Results May Vary

by Bethany Chase

From Bethany Chase—whom bestselling author Emily Giffin calls “a great new voice in fiction”—comes a wise and delightfully relatable novel about a woman’s journey to rebuild her life, and her heart, after a stunning betrayal.   Can you ever really know the person you love?   She never saw it coming. Without even a shiver of suspicion to warn her, art curator Caroline Hammond discovers that her husband is having an affair with a man—a revelation that forces her to question their entire history together, from their early days as high school sweethearts through their ten years as a happily married couple. In her now upside-down world, Caroline begins envisioning her life without the relationship that has defined the loneliness of being an “I” instead of a “we”; the rekindled yet tenuous closeness with her younger sister; and the unexpected—and potentially disastrous—attraction she can’t get off her mind. Caroline always thought she knew her own love story, but as her husband’s other secrets emerge, she must decide whether that story’s ending will mean forgiving the man she’s loved for half her life, or facing her future without him.   Compassionate and uplifting, Results May Vary is a bittersweet celebration of the heart’s ability to turn unexpected troubles into extraordinary strength.  Praise for Results May Vary“Chase has written an incredibly charming novel about shifting from being completed by a man to becoming a whole woman. Witnessing Caro’s growth is a pleasure.”—Library Journal   “Bethany Chase writes with a realism of expression that allows readers to empathize and appreciate the characters’ personalities and frustrations. The push and pull written into interpersonal dynamics between characters feels true to life, and is best seen in Caroline’s relationship with her sister. The surprises keep readers alert and the tempo of the novel holds their attention until the very last page.”—RT Book Reviews“This latest novel from Chase will appeal to anyone who has ever looked up to realize they define themselves by those surrounding them. Caroline’s exploration of self-discovery is a familiar one, yet Chase has a way with phrasing and a thoughtful approach that pushes this one notch above the others. . . . A good fit for fans of Emily Giffin and Kristin Hannah.”—Booklist “An altogether addictive read . . . Chase creates characters a reader can truly care about [in] a novel that doles out both laughter and tears.”—Kirkus Reviews“Results May Vary is an openhearted and sweetly rendered story of lost love and found strength.”—Melissa DeCarlo, author of The Art of Crash Landing“Relatable, engaging, and ultimately uplifting, as it explores the secrets hidden beneath the surface of a marriage that seems enviable . . . You'll root for Caroline as she struggles through heartbreak toward an unexpected new future.”—Sarah Pekkanen, author of The Perfect Neighbors

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Romance, Adult Fiction, Womens Fiction, Adult

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 9, 2016

About the author

Writer of love stories, designer, and eternally hopeful A-cup. Author of USA Today bestseller THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY and the upcoming RESULTS MAY VARY. Welcome to my page... can I get you a drink?

“A warm, witty, and wise novel, The One That Got Away announces the arrival of a great new voice in fiction.” — Emily Giffin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The One and Only

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Reviews

[Esil · Rating 2 out of 5]

A big meh for Results May Vary. I can do fluffy every now and then, and I thought I was in the mood for fluffy, but there was just not enough holding this one together for me. I read Bethany Chase's first book last year, The One That Got Away, and quite liked it. But this one missed the mark for me. It's especially disappointing, because the premise was promising. Caroline finds out at the very beginning that her husband of 15 years has been having an affair with a man. An interesting book would focus on the ensuing emotional fall out. But in this case, the rest of the book focuses on the minutia of Caroline's fairly predictable life post betrayal. Almost immediately, she goes into damage control and reinvents herself as a single somewhat carefree woman who wants nothing to do with her ex. What's missing? Caroline's husband was poorly developed and it was hard to figure out who he was and what kept them together in the first place. Caroline spends very little time being heartbroken or trying to figure out how things landed where they did. In other words, the emotions felt all wrong. And the end was terribly predictable. I know I'm being harsh, but I'm mostly frustrated with myself for sticking with this one to the end. I don't mind the occasional fluff, but I like my fluff to be a bit meatier -- if that makes a any sense. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me access to an advance copy.

[Chelsea Humphrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Find all my reviews on my blog: https://thesuspenseisthrillingme.com

Date Read: 08/13/16
Pub Date: 08/09/16

4 STARS

Can you ever really know the person you love?

She never saw it coming. Without even a shiver of suspicion to warn her, Caroline Hammond discovers that her husband is having an affair with a man—a revelation that forces her to question their entire history together, from their early days as high school sweethearts through their ten years as a happily married couple. In her now upside-down world, Caroline begins envisioning her life without the relationship that has defined it: the loneliness of being an “I” instead of a “we”; the rekindled yet tenuous closeness with her younger sister; and the unexpected—and potentially disastrous—attraction she can’t get off her mind. Caroline always thought she knew her own love story, but as her husband’s other secrets emerge, she must decide whether that story’s ending will mean forgiving the man she’s loved for half her life, or facing her future without him.

Compassionate and uplifting, Results May Vary is a bittersweet celebration of the fact that in love and in life, we rarely get exactly what we bargained for.

Talk about a bombshell dropped in the first chapter! Clearly its not spoiler worthy as it is mentioned in the blurb, but our journey with poor Caroline begins when she finds out her husband of 10 years is having an affair with a man. The author did a fantastic job of making me as a reader feel simultaneously awkward and pitying during those first few sections of our girl’s downward spiral, but this is chick lit and overall kept a light feel. The plot is very straight forward and slightly predictable, but it was an overall enjoyable read for me.

I was completely in the mood for a lighter read and picked this up at a good time. While the story does deal with some heavier elements, especially a central theme of Caroline having to work through her anger and grief surrounding the dissolving of her decade long marriage, it still had an overwhelmingly surface level feel to it. This isn’t the book to pick up if you are expecting extreme levels of deep connection and long term remembrance; this is a fun, summer read to enjoy with the warm weather. This is not a criticism; I whole heartedly embrace these types of reads as I crave it periodically as a relief from the overall heavy and dark books I read. I just hope to market this type of book to the right reader.

I really want to keep this review short as the plot tends to be a little less complex and I don’t want to take away from another reader’s experience, but I’ll say that this was a fantastically breezy read that would be perfect on a trip, preferably at the beach while sunbathing. Possibly with a cocktail in hand. And no children. *Wake up Chelsea!!!* Any way, the style of writing was witty and biting at times while also including some very serious, emotional sections. If you are a fan of Emily Giffin, Jen Lancaster, or Jennifer Weiner, you will very likely enjoy this easy read with one of the most gorgeous covers I have seen this year!

* I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. many thanks to Ballantine and Bethany Chase for an enjoyable escape from reality!

[Megan • Reading Books Like a Boss (book blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I have an excerpt from Chapter 1 to share with you HERE. You'll want to know what happens next after you read it!



Book Review:
As I'm writing this review, I'm sitting here deep in my feelings. So I apologize in advance for my lack of eloquence (not that I normally have that anyway). This book is one of my favorite reads this year and it was truly a joy to read. I stayed up way past midnight TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW. If you know me, you know that I am a 31-year old grandma who likes her sleep. I couldn't put this book down. I mean, just read the first few lines of the book:

"There are these two little words I know, that we all know; we learn them so early that we can't remember when we did. They have a gravitational attraction to each other, I would say: the one word love, and the other word story. 'Cause you can have a story without love, sure; but when it comes to the kind of love you fall in, whether it's a slow glide or a blind plunge over the edge...you can't have a love without a story.
I thought I knew mine."

We meet Adam and Caroline, two high school sweethearts turned happily married couple. Or so Caroline thought. She discovers her husband had an affair with a man. What follows is the unraveling of her heart and maybe even her marriage, causing her to delve deep into herself and often times just allow herself to feel the loss.

"Is that what this was, he'd gotten bored? Was this even the first time? Were there others? How many? For how long? Suddenly, the room was closing in on me. Everything I'd ever counted on and trusted about my marriage, my husband, had been ripped out from under me, washed away like a bridge too flimsy for a storm."

RESULTS MAY VARY is heartbreaking, uplifting, painful, and romantic. I enjoyed the experience of reading this book—that feeling of being on edge, not knowing what's going to happen next. I don't want to give anything away, but there are romantic moments in this book, but I still wouldn't call this a romance. It's a women's fiction novel with romantic elements and I just love how the "romancey" part of this book was done.

As a reader, I appreciate a mix of complexity and simplicity in writing. I don't need to be wooed with an overabundance prose or violently shaken with plots meant to shock. I much prefer to be rocked and lulled with writing that is pieced together with care, forethought, and skill. Writing that is clean and simple but packs an emotional punch. Bethany Chase's writing in RESULTS MAY VARY is an example of what I love.

The author really made me feel Caroline's emotions; it felt so real. I can't imagine experiencing that sort of bone deep betrayal from someone you trusted so completely. The thought of living her life without her husband—her rock and best friend of more than 16 years—was incredibly painful and scary.

My feelings towards Adam were mixed throughout the novel, which I think is exactly what the author wanted to portray. The reader sees Adam only through Caroline's filter, and her opinions change as the novel progresses. I went from adoring him, to being so mad, to understanding, and then back to anger.

"What in the name of god had he done to us?"

Some of Adam's actions could be seen as emotionally manipulative, but I had to remember that his character had his own emotional journey—much of which the reader wasn't privy. His affair shook Caroline to her core but it also forced him to come to his own truth. I would have liked to have seen a little bit more of his journey.

The book is told through Caroline's perspective, so the reader is only seeing her side of the story and feeling her feelings. In women's fiction, I think it's important to remind yourself that you are not the heroine. What you would do in the heroine's shoes probably wouldn't be what she would do. But that doesn't excuse all of the heroine's possible bad choices. It's the author's job to make the reader understand the heroine's motivations. In this novel, I understood how Caroline felt, how deep the betrayal ran, and why she made the choices she did.

Most of all, I loved the message of the book. You can never predict where life may take you, no matter how carefully you try to plan your future. You might think you have everything planned out with goals waiting to be achieved. You want to have this many kids, this big of a house, and have this sort of job. But one day, the rug may be pulled out from under you; leading you down a path you would not have chosen, maybe even to bigger and greater things. It's what you do that defines you. You might discover parts of yourself you didn't know existed and dust off the parts that were long suppressed by all your plans.

"You're never going to have a predictable result. Not in how it gets made, or how people feel about it."

One more thing—the quotes under the chapter headings were so great and perfectly chosen! They set the stage and tone for what was to come. Read this book!

* I received a copy from the author and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion.




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★★UPCOMING BOOK RELEASES★★
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[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a previous book by this author, enjoyed it, so grabbed another one of her writings while doing an impromptu library visit today. I really do like how this author writes!

This is a story told by Caroline “Caro.”
She finds out in a most disturbing way that her husband had been untrue to her, and with a young male artist. That is not the first time of his affairs, but the first she is made aware of it.

The love story of Adam and Caro goes way back to high school. They are both happily married and in love with each other until this situation comes up and reveals plenty of other little betrayals in their life - betrayals that are like cracks appearing in a mirror until it finally shatters. Heartbreak.

I’m not sure how I would react if I was Caro, however, I give her the strength and fortitude to personally accept and move forward in making her own life, realizing she may have missed some things in life by getting married at an early age to Adam. She waivers however, as any one of us might, when faced with a tumultuous situation that upends their marriage. They both were feeling safe and satisfied in her marriage without any concern or thoughts that something just might be awry. It’s a love that is solid and sure, until one day it is not.

Adam’s character in the story is meek at times, a liar, an adulterer, needy. Caro goes through a wide range of emotions as she tries to excel at her job at the museum all the while discovering herself, who she is, with and without Adam. It’s a self discovery and through the book, she’s testing the waters of a new, a different kind of relationship, where she is actually feeling instead of existing in a default setting of her marriage with Adam.

Adam continues to surprise through the book, revealing to her and to us, that he’s got more than one secret. It’s gotten to the point of what more could he be hiding from Caro. It’s their point of no return. His needy pleading and promises fall on the deaf ears of us and Caro. He obviously needs to figure out where he wants himself and his life to go after this, and so we experience both him and her going through self awareness, acceptance and true forgiveness.

There’s not a big cast of characters in this story, besides Caro and Adam. There are some friends, relatives and co-workers who play important parts as confidants, supporters, lovers, etc. They are all woven well into the story.

Do read the readers guide at the back of this book. It speaks to us more on the issues within this story such as trust, relationships vulnerability, safety, security, knowing when to walk away, the fear of being alone/lonely.
But also and importantly, to accept and feel joy, happiness, a new lease on life, lessons learned and second chances.

[Jaime Arkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I knew going into this book that it was going to be hard to read, but I definitely love challenging myself with atypical reads. I tend to find those challenges when I pick up books that fall into the “women’s fiction’ category. Last year I read The One That Got Away by Chase and immediately fell in love with her writing style. She has a way of telling a story that will just hook you, keep you riveted and this is no exception.

Caroline Hammond never saw it coming… the unthinkable happens and she finds that the man she’s known for most of her life… the man that she’s been married to for 10 years has had an affair. With a man. Results May Vary is the story of the aftermath of her world being turned upside down. It really explores the idea that we can really only know the things about the people in our lives that they are willing to share. As the story unravels and we learn all the ways that Adam has betrayed Caroline, I couldn’t help but cheer her on as she makes strides to understand and move forward, but also feel the urge to hug her when she experienced setbacks.

But this book is also about finding yourself and learning who you are, and I think that might have been my favorite part. Caroline and Adam had been together since she was 17 so she’s always been a ‘we’ and watching her learn just who she is as an ‘I’ was just amazing.

I think my only hang up with the story and this was totally personal, as that Adam for all everyone raved about him, came off as kind of smarmy to me… the indecision on his part, the way he talked to Caroline, the things he expected of her… it all just felt so disrespectful at times. The only time I truly felt how much the situation had hurt him was when he showed up at the house near the end. It may just be the woman in me, but I truly wanted to see his suffering a bit more after what he did. I know, I’m terrible LOL. I will say this… Caroline is a bigger person than I could ever be, but I love how this story wrapped up. I won’t say anything about it, but it felt honest and true and that’s all I needed.

If you're a fan of smart, complicated and sometimes messy stories that are filled with love, heartbreak, family and most of all hope and happiness you’re going to want to pick up Results May Vary when it arrives.

Thank you to the author and publisher for a review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A special thank you to Random House and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Bethany Chase returns following her debut, One That Got Away (2015) with a strong follow-up, RESULTS MAY VARY - a novel of emotions: love, loss, pain, betrayal, trust, and forgiveness.

Caroline is married to Adam, her high school sweetheart. A museum curator, a happy life, and a beautiful home in the Berkshires.

He was only twenty-five years old, gay Patrick Timothy Rubinowitz, the toast of the New York art scene. He was being hailed as the next Mapplethorpe; in the year or so since he’d started coming to people’s attention, he been universally anointed by everybody who mattered as photography’s next Big Thing.

Critics fawned over his impeccable classical technique, the richness of light in his images, the depth of contrast and range of tone he coaxed from his film. And of course, the beauty of his compositions.

Caroline takes a look at some of Patrick’s other photography work from Alicia. A little risque for the museum but powerful. A secret stash. Two guys together. Making love. A little blob of a birthmark. Then it hits her. Shocking- it is her husband in the photo.

One thousand times or more over sixteen years they had made love. From their senior year of high school. They were in love. How could he? This was uncharted territory. How could she have missed the signs? She thought her marriage was perfect? As soon as she slept and opened her eyes, the pain and reality would still be there. This was only the beginning.

Adam loved her, but declared himself incapable of illuminating his reason for betraying the love she had given him for more than half their lifetime. He wanted her forgiveness. Can she ever trust him again?

Her best friend Jonathan is there for her. Her sister, Ruby wants to visit. She has to explain her husband had an affair with a man. Had she been so absorbed in her own life she had been missing out on everyone else’s.

Breaking up with Adam did not only mean removing herself from a source of pain; it meant removing herself from a deep seated joy. Losing him. Does she really know the man she married?

With twists and surprises, Carolina also discovers her husband is also keeping more secrets, he has not shared with her. Can the marriage be saved, or is it time to move on with a new life. Rediscovery? "From we, to I."

With each chapter the author leads with a thought-provoking wise quote. Chase explores marriage and relationships with honesty and compassion, with difficult and realistic choices, challenges- sprinkled with inspiration, wisdom, truths, and lots of wit.

Fans of Sarah Pekkanen and Emily Giffin will enjoy Chase's style and this charming modern contemporary look at marriage and relationships, with acceptance, and hope.

"Perforation problems, by the way means to me also the holes that will always exist in any story we try to make of our lives. So hang on, my love and grow big and strong, and take your hits and keep going. "-Iggy Pop to a fan named Laurence, 1995

JDCMustReadBooks

[Alexa (Alexa Loves Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. What an incredible story - I couldn't stop reading once I'd started it! I always find it fascinating when authors tackle impossibly difficult, nuanced situations, and Chase certainly does that in her novel. I could never really see how things were going to turn out for Caroline in this time of difficulty and confusion, of heartbreak and loneliness. But Chase's choices in her portrayal of Caro's circumstances feel utterly realistic, and also incredibly easy to empathize with.

[Grace {Rebel Mommy Book Blog} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review
Confession: I was pretty much sucked in by this amazingly beautiful cover. I mean how can you not be??? Thankfully not only did the blurb sound good but the book itself was wonderful and interesting.

First thing I loved was the very beginning and having the whole affair become uncovered. While I figured out how it would play out I still thought it was done so well and made an emotional impact. I definitely took a minute to try and think of how I would react in her place and I am not sure at all. Her reaction seemed genuine and realistic though.

Two people who helped her get through everything were her best friend Jonathon and her sister Ruby. Jonathan was a total babe who was a chef that I may have (wanted for myself ) for her to get with at one point. Ruby was great though. I love sisters in books and watching them become closer and bond over what was going on in their lives was something that made me happy. They were kind of opposites and it reminded me of my sister and me with that and their age gap of 5 years. I feel like it was one good thing that came out of her situation.

Through the whole book we see Carline really grow and come into her own. She had been with her husband since high school and this was really her only time without him in some 17 years. No matter what happened with them I was glad she started to see things and herself without the view of her husband. Also, it was nice to see that at the end of the day everyone seemed to end up where they needed to.

Other amazing parts of the book were the setting (see below for more from the author on it) - New York City and the Berkshires. While they are very different both were done well and totally transported me there. I so need to get to the Berkshires now! Caroline was a museum curator so art was a big presence and theme throughout the book. I am not an artist or art enthusiast by any means but I loved how it was naturally and seamlessly woven into every aspect of the story.

This one completely hooked me right from the beginning and completely sucked me in. While a little predictable at times, it was done so flawlessly it didn't even matter. If you like books with a heavy focus on characters, their growth and lots of emotions this will definitely be for you.

The Setting: Why Bethany chose the Berkshires for Results May Vary 
I set Results May Vary in the Berkshires because, like Caroline, I went to college at Williams and fell in love with the region. It reminds me a little bit of the Virginia Blue Ridge where I grew up—I am a mountain girl, through and through—but it has its own flavor, which is very much a New England one. It has beautiful old 18th-century houses, and a winding river or two, and maple trees everywhere that really do turn just the most outrageous colors of coral and red and gold in October.

The area is an interesting cultural hotspot—in Williamstown itself you have not just the college but also the world-class Clark Art Institute (I debated long and hard between having Caroline be a curator at the Clark vs MASS MoCA, but went with the latter in the end because it suited the plot better), and the Williamstown Theater Festival. Nearby you have the Tanglewood concert series, the beautiful Hancock Shaker Village, and then of course MASS MoCA, which is not just one of the largest contemporary art museums in the country but also a multi-disciplinary facility that hosts music, dance and theater as well as visual art. North Adams is interesting because it is a former industrial town that has been in a resurgence for the last 15 years or so, which is very intentionally led by the museum. One of the reasons I think the region is so great is that it has the beauty and charm of a small town, rural environment, yet packs this amazing cultural punch that far exceeds what you might expect from its population.

And, of course, it is beautiful. Those leaves! Those mountains! Those velvety white snowstorms, and the way they make you hunker down inside in front of a roaring fire. And then the spring that slinks slowly over the landscape, apologizing for the months that preceded it, until it bursts into the full green roar of May. I hope everyone gets to experience the Berkshires in their lives, not just in one season but in all of them.

This review was originally posted on Rebel Mommy Book Blog

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bethany Chase is now two for two when it comes to well-written and captivating novels. I will admit that the topics of both her novels (reuniting with a past love, spouse having an affair) are usually over done in chick lit and women's fiction, but she found a way to make them feel fresh and interesting.

There were a lot of intense moments in Results May Vary and I found myself gasping in shock at times. Other times, I would be laughing out loud. Bethany's characters felt so real and accessible that I forgot I was reading a book. The dialogue was genuine and the descriptions made everyone and everything easy to visualize without taking away from the narrative. I enjoyed the dynamic between Caroline and her sister, Ruby. It would have been entertaining to hang out with them both at the same time. I also enjoyed some of the steamier moments, that didn't even have to go too far to get into my head.

An aspect that stood out to me a lot was when Caroline had to solicit a donor for the museum where she works. I like the ways she went about grabbing this donor's interest and getting to know what appealed to them the most. I work in the field of fundraising, so I thought it was cool to see in a novel, even if it was for a different kind of place than where I work. I'm not even all that into art, but Bethany made the museum sound like a great place to visit.

My only concern was that Bethany waited a long time into the story to describe one of the characters and it completely changed my visualization of them. It wasn't a bad change, but I get thrown off when not all the describing factors are given to begin with.

Overall, it was a great sophomore novel and I look forward to many more from Bethany Chase.

Movie casting time!
Caroline: Abigail Spencer (As soon as I saw Timeless, I knew she was the right choice!)
Adam: Aaron Tveit
Ruby: AnnaLynne McCord
Jonathan: Justin Timberlake (I think it's the Tennessee connection.)
Neil: Sterling K. Brown

[☮Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the title and the bookcover of this one, a bit more than I liked the story, unfortunately. For chick lit, it was light but had more intelligence and more fun than most of that genre. After the married couple breaks up due to the husband having an affair with a man, it takes a while before the wife can move on; but move on she does -- for a time, then it's back and forth with her feelings, which I'm sure is pretty realistic. I didn't feel I knew enough about the husband until the very end, that maybe I would have felt more invested in their stories had I known where both were coming from. 3 stars - liked it.

[Laura Wonderchick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with this book! Written a different way it could've come across as another woman done wrong but survived book. But this one was written with such wit, determination & honesty it was a breath of fresh air. Loved it!

[nick (the infinite limits of love) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t you just love the feeling when you open a book and read the first few lines and you just know that it’s going to take you on a life-changing journey? Don’t you just love that overwhelming love that you get when you read a good book, and simply cannot stop even though you have chores and you just end up reading the whole thing in a day? Those are the very feelings I experienced as I cracked open Results May Vary and was completely swept away by the story.

This is a story that simple in its execution, and yet it punches you right in the heart every step of the way. I don’t know how to fully describe my reaction to this book. It’s just one of those stories that you have to read by yourself in order to get what I’m trying to express here. What really stood out for me were just how realistic the characters came across to me. As I was reading, it almost felt like I was slowly befriending Caroline. She’s such an interesting character in that there’s nothing absolutely extraordinary out of her, but yet, she stands out. With her passion for her job, and her desire for happiness, she spoke to me on many levels. In Results May Vary, she experiences the ultimate betrayal when she finds out that her husband is having an affair … with a man. Her emotions were all over the place and I absolutely connected with every single one of them from the pain to the despair to the confusion. I think it speaks to the talent that an author has when she makes you feel every feeling that her characters are going through like its actually happening to you. With the topic of cheating, Results May Vary could easily have been gloomy, but it’s not. It has its sad moments, but it’s also a book that’s uplifting, gives you hope, and gives you tingly feelings.

Caroline has to go on a bit of a journey to rediscover and find herself, and it’s full of wonderfully supportive people. I was especially fond of her sister, Ruby, who helps her move on from the devastation that she experiences. Their bond was sweet and I love that we got to see the ups and downs of any sibling relationship. Then there was Jonathan, Caroline’s hot chef best friend who also melted my heart with what a great friend he was to her. I’m sure you’re wondering if Results May Vary has a romance. It does and it was perfect. It’s not the kind of romance that’s out there with hot chemistry and a lot of pent-up passion, but it’s more subtle and I loved that. It felt more realistic and had more of a natural flow to it. Neil and Caroline together were terrific. As I was reading their scenes I kept thinking to myself just how beautifully they fit together. And Neil, gosh. How I loved this man. He was sweet, honest and just so down-to-earth. Whenever I envision the perfect partner, it’s totally someone like Neil.

And then there’s Adam, Caroline’s cheating husband, who left me feeling so conflicted. I was initially really really mad at him and I decided I couldn’t stand him, but Bethany Chase, slowly reveals his real personality and I was slowly able to see past the cheating. I didn’t condone his cheating obviously, but I liked that the author didn’t villainize him. It’s not easy to sympathize with his actions, but there was no doubt to me that he wasn’t out to purposefully hurt Caroline. He was misguided and confused and ultimately, I also felt for him. Can you just imagine going through 30+ years of your life fighting against your bisexuality because of family expectations? It’s certainly hard to imagine for me.

So yes, Results May Vary left me in a giant ball of emotions, and it was worth every hour that I spent reading the book when I could have been studying. It’s a really special book and I know for a fact that I’ve found a new favorite author in Bethany Chase. If you enjoy women’s fiction, stories about finding yourself and Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books, Results May Vary is a book that you will benefit from reading. I, for one, will be pushing this book on everyone, while I re-read my favorite scenes.

[Cristal]

Originally posted on Slow Reader's Blog

Bethany Chase rattled me with this novel. This story is about trust lost. It’s about a betrayal so deep that you don’t know how you’ll go on from the hurt you endure. I have a weak spot for stories like these because nothing breaks my heart more than the realization that someone you trust with everything turns out to be the one who hurts you the most. That’s what Caroline Hammond experiences and throughout the progression of this novel I felt everything she did, and that gut-wrenching disillusionment absolutely broke my heart. It hurt.

I’m used to reading about the progression and evolution of a relationship as two people learn to trust and grow to love each other. It’s a completely different emotional experience to watch it all in reverse. Caroline Hammond’s world turns sideways when she finds out that her husband broke his marriage vows and it goes further atilt as she learns more hidden truths about the person she thought she knew best in the world. Experiencing Caroline’s pain was a truly raw and wrenching experience. I felt a multitude of emotions as I watched her battle with the choice to either fight for her marriage or to move on. I felt a lot of confusion, rage, and sadness. Plus, hope. I also felt hope.

Results May Vary is such a smartly written novel, one that moved along at a great pace (I read this in a day!) and has a wonderful balance of emotions, though the overall mood is a bittersweet poignancy as Caroline grows through strife. It’s equally depressing and uplifting. Equally heavy and light, with moments when my heart felt weighed down and moments when it felt buoyant, sometimes even simultaneously. This book seeps deep.

Essentially, I connected with Caroline and I was on her side, so I just wanted so badly for her to be okay, because she was real to me. I was so invested in this story and the outcome, that it felt as if my heart beat out of my chest during the latter chapters, my anxiety high because I wanted Caroline to get the joy she deserved. She’s such a great character, flawed and inspiring, with an innate goodness and strength that I can only admire. All the characters are intriguing, really, and I loved how they’re interconnected, and how all the pieces fell together, even if it might not have been how Caroline or I saw it all playing out. This novel is about life and how your future can change in ways you never foresee. Bethany Chase and Caroline Hammond showed me that sometimes you have to let go to move on, while at the same time, some things like trust and faith should be held on to tightly so that you can move forward.

This novel took hold of me from the very beginning, and I’m not sure it’s let me go as yet. I’m not sure I want it to. Bethany Chase produced a wonderful novel her second time around. I liked The One That Got Away, and I have been greatly moved by Results May Vary. I can’t wait to see what she has in store next. I highly recommend.

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[Cindy Burnett (Thoughts from a Page) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Results May Vary was such a fun and thought provoking read! Bethany Chase realistically portrays the pain associated with a break up and betrayal and the subsequent process of trying to recover and move on. As the story opens, Caroline learns that her husband Adam has cheated on her, and to top it all off he cheated with another man. Marrying young, they have been together for as long as she can remember, and she felt she knew Adam better than anyone else. Accordingly, she finds herself in the unenviable position of trying to make sense out of what Adam has done and look back on their many years together to determine how well she truly did know Adam. I felt Chase did a spectacular job depicting Caroline’s varying stages of grief and reflection on her relationship. There were several twists and turns that I did not see coming which I liked as well.

The characters were spectacular and very authentic. Chase writes beautifully and intelligently, and I just thoroughly enjoyed reading Results May Vary. My favorite part was the quote at the beginning of each chapter, many of which were from letters between individuals (a number of whom I had never heard of). The quotes were so varied, and I loved looking up some of these people that I did not know to try and put that particular quote in its original context. Chase carefully and thoughtfully chose each quote based on its relevance to the chapter, and I felt that really added to the story. As I was reading, I was amazed by the wide variation of the quotes she used, particularly the ones from letters. I was so glad that in the author’s note she took the time to explain where she found a lot of them.

I highly recommend this wonderful novel -it was so good I read it all on one day. Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the chance to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly/probably my favorite book of the year so far. I absolutely loved Chase's debut last year and was so eager to read her next. This book absolutely blew me away. I was completely captivated from the first page and never wanted to stop. I can already see so much improvement between this book and the last, even though I loved them both so much. I just can't even fully portray how much I am obsessed with what I just read. This is reminiscent of Taylor Jenkins Reid's books, which is honestly one of the highest compliments I could give. I love exploring the character's thoughts, as well as how they process their feelings and move on. I always kind of thought I was more of a plot-reader, but books by TJR and now Bethany Chase have me second guessing that.

[Carolyn F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this book and was instantly hooked. It was so heartbreaking at first. And then it kind of meandered and this woman who should be furious was just going from person to person and finding out how her life may have come to this point. It just didn't seem real to me. I feel the author was trying to be PC and pro-gay instead of really looking at the years of betrayal for what they were. Yes, you love who you love, but you don't spend years hurting the person you say means the world to you. So, 3 out of 5 stars.

[Hildy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book! I've learned recently that I truly enjoy Women's Fiction. I love the truth of it. I love stories that make me reflect on what I would do if I were in the same situation. It's so much better than contrived melodrama. Women's Fiction often has a very different pace to it that I really dig.

There is a natural ease to Chase's writing that I loved and moments of brilliance- packing such clarity into a single paragraph. I had to highlight a few sections to send to my friends to show my appreciation for the depth. I'm looking forward to reading more from her because I think her writing is only going to get better and better.

I'm sitting here, having finished, wishing that it hadn't ended.

[Christine (Shh Moms Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two people who met while they were young and in high school, who got married and had this seemingly perfect life only to be broken by an affair. And not just any affair which is already heartbreaking in itself, but an affair with a man!

This is my first Bethany Chase book and won't be my last (Thanks to Megan from Reading Books Like a Boss for another great recommendation).

What I loved about this story besides the premise, the emotional feelings that the author evoked in me and this woman's journey to finding herself again - I loved the way they author made Caroline's home in Massachusetts, the artwork, the secondary characters all felt so real and so necessary for the story to progress.

I went to college in Western Mass (UMass Amherst) and while reading, I could see the beautiful locations in my mind and smell that amazing fall day in those beautiful towns. I could see vividly in my mind the artwork that Caroline worked so hard to champion and above all else, I loved the secondary characters - her sister Ruby and best friend Jonathan, her co-worker Neil - all people Caroline needed in her life to heal, to put a smile on her face when she was lost and to help her move forward.

Yes, there is some romance in this story and that hope that this woman who was hurt so badly to be able to find healing and strength again; to find herself and who she once was outside of her marriage but the overall message of this book is the growth, the possibilities for the future and that yes, you can find love at a young age and sometimes it may not work as you had hoped but its that journey to start over, to be true to yourself, for your heart to grow again and to be able to find trust again that really stole my heart.

What a gem of a book! I am so happy that I was able to sneak this read in among my crazy TBR list! <3
I know I am rambling but just read it - this author reminds me of Taylor Jenkins Reid (another author I LOVE) and I am looking forward to reading more from her!

[Megalion · Rating 3 out of 5]

A work of women's fiction that has an interesting premise.

What do you do when you make such an world shattering discovery as she did?

The choices the author made in building the lives of this couple and those around them were very interesting. However, to say more would give away too much of the story.

On one hand, I couldn't relate to the idea that at 33, she was "over the hill". That her marriage of 10 years had really been that eternal as she feels. On the other hand, their relationship did begin when they were 16.

It's the above mentioned twists that set this story out from the standard trope of "life after divorce". I give it an extra half star for that.

3.5 stars.

I recommend it if you are a big fan of the genre.

Thank you to the publisher for the copy of this book in exchange for this honest review.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strange book. Not exactly what I would do in this situation myself. Your married to a man and you find out he's cheating on you. Not with another woman, but a man. And throughout this book the predicament becomes even stranger. (Trying not to give out any spoils here!)

Reading this and watching Caroline cope with this enlightment was very interesting. Made some of my problems look not so bad. I really felt for this character and really got into the book. I could say more about what happened, but I can't without giving too many clues.

This was a very heartfelt and emotional book and I loved it. I really felt Caroline's pain and yes, there were tissues involved.

I would like to thank Random House and Net Galley for the free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Bethany Chase tackles common themes from a unique angle (and in a unique setting). A fast, funny, heartfelt read. You'll cheer for the characters...even the ones who are less than honest.

[Kelly Kosinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book about a marriage in trouble when one partner betrays the other.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline and Adam were inseparable as a child, entwined to be together forever. Adam was her soul mate in every way known to man, they were attracted to each other as kids and grew up together to be married. Although her parents were apprehensive about them moving on too fast, Caroline was convinced that he was the only man that she wanted to be with. Years later they are happy together, but when she finds out that Adam is having an affair, everything she thought she knew about him is questioned. It is not only that he cheated but that he cheated on her with a man. Shocked and dismayed, she turns reclusive Jonathan her dear friend is there for her through it all , but he annoys her when he starts questioning her motives. To anyone she is just naive to think that she did not know the signs that he was gay. However, that is the least of her problems, how would she build a life without him.

Taking him back seems like the logical reason, seeing that everyone wants her to give him another chance. Besides her sister who thinks that Adam is better left miserable, her mom goes through great lenghts telling her that all marriages have issues. Even going as far as implying that she is behaving irrational and silly. Caroline must decide who she must believe: Adam apologies or her heart that tells her that someone else is worth having?

Poignant, hilarious and brilliant, Results May Vary saved me from a reading slump! I really loved this novel, not only was it amazing but it was impeccable. Adam and Caroline were very developed characters, especially Adam. I felt that he was misunderstood, and I applauded Caroline not being the weak and pathetic girl in the relationship. I admired her strength and tenacity to stick to her grounds, it is rare to find that in a novel like that.

Usually most novels with this genre is typical but it dealt with the topic of bisexuality really well.

Highly recommended, ah it feels good to read a five star!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

After loving Bethany Chase's first novel, I was so excited when I heard about this book!

Here is a synopsis of the book to help set the stage for my review:

She never saw it coming. Without even a shiver of suspicion to warn her, Caroline Hammond discovers that her husband is having an affair with a man—a revelation that forces her to question their entire history together, from their early days as high school sweethearts through their ten years as a happily married couple. In her now upside-down world, Caroline begins envisioning her life without the relationship that has defined it: the loneliness of being an “I” instead of a “we”; the rekindled yet tenuous closeness with her younger sister; and the unexpected—and potentially disastrous—attraction she can’t get off her mind. Caroline always thought she knew her own love story, but as her husband’s other secrets emerge, she must decide whether that story’s ending will mean forgiving the man she’s loved for half her life, or facing her future without him.

I thought this was such a great premise and I was eager to dig into this world. [AND have you SEEN the cover ... LOVE IT! Just so eye-catching!] I found this one very engaging from the first page. The pacing of the entire novel was spot on for me - not too slow but not too fast. I loved following Caroline on this journey of self exploration, as she ultimately decided what she really wanted for her life. The side characters, particularly her sister and best friend, were the perfect foil for Caroline's character! Some of my favorite scenes in the novel took place when those characters were front and center.

Although the content was emotionally heavy, I didn't feel like it was an emotionally heavy novel. I felt like the characters dealt with the things that came their way pretty well, without too much craziness. I was worried that the emotional heart of the book would become a bit hysterical, given the subject matter, but I didn't find that to be the case myself.

I absolutely loved the 'side' aspects of the novel including the location (the Berkshires) and the focus on the art world. I learned quite a bit about both of those things and found they made the book more rich and nuanced. These aspects were woven so effectively into the story that I almost didn't notice their impact until I finished! So well done!

All in all, I highly recommend his book (as well as Bethany's first novel - The One That Got Away). They are both fantastic reads with great characters, lively settings and strong storytelling! Can't wait to see what she has for us next!

NOTE: I received the ARC of this novel from the publisher for an honest review.

[Lisa (lifeinlit) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read women's fiction nearly as often as I'd like to. Going into this story, I knew it was going to be a tougher read. Right from the start I adored Chase's writing style and knew this was going to be an emotional, strong and compelling story.

Caroline is thrown for a loop when she finds out her husband has had an affair... and to make the situation even harder for her to understand, the affair was with another man. Caroline has been married to her husband, Adam, for 10 years. They were high school sweethearts, together since they were 17. Caroline must know learn how to stop being the couple that she's been a part of for so long, and start to live life on her own.

"Hurt will whisper excuses in your ear for almost anything you do, but acting with kindness is a choice you will never have a reason to regret."

As this story progresses, Caroline learns all the different ways her life wasn't quite what she thought it was. Having to learn how to be herself when she has never been on her own before is a hard task. Caroline's strength and perseverance during this difficult time had me routing her on from the beginning. All I wanted was for her to find her happily ever after.

"The secret to staying married your whole life isn't doing everything perfectly, it's learning how to forgive."

An incredibly strong story about heartache, forgiveness, and personal growth. I was consumed by Caroline's story from the very beginning and turned pages eagerly, clueless on where this story would go. The path Chase created for Caroline's story was exactly what I was hoping for: entirely realistic and outright perfect. Such a wonderful story that has reinstated my love of women's fiction.
 


(Thanks to Ballantine Books for the review copy!)

Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!

[Ginger at GReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you begin a book & finish it in 24 hours, you know it's going to be rated 5-stars. I have such a fondness for Bethany Chase's storytelling, especially since her debut The One That Got Away was deemed my favorite read of 2015. But this one, this story right here, only solidified that love even stronger. This novel is every bit emotional and heartbreaking. It will put you through the wringer, only to pull you back in and stuff what pieces are left into the shredder. It is so painful, yet so unbelievably gorgeous. Through the hurt, and the shocking revelations, emerges a story of true beauty. True Kindness. And the essence of what makes our hearts love the way they do. I don't know if I'll ever stop singing praises for this wonderful novel. It deserves to be read, again and again.

[Estelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.

[Theresa Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first few pages will grab you right away—Caroline’s marriage of ten years is about to be destroyed, or at least seriously threatened, but she doesn’t know it yet. She’s looking forward to a night in the city at an art gallery featuring an up-and-coming photographer.

One thing I enjoyed about this book was the art angle—Caroline is a museum curator and her husband, Adam, is aspiring to be a great novelist as his rigid father expects. There are definitely things in this book that I didn’t see coming, which I greatly appreciated. One thing was discovering that Adam’s infidelity is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of secrets he’s been hiding from his wife—a woman he started dating when they were only 17 years old, and got married to when they were 23. He’s the only man she’s ever dated.

There are the colorful characters of Caroline’s sister, Ruby, and an artist friend, Farren. The writing is beautiful, with lines like “October trickled by, one glorious stained-glass day after another.” (The book is set in New England.) Another line I thought beautiful: “acting with kindness is a choice you will never have to regret.”

If you’re looking for a book with evil villains and that sort of thing, this isn’t it. This is a book about a woman trying to figure out if her marriage is worth saving, and what her future will mean if it isn’t.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of Result May Vary in exchange for an honest review.

Please see my reviews at http://theresaalan.net/book-reviews-w...

[Cian O hAnnrachainn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title of this review will be: The Narcissist As Narrator.

I could not finish this book. The protagonist was so thoroughly engrossed in herself that I could not muster the slightest bit of sympathy for her situation.

Her husband proves to be gay, and has existed In a world of obfuscation to hide his sexuality. Clearly such a man earns sympathy and perhaps encouragement to seek counseling, but not here. Caroline is so wrapped up in herself that she never has a moment to spare in concern for others.

Her sister falls for a man Caroline imagines as her own lover, and promptly feels betrayed. Not joy at Sis finding love. No indeed. It's all about Caroline, all the time.

Never once did the author provide the slightest glimmer of redemption on Caroline's part, that she would snap out of her self-obsession. It was just all about Caroline, whose nickname of "Care" or "Care Bear" sparked recollections of an old Vince Vaughn movie that really has nothing to do with RESULTS MAY VARY but quite a bit to do with narcissism.

This kind of book will likely appeal to New York-based twenty-somethings who are equally engrossed in their self-described problems. There is so much more going on in the world that needs addressing that this novel feels like a waste of precious time.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

I really loved the author's first book. The One That Got Away. So I knew that I wanted to read this book. Plus I was sort of captivated by the unique cover.

I guess I would describe this book as Chick Lit or adult contemporary fiction.

The narrator is 33 year old Caroline. She lives in Williamstown, MA. She works as a curator at a museum. She is married to Adam who is a playwright and writer.

The book starts with Caroline discovering something upsetting about Adam. She has been dating Adam since they were 16 years old, in high school. So after being together for 17 years she thought that she knew him.

The book basically is about how Caroline deals with what she finds out. We are taken on a journey.

The beginning was definitely good enough to pique my interest. However, I just found much of the book to be slow. I wanted to hear what her husband had to say about what she found out. Yet it took forever to get any information.

I would say that the last part of the book was the strongest. There were a few interesting developments. But just not enough twists and turns to really keep me invested in the story.

The book does look at one women's journey to figure out her life. It was fine. It was an okay book. It just didn't wow me.