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The Silent Wife
In this heart-wrenching, emotionally gripping USA Today bestseller, two women with seemingly perfect lives discover dark secrets from the past that threaten to destroy their families.
Lara's life looks perfect on the surface. She has a gorgeous doting husband in Massimo, her sweet little son, Sandro, and the perfect home. But Lara knows something about Massimo. Something she can't tell anyone else, or everything he has worked so hard for will be destroyed: his job, their reputation, their son. This secret is keeping Lara a prisoner in her marriage.
Maggie is married to Massimo's brother, Nico, and lives with him and her troubled stepdaughter. She knows all of Nico's darkest secrets-or so she thinks. Then one day she discovers a letter in the attic that reveals a shocking secret about Nico's first wife. Will Maggie set the record straight or keep silent to protect those she loves?
For a family held together by lies, the truth will come at a devastating price.
Lara's life looks perfect on the surface. She has a gorgeous doting husband in Massimo, her sweet little son, Sandro, and the perfect home. But Lara knows something about Massimo. Something she can't tell anyone else, or everything he has worked so hard for will be destroyed: his job, their reputation, their son. This secret is keeping Lara a prisoner in her marriage.
Maggie is married to Massimo's brother, Nico, and lives with him and her troubled stepdaughter. She knows all of Nico's darkest secrets-or so she thinks. Then one day she discovers a letter in the attic that reveals a shocking secret about Nico's first wife. Will Maggie set the record straight or keep silent to protect those she loves?
For a family held together by lies, the truth will come at a devastating price.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 24, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,320 reviews
February 28, 2017
THE SILENT WIFE by Kerry Fisher was previously titled The Secrets of Second Wives. I loved this book. It is the story of two women who are second wives of two brothers in an Italian family. This novel explores the psychological issues of second marriages, and the hardships and darker sides of a marriage. The novel is set in 2016, in the Brighton area of the UK.
“Lara’s life looks perfect on the surface. Gorgeous doting husband Massimo, sweet little son Sandro and the perfect home. Lara knows something about Massimo. Something she can’t tell anyone else or everything Massimo has worked so hard for will be destroyed: his job, their reputation, their son. This secret is keeping Lara a prisoner in her marriage.”
“Maggie is married to Massimo’s brother Nico and lives with him and her troubled stepdaughter. She knows all of Nico’s darkest secrets – or so she thinks. The one day she discovers a letter in the attic which reveals a shocking secret about Nico’s first wife Caitlin. Will Maggie set the record straight or keep silent to protect those she loves?”
This is the story of families, lies and secrets…of friendship forming bonds, where the truth will result in excessive damage to the family and generations to come.
The novel centers around the two sister in-laws, Lara and Maggie, who live next door to each other, with their controlling mother-in-law across the street. One big happy Italian family!
The story opens with the wedding ceremony, Maggie marrying Nico after his wife Caitlin died. Getting on with Nico’s 13 year old teenager, Francesca proves to be an on-going battle for Maggie. Maggie will never be as good as her mother! Maggie also brings her own baggage into the equation, being a single mom to her 7 year old son, Sam. Maggie’s outspoken mum, Beryl provides much humor and love to the story. Lara married Massimo after Massimo's first wife, Dawn, left him. Lara gave up her career as an accountant, and has been a stay-at-home Mum with their 7 year old timid son, Sandro.
With each chapter titled “Maggie” or “Lara” we are provided with alternating perspectives. The characters are so real I felt I was sitting down at the table or living room with them just listening to their moving emotional story. The story moves along at a fast pace.
But soon the secrets they discover become too much…
What an emotional satisfying read! This was the first book by Kerry Fisher that I've read now…and it won’t be my last! Definitely recommended to anybody who enjoys emotional women's fiction. I look forward to reading the next book by Kerry Fisher…a very talented author and one definitely to keep on the radar!
Many thanks to Bookouture for my ARC via NetGalley.
“Lara’s life looks perfect on the surface. Gorgeous doting husband Massimo, sweet little son Sandro and the perfect home. Lara knows something about Massimo. Something she can’t tell anyone else or everything Massimo has worked so hard for will be destroyed: his job, their reputation, their son. This secret is keeping Lara a prisoner in her marriage.”
“Maggie is married to Massimo’s brother Nico and lives with him and her troubled stepdaughter. She knows all of Nico’s darkest secrets – or so she thinks. The one day she discovers a letter in the attic which reveals a shocking secret about Nico’s first wife Caitlin. Will Maggie set the record straight or keep silent to protect those she loves?”
This is the story of families, lies and secrets…of friendship forming bonds, where the truth will result in excessive damage to the family and generations to come.
The novel centers around the two sister in-laws, Lara and Maggie, who live next door to each other, with their controlling mother-in-law across the street. One big happy Italian family!
The story opens with the wedding ceremony, Maggie marrying Nico after his wife Caitlin died. Getting on with Nico’s 13 year old teenager, Francesca proves to be an on-going battle for Maggie. Maggie will never be as good as her mother! Maggie also brings her own baggage into the equation, being a single mom to her 7 year old son, Sam. Maggie’s outspoken mum, Beryl provides much humor and love to the story. Lara married Massimo after Massimo's first wife, Dawn, left him. Lara gave up her career as an accountant, and has been a stay-at-home Mum with their 7 year old timid son, Sandro.
With each chapter titled “Maggie” or “Lara” we are provided with alternating perspectives. The characters are so real I felt I was sitting down at the table or living room with them just listening to their moving emotional story. The story moves along at a fast pace.
But soon the secrets they discover become too much…
What an emotional satisfying read! This was the first book by Kerry Fisher that I've read now…and it won’t be my last! Definitely recommended to anybody who enjoys emotional women's fiction. I look forward to reading the next book by Kerry Fisher…a very talented author and one definitely to keep on the radar!
Many thanks to Bookouture for my ARC via NetGalley.
March 11, 2017
The Silent Wife by Kerry Fisher was previously called 'Secrets of Second Wives', a title I much prefer.
Be careful what you wish for - you may get it. This is certainly true of Maggie, a woman from a less than desirable background; growing up on a council estate, a single mother, the daughter of single mother. All she has ever wanted is to be part of a close family, one of those families that do everything together, that support each other. When Nico asks her to marry him, she believes that this is just what she is getting, but this family is so close that she finds herself on the outside looking in. And then she makes a startling discovery, one that has the power to tear this family apart.
The Silent Wife deals with the plethora of relationships a second wife faces as a newcomer; being a step-parent; bringing a child of her own into the relationship; the in-laws; the ghost of the dead wife. It also deals with family violence. So there was a lot to work with here, but unfortunately Kerry Fisher just didn't quite pull it off.
This was an okay read that, at times, had flashes of brilliance, whereafter it would slip back into mediocrity. There were so many similes! So many that I was actually gnashing my teeth at one point. It had a lot of potential that was not, in my opinion, explored. We don't really get any great depth to the characters. There is a lot of repetition. A LOT.
This book was interesting to the point that I wanted to keep reading, encouraged by the occasional flash of brilliant writing, but it was not so good that I became absorbed my it. The Silent Wife earns
3.5 stars from me.
Thank you to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of the Silent Wife by Kerry Fisher for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Be careful what you wish for - you may get it. This is certainly true of Maggie, a woman from a less than desirable background; growing up on a council estate, a single mother, the daughter of single mother. All she has ever wanted is to be part of a close family, one of those families that do everything together, that support each other. When Nico asks her to marry him, she believes that this is just what she is getting, but this family is so close that she finds herself on the outside looking in. And then she makes a startling discovery, one that has the power to tear this family apart.
The Silent Wife deals with the plethora of relationships a second wife faces as a newcomer; being a step-parent; bringing a child of her own into the relationship; the in-laws; the ghost of the dead wife. It also deals with family violence. So there was a lot to work with here, but unfortunately Kerry Fisher just didn't quite pull it off.
This was an okay read that, at times, had flashes of brilliance, whereafter it would slip back into mediocrity. There were so many similes! So many that I was actually gnashing my teeth at one point. It had a lot of potential that was not, in my opinion, explored. We don't really get any great depth to the characters. There is a lot of repetition. A LOT.
This book was interesting to the point that I wanted to keep reading, encouraged by the occasional flash of brilliant writing, but it was not so good that I became absorbed my it. The Silent Wife earns
3.5 stars from me.
Thank you to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of the Silent Wife by Kerry Fisher for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
February 12, 2017
Oh my, where do I begin ?!?!
I absolutely loved this book!! You know it's an extraordinary story, when you don't want it to end. The characters are so well presented that you actually feel you are part of the family - some you love, some that irritate you, others that make you laugh while still others you want to scream at. I enjoyed each character for their own unique qualities but my favorite was Beryl. She was so down to earth, funny and sarcastically outspoken but not in brutal way. - - very tactful!!
This is the story of Maggie, who is married to Nico and Lara, who is married to Nico's brother Massimo. Maggie and Lara are both second wives for the brothers. It is a tale of hidden fears, secrets, lies, deception, betrayal, loyalty, love, true friendship and so so much more!!
A heart breaking yet heart warming story of how secrets, lies and deception can tear a family apart AND how hidden inner strength, caring, love and forgiveness can bring a family back together.... BRILLIANTLY DONE!!
This is the first book I've read from Kerry Fisher and rest assured it will not be my last. It was amazingly well written with so many unexpected twists and turns that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
I'm actually envious of anyone who is about to start the incredible journey of reading this amazing novel!!
* Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, Bookouture and Kerry Fisher the author of "The Silent Wife" for the ARC in return for a fair and honest review. *
I absolutely loved this book!! You know it's an extraordinary story, when you don't want it to end. The characters are so well presented that you actually feel you are part of the family - some you love, some that irritate you, others that make you laugh while still others you want to scream at. I enjoyed each character for their own unique qualities but my favorite was Beryl. She was so down to earth, funny and sarcastically outspoken but not in brutal way. - - very tactful!!
This is the story of Maggie, who is married to Nico and Lara, who is married to Nico's brother Massimo. Maggie and Lara are both second wives for the brothers. It is a tale of hidden fears, secrets, lies, deception, betrayal, loyalty, love, true friendship and so so much more!!
A heart breaking yet heart warming story of how secrets, lies and deception can tear a family apart AND how hidden inner strength, caring, love and forgiveness can bring a family back together.... BRILLIANTLY DONE!!
This is the first book I've read from Kerry Fisher and rest assured it will not be my last. It was amazingly well written with so many unexpected twists and turns that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
I'm actually envious of anyone who is about to start the incredible journey of reading this amazing novel!!
* Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, Bookouture and Kerry Fisher the author of "The Silent Wife" for the ARC in return for a fair and honest review. *
February 26, 2017
What a great, very different, novel this is! Welcome to the Farinelli family from Brighton - it has a great collection of characters who are brought to life in the pages of this story, some of whom you’ll love but others you’ll definitely not!
There’s the domineering, strident Italian Mama, a real matriarchal character and the mother of two sons, Massimo and Nico. Both sons have married for the second time and the story is related from the points of views of their second wives, Lara and Maggie. Lara and Massimo have a son, Sandro, and appear to have the perfect marriage - but appearances are often deceptive, particularly so in this family’s case!
This is a story of secrets, abusive relationships, one where the ‘golden’ son is actually anything but. It involves the two second wives developing their relationship to start to trust one another and reveal confidences which lead to dramatic events. This is a story where lies are perpetuated and maintained to keep the family together but at what cost? What will happen when all is revealed and there’s nothing to hide behind any more? It is a very moving story filled with deception, betrayal and, contrastingly, loyalty, love, caring and forgiveness. Overall, this is about a dysfunctional family and it has a brilliant ending!
Many thanks to the publishers for gifting me a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review.
There’s the domineering, strident Italian Mama, a real matriarchal character and the mother of two sons, Massimo and Nico. Both sons have married for the second time and the story is related from the points of views of their second wives, Lara and Maggie. Lara and Massimo have a son, Sandro, and appear to have the perfect marriage - but appearances are often deceptive, particularly so in this family’s case!
This is a story of secrets, abusive relationships, one where the ‘golden’ son is actually anything but. It involves the two second wives developing their relationship to start to trust one another and reveal confidences which lead to dramatic events. This is a story where lies are perpetuated and maintained to keep the family together but at what cost? What will happen when all is revealed and there’s nothing to hide behind any more? It is a very moving story filled with deception, betrayal and, contrastingly, loyalty, love, caring and forgiveness. Overall, this is about a dysfunctional family and it has a brilliant ending!
Many thanks to the publishers for gifting me a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review.
February 25, 2017
Beautifully written and heart-wrenching. The ending left tears in my eyes. I was completely engrossed in this book and couldn't stop turning pages. It's a very absorbing story about love and family. A reminder that the "perfect couple" (you know the one) you envy isn't always as perfect as they seem. That overly affectionate husband you wish your own would take clues from may be hiding a dark side. And even though you yourself may be envious of someone else's relationship, just because your own isn't perfect doesn't mean it isn't right.
This story is told from two perspectives. Maggie has recently married Nico, who lost his first wife to illness. Nico has a teenage daughter, Maggie a younger son. The teenager resents Maggie and doesn't make home life easy. She compares free-spirited Maggie to her fitness obsessed, neat freak mother Caitlyn and finds her lacking. She's not ready to accept her... and it seems the rest of the family isn't quite ready either, including her overbearing grandmother. When Maggie accidentally discovers a secret Caitlyn took to her grave, she is conflicted. Perhaps Nico and his daughter have the right to know, but she doesn't want to ruin the illusion of the perfect wife and mother.
Lara is married to Massimo, Nico's brother. They have a young boy together who takes after his mother more than his athletic father, much to Massimo's disappointment. Massimo is larger than life, charming everyone he meets. Maggie can't help but to think he's mismatched with the quiet, demure Lara... but Lara didn't start out this way. Massimo is quite different with his wife and son behind closed doors.
Lara and Maggie begin to slowly grow closer, despite their differences. A real friendship begins to blossom between them and they become unlikely allies.
This book was originally titled Secrets of Second Wives, which led to some confusion on my part. I liked the first title, but The Silent Wife fits it to a tee as well.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
This story is told from two perspectives. Maggie has recently married Nico, who lost his first wife to illness. Nico has a teenage daughter, Maggie a younger son. The teenager resents Maggie and doesn't make home life easy. She compares free-spirited Maggie to her fitness obsessed, neat freak mother Caitlyn and finds her lacking. She's not ready to accept her... and it seems the rest of the family isn't quite ready either, including her overbearing grandmother. When Maggie accidentally discovers a secret Caitlyn took to her grave, she is conflicted. Perhaps Nico and his daughter have the right to know, but she doesn't want to ruin the illusion of the perfect wife and mother.
Lara is married to Massimo, Nico's brother. They have a young boy together who takes after his mother more than his athletic father, much to Massimo's disappointment. Massimo is larger than life, charming everyone he meets. Maggie can't help but to think he's mismatched with the quiet, demure Lara... but Lara didn't start out this way. Massimo is quite different with his wife and son behind closed doors.
Lara and Maggie begin to slowly grow closer, despite their differences. A real friendship begins to blossom between them and they become unlikely allies.
This book was originally titled Secrets of Second Wives, which led to some confusion on my part. I liked the first title, but The Silent Wife fits it to a tee as well.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
January 9, 2018
Well I am afraid this was nothing like I had hoped it would be ! Gripping ? Emotional ? Unexpected twists ? Nope, sorry, it was a decent family saga type book , nothing more in my view. The characters, especially the men, were stereotypes and the plot had more holes than a Swiss cheese !
Some of the writing was good which is why I have given it 3 stars.
Some of the writing was good which is why I have given it 3 stars.
January 9, 2026
The Silent Wife was a really exciting and enjoyable read. This book really has some characters that make the book strong - those that are in the light, and those that live in the dark and those that like to fool you and fluctuate between the two.
A new wife is trying to be accepted into a large close-knit family with a dominating, cold dominating elderly Mother at the helm, her sons are her whole world. Some wives are not good enough, no matter how hard they try. Tensions and dysfunctional interactions are a-plenty in this novel. The plot is really intriguing and all is not what it seems in this family. Secrets are revealed and thing uncovered that will give you a reading buzz!
This is a true character driven book, you will develop early on your own feelings and thoughts around many of them no doubt. Some feelings may change as you read on, almost guaranteed really. If you like complex relationships and dysfunctional families this is a book for you. It's not easy to read in places - cruelty, abuse, violence behind closed doors must be hidden at all costs. But there is a hefty price to pay.
This is a great read, 5 stars from me. Just one of those pick up, get stuck right in and flick the pages until you are happily done novels. Taut, terrific and highly enjoyable.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, Bookouture via NetGalley. All review opinions are my own, honest and totally unbiased.
Thanks so much for reading my review! Feel free to follow me or send me a friend request!
A new wife is trying to be accepted into a large close-knit family with a dominating, cold dominating elderly Mother at the helm, her sons are her whole world. Some wives are not good enough, no matter how hard they try. Tensions and dysfunctional interactions are a-plenty in this novel. The plot is really intriguing and all is not what it seems in this family. Secrets are revealed and thing uncovered that will give you a reading buzz!
This is a true character driven book, you will develop early on your own feelings and thoughts around many of them no doubt. Some feelings may change as you read on, almost guaranteed really. If you like complex relationships and dysfunctional families this is a book for you. It's not easy to read in places - cruelty, abuse, violence behind closed doors must be hidden at all costs. But there is a hefty price to pay.
This is a great read, 5 stars from me. Just one of those pick up, get stuck right in and flick the pages until you are happily done novels. Taut, terrific and highly enjoyable.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, Bookouture via NetGalley. All review opinions are my own, honest and totally unbiased.
Thanks so much for reading my review! Feel free to follow me or send me a friend request!
April 9, 2017
This book wasn't gripping, or a page-turner, it was tedious. I kept going because it promised "a twist that would take (my) breath away" but I'm still not sure what the twist was.
Apart from the lack of real drama there were some lazy inconsistencies: a character speaking in the first person who was apparently "thick" and "uneducated" but who used words like 'alacrity'; a regional swimming final that saw Brighton compete against Newcastle...
I don't know if this was rushed out to press in time for holiday season, or whether the editor was on holiday, but it reads like a first draft. A shame because the idea for he story was decent.
Apart from the lack of real drama there were some lazy inconsistencies: a character speaking in the first person who was apparently "thick" and "uneducated" but who used words like 'alacrity'; a regional swimming final that saw Brighton compete against Newcastle...
I don't know if this was rushed out to press in time for holiday season, or whether the editor was on holiday, but it reads like a first draft. A shame because the idea for he story was decent.
February 7, 2017
In The Silent Wife (or 'The Secrets of Second Wives' as it was formerly called, and which btw I prefer) Kerry Fisher explores the dynamics of second marriages. She looks at the complicated relationships with step-children, the in-laws, and the regular reminders of the wives/mothers who were first. Told in the alternating voices of Maggie and Lara, this was a poignant story of what women are prepared to go through for their families.
Maggie married Nico after his wife Caitlin died. Nico has a teenage daughter, Francesca, and is part of a seemingly close-knit, well-off Italian family, while Maggie, who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, has been a single Mum to Sam since his birth, only supported by her no-nonsense mother Beryl, who also brought up Maggie on her own.
Lara married Massimo, Nico's brother, after Massimo's first wife, Dawn, left him. Lara has been a stay-at-home Mum to their shy seven-year-old son, Sandro.
The cracks in this extended family, which is ruled by strong-minded matriarch Anna, soon appear, and while Maggie and Lara establish an unlikely friendship, it becomes harder and harder to sweep family secrets and betrayals under the carpet.
This was the third book by Kerry Fisher that I've read now. While it still made me smile in parts, it had less of the prominent humour I loved in her other books. This one was a lot more sombre, raising awareness of the darker sides of some marriages. It was very good at exploring issues of control and losing control. The characters, as in all Ms Fisher's novels, were so well drawn, you actually have no doubt that they truly exist. There was a nice mix of characters to love and characters to despise. My absolute favourite was Beryl, Maggie's kind and outspoken Mum.
Definitely recommended to anybody who enjoys emotional women's fiction. Kerry Fisher has firmly established a place on my must-read-author list.
Thanks to Bookouture for my ARC via NetGalley.
Maggie married Nico after his wife Caitlin died. Nico has a teenage daughter, Francesca, and is part of a seemingly close-knit, well-off Italian family, while Maggie, who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, has been a single Mum to Sam since his birth, only supported by her no-nonsense mother Beryl, who also brought up Maggie on her own.
Lara married Massimo, Nico's brother, after Massimo's first wife, Dawn, left him. Lara has been a stay-at-home Mum to their shy seven-year-old son, Sandro.
The cracks in this extended family, which is ruled by strong-minded matriarch Anna, soon appear, and while Maggie and Lara establish an unlikely friendship, it becomes harder and harder to sweep family secrets and betrayals under the carpet.
This was the third book by Kerry Fisher that I've read now. While it still made me smile in parts, it had less of the prominent humour I loved in her other books. This one was a lot more sombre, raising awareness of the darker sides of some marriages. It was very good at exploring issues of control and losing control. The characters, as in all Ms Fisher's novels, were so well drawn, you actually have no doubt that they truly exist. There was a nice mix of characters to love and characters to despise. My absolute favourite was Beryl, Maggie's kind and outspoken Mum.
Definitely recommended to anybody who enjoys emotional women's fiction. Kerry Fisher has firmly established a place on my must-read-author list.
Thanks to Bookouture for my ARC via NetGalley.
March 3, 2017
My reviews can also be found at www.noveldeelights.com
Can a review consist of just some incoherent gibberish to show how much you’ve loved a book? How about a Kermit flail? No? Because quite frankly, I’m not at all sure how I’m supposed to put into words the emotional rollercoaster I’ve been on following this story of a dysfunctional and slightly cuckoo family.
It’s all incredibly relatable. Who hasn’t had to play happy families when sticking a fork in your eye sounds way more fun? Who hasn’t maybe worn a mask when visitors arrive ten seconds after you’ve had an argument with your other half because it’s none of their business? But then imagine having to wear that mask day in, day out. Live your life pretending so you don’t rock the boat. I don’t know about you but I would go crazy!
Thank goodness I had the house to myself as I was engrossed from the very first page and wouldn’t have been too thrilled with interruptions. It’s a testament to Kerry Fisher’s writing. The way she draws you in with characters that are so realistic, you expect them to jump off the page any second. I couldn’t help getting emotionally invested. Getting utterly lost in the family dynamics, willing some characters on, wanting them to succeed or for some, hoping they’d get their comeuppance. Again, a good thing I was alone as I often muttered some choice words or used rude Italian gestures and that sort of thing just invites strange looks from whomever is sitting next to you.
This story has a lot to offer. Family secrets, skeletons in the closet, complicated relationships with stepchildren and a mother-in-law we wouldn’t wish on anyone. But also unlikely friendships and finding your inner strength. The strength to make changes, to stay true to yourself, to find your way through a strange, new world that feels more like an obstacle course.
There’s also humour. Maggie and Beryl had me laughing out loud a number of times. Especially Beryl who has a fabulous no-nonsense attitude and no filter whatsoever.
Sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes funny, always gripping and with a satisfying ending! I loved it!
Can a review consist of just some incoherent gibberish to show how much you’ve loved a book? How about a Kermit flail? No? Because quite frankly, I’m not at all sure how I’m supposed to put into words the emotional rollercoaster I’ve been on following this story of a dysfunctional and slightly cuckoo family.
It’s all incredibly relatable. Who hasn’t had to play happy families when sticking a fork in your eye sounds way more fun? Who hasn’t maybe worn a mask when visitors arrive ten seconds after you’ve had an argument with your other half because it’s none of their business? But then imagine having to wear that mask day in, day out. Live your life pretending so you don’t rock the boat. I don’t know about you but I would go crazy!
Thank goodness I had the house to myself as I was engrossed from the very first page and wouldn’t have been too thrilled with interruptions. It’s a testament to Kerry Fisher’s writing. The way she draws you in with characters that are so realistic, you expect them to jump off the page any second. I couldn’t help getting emotionally invested. Getting utterly lost in the family dynamics, willing some characters on, wanting them to succeed or for some, hoping they’d get their comeuppance. Again, a good thing I was alone as I often muttered some choice words or used rude Italian gestures and that sort of thing just invites strange looks from whomever is sitting next to you.
This story has a lot to offer. Family secrets, skeletons in the closet, complicated relationships with stepchildren and a mother-in-law we wouldn’t wish on anyone. But also unlikely friendships and finding your inner strength. The strength to make changes, to stay true to yourself, to find your way through a strange, new world that feels more like an obstacle course.
There’s also humour. Maggie and Beryl had me laughing out loud a number of times. Especially Beryl who has a fabulous no-nonsense attitude and no filter whatsoever.
Sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes funny, always gripping and with a satisfying ending! I loved it!
January 8, 2026
5 women supporting women ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you read one book this year, this should be it. I LOVED IT.
As a woman, mother, wife, this grabbed me by the heart and didn’t let go.
It is also a good reminder of the importance of friendships and establishing new friends later in life❤️. And sometimes those friends, will either be a rock for you, or you for them. ❤️
This is a book about women.
It’s a story of two women Maggie and Lara, they are married to two brothers, Nico and Massimo. Both are “second wives “.
Maggie is newlywed to Nico who is a widow, and a father of a teenage daughter.
He has only been widowed for 2 years when he marries Maggie. This causes Maggie to be rejected by his family, the memory of his first wife Caitlin lingers everywhere, they live in the same house, all her things are still there, and his mother celebrates Caitlin’s birthday and other days, where Maggie is not invited. 😭 Nico does nothing to make Maggie’s life easier ❤️🩹
Lara is married to Massimo, together they have a son, and they have been married for 10 years.
Lara’s life looks perfect on the surface, Massimo is super handsome and the life of the party, Nico is more evasive and avoids conflict.
Maggie feels slightly insecure about her life with Nico when she is around Lara. They seem perfect.
Maggie discovers a secret about Caitlin, ( the dead wife) that will blow up all of their lives if it comes out. She decides to hide it from everyone, one could argue this was a wrong decision, but here we are! And she and her marriage suffers greatly for keeping it.
Lara is trying to keep her family together by being small and agreeable. If she speaks up, her son will suffer and pay the price. Her secret is her prison. From outside she seems aloof but she is really under a lot of stress and trauma.
This is about relationships, lies and secrets. How a marriage can be so different behind closed doors, than perceived from the outside.
Small spoilers:
Massimo is controlling Lara, he keeps he isolated from her dad and friends, she has no access to money. He gaslights her to a point she doesn’t recognize herself anymore and it’s difficult to read.
He bullies his wife and son but it’s disguised as love. Lara and her son are both afraid of dogs and he buys them a large hunting dog. Little things that looks caring from the outside but is menacing at heart.
Lara won’t leave Massimo out of fear what will happen to their son under his care 😢 Lara cannot drive. He won’t pay for lessons and she is 35.❤️🩹 Maggie is the knight in shining armor for Lara, and her gumption is the life line Lara needed.
This is just the beginning 😳
Should you read it? YES. It’s beautiful, touching, suspenseful. It’s everything.
It’s not a romance. It’s a lot more. ❤️
If you read one book this year, this should be it. I LOVED IT.
As a woman, mother, wife, this grabbed me by the heart and didn’t let go.
It is also a good reminder of the importance of friendships and establishing new friends later in life❤️. And sometimes those friends, will either be a rock for you, or you for them. ❤️
This is a book about women.
It’s a story of two women Maggie and Lara, they are married to two brothers, Nico and Massimo. Both are “second wives “.
Maggie is newlywed to Nico who is a widow, and a father of a teenage daughter.
He has only been widowed for 2 years when he marries Maggie. This causes Maggie to be rejected by his family, the memory of his first wife Caitlin lingers everywhere, they live in the same house, all her things are still there, and his mother celebrates Caitlin’s birthday and other days, where Maggie is not invited. 😭 Nico does nothing to make Maggie’s life easier ❤️🩹
Lara is married to Massimo, together they have a son, and they have been married for 10 years.
Lara’s life looks perfect on the surface, Massimo is super handsome and the life of the party, Nico is more evasive and avoids conflict.
Maggie feels slightly insecure about her life with Nico when she is around Lara. They seem perfect.
Maggie discovers a secret about Caitlin, ( the dead wife) that will blow up all of their lives if it comes out. She decides to hide it from everyone, one could argue this was a wrong decision, but here we are! And she and her marriage suffers greatly for keeping it.
Lara is trying to keep her family together by being small and agreeable. If she speaks up, her son will suffer and pay the price. Her secret is her prison. From outside she seems aloof but she is really under a lot of stress and trauma.
This is about relationships, lies and secrets. How a marriage can be so different behind closed doors, than perceived from the outside.
Small spoilers:
Massimo is controlling Lara, he keeps he isolated from her dad and friends, she has no access to money. He gaslights her to a point she doesn’t recognize herself anymore and it’s difficult to read.
He bullies his wife and son but it’s disguised as love. Lara and her son are both afraid of dogs and he buys them a large hunting dog. Little things that looks caring from the outside but is menacing at heart.
Lara won’t leave Massimo out of fear what will happen to their son under his care 😢 Lara cannot drive. He won’t pay for lessons and she is 35.❤️🩹 Maggie is the knight in shining armor for Lara, and her gumption is the life line Lara needed.
This is just the beginning 😳
Should you read it? YES. It’s beautiful, touching, suspenseful. It’s everything.
It’s not a romance. It’s a lot more. ❤️
June 2, 2019
This was an interesting read for me. Prior to reading, I didn't know whether it would be more of a thriller versus mystery or suspense. I would say that this novel leans more towards the side of mystery and suspense (even if some of the events are horrific).
One thing that I found especially difficult while reading was reading details surrounding Lara's life. I think this element of the novel will be difficult to read for quite a few people and features triggers for abuse (physical, emotional, and verbal). I will say in all honesty that it was hard not to pass judgment for some of the decisions that she made (especially when it related to the safety of Sandro) but there wasn't any simple solution for her character.
An overarching theme for this novel was the reminder and importance of the message that not everything is always as it seems. What I mean by that is that characters easily perceived the other women's lives to be superior to their own. Maggie started the novel quite envious of Lara's life when she didn't know what was going on behind closed doors. Lara was also envious of the relationship between Maggie and Nico while being unaware of Maggie's struggles and insecurities.
The title of the novel is "The Silent Wife" but it truly is more of a look at three silent wives and the secrets each of them have kept.
***Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
One thing that I found especially difficult while reading was reading details surrounding Lara's life. I think this element of the novel will be difficult to read for quite a few people and features triggers for abuse (physical, emotional, and verbal). I will say in all honesty that it was hard not to pass judgment for some of the decisions that she made (especially when it related to the safety of Sandro) but there wasn't any simple solution for her character.
An overarching theme for this novel was the reminder and importance of the message that not everything is always as it seems. What I mean by that is that characters easily perceived the other women's lives to be superior to their own. Maggie started the novel quite envious of Lara's life when she didn't know what was going on behind closed doors. Lara was also envious of the relationship between Maggie and Nico while being unaware of Maggie's struggles and insecurities.
The title of the novel is "The Silent Wife" but it truly is more of a look at three silent wives and the secrets each of them have kept.
***Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
July 20, 2019
I continued to the end of this book, but I wouldn't describe it as 'gripping' like a lot of other reviewers, or indeed, it's own advertising did. Maybe this skewed my enjoyment a little, as I'd built it up to be something more interesting than the rather slow and predictable family drama it actually was. It's a reveal of what goes on behind closed doors for Lara and Maggie, married to two Italian brothers. The characters are cliched and there really wasn't a 'twist that will take your breath away'. I think the tag lines need rewriting!
August 22, 2021
Marry into an Italian family.
Be second wives to two brothers.
Live next door to you’re sister-in-law.
Live across from your mother-in-law.
Throw in some dark secrets and you’ve a recipe for an excellent story that took me by storm.
Of course there’s much more to this story that will grip you from page one.
It opens with a wedding.
And everyone loves a wedding…..right?
Be second wives to two brothers.
Live next door to you’re sister-in-law.
Live across from your mother-in-law.
Throw in some dark secrets and you’ve a recipe for an excellent story that took me by storm.
Of course there’s much more to this story that will grip you from page one.
It opens with a wedding.
And everyone loves a wedding…..right?
January 29, 2018
Excruciatingly mind-numbing and boring. I would not have finished this if it weren't a book club read. Just awful, a soap opera. I thought it was a thriller or that something would actually happen. Way too many metaphors. smh.
February 14, 2017
3.5 stars. The Silent Wife was formerly called The Secrets of Second Wife's .
On the surface Lara's life looks perfect. Perfect husband Massimo. Perfect son Sandro. Lara knows something about Massimo. A secret she can never share.
Maggie is married to Nico. Nico is Massimo's brother. Nico has a daughter from his first marriage. Maggie discovers a letter in the attic which reveals a shocking secret.
This is an emotional roller coaster to read. Gripping in parts with some good characters. Remember and have the tissues on standby.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Kerry Fisher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
On the surface Lara's life looks perfect. Perfect husband Massimo. Perfect son Sandro. Lara knows something about Massimo. A secret she can never share.
Maggie is married to Nico. Nico is Massimo's brother. Nico has a daughter from his first marriage. Maggie discovers a letter in the attic which reveals a shocking secret.
This is an emotional roller coaster to read. Gripping in parts with some good characters. Remember and have the tissues on standby.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Kerry Fisher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2025
You won't be disappointed
December 13, 2018
The Silent Wife wasn't bad, wasn't great, it was just OK.
The story was decent, the writing a little less than decent, but it was a quick read with good, though infuriating, characters.
I was on the fence about whether to read this or not, but it has such a high rating, I went for it. Eh, I kind of wish I hadn't bothered.
I'd like to give it a 2.5, but since we can only do whole number ratings, I rounded it up to 3 because I liked it more than I didn't.
The story was decent, the writing a little less than decent, but it was a quick read with good, though infuriating, characters.
I was on the fence about whether to read this or not, but it has such a high rating, I went for it. Eh, I kind of wish I hadn't bothered.
I'd like to give it a 2.5, but since we can only do whole number ratings, I rounded it up to 3 because I liked it more than I didn't.
February 28, 2017
A special thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Review to follow.
February 27, 2017
I do love a twisty family drama, one full of secrets and lies that you read with just the slightest tinge of smugness as you can see what is about to happen miles before our poor characters do. But Kerry Fisher always managed to pull something delectably different out of the bag and here she managed to throw a few curveballs, keeping us in our toes right to the very end!
The days of the traditional mum, dad and their 2.4 children have long gone now and family dynamics have changed dramatically due to the extended family. Step-parents are pretty much the norm nowadays so it was rather interesting to see how differently the two second wives coped within their new families. Finding their feet without tripping up over family traditions or trying to live up to wife number one seem to be the constants here although Maggie seems to have a tougher time adjusting to her new role than Lara. But Lara appears to have worse problems within her marriage to contend with.
Kerry Fisher has created a tangled web of lies and indiscretions here with characters that I really came to care about and think of as friends. I took to Maggie, especially, right from the first time we get to meet her at her wedding to Nico. And when her mum Beryl was introduced into the plot, I realised where Maggie had inherited her strengths of character from and that it would hopefully help her adjust to married life as a second wife and stepmother to a teenage girl. Beryl was hilarious and I think my goal in life now is to be “a bit more Beryl”. Straight talking, forthright and hilarious and always had the perfect story to tell or the perfect treat on hand at just the right time.
Perfectly paced and plotted I loved following this family drama through to it’s climatic finale. It was slightly darker than Kerry’s other books but still with a subtle but mischievous humour at times. This book was originally called The Secrets of Second Wifes and if I’m honest I think that represents the plot better than The Silent Wife but it made no difference once my head was stuck between the pages. An enjoyable experience from start to finish!
Many thanks to Kim at Bookouture for my copy of The Silent Wife which I have chosen to read and review.
The days of the traditional mum, dad and their 2.4 children have long gone now and family dynamics have changed dramatically due to the extended family. Step-parents are pretty much the norm nowadays so it was rather interesting to see how differently the two second wives coped within their new families. Finding their feet without tripping up over family traditions or trying to live up to wife number one seem to be the constants here although Maggie seems to have a tougher time adjusting to her new role than Lara. But Lara appears to have worse problems within her marriage to contend with.
Kerry Fisher has created a tangled web of lies and indiscretions here with characters that I really came to care about and think of as friends. I took to Maggie, especially, right from the first time we get to meet her at her wedding to Nico. And when her mum Beryl was introduced into the plot, I realised where Maggie had inherited her strengths of character from and that it would hopefully help her adjust to married life as a second wife and stepmother to a teenage girl. Beryl was hilarious and I think my goal in life now is to be “a bit more Beryl”. Straight talking, forthright and hilarious and always had the perfect story to tell or the perfect treat on hand at just the right time.
Perfectly paced and plotted I loved following this family drama through to it’s climatic finale. It was slightly darker than Kerry’s other books but still with a subtle but mischievous humour at times. This book was originally called The Secrets of Second Wifes and if I’m honest I think that represents the plot better than The Silent Wife but it made no difference once my head was stuck between the pages. An enjoyable experience from start to finish!
Many thanks to Kim at Bookouture for my copy of The Silent Wife which I have chosen to read and review.
October 15, 2017
***FIVE STARS!***
This story sucked me in from the very first page and kept me glued until the ending. Real life was being a pain and kept me from reading straight through in one sitting, but if I hadn't been so crazy busy, I would have never put this baby down. Maggie was one of my most favorite heroines ever. She was sweet, compassionate, funny, and her inner monologues had me laughing my ass off. I adored Maggie's mother too-she was such a force of nature! Maggie put up with so much shit from her asshole mother in law and her asshole step daughter. I'm pretty sure I'd have never lasted in that family the way Maggie did.
I didn't think I'd enjoy Lara at all. She seemed like she had such a stick up her ass through the better half of the story, but once her secrets started to surface, my heart broke for her and her son. This is an awesome story about sisters in law, who slowly forge a strong friendship bond of trust and love between each other, all the while endlessly enduring shittiness from other family members throughout this story. I loved how everything came together and got better by the ending as well. I cannot recommend this story enough!!!
July 16, 2019
Jesu li vas ikad učili da dobro pripazite kome zavidite, a da još oprezniji budete sa željama za sebe? Svemir, karma ili netko treći jako se često pobrine da nam se taj predmet gorke žudnje i želje nekako obije o glavu, obično s rezultatom omamljenosti i dugotrajne nemogućnosti za sve što dolazi iza.
Sigurno je i Maggie, koliko god tvrdila da je to ne dira, na tisuće puta poželjela muškarca koji će njoj i njezinom sinu ponuditi dom, ljubav, emocionalnu i financijsku sigurnost. Sigurnost, toliko željenu, a mnogima opet nedostupnu. Naučila se Maggie da je ona predstavnica treće generacije žena u svojoj obitelji koja se nekim čudom podiže bez supruga. A ipak, Maggie u svojim tridesetima bosonoga, s jednim suncokretom u ruci, korača prema matičaru, pored kojeg je čeka netko za koga je bila uvjerena da ne postoji. Nico, čovjek njezinog života.
Koračajući prema oltaru osjeća tisuću pogleda na sebi, poglede koji su kao noževi zalijepljeni na njezina leđa. Ali Maggie u moru pogleda ne može razaznati da netko u potpunosti zna kako se ona osjeća, iako iza svoje hladne fasade to ni u jednom trenutku ne pokazuje. Lara, supruga Nicova brata Massima, zna u kakvu obitelj Maggie ulazi. Ali Maggie će, iz dana u dan, iz tajne u tajnu, i sama shvaćati što se krije iza fasade jedne moćne tradicionalne, dobrostojeće obitelji.
Iako iza sebe ima već sedam objavljenih romana, s romanom Poslušna žena (prvi njezin roman preveden na hrvatski jezik) spisateljica Kerry Fisher postigla je veliki uspjeh i postala primijećena na međunarodnoj izdavačkoj sceni.
Nije za čuditi se jer je roman Poslušna žena pravi magnet za širu publiku. Iako se fokusira na teške i osjetljive teme, roman se lako i brzo čita, jednostavno je pisan, a na kolo (ne)sreće postavlja mnoga pitanja.
Što se događa u glavi žene koja kao da nije dostojna obitelji koju je dobila kao ''bonus'' udajom za voljenog čovjeka? Kako se ta obitelj ponaša prema jednom ''stranom tijelu''? Krije li se iza mramorne fasade jedne dobrostojeće obitelji nekoliko jako gnjusnih tajni koje bi lako mogle srušiti sve? Garantira li situiranost sigurnost za kojom toliko žeđamo?
Na sva navedena pitanja autorica postepeno otkriva odgovore (od kojih su neki ipak nepotpuni i djelomice površni), čime je stvorila jednu zanimljivu i brzogoreću obiteljsku dramu, bez obzira na to što je ista proizašla iz jednog kalupa koji je već mnogo puta viđen, a u kojeg se primjerice savršeno uklapaju vještica od svekrve ili naizgled brižni i ljubazni mužev brat.
Ipak, po završetku čitanja ostao sam sjediti s jednim osjećajem zakinutosti, da ne kažem prevarenosti, jer je radnja ovog romana bila miljama daleko od onoga što bi se moglo nazvati trilerom. Emocionalnim, psihološkim, obiteljskim... nema ga.
Očito je kako se autorica radnjom ovog romana htjela suočiti s mnogim pitanjima vezanima uz obiteljski život, pitanjima koja se prečesto ne postavljaju, i time udariti na zaista širok spektar emocija. Ipak, onaj dio emocionalnog spektra koji se podrazumijeva za čitanje trilera ostao je negdje duboko u hibernaciji i njegova odsutnost je bolno primjetna. Maggie i Lara, kao pripovjedačice iz čijih perspektiva pratimo događaje u obitelji Farinelli nisu uspjele ispripovijedati jedan triler. One su ponudile izvrstan materijal za obiteljsku dramu, ali za triler ne.
Ako vaše čitalačko raspoloženje traži brzogoreću obiteljsku dramu u stilu nekih velikih i dobrih starih sapunica, Poslušna žena je roman za vas. Ali ako tražite triler kao što naslovnica ovog romana sugerira, možda bi bilo bolje da pokucate na neka druga vrata.
Sigurno je i Maggie, koliko god tvrdila da je to ne dira, na tisuće puta poželjela muškarca koji će njoj i njezinom sinu ponuditi dom, ljubav, emocionalnu i financijsku sigurnost. Sigurnost, toliko željenu, a mnogima opet nedostupnu. Naučila se Maggie da je ona predstavnica treće generacije žena u svojoj obitelji koja se nekim čudom podiže bez supruga. A ipak, Maggie u svojim tridesetima bosonoga, s jednim suncokretom u ruci, korača prema matičaru, pored kojeg je čeka netko za koga je bila uvjerena da ne postoji. Nico, čovjek njezinog života.
Koračajući prema oltaru osjeća tisuću pogleda na sebi, poglede koji su kao noževi zalijepljeni na njezina leđa. Ali Maggie u moru pogleda ne može razaznati da netko u potpunosti zna kako se ona osjeća, iako iza svoje hladne fasade to ni u jednom trenutku ne pokazuje. Lara, supruga Nicova brata Massima, zna u kakvu obitelj Maggie ulazi. Ali Maggie će, iz dana u dan, iz tajne u tajnu, i sama shvaćati što se krije iza fasade jedne moćne tradicionalne, dobrostojeće obitelji.
Iako iza sebe ima već sedam objavljenih romana, s romanom Poslušna žena (prvi njezin roman preveden na hrvatski jezik) spisateljica Kerry Fisher postigla je veliki uspjeh i postala primijećena na međunarodnoj izdavačkoj sceni.
Nije za čuditi se jer je roman Poslušna žena pravi magnet za širu publiku. Iako se fokusira na teške i osjetljive teme, roman se lako i brzo čita, jednostavno je pisan, a na kolo (ne)sreće postavlja mnoga pitanja.
Što se događa u glavi žene koja kao da nije dostojna obitelji koju je dobila kao ''bonus'' udajom za voljenog čovjeka? Kako se ta obitelj ponaša prema jednom ''stranom tijelu''? Krije li se iza mramorne fasade jedne dobrostojeće obitelji nekoliko jako gnjusnih tajni koje bi lako mogle srušiti sve? Garantira li situiranost sigurnost za kojom toliko žeđamo?
Na sva navedena pitanja autorica postepeno otkriva odgovore (od kojih su neki ipak nepotpuni i djelomice površni), čime je stvorila jednu zanimljivu i brzogoreću obiteljsku dramu, bez obzira na to što je ista proizašla iz jednog kalupa koji je već mnogo puta viđen, a u kojeg se primjerice savršeno uklapaju vještica od svekrve ili naizgled brižni i ljubazni mužev brat.
Ipak, po završetku čitanja ostao sam sjediti s jednim osjećajem zakinutosti, da ne kažem prevarenosti, jer je radnja ovog romana bila miljama daleko od onoga što bi se moglo nazvati trilerom. Emocionalnim, psihološkim, obiteljskim... nema ga.
Očito je kako se autorica radnjom ovog romana htjela suočiti s mnogim pitanjima vezanima uz obiteljski život, pitanjima koja se prečesto ne postavljaju, i time udariti na zaista širok spektar emocija. Ipak, onaj dio emocionalnog spektra koji se podrazumijeva za čitanje trilera ostao je negdje duboko u hibernaciji i njegova odsutnost je bolno primjetna. Maggie i Lara, kao pripovjedačice iz čijih perspektiva pratimo događaje u obitelji Farinelli nisu uspjele ispripovijedati jedan triler. One su ponudile izvrstan materijal za obiteljsku dramu, ali za triler ne.
Ako vaše čitalačko raspoloženje traži brzogoreću obiteljsku dramu u stilu nekih velikih i dobrih starih sapunica, Poslušna žena je roman za vas. Ali ako tražite triler kao što naslovnica ovog romana sugerira, možda bi bilo bolje da pokucate na neka druga vrata.
September 15, 2022
*3+ stars*
A high 3+ stars for this audiobook. The one hiccup for me was that it very much reminded me of another book, and I couldn’t shake the deja-vu feeling throughout this read. (I won’t say which book it reminded me of so that you can avoid having that book on your mind the whole time too 😏).
That said, I really enjoyed the exploration of family dynamics in The Silent Wife. Alternating between the viewpoints of sisters-in-law, Maggie and Lara, this novel explores their families and the effects of upbringing, appearances, relationships, and secrets. Despite the deja-by feeling I had with this one, the narrator of the audio version did a great job bringing these characters to life and giving the story its own flair. Overall, a good read.
A high 3+ stars for this audiobook. The one hiccup for me was that it very much reminded me of another book, and I couldn’t shake the deja-vu feeling throughout this read. (I won’t say which book it reminded me of so that you can avoid having that book on your mind the whole time too 😏).
That said, I really enjoyed the exploration of family dynamics in The Silent Wife. Alternating between the viewpoints of sisters-in-law, Maggie and Lara, this novel explores their families and the effects of upbringing, appearances, relationships, and secrets. Despite the deja-by feeling I had with this one, the narrator of the audio version did a great job bringing these characters to life and giving the story its own flair. Overall, a good read.
November 23, 2023
Secrets.
As the book cover asks, "Would you risk everything for the man you loved? Even if you knew he'd done something terrible?"
As the book cover asks, "Would you risk everything for the man you loved? Even if you knew he'd done something terrible?"
July 30, 2023
Prava ljetna drama za čitanje na plaži.
February 13, 2017
Absolutely awesome read! And yes, it's one of those you cannot put down and won't want to put down. The farther I got into the book, the more I was into the book.
The Farinelli's have lived on the same street for years. Their mother, Anna, lives in the childhood home alone. While the oldest brother, Massimo, lives with his second wife of 10 years, Lara, and their child Sandro next door to his youngest brother, Nico. Massimo is divorced from his first wife who did not want children. Nico is currently newly married to his second wife, Maggie, after losing his first wife, Caitlyn, nearly 3 years ago to cancer. Maggie has a son, Sam and Nico has a daughter, Francesco.
The dynamics of this family are so crazy. I'm not going to go into them - I'm not spoiling it for anyone. I will tell you that at one point I did hit the bed and scream "yes, yes, yes" when a certain someone got their comeuppance and I LOVED IT!
I just can say how much I enjoyed this book. I love it when people who are being buttheads get theirs and there are several buttheads in this book. This will definitely be one of my top reads for 2017!
Huge thanks to Bookouture for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
The Farinelli's have lived on the same street for years. Their mother, Anna, lives in the childhood home alone. While the oldest brother, Massimo, lives with his second wife of 10 years, Lara, and their child Sandro next door to his youngest brother, Nico. Massimo is divorced from his first wife who did not want children. Nico is currently newly married to his second wife, Maggie, after losing his first wife, Caitlyn, nearly 3 years ago to cancer. Maggie has a son, Sam and Nico has a daughter, Francesco.
The dynamics of this family are so crazy. I'm not going to go into them - I'm not spoiling it for anyone. I will tell you that at one point I did hit the bed and scream "yes, yes, yes" when a certain someone got their comeuppance and I LOVED IT!
I just can say how much I enjoyed this book. I love it when people who are being buttheads get theirs and there are several buttheads in this book. This will definitely be one of my top reads for 2017!
Huge thanks to Bookouture for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2020
Many thanks to Estelle at Forever for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review
"When you life is a lie... how far will you go to protect the truth?
If Lisa Jewell wrote a thriller version of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, that would be this book. It was a quick and fascinating read although not totally mind blowing.
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I talked about this book in my latest booktube video!
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August 16, 2017
Kerry Fisher’s writing always draws me in from the first page and grips me until the last. I need to clear my schedule before starting one of her books because I know I won’t want to put it down.
The Silent Wife is absolutely fabulous! It’s about families and the complicated webs that exist within them, about how people lie to protect themselves and others. I loved the way that Ms Fisher slowly revealed the family’s secrets and how she created such real and raw emotion along the way. The female characters are strong and individual, yet bound together by the men in their lives and by their children. There is a clear sense of how dynamics shift when another woman enters a family and how the matriarch is not always who you expect.
This novel is gripping, exciting, page turning and addictive and I loved every page.
The Silent Wife is absolutely fabulous! It’s about families and the complicated webs that exist within them, about how people lie to protect themselves and others. I loved the way that Ms Fisher slowly revealed the family’s secrets and how she created such real and raw emotion along the way. The female characters are strong and individual, yet bound together by the men in their lives and by their children. There is a clear sense of how dynamics shift when another woman enters a family and how the matriarch is not always who you expect.
This novel is gripping, exciting, page turning and addictive and I loved every page.
February 10, 2019
I was so disappointed with this book it has been on my want to read list for a while. I found a copy and brought it home to read and I could not read it. As I was reading it there was no editing done on this book it dawned on me it's self published and that's why I could not read it. Please know that I did not read it for long and had to give up.
November 22, 2020
I should have know better when the word 'wife' appears in the title of the book.
The Silent Wife was a bust for me.
In a note by the author, Ms. Fisher explains she wanted to write a story based on women and second marriages and the difficulties these wives have to endure.
I call false advertising because The Silent Wife is not about the travails of second wives and the expectations they have to live up to with their new families.
Rather, its nothing more than a story about a weak woman named Lara who needs a man to validate her self worth which explains why she calls her husband Massimo a bully when he really is a wife beater and abuser who terrorizes his wife and sensitive son, Sandro.
The second wife, Maggie, has to deal with a bratty stepdaughter and a doormat of a husband, Nico, the younger brother of Massimo.
With a son from a previous relationship, she has to negotiate dealing with the idol status Massimo's first wife, Caitlin, lays claim to after dying young from cancer.
When she discovers Caitlin was having an affair, she makes the decision to hide the truth from her husband and stepdaughter, hoping to preserve Caitlin's reputation for the sake of her new family.
There are too many corny cliches to count here including:
1. Both Lara and Maggie have no positive father role models though in Lara's defense her dad has dementia.
2. Of course, Massimo is charismatic and gorgeous because all abusers are HOT, right?
3. Lara's father, Bob, spills the beans on the adultering which leads to the climax of the story.
Also, it was never fully explained when Bob saw Caitlin and Massimo doing the nasty.
4. I deplored Lara, an accomplished, educated woman with no backbone and falls for the attentions of a 'handsome' man because he makes her feel special, not because of what she has achieved in her professional life.
She needs a man to validate herself. And even though she's raised by a single father after losing her mother in a car accident, she lets herself be forced into giving up her identity and her financial security to end up relying on a man for everything.
And that's not the worst of it. Usually, by the end of the book, the characters have evolved, changed, grown, but I didn't get that feeling from Lara.
If her dad hadn't spilled the beans (saved by a man!) I believe Lara would have remained in her abusive marriage.
5. I didn't dislike Maggie but I also didn't like her, especially those moments that felt like she was overcompensating from not being educated and her tooting her own horn at being poor as reverse bragging when she bristled at Massimo's and Nico's mother looking down on her and her mother, Beryl.
You're from the wrong side of the tracks! Of course your mother in law will see you as a gold digger. What do you expect? Hugs and kisses!
6. Let's not forget Massimo's first wife, Dawn, who appears as the clutch to tip the story even further into cornball material, when she reveals the true reason she and Massimo divorced. Shocker! He lied!
Maggie can't conceive of her sophisticated brother in law doing such a thing because DE-NILE isn't just a river in Egypt.
7. I did like Beryl, her loyalty and love for her grandson and daughter was sincere and genuine and her appearance in certain scenes was a lifesaver, literally.
I can't recommend The Silent Wife because it was nothing more than another Lifetime movie for people who like to read about smart women who do dumb things.
Btw, what's with all the novels lately that feature an ailing parent with dementia and/or Alzheimer's? I'm starting to freak out a little bit.
The Silent Wife was a bust for me.
In a note by the author, Ms. Fisher explains she wanted to write a story based on women and second marriages and the difficulties these wives have to endure.
I call false advertising because The Silent Wife is not about the travails of second wives and the expectations they have to live up to with their new families.
Rather, its nothing more than a story about a weak woman named Lara who needs a man to validate her self worth which explains why she calls her husband Massimo a bully when he really is a wife beater and abuser who terrorizes his wife and sensitive son, Sandro.
The second wife, Maggie, has to deal with a bratty stepdaughter and a doormat of a husband, Nico, the younger brother of Massimo.
With a son from a previous relationship, she has to negotiate dealing with the idol status Massimo's first wife, Caitlin, lays claim to after dying young from cancer.
When she discovers Caitlin was having an affair, she makes the decision to hide the truth from her husband and stepdaughter, hoping to preserve Caitlin's reputation for the sake of her new family.
There are too many corny cliches to count here including:
1. Both Lara and Maggie have no positive father role models though in Lara's defense her dad has dementia.
2. Of course, Massimo is charismatic and gorgeous because all abusers are HOT, right?
3. Lara's father, Bob, spills the beans on the adultering which leads to the climax of the story.
Also, it was never fully explained when Bob saw Caitlin and Massimo doing the nasty.
4. I deplored Lara, an accomplished, educated woman with no backbone and falls for the attentions of a 'handsome' man because he makes her feel special, not because of what she has achieved in her professional life.
She needs a man to validate herself. And even though she's raised by a single father after losing her mother in a car accident, she lets herself be forced into giving up her identity and her financial security to end up relying on a man for everything.
And that's not the worst of it. Usually, by the end of the book, the characters have evolved, changed, grown, but I didn't get that feeling from Lara.
If her dad hadn't spilled the beans (saved by a man!) I believe Lara would have remained in her abusive marriage.
5. I didn't dislike Maggie but I also didn't like her, especially those moments that felt like she was overcompensating from not being educated and her tooting her own horn at being poor as reverse bragging when she bristled at Massimo's and Nico's mother looking down on her and her mother, Beryl.
You're from the wrong side of the tracks! Of course your mother in law will see you as a gold digger. What do you expect? Hugs and kisses!
6. Let's not forget Massimo's first wife, Dawn, who appears as the clutch to tip the story even further into cornball material, when she reveals the true reason she and Massimo divorced. Shocker! He lied!
Maggie can't conceive of her sophisticated brother in law doing such a thing because DE-NILE isn't just a river in Egypt.
7. I did like Beryl, her loyalty and love for her grandson and daughter was sincere and genuine and her appearance in certain scenes was a lifesaver, literally.
I can't recommend The Silent Wife because it was nothing more than another Lifetime movie for people who like to read about smart women who do dumb things.
Btw, what's with all the novels lately that feature an ailing parent with dementia and/or Alzheimer's? I'm starting to freak out a little bit.
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