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The Lie
The closer the couple, the bigger the lie . . .
Romy and Michael have it all. Over 30 years of marriage, two grown-up sons, a beautiful London home as well as a weekend bolthole by the sea. If Romy's had to sacrifice some of her dreams along the way to support Michael's high-flying legal career, then it's been a price worth paying.
Until the arrival of a letter changes everything.
At first Romy can't believe what it is saying. That Michael - an upholder of the law, with an unwavering sense of right and wrong - could do something so terrible.
But then other lies start to emerge and she starts to wonder who the man she's shared her heart, her bed, the best years of her life with, really is.
Walking away should be the start of a new chapter for Romy.
But an urgent telephone call brings her back into Michael's life - and propels her into the past and the allegations which ended their marriage.
Innocent or guilty? Truth or lie? How well can you ever know those closest to you?
Praise for Hilary Boyd
'Boyd is as canny as Joanna Trollope at observing family life - and better than Trollope at jokes' Daily Mail
'Poignant, well observed and wonderfully written, this is a bit of a heart-string puller' Closer
'I was ripping through this book . . . addictive' Evening Standard
Romy and Michael have it all. Over 30 years of marriage, two grown-up sons, a beautiful London home as well as a weekend bolthole by the sea. If Romy's had to sacrifice some of her dreams along the way to support Michael's high-flying legal career, then it's been a price worth paying.
Until the arrival of a letter changes everything.
At first Romy can't believe what it is saying. That Michael - an upholder of the law, with an unwavering sense of right and wrong - could do something so terrible.
But then other lies start to emerge and she starts to wonder who the man she's shared her heart, her bed, the best years of her life with, really is.
Walking away should be the start of a new chapter for Romy.
But an urgent telephone call brings her back into Michael's life - and propels her into the past and the allegations which ended their marriage.
Innocent or guilty? Truth or lie? How well can you ever know those closest to you?
Praise for Hilary Boyd
'Boyd is as canny as Joanna Trollope at observing family life - and better than Trollope at jokes' Daily Mail
'Poignant, well observed and wonderfully written, this is a bit of a heart-string puller' Closer
'I was ripping through this book . . . addictive' Evening Standard
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2019
153 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
Hilary Boyd
40 books132 followersBoyd was born and spent the first six months of her life in Prestatyn, North Wales, where her father, an army major, was stationed after the war. She was later educated in London, then at the boarding school Roedean. She trained as a nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, and subsequently as a marriage guidance counsellor with Relate before reading English Literature at London University in her late 30s.
After college, Boyd became a health journalist, writing about depression, step-parenting and pregnancy. She began writing fiction as a hobby whilst raising three children and working at various day jobs including running a cancer charity, Survive Cancer, working for an engineering company, and an online vitamin site.
After college, Boyd became a health journalist, writing about depression, step-parenting and pregnancy. She began writing fiction as a hobby whilst raising three children and working at various day jobs including running a cancer charity, Survive Cancer, working for an engineering company, and an online vitamin site.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
July 19, 2020
3.5stars rounded down to 3
Romy and Michael have it all. They've been married for thirty years, have two grown up son's, a beautiful London home as well as a beautiful bolthole by the sea. But the arrival of an anonymous letter changes everything. It details something that happened between the letter writer and Michael a year ago.
Romy and Michaels marriage falls apart. Romy goes to their cottage to try and make sense of it all. She slowly builds her life and makes new friends. But then she gets word that Michael has had a stroke so she returns home to look after him. Romy is desperate to know the truth, but will she like what she hears? This is more a Family drama than a thriller.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Hilary Boyd for my ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Romy and Michael have it all. They've been married for thirty years, have two grown up son's, a beautiful London home as well as a beautiful bolthole by the sea. But the arrival of an anonymous letter changes everything. It details something that happened between the letter writer and Michael a year ago.
Romy and Michaels marriage falls apart. Romy goes to their cottage to try and make sense of it all. She slowly builds her life and makes new friends. But then she gets word that Michael has had a stroke so she returns home to look after him. Romy is desperate to know the truth, but will she like what she hears? This is more a Family drama than a thriller.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Hilary Boyd for my ARC in exchange for a honest review.
December 2, 2019
Review to come nearer to publication
November 23, 2019
Hilary Boyd writes for a target audience in a genre now designated rather off- puttingly as ‘gran lit’.
She covers the same sort of literary territory (though perhaps not quite considered in the same league) as Joanna Trollope, with characters inhabiting a similar middle-class surburban backgound, mores and lifestyle. Although the plot takes a while to get warmed up, and the soul searching did seem to go on longer than necessary, by the two third mark I began to get absorbed in the moral dilemma posed for the main characters and interested to see how it was resolved. It’s certainly worth pursuing to the end, which - though less than conclusive - was true to a messy real life situation.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley.
She covers the same sort of literary territory (though perhaps not quite considered in the same league) as Joanna Trollope, with characters inhabiting a similar middle-class surburban backgound, mores and lifestyle. Although the plot takes a while to get warmed up, and the soul searching did seem to go on longer than necessary, by the two third mark I began to get absorbed in the moral dilemma posed for the main characters and interested to see how it was resolved. It’s certainly worth pursuing to the end, which - though less than conclusive - was true to a messy real life situation.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley.
September 11, 2022
Slightly different to what I'm use to reading, but still an engaging story nevertheless.
This was my first novel by Boyd and whilst I was expecting a few more twists and turns, the family drama with a hint of mystery still was strongly written.
The lie concerns an accusation of sexual assort by popular QC Michael in the past, Romy learns about this through a letter and whilst her husband denied any wrong doings it sets in motion the beginning of the end to there marriage.
The emotional tug of the novel comes after Michael's health goes downhill as Romy has to juggle her new life whilst facing the dilemma of helping the former man she loved with there two boys against the niggling doubt that he had committed that awful crime.
It was a really enjoyable read with a satisfying conclusion.
This was my first novel by Boyd and whilst I was expecting a few more twists and turns, the family drama with a hint of mystery still was strongly written.
The lie concerns an accusation of sexual assort by popular QC Michael in the past, Romy learns about this through a letter and whilst her husband denied any wrong doings it sets in motion the beginning of the end to there marriage.
The emotional tug of the novel comes after Michael's health goes downhill as Romy has to juggle her new life whilst facing the dilemma of helping the former man she loved with there two boys against the niggling doubt that he had committed that awful crime.
It was a really enjoyable read with a satisfying conclusion.
July 19, 2020
3.5 stars rounded down to 3
Romy and Michael have it all. They've been married for thirty years, have two grown up son's, a beautiful London home as well as a beautiful bolthole by the sea. But the arrival of an anonymous letter changes everything. It deta8ls something that happened between the letter writer and Michael a tear ago.
Romy and Michael marriage falls apart. Romy goes to their cottage to try and make sense of it all. She slowly builds her life and makes new friends. But then she gets word that Michael has had a stroke so she returns home to look after him. Romy is desperate to know the truth., but will she like what she hears? This is more a family drama than a thriller.
I would like to thank NetGalley NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Hilary Boyd for my ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Romy and Michael have it all. They've been married for thirty years, have two grown up son's, a beautiful London home as well as a beautiful bolthole by the sea. But the arrival of an anonymous letter changes everything. It deta8ls something that happened between the letter writer and Michael a tear ago.
Romy and Michael marriage falls apart. Romy goes to their cottage to try and make sense of it all. She slowly builds her life and makes new friends. But then she gets word that Michael has had a stroke so she returns home to look after him. Romy is desperate to know the truth., but will she like what she hears? This is more a family drama than a thriller.
I would like to thank NetGalley NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Hilary Boyd for my ARC in exchange for a honest review.
December 2, 2019
A beautifully written and tense family drama here, a long buried secret having a ripple effect across time set firmly in the Me Too age.
When you are writing a novel like this character really is key, as a reader you need to care but also to accept and Hilary Boyd does an excellent job of getting you on side- Romy is a sympathetic, likeable character trying to move on with life whilst torn in half by a stunning revelation- having walked away, unexpected events drag her back to her old life..
There is a lot to think about here- not least what you may do in that situation- who to believe, what action to take. The author sets her group dynamic against a single question and you are completely hooked into the various life happenings unfolding.
Immaculately plotted, utterly riveting, relatable characters and authentic quandaries make this a read I'm more than happy to recommend.
When you are writing a novel like this character really is key, as a reader you need to care but also to accept and Hilary Boyd does an excellent job of getting you on side- Romy is a sympathetic, likeable character trying to move on with life whilst torn in half by a stunning revelation- having walked away, unexpected events drag her back to her old life..
There is a lot to think about here- not least what you may do in that situation- who to believe, what action to take. The author sets her group dynamic against a single question and you are completely hooked into the various life happenings unfolding.
Immaculately plotted, utterly riveting, relatable characters and authentic quandaries make this a read I'm more than happy to recommend.
August 22, 2020
The book had suspenseful elements, but it read more like a family drama. This was my first experience with the author's work, and I was quite entranced by her writing. Smooth as whisky, it had me rooting for the main character.
Romy and Michael had a good marriage with 2 grown-up boys until a letter destroyed Romy's peace of mind. She had to move away from the situation to understand the truth. But a tragedy befell the family, and she was pulled in. But something was still wrong somewhere.
For me, it was the writing which which kept me going. Expecting a thriller from the blurb, I went in quite excited. But the story didn't disappoint me. It moved in a slightly different direction while coming back to the main plot line at times.
This was more of a family drama at the core, though it dealt with a pretty strong topic. There were many moments of indecision where I didn't know if I could trust what was being told to me. It was a question of he said/she said until the truth was revealed.
Human psyche explored was intriguing. I wouldnt say I liked all the characters, but Romy was interesting. I kept hoping that she would find her purpose in life. The book kept a steady pace in unveiling her dilemma, and I could read it in a couple of hours.
An interesting afternoon.
Romy and Michael had a good marriage with 2 grown-up boys until a letter destroyed Romy's peace of mind. She had to move away from the situation to understand the truth. But a tragedy befell the family, and she was pulled in. But something was still wrong somewhere.
For me, it was the writing which which kept me going. Expecting a thriller from the blurb, I went in quite excited. But the story didn't disappoint me. It moved in a slightly different direction while coming back to the main plot line at times.
This was more of a family drama at the core, though it dealt with a pretty strong topic. There were many moments of indecision where I didn't know if I could trust what was being told to me. It was a question of he said/she said until the truth was revealed.
Human psyche explored was intriguing. I wouldnt say I liked all the characters, but Romy was interesting. I kept hoping that she would find her purpose in life. The book kept a steady pace in unveiling her dilemma, and I could read it in a couple of hours.
An interesting afternoon.
April 25, 2021
This book felt odd to me, in the sense that I didn't love it or hate it. I kept reading, but had no sense of 'I can't wait to see what's coming'. It was quite predictable and I didn't warm to any of the characters. Wouldn't have been bothered in the slightest if I hadn't have finished it.
February 10, 2020
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher.
THE LIE by Hilary Boyd is an in-depth story of relationships and what can happen when something comes to the surface that changes your entire history and who you are as a person.
Romy and Michael have been together forever, have raised two kids that are now grownup together, and slotted into their roles in their family easily. Even though Romy has not always felt completely content with her life, there was never any doubt that she and Michael would grow old together.
Until she received the letter.
The words on that page made her question everything she knew about the man she married and something stopped her from discarding them as lies. Growing apart with this huge doubt between them. Romy and Michael separate and as Romy settles down in her little cottage, she begins to discover who she really is, make new friendships, and even feel the first flutter of lust in a very long time. But when Michael gets ill, her kids beg her to help him and she finds herself drawn back into her old life. When the past and present collide in a very unexpected way, Romy is forced to confront the real reason she walked away from Michael and she is determined to get him to tell her everything. But will everyone be able to handle the truth?
Compelling, engaging, and heartbreaking at times, THE LIE by Hilary Boyd is a superb story from beginning to end. Romy is a relatable character who doesn't want to believe what she has been told but something deep inside her won't let it go without question. The sensitive issues contained in this story are deftly and realistically handled which broke my heart in many ways, and it was great to see those who needed support and compassion find it eventually.
THE LIE by Hilary Boyd is an excellent drama which begs the question, 'can you ever truly know someone inside and out?' and I recommend this book to fiction fans everywhere.
THE LIE by Hilary Boyd is an in-depth story of relationships and what can happen when something comes to the surface that changes your entire history and who you are as a person.
Romy and Michael have been together forever, have raised two kids that are now grownup together, and slotted into their roles in their family easily. Even though Romy has not always felt completely content with her life, there was never any doubt that she and Michael would grow old together.
Until she received the letter.
The words on that page made her question everything she knew about the man she married and something stopped her from discarding them as lies. Growing apart with this huge doubt between them. Romy and Michael separate and as Romy settles down in her little cottage, she begins to discover who she really is, make new friendships, and even feel the first flutter of lust in a very long time. But when Michael gets ill, her kids beg her to help him and she finds herself drawn back into her old life. When the past and present collide in a very unexpected way, Romy is forced to confront the real reason she walked away from Michael and she is determined to get him to tell her everything. But will everyone be able to handle the truth?
Compelling, engaging, and heartbreaking at times, THE LIE by Hilary Boyd is a superb story from beginning to end. Romy is a relatable character who doesn't want to believe what she has been told but something deep inside her won't let it go without question. The sensitive issues contained in this story are deftly and realistically handled which broke my heart in many ways, and it was great to see those who needed support and compassion find it eventually.
THE LIE by Hilary Boyd is an excellent drama which begs the question, 'can you ever truly know someone inside and out?' and I recommend this book to fiction fans everywhere.
November 18, 2019
This is a beautifully written book, albeit the storyline is somewhat of a cliche. The story has the very real struggles of Romy caring for her husband following a severe stroke, and Romy being compelled to do so, even though their marriage had separated before the event occurred. The dark secret arising from 15 years ago, and the pursuit of truth that ultimately caused their marriage to vortex apart, yet comes back again to haunt in a way that is in equal parts totally unbelievable and yet plausible given the proximity of the key players. The outcome, rather tame. Michael tells his sons, one of whom is disgusted. Romy gets on with her life. So a bit of an anticlimax. But overall, a good read.
February 19, 2020
I enjoyed this novel about Romy who has walked out on her marriage and moved to live back in the country. As she starts to rebuild her life again she meets a new man who opens up her eyes to the truth of her marriage but when her husband suffers a stroke she has to return to look after him and finally confront some truths she has buried for some time. This is an honest account of life and love and I really enjoyed it.
January 4, 2020
An enjoyable book if you can believe the incredible coincidence regarding Romy's husband, Michael, and Finch's daughter, Grace. Romy moves to Cornwall to escape her marriage to Michael, ruined by a poison pen letter. There she finds a new life with the enigmatic widowed Finch, but when her husband has a stroke she feels obliged to return to London to nurse him. Will she stay, or return to Cornwall? Great holiday read.
November 18, 2019
Brilliantly written family drama illustrating the deep and dark ripples that follow a long buried untruth. One lie unravels so many lives. Couldn’t put it down.
February 16, 2020
The closer the couple, the bigger the lie . . .
Romy and Michael have it all. Over 30 years of marriage, two grown-up sons, a beautiful London home as well as a weekend bolthole by the sea. If Romy's had to sacrifice some of her dreams along the way to support Michael's high-flying legal career, then it's been a price worth paying.
Until the arrival of a letter changes everything.
At first Romy can't believe what it is saying. That Michael - an upholder of the law, with an unwavering sense of right and wrong - could do something so terrible.
But then other lies start to emerge and she starts to wonder who the man she's shared her heart, her bed, the best years of her life with, really is.
Walking away should be the start of a new chapter for Romy.
But an urgent telephone call brings her back into Michael's life - and propels her into the past and the allegations which ended their marriage.
Innocent or guilty? Truth or lie? How well can you ever know those closest to you?
This latest book by Hilary Boyd tells a story of how one situation can tear someone's world apart, the years that Romy spent believing that everything in the garden was rosy, only to find out, via an anonymous letter, that the man she had loved and trusted for over 30 years was hiding a huge secret from her. What and who should she believe?
I've loved all of this author's books, each one beautifully and very sympathetically written and this one is no different, Hilary Boyd has chosen a subject here that is very common, but the victim finds it difficult to talk about, especially when it involves a person in a position of high power, so they remain silent for fear of a she said/he said scenario. But these situations have a tendency to explode when you least expect them and in the end there is always more than one victim. My heart went out to both Romy and Grace and I hoped they would each find closure by the end of the story. It's a great read and I would definitely recommend it.
I'd like to thank Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
Romy and Michael have it all. Over 30 years of marriage, two grown-up sons, a beautiful London home as well as a weekend bolthole by the sea. If Romy's had to sacrifice some of her dreams along the way to support Michael's high-flying legal career, then it's been a price worth paying.
Until the arrival of a letter changes everything.
At first Romy can't believe what it is saying. That Michael - an upholder of the law, with an unwavering sense of right and wrong - could do something so terrible.
But then other lies start to emerge and she starts to wonder who the man she's shared her heart, her bed, the best years of her life with, really is.
Walking away should be the start of a new chapter for Romy.
But an urgent telephone call brings her back into Michael's life - and propels her into the past and the allegations which ended their marriage.
Innocent or guilty? Truth or lie? How well can you ever know those closest to you?
This latest book by Hilary Boyd tells a story of how one situation can tear someone's world apart, the years that Romy spent believing that everything in the garden was rosy, only to find out, via an anonymous letter, that the man she had loved and trusted for over 30 years was hiding a huge secret from her. What and who should she believe?
I've loved all of this author's books, each one beautifully and very sympathetically written and this one is no different, Hilary Boyd has chosen a subject here that is very common, but the victim finds it difficult to talk about, especially when it involves a person in a position of high power, so they remain silent for fear of a she said/he said scenario. But these situations have a tendency to explode when you least expect them and in the end there is always more than one victim. My heart went out to both Romy and Grace and I hoped they would each find closure by the end of the story. It's a great read and I would definitely recommend it.
I'd like to thank Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
July 9, 2020
The scene is set in this story. We meet Romy. She is now living alone and getting used to being single again. She was married for thirty years to Michael, well she still is in fact married. They have just separated. The reason for the separation. Romy received an anonymous letter from someone telling her that Michael had done something bad. (I won't tell you what obviously)
So, here she is moving on with life. Enter a handsome man who goes by the name of Finch. He is recently widowed, so in some way they kind of understand each other. Doesn't take a genius to work out what's going to happen with Romy and Finch 😉
But, a happy ending so quickly. No, no, no, no, no. Where would the fun in that be? We still haven't got to the bottom of THAT letter. And, there's the small matter of Romy having to go back to live with Michael for a while to care for him. It's only then when the scenes are set, everyone is at a certain point in their life when The Lie begins to unfold.
The Lie is a great family drama. We get to delve deep into the psyche of the characters. And, it makes us think what would we do if we were in their shoes.
💫 Thanks to @michaeljbooks for my #gifted copy. Out August the 6th 💫
So, here she is moving on with life. Enter a handsome man who goes by the name of Finch. He is recently widowed, so in some way they kind of understand each other. Doesn't take a genius to work out what's going to happen with Romy and Finch 😉
But, a happy ending so quickly. No, no, no, no, no. Where would the fun in that be? We still haven't got to the bottom of THAT letter. And, there's the small matter of Romy having to go back to live with Michael for a while to care for him. It's only then when the scenes are set, everyone is at a certain point in their life when The Lie begins to unfold.
The Lie is a great family drama. We get to delve deep into the psyche of the characters. And, it makes us think what would we do if we were in their shoes.
💫 Thanks to @michaeljbooks for my #gifted copy. Out August the 6th 💫
July 28, 2020
A book so twisted you will not be able to keep up! Amanda Robson is not afraid to write a thriller and she will shock you to your core. This book is insane, in a good way. Prepare to be confused, disgusted, amused and disturbed in equal measures…
The drop from five stars to three was purely down to the style. The books structure gave me a headache and took me twice as long to read. Three narrators often got confusing in this book – it’s possible that the advanced copy wasn’t quite finished as chapters often bled into the same one so switching between the actual narrators voices was a little frustrating at times. The Characters point of view regularly changed mid-chapter and often there was a switch in tense where it seemed as if one character was telling the story to another. Both great techniques but only when used consistently.
The drop from five stars to three was purely down to the style. The books structure gave me a headache and took me twice as long to read. Three narrators often got confusing in this book – it’s possible that the advanced copy wasn’t quite finished as chapters often bled into the same one so switching between the actual narrators voices was a little frustrating at times. The Characters point of view regularly changed mid-chapter and often there was a switch in tense where it seemed as if one character was telling the story to another. Both great techniques but only when used consistently.
August 3, 2022
I do like slipping into Hilary Boyd’s delightfully British novels.
Again, much like with The Affair, I found this book so comforting and relaxing to read. Like settling down in front of the crackling fireplace with a glass of red wine. There’s a healthy dose of drama to break up the country idyll and I generally found it all quite convincing. Romy was an incredibly easy character to get behind and the aspects explored were original and interesting. It was a storyline I was invested in.
Again, much like with The Affair, I found this book so comforting and relaxing to read. Like settling down in front of the crackling fireplace with a glass of red wine. There’s a healthy dose of drama to break up the country idyll and I generally found it all quite convincing. Romy was an incredibly easy character to get behind and the aspects explored were original and interesting. It was a storyline I was invested in.
December 17, 2020
This was a gentle read. Contemporary Fiction at its most placid I think! The book takes a while to get started but when it picks up pace and becomes more involved then the story really starts. Hilary Boyd paints likable characters, Romy & Finch, even Michael at times. She skips between idyllic settings – country life and city life – whilst painting a ‘not so’ idyllic marriage.
November 18, 2020
Easy read!
December 26, 2020
Poignant
May 7, 2025
This was ok no it was boring. I wouldn't recommend- slow😞
December 22, 2019
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the arc, which I have enjoyed reading.
The Lie by Hilary Boyd was a totally engrossing read and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Michael and Romy have been married for over 30 years, when Romy receives an anonymous letter from a woman, who claims her barrister husband sexually assaulted her when she was 16 and on work experience with his firm.
Romy leaves Michael and goes to live in their holiday home and meets Finch, a grieving widower. They begin a relationship which comes to a halt when the young woman, who claims she had been assaulted by Michael, is Finch’s stepdaughter, Grace. Her husband has a serious stroke and Romy goes back to the London flat to help look after Michael. It becomes complicated, as relationships do. And it looks as if Finch and Romy will never get together or Michael will never own up to what he did.
It is a very relevant story and very involved and complicated as life does gets at times, but one of Hilary Boyd’s best books to date.
Highly recommended.
The Lie by Hilary Boyd was a totally engrossing read and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Michael and Romy have been married for over 30 years, when Romy receives an anonymous letter from a woman, who claims her barrister husband sexually assaulted her when she was 16 and on work experience with his firm.
Romy leaves Michael and goes to live in their holiday home and meets Finch, a grieving widower. They begin a relationship which comes to a halt when the young woman, who claims she had been assaulted by Michael, is Finch’s stepdaughter, Grace. Her husband has a serious stroke and Romy goes back to the London flat to help look after Michael. It becomes complicated, as relationships do. And it looks as if Finch and Romy will never get together or Michael will never own up to what he did.
It is a very relevant story and very involved and complicated as life does gets at times, but one of Hilary Boyd’s best books to date.
Highly recommended.
December 1, 2019
I enjoyed this book but it was more of a family/domestic drama/romance than a thriller. Lots of topical themes and I did like the main character Romy. Quite a lot of descriptive details which although set the scene, I felt were slightly surplus to the main story.
A few moral dilemmas here which definitely make you think and I loved the complicated family dynamics going on. Very enjoyable book, a good quick read.
A few moral dilemmas here which definitely make you think and I loved the complicated family dynamics going on. Very enjoyable book, a good quick read.
February 19, 2020
What a great read, you could feel the emotions pouring from the pages, I really did not see the twist coming. It’s a real page turner and the plot was completely believable.
I would definitely recommend this book to my friends. Thanks to NetGallery for the opportunity to read read this book.
I would definitely recommend this book to my friends. Thanks to NetGallery for the opportunity to read read this book.
November 12, 2019
Romy has it all: a loving husband, wonderful sons, a beautiful home and another pied a terre by the sea.
. But then a letter arrives that makes her re-think everything she thinks she knows.
Boyd is a skilful storyteller and the reader’s emotions conflict as the truth gradually unfolds.
It’s hard to review this novel without plot-spoilers. There are many twists and turns throughout the novel.
The themes include disability, caring, historic abuse and the role of truth oh long-term relationships.
Suffice to say that if you like an engrossing, light read that keeps you turning the pages for hours on end, this one is for you.
. But then a letter arrives that makes her re-think everything she thinks she knows.
Boyd is a skilful storyteller and the reader’s emotions conflict as the truth gradually unfolds.
It’s hard to review this novel without plot-spoilers. There are many twists and turns throughout the novel.
The themes include disability, caring, historic abuse and the role of truth oh long-term relationships.
Suffice to say that if you like an engrossing, light read that keeps you turning the pages for hours on end, this one is for you.
November 1, 2019
Really enjoyed this excellent thriller with well developed characters and a fascinating storyline that make this a must read. Highly recommended.
February 20, 2020
The Lie, Hilary Boyd
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Women's Fiction
Gah, I hate Women's Fiction as a genre heading, so outdated. Men and women can read the same books....its 2019, not 1919.
anyway, that moan over, on to the book. Fabulous read, I loved it. I read Hillary's Thurdays ion the Park years ago, and more recently The anniversary and loved both of those, and this sounded intriguing. It was, I was wondering all the way, should Romy just believe in Micheal? After all they've been married a long time, they would have had the boys when this event happened, and he's never given any indication that he could have done something so awful, so horrific. I think most folk would be like Romy, feel their husband ( or wife) is telling the truth when they say they've no idea, that it never happened. Yet somehow Romy still has the tiniest, tiniest sliver of doubt. That little niggle keeps working at her, making her relive over and over Michael's reactions when she told him about the letter. He's clever, quick thinking, he has to be to do so well at his job, and something just didn't feel quite right about his answers. Still, with no idea who wrote the letter how can she look further?
That little niggle though gradually affects their marriage, shows up just how things have been slowly changing between them, other tiny things come out and small, almost incidental lies emerge. Things build up until she decides she needs to step away, and goes to stay at their country cottage. She's just picking up her life when – bam – she's pulled back into her old life, where the past starts becoming the present.
I was a little eye rolling at the way the characters were interwoven until I got to that part of the story, when it was explained and I could see that actually, its pretty reasonable for events to unfold given the connections between people.
There are lots of surprises to come out, lots of events for Romy to deal with, and all the characters end up being hurt by past actions. Not just Romy, but her sons, her fledgling romance and of course the girl involved and her family.
Its one of those books where slowly what seem like unconnected events and people slowly gel, when the circles of distance start to close in and we can see how one out of character event ripples and widens, catching so many folk in the wake. I loved the book, and the way events were unfolded carefully, giving us just enough to satisfy at that time, but leaving the reader wondering what else happened, did it happen like that really? What would they do? I so felt for all involved who were hurt by the actions and was so angry at those who worked to hide things or just smooth them over. Its a story that really show how nothing happens in isolation, how one event can end up hurting so many people.
Stars: Five. Lots of surprises, heartbreak, angst, and shows how well one persons actions affect others.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publisher
May 7, 2020
‘I just thought you should know who you’re married too…’
After 30 years of marriage, Romy is shocked to receive a letter confirming her husband Michael is not who she thought he was.
Fleeing to their second home in Sussex, Romy is drawn into the possibility of a fresh start with he handsome Finch.
But then the phone rings; Michael’s in hospital and needs her help.
Caught between two very different lives - and two very different men - Romy is torn between her heart and her duty.
But as secrets begin to unravel, will the truth finally come out?
For me, this book is really hard to review, I didn’t love it and I didn’t hate it. I just plodded along reading it, enjoying it enough to continue but not eagerly racing through to find out what happens.
Firstly, the positives. I really like Romy as the main protagonist. I could empathise with how torn she felt between her new relationship with Finch and what she felt was her duty to Michael. I think this was a really realistic part of the storyline. Many who read it will likely disagree with me, as quite frankly Michael is an arse, but they also had many good years of marriage and were once deeply in love. I also felt the change in Romy was well portrayed, her whole demeanour and even her speech was different when she was having conversations with Finch or someone from her new life in Sussex. In fact, the whole story was very well written and I found Boyd’s style effortless to read.
Now for the negatives, although that’s probably too strong a word. I thought it was fairly obvious from early on how things were going to turn out, so I didn’t have that feeling of suspense or urgency that often sets one book apart from the rest. My only other slightly detrimental point would be, my feelings towards Michael. I assume I was meant to find him unpleasant, as he was the “villian” of the tale. However, at times the way the author wrote his scenes I felt endeared to him. But then again perhaps this was purposeful on Boyd’s part, to create resonance between the readers and Romy’s feelings.
All in all a good story, and I would likely read another from this author in the future.
For more reviews, please visit: https://twiabblog.wixsite.com/theworl...
** Thanks to Penguin UK - Michael Joseph, via NetGalley, for this ARC **
After 30 years of marriage, Romy is shocked to receive a letter confirming her husband Michael is not who she thought he was.
Fleeing to their second home in Sussex, Romy is drawn into the possibility of a fresh start with he handsome Finch.
But then the phone rings; Michael’s in hospital and needs her help.
Caught between two very different lives - and two very different men - Romy is torn between her heart and her duty.
But as secrets begin to unravel, will the truth finally come out?
For me, this book is really hard to review, I didn’t love it and I didn’t hate it. I just plodded along reading it, enjoying it enough to continue but not eagerly racing through to find out what happens.
Firstly, the positives. I really like Romy as the main protagonist. I could empathise with how torn she felt between her new relationship with Finch and what she felt was her duty to Michael. I think this was a really realistic part of the storyline. Many who read it will likely disagree with me, as quite frankly Michael is an arse, but they also had many good years of marriage and were once deeply in love. I also felt the change in Romy was well portrayed, her whole demeanour and even her speech was different when she was having conversations with Finch or someone from her new life in Sussex. In fact, the whole story was very well written and I found Boyd’s style effortless to read.
Now for the negatives, although that’s probably too strong a word. I thought it was fairly obvious from early on how things were going to turn out, so I didn’t have that feeling of suspense or urgency that often sets one book apart from the rest. My only other slightly detrimental point would be, my feelings towards Michael. I assume I was meant to find him unpleasant, as he was the “villian” of the tale. However, at times the way the author wrote his scenes I felt endeared to him. But then again perhaps this was purposeful on Boyd’s part, to create resonance between the readers and Romy’s feelings.
All in all a good story, and I would likely read another from this author in the future.
For more reviews, please visit: https://twiabblog.wixsite.com/theworl...
** Thanks to Penguin UK - Michael Joseph, via NetGalley, for this ARC **
February 19, 2020
I enjoyed this story. It's a well written family drama, with a bit of potential romance thrown in. I like the fact that the main characters are slightly older.
The story begins a year after Romy has left her husband in London for a new life in their small cottage on the Sussex coast. She is beginning to make new friends and possibly even a special friendship with a local widower, Finch.
Romy and Michael had been married for more than 30 years and Romy had always been a loyal and supportive wife to her very successful barrister husband. However when an anonymous letter had arrived regarding her husband and she had asked him about the content, he absolutely denied the accusations. Over the following months she discovers her husband hasn't been entirely truthful and her doubts and his denials lead to their separation and Romy's move to Sussex..
There's a bit of arrogance about Michael and it's as if he assumes Romy needs him and will go back to him. He comes across as rather selfish and quite demanding, although he probably doesn't see himself that way. Their adult sons haven't been told the reason Romy left.
Just when her life in Sussex is beginning to go well, Romy gets a phone call with devastating news. Being such a good person, she feels guilt and returns to London to help and she finds herself having to stay longer than planned. Will she lose the opportunity of taking things further with her friend Finch? Other complications and misunderstandings crop up. The author manages to link various sub-plots quite well. I did guess at some of the 'twists' but still enjoyed the story.
The story gets a bit clichéd occasionally, but cliché isn't always bad. There is some comfort in familiarity so overall I enjoyed the story. Perhaps being older myself, I can relate to the main characters!
[My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital review copy]
The story begins a year after Romy has left her husband in London for a new life in their small cottage on the Sussex coast. She is beginning to make new friends and possibly even a special friendship with a local widower, Finch.
Romy and Michael had been married for more than 30 years and Romy had always been a loyal and supportive wife to her very successful barrister husband. However when an anonymous letter had arrived regarding her husband and she had asked him about the content, he absolutely denied the accusations. Over the following months she discovers her husband hasn't been entirely truthful and her doubts and his denials lead to their separation and Romy's move to Sussex..
There's a bit of arrogance about Michael and it's as if he assumes Romy needs him and will go back to him. He comes across as rather selfish and quite demanding, although he probably doesn't see himself that way. Their adult sons haven't been told the reason Romy left.
Just when her life in Sussex is beginning to go well, Romy gets a phone call with devastating news. Being such a good person, she feels guilt and returns to London to help and she finds herself having to stay longer than planned. Will she lose the opportunity of taking things further with her friend Finch? Other complications and misunderstandings crop up. The author manages to link various sub-plots quite well. I did guess at some of the 'twists' but still enjoyed the story.
The story gets a bit clichéd occasionally, but cliché isn't always bad. There is some comfort in familiarity so overall I enjoyed the story. Perhaps being older myself, I can relate to the main characters!
[My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital review copy]
December 4, 2020
Romy and Michael have been married for thirty years. Michael is a successful barrister and Romy has been by his side from day one. From the draughty flat with no money, right through to the luxury home and wealth that has been the result of his determination and hard work.
They’ve raised two wonderful sons, and have been happy.
Until one day, Romy receives an anonymous letter …. ‘I just thought you should know who you’re married to ….’
The revelations contained in the letter turn their lives upside down
Romy has to make some difficult and life changing decisions and flees to their cottage in the country. Gradually she begins to build a new life for herself and is drawn to Finch; a widower from the village who shows her kindness and understanding.
When Romy receives a telephone call, saying that Michael is in hospital and needs her, once again she has to make some heart breaking and very difficult decisions. The hope of a better future, with a man who will love and cherish her is shattered by her sense of responsibility toward the man who is the father of her children.
The Lie is a gripping story that raises so many questions of the reader. One cannot help but ask ‘what would I do?’ as Romy makes her decision.
This author excellently observes the dynamics of a family, and the often displaced loyalties that are so apparent within many relationships. This is a particularly relevant plot line, touching on the issues of the #MeToo movement and Romy utter devastation at the beginning, followed by her realisation and determination as she grows throughout the story is incredibly well written.
They’ve raised two wonderful sons, and have been happy.
Until one day, Romy receives an anonymous letter …. ‘I just thought you should know who you’re married to ….’
The revelations contained in the letter turn their lives upside down
Romy has to make some difficult and life changing decisions and flees to their cottage in the country. Gradually she begins to build a new life for herself and is drawn to Finch; a widower from the village who shows her kindness and understanding.
When Romy receives a telephone call, saying that Michael is in hospital and needs her, once again she has to make some heart breaking and very difficult decisions. The hope of a better future, with a man who will love and cherish her is shattered by her sense of responsibility toward the man who is the father of her children.
The Lie is a gripping story that raises so many questions of the reader. One cannot help but ask ‘what would I do?’ as Romy makes her decision.
This author excellently observes the dynamics of a family, and the often displaced loyalties that are so apparent within many relationships. This is a particularly relevant plot line, touching on the issues of the #MeToo movement and Romy utter devastation at the beginning, followed by her realisation and determination as she grows throughout the story is incredibly well written.
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