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When Perfect Falls Apart: The Bexley Hills Series
Lauren Holmes has the ideal life, or so everyone thinks.
At fifty-two, she lives in an elegant Connecticut home, organizes charity galas, and appears to have it all with her successful pharmaceutical executive husband. But behind the polished facade, Lauren feels invisible in her own marriage, suffocating under twenty-three years of emotional neglect disguised as domestic bliss.
When a single text message shatters her world, Lauren discovers her husband's eighteen-month affair and something far worse. Hidden offshore accounts. Millions in concealed assets. A man who's been systematically stealing from their marriage while she planned dinner parties and wondered why she felt so alone.
Suddenly, the ideal wife everyone envied becomes the woman no one wants to know. Friends disappear. Committee memberships evaporate. Her husband launches a psychological warfare campaign designed to make her question her own sanity. But Lauren refuses to go quietly.
Armed with a forensic accountant, a fierce divorce attorney, and a strength she never knew she possessed, Lauren begins documenting the truth about financial abuse and discovers her story could save thousands of other women trapped in marriages that look ideal from the outside.
Sometimes the life that falls apart was never really yours to begin with.
A powerful debut about midlife awakening, the courage to start over, and the radical act of choosing yourself when everyone expects you to disappear.
At fifty-two, she lives in an elegant Connecticut home, organizes charity galas, and appears to have it all with her successful pharmaceutical executive husband. But behind the polished facade, Lauren feels invisible in her own marriage, suffocating under twenty-three years of emotional neglect disguised as domestic bliss.
When a single text message shatters her world, Lauren discovers her husband's eighteen-month affair and something far worse. Hidden offshore accounts. Millions in concealed assets. A man who's been systematically stealing from their marriage while she planned dinner parties and wondered why she felt so alone.
Suddenly, the ideal wife everyone envied becomes the woman no one wants to know. Friends disappear. Committee memberships evaporate. Her husband launches a psychological warfare campaign designed to make her question her own sanity. But Lauren refuses to go quietly.
Armed with a forensic accountant, a fierce divorce attorney, and a strength she never knew she possessed, Lauren begins documenting the truth about financial abuse and discovers her story could save thousands of other women trapped in marriages that look ideal from the outside.
Sometimes the life that falls apart was never really yours to begin with.
A powerful debut about midlife awakening, the courage to start over, and the radical act of choosing yourself when everyone expects you to disappear.
- GenresRomance
502 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2025
246 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 24, 2025
I love reading cheating stories. I love when we get to see a strong woman defeat a narcissist and gain the life she always deserved afterwards. I love reading about a man who thought he was smart and could have it all, slowly lose everything he thought he could control. This book was brilliant in absolutely every way. I only wish we could have more about her with her new love. But this satisfied every itch inside me to see a monster destroyed for his cruelty towards women.
September 3, 2025
Cheater gets what he deserves.
August 25, 2025
When Perfect Falls Apart, Book 1 of The Bexley Hills series, was about 52-year-old Lauren Holmes, a suburban housewife and mother of two, 21-year-old Kimberly, and 17-year-old Devin.
You might have noticed that I did not put the name of an MMC in the first sentence, like I normally do when writing a review about a book. That's because...there wasn't an MMC to write about, and this was NOT a love story. It wasn't about saving a marriage that was in trouble. This was a story about a woman (and her children) who learned to navigate through a failing marriage and everything that came with that baggage. It was about more than just survival. It was a learning, growing, and rediscovering oneself after years of being lost in someone else's shadow.
Lauren had been married to Brett Holmes, her pharmaceutical executive husband, for 23 years when she learned that he had been cheating on her. From the moment she received the first hint of infidelity, Lauren set out to set things right, while at the same time ensuring that her children did not suffer from the events that were about to unfold.
The author wrote this story in such a way as to focus solely on what the FMC had to endure once the bottom fell out of her world. It was an eye-opening experience, even to one who had been through something similar.
Don't expect this story to be sweet, spicy, or even overly dramatic. Yes, do expect angst and drama, but the emotional rollercoaster took the front seat in it all. And you will be emotional while reading this...if you have any feelings at all.
The strength the FMC displayed throughout this story was mind-boggling. I wish I had been that resilient during my separation and subsequent divorce. But I digress. She was the epitome of what every cheated-on wife longs to be. Did the FMC get an HEA? You'll have to read it to find out.
