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The Widows' Pact
Lena Martin’s life couldn’t be more tragic. So far in her twenty-seven years she has buried her best friend, her husband, and, subsequently, what little enthusiasm she had for life. Evelyn, a passionate elderly widow is the opposite. Opinionated and slightly obnoxious, she hasn’t met a problem she couldn’t fix.
When an unlikely friendship blossoms between them, it seems to be exactly what each of them need––except one is harbouring a dark secret, and the other a troubled past that sends the duo spiraling into a world where right and wrong isn’t black and white, but a shade of grey with red pooled beside it.
When an unlikely friendship blossoms between them, it seems to be exactly what each of them need––except one is harbouring a dark secret, and the other a troubled past that sends the duo spiraling into a world where right and wrong isn’t black and white, but a shade of grey with red pooled beside it.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2023
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 1, 2023
Do you have friends significantly older or younger than you?☀️
I’ve always had a wide range of friends, some much older and some the same age as my daughter, in their 20s. I feel like I can always find something in common!
In The Widow’s Pact by J. L. Cole, Lena in her 20s and Evelyn in her 70s run into each other every Tuesday at the movies and form a friendship.
Their friendship slowly grows, they both have recently lost their husbands and it makes their bond stronger to have someone that understands.
This book wasn’t what I expected at all, I had no idea where this story was going and for the first half just assumed it was about friendship. This does take a turn and quickly becomes quite the page turner. I don’t want to say too much, but I hope you get a chance to read this one!
Thank you @katerockbooktours for this gifted copy!
The Widow’s Pact by @jlcolebooks published last month and is available on our Amazon storefront!🧜🏼♀️🌺
I’ve always had a wide range of friends, some much older and some the same age as my daughter, in their 20s. I feel like I can always find something in common!
In The Widow’s Pact by J. L. Cole, Lena in her 20s and Evelyn in her 70s run into each other every Tuesday at the movies and form a friendship.
Their friendship slowly grows, they both have recently lost their husbands and it makes their bond stronger to have someone that understands.
This book wasn’t what I expected at all, I had no idea where this story was going and for the first half just assumed it was about friendship. This does take a turn and quickly becomes quite the page turner. I don’t want to say too much, but I hope you get a chance to read this one!
Thank you @katerockbooktours for this gifted copy!
The Widow’s Pact by @jlcolebooks published last month and is available on our Amazon storefront!🧜🏼♀️🌺
February 7, 2023
This contemporary suspense fiction brings you an unlikely friendship between two widows that are more than 50 years apart. Evelyn is the older widow, old enough to be Lena’s great-grandmother. She is so stinking adorable you can’t help but love her straightforward no BS personality. She befriends Lena, a more introverted and at first glance timid women under her wing, but her intentions are not as innocent as they seem. The two ladies bond over more than just being widows and they go on an a unexpected adventure helping teach each other a little bit about life along the way. I love the dynamics of their relationship and I loved the turns this story took and the way it played out in the end. I absolutely adored this book and highly recommend.
February 16, 2023
Thank you, Partners @JLcolebooks and @KateRockBookTours for my #giftedbook. I'm excited to be a part of this #booktour!
Lena Martin has experienced more grief than most 27 year olds. To date, she has lost her best friend and husband. Understandably, she is depressed and has little zest for life. Evelyn is the total opposite. She is in her 70s and passionate about life. Full of opinions and solutions (she will share with anyone who will listen) she's never met a problem she can't solve.
This book is a bit of a slow burn as these two strike up an unlikely friendship. At first it seems to be exactly what they each need. As time passes the reader learns that one of them is concealing a dark secret while the other's questionable past sends them into a downward spiral where the lines between right and wrong are blurred. I enjoyed their dynamics and am happy I went along for the ride!
Lena Martin has experienced more grief than most 27 year olds. To date, she has lost her best friend and husband. Understandably, she is depressed and has little zest for life. Evelyn is the total opposite. She is in her 70s and passionate about life. Full of opinions and solutions (she will share with anyone who will listen) she's never met a problem she can't solve.
This book is a bit of a slow burn as these two strike up an unlikely friendship. At first it seems to be exactly what they each need. As time passes the reader learns that one of them is concealing a dark secret while the other's questionable past sends them into a downward spiral where the lines between right and wrong are blurred. I enjoyed their dynamics and am happy I went along for the ride!
February 21, 2023
Wow, this was such a thrill! I couldn’t believe how the two women were connected and the excitement leading up to the reveal. The epilogue at the end was crazy and I couldn’t believe how it completed the book. It was full of so much excitement!
March 9, 2023
This book was totally different from what I expected. Starting quite harmless it gains momentum and has some unexpected surprises. I really enjoyed the read.
March 5, 2023
Lena Martin's life couldn't be more tragic. So far in her twenty-seven years she has buried her best friend, her husband, and, subsequently, what little enthusiasm she had for life. Eveyln, a passionate elderly widow is the opposite. Opinionated and slightly obnoxious, she hasn't met a problem she couldn't fix. When an unlikely friendship blossoms between them, it seems to be exactly what each of them need-except one is harbouring a dark secret, and the other a troubled past that sends the duo spiraling into a world where right and wrong isn't black and white, but a shade of grey with red pooled beside it.
I really felt like this book was mislabeled genre wise it was labeled as a mystery/thriller type book, but honestly over 90% of it didn't even have content that would read that way. Instead the majority of the book is about Lena and Evelyn both working through the grief of losing their husbands; both in two separate ways. Lena is dealing with a lot of grief surrounding losing a childhood friend and her husband, and to be honest her methods aren't all that healthy. In sweeps Evelyn, who has a healthier coping mechanism, but who is hiding a pretty big secret. The two slowly become friends and help each other to open up to new experiences in life, and the potential for love, when old flames reappear.
To be honest everything in the book was pretty predictable. It became obvious early on what the secret was that Evelyn was hiding, and then it was just annoying that the book didn't just flat out say it for another like 30 chapters. I struggled with this book because it had some very big triggers (abuse and attempted sexual assault) which were not addressed and just kind of dropped into the story. The last like 10% of the book is the "mystery/thriller" plot point and it's not done well at all. I think the book would have been better off without that element and just being a story about two women developing a friendship and working through their grief.
I really felt like this book was mislabeled genre wise it was labeled as a mystery/thriller type book, but honestly over 90% of it didn't even have content that would read that way. Instead the majority of the book is about Lena and Evelyn both working through the grief of losing their husbands; both in two separate ways. Lena is dealing with a lot of grief surrounding losing a childhood friend and her husband, and to be honest her methods aren't all that healthy. In sweeps Evelyn, who has a healthier coping mechanism, but who is hiding a pretty big secret. The two slowly become friends and help each other to open up to new experiences in life, and the potential for love, when old flames reappear.
To be honest everything in the book was pretty predictable. It became obvious early on what the secret was that Evelyn was hiding, and then it was just annoying that the book didn't just flat out say it for another like 30 chapters. I struggled with this book because it had some very big triggers (abuse and attempted sexual assault) which were not addressed and just kind of dropped into the story. The last like 10% of the book is the "mystery/thriller" plot point and it's not done well at all. I think the book would have been better off without that element and just being a story about two women developing a friendship and working through their grief.
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April 8, 20234 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a slow burn story about two widows, 50 years apart in age. Evelyn is a 71 year old spunky, nosy busybody who isn't afraid to dispense her opinion about someone else's life. Evelyn is a recent widow & she befriends 27 year old Lena, who is also a recent widow. Lena is everything Evelyn is not. She is meek, mild, & numbly stumbling through life after the sudden death of her husband. As the two women strike up an unlikely friendship, we begin to learn more about each woman's life. Lena begins to realize that her marriage wasn't as idyllic as she thought, & that if she has any chance of a happy life, she needs to deal with her tragic past.
The book is told in short chapters, alternating between Evelyn & Lena's viewpoint. I really liked Evelyn's zest for life & her can-do attitude. However, every time she gave "advice" to her daughters, I cringed along with them. It reminded me of my own mother, who also dispensed unwanted advice & criticism in the guise of "just trying to help". Evelyn is tuneless to the notion that she's not "helping", but rather criticizing her daughters & not respecting their right to make decisions about their own lives. The book starts slow, but eventually picks up steam. If you like a slow burn, character-driven story about grief, depression & friendship, pick this book up. It's available now & well worth the read.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Kate Rock Book Tours & J.L. Cole. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a slow burn story about two widows, 50 years apart in age. Evelyn is a 71 year old spunky, nosy busybody who isn't afraid to dispense her opinion about someone else's life. Evelyn is a recent widow & she befriends 27 year old Lena, who is also a recent widow. Lena is everything Evelyn is not. She is meek, mild, & numbly stumbling through life after the sudden death of her husband. As the two women strike up an unlikely friendship, we begin to learn more about each woman's life. Lena begins to realize that her marriage wasn't as idyllic as she thought, & that if she has any chance of a happy life, she needs to deal with her tragic past.
The book is told in short chapters, alternating between Evelyn & Lena's viewpoint. I really liked Evelyn's zest for life & her can-do attitude. However, every time she gave "advice" to her daughters, I cringed along with them. It reminded me of my own mother, who also dispensed unwanted advice & criticism in the guise of "just trying to help". Evelyn is tuneless to the notion that she's not "helping", but rather criticizing her daughters & not respecting their right to make decisions about their own lives. The book starts slow, but eventually picks up steam. If you like a slow burn, character-driven story about grief, depression & friendship, pick this book up. It's available now & well worth the read.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Kate Rock Book Tours & J.L. Cole. All opinions are my own.
February 5, 2023
Thank you
@JLcolebooks @katerockbooktours
My thoughts are my own.
I often agree to read a book, and then, by the time I actually read it, I have forgotten what it is about! So that is how I went into this one blind. I have to admit that for the first part of the book, I wasn’t quite sure what genre I would classify it as.
Lena and Evelyn have one thing in common: they have both been widows for about a year. However, they are at different seasons of life.
Evelyn is in her seventies. She misses her husband but is generally content. She has a strong support system with her daughters and friends. She might even be ready to see an old flame!
Lena is in her twenties. She is dealing with problems at work and helping her parents move out of her childhood home, while she recovers from the traumatic death of a close friend during her teenage years, and mourns the loss of her husband. She is gradually moving into a life of solitude and she is content with that.
Lena and Evelyn often see each other at a weekly movie night, but they never speak until one day when Evelyn decides to reach out to Lena. As they gradually become friends, they each benefit from the bits of life wisdom offered from different perspectives in life.
But…they are both harboring deep secrets.
I enjoyed the storyline in this one. I didn’t go into it expecting a thriller so I didn’t even realize the story was a slow burn until I got to the traumatic conclusion! The short chapters alternated between the perspectives of Lena and Evelyn. I think, after reading this one, I would classify this novel as women’s fiction with a touch of suspense.
Read this if you enjoy women’s fiction!
@JLcolebooks @katerockbooktours
My thoughts are my own.
I often agree to read a book, and then, by the time I actually read it, I have forgotten what it is about! So that is how I went into this one blind. I have to admit that for the first part of the book, I wasn’t quite sure what genre I would classify it as.
Lena and Evelyn have one thing in common: they have both been widows for about a year. However, they are at different seasons of life.
Evelyn is in her seventies. She misses her husband but is generally content. She has a strong support system with her daughters and friends. She might even be ready to see an old flame!
Lena is in her twenties. She is dealing with problems at work and helping her parents move out of her childhood home, while she recovers from the traumatic death of a close friend during her teenage years, and mourns the loss of her husband. She is gradually moving into a life of solitude and she is content with that.
Lena and Evelyn often see each other at a weekly movie night, but they never speak until one day when Evelyn decides to reach out to Lena. As they gradually become friends, they each benefit from the bits of life wisdom offered from different perspectives in life.
But…they are both harboring deep secrets.
I enjoyed the storyline in this one. I didn’t go into it expecting a thriller so I didn’t even realize the story was a slow burn until I got to the traumatic conclusion! The short chapters alternated between the perspectives of Lena and Evelyn. I think, after reading this one, I would classify this novel as women’s fiction with a touch of suspense.
Read this if you enjoy women’s fiction!
January 26, 2023
I went in blind not really knowing what to expect from the story and I while I enjoyed the overall story i just wasn’t wowed by it. I liked the message of unexpected friendship and forgiveness. The topic of grief and moving forward after the death of a loved one was the central theme throughout and I think it was handled nicely-there’s no one way to grieve and Lena and Evelyn are good example of that.
I liked Evelyn- she’s certainly spunky and a bit of a busybody who was trying to right a wrong when she befriended Lena originally and ultimately found a genuine friend. I just felt like something was missing from Lena. I can’t quite put my finger on it but I wanted something more from her or for her but I just really wanted to give her a hug-she’s been through a lot.
I think this is a good women’s fiction book for anyone looking for a story centered on unexpected friendships and moving forward after a tragedy.
Thank you @katerockbooktours for this gifted copy and a spot on the book tour.
I liked Evelyn- she’s certainly spunky and a bit of a busybody who was trying to right a wrong when she befriended Lena originally and ultimately found a genuine friend. I just felt like something was missing from Lena. I can’t quite put my finger on it but I wanted something more from her or for her but I just really wanted to give her a hug-she’s been through a lot.
I think this is a good women’s fiction book for anyone looking for a story centered on unexpected friendships and moving forward after a tragedy.
Thank you @katerockbooktours for this gifted copy and a spot on the book tour.
January 26, 2023
Lena's in her twenties, Evelyn her seventies, What could they have in common? In J.L. Cole's new novel THE WIDOWS' PACT, there's nothing like two people being depressed and having experienced trauma to bring them together. Lena and Evelyn see each other regularly on Cheap Tuesdays at the local theatre, but haven't connected, until one time, they do.
Working at a job she hates, drinking wine and looking forward to Cheap Tuesdays keeps Lena from falling into a deeper depression. Dying, failing health and grandkids are all Evelyn talks about with her friends. They're a perfect couple to become friends. Their friendship takes time to evolve, but once it begins, they are the other's best cheerleader. But one of them has a secret and the other a troubled past, which each will have to deal with.
THE WIDOW'S PACT is about second chances, friendship, trust and finding the humor in ... well, everything.
Working at a job she hates, drinking wine and looking forward to Cheap Tuesdays keeps Lena from falling into a deeper depression. Dying, failing health and grandkids are all Evelyn talks about with her friends. They're a perfect couple to become friends. Their friendship takes time to evolve, but once it begins, they are the other's best cheerleader. But one of them has a secret and the other a troubled past, which each will have to deal with.
THE WIDOW'S PACT is about second chances, friendship, trust and finding the humor in ... well, everything.
February 22, 2023
Throughout the book, there were age defying friendships, self-growth, mystery, and some interesting twists that I found both delightful and intriguing. Evelyn and Lena were a great pair, and I enjoyed their energy. As the book progressed, I was really captivated by the way the author developed the characters. It was an emotional rollercoaster for me, and I felt that it was a well-rounded book. There is a lot of roller coaster riding in this book, and it ends with a bang literally. When it finally caught my attention, I was really hooked on the guessing game. It was so nice to see two different women with a huge age gap have such a nice friendship flourish. It does touch a lot on death, heartbreak, forgiving, living life and fate. That ending and epilogue was a twist I did not see coming. It was perfect. If you are looking for a medium paced contemporary mystery/thriller this is the book to pick up for sure!
March 26, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟 It's such a happy feeling when you grab a book expecting very little and it turns out to be a standout among a pile of middle of the road more hyped new releases I've been reading lately. This book was very entertaining, twisty, fast-paced and with likeable lead characters. Set in Canada, we follow the unlikely friendship between 70-year old Evelyn and 27-year old Lena, who meet at the cinema on what seems to be a random Tuesday. Both women are recent widows. Lena and Evelyn couldn't be more different, both in personality and life experience, but their bonding over movies and baking grows into a more complex relationship involving a mystery...and a murder? Part women's fiction, part murder mystery, this book builds up momentum slowly until the Epilogue's very welcoming final twist. Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion. 👏
February 4, 2023
This novel really takes you on a roller coaster ride, and it ends with a bang (literally) lol. I have to admit it did start a tad slow for me, it took several chapters to grab my entire attention but when it did I was really hooked on the guessing game. It was so nice to see two different women with a huge age gap have such a nice friendship flourish. It does touch a lot on death, heartbreak, forgiving, living life and fate. That ending and epilogue was a twist I did not see coming. It was perfect. My favorite character was Evelyn, I would love to have a 71 year old friend with her character and spunk. If you are looking for a medium paced contemporary mystery/thriller this is the book to pick up for sure!
February 21, 2023
The Widows Pact is a slow burn Contemporary Suspense. Lena and Evelyn are not two people you would think would become friends. Evelyn is in her 70's and an opionated extrovert that volunteers at the Library and every Thursdays meets her friends. Lena is in her 20's and introverted with no friends and hates her job. Both have become widows in the past year.
Lena and Evelyn see each other at the movies on Tuesday nights. Neither have spoken until Evelyn takes the initiative to introduce herself to Lena. A friendship blossoms as they deal with death, heartbreak, and forgiveness.it is revealed they both have secrets.
I enjoyed this slow burn and their friendship. Evelyn was quite the character. The story is told in alternating short chapters. I loved the twisted ending and epilogue.
Lena and Evelyn see each other at the movies on Tuesday nights. Neither have spoken until Evelyn takes the initiative to introduce herself to Lena. A friendship blossoms as they deal with death, heartbreak, and forgiveness.it is revealed they both have secrets.
I enjoyed this slow burn and their friendship. Evelyn was quite the character. The story is told in alternating short chapters. I loved the twisted ending and epilogue.
March 25, 2023
I was quite drawn to the cover design of this book, and the title sounded intriguing.
What I loved about this book was the fact that it surprised me. From the cover design, I thought this book looked like a thriller. Before I started reading, I had an idea in my mind that the main characters would be antagonistic women. That was not the case.
This story was about friendship between two women. The bond between them warmed my heart, and I was also surprised by how funny this book was - I couldn't stop chuckling. It was a touching book to read, and warmed my heart at the same time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
What I loved about this book was the fact that it surprised me. From the cover design, I thought this book looked like a thriller. Before I started reading, I had an idea in my mind that the main characters would be antagonistic women. That was not the case.
This story was about friendship between two women. The bond between them warmed my heart, and I was also surprised by how funny this book was - I couldn't stop chuckling. It was a touching book to read, and warmed my heart at the same time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
January 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this book as it had a combination of age defying friendship, self growth, some mystery and few interesting twists.
I enjoyed the energy between the two main characters, Lena and Evelyn. I also loved the way the author builds the characters in the beginning of the book which really hooked me for the plot points as the book continued.
I felt this was a well rounded book that really ran the gamut of emotions for me.
I enjoyed the energy between the two main characters, Lena and Evelyn. I also loved the way the author builds the characters in the beginning of the book which really hooked me for the plot points as the book continued.
I felt this was a well rounded book that really ran the gamut of emotions for me.
February 12, 2023
Two Widows who show up to the the local movie theater on cheap Tuesdays after seeing each other there each week finally have a conversation that strikes up an unexpected friendship with Lena being in her 20s & Evelyn in her 70s begins. At first, sharing depression and grief is all you think they have in common. However, their new friendship is filled with laughs & and mystery. I definitely laughed out loud at the dating app conversations. The witty humor is so fun!
April 15, 2023
I just finished this book and thoroughly enjoyed it! I loved Evelyn’s character and her personality was so her. Lena was relatable in the sense of “floating day by day” as many of us do. Would recommend to others, and the epilogue is 10/10!
March 8, 2023
I loved this book and the characters! Such a great read!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews