What do you think?
Rate this book
The Widow's Husband
For seven years I believed my husband was dead – until the note arrived this morning…
The day her husband Tom disappeared, Rachel’s life fell apart. Childhood sweethearts with two young children, they’d done everything together. And then, suddenly, Tom was gone. Without a word, without a note, without a single sign of where he might be, leaving Rachel to survive alone.
Now, nearly seven years later, Rachel has come to terms with life as a single mother, caring for their children who still secretly long for their father’s miraculous return.
But in his absence, Tom’s hidden life started to emerge, and Rachel has discovered things a wife should never have to. A secret life that betrayed everything Rachel thought she knew. Not knowing where he’d gone was no longer the main worry keeping her awake at night – it seemed much more likely he’d been silenced. Forever.
Until today, when – with just one month until Tom is to be declared legally dead – Rachel receives a note in handwriting she recognises with dread:
My darling, I’ve missed you so much. Give me a chance to explain. I’m coming home.
The husband she’d lost is alive.
And so are all his secrets…
The day her husband Tom disappeared, Rachel’s life fell apart. Childhood sweethearts with two young children, they’d done everything together. And then, suddenly, Tom was gone. Without a word, without a note, without a single sign of where he might be, leaving Rachel to survive alone.
Now, nearly seven years later, Rachel has come to terms with life as a single mother, caring for their children who still secretly long for their father’s miraculous return.
But in his absence, Tom’s hidden life started to emerge, and Rachel has discovered things a wife should never have to. A secret life that betrayed everything Rachel thought she knew. Not knowing where he’d gone was no longer the main worry keeping her awake at night – it seemed much more likely he’d been silenced. Forever.
Until today, when – with just one month until Tom is to be declared legally dead – Rachel receives a note in handwriting she recognises with dread:
My darling, I’ve missed you so much. Give me a chance to explain. I’m coming home.
The husband she’d lost is alive.
And so are all his secrets…
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2022
329 people are currently reading
826 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Sanderson
12 books118 followersLesley Sanderson spends her days writing in coffee shops in Kings Cross where she lives and also works as a librarian in a multicultural school. She has lived and worked in Paris and speaks four languages.
She attended the Curtis Brown Creative novel writing course in 2015/6, and in 2017 was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish fiction prize.
Lesley discovered Patricia Highsmith as a teenager and has since been hooked on psychological thrillers. She is particularly interested in the psychology of female relationships.
Follow Lesley Sanderson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesleysande...
She attended the Curtis Brown Creative novel writing course in 2015/6, and in 2017 was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish fiction prize.
Lesley discovered Patricia Highsmith as a teenager and has since been hooked on psychological thrillers. She is particularly interested in the psychology of female relationships.
Follow Lesley Sanderson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesleysande...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
April 26, 2022
Rachel’s estranged husband, Tom, left one day and was not seen again. It's been almost seven years since Rachel last saw him. Seven years of raising their two children without him. Seven years not knowing. Just one month shy of declaring him legally dead, Rachel's world is turned upside down yet again when she receives a note in Tom's handwriting, telling her that he wants to come back.
Come back? From where?
So many questions go through her mind. As she begins to question why he left and where he might be, she learns that Tom had secrets - lots of secrets! With apprehension, she turns to the woman he left her for, and is left with even more questions.
This book had me questioning things as well!
This was a fun quick read which had me doing my own detective work trying to figure out just where this book was going. This book had a nice number of twists and turns. While doing my own super sleuthing, I lined up my list of suspects, wondering who could be trusted, who could be lying, who had more secrets, and wondering what happened to Tom???
I love trying to figure out the final reveal. I had several theories along the way. I liked that this book didn't have too many characters. This provided the opportunity to get to know the characters more and to be more engaged in the plot. With all books there were characters that I liked, some that I didn't care for, and some that I suspected of what I didn’t know.
I appreciated how the author showed the range of emotions that Rachel went though from longing, doubt, confusion, hope, despair, etc. Just how do you come to terms with someone disappearing from your life so abruptly? What do you do when you receive a note asking to come back? This had me questioning how I would react in that situation.
I loved the underlying tension running through the book. The doubt, the unease.
This was a fast paced read that kept me on my toes and flying through the pages!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Come back? From where?
So many questions go through her mind. As she begins to question why he left and where he might be, she learns that Tom had secrets - lots of secrets! With apprehension, she turns to the woman he left her for, and is left with even more questions.
This book had me questioning things as well!
This was a fun quick read which had me doing my own detective work trying to figure out just where this book was going. This book had a nice number of twists and turns. While doing my own super sleuthing, I lined up my list of suspects, wondering who could be trusted, who could be lying, who had more secrets, and wondering what happened to Tom???
I love trying to figure out the final reveal. I had several theories along the way. I liked that this book didn't have too many characters. This provided the opportunity to get to know the characters more and to be more engaged in the plot. With all books there were characters that I liked, some that I didn't care for, and some that I suspected of what I didn’t know.
I appreciated how the author showed the range of emotions that Rachel went though from longing, doubt, confusion, hope, despair, etc. Just how do you come to terms with someone disappearing from your life so abruptly? What do you do when you receive a note asking to come back? This had me questioning how I would react in that situation.
I loved the underlying tension running through the book. The doubt, the unease.
This was a fast paced read that kept me on my toes and flying through the pages!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
May 1, 2022
EXCERPT: Weakness was what had got him involved with her in the first place. He'd come to logical conclusions after a lot of soul searching; he'd even got as far as preparing a speech and getting the words clear in his head, exactly how he planned to say them. He was determined not to drink, to harden himself to her charms. He needed to - take that last time he'd been so determined to leave her, and all it had taken was a look from those eyes, a brush of her red lips against his cheek, a word whispered in his ear, and he'd been ripping her clothes off, his earlier resolve discarded on the floor along with her dress.
But he'd made the right decision about the will. She couldn't take that away from him - nobody could.
ABOUT 'THE WIDOW'S HUSBAND': For seven years I believed my husband was dead – until the note arrived this morning…
The day her husband Tom disappeared, Rachel’s life fell apart. Childhood sweethearts with two young children, they’d done everything together. And then, suddenly, Tom was gone. Without a word, without a note, without a single sign of where he might be, leaving Rachel to survive alone.
Now, nearly seven years later, Rachel has come to terms with life as a single mother, caring for their children who still secretly long for their father’s miraculous return.
But in his absence, Tom’s hidden life started to emerge, and Rachel has discovered things a wife should never have to. A secret life that betrayed everything Rachel thought she knew. Not knowing where he’d gone was no longer the main worry keeping her awake at night – it seemed much more likely he’d been silenced. Forever.
Until today, when – with just one month until Tom is to be declared legally dead – Rachel receives a note in handwriting she recognises with dread:
My darling, I’ve missed you so much. Give me a chance to explain. I’m coming home.
The husband she’d lost is alive.
And so are all his secrets…
MY THOUGHTS: The Widow's Husband is a quick and easy read that kept me on the edge of my seat. And yet, it was entirely plausible, and all the more enjoyable because of that.
