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The Son-in-Law
I just met my new son-in-law . . . And he’s my ex-husband.
They’re here. I watch them arrive from the kitchen window. My pregnant daughter and her new husband. They’ve barely known each other six months.
I greet him with a tight smile that he recognizes as fake.
Luke is no good for my beautiful, fragile Cerys. He’ll break her heart. I know that because he broke mine — when he was married to me.
I don’t know what he wants. But I’m going to make it my business to find out.
I’ll do anything to keep my daughter safe. Don’t underestimate me.
They’re here. I watch them arrive from the kitchen window. My pregnant daughter and her new husband. They’ve barely known each other six months.
I greet him with a tight smile that he recognizes as fake.
Luke is no good for my beautiful, fragile Cerys. He’ll break her heart. I know that because he broke mine — when he was married to me.
I don’t know what he wants. But I’m going to make it my business to find out.
I’ll do anything to keep my daughter safe. Don’t underestimate me.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2023
979 people are currently reading
907 people want to read
About the author
Jane E. James
18 books262 followersInternational best selling author, Jane E James creates chilling reads that appeal to fans of psychological thrillers, mysteries and dark fiction. Jane loves to weave tense and haunting tales that stay in the reader's mind. All her books are standalone novels.
An animal lover, who believes ‘all life is precious’ Jane is a vegan and an animal rights advocate. She lives in the UK with her two cats Hero and Halo, who are sometimes featured in her books.
When she isn't writing (or reading) Jane enjoys living 'the good life' in the Rutland countryside, in a small village close to the town of Stamford, Lincolnshire in the UK; known for its quirky tea shops and cobbled streets.
Although born in Cambridgeshire, she is half Welsh and hopes, one day, to retire to the mountains of South Wales, where she feels closest to her late mother, whose maiden name 'James' is where Jane gets her pen name from. Once there, she plans to adopt and rescue all kinds of animals including donkeys, sheep, chickens and goats.
Rebecca, Carrie, The Woman in Black and Wuthering Heights are among some of Jane's favourite reads.
Visit her website www.janeejames.com or catch up with her on facebook and twitter. But bring Monster Munch and wine...
An animal lover, who believes ‘all life is precious’ Jane is a vegan and an animal rights advocate. She lives in the UK with her two cats Hero and Halo, who are sometimes featured in her books.
When she isn't writing (or reading) Jane enjoys living 'the good life' in the Rutland countryside, in a small village close to the town of Stamford, Lincolnshire in the UK; known for its quirky tea shops and cobbled streets.
Although born in Cambridgeshire, she is half Welsh and hopes, one day, to retire to the mountains of South Wales, where she feels closest to her late mother, whose maiden name 'James' is where Jane gets her pen name from. Once there, she plans to adopt and rescue all kinds of animals including donkeys, sheep, chickens and goats.
Rebecca, Carrie, The Woman in Black and Wuthering Heights are among some of Jane's favourite reads.
Visit her website www.janeejames.com or catch up with her on facebook and twitter. But bring Monster Munch and wine...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
December 29, 2024
The premise was already very strange, I just couldn’t imagine a dilemma like this. Honestly, the motives and choices made just didn’t make sense in the real world, so I couldn’t fully immerse myself in the story.
January 23, 2024
Mmmmmmmmmm it started off so well and then the book just went off on tangent after tangent. A excessive amount of twists and turns and secrets coming out that literally added nothing to the story at all. The author writes near the end “you just couldn’t make it up” and really I feel like that sums up this read 😂
November 6, 2023
Well, what have we here? A book about a daughter marrying her mothers’ ex-husband, and a couple entering a house on the cover. The blurb tells us only a little and for me, this combination felt as if it would be a ‘light mystery’ as I call them. I compared this with titles from e.g. Miranda Rijks and Daniel Hurst. Books that follow a certain pattern, are easy to read and sometimes have real surprises in the story.
Not this! This book appeared to be a real rollercoaster and not at all ‘light reading’. It all starts when Beth, a middle aged Welsh farmer, sees the arrival of her beautiful young daughter Cerys with her new husband Luke. On top of this, Cerys is pregnant with this child and they come to live with Beth in the holiday home on the farm. How this came to be is very carefully told in the voices of Cerys and Beth, alternated over the chapters. There are a few more characters in this story, like Bryn, a neighbouring farmer, and another ex-wife of Luke. There is also a lot of background in this story: Beth still struggles with the dead of her husband, eleven years ago, and Cerys still misses him immensely too. Bryn lost his wife and his child under strange circumstances and there is a strange tension between Beth and Bryn.
Needless to say Luke is not the charming, loving man Cerys is hoping for. Well, he’s been for the past half year, but now they’ve arrived at Beth’s he’s more and more showing his true intentions. Intentions that are even more strange than you would expect.
I just couldn’t stop reading! For a big part this is also because the story is set in a part of Wales that I got to know quite well. I’ve spend long weeks of wonderful holidays in the Brecon Becons and have fond memories of visits to Aberystwyth, Crickhowell and other places. If its possible to be homesick after a place were you never actually lived, just visited, than is that what I’m feeling. The beautiful (for want of a stronger word) mountains and the beautiful scenery are an added bonus to this great story.
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for this review copy.
Not this! This book appeared to be a real rollercoaster and not at all ‘light reading’. It all starts when Beth, a middle aged Welsh farmer, sees the arrival of her beautiful young daughter Cerys with her new husband Luke. On top of this, Cerys is pregnant with this child and they come to live with Beth in the holiday home on the farm. How this came to be is very carefully told in the voices of Cerys and Beth, alternated over the chapters. There are a few more characters in this story, like Bryn, a neighbouring farmer, and another ex-wife of Luke. There is also a lot of background in this story: Beth still struggles with the dead of her husband, eleven years ago, and Cerys still misses him immensely too. Bryn lost his wife and his child under strange circumstances and there is a strange tension between Beth and Bryn.
Needless to say Luke is not the charming, loving man Cerys is hoping for. Well, he’s been for the past half year, but now they’ve arrived at Beth’s he’s more and more showing his true intentions. Intentions that are even more strange than you would expect.
I just couldn’t stop reading! For a big part this is also because the story is set in a part of Wales that I got to know quite well. I’ve spend long weeks of wonderful holidays in the Brecon Becons and have fond memories of visits to Aberystwyth, Crickhowell and other places. If its possible to be homesick after a place were you never actually lived, just visited, than is that what I’m feeling. The beautiful (for want of a stronger word) mountains and the beautiful scenery are an added bonus to this great story.
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for this review copy.
October 5, 2024
It was good 👍🏾
November 11, 2023
I love this fresh twisty plot! A daughter marrying her mom’s ex husband!? I had to read it to see why in the world she would do that. I liked Beth’s character a lot. She would truly do anything for her daughter. Her love for her child is intense. I hated the daughter though. She was so cruel about her mother most of the time. Wondering if her mother was after her husband even when it was clear her husband was a cheating loser. I would have enjoyed the book more if the daughter was more likable. I felt bad for Beth that her daughter didn’t love her back as she should have. All the shocking revelations at the end were mind blowing. The middle of the book was boring at times, mostly focusing on Luke. Overall this is a twisted family drama/thriller and you won’t see all these twists coming.
December 29, 2023
oh dear!
Started okay but came to a false stop by the third chapter. Cannot believe how this author portrays the female characters, weak, wishy washy, victim, etc etc.
Poorly written, rubbish grammar, not my cup of tea.
If you’re a fan of a strong female protagonist avoid this book at all costs!
Started okay but came to a false stop by the third chapter. Cannot believe how this author portrays the female characters, weak, wishy washy, victim, etc etc.
Poorly written, rubbish grammar, not my cup of tea.
If you’re a fan of a strong female protagonist avoid this book at all costs!
March 22, 2024
Cerys had to be one of the dumbest written female characters in the history of dumb female characters. The sheer stupidity of this girl! My god! I’m so mad I finished this, but I just had to know how this wild tale would end.
