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I Love It When You Lie
The Williams women don’t just keep secrets…
They bury them.
Just days before her eightieth birthday, Pearl Williams has the gall to up and die on everyone. Now her granddaughters must make plans for a proper send-off…all while their own lives unravel a little more each day.
Tara, the pastor’s wife, makes a series of decisions that could scatter his flock. Then there’s June, who would do anything to have a baby of her own, even if her husband won’t. Clementine, the youngest, is entangled in an affair with her professor, desperate to ignore who he really is. Finally, there’s Stephanie, the sister-in-law—an outsider who knows all the family dirt.
But Gran won’t be the only one they’ll put in a grave this weekend…because now someone has gone missing in the dark Appalachian woods.
And if Gran has taught them anything, it’s how to get rid of a good-for-nothin’ man…
They bury them.
Just days before her eightieth birthday, Pearl Williams has the gall to up and die on everyone. Now her granddaughters must make plans for a proper send-off…all while their own lives unravel a little more each day.
Tara, the pastor’s wife, makes a series of decisions that could scatter his flock. Then there’s June, who would do anything to have a baby of her own, even if her husband won’t. Clementine, the youngest, is entangled in an affair with her professor, desperate to ignore who he really is. Finally, there’s Stephanie, the sister-in-law—an outsider who knows all the family dirt.
But Gran won’t be the only one they’ll put in a grave this weekend…because now someone has gone missing in the dark Appalachian woods.
And if Gran has taught them anything, it’s how to get rid of a good-for-nothin’ man…
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2023
265 people are currently reading
11213 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Bird
11 books295 followersKristen has lived coast to coast, but with her extended family in north Alabama, her roots run southern deep. She teaches high school English and writes in local coffee shops near her home outside of Houston. In her free time, she likes to visit parks with her three daughters, watch quirky films with her husband, and attempt to keep pace with her rescue lab-mixes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 433 reviews
June 5, 2023
Thank you HTP Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.
3.5 rounded down
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 3/5 | Ending: 3/5
SYNOPSIS
Four Williams women. One missing body. Generations of secrets.
MY OPINION
This book was like a darker version of The Graduate (novel) meets Rumor Has It (film)... with some other stuff added to it. I wouldn't classify this as a thriller, or really a suspense, it was definitely closer to women's fiction. The bulk of the book revolves around the women's issues faced by Clementine, Tara and her daughter Lottie, June, and Stephanie. The missing persons thingy is really left until the end and isn't important to the overall theme of the book which is: being a woman is an uphill battle LOL.
I really like the witty writing (although I wish the jokey jokes had been more consistent throughout, it definitely got less funny as it went along) and the small-town Alabama setting. I've lived and worked in Virginia and Georgia, so I'm familiar with the general attitudes and culture of the South. The author was definitely tryna give the South some good press by pointing out that not all religious Southerners are bigots.
Regardless of your standpoint, Bird does a fantastic job creating morally grey characters. It's interesting to read about a pastor's wife (Tara) struggling with her belief in God, June's disdain with the microaggressions agains her Peruvian husband, Nic, and Clementine's desire to "come up" in the world by moving to New York and pursuing academia. Stephanie, well ironically (or perhaps intentionally done by the author) was the most selfish and a mute bystander to her husband's casual racism everyday just so she could live vicariously through his political "success". Tbh my dog Nobu has more influence than her husband sooo was it worth it Stephanie???
While Tara, June, and Clementine said no to racism, they weren't perfect by any means. Each woman jumps head first into a moral grey area: pilfering from the church, stealing a baby, and dating a man accused of sexual misconduct. I can see the Williams' women inspiring a many good debates in book clubs. I'll just say it though: do NOT steal babies. Just... no. Adopt a puppy or something but do not steal a damn baby!!
The reason for 3/5 on the plot was because there wasn't much going on. It was really focused on the characters' inner thoughts and the events that shaped them versus the present. Like I said, the missing persons really only came front and center for about 10% of the book. I felt that Stephanie's police interview was unnecessary and really only there to fulfil a pillar of the thriller/suspense genre so it could be marketed as such. And the ending was quite abrupt too. I'm not sure if Bird plans on writing a second book, because the ending was quite ambiguous LOL. When I saw the acknowledgements header I was like AHT AHT, get your ass back here Bird and finish this off properly!!!! A cliffhanger with no series in sight is sooooo annoying (to me).
All in all, an interesting look at the lives of four Southern born and bred women and their personal struggles.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: well-written, solid wit (kinda tapers off though), interesting morally grey characters
Cons: no plot really, the missing persons ordeal felt like it was added just so this book could be marketed as a suspense/thriller...
3.5 rounded down
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 3/5 | Ending: 3/5
SYNOPSIS
Four Williams women. One missing body. Generations of secrets.
MY OPINION
This book was like a darker version of The Graduate (novel) meets Rumor Has It (film)... with some other stuff added to it. I wouldn't classify this as a thriller, or really a suspense, it was definitely closer to women's fiction. The bulk of the book revolves around the women's issues faced by Clementine, Tara and her daughter Lottie, June, and Stephanie. The missing persons thingy is really left until the end and isn't important to the overall theme of the book which is: being a woman is an uphill battle LOL.
I really like the witty writing (although I wish the jokey jokes had been more consistent throughout, it definitely got less funny as it went along) and the small-town Alabama setting. I've lived and worked in Virginia and Georgia, so I'm familiar with the general attitudes and culture of the South. The author was definitely tryna give the South some good press by pointing out that not all religious Southerners are bigots.
Regardless of your standpoint, Bird does a fantastic job creating morally grey characters. It's interesting to read about a pastor's wife (Tara) struggling with her belief in God, June's disdain with the microaggressions agains her Peruvian husband, Nic, and Clementine's desire to "come up" in the world by moving to New York and pursuing academia. Stephanie, well ironically (or perhaps intentionally done by the author) was the most selfish and a mute bystander to her husband's casual racism everyday just so she could live vicariously through his political "success". Tbh my dog Nobu has more influence than her husband sooo was it worth it Stephanie???
While Tara, June, and Clementine said no to racism, they weren't perfect by any means. Each woman jumps head first into a moral grey area: pilfering from the church, stealing a baby, and dating a man accused of sexual misconduct. I can see the Williams' women inspiring a many good debates in book clubs. I'll just say it though: do NOT steal babies. Just... no. Adopt a puppy or something but do not steal a damn baby!!
The reason for 3/5 on the plot was because there wasn't much going on. It was really focused on the characters' inner thoughts and the events that shaped them versus the present. Like I said, the missing persons really only came front and center for about 10% of the book. I felt that Stephanie's police interview was unnecessary and really only there to fulfil a pillar of the thriller/suspense genre so it could be marketed as such. And the ending was quite abrupt too. I'm not sure if Bird plans on writing a second book, because the ending was quite ambiguous LOL. When I saw the acknowledgements header I was like AHT AHT, get your ass back here Bird and finish this off properly!!!! A cliffhanger with no series in sight is sooooo annoying (to me).
All in all, an interesting look at the lives of four Southern born and bred women and their personal struggles.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: well-written, solid wit (kinda tapers off though), interesting morally grey characters
Cons: no plot really, the missing persons ordeal felt like it was added just so this book could be marketed as a suspense/thriller...
February 15, 2023
The Williams clan has gathered for a solemn event. The funeral of their grandmother. Hang on though, she wasn’t the only one to be buried that weekend!
To make matters worse, there’s been bad-blood between the family and the local Sheriff. He seems to have it out for the Williams' women. And now that they’re all gathered together and 'someone' is missing, he’s hell-bent on making one of them pay!
This was not a twisty thriller. More of a character driven mystery that you can just sit back and watch it play out. It did succeed in keep me engaged throughout. I loved the lives and stories of these women. Their strengths, weaknesses and insecurities. Overall a good solid read!
3.5🌟
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing
To make matters worse, there’s been bad-blood between the family and the local Sheriff. He seems to have it out for the Williams' women. And now that they’re all gathered together and 'someone' is missing, he’s hell-bent on making one of them pay!
This was not a twisty thriller. More of a character driven mystery that you can just sit back and watch it play out. It did succeed in keep me engaged throughout. I loved the lives and stories of these women. Their strengths, weaknesses and insecurities. Overall a good solid read!
3.5🌟
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing
March 14, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up
Solid suspense novel
Three sisters, Clementine, Tara, and June, each with their own dark secrets and issues, come together after losing their beloved Grandmother. Also included in the mix is Stephanie, their sister-in-law who is married to their brother, and Lottie, the teen daughter of Tara. From the beginning, we know that one of the men involved with these women is missing, but we don't know what happened or what they are covering up.
Often when I read a book with family secrets I am underwhelmed with said secrets and wonder why they just don't come clean. Not here. These are some dark doozies that the women are hiding, and as the story unfolds, more things come to light. I appreciated the author's willingness to step into areas that other thriller writers might skate around: religion, subtle racism, grooming, white collar crime. And the strong point is that she avoids making these subjects into stereotypical rants. For example, Tara's husband is a pastor and he isn't the caricature of a pastor that one would expect, nor is Tara a stereotypical pastor's wife. Yet the author also doesn't denigrate them or their roles in the process. This is a delicate balance and really made the story a cut above for me.
There were some clunky parts that didn't really feel as strong to me, particularly the grandmother's past and the sheriff's attitude towards the family, as well as the investigation into the missing person. That could have been left out or presented on the front end of the story and then showed how everything unfolded without all of the back and forth. The sheriff and his family were definitely caricatured characters and that didn't fit as well with the rest of the book.
Overall, this was worth reading and was more of a domestic suspense novel than a straightforward mystery, but it delivered a worthy reading experience for me.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Solid suspense novel
Three sisters, Clementine, Tara, and June, each with their own dark secrets and issues, come together after losing their beloved Grandmother. Also included in the mix is Stephanie, their sister-in-law who is married to their brother, and Lottie, the teen daughter of Tara. From the beginning, we know that one of the men involved with these women is missing, but we don't know what happened or what they are covering up.
Often when I read a book with family secrets I am underwhelmed with said secrets and wonder why they just don't come clean. Not here. These are some dark doozies that the women are hiding, and as the story unfolds, more things come to light. I appreciated the author's willingness to step into areas that other thriller writers might skate around: religion, subtle racism, grooming, white collar crime. And the strong point is that she avoids making these subjects into stereotypical rants. For example, Tara's husband is a pastor and he isn't the caricature of a pastor that one would expect, nor is Tara a stereotypical pastor's wife. Yet the author also doesn't denigrate them or their roles in the process. This is a delicate balance and really made the story a cut above for me.
There were some clunky parts that didn't really feel as strong to me, particularly the grandmother's past and the sheriff's attitude towards the family, as well as the investigation into the missing person. That could have been left out or presented on the front end of the story and then showed how everything unfolded without all of the back and forth. The sheriff and his family were definitely caricatured characters and that didn't fit as well with the rest of the book.
Overall, this was worth reading and was more of a domestic suspense novel than a straightforward mystery, but it delivered a worthy reading experience for me.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
August 31, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ domestic family drama
Setting ~ Alabama
Publication date ~ March 14, 2023
Publisher ~ MIRA
Est Page Count ~ 336 (p+ 41 chapters stating character and day it’ll follow)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 33 minutes
Narrators ~ Susan Bennett, Megan Tusing, Ferdelle Capistrano, Karissa Vacker, Brittany Pressley
POV ~ single 1st & multiple 3rd person POV
Featuring ~ lots of family secrets, murder, mentions of miscarriage
The Williams family has always been pretty close. Grandma Pearl took her grandchildren in after their parents' death. Now she’s dead and the family has to work together to cover up a mistake one of them makes. As we go back and forth between the multiple POV’s we learn there are plenty of options of who the dead body can be.
Stephanie is married to Walker, but going through a divorce. She’s never really gotten along with her sister in laws. Does that mean she’ll spill the family secrets when questioned by the sheriff?
Tara has sticky fingers where the church profits are concerned. Since her husband is the preacher this puts an extra wrench in things.
June is a nurse and married to Nic, a doctor working at the same hospital. One thing missing from their life is a baby, so she decides to steal a newborn after the mother dies. Do you think Nic is happy with what she’s done?
Clementine is dating her married professor who is twice her age.
Overall, a decent domestic suspense full of family drama, secrets and a well deserved death. More mystery than thriller.
✔️ed another old NG one off my list.
I was able to listen to the audiobook as well.
Narration notes:
Multiple POVs and multiple narrators = woo hoo!
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ domestic family drama
Setting ~ Alabama
Publication date ~ March 14, 2023
Publisher ~ MIRA
Est Page Count ~ 336 (p+ 41 chapters stating character and day it’ll follow)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 33 minutes
Narrators ~ Susan Bennett, Megan Tusing, Ferdelle Capistrano, Karissa Vacker, Brittany Pressley
POV ~ single 1st & multiple 3rd person POV
Featuring ~ lots of family secrets, murder, mentions of miscarriage
The Williams family has always been pretty close. Grandma Pearl took her grandchildren in after their parents' death. Now she’s dead and the family has to work together to cover up a mistake one of them makes. As we go back and forth between the multiple POV’s we learn there are plenty of options of who the dead body can be.
Stephanie is married to Walker, but going through a divorce. She’s never really gotten along with her sister in laws. Does that mean she’ll spill the family secrets when questioned by the sheriff?
Tara has sticky fingers where the church profits are concerned. Since her husband is the preacher this puts an extra wrench in things.
June is a nurse and married to Nic, a doctor working at the same hospital. One thing missing from their life is a baby, so she decides to steal a newborn after the mother dies. Do you think Nic is happy with what she’s done?
Clementine is dating her married professor who is twice her age.
Overall, a decent domestic suspense full of family drama, secrets and a well deserved death. More mystery than thriller.
✔️ed another old NG one off my list.
I was able to listen to the audiobook as well.
Narration notes:
Multiple POVs and multiple narrators = woo hoo!
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
April 5, 2023
I Love it When You Lie by Kristen Bird is a domestic drama with an edge of suspense to the story. I was expecting more thriller in this one but it does land way over on the family drama side instead. The story in I Love it When You Lie is also one that is told by changing the point of view between the characters.
The story surrounds all of the Williams women as Pearl Williams, the grandmother of the family, passes away right before her eightieth birthday. Tara is the wife of a pastor that does things her own way regardless of what the church or anyone else would think. June wants nothing more than having a child but her husband is not as adamant about parenthood as June. Clementine just won’t admit that her relationship isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Then there’s their sister in law Stephanie who is right there with all the families secrets.
Even though I Love it When You Lie by Kristen Bird wasn’t what I was really expecting when I picked this one up it still was a good story that kept my attention. I found myself thinking of this one more as what I refer to as a popcorn read, one that you munch on your snack and wait for the secrets to unfold. The characters were not necessarily likable but certainly got up to some shenanigans that kept the pages turning. After finishing I’d certainly be willing to read more by this author in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The story surrounds all of the Williams women as Pearl Williams, the grandmother of the family, passes away right before her eightieth birthday. Tara is the wife of a pastor that does things her own way regardless of what the church or anyone else would think. June wants nothing more than having a child but her husband is not as adamant about parenthood as June. Clementine just won’t admit that her relationship isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Then there’s their sister in law Stephanie who is right there with all the families secrets.
Even though I Love it When You Lie by Kristen Bird wasn’t what I was really expecting when I picked this one up it still was a good story that kept my attention. I found myself thinking of this one more as what I refer to as a popcorn read, one that you munch on your snack and wait for the secrets to unfold. The characters were not necessarily likable but certainly got up to some shenanigans that kept the pages turning. After finishing I’d certainly be willing to read more by this author in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
May 28, 2023
This was an engrossing and unique family drama/mystery/suspense set in the Appalachian woods of Alabama. The story is told from the POVs of three sisters and their sister-in-law. As the family gathers for their grandmother's funeral, buried secrets, both past and present, threaten to come to the surface. I enjoyed how the author hid the identity of the missing person until later in the book, which definitely added to the suspense.
I loved these sisters, and I was quickly pulled in by their dilemmas. Each one had her flaws, but all were complex and compelling. Overall, this was an entertaining story about the strength of sisterly bonds, with some Southern Gothic atmosphere and revenge mixed in.
I loved these sisters, and I was quickly pulled in by their dilemmas. Each one had her flaws, but all were complex and compelling. Overall, this was an entertaining story about the strength of sisterly bonds, with some Southern Gothic atmosphere and revenge mixed in.
February 23, 2023
I’m rating my second book because I loved writing this story!!! 🥰 (plus, I saw that Katherine Center rates her books, and I adore her!) The three Williams sisters are based on the strong—and sometimes ruthless—Southern women in my family, and the Appalachian foothills are where I spent my childhood. I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed telling the story. 💕
February 18, 2023
Completely different and unique. Told from multiple POVs. Don’t mess with the Strong women of the south.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One of the first things that catch you off guard with this book is the way that it’s written. It’s almost like it’s written backward.
We have an interrogation. We have bits and pieces of backstory floating in. We have four or more points of view that we are reading.
Was it frustrating not knowing what was going on? Yes, it was. We are only given small hints and clues along the way that compels us to keep on going.
We knew there was a crime we just didn’t know how, who, what, when, etc. But the story isn’t so much about the crime and the mystery behind it, it’s more about the people. The women of the family; the women that will do what they need to when they need to. And sometimes those are not good actions.
I Love It When You Lie is unique and tells of deeply buried family secrets. Bird has us with such a buy-in that you almost feel like you want to cheer on some very bad choices. This family is a bit wicked and endearing at the same time!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/i-love-it-wh...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One of the first things that catch you off guard with this book is the way that it’s written. It’s almost like it’s written backward.
We have an interrogation. We have bits and pieces of backstory floating in. We have four or more points of view that we are reading.
Was it frustrating not knowing what was going on? Yes, it was. We are only given small hints and clues along the way that compels us to keep on going.
We knew there was a crime we just didn’t know how, who, what, when, etc. But the story isn’t so much about the crime and the mystery behind it, it’s more about the people. The women of the family; the women that will do what they need to when they need to. And sometimes those are not good actions.
I Love It When You Lie is unique and tells of deeply buried family secrets. Bird has us with such a buy-in that you almost feel like you want to cheer on some very bad choices. This family is a bit wicked and endearing at the same time!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/i-love-it-wh...
March 13, 2023
I Love It When You Lie is a family drama/suspense novel filled with morally grey characters and a secret that propels the plot. While I enjoyed the book I was a little disappointed that it wasn't a thriller like I was expecting. Sure, there's a mystery but it's not told in a thrilling manner. There were no shocking moments or twists. It did however have an amazing setting that I was enamored with.
If you enjoy books with characters who are truly BAD and plots with secrets that slowly reveal themselves then I think you'll enjoy this one. Just don't go into it expecting a twisted thriller because it's not that kind of novel. It's a southern family drama with some mystery.
If you enjoy books with characters who are truly BAD and plots with secrets that slowly reveal themselves then I think you'll enjoy this one. Just don't go into it expecting a twisted thriller because it's not that kind of novel. It's a southern family drama with some mystery.
February 28, 2023
Man this was such a fun one, there was something really unique about the way it all unfolded. The Williams family is together to bury their beloved Gran but she isn’t the only body being buried that weekend. You don’t know who else has died until the very end and this really kept the suspense building for me. There are several viewpoints as you hear from the three Williams sisters as well as their sister in law and all I know is you shouldn’t mess with a Southern woman! These characters were witty and their southern saying cracked me up, mix that with unethical and morally gray characters and I was all in.
March 14, 2023
I’m so excited to shout out KRISTEN BIRD’s latest book I LOVE IT WHEN YOU LIE which I finished last week 💕
Set in the small town of Willow Gap, Alabama, the Williams sisters - Tara, June and Clementine - gather together with their friends and family for their grandmother’s funeral.
Gran raised them, alongside their brother Walker, and while her death devastates them it also serves as a reminder of all that Gran taught them including one of her most valuable lessons - how to get rid of a good-for-nothin’ man.
When the book opens we’re at the Sheriff’s Office, learning someone has gone missing and the Sheriff is convinced the Williams women are behind it. Their sister-in-law Stephanie is talking to the Sheriff and as an outsider, she has never felt fully accepted by the sisters. And for years Stephanie’s been watching these sisters closely. And she knows all the family dirt.
This book has all the amazing hallmarks of a slow-burn suspense + family drama + sharp sisterhood. The writing is atmospheric and packs such an emotional punch and is filled with nuanced and layered characters. We feel their love of family alongside their pain and grief.
I really related to the emotions and struggles of one sister in particular and saw my own doubts and insecurities in the pages, while also finding strength from these women.
We get four POVs and so many mysteries. LOVE. Set over four days we dive into the family history and learn how deep (and dark) their secrets go as well as how far they will go for each other. And by the end of the weekend their grandmother won’t be the only one they put in a grave.
I was a massive fan of KRISTEN BIRD’s debut, THE NIGHT SHE WENT MISSING, and was so excited to dive into her latest novel. Massive thanks to KRISTEN BIRD for so generously sending me the ARC. I’m still in awe of how cool and kind the Bookstagram community is!
I LOVE IT WHEN YOU LIE is out now so be sure to grab yourself a copy!
Set in the small town of Willow Gap, Alabama, the Williams sisters - Tara, June and Clementine - gather together with their friends and family for their grandmother’s funeral.
Gran raised them, alongside their brother Walker, and while her death devastates them it also serves as a reminder of all that Gran taught them including one of her most valuable lessons - how to get rid of a good-for-nothin’ man.
When the book opens we’re at the Sheriff’s Office, learning someone has gone missing and the Sheriff is convinced the Williams women are behind it. Their sister-in-law Stephanie is talking to the Sheriff and as an outsider, she has never felt fully accepted by the sisters. And for years Stephanie’s been watching these sisters closely. And she knows all the family dirt.
This book has all the amazing hallmarks of a slow-burn suspense + family drama + sharp sisterhood. The writing is atmospheric and packs such an emotional punch and is filled with nuanced and layered characters. We feel their love of family alongside their pain and grief.
I really related to the emotions and struggles of one sister in particular and saw my own doubts and insecurities in the pages, while also finding strength from these women.
We get four POVs and so many mysteries. LOVE. Set over four days we dive into the family history and learn how deep (and dark) their secrets go as well as how far they will go for each other. And by the end of the weekend their grandmother won’t be the only one they put in a grave.
I was a massive fan of KRISTEN BIRD’s debut, THE NIGHT SHE WENT MISSING, and was so excited to dive into her latest novel. Massive thanks to KRISTEN BIRD for so generously sending me the ARC. I’m still in awe of how cool and kind the Bookstagram community is!
I LOVE IT WHEN YOU LIE is out now so be sure to grab yourself a copy!
April 13, 2023
I first discovered Kristen Bird upon reading her debut The Night She Went Missing, and when I saw she had a new book coming out I knew I had to read it. I Love It When You Lie was just as solid, if not more so, and I loved not only the Southern Appalachian Mountains setting but learning about a Southern tradition I knew nothing about - Decoration Sunday. The cast of characters had great depth along with fully formed characterization, and I was a huge fan of all of the different viewpoints and each of the women. Each perspective brought something new to the table without making the story confusing, and I loved the complexity each of them held as well. There are quite a few secrets that are just waiting to be brought to the surface, and the reveals were somewhat expected while also being surprising.
The audiobook for I Love It When You Lie was top-notch with a wonderful full cast that included Megan Tusing, Karissa Vacker, and Brittany Pressley. I thought it was adorable that Bird said a special thanks to Vacker in her acknowledgments and I have to agree that she brings a special something to the audio. Tusing and Pressley are also 2 of my favorite female narrators, and everyone together including 2 I didn't name here, did a killer (no pun intended) job of bringing this book and its characters to life. All the things we hear about dear old Gran kinda made me wish she had been a live character in this story, but if you are looking for such things as small-town drama, a family who likes to bury secrets, and morally gray characters, I Love It When You Lie is for you.
The audiobook for I Love It When You Lie was top-notch with a wonderful full cast that included Megan Tusing, Karissa Vacker, and Brittany Pressley. I thought it was adorable that Bird said a special thanks to Vacker in her acknowledgments and I have to agree that she brings a special something to the audio. Tusing and Pressley are also 2 of my favorite female narrators, and everyone together including 2 I didn't name here, did a killer (no pun intended) job of bringing this book and its characters to life. All the things we hear about dear old Gran kinda made me wish she had been a live character in this story, but if you are looking for such things as small-town drama, a family who likes to bury secrets, and morally gray characters, I Love It When You Lie is for you.
March 26, 2023
Could not get into this book 🥱
April 24, 2023
DNF on pg. 136
Lost interest :(
Lost interest :(
March 5, 2023
After hearing amazing things about this book, I am afraid that this left me underwhelmed. The premise of the book immediate captured my attention and it started out strong. I enjoyed the setting and the southern Baptist aspect. With several morally grey characters to keep track of, I felt that the transitions between characters were disjointed and the transition between places and time were peculiar and curious at times within the chapters. I enjoyed the plot twist and the ending but for me this would not be considered a thriller, it’s more of a domestic drama. Based on the synopsis I was expecting more thrill than drama.
***** Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA, Kristen Bird, and NetGalley for the #gifted copy as it was provided to me in turn for my honest opinion.
***** Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA, Kristen Bird, and NetGalley for the #gifted copy as it was provided to me in turn for my honest opinion.
February 5, 2023
Such a fun read, like Steel Magnolias with murder.
“You have no idea what it means to be a Southern woman, but you’re about to find out,” Tara said as she knelt next to the body. “It means fixing messes that the men make. It means running the Underground Railroad right under a husband’s nose, and it means rebuilding the South after fathers and husbands and brothers started the war with their stubborn pride. The women were the ones that fed and clothed and housed and had babies and buried and then got up the next morning and did it all over again.”
Clementine moved closer to Stephanie. “We can do this with or without you.” June moved in closer, and Tara stood, the three sisters forming a loose triangle around Stephanie.
“Okay.” Stephanie looked from woman to woman, sister to sister. After all this time, they were inviting her to be one of them. “I’m in.”
Three Southern sisters and their northern sister in law have their very messy lives further entangled when they have to bury a body and cover up a crime the weekend after their beloved grandmother dies. We don’t know who the body is until near the end, as the story alternates between the women’s lives leading up to the event.
Well written and great fun.
I read a digital copy of this book via NetGalley.
“You have no idea what it means to be a Southern woman, but you’re about to find out,” Tara said as she knelt next to the body. “It means fixing messes that the men make. It means running the Underground Railroad right under a husband’s nose, and it means rebuilding the South after fathers and husbands and brothers started the war with their stubborn pride. The women were the ones that fed and clothed and housed and had babies and buried and then got up the next morning and did it all over again.”
Clementine moved closer to Stephanie. “We can do this with or without you.” June moved in closer, and Tara stood, the three sisters forming a loose triangle around Stephanie.
“Okay.” Stephanie looked from woman to woman, sister to sister. After all this time, they were inviting her to be one of them. “I’m in.”
Three Southern sisters and their northern sister in law have their very messy lives further entangled when they have to bury a body and cover up a crime the weekend after their beloved grandmother dies. We don’t know who the body is until near the end, as the story alternates between the women’s lives leading up to the event.
Well written and great fun.
I read a digital copy of this book via NetGalley.
March 20, 2023
Three sisters, are all keeping secrets. However, their sister-in-law knows the scoop. When their grandmother dies, far more than a funeral is soon to happen. No, those secrets? Well, the jig may very well be up for all involved.
Who are these women? They are the Williams sisters, Tara, June and Clementine. Each of them are facing serious difficulties in their lives and all will be forced to face the consequences for their actions. The funeral for their grandmother is at hand, but she might not be the only one who will be buried.
If a reader wants to read a book where one can root for the characters and also relate to them, then this is not the book. In fact, each of the women involved in the story, and not just Tara, June and Clementine, but also their sister-in-law Stephanie, are all more than a bit morally ambiguous.
This book has some sparks of humor, but also touches on the serious subject of racism and other serious matters, such as stealing funds from the church, baby kidnapping and sexual misconduct. Based in the South, Kristen Bird did a great job with this book and these characters, giving it a flavor of intrigue along with the secrets and lies.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Who are these women? They are the Williams sisters, Tara, June and Clementine. Each of them are facing serious difficulties in their lives and all will be forced to face the consequences for their actions. The funeral for their grandmother is at hand, but she might not be the only one who will be buried.
If a reader wants to read a book where one can root for the characters and also relate to them, then this is not the book. In fact, each of the women involved in the story, and not just Tara, June and Clementine, but also their sister-in-law Stephanie, are all more than a bit morally ambiguous.
This book has some sparks of humor, but also touches on the serious subject of racism and other serious matters, such as stealing funds from the church, baby kidnapping and sexual misconduct. Based in the South, Kristen Bird did a great job with this book and these characters, giving it a flavor of intrigue along with the secrets and lies.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
March 16, 2023
"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯...𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘹𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦."
I loved this fast paced read, as we showcase how a woman must always put family first, even if it means getting a little blood on their hands!
Told from the POVs of Grans 3 granddaughters and her granddaughter in law, from before Gran’s death and after.We learn the police are investigating a missing person, but the reader isn’t aware who that person could be as all the husbands in this family seem to be philandering or obstinate in his own way.
This is a blockbuster accurate account showcasing how Southern Women will do anything to protect their family.
Many thanks to Mira and HTPbooks for my gifted book in return for my honest opinion.
Happy Pub day! 4.5 stars!
I loved this fast paced read, as we showcase how a woman must always put family first, even if it means getting a little blood on their hands!
Told from the POVs of Grans 3 granddaughters and her granddaughter in law, from before Gran’s death and after.We learn the police are investigating a missing person, but the reader isn’t aware who that person could be as all the husbands in this family seem to be philandering or obstinate in his own way.
This is a blockbuster accurate account showcasing how Southern Women will do anything to protect their family.
Many thanks to Mira and HTPbooks for my gifted book in return for my honest opinion.
Happy Pub day! 4.5 stars!
April 15, 2023
This book was a little all over the place for me. I found it difficult to follow along with. There is a lot of family drama in this one with a touch of thriller. The big twist at the end did really wow me as much as I hoped. I have seen some good reviews for this one so definitely still give it a try!
March 20, 2023
I absolutely loved reading every minute of this! The way everything ties together with so much twist & secrecy. It truly encapsulizes "Blood is thicker than water". I couldn't stop reading. Every chapter left me wanting more. I've never been to Alabama but felt that I was transported there throughout the writing of the book. Kristen Bird has done such an amazing job with each of her characters. I especially loved Tara's. As the oldest sister, I definitely have had my fair share of having to defy expectations and learn as I go, helping my siblings with what I learned along the way. And am very familiar with the shared secrets of covering for one another. My mom would always get mad at my siblings and I for always covering up for the other and her never finding out what about, just having suspicion.
Reading from the different perspectives of the Williams women lets you get to know where the characters are coming from and just because questionable things were done, doesn't necessarily mean that you are a bad person... Or does it? Or are you just expediting karma? As Gran said "God helps those who help themselves"
I was very pleased with the ending. Gran would be proud. & would definitely like to have some of Gran's tea along with more tea on the family
Reading from the different perspectives of the Williams women lets you get to know where the characters are coming from and just because questionable things were done, doesn't necessarily mean that you are a bad person... Or does it? Or are you just expediting karma? As Gran said "God helps those who help themselves"
I was very pleased with the ending. Gran would be proud. & would definitely like to have some of Gran's tea along with more tea on the family
May 21, 2023
3.5
Kept me turning the pages! Then the very end felt a teensy bit too long but it tied up all the loose ends. Maybe it had been better if it didn’t and just ended a little more quickly and dramatically; maybe I would have complained about that too!
Kept me turning the pages! Then the very end felt a teensy bit too long but it tied up all the loose ends. Maybe it had been better if it didn’t and just ended a little more quickly and dramatically; maybe I would have complained about that too!
May 18, 2023
I hardly ever give 1 star reviews, but this is not a psychological thriller. It is an extremely slow burn, very wordy book with not alot of action.
March 14, 2023
There’s no family like the Williams family—and there’s no novel like I LOVE IT WHEN YOU LIE. Steeped in southern atmosphere, this timely story of sisterhood, long-hidden secrets, and uncompromising resolve quivers with tension. Small-town suspense at its finest!”
March 13, 2023
*Paperback
I initially thought this one was a thriller but it’s more of a family drama / mystery. It’s a slow burn, which usually I don’t enjoy BUT this one was well paced and the slow burn fit well with this plot, so it really worked for me.
The book is full of varying POVs BUT the characters were so well developed that it was easy to keep everyone straight.
There are also time jumps, but the time jumps were well done, so that was easy to follow as well.
The Williams’ women have generations of secrets that were really fun to see play out. The body count just stacks up when you’re dealing with the Williams’ women.
The only things that I wanted more of was Coy. I liked the interaction with him and a certain sister when she came home. I think that would’ve added a bit more of chemistry and tension.
My favorite relationship/couple was Nic and June. That was an interesting storyline and their dynamic was so genuine. I was really rooting for them.
Susan’s part in the story added another layer which surprised me, her whole demeanor wasn’t what I expected. The manuscript would’ve made my stomach drop if I was in that position.
Overall, this book was a well laid out plot with excellent character development. Def worth the read.
I initially thought this one was a thriller but it’s more of a family drama / mystery. It’s a slow burn, which usually I don’t enjoy BUT this one was well paced and the slow burn fit well with this plot, so it really worked for me.
The book is full of varying POVs BUT the characters were so well developed that it was easy to keep everyone straight.
There are also time jumps, but the time jumps were well done, so that was easy to follow as well.
The Williams’ women have generations of secrets that were really fun to see play out. The body count just stacks up when you’re dealing with the Williams’ women.
The only things that I wanted more of was Coy. I liked the interaction with him and a certain sister when she came home. I think that would’ve added a bit more of chemistry and tension.
My favorite relationship/couple was Nic and June. That was an interesting storyline and their dynamic was so genuine. I was really rooting for them.
Susan’s part in the story added another layer which surprised me, her whole demeanor wasn’t what I expected. The manuscript would’ve made my stomach drop if I was in that position.
Overall, this book was a well laid out plot with excellent character development. Def worth the read.
November 20, 2022
This book. Wow.
I LOVE IT WHEN YOU LIE by Kristen Bird is exactly what I’ve been craving in crime fiction. It reads like a book club fiction - literary, suspenseful, and so many theories and secrets. The very end is ambiguous but in the best way. It’s not overly dark or violent, but just enough of everything to suck you in.
This story is told from the perspectives of the four Williams women: Tara, June, Clementine, and Stephanie. Each has their own unique voice and view of the world. All of them are strong and complicated and truly the heart of Southern women.
Is Southern Noir a thing? If it’s not, Kristen just started this category. I was so immersed in this Northern Alabama/Southern Tennessee setting that I felt like I was there. The author didn’t pull any punches when it comes to southern slang and culture and traditions.
Stop what you’re doing and order this book now. It’s absolutely one of my top favorite reads of the year.
I LOVE IT WHEN YOU LIE by Kristen Bird is exactly what I’ve been craving in crime fiction. It reads like a book club fiction - literary, suspenseful, and so many theories and secrets. The very end is ambiguous but in the best way. It’s not overly dark or violent, but just enough of everything to suck you in.
This story is told from the perspectives of the four Williams women: Tara, June, Clementine, and Stephanie. Each has their own unique voice and view of the world. All of them are strong and complicated and truly the heart of Southern women.
Is Southern Noir a thing? If it’s not, Kristen just started this category. I was so immersed in this Northern Alabama/Southern Tennessee setting that I felt like I was there. The author didn’t pull any punches when it comes to southern slang and culture and traditions.
Stop what you’re doing and order this book now. It’s absolutely one of my top favorite reads of the year.
March 1, 2023
What a book! Honestly, if life hadn’t been so busy the last couple of days, I would have finished this book in less than 24 hrs.
I loved the different POVs of the sisters, and one little twist thrown in there had me flabbergasted. All the sisters were damaged in their own ways, and I loved getting to see all of their stories unfold. Lots of girl power in this book and I AM HERE FOR IT. This book will be released March 14th, so be on the lookout!
I loved the different POVs of the sisters, and one little twist thrown in there had me flabbergasted. All the sisters were damaged in their own ways, and I loved getting to see all of their stories unfold. Lots of girl power in this book and I AM HERE FOR IT. This book will be released March 14th, so be on the lookout!
April 7, 2023
Not my cup of tea. Too many POV. I didn’t care what happened to any of the characters.
April 29, 2023
I was surprised how much I liked this! I listened to the audio, and I like that it was a different narrator for all four of the major characters. The ending, however, was a little bit of a letdown, but I think I figured it out.
April 4, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC!
I am super grateful for the opportunity to read this.
Rating - 4.5/5 Stars
This novel was told in multiple POVs. They portraited amazing strong women from the South. The timeline is written in such a unique way that leaves the reader with only bits and pieces of the backstory. The small details revealed made me want to keep on reading. I love the family secret aspect of this book because I didn't know who I could truly trust.
I am super grateful for the opportunity to read this.
Rating - 4.5/5 Stars
This novel was told in multiple POVs. They portraited amazing strong women from the South. The timeline is written in such a unique way that leaves the reader with only bits and pieces of the backstory. The small details revealed made me want to keep on reading. I love the family secret aspect of this book because I didn't know who I could truly trust.
November 7, 2023
4.5⭐ I absolutely loved this book with lots family secrets and no good men!
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