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Waterford #1
The Secrets We Keep
After fleeing her city life for something quieter in the suburbs, Elizabeth Mavery grapples with her new existence. When she’s not going to Costco or day-drinking with her best friend, she’s trying to escape her past. And it seems to work – until an anonymous gossip blog begins spilling the women of Waterford’s darkest secrets.
Now, the blurred conversations and blank spots in Elizabeth’s mind give way to panic and anxiety. If her secrets – like a hospitalization for bipolar disorder and a suicide attempt - don’t stay buried, she faces social shunning. Because after all, life in Waterford must look Instagram perfect at all times.
With her mental health in tatters and her marriage on the brink of imploding, Elizabeth fights to protect her family, her reputation, and her sanity. The past, however, has a way of not being forgotten.
Now, the blurred conversations and blank spots in Elizabeth’s mind give way to panic and anxiety. If her secrets – like a hospitalization for bipolar disorder and a suicide attempt - don’t stay buried, she faces social shunning. Because after all, life in Waterford must look Instagram perfect at all times.
With her mental health in tatters and her marriage on the brink of imploding, Elizabeth fights to protect her family, her reputation, and her sanity. The past, however, has a way of not being forgotten.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2018
1036 people are currently reading
1603 people want to read
About the author
Mia Hayes
14 books71 followersMia is a notorious eavesdropper who lives in Northern Virginia, outside Washington DC, with her husband, sons, two cats, and Harlow the Cavapoo.
She drinks too much green tea, loves traveling, and has mastered the art of procrastination cleaning.
She drinks too much green tea, loves traveling, and has mastered the art of procrastination cleaning.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
August 9, 2019
Elizabeth, her husband Jason, and her three sons, move to wealthy suburbs in the east, after her husband has a nine month affair with a co-worker. The affair devastates Elizabeth and triggers bi-polar disease, and it takes a very long time before Elizabeth can even manage to get out of bed. With the help of a therapist, drugs, drowning herself in booze, and being allowed in the most popular group (the Bitch Brigade), without even really trying, Elizabeth is trying to keep the affair in the past and also keep the past (the affair, her bi-polar diagnosis, her suicide attempts) off an extremely gossipy anonymous blog about her suburb. Elizabeth is hanging by a thread, never really feeling she trusts her husband, never knowing who might really be a friend or foe, and dealing with the guilt of not being a better mom to her sons.
It's a great read in that it kept me interested the entire time, even though I had figured out some of the secrets. I wanted to know how things ended although I didn't want to spend any more time with the characters after the book was done because none of the adults are people I'd want to know in real life. Gossip, revenge, jealousy, cruelty, backstabbing, and infidelity rule the day and no one in this book can feel like they are ever good enough, due to the rules of their social circle. This is really a dark book but so many of the bad things that happen to many of the characters happen because they aren't "authentic" and are trying to live lives that are all for show.
Thanks to Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), FinnStar, and NetGalley for this ARC.
It's a great read in that it kept me interested the entire time, even though I had figured out some of the secrets. I wanted to know how things ended although I didn't want to spend any more time with the characters after the book was done because none of the adults are people I'd want to know in real life. Gossip, revenge, jealousy, cruelty, backstabbing, and infidelity rule the day and no one in this book can feel like they are ever good enough, due to the rules of their social circle. This is really a dark book but so many of the bad things that happen to many of the characters happen because they aren't "authentic" and are trying to live lives that are all for show.
Thanks to Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), FinnStar, and NetGalley for this ARC.
July 7, 2019
Are you a fan of reality TV? Do you watch all the housewives? If you answered yes then you must read this book it's full of gossip, day drinking, money over the top. Affairs and mental illness. Friends stabbing each other in the back. You don't want to see it come to an end.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend it to all my reality TV fans.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend it to all my reality TV fans.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
September 28, 2022
I guess this would be classified as Contemporary Fiction??? Not my usual drill, but it was interesting and kept me reading. Not very enjoyable as so, so, so many horrible people, but that's a personal preference as I like unicorns and rainbows.
The main character is a member of a Real Housewives clique that backstab and belittle when you aren't there, a rarified, high society Mean Girl trip. She's also bipolar and saddled with a husband who cheated and friends that define with friends like these you don't need enemies. Another reviewer called it a Gone Girl meets Real Housewife crew which works.
I do have one question for those who have read it, and I feel it's a stupid question. Please don't read if you plan on reading the book.
The main character is a member of a Real Housewives clique that backstab and belittle when you aren't there, a rarified, high society Mean Girl trip. She's also bipolar and saddled with a husband who cheated and friends that define with friends like these you don't need enemies. Another reviewer called it a Gone Girl meets Real Housewife crew which works.
I do have one question for those who have read it, and I feel it's a stupid question. Please don't read if you plan on reading the book.
June 14, 2018
Elizabeth and her family move to the suburbs after her husband has an affair to start anew. Elizabeth has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and is trying to hide this from her new community and appear to have the perfect husband and family. But Waterford has some cliquey, fake women with tons of drama and there’s a tell all anonymous blogger digging up and airing all the drama out for all to read. About 1/4 to 1/2 way through I figured out “secrets”, however I still couldn’t stop reading this book and didn’t quite get it all right, which was a pleasant surprise at the end. Overall, I really enjoyed this read and would recommend it.
** Special thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ***
** Special thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ***
May 4, 2018
I love this book for the gritty dialogue of the current thirty somethings and how life is when raising children in the suburbs. At first I felt these women were a bunch of empty hollow bubble heads judging one another and being mean to each other. Until I got more into the book..it's so much more than empty shell women.
As the book gets into the real issues I am pleasantly surprised to see the main character Elizabeth befriend Sarah who isn't part of the "in" crowd. There's some surprising things that happen and I felt the book depicted the emotions and thoughts that run through one's mind when things get rough. I felt the book is well written and the book is in 1st person context. I am not that good at writing reviews so bear with me as I try to organize my thoughts without giving away the books meaning.
The main thing I think about when reading this- what's a good friend? Where do we step back and not intrude in another's life or do we push our way in? This book will make you think. What is a good friend? How can we be better? Our children are watching our misbehavior with other people. How do we learn to trust people? Can we trust people? Many times people let us down so we don't want to open ourselves to that kind of hurt. How do we love others and not get hurt? Is it possible? Read the book for more...I felt this was a great thought provoking read. 5 stars baby!
As the book gets into the real issues I am pleasantly surprised to see the main character Elizabeth befriend Sarah who isn't part of the "in" crowd. There's some surprising things that happen and I felt the book depicted the emotions and thoughts that run through one's mind when things get rough. I felt the book is well written and the book is in 1st person context. I am not that good at writing reviews so bear with me as I try to organize my thoughts without giving away the books meaning.
The main thing I think about when reading this- what's a good friend? Where do we step back and not intrude in another's life or do we push our way in? This book will make you think. What is a good friend? How can we be better? Our children are watching our misbehavior with other people. How do we learn to trust people? Can we trust people? Many times people let us down so we don't want to open ourselves to that kind of hurt. How do we love others and not get hurt? Is it possible? Read the book for more...I felt this was a great thought provoking read. 5 stars baby!
April 26, 2018
I received a copy of this book from Independent Book Publisher's Association from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Holy moly you need this book in your life, like now (comes out July 2nd). I don't even know where to start on this, it was that dang good.
When Elizabeth flees to the suburbs with her husband and three kids after her husband's affair she meets a new group of "friends" whose days consist of day drinking and gossiping. Think Real Housewives of suburbia. Secretly battling bipolar disorder and trying to move past her husband's affair is hard enough but when someone starts an anonymous exposing all of the housewives secrets, Elizabeth reaches a breaking point. Forgetting conversations and finding blank spots in her memory she confides in her one friend that's not part of the clique, until tragedy strikes that leaves her questioning everything.
Trust me when I say you do not want the book to end. Amazing writing that makes you question whether the main character is losing her mind or is just made to believe she is. Love love loved this book!
Holy moly you need this book in your life, like now (comes out July 2nd). I don't even know where to start on this, it was that dang good.
When Elizabeth flees to the suburbs with her husband and three kids after her husband's affair she meets a new group of "friends" whose days consist of day drinking and gossiping. Think Real Housewives of suburbia. Secretly battling bipolar disorder and trying to move past her husband's affair is hard enough but when someone starts an anonymous exposing all of the housewives secrets, Elizabeth reaches a breaking point. Forgetting conversations and finding blank spots in her memory she confides in her one friend that's not part of the clique, until tragedy strikes that leaves her questioning everything.
Trust me when I say you do not want the book to end. Amazing writing that makes you question whether the main character is losing her mind or is just made to believe she is. Love love loved this book!
May 20, 2018
The Secrets We Keep was a rather intense book. At times I thought badly about every character- even the psychologist. I enjoyed the gossipy drama that seems to happen in every town and was captivated by the descriptions of Elizabeth’s mood swings. I feel the author, MIA Hayes, was very fair in her portrayal of mental illness, how it is treated with multiple medicines and how people react to the knowledge that someone has mental issues.
June 24, 2022
Reading this book was an unpleasant experience. It was basically a soap opera with a Gossip Girl mystery element and a lot of heavy topics thrown in.
The main character has bipolar disorder and lives in a small toxic community with an emotionally abusive husband. The story is miserable almost the whole time and the little commentary it provided didn't make suffering through it worth it for me. Most of the book really dragged and the reveals weren't that surprising. I almost DNFed it several times.
Content warnings include: suicide and suicide attempts, abusive relationship, substance abuse, eating disorder, exercise addiction, cheating...
The main character has bipolar disorder and lives in a small toxic community with an emotionally abusive husband. The story is miserable almost the whole time and the little commentary it provided didn't make suffering through it worth it for me. Most of the book really dragged and the reveals weren't that surprising. I almost DNFed it several times.
Content warnings include: suicide and suicide attempts, abusive relationship, substance abuse, eating disorder, exercise addiction, cheating...
June 16, 2018
UNBELIEVABLE!! Just Fantastic, I Never wanted the book to end. One of the top books I’ve ever read. Kept my interest from the beginning and it’s a Debut. THANK YOU Net Galley and FinnStar for the early release copy.
December 3, 2019
Thank you for sending me this book.
I actually thought this book was interesting initially I thought it has something to do with the psychology and for some reason I thought it has something to do with mental illness or something which was why I wanted to read it in the first place. Well, it has some of that in there. I still find it very enjoyable and interesting.
It reminds me of those reality TV shows like Real Housewives which I don't really watch because I just didn't think it was that entertaining and I felt like I needed to watch something else, anyway, I like how it showcase the modernity and what today's social media is and it has scenes where she wanted to bury her past like having bipolar anxiety and making sure she was perfect in any Instagram pictures.
I actually thought it was a little sex and the city meet desperate housewives lol, I don't know if that's accurate description of it.
It gave me a picture of her it that makes sense and her past struggles behind the scenes. It didn't necessarily mean that I see myself in her, but I see her and I felt like I was watching her through the mirror.
Good read. Congratulations.
I actually thought this book was interesting initially I thought it has something to do with the psychology and for some reason I thought it has something to do with mental illness or something which was why I wanted to read it in the first place. Well, it has some of that in there. I still find it very enjoyable and interesting.
It reminds me of those reality TV shows like Real Housewives which I don't really watch because I just didn't think it was that entertaining and I felt like I needed to watch something else, anyway, I like how it showcase the modernity and what today's social media is and it has scenes where she wanted to bury her past like having bipolar anxiety and making sure she was perfect in any Instagram pictures.
I actually thought it was a little sex and the city meet desperate housewives lol, I don't know if that's accurate description of it.
It gave me a picture of her it that makes sense and her past struggles behind the scenes. It didn't necessarily mean that I see myself in her, but I see her and I felt like I was watching her through the mirror.
Good read. Congratulations.
January 26, 2022
This could easily have been titled The Real Housewives of Waterford, as that is just the type of book it is. Day drinking, mean "girls" (all grown up), a mysterious blogger, serial infidelity, mental illness are all a part of life in the exclusive suburb of Waterford, and new resident Elizabeth, a quintessential unreliable narrator, is here to tell us about it all. I needed something quick to fill a library gap, so this free Kindle book was just the ticket. I did enjoy it, but the numerous typos detracted from even this fluffy piece of chick lit. There are a couple of major twists, one of which I guessed pretty early on. I see that there are two books that follow in this series, but one was enough for me. One was fun, two would be one too many!
May 8, 2018
I received a copy of Secrets from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Once in awhile I stumble across something that starts out mediocre, and then begins good. Not great mind you, but good. The Secrets We Keep is one of those novels you read when you don't want something light to read. I found the journal to be the most fascinating aspect here, and it shows us just how shallow all of these women are. No one here is likeable, and that's the point. At it's core, it's a book with a dark theme running throughout, but the problem is, it begins to run out of steam halfway through. The only saving grace here is the death of Sarah, and who exactly is the woman writing this journal. To me, this is the best character of the novel, but just like everyone else, she has her own secrets and I spent the entire book trying to figure out who this person was.
While I wanted to give this novel a couple of stars I began to really enjoy this book. There were quite a few curve balls thrown to keep it interesting, and by the end, I was impressed by Hayes' writing style. What she's crafted may seem predictable, and sure, maybe it is, but it's interesting and keeps you reading even when you begin to lose interest. Elizabeth is the draw here and not because of her illness. We're meant to believe that she's crazy, that because she has bipolar disorder we're supposed to believe she's an unfit mother, or that she should be treated differently. We know her marriage isn't perfect, and the cause of her illness is in fact her husband who Hayes clearly wants us to hate, and even question his motives.
It's not a literary masterpiece, but it works as a decent thriller that keeps you guessing even when you get tired of how shallow these women are. As a guy, I probably wasn't the ideal audience for this book, but what can I say? I read the blurb and thought it looked interesting. It was, even when it became tedious and preachy. The writing and plot really saved this from being a dull, lack luster read. If you like Desperate Housewives, you'll probably dig this one a lot.
Once in awhile I stumble across something that starts out mediocre, and then begins good. Not great mind you, but good. The Secrets We Keep is one of those novels you read when you don't want something light to read. I found the journal to be the most fascinating aspect here, and it shows us just how shallow all of these women are. No one here is likeable, and that's the point. At it's core, it's a book with a dark theme running throughout, but the problem is, it begins to run out of steam halfway through. The only saving grace here is the death of Sarah, and who exactly is the woman writing this journal. To me, this is the best character of the novel, but just like everyone else, she has her own secrets and I spent the entire book trying to figure out who this person was.
While I wanted to give this novel a couple of stars I began to really enjoy this book. There were quite a few curve balls thrown to keep it interesting, and by the end, I was impressed by Hayes' writing style. What she's crafted may seem predictable, and sure, maybe it is, but it's interesting and keeps you reading even when you begin to lose interest. Elizabeth is the draw here and not because of her illness. We're meant to believe that she's crazy, that because she has bipolar disorder we're supposed to believe she's an unfit mother, or that she should be treated differently. We know her marriage isn't perfect, and the cause of her illness is in fact her husband who Hayes clearly wants us to hate, and even question his motives.
It's not a literary masterpiece, but it works as a decent thriller that keeps you guessing even when you get tired of how shallow these women are. As a guy, I probably wasn't the ideal audience for this book, but what can I say? I read the blurb and thought it looked interesting. It was, even when it became tedious and preachy. The writing and plot really saved this from being a dull, lack luster read. If you like Desperate Housewives, you'll probably dig this one a lot.
June 14, 2018
Wow! I really enjoyed this book! This book reminded me of a Liane Moriarty type of book. I love that it has twists and different character perspectives. I loved the blog aspect, even if time had passed, it gave you a recap of events and tied together nicely with Elizabeth's narrative.
This was a very fast paced book, once you read the first couple chapters it hooks you! Had a gossip girl feel tied in with a real housewives perspective. Even though I am not a suburban housewife, there were aspects of Elizabeth's life that were relate able. Also, with the recent events regarding death and mental illness, I think this book shows what women may be experiences and how to cope with it. I recommend this book if you enjoy a gossip girl housewives type genre.
This was a very fast paced book, once you read the first couple chapters it hooks you! Had a gossip girl feel tied in with a real housewives perspective. Even though I am not a suburban housewife, there were aspects of Elizabeth's life that were relate able. Also, with the recent events regarding death and mental illness, I think this book shows what women may be experiences and how to cope with it. I recommend this book if you enjoy a gossip girl housewives type genre.
May 29, 2018
Whoa. I did not expect this book to be as good as it was. When I read the synopsis, I thought it would be more about the anonymous gossip blog and less on the mental illness aspect. Instead I was pleasantly surprised at the combination of both.
Life in Waterford is a stereotypical suburb - the stay-at-home mom's all are bored with too much money and time on their hands. There's the A-crowd everyone wants to hang with, and those that are on the outs looking in. Elizabeth Mavery moved to Waterford and quickly found herself with the A-crowd (aka The Bitch Brigade) upsetting those on the outside. Having to keep up appearances of the perfect life on social media and the perfect marriage at the country club has Elizabeth on edge. She is hiding a major secret and doesn't want anyone to know. A gossip blog has been set up about the women of Waterford (and sometimes the men) and everyone is worried that their secrets will begin to show to everyone.
Halfway through the story, I was able to predict the ending but still found myself riveted. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! There were so many questions that were wrapped up at the end - who was Pete cheating with? Who is writing the blog? What is Jason hiding? What will Elizabeth remember? Highly recommend!
I received this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Life in Waterford is a stereotypical suburb - the stay-at-home mom's all are bored with too much money and time on their hands. There's the A-crowd everyone wants to hang with, and those that are on the outs looking in. Elizabeth Mavery moved to Waterford and quickly found herself with the A-crowd (aka The Bitch Brigade) upsetting those on the outside. Having to keep up appearances of the perfect life on social media and the perfect marriage at the country club has Elizabeth on edge. She is hiding a major secret and doesn't want anyone to know. A gossip blog has been set up about the women of Waterford (and sometimes the men) and everyone is worried that their secrets will begin to show to everyone.
Halfway through the story, I was able to predict the ending but still found myself riveted. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! There were so many questions that were wrapped up at the end - who was Pete cheating with? Who is writing the blog? What is Jason hiding? What will Elizabeth remember? Highly recommend!
I received this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2018
I won this book in the giveaway. It did keep me guessing and wanting to read on to find out who the blogger was. I'm not sure how I feel about the ending, though. It left me a little flat. Not sure if this was an advanced copy, but as an English teacher, the many errors throughout were distracting.
June 26, 2018
Love all the twists and turns
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Great storyline and characters. Only downside was numerous typos and grammatical mistakes throughout. Learned to just read over those to enjoy the book.
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Great storyline and characters. Only downside was numerous typos and grammatical mistakes throughout. Learned to just read over those to enjoy the book.
August 5, 2018
When Desperate Housewives takes a dark turn down Mental Illness Lane…
Elizabeth and her family lives in Waterford, where everyone is fake, and most women spend their time drinking and gossiping all day. Sounds lovely? Meanwhile I’m spending most of my time sitting at home by myself, and talking to the cat.
Elizabeth has her fair share of secrets to hide, so when someone starts a gossip blog about the people of Waterford, things aren’t looking very peachy for her. Her mental illness and past suicide attempt doesn’t really fit the style of Waterford that much after all.
Despite the fact that I figured out the identity of the secretive blogger pretty early on, I was totally addicted to this story. When I say addicted, I mean, I spent all day reading, and even refused to cook dinner, which resulted in me having to eat chicken on its own because my other half unknowingly spread coriander over everything else, and if you ever read my bio, you know how I feel about that.
It was like high school all over again, but instead of bitchy teenage girls we got a bunch of middle aged, drunken ladies who got suburb politics down to perfection. On top of the food chain you got the Bitch Brigade, headed up by Karen who basically runs the town. Then we get the Periphery Girls who are trying everything they can to become one of their minions. Why? I have no idea, but they sure as hell are dying to get into the inner sanctum.
The story is narrated by Elizabeth, who due to her medication she takes for her bipolar disorder washed down by prosecco and red wine can’t remember much most of the time, so you can imagine the uncomfortable feel that just keeps building up as things first turn weird, then unnerving, culminating in a tragic event that shakes her to the core and the poor woman is not even sure why. Jason, her husband is there to support her. Whenever it’s convenient for him, according to Elizabeth. Asshole? Or just a tired husband who can’t keep up with his wife’s ups and downs?
Can you build true friendship in an environment like Waterford? Who can you trust? Who is shagging whose husband? Why do grown ass women seek the company of fake friends and the validation from people they don’t give a toss about? Read The Secrets We Keep to find out – and if you did, do tell me, because I have no bloody clue.
Elizabeth and her family lives in Waterford, where everyone is fake, and most women spend their time drinking and gossiping all day. Sounds lovely? Meanwhile I’m spending most of my time sitting at home by myself, and talking to the cat.
Elizabeth has her fair share of secrets to hide, so when someone starts a gossip blog about the people of Waterford, things aren’t looking very peachy for her. Her mental illness and past suicide attempt doesn’t really fit the style of Waterford that much after all.
Despite the fact that I figured out the identity of the secretive blogger pretty early on, I was totally addicted to this story. When I say addicted, I mean, I spent all day reading, and even refused to cook dinner, which resulted in me having to eat chicken on its own because my other half unknowingly spread coriander over everything else, and if you ever read my bio, you know how I feel about that.
It was like high school all over again, but instead of bitchy teenage girls we got a bunch of middle aged, drunken ladies who got suburb politics down to perfection. On top of the food chain you got the Bitch Brigade, headed up by Karen who basically runs the town. Then we get the Periphery Girls who are trying everything they can to become one of their minions. Why? I have no idea, but they sure as hell are dying to get into the inner sanctum.
The story is narrated by Elizabeth, who due to her medication she takes for her bipolar disorder washed down by prosecco and red wine can’t remember much most of the time, so you can imagine the uncomfortable feel that just keeps building up as things first turn weird, then unnerving, culminating in a tragic event that shakes her to the core and the poor woman is not even sure why. Jason, her husband is there to support her. Whenever it’s convenient for him, according to Elizabeth. Asshole? Or just a tired husband who can’t keep up with his wife’s ups and downs?
Can you build true friendship in an environment like Waterford? Who can you trust? Who is shagging whose husband? Why do grown ass women seek the company of fake friends and the validation from people they don’t give a toss about? Read The Secrets We Keep to find out – and if you did, do tell me, because I have no bloody clue.
June 24, 2019
✨REVIEW✨
I would first like to give a huge thank you to the author herself, Mia Hayes, for sending me a free copy of “The Secrets We Keep” to read and review! This novel follows Elizabeth Mavery and her husband Jason after they move to the town of Waterford to flee the city life they used to live. Life in Waterford is certainly no walk in the park though. Both the women and men have to keep up appearances so that their lives seem picture perfect. Soon though a mysterious blog pops up spilling details about secrets that no one wants made public. “With her mental health in tatters and her marriage on the brink of imploding, Elizabeth fights to protect her family, her reputation, and her sanity.” ✨
I loved everything about this book! While I was drawn in by the promise of drama and gossip, this book is about so much more than that. The book deals with some heavy topics such as mental illness and suicide, but I believe Hayes does a great job of handling them. We really get a look into the lives of these women and their husbands and how far they are willing to go to keep up appearances in their social circle. We also get a good look at what pushes people to their breaking point. I especially loved the mysterious blog because it added an element of mystery to the novel. I was left wondering who the writer of the blog was all the way until it was revealed at the end. Overall, I would highly recommend this read and personally can’t wait to read the next Waterford book! 5 ⭐️ from me!
I would first like to give a huge thank you to the author herself, Mia Hayes, for sending me a free copy of “The Secrets We Keep” to read and review! This novel follows Elizabeth Mavery and her husband Jason after they move to the town of Waterford to flee the city life they used to live. Life in Waterford is certainly no walk in the park though. Both the women and men have to keep up appearances so that their lives seem picture perfect. Soon though a mysterious blog pops up spilling details about secrets that no one wants made public. “With her mental health in tatters and her marriage on the brink of imploding, Elizabeth fights to protect her family, her reputation, and her sanity.” ✨
I loved everything about this book! While I was drawn in by the promise of drama and gossip, this book is about so much more than that. The book deals with some heavy topics such as mental illness and suicide, but I believe Hayes does a great job of handling them. We really get a look into the lives of these women and their husbands and how far they are willing to go to keep up appearances in their social circle. We also get a good look at what pushes people to their breaking point. I especially loved the mysterious blog because it added an element of mystery to the novel. I was left wondering who the writer of the blog was all the way until it was revealed at the end. Overall, I would highly recommend this read and personally can’t wait to read the next Waterford book! 5 ⭐️ from me!
June 12, 2018
Jason and Elizabeth have escaped the great city life for suburbia. On the surface it seems it is for a quieter pace of life, or maybe to give their sons a home town feel absent in big cities. Both of them are harbouring secrets though - if it gets out it could put paid to their idyllic lifestyle which they seem to have.
Seem to have is the operative word because this is keeping up with the Joneses big time. Elizabeth wants or rather needs to be in the big league of this small town. Being a Periphery Girl is not enough. She has to be in the thick of things. Having a bi polar disorder and trying to balance being the king pin is not easy and it is beginning to take its toll. The partying, the constant drinking does not seem to help either. Jason starts out as being a supportive husband. He was the initial cause for Elizabeth's collapse, but halfway through you begin to question his actions. I even began to question Elizabeth's therapist, whether she and Jason were in cahoots!
An anonymous blog dislodges an avalanche of secret information - from affairs both past and present, financial situations and family secrets. Who is this blogger and each post brings about more and more disasters in the lives of Waterford residents. Life in the suburbs and being in your thirties is not easy anymore. Its very uncomfortable and even reading about it, put me on edge.
For me personally it all sounded far fetched but then I come from an Asian setting where all this sounds like Dynasty amplified but then the story sounds like this is quite normal for rich families in America!
Very entertaining reading and a good read (though I do have my reservations on the characters!!!)
Seem to have is the operative word because this is keeping up with the Joneses big time. Elizabeth wants or rather needs to be in the big league of this small town. Being a Periphery Girl is not enough. She has to be in the thick of things. Having a bi polar disorder and trying to balance being the king pin is not easy and it is beginning to take its toll. The partying, the constant drinking does not seem to help either. Jason starts out as being a supportive husband. He was the initial cause for Elizabeth's collapse, but halfway through you begin to question his actions. I even began to question Elizabeth's therapist, whether she and Jason were in cahoots!
An anonymous blog dislodges an avalanche of secret information - from affairs both past and present, financial situations and family secrets. Who is this blogger and each post brings about more and more disasters in the lives of Waterford residents. Life in the suburbs and being in your thirties is not easy anymore. Its very uncomfortable and even reading about it, put me on edge.
For me personally it all sounded far fetched but then I come from an Asian setting where all this sounds like Dynasty amplified but then the story sounds like this is quite normal for rich families in America!
Very entertaining reading and a good read (though I do have my reservations on the characters!!!)
July 16, 2018
There is a social clique in Waterford and there are women who will do anything to be included. On most days Elizabeth would rather not be involved especially since she has secrets that she can't afford these women finding out. When an anonymous person begins to blog about these women, paranoia ensues. While not a gripping read it was quite entertaining. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 8, 2019
I enjoyed this book. Could identify since someone in my family is bipolar. The husband totally annoyed me. It reminded me a little of Big Little Lies
December 14, 2020
Bimbos Behaving Badly.
This was basically unreadable due to the overuse of stereotypes. The leader of the suburban girl gang is named Karen? C'mon.
This was basically unreadable due to the overuse of stereotypes. The leader of the suburban girl gang is named Karen? C'mon.
July 14, 2018
This is a beautifully written book. An unknown blogger is sharing the secrets of the suburban women. Everyone is determined to be in the ‘in crowd’. It does have a darker theme with metal health and infidelity.
October 10, 2018
Disliked all the characters. A sad indictment of suburbia!
March 25, 2022
A pretty light hearted read overall - like watching trashy tv. I did figure all of the secrets out by the end. There were a few slow / repetitive parts but it held my interest well and I read it in the space of a week between work and study.
Good time filler and a nice break from my usual genre. Wouldn't be up for reading book 2 or 3 immediately but maybe in the future.
Good time filler and a nice break from my usual genre. Wouldn't be up for reading book 2 or 3 immediately but maybe in the future.
December 9, 2018
What a dirty little twisted suburban tale. I loved it! The writing was hilarious at times and made me laugh out loud.
Think Gossip Girl meets the The Barbies, The Plastics, Mean Girls, whatever you want to call them...these are those girls. Women. Grown women, mothers! Fighting and pushing to be the HBIC with the best Chanel bag. Lol.
I read this in one day because I JUST had to have more! I couldn’t put it down. I would have been happy to have it go on another 300 pages! The Stepford Wives topic is always funny but the authors writing style kicked it up a notch.
Thank you #Netgalley, the author and the publisher for my free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Think Gossip Girl meets the The Barbies, The Plastics, Mean Girls, whatever you want to call them...these are those girls. Women. Grown women, mothers! Fighting and pushing to be the HBIC with the best Chanel bag. Lol.
I read this in one day because I JUST had to have more! I couldn’t put it down. I would have been happy to have it go on another 300 pages! The Stepford Wives topic is always funny but the authors writing style kicked it up a notch.
Thank you #Netgalley, the author and the publisher for my free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 3, 2021
Oh I just loved this - I hadnt realised there was a book before but it was so fun to read and really enjoyed it, so can read it as a standalone.
Really glad I dont live in a neighbourhood like this, but great for fans of reality tv like housewifes etc
I was given an advance copy by bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
Really glad I dont live in a neighbourhood like this, but great for fans of reality tv like housewifes etc
I was given an advance copy by bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
May 5, 2018
I wasn’t sure on this book as I had many different opinions on which way it could go.
The mean girls of DC sure know how to make a women’s life living hell.. on the outside Elizabeth has it all., or does she, The book addresses infidelity and mental illness.
The mean girls of DC sure know how to make a women’s life living hell.. on the outside Elizabeth has it all., or does she, The book addresses infidelity and mental illness.
October 26, 2018
Read something else.
I kept waiting for it to get good, or for the heroine to find her backbone. She was such a victim and cry baby the whole time. The more it went on the more of an awful person she became. The plot and synopsis seemed interesting, but it falls flat.
I kept waiting for it to get good, or for the heroine to find her backbone. She was such a victim and cry baby the whole time. The more it went on the more of an awful person she became. The plot and synopsis seemed interesting, but it falls flat.
January 5, 2019
Husband cheated and then wife became bi-polar.
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