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The Girl I Used to Be
Your husband is not the man you thought he was… but how do you move on, when you’re forced to keep his secret?
When Jill Goodman’s picture-perfect marriage implodes, she’s heartbroken. Still reeling from the shock, the only thing she receives in the hasty divorce settlement is the deed to her husband’s sprawling beach house on the New Jersey coastline. Jill never cared about money—only her marriage—but with Marc determined to take everything she owns, the beach house is her only lifeline left.
With no other choice, Jill travels to the shore intending to sell the house quickly—but the task is not as easy as she expects. Still, she can’t help but be charmed by the beautiful seaside town and its sweetly old-fashioned ways. Despite everything, Jill is starting to see a path back to who she was before she met her husband—not the demure, polished housewife she’d become, but the smiling young woman with the strong Jersey accent who loved her family more than anything.
Then Jill dives deeper into Marc’s secrets and she stumbles across something in her husband’s past that changes everything. Could Jill herself have been unknowingly complicit in what Marc did and, if so, what will happen to her when the truth finally comes to light? With Marc determined to bury the evidence, can Jill find a way to save herself before her once perfect husband takes her down with hi
When Jill Goodman’s picture-perfect marriage implodes, she’s heartbroken. Still reeling from the shock, the only thing she receives in the hasty divorce settlement is the deed to her husband’s sprawling beach house on the New Jersey coastline. Jill never cared about money—only her marriage—but with Marc determined to take everything she owns, the beach house is her only lifeline left.
With no other choice, Jill travels to the shore intending to sell the house quickly—but the task is not as easy as she expects. Still, she can’t help but be charmed by the beautiful seaside town and its sweetly old-fashioned ways. Despite everything, Jill is starting to see a path back to who she was before she met her husband—not the demure, polished housewife she’d become, but the smiling young woman with the strong Jersey accent who loved her family more than anything.
Then Jill dives deeper into Marc’s secrets and she stumbles across something in her husband’s past that changes everything. Could Jill herself have been unknowingly complicit in what Marc did and, if so, what will happen to her when the truth finally comes to light? With Marc determined to bury the evidence, can Jill find a way to save herself before her once perfect husband takes her down with hi
- GenresFiction
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2021
142 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Hostetter
8 books89 followersI love books, always have. There’s just something about the way a story unfolds that seems magical to me. I remember riding my bike down to the public library when I was a kid. I'd filling my basket with anything that looked interesting - fairy tales, detective stories, mysteries. Then I'd pedal home and spend hours lost in story.
So, when I began writing my own stories, I made sure to weave together immersive description, characters you'll root for, struggles that reflect real life, and always –– always –– a happy ending.
THE GIRL I USED TO BE is the newest book in the New Jersey Shore collection. It asks "how much of yourself are you willing to give up for a comfortable life?" And "how hard are you willing to fight to find your way back?"
THE SHORE HOUSE is the first in the Dewberry Beach collection. A story of misunderstanding, forgiveness and the power of second chances, it’s a heartfelt summer read. Perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand, Pamela Kelley and Nancy Thayer.
THINGS WE SURRENDER is the first book in my Lowcountry collection, novels set in Charleston, South Carolina. Three generations of strong Southern women share an ancestral home and not-quite-forgotten secrets. Can they learn to forgive past betrayal for a second chance at becoming a family? THINGS WE KEEP, the second book in the collection, is Eudora’s story and shows how she salvaged an fractured beginning to became a strong family matriarch.
If you like Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow, you’ll love my Inlet Beach series. A small beach town on the coast of Oregon, Inlet Beach is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone else, and they all have an opinion. THE INHERITANCE begins the collection, with three estranged sisters staking a claim to what looks like a dilapidated beach house but is actually a landmark beloved by the residents. A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW revisits Inlet Beach for Christmas, with a runaway teen desperate for help. Can the community come together in time to give a boy a home for the holidays?
So, when I began writing my own stories, I made sure to weave together immersive description, characters you'll root for, struggles that reflect real life, and always –– always –– a happy ending.
THE GIRL I USED TO BE is the newest book in the New Jersey Shore collection. It asks "how much of yourself are you willing to give up for a comfortable life?" And "how hard are you willing to fight to find your way back?"
THE SHORE HOUSE is the first in the Dewberry Beach collection. A story of misunderstanding, forgiveness and the power of second chances, it’s a heartfelt summer read. Perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand, Pamela Kelley and Nancy Thayer.
THINGS WE SURRENDER is the first book in my Lowcountry collection, novels set in Charleston, South Carolina. Three generations of strong Southern women share an ancestral home and not-quite-forgotten secrets. Can they learn to forgive past betrayal for a second chance at becoming a family? THINGS WE KEEP, the second book in the collection, is Eudora’s story and shows how she salvaged an fractured beginning to became a strong family matriarch.
If you like Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow, you’ll love my Inlet Beach series. A small beach town on the coast of Oregon, Inlet Beach is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone else, and they all have an opinion. THE INHERITANCE begins the collection, with three estranged sisters staking a claim to what looks like a dilapidated beach house but is actually a landmark beloved by the residents. A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW revisits Inlet Beach for Christmas, with a runaway teen desperate for help. Can the community come together in time to give a boy a home for the holidays?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 5, 2021
When Jill Goodman’s picture-perfect marriage implodes, she’s heartbroken. Still reeling from the shock, the only thing she receives in the hasty divorce settlement is the deed to her husband’s sprawling beach house on the New Jersey coastline. Jill never cared about money – only her marriage – but with Marc determined to take everything she owns; the beach house is her only lifeline left.
Jill is slowly starting to see a path back to who she was before she met her husband but it isn’t easy.
Then Jill dives deeper into Marc’s secrets and she stumbles across a something in her husband’s past that changes everything. Could Jill herself have been unknowingly complicit in what Marc did and, if so, what will happen to her when the truth finally comes to light? With Marc determined to bury the evidence, can Jill find a way to save herself before her once perfect husband takes her down with him?
This was a quick read! And I didn’t know it was a part of a series!
What I loved most about this book was the setting of Dewberry Beach and its close knit community. It was absolutely perfect.
In terms of the main characters, I hated Marc right from the start. With regard to Jill, initially I found her naïve but then as the story progresses, I found myself rooting for her and hoping that she finds the strength to do the right thing!
Overall, it’s a quick beach read!
Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
Jill is slowly starting to see a path back to who she was before she met her husband but it isn’t easy.
Then Jill dives deeper into Marc’s secrets and she stumbles across a something in her husband’s past that changes everything. Could Jill herself have been unknowingly complicit in what Marc did and, if so, what will happen to her when the truth finally comes to light? With Marc determined to bury the evidence, can Jill find a way to save herself before her once perfect husband takes her down with him?
This was a quick read! And I didn’t know it was a part of a series!
What I loved most about this book was the setting of Dewberry Beach and its close knit community. It was absolutely perfect.
In terms of the main characters, I hated Marc right from the start. With regard to Jill, initially I found her naïve but then as the story progresses, I found myself rooting for her and hoping that she finds the strength to do the right thing!
Overall, it’s a quick beach read!
Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
May 14, 2021
Heidi Hostetter writes an emotionally gripping story about fractured families and the power of resilience and starting over.
The Girl I Used to Be is a well written contemporary women's' fiction about Jillian DiFiore whose perfect marriage comes crashing down after discovering her husband Marc's affair. In a whirlwind divorce, she ends up with the property right on the Jersey Shore, where she unearths secrets her husband has been a part of.
In a story that gripped me from the very first chapter, I read this through in a weekend while spending my time by the water over Mother's Day weekend, and it sure was a delight. Hostetter has won my heart for her strong and resilient characters, in the beautiful New Jersey sea side setting.
A fantastic Beach Read that will surely entertain and keep your fingers turning those pages.
The Girl I Used to Be is a well written contemporary women's' fiction about Jillian DiFiore whose perfect marriage comes crashing down after discovering her husband Marc's affair. In a whirlwind divorce, she ends up with the property right on the Jersey Shore, where she unearths secrets her husband has been a part of.
In a story that gripped me from the very first chapter, I read this through in a weekend while spending my time by the water over Mother's Day weekend, and it sure was a delight. Hostetter has won my heart for her strong and resilient characters, in the beautiful New Jersey sea side setting.
A fantastic Beach Read that will surely entertain and keep your fingers turning those pages.
April 16, 2021
This was a quick and easy read for me. Jill is married to Marc who is a real piece of work. I hated him from the very beginning! Jill finds out some secrets about him and tries to make the town a better place. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
May 18, 2021
3.5 stars
The Girl I Used to be by Heidi Hostetter is an emotional story of a young woman, Jill, who has a chance at a new life after her marriage that she thought was perfect explodes when she finds her husband Marc is cheating on her. As a divorce settlement, Jill gets a sprawling beach house in New Jersey and she intends to sell it to help her to start her new life, but when she travels to Dewberry Beach to sell the house, she runs into unexpected obstacles. While trying to sell the property, Jill discovers the full extent of the duplicity and awfulness of her now ex-husband Marc.
I liked Jill, but I found her naivete in the first half of the book a little annoying. Marc didn't have any redeeming qualities, he was awful from the beginning of the book, but Jill excused his behavior over and over again. It was hard to comprehend how she fell in love with him in the first place. Marc was like a cartoonish villain, his character didn't have a lot of complexity. I usually prefer characters, especially villains, with more nuance. I found the second half of the book a lot more enjoyable. Jill really came into her own later in the book. Unlike Marc, her character grew by leaps and bounds. I also liked the setting of a small beach town and its occupants. Dewberry Beach was a perfect backdrop for the story. The Girl I Used to Be is an enjoyable summer read perfect for reading on the beach or by the pool.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
The Girl I Used to be by Heidi Hostetter is an emotional story of a young woman, Jill, who has a chance at a new life after her marriage that she thought was perfect explodes when she finds her husband Marc is cheating on her. As a divorce settlement, Jill gets a sprawling beach house in New Jersey and she intends to sell it to help her to start her new life, but when she travels to Dewberry Beach to sell the house, she runs into unexpected obstacles. While trying to sell the property, Jill discovers the full extent of the duplicity and awfulness of her now ex-husband Marc.
I liked Jill, but I found her naivete in the first half of the book a little annoying. Marc didn't have any redeeming qualities, he was awful from the beginning of the book, but Jill excused his behavior over and over again. It was hard to comprehend how she fell in love with him in the first place. Marc was like a cartoonish villain, his character didn't have a lot of complexity. I usually prefer characters, especially villains, with more nuance. I found the second half of the book a lot more enjoyable. Jill really came into her own later in the book. Unlike Marc, her character grew by leaps and bounds. I also liked the setting of a small beach town and its occupants. Dewberry Beach was a perfect backdrop for the story. The Girl I Used to Be is an enjoyable summer read perfect for reading on the beach or by the pool.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
May 1, 2021
This is the first Heidi Hostetter book I have read but it won’t be the last. I loved the setting and the way the town was described and I took well to the character of Jill. It is an easy read that I completed in a day.
I have already recommended to my mum and my mother in law as I think this is exactly the type of book they would enjoy.
I have already recommended to my mum and my mother in law as I think this is exactly the type of book they would enjoy.
May 11, 2021
By all appearances, Jill Goodman has the perfect marriage. Growing up poor, she now has designer clothes still with their price tags. Has she gone too far, trading belongings for a sense of security and morphing herself into the perfect wife?
When her world comes crashing around her, Jill is forced to examine the truth. All that glitters is not golden and behind the façade reveals a troubled marriage.
A skilled photographer, she views life through the lens of her camera. As she brings the picture back into focus, she realizes that she no longer recognizes herself. What happened to that feisty Jersey girl? She used to have friends, fun and believe in herself. Poverty wasn’t a crime but losing herself was.
Picking up the pieces of her shattered dreams, Jill finds the strength to piece together a new life. Taking back control, she’s stronger than when under her husband’s direction.
Happy publication day to @Bookouture and Heidi Hostetter! I was swept away by the story from the first chapter. Uncork your favorite beverage and settle in for a trip to the Jersey shore. You’ll ‘shore’ be inspired as Jill becomes the woman she’s meant to be.
When her world comes crashing around her, Jill is forced to examine the truth. All that glitters is not golden and behind the façade reveals a troubled marriage.
A skilled photographer, she views life through the lens of her camera. As she brings the picture back into focus, she realizes that she no longer recognizes herself. What happened to that feisty Jersey girl? She used to have friends, fun and believe in herself. Poverty wasn’t a crime but losing herself was.
Picking up the pieces of her shattered dreams, Jill finds the strength to piece together a new life. Taking back control, she’s stronger than when under her husband’s direction.
Happy publication day to @Bookouture and Heidi Hostetter! I was swept away by the story from the first chapter. Uncork your favorite beverage and settle in for a trip to the Jersey shore. You’ll ‘shore’ be inspired as Jill becomes the woman she’s meant to be.
May 13, 2021
3.5 stars.
Heidi Hostetter's new book, The Girl I Used to Be , is an emotional story about rebuilding and finding one’s way again.
Jill fell in love with Marc and knew she wanted to be with him. She knew he had been married before, and but she was determined to make their marriage stronger than his previous ones. Sure, Marc was a little controlling, telling her how to dress, how to look, what to do, but he loved her, and they had a picture-perfect life together.
Or so she thought. Her whole life comes crashing down when she learns of Marc’s infidelity. She didn’t care about his money, but she also doesn’t want to be taken advantage of. With Marc claiming everything were assets of his business or covered by the prenup Jill signed, the only thing she gets is a beach house on New Jersey’s Dewberry Beach.
She really wants nothing to do with the house and plans to sell it right away. But she’s thrown for a loop when she discovers that everything to do with the house isn’t on the up-and-up, and she might have had unknowingly been involved.
As she tries to get to the bottom of Marc’s deception and make good on the wrongs he left behind, she falls in love with the beach town where her house is. But more than that, she starts to find herself again—the real her, not the person Marc tried to mold her into.
Sometimes it’s hard to stand on your own two feet after you’ve been knocked down. But Jill is realizing the strength to do so comes from within yourself. Her story is powerful and relevant, and even if all of the characters aren’t likable, the story is.
Thanks to Bookouture for a complimentary copy of The Girl I Used to Be in exchange for an unbiased review!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Heidi Hostetter's new book, The Girl I Used to Be , is an emotional story about rebuilding and finding one’s way again.
Jill fell in love with Marc and knew she wanted to be with him. She knew he had been married before, and but she was determined to make their marriage stronger than his previous ones. Sure, Marc was a little controlling, telling her how to dress, how to look, what to do, but he loved her, and they had a picture-perfect life together.
Or so she thought. Her whole life comes crashing down when she learns of Marc’s infidelity. She didn’t care about his money, but she also doesn’t want to be taken advantage of. With Marc claiming everything were assets of his business or covered by the prenup Jill signed, the only thing she gets is a beach house on New Jersey’s Dewberry Beach.
She really wants nothing to do with the house and plans to sell it right away. But she’s thrown for a loop when she discovers that everything to do with the house isn’t on the up-and-up, and she might have had unknowingly been involved.
As she tries to get to the bottom of Marc’s deception and make good on the wrongs he left behind, she falls in love with the beach town where her house is. But more than that, she starts to find herself again—the real her, not the person Marc tried to mold her into.
Sometimes it’s hard to stand on your own two feet after you’ve been knocked down. But Jill is realizing the strength to do so comes from within yourself. Her story is powerful and relevant, and even if all of the characters aren’t likable, the story is.
Thanks to Bookouture for a complimentary copy of The Girl I Used to Be in exchange for an unbiased review!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
April 13, 2021
Known as the Queen of Summer fiction, somebody better tell Elin Hilderbrand Heidi is out to steal her crown. This is hands down one of the top 10 summer reads of 2021!
Jillian DiFiore chanhed her whole entire life to marry Marc, a man twice er age. She was.truly in love, or so she thought, and she did everything to mold herself into his perfect woman. Doing so forced her to block out the things he did that may not have been as honorable as she would have liked. All of that comes to a head the moment she receives photos from his mistress that were undeniable. Marc was having an affair. Armed with a prenump, he wanted out within weeks. All Jill wants is her freedom. And the house in Dewberry Beach that was mortgaged in her name fraudulently.
You quickly fall in love with the Jersey Shore due to the almost artistic writing. This is a book that you fall into so easily and wether or not you've ever even been to the East Coast you feel your toes in the sand and hear the water lapping at your feet. Her writing is just that good. There's a little suspense, romance, friendship, and the feel good community all wrapped up perfectly to make this the perfect read to have in your beach bag while you spend a summer afternoon on the shore. Even if you can't go to the beach, this book is a mini holiday in itself. Five huge stars and I've already added her whole catalog to my TBR list.
Thank you to NetGalley, Heidi Hostetter, and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Jillian DiFiore chanhed her whole entire life to marry Marc, a man twice er age. She was.truly in love, or so she thought, and she did everything to mold herself into his perfect woman. Doing so forced her to block out the things he did that may not have been as honorable as she would have liked. All of that comes to a head the moment she receives photos from his mistress that were undeniable. Marc was having an affair. Armed with a prenump, he wanted out within weeks. All Jill wants is her freedom. And the house in Dewberry Beach that was mortgaged in her name fraudulently.
You quickly fall in love with the Jersey Shore due to the almost artistic writing. This is a book that you fall into so easily and wether or not you've ever even been to the East Coast you feel your toes in the sand and hear the water lapping at your feet. Her writing is just that good. There's a little suspense, romance, friendship, and the feel good community all wrapped up perfectly to make this the perfect read to have in your beach bag while you spend a summer afternoon on the shore. Even if you can't go to the beach, this book is a mini holiday in itself. Five huge stars and I've already added her whole catalog to my TBR list.
Thank you to NetGalley, Heidi Hostetter, and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 6, 2021
Round up to 3.5 stars
Jill DiFiore is trying to find herself again. After leaving behind her old life and old self of mismatched clothes, wild nights and calories for her dream man offering her a dream life, she has lost who she once was. Her new husband, Mark, has transformed her into a plastic, fake woman who lives a pampered life of personal shoppers, hair appointments and salads to keep up his façade of a life. Once she finds him cheating on her, all bets are off as she starts over in trying to find the old Jill while starting a new life at Dewberry Beach.
There was a lot to this story that I did enjoy. Jill finding her voice. Her never ending friendships with others around her. Her desire to do what was right. Dewberry Beach and the townspeople. I had a hard time with Marks storyline, in particular, the scandal with the house on Dewberry Beach. There were so many details and back and forth on what happened, how he scammed the owners, etc that it was hard to keep up with at times and I found myself losing interest at times.
This is my second book my the author and I loved The Shore House and look forward to future books with the same setting. I always love how the women find themselves again and get back to their roots, but this one wasn't my favorite.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for my ARC in exchange for my review and honest opinions.
Jill DiFiore is trying to find herself again. After leaving behind her old life and old self of mismatched clothes, wild nights and calories for her dream man offering her a dream life, she has lost who she once was. Her new husband, Mark, has transformed her into a plastic, fake woman who lives a pampered life of personal shoppers, hair appointments and salads to keep up his façade of a life. Once she finds him cheating on her, all bets are off as she starts over in trying to find the old Jill while starting a new life at Dewberry Beach.
There was a lot to this story that I did enjoy. Jill finding her voice. Her never ending friendships with others around her. Her desire to do what was right. Dewberry Beach and the townspeople. I had a hard time with Marks storyline, in particular, the scandal with the house on Dewberry Beach. There were so many details and back and forth on what happened, how he scammed the owners, etc that it was hard to keep up with at times and I found myself losing interest at times.
This is my second book my the author and I loved The Shore House and look forward to future books with the same setting. I always love how the women find themselves again and get back to their roots, but this one wasn't my favorite.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for my ARC in exchange for my review and honest opinions.
May 18, 2021
Jill Goodman thinks she has the perfect marriage so she is devastated when it ends almost overnight. Wealthy ex-husband Marc leaves her with nothing but a heavily mortgaged beach house on the New Jersey coast. Jill intends to sell as quickly as possible but when she visits Dewberry Beach, she falls in love with the seaside town. However, when she discovers what the locals think of the house and what Marc had really been up to, Jill knows she has her work cut out to be accepted...
The Girl I Used to Be is the perfect book for a lazy holiday read or to while away a rainy afternoon or two. The prose is confident, well-paced and gives an immediate sense of reassurance. The opening with Mrs Brockhurst is intriguing although a little familiar and it was surprising that this connection was not fully utilised further in the main story. Notwithstanding, once the action shifts to Marc’s birthday party the story really moves up a level. Ms Hostetter really conveyed the superficial materialism of Jill’s life with Marc without it becoming forced or overwhelming.
The reader is alerted to Marc’s unpleasant and controlling character through Jill’s naïve musings. At first, she is a little frustrating and self-absorbed, you do feel the urge to slap her but her unsophistication in the face of Marc’s ruthless dishonesty makes for an absorbing read that really zips along. Cush was also a menacing character and his scene in the kitchen with Jill was quite unnerving.
The prose excels once Jill is in Dewberry Beach; the setting is clearly realised and the reader is ably transported to a seaside town out of season, you could really feel yourself walking along the shoreline with the wind whipping your face and smell the salt spray. The characters are convincing and the small-town pace of life with its seasonal traditions is brought to colourfully and authentically to life. The coterie of female characters at the core of the community; Mrs Ivey, Brenda, Betty Grable et al., are nicely individual and, Ellie, Jill’s best friend, provides an anchor from her old life and helps drive the narrative along.
You do get a sense of Jill shedding this ‘Stepford Wife’ persona and returning to the South Jersey girl that she was before her ill-fated marriage but it could have been slightly more defined. Personally, I thought Jill should have been a shade older than twenty-six; some of her actions seemed to suggest someone more mature.
The plot is gripping in parts, although there are areas that resolve a touch too conveniently and, consequently, feel a touch rushed. Nonetheless, The Girl I Used to Be is pure reading escapism with a wonderfully realised setting and faultless editing. Well worth a look.
The Girl I Used to Be is the perfect book for a lazy holiday read or to while away a rainy afternoon or two. The prose is confident, well-paced and gives an immediate sense of reassurance. The opening with Mrs Brockhurst is intriguing although a little familiar and it was surprising that this connection was not fully utilised further in the main story. Notwithstanding, once the action shifts to Marc’s birthday party the story really moves up a level. Ms Hostetter really conveyed the superficial materialism of Jill’s life with Marc without it becoming forced or overwhelming.
The reader is alerted to Marc’s unpleasant and controlling character through Jill’s naïve musings. At first, she is a little frustrating and self-absorbed, you do feel the urge to slap her but her unsophistication in the face of Marc’s ruthless dishonesty makes for an absorbing read that really zips along. Cush was also a menacing character and his scene in the kitchen with Jill was quite unnerving.
The prose excels once Jill is in Dewberry Beach; the setting is clearly realised and the reader is ably transported to a seaside town out of season, you could really feel yourself walking along the shoreline with the wind whipping your face and smell the salt spray. The characters are convincing and the small-town pace of life with its seasonal traditions is brought to colourfully and authentically to life. The coterie of female characters at the core of the community; Mrs Ivey, Brenda, Betty Grable et al., are nicely individual and, Ellie, Jill’s best friend, provides an anchor from her old life and helps drive the narrative along.
You do get a sense of Jill shedding this ‘Stepford Wife’ persona and returning to the South Jersey girl that she was before her ill-fated marriage but it could have been slightly more defined. Personally, I thought Jill should have been a shade older than twenty-six; some of her actions seemed to suggest someone more mature.
The plot is gripping in parts, although there are areas that resolve a touch too conveniently and, consequently, feel a touch rushed. Nonetheless, The Girl I Used to Be is pure reading escapism with a wonderfully realised setting and faultless editing. Well worth a look.
May 3, 2021
Jill Goodman has been married to Marc, a rich property developer for three years. She is his glamorous much younger wife who runs his home and hosts parties. From the beginning it is clear that he controls everything she does. The way she looks, the way she behaves. In love with her husband, Jill has been happy to make these changes; to become the woman he wants her to be. However, when she discovers he is having an affair with one of his employees and is asking for a divorce, she realises how much of herself she has lost in the years she has been his wife.
Ruthless in business, Marc now applies the same tactics to the wife he is ridding himself of, making sure she is left with nothing. But things don’t go to plan, and Jill ends up with a house. Perched on the cliffs at Dewberry Beach, on the East Coast, she needs to sell it in order to clear the fraudulent mortgage her husband arranged in her name.
Settling into Dewberry Beach while she organises the sale, Jill sets about reclaiming her old self and resurrecting her love of photography. But gradually she begins to realise the damage Marc has done to this close-knit community and decides to do something about it.
The Shore House was my first outing with Heidi Hostetter and The Girl I Used to Be I guess could be called a sequel, as many of the characters are included. Once again Ms Hostetter has woven a wonderful tale of larger-than-life characters and close friendships in a small, close community. For Jill it is a wonderful journey, reclaiming much of what she thought she had lost, and seeing how superficial a life she had led with Marc. But the centre of this is all about bringing justice for the community.. Does she achieve it? Well, you will have to read the book to find out.
Highly recommended.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC of The Girl I Used to Be in exchange for an honest review.
Ruthless in business, Marc now applies the same tactics to the wife he is ridding himself of, making sure she is left with nothing. But things don’t go to plan, and Jill ends up with a house. Perched on the cliffs at Dewberry Beach, on the East Coast, she needs to sell it in order to clear the fraudulent mortgage her husband arranged in her name.
Settling into Dewberry Beach while she organises the sale, Jill sets about reclaiming her old self and resurrecting her love of photography. But gradually she begins to realise the damage Marc has done to this close-knit community and decides to do something about it.
The Shore House was my first outing with Heidi Hostetter and The Girl I Used to Be I guess could be called a sequel, as many of the characters are included. Once again Ms Hostetter has woven a wonderful tale of larger-than-life characters and close friendships in a small, close community. For Jill it is a wonderful journey, reclaiming much of what she thought she had lost, and seeing how superficial a life she had led with Marc. But the centre of this is all about bringing justice for the community.. Does she achieve it? Well, you will have to read the book to find out.
Highly recommended.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC of The Girl I Used to Be in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2021
Jillian DiFiore Goodman has everything she wants, or so she thinks. She has the house, her husband Marco and life is good. Until one day when subtle clues tell her Marco may not be as faithful as he seems....
Can Jillian trust Marco, or is she better off alone?
Will she be able to make it or will past memories haunt her too much?
The Girl I Used to Be is the first novel by Heidi Hostetter that I have had the pleasure of reviewing, and what an amazing book it is!
I was immediately drawn into the book and just could not get through it quick enough. Secrets, lies love....and a quest to see who is really faithful to who.
And what will happen to the house on Dewberry Beach that is in Marco's name?
Jillian is unsure what is really hers because so much is steeped in the wealth Marco has. The affluent area where they live as well as the beach were very vividly created. I loved the name Dewberry Beach, very original and it reminded me of a dewberry-scented perfume I had as a teen.
The pace is excellent and I was constantly wanting to know what was going to happen. A quick but immersive novel that will win your heart. It did mine, and I have added all Heidi Hostetter's novels to my to read shelf on Goodreads.
I cannot describe how much I loved The Girl I used to Be. It has suspense, deceit love lies and through it all is the undercurrent of wealth and whether things are really too good to be true in Jillian's life at the beginning.
I just knew something was going to happen, there's a great atmosphere of unease but that made me love this book more, and I HAD to know what was going to happen.
I didn't want the novel to end.
5 sparkling stars (although it deserves more).
Can Jillian trust Marco, or is she better off alone?
Will she be able to make it or will past memories haunt her too much?
The Girl I Used to Be is the first novel by Heidi Hostetter that I have had the pleasure of reviewing, and what an amazing book it is!
I was immediately drawn into the book and just could not get through it quick enough. Secrets, lies love....and a quest to see who is really faithful to who.
And what will happen to the house on Dewberry Beach that is in Marco's name?
Jillian is unsure what is really hers because so much is steeped in the wealth Marco has. The affluent area where they live as well as the beach were very vividly created. I loved the name Dewberry Beach, very original and it reminded me of a dewberry-scented perfume I had as a teen.
The pace is excellent and I was constantly wanting to know what was going to happen. A quick but immersive novel that will win your heart. It did mine, and I have added all Heidi Hostetter's novels to my to read shelf on Goodreads.
I cannot describe how much I loved The Girl I used to Be. It has suspense, deceit love lies and through it all is the undercurrent of wealth and whether things are really too good to be true in Jillian's life at the beginning.
I just knew something was going to happen, there's a great atmosphere of unease but that made me love this book more, and I HAD to know what was going to happen.
I didn't want the novel to end.
5 sparkling stars (although it deserves more).
May 17, 2021
I have not read this author before and I need to fix that soon. I read this in one sitting, it was quite perfect actually, a perfect combo of troll-y husband, spouse trying to move on but with a bit of a mystery to solve before she can. Throw in a beach setting in the fall (including a close knit small town) and I am all in. This had some depth to it and is a wonderful story about resilience, rebuilding, and reconnecting old friendships.
Thank you to NetGalley Chick Lit Central and Bookouture for the advanced digital copy to review. This one is perfect for your beach read list.
Thank you to NetGalley Chick Lit Central and Bookouture for the advanced digital copy to review. This one is perfect for your beach read list.
July 11, 2021
The Girl I Used To Be by Heidi Hostetter
The Girl I Used To Be by Heidi Hostetter is a wonderful, feel-good novel about a broken love. There is something cathartic about knowing that you are strong enough, and smart enough to succeed even when all the cards are stacked against you. That is what Jill Goodman needs to learn.
Jill Goodman is the main character. She had it all -a handsome husband who loved her, a wonderful hobby of taking pictures, and a good life. However it all fell apart one day when she found out the truth. The only thing she was left with was a monstrosity of a house on a small family beach and all kinds of questions. Now is the time for the Jersey girl to find out what she's really made of!
The girl I used to be by Heidi Hostetter is a good read. I loved all the characters. I liked the revelations and how Jill dealt with them. And I loved hating her husband or ex-husband now. An interesting beach read.
The Girl I Used To Be by Heidi Hostetter is a wonderful, feel-good novel about a broken love. There is something cathartic about knowing that you are strong enough, and smart enough to succeed even when all the cards are stacked against you. That is what Jill Goodman needs to learn.
Jill Goodman is the main character. She had it all -a handsome husband who loved her, a wonderful hobby of taking pictures, and a good life. However it all fell apart one day when she found out the truth. The only thing she was left with was a monstrosity of a house on a small family beach and all kinds of questions. Now is the time for the Jersey girl to find out what she's really made of!
The girl I used to be by Heidi Hostetter is a good read. I loved all the characters. I liked the revelations and how Jill dealt with them. And I loved hating her husband or ex-husband now. An interesting beach read.
November 29, 2021
I loved the writing as it swept me away for a few hours from real life. The locales and close knit community were well described. it was all about the husband's treachery and the wife finding out his secrets. I loved that Jill found her courage to take the right decision. The author made me care for the characters. Overall, a sweet read.
April 10, 2021
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for a feel good novel! This isn’t usually my type of reading, but I LOVED it!!! The main character was a bit too young for all the things that happened to her, but all in all it worked. It just put a smile on my face and the ending was just one of happiness for a character in a book. I’m very glad I went out of my norm to read this.
April 10, 2021
LOVED it. Read it all in a morning.
A bit of a turn from some of Heidi's other stories (yet still about family), but wonderful, as always. I loved the twists and how previous characters were woven in seamlessly.
As usual, there are characters you'll want to slap and others you'll want to hug.
I recommend!
A bit of a turn from some of Heidi's other stories (yet still about family), but wonderful, as always. I loved the twists and how previous characters were woven in seamlessly.
As usual, there are characters you'll want to slap and others you'll want to hug.
I recommend!
April 10, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, I wasn't sure what to expect and if I'm honest, I expected a different story from reading the description.
Saying that, it was a lovely story about getting back to being yourself. I loved the character Jill and how down to earth she was, and how she took it all in her stride.
Saying that, it was a lovely story about getting back to being yourself. I loved the character Jill and how down to earth she was, and how she took it all in her stride.
March 20, 2021
All that glitters is not gold in this delightfully captivating of story of one woman’s inner search for and journey back to her true self. There are plenty of pitfalls along the way. Lots of obstacles to navigate. Like a full-time jerk who’s a part time hubby (to put it charitably). Lost friends. Fake “friends.” A humble past Jill ‘s been told to not just forget, but to erase and be ashamed of. Also enough tangled webs, betrayals and duplicity to make Shelob look like a piker.
But in the end, friendship, solidarity, personal fortitude and a refusal to be pressed into someone else’s artificial, pre-fab mold win out. Lots of intrigue and unraveling along the way.
The story grabbed me in the first few pages and reeled me in! I was hooked by the end of chapter one! It's just a lot of fun, especially watching Jill take control of her own destiny and decide what to do with "the Monstrosity" and Marc. Delicious!
But in the end, friendship, solidarity, personal fortitude and a refusal to be pressed into someone else’s artificial, pre-fab mold win out. Lots of intrigue and unraveling along the way.
The story grabbed me in the first few pages and reeled me in! I was hooked by the end of chapter one! It's just a lot of fun, especially watching Jill take control of her own destiny and decide what to do with "the Monstrosity" and Marc. Delicious!
May 7, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Girl I Used To Be' by Heidi Hostetter.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Heidi Hostetter, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous.
Publication date 11th May 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is the second book in the 'Dewberry Beach' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis. It also stated in the synopsis that this book is 'perfect for fans of Amanda Prowse, Elin Hilderbrand and Diane Chamberlain'. I am a huge fan of Diane Chamberlain so am looking forward to see if it lives up to this. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 28 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in New Jersey, USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonist being Jill Goodman. The benefits of third person perspective especially with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book is beautifully written with vivid descriptions that make you feel the sand on your feet while smelling the smell of the sea. The cover and synopsis suited the storyline perfectly.
The storyline itself is a very easy read filled with friendship, secrets, deceit, sun and sand. It is the perfect book to read on the beach on holidays and if not on the beach then this book will be sure to take you there. It is a heartwarming story of how life can change in the blink of an eye and how to find the rainbow in the storm. It is compelling and addictive and I loved how it ended!!! A lovely page turner that whisked me away to a gorgeous beach resort. I didn't actually realise it was part of a series until I looked at the list of Heidi's other books at the end. 'The Shore House' is the first book and I'm looking forward to going back and reading that book as well as any more in this series.
I loved watching how Jill's character grew from a shadow to the strong woman she was by the end. I couldn't stand Marc or Cush from the moment I met them and I'm so glad Jill had Ellie to help her out. I also enjoyed getting to know the residents of Dewberry Beach namely Danny, Brenda and Mrs Ivey in particular. They all had their own unique personalities which are realistic. The residents of Dewberry Beach portrayed a close knit community perfectly and I'm looking forward to meeting them again.
Overall a beautifully written summer read that will sweep you away to the beach.
Genres covered in this book include Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction and Domestic Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Diane Chamberlain and anyone looking for a heartwarming beach read.
275 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheGirlIUsedToBe #Bookouture #HeidiHostetter #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@HeidiHostetter @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'The Girl I Used To Be' by Heidi Hostetter.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Heidi Hostetter, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous.
Publication date 11th May 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is the second book in the 'Dewberry Beach' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis. It also stated in the synopsis that this book is 'perfect for fans of Amanda Prowse, Elin Hilderbrand and Diane Chamberlain'. I am a huge fan of Diane Chamberlain so am looking forward to see if it lives up to this. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 28 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in New Jersey, USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonist being Jill Goodman. The benefits of third person perspective especially with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book is beautifully written with vivid descriptions that make you feel the sand on your feet while smelling the smell of the sea. The cover and synopsis suited the storyline perfectly.
The storyline itself is a very easy read filled with friendship, secrets, deceit, sun and sand. It is the perfect book to read on the beach on holidays and if not on the beach then this book will be sure to take you there. It is a heartwarming story of how life can change in the blink of an eye and how to find the rainbow in the storm. It is compelling and addictive and I loved how it ended!!! A lovely page turner that whisked me away to a gorgeous beach resort. I didn't actually realise it was part of a series until I looked at the list of Heidi's other books at the end. 'The Shore House' is the first book and I'm looking forward to going back and reading that book as well as any more in this series.
I loved watching how Jill's character grew from a shadow to the strong woman she was by the end. I couldn't stand Marc or Cush from the moment I met them and I'm so glad Jill had Ellie to help her out. I also enjoyed getting to know the residents of Dewberry Beach namely Danny, Brenda and Mrs Ivey in particular. They all had their own unique personalities which are realistic. The residents of Dewberry Beach portrayed a close knit community perfectly and I'm looking forward to meeting them again.
Overall a beautifully written summer read that will sweep you away to the beach.
Genres covered in this book include Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction and Domestic Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Diane Chamberlain and anyone looking for a heartwarming beach read.
275 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheGirlIUsedToBe #Bookouture #HeidiHostetter #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@HeidiHostetter @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
November 29, 2023
The Girl I used to Be
Jilly, the ‘Heroine’ of the story was confusing. She allowed herself to be totally molded by Marc (and apparently every other relationship before) yet was also described as “She was a Jersey girl who didn’t back down from an argument etc ‘. The story had some really good parts, but some bits were long and too descriptive. She was asked to go talk to Mrs Brockhurst concerning Christmas photos, which she was excited about, but nothing more was said about it??
During the the divorcé arbitration, she had Marc right where she wanted him, told him to pay off the fraudulent mortgage he’d put in her name on the Dewberry house, then suddenly that didn’t happen either! Repeats over and over “she’d come to love Dewberry and knew her Aunt and uncle would be pleased!” Got convoluted at the end with Marc being charged and losing everything. Her childhood friend Ellie, who helped her, and they shared a flat, suddenly at the end turned out to be gay! Not sure if that was an afterthought or what. But what really spoiled it for me was editing, too many contradictions and things that didn’t make sense.
Jilly, the ‘Heroine’ of the story was confusing. She allowed herself to be totally molded by Marc (and apparently every other relationship before) yet was also described as “She was a Jersey girl who didn’t back down from an argument etc ‘. The story had some really good parts, but some bits were long and too descriptive. She was asked to go talk to Mrs Brockhurst concerning Christmas photos, which she was excited about, but nothing more was said about it??
During the the divorcé arbitration, she had Marc right where she wanted him, told him to pay off the fraudulent mortgage he’d put in her name on the Dewberry house, then suddenly that didn’t happen either! Repeats over and over “she’d come to love Dewberry and knew her Aunt and uncle would be pleased!” Got convoluted at the end with Marc being charged and losing everything. Her childhood friend Ellie, who helped her, and they shared a flat, suddenly at the end turned out to be gay! Not sure if that was an afterthought or what. But what really spoiled it for me was editing, too many contradictions and things that didn’t make sense.
May 14, 2021
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I guarantee it won’t be the last. I really liked the author’s writing style and the characters were well developed.
When Jill Goodman’s marriage comes to an abrupt end, she looses everything she has in the divorce except for one thing. Husband Marc, leaves Jill a sprawling beach house on the Jersey coastline. Broken-hearted Jill travels to Jersey to sell the house as quickly as possible. She enjoys her time at the shore and enjoys the town and it’s residents. The pace is exactly what she needed. But then things that Marc was involved in come to light. She wonders how she couldn’t have known of the things that were going on. This story of suspense, lies, deceit, was very well written. This is a story of second chances, new friendships and taking that next step in your life when you need it the most.
I enjoyed this emotional story. It’s a wonderful story of getting back to the person you know yourself to be. I was so engrossed with the story and the characters. Thank you Heidi Hostetter for this fantastic story.
When Jill Goodman’s marriage comes to an abrupt end, she looses everything she has in the divorce except for one thing. Husband Marc, leaves Jill a sprawling beach house on the Jersey coastline. Broken-hearted Jill travels to Jersey to sell the house as quickly as possible. She enjoys her time at the shore and enjoys the town and it’s residents. The pace is exactly what she needed. But then things that Marc was involved in come to light. She wonders how she couldn’t have known of the things that were going on. This story of suspense, lies, deceit, was very well written. This is a story of second chances, new friendships and taking that next step in your life when you need it the most.
I enjoyed this emotional story. It’s a wonderful story of getting back to the person you know yourself to be. I was so engrossed with the story and the characters. Thank you Heidi Hostetter for this fantastic story.
May 3, 2021
The second book in the Dewberry Beach series and a completely different feel to this second book but the beauty and sense of community in still there.
🔅
An easy read where the sense of place is strong. Jillian is married to Marc and they live a lavish lifestyle but their marriage has cracks which very soon start to appear. Jillian has been controlled by Marc all through her married life and when secrets are uncovered her life takes a new direction.
🔅
Selling a huge house in Dewberry Beach brings Jillian into contact with the locals and she soon finds herself becoming part of this community. As she starts to discover the impact her husband has had on the town she is determined to try and help.
🔅
One the one part this is a story of greed and control and on the other a sense of community and doing what is right.
I enjoyed this read, quick and easy to become immersed in the storyline and a sense of place which takes the reader to a quaint setting filled with warm characters.
🔅
3 stars 🌟🌟🌟 a good second story in the series
🔅
An easy read where the sense of place is strong. Jillian is married to Marc and they live a lavish lifestyle but their marriage has cracks which very soon start to appear. Jillian has been controlled by Marc all through her married life and when secrets are uncovered her life takes a new direction.
🔅
Selling a huge house in Dewberry Beach brings Jillian into contact with the locals and she soon finds herself becoming part of this community. As she starts to discover the impact her husband has had on the town she is determined to try and help.
🔅
One the one part this is a story of greed and control and on the other a sense of community and doing what is right.
I enjoyed this read, quick and easy to become immersed in the storyline and a sense of place which takes the reader to a quaint setting filled with warm characters.
🔅
3 stars 🌟🌟🌟 a good second story in the series
May 14, 2021
Jillian genuinely loves her husband, Marc, and is genuinely shocked to discover he's having an affair. But in the quickie divorce proceedings he initiates, she learns exactly how controlling and vindictive he is.
What seems like a predictable story about a young, naive woman married to a much older, wealthier takes an unusual turn when Jill summons the South Jersey girl she'd manage to subdue to suit Marc and goes on the offensive. Gaining ownership of the beach house he's been unable to sell seems like a victory, until she sees the mortgage payment and taxes she's responsible for. What she doesn't expect when she visits the house to put it on the market is that she will become part of the community where it's located.
Part of a new series, THE GIRL I USED TO BE has plenty of New Jersey attitude with some mystery and a little romance. This is a feel-good story and if some of the story line seems unlikely, it's easier to suspend disbelief and just go along on the fun ride. #TheGirlIUsedToBe #NetGalley
What seems like a predictable story about a young, naive woman married to a much older, wealthier takes an unusual turn when Jill summons the South Jersey girl she'd manage to subdue to suit Marc and goes on the offensive. Gaining ownership of the beach house he's been unable to sell seems like a victory, until she sees the mortgage payment and taxes she's responsible for. What she doesn't expect when she visits the house to put it on the market is that she will become part of the community where it's located.
Part of a new series, THE GIRL I USED TO BE has plenty of New Jersey attitude with some mystery and a little romance. This is a feel-good story and if some of the story line seems unlikely, it's easier to suspend disbelief and just go along on the fun ride. #TheGirlIUsedToBe #NetGalley
May 13, 2021
Jillian married Marc and thought she found her prince charming. Until his charm wore off and she learned how much of a snake he really is. The prenup says the divorce must be done in a certain way and Marc jumps right on that before Jillian can process it all. It ends up with Jillian just wanting her freedom, so she agrees to the terms as long as she gets the house that was mortgaged in her name without her knowledge.
I love the relationship with Jill and Ellie. Even with Marc pushing them apart, Ellie never gives up on Jill. When things are rough, they come together, figure out where Jill should be heading, and how she can get there. Their friendship is strong, true, and real.
The Girl I Used to Be is a story of friendship and finding yourself. There are wonderful characters, some you will like some you will hate. This is a fun and quick read.
I love the relationship with Jill and Ellie. Even with Marc pushing them apart, Ellie never gives up on Jill. When things are rough, they come together, figure out where Jill should be heading, and how she can get there. Their friendship is strong, true, and real.
The Girl I Used to Be is a story of friendship and finding yourself. There are wonderful characters, some you will like some you will hate. This is a fun and quick read.
May 21, 2021
This book made me think about how I acted different when first meeting my husband’s superiors. He was in the military and you always want to put your best foot forward.
Jill Goodman however lost contact with most of her friends, changed her hairstyle, her speaking and her dressing to meet her husband’s approval. She wanted his love and acceptance, but was that truly love?
Jill found out her husband wasn’t exactly her Knight in shining armor and things come to a head when she finds out he has involved her with fraudulent things!
Author Heidi Hostetter touches on some very key issues in dysfunctional marriages or dating relationships. There are men and women alike who are very suave at how they slowly control a person.
I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.
Jill Goodman however lost contact with most of her friends, changed her hairstyle, her speaking and her dressing to meet her husband’s approval. She wanted his love and acceptance, but was that truly love?
Jill found out her husband wasn’t exactly her Knight in shining armor and things come to a head when she finds out he has involved her with fraudulent things!
Author Heidi Hostetter touches on some very key issues in dysfunctional marriages or dating relationships. There are men and women alike who are very suave at how they slowly control a person.
I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.
July 21, 2021
Jill thought she married the man of her dreams who changed her life for the better. When she finds out that Marc was cheating on her, she realizes he is a snake and a liar.
In the divorce settlement Jill becomes the owner of the Dewberry Beach House on the New Jersey shore. Jill wants to sell the beach house so she can start her new life. But when she goes to sell the house, Jill unearths more secrets.
This is the perfect beach story. Jill's friend Ellie always stood by her side. Heidi describes the perfect Jersey small town and I wanted to become a part of this community. Jill realizes she lost herself during her marriage and I loved watching her grow and become her true self.
Thank you to @bookouture @lovetheshore_ @heidihostetter and @chicklitcentral for a copy of this ebook and including me in this tour this is my honest review.
In the divorce settlement Jill becomes the owner of the Dewberry Beach House on the New Jersey shore. Jill wants to sell the beach house so she can start her new life. But when she goes to sell the house, Jill unearths more secrets.
This is the perfect beach story. Jill's friend Ellie always stood by her side. Heidi describes the perfect Jersey small town and I wanted to become a part of this community. Jill realizes she lost herself during her marriage and I loved watching her grow and become her true self.
Thank you to @bookouture @lovetheshore_ @heidihostetter and @chicklitcentral for a copy of this ebook and including me in this tour this is my honest review.
May 10, 2021
The Girl I Used to Be by Heidi Hostetter is the perfect beach or pool read.
What I Loved
I loved the mystery and suspense. It is why I finished this novel in one sitting. I desperately wanted to know if the bad guy was going to get what he had coming. That is how well the characters are developed. You just want justice to prevail for all of those that were wronged. Jill, the main character, is a Jersey girl from South Jersey. Only three years after she married the man of her dreams, Jill realizes that all the changes he insists she makes for him mean she is not his dream girl. And then she is slapped with a reality that she can’t ignore, and it makes her open her eyes to the fact that she hasn’t recognized it. This just begins a string of unearthed secrets and despicable deeds that rock her to the core.
I love how Jill picks herself up and opens her eyes to what she had become and what she wants to be. The strength she shows as the story unfolds is so admirable I couldn’t help but be in her corner from beginning to end. She is well-developed with intricate layers that tell her personal story in a relatable and genuine way.
The setting is the Jersey shore, and I always love a beach setting. I wanted a house on the beach for Jill almost as much as I want one for myself. This also kept those pages quickly turning as I tried to see if she figured out a way to make her dream happen.
I loved the themes of friendship and community that hold this story together and give it a heartwarming feel. Ellie is the friend that we all should have and hopefully, do. A friend who is there by your side through thick and thin and helps you realize your dreams before you even admit that it is indeed a dream. She is someone that makes things happen without barreling over anyone in the process. And, the community of Dewberry Beach is one I wanted to join and never look back. They are slightly quirky and welcoming in all-natural ways.
If you are looking for the perfect weekend or vacation read, The Girl I Used to Be is all that and more.
What I Loved
I loved the mystery and suspense. It is why I finished this novel in one sitting. I desperately wanted to know if the bad guy was going to get what he had coming. That is how well the characters are developed. You just want justice to prevail for all of those that were wronged. Jill, the main character, is a Jersey girl from South Jersey. Only three years after she married the man of her dreams, Jill realizes that all the changes he insists she makes for him mean she is not his dream girl. And then she is slapped with a reality that she can’t ignore, and it makes her open her eyes to the fact that she hasn’t recognized it. This just begins a string of unearthed secrets and despicable deeds that rock her to the core.
I love how Jill picks herself up and opens her eyes to what she had become and what she wants to be. The strength she shows as the story unfolds is so admirable I couldn’t help but be in her corner from beginning to end. She is well-developed with intricate layers that tell her personal story in a relatable and genuine way.
The setting is the Jersey shore, and I always love a beach setting. I wanted a house on the beach for Jill almost as much as I want one for myself. This also kept those pages quickly turning as I tried to see if she figured out a way to make her dream happen.
I loved the themes of friendship and community that hold this story together and give it a heartwarming feel. Ellie is the friend that we all should have and hopefully, do. A friend who is there by your side through thick and thin and helps you realize your dreams before you even admit that it is indeed a dream. She is someone that makes things happen without barreling over anyone in the process. And, the community of Dewberry Beach is one I wanted to join and never look back. They are slightly quirky and welcoming in all-natural ways.
If you are looking for the perfect weekend or vacation read, The Girl I Used to Be is all that and more.
May 9, 2021
There was a lot to make this a great beach read. I really liked Jill from the very beginning. It was obvious that she was out of her element and uncomfortable. Marc rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning. The story was told well and had me engrossed in Jill’s progress. I enjoyed just how simple everything was. Nobody was a caricature or stereotype, nobody seemed fake. Everyone was genuine. I especially liked that the townspeople of Dewberry Beach were authentic. That’s a location I would love to visit. Highly recommended. For a full review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for a digital ARC of the book.
August 16, 2022
Ok. It was fine. Interesting plot. But -goodness-the end was flatly ridiculous. First I re-reread the convoluted scenario with the disposal of the house several times. And I still don’t get it. How did she pay the property taxes and mortgage off? Someone was going to buy this and someone else was going to (hopefully) buy that, but it all sounded pretty pie-in-the-sky. With a bow on it. And her husband was still being prosecuted. How did she get the extra money to buy the new cottage? Kinda ruined it for me. Oh, well. I like the author, so willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. But. Sheesh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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