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The Husband Hour
When a young widow's reclusive life in a charming beach town is interrupted by a surprise visitor, she is forced to reckon with dark secrets about her family, her late husband, and the past she tried to leave behind.
Lauren Adelman and her high school sweetheart, Rory Kincaid, are a golden couple. They marry just out of college as Rory, a star hockey player, earns a spot in the NHL. Their future could not look brighter when Rory shocks everyone-Lauren most of all-by enlisting in the U.S. Army. When Rory dies in combat, Lauren is left devastated, alone, and under unbearable public scrutiny.
Seeking peace and solitude, Lauren retreats to her family's old beach house on the Jersey Shore. But this summer she's forced to share the house with her overbearing mother and competitive sister. Worse, a stranger making a documentary about Rory tracks her down and persuades her to give him just an hour of her time.
One hour with filmmaker Matt Brio turns into a summer of revelations, surprises, and upheaval. As the days grow shorter and her grief changes shape, Lauren begins to understand the past-and to welcome the future.
Lauren Adelman and her high school sweetheart, Rory Kincaid, are a golden couple. They marry just out of college as Rory, a star hockey player, earns a spot in the NHL. Their future could not look brighter when Rory shocks everyone-Lauren most of all-by enlisting in the U.S. Army. When Rory dies in combat, Lauren is left devastated, alone, and under unbearable public scrutiny.
Seeking peace and solitude, Lauren retreats to her family's old beach house on the Jersey Shore. But this summer she's forced to share the house with her overbearing mother and competitive sister. Worse, a stranger making a documentary about Rory tracks her down and persuades her to give him just an hour of her time.
One hour with filmmaker Matt Brio turns into a summer of revelations, surprises, and upheaval. As the days grow shorter and her grief changes shape, Lauren begins to understand the past-and to welcome the future.
360 pages, Hardcover
First published April 24, 2018
674 people are currently reading
8764 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Brenner
26 books1,650 followersJamie Brenner is the author of The Wedding Sisters, The USA TODAY bestseller The Forever Summer, and several other beach books. Jamie's short story "Gold Party" (Blackstone Publishing) is currently in development as a feature film.
After raising two daughters in New York City, Jamie now lives in Bucks County, PA -- the inspiration for her next book THE WEEKEND CRASHERS (November 4, 2025) about a mother-daughter knitting retreat gone awry.
Jamie grew up on the blockbuster novels by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, the gothic horror of Anne Rice, and political thrillers by Nelson DeMille. Her dream novel combines all three.
Follow Jamie on instagram @jamiebrennerwrites
After raising two daughters in New York City, Jamie now lives in Bucks County, PA -- the inspiration for her next book THE WEEKEND CRASHERS (November 4, 2025) about a mother-daughter knitting retreat gone awry.
Jamie grew up on the blockbuster novels by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, the gothic horror of Anne Rice, and political thrillers by Nelson DeMille. Her dream novel combines all three.
Follow Jamie on instagram @jamiebrennerwrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 737 reviews
April 20, 2018
What an emotional ride! This was a complex tale of the various stages of love and heartache, the secrets families keep, and a messy beginning at forgiveness and redemption. There is so much to love about this story, and I felt the author did a fine job at portraying some really tough themes in a respectful and honoring way. I always get teary eyed when discussing how greatly I appreciate the men and women who serve in the military and also to those who give the ultimate sacrifice; the fact that there are folks out there so selfless that they are willing to lay down their life for those of us they don't even know will never lay lightly on my heart, and I could tell that Brenner feels the same while reading her creation here. There were so many twists and turns I didn't anticipate, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that everything wasn't tied up in a neat little package by the end. The story is messy and uncomfortable, but the writing is crisp and poetic as we are left with a glimmer of hope and a feeling of endurance. Highly recommended to those looking for a novel that warms and aches the heart in equal doses.
Review copy furnished by the publisher via NetGalley.
Review copy furnished by the publisher via NetGalley.
April 21, 2018
4 authentic stars to The Husband Hour! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Having enjoyed Jamie Brenner’s novel, the Wedding Sisters, I was eager to read her newest, The Husband Hour.
At first glance, I wasn’t sure how relatable this novel would be after reading the synopsis that describes the main characters as a power couple with an NHL husband. I quickly learned that The Husband Hour was about much more.
Rory, the husband, decides to leave he NHL, enlist in the Army, and is later killed in combat. Lauren is devastated and lives completely hidden away in her family’s beach house. That is, until a stranger approaches her about filming a documentary on Rory.
I’ve just given you a taste of what’s at the heart of the story, but Lauren is surrounded by warm characters you will want to know, including her sister and mother.
The Husband Hour is a story of authentic grief, marriage, families, confronting your past secrets, and moving on with life. It’s a worthy summer read with more than its share of substance and heart.
Thank you to Jamie Brenner, Little, Brown and Company, and Netgalley for the ARC. The Husband Hour will be released on April 24, 2018!
Having enjoyed Jamie Brenner’s novel, the Wedding Sisters, I was eager to read her newest, The Husband Hour.
At first glance, I wasn’t sure how relatable this novel would be after reading the synopsis that describes the main characters as a power couple with an NHL husband. I quickly learned that The Husband Hour was about much more.
Rory, the husband, decides to leave he NHL, enlist in the Army, and is later killed in combat. Lauren is devastated and lives completely hidden away in her family’s beach house. That is, until a stranger approaches her about filming a documentary on Rory.
I’ve just given you a taste of what’s at the heart of the story, but Lauren is surrounded by warm characters you will want to know, including her sister and mother.
The Husband Hour is a story of authentic grief, marriage, families, confronting your past secrets, and moving on with life. It’s a worthy summer read with more than its share of substance and heart.
Thank you to Jamie Brenner, Little, Brown and Company, and Netgalley for the ARC. The Husband Hour will be released on April 24, 2018!
January 1, 2018
This is a wonderfully written novel about a young widow. Lauren fell in love with Rory in high school. Despite time apart because of college and because Rory made it to the NHL, his death after enlisting in Afghanistan caused Lauren to essentially forget about her own goals and dreams and hide out in the family beach house year round. She’s been hiding from the media for four years.
She’s had a strained relationship with her older sister, Stephanie, since falling for Rory all those years ago. Their mother, Beth, keeps trying to bring them together, and thinks that by bringing Stephanie and her six-year-old son Ethan to the beach house, they can work through whatever has kept them apart. Beth is facing her own marital and financial crisis.
Documentary film maker Matt Brio has been working on the story of Rory Kincaid since his death, but Matt is running out of money. Nobody wants to fund him if he can’t get the widow to talk on camera. That’s a challenge, since he can’t even find her. When he does, the family secrets that pour out prove ultimately to provide good therapy for the family members who talk.
This story has echoes of pro-football player Pat Tillman turned Army Ranger who was killed by friendly fire. It’s also about the dangers of professional sports and head injuries. Brenner makes writing a novel seem effortless. I really enjoyed this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the opportunity to review this book, which RELEASES APRIL 24, 2018.
For more of my reviews, please visit: http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
She’s had a strained relationship with her older sister, Stephanie, since falling for Rory all those years ago. Their mother, Beth, keeps trying to bring them together, and thinks that by bringing Stephanie and her six-year-old son Ethan to the beach house, they can work through whatever has kept them apart. Beth is facing her own marital and financial crisis.
Documentary film maker Matt Brio has been working on the story of Rory Kincaid since his death, but Matt is running out of money. Nobody wants to fund him if he can’t get the widow to talk on camera. That’s a challenge, since he can’t even find her. When he does, the family secrets that pour out prove ultimately to provide good therapy for the family members who talk.
This story has echoes of pro-football player Pat Tillman turned Army Ranger who was killed by friendly fire. It’s also about the dangers of professional sports and head injuries. Brenner makes writing a novel seem effortless. I really enjoyed this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the opportunity to review this book, which RELEASES APRIL 24, 2018.
For more of my reviews, please visit: http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
March 23, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Well, Well, I must emphatically state that this is a first for me. Although I have found myself giving two books a 5 star in the span of a month or a week, this definitely is the first time I can recall giving two books the coveted 5 star title in the span of 24 hours. Folks, you just might want to hoard your book money now because it looks like April 24th promises to be a book spending spree.
"The Husband Hour" is narrated alternately by Beth and her two grown daughters -Lauren and Stephanie. Lauren lost her ex hockey player now turned soldier husband, Rory, four years ago and seems lost in her grief. Wild child Stephanie is a single mother of six year old, Ethan and cannot help, but feel less worthy of her parent's love and has a volatile relationship with Lauren. Matriarch Beth hopes to unify her family this summer, but she must also grapple with the tension in her own marriage. Then in walks, Matt Brio(also putting his two cents in), documentary filmmaker, determined to tell the "real" story of the much heralded American hero, Rory Kincaid. The only problem is that he needs to talk to Lauren and she's not having anything to do with it.
Well rounded characterization with a supporting cast that lift up and carry the four main characters all the way through to one heck of an ending. The Husband Hour was reminiscent of a Elin Hildebrand's book and left me with the desire to want to curl my toes up in the sand. My heart aches for all three of the women in the story and boy could I write an essay on all the conflicting thoughts and feelings that blazed though me when it came to Mr. Matt .Such a gripping book for what it says about families, marriage, and grief. Especially about grief. I don't know what the author lived through in her own life, but she poured it all out in the making of this book.
The Husband Hour is the type of book that is an instant will read again someday soon and NO you can't borrow my copy.
Well, Well, I must emphatically state that this is a first for me. Although I have found myself giving two books a 5 star in the span of a month or a week, this definitely is the first time I can recall giving two books the coveted 5 star title in the span of 24 hours. Folks, you just might want to hoard your book money now because it looks like April 24th promises to be a book spending spree.
"The Husband Hour" is narrated alternately by Beth and her two grown daughters -Lauren and Stephanie. Lauren lost her ex hockey player now turned soldier husband, Rory, four years ago and seems lost in her grief. Wild child Stephanie is a single mother of six year old, Ethan and cannot help, but feel less worthy of her parent's love and has a volatile relationship with Lauren. Matriarch Beth hopes to unify her family this summer, but she must also grapple with the tension in her own marriage. Then in walks, Matt Brio(also putting his two cents in), documentary filmmaker, determined to tell the "real" story of the much heralded American hero, Rory Kincaid. The only problem is that he needs to talk to Lauren and she's not having anything to do with it.
Well rounded characterization with a supporting cast that lift up and carry the four main characters all the way through to one heck of an ending. The Husband Hour was reminiscent of a Elin Hildebrand's book and left me with the desire to want to curl my toes up in the sand. My heart aches for all three of the women in the story and boy could I write an essay on all the conflicting thoughts and feelings that blazed though me when it came to Mr. Matt .Such a gripping book for what it says about families, marriage, and grief. Especially about grief. I don't know what the author lived through in her own life, but she poured it all out in the making of this book.
The Husband Hour is the type of book that is an instant will read again someday soon and NO you can't borrow my copy.
April 24, 2018
Absorbing, poignant, and incredibly moving!
The Husband Hour is a beautifully written story that delves into the complexities and dynamics of relationships between partners, siblings, and the nuclear family as a whole and reminds us that there’s no perfection in humanity, we are all wonderfully flawed.
The prose is fluid and well turned. The characters are authentic, scarred and lovable. And the story is an exceptionally mesmerizing tale about life, loss, love, grief, forgiveness, familial drama, friendship, courage, community, moving on, happiness, and the enduring physical and psychological effects of sports injuries on professional athletes.
Overall, The Husband Hour is the perfect blend of heart-wrenching emotion, grit, hope, and humour. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it left me smiling, and I absolutely loved it!
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
The Husband Hour is a beautifully written story that delves into the complexities and dynamics of relationships between partners, siblings, and the nuclear family as a whole and reminds us that there’s no perfection in humanity, we are all wonderfully flawed.
The prose is fluid and well turned. The characters are authentic, scarred and lovable. And the story is an exceptionally mesmerizing tale about life, loss, love, grief, forgiveness, familial drama, friendship, courage, community, moving on, happiness, and the enduring physical and psychological effects of sports injuries on professional athletes.
Overall, The Husband Hour is the perfect blend of heart-wrenching emotion, grit, hope, and humour. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it left me smiling, and I absolutely loved it!
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
June 16, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. A true love story. A lot of research went into this book and it truly was a captivating story!!
April 24, 2018
Lauren Adelman and Rory Kincaid were high school sweethearts. Rory was an all-star hockey player who was heavily recruited by colleges while Lauren worked on the school newspaper. The two were always together and they finally married after Rory got drafted by the NHL. Unfortunately, his hockey career stalled early on and he found himself unemployed. With few options, Rory enlisted in the US Army and was later killed overseas. After his death, Lauren retreated to her family’s beach house at the Jersey Shore where she worked as a waitress.
Four years later, her parents, sister, and nephew decide to spend their summer at the beach house. Lauren is not happy with this invasion of her privacy. She also readies herself for an escalation of her stormy relationship with her sister. At the same time, a filmmaker requests an interview about her late husband. He is working on a documentary about Rory and has completed extensive research about his past. He believes that there is more information about Rory’s short career in the NHL that needs to be disclosed. Lauren is holding onto precious information but doesn't want his image tarnished by the media. Begrudgingly, Lauren agrees to give the reporter one hour of her time.
The Husband Hour by Jamie Brenner is a book that covers many meaningful topics. Although the focus is the main character's grief, it also embarks on the theme of adult family relationships. This is the third novel that I have read by the author and she has become one of my favorites.
Four years later, her parents, sister, and nephew decide to spend their summer at the beach house. Lauren is not happy with this invasion of her privacy. She also readies herself for an escalation of her stormy relationship with her sister. At the same time, a filmmaker requests an interview about her late husband. He is working on a documentary about Rory and has completed extensive research about his past. He believes that there is more information about Rory’s short career in the NHL that needs to be disclosed. Lauren is holding onto precious information but doesn't want his image tarnished by the media. Begrudgingly, Lauren agrees to give the reporter one hour of her time.
The Husband Hour by Jamie Brenner is a book that covers many meaningful topics. Although the focus is the main character's grief, it also embarks on the theme of adult family relationships. This is the third novel that I have read by the author and she has become one of my favorites.
March 1, 2019
2.5 stars
It pains me to say I didn't like this book because it explores some issues that are near and dear to my heart. The main character and her family, minus little Ethan, irritated me beyond belief and the pace for the last half of the book was so slow it ended up feeling like a chore to finish. The plot itself wasn't half bad as it deals with important topics but unfortunately for the most part I thought the execution was a misfire. Keep in mind I'm in the minority with this opinion, as most people seemed to really enjoy this book.
Lauren and Rory were high school sweethearts. He was playing hockey in the NHL when he decided to give it all up and join the military. Lauren is devastated when he is killed in combat and retreats to her family's vacation beach house on the Jersey Shore, preferring to live in solitude. Unfortunately her parents, sister, and nephew have invaded the home for the summer leaving her no peace and quiet. Further complicating her life, is the arrival of a filmmaker named Matt who wants to make a documentary about Rory.
By Chapter 5 I was already finding it difficult to muster up much sympathy for Lauren which is incredible because she is a war widow and if you can't feel sorry for someone who lost a spouse who died for our country, who can you feel sorry for? I found so much of her behavior, particularly in regards to the house, to be selfish and bratty. It's not your house dear, it's your mom's house. If she wants to stay there, she has every right to stay there. It's been four years since your husband was killed, you can't keep using him as an excuse to get what you want all the time.
Honestly, the whole family was irritating, although to varying degrees. I did think Stephanie as a character needed to be fleshed out a tad more. I actually wished Stephanie's point of view would have been featured instead of her mother's perspective. Even as I finished the book, I still didn't quite understand why the mother seemed to favor one daughter over the other. I needed something more there to fully understand the characters.
On a positive note, the book did feature issues soldiers face when coming home from deployment as well as some of the negative consequences of being a competitive athlete. I think that helped separate it from being just a story of a woman dealing with grief. Unfortunately, most of the characters just did not work for me. Poor little Ethan might be better off running away and raising himself.
It pains me to say I didn't like this book because it explores some issues that are near and dear to my heart. The main character and her family, minus little Ethan, irritated me beyond belief and the pace for the last half of the book was so slow it ended up feeling like a chore to finish. The plot itself wasn't half bad as it deals with important topics but unfortunately for the most part I thought the execution was a misfire. Keep in mind I'm in the minority with this opinion, as most people seemed to really enjoy this book.
Lauren and Rory were high school sweethearts. He was playing hockey in the NHL when he decided to give it all up and join the military. Lauren is devastated when he is killed in combat and retreats to her family's vacation beach house on the Jersey Shore, preferring to live in solitude. Unfortunately her parents, sister, and nephew have invaded the home for the summer leaving her no peace and quiet. Further complicating her life, is the arrival of a filmmaker named Matt who wants to make a documentary about Rory.
By Chapter 5 I was already finding it difficult to muster up much sympathy for Lauren which is incredible because she is a war widow and if you can't feel sorry for someone who lost a spouse who died for our country, who can you feel sorry for? I found so much of her behavior, particularly in regards to the house, to be selfish and bratty. It's not your house dear, it's your mom's house. If she wants to stay there, she has every right to stay there. It's been four years since your husband was killed, you can't keep using him as an excuse to get what you want all the time.
Honestly, the whole family was irritating, although to varying degrees. I did think Stephanie as a character needed to be fleshed out a tad more. I actually wished Stephanie's point of view would have been featured instead of her mother's perspective. Even as I finished the book, I still didn't quite understand why the mother seemed to favor one daughter over the other. I needed something more there to fully understand the characters.
On a positive note, the book did feature issues soldiers face when coming home from deployment as well as some of the negative consequences of being a competitive athlete. I think that helped separate it from being just a story of a woman dealing with grief. Unfortunately, most of the characters just did not work for me. Poor little Ethan might be better off running away and raising himself.
April 25, 2018
4.5 Stars!
Wow! I loved this book so much. It was not like anything that I was expecting but it was incredibly well executed and I'm so happy I read it!
We start out with Lauren, Rory and Stephanie. Lauren and Stephanie are sisters that have typical sister fights. Lauren is writing for the school newspaper because she wants to be a journalist one day. She has to interview the lead hockey player: insert Rory. One night Stephanie has a party and Rory is there. He comes out of Stephanies room and Lauren can't help but know what just happened however she develops these strong feelings for him anyway.
Fast forward many years and we are at Rory's funeral and Lauren is seen as Rory's widow. He was the all American hero. He was a superior Athlete and sacrificed his life for this country in combat. Their marriage was perfect and they were in love high school sweethearts...right? As the story unfolds we find out A LOT of secrets. Some more predictable than others but still they were good. I think this book really brings up the question of 'Just because you have a lot going for you does it mean you'll make the perfect spouse, teammate, brother or even man?'
This book also covers the topic of military PTSD. I don't want to go too much into it as that's part of the story but it's a very real part of this story and I personally found it interesting.
There's so much more I want to add but I certainly don't want to give anything away.
The thing I really loved most about this book was that it totally transported me to the beach. Even with all the other issues going on with the characters I just imagined being by the beach, in that warm air, on the boardwalk - maybe i've just been stuck in this Chicago winter too long!
This book published yesterday and I highly recommend it! Well done to Jamie Brenner!
Wow! I loved this book so much. It was not like anything that I was expecting but it was incredibly well executed and I'm so happy I read it!
We start out with Lauren, Rory and Stephanie. Lauren and Stephanie are sisters that have typical sister fights. Lauren is writing for the school newspaper because she wants to be a journalist one day. She has to interview the lead hockey player: insert Rory. One night Stephanie has a party and Rory is there. He comes out of Stephanies room and Lauren can't help but know what just happened however she develops these strong feelings for him anyway.
Fast forward many years and we are at Rory's funeral and Lauren is seen as Rory's widow. He was the all American hero. He was a superior Athlete and sacrificed his life for this country in combat. Their marriage was perfect and they were in love high school sweethearts...right? As the story unfolds we find out A LOT of secrets. Some more predictable than others but still they were good. I think this book really brings up the question of 'Just because you have a lot going for you does it mean you'll make the perfect spouse, teammate, brother or even man?'
This book also covers the topic of military PTSD. I don't want to go too much into it as that's part of the story but it's a very real part of this story and I personally found it interesting.
There's so much more I want to add but I certainly don't want to give anything away.
The thing I really loved most about this book was that it totally transported me to the beach. Even with all the other issues going on with the characters I just imagined being by the beach, in that warm air, on the boardwalk - maybe i've just been stuck in this Chicago winter too long!
This book published yesterday and I highly recommend it! Well done to Jamie Brenner!
February 13, 2018
Wow, what a story that touched my heart and broke it at the same time! This book is beautifully written and discusses issues that are normally not discussed involving athletes and the physical effects it can have on them with being oushed forward. This book was hard to digest at times but truly worth the read!
October 11, 2017
review to come - in the meantime, this was amazing!
Okay, okay! This book deserves WAY more than just that. And so does the marvelous Jamie Brenner for her hard work and research. This week was incredibly tough for me emotionally hearing about the tragedy in Vegas. I needed that all consuming distraction to hide from reality and shield myself from the media and The Husband Hour was it. A lesser novel would not have been able to help me stop me stop worrying obsessively and fixating on this tragedy.
The Husband Hour opens with Rory Kincaid's memorial service. Rory was a pro-NHL hockey star who left everything behind to fight for the USA and this is the story of his widow, Lauren. More than just Lauren's story though, this is the story of Stephanie, Lauren's older sister and her young nephew. It is the story of relationships, both romantic and familial. It's a story about grief and how people process it differently. Following the opening chapter at the memorial service, the remainder of the book jumps ahead 4 years later, which makes the story of moving on a lot more realistic.
I was late to the game on The Forever Summer and read it around August, only about 6 weeks back. I'm glad for this. Why? Because it let me see the tremendous growth as a writer that's visible between books from Brenner. I really liked The Forever Summer and it impacted me in a way I didn't expect, but The Husband Hour is a book I will not soon forget.
Thank you to Little Brown & Co & The Great Thought's Ninja Team for a copy of The Husband Hour in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Okay, okay! This book deserves WAY more than just that. And so does the marvelous Jamie Brenner for her hard work and research. This week was incredibly tough for me emotionally hearing about the tragedy in Vegas. I needed that all consuming distraction to hide from reality and shield myself from the media and The Husband Hour was it. A lesser novel would not have been able to help me stop me stop worrying obsessively and fixating on this tragedy.
The Husband Hour opens with Rory Kincaid's memorial service. Rory was a pro-NHL hockey star who left everything behind to fight for the USA and this is the story of his widow, Lauren. More than just Lauren's story though, this is the story of Stephanie, Lauren's older sister and her young nephew. It is the story of relationships, both romantic and familial. It's a story about grief and how people process it differently. Following the opening chapter at the memorial service, the remainder of the book jumps ahead 4 years later, which makes the story of moving on a lot more realistic.
I was late to the game on The Forever Summer and read it around August, only about 6 weeks back. I'm glad for this. Why? Because it let me see the tremendous growth as a writer that's visible between books from Brenner. I really liked The Forever Summer and it impacted me in a way I didn't expect, but The Husband Hour is a book I will not soon forget.
Thank you to Little Brown & Co & The Great Thought's Ninja Team for a copy of The Husband Hour in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 29, 2017
Jamie Brenner tells an incredibly important and powerful story in The Husband Hour. She takes a tough topic that is finally starting to gain traction in the media after way too much time being overlooked and ignored at the expense of pro (and even college) athletes and weaves into an engrossing and terribly sad story. My heart broke for Lauren because she was widowed so young, and she clearly struggled to live her life after Rory died. I liked that the focus was on both Lauren’s and Rory’s difficulties resulting from concussions related injuries; such damage affects many more people than just the individual directly injured by intense contact sports.
My favorite part of this book was the focus on CTE; the topic is terribly depressing, but it is necessary to begin to have these discussions. This has been an issue I have followed closely for the last few years, and I felt Jamie Brenner handled it effectively. This book should be required reading for the many coaches who place winning over the health of their athletes. Hopefully as more and more authors and others focus on this issue, change will finally come.
The Husband Hour is a must read for anyone who has children, spouses, significant others, or even close friends playing sports at a highly competitive level. Thanks to the Great Thoughts Great Readers Ninja Team for a copy of The Husband Hour in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My favorite part of this book was the focus on CTE; the topic is terribly depressing, but it is necessary to begin to have these discussions. This has been an issue I have followed closely for the last few years, and I felt Jamie Brenner handled it effectively. This book should be required reading for the many coaches who place winning over the health of their athletes. Hopefully as more and more authors and others focus on this issue, change will finally come.
The Husband Hour is a must read for anyone who has children, spouses, significant others, or even close friends playing sports at a highly competitive level. Thanks to the Great Thoughts Great Readers Ninja Team for a copy of The Husband Hour in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 10, 2018
Just a girl, holding a book, looking around, yet again confused by all the 4 and 5-star reviews.
This is not an amazing book*. Not even in an oh-my-gosh-that-was-such-a-great-beach-read! kind of way. The characters lack depth, the plot lacks development. Both of the love stories are bland. I literally finished the last page, closed the cover, and said, "meh" out loud. It was just okay.
I've only read one Nancy Thayer novel so my experience is limited, but The Husband Hour reminds me of her writing exactly. Thayer actually has a blurb on the cover of this book promising, "a page-turner with a soul as deep as the ocean."
*current overall rating is 4.16-stars. I feel like this will likely change with time.
This is not an amazing book*. Not even in an oh-my-gosh-that-was-such-a-great-beach-read! kind of way. The characters lack depth, the plot lacks development. Both of the love stories are bland. I literally finished the last page, closed the cover, and said, "meh" out loud. It was just okay.
I've only read one Nancy Thayer novel so my experience is limited, but The Husband Hour reminds me of her writing exactly. Thayer actually has a blurb on the cover of this book promising, "a page-turner with a soul as deep as the ocean."
*current overall rating is 4.16-stars. I feel like this will likely change with time.
April 28, 2018
Kick off your summer reading list with The Husband Hour by Jamie Brenner, author of The Forever Summer, one of last year’s favorite beach reads.
There is nothing like young love that has so much passion and hope for the future. In this powerful story of love and loss that takes place at the Jersey Shore, teenage Lauren commits her heart to high school ice hockey star Rory, and with stars in her eyes she expects a long life of togetherness and fun. The college years separate them by distance and they struggle to keep their connection. Against all odds the two get married but Lauren’s plans to be together don’t work out the way she expected. Rory heads to the NHL, is a star player, and then suffers a concussion. His hockey career ends abruptly and he joins the military while Lauren is left behind trying to justify and come up with explanations for his questionable decisions and behaviors leading to his departure. She is angry and their relationship is on the rocks…and then he dies in combat.
Lauren, now a young widow, has been living at the shore in her grandparents’ beach house for the past four years paralyzed by her guilt and confusion regarding the downfall of her marriage and the death of her husband, avoiding the challenges of moving on with her life, when her parents and older sister and young son decide to spend the summer with her to work out their respective life problems. Not accustomed to company, Lauren is unhappy with the intrusion and to make matters worse, a film maker has tracked her down to interview her for his movie about the life of her hockey and military hero husband. Living a reclusive life, Lauren has avoided speaking publicly about her high profile husband, but as the persistent filmmaker, Matt, begins to pursue Lauren and her sister for information, buried secrets are revealed, one so drastic it could change everything.
With suspense and secrets, The Husband Hour is about love and loss, deceit, healing and forgiveness. Last summer I read and enjoyed The Forever Summer, and now Jamie Brenner treats us to another heartfelt story centered around family and the bonds that hold them together. Put a copy in your beach bag! Follow my reviews and recommendations at https://booknationbyjen.wordpress.com.
There is nothing like young love that has so much passion and hope for the future. In this powerful story of love and loss that takes place at the Jersey Shore, teenage Lauren commits her heart to high school ice hockey star Rory, and with stars in her eyes she expects a long life of togetherness and fun. The college years separate them by distance and they struggle to keep their connection. Against all odds the two get married but Lauren’s plans to be together don’t work out the way she expected. Rory heads to the NHL, is a star player, and then suffers a concussion. His hockey career ends abruptly and he joins the military while Lauren is left behind trying to justify and come up with explanations for his questionable decisions and behaviors leading to his departure. She is angry and their relationship is on the rocks…and then he dies in combat.
Lauren, now a young widow, has been living at the shore in her grandparents’ beach house for the past four years paralyzed by her guilt and confusion regarding the downfall of her marriage and the death of her husband, avoiding the challenges of moving on with her life, when her parents and older sister and young son decide to spend the summer with her to work out their respective life problems. Not accustomed to company, Lauren is unhappy with the intrusion and to make matters worse, a film maker has tracked her down to interview her for his movie about the life of her hockey and military hero husband. Living a reclusive life, Lauren has avoided speaking publicly about her high profile husband, but as the persistent filmmaker, Matt, begins to pursue Lauren and her sister for information, buried secrets are revealed, one so drastic it could change everything.
With suspense and secrets, The Husband Hour is about love and loss, deceit, healing and forgiveness. Last summer I read and enjoyed The Forever Summer, and now Jamie Brenner treats us to another heartfelt story centered around family and the bonds that hold them together. Put a copy in your beach bag! Follow my reviews and recommendations at https://booknationbyjen.wordpress.com.
April 15, 2018
Every spring/summer there is a small group of authors that release new books that I buy solely based on their name on the cover alone. I don’t care what the blurb says or what the cover looks like, I just know I’ll be reading it and I’ll most likely love it and find myself recommending it as a must read. Think Elin Hilderbrand, Kristy Woodson Harvey and Emily Giffin. This may be my first Jamie Brenner read, but if her previous and future books are as fantastically well written and engaging as The Husband Hour was, (and I’ve heard they are!) then she’ll most certainly be on my little list.
While this book is truly Lauren’s story and I had the strongest connection with her it’s also a story about the other women in her immediate family, her mom Beth and her sister Stephanie and I love nothing more than a story about a family of strong women with complex lives. Lauren is a twenty nine year old widow, just typing that out makes me sad, and five years after Rory’s death she’s still grieving, hard. Brenner’s portrayal of a woman dealing with the aftermath of losing her spouse was incredibly moving and woefully raw. She made me feel all of the feelings and I was so rooting for just a little slice of happiness in Lauren’s life. The documentary about Rory’s life forces her to examine their marriage with a sharp lens and face some hard truths and there were some surprising revelations that I was totally not expecting but appreciated all the same.
Besides the emotional component this also explored some important issues that impact military personnel and their families. I don’t want to say too much, but Brenner examined these issues in a way that educated me and made me really think on a deeper level. This one has it all, highly recommended by me and I have a feeling it’ll be on several summer reading lists in the months to come.
The Husband Hour in three words: Moving, Insightful and Heartfelt.
While this book is truly Lauren’s story and I had the strongest connection with her it’s also a story about the other women in her immediate family, her mom Beth and her sister Stephanie and I love nothing more than a story about a family of strong women with complex lives. Lauren is a twenty nine year old widow, just typing that out makes me sad, and five years after Rory’s death she’s still grieving, hard. Brenner’s portrayal of a woman dealing with the aftermath of losing her spouse was incredibly moving and woefully raw. She made me feel all of the feelings and I was so rooting for just a little slice of happiness in Lauren’s life. The documentary about Rory’s life forces her to examine their marriage with a sharp lens and face some hard truths and there were some surprising revelations that I was totally not expecting but appreciated all the same.
Besides the emotional component this also explored some important issues that impact military personnel and their families. I don’t want to say too much, but Brenner examined these issues in a way that educated me and made me really think on a deeper level. This one has it all, highly recommended by me and I have a feeling it’ll be on several summer reading lists in the months to come.
The Husband Hour in three words: Moving, Insightful and Heartfelt.
April 24, 2018
A hero, a widow, a filmmaker. They all had something in common and that was Rory Kincaid.
Rory is a former star hockey player and a war hero killed in the line of duty. Lauren is his widow who is hiding from the world. Matt is a filmmaker who wants a story and confirmation about Rory’s life from Lauren, and Lauren wants nothing to do with talking.
We also get to share time at the family’s beach home and see the interaction or lack of interaction between everyone.
THE HUSBAND HOUR had me reading quickly because I wanted to see if Lauren would really break down and be interviewed for the documentary on her deceased husband, but the book was slow for me and could have been shorter.
THE HUSBAND HOUR had a lot of family drama and decision making on the parts of the characters. Each family member had an issue, and Beth, the mother, tried to manage it all without success and with grumbling and resentment from the family members.
I enjoyed the present day interactions more than when we were hearing the story of Rory.
If you enjoy the beach and characters that don't interact well with each other but do carry the story line, THE HUSBAND HOUR will be for you.
You will also find out the meaning of the book's title as well as become educated about traumatic brain injuries that athletes incur.
THE HUSBAND HOUR will appeal to many, but I just couldn't connect with the characters or the story line.
There is a surprise at the end. 3/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 13, 2017
I didn't really like this book much, never really got into it or the characters. I thought about not finishing it the whole time I was reading it, but was curious about the ending. I guess I am in the minority here, but it just wasn't for me.
Thank you to Little Brown & Co and Netgalley for the advance digital review copy!
Thank you to Little Brown & Co and Netgalley for the advance digital review copy!
April 21, 2018
Wow! So many tough subjects tackled in this novel and Brenner seamlessly moved from one to the other that made for a story I lost myself in.
We moved from military life to CTE to grief and guilt and movie-making. While some of these topics were pretty heavy, this would be an excellent book to add to your beach bag, as it all takes place on the Jersey shore during the summer.
Lauren is the widow of great America hockey star Rory Kincaid who leaves it all to fight overseas. When he doesn’t make it home, she is caught in web of grief that she hasn’t let go of for four years. When a filmmaker approaches her and her family to produce a documentary about Rory’s life, she fights him every step of the way until secrets come to light and she must look at what she’s been holding back herself.
I felt for Lauren and her need to remain busy and alone in fighting her grief. At times it seemed like she was a spider at the center of a web and every person in her life hovered over the edge waiting to see if they would get caught. I was emotionally invested in her story and how it would play out.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
We moved from military life to CTE to grief and guilt and movie-making. While some of these topics were pretty heavy, this would be an excellent book to add to your beach bag, as it all takes place on the Jersey shore during the summer.
Lauren is the widow of great America hockey star Rory Kincaid who leaves it all to fight overseas. When he doesn’t make it home, she is caught in web of grief that she hasn’t let go of for four years. When a filmmaker approaches her and her family to produce a documentary about Rory’s life, she fights him every step of the way until secrets come to light and she must look at what she’s been holding back herself.
I felt for Lauren and her need to remain busy and alone in fighting her grief. At times it seemed like she was a spider at the center of a web and every person in her life hovered over the edge waiting to see if they would get caught. I was emotionally invested in her story and how it would play out.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2019
A beautiful, pleasurable read presented itself in The Husband Hour.
I had no expectations going in, but I did not think I would be on such an emotional rollercoaster: the journey of overcoming grief, betrayal, anger, disappointment, letting oneself love again, and most importantly, being able to take moments to give gratitude to soldiers that risk their lives for us.
From the start, I was enamoured, and I paced myself listening because I didn’t want it to end. I also genuinely appreciated the majority of the characters.
My take away: it is our imperfections that contribute to our human and spiritual beauty, and life takes us on unexpected journeys to assist us in accepting ourselves and others.
I had no expectations going in, but I did not think I would be on such an emotional rollercoaster: the journey of overcoming grief, betrayal, anger, disappointment, letting oneself love again, and most importantly, being able to take moments to give gratitude to soldiers that risk their lives for us.
From the start, I was enamoured, and I paced myself listening because I didn’t want it to end. I also genuinely appreciated the majority of the characters.
My take away: it is our imperfections that contribute to our human and spiritual beauty, and life takes us on unexpected journeys to assist us in accepting ourselves and others.
October 29, 2017
Jamie Brenner deftly balances impeccable research about the hot topic of brain injuries in sports with an unpredictable plot that is alternately suspenseful and heartwarming. A tale of the complexities of sisterhood, love and the secrets we keep—sometimes even from ourselves—The Husband Hour will grab you from the first sentence and hold you in its grasp until the last. I absolutely could not put it down.
March 9, 2019
I think I may have liked this one more if the narrator weren’t so bad. 🙄
March 21, 2018
After enjoying The Forever Summer last year, I was excited to add The Husband Hour to my TBR pile. I knew Jamie Brenner was a strong writer and she did not disappoint in my second experience with one of her books.
I liked the characters Jamie created for this novel. They had flaws and seemed very genuine. I could understand Lauren's firm hesitation to move on from the past, especially since four years had gone by since her husband had passed away. I liked the eventual connection she forms with Matt and the rapport between the two of them. I also enjoyed reading Beth's perspective and seeing what would happen for her marriage.(Side note, my sister's name is Beth Lauren, so I thought it was funny that the two names were used so closely together.) I wish Stephanie had been given her own perspective, instead of us seeing her through Lauren, Beth, and Matt's eyes, but I understand about having too many narrators in one story. She was a really interesting character with a real edge to her personality.
The descriptions really brought the story to life without being overwhelming or taking away from the story. I felt like I was sitting in the Green Gable watching all the action unfold. I learned some new and interesting things about sports related injuries, as well.
While I felt the story started off slow while trying to build everything up, once it got about a quarter of the way in it really picked up and held my attention through the very end. Overall, it was a thoughtful look at family dynamics in the wake of a tragedy.
Movie cast suggestions:
Lauren: Ali Cobrin
Stephanie: Blake Lively
Beth: Madeleine Stowe
Howard: Scott Bakula
Matt: Matt Lanter
Rory: Blake Jenner
Ethan: Jeremy Maguire
Emerson: Paul Schneider
I liked the characters Jamie created for this novel. They had flaws and seemed very genuine. I could understand Lauren's firm hesitation to move on from the past, especially since four years had gone by since her husband had passed away. I liked the eventual connection she forms with Matt and the rapport between the two of them. I also enjoyed reading Beth's perspective and seeing what would happen for her marriage.(Side note, my sister's name is Beth Lauren, so I thought it was funny that the two names were used so closely together.) I wish Stephanie had been given her own perspective, instead of us seeing her through Lauren, Beth, and Matt's eyes, but I understand about having too many narrators in one story. She was a really interesting character with a real edge to her personality.
The descriptions really brought the story to life without being overwhelming or taking away from the story. I felt like I was sitting in the Green Gable watching all the action unfold. I learned some new and interesting things about sports related injuries, as well.
While I felt the story started off slow while trying to build everything up, once it got about a quarter of the way in it really picked up and held my attention through the very end. Overall, it was a thoughtful look at family dynamics in the wake of a tragedy.
Movie cast suggestions:
Lauren: Ali Cobrin
Stephanie: Blake Lively
Beth: Madeleine Stowe
Howard: Scott Bakula
Matt: Matt Lanter
Rory: Blake Jenner
Ethan: Jeremy Maguire
Emerson: Paul Schneider
May 17, 2018
Lauren Kincaid married her high school sweetheart who is an up and coming hockey star. After dating all through high school and college, they decide to make it official and get married. At this point, Rory, her significant other, is playing professional hockey, but after a few rough hits and some benching he is wondering if there is anything more out there for him than hockey super stardom. Meanwhile, Lauren is pursing her dreams of being a journalist, but it's hard to do this when she is following Rory around and sometimes she takes jobs that are less than stellar. To complicate matters further, Rory has confided in Lauren that he wants to enlist and serve his country. Obviously, this terrifies Lauren as this is not the future she envisioned for herself and her hockey star husband. When Rory is killed in action while serving in Iraq, Lauren's world is turned upside down not to mention all the media coverage has her freaked out since Rory's was a professional athlete. She retreats to her parents' shore house at the Jersey Shore and pretty much goes off the grid. After years of hiding out at the shore, she comes to find out that a filmmaker would like to do a documentary on Rory and despite Lauren's insistence that she doesn't want to work with him, he keeps showing up just about everywhere and has even interviewed her sister and others. Matt thinks there is more to Rory's story than just a hockey star turned army hero and deep down Lauren knows there are many secrets, some that she isn't willing to tell. Or is she? Jamie Brenner's The Husband Hour is a delightful beach read that not only has the amazing setting of the Jersey Shore, but it also examines grief, family secrets, and essentially the idea of picking yourself up after tragedy and moving on.
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
April 8, 2018
This might be a 4.5 for me
April 21, 2018
Thanks to the author and publisher for this review copy!
This title has earned a solid top spot on my 2018 Beach Reads list. I absolutely loved Brenner's 2017 book THE FOREVER SUMMER, and this one is just as wonderful. I adored the Jersey Shore beach town setting, loved the sister dynamics, and the overall story was binge-worthy ~ I inhaled the entire thing in less than a day! Add this one to your summer reading list for sure!
This title has earned a solid top spot on my 2018 Beach Reads list. I absolutely loved Brenner's 2017 book THE FOREVER SUMMER, and this one is just as wonderful. I adored the Jersey Shore beach town setting, loved the sister dynamics, and the overall story was binge-worthy ~ I inhaled the entire thing in less than a day! Add this one to your summer reading list for sure!
October 1, 2019
A lighter perspective of complex subjects. I enjoyed this take on it and it made for a great summer read. I was hopeful for more character development but the sister dynamic was well written. 3.5 stars.
October 27, 2018
A book by one of my favorite authors set at the Jersey shore? Count me in! This is a wonderful story of a widow who lost her hockey player-turned-soldier husband trying to flee her past. At the shore, she finds herself confronted not only by difficult family members but by a handsome stranger making a documentary about her husband who has hard questions about the past. Family secrets, second chances and a bit of humor make for a powerful and original read.
October 3, 2019
Excellent, page-turning novel about image versus reality and how the heroes among us are still regular people. A compelling combination of family drama, new love, and old secrets revealed, this one definitely has me wanting to read more from the author.
February 18, 2018
A story of a Star Hockey player . While waiting for the NHL he went into the military. He died serving his country. Rory had a wife ( Lauren). There was a time when they had separated. They still loved each other, but Lauren needed some space.
While separated Rory hooked up with Laurens sister Stephanie . The consequences were difficult.
Since Lauren was now a war widow, she was approached by a film maker( Matt) to do a memorial
Story of her husband. There were surprises for all.
Now Lauren begins to understand what happened. She can move forward now.
I won this free book from Goodreads First Reads.
While separated Rory hooked up with Laurens sister Stephanie . The consequences were difficult.
Since Lauren was now a war widow, she was approached by a film maker( Matt) to do a memorial
Story of her husband. There were surprises for all.
Now Lauren begins to understand what happened. She can move forward now.
I won this free book from Goodreads First Reads.
August 23, 2018
Blah. I know that's not a very informative review but it doesn't seem fair that if I were to really review this book that my review would be better written than the actual book.
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