My Husband's Sin

by Mary T. Bradford

In the weeks following Lillian Taylor’s burial, her four loving adult children assemble for the reading of her will. For the grieving youngest sibling, Lacey, life is about to come crashing down as a deep secret is revealed. The fall-out affects every member and they struggle to regain the happy family unit they once shared. Each of the siblings must come to terms and learn to handle this huge revelation.

Genres: Fiction

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2014

About the author

Mary Bradford is an Irish author living in her native County Cork.
Her latest novel: To Live with a Stranger.
Her trilogy: My Husband’s Sin #Book1 introduces, The Lacey Taylor Story. Don’t Call Me Mum #Book2, with, No More Secrets #Book3 bringing it all to an end.
Novellas in Western genre: The Runaway, and Destiny.
Novellas in Adult Romance/Erotic: One Night in Barcelona, and Once Upon A Weekend
Her stories have been nominated and finalists in competitions Fish, RTE/Penguin, WAWA, From the Well, WOW, and many others.
Mary's stories are featured in anthologies in the US, India, Germany, and Ireland.

Reviews

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms Bradford has created a story centered on four adult Irish siblings that find themselves having to deal with their emotions and the upheaval created in their lives after a huge secret is revealed when their mother’s will is read. The secret that has been kept for a lifetime impacts each sibling in a different way. One finds comfort in a loved one, another turns away from her spouse and becomes more and more insular, another sister tries to hold all the members of the family together and the one that the secret hits hardest has to come to terms with much but also finds explanations for why her childhood was the way it was. This is a thoughtful thought provoking story that deals with family, emotions and more. When I discussed this story with a group of friends at lunch yesterday they all felt that the time and location of the story play a large role in why the secret was kept and came to be in the first place.

[Julie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the weeks following Lillian Taylor’s burial, her four loving adult children assemble for the reading of her will. For the grieving youngest sibling, Lacey, life is about to come crashing down as a deep secret is revealed. The fall-out affects every member and they struggle to regain the happy family unit they once shared. Each of the siblings, take the reader on a journey as they try to come to terms and learn to handle this huge revelation.

This book transported me to Ireland. I smiled, laughed and cried with this book. All I can say without giving spoilers is I loved reading this. It was my first book by Mary T Bradford and I’m now going to look for more. 4.5*

[Kathy Downey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary had a contest back in September. All you had to do was submit an email to her and answer the following question: Ireland is also known as the ? Isle. The choices were: (A) Ruby (B) Emerald, and (C) Diamond. So I sent her an email with the answer and was actually SHOCKED when I received an email from her telling me that I was one of the two winners. I've never won anything in my entire life, except $20 playing BINGO. So the prizes were an autographed copy of her new novel "Her Husband's Sin", and a beautiful stationery set. I was also excited when I received the package and it was postmarked: IRELAND. Another nice surprise.

Just a little side note; I have always considered myself an avid reader prior to 2016. For some 'yet unknown' reason, I haven't been able to read. Not books or magazines, or even newspapers. Nothing grabs my attention enough or interests me enough to want to open up a book. I tried many times to pick up a book from one of my favorite authors (and I have quite a few). NOTHING WORKED.

UNTIL "HER HUSBAND'S SIN!"

Mary's newest novel takes a hold of you from page one, (and you'll have a hard time holding on), as you delve into the complex lives of The Taylor family. You'll read how the loss of a family member causes havoc, upheaval, mistrust, and in general, changes everything that Robert, Willow, Sally, and especially Lacey, THOUGHT they knew about each other and their parents. Suddenly they're all thrown a curve ball, as they each come face to face with their own morality issues.

"Her Husband's Sin" takes YOU on a journey into your own emotional psyche. Mary writes with feeling and insight on the complexities of human nature and weaves an ending, that only makes you want to read more. Most of the books that we read (in general), soon take a backseat, and we never give them a second thought after we've finished. "Her Husband's Sin", however, will stay with you and leave an impression that family is everything, no matter what each member brings, no matter what hurdles you have to jump across, no matter the cost.

Mary T. Bradford will be added to my long list of favorite authors. I highly recommend this book.

[Piper Templeton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My Husband’s Sin” by Mary Bradford is a compelling read about a devastating family secret revealed after the matriarch’s death and the repercussions it has on the Taylor family. The focus is on Lacey, the youngest of four siblings from a well-to-do Irish family. Sweet-natured, impulsive and somewhat aimless, the secret affects Lacey the most. The author does a great job of showing how she grows and matures as a person and finds her way to deal with the revelations.

To the writer’s great credit, the other siblings—image-conscious, troubled, shallow oldest sister Willow, successful brother Rob who thinks he has found that special love, and peaceful, diplomatic, free-spirited Sally who grounds the family but can’t stay grounded in one place too long—are all well-formed, interested characters in their own right. From the minor details like cooking a meal, meeting for coffee, and going shopping, to serious conversations and actions taken to resolve the conflicts, I remained engaged in the lives of the Taylors.

I have a couple of minor quibbles (they don’t even qualify as criticisms) that did not dampen how much I valued the book: 1. The title would have one believe the book is from the point of view of the matriarch, which is not the case. 2. The subplot about Lacey’s cat bothered me in that it was not resolved, and I wasn’t sure what the point of it was other than to show that during that time, nothing was going right for Lacey.

“My Husband’s Sin” is a very satisfying read that kept me turning the pages. It’s rich in both plot and character development.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband's sin by Mary t Bradford.
Lacey Taylor has just had a shock at her mother's will reading. what she finds out will change her life. her brother Robert and sisters Sally and Willow are just as shocked. what will she do?
a fantastic read. I loved the story and the characters. there was shock in the story too. just Couldn't put it down. 5*.

[Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story focused on an Irish family of four siblings who have their world ripped out from under their feet following the reading if their mothers Will and the journey this takes them on.

This book is brimming with strong characters who all have their story to tell alongside the turmoil they have been thrown into.

Demonstrating the strength of family ties and how no matter how well lies are hidden the truth always materialises in the end.

A brilliant story, that takes numerous twists and turns throughout.

[Karen Farrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book from start to finish. A family saga set in Ireland but by no means run of the mill! Four siblings and one secret that shatters their world and existence. This author deals with the effects this long held secret has on all the siblings and the far reaching effects on their lives. A great novel and fantastic read.

[Roisin Tuohy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great first novel from a very promising Irish author.

While not my usual genre, I was carried away by the story of family intrigue, and couldn't wait to find out what was next in store for the Taylor family.

Mary has created an impressive cast of characters, reflecting a modern Ireland where past still affects present. Even the minor characters stand out, I wish I'd a Philip Sherman to give me fatherly legal advice!

The plot is full of twists and turns, and the reader is kept in suspense all the way. It's also an emotive story of loss, but the dark themes are handled deftly with a lightness of touch. See review on blog here: http://randomdescent.wordpress.com/

[Mattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“My Husband’s Sin,” by Mary T Bradford, is about four siblings that are gathered for the reading of Lillian Taylor’s will.
The youngest sibling, Lacey, is about to learn of a very deep secret. This secret will change her life. Due to this secret...all the family members will be affected.
You will both laugh and cry while reading this novel. I personally love a novel that awakens my emotions. The setting is in Ireland. Pack your suitcase for a wonderful journey filled with excitement.
Thank you to the author and TBC Reviewer Request Group for providing me with a digital copy to read and review.

[Book-shelf Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous story and one you couldn't get better written than by Mary. This story tells of a secret so bold its shock enough to send wave through a family for a long time and with such effects that are totally unchangeable. The characters are so believable you find yourself getting angry and sympathizing as you would in real life.

I loved every page of this book and was kept on the edge of my seat. Irish are the best writers and now we are finding the best writers in Ireland and Mary has come very close to my fav author in Ireland, Mary O'Sullivan

[Federica S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. From the beginning you are hooked by the story and by the four characters. They are so well described, their actions and emotions, that you can really "feel" them. Their life is upset by a revelation that none of them was expecting and the story evolves around the effect that this event has on each of their lives, as individuals and as part of a family.
I would surely recommend it.

[Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

A difficult idea to come to terms with, which I suppose is the whole point of the novel. What do we really know about each of the characters in the story? What do they know about each other? The author enmeshes us in the situation and it can be difficult to come up for air.

I was intrigued by the publisher’s description and carried on being intrigued as the story worked itself out, always going in directions I hadn’t anticipated.

A masterful piece of writing.

[Priya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy family sagas and not having read one for a long time, this book really hit the spot.
The Taylor siblings, Rob, Willow, Sally and Lacey have just buried their mother Lillian when a devastating secret is revealed in her will that makes them question the very foundation of their lives.
The family they were so happy about, the parents they had so looked up to, the bonds they had trusted would be permanent... everything is coloured in a new light.
Each of them has their own way of dealing with the shock and the story is about how family ties may not be perfect but family still matters.
A very smooth read.

[Janice Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this debut novel and look forward to reading more by this author.

[Gail Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the writing style of Mary: I'll definitely look out for her books.
A family saga set in Dublin; concerning four siblings: Willow, Robert, Sally and Lacey. At the reading of their late mother's will; the children discover that Lacey was the result of an affair their late father had had. Their mother had agreed to bring up the child as their own, but her hatred comes through via the will.
The family try to come to terms with the devastating news..will they come together as a unit or are their lives ruined completely?
A cleverly written book that slowly gives away clues.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The close ties that once united the Taylor family unravel rapidly following the death of matriarch Lillian Taylor, revealing shocking truths related to secrets and betrayal as novelist and short story writer Mary T. Bradford explores the darker side of family deception that takes place in an unnamed Irish township in the UK.

The adult Taylor siblings Willow, Robert, Sally and Lacey were shocked to discover when their mothers will was read in the office of family solicitor Philip Sherman, assets dispersed, their mother left only a letter to her youngest daughter Lacey. Unfortunately, the letter didn't reveal the entire truth, and left a lot of unanswered questions. This mysterious situation was quite upsetting to the Taylor siblings, and Philip Sherman seemed to know more than he was letting on. The stress may have landed him in the hospital with a non-fatal heart attack, and he would provide additional clues following his recovery. Nonetheless, Lillian Taylor was not the loving supportive mother she pretended to be in life but a cunning, manipulative, bitter woman who deliberately withheld important vital family information for personal and financial gain.

Willow was the oldest sister, and the entire family looked up to her believing she was loving and wise, she was closest to Lillian and impacted by her mothers death to the point of mental instability, and blamed Lacey for sending their mother to an early grave. Willow was the most colorful and interesting character, though the story centered around Lacey. At times the storyline moved at a snails pace, as the ending picked up, finishing abruptly like a slamming door.
"My Husband's Sin" isn't really an applicable title for this book, though it will likely appeal most to readers that enjoy Contemporary Women's Fiction. With thanks to Tirgearr Publishing, Ireland for the value priced ebook for the purpose of review. ~ 3* GOOD.

[Jo Reason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was already hooked by chapter 2. It was a tense beginning, with shocking revelations. This is a cracking book with loads of family secrets, makes you wonder if your own family has any and what you or your siblings would do in similar circumstances. Would you know them after something like this? I enjoyed all the characters, although not so much Willow, she seemed a little immature. I loved the solicitor, Philip Sherman. The siblings are well described by the author, all such different people with different ideas, well thought out. There are a number of twists, turns and surprises which kept me going so much that I read it in one sitting, but at only 243 pages it isn´t hard to do.
It changes seamlessly between characters POV, going from each of the siblings in equal amounts, more or less. This is the authors first full length novel. Recommended.
Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Earl Chessher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful read. Strong. Evocative. Characters are real, alive, solid. The story pulls hard on the reader, sucking you right in. Love the video book trailer for "My Husband's Sin" by Mary T. Bradford, by the way. It gives just enough.

[Megan Headean · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't waste your time

This was an interesting premise, but the book was just bad. The characters were one dimensional, annoying, and simple. Also lots of gender stereotypes. The story was clunky,repetitive, and written at possiblya5th grandstanding level.

[Máire O’Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. A fascinating story of 4 siblings and their response to revelations that emerge at the reading of their mother's will. Looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.

[Amy Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. The big reveal of the secret was a bit slow coming. But the fall out afterwards was written well and the characters developed in an interesting way.

[Jill Gooch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book!

I curled up with this book over the holiday. I couldn't put it down. I just couldn't turn the pages fast enough!

[Linda Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling story

The title gives you the basic story line but this is full of twists, turns and surprises. Loved it, must read.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another new author to me. I so enjoy a good book set in Ireland fir some reason - especially a good family drama which this was. Following the death of their mother the grown up Taylor children's lives are thrown into turmoil as they all come to terms with.thrir loss. The reading of the will opens up a right can of worms and the repercussions ripple through the family with some devastating effects. The author reminded me of some of my other favourite authors such as Patricia Scanlan and Cathy Kelly to name just 2, only slightly darker. Thought the book ended quite abruptly - but maybe there is more to come? Thank you to TBC and the author for the chance to read this title.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Lacey’s mum passes away, she receives a letter. The contents of this letter will shake the lives of the 4 Taylor siblings to the core and change lives beyond recognition.

What Lacey discovers is something that she never expected and sets her on a journey on self discovery. Will Lacey find the answers she is looking for before it destroys the relationships that she has with her siblings and will it be happily ever after ….. or not?

I loved this book…there was plenty of tension, false leads and suspense which made for a gripping. Definitely a 5 star read!

[Natasha du Plessis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not my usual genre but the story sounded intriguing. This is about 4 siblings and some very self centred characters, characters that did not endear them to me at all. First there was Lillian and then Willow whom I did not like at all. The characters were well described and related well to each other, they were also there for each other in overcoming obstacles and just being a family. It was just strange how these grownup siblings were still very much involved in each others lives. If you like woman's fiction this is a great book to read, part one of a series.

[Anne Frehill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The author, Mary T. Bradford is a natural storyteller. The writing flows and the characters are well drawn. It is an absorbing read and I found myself hurrying back to it each evening, to discover the latest twists and turn in the plot. Christmas is just around the corner and this book is the perfect present. It can be enjoyed by a roaring fire or in a secluded spot on some sun-kissed beach in the Canaries! I look forward to reading the other books in this trilogy.

[Sue Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give 4.5 stars if I could! This novel set in Ireland shows what damage can be done when a family keeps secrets. The characters are really well defined by the author. Her skill in managing successfully to show the events from four characters perspective was remarkable. I cried more than once as events unfolded on the page. I was lucky enough to be able to go on to the sequel straight after reading this.

[A.M. Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often you pick up a book and can't stop reading. Mary Bradford's first novel grips you from the start and holds your attention until the last page. The subject is a topical one, dealing with the culture of secrecy that has so marked Ireland's history. The storyline has been covered in detail by many other reviewers here, so I will simply say that I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the others in the series.

[Ruby Eyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book filled with so many twists and turns! A really enjoyable read. The family struggles, secrets, arguments, fall outs, lies and deceit were so well written, it draws you in. Moving between the different characters and understanding their points of views and thoughts made the story even more interesting. The story flowed nicely and the ending leaves you wondering what's next for the Taylor family.