The story is as old as time itself; hard working married man with two children has his head turned by younger, prettier, sexier woman and leaves his family for her. Idiot. Because Tom soon comes to realise that the grass may have looked greener on the other side of the fence, but maybe he should have just stayed home and taken better care of the grass he had. And that's when he disappears. Just vanishes. Without trace.
So where has Tom gone? Has he run off with yet another woman? Has he just run off, away from all his responsibilities? Or has something happened to him?
Then just as Rachel is steeling herself to have Tom declared legally dead and move on with her life, a note, in Tom's handwriting appears on her doormat saying he wants to come home . . .
The story is told mainly from Rachel's viewpoint and mainly in the present with relevant flashbacks to when Tom left. There are also occasional chapters written from Tom's and Heidi's viewpoints so that the reader sees the complete picture.
I liked Rachel. Lesley Sanderson has depicted the swinging emotional responses that anyone would feel in this situation realistically yet with empathy. Lara, their twelve year old daughter is a lost soul. My heart ached for this shy and lonely child who barely remembers her father, but desperately wants him back in her life. Josh, at eight, doesn't remember Tom at all, and is sporty, happy and outgoing, the perfect foil for Lara's introversion. Heidi. . . the girlfriend, she's also received a note from Tom (is he hedging his bets?) and it is these notes which brings Rachel and Heidi together to try and figure out just what happened seven years earlier.
Lesley Sanderson had me all over the place trying to decide if Tom was indeed alive and remorseful, or if someone was playing a cruel trick on these two women. Freddie, old time family friend and Tom's business partner supports Rachel, but Rachel has mixed feelings about the timing of his reappearance in her life.
This was a satisfying, suspenseful read that had me completely bamboozled as to Tom's fate until the reveal. My only comment is that I would have ended the book with chapter 42. I didn't think that the ensuing chapters added any value to the story and for me, personally, actually detracted from it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#TheWidowsHusband #NetGalley
I: @lesleysandersonauthor @bookouture
T: @LSandersonbooks @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #crime #domesticdrama #mystery #suspense #thriller
THE AUTHOR: Lesley spends her days writing in coffee shops in Kings Cross where she lives and also works as a librarian in a multicultural school. She loves the atmosphere and eclectic mix of people in the area, and she loves languages.
She attended the Curtis Brown Creative novel writing course in 2015/6, and in 2017 was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish fiction prize.
Lesley discovered Patricia Highsmith as a teenager and has since been hooked on psychological thrillers. She is particularly interested in the psychology of female relationships.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Widow's Husband by Lesley Sanderson. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
But he'd made the right decision about the will. She couldn't take that away from him - nobody could.
ABOUT 'THE WIDOW'S HUSBAND': For seven years I believed my husband was dead – until the note arrived this morning…
The day her husband Tom disappeared, Rachel’s life fell apart. Childhood sweethearts with two young children, they’d done everything together. And then, suddenly, Tom was gone. Without a word, without a note, without a single sign of where he might be, leaving Rachel to survive alone.
Now, nearly seven years later, Rachel has come to terms with life as a single mother, caring for their children who still secretly long for their father’s miraculous return.
But in his absence, Tom’s hidden life started to emerge, and Rachel has discovered things a wife should never have to. A secret life that betrayed everything Rachel thought she knew. Not knowing where he’d gone was no longer the main worry keeping her awake at night – it seemed much more likely he’d been silenced. Forever.
Until today, when – with just one month until Tom is to be declared legally dead – Rachel receives a note in handwriting she recognises with dread:
My darling, I’ve missed you so much. Give me a chance to explain. I’m coming home.
The husband she’d lost is alive.
And so are all his secrets…
MY THOUGHTS: The Widow's Husband is a quick and easy read that kept me on the edge of my seat. And yet, it was entirely plausible, and all the more enjoyable because of that.
The story is as old as time itself; hard working married man with two children has his head turned by younger, prettier, sexier woman and leaves his family for her. Idiot. Because Tom soon comes to realise that the grass may have looked greener on the other side of the fence, but maybe he should have just stayed home and taken better care of the grass he had. And that's when he disappears. Just vanishes. Without trace.
So where has Tom gone? Has he run off with yet another woman? Has he just run off, away from all his responsibilities? Or has something happened to him?
Then just as Rachel is steeling herself to have Tom declared legally dead and move on with her life, a note, in Tom's handwriting appears on her doormat saying he wants to come home . . .
The story is told mainly from Rachel's viewpoint and mainly in the present with relevant flashbacks to when Tom left. There are also occasional chapters written from Tom's and Heidi's viewpoints so that the reader sees the complete picture.
I liked Rachel. Lesley Sanderson has depicted the swinging emotional responses that anyone would feel in this situation realistically yet with empathy. Lara, their twelve year old daughter is a lost soul. My heart ached for this shy and lonely child who barely remembers her father, but desperately wants him back in her life. Josh, at eight, doesn't remember Tom at all, and is sporty, happy and outgoing, the perfect foil for Lara's introversion. Heidi. . . the girlfriend, she's also received a note from Tom (is he hedging his bets?) and it is these notes which brings Rachel and Heidi together to try and figure out just what happened seven years earlier.
Lesley Sanderson had me all over the place trying to decide if Tom was indeed alive and remorseful, or if someone was playing a cruel trick on these two women. Freddie, old time family friend and Tom's business partner supports Rachel, but Rachel has mixed feelings about the timing of his reappearance in her life.
This was a satisfying, suspenseful read that had me completely bamboozled as to Tom's fate until the reveal. My only comment is that I would have ended the book with chapter 42. I didn't think that the ensuing chapters added any value to the story and for me, personally, actually detracted from it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#TheWidowsHusband #NetGalley
I: @lesleysandersonauthor @bookouture
T: @LSandersonbooks @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #crime #domesticdrama #mystery #suspense #thriller
THE AUTHOR: Lesley spends her days writing in coffee shops in Kings Cross where she lives and also works as a librarian in a multicultural school. She loves the atmosphere and eclectic mix of people in the area, and she loves languages.
She attended the Curtis Brown Creative novel writing course in 2015/6, and in 2017 was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish fiction prize.
Lesley discovered Patricia Highsmith as a teenager and has since been hooked on psychological thrillers. She is particularly interested in the psychology of female relationships.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Widow's Husband by Lesley Sanderson. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
November 15, 2025
3.5⭐
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ UK
Publication date ~ April 21, 2022
Publisher ~ Bookouture
Est Page Count ~ 260
Audio length ~ 7 hours 48 minutes
Narrator ~ Emma Stansfield
POV ~ multiple
Featuring ~ dual timeline, infidelity
This story line is similar to ones I've read many a time, with predictably galore, however Lesley made it her own and I did enjoy it. Mostly told by Rachel, but we get some chapters told by Tom and Heidi that go back and forth between the present and the past.
Rachel’s husband, Tom, disappeared close to 7 years ago. At the time of his disappearance he was shacking up with Heidi, who he recently left Rachel and his 2 children, Lara and Josh, for. Since they are still married, Rachel is close to being able to officially declare him dead when she gets a note from him saying he wants to come home to her.
I'd like to know how Rachel is able to continue being a stay at home mom long after Tom leaves her ~ where does she get the money from? And then when she does come into some loot she puts it into fixing up her house, craziness.
Heidi, Heidi, Heidi ~ I could see her involvement from a kilometre away. Not quite sure in what universe she thought she would be entitled to anything after only putting in a few months with Tom.
Now onto Lara, who is 12. 12!! I have a 14 year old, so I'm not too far off from remembering this age ~ my child was certainly not telling me she was going to the cinema and will be home by 9:30pm. Thank you very much little ma'am, but you will be home and in bed by 8pm, maybe 8:30 if I'm being nice! And Rachel doesn't even know who she's going with and how she'll get home ~ ummm, what? I don't know what happens over the pond, but 12 is way too young to be out and about at that time of night over here in the states. Maybe I'm a Smother.
Josh seems like a delightful boy at age 8. I love that he was very passionate about drama club. Does Rachel ever have to lead the carpool though? I'm still not quite sure why she had such a late appointment and needed Heidi to pick him up that one time ~ don't you plan your appointments when the kids are at school when you're a SAHM and single at that?
I'm still not too sure how I feel about Freddie. It, for sure, was weird he contacted her after so many years have gone by. And only 2 months later for their happily ever after - eh.
This was a fast paced, quick read that definitely has some thrilling elements. Although mostly predictable for me I did find the how and what happened to Tom to be a surprise. Though, duh, looking back the title is quite revealing.
*Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
*This is an older review that I'm tidying up with my new format. My daughter is an adult now, but I still stand by what I said🤣*
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ UK
Publication date ~ April 21, 2022
Publisher ~ Bookouture
Est Page Count ~ 260
Audio length ~ 7 hours 48 minutes
Narrator ~ Emma Stansfield
POV ~ multiple
Featuring ~ dual timeline, infidelity
This story line is similar to ones I've read many a time, with predictably galore, however Lesley made it her own and I did enjoy it. Mostly told by Rachel, but we get some chapters told by Tom and Heidi that go back and forth between the present and the past.
Rachel’s husband, Tom, disappeared close to 7 years ago. At the time of his disappearance he was shacking up with Heidi, who he recently left Rachel and his 2 children, Lara and Josh, for. Since they are still married, Rachel is close to being able to officially declare him dead when she gets a note from him saying he wants to come home to her.
I'd like to know how Rachel is able to continue being a stay at home mom long after Tom leaves her ~ where does she get the money from? And then when she does come into some loot she puts it into fixing up her house, craziness.
Heidi, Heidi, Heidi ~ I could see her involvement from a kilometre away. Not quite sure in what universe she thought she would be entitled to anything after only putting in a few months with Tom.
Now onto Lara, who is 12. 12!! I have a 14 year old, so I'm not too far off from remembering this age ~ my child was certainly not telling me she was going to the cinema and will be home by 9:30pm. Thank you very much little ma'am, but you will be home and in bed by 8pm, maybe 8:30 if I'm being nice! And Rachel doesn't even know who she's going with and how she'll get home ~ ummm, what? I don't know what happens over the pond, but 12 is way too young to be out and about at that time of night over here in the states. Maybe I'm a Smother.
Josh seems like a delightful boy at age 8. I love that he was very passionate about drama club. Does Rachel ever have to lead the carpool though? I'm still not quite sure why she had such a late appointment and needed Heidi to pick him up that one time ~ don't you plan your appointments when the kids are at school when you're a SAHM and single at that?
I'm still not too sure how I feel about Freddie. It, for sure, was weird he contacted her after so many years have gone by. And only 2 months later for their happily ever after - eh.
This was a fast paced, quick read that definitely has some thrilling elements. Although mostly predictable for me I did find the how and what happened to Tom to be a surprise. Though, duh, looking back the title is quite revealing.
*Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
*This is an older review that I'm tidying up with my new format. My daughter is an adult now, but I still stand by what I said🤣*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2022
A husband has an affair, leaves his wife and kids and then just as it seems he will be back ‘tail between his legs’ he vanishes, into thin air and almost 7 years later Rachel can officially think about legally declaring him dead…unless he re-appears…and then the notes through the letterbox start….
If, like me, you love psychological thrillers then you will enjoy this, all the elements needed are there, twists, turns and bumps a daisies galore plus enough red herrings to fill a reservoir ( if herrings live in reservoirs ) but you get the picture, its pretty faultless in its story telling, writing and characters ( love some, loathe others )…..there are a few ‘well I wouldn’t have done that’ and ‘are you completely mad Rachel’ moments but that aside the book is good enough to flit those away and still be very enjoyable
I don’t know what else to say other than the above and it is a good solid enjoyable tense read, one of those you think you know the outcome but don’t really and comes out of the blue
A good read
9/10
5 Stars
If, like me, you love psychological thrillers then you will enjoy this, all the elements needed are there, twists, turns and bumps a daisies galore plus enough red herrings to fill a reservoir ( if herrings live in reservoirs ) but you get the picture, its pretty faultless in its story telling, writing and characters ( love some, loathe others )…..there are a few ‘well I wouldn’t have done that’ and ‘are you completely mad Rachel’ moments but that aside the book is good enough to flit those away and still be very enjoyable
I don’t know what else to say other than the above and it is a good solid enjoyable tense read, one of those you think you know the outcome but don’t really and comes out of the blue
A good read
9/10
5 Stars
April 3, 2022
A standalone psychological thriller author Lesley Sanderson. This was a decent read but I didn’t enjoy it as much as my previous experience with this author.
For the last seven year Rachel had believed her husband Tom was dead. But then out of the blue she receives a note with familiar handwriting, “My darling I’ve missed you so much. Give me a chance to explain”. With just one month until Tom is to be declared legally dead. the husband she had lost is alive along with all his secrets.
Tom suddenly disappeared with no warning or explanation, leaving Rachel in tatters with two small children. Seven years later, Rachel has come to terms with her life as a single mother, caring for their children who still secretly long for their father’s miraculous return. When Tom left Rachel discovered things she would rather not known, a secret life that betrayed everything Rachel thought she knew. Not knowing where he’d gone was no longer the main worry keeping her awake at night, it seemed much more likely he’d been silenced. Forever.
The synopsis sounded appealing and exciting to me but failed to deliver what I was hoping for. There were some good parts and I didn’t hate it but was hoping for so much more.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
For the last seven year Rachel had believed her husband Tom was dead. But then out of the blue she receives a note with familiar handwriting, “My darling I’ve missed you so much. Give me a chance to explain”. With just one month until Tom is to be declared legally dead. the husband she had lost is alive along with all his secrets.
Tom suddenly disappeared with no warning or explanation, leaving Rachel in tatters with two small children. Seven years later, Rachel has come to terms with her life as a single mother, caring for their children who still secretly long for their father’s miraculous return. When Tom left Rachel discovered things she would rather not known, a secret life that betrayed everything Rachel thought she knew. Not knowing where he’d gone was no longer the main worry keeping her awake at night, it seemed much more likely he’d been silenced. Forever.
The synopsis sounded appealing and exciting to me but failed to deliver what I was hoping for. There were some good parts and I didn’t hate it but was hoping for so much more.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2022
The day her husband Tom disappeared, Rachel's life fell apart. Childhood sweethearts with two young children, they'd done everything together. And then, suddenly, Tom was gone. Without a word, without a note, without a single sign of where he might be, leaving Rachel to survive alone. Now, nearly seven years later, Rachel has come to terms with life as a single mother, caring for her children who still secretly long for their father's miraculous return. But in his absence, Tom's hidden life starts to emerge, and Rachel has discovered things a wife should never have to.
This is a story about forgiveness, moving on with life and memories you shared. The timeline goes back and forth between the present day and the past, seven years ago. The chapters are titled with the timeframe. This is a quick and easy book to read. I was intrigued by the books title and the storyline kept me invested throughout. There's a few curve balls thrown at you to try and keep you off the right path. A most enjoyable read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #LesleySanderson for my ARC of #TheWidowsHusband in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story about forgiveness, moving on with life and memories you shared. The timeline goes back and forth between the present day and the past, seven years ago. The chapters are titled with the timeframe. This is a quick and easy book to read. I was intrigued by the books title and the storyline kept me invested throughout. There's a few curve balls thrown at you to try and keep you off the right path. A most enjoyable read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #LesleySanderson for my ARC of #TheWidowsHusband in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2022
Just one month before she can declare her missing husband legally dead, a wife receives a handwritten "I want to come home" note from her missing husband.
Is this woman's husband dead or alive?
Was that note legitimate?
The book's premise was compelling and the author's characterizations were strong.
Although the book was engaging and fast-paced, it was very, very predictable and lacked the element of suspense that I was seeking.
Also, the woman's willingness to befriend her husband's ex-lover gave new meaning to the word "implausible" and had my eyes rolling.
I listened to the audiobook. Although narrator Emma Stansfield did a superb job with the narration, the book would have benefited from three narrators since it was told from three POVs.
3.5 stars.
Is this woman's husband dead or alive?
Was that note legitimate?
The book's premise was compelling and the author's characterizations were strong.
Although the book was engaging and fast-paced, it was very, very predictable and lacked the element of suspense that I was seeking.
Also, the woman's willingness to befriend her husband's ex-lover gave new meaning to the word "implausible" and had my eyes rolling.
I listened to the audiobook. Although narrator Emma Stansfield did a superb job with the narration, the book would have benefited from three narrators since it was told from three POVs.
3.5 stars.
March 16, 2022
Rachel’s husband goes missing for 7 years. No one knows if he’s dead or alive. Lots of secrets unfold and I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next! Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
April 12, 2022
A fast paced thriller about a women who is raising her two small children after her estranged husband comes up missing. Previously, he had moved out of their home and into a flat with his twenty-something girlfriend Heidi. A case of a Midlife crisis! Rachel’s husband Tom has been missing for almost 7 years. As she is on the verge of claiming him legally dead, his girlfriend Heidi shows up her life. Also Tom’s business partner is showing interest in Rachel. How can she move forward with so many questions and her life is a mess?
Their daughter is almost a teen and has been acting out and is wanting answers about her dad, as she hardly remembers him since she was so young when he came up missing. Their son is happy go lucky and seems to have adjusted fine.
The daughter is experiences problems with math, and Heidi has become a fixture in Tom’s family and helps out the daughter. As notes begin to appear on their doorstep, Rachel begins to question if Tom is really dead? Is he in hiding? Has he created a whole new life? Why is Heidi all the sudden in their life? So many twisty things begin to happen. Add in a renovation on their home with contractors and some vandalism inside the home, it becomes clear there is more to Tom’s disappearance. This was my first book by this author, but I cannot wait to read more by here.
Thank you @Netgalley and Lesley Sanderson for this advanced ebook. This book is available April 21, 2022.
Their daughter is almost a teen and has been acting out and is wanting answers about her dad, as she hardly remembers him since she was so young when he came up missing. Their son is happy go lucky and seems to have adjusted fine.
The daughter is experiences problems with math, and Heidi has become a fixture in Tom’s family and helps out the daughter. As notes begin to appear on their doorstep, Rachel begins to question if Tom is really dead? Is he in hiding? Has he created a whole new life? Why is Heidi all the sudden in their life? So many twisty things begin to happen. Add in a renovation on their home with contractors and some vandalism inside the home, it becomes clear there is more to Tom’s disappearance. This was my first book by this author, but I cannot wait to read more by here.
Thank you @Netgalley and Lesley Sanderson for this advanced ebook. This book is available April 21, 2022.
March 19, 2022
Rating: 1.2/5
Unfortunately, this will not go down as one of my more enjoyable reading experiences. In spite of its premise, which sounds appealing, "The Widow's Husband" has a clumsy, simplistic and predictable plot, with cardboard cut-out characters and stilted, unconvincing dialogue.
Read this if you must, but I would suggest that, unless you have more time and money than you know what to do with, you would be better advised to seek out an alternative.
As ever, I would still like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review. It is a pity I was not in a position to pass more favourable comment on this occasion.
Unfortunately, this will not go down as one of my more enjoyable reading experiences. In spite of its premise, which sounds appealing, "The Widow's Husband" has a clumsy, simplistic and predictable plot, with cardboard cut-out characters and stilted, unconvincing dialogue.
Read this if you must, but I would suggest that, unless you have more time and money than you know what to do with, you would be better advised to seek out an alternative.
As ever, I would still like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review. It is a pity I was not in a position to pass more favourable comment on this occasion.
July 12, 2022
This was a quick and easy read, although lacking in the thrills and twists I was hoping for. More of a domestic mystery, there was no real suspense until the very end. A fairly predictable plot that was somewhat of a disappointment for me.
April 19, 2022
★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Lesley Sanderson's addictive domestic thriller THE WIDOW'S HUSBAND.
A husband who disappears without a trace. A concerned wife. An even more frantic girlfriend. And a tangled mess that he's left behind. Where is he? Is he dead or alive? Or did he feel the pinch of keeping two women and two households and flee?
Another compelling Lesley Sanderson thriller that I was excited to sink my teeth into. I knew I wouldn't be disappointed...and I wasn't. The premise was certainly intriguing and there were enough thrills and chills and twists to keep me enthralled from beginning to end.
Seven years ago, Rachel's husband Tom disappeared without a trace and has not been seen since. But before he went missing, Tom had left her for a younger woman, Heidi. One afternoon Tom fails to return home from work and Heidi rings Rachel in a frantic mess wondering if she has seen or heard from him. And despite police investigations, Tom was never found.
Now seven years later, Rachel has single-handedly raised their two children Lara (12) and Josh (8) who have no recollection of their father. Despite him leaving her for another woman, Rachel has had to come to terms with the fact that Tom is not coming back. And now the time is approaching when she can declare him legally dead and inherit all he has left behind. And then the first note arrives.
