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Other People's Marriages
A BRAND NEW page-turning, emotional family drama from Caroline Finnerty. Perfect for fans of Emma Robinson, Susan Lewis and Alison Ragsdale. Two couples. Four sides of the story. A hundred ways to break their families apart 💔 Every Tuesday night, two couples see the same therapist for marriage counselling. At 8pm, as Liv and Jay are leaving their session, they see Maya and Hugo waiting to go in.
When their young boys start at the same school, things are initially awkward, but as the women get to know one another, they become friends, sharing the fractures in their respective marriages. Soon, they are confiding their deepest secrets.
Then Liv and Jay’s son comes home from school upset, saying that Maya and Hugo’s son is bullying him. There’s no choice but to confront the issue, but what should be a civil conversation between grown-ups soon takes a turn. As the delicate threads holding their relationships together start to unravel, they are all left to question the foundations that both their marriages and friendships have been built on.
Who is telling the truth? Who is lying, to themselves and the others? And with so much at stake, who will ultimately pay the price?
An absorbing, thought-provoking story of marriage, parenthood, innocence and guilt that you won’t be able to put down.
Praise for Caroline
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A book that will break your heart and then piece it slowly back together.' Sinead Moriarty
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Touching and poignant, this book took me on an emotional ride. A gripping and absorbing read.' Leah Mercer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'The book had me on the edge of my seat, I was on an emotional rollercoaster from being happy to crying silent tears. Another 5 star book by Caroline!' Reader review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This is a well written and thought provoking novel that made me wonder what I would do in the same situation.' Reader review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This book was an enjoyable read. It was fast paced and filled with mystery and suspense. The characters were well developed with a good storyline. This is a book which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.' Reader review
When their young boys start at the same school, things are initially awkward, but as the women get to know one another, they become friends, sharing the fractures in their respective marriages. Soon, they are confiding their deepest secrets.
Then Liv and Jay’s son comes home from school upset, saying that Maya and Hugo’s son is bullying him. There’s no choice but to confront the issue, but what should be a civil conversation between grown-ups soon takes a turn. As the delicate threads holding their relationships together start to unravel, they are all left to question the foundations that both their marriages and friendships have been built on.
Who is telling the truth? Who is lying, to themselves and the others? And with so much at stake, who will ultimately pay the price?
An absorbing, thought-provoking story of marriage, parenthood, innocence and guilt that you won’t be able to put down.
Praise for Caroline
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A book that will break your heart and then piece it slowly back together.' Sinead Moriarty
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Touching and poignant, this book took me on an emotional ride. A gripping and absorbing read.' Leah Mercer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'The book had me on the edge of my seat, I was on an emotional rollercoaster from being happy to crying silent tears. Another 5 star book by Caroline!' Reader review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This is a well written and thought provoking novel that made me wonder what I would do in the same situation.' Reader review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This book was an enjoyable read. It was fast paced and filled with mystery and suspense. The characters were well developed with a good storyline. This is a book which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.' Reader review
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2026
About the author
Caroline Finnerty
18 books138 followersThank you for visiting my author page. I am an Irish author living on the banks of the Grand Canal in Co. Kildare with my husband and our four young children. My books have been described as emotional tearjerkers and always have a big dilemma at their heart. I love to explore the different sides of human behaviour and why we do what we do. My 5th book THE LAST DAYS OF US will be published by Boldwood in June 2021. You can find out more about me on my website www.carolinefinnerty.ie or contact me on Facebook (carolinefinnertywriter) or Twitter (@cfinnertywriter).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
January 6, 2026
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book had an interesting premise, but the execution fell flat for me. The pacing was a real struggle, with long stretches that felt uneventful. I liked the two couples being from different backgrounds and social classes, and I could appreciate Liv and Maya's consistent attempts at friendship, even when the odds were stacked against them. However, I felt as if the first half of the book was just the two women getting together for coffee or going on a walk after school drop-off to talk about their marriages and children ... and none of it was all that interesting. Even when the plot finally picks up late in the book, it felt like it was too late. A tragic accident occurs—at almost 87% of the way through the book—and the way it was handled completely soured the entire book for me. The lying, the lack of accountability and the absence of real consequences left me incredibly angry and deeply dissatisfied.
This book had an interesting premise, but the execution fell flat for me. The pacing was a real struggle, with long stretches that felt uneventful. I liked the two couples being from different backgrounds and social classes, and I could appreciate Liv and Maya's consistent attempts at friendship, even when the odds were stacked against them. However, I felt as if the first half of the book was just the two women getting together for coffee or going on a walk after school drop-off to talk about their marriages and children ... and none of it was all that interesting. Even when the plot finally picks up late in the book, it felt like it was too late. A tragic accident occurs—at almost 87% of the way through the book—and the way it was handled completely soured the entire book for me. The lying, the lack of accountability and the absence of real consequences left me incredibly angry and deeply dissatisfied.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Relatable until the shocking conclusion, Other People's Marriages is an authentic look at attempting to build friendships during motherhood, and what the allure of a new, fast friendship hides as layers of toxicity are revealed.
I felt for Liv. I saw myself in her--traumatic birth story, healthy marriage, and awkward friendship moments when children don't get along. I saw much of my husband in Jay. They were real, with real issues and real love.
I despised Hugo and honestly didn't care much for Maya either. But, then again, I'm not sure you're supposed to. You meet them where they are and, like Liv, end up wanting the best for them.
This isn't about a lush setting and is heavily character driven which I absolutely adored. It was the perfect two-day read during a snowstorm where the kids were home and no one was going out.
Some triggers include alcohol abuse, child endangerment, and bullying. But it is handled with class and gentleness.
Quotes to tempt you:
"Nothing is missing; our family is exactly the way it is supposed to be." .... or is it?
I felt for Liv. I saw myself in her--traumatic birth story, healthy marriage, and awkward friendship moments when children don't get along. I saw much of my husband in Jay. They were real, with real issues and real love.
I despised Hugo and honestly didn't care much for Maya either. But, then again, I'm not sure you're supposed to. You meet them where they are and, like Liv, end up wanting the best for them.
This isn't about a lush setting and is heavily character driven which I absolutely adored. It was the perfect two-day read during a snowstorm where the kids were home and no one was going out.
Some triggers include alcohol abuse, child endangerment, and bullying. But it is handled with class and gentleness.
Quotes to tempt you:
"Nothing is missing; our family is exactly the way it is supposed to be." .... or is it?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you, NetGalley, for this ebook ARC of 'Other People's Marriages' by Caroline Finnerty, expected release date of 02/07/2026
ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first book by Finnerty and it was a good read, 3.5 rounded up. Her characters were fully developed and relatable (especially Maya and Liv) and the storyline was well written without any holes - everything was tied up nicely in the end. This was a family drama and covers some typical topics and situations that would be expected of this genre (adultery, alcoholism, spousal neglect, porn addiction, postnatal depression). The timeline and story flowed nicely and moved quickly, no dragging at all. Overall decent read, I will be checking out more of her books.
ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first book by Finnerty and it was a good read, 3.5 rounded up. Her characters were fully developed and relatable (especially Maya and Liv) and the storyline was well written without any holes - everything was tied up nicely in the end. This was a family drama and covers some typical topics and situations that would be expected of this genre (adultery, alcoholism, spousal neglect, porn addiction, postnatal depression). The timeline and story flowed nicely and moved quickly, no dragging at all. Overall decent read, I will be checking out more of her books.
February 27, 2026
Other People’s Marriages is a gripping contemporary drama about relationships, trust, and the hidden tensions in seemingly ordinary lives. The story follows two couples, Liv & Jay and Maya & Hugo, who attend the same marriage counselling sessions. A chance encounter after one session sparks a friendship between the women, but this connection soon exposes cracks in both couples’ marriages.
The plot becomes tense when a conflict arises involving their children, forcing everyone to confront uncomfortable truths about honesty, loyalty, and the way we see others versus how they really are. The book does a great job of showing that people can appear similar on the surface but have very different fears, motivations, and coping strategies.
It’s a character-driven story that dives into the messy realities of modern relationships, revealing how easily misunderstandings and secrets can destabilize even the strongest bonds. Emotional, thought-provoking, and at times unsettling, it’s a book that keeps you turning pages and questioning how well we truly know the people closest to us.
Thank you Netgalley, Author @carolinefinnerty and @theboldbookclub for the ARC.
The plot becomes tense when a conflict arises involving their children, forcing everyone to confront uncomfortable truths about honesty, loyalty, and the way we see others versus how they really are. The book does a great job of showing that people can appear similar on the surface but have very different fears, motivations, and coping strategies.
It’s a character-driven story that dives into the messy realities of modern relationships, revealing how easily misunderstandings and secrets can destabilize even the strongest bonds. Emotional, thought-provoking, and at times unsettling, it’s a book that keeps you turning pages and questioning how well we truly know the people closest to us.
Thank you Netgalley, Author @carolinefinnerty and @theboldbookclub for the ARC.
February 19, 2026
Wow this was a wild ride! Two couples, four different POVs, and multiple ways their marriages can fall apart. These two couples meet through marriage counseling and a coincidence has the wives becoming friends. It got a little slow for me in the beginning, but quickly picked up! I really wasn't expecting this to end the way it did and it was so good! Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!!
February 7, 2026
Two couples. Four sides of the story. A hundred ways to break their families apart 💔
Every Tuesday night, two couples see the same therapist for marriage counselling. At 8pm, as Liv and Jay are leaving their session, they see Maya and Hugo waiting to go in.
Perfect for fans of Lesley Kara, Susan Lewis and Liane Moriarty
Every Tuesday night, two couples see the same therapist for marriage counselling. At 8pm, as Liv and Jay are leaving their session, they see Maya and Hugo waiting to go in.
Perfect for fans of Lesley Kara, Susan Lewis and Liane Moriarty
March 5, 2026
3.5 stars. This contemporary novel deals with important issues in a thoughtful manner. The ending felt a bit abrupt to me.
Read
March 10, 2026a book about boy mom’s iykyk
April 22, 2026
How in the world is this getting four and five star reviews? Such a boring slog through the lives of four really unlikable people (six, if you count their two insufferable, bratty little children) who are in marriage counseling with the most abrasive and incompetent therapist. I was determined to power through to the end until I got to the part where Maya (the gorgeous, tall, stylish, super fit Range-Rover driving wife of a handsome multimillionaire) flirted with Jay (the short, fat, poor husband of Maya’s closest friend) by putting her diamond and Cartier-encrusted hand on his leg and leaving it there, driving a wedge between Maya and her best friend Liv, the short fat frump with the “live, laugh, love” sign in her tiny, cluttered kitchen.
You know, Jay, who “was wearing shorts that I suspected were pyjama shorts. They were loosely tied and his belly hung over the drawstring, peeking out just beneath his t-shirt.” Uh, VOMIT.
You know, the best friend Liv, because gorgeous, tall, stylish, super fit Range-Rover driving wives of handsome multimillionaires ALWAYS immediately and instantly befriend short, fat, frumpy women and proceed to spill all the details of their s*x lives the very first time they meet in the line at Starbucks. And then, after they form this instant sisterly bond, in the line at the coffee shop, go after their short, fat, poor, personality-less husbands. (“Had I been imagining the chemistry that had fizzed between them?”)
If I finish this it will be only because of my obsessive need to finish every book I start. I don’t know if I can, though. I fear it only gets worse from here.
You know, Jay, who “was wearing shorts that I suspected were pyjama shorts. They were loosely tied and his belly hung over the drawstring, peeking out just beneath his t-shirt.” Uh, VOMIT.
You know, the best friend Liv, because gorgeous, tall, stylish, super fit Range-Rover driving wives of handsome multimillionaires ALWAYS immediately and instantly befriend short, fat, frumpy women and proceed to spill all the details of their s*x lives the very first time they meet in the line at Starbucks. And then, after they form this instant sisterly bond, in the line at the coffee shop, go after their short, fat, poor, personality-less husbands. (“Had I been imagining the chemistry that had fizzed between them?”)
If I finish this it will be only because of my obsessive need to finish every book I start. I don’t know if I can, though. I fear it only gets worse from here.
March 3, 2026
Characters are irritating. Both women are blatantly told things only to later act like they have no idea what's going on with their kids. Also, Hugo is a rude, whiny, annoying asshole and he should have ended up in jail. I hated the ending of this book with a passion. How tf did three people all decide not to tell the cops what happened?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2026
I waned to like this book
The problem with this book is that these characters are all the same—weak and scared. It would have been more dynamic if at least one of them had scruples. Disappointing because the premise was interesting.
The problem with this book is that these characters are all the same—weak and scared. It would have been more dynamic if at least one of them had scruples. Disappointing because the premise was interesting.
January 25, 2026
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC, out February 7th.
Two marriages. One therapist. Four people trying to convince themselves everything is fine… when it very clearly isn’t.
Liv and Jay are at a crossroads, deciding whether their family is complete or if they’re ready for another child. Meanwhile Maya and Hugo — wealthy, polished, and painfully image-obsessed — are desperately trying to save a marriage that already feels cracked beyond repair. Their lives collide in therapy, and what follows is a slow unravelling of what really goes on behind closed doors.
What worked really well for me was the contrast between the couples.
Liv and Jay felt real and grounded — warm, supportive, genuinely in tune with each other. You root for them instantly. Their love for their son and the quiet strength of their relationship felt authentic and comforting.
Maya and Hugo, on the other hand… intentionally much harder to like. They’re driven by appearances and money, constantly judging others, and their dynamic feels tense from the start. It created great friction and definitely kept the pages turning.
That said, a few things didn’t fully land for me.
Maya and Hugo’s therapy sessions felt almost pointless — their relationship seemed so far gone that it was obvious from the beginning nothing could really fix it. Their “big secret” was also quite predictable. I also struggled with the final dinner and the aftermath; Hugo’s outburst and Maya asking Liv to lie just didn’t feel entirely believable or logical.
I especially wished Liv’s trauma had been explored more deeply. With her difficult birth experience and PND, it felt like individual therapy would have made more sense for her, and that emotional thread could have been stronger.
My biggest missed opportunity? The perspectives.
Since the book is marketed as two marriages and four sides of the story, I would have loved chapters from Jay and Hugo too — and honestly, even one from Julia, the therapist. That added depth would have elevated the emotional complexity so much.
Still, despite my critiques, this was a really engaging and well-written read. The pacing kept me hooked, the character dynamics were compelling, and I genuinely wanted to know how everything would play out.
A solid 4.5 stars from me.
Two marriages. One therapist. Four people trying to convince themselves everything is fine… when it very clearly isn’t.
Liv and Jay are at a crossroads, deciding whether their family is complete or if they’re ready for another child. Meanwhile Maya and Hugo — wealthy, polished, and painfully image-obsessed — are desperately trying to save a marriage that already feels cracked beyond repair. Their lives collide in therapy, and what follows is a slow unravelling of what really goes on behind closed doors.
What worked really well for me was the contrast between the couples.
Liv and Jay felt real and grounded — warm, supportive, genuinely in tune with each other. You root for them instantly. Their love for their son and the quiet strength of their relationship felt authentic and comforting.
Maya and Hugo, on the other hand… intentionally much harder to like. They’re driven by appearances and money, constantly judging others, and their dynamic feels tense from the start. It created great friction and definitely kept the pages turning.
That said, a few things didn’t fully land for me.
Maya and Hugo’s therapy sessions felt almost pointless — their relationship seemed so far gone that it was obvious from the beginning nothing could really fix it. Their “big secret” was also quite predictable. I also struggled with the final dinner and the aftermath; Hugo’s outburst and Maya asking Liv to lie just didn’t feel entirely believable or logical.
I especially wished Liv’s trauma had been explored more deeply. With her difficult birth experience and PND, it felt like individual therapy would have made more sense for her, and that emotional thread could have been stronger.
My biggest missed opportunity? The perspectives.
Since the book is marketed as two marriages and four sides of the story, I would have loved chapters from Jay and Hugo too — and honestly, even one from Julia, the therapist. That added depth would have elevated the emotional complexity so much.
Still, despite my critiques, this was a really engaging and well-written read. The pacing kept me hooked, the character dynamics were compelling, and I genuinely wanted to know how everything would play out.
A solid 4.5 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sometimes you meet someone and immediately think that your worlds are miles apart. And yet, you end up having far more in common than it seems at first glance. First of all, you and your partners have both decided to seek help to work through certain issues—something you would actually prefer to keep private. That doesn’t seem like a problem, though, because where on earth would you ever run into each other?
The shock is therefore enormous when the sons of both couples not only start at the same school, but also turn out to be in the same class. That was truly the last thing anyone was hoping for.
Appearances can be deceiving, and the two mothers soon form a close friendship. They start making plans for playdates for the boys and outings for the four adults…
However, problems don’t stay away, and things go from bad to worse…
I really felt for and understood what Liv was struggling with, and I would have thought exactly the same. I also understood what Jay was longing for, but I couldn’t understand why he kept pushing and, in my opinion, came up with some rather strange arguments. I definitely chose Team Liv.
The difficulties Maya and Hugo were dealing with were of a different nature altogether. Talking things through could have helped here—but only if both parties were willing to do so and able to remain calm. They were both too hurt and too focused on themselves to see that. Sometimes you genuinely think you’re doing the right thing, but forget to take off your own shoes and try on someone else’s for a change…
I found this to be a very beautiful, emotionally rich book, filled with both likeable and less likeable characters. Sometimes you can keep pulling on the elastic, but sometimes it’s better to let it snap so both ends can move on with their lives. And sometimes, it’s simply a matter of being content with everything you already have. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you
The shock is therefore enormous when the sons of both couples not only start at the same school, but also turn out to be in the same class. That was truly the last thing anyone was hoping for.
Appearances can be deceiving, and the two mothers soon form a close friendship. They start making plans for playdates for the boys and outings for the four adults…
However, problems don’t stay away, and things go from bad to worse…
I really felt for and understood what Liv was struggling with, and I would have thought exactly the same. I also understood what Jay was longing for, but I couldn’t understand why he kept pushing and, in my opinion, came up with some rather strange arguments. I definitely chose Team Liv.
The difficulties Maya and Hugo were dealing with were of a different nature altogether. Talking things through could have helped here—but only if both parties were willing to do so and able to remain calm. They were both too hurt and too focused on themselves to see that. Sometimes you genuinely think you’re doing the right thing, but forget to take off your own shoes and try on someone else’s for a change…
I found this to be a very beautiful, emotionally rich book, filled with both likeable and less likeable characters. Sometimes you can keep pulling on the elastic, but sometimes it’s better to let it snap so both ends can move on with their lives. And sometimes, it’s simply a matter of being content with everything you already have. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Other People’s Marriages is an absorbing, quietly gripping story that peels back the layers of two relationships with honesty, warmth, and a keen understanding of how fragile even the strongest foundations can be. What begins as an awkward overlap in a therapist’s waiting room slowly unravels into a tangled web of friendship, loyalty, and uncomfortable truths.
Liv and Maya’s growing connection is beautifully drawn — tentative at first, then unexpectedly intimate as they begin to share the fractures in their marriages. Their conversations feel real and lived‑in, full of the kind of confessions you only make when you finally feel seen. The contrast between their private struggles and the polished fronts they present to the world gives the story a compelling emotional tension.
When the boys’ schoolyard conflict erupts, everything shifts. What should be a simple, adult conversation becomes the spark that exposes long‑buried resentments, blurred boundaries, and the lies each couple tells — not just to one another, but to themselves. The author handles these moments with a deft, empathetic touch, showing how quickly certainty can crumble when trust is already thin.
What I loved most is how the novel explores marriage and parenthood without judgement. Every character is flawed, vulnerable, and trying their best, even when their choices are messy. The shifting perspectives keep you questioning who to believe, who to root for, and whether anyone is truly innocent.
Thought‑provoking, emotionally layered, and impossible to put down, Other People’s Marriages is a compelling reminder that behind every closed door lies a story far more complicated than it seems.
With thanks to Carline Finnerty, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Liv and Maya’s growing connection is beautifully drawn — tentative at first, then unexpectedly intimate as they begin to share the fractures in their marriages. Their conversations feel real and lived‑in, full of the kind of confessions you only make when you finally feel seen. The contrast between their private struggles and the polished fronts they present to the world gives the story a compelling emotional tension.
When the boys’ schoolyard conflict erupts, everything shifts. What should be a simple, adult conversation becomes the spark that exposes long‑buried resentments, blurred boundaries, and the lies each couple tells — not just to one another, but to themselves. The author handles these moments with a deft, empathetic touch, showing how quickly certainty can crumble when trust is already thin.
What I loved most is how the novel explores marriage and parenthood without judgement. Every character is flawed, vulnerable, and trying their best, even when their choices are messy. The shifting perspectives keep you questioning who to believe, who to root for, and whether anyone is truly innocent.
Thought‑provoking, emotionally layered, and impossible to put down, Other People’s Marriages is a compelling reminder that behind every closed door lies a story far more complicated than it seems.
With thanks to Carline Finnerty, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
February 9, 2026
What a book! Other People’s Marriages was an absolute page-turner for me and an easy five-star read. I was kindly gifted a digital copy by @lovebookstours and the author @carolinefinnerty, and from the very first chapter I was completely hooked.
The short chapters make this such a binge-able read, and the storyline had me on tenterhooks the entire time. I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next — and who would be responsible when everything finally came to a head. I flew through this book because I just had to know how it would all unfold.
I really loved the marriage-counselling setup and how cleverly it was used to bring the two couples together. Watching both relationships slowly unravel, while the couples opened up (sometimes reluctantly) to their counsellor, added so much emotional depth and tension to the story. The contrast between the two marriages was fascinating and made everything feel incredibly real and relatable.
Liv and Jay completely stole my heart. Their love for one another felt genuine, tender, and hard-won, and I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. Liv’s birth trauma was handled with so much care and honesty — it was heartbreaking to uncover the full extent of what she went through, and it really stayed with me long after I finished reading.
This is one of those books that quietly pulls you in and then refuses to let go. Emotional, thought-provoking, and utterly unputdownable, Other People’s Marriages is a brilliant exploration of love, friendship, parenthood, and what really goes on behind closed doors. I can’t recommend it enough.
💛
The short chapters make this such a binge-able read, and the storyline had me on tenterhooks the entire time. I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next — and who would be responsible when everything finally came to a head. I flew through this book because I just had to know how it would all unfold.
I really loved the marriage-counselling setup and how cleverly it was used to bring the two couples together. Watching both relationships slowly unravel, while the couples opened up (sometimes reluctantly) to their counsellor, added so much emotional depth and tension to the story. The contrast between the two marriages was fascinating and made everything feel incredibly real and relatable.
Liv and Jay completely stole my heart. Their love for one another felt genuine, tender, and hard-won, and I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. Liv’s birth trauma was handled with so much care and honesty — it was heartbreaking to uncover the full extent of what she went through, and it really stayed with me long after I finished reading.
This is one of those books that quietly pulls you in and then refuses to let go. Emotional, thought-provoking, and utterly unputdownable, Other People’s Marriages is a brilliant exploration of love, friendship, parenthood, and what really goes on behind closed doors. I can’t recommend it enough.
💛
April 23, 2026
I enjoyed this book more than I expected to. Two couples are undergoing marriage guidance, both for different reasons and see each other weekly . They are shocked when their children start the same school on the same day . Coming from totally different backgrounds, the two women strike up a friendship, talking about the counselling because neither are able to share their problems with their own family or friends. The men do not hit it off at all and the two sons have problems as well. The book follows the marriage guidance process of both couples, the effects it has on them as a couple and those around them. The women share a lot (too much) information and as the young boys rub each other up the wrong way everything comes to a head.
I loved the way the emotions were described, the narrators see the problems from their own perspective so as the reader you see both sides. The counselling sessions are may be a bit abrupt at times? Perhaps a bit shallow? But I liked the documentation of the fall out and of the growing friendship of the women. I devoured this book within a day, despite a quite heavy subject, it read quickly with short chapters and kept me interested throughout. There are a couple of twists (not convinced totally with the "accident" ) but on the whole a good read.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
I loved the way the emotions were described, the narrators see the problems from their own perspective so as the reader you see both sides. The counselling sessions are may be a bit abrupt at times? Perhaps a bit shallow? But I liked the documentation of the fall out and of the growing friendship of the women. I devoured this book within a day, despite a quite heavy subject, it read quickly with short chapters and kept me interested throughout. There are a couple of twists (not convinced totally with the "accident" ) but on the whole a good read.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️
I love a good domestic mess-so the moment I saw the premise of two couples, one therapist, and four clashing truths, I was all in. And this book wastes zero time delivering exactly that.
The multiple perspectives were the biggest win for me. I enjoyed getting to sit in each character’s version of events. It made every misunderstanding feel intentional and deliciously tense. The friendships between the women added an extra emotional layer too. It was fragile, real, and the kind that hurts a little more when things fall apart.
A couple of things lowered my rating. The pacing dipped a bit when conversations circled the same emotional beats, and a few character dynamics felt extra at times. But the story’s sharp edges pulled me back in quickly, so it still worked for me overall.
All in all, I was entertained by this compelling, twist-tinged domestic drama. It was a bingeable read that kept my attention. It wasn’t a loud, heart-pounding thriller, but compulsive if you love stories about marriage, secrets, and the murky gap between what’s said and what’s meant. A solid pick for anyone who enjoys domestic suspense with emotional bite.
Thank you again to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I love a good domestic mess-so the moment I saw the premise of two couples, one therapist, and four clashing truths, I was all in. And this book wastes zero time delivering exactly that.
The multiple perspectives were the biggest win for me. I enjoyed getting to sit in each character’s version of events. It made every misunderstanding feel intentional and deliciously tense. The friendships between the women added an extra emotional layer too. It was fragile, real, and the kind that hurts a little more when things fall apart.
A couple of things lowered my rating. The pacing dipped a bit when conversations circled the same emotional beats, and a few character dynamics felt extra at times. But the story’s sharp edges pulled me back in quickly, so it still worked for me overall.
All in all, I was entertained by this compelling, twist-tinged domestic drama. It was a bingeable read that kept my attention. It wasn’t a loud, heart-pounding thriller, but compulsive if you love stories about marriage, secrets, and the murky gap between what’s said and what’s meant. A solid pick for anyone who enjoys domestic suspense with emotional bite.
Thank you again to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Every Tuesday night, two couples see the same therapist for marriage counselling. At 8 pm, as Liv and Jay are leaving their session, they see Maya and Hugo waiting to go in. When their young boys start at the same school, things are initially awkward, but as the women get to know one another, they become friends, sharing the fractures in their respective marriages. Soon they are confiding their deepest secrets. Then Liv and Jay's son comes home from school upset, saying that Maya and Hugo's son is bullying him. There's no choice but to confront the issue, but what should be a civil conversation between grown-ups soon takes a turn.
This story covers adultery, postnatal depression, porn addiction, and alcoholism. Two couples, both seeking marriage guidance, have lots in common. When their boys start at the same school, the mothers end up friends. But it's not long before things go from bad to worse.
This was a gripping read. Everything felt true to life, no one knows what goes on behind closed doors. The characters are all flawed. This is a thought provoking read.
Published 9th February 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #CarolineFinnerty for my ARC of #OtherPeoplesMarriages in exchange for an honest review.
This story covers adultery, postnatal depression, porn addiction, and alcoholism. Two couples, both seeking marriage guidance, have lots in common. When their boys start at the same school, the mothers end up friends. But it's not long before things go from bad to worse.
This was a gripping read. Everything felt true to life, no one knows what goes on behind closed doors. The characters are all flawed. This is a thought provoking read.
Published 9th February 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #CarolineFinnerty for my ARC of #OtherPeoplesMarriages in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2026
Unsettling in the best (and worst) way
This is a short, well-written book that does exactly what it’s supposed to do: it makes you uncomfortable. What surprised me most is how many readers seem to think Hugo and Maya are the only problematic couple, when in reality Jay and Liv’s marriage is far more disturbing.
Liv presents herself as gentle, kind, and non‑confrontational, but over time it becomes clear that her avoidance causes real harm. To her friendships, her marriage, and even her child. She mistakes silence for goodness and “peace” for health, and the epilogue makes it clear she has learned absolutely nothing. Rather than self-reflection, she rewrites events so that everyone else is the problem.
Hugo and Maya are messy and volatile, but at least they are honest about who they are and why their relationship struggles. Jay and Liv’s marriage, by contrast, is built on denial, fear of conflict, and a fragile sense of security that feels unsustainable long-term.
If the epilogue hadn’t existed, I might have felt more sympathetic toward Liv but it confirms exactly who she is. A good book, short and effective, but not the comforting story of a “perfect marriage” it pretends to be.
This is a short, well-written book that does exactly what it’s supposed to do: it makes you uncomfortable. What surprised me most is how many readers seem to think Hugo and Maya are the only problematic couple, when in reality Jay and Liv’s marriage is far more disturbing.
Liv presents herself as gentle, kind, and non‑confrontational, but over time it becomes clear that her avoidance causes real harm. To her friendships, her marriage, and even her child. She mistakes silence for goodness and “peace” for health, and the epilogue makes it clear she has learned absolutely nothing. Rather than self-reflection, she rewrites events so that everyone else is the problem.
Hugo and Maya are messy and volatile, but at least they are honest about who they are and why their relationship struggles. Jay and Liv’s marriage, by contrast, is built on denial, fear of conflict, and a fragile sense of security that feels unsustainable long-term.
If the epilogue hadn’t existed, I might have felt more sympathetic toward Liv but it confirms exactly who she is. A good book, short and effective, but not the comforting story of a “perfect marriage” it pretends to be.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely loved Other People's Marriages by Caroline Finnerty. It was an extremely powerful and emotional story that is sure to resonate with readers.
Liv and Jay meet another couple, Maya and Hugo, at a therapists office both couples are seeing. When Liv and Maya run into each other at the school drop off for their sons, they decide to go for coffee. They become fast friends sharing their reasons for seeing a counselor and other life happenings. They are there for eachother even though their spouses don't hit it off. The friendship comes to a head when a tragedy occurs and they reach a breaking point neither woman can come back from.
This story is told with so much depth and emotion. The characters are well developed and real. It is truly a roller-coaster of emotions that will linger long after finishing the book.This was my first read by Caroline Finnerty so I wasn't sure what to expect, but it far surpassed what I was hoping for. I already added her other books to my TBR list.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy
Liv and Jay meet another couple, Maya and Hugo, at a therapists office both couples are seeing. When Liv and Maya run into each other at the school drop off for their sons, they decide to go for coffee. They become fast friends sharing their reasons for seeing a counselor and other life happenings. They are there for eachother even though their spouses don't hit it off. The friendship comes to a head when a tragedy occurs and they reach a breaking point neither woman can come back from.
This story is told with so much depth and emotion. The characters are well developed and real. It is truly a roller-coaster of emotions that will linger long after finishing the book.This was my first read by Caroline Finnerty so I wasn't sure what to expect, but it far surpassed what I was hoping for. I already added her other books to my TBR list.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy
February 17, 2026
3,75 -isj?? definitely more than. three stars
This felt FUN - even though it is not funny, it's a good time still. Even though the main theme is motherhood and marriage, and I'm not married or a mother, this captured my attention and my heart from the start.
A friendship develops between two very different mothers when their boys start school in the same class. They quickly realise that they've seen eachother before. In passing. In a marriage counsellor's office where they both go with their husbands, for very different reasons. Rather then feeling awkward, they decide to have a chat over a cup of coffee and quickly they become friends. This gets messy when the husband's don't get along, and then when each of the boys accuse the other of bullying. Who's telling the truth? Who's marriage will make, and which will break? Will thenæ friendship survive the turbulence?
Well written, realistic, characters I really liked, a story that kept developing and clearly moving towards a goal (the book never drifting and biting over more than necessary)
This felt FUN - even though it is not funny, it's a good time still. Even though the main theme is motherhood and marriage, and I'm not married or a mother, this captured my attention and my heart from the start.
A friendship develops between two very different mothers when their boys start school in the same class. They quickly realise that they've seen eachother before. In passing. In a marriage counsellor's office where they both go with their husbands, for very different reasons. Rather then feeling awkward, they decide to have a chat over a cup of coffee and quickly they become friends. This gets messy when the husband's don't get along, and then when each of the boys accuse the other of bullying. Who's telling the truth? Who's marriage will make, and which will break? Will thenæ friendship survive the turbulence?
Well written, realistic, characters I really liked, a story that kept developing and clearly moving towards a goal (the book never drifting and biting over more than necessary)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Two couples, two children and one marriage counsellor.
The couples see each other every week in the waiting room as they embark on counselling to save their marriages. They then discover that their 5 year old boys are starting the same primary school. The women, Liv and Maya strike up an unlikely friendship but soon become close. However all this fades as there are complaints of bullying from both boys and each family, rightly so, protects their own son.
Firstly, I need to say if all couples relationships are as toxic as Maya's and Hugo's then marriage guidance counsellors would be in business for life. He was such am obnoxious character.
Whilst I enjoyed the book I expected more to happen during it, the main crux of the story came near the end and by that time I felt it was slightly rushed. Despite all the previous anguish Maya was experiencing, I found it strange she came to the conclusion that she did. I felt sorry for Elliot more than anybody else.
The couples see each other every week in the waiting room as they embark on counselling to save their marriages. They then discover that their 5 year old boys are starting the same primary school. The women, Liv and Maya strike up an unlikely friendship but soon become close. However all this fades as there are complaints of bullying from both boys and each family, rightly so, protects their own son.
Firstly, I need to say if all couples relationships are as toxic as Maya's and Hugo's then marriage guidance counsellors would be in business for life. He was such am obnoxious character.
Whilst I enjoyed the book I expected more to happen during it, the main crux of the story came near the end and by that time I felt it was slightly rushed. Despite all the previous anguish Maya was experiencing, I found it strange she came to the conclusion that she did. I felt sorry for Elliot more than anybody else.
May 15, 2026
The premise of the book is simple: two couples, each with their own marital problems, bound by their both attending the same marriage counsellor. As another tie links them with their sons attending the same school, the two mothers get closer, with consequences for everyone.
I battled through this one - the first half of this book seems to be Liv and Maya having a latte, a muffin, a matcha and a protein ball. Don’t get me wrong, I like all of those things, but the story seems a bit flat and there’s not much to engage you. The same few things keep cropping up throughout too. Every character seems to speak ‘sardonically’ and gets ‘chastened’. I was close to DNFing by halfway but something kept me going through the lulls.
There is a turning point nearer the end, but it feels pretty rushed, like it’s squashed in the last ~15% and the consequences of which are not properly explored.
It was an okay read, certainly for free through Prime, but I probably wouldn’t rush to reread.
I battled through this one - the first half of this book seems to be Liv and Maya having a latte, a muffin, a matcha and a protein ball. Don’t get me wrong, I like all of those things, but the story seems a bit flat and there’s not much to engage you. The same few things keep cropping up throughout too. Every character seems to speak ‘sardonically’ and gets ‘chastened’. I was close to DNFing by halfway but something kept me going through the lulls.
There is a turning point nearer the end, but it feels pretty rushed, like it’s squashed in the last ~15% and the consequences of which are not properly explored.
It was an okay read, certainly for free through Prime, but I probably wouldn’t rush to reread.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was an interesting story, that started as two couples who were going to the same counselor, and met only as the first couple was leaving, and the second one went in. But they each had a boy they found out when school started, and they were in the same class at school. You always learn a lot after getting to know them, and that is what happens here.
I am not going to tell you anything, other than, when people start to create a friendship they will soon, go beyond the way, they want people to see them. As you read you will learn so much, a few times I thought my eyes would pop out, there was a lot of depth in this story, that kept me reading because as the layers got deeper, and we discover more, it was definitely eye-opening at times.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley and I do highly recommend this book.
I am not going to tell you anything, other than, when people start to create a friendship they will soon, go beyond the way, they want people to see them. As you read you will learn so much, a few times I thought my eyes would pop out, there was a lot of depth in this story, that kept me reading because as the layers got deeper, and we discover more, it was definitely eye-opening at times.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley and I do highly recommend this book.
February 8, 2026
Two couples pass each other in a hallway each Tuesday at marriage counselling. Their sons start at the same school, the wives become friends.
I found this book frustrating, yet I needed to see how it would end. We have two couples, Jay and Liv and Maya and Hugo. Liv is understandably hurting and fearful of having another baby. She also comes across as a people pleaser, so she's really got her back against the wall. Jay is pushing her on the subject. Considering the depths of despair his wife was in, I'd expect him to be a bit more understanding. Maya is feeling alone in her marriage and raising her son. She also appears quite shallow. Hugo is brooding and angry. There's more to their story than we initially realise.
As the women's friendships develop, things are not going as smoothly for their sons. And as the couples try to reach an understanding, things turn very dark.
I found this book frustrating, yet I needed to see how it would end. We have two couples, Jay and Liv and Maya and Hugo. Liv is understandably hurting and fearful of having another baby. She also comes across as a people pleaser, so she's really got her back against the wall. Jay is pushing her on the subject. Considering the depths of despair his wife was in, I'd expect him to be a bit more understanding. Maya is feeling alone in her marriage and raising her son. She also appears quite shallow. Hugo is brooding and angry. There's more to their story than we initially realise.
As the women's friendships develop, things are not going as smoothly for their sons. And as the couples try to reach an understanding, things turn very dark.
March 24, 2026
It's true the old saying "you never know what goes on behind closed doors", In Other People's Marriages we see this play out. Two very different couples enter counseling and a chance encounter connects the two mothers as they drop their off 5 year-old sons on their first day of school. The moms chat over coffee and find kindred spirits in each other. They plan a playdate for the boys that ends terribly. The boys don't like each other, after a dinner date they find the husbands can't stand each other. Still the moms find comfort in confiding their marriage struggles. These women are us, these are our kids and husbands, these are our struggles. How far would you go to protect your family? To protect your friend? I think this book will speak to all kinds of relationships and will make a great book club discussion book.
April 26, 2026
This is a story about two couples who meet as a result of having successively timed appointments with the same marriage guidance counselor. But each member of the quartet does not necessarily share the same view of the counselling process, and while the women become friends and all too quickly start to (over) share their marital experiences, the men don't hit it off particularly well.
And then, things unexpectedly come to a head when their sons begin attending the same school on the same day - and soon after that, one boy accuses the other of bullying him. Not so unexpectedly, things go downhill between the parents, who now know way too much about each other...
This is an interesting family drama, which will be enjoyed by most readers of the genre.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
And then, things unexpectedly come to a head when their sons begin attending the same school on the same day - and soon after that, one boy accuses the other of bullying him. Not so unexpectedly, things go downhill between the parents, who now know way too much about each other...
This is an interesting family drama, which will be enjoyed by most readers of the genre.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
March 7, 2026
One Tuesday night Liv and Jay embark on a counselling session with their new marriage guidance counsellor. It’s emotional and tough. As they come out of the room Liv catches the eye of the next couple waiting to go in. A smile is offered in solidarity.
Cut to two weeks later on the day they take their son to his first day at primary school and Livs eye catches another mums eye in the classroom settling in her son too. They recognise each other.
A friendship is formed. Liv likes Maya and they try to get the kids to become friends and the husbands too. This book is the diary of both women in some sort of way and it’s a great read.
I really recommend it.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Cut to two weeks later on the day they take their son to his first day at primary school and Livs eye catches another mums eye in the classroom settling in her son too. They recognise each other.
A friendship is formed. Liv likes Maya and they try to get the kids to become friends and the husbands too. This book is the diary of both women in some sort of way and it’s a great read.
I really recommend it.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2026
This was a tense and character driven look at marriage, friendship, and the secrets people keep.
Two couples see the same marriage therapist every Tuesday night. Liv and Jay. Maya and Hugo. What begins as an awkward overlap slowly turns into friendship between the wives as they start sharing the fractures in their marriages.
Everything shifts when their sons start at the same school and bullying accusations surface. What should have been a simple conversation between parents quickly spirals and the fragile balance between both marriages and their new friendship starts to unravel.
This leans more into relationship drama and psychology than big twists. A solid domestic drama about secrets, resentment, and how quickly things can fall apart.
Two couples see the same marriage therapist every Tuesday night. Liv and Jay. Maya and Hugo. What begins as an awkward overlap slowly turns into friendship between the wives as they start sharing the fractures in their marriages.
Everything shifts when their sons start at the same school and bullying accusations surface. What should have been a simple conversation between parents quickly spirals and the fragile balance between both marriages and their new friendship starts to unravel.
This leans more into relationship drama and psychology than big twists. A solid domestic drama about secrets, resentment, and how quickly things can fall apart.
March 12, 2026
I listened to this as an audiobook - x2 speed as it was otherwise pretty slow narrative wise. Paired with a domestic plot it would have been quite slow moving otherwise.
There are two alternate points of view - two women who are going to therapy with their husbands. It starts off about their challenges in their marriages but when there’s a commonality and the women meet, there’s a cross over.
The storyline morphs into something different and everything gets quite messy. While I think this is intentional, giving a sense of chaos, there’s so little focus that the story became somewhat uninteresting.
A tragic even during the last 1/8 of the story seemed to be managed so quickly, there was little resolution and it felt anticlimactic.
There are two alternate points of view - two women who are going to therapy with their husbands. It starts off about their challenges in their marriages but when there’s a commonality and the women meet, there’s a cross over.
The storyline morphs into something different and everything gets quite messy. While I think this is intentional, giving a sense of chaos, there’s so little focus that the story became somewhat uninteresting.
A tragic even during the last 1/8 of the story seemed to be managed so quickly, there was little resolution and it felt anticlimactic.
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