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Be Careful What You Wish For
Two strangers.
Two very different lives.
A chance to escape…or is it?
Her life isn’t as perfect as you think…
Former actress Madi needs to escape from her lonely London life. She’s started to forget things and has the strongest sense she is being watched…
Prue feels suffocated by her claustrophobic village life, especially when she is humiliated in the most public way. Now Prue is desperate for anonymity –whatever the cost.
Two very different lives.
A chance to escape…or is it?
Her life isn’t as perfect as you think…
Former actress Madi needs to escape from her lonely London life. She’s started to forget things and has the strongest sense she is being watched…
Prue feels suffocated by her claustrophobic village life, especially when she is humiliated in the most public way. Now Prue is desperate for anonymity –whatever the cost.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2020
76 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
September 19, 2020
Two strangers agree to swap homes for a month. Prue goes to London and Madi goes to a small Norfolk village. Madi is an actress while Prue is a photographer. Both women are taking breaks from traumatic events that had happened in their lives. The two women quickly make new friends in their temporary lifestyles.
The story is told by the two women's perspectives. There is intrigue and mystery but it's not a thrilling read. Both women needed to escape their mundane lives. They are both likeable characters. Each chapter switches back and forth between the two women but we occasionally hear from a third character who is unknown to us. The story starts off slowly but it soon picks up. This is an enjoyable read with a few interesting twists.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #VivienBrown for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story is told by the two women's perspectives. There is intrigue and mystery but it's not a thrilling read. Both women needed to escape their mundane lives. They are both likeable characters. Each chapter switches back and forth between the two women but we occasionally hear from a third character who is unknown to us. The story starts off slowly but it soon picks up. This is an enjoyable read with a few interesting twists.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #VivienBrown for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this book about two women Madi and Prue who meet online on a house swap site. Both women are looking for a break and decide to change houses for a month.
This book was teaming with great characters and I was hooked from the beginning and didn’t want to put it down.
In my option it was a feel good story despite the fact there was a mysterious vengeful character waiting in the background for the right moment to make their move.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins-One More Chapter for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review
This book was teaming with great characters and I was hooked from the beginning and didn’t want to put it down.
In my option it was a feel good story despite the fact there was a mysterious vengeful character waiting in the background for the right moment to make their move.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins-One More Chapter for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review
August 24, 2020
This was a page-turner and it pulled me right in. Prue, a twenty-four-year-old from a small village swaps homes with Madi, a sixty-two-year-old from London. They both have good reason to get away from home for a month and when the story opens the "Why?" is part of the mystery to be unravelled. The story is told primarily in the POVs of the two women but there is another POV that pops up along the way: that of a bitter stalker that we know from their first writing is going to do some physical damage or kill someone. The big mystery propelling this story is who is the bitter stalker with the plot? I so enjoyed trying to decipher that part of the story.
There's a bit of a tonal shift to the part of the story where we get to know Prue and Madi in the new homes and surroundings they've swapped. It was nice to see how both women had similarities and differences and got to know one another a bit through others. This part of the story felt more like your usual Women's Fiction (I hate that classification but I don't have any other signifier to convey this point) fare with heartwarming themes as both women healed, came out of themselves more and became part of their new communities. I admit that this wasn't the big pull for me as a reader but it did lend a more hopeful tone and certainly did make me hope that neither woman was done in by the book's end.
No spoilers but this did end very well. I had my suspicions about the bitter stalker's identity as more characters were introduced but there was always one important thing that the reader doesn't have the answer or any clue to before the denouement. That was a bit frustrating but that's just a personal preference for how I like my mystery reads to proceed. The cover hints at a darker tale than I felt this resolved into but I do love the cover. It's what caught my eye and part of why I requested the ARC.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the Advance Reader's Copy of this book.
There's a bit of a tonal shift to the part of the story where we get to know Prue and Madi in the new homes and surroundings they've swapped. It was nice to see how both women had similarities and differences and got to know one another a bit through others. This part of the story felt more like your usual Women's Fiction (I hate that classification but I don't have any other signifier to convey this point) fare with heartwarming themes as both women healed, came out of themselves more and became part of their new communities. I admit that this wasn't the big pull for me as a reader but it did lend a more hopeful tone and certainly did make me hope that neither woman was done in by the book's end.