,i>"I want to come back to you."
Rachel is speechless. She would know Tom's distinctive writing anywhere. Has he been alive all this time? And if so, where has he been? And why now? Just when they were getting their lives back on track...why now? But before she can make any sense of it, Tom's girlfriend Heidi reinserts herself in their lives...and takes young Lara under her wing. Lara who has no friends and is incredibly sensitive warms to Heidi instantly. Should she be worried? Her sister seems to think so...as does Freddie, Tom's business partner who has been showing an interest in Rachel of late. But Rachel begins to wonder if she can trust any of them.
And then another note appears; this time it's more in depth with details that only Tom would know about. Rachel knows without a doubt that Tom must be alive. And yet still she questions why now? Why is he contacting her now? As the story unfolds it soon becomes clear that there is far more to Tom's disappearance. But how can Rachel move on with so many unanswered questions?
THE WIDOW'S HUSBAND is certainly an addictive thrill ride as the reader questions everything and everyone. Cleverly told through multiple narratives both seven years ago and in the present day, this intriguing domestic thriller is fast paced and a quick read that will entertain and intrigue. There are some tense moments but I easily unpicked the tangled mess to unravel most of it before the grand finale...and I enjoyed every minute of it.
One of my favourite Lesley Sanderson thrillers to date, THE WIDOW'S HUSBAND is filled with secrets and deception and plenty of twists to keep you engaged until the very last page.
I would like to thank #LesleySanderson, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheWidowsHusband in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Lesley Sanderson's addictive domestic thriller THE WIDOW'S HUSBAND.
A husband who disappears without a trace. A concerned wife. An even more frantic girlfriend. And a tangled mess that he's left behind. Where is he? Is he dead or alive? Or did he feel the pinch of keeping two women and two households and flee?
Another compelling Lesley Sanderson thriller that I was excited to sink my teeth into. I knew I wouldn't be disappointed...and I wasn't. The premise was certainly intriguing and there were enough thrills and chills and twists to keep me enthralled from beginning to end.
Seven years ago, Rachel's husband Tom disappeared without a trace and has not been seen since. But before he went missing, Tom had left her for a younger woman, Heidi. One afternoon Tom fails to return home from work and Heidi rings Rachel in a frantic mess wondering if she has seen or heard from him. And despite police investigations, Tom was never found.
Now seven years later, Rachel has single-handedly raised their two children Lara (12) and Josh (8) who have no recollection of their father. Despite him leaving her for another woman, Rachel has had to come to terms with the fact that Tom is not coming back. And now the time is approaching when she can declare him legally dead and inherit all he has left behind. And then the first note arrives.
,i>"I want to come back to you."
Rachel is speechless. She would know Tom's distinctive writing anywhere. Has he been alive all this time? And if so, where has he been? And why now? Just when they were getting their lives back on track...why now? But before she can make any sense of it, Tom's girlfriend Heidi reinserts herself in their lives...and takes young Lara under her wing. Lara who has no friends and is incredibly sensitive warms to Heidi instantly. Should she be worried? Her sister seems to think so...as does Freddie, Tom's business partner who has been showing an interest in Rachel of late. But Rachel begins to wonder if she can trust any of them.
And then another note appears; this time it's more in depth with details that only Tom would know about. Rachel knows without a doubt that Tom must be alive. And yet still she questions why now? Why is he contacting her now? As the story unfolds it soon becomes clear that there is far more to Tom's disappearance. But how can Rachel move on with so many unanswered questions?
THE WIDOW'S HUSBAND is certainly an addictive thrill ride as the reader questions everything and everyone. Cleverly told through multiple narratives both seven years ago and in the present day, this intriguing domestic thriller is fast paced and a quick read that will entertain and intrigue. There are some tense moments but I easily unpicked the tangled mess to unravel most of it before the grand finale...and I enjoyed every minute of it.
One of my favourite Lesley Sanderson thrillers to date, THE WIDOW'S HUSBAND is filled with secrets and deception and plenty of twists to keep you engaged until the very last page.
I would like to thank #LesleySanderson, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheWidowsHusband in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
April 2, 2022
Crumbling Cookies! 😳😯🤯😳
Well this was one crazy, majorly messed up ride of a psychological thriller. Holy Fluffy Buffin' Balls! I'm still absolutely trying to wrap my head around the kerfuffle of nuts-o I just read. Wow. I mean beyond messed up.
It's been nearly several years since Rachel's husband disappeared without a trace. She's had to keep going with their two young children, but life wasn't always grand before he vanished. Under a year before he went missing, he had left Rachel for another woman, Heidi, whom he was having an affair with. But now Rachel is receiving letters a month away from his being cleared dead; that seem to be from Tom and starting to unravel & reveal some deeper secrets about her husband wondering if she ever really knew him at all.
You will question everything every which way and then some while reading this! And when you see it come together at the end, holy cannoli. 😳 Excellent premise & execution of this book. Trust nothing. You won't know what hit you.
Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for this DARC.
Release Date: April 21, 2022
I give this 4 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
Well this was one crazy, majorly messed up ride of a psychological thriller. Holy Fluffy Buffin' Balls! I'm still absolutely trying to wrap my head around the kerfuffle of nuts-o I just read. Wow. I mean beyond messed up.
It's been nearly several years since Rachel's husband disappeared without a trace. She's had to keep going with their two young children, but life wasn't always grand before he vanished. Under a year before he went missing, he had left Rachel for another woman, Heidi, whom he was having an affair with. But now Rachel is receiving letters a month away from his being cleared dead; that seem to be from Tom and starting to unravel & reveal some deeper secrets about her husband wondering if she ever really knew him at all.
You will question everything every which way and then some while reading this! And when you see it come together at the end, holy cannoli. 😳 Excellent premise & execution of this book. Trust nothing. You won't know what hit you.
Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for this DARC.
Release Date: April 21, 2022
I give this 4 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
April 21, 2022
A heart poundingly suspenseful book that kept me awake late into the night. Loved this one so much. Wonderfully good. Do read this one.
April 25, 2022
Rachel’s husband Tom disappeared nearly seven years ago. Without a trace. Not a single clue. How is it that she gets a note all this time later that simply says “I want to come back to you”? She recognizes his handwriting. But how can that be?
Rachel is just about to be able to legally declare Tom dead. One more month. But, this note just might change everything. Their marriage wasn't perfect, although Rachel was more than content. Until she discovered Tom had been having an affair. He moved in with his girlfriend, leaving her to raise their two children alone.
But then one day Tom vanished. No one heard from him again. No one knew where he was. Not Rachel. Not Heidi, Tom's other woman. Forced to learn more about Tom and his deceitfulness becomes Rachel's primary concern. Slowly, Rachel begins to unravel secrets. Secrets that will no doubt provide answers she desperately needs. All the while, Rachel must examine her feelings where Tom is concerned.
Lesley Sanderson has written a captivating story. Filled with compelling drama and intriguing characters, this engaging read culminates with a stunning conclusion.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please also see my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/yAPWDyAuy5k
Rachel is just about to be able to legally declare Tom dead. One more month. But, this note just might change everything. Their marriage wasn't perfect, although Rachel was more than content. Until she discovered Tom had been having an affair. He moved in with his girlfriend, leaving her to raise their two children alone.
But then one day Tom vanished. No one heard from him again. No one knew where he was. Not Rachel. Not Heidi, Tom's other woman. Forced to learn more about Tom and his deceitfulness becomes Rachel's primary concern. Slowly, Rachel begins to unravel secrets. Secrets that will no doubt provide answers she desperately needs. All the while, Rachel must examine her feelings where Tom is concerned.
Lesley Sanderson has written a captivating story. Filled with compelling drama and intriguing characters, this engaging read culminates with a stunning conclusion.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please also see my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/yAPWDyAuy5k
March 1, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Rachel’s husband disappeared 7 years ago and she is in the verge of declaring him dead and collecting his life insurance policy. In light of this, she is doing a big renovation on her house after struggling to make ends meet for herself and her 2 kids, but as the 7 year mark approaches, Rachel starts to get letters for her missing husband indicating he may be alive.
I love the premise of a husband who disappears and was up to no good but we don’t know specifically what he was up to. In this one, he was up to no good in a sense but we find out about that early on. There were no big secrets or reveals here and that made it disappointing for me. I guess there were technically some reveals but no big secrets from the husband’s past like I expected. Unfortunately this one was sort of underwhelming for me.
Rachel’s husband disappeared 7 years ago and she is in the verge of declaring him dead and collecting his life insurance policy. In light of this, she is doing a big renovation on her house after struggling to make ends meet for herself and her 2 kids, but as the 7 year mark approaches, Rachel starts to get letters for her missing husband indicating he may be alive.
I love the premise of a husband who disappears and was up to no good but we don’t know specifically what he was up to. In this one, he was up to no good in a sense but we find out about that early on. There were no big secrets or reveals here and that made it disappointing for me. I guess there were technically some reveals but no big secrets from the husband’s past like I expected. Unfortunately this one was sort of underwhelming for me.
May 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this it had enough twists and turns to keep me interested and I am so glad that I read it. This author always delivers and whenever I see a book by her I just have to drop everything and read it.
I am not going to say more due to the risk of spoilers.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
I am not going to say more due to the risk of spoilers.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
March 7, 2022
i so love this author s books never disappoint s. Rachel is married to Tom they have two children Lara and Josh. but Tom had an affair and left the family home and moved in with Heidi. but one night Tom never goes home and has been missing for seven years. Rachel try s to get on with her life has the loft converted and she will be able to claim the insurance money now its been seven years. but then she gets a letter through the door in Tom handwriting i want to come back .then Heidi comes back in to there life .and other things start happening to i so very much enjoyed so recommend
March 19, 2022
I was intrigued by this story but it left me underwhelmed. I found the characters to be unlikable and annoying, especially Rachel, and found it hard to connect with them. I liked the plotline about Tom and the lead up to his disappearance; however, it was predictable and the ending did not surprise me. I was expecting more drama in this story, but Rachel makes one stupid decision after another. This book was just not for me, but I feel that fans of the author & this style of domestic thriller will enjoy it.
Thanks to Bookouture & NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Bookouture & NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2022
Rachel’s husband Tom disappeared nearly seven years ago. She has since rebuilt a new life for her and her two children. Tom was having an affair when he left and had abandoned the marital home. When the next anniversary of his death comes around, Rachel will be able to have him certified as dead. She then feels she can truly get on with her life. But as the story begins, a mysterious envelope is posted through the letterbox. Inside is a note which appears to have come from Tom.
Written between present day and just before Tom went missing, the story moves back and forth, enabling the reader to see the run up to Tom’s disappearance as well as how Rachel deals with the mysterious note. Pitched into this strange situation, she finds the line between friends and foe are blurred. Like Rachel, I wasn’t sure who was trustworthy and who wasn’t. It’s an easy read, with a storyline that is full of twists and turns and keeps you hooked. Recommended.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture and Lesley Sanderson for an ARC of The Widow’s Husband in exchange for an honest review.
Written between present day and just before Tom went missing, the story moves back and forth, enabling the reader to see the run up to Tom’s disappearance as well as how Rachel deals with the mysterious note. Pitched into this strange situation, she finds the line between friends and foe are blurred. Like Rachel, I wasn’t sure who was trustworthy and who wasn’t. It’s an easy read, with a storyline that is full of twists and turns and keeps you hooked. Recommended.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture and Lesley Sanderson for an ARC of The Widow’s Husband in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2022
Rachel is the mother of Lana and Josh. The children’s father, Tom, disappeared 7 years ago. He had been having an affair with Heidi and was living with her when he vanished. In a short time, Rachel will be able to have Tom declared dead which means she will be able to access his life insurance money to help care for herself and the children.
Tom’s partner in their business has kept up with Rachel and been her friend. She’s not sure if she wants more from the relationship.
Heidi is back in their lives because she is good with math and is helping Lana who is struggling with it.
But now, Rachel has received a note in what appears to be Tom’s handwriting saying he wants to come home to her. Could he be alive?
This book kept me unsure of what’s going on and how it will end. I suspected several characters and was partially right. The ending is tense and scary. All in all, a well-written story by an author whose books I have enjoyed before.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Tom’s partner in their business has kept up with Rachel and been her friend. She’s not sure if she wants more from the relationship.
Heidi is back in their lives because she is good with math and is helping Lana who is struggling with it.
But now, Rachel has received a note in what appears to be Tom’s handwriting saying he wants to come home to her. Could he be alive?
This book kept me unsure of what’s going on and how it will end. I suspected several characters and was partially right. The ending is tense and scary. All in all, a well-written story by an author whose books I have enjoyed before.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 17, 2022
A quick, tense and exciting read that will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way through.
Childhood sweethearts Tom and Rachel had everything, a house, careers and two children.
Then one day Tom made a terrible choice and disappeared.
Now seven years later, Rachel is just surviving as a single mother and the kids yearn for their father to come home.
But all is not as it seems…….
A secret life is about to be revealed.
As the authorities are about to declare him missing and presumed dead, Rachel receives a note.
It says “I’m coming home”.
Where is Tom and what happened?
A fast paced thriller that will give you all the domestic drama and twisty vibes.
Lesley is quite clever with her plot, making the reader believe something and then twisting it around leaving you with your mouth on the floor.
A set of characters that you will question everything they do, every move they make and every word they say.
A story full of lies, secrets, love, family, deception and drama.
Be on high alert because you will be surprised at what happens next.
Overall it’s worth getting your hands on this book and devouring like there’s no tomorrow.
Childhood sweethearts Tom and Rachel had everything, a house, careers and two children.
Then one day Tom made a terrible choice and disappeared.
Now seven years later, Rachel is just surviving as a single mother and the kids yearn for their father to come home.
But all is not as it seems…….
A secret life is about to be revealed.
As the authorities are about to declare him missing and presumed dead, Rachel receives a note.
It says “I’m coming home”.
Where is Tom and what happened?
A fast paced thriller that will give you all the domestic drama and twisty vibes.
Lesley is quite clever with her plot, making the reader believe something and then twisting it around leaving you with your mouth on the floor.
A set of characters that you will question everything they do, every move they make and every word they say.
A story full of lies, secrets, love, family, deception and drama.
Be on high alert because you will be surprised at what happens next.
Overall it’s worth getting your hands on this book and devouring like there’s no tomorrow.
April 20, 2022
Rachel's husband, Tom disappeared seven years ago and she has learned to live her life without her childhood sweetheart and true love. Then she receives a note, the handwriting recognisable to her...
The Widow's Husband is certainly an addictive read; the reader is soon questioning everything. Told using multiple narratives going back seven years and returning to the present day, this intriguing domestic thriller is rapidly paced. There are some tense moments and large doses of doubt, deception and suspicion. The characters vary between lovesome and loathsome and I enjoyed the gratifying ending. Engaging right to the last.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
The Widow's Husband is certainly an addictive read; the reader is soon questioning everything. Told using multiple narratives going back seven years and returning to the present day, this intriguing domestic thriller is rapidly paced. There are some tense moments and large doses of doubt, deception and suspicion. The characters vary between lovesome and loathsome and I enjoyed the gratifying ending. Engaging right to the last.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
April 14, 2022
A husband who disappears without a trace. A worried wife. Children who have to cope without him with a teenaged daughter staring to act out. She knows he's dead: it's been almost seven years. To make matters worse, the husband has been having an affair. After receiving questioning letters, she wonders if they are from him.
I found it very intriguing. A wild ride of a psychological thriller. This book moves very quickly. There a two people that are closely involved that she suspects of sending the letters. I experienced the same trepidation as this wife. I was entirely captivated from the first page through the last. The book was both engaging and entertaining. I hope to read more from this author.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was honest review.
I found it very intriguing. A wild ride of a psychological thriller. This book moves very quickly. There a two people that are closely involved that she suspects of sending the letters. I experienced the same trepidation as this wife. I was entirely captivated from the first page through the last. The book was both engaging and entertaining. I hope to read more from this author.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was honest review.
April 18, 2022
Seven years ago, Rachel’s husband, Tom, left her and their two children for another woman. Months later, he disappeared out of the blue with no clue about where he went or if he was still alive. Now with just a month left until Rachel can declare her husband legally dead, a note Rachel is certain is in Tom’s handwriting arrives at her doorstep. As Rachel begins investigating her husband’s original disappearance, secrets begin to emerge.
Lesley Sanderson’s writing caught my attention from the beginning. I found myself intrigued to know who wrote the note left at Rachel’s door. Because I found some of the twists and turns predictable, I rated it 3 stars instead of 4. My favorite part of the book was the ending. I feel like that was very well written and action-packed. It tied up all the loose ends and left me satisfied.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Lesley Sanderson’s writing caught my attention from the beginning. I found myself intrigued to know who wrote the note left at Rachel’s door. Because I found some of the twists and turns predictable, I rated it 3 stars instead of 4. My favorite part of the book was the ending. I feel like that was very well written and action-packed. It tied up all the loose ends and left me satisfied.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
April 21, 2022
You have a successful business… You have a great marriage and a beautiful family… And still this does not seem to be enough…
The grass always is greener on the other side, right… Until you are on the other side and the green is fading, showing the brown colour underneath…
When your partner leaves you for someone else you are hurt, devastated, angry,… but you try to do your best to survive. You still love them, because love does not work with a switch. You cannot turn it on and off like a light.
What would you do when it seems like they want to come back? Would you open your arms to them, because of the love you still feel or because everybody deserves a second chance? Or maybe because of all of the above?
And than your life is turned upside down once again. You find yourself on the bottom of that dark pit for the second time. You grow stronger every day and decide it’s time to move on, but that is easier said than done..
Who can you trust? Can you count on friends to help you or are you on your own?
An enjoyable read where the author shows us it’s perfectly possible to love two partners, but impossible to keep them both happy. You will always end up with your back against the wall. 4 stars.
Thank you, Lesley Sanderson and Bookouture
The grass always is greener on the other side, right… Until you are on the other side and the green is fading, showing the brown colour underneath…
When your partner leaves you for someone else you are hurt, devastated, angry,… but you try to do your best to survive. You still love them, because love does not work with a switch. You cannot turn it on and off like a light.
What would you do when it seems like they want to come back? Would you open your arms to them, because of the love you still feel or because everybody deserves a second chance? Or maybe because of all of the above?
And than your life is turned upside down once again. You find yourself on the bottom of that dark pit for the second time. You grow stronger every day and decide it’s time to move on, but that is easier said than done..
Who can you trust? Can you count on friends to help you or are you on your own?
An enjoyable read where the author shows us it’s perfectly possible to love two partners, but impossible to keep them both happy. You will always end up with your back against the wall. 4 stars.
Thank you, Lesley Sanderson and Bookouture
April 16, 2022
2.5 stars
Fantastic plot idea, but unfortunately the story just fell flat for me. The first half of the book just seemed to be "Is this note really from him, or no? Is he alive or dead? Do I WANT him to be alive or dead?" either the main character thinking to herself, or discussing with others. The characters aren't introduced well, as the first chapter or two I couldn't figure out what name went with who - but I had it figured out around Chapter 3 I think. The transitions from one scene to the next seemed abrupt to me. Like "Oh, suddenly we're in a new location." The kids don't act their age - I might be able to believe the 12-year-old has a cell phone, but the 8-year-old?? Both kids seem to act older than their ages are supposed to be. Lara for instance, acts more like 15-16 than a 12-year-old. I can understand why Rachel never drives her son anywhere (so she can do other things in the story), but really, she seems to dump her kid off on other moms (including her own) a lot, haha.
All that being said, I did like the ending and how everything came together.
Fantastic plot idea, but unfortunately the story just fell flat for me. The first half of the book just seemed to be "Is this note really from him, or no? Is he alive or dead? Do I WANT him to be alive or dead?" either the main character thinking to herself, or discussing with others. The characters aren't introduced well, as the first chapter or two I couldn't figure out what name went with who - but I had it figured out around Chapter 3 I think. The transitions from one scene to the next seemed abrupt to me. Like "Oh, suddenly we're in a new location." The kids don't act their age - I might be able to believe the 12-year-old has a cell phone, but the 8-year-old?? Both kids seem to act older than their ages are supposed to be. Lara for instance, acts more like 15-16 than a 12-year-old. I can understand why Rachel never drives her son anywhere (so she can do other things in the story), but really, she seems to dump her kid off on other moms (including her own) a lot, haha.
All that being said, I did like the ending and how everything came together.
March 4, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the copy of The Widow’s Husband. I loved the beginning of the book and the idea that Rachel’s husband might be alive. I was surprised she didn’t have a door cam and that she didn’t think to ask neighbors if they had one right away. I also liked how her daughter was at the rebellious stage and the issues they had because of it.
Rachel was pretty naive though, and I started to lose interest in the story. For Rachel to have carried a torch for him after almost seven years after he betrayed her didn’t make sense. None of the other characters were likable either.
This wasn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t great for me. Readers who are ok with unlikable characters will still enjoy this story, because it IS interesting and the conclusion was unexpected.
Rachel was pretty naive though, and I started to lose interest in the story. For Rachel to have carried a torch for him after almost seven years after he betrayed her didn’t make sense. None of the other characters were likable either.
This wasn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t great for me. Readers who are ok with unlikable characters will still enjoy this story, because it IS interesting and the conclusion was unexpected.
March 1, 2022
For some reason, I had a very hard time getting into this one. If anything, I was constantly annoyed by the characters. Especially the teenager daughter who wants to rebel against everything her mother says.
Add to that, the idea that this woman has been waiting 7 years to legally declare her missing husband dead to move on with her life. Now maybe I would have understood that better if they had actually been together when he disappeared. But no. He had actually left her several months prior for the much younger trade in he had been cheating on her with.
Then the big reveal seemed almost thrown together. But I’m sure some will love it, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Add to that, the idea that this woman has been waiting 7 years to legally declare her missing husband dead to move on with her life. Now maybe I would have understood that better if they had actually been together when he disappeared. But no. He had actually left her several months prior for the much younger trade in he had been cheating on her with.
Then the big reveal seemed almost thrown together. But I’m sure some will love it, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
April 25, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Widow's Husband' by Lesley Sanderson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Lesley Sanderson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 21st April 2022.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Every Little Lie' which I would highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. I am a huge fan of Lesley and if this is half as good as 'Every Little Lie' it is guaranteed to be a page turner. The synopsis stated that this book is 'A totally addictive and suspenseful thriller that will have you reading late into the night, perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, T.M. Logan and Lisa Jewell.' I am a huge fan of all three of those authors so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. 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 a prologue and 44 chapters. The chapters are short to 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 the UK 🇬🇧. I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Rachel, Tom and Heidi. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists 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.
Well done Lesley on yet another fantastic page turner!!! What an absolutely gripping heart racing story!!!
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions leaving your heart racing and hands sweating while your standing by Rachel, Tom and Heidi throughout!!! The cover, synopsis and title suit the book perfectly.
The storyline is absolutely captivating and evocative!! It is filled with lies, love, secrets, family, tension and suspense from the first page until the last. Once I started this I just could not put it down and couldn't go to sleep until I had finished it!! It all starts with a note through the door and the events explode from there. I had my suspicions about what may be going on but I certainly didn't expect what had actually happened!!! I won't say too much as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. It is truly captivating and page turning so if you are about to start this book make sure you clear your schedule as once you've start you won't be able to stop. Every chapter makes you want to start the next one and then the next as each ends on the perfect spot to make you want to carry on. This book would make an absolutely amazing movie!!!
It is set over/includes multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
The characters are all vivid, strong and realistic and I became invested in each of them as each move every one made left you on edge. I really felt for Rachel as she struggled with everything that was going on in the present and what had happened in the past, as a mother of three myself it must have been so hard for her especially with a tween to look after too. I couldn't stand Heidi from the moment I met her and found her to be truly selfish and despicable. My heart truly went out to Laura and Josh who were just innocent children caught up in an adults world. Tom doesn't get any sympathy from me as he was absolutely dispicable although I will admit that he did look after his family when many wouldn't but then again why should a father get praise for something he should do anyway? However I don't think he deserved what happened to him. The other main character is Freddie but I won't say anything about him or anymore on the others as I don't want to give too much away so you'll just have to pick up a copy and let me know your thoughts. Regardless of whether you love or hate the characters they all come together perfectly to make this storyline as addictive as it is.
Congratulations Leslie on yet another absolutely amazing book which I can guarantee will be a HUGE success. This is why your in my favourite author list. I am looking forward to reading more of your previous and have added them all onto my wish list!!! Here's to more future successes 🥂!!
Overall a very fast pace, gripping, unputdownable psychological thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat with a pounding heart!!!
Genres covered in this book include Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Fiction and Domestic Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of K.L. Slater, T.M. Logan, Shari Lapena and Lisa Jewell.
277 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
#TheWidowsHusband #Bookouture #LesleySanderson #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@LesleySanderson @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
Review for 'The Widow's Husband' by Lesley Sanderson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Lesley Sanderson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 21st April 2022.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Every Little Lie' which I would highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. I am a huge fan of Lesley and if this is half as good as 'Every Little Lie' it is guaranteed to be a page turner. The synopsis stated that this book is 'A totally addictive and suspenseful thriller that will have you reading late into the night, perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, T.M. Logan and Lisa Jewell.' I am a huge fan of all three of those authors so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. 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 a prologue and 44 chapters. The chapters are short to 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 the UK 🇬🇧. I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Rachel, Tom and Heidi. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists 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.
Well done Lesley on yet another fantastic page turner!!! What an absolutely gripping heart racing story!!!
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions leaving your heart racing and hands sweating while your standing by Rachel, Tom and Heidi throughout!!! The cover, synopsis and title suit the book perfectly.
The storyline is absolutely captivating and evocative!! It is filled with lies, love, secrets, family, tension and suspense from the first page until the last. Once I started this I just could not put it down and couldn't go to sleep until I had finished it!! It all starts with a note through the door and the events explode from there. I had my suspicions about what may be going on but I certainly didn't expect what had actually happened!!! I won't say too much as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. It is truly captivating and page turning so if you are about to start this book make sure you clear your schedule as once you've start you won't be able to stop. Every chapter makes you want to start the next one and then the next as each ends on the perfect spot to make you want to carry on. This book would make an absolutely amazing movie!!!
It is set over/includes multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
The characters are all vivid, strong and realistic and I became invested in each of them as each move every one made left you on edge. I really felt for Rachel as she struggled with everything that was going on in the present and what had happened in the past, as a mother of three myself it must have been so hard for her especially with a tween to look after too. I couldn't stand Heidi from the moment I met her and found her to be truly selfish and despicable. My heart truly went out to Laura and Josh who were just innocent children caught up in an adults world. Tom doesn't get any sympathy from me as he was absolutely dispicable although I will admit that he did look after his family when many wouldn't but then again why should a father get praise for something he should do anyway? However I don't think he deserved what happened to him. The other main character is Freddie but I won't say anything about him or anymore on the others as I don't want to give too much away so you'll just have to pick up a copy and let me know your thoughts. Regardless of whether you love or hate the characters they all come together perfectly to make this storyline as addictive as it is.
Congratulations Leslie on yet another absolutely amazing book which I can guarantee will be a HUGE success. This is why your in my favourite author list. I am looking forward to reading more of your previous and have added them all onto my wish list!!! Here's to more future successes 🥂!!
Overall a very fast pace, gripping, unputdownable psychological thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat with a pounding heart!!!
Genres covered in this book include Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Fiction and Domestic Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of K.L. Slater, T.M. Logan, Shari Lapena and Lisa Jewell.
277 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
#TheWidowsHusband #Bookouture #LesleySanderson #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@LesleySanderson @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews