Perfect Life: A Novel

by Meredith Lavender, Kendall Shores

Following a shocking murder, a young woman must face the secrets from her past—and a husband she thought she knew—in this twisty, sizzling novel from the bestselling authors of Happy Wife .

Este Walker didn’t move to Winter Park, Florida, to make friends. Five years ago, she ghosted her life in California to reinvent herself among the lakefront estates of Florida’s elite. With a cocktail in hand, more money than she could ever spend, and secrets she intends to keep buried, she’s finally content—or, you know, close enough. Who cares if her seclusion and secrets have left her with a small social circle? Her husband Beau and her best friend Nora are the only company she needs.

But Este’s secrets are catching up to her. Last year, when Nora gained national attention as a suspect in her husband's disappearance, Este’s picture was flashed onscreen. Suddenly the past she had hoped to keep buried is closing in on her—and Beau might be keeping secrets of his own. And then a mysterious death turns Winter Park upside down.

Thrust into a high-stakes murder investigation, Este must unravel a web of lies and secrets to answer the question: What exactly happened in California, and has it come back to haunt her? More importantly: How is she going to get herself out of this mess?

538 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 7, 2026

Reviews

[Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este and Beau seem to have the perfect life—the perfect marriage… or maybe that’s just what they want everyone to believe. Does she truly know her husband? Can she really trust him? The twists kept coming, and I was guessing right up until the very end. The ending completely shocked me, but I loved it.

Meredith and Kendall truly know how to write a great book. From the very first page, you’re pulled in and don’t want to put it down.

I first discovered their book
Happy Wife while browsing through a bookstore one day, and I don’t think I’ve ever finished a book so quickly. I was thrilled when I learned they were releasing another novel, but even more excited when I was approved to read the eARC of their new book, Perfect Life.

Thank you NetGalley, Meredith, Kendall and Ballantine for the eARC!

Publication Date: July 7,2026
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

#PerfectLife #NetGalley.

[Janet Fiorentino · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Perfect Life” by Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores focuses on Este who flies to Winter Park, Florida for a fresh start with her husband, Beau, but her California secrets are determined to follow her, especially after she becomes involved in a murder investigation in her new home.

There are plenty of novels about rich people behaving badly, but not many with such a relatable protagonist as Este. I thought the story moved at a lively clip with a few unexpected twists that make the outcome so much more satisfying.

I had not read the previous novel, “Happy Wife,” (which focuses on Nora, Este’s dear friend) but I now want to.

Thanks to the authors, the publisher, and Net Galley for a chance to read and review this novel.

[BHK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Life hooked me fast and did not let go! From the first chapter, there’s this glossy and rich people in paradise vibe that appears perfect on the outside yet deeply unhinged underneath. Este is such an intriguing main character. She’s cool, guarded, and clearly hiding a lot. I loved slowly realizing that nothing about her perfect life in Winter Park is actually perfect. The mystery unravels in layers, and just when I thought I had it figured out another twist dropped. This book was bingeable, dramatic, and deliciously messy! It’s the kind of thriller that makes you suspicious of everyone. If you like wealthy settings and morally gray characters, this one is a fun and addictive read!

[Jessica McGinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - thank you for continuing their story! I loved Happy Wife, but Kendall Shores and Meredith Lavender have outdone themselves with Perfect Life. It’s darker, faster, and even more twisty. I inhaled this book! It’s the perfect blend of psychological suspense and juicy secrets. The way the authors built the tension around the murder investigation in Winter Park is brilliant. I loved the contrast between the California backstory and the current high-stakes drama in Winter Park. The writing is so sharp!! It’s such a clever, sophisticated thriller that dives deep into the 'perfect life' facade—I couldn’t stop turning the pages! Buy this book immediately!

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sequel to Happy Wife, which returns to Winter Park, Florida, this time with a storyline centered on Este, Nora's best friend. While the book started a bit slowly for me, it picked up as the flashbacks revealed more about Este's time in Los Angeles. The authors did a fantastic job developing Este's character and I liked the alternating timelines. I was surprised by all the twists, which were all well-executed. I recommend Perfect Life if you enjoy domestic mysteries with rich people behaving badly and likeable main characters.

I would definitely read more Winter Park novels.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Whitney Laney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think it was possible to top Happy Wife — but this second book completely did it. From the very first chapter, I was pulled in. The authors have such a gift for creating tension in a glitzy world that’s equally fun and suspenseful. I couldn’t stop turning pages.

I fell in love with Este in the first book, and I was so excited to get to know her more. Without giving anything away, the story is perfect. The twists are unexpected. I didn’t see the ending coming. If you loved Happy Wife, you absolutely need to read this one.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️ Another clever and well-voiced tale from this author duo.

With thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine/Random House Publishing Group for this e-ARC.

[Katie Huff · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come after publication in Library Journal! :)

[Tam📖 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC!

What a fun sequel!! It was definitely a page turner! And I loved the setting! It made me want to visit Winter Park, FL!

[Kate Vidovich · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t love this novel as much as the first novel. Great writing and a fun premise…but the magic just wasn’t there this time.