No spoilers but this did end very well. I had my suspicions about the bitter stalker's identity as more characters were introduced but there was always one important thing that the reader doesn't have the answer or any clue to before the denouement. That was a bit frustrating but that's just a personal preference for how I like my mystery reads to proceed. The cover hints at a darker tale than I felt this resolved into but I do love the cover. It's what caught my eye and part of why I requested the ARC.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the Advance Reader's Copy of this book.
September 25, 2020
Be Careful What You Wish For is what I would define as a captivating drama or women's fiction rather than a thriller per se and it involves some romance too. Whilst I cannot comprehend why this would be classified as a thriller I still enjoyed it. Essentially, it revolves around two central characters: Prue and Madi who meet online and decide to swap houses for a month. Prue currently lives in the picture-postcard Norfolk village of Shelling and is an aspiring photographer with a job working for the local newspaper which doesn't really satisfy her. She wants to escape village life due to her humiliation when her boyfriend Joe Barton publicly rejected her marriage proposal and needs time away to deal with the break up; she feels the anonymity of London will allow her to heal away from the village gossips and claustrophobic rural life. Madi is an ageing thespian and city dweller living in Belle Vue Court, London. After a long and arduous fight with cancer, she now requires some rest and relaxation having beaten it. Somehow during her illness, she lost the connection with her only son, George, and they became estranged.
This is a really charming story of friendship and becomes quite a life-affirming read, highlighting that you have to take life by the cojones in order to take yourself out of the darkness and into the light. I was drawn in hook, line and sinker from the very beginning even though it wasn't what I'd expected. Both Madi and Prue are engaging characters and are developed nicely. The best thing about them is that they're so relatable; they have issues just like the rest of us and I can relate to the feeling of wanting to escape and get away, especially with the COVID situation. If you enjoy relationship-based novels that are feel good, and let's face it, we all need a little pick me up with the situation at the moment, then this is a superb choice. It's well written, has some heartwarming moments, a little tension from the ”stalker" and is a quick and easy read, but if you're expecting a thriller I expect you will be disappointed. Many thanks to One More Chapter for an ARC.
This is a really charming story of friendship and becomes quite a life-affirming read, highlighting that you have to take life by the cojones in order to take yourself out of the darkness and into the light. I was drawn in hook, line and sinker from the very beginning even though it wasn't what I'd expected. Both Madi and Prue are engaging characters and are developed nicely. The best thing about them is that they're so relatable; they have issues just like the rest of us and I can relate to the feeling of wanting to escape and get away, especially with the COVID situation. If you enjoy relationship-based novels that are feel good, and let's face it, we all need a little pick me up with the situation at the moment, then this is a superb choice. It's well written, has some heartwarming moments, a little tension from the ”stalker" and is a quick and easy read, but if you're expecting a thriller I expect you will be disappointed. Many thanks to One More Chapter for an ARC.
September 5, 2020
This is a very entertaining read that probably falls between a 3 and 4 star rating.
The book follows two women Prue and Madi who decide to do a home swop in order to get a break. Twenty four year old Prue lives in a small village and experiences a total change when she moves into Madi's home in London. Madi on the other hand is sixty two and is happy to move to quieter surroundings in Prue's little village home. Both the women have their own reasons for wanting to get away from their normal surroundings and the story is told on the whole from Prue and Madi's point of view.
Overall a very enjoyable read that is worth a look at.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and One More Chapter for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The book follows two women Prue and Madi who decide to do a home swop in order to get a break. Twenty four year old Prue lives in a small village and experiences a total change when she moves into Madi's home in London. Madi on the other hand is sixty two and is happy to move to quieter surroundings in Prue's little village home. Both the women have their own reasons for wanting to get away from their normal surroundings and the story is told on the whole from Prue and Madi's point of view.
Overall a very enjoyable read that is worth a look at.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and One More Chapter for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2020
“Be Careful What You Wish For” is driven by characters, two women, diverse in age, occupation, and lifestyle, but who both wish for a different life, just for a while. A “house swap” provides the opportunity for both to try something new. Former actress Madi swaps her London apartment for Prue’s cottage in a small village. It is a perfect arrangement fraught with difficulties and rewards for both.
The narrative unfolds in alternating points of view documenting the adventures of each of the two women. Readers follow the ups and downs of their new existences and the opportunities found in each environment. Readers know what they do, what they think about their surroundings, and how they perceive their lives; readers get to know them well. The narrative of their idyllic new lives is interrupted by chapters with a menacing observer making ominous comments and frightening plans
Characters are complex, well developed, and multi-faceted; they drive the plot. Each woman embraces her new location, and both take on new challenges, enjoy personal renewal, and recover physically and emotionally. They grow and change. All this is interrupted not only by the “observer” but also by events from the past that were meant to be hidden forever suddenly come to light and by an accident that brings both women together.
“Be Careful What You Wish For” is the story of two women who want something else from their lives and find more than they expected. They both struggle to take charge of their previously dramatic personal lives and move forward in a responsible way. I received a review copy of “Be Careful What You Wish For” from Vivian Brown, HarperCollins, and One More Chapter. It is quick to read and has a compelling plot without graphic violence or inappropriate language. It is a wonderful book and relaxing to read.
The narrative unfolds in alternating points of view documenting the adventures of each of the two women. Readers follow the ups and downs of their new existences and the opportunities found in each environment. Readers know what they do, what they think about their surroundings, and how they perceive their lives; readers get to know them well. The narrative of their idyllic new lives is interrupted by chapters with a menacing observer making ominous comments and frightening plans
Characters are complex, well developed, and multi-faceted; they drive the plot. Each woman embraces her new location, and both take on new challenges, enjoy personal renewal, and recover physically and emotionally. They grow and change. All this is interrupted not only by the “observer” but also by events from the past that were meant to be hidden forever suddenly come to light and by an accident that brings both women together.
“Be Careful What You Wish For” is the story of two women who want something else from their lives and find more than they expected. They both struggle to take charge of their previously dramatic personal lives and move forward in a responsible way. I received a review copy of “Be Careful What You Wish For” from Vivian Brown, HarperCollins, and One More Chapter. It is quick to read and has a compelling plot without graphic violence or inappropriate language. It is a wonderful book and relaxing to read.
September 22, 2020
This is a nicely characterized, well-written book that suffers from a bit of an identity crisis. From the cover and the blurb, I was expecting a domestic suspense novel. But most of the book is pure women's fiction/romance about two people who engaged in a housing swap and found new situations to enrich their lives in the big city (London) vs. the country, and vice versa The narrators are charming, and the writing is good, but I kept waiting for the suspense and mostly what came was romance and life reflections. Which, while nicely done, were not what I was hoping for in this book..
Then there's a third narrator who intervenes with a sort of sinister tone that makes you think wait, maybe I AM reading a thriller. But then, as soon as you go back to either Madi or Prue's narration, you find yourself in a women's fiction book again. I think if the author had chosen one or the other -- thriller or women's fiction -- the book would have read more consistently. A thriller needed more suspense and tension in the other narrators' portions of the story - but I would have just gone with the romance and coziness, myself. The "mystery" itself was my least favorite aspect of the novel. I thought the characterizations were the highlight.
So perhaps this is a case of "it's not you, it's me" - I was in the mood to read a very scary thriller, more consistent with the cover of the book, and what I got instead was a perfectly well-written romantic character study. If you like women's fiction and the home-swap idea, you will probably like this book a lot. If you are looking for more of a thriller or suspense novel, this one may not satisfy as much. I liked the way this author wrote a lot though, so if she wrote a more straightforward thriller I'd definitely give it a try.
Thanks to NetGalley, Vivien Brown and Harper Collins UK for the advance copy. My review is honest and my own.
Then there's a third narrator who intervenes with a sort of sinister tone that makes you think wait, maybe I AM reading a thriller. But then, as soon as you go back to either Madi or Prue's narration, you find yourself in a women's fiction book again. I think if the author had chosen one or the other -- thriller or women's fiction -- the book would have read more consistently. A thriller needed more suspense and tension in the other narrators' portions of the story - but I would have just gone with the romance and coziness, myself. The "mystery" itself was my least favorite aspect of the novel. I thought the characterizations were the highlight.
So perhaps this is a case of "it's not you, it's me" - I was in the mood to read a very scary thriller, more consistent with the cover of the book, and what I got instead was a perfectly well-written romantic character study. If you like women's fiction and the home-swap idea, you will probably like this book a lot. If you are looking for more of a thriller or suspense novel, this one may not satisfy as much. I liked the way this author wrote a lot though, so if she wrote a more straightforward thriller I'd definitely give it a try.
Thanks to NetGalley, Vivien Brown and Harper Collins UK for the advance copy. My review is honest and my own.
September 9, 2020
2 complete strangers, in need of a break from their lives (each for their own reasons) trade, their houses for a month. After being publicly humiliated by her ex-fiancé, photographer Prue leaves her Norfolk cottage for London. Semi-known actress Madi recovers from cancer in the rural village of Shelling.
What neither woman knows is that Madi has a stalker who comes in her room at night and moves things around, what makes Madi question her own mind. This stalker bears a grudge against her and doesn’t like it that the young woman has taken her place. He/she doesn’t appear to be very violent at first but is clearly unstable and might evolve in that direction.
Although they’ve never met, 40 years age-gap, totally different backgrounds, and lives the women get to know more about the other by living in their house and meeting their friends and families. They start liking the other woman better as they get immersed in their lives; especially when they also get involved with the neighbours and communities. Both women seem to have a great time.
But in the background, there’s always that unnamed stalker lurking. Little by little you also learn more about that person, but it might still be a bit of a surprise when you find out the identity.
This is marketed as a psychological thriller, but that would be the ‘light’ version in my opinion. The stalker sees to the suspense element and intervenes regularly with his/her thoughts between the alternating chapters of Prue and Madi. It’s a very cosy and warm story. Even in the big, anonymous London, the writer finds warmth and people connecting with each other for the greater good. There’s also romance involved. But I wouldn’t call it a cosy mystery as there’s no investigating involved nor is it romantic suspense as most of that action is far off-screen. A bit of all 3, I guess. It was a bit out of my usual genre but I did enjoy it.
It was an endearing book with very likeable characters, even the ‘bad’ ones were more tragic than evil. The story focuses on the importance of family and friends in our lives. How differences and arguments can be overcome and that we all need others in our lives. Prue’s mother can be a bit interfering and the small village may feel claustrophobic at times but when she’s all on her own in London where she knows no-one and days go by without talking to anyone, she soon starts feeling lonely. While Madi has the reverse experience in the welcoming community. And of course, I love Flo the elderly cat.
Some elements of this book are pure nostalgia for me. Do you remember button boxes? I remember playing with all those beautiful buttons from old garments that got collected over the generations. My mother had one as well, but my gran's was so much prettier. Who was told as well to wear decent underwear at all times in case you would be in an accident?
I was surprised to learn that England still has Saturday postal delivery. Good for you! I can’t even remember when they stopped doing that in Belgium. And now there’s even talk of delivering the mail only 3 days a week and concentrating more and more on parcels.
I thank NetGalley and One More Chapter for the free ARC they provided for me; this is my honest and unbiased review of it.
What neither woman knows is that Madi has a stalker who comes in her room at night and moves things around, what makes Madi question her own mind. This stalker bears a grudge against her and doesn’t like it that the young woman has taken her place. He/she doesn’t appear to be very violent at first but is clearly unstable and might evolve in that direction.
Although they’ve never met, 40 years age-gap, totally different backgrounds, and lives the women get to know more about the other by living in their house and meeting their friends and families. They start liking the other woman better as they get immersed in their lives; especially when they also get involved with the neighbours and communities. Both women seem to have a great time.
But in the background, there’s always that unnamed stalker lurking. Little by little you also learn more about that person, but it might still be a bit of a surprise when you find out the identity.
This is marketed as a psychological thriller, but that would be the ‘light’ version in my opinion. The stalker sees to the suspense element and intervenes regularly with his/her thoughts between the alternating chapters of Prue and Madi. It’s a very cosy and warm story. Even in the big, anonymous London, the writer finds warmth and people connecting with each other for the greater good. There’s also romance involved. But I wouldn’t call it a cosy mystery as there’s no investigating involved nor is it romantic suspense as most of that action is far off-screen. A bit of all 3, I guess. It was a bit out of my usual genre but I did enjoy it.
It was an endearing book with very likeable characters, even the ‘bad’ ones were more tragic than evil. The story focuses on the importance of family and friends in our lives. How differences and arguments can be overcome and that we all need others in our lives. Prue’s mother can be a bit interfering and the small village may feel claustrophobic at times but when she’s all on her own in London where she knows no-one and days go by without talking to anyone, she soon starts feeling lonely. While Madi has the reverse experience in the welcoming community. And of course, I love Flo the elderly cat.
Some elements of this book are pure nostalgia for me. Do you remember button boxes? I remember playing with all those beautiful buttons from old garments that got collected over the generations. My mother had one as well, but my gran's was so much prettier. Who was told as well to wear decent underwear at all times in case you would be in an accident?
I was surprised to learn that England still has Saturday postal delivery. Good for you! I can’t even remember when they stopped doing that in Belgium. And now there’s even talk of delivering the mail only 3 days a week and concentrating more and more on parcels.
I thank NetGalley and One More Chapter for the free ARC they provided for me; this is my honest and unbiased review of it.
December 27, 2020
Two main characters and a house swap where each wanted to escape the past. One voice of a stalker that appeared occasionally added to the intrigue of the story.
My first book by this author, I loved both the characters. I wouldn't say this was a heart-pounding thriller, but it had its moments of mystery. The writing gave me a complete story and kept me engrossed in it. Overall, a good read
My first book by this author, I loved both the characters. I wouldn't say this was a heart-pounding thriller, but it had its moments of mystery. The writing gave me a complete story and kept me engrossed in it. Overall, a good read
September 14, 2020
felt very much like the switch !
August 25, 2022
Pru and Madi swap houses and life isn’t always better on the other side. This was a slow burn read for me and didn’t grip me as much as I hoped it would.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
October 5, 2020
Although listed as a thriller, Be Careful What You Wish For was more of a cozy mystery.
Pure and Madi lead completely different lives, from profession to location. They each find themselves needing to leave their normal world behind for a time to process and regroup after each suffers an unsettling event. The two find eachother on a flatshare site and agree, via email, to swap locations for a month.
Madi, older, a professional actress, leaves her London flat after a battle with cancer, wanting some time to be alone and at peace. Prue, a young photographer, who’s marriage proposal was rejected in the a very public way in her very tiny village, sets off to Madi’s flat in London, as far from home as she has ever been.
The reader is given very little information about the characters to being with, just small glimpses and hints. As the story progresses, we really get to see each character emerge and to appreciate how much each of their environments shaped their narrative.
Madi is quickly embraced by Prue’s tiny village, even though she tries hard not be. Walks, and cups of teas and visitors soon open’s Madi’s eyes and heart. Prue, meanwhile, find London horribly intimidating at first but soon discovers that it is awe inspiring as she forges her own friendships.
The village characters really lend a nice “cozy” feel to this book, as their histories and foibles slowly unravel.
The narrative is told in alternating chapters using Prus and Madi’s and a third voice menacing voice. I feel that the third voice, although meant to lend to the thriller part of the story took away from what would have been a nice little mystery.
The two sides of thriller and mystery didn’t gel for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pure and Madi lead completely different lives, from profession to location. They each find themselves needing to leave their normal world behind for a time to process and regroup after each suffers an unsettling event. The two find eachother on a flatshare site and agree, via email, to swap locations for a month.
Madi, older, a professional actress, leaves her London flat after a battle with cancer, wanting some time to be alone and at peace. Prue, a young photographer, who’s marriage proposal was rejected in the a very public way in her very tiny village, sets off to Madi’s flat in London, as far from home as she has ever been.
The reader is given very little information about the characters to being with, just small glimpses and hints. As the story progresses, we really get to see each character emerge and to appreciate how much each of their environments shaped their narrative.
Madi is quickly embraced by Prue’s tiny village, even though she tries hard not be. Walks, and cups of teas and visitors soon open’s Madi’s eyes and heart. Prue, meanwhile, find London horribly intimidating at first but soon discovers that it is awe inspiring as she forges her own friendships.
The village characters really lend a nice “cozy” feel to this book, as their histories and foibles slowly unravel.
The narrative is told in alternating chapters using Prus and Madi’s and a third voice menacing voice. I feel that the third voice, although meant to lend to the thriller part of the story took away from what would have been a nice little mystery.
The two sides of thriller and mystery didn’t gel for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 11, 2020
I don’t usually write bad reviews as I respect the work that an author puts in. However, when a book is noted as being a “domestic thriller“ and “unputdownable with surprising twists”, I have to explain my two stars.
It’s written in a lovely manner, with you warming to all characters featured but story-wise, nothing was gripping and even after 62% of the way through I was still waiting for something to happen. You have Madi, who is lonely in London and then there’s Prue who is struggling living in a small village and both decide to do a house-swap. Other than being taken on the journey of each of their experience in the swap, there’s nothing exciting that takes place.
Personally, I’d change the genre of this book and rather than it being a domestic thriller, it should be a mix of women’s fiction/romance.
It’s written in a lovely manner, with you warming to all characters featured but story-wise, nothing was gripping and even after 62% of the way through I was still waiting for something to happen. You have Madi, who is lonely in London and then there’s Prue who is struggling living in a small village and both decide to do a house-swap. Other than being taken on the journey of each of their experience in the swap, there’s nothing exciting that takes place.
Personally, I’d change the genre of this book and rather than it being a domestic thriller, it should be a mix of women’s fiction/romance.
September 5, 2020
I thought this would be more of a thriller but it's really a "cozy mystery" with a lot of characters. Prue and Madi swap houses for a month as each woman is trying to "hide" from her circumstances. They both become invested in the new venue and make friends easily. But we know there is a stalker who is taunting Madi's house for reasons unknown until the end so this is the heart of the mystery. I did enjoy the book but was hoping for more; I'm not even sure what. But if cozy mysteries are your thing then you will certainly like this!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
February 21, 2021
3.5 stars
An interesting story overall with two characters that I personally couldn’t get close to and couldn’t actually put my finger on why I disliked them either.
But the mystery and suspense as well as the writing, kept me guessing and engaged in this page turner novel til the last page.
That ending? I didn’t see it coming though.
An interesting story overall with two characters that I personally couldn’t get close to and couldn’t actually put my finger on why I disliked them either.
But the mystery and suspense as well as the writing, kept me guessing and engaged in this page turner novel til the last page.
That ending? I didn’t see it coming though.
September 10, 2022
Plot was boring.
I was expecting something more but it turns out I was waiting for only disappointment.
I was expecting something more but it turns out I was waiting for only disappointment.
August 30, 2020
This was an engaging read, though much more of a cozy mystery/women's fiction book than a mystery/thriller. It centers on Prue and Madi, who swap houses for a month, as they are both trying to escape things that are going on in their lives. Prue, from a small town in the country, is licking her wounds after an embarrassing breakup, and Madi, an actress from London, is recovering from breast cancer and wanted to spend some quiet time away from the city. The book alternates between both character's POVs from chapter to chapter. There are also a few chapters thrown in from an unknown villain who is out to get Madi, though the reader does not know why until the end.
Both Madi and Prue were likable characters, and the author did a good job of helping the reader to get to know all of the other characters they encountered, even though there were a lot of them and some didn't get many words attributed to them. While there were difficulties that both encountered, there wasn't a lot of real conflict int the book and the problems get tied up in a neat little bow by the end.
There really isn't much of the book dedicated to the person who has a beef with Madi- the reader finds out who that person is almost at the very end of the book. As I mentioned above, this didn't really feel like a mystery or thriller, but I do think it was an interesting storyline that added to the overall story. I had an inkling of who the villain was before they were named, though it was mainly from process of elimination.
All in all, this was a lightweight and feel-good read. I would not recommend to those who were looking for more of a thriller but would recommend for those who are looking for something like that. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Both Madi and Prue were likable characters, and the author did a good job of helping the reader to get to know all of the other characters they encountered, even though there were a lot of them and some didn't get many words attributed to them. While there were difficulties that both encountered, there wasn't a lot of real conflict int the book and the problems get tied up in a neat little bow by the end.
There really isn't much of the book dedicated to the person who has a beef with Madi- the reader finds out who that person is almost at the very end of the book. As I mentioned above, this didn't really feel like a mystery or thriller, but I do think it was an interesting storyline that added to the overall story. I had an inkling of who the villain was before they were named, though it was mainly from process of elimination.
All in all, this was a lightweight and feel-good read. I would not recommend to those who were looking for more of a thriller but would recommend for those who are looking for something like that. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for an e-arc of Be Careful What You Wish For by Vivien Brown. I've seen a lot of reviews for this one that say it shouldn't be classified as a thriller and I have to agree. It's more of a cozy mystery where not a lot happens and there's not much mystery happening. I enjoyed reading about the characters of both Prue and Madi as they switched locations and learned to adapt to their surroundings. The element of the stalker is where the mystery comes in but I didn't have a huge urge to figure out who it was and as a result, when the big reveal came, it felt a bit lackluster. I think with a good editing pass and a bit more substantial dialogue this book could've been rated in the four or even five-star range. I enjoyed the characters within the book but the plot needed some work.
September 12, 2020
Two strangers, a house swap, mysterious happenings and Be Careful What You Wish For by Vivien Brown is born. This was a fun and easy read but full of humor and just enough mystery to keep my interest.
As the story unfolds Brown artfully reveals details at just the right pace to allow the reader to try to start to figure out the direction the story is taking but yet - there are still a lot of unanswered questions.
I loved the characters in this novel and the way that the author kept readers involved by the slow reveal, the interjection of chapters by the "mystery person" and the mystery that surrounded each of the main characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author and publisher for providing a free ebook for my honest review. I loved it and will look for more books by this author.
As the story unfolds Brown artfully reveals details at just the right pace to allow the reader to try to start to figure out the direction the story is taking but yet - there are still a lot of unanswered questions.
I loved the characters in this novel and the way that the author kept readers involved by the slow reveal, the interjection of chapters by the "mystery person" and the mystery that surrounded each of the main characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author and publisher for providing a free ebook for my honest review. I loved it and will look for more books by this author.
September 16, 2020
BCWYWF was very well-written and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I need to start by saying that I would not classify it as a thriller at all. There is a tiny fraction of thriller element interspersed with a delightful women’s fiction novel. I was very confused as I read because I was expecting that gripping thriller aspect. I really loved all of the characters and loved their storylines. The character development is wonderful! Although I guessed the twist very early on, I loved everything about the ending. I’m giving this 5 stars as a delightful women’s fiction novel with a little bit of a dark twist. I would not recommend it as a thriller. I have many friends and fans who enjoy general fiction and women’s fiction who I will recommend it to!
September 22, 2020
3.5⭐
I was fortunate to receive a copy of this ARC from NetGalley.
I have to say that sadly I was quite disappointed with this book. It was not the thriller that the blurb led me think, in my opinion. It felt more like a written version of the film The Holiday with 2 women swapping homes and meeting each others friends etc. Prue's name led me to the assumption she was a similar age to Madi, when she's actually only 24. She has been well set up by her Gran with a house and a cat!
Every few chapters there was one from a person who clearly wishes to harm Madi, although we don't know why. I had various theories as to who it was, although I guess why very early on, and I was quite close with my thoughts!
My favourite quote:
"Cancer, exit stage left."
I kept hoping that something was going to happen in this book, a big twist, but for me it just didn't arrive sadly.
I was fortunate to receive a copy of this ARC from NetGalley.
I have to say that sadly I was quite disappointed with this book. It was not the thriller that the blurb led me think, in my opinion. It felt more like a written version of the film The Holiday with 2 women swapping homes and meeting each others friends etc. Prue's name led me to the assumption she was a similar age to Madi, when she's actually only 24. She has been well set up by her Gran with a house and a cat!
Every few chapters there was one from a person who clearly wishes to harm Madi, although we don't know why. I had various theories as to who it was, although I guess why very early on, and I was quite close with my thoughts!
My favourite quote:
"Cancer, exit stage left."
I kept hoping that something was going to happen in this book, a big twist, but for me it just didn't arrive sadly.
September 16, 2020
Madi and Prue both need to escape their very different lives, one from a busy London life and one from a small Norfolk village life. This book I found to be more geared to a woman’s fiction rather than a thriller, although it still was an enjoyable read. I felt both characters to be totally different but relatable and I felt myself liking them both very much. Each chapter switches between each of their story, with the occasional chapter of a third character who is unknown.. a page turner.
December 16, 2025
This book wasn’t what I expected. I thought it would be more of a psychological thriller from the title but it was more a women’s cosy fiction with a little bit of mystery thrown in.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
September 28, 2021
I found this a slow start but once I got into it I wanted to know what would happen next. I liked the characters, particularly the ones in Norfolk, and wouldn't have minded spending some time with them myself! The cover appears more sinister than the book and I found it a heartwarming read. People coming to terms with their problems and working through them. I enjoyed it.
October 6, 2020
This book is like the movie The Holiday but with a twist. While I liked the plot overall, the story is heavy on the details and I found my attention lagging at some parts. Also, Be Careful What You Wish For is more of a drama or women's fiction than a thriller. If you are looking for an intense thriller, you may be disappointed.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
September 21, 2020
I really loved this book! It was a great story of friendship and finding yourself. Seriously! Two women, at low points in their lives, swap houses for a month. They don't know each other, they just know they need a change. In each other's homes they find friendship and a sense of self. This alone made for a great story. Then, every couple of chapters, the story is interrupted by a mystery person bent on revenge and angry. As the book progresses the reasoning is revealed. It adds an entirely different story! But, while this was interesting, I felt like it distracted from the main story. It was as though Ms. Brown turned in her book about two women and was told, "you know what, thrillers are really hot right now. you need to add some suspense to this book." While I enjoyed that part of the story, I think I would have liked the book more without it. Still, a good read! (Side note: the title doesn't really fit either.)
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK One More Chapter for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK One More Chapter for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
October 2, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review
September 5, 2020
Be Careful What You Wish For by this new to me author, published by Harper Collins UK, is a full length, stand-alone, slow burn.
This book goes from lets give it a try to this is unputdownable and I need to read just one more chapter, sneakely bit by bit.
Meet Prue Harris. She swapped flats with a stranger. All she wanted was to leave her old life behind.
Madi is a mature woman who accepts her proposition and she goes to small town life. She's lived a fullfilled life, made mistakes, fell in and out of love, still has a lot to give.
I loved this slow burn, exquisite story, intriguing storyline, characters you can't not fall in love with. A wonderful story, 4,5 stars.
This book goes from lets give it a try to this is unputdownable and I need to read just one more chapter, sneakely bit by bit.
Meet Prue Harris. She swapped flats with a stranger. All she wanted was to leave her old life behind.
Madi is a mature woman who accepts her proposition and she goes to small town life. She's lived a fullfilled life, made mistakes, fell in and out of love, still has a lot to give.
I loved this slow burn, exquisite story, intriguing storyline, characters you can't not fall in love with. A wonderful story, 4,5 stars.
June 3, 2021
I'll try and be nice, mainly because I was under the impression this was a psychological thriller. That my friends, i can assure you it is not. I found this book so, so boring. It's filled with nice, happy, shiny, friendly people, so sweet it made me gag. It says "nail biting" in the cover... I can assure you i did no such thing. However, for the most of it i felt like chewing my own wrists, just to feel something real.
Oh God, the suicide letter! Was the character trying to commit suicide or win a pulitzer?
I absolutely hated it, but far from me to not recommend it to other people. Just because i didn't enjoy it, doesn't mean others won't.
Just bare in mind this is NOT a thrilling book!
Oh God, the suicide letter! Was the character trying to commit suicide or win a pulitzer?
I absolutely hated it, but far from me to not recommend it to other people. Just because i didn't enjoy it, doesn't mean others won't.
Just bare in mind this is NOT a thrilling book!
September 25, 2020
Reading Vivien Brown's new novel was an absolute joy. From the very beginning it is a tense and engrossing story. All the characters are so well-written, so fully-formed, I feel like I have known them for years.
Madi's and Prue's stories are just totally absorbing and the plot was clever and suspenseful. The minor characters all came to life beautifully as well. The twists and turns all arrive just when least expected.
I loved it from start to finish.
Madi's and Prue's stories are just totally absorbing and the plot was clever and suspenseful. The minor characters all came to life beautifully as well. The twists and turns all arrive just when least expected.
I loved it from start to finish.
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