December 6, 2024
Wow!! Loved this book!!
November 28, 2023
This is the second book by James that I've read recently - and I loved Not My Child, so knew that I was going to be quickly sucked into the drama of this book too!
Once again the writing style really draws you in at the start and I was totally gripped, struggling to put this one down.
I absolutely love the way this author puts a unique twist on a family drama to create a really uncomfortable setting for our characters.
Here, Beth welcomes her daughter and new husband to her home - Cerys now pregnant and the husband, Beth's own ex-husband!!
I felt on first hearing this, that it was a little beyond belief - how did Cerys not already know who this man was etc etc. - but I soon got stuck right into the storyline and went along with it.
The writing was exciting and the pace fast with lots of twists and turns and I really wasn't trusting any of them - I'm not even sure that I liked any of the characters - but this really suited the plot and kept me on edge throughout!
I liked that the story was told via the two different pov's, Mum and Daughter, as this always allows you to dig right down into their thoughts and feelings!
I loved that at the end of this one, James admits that the idea for this one came from a strange dream that she'd had - I love knowing the inspirations for books ....and can't wait to see what odd dreams might be revealed in the next book.
Once again the writing style really draws you in at the start and I was totally gripped, struggling to put this one down.
I absolutely love the way this author puts a unique twist on a family drama to create a really uncomfortable setting for our characters.
Here, Beth welcomes her daughter and new husband to her home - Cerys now pregnant and the husband, Beth's own ex-husband!!
I felt on first hearing this, that it was a little beyond belief - how did Cerys not already know who this man was etc etc. - but I soon got stuck right into the storyline and went along with it.
The writing was exciting and the pace fast with lots of twists and turns and I really wasn't trusting any of them - I'm not even sure that I liked any of the characters - but this really suited the plot and kept me on edge throughout!
I liked that the story was told via the two different pov's, Mum and Daughter, as this always allows you to dig right down into their thoughts and feelings!
I loved that at the end of this one, James admits that the idea for this one came from a strange dream that she'd had - I love knowing the inspirations for books ....and can't wait to see what odd dreams might be revealed in the next book.
September 15, 2024
Was intrigued in reading this from the description about the book. But it was just a ridiculous storyline.
Cerys the daughter was an extremely selfish character and it just didn't seem a plausible storyline to marry your mums ex husband.
Finished it but was bored halfway through
Cerys the daughter was an extremely selfish character and it just didn't seem a plausible storyline to marry your mums ex husband.
Finished it but was bored halfway through
February 8, 2025
3.5 stars
The Blurb 📖
Imagine your daughter moving into your home with her new husband to save money while they await the birth of their child - and their new husband is your ex-husband! Awkward, right?
That's exactly what happens to Beth. She knows Luke is no good for her daughter, Cerys. She knows he can't be trusted and must have an ulterior motive. And Beth is determined to find out what that is and protect her precious daughter.
The Good 📖
This is the second Jane E James book I have read in 2025, having enjoyed the Grandmother. I was intrigued by the blurb for this. Although the premise of your daughter unwittingly getting involved with your ex-husband seemed far fetched I was intrigued by this.
The author has peppered the story with lots of mystery. I liked Cerys to a certain extent but did feel she was a bit naive about the whole situation. I enjoyed trying to work out what exactly Luke was hiding and also what Beth might be hiding.
The author did a nice job of slowly letting the reader see other aspects to each of the characters, peeling them away like an onion until you get to the core of each.
The story is told from both the perspective of both Beth and Cerys and I enjoyed hearing the different sides. It allowed me as a reader to 'see' more than I would have if we only had one perspective.
I did like the ending, and although I worked it out before the end, or certainly took me a while to get there.
The Meh 📖
I still struggle with how Cerys came to be involved with her mum's ex-husband who she didn't know, despite a seemingly close loving relationship with her mum. The explanation just didn't make sense.
I also struggled with Luke not knowing who Cerys was. Does this family not have photographs/family get togethers? Do they all just rush headlong into marriage without getting to know each other.
Yes, it's fiction but it just didn't ring true or plausible at all, even after I'd reached the end of the book.
The Result 📖
This is an Audible exclusive listen. I felt a little disappointed given I enjoyed the Grandmother. I would still consider trying another Jane E James book but I'm not sure I'll be seeking them out deliberately.
#amreading #bookreview #bookrecommendations #readingcommunity #lovereading #lovebooks #booklover #janeejames #fiction #fictionbooks #adultfiction #psychologicalthriller #audible #audiblebooks
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19yz...
The Blurb 📖
Imagine your daughter moving into your home with her new husband to save money while they await the birth of their child - and their new husband is your ex-husband! Awkward, right?
That's exactly what happens to Beth. She knows Luke is no good for her daughter, Cerys. She knows he can't be trusted and must have an ulterior motive. And Beth is determined to find out what that is and protect her precious daughter.
The Good 📖
This is the second Jane E James book I have read in 2025, having enjoyed the Grandmother. I was intrigued by the blurb for this. Although the premise of your daughter unwittingly getting involved with your ex-husband seemed far fetched I was intrigued by this.
The author has peppered the story with lots of mystery. I liked Cerys to a certain extent but did feel she was a bit naive about the whole situation. I enjoyed trying to work out what exactly Luke was hiding and also what Beth might be hiding.
The author did a nice job of slowly letting the reader see other aspects to each of the characters, peeling them away like an onion until you get to the core of each.
The story is told from both the perspective of both Beth and Cerys and I enjoyed hearing the different sides. It allowed me as a reader to 'see' more than I would have if we only had one perspective.
I did like the ending, and although I worked it out before the end, or certainly took me a while to get there.
The Meh 📖
I still struggle with how Cerys came to be involved with her mum's ex-husband who she didn't know, despite a seemingly close loving relationship with her mum. The explanation just didn't make sense.
I also struggled with Luke not knowing who Cerys was. Does this family not have photographs/family get togethers? Do they all just rush headlong into marriage without getting to know each other.
Yes, it's fiction but it just didn't ring true or plausible at all, even after I'd reached the end of the book.
The Result 📖
This is an Audible exclusive listen. I felt a little disappointed given I enjoyed the Grandmother. I would still consider trying another Jane E James book but I'm not sure I'll be seeking them out deliberately.
#amreading #bookreview #bookrecommendations #readingcommunity #lovereading #lovebooks #booklover #janeejames #fiction #fictionbooks #adultfiction #psychologicalthriller #audible #audiblebooks
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19yz...
November 5, 2023
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for an early copy of The Son-In-Law. The cover was Awesome but I asked myself many times throughout the book, why am I still reading this? It was ridiculous from the get go, too many childish and unbelievable scenarios. I have to admit it did get better after what happened with Luke. The book took an interesting twist that I wish would have happened way before it did. Lots of shocks about Beth, lots of them. All in all if you can get past the ludicrous plot, it’s a quick read.
December 11, 2023
Nooooo.
I am on a roll lately, it seems, because WHAT WAS THIS MALARKEY.
Cerys is the most spoiled, petulant brat you can think of. The other characters are all morally bankrupt and tbh the only character I liked was Gypsy the protective Border Collie who was 10/10 a good girl.
Also, all the twists were pretty obvious to me, and some chapters were like when you’re writing a paper and you’re just saying the same thing but changing the wording around a bit.
I am on a roll lately, it seems, because WHAT WAS THIS MALARKEY.
Cerys is the most spoiled, petulant brat you can think of. The other characters are all morally bankrupt and tbh the only character I liked was Gypsy the protective Border Collie who was 10/10 a good girl.
Also, all the twists were pretty obvious to me, and some chapters were like when you’re writing a paper and you’re just saying the same thing but changing the wording around a bit.
April 21, 2024
not addictive - just plain awful
I have a personal rule that I must finish reading every book I start, but this one almost made me break it. I hated the characters, the unbelievable storyline and the “twist.” I am so glad to be done with it and I’ll never read this author again. Ugh!!
I have a personal rule that I must finish reading every book I start, but this one almost made me break it. I hated the characters, the unbelievable storyline and the “twist.” I am so glad to be done with it and I’ll never read this author again. Ugh!!
April 21, 2024
I read this book based on a post in a book group I'm in that said it was so bad she had to share. And she was right. Ooof. The way I'd describe this book is if The Jerry Springer show was a daytime soap opera.
June 5, 2024
Ok but this book is absolutely unhinged! I think I turned into Regan MacNeil from The Exorcist at one point with my head just spinning around and around due to all these outrageous twists and turns. But let's just bring up (maybe) the biggest one, which is the one that is in the summary: a young woman brings her husband home announcing her pregnancy to her mother, and her mother used to be married to the same man. WHAT IN THE WHAT!? It just gets even more out of control the more you read, and I am definitely here for some Jane E. James. This is my first book from her and I will absolutely be picking up more of these domestic thrillers. It looks like there are a few to choose from, and I am excited about all this Welsh drama that she wants to throw this way!
March 15, 2025
This book is WILD.
If you thought a daughter who marries her mother's ex-husband, who then falls pregnant but they have no money, so need to both move in with said mother, is as wild as it gets? Think again.
Almost all the characters are incredibly flawed and will have you so riled up! It's a quick, fast-paced read, so even if you are getting annoyed with the characters, it'll keep you intrigued enough to find out the truth.
My book bestie Kelley and I (thanks for the rec Kelley!) came to the conclusion that if it engages us, is twisty and has us asking WTF?! Then it's a worthwhile read. It's always about the ✨️vibes✨️ and this book definitely gives the OMG WTF vibes.
If you thought a daughter who marries her mother's ex-husband, who then falls pregnant but they have no money, so need to both move in with said mother, is as wild as it gets? Think again.
Almost all the characters are incredibly flawed and will have you so riled up! It's a quick, fast-paced read, so even if you are getting annoyed with the characters, it'll keep you intrigued enough to find out the truth.
My book bestie Kelley and I (thanks for the rec Kelley!) came to the conclusion that if it engages us, is twisty and has us asking WTF?! Then it's a worthwhile read. It's always about the ✨️vibes✨️ and this book definitely gives the OMG WTF vibes.
November 20, 2023
Twists, turns and revelations galore.
Beth lives in the family home - a Welsh farmhouse. Like everything else, farming has become a harder way to make a living and her late husband built a cabin to let out to diversify and increase their income. However, she's facing the loss of that income as her daughter is returning home to live there, pregnant and with her new husband in tow. And to make things worse, her son-in-law turns out to be Beth's ex-husband . . .
I felt sorry for Beth from the very beginning in this one; what an insidious position to be put in! Daughter Cerys only sees the good in everyone but Beth, with her decades of experience, doesn't trust the son-in-law one bit. As things continue, there are bound to be some ups and downs but the revelations come thick and fast in this one. I really enjoyed it up until about the last half-hour or so, and then I began to feel that there were just too many twists and turns and, in all honesty, it rather spoiled it for me. Less would definitely have been more. A good read, just not a great one. 4*.
Beth lives in the family home - a Welsh farmhouse. Like everything else, farming has become a harder way to make a living and her late husband built a cabin to let out to diversify and increase their income. However, she's facing the loss of that income as her daughter is returning home to live there, pregnant and with her new husband in tow. And to make things worse, her son-in-law turns out to be Beth's ex-husband . . .
I felt sorry for Beth from the very beginning in this one; what an insidious position to be put in! Daughter Cerys only sees the good in everyone but Beth, with her decades of experience, doesn't trust the son-in-law one bit. As things continue, there are bound to be some ups and downs but the revelations come thick and fast in this one. I really enjoyed it up until about the last half-hour or so, and then I began to feel that there were just too many twists and turns and, in all honesty, it rather spoiled it for me. Less would definitely have been more. A good read, just not a great one. 4*.
February 4, 2025
The storyline had unexpected twists thru-out! Definitely kept me guessing until the end! This was my 2nd book by this author, will be reading more by her. I also enjoyed how this wasn't your typical, predictable story, kind of a naughty mother daughter relationship.
November 30, 2023
This was ok. I knew from. The very beginning that Beth made Owen kill himself. And I also knew they took the baby as well that and that the other lady didn't run away but was killed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2024
Easy to follow and I like how the ending was ‘wrapped up’ as I enjoy endings to be complete. Wasn’t expecting some of what happened either!
December 16, 2023
An intriguing read. I wasn't keen on a couple of characters, the daughter and son in law, but it certainly added another dimension to the plot.. it didnt take me long to read this book as I was very curious as to the outcome. Have to say , the outcome didn't disappoint!
January 4, 2024
First book of the year! Really enjoyed
November 26, 2023
Beth lives a quiet life on a farm in the mountains. Beth lost her husband after he committed suicide. However, Beth's husband harboured quite a few secrets. Beth remarried after her husband's death and while they are now divorced, Beth is still not a fan of her now ex. Her daughter, Cerys, is now married and pregnant with her first child. Should be an exciting time for the family, right? Except Cerys has married Beth's now ex-husband. The newlyweds move in with Beth as Mr. Wonderful has recently lost his job and Cerys dropped out of school.
While the premise seems a bit much (daughter marrying Mom's ex), I really enjoyed this book. The back and forth between Beth and Cerys' points-of view made the story unfold in a unique way. The big twists didn't happen immediately but there was enough uncertainty to keep me entertained. I was left guessing more than once as to Mr. Wonderful's motives. There were also a few different characters thrown in to make you question the truth (ex-partners, an odd neighbour, etc).
The characters were good. The setting was great. I enjoyed this book and the more I sit with it after reading, the more I realize how much I did enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read this for free. This was my honest review.
While the premise seems a bit much (daughter marrying Mom's ex), I really enjoyed this book. The back and forth between Beth and Cerys' points-of view made the story unfold in a unique way. The big twists didn't happen immediately but there was enough uncertainty to keep me entertained. I was left guessing more than once as to Mr. Wonderful's motives. There were also a few different characters thrown in to make you question the truth (ex-partners, an odd neighbour, etc).
The characters were good. The setting was great. I enjoyed this book and the more I sit with it after reading, the more I realize how much I did enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read this for free. This was my honest review.
December 25, 2025
I have read several books by this author, but this is without question the worst. The main character, Cerys, was utterly intolerable selfish, manipulative, and cruel, with no redeeming qualities to sustain interest or sympathy. Unfortunately, the supporting characters were no better. The mother was delusional, dishonest, and deeply unsettling.
The central premise that a mother and daughter could both marry the same man without realising it stretches credibility beyond breaking point. Rather than being intriguing or suspenseful, it was simply implausible.
The novel was also unnecessarily drawn out and could easily have been resolved in half the time. What should have been a tight psychological drama became repetitive and frustrating. Overall, this was an unbelievable and deeply disappointing read.
The central premise that a mother and daughter could both marry the same man without realising it stretches credibility beyond breaking point. Rather than being intriguing or suspenseful, it was simply implausible.
The novel was also unnecessarily drawn out and could easily have been resolved in half the time. What should have been a tight psychological drama became repetitive and frustrating. Overall, this was an unbelievable and deeply disappointing read.
November 23, 2023
Title: The Son-In-Law
Author: Jane E James
Publisher: Joffe Books
Pages: 326
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Rating: 4/5
Book Blurb:
I just met my new son-in-law . . . And he’s my ex-husband. They’re here. I watch them arrive from the kitchen window. My pregnant daughter and her new husband. They’ve barely known each other six months. I greet him with a tight smile that he recognizes as fake.
Luke is no good for my beautiful, fragile Cerys. He’ll break her heart. I know that because he broke mine — when he was married to me. I don’t know what he wants. But I’m going to make it my business to find out. I’ll do anything to keep my daughter safe. Don’t underestimate me.
Review:
Thank you to Zoe at Zooloos Book Tours for my spot on the tour!
