Description:

I would do anything to protect my family. It’s my fault they’re in danger…

A year ago, someone broke into our home. He stood outside our bedroom, with our children asleep down the corridor, and knocked on the door.

But the worst moment came later, when I found out who had nearly destroyed my family, and why.

Now my husband has booked us a surprise vacation. In a beautiful cabin on the shore we will rest, talk, recover.

But I can’t relax. When I drive to the store, or stroll down the beach, I am always looking over my shoulder, my heart racing.

Because no matter how hard my husband tries to pretend, we both know it’s not over.

And I know he still doesn’t trust me.

Adele’s Review:

After reading Miranda Smith’s novel What I Know that earned 5-Stars on Bayside Book Reviews, I looked forward to reading her new release, His Loving Wife. Miranda has become an author to watch for me, so I was pleased when Bookouture approved an ARC for review.

It’s difficult to discuss His Loving Wife without giving away spoilers, and I try to be careful not to reveal critical plot points. I will say there are sketchy characters in the first half of the book that made me wonder when the protagonist, Kate, would see through them, but all became clear in the second half. I had a bit of trouble accepting that a relatively mild inciting incident created the impetus for the rest of the story, and that’s why I rated the book 4 Stars instead of 5. The tension in that early pivotal scene could have been tightened several notches to be totally convincing. But that’s just my take.

At roughly 70% of the novel I had an “ah-ha” moment when I understood exactly what was about to happen, and was glad Kate gained clarity soon after. I rooted for her all the way through the book. The pacing picks up little by little in each act, like a train gaining steam, and then roars toward its very satisfying conclusion. I look forward to the next book by this author.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4260385131

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B098JG52WT/