The House Guests

by Emilie Richards

"A compelling page-turner one won't want to put down.”— New York Journal of Books

Two women. Two families. Two lifetimes' worth of secrets.

In the wake of her husband’s sudden death, Cassie Costas finds her relationship with her teenage stepdaughter unraveling. After their move to historic Tarpon Springs, Florida, Savannah hates her new town, her school and most of all her stepmom, whom she blames for her father’s death. Cassie has enough to contend with as she searches for answers about the man she shared a life with, including why all their savings have disappeared.

When Savannah’s rebellion culminates in an act that leaves single mother Amber Blair and her sixteen-year-old son homeless, Cassie empathizes with the woman’s predicament and invites the strangers to move in. As their lives intertwine, Cassie realizes that Amber is hiding something. She’s evasive about her past, but the fear in her eyes tells a darker story. Cassie wonders what the woman living under her roof is running from…and what will happen if it finally catches up to her.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Contemporary, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Family

544 pages, Paperback

First published June 29, 2021

About the author

I'm the author of seventy-something novels, including romance, women's fiction and mystery. When We Were Sisters debuted in June 2016, a stand alone novel about two foster sisters traveling back into their past together. I loved writing it and love the cover my publisher chose.

I'm also excited about my recent series, Goddesses Anonymous, which started with One Mountain Away and was followed by Somewhere Between Luck and Trust. The third book in the series, A River Too Wide, came out in July 2014. The Color of Light debuted in August 2015. Will there be more? We'll see.

I'm also putting up my newly edited romance backlist and love re-reading and updating them a bit.

Last year my husband and I moved from Virginia, to Osprey, Florida, the state where both of us were raised, met, and married. In the summer we live in Chautauqua, New York. I'm a quilter, knitter, kayaker, and the mother of four children, whom I regard as my greatest creative endeavors. And now there are four wonderful grandchildren to spoil.

Visit me at my web site, emilierichards.com, and my blog, www.emilierichards.com/blog. You can also find me at Twitter and on my Facebook reader page.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typically when you read a thriller you are expecting someone to die at the outset and to spend the rest of the novel trying to figure out whodunit. Here we have a domestic thriller where most of the characters are very likeable. Down home goodness. Family-oriented. But that is what captivates you. Cassie's devotion to Savannah in the midst of her teenage angst. Amber's and Will's protective natures. The joy and comfort and aggravation that a big family like the Costas can bring. Family traditions and loyalty. You feel for the characters and they resonate with you. Emilie Richards wraps her story around you and pulls you in emotionally with just the right dose of mystery.

Would recommend for readers who like contemporary fiction with a mix of intrigue.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of Emilie Richards and "The House Guests" was another great story.
Cassie Costas is grieving over the death of her husband, along with her stepdaughter Savannah. Savannah is angry, acting out and upset they moved to Tarpon Springs, Florida, Cassie's hometown. In an act of rebellion Savannah hurts not only Cassie, but also causes Amber Blair and her son Will to become homeless. To make amends for their loss and Savannah's actions, Cassie invites them to live with them.
As all of them grapple with the secrets they carry, each must decide who they can trust and how far they are willing to go to protect the ones they love.
Emilie Richard's has a gift for drawing you into the hearts of her characters and bringing the people, places and relationships to life. Not just a mystery but also a great drama highlighting family, friendship, forgiveness and love.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed The House Guests  by Emilie Richards. Any moment I had I was very happy to pick the book up and sink into it.

I was immediately drawn by the gritty Amber and her Dad's wisdom on the luck of the bird and the worm. I liked her son Will too, a sixteen year old with a good heart. But their plight and the mystery that surrounds them had me worrying and wondering.

Cassie has had a big upheaval in her life and has returned to her hometown, most likely where she feels more secure. She has lost her husband and Savannah, her stepdaughter, blames her for the death of her Dad. So tension abounds between the two, and yet Cassie's love is to be only admired.  A few times their relationship had me tearing up.

Sometimes when reading a book there are memorable events that I never forget. One such one involves Savannah and so called friends and two teachers. At times I'd want to say to Savannah 'get over it', but really she is struggling and its going to take awhile.

I found the pacing just right, the characters interesting - I wanted to know more about them and how they would fare. I enjoyed seeing them find their ways through the maze of challenges. I loved the Greek flavour of the family restaurant, the minor characters and the friendships and bonds that develop. 

There is some mystery, some underlying tension - is the bogey man going to jump out at some stage! Of course there are some issues explored and that is done with compassion and thoughtfulness. 

Thanks to Emilie Richards for another story for me to read and enjoy.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE HOUSE GUESTS is by far one of the best books I’ve read this year, so far. The twists and turns just kept on coming and hooked me from the very first chapter! Emilie Richards has crafted a clever and engaging domestic drama. This book sucked me in in the first few pages. None of the characters are truly who they seem to be on the surface when they are first introduced in THE HOUSE GUESTS.

At first, I truly thought I knew why things were happening, but boy was I wrong! Trust me, once you start reading THE HOUSE GUESTS you won’t be able to put it down as Emilie Richards takes you on one heck of an emotional roller coaster ride! This is an intense story that never slows down. compelling characters pull you into the carefully crafted world of the Costas family. It was such a complex family story with so many twists and turns, I could not put this book down. I felt as if every chapter was another twist and turn. This book was women’s fiction, a mystery, and a contemporary romance all in one wonderful story. The complexity of the family and how well it played out is such a tribute to Emilie Richards’ writing. Once you are immersed into their lives you just want to keep coming back for more. Emilie Richards steps out of her comfort zone of women’s fiction and weaves a tale that includes suspense and intrigue and is fantastic.

THE HOUSE GUESTS is a great mystery story that had me up late one night trying to finish. I just had to know what was going on with Amber and why. After you read what she had to endure and why, you won’t believe it! I still can’t shake this amazing story, I’m kicking myself for not reading more of MS. Richards books……if you haven’t read THE HOUSE GUESTS yet, you need to read it very soon!! You will love every minute of it just like I did!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Collins through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House Guests by Emilie Richards has Savannah Westmore unhappy in Tarpon Springs, Florida with her stepmother, Cassie Costas. After the death of her father, Cassie moved Savannah and herself to Tarpon Springs for a fresh start. Savannah lashes out at Cassie and makes bad choices. She ends up making a decision that will have long-term effects. I thought The House Guests was well-written and engaging. The characters are developed and realistic especially Savannah (the rebellious, troubled teen). I liked the secrecy surrounding Amber Blair. It added an air of mystery to the story and wonder. I was curious about how the secret would affect all of them. The author captured the area and Greek American community that inhabits Tarpons Springs, especially the delectable food. I like how everything came together and I appreciated the epilogue that nicely wrapped up the story. There are some good life lessons in this book. The House Guests is a story about friendship, grief, hope, trust, love, and, most importantly, family. One of the phrases I wanted to share from The House Guests is, “My daddy always said you can’t keep a bird from flying over your head, but you can keep it from building a nest in your hair.” The House Guests is an eventful story with a tormented teen, a purloined purse, money mayhem, a problematic party, a shocking secret, delectable epicurean delights, and a gregarious Greek family.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This felt like Chick-lit to me. I don't spend a lot of time in that genre, but I did like this one. It felt like a good beach read. The best parts were all the different threads. The author wove them all together and I liked that there was always something new happening.

The ending was nice too plus it was a bit of a surprise. Then the epilogue felt too gooey sweet. But overall, I give this one 3 stars.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you ever go into a book with the wrong expectations and that basically ruins the whole thing for you? I really thought this would be a domestic suspense/thriller and instead it was more women’s fiction with a side of lighter suspense and unfortunately that just didn’t work for me so well here. There were definitely still elements that I liked but overall I was hoping for more.

I do want to say that the narrator, Vanessa Johansson was fantastic and I credit her with me even finishing this one. I’m quicker to set a book aside in print versus audio and that’s especially true for me if the narrator is engaging and this one was. Between that and the fact that I was invested in the mystery aspect I felt compelled to finish and I’m mostly glad I did. This was character driven with two women who were interesting enough but anything related to the mystery of both Cassie’s husbands death and Amber’s past were both easy for me to figure out. I was hoping for more surprises than I got and I guess just overall I wanted more tension and suspense.

[Margaux B · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5☆ - I almost liked it

For me, this book tried to tackle waaay too many issues and ended up detracting from a solid story of a woman having to start over after the unexpected death of her husband. It also deals with the dynamics of modern families, as the bond between Cassie (widow) and her step-daughter (Savannah) fray when the mystery surrounding the husband/father's death deepens. Why was the last year of their marriage so turbulent? Why did an experienced sailor take a boat out in a storm? Why was he fighting with friends and co-workers? And where did all their MONEY go?!

I'm there as a reader when Cassie moves back to Tarpon Springs, FL - where she grew up and still has a big greek family - and takes a sullen Savannah with her. I enjoyed the greek culture we are introduced to as we delve into Cassie's backstory. We learn how some people are not meant to be parents... Still there when Savannah acts like a teenager and commits an act that has a tragic outcome for another family. Then it starts to unravel because would anyone really invite strangers to move in with them? Especially someone who lived in NY for years? And to someone who is obviously hiding secrets? I understand that Cassie doesn't have any money to fix the Amber/Will situation, and she desperately wants to right a wrong, but Cassie does have plenty of relatives who could help more effectively. One even has an empty apartment. Hmmm. The story gets a little too LifeTime Movie for me from this point on with everything thrown into the story. We're talking foster care, school bullying, LGBT, rape, child abuse, drug addiction, female friendships, con artists, second chance at love, suicide, therapy, marital roles, law enforcement abuse, parenting, greed, medical malfeasance and more!

The mystery surrounding Cassie husband's sudden death as well as the question of who is Amber running from was interesting until it became too implausible.

On the plus side, there's much to love for book clubs as they can discuss all the topics listed above. Overall, it's an okay read about keeping secrets and what defines a family, but it didn't stick out for me.

[Amanda Freeman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was really slow up until the last 100 pages. It really should have been edited down more.

[Abbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was decent but way too long. Kept trying to read faster to make something happen.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains a lot of flavor as it takes place in historic Tarpon springs. Interesting information on sponge diving and the Greek culture are incorporated. I love the Kouzina restaurant and Yiayia’s strong personality. The story kept me riveted from beginning to end with secrets and mysteries that need unraveling as well as developing friendships and family dynamics. I have read this author for many years and find the way she weaves a story is mesmerizing. The characters are well developed and the pacing is spot on. An emotional read that holds your attention. It is a long read but worth every minute and you hate to see it end.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Onceinabluemoon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just not for me, eye rolling the whole time and too long when you don't like it...

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one wasn't what I expected as I started. I really didn't care for Savannah, thought she was a selfish little girl who needed to grow up. By the end of the book I liked her and think she is a better person. Savannah's mom, Cassie, I wasn't sure about her. Cassie took some hard hits through out this one, but in the end she seems in a better place, despite all that she learned. Now Amber, her I felt so bad for, she was struggling to live and loosing the money seemed like it was the worst thing to happen to her, when in reality it was the best. Of course it took most of the book to see things that way, but in the end Amber is free in a way she has never been her whole life. I think going forward her life will be nothing but rainbows. Even Will, who now knows everything can be a bit more settled with all that he learned.

[Diane OLeary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more of a family/friendship saga as opposed to a domestic suspense thriller although there were mysteries in the backgrounds of the two lead characters, Cassie and Amber, that needed to be resolved. There is a lot of depth to this book - the story is very well constructed with fully developed, interesting and believable characters whom I cared about. Long books can drag on for me but not this one. I was completely involved in the lives of these families and it was a very rewarding reading experience. I already am missing my daily dose of reading this book.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much! The House Guests by Emilie Richards is surprising in the depth of friendship, trust, and mystery.
Cassie Costas is a recent widow who is raising a teenage stepdaughter, Savannah. Cassie has noticed Savannah has become sullen and difficult. Cassie is also struggling to understand what happened to the funds in the retirement account she shared with her husband. The life insurance did pay a modest amount, but it will not be enough to live on with Savannah and send her to college. The missing money is a mystery. Cassie decides to move back to Florida and be closer to family and to move Savannah to a less stressful school.
Amber Blair is a single mother raising her teenage son, Will. She waits tables or serves as a floor manager in restaurants to earn a living for her little family. Amber never knows when she will need to relocate with Will. Amber always has a plan and stays ready to move to a different small town where she will not be recognized. She has secrets she cannot share with Will. Amber had saved enough money to pay on her delinquent rent and lost the brocade money pouch she had made to take to her landlord. Now she and Will are homeless.
Savannah is having a challenging time adjusting to her new life in Tarpon Springs. She misses her father since his death on a boat during a storm. She feels if Cassie and her father had not been arguing, he would have never gone boating during inclement weather. She finds about eight hundred dollars in a brocade pouch. She does not see anyone around who could have dropped the money. She is soon convinced by her friends to keep the money and they decide to throw a party.
Will has questions about a father he has never known. His mother has told him his father died a hero and that is all he needs to know. Will is a good student and hopes he will get to continue in Tarpon Springs long enough to finish high school. He loves and respects his mother, but he has no idea of her secrets.
Each woman is dealing with harsh circumstances. Each woman has no idea how their lives will intersect and the future events that will change each of their families.
Publication Date: June 29, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

This is an almost painfully slow story about four people sharing a house in Florida. The house belongs to Cassie and her stepdaughter, Savannah. The houseguests are Amber and her son Will. Cassie invites Amber to live with her after Savannah steals Amber’s savings.

I really struggled with this book. There are a couple of storylines here that should be exciting. Cassie is digging into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of her husband, Savannah’s father. Amber is running from something - and for the longest time, readers don’t know what. However, both of these storylines drag along without any building tension. Interspersed between are scenes where Cassie and Savannah struggle with grief, relocating and being poor(er) than they are accustomed to. Cassie reads as slightly useless and Savannah as spoilt so I found it really difficult to have empathy for either of them. Amber and Will are much more likeable but Amber is too secretive and guarded for readers to ever connect with.

With too many characters and too many narrative perspectives, this book becomes unwieldy. I was unable to keep the additional supporting characters straight. Cassie’s family members, her husband’s previous colleagues, the men Cassie and Amber date, Savannah’s friends… It is all a bit much in a single story. There are a couple of revelations at the end that should have been exciting - but they just weren’t. I’m a fast reader and I read just about everything. It isn’t often that I pick up, put down and avoid a book as much as I did this one.

[Kimmy Goldman · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always, I don’t like giving bad reviews. This book was not “bad” just too long for me. Also, I’m coming off of reading 3, 5⭐️books, so that’s always hard to read something not as exciting. Not one of my faves—sorry to say.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published on Peeking Between the Pages: https://peekingbetweenthepages.com/20...

I read The House Guests as a buddy read with one of my book club friends and it was an enjoyable listen for me. I’ve only read one other of Emilie Richards books but I’ll definitely read more. They feel like comfort reads to me and we can all use one of those once in a while.

Cassie is a stepmom to Savannah. Both are struggling with the recent death of husband and father and it isn’t made any easier by the rocky relationship the two seem to be in. Adding to that is Savannah blaming Cassie for her dad’s death. Needless to say an unhappy teenager sometimes gets into trouble and Savannah does something that leaves single mom Amber and her teenage son Will homeless. Cassie not knowing how else to fix things invites the two to move in with her and Savannah. Lucky for all they seem to get on together and begin to form real relationships. As time goes on Cassie is not only troubled by issues that are coming up with her husband’s death and their finances but also with whatever secrets Amber is hiding. And oh yes, Amber has secrets; a lifetime of them and sooner or later she fears they may catch up to her.

This was a good story. I loved the references to Greek culture and food and the huge sense of family and responsibility. I liked the characters as well despite their flaws. It was an easy story to listen to and escape into. The audiobook is narrated by Vanessa Johansson who I’ve listened to many times. She has a nice voice to listen to and she was the perfect choice for a story about these two women. For those that like women’s fiction The House Guests is a good one to add to your reading list!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie Costas and her stepdaughter Savannah have recently moved to Tarpon Springs Florida after the sudden death of their husband and father. Savannah is having a hard time fitting in as well as dealing with the death of her dad, which she blames on Cassie. Then she makes a decision that proves to have long-range effects. Due to Savannah's unwise actions, single mom Amber and her teenage son Will move in with Cassie and Savannah. While Cassie tries to find out what happened to her husband before his death and where all their money disappeared to, Amber is keeping secrets from everyone, including Will.

I really enjoyed this story. It is women's fiction with a couple of mysteries embedded into the story. The characters are wonderful. I like that they are realistic and relatable, flaws and all. Both Cassie and Amber are loving mothers, who would do anything to protect their children. I felt so bad for Cassie and how Savannah treats her, but Cassie continues to love her and do what she thinks is best for her. I really liked the theme of family in this story. Cassie is part of a large Greek family and their welcoming nature, love of family and friends and loyalty to one another was amazing. You didn't have to be blood to be family. Roxanne and Yiayia, Cassie's aunt and grandma were such great secondary characters. Amber's secrets are gradually revealed to the reader and bring this story to it's climax.

I was totally immersed in this story and the lives of these characters. This is a story that pulled me in from the beginning and held me right to the end. There are some twists, and suspense, but most of this story is about the bonds between people who call themselves family, whether by blood or by choice. This is a story of family and friendship, grief, secrets and sadness, hope, trust and eventually love. I definitely recommend this book. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[France-Andrée · Rating 3 out of 5]

Savannah and her stepmother Cassie are dealing with the death of her father so she is not stable enough and makes a mistake that brings Amber and Will in their life. Amber, the mother, and Will, the son, have not a place to stay so Cassie invites them to stay with them.

I thought this book was very, very predictable; it was disappointing what could be made exciting was soso and the rest you saw coming a mile (thousands really) away. There is not one twist I didn't see, some closer than others, but I just feel blah. I'm already not a fan of the chick lit genre, this hasn't changed my mind. On the positive, it's very well written so it's not a chore to read through and some of the characters are likeable.

This was my first box with Sweet Reads, I really liked what they put in to tie in with the book, it's very well thought of. I hope the next book for August is more in my taste.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie Costas is struggling to pick up the pieces of her former life. To make matters worse, her stepdaughter's thoughtless act leaves Amber's family homeless. Seeking to teach her daughter a lesson and make restitution, she invites Amber and Will to move in as their house guests.

While Cassie and Savannah are coming to terms with Mark's death, Amber is trying to escape the past. Will the #TheHouseGuests teach the Costas how to live in the moment instead of focusing on the past? In turn, secure in their love, will Amber find the courage to stop running?

Thank you to #NeGalley and the publisher for the early edition in exchange for an honest review. Emilie Richards is a masterful storyteller and pens charismatic characters. There's honesty in their flaws and delving into their stories, readers find layers to be revealed. Curl up on the couch and dive into a story that will leave you treading water until the final chapter.

[Jen W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a long book but I never felt like it was dragging. The author did a great job keeping me engaged and only let enough out at a time to keep me wanting more. I am happy she didn’t wrap it up too pretty and kept the romance out of it.

[Amy Tepper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed everything I’ve read by Emilie Richards. This was no exception. By the time I got about halfway through this I didn’t want to put it down. Worth the read…

[Janie Hickok Siess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Emilie Richards has penned more than seventy novels, including several series, that have been published in sixteen languages. She was raised in Gulfport, Florida, about thirty miles from Tarpon Springs, the setting of The House Guests. She says the story was inspired by an idea that had been "tugging" at her for years after reading about a woman who was rendered homeless when she lost her rent money. Also "tugging" at her were memories of an elementary school field trip to the Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs, where she watched a "sponge diver in a deep sea diving suit and helmet demonstrating how sponges were harvested." To write the book, she returned to Tarpon Springs to learn about the Greek-Americans who settled the town and still make up a large portion of its population, as well as Greek culture and food. During her visits, she observed the annual Epiphany celebration, and sampled the cuisine, including moussaka, pastitsio, horiatiki salad, and baklava. Her research brings credibility and believability to a story that is both charming and suspenseful.

As the book opens, Amber Blair is down on her luck. Again. She has been on the move since before her sixteen-year-old son, Will, was born. Tarpon Springs, Florida, is her latest stop. She was hired to manage a restaurant, but it remained closed for an extended period of time when Amber and other employees contracted hepatitis. Health insurance being a luxury she has never been able to afford, she wracked up a hospital bill and fell behind on her rent. But with her health finally improving and being back at work, she has saved up enough money to pay one month of the back rent and made an arrangement with her landlord to pay the remainder due. She also sells homemade items on Etsy such as the zipper pouch created from a brocade jacket and embroidered with the name of her landlord's wife into which she has stuffed the wad of cash she plans to give the landlord. But disaster strikes when she stops by the local thrift shop in search of more vintage clothing she can repurpose for crafts, opens her purse, and discovers the pouch is gone. Her search for it is futile, and the landlord is out of patience. Once again, she and Will find themselves packing up their car. Blair reserves a spot for them at a local campground where they can sleep in side-by-side tents until she can manage to save up enough money to again secure housing for them.

Fifteen-year-old Savannah Westmore hates everything about her life. Before moving to Tarpon Springs, she was expelled from the prestigious school she attended in Manhattan. No one, including her beloved father, Mark, a psychiatrist, believed her version of events. After a fight between Mark and her stepmother, Cassie, about their savings account that Savannah overheard, Mark, an expert sailor, went out in his boat, despite bad weather. He drowned, and Savannah blames Cassie, believing that her father would never have gone sailing that day were it not for the quarrel. Cassie and her father married when Savannah was just three years old and her father always had custody of her, although she visits her physician mother, Gen, at her Palm Springs home during school breaks. After Mark's death, Cassie purchased a home in Tarpon Springs in order to be surrounded by her loving Greek family and enrolled Savannah in Coastal winds, the local public high school. But Savannah is no longer interested in her studies and has been befriended by two girls who, like Savannah, are social outcasts. When they find a pouch containing eight hundred dollars in the parking lot across from the thrift store, Helia convinces Minh and Savannah to throw a party at Cassie's house while she is out of town. Cassie returns to find her beautiful new home defiled, and Savannah severely hung over.

Cassie also finds an embroidered pouch in the garbage can . . . that matches the one depicted in the newspaper article that Travis, a distant cousin and local journalist, has just published. Travis convinced the woman who is the subject of the article to let him write a story about how she and her son were evicted from their apartment after the woman lost the pouch containing the rent money she worked so hard to save. Cassie learns the woman's identity and location from Travis, finds her at the campsite where she and her son are settling in, and convinces her that they must stay with her and Savannah. After all, it was only because of the immature, irresponsible actions of Savannah and her friends that Amber and Will have become homeless.

So begins an endearing tale of loss, friendship, survival, and what it means to be a family. Richards has crafted characters who are empathetic and believable. All four of the main characters -- Cassie, Savannah, Amber, and Will -- find themselves at crossroads. Cassie and Savannah were both devastated by Mark's death. For Savannah, who had a close, loving relationship with her father, grief has been fueled by anger and disappointment. Mark did not believe her when she related her version of the events at school that culminated in her expulsion. From her perspective, he also convinced Cassie that she was lying. Both of them noticed a profound change in Mark's personality and their relationships with him in the year preceding his death. He became irritable, withdrawn, uninterested in their lives. They were at a loss as to why their attentive, doting husband and father became so distant and disconnected from them. With his sudden and tragic death, they were deprived of the opportunity to understand and repair their family dynamic. Worse, Cassie believed that Mark's successful practice had made them financially secure, and she is stunned to learn that, after using the bulk of the proceeds from Mark's life insurance policy, she has little money left. She knew Mark drained and closed their savings account, but when she learns that all of their investments and retirement accounts are gone, as well, Cassie embarks on a quest for answers. Richards compassionately details Cassie's journey from a wife content to let her husband manage the family finances to an independent woman who must take responsibility for all aspects of her own life and well-being. For Cassie, the answers are elucidating, as well as heartbreaking and, ultimately, empowering.

Richards also depicts Savannah's evolution from a comfortable girl with every advantage necessary to ensure success and happiness to a rebellious, resentful, and distinctly ungrateful teenager. In Savannah's mind, her hatred of Cassie, her stepmother, is justified. She doesn't want to live in Tarpon Springs with Cassie, especially after Amber and Will move in and she is forced to relinquish her large bedroom suite to them. She just wants to mark time until she turns eighteen and can escape. To what? She has no idea, but she is convinced her life will magically improve. She is naive and gullible in many respects, but also intelligent, insightful, and full of promise if she can work through her grief and find equilibrium. And realize that not all parents are genetically connected to their children. Rather, the act of parenting is much more complicated and demanding than simply creating a life.

Injecting clues about Amber's past at deftly-paced intervals, Richards keeps readers engaged in the mystery. Amber is not her real name and she is determined to protect Will from someone who does not know she has a son. She has moved with Will from place to place over the years, never daring to settle in one location for too long. But as she and Cassie get to know each other, and Cassie's family members welcome her and Will into their midst, Amber finds herself wondering if she and Will can safely remain in Tarpon Springs. Will has developed friendships and is a stabilizing influence on Savannah. He is doing well in school, and emphatically wants to stay. Hard-working and unfailingly loyal to Amber, he enjoys his job at Kouzina, the restaurant owned and operated by Yiayia, Cassie's grandmother, and widowed aunt, Roxanne. But he is weary of Amber's deflection when he asks about his father, spurred on to demand answers by Savannah, who insists that he has a right to know about his parentage and family. As Amber scrambles to shield Will from danger, she also tries to resist her growing attraction to Travis and remain realistic about the prospect of staying in one place permanently. Aside from Cassie, there is only one person on earth who knows the truth about why Amber has been on the run for so many years, and what might happen if the person looking for her ever finds her . . . and learns of Will's existence. Now that individual might be in danger, as well.

The book's location serves as a vibrant additional character, especially the Kouzina and its bickering proprietors, Yiayia and Roxanne. The voices of Richards' characters are just right, especially the teenagers who manage to get themselves into mischief that escalates as the story's even pace accelerates toward a heart-stopping resolution, with all secrets revealed and the characters' futures determined.

The House Guests is a thoroughly engrossing and entertaining story about four characters' transitions, against their wills, from the lives they were living into futures they neither envisioned nor designed. But that's the point. They all learn that some things in life are beyond one's control and they must adapt in order to survive and, hopefully, find happiness.

Thanks to NetGalley for an Advance Reader's Copy of the book.

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grieving over the death of her husband, Cassie had to deal with her stepdaughter and her tantrums some of which cause problems for others. Secrets abound along with a lack of trust. Not really a thriller, it was a good family drama.
3,5 stars

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Do you like those cheesy hallmark movies? Then this book is for you.

[Alyson Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book: The House Guests
Author: Emilie Richards
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank the publisher, Mira Books, for sending me an ARC.

This book turned out to be a lot different than I thought it was. I really thought the thriller aspects were going to play a bigger role than they did. I’m really not complaining. This is one of those deals in which not having the thriller aspects at the forefront turned out to be a good thing. This is more of a family and domestic than anything, which is something that I love in books. I love the focus on the two women and their families as they try to navigate a rather cruel world.

One thing that I really loved was seeing the two women’s lives. We have Cassie, whose husband has died and is now being raising her teenage stepdaughter on her own. Savannah, Cassie’s stepdaughter, blames Cassie for her father’s death. We see their messy relationship right from the get go as they struggle and now have to deal with this hole in their lives. We see them at their lowest point. We see Cassie trying to figure out what to do next and how to move forward. We also get to see Savannah’s struggles as well. She was a girl who had it all and now has lost everything-her school, her friends, and her pride. You see, she was kicked out of school for beating up another student who was picking on a younger student and no one believed her what had happened. Then, there is whole money situation. Cassie thought that her husband had money tucked aside and has now discovered that it is gone. Now, she has to not only figure out what happened to the money, but figure out a way to make everything work. They end up leaving New York and moving Florida-where the problems don’t stop.

Then, Savannah starts to rebel. She and a group of friends find a wallet with money in it. They decide to throw a party that is going to forever change Savannah’s life.

You see the money belonged to Amber, a woman who is just trying to make it. The main issue with the money is that it is her rent money and she and her teenage son, Will, are now forced out onto the streets. I really enjoyed Amber and Will’s story. Life has thrown them a bunch of curveballs, but they still have each other. No matter what happens to them, they are there for each other and it seems like nothing can break their bond. A local reporter learns about their story and writes about it. Cassie learns about their story and asks them to move into her house-since it is actually Savannah’s fault that they have been forced out onto the streets.

Once Amber and Will move in, Cassie learns that, like her, there is more to their story than what meets the eye. As we see the two families intertwine, we see that both have dark secrets and that the men in their lives have failed them in more way than one. Now, this does not mean that it is the men’s fault, but we learn that the men’s decisions, who are now out of the picture, are the reason that they are even in this situation. We see these two women have to rebuild and try to keep the past buried. I really can’t say anymore without spoiling the book.

This whole idea of two strangers meeting and becoming friends under rather difficult circumstances is something that I loved in this book. Emilie presents it all in a way that doesn’t make you feel sorry from the families, but in a way that gives you hope. This is the type of book that shows us that even when we hit rock bottom, there is still hope out there and that you can come back. Throughout the whole book, we see that sense of hope, community, and strength.

The only reason I gave this a four star instead of a five is because I found the ending a little short. Don’t get me wrong, it was a pretty solid ending, but it just seemed to be missing something to really drive the punch home.

Overall, I do highly encourage you to pick this up when it comes out. If you are looking for something that focuses more on the family side and domestic side of thrillers, then I encourage you to check this one out.

This book comes out on June 29, 2021.

Yotube: https://youtu.be/gYGrgEPop1c

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah Costas makes a decision that proves to have long-range effects. She and her stepmother are having a difficult time dealing with her father's death. In fact, Savannah blames her stepmother for his death. What is more is that they have been forced to recently move and Savannah is completely unhappy. Due to Savannah's unwise actions, Amber and her teenage son Will move in with Cassie and Savannah.

Meanwhile, Cassie is having a difficult time with her husband's sudden death. For one thing, their finances were not in order, and Cassie is determined to discover why that is the case. What is more is that after years of mothering Savannah, their relationship is strained to the point that it is completely broken.

With regard to Amber, it seems as if she is hiding something and this gives Cassie pause. However, she feels really bad for Amber and Will's plight and bends over backwards to give them a home and security all while working out her own difficulties.

Savannah was very difficult in this story. Rebellious, unhappy and uncertain, she was the epitome of a troubled teen. Having raised six children, Savannah was easy to understand, even if she was unlikable at times during this story. Despite the challenges facing Savannah, Cassie, Amber and Will, this touching story has a strong family vibe to it - whether it is due to Cassie's extended Greek family, or Cassie's kind nature despite the uncertainty she is facing.

Will was the "good" kid in this story. His bond with his mother was wonderful, even if she kept secrets from him. The secrets that Amber kept led to the mysterious air of this domestic drama. It was intriguing to see what Amber was hiding from her past and if in any way it would impact what was going on with Cassie and Savannah.

This story of family and friendship was truly compelling and flowed together nicely, weaving in drama, grief, sadness, hope, trust and even love. All of the characters were solid, even Roxanne and Yiayia, Cassie's aunt and great aunt. I love how Emilie Richards drew each character and allowed the reader to follow their growth. This is only my second book by this talented author, but that is something I soon hope to change.

Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Liz (Quirky Cat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery and women's fiction meet in the middle for Emilie Richards' latest novel, The House Guests.

Cassie Costas is reeling from the loss of her husband. It was so sudden, and she's had no time to process. To make matters more complicated, her stepdaughter is struggling right alongside her, and it's taking a toll on their relationship.

That's not all it's doing, as Savannah rebels against everything, from the move to her stepmom and everything in between. Her actions result in two others losing their home, which Cassie feels compelled to rectify. Only, things don't go quite as planned.

The House Guests is a thrilling and emotionally compelling read - one that has multiple layers and so many mysteries to unravel. It's a lot to take in and will keep you thoroughly invested right up to the end.

The story is about two single mothers and their teenage children. All of them have secrets. Secrets they're hiding, and secrets they're trying to uncover. It's a rough and fascinating balance, one that should have plenty of appeal for a broader audience.

Personally, I found myself intrigued by the mysteries that Cassie was delving into. First, the one revolving around her husband. And second, the one revolving around the woman she just took in. It was fun trying to predict what was actually going on.

This story flowed smoothly from one plot arc to the next, leaving me captivated right up through to the final pages. It's one of those novels that you can really sink your teeth into, which I can't get enough of!

Thanks to MIRA and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Read more reviews at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really liked everything I've read by Emilie Richards, but The House Guests totally blew me away. Ms. Richards writes a wonderful book of hard times, fighting back, learning to trust and finding family where you least expect it. In this book, she immerses the reader in those traditions and ideals of the Greek people who were transplanted in this country and the struggles between those holding on to the old ways and the younger generations who want change.

There are amazingly two different suspense/mystery plots going on in the book. One is with Amber who has suddenly lost almost everything. The other is with Cassie and her daughter, who unwittingly caused Amber and her son to be at their lowest. When Cassie tries to make amends, the only thing she can think of is to invite Amber and her son Will to move in with them. Cassie has struggles of her own, the least of which is not her step-daughter, Savannah. It's definitely a tense household and it becomes even more so as things unravel for both women. Cassie and Amber may find exactly the support they need in each other if only they can give a little in their relationship.

I'm really not sure if this book is character or plot driven, because both are so strong. It's a long book, but worth every minute you spend reading it.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author and Mira Books. All thoughts are my own.