is a nice one, I’m not sure that this would happen in real life but never mind, this is fiction and it doesn’t have to be realistic!
Overall, if you like domestic dramas, then you may love this one and it has plenty of four and five star ratings.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Although three stars is a perfectly decent rating, I’m a bit disappointed with this one, especially after having loved Caitlin Weaver‘s last book. I find the start is slow and it fails to fully grab my attention. This is principally because there is so much going on, not just the perfect (or not) plan but lots of side stories and I think you can have a plot that’s too busy as it becomes distracting.
However, I do like the friendships and the testing of them and they are sorely tested in this domestic drama. The on/off dynamics are done well too. I like Fabiola despite some of the choices that she makes. Although the ending is a nice one, I’m not sure that this would happen in real life but never mind, this is fiction and it doesn’t have to be realistic!
Overall, if you like domestic dramas, then you may love this one and it has plenty of four and five star ratings.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
April 5, 2025
3 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Caitlin Weaver is an auto request author for me on NetGalley, so I was really looking forward to reading this one. Surprisingly, this was my least favorite by her so far.
There are a few things that I liked about this story. It definitely has all the things you want in a domestic drama - betrayal, lies, deceit, adultery and messy relationships - romantic and non-romantic. I liked the character development as well. I enjoyed the book overall, but I had higher hopes.
This one didn’t immediately hook me in like her previous books. I feel like it was drawn out a lot of the time with nothing really happening. None of the characters are likable, especially the main character. Poor decision-making is abundant in this book! The single POV was a big miss for me also. I think I would’ve enjoyed reading about some of the other characters POV’s as it would’ve made the story a bit more interesting. The pacing was good, not great, and the ending was meh. Too tidy and unrealistic.
Despite my average review, I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my advanced copy to read and review.
Caitlin Weaver is an auto request author for me on NetGalley, so I was really looking forward to reading this one. Surprisingly, this was my least favorite by her so far.
There are a few things that I liked about this story. It definitely has all the things you want in a domestic drama - betrayal, lies, deceit, adultery and messy relationships - romantic and non-romantic. I liked the character development as well. I enjoyed the book overall, but I had higher hopes.
This one didn’t immediately hook me in like her previous books. I feel like it was drawn out a lot of the time with nothing really happening. None of the characters are likable, especially the main character. Poor decision-making is abundant in this book! The single POV was a big miss for me also. I think I would’ve enjoyed reading about some of the other characters POV’s as it would’ve made the story a bit more interesting. The pacing was good, not great, and the ending was meh. Too tidy and unrealistic.
Despite my average review, I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my advanced copy to read and review.
December 23, 2024
Fabiola, Liz and Alice have been friends since college. Liz and her husband Peter can't conceive naturally because she had a hysterectomy years ago. But since she froze her eggs, they are hoping to conceive via a surrogate. Fabiola, who has 3 kids of her own, volunteers to be the surrogate for Liz and Peter. After all, she loves being pregnant, and why not help out a friend? Fabi's husband, Aron, is chasing his dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and hopes his tech company, which has never been profitable, will be sold. Aron is really gambling on himself as they rely on Fabi's income and hopes that something happens soon.
Fabi has twin boys and an older girl. Vivi, her daughter, is challenging as she is talking back, changing friend groups and throwing away expectations. Fabi isn't sure how to connect with her. She has a great dad, but Fabi's mom left them the day before Fabi turned 14.
There is no shortage of plot elements, I don't want to get too much more into the plot elements but I enjoyed them all. The ending is not what I would have expected, but it was a satisfying conclusion.
I love Caitlin Weaver's novels, this is her 3rd and I genuinely enjoy them, they are female focused and easy to read. The dialogue of the kids in these books work very well. Fabi's kids bicker at each other and at her and it is very true to life. These are women's stories, they are stories of friendship and - I would say- suspense. They read as if they are mysteries, but they are more family drama. The women in her novels are not perfect, they are very real, very insecure, they make mistakes and they keep showing up as mothers. The men --- not so much. lol.
Caitlin Weaver is just an auto-buy for me.
Thanks to @netgalley and @stormpublishing for the ARC. Book to be published January 15, 2025.
#booksbooksbooks #booktok #bookstagram #arcreader #bookreview #bookrecommendations #theperfectplan
![100 Book Reviews]()
Fabi has twin boys and an older girl. Vivi, her daughter, is challenging as she is talking back, changing friend groups and throwing away expectations. Fabi isn't sure how to connect with her. She has a great dad, but Fabi's mom left them the day before Fabi turned 14.
There is no shortage of plot elements, I don't want to get too much more into the plot elements but I enjoyed them all. The ending is not what I would have expected, but it was a satisfying conclusion.
I love Caitlin Weaver's novels, this is her 3rd and I genuinely enjoy them, they are female focused and easy to read. The dialogue of the kids in these books work very well. Fabi's kids bicker at each other and at her and it is very true to life. These are women's stories, they are stories of friendship and - I would say- suspense. They read as if they are mysteries, but they are more family drama. The women in her novels are not perfect, they are very real, very insecure, they make mistakes and they keep showing up as mothers. The men --- not so much. lol.
Caitlin Weaver is just an auto-buy for me.
Thanks to @netgalley and @stormpublishing for the ARC. Book to be published January 15, 2025.
#booksbooksbooks #booktok #bookstagram #arcreader #bookreview #bookrecommendations #theperfectplan
January 28, 2025
2 stars
This is more a family drama than a mystery.
So friend 1 wants a baby, friend 2 volunteers to carry it for her, but friend 2 has been holding a candle for friend's 1 husband since she was 15 soooooo.....they hook up and the big mystery is who's baby is it? Clearly the plan fails.
This is more a family drama than a mystery.
So friend 1 wants a baby, friend 2 volunteers to carry it for her, but friend 2 has been holding a candle for friend's 1 husband since she was 15 soooooo.....they hook up and the big mystery is who's baby is it? Clearly the plan fails.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2024
My first read by Caitlin Weaver, definitely not my last. While listed as a thriller, it felt closer to women's lit and had an unraveling of mysteries similar to Jodi Picolt and Lianne Moriarty- two of my favs.
When Fabiola's best friend Liz needs help with the surrogacy of a child, Fab feels she's the perfect candidate. She's has several of her own already and adores her friend- whats the worst that can happen?
Well, things get interesting as the history between Fab and Liz unfolds- specifically that of Peter- Liz's husband, and the unrequited love of Fab's life.
It begs the question: who is Fab really doing this for?
There's a lot going on in this, but the arc of the story lies in the friendship between these two women. It held my attention and even while reading intermittently around the holiday I felt my mind returning to this book, a great sign! This one comes out on January 15th and will be a recommendation to mystery lovers.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and the author for the chance to read and review prior to publication.
When Fabiola's best friend Liz needs help with the surrogacy of a child, Fab feels she's the perfect candidate. She's has several of her own already and adores her friend- whats the worst that can happen?
Well, things get interesting as the history between Fab and Liz unfolds- specifically that of Peter- Liz's husband, and the unrequited love of Fab's life.
It begs the question: who is Fab really doing this for?
There's a lot going on in this, but the arc of the story lies in the friendship between these two women. It held my attention and even while reading intermittently around the holiday I felt my mind returning to this book, a great sign! This one comes out on January 15th and will be a recommendation to mystery lovers.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and the author for the chance to read and review prior to publication.
February 28, 2025
I knew pretty quickly where this was going but it didn’t deter me from finishing the book. It was like the chaos demanded my attention and I just couldn’t walk away.
😬
😬
January 19, 2025
Fabiola was too grown to make such stupid decisions. I thought it was a very bad idea to volunteer to be your friend’s surrogate . Also Liz or Peter really didn’t seem like they really wanted a baby
January 6, 2025
Domestic Drama at its finest! This is the type of book that, no matter how it ends, you don't know how you will feel. One thing rings true: Caitlin Weaver is an amazing writer who can get you invested in the story from the beginning.
As for the story, without giving anything away, I will say that one of my friends is a better person than me; I could NEVER. The first 50% of the book is engaging, but in the second half, you cannot put it down. You will be attached, consumed, and astonished by how things evolved through the story. I recommend this book, but you have been warned it will capture your attention; make time to read because you will be canceling plans to learn what's next!
As for the story, without giving anything away, I will say that one of my friends is a better person than me; I could NEVER. The first 50% of the book is engaging, but in the second half, you cannot put it down. You will be attached, consumed, and astonished by how things evolved through the story. I recommend this book, but you have been warned it will capture your attention; make time to read because you will be canceling plans to learn what's next!
February 25, 2025
I was completely surprised with how much I enjoyed this audiobook. I went into it thinking it would be a thriller- but that was my mistake! Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!
This book starts with a group of friends looking at potential surrogate moms for one of them- as she lost her ability to have children after a medical mistake decades prior. Half-heartedly, MC Fabiola offers to surrogate and the wheels of fate start turning.
Not only is this Fabiola’s friend, but the husband is someone very close to Fabiola and has been her whole life. With three children of her own, the bread winner of her family, a thriving organizing business, what could go wrong?
This book caught me off guard for what it wasn’t- a psychological thriller. In all honesty, I was 75% of the way through it before I even noticed! And I was craving more every time I had to stop reading. Overall, a GREAT read, well paced, believable, enjoyable.
This book starts with a group of friends looking at potential surrogate moms for one of them- as she lost her ability to have children after a medical mistake decades prior. Half-heartedly, MC Fabiola offers to surrogate and the wheels of fate start turning.
Not only is this Fabiola’s friend, but the husband is someone very close to Fabiola and has been her whole life. With three children of her own, the bread winner of her family, a thriving organizing business, what could go wrong?
This book caught me off guard for what it wasn’t- a psychological thriller. In all honesty, I was 75% of the way through it before I even noticed! And I was craving more every time I had to stop reading. Overall, a GREAT read, well paced, believable, enjoyable.
December 11, 2024
read if you like:
📍 NYC
👯 friend dramas
🤰🏻 surrogacy
summary:
THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD!! This is my 3rd Caitlin Weaver book this year and each one has gotten better, if that’s even possible. It follows Fabiola, wife and mother of three kids, who lives a seemingly ideal life in Brooklyn, hanging out with her best friend, Liz, who married her childhood best friend, Peter. When Liz and Peter start looking for a surrogate to carry their baby, Fabiola immediately volunteers, despite her husband Aron’s hesitation. She loves being pregnant and would do anything for her friends, so why not? Of course, the situation gets infinitely more complicated, and Fabiola has to decide — which relationships are worth fighting for?
I just couldn’t love this book more. It has an underlying theme of gender roles in today’s society, with Peter as the traditional breadwinner in his family, and Fabiola holding her own family together emotionally and financially as her husband plays foosball and chases after his unrealistic dreams. Fabiola herself is one of my favorite characters. She is a force to be reckoned with — serving as the primary parent, an incredibly friend and an overly supportive wife. It’s almost unbelievable when her mistakes expose her flaws, but also shows how even the most put together women aren’t perfect. Personally, I could not stand her husband Aron - he has the ego of a mediocre white man, and I’ll admit, I took so much satisfaction in what happens to him in the book. The entire story really revolves around relationships, and the benefits — and consequences — of them. It’s hard not to give anything away, but the evolution of Fabiola is heart warming — and heart breaking — but the end is satisfying in the best, most heartfelt way. This books makes you laugh, it definitely makes you cry, and it makes you think about the loyalty of friendship with the people most important to you.
I cannot thank Storm Publishing enough for this ARC, and everyone should read this when it releases on January 15! And until then, I can’t wait for her next one!
📍 NYC
👯 friend dramas
🤰🏻 surrogacy
summary:
THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD!! This is my 3rd Caitlin Weaver book this year and each one has gotten better, if that’s even possible. It follows Fabiola, wife and mother of three kids, who lives a seemingly ideal life in Brooklyn, hanging out with her best friend, Liz, who married her childhood best friend, Peter. When Liz and Peter start looking for a surrogate to carry their baby, Fabiola immediately volunteers, despite her husband Aron’s hesitation. She loves being pregnant and would do anything for her friends, so why not? Of course, the situation gets infinitely more complicated, and Fabiola has to decide — which relationships are worth fighting for?
I just couldn’t love this book more. It has an underlying theme of gender roles in today’s society, with Peter as the traditional breadwinner in his family, and Fabiola holding her own family together emotionally and financially as her husband plays foosball and chases after his unrealistic dreams. Fabiola herself is one of my favorite characters. She is a force to be reckoned with — serving as the primary parent, an incredibly friend and an overly supportive wife. It’s almost unbelievable when her mistakes expose her flaws, but also shows how even the most put together women aren’t perfect. Personally, I could not stand her husband Aron - he has the ego of a mediocre white man, and I’ll admit, I took so much satisfaction in what happens to him in the book. The entire story really revolves around relationships, and the benefits — and consequences — of them. It’s hard not to give anything away, but the evolution of Fabiola is heart warming — and heart breaking — but the end is satisfying in the best, most heartfelt way. This books makes you laugh, it definitely makes you cry, and it makes you think about the loyalty of friendship with the people most important to you.
I cannot thank Storm Publishing enough for this ARC, and everyone should read this when it releases on January 15! And until then, I can’t wait for her next one!
January 16, 2025
Talk about messy! This book has deception, lies, affairs, secrets, and all the craziness that makes a domestic drama great! I could not put this book down!
Fabiola, Liz, and Alice are best friends and have been there for each other through thick and thin. When Liz decides she and her husband, Peter, are finally ready for a baby, Fabiola offers to be their surrogate. This seems like the perfect plan. The only issue is that Fabiola has never gotten over Peter. This, obviously, complicates things.
This book was so good! It's multi-layered, which adds a lot of intense drama. Fabiola is dealing with her pregnancy and her feelings towards Peter, issues within her marriage, shifts with her daughter, her relationship with her own mother.. it's all just a lot but SO good! I personally loved how the author made Fabiola an ethnic girl, being Jamaican and Peruvian. I'm Jamaican and Dominican, so I appreciated that. I also liked how she touched on a quite common complication during pregnancy- placenta previa. I found that section of the book very relatable, having gone through it myself during my first pregnancy. This is an overall great read, with lots of suspense, twists, and shockers throughout the book. A solid 4-star read!
Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Caitlin Weaver for this read!
Fabiola, Liz, and Alice are best friends and have been there for each other through thick and thin. When Liz decides she and her husband, Peter, are finally ready for a baby, Fabiola offers to be their surrogate. This seems like the perfect plan. The only issue is that Fabiola has never gotten over Peter. This, obviously, complicates things.
This book was so good! It's multi-layered, which adds a lot of intense drama. Fabiola is dealing with her pregnancy and her feelings towards Peter, issues within her marriage, shifts with her daughter, her relationship with her own mother.. it's all just a lot but SO good! I personally loved how the author made Fabiola an ethnic girl, being Jamaican and Peruvian. I'm Jamaican and Dominican, so I appreciated that. I also liked how she touched on a quite common complication during pregnancy- placenta previa. I found that section of the book very relatable, having gone through it myself during my first pregnancy. This is an overall great read, with lots of suspense, twists, and shockers throughout the book. A solid 4-star read!
Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Caitlin Weaver for this read!
January 15, 2025
The Perfect Plan by Caitlin Weaver delves deep into the topics of motherhood, friendship and surrogacy. This is set to be a thriller but I find it much more directed towards the women's lit, domestic drama genre. When Fabiola Butler's best friend Liz wants a baby she needs to use a surrogate. Fabiola has already had three healthy babies and she would do anything for Liz and her husband Peter so why doesn't Fabi become their surrogate? Peter just so happens to be Fabi's oldest friend and somewhat old flame. The history between Fabi and Peter make you wonder who exactly is Fabi doing this for? This story is filled with a lot but the main theme is the friendship between Liz and Fabi. I did feel like this one was hard somewhat to get into, and I felt there were a few side stories that got in the way or maybe not enough attention on. If a good domestic drama is your thing definitely check The Perfect Plan out.
Thank you to NetGalley, Caitlin Weaver, and Storm Publishing for this ARC. Expected publishing date is January 15th 2025.
Thank you to NetGalley, Caitlin Weaver, and Storm Publishing for this ARC. Expected publishing date is January 15th 2025.
January 4, 2025
THE PERFECT PLAN by Caitlin Weaver is the third book that I’ve read from the author, and I know one thing for sure. Weaver certainly excels at writing binge-worthy novels about motherhood, marriage, and female friendship. Her latest juicy and addictive read had me tap, tap, tapping away on my kindle well into the night.
I’d best describe THE PERFECT PLAN as a domestic drama with a good mix of complicated friendships, messy relationships, and jaw-dropping moments. It explores modern marriage, gender roles, societal pressures and expectations, surrogacy, parenthood, and infidelity. There’s absolutely no shortage of drama, secrets, lies, and betrayal here—trust me! You’ll definitely need a bag of popcorn with this one.
Weaver crafted Fabiola, the main character expertly. She’s a character that the reader is somewhat expected to hate. I definitely had a love/hate relationship with her. Even though she means well and comes across as an absolute sweetheart, she makes some questionable decisions that will make you grit your teeth. Yet somehow, I related to her and understood her point of view—especially with everything she was dealing with in her life. She is only human, after all.
The way I whiz through Caitlin Weaver’s novels proves that she’s a new favorite author of mine, and I’ll definitely read anything she writes. THE PERFECT PLAN releases on January 15th, and it gets 4/5 stars from me!
I’d best describe THE PERFECT PLAN as a domestic drama with a good mix of complicated friendships, messy relationships, and jaw-dropping moments. It explores modern marriage, gender roles, societal pressures and expectations, surrogacy, parenthood, and infidelity. There’s absolutely no shortage of drama, secrets, lies, and betrayal here—trust me! You’ll definitely need a bag of popcorn with this one.
Weaver crafted Fabiola, the main character expertly. She’s a character that the reader is somewhat expected to hate. I definitely had a love/hate relationship with her. Even though she means well and comes across as an absolute sweetheart, she makes some questionable decisions that will make you grit your teeth. Yet somehow, I related to her and understood her point of view—especially with everything she was dealing with in her life. She is only human, after all.
The way I whiz through Caitlin Weaver’s novels proves that she’s a new favorite author of mine, and I’ll definitely read anything she writes. THE PERFECT PLAN releases on January 15th, and it gets 4/5 stars from me!
January 20, 2025
I love how good Caitlin Weaver is at writing complicated female protagonists, who you want to love as much as you want to smack them sometimes. I struggled with this book because of that. I didn’t really like the main character, and since it’s all written from her POV, at times I felt like the book was hard for me to get through.
I liked the book as a whole, but it all felt like it wrapped up a little too neatly at the end. It almost felt like there were no consequences for Fabiola’s bad behavior, although I was happy everything turned out okay in the end.
This book definitely showcases the ups and downs of both romantic relationships and female friendships beautifully. It also shows in devastating detail how hard it can be to be a parent when you didn’t have the best model growing up, or when you don’t feel like you’re on the same page as your partner.
I definitely recommend this book to fans of domestic dramas, and to people who love when other people’s lives are messy and dramatic. This book definitely satisfied that little part in me that loves other people’s drama!
I liked the book as a whole, but it all felt like it wrapped up a little too neatly at the end. It almost felt like there were no consequences for Fabiola’s bad behavior, although I was happy everything turned out okay in the end.
This book definitely showcases the ups and downs of both romantic relationships and female friendships beautifully. It also shows in devastating detail how hard it can be to be a parent when you didn’t have the best model growing up, or when you don’t feel like you’re on the same page as your partner.
I definitely recommend this book to fans of domestic dramas, and to people who love when other people’s lives are messy and dramatic. This book definitely satisfied that little part in me that loves other people’s drama!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2025
This book takes you on a journey of friendship, giving oneself’s gift of life for another and dealing with heartbreak of loss and moving forward and realising what is in front of you may not be what you thought.
A fantastically written story that takes you through many emotions that you never thought you could have.
A fantastically written story that takes you through many emotions that you never thought you could have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
December 28, 2024
While the book was awfully predictable I did enjoy it. Sort of like. Low stakes, don’t have to think but go along for the ride type book. While from the start you could tell how things would ultimately unfold, I was interested in easing the small details. So there had to be something that drew me in.
I do enjoy reading books that are entertaining but have an undercurrent of something deeper which this book did with the characters individual self discovery.
I am thankful to have gotten an eARC for free from Storm Publishing through NetGalley to enjoy which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review. The book comes out January 15, 2025.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
I do enjoy reading books that are entertaining but have an undercurrent of something deeper which this book did with the characters individual self discovery.
I am thankful to have gotten an eARC for free from Storm Publishing through NetGalley to enjoy which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review. The book comes out January 15, 2025.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
December 31, 2024
Caitlin Weaver’s The Perfect Plan is a riveting tale of friendship, family, and the chaos that ensues when good intentions go awry. Weaver masterfully explores the complexities of relationships, motherhood, and loyalty, crafting a story that is as heartfelt as it is suspenseful.
The story follows Fabiola, a devoted mother of three and a supportive wife navigating her husband’s entrepreneurial dreams. When her best friend Liz, married to Fabiola’s childhood confidant Peter, struggles with infertility, Fabiola offers to be their surrogate. At first, this act of generosity seems like the ultimate gift of friendship. However, the lingering history between Fabiola and Peter complicates matters, creating emotional tensions that threaten to unravel all their lives.
What makes this book stand out is Weaver’s deft characterization. Fabiola is a strong, relatable protagonist whose flaws make her feel deeply human. Her struggles with her rebellious teenage daughter, Vivi, and her strained marriage to Aron add layers of authenticity to the narrative. The dynamic between Fabiola, Liz, and Peter is filled with tension and vulnerability, pulling readers into a web of love, betrayal, and self-discovery.
Weaver’s writing shines in her ability to depict the messy, nuanced realities of life. The dialogue feels genuine, and the interactions between Fabiola and her children are refreshingly realistic, capturing the chaos and charm of parenthood. The twists in the plot are compelling, and while some might see them coming, they are executed in a way that keeps the story engaging.
The novel also touches on broader themes, such as the sacrifices women make for family, the societal pressures of being "perfect," and the fragile balance of friendships tested by life-altering decisions. These elements elevate The Perfect Plan beyond a simple family drama, making it a thought-provoking read.
With a satisfying and unexpected conclusion, The Perfect Plan cements Caitlin Weaver as a storyteller who understands the intricacies of human connections. Fans of Jodi Picoult and Liane Moriarty will find much to admire in this book. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories about strong women navigating life’s toughest challenges.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Perfect Plan is set to release on January 15, 2025—mark your calendars!
The story follows Fabiola, a devoted mother of three and a supportive wife navigating her husband’s entrepreneurial dreams. When her best friend Liz, married to Fabiola’s childhood confidant Peter, struggles with infertility, Fabiola offers to be their surrogate. At first, this act of generosity seems like the ultimate gift of friendship. However, the lingering history between Fabiola and Peter complicates matters, creating emotional tensions that threaten to unravel all their lives.
What makes this book stand out is Weaver’s deft characterization. Fabiola is a strong, relatable protagonist whose flaws make her feel deeply human. Her struggles with her rebellious teenage daughter, Vivi, and her strained marriage to Aron add layers of authenticity to the narrative. The dynamic between Fabiola, Liz, and Peter is filled with tension and vulnerability, pulling readers into a web of love, betrayal, and self-discovery.
Weaver’s writing shines in her ability to depict the messy, nuanced realities of life. The dialogue feels genuine, and the interactions between Fabiola and her children are refreshingly realistic, capturing the chaos and charm of parenthood. The twists in the plot are compelling, and while some might see them coming, they are executed in a way that keeps the story engaging.
The novel also touches on broader themes, such as the sacrifices women make for family, the societal pressures of being "perfect," and the fragile balance of friendships tested by life-altering decisions. These elements elevate The Perfect Plan beyond a simple family drama, making it a thought-provoking read.
With a satisfying and unexpected conclusion, The Perfect Plan cements Caitlin Weaver as a storyteller who understands the intricacies of human connections. Fans of Jodi Picoult and Liane Moriarty will find much to admire in this book. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories about strong women navigating life’s toughest challenges.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Perfect Plan is set to release on January 15, 2025—mark your calendars!
February 8, 2025
I enjoy this author but wasn't as enamored with this book as I was with her other stories.
Fabiola and her husband, Aron, have three kids: a teen daughter and twin sons. She has two close friends from college and one of them, Liz, is married to Peter who Fabi had a crush on/was in love with since high school. They now want to be parents and are looking for a surrogate due to Liz's health restriction. Liz is struggling to select the candidate when all of the sudden Fabi decides she wants to do it, and blurts it out. She views it as a gift to her two good friends, but if she had stopped to really think about it, she was offering to do it because she was romanticizing a connection she would have with Peter and in her dreams it would create a new family for her with him.
Aron owns a start-up sports commentary business that he keeps trying to get off the ground. Fortunately, Fabi's clear-out-clutter type business earns enough to keep them going financially. But she does feel the pressure for running her business, running the family and keeping their heads above water.
Liz and Peter agree to Fabi's offer, though Aron was reluctant at first. But Fabi convinced him because she loved being pregnant and had no difficulties the first two times.
Isn't it funny how some stories and characters, if written well, can really get inside you, become a part of you and are so believable that you get quite invested in their choices, their lives, the outcomes. I think that's the mark of a good author.😊
Fabiola and her husband, Aron, have three kids: a teen daughter and twin sons. She has two close friends from college and one of them, Liz, is married to Peter who Fabi had a crush on/was in love with since high school. They now want to be parents and are looking for a surrogate due to Liz's health restriction. Liz is struggling to select the candidate when all of the sudden Fabi decides she wants to do it, and blurts it out. She views it as a gift to her two good friends, but if she had stopped to really think about it, she was offering to do it because she was romanticizing a connection she would have with Peter and in her dreams it would create a new family for her with him.
Aron owns a start-up sports commentary business that he keeps trying to get off the ground. Fortunately, Fabi's clear-out-clutter type business earns enough to keep them going financially. But she does feel the pressure for running her business, running the family and keeping their heads above water.
Liz and Peter agree to Fabi's offer, though Aron was reluctant at first. But Fabi convinced him because she loved being pregnant and had no difficulties the first two times.
Isn't it funny how some stories and characters, if written well, can really get inside you, become a part of you and are so believable that you get quite invested in their choices, their lives, the outcomes. I think that's the mark of a good author.😊
December 27, 2024
As a big fan of thriller books, especially ones with female protagonists, I was very excited to get my hands on this. Something about this concept well I've heard similar things written before this one really stood out. When our main character is asked to be a surrogate mother for her best friend she jumps at the chance. What could possibly go wrong? Fabiola has given birth multiple times to healthy children and this would also give her friend the gift that she's been desperately wanting. Not only that but would also give Liz's husband something that he's always been dreaming of. And being able to fulfill his wishes is something that Fabolia can't help do. However what should be a simple transaction between the couple and a friend quickly turns upside down, and when friendships are put to the limits we really see everyone's true colors. And Fabiola must decide which relationship is truly worth saving. I love this book because there weren't too many side characters and the plot was fantastic. It was an easy read that really pulled you in and there wasn't too much unnecessary information. Another thing I loved about this book was seeing everyone's reactions to the girls decision both before and after the blow out. Each character had such different opinion on the situation and what I liked was that I found each one to be completely valid and understandable however maybe not in that situation. Each character was so realistic that I had to remind myself that this was a fiction novel. It was almost like I was hearing things from my friends and people I knew in real time not made up characters in a book. What made the story perfect however was all of the twists so many of them I couldn't see coming.The characters were written with so much depth and passion I loved hearing about all of them. This was a great read and I'm so glad I got the chance to check it out even if the beginning was a little bit on the slow side. If you love thrillers then this is a book for you and an author that I will definitely be keeping my eyes on in the future.
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December 16, 2025Um livro OK, não achei o melhor da autora, pelo contrário. Temos três amigas inseparáveis, em que uma faria tudo pela outra: Fabíola, Liz e Alice. Fabíola é casada, mãe de três filhos e ama essa função. Liz quer muito ter bebês com o seu marido, Peter, que conheceu no casamento de Fabíola, e não teve sucesso. Sem conhecer o real passado dos dois (muito próximos na adolescência e Fabíola tinha um baita crush nele, mas não tinha coragem de se declarar), Liz está tentando achar a mãe ideal para ser sua barriga de aluguel, até que Fabíola tem o plano perfeito: vai gestar o bebê - óvulo da amiga - e entregá-lo quando nascer. Um dia antes do procedimento, Fabíola e Peter transam, quando ele vai agradecê-la pela atitude nobre. O casamento dela não está indo muito bem, estão com problemas financeiros e a filha adolescente está numa fase rebelde. O procedimento dá certo e Fabíola, com a gravidez avançada faz um teste de DNA para saber se a filha é sua ou da amiga. Na história, ainda temos ela tentando lidar com o abandono da mãe na infância e esse retorno à vida dela. Ela se sente magoada com tudo que aconteceu e está resistente à ideia de tê-la em sua vida. No teste é confirmado que ela é a mãe do bebê, num momento de raiva pelo marido, que gastou o dinheiro todo da conta, revela o segredo e pede a separação. Após isso, ela se sente livre para contar
para amiga o que houve e ao Peter, achando que podem viver a grande história de amor deles juntos com o bebê - ou seja, uma adulta que não está medindo as consequências das suas ações. É claro que ele não avalia bem a situação. Agora ela está sem amiga, sem Peter, sem o marido, com mágoa da mãe e três filhos para cuidar. Daí a mãe a ajuda a superar essa fase e ficando ao seu lado, dizendo que pensava saber o que era melhor para a filha e blablablá. O bebê nasce e Liz tenta perdoá-la após se separar de Peter. Elas consideram morar juntas para criar as crianças.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2025
The Perfect Plan is the second book I’ve read by Caitlin Weaver, after loving her amazing book Things We Never Say. At first, I wasn’t sure if this one would live up to her earlier work, but it ended up surprising me with its depth and twists. By the end, it had totally won me over and earned a solid 4-star rating.
Weaver is so good at blending family drama, toxic relationships, and scandal into her stories. Sure, some parts of the plot were a bit predictable, but the fast pace and emotional rollercoaster kept me hooked. There were plenty of twists and turns, and even the moments I saw coming still hit hard because the emotions felt so real.
Fabiola, the main character, really stole the show for me. Her choices weren’t always great, but they came from a good place, which made her feel so human. Weaver writes her struggles so vividly that I could almost feel Fabiola’s self-doubt and guilt right alongside her. Despite her flaws, she was my favorite character, and I couldn’t help but root for her the whole way through.
If you’re planning to read this, my advice is: don’t read the blurb beforehand! It gives away a little too much, and the story is better when you go in without knowing everything.
One thing I really admire about Caitlin Weaver’s books is how she writes about women and their families in such a raw, real way. Her stories are fast-paced, easy to read, and packed with emotion. While The Perfect Plan didn’t quite hit the same high as Things We Never Say, it was still a fantastic read and one I’d definitely recommend if you’re into stories about love, betrayal, and all the messy parts of life.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Weaver is so good at blending family drama, toxic relationships, and scandal into her stories. Sure, some parts of the plot were a bit predictable, but the fast pace and emotional rollercoaster kept me hooked. There were plenty of twists and turns, and even the moments I saw coming still hit hard because the emotions felt so real.
Fabiola, the main character, really stole the show for me. Her choices weren’t always great, but they came from a good place, which made her feel so human. Weaver writes her struggles so vividly that I could almost feel Fabiola’s self-doubt and guilt right alongside her. Despite her flaws, she was my favorite character, and I couldn’t help but root for her the whole way through.
If you’re planning to read this, my advice is: don’t read the blurb beforehand! It gives away a little too much, and the story is better when you go in without knowing everything.
One thing I really admire about Caitlin Weaver’s books is how she writes about women and their families in such a raw, real way. Her stories are fast-paced, easy to read, and packed with emotion. While The Perfect Plan didn’t quite hit the same high as Things We Never Say, it was still a fantastic read and one I’d definitely recommend if you’re into stories about love, betrayal, and all the messy parts of life.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 8, 2025
Sometimes the perfect plan is not so perfect, which is definitely the case in this book.
Liz wants a baby, but she is unable to have one. As she is going through applicants for the surrogacy, her best friend, Fabiola, comes up with a brilliant idea. She will be the surrogate. After all, she has had two successful pregnancies, and this is her best friend. This was an immediate red flag for me. This is not a good idea. This is before I knew about Fabiola's past, and the red flags were waving and standing at attention. I knew this was not going to end well for everyone.
Talking Fabiola's husband, Aron, into accepting this surrogacy was not an easy task either. They already have their own set of problems with a rebellious teenage daughter and money issues which has caused some marital strife.
Everything goes through with the implantation, but the real nightmare is about to begin. This one will test the threads of friendships and relationships to the point of breaking. None of these characters were very likable simply because they were so self-entitled. However, Fabiola was a good mother, good businesswoman and tried to be a good wife. I think Fabiola's intentions were good, but she was living in the past. I think she was a very unhappy woman, and she was looking for something more in her life.
This messy situation will get even more convoluted before all is said and done and you will see the real folks beneath their showy exterior. It was a little different, but story was also interesting as I anxiously waited to see where it would end.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Liz wants a baby, but she is unable to have one. As she is going through applicants for the surrogacy, her best friend, Fabiola, comes up with a brilliant idea. She will be the surrogate. After all, she has had two successful pregnancies, and this is her best friend. This was an immediate red flag for me. This is not a good idea. This is before I knew about Fabiola's past, and the red flags were waving and standing at attention. I knew this was not going to end well for everyone.
Talking Fabiola's husband, Aron, into accepting this surrogacy was not an easy task either. They already have their own set of problems with a rebellious teenage daughter and money issues which has caused some marital strife.
Everything goes through with the implantation, but the real nightmare is about to begin. This one will test the threads of friendships and relationships to the point of breaking. None of these characters were very likable simply because they were so self-entitled. However, Fabiola was a good mother, good businesswoman and tried to be a good wife. I think Fabiola's intentions were good, but she was living in the past. I think she was a very unhappy woman, and she was looking for something more in her life.
This messy situation will get even more convoluted before all is said and done and you will see the real folks beneath their showy exterior. It was a little different, but story was also interesting as I anxiously waited to see where it would end.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 11, 2025
Fabiola loves being a mom. She has three children, and loves giving them all of her attention and feels anxious that they are growing up and might not need her anymore.
With an innovative husband who is trying to get his start-up company and her own career is taking off. At Fabiola’s wedding, she introduced Peter, her old friend and childhood crush, to her best friend, Liz. Peter and Liz fell in love, got married and seemed to have everything. Everything, but children. As Liz’s best friend, Fabiola impulsively agrees to be a surrogate for her friends. Their arrangement takes a disastrous turn as Fabiola and Peter’s connection grows. Fabiola’s reckless actions reveal a pattern of impulsive, thoughtless behavior. Now, Fabiola must navigate the tangled mess she created and seek a way to make amends.
I enjoyed the book, but my opinion of the main character Fabiola changed drastically. Initially, I respected her as a smart and loyal person, and I loved the women’s friendship portrayed at the beginning. However, it all turned out to be fake! Fabiola's actions became increasingly annoying and childish. Her messiness ruined everything, and she showed no consideration for other people's feelings. She definitely didn't deserve her friends. Instead of handling her situation maturely, she acted like a teenager, which was really off-putting. The author, Caitlin Weaver, did a great job creating her characters, but Fabiola’s transformation was a major disappointment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC copy. My opinions are my own.
Check out more of my reviews at https://bookishwondersreviews.blogspo...
With an innovative husband who is trying to get his start-up company and her own career is taking off. At Fabiola’s wedding, she introduced Peter, her old friend and childhood crush, to her best friend, Liz. Peter and Liz fell in love, got married and seemed to have everything. Everything, but children. As Liz’s best friend, Fabiola impulsively agrees to be a surrogate for her friends. Their arrangement takes a disastrous turn as Fabiola and Peter’s connection grows. Fabiola’s reckless actions reveal a pattern of impulsive, thoughtless behavior. Now, Fabiola must navigate the tangled mess she created and seek a way to make amends.
I enjoyed the book, but my opinion of the main character Fabiola changed drastically. Initially, I respected her as a smart and loyal person, and I loved the women’s friendship portrayed at the beginning. However, it all turned out to be fake! Fabiola's actions became increasingly annoying and childish. Her messiness ruined everything, and she showed no consideration for other people's feelings. She definitely didn't deserve her friends. Instead of handling her situation maturely, she acted like a teenager, which was really off-putting. The author, Caitlin Weaver, did a great job creating her characters, but Fabiola’s transformation was a major disappointment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC copy. My opinions are my own.
Check out more of my reviews at https://bookishwondersreviews.blogspo...
December 11, 2024
The Perfect Plan by Caitlin Weaver had me utterly spellbound from the first word to the last. Tension is suffocatingly thick, family drama appears in every nook and cranny and female friendship is pushed to its limit. Sometimes a thriller blurb is better than the book but in this case, it's the other way around. The blurb is a mere taste of what is to come. Be forewarned. You will be hooked!
Fabiola, Liz and Alice have been best friends for years. Liz and her neurosurgeon husband decide the time is right to have a child but they must sift through surrogate applications for the right fit. Liz's best friend Fabi has three children of her own and had smooth pregnancies. She offers to be Liz's surrogate but has to get her family on board, including her entrepreneur husband who is convinced that one day their money challenges will be solved. Problem is, some of the characters have personal history. But thankfully for the reader, the past adds so many delicious twists to the story. So do the family dynamics. The author is highly successful in streamlining the plot and subplots into one incredible package which was such a pleasure to read. I didn't agree with some of the choices characters made and a few descriptions are gratuitous but overall, this was one heck of a rollercoaster ride I didn't want to get off of. The kids' personalities were realistic and I appreciate that they were included.
My sincere thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an early digital copy of this grippy novel. Time well spent!
Fabiola, Liz and Alice have been best friends for years. Liz and her neurosurgeon husband decide the time is right to have a child but they must sift through surrogate applications for the right fit. Liz's best friend Fabi has three children of her own and had smooth pregnancies. She offers to be Liz's surrogate but has to get her family on board, including her entrepreneur husband who is convinced that one day their money challenges will be solved. Problem is, some of the characters have personal history. But thankfully for the reader, the past adds so many delicious twists to the story. So do the family dynamics. The author is highly successful in streamlining the plot and subplots into one incredible package which was such a pleasure to read. I didn't agree with some of the choices characters made and a few descriptions are gratuitous but overall, this was one heck of a rollercoaster ride I didn't want to get off of. The kids' personalities were realistic and I appreciate that they were included.
My sincere thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an early digital copy of this grippy novel. Time well spent!
January 20, 2025
Thank you so much @stormpublishing and @netgalley for the copy of this eARC!
This book was absolutely unputdownable! It’s a deeply moving tale about the strength of friendship, the complexities of love, and the healing power of forgiveness.
When Fabiola’s best friend, Liz, discovers she can’t have children and needs a surrogate, Fabiola volunteers to help. Having three kids of her own and smooth pregnancies in the past, she feels confident in offering this gift. However, as the journey progresses, Fabiola starts to question whether her actions are truly for Liz, or if her underlying motivations are tied to Liz’s husband, Peter—Fabiola’s childhood friend and first love.
Despite her well-laid plans, Fabiola soon realizes things aren’t as simple as she thought.
I absolutely fell in love with Fabiola’s children—Vivi, Ben, and Liam. Vivi’s behavior is a poignant reflection of the emotional strain in Fabiola and Aron’s household. This novel beautifully delves into themes of lost love, forgiveness, second chances, and the powerful journey of healing and reconciliation.
It’s a story about love that withstands time, betrayal, and the chance for redemption. I highly recommend Weaver’s novels—you won’t be disappointed.
Weaver’s writing is phenomenal, and I felt every emotion the characters went through. At times, the tension was so thick I could feel my heart racing. The ending was both surprising and satisfying. Ultimately, this is a beautifully written, emotional rollercoaster of a book that explores difficult decisions and feelings.
This book was absolutely unputdownable! It’s a deeply moving tale about the strength of friendship, the complexities of love, and the healing power of forgiveness.
When Fabiola’s best friend, Liz, discovers she can’t have children and needs a surrogate, Fabiola volunteers to help. Having three kids of her own and smooth pregnancies in the past, she feels confident in offering this gift. However, as the journey progresses, Fabiola starts to question whether her actions are truly for Liz, or if her underlying motivations are tied to Liz’s husband, Peter—Fabiola’s childhood friend and first love.
Despite her well-laid plans, Fabiola soon realizes things aren’t as simple as she thought.
I absolutely fell in love with Fabiola’s children—Vivi, Ben, and Liam. Vivi’s behavior is a poignant reflection of the emotional strain in Fabiola and Aron’s household. This novel beautifully delves into themes of lost love, forgiveness, second chances, and the powerful journey of healing and reconciliation.
It’s a story about love that withstands time, betrayal, and the chance for redemption. I highly recommend Weaver’s novels—you won’t be disappointed.
Weaver’s writing is phenomenal, and I felt every emotion the characters went through. At times, the tension was so thick I could feel my heart racing. The ending was both surprising and satisfying. Ultimately, this is a beautifully written, emotional rollercoaster of a book that explores difficult decisions and feelings.
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