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The Wife's Revenge
Sometimes the lie is safer than the truth.
Fran made the biggest mistake of her life when she had an affair with Ben. Both families live in the village of Oakheart; their children are friends. Fran’s guilt shadows her days. But it’s no more than she deserves, or is it? At least she’s managed to protect her husband, Hector, from the harsh truth.
But for how long?
Tessa has left her troubles in the past and now has the perfect life. Ben might have his faults, but his life has not been easy. They need each other, and Tessa will do whatever it takes to eliminate any threats to her marriage.
Threats from women like Fran.
A cliff overlooks a disused chalk-pit. The locals call it High Heaven. It’s a place of secrets. And it’s where Oakheart newcomer Maria died. When Fran discovers a link between Maria and Ben, disturbing questions arise to which she has no way of knowing the answers.
Faced with an ultimatum from Tessa, time is running out for Fran. She’s scared, every minute of every day.
But where does the real danger lie?
Fran made the biggest mistake of her life when she had an affair with Ben. Both families live in the village of Oakheart; their children are friends. Fran’s guilt shadows her days. But it’s no more than she deserves, or is it? At least she’s managed to protect her husband, Hector, from the harsh truth.
But for how long?
Tessa has left her troubles in the past and now has the perfect life. Ben might have his faults, but his life has not been easy. They need each other, and Tessa will do whatever it takes to eliminate any threats to her marriage.
Threats from women like Fran.
A cliff overlooks a disused chalk-pit. The locals call it High Heaven. It’s a place of secrets. And it’s where Oakheart newcomer Maria died. When Fran discovers a link between Maria and Ben, disturbing questions arise to which she has no way of knowing the answers.
Faced with an ultimatum from Tessa, time is running out for Fran. She’s scared, every minute of every day.
But where does the real danger lie?
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2023
974 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Deirdre Palmer
21 books39 followersDeirdre writes women’s fiction, with strong themes of family, friendship and love, and the challenges ordinary people face in their everyday lives. She also writes under the name Zara Thorne. Her novels are published by Crooked Cat and Fabrian Books.
Deirdre also writes short stories and is published by D C Thomson for The People’s Friend magazine.
Find out more about Deirdre and her writing here:
http://deirdrepalmer.com/
https://www.facebook.com/deirdre.palm...
https://twitter.com/DLPalmer_Writer
https://uk.pinterest.com/deirdrepalmer2/
Deirdre also writes short stories and is published by D C Thomson for The People’s Friend magazine.
Find out more about Deirdre and her writing here:
http://deirdrepalmer.com/
https://www.facebook.com/deirdre.palm...
https://twitter.com/DLPalmer_Writer
https://uk.pinterest.com/deirdrepalmer2/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
January 6, 2020
I personally found the first chapter quite hard to get into.
About The Wife's Revenge
Sometimes the truth is safer than the truth
Fran made the biggest mistake of her life when she had an affair with Ben. Both families live in the village of Oakheart, their children are friends. Fran's guilt shadows her days. But it's no more than she deserves, or is it? At least she's managed to protect her husband, Hector, from the harsh truth.
But for how long?
Tessa has left her troubles in the past and now has the perfect life. Ben might have his faults, but his life has not been easy. They need each other, and Tessa will do whatever it takes to eliminate any threats to her marriage.
Threats from women like Fran.
A cliff overlooks a disused chalk pit. The locals call it High Heaven. It's a place of secrets. And it's where Oakheart newcomer Maria died. When Fran discovers a link between Maria and Ben, disturbing questions arise to which she has no way of knowing the answers.
Faced with an ultimatum from Tessa, time is running out for Fran. She's scared, every minute of the day. But where does real danger lie.
About The Wife's Revenge
Sometimes the truth is safer than the truth
Fran made the biggest mistake of her life when she had an affair with Ben. Both families live in the village of Oakheart, their children are friends. Fran's guilt shadows her days. But it's no more than she deserves, or is it? At least she's managed to protect her husband, Hector, from the harsh truth.
But for how long?
Tessa has left her troubles in the past and now has the perfect life. Ben might have his faults, but his life has not been easy. They need each other, and Tessa will do whatever it takes to eliminate any threats to her marriage.
Threats from women like Fran.
A cliff overlooks a disused chalk pit. The locals call it High Heaven. It's a place of secrets. And it's where Oakheart newcomer Maria died. When Fran discovers a link between Maria and Ben, disturbing questions arise to which she has no way of knowing the answers.
Faced with an ultimatum from Tessa, time is running out for Fran. She's scared, every minute of the day. But where does real danger lie.
July 20, 2023
This was a difficult book to get into. The story starts out very slow and has detailed minutiae of both women’s everyday life, which is tedious. The audiobook (and the book) are told from two different women’s point of views that sound similar, both in tone and in writing so it’s difficult sometimes to discern who is who. And because it’s told from both points of view, there’s no real tension or drama created since you know exactly what both characters are thinking and have planned. The ending felt rushed after such a bogged down story. This one just wasn’t for me.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #Dreamscape_Media for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #Dreamscape_Media for an honest review.
July 21, 2023
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the narration on this book! Tamsin does a wonderful job but it was a little hard to distinguish between the two main female characters voices, especially when I would start playing the book after some time and it took me a few minutes to remember which character was speaking. The plot is as old as time. Scorned woman wants revenge on the other woman her husband had an affair with. If you like domestic thrillers, give this book a shot!
I really enjoyed the narration on this book! Tamsin does a wonderful job but it was a little hard to distinguish between the two main female characters voices, especially when I would start playing the book after some time and it took me a few minutes to remember which character was speaking. The plot is as old as time. Scorned woman wants revenge on the other woman her husband had an affair with. If you like domestic thrillers, give this book a shot!
July 26, 2023
This one left a lot to be desired. As a story that is supposed to be a thriller it was honestly quite boring. Sure, there were a couple intense parts but there wasn’t a ton of action to keep me captivated. It felt pretty blah all the way through the end.
🌀Synopsis
Ben and Fran have an affair. It doesn’t last very long and Fran realizes that it’s just a fling. She doesn’t love Ben and their intense romance was just pure lust. She loves her family and her husband but now she must live with her secret.
It’s nearly two years later when Ben’s wife Tessa confronts Fran. She knew about the affair the entire time and now she wants Fran to admit it to her husband in order to destroy their family. Fran refuses. She does find out that Ben’s precious lover committed suicide but she is suspicious.
Ben is not ready to let Fran go, though, and in one final attempt he tries to get her back one last time.
🌀Synopsis
Ben and Fran have an affair. It doesn’t last very long and Fran realizes that it’s just a fling. She doesn’t love Ben and their intense romance was just pure lust. She loves her family and her husband but now she must live with her secret.
It’s nearly two years later when Ben’s wife Tessa confronts Fran. She knew about the affair the entire time and now she wants Fran to admit it to her husband in order to destroy their family. Fran refuses. She does find out that Ben’s precious lover committed suicide but she is suspicious.
Ben is not ready to let Fran go, though, and in one final attempt he tries to get her back one last time.
July 27, 2023
Fran did something with another woman’s husband and she shouldn’t have and although she has felt guilty ever since that wasn’t her biggest problem Tessa the man’s wife is trying her best to be friends with Fran and get her to help with a nonprofit when she reluctantly agreed to do it it will just be one more thing Fran ultimately regrets. This was a great book and I believe this is the first book I have read by Deirdre Palmer but has since download it others I have listen to other books narrated by Tenzin Connard and love her narration she has great character distinction and evokes the right emotion and has a beautiful accent. I love this book and highly recommend it I find Miss Palmer knows how to build up the tension and keep you on the edge of your seat and the narrator only magnified that and made it so much more intense. I highly recommend this book I want to thank net galley and dreamscape media for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
October 19, 2019
A fun story about affairs and revenge and of course twists.
Fran made a mistake 2 years ago, Tessa knew her husband was not the faithful types. Living in the same village with children in the same school, their lives intersected occasionally until Tessa started calling on Fran frequently. Strange things happened to Fran like chilli in a cupcake, strange phone calls from the school, etc. And the fun began...
My first book by author Deirdre Palmer, the story appeared straightforward where I got to know both the women's POV. I think I have a bit if Tessa in me who wanted revenge. The writing was clear, but twisted along with the human psyche.
The vibe the book gave me was that something momentous was about to happen and all was not as it appeared to be. I read the book in anticipation of the twist that would throw me off scent. And the author did not disappoint. Both the ending chapters showed me one thing that I always believed in
Revenge is a dish best served cold...
Being a thrill seeker in books, I wanted more twists right from the beginning of the story. Overall, it was a fabulous read which slightly quenched my bloodthirsty heart. I need more such books!!
Fran made a mistake 2 years ago, Tessa knew her husband was not the faithful types. Living in the same village with children in the same school, their lives intersected occasionally until Tessa started calling on Fran frequently. Strange things happened to Fran like chilli in a cupcake, strange phone calls from the school, etc. And the fun began...
My first book by author Deirdre Palmer, the story appeared straightforward where I got to know both the women's POV. I think I have a bit if Tessa in me who wanted revenge. The writing was clear, but twisted along with the human psyche.
The vibe the book gave me was that something momentous was about to happen and all was not as it appeared to be. I read the book in anticipation of the twist that would throw me off scent. And the author did not disappoint. Both the ending chapters showed me one thing that I always believed in
Revenge is a dish best served cold...
Being a thrill seeker in books, I wanted more twists right from the beginning of the story. Overall, it was a fabulous read which slightly quenched my bloodthirsty heart. I need more such books!!
November 8, 2023
3.75⭐️
Tell a lie once, and all your truths begin to crumble one by one…
Fran made the biggest mistake of her life when she had an affair with Ben.
Meanwhile, Ben and his wife Tessa seem stronger than ever, though Fran knows that things aren't always as they appear or are they?
When Tessa begins trying to get closer to Fran, she’s scared – scared of what Tessa might do, of what she might lose.
A woman's scorned.
How long will you finally snap when your husband keeps cheating on you?
The story was slow at first but turns out to be fast paced with each new page worth turning with a good ending.
I'll definitely read more books by this author.
Thanks NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for this Audiobook.
Tell a lie once, and all your truths begin to crumble one by one…
Fran made the biggest mistake of her life when she had an affair with Ben.
Meanwhile, Ben and his wife Tessa seem stronger than ever, though Fran knows that things aren't always as they appear or are they?
When Tessa begins trying to get closer to Fran, she’s scared – scared of what Tessa might do, of what she might lose.
A woman's scorned.
How long will you finally snap when your husband keeps cheating on you?
The story was slow at first but turns out to be fast paced with each new page worth turning with a good ending.
I'll definitely read more books by this author.
Thanks NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for this Audiobook.
October 22, 2019
The Wife’s Revenge is a fabulous psychological suspense slash domestic noir mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I found Fran to be a three-dimensional believable character, caught in a web of her own making but desperately trying to put things right and behind her. Despite her problems, she is a sympathetic character and goes to show that clearly no one is perfect.
I like the dual narrative device and the tension builds well, from the captivating opening, throughout the gripping story, right up to its excellent ending.
The book is cleverly-plotted and well-paced and I absolutely thought I knew where the story was going but was wrong! I love that. :)
Regardless of the direction of your suspicions, the journey is an engrossing and enjoyable one and I would definitely read more in this genre from Deirdre Palmer.
With thanks to the publishers for my copy of The Wife’s Revenge and to Rachel Gilbey of Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the blog tour.
I found Fran to be a three-dimensional believable character, caught in a web of her own making but desperately trying to put things right and behind her. Despite her problems, she is a sympathetic character and goes to show that clearly no one is perfect.
I like the dual narrative device and the tension builds well, from the captivating opening, throughout the gripping story, right up to its excellent ending.
The book is cleverly-plotted and well-paced and I absolutely thought I knew where the story was going but was wrong! I love that. :)
Regardless of the direction of your suspicions, the journey is an engrossing and enjoyable one and I would definitely read more in this genre from Deirdre Palmer.
With thanks to the publishers for my copy of The Wife’s Revenge and to Rachel Gilbey of Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the blog tour.
November 9, 2019
Wow, loved this book. It built from a gradual start to a thrilling climax with a clever twist. The dual narrative was perfectly balanced and I felt sympathy for both women despite their flaws and questionable behaviour. The scenes are brilliantly set with just the right amount of description. I loved the portrayal of family life too. There was a steadily building tension as the consequences of the fling threatened to implode into everyone’s lives, including the children. This is a story of guilt, secrets, love and revenge, Deirdre Palmer’s first psychological thriller - I’m looking forward to her next one.
May 8, 2023
This was an ARC from Netgalley and won't be released until 27 June 2023.
A good psychological thriller following the lives of Fran and Tessa who live in a village in Sussex where everyone knows each other.
Fran had an affair with Tessa's husband, Ben, a few years earlier and dreads her husband, Hector, and her three daughters finding out about it.
As the title suggests, Tessa is aware of the affair and is not going to let Fran off lightly.
I did enjoy the bookand there were a few twists and turns to get your teeth into. Fran is an ordinary wife and mother, who many will resonate with. I didn't really feel as much sympathy for her as I possibly should have, nor did I feel sorry for Tessa. What transpires at the end of the book I felt should have had more discussion throughout the story but nevertheless an enjoyable read. 4🌟
A good psychological thriller following the lives of Fran and Tessa who live in a village in Sussex where everyone knows each other.
Fran had an affair with Tessa's husband, Ben, a few years earlier and dreads her husband, Hector, and her three daughters finding out about it.
As the title suggests, Tessa is aware of the affair and is not going to let Fran off lightly.
I did enjoy the bookand there were a few twists and turns to get your teeth into. Fran is an ordinary wife and mother, who many will resonate with. I didn't really feel as much sympathy for her as I possibly should have, nor did I feel sorry for Tessa. What transpires at the end of the book I felt should have had more discussion throughout the story but nevertheless an enjoyable read. 4🌟
June 12, 2023
Wow, what a read! I love a book that features a character you’re not supposed to like, but you end up liking them anyway. This book has so many fleshed out characters with their own unique personalities that evolve as they try to navigate an infidelity. If you like suspense, twists and turns up until the very end, and old cat ladies (yes, I’m serious), give this one a go.
July 28, 2023
Really enjoyed this thriller. In classic domestic thriller fashion, someone is cheating and someone will not tolerate it! Well written and captivating the author spins a very tangled web of deceit. So who really is the enemy?
April 22, 2024
Started out a bit slow and then I couldn’t put it down. Great read.
November 19, 2019
The Wife’s Revenge is a solid, entertaining, suspense novel about the sweetness of revenge. My first novel from Deirdre Palmer was compelling and I enjoyed it very much.
This story is told in dual POVs. Tessa, the wife and Fran, the other woman. Both characters were well written and felt like they could be real people. I felt a relation to both characters and that made this story intriguing to me.
I’ll admit, the novel starts off a bit slow. However, when it picks up, the mystery kicks in and it gets more exciting. I really enjoyed how the story wrapped up and it felt complete.
Overall, this is a fun Revenge novel that is worth a read. Definitely give it a shot if you enjoy thrillers!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
This story is told in dual POVs. Tessa, the wife and Fran, the other woman. Both characters were well written and felt like they could be real people. I felt a relation to both characters and that made this story intriguing to me.
I’ll admit, the novel starts off a bit slow. However, when it picks up, the mystery kicks in and it gets more exciting. I really enjoyed how the story wrapped up and it felt complete.
Overall, this is a fun Revenge novel that is worth a read. Definitely give it a shot if you enjoy thrillers!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
July 26, 2023
I did not enjoy this book. I found it to be long, boring, and unrealistic.
Tessa knows that her husband is cheating, he has done it many times. And he knows that she knows. Instead of being mad at him, she decides to torture the other party. Yes, i am very aware of blame shifting, but at a certain point it becomes too obvious to keep doing that. Also, the torture of the other woman, Fran, is very minimal and takes place over two years. More minor nusiances rather than anything big. I finished it solely because i got it from NetGalley or i would have binned it long ago.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my copy of this audiobook
Tessa knows that her husband is cheating, he has done it many times. And he knows that she knows. Instead of being mad at him, she decides to torture the other party. Yes, i am very aware of blame shifting, but at a certain point it becomes too obvious to keep doing that. Also, the torture of the other woman, Fran, is very minimal and takes place over two years. More minor nusiances rather than anything big. I finished it solely because i got it from NetGalley or i would have binned it long ago.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my copy of this audiobook
September 13, 2023
The Wife's Revenge by Deirdre Palmer Narrated by Tamsin Kennard was an unputdownable psychological thriller which was full of shocking twists and turns. I loved it from start to finish it.
Tell a lie, just a small one and all your truths will begin to crumble all around you one by one! Fran made her biggest mistake of her life and had an affair with Ben. The worst part of it all Both Fran and Ben families live in a small, tight-knit town of Oakheart, their daughters are the best of friends.
But the relationship is over, sadly her guilt haunts her every waking moment of every day!. She tries to push it down, but it's always there, simmering just beneath the surface. Fran has managed to keep the truth hidden from her husband. But this secret is eating her up and we all know secrets will come out in the end! so far. The cracks in their marriage are starting to show. Ben and his wife Tessa seem stronger than ever, though Fran knows that things aren't always as they appear. Tessa is trying to get closer to Fran, but, she’s scared – scared of what Tessa might do, of what she might lose. If this secret gets out she will loose everything!
A cliff overlooking the disused chalk pit on the outskirts of town, which is a place of secrets. A woman, tragically died there, years ago, a woman who – Fran is shocked to discover – had a connection to Ben. The more she digs, the more she realises that the people around her aren’t who she thought they were at all.
The truth is out there, somewhere….......but is Fran brave enough to face it? WoW this audiobook was so good
Tamsin was excellent for this audiobook and did a wonderful job throughout.
Tell a lie, just a small one and all your truths will begin to crumble all around you one by one! Fran made her biggest mistake of her life and had an affair with Ben. The worst part of it all Both Fran and Ben families live in a small, tight-knit town of Oakheart, their daughters are the best of friends.
But the relationship is over, sadly her guilt haunts her every waking moment of every day!. She tries to push it down, but it's always there, simmering just beneath the surface. Fran has managed to keep the truth hidden from her husband. But this secret is eating her up and we all know secrets will come out in the end! so far. The cracks in their marriage are starting to show. Ben and his wife Tessa seem stronger than ever, though Fran knows that things aren't always as they appear. Tessa is trying to get closer to Fran, but, she’s scared – scared of what Tessa might do, of what she might lose. If this secret gets out she will loose everything!
A cliff overlooking the disused chalk pit on the outskirts of town, which is a place of secrets. A woman, tragically died there, years ago, a woman who – Fran is shocked to discover – had a connection to Ben. The more she digs, the more she realises that the people around her aren’t who she thought they were at all.
The truth is out there, somewhere….......but is Fran brave enough to face it? WoW this audiobook was so good
Tamsin was excellent for this audiobook and did a wonderful job throughout.
September 26, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, Storm Publishing for an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
Busy mom of three, Fran, had a mishap in her marriage, she had a brief affair with the father of her daughters friend, Ben. She was feeling unseen and overwhelmed after her daughters spectrum diagnosis and Ben offered her a respite but her guilt and love for her husband quickly made her end things. She has actively tried to avoid Ben's controlling wife Tessa which has been hard to do in a tiny village and when your daughters are best friends. Odd things have begun to happen to Fran... a chili laced cupcake, anonymous flowers, a threat to her career but is Tessa the one behind it? Likely.
Tessa has always loved Ben and will never let him go, for his own good and hers. She must watch his behaviors and make sure Fran will not destroy Tessa's happy family. Small pranks are fun but she is ready to watch Fran squirm for real. "Tell your husband what you did or I will".
This was a fun domestic thriller with a few twists, not so much on the ending. The game of cat and mouse between Tessa and Fran is enjoyable and keeps the story humming along, especially because the affair takes up very little of the novel itself. I liked most of the characters and enjoyed the dual POV from the main characters. This was my first novel by Deirdre Palmer but I would be interested in more of her work.
I had the audio version read by Tamsin Kennard who I enjoy very much. Her pace is easy and I enjoy listening to her. The two voices were similar so occasionally I wasn't sure who was speaking. I definitely recommend audio books read by her.
Busy mom of three, Fran, had a mishap in her marriage, she had a brief affair with the father of her daughters friend, Ben. She was feeling unseen and overwhelmed after her daughters spectrum diagnosis and Ben offered her a respite but her guilt and love for her husband quickly made her end things. She has actively tried to avoid Ben's controlling wife Tessa which has been hard to do in a tiny village and when your daughters are best friends. Odd things have begun to happen to Fran... a chili laced cupcake, anonymous flowers, a threat to her career but is Tessa the one behind it? Likely.
Tessa has always loved Ben and will never let him go, for his own good and hers. She must watch his behaviors and make sure Fran will not destroy Tessa's happy family. Small pranks are fun but she is ready to watch Fran squirm for real. "Tell your husband what you did or I will".
This was a fun domestic thriller with a few twists, not so much on the ending. The game of cat and mouse between Tessa and Fran is enjoyable and keeps the story humming along, especially because the affair takes up very little of the novel itself. I liked most of the characters and enjoyed the dual POV from the main characters. This was my first novel by Deirdre Palmer but I would be interested in more of her work.
I had the audio version read by Tamsin Kennard who I enjoy very much. Her pace is easy and I enjoy listening to her. The two voices were similar so occasionally I wasn't sure who was speaking. I definitely recommend audio books read by her.
July 23, 2023
Rounded up to a 4 because I totally enjoyed the narration of the audio as well as the authentic parent/child banter throughout the book. And, for a very personal reason I applaud author Deirdre Palmer. Over the last year+ I have read a number of books using Asperger's folks in the story. Several of those misused the Aspie characters as villains, and, instead of advancing the way the world sees neurodivergent folks, those characters personified that different = bad.
What an incredibly lovely surprise to discover one of the three daughters in this novel is not only neurodivergent, but accepted. She fit in the family, and had friends and playdates and clubs. In other words, she was herself and that was ok. The reason this was meaningful for me is I am the parent of a grown up neurodivergent, incredibly wonderful man.
One of the important plot points was the reason why mom cheated on dad, and part of that was the distance which developed at the time the daughter was diagnosed. Dad needed a moment. He initially was in denial while mom, as moms tend to do, immediately jumped in ready to work with the new world and figure things out. Dad needed to grieve and accept. And he did. When my son was young I read a story called "Welcome to Holland" about life you didn't plan, but how wonderful it can be. Highly recommend you google it. The way Palmer wrote the dad very much reminded me of this story and she has mad respect from me.
Is this the best thriller/revenge book you'll ever read? Nope. Should you read it? I wish you would.
What an incredibly lovely surprise to discover one of the three daughters in this novel is not only neurodivergent, but accepted. She fit in the family, and had friends and playdates and clubs. In other words, she was herself and that was ok. The reason this was meaningful for me is I am the parent of a grown up neurodivergent, incredibly wonderful man.
One of the important plot points was the reason why mom cheated on dad, and part of that was the distance which developed at the time the daughter was diagnosed. Dad needed a moment. He initially was in denial while mom, as moms tend to do, immediately jumped in ready to work with the new world and figure things out. Dad needed to grieve and accept. And he did. When my son was young I read a story called "Welcome to Holland" about life you didn't plan, but how wonderful it can be. Highly recommend you google it. The way Palmer wrote the dad very much reminded me of this story and she has mad respect from me.
Is this the best thriller/revenge book you'll ever read? Nope. Should you read it? I wish you would.
July 26, 2023
This one was a bit hard to get into, and it took me about half way through the book for me to actually get invested. Once I did though, it had everything you could want from a Domestic Noir. Lies, deception, revenge, twists and turns.
Two years ago, Fran was involved in an affair with Ben, a neighbor. The two families lived in the same village for years and their children were friends. Fran ended the affair but has lived under the shadow of guilt. Tessa, Ben's wife has always known about her husbands infidelity but chooses to act as if nothing is wrong in order to save her family and the security that comes from being married. However, she decides not to let this affair go by unnoticed. Instead of going to her husband about it, she plots to get her revenge on Fran through a series of acts that are just suspicious enough to have Fran living in fear. The wondering if Tessa will follow through on her threat to tell Fran's husband about the affair will have you on the edge of your seat.
After making it through the first half of the book wondering if I would be able to continue, I found myself wanting to see what would happen next and how it would all end. I am glad I kept going in this instance. I would give it a 3.75 stars if I could but rounded up to 4.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Two years ago, Fran was involved in an affair with Ben, a neighbor. The two families lived in the same village for years and their children were friends. Fran ended the affair but has lived under the shadow of guilt. Tessa, Ben's wife has always known about her husbands infidelity but chooses to act as if nothing is wrong in order to save her family and the security that comes from being married. However, she decides not to let this affair go by unnoticed. Instead of going to her husband about it, she plots to get her revenge on Fran through a series of acts that are just suspicious enough to have Fran living in fear. The wondering if Tessa will follow through on her threat to tell Fran's husband about the affair will have you on the edge of your seat.
After making it through the first half of the book wondering if I would be able to continue, I found myself wanting to see what would happen next and how it would all end. I am glad I kept going in this instance. I would give it a 3.75 stars if I could but rounded up to 4.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2023
Tessa wants revenge on Fran for having an affair with Tessa’s husband Ben. Tessa starts doing things to Fran like sending her flowers, giving her a cake with something in it (I think it was chili pepper) and even going as far as taking the out of service notice off the elevator and leaving a dead badger on Fran’s front steps. Ben has had an affair before, but what happened to Maria?
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ARC. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a good job. This book sounded interesting and I thought the story started out strong, but then it became me waiting for something to happen. And when things did happen, I felt like it was not as thrilling as I wanted it to be. I kept thinking why is Tessa not trying to get revenge on Ben. After all it takes two. And when Ben starts showing up wherever Fran is and confesses he misses Fran, that would give me the motivation to get revenge on Ben, especially considering he has had an affair before. I felt like this story was a slow burn. It was good but I wanted more heart pounding moments.
Also Fran kind of irritated me. I felt she was whiny.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ARC. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a good job. This book sounded interesting and I thought the story started out strong, but then it became me waiting for something to happen. And when things did happen, I felt like it was not as thrilling as I wanted it to be. I kept thinking why is Tessa not trying to get revenge on Ben. After all it takes two. And when Ben starts showing up wherever Fran is and confesses he misses Fran, that would give me the motivation to get revenge on Ben, especially considering he has had an affair before. I felt like this story was a slow burn. It was good but I wanted more heart pounding moments.
Also Fran kind of irritated me. I felt she was whiny.
December 3, 2023
This was a very boring story and dragged on way too long. I knew exactly what was going to happen from the start of the book and even title gives away…. I feel nothing really happened - it was like a soap opera who had episode fillers to get to a plot twist that fell. Nothing surprised me. For a thriller - there was no suspense or wonder for me. There was a lot to be left that could’ve been better. Add more drama. When it would finally get somewhere that could’ve been some good parts- it like was cut out and then nothing really happened and then on top of that- was narrated after the fact. For example the dinner could’ve been dramatic or add something fun to hear. showed a glimpse and then they left and you then have to read Fran talking of what had happened -when the scene could’ve just been told in real time. I would’ve stopped but I don’t like to leave a book unfinished. It annoyed me by the end- I think over hr of Fran being worried Tessa was going to say something when Fran was but didn’t even tell the truth to her husband.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2023
This is the first time for me trying something by this author, and I think I would definitely like to read more of her work. I really enjoy psychological/domestic thrillers, and this one was really well done. A story of a women scorned and betrayed by her husband and set on revenge, or more like removing the threat to her family. Fran made the mistake of having an affair with Ben, and now his wife, Tessa, will do everything she can to eliminate Fran from their lives. Though the plot is quite obvious, the journey to the end of the story is full of twists and turns which made for a gripping storyline and I was completely absorbed in the story. I received this as an audiobook and the narration was done well, bringing the story and characters to life. If you are looking for an engaging thriller you can become immersed in, then you should definitely give this a try!
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for providing a complimentary. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for providing a complimentary. This is my honest and voluntary review.
July 21, 2023
This is an absolute gem of a story with an angry housewife wreaking her revenge. Fran made the biggest mistake of her life when she had an affair with Ben. Both families live in the village of Oakheart, their children are friends. Fran's guilt shadows her days. Tessa has left her troubles in the past and now has the perfect life. Ben might have his faults, but his life has not been easy. They need each other, and Tessa will do whatever it takes to eliminate any threats to her marriage. Threats from women like Fran. This story is told in dual POVs. Tessa, the wife and Fran, the other woman. Both characters were well written and felt like they could be real people. I felt a relation to both characters and that made this story intriguing to me.
Thank you NetGalley, the author and Dreamscape Media
Thank you NetGalley, the author and Dreamscape Media
July 25, 2023
My thanks to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for the advance audiobook copy of this book.
Well developed character driven suspense-thriller. Several years after an affair that she deeply regrets, Fran and her husband have become acquaintances with her former lover, Ben and his wife Tessa. As both couples navigate the sticky issues that accompany such a history and Fran is faced with the consequences of her actions, danger lurks nearby. Without getting into spoiler territory, there are a few well plotted twists and a delicious ending.
Having experienced this book in audiobook format, I was really pleased with the voice actor's talent. She successfully navigated a dual POV book and gave a unique voice to each character.
Recommend!
Well developed character driven suspense-thriller. Several years after an affair that she deeply regrets, Fran and her husband have become acquaintances with her former lover, Ben and his wife Tessa. As both couples navigate the sticky issues that accompany such a history and Fran is faced with the consequences of her actions, danger lurks nearby. Without getting into spoiler territory, there are a few well plotted twists and a delicious ending.
Having experienced this book in audiobook format, I was really pleased with the voice actor's talent. She successfully navigated a dual POV book and gave a unique voice to each character.
Recommend!
July 26, 2023
The thriller that just keeps on thrilling into the epilogue! The Wife’s Revenge. I highly recommend. I listened as an audiobook.. Narrator didn’t try to do different character voices. But was very well done with the narrator staying in her own lane and just reading the book. I did enjoy the book beginning to end. Would be a great summer read as well as a summer listen.. I give thanks and praise to the following for allowing me to review early and give an honest... totally my own opinion I give this book two out stretched arms with ten jazz fingers and two thumbs up!
#NetGalley
#StormPublishingCo.: Publisher
#AudioFactory: Producer
#DeidrePalmer: Author
#TheWife’sRevenge
PublicationDate: July 11, 2023
DON’T BE REMISS LIKE ME,
RUN OUT NOW AND GET YOUR COPY
FOR YOUR NEXT SUMMER READ!
#NetGalley
#StormPublishingCo.: Publisher
#AudioFactory: Producer
#DeidrePalmer: Author
#TheWife’sRevenge
PublicationDate: July 11, 2023
DON’T BE REMISS LIKE ME,
RUN OUT NOW AND GET YOUR COPY
FOR YOUR NEXT SUMMER READ!
September 19, 2024
What in the world did I just read? The book is mostly domestic life of the two main characters, interaction with kids, neighbors and several get togethers. I don’t know if I’m dead inside from reading all the thrillers, but there is nothing remotely thrilling or exciting about this book.
Fran has an affair with Ben (from the same
Village), his wife finds out and wants revenge. There is also a backstory about how one of Ben’s previous mistresses passed away. Anyway there is no mystery it’s just a domestic story with some attempt to thriller situations forced in.
Also Fran’s husband knew? *smh*
Anyway I finished it expecting a twist, but no such luck. Unless random suburban life stories interest you, I’d skip this one
Fran has an affair with Ben (from the same
Village), his wife finds out and wants revenge. There is also a backstory about how one of Ben’s previous mistresses passed away. Anyway there is no mystery it’s just a domestic story with some attempt to thriller situations forced in.
Also Fran’s husband knew? *smh*
Anyway I finished it expecting a twist, but no such luck. Unless random suburban life stories interest you, I’d skip this one
April 15, 2024
The only thing I like about this book is that it's over. I'm sorry, I don't like to be harsh but nothing happened in this book.... NOTHING. There was no thrill, no suspense, no excitement and certainly no 'revenge'.
I didn't DNF this one because I was waiting and waiting for something to happen.... but nothing ever did.
It was long, it was tedious, and just boring to be honest.
The so called 'revenge' was minor inconveniences, I didn't care for any of the characters, and it's the worst book I've read so far this year.
Don't waste your time on this one.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't DNF this one because I was waiting and waiting for something to happen.... but nothing ever did.
It was long, it was tedious, and just boring to be honest.
The so called 'revenge' was minor inconveniences, I didn't care for any of the characters, and it's the worst book I've read so far this year.
Don't waste your time on this one.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2023
A solid 3.5! An easy read (via audiobook) with a decent storyline…but things don’t truly pickup until the 60% mark. The book provides the POVs of two wives who are so opposite of one another. Fran (Wife #1) came off weak, a true pushover and was messy. Wife #2's (Tessa) POV was entertaining, but was often a nuance. I battled on who to root for…both women had their moments in the book.. The last few chapters offered a great build up to the end…which then fell flat and seemed rushed. The narrator was good and kept me listening. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the gifted ARC (audiobook)…as all opinions are my own.
Sidenote: How does one scan a face forensically? 😅🤔
Sidenote: How does one scan a face forensically? 😅🤔
July 28, 2023
A thoroughly enjoyable, and actually for a change realistic story about an affair that kept me turning the pages. Fran is married to Hector. They have three daughters, one of whom( Caitlin) is autistic. At the time of Caitlin's diagnosis, Fran foolishly got swept up in the headiness of an affair with Ben, a serial adulterer. He is married to Tessa. Despite Fran ending the affair over two years ago, Tessa is not a woman to be messed with. Sadly, like most women in her situation, Tessa blames the outside party for the affair and decides to teach Fran a lesson or three. 4 and a half stars
November 21, 2023
I normally prefer audiobooks but actually think I would have preferred reading this one. I found myself losing interest throughout the book despite how interesting the plot seemed. I was initially drawn in but thought the middle of the book was a bit drawn out and tedious. The ending was very exciting though and I think it did save the book. I think this had a lot of potential but didn't quite deliver the way I was expecting. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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