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Happy Wife
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • READ WITH JENNA BOOK CLUB PICK AS FEATURED ON TODAY • A young woman must find her missing husband and prove her innocence in this twisty, unputdownable novel set in an ultrawealthy Florida community where looks can kill.
“Happy Wife is one of those delicious, fun summer books that you’ll open on the beach and never put down.”—Jenna Bush Hager, Read With Jenna
Nora Davies doesn’t exactly fit in to Winter Park, Florida, where old-guard Floridians mix with the tax-fleeing coastal elite. Twenty-eight and barely making ends meet working at a country club, Nora feels like she’s going nowhere fast. Enter Will a prominent forty-six-year-old lawyer, father to a teenage daughter, and recently divorced. The two set Winter Park’s social scene agog when they fall in love and marry after a whirlwind Cinderella-style courtship.
But Winter Park is fully upended when Will disappears the morning after a birthday bash Nora throws for him. Going back and forth between Nora and Will’s romance and the search in the wake of Will’s mysterious disappearance, Nora must answer the question from all Where. Is. Will?
Combining breathless suspense, glittering and juicy social dynamics, and an unforgettable cast of characters, Happy Wife is a clever and subversive novel that explores marriage, wealth, and the secrets that lurk behind closed doors.
“Happy Wife is one of those delicious, fun summer books that you’ll open on the beach and never put down.”—Jenna Bush Hager, Read With Jenna
Nora Davies doesn’t exactly fit in to Winter Park, Florida, where old-guard Floridians mix with the tax-fleeing coastal elite. Twenty-eight and barely making ends meet working at a country club, Nora feels like she’s going nowhere fast. Enter Will a prominent forty-six-year-old lawyer, father to a teenage daughter, and recently divorced. The two set Winter Park’s social scene agog when they fall in love and marry after a whirlwind Cinderella-style courtship.
But Winter Park is fully upended when Will disappears the morning after a birthday bash Nora throws for him. Going back and forth between Nora and Will’s romance and the search in the wake of Will’s mysterious disappearance, Nora must answer the question from all Where. Is. Will?
Combining breathless suspense, glittering and juicy social dynamics, and an unforgettable cast of characters, Happy Wife is a clever and subversive novel that explores marriage, wealth, and the secrets that lurk behind closed doors.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2025
2645 people are currently reading
44251 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,091 reviews
October 20, 2025
My rating: 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Nora Davies thought she had found her happily-ever-after when she married Will Somerset, a wealthy, established lawyer twenty years her senior. Plucked from a life of barely scraping by in Winter Park’s elite shadows, Nora seemed to have stepped into a fairytale—but fairytales have their villains. When Will mysteriously vanishes the morning after his birthday celebration, Nora is thrust into a nightmare: not only must she unravel the truth behind his disappearance, but she also has to defend herself against a community eager to see her as the guilty party.
On the surface, Happy Wife glimmers with the glamour and intrigue of a high-society thriller, exposing the sharp edges of wealth and privilege. Beneath the designer veneers and manicured lawns of Winter Park, secrets fester, and the façade of perfection crumbles. The story alternates between Nora’s whirlwind romance with Will and the present-day search for him, keeping the reader toggling between the allure of her newfound life and the growing tension of its unraveling.
While the premise is engaging, the execution doesn’t entirely hold up under scrutiny. The mystery aspect, though twisty, felt predictable at times, and the social commentary on wealth and status, while valid, came across as heavy-handed. The repetitive descriptions of Nora’s ostracization and the disdain of her affluent neighbors made certain sections drag, diminishing the suspense.
Nora herself is a mixed bag as a protagonist. Her vulnerability is compelling, and her determination to clear her name makes her someone you want to root for. Yet, her decisions often lack the depth you’d expect from someone in her precarious position. The supporting characters, particularly the snobbish Winter Park residents, veer dangerously close to caricatures, making it hard to fully invest in their interactions or motives.
The pacing starts slow, but the second half picks up momentum, delivering a series of revelations that, while not wholly surprising, are satisfying enough to keep you reading. The exploration of marriage as a complex institution, particularly when power dynamics and societal pressures are at play, adds some depth, but it’s not explored as deeply as it could have been.
Ultimately, Happy Wife is a decent, fast-paced mystery that shines more for its glittery setting and surface drama than for its deeper substance. While it won’t stand out among the greats in the genre, it provides an entertaining, if not entirely memorable, escape into a world where wealth and deception collide.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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Nora Davies thought she had found her happily-ever-after when she married Will Somerset, a wealthy, established lawyer twenty years her senior. Plucked from a life of barely scraping by in Winter Park’s elite shadows, Nora seemed to have stepped into a fairytale—but fairytales have their villains. When Will mysteriously vanishes the morning after his birthday celebration, Nora is thrust into a nightmare: not only must she unravel the truth behind his disappearance, but she also has to defend herself against a community eager to see her as the guilty party.
On the surface, Happy Wife glimmers with the glamour and intrigue of a high-society thriller, exposing the sharp edges of wealth and privilege. Beneath the designer veneers and manicured lawns of Winter Park, secrets fester, and the façade of perfection crumbles. The story alternates between Nora’s whirlwind romance with Will and the present-day search for him, keeping the reader toggling between the allure of her newfound life and the growing tension of its unraveling.
While the premise is engaging, the execution doesn’t entirely hold up under scrutiny. The mystery aspect, though twisty, felt predictable at times, and the social commentary on wealth and status, while valid, came across as heavy-handed. The repetitive descriptions of Nora’s ostracization and the disdain of her affluent neighbors made certain sections drag, diminishing the suspense.
Nora herself is a mixed bag as a protagonist. Her vulnerability is compelling, and her determination to clear her name makes her someone you want to root for. Yet, her decisions often lack the depth you’d expect from someone in her precarious position. The supporting characters, particularly the snobbish Winter Park residents, veer dangerously close to caricatures, making it hard to fully invest in their interactions or motives.
The pacing starts slow, but the second half picks up momentum, delivering a series of revelations that, while not wholly surprising, are satisfying enough to keep you reading. The exploration of marriage as a complex institution, particularly when power dynamics and societal pressures are at play, adds some depth, but it’s not explored as deeply as it could have been.
Ultimately, Happy Wife is a decent, fast-paced mystery that shines more for its glittery setting and surface drama than for its deeper substance. While it won’t stand out among the greats in the genre, it provides an entertaining, if not entirely memorable, escape into a world where wealth and deception collide.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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August 24, 2025
Happy💍✨Wife = messy wealth, sharp suspense, & one juicy central mystery: Where’s Will?!
📖 Dual timelines + glitzy Florida vibes + toxic relationships = dramaaa 🎭
🙌 Este is the MVP bestie we all need.
💡 Fav quote: “In Winter Park, appearances are everything… until they aren’t.”
Wasn’t 100% crazy about the ending, but omg the ride was FUN. Twisty, sparkly, and dangerously addictive. 💫💕
📖 Dual timelines + glitzy Florida vibes + toxic relationships = dramaaa 🎭
🙌 Este is the MVP bestie we all need.
💡 Fav quote: “In Winter Park, appearances are everything… until they aren’t.”
Wasn’t 100% crazy about the ending, but omg the ride was FUN. Twisty, sparkly, and dangerously addictive. 💫💕
June 29, 2025
3.5 / 4ish! a quick juicy thriller. fab on audio bc narrated by the queen (Saskia Maarleveld). ending felt a bit questionable / semi random but i’m a toughie with thrillers.
this is a fun easy read that could be fun for book clubs but i am also surprised to see it as Jenna’s July pick? feel like she goes for more thought provoking novels (which i loooove) and this was more breezy. not bad for summer tho! the Florida setting was a vibe.
areas if you like: rich people behaving badly, murder mysteries, Shari Lapena / Liv Constantine / May Cobb type thrillers
🎧 as noted, highly reco the audiobook format!
this is a fun easy read that could be fun for book clubs but i am also surprised to see it as Jenna’s July pick? feel like she goes for more thought provoking novels (which i loooove) and this was more breezy. not bad for summer tho! the Florida setting was a vibe.
areas if you like: rich people behaving badly, murder mysteries, Shari Lapena / Liv Constantine / May Cobb type thrillers
🎧 as noted, highly reco the audiobook format!
November 13, 2025
Happy Wife surprised me in the best way. I saw the 3.7-ish average before starting and expected something “meh,” but I actually had a really fun time with this one. The premise is familiar — a younger woman marries an older, wealthy man and suddenly finds herself at the center of a disappearance — but I enjoyed it, especially as someone in an age-gap relationship myself.
I loved the details around Nora and Will’s courtship (all the Michelin restaurants and tasting menus definitely spoke to me), and the Winter Park drama kept the pacing quick. I had a few different theories about the killer along the way, so while the ending wasn’t a total shock, it wasn’t predictable either — which is exactly what I want from a domestic thriller.
⭐ 4/5 — glossy, fast, and entertaining, with just the right amount of neighborhood chaos.
I loved the details around Nora and Will’s courtship (all the Michelin restaurants and tasting menus definitely spoke to me), and the Winter Park drama kept the pacing quick. I had a few different theories about the killer along the way, so while the ending wasn’t a total shock, it wasn’t predictable either — which is exactly what I want from a domestic thriller.
⭐ 4/5 — glossy, fast, and entertaining, with just the right amount of neighborhood chaos.
July 13, 2025
So many 4-star reviews—did I read a different Happy Wife? I found it incredibly dull. The story felt like a recycled version of every domestic thriller out there: rich husband, naive young wife, mysterious disappearance. Nothing about the plot or characters stood out. Everything was predictable, the pacing dragged, and the big twists fell flat. I kept waiting for it to surprise me, but it never did. If you’ve read even a couple books in this genre, you’ve already read this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2025
4.25 stars. Read with Jenna - July ‘25 pick. Twisty, glitzy and so much fun! Do recommend.
July 18, 2025
I’m surprised this was a read with Jenna pick. It’s very unidimensional. Will was entirely unlikeable so the prelude of finding his killer was… meh. It was giving me Last Thing He Told Me meets The Last Mrs Parish vibes. I would not recommend.
July 26, 2025
2.75-3🌟 I hadn’t planned to pick this one up, but decided to give it a try when it was selected as the July Read w/ Jenna pick. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite land for me. The premise held promise—a missing husband, a much younger wife, and a web of gossip and suspicion—but the story unfolded in a way that felt predictable and, at times, rather underwhelming. It seemed like an unexpected choice for Read With Jenna, which usually leans more literary. Perhaps this one was meant to be a lighter, beach-read selection—and in that sense, it serves its purpose.
August 11, 2025
Happy Wife was an entertaining domestic fiction suspense story surrounding a young wife who appears to be the number one suspect when her older husband is confirmed missing.
At one point, I thought things might be blatantly obvious and am glad I was wrong. That said, this story wasn’t full of twists either. I’m not sure how memorable Happy Wife will be, long-term, however, it was definitely an enjoyable listen on audio.
At one point, I thought things might be blatantly obvious and am glad I was wrong. That said, this story wasn’t full of twists either. I’m not sure how memorable Happy Wife will be, long-term, however, it was definitely an enjoyable listen on audio.
July 11, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up.
Taking place in the wealthy community of Winter Park, Florida, Nora Davies has been trying to fit in after marrying Will, a successful attorney who is almost twenty years older than her. Most of the neighbors gossip that she is just in it for the money. After Nora hosts Will's forty-sixth birthday party, Will runs out on a quick errand and doesn't return. This fuels further gossip as the story unfolds. Chapters alternate between the romance of Will and Nora with the present search for Will.
I enjoyed this juicy look at wealth, marriage, age disparity, secrets, and rich people behaving badly.
Taking place in the wealthy community of Winter Park, Florida, Nora Davies has been trying to fit in after marrying Will, a successful attorney who is almost twenty years older than her. Most of the neighbors gossip that she is just in it for the money. After Nora hosts Will's forty-sixth birthday party, Will runs out on a quick errand and doesn't return. This fuels further gossip as the story unfolds. Chapters alternate between the romance of Will and Nora with the present search for Will.
I enjoyed this juicy look at wealth, marriage, age disparity, secrets, and rich people behaving badly.
June 3, 2025
I inhaled this book! It was so fun and twisty and suspenseful and perfect for summer!
It had short chapters, a current timeline and a past timeline, a very likeable FMC, and lots of rich, secretive characters. The atmosphere and the plot had me so INVESTED.
This comes out at the end of the month, and you’ll need this on your summer tbr, because this is the perfect beach read!
It had short chapters, a current timeline and a past timeline, a very likeable FMC, and lots of rich, secretive characters. The atmosphere and the plot had me so INVESTED.
This comes out at the end of the month, and you’ll need this on your summer tbr, because this is the perfect beach read!
July 30, 2025
This is a fun popcorn thriller. Do you like the “rich people behaving badly” theme? This is glamourous and secretive. I like a fun beach mystery, especially when I don’t guess the ending. I was a bit disappointed in the ending, it was a little bit of a letdown. Missing persons mystery which is fun but derivative.
July 6, 2025
Although this book held my interest, I was disappointed with it, especially the ending which seemed contrived. The author also seemed to base her characters on stereotypes rather than on real people, so it was difficult to take everything seriously.
July 17, 2025
2.1/5 - I try not to rate books low because of unlikeable main characters, but I really didn't like Nora. I found her to be really basic and kept trying to come off like she is more than a bland house wife, saying things along the lines of 'well everyone already thinks I'm dumb so might as well play into it' etc, she also was only a house wife and didn't work or try to go to school or even work on art in her free time? Her relationship with Will seemed pretty abusive towards the end (more mental, but throwing glass is physical as well). But my biggest issue was I was just bored, I kept waiting for more to happen but the clues don't start appearing until about 80% into the book and by then I was already ready to be done. Most of the book is - "Will's gone I wonder where he went, he's not responding to my texts but he ghosts me all the time it's super normal so yeah I won't really care for a few days, and omg how could people think I am involved in this when I obviously love him so much, and now I've got to find a way to prove I didn't do it even though I know I look suspicious and am acting really weird and letting Estie drag me around to get botox and I don't even want the police to search my house" idk I think it just wasn't for me. The actual mystery reveal of who killed will was alright, I do like that it was part Fritz and part Gianna since that was a good aspect, but by that point she just seemed set on making the rich housewives sweat because they always hated her instead of actually getting vengeance for Will. Also I don't really see the point in the random scenes with her mom. And to be fair she was acting super suspicious with Marcus so! I think overall just not for me and there's more interesting mystery books out there so I'm unsure if I would recommend this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2025
Happy Wife is a fun, twisty read with a glamorous Florida setting and plenty of suspense. Nora’s whirlwind marriage and the mystery of her missing husband make for a page-turning plot, and her loyal friend and clever mom add some solid support.
That said, I wanted Nora to feel more like the survivor she was supposed to be. Too often she came across as an 18-year-old ingenue rather than a 28-year-old navigating high-stakes drama. With help around her, some of her choices just didn’t land.
All in all, a good read with juicy twists and social drama—but it could have been so much more.
That said, I wanted Nora to feel more like the survivor she was supposed to be. Too often she came across as an 18-year-old ingenue rather than a 28-year-old navigating high-stakes drama. With help around her, some of her choices just didn’t land.
All in all, a good read with juicy twists and social drama—but it could have been so much more.
July 24, 2025
I listened to this on audio. While the narrator was great, the story was just meh. It definitely had a great start but was a bit boring until the ending which was also just okay. Not bad just not great.
Thank you yo NetGalley for the ARC of this title.
Thank you yo NetGalley for the ARC of this title.
September 8, 2025
Go girl, give us nothing! This was so boring!
August 10, 2025
Thank you to PRH Audio for the Audiobook! This was a fun mystery to follow along! I went back and forth on my feelings on Nora the FMC, but in the end I was rooting for her.
Anyone who enjoys books with intricate looks at the world of the wealthy and privileged will enjoy this one! The fictional town of Winter Park in FL was so easy to envision, along with the crew of characters! I didn’t have the entire mystery/twist figured out, so I always enjoy when that happens!
I listened to the audiobook, and it kept me interested!!
Anyone who enjoys books with intricate looks at the world of the wealthy and privileged will enjoy this one! The fictional town of Winter Park in FL was so easy to envision, along with the crew of characters! I didn’t have the entire mystery/twist figured out, so I always enjoy when that happens!
I listened to the audiobook, and it kept me interested!!
September 30, 2025
3.5⭐️ meh. The narration made up for the mediocre story.
August 2, 2025
Just the right amount of mystery and resolve. Not bad for a first published book by the authors.
July 5, 2025
Happy Wife by Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores (2025)
9h 43m narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, 320 pages
Genre: Domestic Suspense, Mystery Thriller
Featuring: Winter Park, Florida; Affluent People, Missing Person Trope, Cinderella Story, Second Wife, Attorney - Lawyer, Law Firm, May-December Romance, Dual Timeline - Before and After, Detectives, Gossip, Media, Friendships Blended Family
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Cha-La-La, I Need You" by The Shuffles, "Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)" by Al Green, "Dear Prudence" by The Beatles, "Yellow Submarine" by The Beatles, "River Man" by Nick Drake, "Can't Fight This Feeling" by REO Speedwagon, "The One I Love" by R.E.M.
Books and Authors mentioned: Thelma & Louise by Callie Khouri, Pretty Woman by J. F. Lawton [based on] Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
My rating: ⭐️⭐️½🍷💍🚔
My thoughts:📱22% 2:06:21 Chapter 12 - I've been playing this all day whenever I hit the car. So far this story is boring. I'm trying to give it the benefit of the doubt and continue but what is up with this major plot hole, why didn't they ask the daughter when she last saw her dad? I'm guessing eventually it's going to come out that she never called him but that makes this story old school predictable so I hope not. Negligence and passivity are fueling this plot.
📱46% 4:30:58 Chapter 24 - Blah! There is more information but it is still like watching paint dry, this is more soap opera drama than suspense. Certainly not a thriller I assumed the "twist" that's not a twist at Chapter 10 and I'm just standing by to see if I'm right, this sounds just like a Nora Roberts book I DNF back in 2015.
Yep, it took too long for them to follow up with the daughter, that should have been the first thing they did. So I actually had this solved within the first few chapters I was just thinking that wasn't gonna be the case because it was way too obvious. It wasn't the Nora Roberts ending I suspected by Chapter 10, that would have been better as this story was boring and didn't have any spikes in action or danger. The ending was meh, but more exciting than the first ¾ of the story.
Recommend to others: Nope, unless you're into Hallmark crime drama.
9h 43m narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, 320 pages
Genre: Domestic Suspense, Mystery Thriller
Featuring: Winter Park, Florida; Affluent People, Missing Person Trope, Cinderella Story, Second Wife, Attorney - Lawyer, Law Firm, May-December Romance, Dual Timeline - Before and After, Detectives, Gossip, Media, Friendships Blended Family
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Cha-La-La, I Need You" by The Shuffles, "Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)" by Al Green, "Dear Prudence" by The Beatles, "Yellow Submarine" by The Beatles, "River Man" by Nick Drake, "Can't Fight This Feeling" by REO Speedwagon, "The One I Love" by R.E.M.
Books and Authors mentioned: Thelma & Louise by Callie Khouri, Pretty Woman by J. F. Lawton [based on] Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
My rating: ⭐️⭐️½🍷💍🚔
My thoughts:📱22% 2:06:21 Chapter 12 - I've been playing this all day whenever I hit the car. So far this story is boring. I'm trying to give it the benefit of the doubt and continue but what is up with this major plot hole, why didn't they ask the daughter when she last saw her dad? I'm guessing eventually it's going to come out that she never called him but that makes this story old school predictable so I hope not. Negligence and passivity are fueling this plot.
📱46% 4:30:58 Chapter 24 - Blah! There is more information but it is still like watching paint dry, this is more soap opera drama than suspense. Certainly not a thriller I assumed the "twist" that's not a twist at Chapter 10 and I'm just standing by to see if I'm right, this sounds just like a Nora Roberts book I DNF back in 2015.
Yep, it took too long for them to follow up with the daughter, that should have been the first thing they did. So I actually had this solved within the first few chapters I was just thinking that wasn't gonna be the case because it was way too obvious. It wasn't the Nora Roberts ending I suspected by Chapter 10, that would have been better as this story was boring and didn't have any spikes in action or danger. The ending was meh, but more exciting than the first ¾ of the story.
Recommend to others: Nope, unless you're into Hallmark crime drama.
July 15, 2025
Thank you to PRH Audio for my #gifted copy.
This was a suspenseful story from the very beginning! It had me continuously overthinking the plot. I loved the fact that the setting of this story took place in a location that I know quite well. HAPPY WIFE is a debut and I found that hard to believe, it certainly seemed liked it was written by a seasoned pro. The narration and overall story is outstanding. Definitely give this book a try, it is well worth it!
This was a suspenseful story from the very beginning! It had me continuously overthinking the plot. I loved the fact that the setting of this story took place in a location that I know quite well. HAPPY WIFE is a debut and I found that hard to believe, it certainly seemed liked it was written by a seasoned pro. The narration and overall story is outstanding. Definitely give this book a try, it is well worth it!
July 12, 2025
Maybe 2.5 ⭐️
Nothing special. Pretty slow moving and nothing all that shocking happened. Not much happened at all. It’s was just meh and likely forgettable.
Nothing special. Pretty slow moving and nothing all that shocking happened. Not much happened at all. It’s was just meh and likely forgettable.
September 17, 2025
Poorly executed plot, characters unlikeable. Enough said.
July 30, 2025
Genre: Domestic Fiction/Suspense/Murder Mystery
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Pub. Date: Jun 24 202
Sometimes I am in the mood to read something mindless and entertaining, and “Happy Wife” provided exactly that. This is a commendable debut novel, showcasing strong, concise writing skills. This should not be a surprise, given that the author was a television writer and executive producer of HBO Max’s “The Flight Attendant.” Here, protagonist Nora is the considerably younger second wife of Will, a rich lawyer. The affluent neighborhood never accepted Nora into their circle because they are all friends with Will’s first wife. Plus, Nora does not come from a family with money. On his birthday, Nora throws him a lavish party. After the party, he disappears and doesn’t return, making Nora the leading suspect. She must battle the gossiping, nasty queens that dominate the area to discover what truly happened to her husband. Nora is an engaging and likable character, but this isn’t a pulse-pounding thriller. I was confused about how such a skilled writer managed to create a predictable plot, meaning it has been written many times before. Still, I recommend this novel if you are in the mood, as I was, for a beach read.
I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
Find all my book reviews at:
https://www.goodreads.com/
https://bookreviewer1955.wordpress.com/\
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/
https://www.amazon.com/
https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesr...
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Pub. Date: Jun 24 202
Sometimes I am in the mood to read something mindless and entertaining, and “Happy Wife” provided exactly that. This is a commendable debut novel, showcasing strong, concise writing skills. This should not be a surprise, given that the author was a television writer and executive producer of HBO Max’s “The Flight Attendant.” Here, protagonist Nora is the considerably younger second wife of Will, a rich lawyer. The affluent neighborhood never accepted Nora into their circle because they are all friends with Will’s first wife. Plus, Nora does not come from a family with money. On his birthday, Nora throws him a lavish party. After the party, he disappears and doesn’t return, making Nora the leading suspect. She must battle the gossiping, nasty queens that dominate the area to discover what truly happened to her husband. Nora is an engaging and likable character, but this isn’t a pulse-pounding thriller. I was confused about how such a skilled writer managed to create a predictable plot, meaning it has been written many times before. Still, I recommend this novel if you are in the mood, as I was, for a beach read.
I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
Find all my book reviews at:
https://www.goodreads.com/
https://bookreviewer1955.wordpress.com/\
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/
https://www.amazon.com/
https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesr...
May 11, 2025
Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores, Happy Wife, was a page-turning debut that glimmered with juicy social dynamics, suspense, and a compelling exploration of the complexities of marriage.
It was clever.
It was intriguing.
It was subversive.
It was an addictive novel that was equally mysterious as it was entertaining. This psychological mystery thriller followed Nora, a young woman, who sought out to find her missing husband and prove her innocence. Only to discover a web of deceit, envy, and betrayal in the ultra-wealthy community they lived in.
I had the hardest time putting this book down. I devoured it in a couple days. This story was told by the main protagonist, Nora, and alternated between the present and past. The past told the backstory and provided enough red hearings to keep me guessing throughout. The dialogue moved at a fast paced. There was never a dull moment, it was that compelling. I also enjoyed the wealthy suburban community where Nora didn’t quite know where, or even if, she fit in. When other women in her community didn’t naturally accept Nora, Este befriended her and claimed Nora as her best friend. Este was a breath of fresh air. She had a sharp wit and always had Nora’s back. It goes without saying, the friendship between Este and Nora was a strong one; and I loved the humor and sarcasm they exuded in their relationship.
Overall, Happy Wife was a fast-paced, suspenseful tale of secrets and social intrigue. I relished in this unraveling mystery that was hinged on complex relationships and hidden motives. It was a twisted and unputdownable debut novel. I’m eager to see what the dynamic duo, Lavender & Shores, come out with next!
Thanks to Net Galley and Random House Publishing for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
It was clever.
It was intriguing.
It was subversive.
It was an addictive novel that was equally mysterious as it was entertaining. This psychological mystery thriller followed Nora, a young woman, who sought out to find her missing husband and prove her innocence. Only to discover a web of deceit, envy, and betrayal in the ultra-wealthy community they lived in.
I had the hardest time putting this book down. I devoured it in a couple days. This story was told by the main protagonist, Nora, and alternated between the present and past. The past told the backstory and provided enough red hearings to keep me guessing throughout. The dialogue moved at a fast paced. There was never a dull moment, it was that compelling. I also enjoyed the wealthy suburban community where Nora didn’t quite know where, or even if, she fit in. When other women in her community didn’t naturally accept Nora, Este befriended her and claimed Nora as her best friend. Este was a breath of fresh air. She had a sharp wit and always had Nora’s back. It goes without saying, the friendship between Este and Nora was a strong one; and I loved the humor and sarcasm they exuded in their relationship.
Overall, Happy Wife was a fast-paced, suspenseful tale of secrets and social intrigue. I relished in this unraveling mystery that was hinged on complex relationships and hidden motives. It was a twisted and unputdownable debut novel. I’m eager to see what the dynamic duo, Lavender & Shores, come out with next!
Thanks to Net Galley and Random House Publishing for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2025
I loved this book mostly for the Winter Park references. I lived there for 18 years and each local reference made me smile.
The story was decent, writing done well, and a quick/fun read. I definitely found some of the characters annoying, especially the main one who made so many dumb, obviously wrong, choices that didn't help her case. She had no backbone for 98% of the book, which did not make her very endearing. The next door neighbor was also overbearing and tiresome. That being said, I still enjoyed the book!
WP References for my Orlando friends:
Enzian
Driving down Fairbanks
Rollins College
Farmers Market in Central Park
Lombardi's
Cady way
Hannibal square
azalea garden
Eatonville
Park Ave
Interlochen Country Club
Crealde School of Art
Orlando science center
Lake Maitland
WP Boat Tours / chain of lakes
Fritz reminds me of John Morgan, of Morgan&Morgan. For the people. Offices, Orlando. Lol
Still trying to figure out what the restaurant in the book was modeled after - Fig' Prime? Ravenous Pig? Chez Vincent? IDK but I kept picturing Prato!
The story was decent, writing done well, and a quick/fun read. I definitely found some of the characters annoying, especially the main one who made so many dumb, obviously wrong, choices that didn't help her case. She had no backbone for 98% of the book, which did not make her very endearing. The next door neighbor was also overbearing and tiresome. That being said, I still enjoyed the book!
WP References for my Orlando friends:
Enzian
Driving down Fairbanks
Rollins College
Farmers Market in Central Park
Lombardi's
Cady way
Hannibal square
azalea garden
Eatonville
Park Ave
Interlochen Country Club
Crealde School of Art
Orlando science center
Lake Maitland
WP Boat Tours / chain of lakes
Fritz reminds me of John Morgan, of Morgan&Morgan. For the people. Offices, Orlando. Lol
Still trying to figure out what the restaurant in the book was modeled after - Fig' Prime? Ravenous Pig? Chez Vincent? IDK but I kept picturing Prato!
July 7, 2025
Writing is fine for a thriller, but the answer to the mystery and the identity of the villain are pretty ho-hum.
Also, the cover is weird. It’s not a heavy thriller or anything, but it is also not funny/light-hearted/etc. as the title treatment, colors, and illustrations might lead you to expect.
I did like the protagonist, though, as well as where the story left her.
2.5 stars
Also, the cover is weird. It’s not a heavy thriller or anything, but it is also not funny/light-hearted/etc. as the title treatment, colors, and illustrations might lead you to expect.
I did like the protagonist, though, as well as where the story left her.
2.5 stars
July 19, 2025
Happy Wife was a Goodreads win, and I thank the authors and the publishing company. A very strong start, this little mystery of what happened to Will after his birthday party pulled me in.
Sadly it teetered off about half way and the ending felt rushed and out of place.
Sadly it teetered off about half way and the ending felt rushed and out of place.
July 10, 2025
A really great summer mystery. Not gory or graphic. Good little twist at the end. Really great writing. Super enjoyable. Pack this for the beach
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