Dearest Rivals

by Jane Elizabeth Varley

A story of sibling rivalry, a seemingly perfect marriage, and the secrets which threaten everything  Nina is the peacemaker of the family—dutiful daughter, sister, and wife. Richard is the baby of the family—he has always been spoiled, and in his mother's eye, can do no wrong. Susan is envious of everyone and always has the worst of everything—or so she believes. Nina has been married to workaholic Alex long enough to decide that it's time for a child, but for him the moment is never right. There's always another property to buy, another deal to be struck. Or is there something else that's keeping him late so often at the office, something readily on offer that he cannot refuse? But as the secrets of those closest to her are shockingly revealed, suddenly everything is under threat—her marriage, her home, and her future happiness.

Genres: Chick Lit

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this in a £1 shop and didn’t really hold out much hope for it but was gripped pretty much from the start and couldn’t wait to see what the outcome was for everyone in the story.

[Mardiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I stopped being an avid reader years ago, this is the book that I managed to finish in a night because the drama in the story is so intense. I am quite satisfied with the ending. I imagined I would do the same as Nina, and I love how she contemplated and think really hard between divorcing or staying before she decided anything.

[Rhianna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Susan is honestly just weird. Because what do you mean you seduced and slept with your sister’s husband and then wanted to play the victim? That level of delusion needs to be studied. There was zero accountability, just jealousy wrapped in self-pity, and I found her impossible to sympathise with.

And don’t even get me started on mummy’s boys. Look — love your mum, absolutely, she gave you life. But when your entire existence revolves around her, she babies you like you’re still breastfeeding, and you’re a fully grown man? Please. Act like it. Reading about that dynamic was genuinely painful.

I did feel bad for Nina, but at the same time… your sister was constantly suspicious and your husband was working late over and over again with no real explanation. Those are not subtle signs. Huge red flags were being ignored, and it became frustrating to watch.

Overall, the drama had potential, but the character choices — especially Susan and the mother–son dynamic — completely pulled me out of the story. More irritating than compelling.

[Di · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a crock of shit.
It's Eastenders meets Days of our lives. BORING!!
Someone not happy with their own lives, so they will do whatever to ruin someone else's.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son picked this up for me for Christmas, he's 12 and chose it based on the picture on the cover lol. Tell you what though, I loved it and read it cover to cover in a few days. Ok so the phrase "I could write this stuff" rungs true, it's predictable but if it was that easy we'd all be doing it wouldn't we?

Anyway if you want a quick easy reading book with intrigue, jealousy, sibling rivalry and plain bitchiness then delve in.

[Kerryn (RatherBeReading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took a bit of getting into.

I was compelled to keep reading this because there were characters i was just waiting to get their just desserts! I absolutely despised Susan as a character and i was annoyed in the end that she didn't get more a comeuppance. Aside from that though this was an enjoyable read.

[Eya Romdhani · Rating 3 out of 5]

well at first I didn't like it that much but then I was falling for it ! love the end ♥

[Nienke · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF