THE GOLDEN COUPLE

5 stars out of 5

It's been awhile since I read a book I really, really didn't want to put down. Granted, that makes it tough to get on with life - even if I'm willing to skip a meal, my husband would prefer to not. Even then, I managed to polish it off in about a day and a half. What makes it so enthralling? Much of it, I think, it the psychology angle (my favorite subject and my college major). The story centers around Avery Chambers, a onetime therapist whose outside-the-box techniques landed her in so much trouble that she lost her license. But that hasn't stopped her; she's built a very successful practice built on an unorthodox 10-session approach that allows her to pick and choose her clients.

Among the wannabes is Marissa Bishop, who learned of Avery through a friend. Marissa's marriage to Matthew is in danger because she cheated on him - a one-night stand she's regretted ever since. She still loves her husband and their 8-year-old son, though, and will try just about anything to salvage their marriage. In the hope that Avery can save the day, she convinces her husband to go with her to the initial session that will determine whether or not Avery will take the case of the "golden couple."

Of course, she does (if she hadn't, this book wouldn't exist). Chapters outline their sessions, and in-between chapters focus on the individual characters, giving readers clues to what's really going on in their lives and minds (not the least of which is that all concerned have secrets they either haven't revealed or are outright lying about). In between, Avery tries to ferret out what isn't being said so she can get to the truth that will, supposedly, free Marissa and Matthew to live [together] and love again. 

To be sure, Avery's keen powers of deduction exceed those of any character I've ever read about in any book including the esteemed Sherlock Holmes, thus making it a little hard to believe in spots. But I was so caught up in the story that it bothered me only a tiny bit. Twists and turns popped up in almost every chapter, leading up to a biggie at the end (which, if I'm honest, I'll admit wasn't entirely unexpected). Beyond that I won't comment lest I ruin things for other readers. But I will repeat that I really loved this book - and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy. Outstanding!

The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen (St. Martin's Press, March 2022); 329 pp.

THE WIFE BETWEEN US

5 stars out of 5

I read so many books - make that so many good books - that it's rare for me to say "Wow!" when I finish one. But by golly, that's exactly what I said when I got to the last page here. From the beginning, I was hooked - and spent the rest of the book trying my best to figure out how it would end. My efforts, however, went for naught; the closer I got to the finish line, the faster my theories were adeptly written out.

The story begins as Vanessa is living with her elderly Aunt Charlotte in a small apartment - dumped by her filthy rich, suave and debonair ex-husband Richard, who at one time was her raison d'etre; even her unexpressed wishes were his commands. Now, while Vanessa struggles to eke out a living and get her shattered life back together, Richard has found a new love - a beautiful co-worker he'll soon be taking as his wife.

But not if Vanessa can help it. Determined to prevent the wedding from happening, she stalks the bride-to-be, Emma, looking for a way to make contact, gain her trust and convince her that Richard isn't the prize she believes he is. That's easier said than done, though; Richard - a very controlling sort - is determined to "protect" his new love from the old one, a woman he's often claimed is a psychological mess and an alcoholic to boot. Even Vanessa has her doubts from time to time; is it possible that Richard is right and she's gone off the mental deep end as her mother did years ago? And even if she finds a way to meet Emma one-on-one, what can she say or do to make Emma believe she's not the one who's lying?

Needless to say, the twists and turns that follow are too numerous to mention here even if I wanted to spoil the story for other readers. Of course, I don't, so besides my earlier "Wow!" I'll just say this is one of the best books I've read this year and I highly recommend it. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen (St. Martin's Press, January 2018); 352 pp.