One Lie

by Jon Rance

When you have a perfect life, it's hard to imagine that one lie can take it all away.
Alexander Burke and his wife Olivia are happy. Middle-class and middle-aged, they have everything they ever wanted. A nice house in London and a beautiful teenage daughter. That's until Alexander makes a decision with catastrophic consequences. That was ten years ago.

Now Alexander lives unhappily alone and hasn't seen his daughter since The Incident. One morning, on his way to work, Alexander saves a woman's life. Perhaps redemption is possible after all. But then again ... maybe not.

ONE LIE is a gripping family drama about the choices we make, the secrets we keep hidden, and how one decision can destroy everything we hold dear.

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2021

About the author

Jon Rance is the author of seven novels: the Kindle top ten bestseller, This Thirtysomething Life, Happy Endings (both published by Hodder and Stoughton), This Family Life, Sunday Dinners, Dan And Nat Got Married, About Us, and The Summer Holidays Survival Guide. He's also the author of the Christmas novella, A Notting Hill Christmas.

Jon studied English Literature at Middlesex University, London, before going travelling and meeting his American wife in Australia. Jon loves comedy (especially sitcoms), the films of Richard Curtis, travelling and tea. He just turned forty, which is a terrifying time, so his books might get a bit edgier and possibly angrier as a result.

Jon writes dramatic, romantic, comedy fiction similar to the work of Mike Gayle, Matt Dunn, Nick Spalding and David Nicholls.

You can email him at: jonrance@yahoo.com

Please visit his website: www.jonrance.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @JRance75

Reviews

[T.A. Rosewood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this yesterday afternoon and finished today.
Was up in the early hours (couldn't sleep) so I read a big chunk of it.
Didn't want to put it down.
A brilliant story of family love and loss and getting over past actions and feelings.
FANTASTIC!

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good not great. I felt the ending was unnecessary. Would have been a better ending to have the characters reunite imo.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A change from author's usual comedic style, this was more serious drama from Jon Rance.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a lot darker than the previous by Jon Rance, but it's nevertheless very well written and I found myself eagerly devouring it page after page.The dual timeline adds mystery and guesses as the stories of the characters unfold. I must admit I wasn't much surprised by the ending although I had hoped until the very last page that I'd got it wrong. This is not my usual genre, but I loved it.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the saddest book I’ve ever read (but then again I avoid reading sad books). A gripping family drama, like those Ancient Greek tragedies with very little redemption in the end, if you ask me. Impossible to put aside, it lives with you a long time after you’ve finished reading it. The narrative and writing style is down to earth while the author unfolds different parts of the same story in different layers.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was surprised to read such fantastic reviews of this book, in particular the writing style. I found it very repetitive, the times he uses each characters name at the beginning of sentences was unnecessary. As was the need to repeat each of their feelings.

That said, I found the actual plot to be very good. I was gripped and read the whole book within a week which is good for me.

I wasn't expecting the ending which added to the sadness of what was already a sad story.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing writing as always, even with a new genre.

I can't even remembers first time I picked up a Jon Rance book however,I was hooked from that moment. His writing is outstanding and takes you on a journey from start to finish. A different genre than usual but an amazing story with everything you need to not want to put the book down. Would highly recommend.

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like domestic mysteries with secrets and lies, I also like dark stories. This wasn’t dark, it was miserable and there was one lie, as the title suggested!
When there was a chance for a lift in the story and the characters, it just went one step more into misery before tying everything up and giving the reader an easy somewhat happy ending…

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book even though it is tragic and heartbreaking. I have to admit I cried which I haven’t done for a long time reading a book. The story gradually unfolded switching from past to present which really hooks you in and keeps the suspense going without being too long drawn. Thought I guessed where it was heading but did not see it coming. Would highly recommend this book.

[Amelia Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stay up late to finish it

Beautifully written, a really change from the normal comedy. You feel all of the characters and want them to succeed and come together. Looking forward to the next book.

[Jon W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

A great story about family love, passion and loss and getting over the past and looking into the future.
I liked the dual timeline which was showing the stories of the characters. I was surprised by the ending as I hoped for a different one.

[Kaitlin Corbett · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a little bit of a slow burner and the event that happened was a little bit like 1 in a million and for me (if I remember right) did leave something unanswered but by the end of the book I was in tears and absolutely loved the way it ended!

[Angela Johannes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart breaking but inspiring

I've no words to describe this book and I can't remember the last time a book actually made me cry big heartbreaking tears but this book did. Will definitely buy more from this author

[Ros · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. Absolutely incredible.

Wow! I couldn’t put this book down and devoured it in a day. A beautiful, powerful read with some brilliant twists and turns that kept me hooked from the start.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wrote a long review of this and Goodreads kindly lost it for me. Decent enough plot, terrible ending. Unrealistic depiction of how little the characters would’ve been messed up by what happened to them.

[Mrs Nicole M Middleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Have enjoyed other books more, the premise was good, but I found the backwards and forwards confusing! Could just be me.

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

A enthralling and entertaining story. I Highly recommend it. You cannot go wrong with a book by Jon Rance! Enjoy!

[tina chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tragic yet wonderful

Absolutely unable to put this book down! It's an incredible journey. Totally lost in this book, and don't want it to end.

[Bridget Leggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unsustainppp

Everything worked out well. The characters were believable, the story was emotional and I am so glad I read it. Hopefully there will be more about the characters.

[Sheena Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read,, like Jon Rance’s writing

[Jenny Snowdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure at first

But as the story progressed, I got more into it. It's a shame that it flits about so much - too many flashbacks really, but the conclusion is good.

[Ian Humphreys · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read.

I loved this book and was sad when bad things happened to them. I so wanted to know what sort of life Belinda went on to have.

[Caroline · Rating 1 out of 5]

Page 160

One star based solely on one of the deciding factors for Alexander's dalliance. The only good thing is I read it through kindle unlimited and I didnt pay for it.

[Vina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, moving.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fab plot in many ways until the cringe and offensive dealing of death and trauma. So unrealistic and glib.

[M.S.V.V.Sesharao · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed.

[cheryl brunker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay...

I put 3 stars as it's just okay.....

Bit repetitive....

Quite a few Spelling mistakes

Okay if you get it free but wouldn't buy it!

[Sandygator · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story, ending was a bit much though. Would still recommend

[Abby Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

So so sad. All I wanted was for Alexander to have a happy ending 🙃

[miss al sayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I've read other books by Jon Rance, and had to check if it was the same author! Jon Rance is very good at writing books! Can't wait to read more!