It’s safe to say the striking front cover and the intriguing description definitely had my attention caught and made this a must read for me. I was excited to see what I would uncover.
After finishing the book, I must admit I admit I had a few up and down moments with the read. The concept of a daughter marrying their mum’s ex felt a little unbelievable but at the same time, I was so interested to see how this would play out and liked that it was a unique ideas.
As for the characters, I had to keep them at arms length because they all made me feel a little uneasy. I didn’t know who to trust and all of them felt as if they were quite hard to emotionally connect with. But then, after reading this book, I can understand why and think it was a very smart move from the author. It is also safe to say the author is brilliant at creating characters that really do get under your skin.
It took me a short time to get into the read but then once I did, I would often say to myself just one more chapter. The was a big build up with so much happening and I was looking forward to the climax, but when I got to what I thought the climax was… there was something else! Literally, action after action, plot twist after plot twist, right up until the very end.
I needed a moment after reading to try digest everything, and to be honest as I write this review, I’m still digesting it now. This book is what I would describe as a whirlwind of a read, I’d say some may find it a marmite read, but what I can say, is this is a unique story and a book you won’t forget in a hurry.
January 7, 2024
You can't deny "The Son-In-Law's" plot sounds like something straight out of a trashy tabloid talk show. But it was the story's outrageousness that kept me hooked because I had to see what happened! To summarize, Beth, a hard-working mountain woman opens up her Welsh farmhouse to her pregnant daughter, Cerys, and Luke, her new son-in-law who just happens to be the ex-husband whom she shares bad blood with. She soon discovers that inviting her manipulative ex back into her life could unbury family secrets that no one is prepared to face.
This book eventually ventured out from Jerry Springer territory and began to feel more like a Lifetime movie but in the best of ways with lots of shocking twists and family drama scattered throughout. I appreciated how within the central story about Luke and the Williams women, the narrative integrated several other interconnected mysteries into the narrative that kept me guessing.
With so many flawed characters with secrets and lies, this book will soon have you questioning who the true antagonist is. This is why I'm convinced most of the characters were purposefully designed to be unlikable in some manner. Cerys' character was especially infuriating for how naive, selfish, and childish she could be. I couldn't stand how she victim-blamed her mom I did respect how she undergoes some character development by maturing, humbling, and finally accepting the truth.
Yet it's Beth's character that proves to be the most layered and intriguing. She is probably a character relatable to many, for like the majority of mothers she is driven by the need to protect her child at all costs. But has she gone too far to protect her daughter? By the end of the story, you may wish to both commend and condemn her for her actions, despite how contradictory this seems.
This book eventually ventured out from Jerry Springer territory and began to feel more like a Lifetime movie but in the best of ways with lots of shocking twists and family drama scattered throughout. I appreciated how within the central story about Luke and the Williams women, the narrative integrated several other interconnected mysteries into the narrative that kept me guessing.
With so many flawed characters with secrets and lies, this book will soon have you questioning who the true antagonist is. This is why I'm convinced most of the characters were purposefully designed to be unlikable in some manner. Cerys' character was especially infuriating for how naive, selfish, and childish she could be. I couldn't stand how she victim-blamed her mom I did respect how she undergoes some character development by maturing, humbling, and finally accepting the truth.
Yet it's Beth's character that proves to be the most layered and intriguing. She is probably a character relatable to many, for like the majority of mothers she is driven by the need to protect her child at all costs. But has she gone too far to protect her daughter? By the end of the story, you may wish to both commend and condemn her for her actions, despite how contradictory this seems.
December 5, 2023
I'm a HUGE fan of Jane's work, so I leapt at the chance to review her latest work - and I'm glad I did as it did not disappoint!
The story is gripping throughout. Its chapters are alternate between mother and daughter. There are so many twists and turns throughout, and I found myself holding my breath at times.
Fast paced with tension to match, highly recommended and I highly recommend Jane's previous work too.
The story is gripping throughout. Its chapters are alternate between mother and daughter. There are so many twists and turns throughout, and I found myself holding my breath at times.
Fast paced with tension to match, highly recommended and I highly recommend Jane's previous work too.
December 3, 2023
We have a daughter marrying her mother's ex-husband. The mother does not trust her ex-husband and feels like he is up to no good. The daughter is fragile and in love, and also expecting a child. The mother becomes increasingly worried and will stop at nothing to protect her daughter.
This book just did not do it for me at all. It was super boring! It dragged on and was repetitive. I found myself skimming and wishing for it to be over. I gave 2 stars instead of 1, as there were some very limited blurbs of excitement. But wow, this was a painful read. So many times I wanted to give up, but it thought it would get better. Nope! The only somewhat okay part of this book was the ending. However, the ending did not connect with the rest of the book or fit in with the son-in-law.
I also wouldn't classify this as a thriller. More like a domestic drama. The synopsis led me to believe that this book was going to be a lot more exciting than it actually is AND also an actual psychological thriller. I think the synopsis should be re-worked, as it is misleading. There is nothing thrilling about this novel.
Also, such an odd and unrealistic concept for a book. I find it highly unbelievable that the daughter did not know she was marrying her mother's ex-husband, even though she was out of the country when they were married. We live in an age of phones and social media. There's no way the daughter never saw pictures of this man! Even if she did not see pictures, she must have known his full name. Completely ridiculous.
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book just did not do it for me at all. It was super boring! It dragged on and was repetitive. I found myself skimming and wishing for it to be over. I gave 2 stars instead of 1, as there were some very limited blurbs of excitement. But wow, this was a painful read. So many times I wanted to give up, but it thought it would get better. Nope! The only somewhat okay part of this book was the ending. However, the ending did not connect with the rest of the book or fit in with the son-in-law.
I also wouldn't classify this as a thriller. More like a domestic drama. The synopsis led me to believe that this book was going to be a lot more exciting than it actually is AND also an actual psychological thriller. I think the synopsis should be re-worked, as it is misleading. There is nothing thrilling about this novel.
Also, such an odd and unrealistic concept for a book. I find it highly unbelievable that the daughter did not know she was marrying her mother's ex-husband, even though she was out of the country when they were married. We live in an age of phones and social media. There's no way the daughter never saw pictures of this man! Even if she did not see pictures, she must have known his full name. Completely ridiculous.
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2023
Beth tries her hardest to welcome her pregnant daughter, Cerys, and her new son-in-law, Luke, into her home, but there is just one little problem… Luke is her ex-husband. Luke is a womanizing, cheating liar and Beth cannot stand that he is with her beautiful and fragile daughter. Beth will stop at nothing to keep her daughter safe and to keep her own secrets hidden. Does Beth really have her daughter’s best interest at heart? Or is she more concerned with protecting herself?
The concept behind this novel was very interesting, but I personally did not feel it to be all that well developed, especially considering how long the novel was. The pacing was incredibly slow for a thriller, and I found myself skimming to get through the novel. There were several chapters I felt could have been left out entirely and about 80% of the novel was Beth and Cerys rehashing the same things over and over again just in different ways. The entire son-in-law concept was not all that thrilling and nothing really shocked me in regards to his actions/behaviors. The novel was so slow paced and then at the end of the novel everything started happening all at once and it was too much. I saw where the author was going with the twist at the end of the novel but it really didn’t connect at all with the son-in-law part of the plot. Overall, it was too slow paced and not exciting enough for me to recommend.
The concept behind this novel was very interesting, but I personally did not feel it to be all that well developed, especially considering how long the novel was. The pacing was incredibly slow for a thriller, and I found myself skimming to get through the novel. There were several chapters I felt could have been left out entirely and about 80% of the novel was Beth and Cerys rehashing the same things over and over again just in different ways. The entire son-in-law concept was not all that thrilling and nothing really shocked me in regards to his actions/behaviors. The novel was so slow paced and then at the end of the novel everything started happening all at once and it was too much. I saw where the author was going with the twist at the end of the novel but it really didn’t connect at all with the son-in-law part of the plot. Overall, it was too slow paced and not exciting enough for me to recommend.
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