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Half of What You Hear
From well-loved women’s fiction writer Kristyn Kusek Lewis comes a breakout novel about a woman moving to a small community and uncovering the many secrets that hide behind closed doors—perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Elin Hilderbrand.
Greyhill, Virginia—refuge of old money, old mansions, and old-fashioned ideas about who belongs and who doesn’t—just got a few new residents. When Bess Warner arrives in town with her husband Cole and their kids, she thinks she knows what to expect. Sure, moving to Cole’s small hometown means she’ll have to live across the street from her mother-in-law, and yes, there’s going to be a lot to learn as they take over Cole’s family’s inn-keeping business, but Bess believes it will be the perfect escape from Washington. She needs it to be. After losing her White House job under a cloud of scandal, she hardly knows who she is anymore.
But Bess quickly discovers that fitting in is easier said than done. Instead of the simpler life she’d banked on, she finds herself preoccupied by barbed questions from gossipy locals and her own worries over how her twins are acclimating at the town’s elite private school. When the opportunity to write an article for the Washington Post’s lifestyle supplement falls into Bess’s lap, she thinks it might finally be her opportunity to find her footing here…even if the subject of the piece is Greyhill’s most notorious resident.
Susannah “Cricket” Lane, fruit of the town’s deepest-rooted family tree, is a special sort of outsider, having just returned to Greyhill from New York after a decades-long hiatus. The long absence has always been the subject of suspicion, not that the eccentric Susannah cares what anyone thinks; as a matter of fact, she seems bent on antagonizing as many people as possible. But is Susannah being sincere with Bess—or is she using their strangely intense interview sessions for her to further an agenda that includes peeling back the layers of Greyhill’s darkest secrets?
As Bess discovers unsettling truths about Susannah and Greyhill at large, ones that bring her into the secrets of prior generations, she begins to learn how difficult it is to start over in a town that runs on talk, and that sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to uncover what everyone around you is hiding....
Greyhill, Virginia—refuge of old money, old mansions, and old-fashioned ideas about who belongs and who doesn’t—just got a few new residents. When Bess Warner arrives in town with her husband Cole and their kids, she thinks she knows what to expect. Sure, moving to Cole’s small hometown means she’ll have to live across the street from her mother-in-law, and yes, there’s going to be a lot to learn as they take over Cole’s family’s inn-keeping business, but Bess believes it will be the perfect escape from Washington. She needs it to be. After losing her White House job under a cloud of scandal, she hardly knows who she is anymore.
But Bess quickly discovers that fitting in is easier said than done. Instead of the simpler life she’d banked on, she finds herself preoccupied by barbed questions from gossipy locals and her own worries over how her twins are acclimating at the town’s elite private school. When the opportunity to write an article for the Washington Post’s lifestyle supplement falls into Bess’s lap, she thinks it might finally be her opportunity to find her footing here…even if the subject of the piece is Greyhill’s most notorious resident.
Susannah “Cricket” Lane, fruit of the town’s deepest-rooted family tree, is a special sort of outsider, having just returned to Greyhill from New York after a decades-long hiatus. The long absence has always been the subject of suspicion, not that the eccentric Susannah cares what anyone thinks; as a matter of fact, she seems bent on antagonizing as many people as possible. But is Susannah being sincere with Bess—or is she using their strangely intense interview sessions for her to further an agenda that includes peeling back the layers of Greyhill’s darkest secrets?
As Bess discovers unsettling truths about Susannah and Greyhill at large, ones that bring her into the secrets of prior generations, she begins to learn how difficult it is to start over in a town that runs on talk, and that sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to uncover what everyone around you is hiding....
384 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2018
1039 people are currently reading
7048 people want to read
About the author
Kristyn Kusek Lewis
4 books295 followersKristyn Kusek Lewis is the bestselling author of Half of What You Hear, Save Me and How Lucky You Are. Kristyn’s latest novel, Perfect Happiness, will be published by HarperCollins on June 9, 2020.
In addition to her fiction work, Kristyn regularly writes the “Books” page for Real Simple magazine. She is a former magazine editor at publications including Glamour and Child, and is a well-established freelance writer who has written for dozens of publications over the past twenty-five years. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Reader’s Digest, Glamour, Self, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Parents, Allure, Good Housekeeping, Cooking Light, Health, Men’s Health, the New York Daily News, and many more.
Kristyn is a graduate of the Vermont College of Fine Arts, where she earned an MFA in creative writing, and the College of the Holy Cross. She lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her family.
Connect with me on social media!
Instagram: @kristynkuseklewis
FB: facebook.com/kristynkuseklewisauthor
Twitter: @kkuseklewis
In addition to her fiction work, Kristyn regularly writes the “Books” page for Real Simple magazine. She is a former magazine editor at publications including Glamour and Child, and is a well-established freelance writer who has written for dozens of publications over the past twenty-five years. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Reader’s Digest, Glamour, Self, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Parents, Allure, Good Housekeeping, Cooking Light, Health, Men’s Health, the New York Daily News, and many more.
Kristyn is a graduate of the Vermont College of Fine Arts, where she earned an MFA in creative writing, and the College of the Holy Cross. She lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her family.
Connect with me on social media!
Instagram: @kristynkuseklewis
FB: facebook.com/kristynkuseklewisauthor
Twitter: @kkuseklewis
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
January 12, 2019
4 stars!
Greyhill, Virginia is known for its old money and old traditions and old…gossip.
Bess Warner, along with her husband Cole and their children, move to Cole’s small hometown of Greyhill. Bess will now live across the street from her mother-in-law, and she’s excited to take over the family’s inn.
Fitting in is not easy in a small town, especially as an adult with secrets to hide, and Bess has her share from her former career in Washington. She can feel the gossip spreading, and it hurts. Not only does she have to adjust, but so do her children.
Bess is given the opportunity to write an article of a “famous” resident of Greyhill for the Washington Post, and she scoops it up.
Susannah “Cricket” lane is a native of Greyhill and from an old, established family, but she’s been living in New York for years when she decides to return. Why she left has been gossiped about, and now the town is talking about why she is returning. As Bess interviews Susannah, she can’t get a read on whether Susannah is sincere, or if she’s trying to expose Greyhill’s community on all sides, good and bad.
All small towns aren’t like Greyhill by any means. I live in a tiny town now and have never experienced the drama or gossip; however, I also know what it’s like to move to a small town as an outsider where everyone knows each other. It IS hard to start over in a town where everyone knows your business. It also can be hard to figure out just who you are.
Kusek Lewis has written a thoughtful and illuminating take on secrets and (some) small towns. I connected to the story and its characters, and it was entertaining and well-written. It can be hard to fit in, and the author captured those feelings with authenticity and sides of drama and gossip for fun.
Thank you to Harper Books for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Greyhill, Virginia is known for its old money and old traditions and old…gossip.
Bess Warner, along with her husband Cole and their children, move to Cole’s small hometown of Greyhill. Bess will now live across the street from her mother-in-law, and she’s excited to take over the family’s inn.
Fitting in is not easy in a small town, especially as an adult with secrets to hide, and Bess has her share from her former career in Washington. She can feel the gossip spreading, and it hurts. Not only does she have to adjust, but so do her children.
Bess is given the opportunity to write an article of a “famous” resident of Greyhill for the Washington Post, and she scoops it up.
Susannah “Cricket” lane is a native of Greyhill and from an old, established family, but she’s been living in New York for years when she decides to return. Why she left has been gossiped about, and now the town is talking about why she is returning. As Bess interviews Susannah, she can’t get a read on whether Susannah is sincere, or if she’s trying to expose Greyhill’s community on all sides, good and bad.
All small towns aren’t like Greyhill by any means. I live in a tiny town now and have never experienced the drama or gossip; however, I also know what it’s like to move to a small town as an outsider where everyone knows each other. It IS hard to start over in a town where everyone knows your business. It also can be hard to figure out just who you are.
Kusek Lewis has written a thoughtful and illuminating take on secrets and (some) small towns. I connected to the story and its characters, and it was entertaining and well-written. It can be hard to fit in, and the author captured those feelings with authenticity and sides of drama and gossip for fun.
Thank you to Harper Books for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
December 22, 2018
3.5
This was an engaging read that was chock-full of small town scandals and gossipy woman with way too much time on their hands.
Bess Warner was fired from her job as social secretary to the First Lady in Washington and she has decided to trade it all for a much slower paced town. At least that is what she believes when she decides to move back to her husband's hometown of Greyhill, Virginia.
What is the saying? From the fire to the frying pan... She finds herself living across the street from her controlling mother-in-law, learning how to run the family's Inn, her teenage twins trying to fit in at the elite private school, and battling some women who don't mind spreading rumours.
I was invested in the characters and learning what Greyhill's secrets held. The author did a wonderful job creating a realistic plot with some compelling ladies that I had to follow through until the end to "figure" them out. I didn't know who to trust and couldn't stop turning pages until I learned more.
I enjoyed the small town drama, mysterious backgrounds of some of the residents, their history, and the secret that caused so much finger pointing. I was completely pulled into the story.
Fans of women's fiction with a hefty side of small town drama, will fall in love with this novel and getting to know these characters. Okay, you may also dislike a few of them!
Thank you to Harper Paperbacks for sending me a review copy.
This book is out on December 31,2018 and will be posted to my blog.
This was an engaging read that was chock-full of small town scandals and gossipy woman with way too much time on their hands.
Bess Warner was fired from her job as social secretary to the First Lady in Washington and she has decided to trade it all for a much slower paced town. At least that is what she believes when she decides to move back to her husband's hometown of Greyhill, Virginia.
What is the saying? From the fire to the frying pan... She finds herself living across the street from her controlling mother-in-law, learning how to run the family's Inn, her teenage twins trying to fit in at the elite private school, and battling some women who don't mind spreading rumours.
I was invested in the characters and learning what Greyhill's secrets held. The author did a wonderful job creating a realistic plot with some compelling ladies that I had to follow through until the end to "figure" them out. I didn't know who to trust and couldn't stop turning pages until I learned more.
I enjoyed the small town drama, mysterious backgrounds of some of the residents, their history, and the secret that caused so much finger pointing. I was completely pulled into the story.
Fans of women's fiction with a hefty side of small town drama, will fall in love with this novel and getting to know these characters. Okay, you may also dislike a few of them!
Thank you to Harper Paperbacks for sending me a review copy.
This book is out on December 31,2018 and will be posted to my blog.
December 24, 2018
Bess and Cole Warner arrive in Greyhill, Virginia from Washington, DC. Ostensibly they've come to take over the local inn from Cole's parents, Diane and Bradley, but they are also fleeing the city. Bess is leaving behind her job as a social secretary at the White House, which she left in disgrace. Greyhill, meanwhile, is a beautiful town, but also one of old money, tradition, and gossip. Bess literally lives across the stress from her in-laws, allowing Diane to pop in anytime, bringing with her her trademark mixture of judgement and condescension. Bess soon realizes that it's not easy to assimilate into Greyhill if you're deemed an "outsider." Her husband seems happy among his old friends--many of whom are more than glad to spread gossip about Bess. Her twin children are figuring out their way at the local private school--a challenge that seems harder for her daughter than son. When she's offered a chance to write an article on a local figure, Susannah Greyhill Lane, Bess jumps at the chance. She soon realizes Susannah is a bit of a kindred spirit: the town doesn't seem to like her much either. Susannah also has a lot of secrets, some of which involve Bess' in-laws. As Bess learns more about Greyhill's past, she starts to wonder exactly what she's gotten herself and her family into.
This was a really engaging, easy-to-read book that expertly captured the small town dynamic. Bess was a likeable character, struggling as an outsider in her husband's town. She's trying to put a mistake behind her at her former job, giving her even more trust issues. The novel is told mainly from Bess' point of view, but we also get snippets of town gossip, too. Ugh, having lived in such a town, I can tell you that Lewis really gets it right. I was wrapped up in the story from the beginning and felt awfully sorry for Bess--moving away from all she knew and having to deal with those hateful small town busybodies (sometimes there's nothing worse, really).
"It's like living in Stars Hollow, the charming small town on Gilmore Girls... Although honestly, so far, Greyhill feels a little more Desperate Housewives. The star character being me."
I was initially drawn to reading this book because the fake town of Greyhill, as written, is practically in my backyard. It frequently mentions my hometown of Madison (which, believe me, *never* shows up in books - it's not that big), as well as where I currently live. Even better, Lewis captures both quite well, as well as the moneyed, snobby atmosphere of Greyhill that will be intimately familiar to anyone who lives in Virginia. There's always something fun about reading about a place (or places) you know. My favorite sports team even gets a mention!
Bess is also a very realistic mother. The book does an excellent job of capturing how hard it is being a mom when your kid is going through a hard time, for example. Honestly, it does a good job of portraying parenthood in general--it's real and true throughout. I very much appreciated that. None of the sugarcoated parent/child relationships we get in some books.
This one was not completely what I expected. While it's character-driven and portrays Bess' struggle to fit in in Greyhill, it is almost a mystery at times. You can't really trust what you read and it's twisty, with some surprises thrown in. It makes for a fast, interesting read that delves into the history of Greyhill and Bess' family.
Overall, this was a really captivating book. I enjoyed the characters and the story--and the setting was a real bonus. This is the first book I've read by Krusek Lewis, but I definitely would like to read more.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Harper Collins, via LibraryThing in return for an unbiased review - thank you!
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This was a really engaging, easy-to-read book that expertly captured the small town dynamic. Bess was a likeable character, struggling as an outsider in her husband's town. She's trying to put a mistake behind her at her former job, giving her even more trust issues. The novel is told mainly from Bess' point of view, but we also get snippets of town gossip, too. Ugh, having lived in such a town, I can tell you that Lewis really gets it right. I was wrapped up in the story from the beginning and felt awfully sorry for Bess--moving away from all she knew and having to deal with those hateful small town busybodies (sometimes there's nothing worse, really).
"It's like living in Stars Hollow, the charming small town on Gilmore Girls... Although honestly, so far, Greyhill feels a little more Desperate Housewives. The star character being me."
I was initially drawn to reading this book because the fake town of Greyhill, as written, is practically in my backyard. It frequently mentions my hometown of Madison (which, believe me, *never* shows up in books - it's not that big), as well as where I currently live. Even better, Lewis captures both quite well, as well as the moneyed, snobby atmosphere of Greyhill that will be intimately familiar to anyone who lives in Virginia. There's always something fun about reading about a place (or places) you know. My favorite sports team even gets a mention!
Bess is also a very realistic mother. The book does an excellent job of capturing how hard it is being a mom when your kid is going through a hard time, for example. Honestly, it does a good job of portraying parenthood in general--it's real and true throughout. I very much appreciated that. None of the sugarcoated parent/child relationships we get in some books.
This one was not completely what I expected. While it's character-driven and portrays Bess' struggle to fit in in Greyhill, it is almost a mystery at times. You can't really trust what you read and it's twisty, with some surprises thrown in. It makes for a fast, interesting read that delves into the history of Greyhill and Bess' family.
Overall, this was a really captivating book. I enjoyed the characters and the story--and the setting was a real bonus. This is the first book I've read by Krusek Lewis, but I definitely would like to read more.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Harper Collins, via LibraryThing in return for an unbiased review - thank you!
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December 31, 2018
Moving to her husband’s small home town was something Bess always wanted to do because of the lovely homes, and because she thought it would be good for the twins.
The move wasn’t without problems. Two of a number of problems were that she would be across the street from her mother-in-law, and they would be taking over the inn that had been in the family for years.
Little did she know about the problems that would come up dealing with the residents. One of the residents who was quite famous because of an accident is Susannah Lake. Susannah is someone that Bess is asked to interview.
Susannah is a woman who moved back to this small town after many years, lives in a forty-room house, and is the talk of the town as well as a former girlfriend of Bess’s father-in-law.
Susannah is also a woman that you can’t really be sure if what she says is the truth.
The other residents were nosy, catty, and loved to gossip - the beauty of a small town, right? Everyone knows everyone’s secrets and pasts.
Poor Bess became the target of all the women....not what she expected when she moved to this quiet, small town. She thought everyone would be kind, but they all knew the history she and Cole shared and made sure they commented on it.
The problem with commenting on their history was that Cole seemed to side with the people from when he was growing up instead of Bess....not a good thing.
HALF OF WHAT YOU HEAR addressed social issues as well as personal issues of fitting in.
There are secrets that the residents of Greyhill have kept for many years, and as the mystery unravels, the book's interest picks up and ends up with a few surprises.
There also are a few very unlikable residents. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via Edelweiss as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2018
After reading a few too many World War II novels in a row, I needed something a little less depressing. “Half of What You Hear” was a perfect palate cleanser. It’s light and fast paced. The characters are believable, and the relationships ring true. Not everything in this book is happy; far from it. Many of the characters are deeply flawed, and all of the characters face struggles. But if you’re looking for a quick, engaging read, I recommend it. Now back to the Nazis.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ for an advance copy.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ for an advance copy.
September 10, 2018
Incredibly intriguing, Half of What You Hear is a must-read that artfully delves its way through the layers of gossip, secrets and lies of the small and seemingly charming town of Greybill, where everyone knows your name, and oh so much more. Buckle up for a fun ride and one thing is for sure: you won’t know who to believe until the very end.
December 9, 2018
Half of What You Hear by Kristyn Kusek Lewis is a fast-paced, compelling page-turner that reminded me so much of what it's like growing up in a small southern town! When you grow up or live in a small town like Greyhill, the small, old-moneyed Virginia town, in Lewis' newest novel, everybody knows everybody else and if they don't, many of them try and find out everything they can about you until they think they know you. You can't go outside without someone you know stopping to give or get the latest gossip, which will then be passed all over town by the end of the day...and never told the same way twice! Oh, the gossip and secrets! That's one thing that seems to keep small southern towns a buzz even if the secret was never supposed to be shared!
After a shocking episode that causes her to be fired from her job as the social secretary at the White House working for the first lady, Beth Warner is ready for a more carefree and relaxed life where she can begin recovering from her very public humiliation, but she doesn't bargain with the struggle to fit in with Greyhill, the sleepy southern town where everyone, including her husband Cole, has been friends since practically birth and she's viewed as an outsider, especially by the pack of gossipy, petty adult women who have the high school mentality that they run the town. Even her own mother-in-law is overly critical and her kids are pushing her away, especially her daughter as she struggles to fit into her new school. Beth feels more lost than before since she can't find a way to adjust to her new life in her town.
When Bess is offered the opportunity to interview Susannah Lane, Greyhill's most famous and mysterious resident, for the Washington Post, she accepts since she thinks this will be a way to get a foothold in with the town since tongues have been non-stop wagging since Susannah's return after living in New York City for decades! Beth finds that she starts to hit it off with Susannah but when Susannah starts to spill shocking and disturbing secrets about the past, Beth can't help but wonder about Susannah's motives. Can Susannah be trusted? Or is she crazy like town gossips say she is?
I really enjoyed this domestic drama! It has a great plot with an intriguing mystery in it that I didn't expect. The cast of characters were all enjoyable even the side characters, and Susannah is one lively character that I won't forget for a long time! I had to shake my head at several of the characters when they were gathered to gossip because some just had no clue that they were being talked about in another part of the book!
Lewis really portrays the power gossip has to destroy someone unless a person is willing to search for and speak the truth. A great lesson in only believing half of what you hear unless you know it's the truth! I definitely recommend it to fans of contemporary women's fiction and light domestic drama...if you're a fan of Emily Giffin, Elin Hilderbrand, or Liane Moriarity, then I think you'll like this one but expect to be transported to a southern setting where the tea is sweet and the gossip not so much! Half of What You Hear releases on December 31, 2018, so make sure you grab a copy!
**Thank you Edelweiss and Harper for an ARC copy to read in exchange for my fair and honest review. **
After a shocking episode that causes her to be fired from her job as the social secretary at the White House working for the first lady, Beth Warner is ready for a more carefree and relaxed life where she can begin recovering from her very public humiliation, but she doesn't bargain with the struggle to fit in with Greyhill, the sleepy southern town where everyone, including her husband Cole, has been friends since practically birth and she's viewed as an outsider, especially by the pack of gossipy, petty adult women who have the high school mentality that they run the town. Even her own mother-in-law is overly critical and her kids are pushing her away, especially her daughter as she struggles to fit into her new school. Beth feels more lost than before since she can't find a way to adjust to her new life in her town.
When Bess is offered the opportunity to interview Susannah Lane, Greyhill's most famous and mysterious resident, for the Washington Post, she accepts since she thinks this will be a way to get a foothold in with the town since tongues have been non-stop wagging since Susannah's return after living in New York City for decades! Beth finds that she starts to hit it off with Susannah but when Susannah starts to spill shocking and disturbing secrets about the past, Beth can't help but wonder about Susannah's motives. Can Susannah be trusted? Or is she crazy like town gossips say she is?
I really enjoyed this domestic drama! It has a great plot with an intriguing mystery in it that I didn't expect. The cast of characters were all enjoyable even the side characters, and Susannah is one lively character that I won't forget for a long time! I had to shake my head at several of the characters when they were gathered to gossip because some just had no clue that they were being talked about in another part of the book!
Lewis really portrays the power gossip has to destroy someone unless a person is willing to search for and speak the truth. A great lesson in only believing half of what you hear unless you know it's the truth! I definitely recommend it to fans of contemporary women's fiction and light domestic drama...if you're a fan of Emily Giffin, Elin Hilderbrand, or Liane Moriarity, then I think you'll like this one but expect to be transported to a southern setting where the tea is sweet and the gossip not so much! Half of What You Hear releases on December 31, 2018, so make sure you grab a copy!
**Thank you Edelweiss and Harper for an ARC copy to read in exchange for my fair and honest review. **
September 28, 2018
This was an ok read, but it didn't really keep my attention. I thought the characters were mostly well-written, and the town, but maybe there was too much drama, or maybe the plot just didn't jibe with me all the way through. It had too many "mysteries" going on, so I ended up not really caring about any of them. I enjoyed it, but didn't love it.
December 2, 2018
A small town, a new family trying to fit in, an eccentric old lady, and gossip that never stops. Greyhill, Virginia is a small town with lifelong residents. Cole grew up in this town and is ecstatic to be moving his family back. His wife, Bess, is not so sure. Behind this idyllic setting is a web of gossip that fuels the residents. As Bess tries to find her way in this new town of hers, the women make it hard with their judgements and backhanded compliments. Bess is feeling insecure and on edge, so when she’s given the opportunity to write a story about the mysterious Susannah Lane she jumps at it. Told in multiple perspectives, it was fun to read the actual events and then follow along with different townspeople as the story was altered or perceived differently in the subsequent rumor mill. Half of What You Hear was a fun Southern tale with a side of mystery that left me turning the pages. For me, Half of What You Hear was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars. Thank you @harpercollinsus for this advance reader in exchange for my honest review.
April 6, 2019
First 2/3 was a solid 4 stars but then things fell apart for me. It was an entertaining read and I liked the setting.
April 15, 2019
For me, terrible. I don’t understand how such garbage can become a best-seller. I will never understand. Poor writing (and repetitive to boot), paired with zero sophistication in developing the character. Every description was just so obvious. Garbage.
January 21, 2019
A juicy book that took place in a small town embedded with secrets including a death. I devoured this book and highly recommend reading the insights and interview at the end. I loved Little Fires Everywhere & of course this book had a spark that reminded me of Big Little Lies, so fans of both books rejoice!
There was depth to this book because there was the normal domestic drama and Kristyn took it in so many interesting directions. No Monday Blues here & I highly recommend this book!! Looking forward to her next book.
There was depth to this book because there was the normal domestic drama and Kristyn took it in so many interesting directions. No Monday Blues here & I highly recommend this book!! Looking forward to her next book.
February 12, 2019
Boo. This author abandoned a perfectly serviceable storyline (high-powered event manager moves to her husband’s small home town after devastating career setback, she and her kids have a hard time fitting in ) in favour of a very pedestrian murder mystery. You took a wrong turn there, Kristyn Lewis.
April 15, 2019
Mildly Thought-Provoking
Half of What You Hear was, to me, mildly thought provoking, but I had to force myself to finish what was mainly a novel about mean girls of all ages and the unsupportive men in their lives.
Half of What You Hear was, to me, mildly thought provoking, but I had to force myself to finish what was mainly a novel about mean girls of all ages and the unsupportive men in their lives.
January 15, 2019
3.5⭐️ for a style of writing similar to Liane Moriarty. Set in what could be a small town anywhere, gossip, innuendo, and stories that have morphed over time & generations. Sometimes we hear what we want and say it the way we wish it. The story felt believable to an extent but the value is in the life lessons that can be taken from it. Will you remember reading it, probably not, will you take something from it, probably. Light, contemporary and enjoyable.
March 21, 2019
I enjoyed this a lot. The meeting of new blood and established folks is always fascinating to me. I hope to read more.
November 8, 2018
Half Of What You Hear
By
Kristyn Kusek Lewis
What it's all about...
When Cole and Bess return to Cole’s small Virginia town to run his family’s inn they have no idea of what living in a small close knit community would be like. Mean girls, mean women, gossip...lots of gossip...surround them. Not only does Bess have trouble trying to fit in but her daughter does, too.
Why I wanted to read it...
I love books like this one...there is lots of mystery and intrigue mixed in with growing up in a small town that has lots of secrets. Susannah is one of those mysteries. After living in NYC she returns only to shake this small town up again! She is quite a character. And a character that Bess gets involved with right away.
What made me truly enjoy this book...
I tend to forget just how nasty mean girls can be and how difficult it is to stand up to them. Bess not only has issues with women her age but also her daughter and her mother in law.
Why you should read it, too...
Readers who love small town mysteries with a Southern twist will love this book.
I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss and Amazon. It was my choice to read it and review it.
By
Kristyn Kusek Lewis
What it's all about...
When Cole and Bess return to Cole’s small Virginia town to run his family’s inn they have no idea of what living in a small close knit community would be like. Mean girls, mean women, gossip...lots of gossip...surround them. Not only does Bess have trouble trying to fit in but her daughter does, too.
Why I wanted to read it...
I love books like this one...there is lots of mystery and intrigue mixed in with growing up in a small town that has lots of secrets. Susannah is one of those mysteries. After living in NYC she returns only to shake this small town up again! She is quite a character. And a character that Bess gets involved with right away.
What made me truly enjoy this book...
I tend to forget just how nasty mean girls can be and how difficult it is to stand up to them. Bess not only has issues with women her age but also her daughter and her mother in law.
Why you should read it, too...
Readers who love small town mysteries with a Southern twist will love this book.
I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss and Amazon. It was my choice to read it and review it.
December 28, 2018
I enjoyed this book and the story of coming back home after decades. For Cricket it isn’t about starting over but of reclaiming what she lost. For Bess it is about starting over and redefining herself. Neither one is easy and both have their own issues to deal with. There were times when I did feel Bess was in over her head.
May 19, 2019
3.5 really. I enjoyed it, especially since it is located near me and where I went to college. We discussed it in a book club at bard's alley. Good story, characters could have been fleshed out a little more. Will read more of the author's work.
July 29, 2019
A light and fast paced novel about small town secrets and the women who keep them. The characters were all interesting and the story line was not too outrageous like many other “small town” stories
February 5, 2020
When Bess and Cole leave DC for Greyhill, VA to take over Cole’s parents’ inn, the picturesque town seems like the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of their old life. However, small town southern life is a whole different ball game. As Bess dives into the intricacies of what makes this town tick (and the rumor mill run), she discovers that not everything is as it seems in Greyhill.
Kristyn has managed to capture life in a southern town...where everyone knows your name and your business before you do! This book was a charming tale filled with just the right dash of suspense and intrigue to keep the pages turning!
Kristyn has managed to capture life in a southern town...where everyone knows your name and your business before you do! This book was a charming tale filled with just the right dash of suspense and intrigue to keep the pages turning!
March 14, 2019
This book was ok. Everything got resolved and tied up neatly, but too neatly. There were so many different things to explore in this book from the husband's relationship with his ex-girlfriend to Bess's career ending mistake and the effect on her whole family. And the ending with her MIL was not realistic given their past history.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2019
I had enjoyed reading Kristyn Kusek Lewis's previous novels, so I was excited to read Half of What You Hear. Especially since part of it takes place in DC.
It was easy to relate to what Bess was going through, especially with moving to a new town where she was made to feel like an outcast. There was great use of description that brought the town of Greyhill to life. There were some good heartfelt moments between Bess and some of the other characters. The side plot about school bullying was interesting and I wish we could have heard more of her daughter's perspective, aside from the one chapter toward the beginning. There were mean girl moments for both pre-teens and adults.
It was hard to know whose story to trust, as there were some unreliable characters that Bess was dealing with. I kept learning new pieces of information and nothing was predictable. However, some parts of the story felt slow to me, even though other parts moved along at a nice pace. I also felt that the ending was anticlimactic after everything Bess learned about Susannah.
Overall, it was an interesting read that was nice to escape within for a few hours.
Movie casting suggestions:
Bess: Ginnifer Goodwin
Cole: Tom Welling
Susannah: Jessica Walter
Eva: Ashley Scott
Diane: Jane Fonda
Bradley: James Caan
It was easy to relate to what Bess was going through, especially with moving to a new town where she was made to feel like an outcast. There was great use of description that brought the town of Greyhill to life. There were some good heartfelt moments between Bess and some of the other characters. The side plot about school bullying was interesting and I wish we could have heard more of her daughter's perspective, aside from the one chapter toward the beginning. There were mean girl moments for both pre-teens and adults.
It was hard to know whose story to trust, as there were some unreliable characters that Bess was dealing with. I kept learning new pieces of information and nothing was predictable. However, some parts of the story felt slow to me, even though other parts moved along at a nice pace. I also felt that the ending was anticlimactic after everything Bess learned about Susannah.
Overall, it was an interesting read that was nice to escape within for a few hours.
Movie casting suggestions:
Bess: Ginnifer Goodwin
Cole: Tom Welling
Susannah: Jessica Walter
Eva: Ashley Scott
Diane: Jane Fonda
Bradley: James Caan
May 25, 2019
Bess Warner, her husband Cole and their twins have recently moved to Greyhill, Virginia. Cole grew up in Greyhill, but Bess is an outsider trying to navigate the tight knit community of gossips and hypocrites. Bess loves their historic home, but living across the street from her meddling mother-in-law causes her blood to boil. When an offer to interview the town's iconic Susannah Lane for an article for the Washington Post, she jumps at the opportunity.
Susannah has recently returned after the death of her wealthy husband, having left town years ago in the wake of scandal. Beth herself had left DC after loosing her job amidst her own scandal, and feels a connection to Susannah. Susannah is eccentric, outspoken and proves she cannot always be trusted. As Beth uncovers the secrets the residents of Greyhill hold fast, she also faces her own past history and mistakes.
A fun look at small town living, and what lies beneath the facade of quaint charm outsiders see.
Susannah has recently returned after the death of her wealthy husband, having left town years ago in the wake of scandal. Beth herself had left DC after loosing her job amidst her own scandal, and feels a connection to Susannah. Susannah is eccentric, outspoken and proves she cannot always be trusted. As Beth uncovers the secrets the residents of Greyhill hold fast, she also faces her own past history and mistakes.
A fun look at small town living, and what lies beneath the facade of quaint charm outsiders see.
January 28, 2019
I loved this book and couldn't put it down! The story is compelling and takes some interesting turns. The characters are complex and nuanced, and many are so relatable. I love that the town is a character as well - the author does a wonderful job creating a sense of place. I highly recommend this book!
March 15, 2019
I expected this book to be mildly entertaining and I was happily surprised when I found it very addicting. It grabs your attention and pulls you in before you know it and you find you’re invested in what happens to each character and why. There were a few storylines I wish would’ve been tied up better. Overall a good 3.5 stars, rounded up.
February 11, 2019
I was debating between 3 and 4 stars with this book, only because it seemed a little slow at times throughout the book. Towards the end though- I couldn’t put it down, because I wanted to know if there was truth behind the town gossip.
July 24, 2019
I can’t decide how I feel about this. The first half was slow, the middle grabbed me, and then the end was... too neat. I think I liked it but I’m not 100% sure of that. Probably worth the read but not an award winner
April 16, 2019
This was a good "escape" book. Something I didn't need to think to hard about. I enjoyed the characters (or despised some of them, as was fitting) and the story carried me along.
June 9, 2019
Easy read, it held my interest for the most part. I expected more twists in the story line.
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