The book had some issues, like being too long and sometimes boring, but if you can look past those things, you'll find the true intent of the author's message and find it well worth reading.
While this wasn't a story about romance or even cheating, honestly, it was a book that deserved a five-star rating and could be considered a "self-help" teaching tool. It will be interesting to see how the author handles any subsequent books in this series. (And there are supposed to be more books coming!)
You might have noticed that I did not put the name of an MMC in the first sentence, like I normally do when writing a review about a book. That's because...there wasn't an MMC to write about, and this was NOT a love story. It wasn't about saving a marriage that was in trouble. This was a story about a woman (and her children) who learned to navigate through a failing marriage and everything that came with that baggage. It was about more than just survival. It was a learning, growing, and rediscovering oneself after years of being lost in someone else's shadow.
Lauren had been married to Brett Holmes, her pharmaceutical executive husband, for 23 years when she learned that he had been cheating on her. From the moment she received the first hint of infidelity, Lauren set out to set things right, while at the same time ensuring that her children did not suffer from the events that were about to unfold.
The author wrote this story in such a way as to focus solely on what the FMC had to endure once the bottom fell out of her world. It was an eye-opening experience, even to one who had been through something similar.
Don't expect this story to be sweet, spicy, or even overly dramatic. Yes, do expect angst and drama, but the emotional rollercoaster took the front seat in it all. And you will be emotional while reading this...if you have any feelings at all.
The strength the FMC displayed throughout this story was mind-boggling. I wish I had been that resilient during my separation and subsequent divorce. But I digress. She was the epitome of what every cheated-on wife longs to be. Did the FMC get an HEA? You'll have to read it to find out.
The book had some issues, like being too long and sometimes boring, but if you can look past those things, you'll find the true intent of the author's message and find it well worth reading.
While this wasn't a story about romance or even cheating, honestly, it was a book that deserved a five-star rating and could be considered a "self-help" teaching tool. It will be interesting to see how the author handles any subsequent books in this series. (And there are supposed to be more books coming!)
September 13, 2025
Focuses on the story of the betrayed wife and how she survived and moved forward. I'm glad in the end, the monster, e sorry ex husband, showed his true colors.
I don't know if 500+ pages were truly necessary but I found it interesting.
I appreciated the end with the new love interest. Not every relationship has to end in marriage. The way they set it up, with a promise ring, was very sincere and sweet.
what I wish I could read more was the mistress's demise. I wanted to see her suffer and not running away.
but overall it was a satisfying book
I don't know if 500+ pages were truly necessary but I found it interesting.
I appreciated the end with the new love interest. Not every relationship has to end in marriage. The way they set it up, with a promise ring, was very sincere and sweet.
what I wish I could read more was the mistress's demise. I wanted to see her suffer and not running away.
but overall it was a satisfying book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2025
great story
I really enjoyed this book and plan on reading more from this author. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed this book and plan on reading more from this author. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
October 5, 2025
Freedom after 23 years of marriage and rebirth in your 50s
Finally a story for women my age. Finally a different perspective about life after divorce after 50. The courage the strength to move on is highlighted here in this story. And that it’s ok to NOT want to remarry. Emotional abuse, psychological manipulation these are real things that were explored in this story. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read and learn about this topic.
Finally a story for women my age. Finally a different perspective about life after divorce after 50. The courage the strength to move on is highlighted here in this story. And that it’s ok to NOT want to remarry. Emotional abuse, psychological manipulation these are real things that were explored in this story. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read and learn about this topic.
August 27, 2025
Although it took the MF too long to do something about the MM s behaviour, I loved this book. I liked how she gradually took her power back through getting help, advice and taking action. One step at a time. Great story and satisfying ending.
October 21, 2025
I liked a lot of this book - it could have been a truly emotional blockbuster. But, there were so many errors, too much repetition, and it was at least 200 pages too long. While the story is poignant, it also goes to show that divorce, like so many other things in life, is easier with money.
The worst of the errors for me were with numbers and timelines. Cut your losses now if you don't want the rant.
She met her husband in college, and they were together 24 years, She was either 28 when they met in college or she should be 42, not 52.
She uploads videos and sends emails to secret accounts that she doesn't create until chapters later.
Claims their net worth is 8M, finds out he hid 4M. Says he squirreled away half their money. No, 1/3rd.
PI meets her to give her two weeks of evidence, and he provides her with 21 days of surveillance.
She schedules a meeting with her therapist at 11 am, then shows up promptly at 11:30 for a full 50-minute session.
She says he makes 700K - forensic accountant says no, it's actually 1.7M - which she claims is 4x the 700 she knew about. WTAF
Who says courage over safety?
The Cartier bracelet timeline is ridiculous - she finds it in his closet in the fall, but the accountant says he bought it 3 weeks before Valentines Day and texted the mistress to meet him at the jewelers to pick it up.
Lawyer accuses husband of hiding 1.7M annually - they already established he claimed the first 700K, so he's really only skimming a cool 1M a year.
There are others - I don't know why I read all 500 pages. I feel like I was financially abused.
Also, what woman with a controlling husband can afford, nevermind make it out to, Vermont for a divorce retreat?
The worst of the errors for me were with numbers and timelines. Cut your losses now if you don't want the rant.
She met her husband in college, and they were together 24 years, She was either 28 when they met in college or she should be 42, not 52.
She uploads videos and sends emails to secret accounts that she doesn't create until chapters later.
Claims their net worth is 8M, finds out he hid 4M. Says he squirreled away half their money. No, 1/3rd.
PI meets her to give her two weeks of evidence, and he provides her with 21 days of surveillance.
She schedules a meeting with her therapist at 11 am, then shows up promptly at 11:30 for a full 50-minute session.
She says he makes 700K - forensic accountant says no, it's actually 1.7M - which she claims is 4x the 700 she knew about. WTAF
Who says courage over safety?
The Cartier bracelet timeline is ridiculous - she finds it in his closet in the fall, but the accountant says he bought it 3 weeks before Valentines Day and texted the mistress to meet him at the jewelers to pick it up.
Lawyer accuses husband of hiding 1.7M annually - they already established he claimed the first 700K, so he's really only skimming a cool 1M a year.
There are others - I don't know why I read all 500 pages. I feel like I was financially abused.
Also, what woman with a controlling husband can afford, nevermind make it out to, Vermont for a divorce retreat?
September 6, 2025
Some minor errors in details. They aren't deal breakers but do take the reader out of the story.
-If they are seated in the third row, how can Brett be seated four rows ahead of them?
- Lauren sleeps until 8:30am but greets her son, who stumbles down the stairs at 7:15.
- High school baseball is not a fall sport, not even in Connecticut. Travel ball could have been substituted.
-If they are seated in the third row, how can Brett be seated four rows ahead of them?
- Lauren sleeps until 8:30am but greets her son, who stumbles down the stairs at 7:15.
- High school baseball is not a fall sport, not even in Connecticut. Travel ball could have been substituted.
December 9, 2025
When Perfect Falls Apart starts off strong with smooth, easy-to-read writing that makes it effortless to fall into the story. Lauren, the MFC, is immediately likable and relatable, and I enjoyed following her early journey.
However, as the story progressed, I felt the momentum began to fade. Around the 70% mark, the plot became repetitive enough that I found myself skimming. The premise itself is solid, but it leaned a bit too heavily on constant cheerleading from Lauren’s kids, and it seemed like nearly every woman around her was dealing with marital issues of their own. After a while, this repetition diluted the emotional impact.
Overall, it was an okay read—engaging at first but ultimately too long and repetitive to fully hold my attention. Fans of domestic drama and character-driven stories may still enjoy it, but it didn’t completely land for me.
However, as the story progressed, I felt the momentum began to fade. Around the 70% mark, the plot became repetitive enough that I found myself skimming. The premise itself is solid, but it leaned a bit too heavily on constant cheerleading from Lauren’s kids, and it seemed like nearly every woman around her was dealing with marital issues of their own. After a while, this repetition diluted the emotional impact.
Overall, it was an okay read—engaging at first but ultimately too long and repetitive to fully hold my attention. Fans of domestic drama and character-driven stories may still enjoy it, but it didn’t completely land for me.
August 27, 2025
Cheating = h's husband is a serial cheater and has completely checked out of the marriage. He is siphoning money away and planning his exit, all while leaving the h to flounder in indecision and doubt. h finally finds her backbone and gets her justice. Husband just ends up fading into the background after the divorce.
h sees H (husband, not really the H) with OW = h sees the husband out with OW and there is a Coldplay moment caught as well of the husband with OW.
There comes to be a H later in the book, but this is more women's fiction than romance, so the story really just revolves around the h and how she is before, during and after infidelity.
h sees H (husband, not really the H) with OW = h sees the husband out with OW and there is a Coldplay moment caught as well of the husband with OW.
There comes to be a H later in the book, but this is more women's fiction than romance, so the story really just revolves around the h and how she is before, during and after infidelity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2025
Wow .... what a ride
This book is one of the best marriage breakdowns I have ever read, also how Lauren moved on with such strength and courage, and never once did she hesitate to go back to Brett with all his manipulations, it would have been good to get a few chapters of Brett's POV but he certainly was a sneaky conniving rat ba$tard, he definitely didn't deserve a happy ending. Im glad it ended how it did with Lauren being true to herself and kids all the way through. Also, loved her friends and how supportive they were for her as well.
Overall great book definitely recommend
This book is one of the best marriage breakdowns I have ever read, also how Lauren moved on with such strength and courage, and never once did she hesitate to go back to Brett with all his manipulations, it would have been good to get a few chapters of Brett's POV but he certainly was a sneaky conniving rat ba$tard, he definitely didn't deserve a happy ending. Im glad it ended how it did with Lauren being true to herself and kids all the way through. Also, loved her friends and how supportive they were for her as well.
Overall great book definitely recommend
Read
October 11, 2025For some reason this was heavily promoted as a romance book on TikTok and it’s not. Anyway, it’s a nice female empowerment book that in my opinion-gets the neglected wife in a bad marriage down pat. Lauren has a nice glow up in becoming the woman she always wanted to while her husband is swerved some well deserved consequences. The new boyfriend was a nice touch and a great send off. That being said, Brett’s words to his ex-wife were more wishful thinking than anything realistic. You’ll never convince me a narcissist who blames his ex for everything will suddenly have a 180 and start singing her praises
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2025
Excellent Read
This is an excellent book. I loved the FMC and her friends and family. This book was interesting and that it provided fresh perspectives and encouragement for women over 50 to understand how they can make a stand and improve their life through the rough patches of marriage. It is a must read. The first book I have read by this writer
This is an excellent book. I loved the FMC and her friends and family. This book was interesting and that it provided fresh perspectives and encouragement for women over 50 to understand how they can make a stand and improve their life through the rough patches of marriage. It is a must read. The first book I have read by this writer
September 30, 2025
I listened to this on audiobook. And it wasnt bad. But I will say it made me CRAZY how the FMC kept repeating the same phrases over and over!! I ended up skipping ahead in a couple places because I couldn’t handle all the repetition. But I wanted to know what happened. If I had to guess, I’d say Ai wrote this.
October 6, 2025
Perfect afternoon reading
Yes, I read this in one afternoon. It was totally riveting and, in the words of my daughter, unputdownable! I've been happily married ( well, most of the time, anyway) for 54 years but could sympathise with everything that was discussed, and the details about financial fraud were extremely interesting.
I think all married women should read this 🤔
Yes, I read this in one afternoon. It was totally riveting and, in the words of my daughter, unputdownable! I've been happily married ( well, most of the time, anyway) for 54 years but could sympathise with everything that was discussed, and the details about financial fraud were extremely interesting.
I think all married women should read this 🤔
October 8, 2025
I stumbled across this book while scrolling trying to find something to read and I got to say I was just so into it that I ended saying up to finish it. It touch something in my because someone close to me when through something so similar to this book. It was so emotional but also so inspiring to see how strong Lauren was. It is a must read
December 1, 2025
Repetitive words
I really did enjoy it but I've noticed as I was reading, words and sentences were used more than once. Like the exact same sentence. And it kinda got boring after a while. This book would probably work on someone who actually going through what Lauren is going through and not as a novel for tik tok. BOOKtok lied to me, again.
I really did enjoy it but I've noticed as I was reading, words and sentences were used more than once. Like the exact same sentence. And it kinda got boring after a while. This book would probably work on someone who actually going through what Lauren is going through and not as a novel for tik tok. BOOKtok lied to me, again.
December 8, 2025
HEA not required
This is an infidelity story that is completely from the FMC point of view. Husband cheats ( several times) and FMC decides she is done. The FMC begins to find herself and also ends up helping other middle aged women find themselves. There is an HEA but it’s not really part of the storyline, more of an oh yeah let’s end in a happy note.
This is an infidelity story that is completely from the FMC point of view. Husband cheats ( several times) and FMC decides she is done. The FMC begins to find herself and also ends up helping other middle aged women find themselves. There is an HEA but it’s not really part of the storyline, more of an oh yeah let’s end in a happy note.
August 25, 2025
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Congratulations on a beautifully written book. I could not put it down. Author is new to me. Can't wait to read other books.
Loved Lauren's transformation and support network .
Congratulations on a beautifully written book. I could not put it down. Author is new to me. Can't wait to read other books.
Loved Lauren's transformation and support network .
September 12, 2025
I enjoyed this! I feel like it had a solid plot and characters. I loved how strong the FMC was! I wish the MMC wouldn’t have a “happy ending”. He didn’t deserve to have another relationship after all he did. I hope he’s miserable af
September 14, 2025
Wonderful Plot
I loved the plot and so happy the focus was on the MFC and not the MMC. It was unique. However, I gave 4 starts because there was a ton of repetition. I found myself skipping a bit of dialogue.
I loved the plot and so happy the focus was on the MFC and not the MMC. It was unique. However, I gave 4 starts because there was a ton of repetition. I found myself skipping a bit of dialogue.
September 23, 2025
must read
Dear prospective reader do yours self a favour and read this gem. The writer shows how to survive a divorce is not easy but achievable and maybe you can rediscover yourself by the end. Loved this
Dear prospective reader do yours self a favour and read this gem. The writer shows how to survive a divorce is not easy but achievable and maybe you can rediscover yourself by the end. Loved this
October 7, 2025
Wow
I wasn't sure about this book when I started reading. I was shocked, crying, heartbroken, angry, and intrigued by this woman. She showed dignity, loyalty, love and devotion to her unfaithful husband without tearing her family apart more. Awesome book that I would recommend.
I wasn't sure about this book when I started reading. I was shocked, crying, heartbroken, angry, and intrigued by this woman. She showed dignity, loyalty, love and devotion to her unfaithful husband without tearing her family apart more. Awesome book that I would recommend.
October 7, 2025
Relatable
Lovely read and relatable. I love how realistic her character is, Lauren. Love the quotes and love the Ending. Girl Power written in this novel without too much of it, if that makes sense.
Thanks for the beautiful read.
Lovely read and relatable. I love how realistic her character is, Lauren. Love the quotes and love the Ending. Girl Power written in this novel without too much of it, if that makes sense.
Thanks for the beautiful read.
October 12, 2025
I enjoyed this book and the plot. However I almost stopped reading it because the author repeats so many of the same phrases over and over again. There were also many grammatical errors that drove me nuts! Overall good read.
October 15, 2025
wow
Beautiful, I love reading, especially if it’s something that grabs my heart. And oh my did this one do that, went through all the emotions. And enjoyed every paragraph too. Great read but it will put you through it.
Beautiful, I love reading, especially if it’s something that grabs my heart. And oh my did this one do that, went through all the emotions. And enjoyed every paragraph too. Great read but it will put you through it.
October 15, 2025
drawn out
The book was good and some may find encouraging: however, it didn’t need to be this long. I founded myself skipping through chapters. There was a lot of repeat stories and phrases that at one point I thought I was reading a chapter I already read. It was an ok story
The book was good and some may find encouraging: however, it didn’t need to be this long. I founded myself skipping through chapters. There was a lot of repeat stories and phrases that at one point I thought I was reading a chapter I already read. It was an ok story
October 18, 2025
I haven’t read a book like this before, seeing this amazing mum and women grow. Lauren went through something most women do, I loved that she got her confidence back.
How her children were so insanely proud of her, I defo got emotional🤍
How her children were so insanely proud of her, I defo got emotional🤍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
wow
I thought I was going to read a romance novel but I found a very intense at times heartbreaking beautiful story about strong women at different stages. I’m sensitive to hardache so it was a little tough but I’m glad in read this without a break ty
I thought I was going to read a romance novel but I found a very intense at times heartbreaking beautiful story about strong women at different stages. I’m sensitive to hardache so it was a little tough but I’m glad in read this without a break ty
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews