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Her Perfect Life
A novel of sisters and secrets
Reclusive Clare Collins crafts her novels like she crafts her life: perfectly. So the world is stunned when the famous author is found dead on a beach from a self-inflicted gunshot—the morning after her latest book hits the shelves. Her sister, Eileen, is at a loss. Clare led a charmed life: success, mansions, money... Why would she throw it all away? But while reading through her sister's latest—and greatest—novel, Eileen discovers a clue that unravels the fiction and reveals the painful truth. Suddenly, the life that Eileen had envied doesn't seem so sparkling...
Reclusive Clare Collins crafts her novels like she crafts her life: perfectly. So the world is stunned when the famous author is found dead on a beach from a self-inflicted gunshot—the morning after her latest book hits the shelves. Her sister, Eileen, is at a loss. Clare led a charmed life: success, mansions, money... Why would she throw it all away? But while reading through her sister's latest—and greatest—novel, Eileen discovers a clue that unravels the fiction and reveals the painful truth. Suddenly, the life that Eileen had envied doesn't seem so sparkling...
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2020
97 people are currently reading
5227 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Taylor
9 books517 followersRebecca Taylor is a licensed psychologist and author of bestselling women's psychological fiction. Her book The Secret Next Door was a bestselling title in Target stores throughout the USA, a #1 bestselling book on Amazon, and a Book of the Month selection on Apple Books. Her book Her Perfect Life was the winner of the Women's Fiction Writer's STAR award. Her previous titles have won the Colorado Book Award and been nominated for the RWA RITA award. She lives in Colorado but currently spends most of her time on airplanes, writing and traveling all over the world.
Learn more at:
www.rebeccataylorbooks.com
@RebeccaTaylorPage (Facebook)
@RebeccaTaylorBooks (Instagram)
Learn more at:
www.rebeccataylorbooks.com
@RebeccaTaylorPage (Facebook)
@RebeccaTaylorBooks (Instagram)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
June 9, 2020
EXCERPT: 'Tell me a story, Clare.'
Her eyes flew open, the sound of Adam's voice still clear in her mind, but also, it was as if she had heard it in the room. His sound, his exact pitch and tone, the lifetime she'd lived with that voice - the eternity it had been since she'd heard it.
'Adam?' she whispered into the room. Only the sound of her own heart rushing in her ears answered her. Twenty years. In a few months, it will have been twenty years since that night. The thumb of her left hand pressed against his ring on her finger.
She opened the journal and stared down into her eleven-year-old handwriting. Looking at the loopy and irregular, slightly wild cursive that had improved only a little in the last twenty-seven years, Clare read the first line she'd ever put down into the world.
'Mama said Daddy isn't coming home.'
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Reclusive Clare Collins crafts her novels like she crafts her life: perfectly. So the world is stunned when the famous author is found dead on the beach from a self-inflicted gunshot -- the morning after her latest book hits the shelves.
Her sister, Eileen, is at a loss. Clare led a charmed life: success, mansions, money…why would she throw it all away? But while reading through her sister’s latest—and greatest—novel, Eileen discovers a clue that unravels the fiction and reveals the painful truth. Suddenly, the life that Eileen had envied doesn’t seem so sparkling . . .
MY THOUGHTS: You know those days when you've forgotten your lunch, so you stop and buy a sandwich out of the cabinet on your way to work, and it looks fine, but by the time you get to it, it's kind of dried out a little and curling round the edges? That was my experience in reading Her Perfect Life by Rebecca Taylor.
Unfortunately, I didn't become enthralled or captivated by either the characters or the storyline, which I had figured out early on.
This is a rags to riches story. Small town girl makes good - leaves behind her tragic past and triumphs over it. Only, you know what they say . . . you can run away, but you always take yourself with you.
The two sisters, Clare and Eileen, couldn't be more different, their only similarity being their artistic talents. Clare is beautiful, talented, a successful writer who churns out a number of bestsellers each year. She is ridiculously wealthy and adored by both her agent husband and her fans. Clare's daily life is filled with stillness and silence, her mansion home reflecting this. She is also complicated and secretive. A mystery. She keeps her life carefully compartmentalised. 'To know Clare, truly, was to accept the fact that you couldn't ever know what was swirling beneath her beautiful surface.' And this is, perhaps, her greatest attraction.
Eileen's life is constant chaos. It's filled with her children, her dogs, her phone and her husband. She struggles to make a living as a photographer, relying on taking family portraits to keep afloat. She is an open book.
The two sisters have never really understood one another and, as a result, have never been close.
The story is told by both Clare, narrating the years that led to her suicide, and Eileen, coping with the aftermath of Clare's death while also dealing with issues of her own.
This is a quick, easy read, but for me it wasn't a satisfying one.
😑😑.5
#HerPerfectLife #NetGalley
'Time hated her - and it was clearly personal.'
THE AUTHOR: Rebecca Taylor lives in sunny Colorado with her husband, two teens, and two tragically spoiled dogs. Her Perfect Life is her debut novel.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Sourcebooks, Landmark for providing a digital ARC of Her Perfect Life by Rebecca Taylor for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Her eyes flew open, the sound of Adam's voice still clear in her mind, but also, it was as if she had heard it in the room. His sound, his exact pitch and tone, the lifetime she'd lived with that voice - the eternity it had been since she'd heard it.
'Adam?' she whispered into the room. Only the sound of her own heart rushing in her ears answered her. Twenty years. In a few months, it will have been twenty years since that night. The thumb of her left hand pressed against his ring on her finger.
She opened the journal and stared down into her eleven-year-old handwriting. Looking at the loopy and irregular, slightly wild cursive that had improved only a little in the last twenty-seven years, Clare read the first line she'd ever put down into the world.
'Mama said Daddy isn't coming home.'
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Reclusive Clare Collins crafts her novels like she crafts her life: perfectly. So the world is stunned when the famous author is found dead on the beach from a self-inflicted gunshot -- the morning after her latest book hits the shelves.
Her sister, Eileen, is at a loss. Clare led a charmed life: success, mansions, money…why would she throw it all away? But while reading through her sister’s latest—and greatest—novel, Eileen discovers a clue that unravels the fiction and reveals the painful truth. Suddenly, the life that Eileen had envied doesn’t seem so sparkling . . .
MY THOUGHTS: You know those days when you've forgotten your lunch, so you stop and buy a sandwich out of the cabinet on your way to work, and it looks fine, but by the time you get to it, it's kind of dried out a little and curling round the edges? That was my experience in reading Her Perfect Life by Rebecca Taylor.
Unfortunately, I didn't become enthralled or captivated by either the characters or the storyline, which I had figured out early on.
This is a rags to riches story. Small town girl makes good - leaves behind her tragic past and triumphs over it. Only, you know what they say . . . you can run away, but you always take yourself with you.
The two sisters, Clare and Eileen, couldn't be more different, their only similarity being their artistic talents. Clare is beautiful, talented, a successful writer who churns out a number of bestsellers each year. She is ridiculously wealthy and adored by both her agent husband and her fans. Clare's daily life is filled with stillness and silence, her mansion home reflecting this. She is also complicated and secretive. A mystery. She keeps her life carefully compartmentalised. 'To know Clare, truly, was to accept the fact that you couldn't ever know what was swirling beneath her beautiful surface.' And this is, perhaps, her greatest attraction.
Eileen's life is constant chaos. It's filled with her children, her dogs, her phone and her husband. She struggles to make a living as a photographer, relying on taking family portraits to keep afloat. She is an open book.
The two sisters have never really understood one another and, as a result, have never been close.
The story is told by both Clare, narrating the years that led to her suicide, and Eileen, coping with the aftermath of Clare's death while also dealing with issues of her own.
This is a quick, easy read, but for me it wasn't a satisfying one.
😑😑.5
#HerPerfectLife #NetGalley
'Time hated her - and it was clearly personal.'
THE AUTHOR: Rebecca Taylor lives in sunny Colorado with her husband, two teens, and two tragically spoiled dogs. Her Perfect Life is her debut novel.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Sourcebooks, Landmark for providing a digital ARC of Her Perfect Life by Rebecca Taylor for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
May 15, 2020
This was an unexpectedly great novel.
The writing was quick and effective, the characters were very well fleshed out and felt entirely authentic, and the story was intriguing. I breezed through this book, staying up half the night to finish.
There is a small twist at the end, but an easy one to see coming. Thankfully, figuring things out didn't dampen my enthusiasm for the story in the least. The characters brought this story to life in a way that made twists unnecessary.
What did dampen my enthusiasm was the death of a pet dog near the end of the novel. Although it was an accident and there were no nefarious intentions, it still broke my heart...while also ticking me off. It was so unnecessary. When are authors going to learn that dying pets are never good for their ratings?
Overall, though, this is a gorgeous story covering themes of suicide, infidelity, dementia, and a mother's desire to protect her children...despite their not-so-great choices.
Triggers: Suicide, infidelity, the death of a pet
Please pick up your own copy on June 2, 2020.
**Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
The writing was quick and effective, the characters were very well fleshed out and felt entirely authentic, and the story was intriguing. I breezed through this book, staying up half the night to finish.
There is a small twist at the end, but an easy one to see coming. Thankfully, figuring things out didn't dampen my enthusiasm for the story in the least. The characters brought this story to life in a way that made twists unnecessary.
What did dampen my enthusiasm was the death of a pet dog near the end of the novel. Although it was an accident and there were no nefarious intentions, it still broke my heart...while also ticking me off. It was so unnecessary. When are authors going to learn that dying pets are never good for their ratings?
Overall, though, this is a gorgeous story covering themes of suicide, infidelity, dementia, and a mother's desire to protect her children...despite their not-so-great choices.
Triggers: Suicide, infidelity, the death of a pet
Please pick up your own copy on June 2, 2020.
**Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
April 13, 2020
The World is stunned when best-selling author Clare Collins is found dead on the beach, from an apparent self inflicted gun shot wound, the morning after her latest book hits the shelves.
Could her latest novel, one that is very different from previous releases, provide her sister Eileen with the answer of WHY, Clare would end what appeared to be “A Perfect Life”?
After reading this synopsis, I was expecting, perhaps, the “book within a book” concept that I always enjoy..present day, alternating with chapters from Clare’s novel but that is not how the story is presented.
Eileen does find Clare’s journals, amongst her belongings, and they provide some answers but the structure is actually :
The years before Clare’s death alternating with
Eileen, present day, who is dealing with some revelations in her own life.
Both women’s narratives held my interest throughout, but it should be noted that this well written novel reads like a Contempory Women’s Fiction book despite the element of mystery surrounding Clare’s death.
Despite this being the author’s debut Adult Fiction novel, Rebecca Taylor is a psychologist, and the characters and their emotions ring true because of her knowledge in this field.
I definitely will be keeping my eye out for future work from this talented author!
TRIGGERS: Suicide, Infidelity and the death of a beloved pet dog! (HATED THAT!)
Thank You to Netgalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and the author for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review!
And, to Susan and DeAnn for a great discussion and buddy read.
NG reviewers this is a READ NOW selection
Available to all on June 2, 2020!
Could her latest novel, one that is very different from previous releases, provide her sister Eileen with the answer of WHY, Clare would end what appeared to be “A Perfect Life”?
After reading this synopsis, I was expecting, perhaps, the “book within a book” concept that I always enjoy..present day, alternating with chapters from Clare’s novel but that is not how the story is presented.
Eileen does find Clare’s journals, amongst her belongings, and they provide some answers but the structure is actually :
The years before Clare’s death alternating with
Eileen, present day, who is dealing with some revelations in her own life.
Both women’s narratives held my interest throughout, but it should be noted that this well written novel reads like a Contempory Women’s Fiction book despite the element of mystery surrounding Clare’s death.
Despite this being the author’s debut Adult Fiction novel, Rebecca Taylor is a psychologist, and the characters and their emotions ring true because of her knowledge in this field.
I definitely will be keeping my eye out for future work from this talented author!
TRIGGERS: Suicide, Infidelity and the death of a beloved pet dog! (HATED THAT!)
Thank You to Netgalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and the author for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review!
And, to Susan and DeAnn for a great discussion and buddy read.
NG reviewers this is a READ NOW selection
Available to all on June 2, 2020!
May 3, 2020
I hadn’t planned on reading Her Perfect Life due to subject matter.
Suicide isn't a trigger for me, but I do steer away from it. Psychopathic murderers yes, killing yourself, no.
A buddy read with Jayme and DeeAnn enticed me to expand my boundaries.
Clair’s life and suicide shared the spotlight with her sister Eileen’s equally compelling story. I was immediately absorbed into both with the author’s writing style being easy to comprehend.
Although the book didn’t seem to move fast, I couldn’t put it down and was finished quickly.
I have mixed feelings because overall, it was an excellent book. BUT, a pet dog was killed near the end. If it had happened earlier on, I would’ve stopped reading and not finished.
I REALLY hate when authors do this. Especially with all the other sad elements of the story, it was completely unnecessary. A bitter pill for an otherwise great book.
Thank you to Netgalley, Rebecca Taylor, and Sourcebooks Landmark for my electronic copy
Suicide isn't a trigger for me, but I do steer away from it. Psychopathic murderers yes, killing yourself, no.
A buddy read with Jayme and DeeAnn enticed me to expand my boundaries.
Clair’s life and suicide shared the spotlight with her sister Eileen’s equally compelling story. I was immediately absorbed into both with the author’s writing style being easy to comprehend.
Although the book didn’t seem to move fast, I couldn’t put it down and was finished quickly.
I have mixed feelings because overall, it was an excellent book. BUT, a pet dog was killed near the end. If it had happened earlier on, I would’ve stopped reading and not finished.
I REALLY hate when authors do this. Especially with all the other sad elements of the story, it was completely unnecessary. A bitter pill for an otherwise great book.
Thank you to Netgalley, Rebecca Taylor, and Sourcebooks Landmark for my electronic copy
June 8, 2020
This intriguing debut novel, “Her Perfect Life” by Rebecca Taylor explores the bonds of sisterhood in the aftermath of suicide. Eileen Greyden, was an overworked Colorado married mother of three when she received a call that her sister Clare Collins, a famous celebrity novelist had taken her own life on her private beachfront estate near San Francisco. Simon, Eileen’s distraught brother-in-law, could barely function-- she rushed to his side to help and make final arrangements.
Before leaving, Eileen found a packet of photos affixed to the windshield of her husband Eric’s car that she needed to drive to the airport. Eileen examined the shocking contents of the packet, which could permanently change and alter her family life. In California, Eileen and Simon were forced to contemplate why a multi-million USD bestselling novelist would end her life, at the peak of her success. There were no clues. Simon, also represented his wife as her literary agent, he adored her and their luxurious life of vast wealth and fame.
As the story progressed, it became apparent that Eileen and her sister were not close. Eileen and Simon consumed a lot of wine as they read and studied the stories, writing, and Clare's personal papers in hopes of unraveling the mysterious reasons surrounding her death. As the story drew to a close, the reasons that led to Clare Collins death seemed to be based on speculation rather than reality or fact. It just seemed unlikely that a successful mega-celebrity novelist would or could hide glaring mental afflictions that often lead to suicide without clues or detection by loved ones. The real intrigue of this story wasn’t actually entirely about Clare Collins, but rather, Eileen, and how she would address the contents of the packet. (3*GOOD) ** With thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark via NetGalley for the ADC for the purpose of review.
Before leaving, Eileen found a packet of photos affixed to the windshield of her husband Eric’s car that she needed to drive to the airport. Eileen examined the shocking contents of the packet, which could permanently change and alter her family life. In California, Eileen and Simon were forced to contemplate why a multi-million USD bestselling novelist would end her life, at the peak of her success. There were no clues. Simon, also represented his wife as her literary agent, he adored her and their luxurious life of vast wealth and fame.
As the story progressed, it became apparent that Eileen and her sister were not close. Eileen and Simon consumed a lot of wine as they read and studied the stories, writing, and Clare's personal papers in hopes of unraveling the mysterious reasons surrounding her death. As the story drew to a close, the reasons that led to Clare Collins death seemed to be based on speculation rather than reality or fact. It just seemed unlikely that a successful mega-celebrity novelist would or could hide glaring mental afflictions that often lead to suicide without clues or detection by loved ones. The real intrigue of this story wasn’t actually entirely about Clare Collins, but rather, Eileen, and how she would address the contents of the packet. (3*GOOD) ** With thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark via NetGalley for the ADC for the purpose of review.
June 2, 2020
*Now available
4 great writing stars
This one was a pleasant surprise, a buddy read (thanks Jayme and Susan) that I went into blind. It turns out that I really liked the writing in this one and the author is from my home state of Colorado, winner!
We have two sisters in this one – uber-successful writer Clare Collins and her sister Eileen, a wife and mother of three. The two sisters have grown apart and Eileen is stunned to get a call that her sister is dead. She flies to San Francisco to find out more and work out details with her brother-in-law Simon.
As Eileen digs more into Clare’s life and especially the last book that she wrote, the past starts to be more relevant. Eileen has some issues and secrets of her own to deal with. The book was written with alternating storylines from the two women, but I didn’t have any trouble keeping them apart. I found that I connected and related more to Eileen, but both characters were interesting and developed.
This debut novel is one that I would recommend. I should note that there are a few triggers in this one: death of a family pet, infidelity, and suicide.
This one is a "read now" on Netgalley and releases 6.2.2020.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rebecca Taylor, Sourcebooks/Landmark for an early copy of this one to read in return for an honest review.
4 great writing stars
This one was a pleasant surprise, a buddy read (thanks Jayme and Susan) that I went into blind. It turns out that I really liked the writing in this one and the author is from my home state of Colorado, winner!
We have two sisters in this one – uber-successful writer Clare Collins and her sister Eileen, a wife and mother of three. The two sisters have grown apart and Eileen is stunned to get a call that her sister is dead. She flies to San Francisco to find out more and work out details with her brother-in-law Simon.
As Eileen digs more into Clare’s life and especially the last book that she wrote, the past starts to be more relevant. Eileen has some issues and secrets of her own to deal with. The book was written with alternating storylines from the two women, but I didn’t have any trouble keeping them apart. I found that I connected and related more to Eileen, but both characters were interesting and developed.
This debut novel is one that I would recommend. I should note that there are a few triggers in this one: death of a family pet, infidelity, and suicide.
This one is a "read now" on Netgalley and releases 6.2.2020.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rebecca Taylor, Sourcebooks/Landmark for an early copy of this one to read in return for an honest review.
October 23, 2024
Her Perfect Life draws you in from the first page. This book asks the question if you can ever can really know someone. On the outside, Clare looks like she has it all; great marriage, successful career, fame and notoriety. Her sudden suicide comes as a devastating shock to Clare’s husband and sister, Eileen. As they try to unravel the mystery behind her death, long-buried secrets are revealed and lives are changed forever. Heartbreaking and captivating, Rebecca Taylor’s novel clutches your heart and won’t let go. Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for my ARC!
September 28, 2022
I am not sure how to feel about Her Perfect Life. The story is focusing 2 sisters. Claire is famous writer and super rich. Her perfect life is... well.. perfect from the outside. While Eileen's life is chaos. When Claire suddenly killed herself, Eileen's life collided with Claire's.
So the conclusion is at the end. The guessing game is fun. I know there will be a twist at the end. I am not worried about the twist. What bother me is the pace. The writing from Miss Taylor is meticulous and sometimes dragging. The wording is easy to follow.
At the end, I am at dilemma. I feel like I was so curious at the beginning, then after the end, I do not know what to do with it. Just stared at it and confuse.
3 stars
So the conclusion is at the end. The guessing game is fun. I know there will be a twist at the end. I am not worried about the twist. What bother me is the pace. The writing from Miss Taylor is meticulous and sometimes dragging. The wording is easy to follow.
At the end, I am at dilemma. I feel like I was so curious at the beginning, then after the end, I do not know what to do with it. Just stared at it and confuse.
3 stars
February 18, 2020
Clare Collins had a perfect life. She was successful, rich, famous, beautiful - she had it all. Or did she?
When Clare is found dead of an apparent suicide. Clare’s sister, Eileen and Clare’s husband, Simon, try to plan Clare’s funeral and determine why she chose to commit suicide. Can anyone ever honestly have “a perfect life” or is it a myth - smoke and mirrors. Her Perfect Life is a fluid read that gets my 5 star rating.
When Clare is found dead of an apparent suicide. Clare’s sister, Eileen and Clare’s husband, Simon, try to plan Clare’s funeral and determine why she chose to commit suicide. Can anyone ever honestly have “a perfect life” or is it a myth - smoke and mirrors. Her Perfect Life is a fluid read that gets my 5 star rating.
May 18, 2020
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
Nothing really to say except this is not a "thriller" in my sense of the word or genre. We do have a mystery (that did not shock me when we get to the reveal) about why one character killed herself. Other than that, the book I thought did a solid job showing how women see themselves and others and how so many people can think that their life or marriage is perfect when it's not. I liked the two sisters/characters (Clare and Eileen). I also felt very sad for Clare. It definitely leaves you wondering about what things would have looked like had she chosen differently and or just accepted things when she was in high school.
"Her Perfect Life" follows harried mother, Eileen. Eileen is happily married, but feels a bit overwhelmed with her life and her three children. Her husband barely seems around to help her, but she counts herself lucky compared to her sister, Clare. Eileen is jealous of Clare and it seems as if the two sisters are slightly estranged. When Eileen gets a phone call from her sister Clare's husband Simon, he informs her that Clare has killed herself. Eileen and Simon struggle with what was so bad in Clare's life that would have her kill herself. The book jumps back and forth between Eileen, Simon, and Clare and we get chapters showing Clare 2 years before her death all the way to 20 years before her death. Eileen and Simon for the most part are in the present day with I think just 1 or 2 chapters showing Simon before.
I really liked all of the characters. You feel sad for everyone by the time you are done with the book. Clare for not trusting those around her. Eileen for realizing that what she thought was true about a lot of things, was not. Simon for realizing he never knew his life.
The writing was very good. The characters all have distinct voices. Clare as a teen's voice is different than her voice set 2 years before her death which makes sense. She is the only one we get to see change over the course of years which I think made sense.
The setting of the book moves between California and Colorado. The setting of Clare and Simon's house felt fragile and it makes sense considering what you find via the book about Simon and Clare.
The ending leaves things on a hopeful note though which I liked.
Nothing really to say except this is not a "thriller" in my sense of the word or genre. We do have a mystery (that did not shock me when we get to the reveal) about why one character killed herself. Other than that, the book I thought did a solid job showing how women see themselves and others and how so many people can think that their life or marriage is perfect when it's not. I liked the two sisters/characters (Clare and Eileen). I also felt very sad for Clare. It definitely leaves you wondering about what things would have looked like had she chosen differently and or just accepted things when she was in high school.
"Her Perfect Life" follows harried mother, Eileen. Eileen is happily married, but feels a bit overwhelmed with her life and her three children. Her husband barely seems around to help her, but she counts herself lucky compared to her sister, Clare. Eileen is jealous of Clare and it seems as if the two sisters are slightly estranged. When Eileen gets a phone call from her sister Clare's husband Simon, he informs her that Clare has killed herself. Eileen and Simon struggle with what was so bad in Clare's life that would have her kill herself. The book jumps back and forth between Eileen, Simon, and Clare and we get chapters showing Clare 2 years before her death all the way to 20 years before her death. Eileen and Simon for the most part are in the present day with I think just 1 or 2 chapters showing Simon before.
I really liked all of the characters. You feel sad for everyone by the time you are done with the book. Clare for not trusting those around her. Eileen for realizing that what she thought was true about a lot of things, was not. Simon for realizing he never knew his life.
The writing was very good. The characters all have distinct voices. Clare as a teen's voice is different than her voice set 2 years before her death which makes sense. She is the only one we get to see change over the course of years which I think made sense.
The setting of the book moves between California and Colorado. The setting of Clare and Simon's house felt fragile and it makes sense considering what you find via the book about Simon and Clare.
The ending leaves things on a hopeful note though which I liked.
June 2, 2020
Her Perfect Life publishes TODAY! Huge thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for my review copy!
Author Clare Collins is dead by her own hand the morning after her latest novel hits shelves. The world is shocked. Clare's sister, Eileen is at a loss as to how and why this happened ... unable to understand with all her sisters wealth and fame how she could throw it all away...
Yet another book that wasn't on my radar until it arrived at my door. I went into this without reading the synopsis and was very pleased with the outcome! Another author to add to my watch list.
I really enjoyed the flow of this book, the different perspectives from several characters (between the past and present) and the storyline. Fast paced, a little twisty and very well written.
The book touches on several hard topics, suicide, infidelity, dementia & the death of a pet.
Author Clare Collins is dead by her own hand the morning after her latest novel hits shelves. The world is shocked. Clare's sister, Eileen is at a loss as to how and why this happened ... unable to understand with all her sisters wealth and fame how she could throw it all away...
Yet another book that wasn't on my radar until it arrived at my door. I went into this without reading the synopsis and was very pleased with the outcome! Another author to add to my watch list.
I really enjoyed the flow of this book, the different perspectives from several characters (between the past and present) and the storyline. Fast paced, a little twisty and very well written.
The book touches on several hard topics, suicide, infidelity, dementia & the death of a pet.
July 10, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. It was hard to put down as it drew me in immediately and I wanted to know more and more.
The character depth was amazing! I loved Eileen...how strong yet how vulnerable she was & I enjoyed that she had a story as well...she wasn’t just “the sister.”
Clare was hard to like but I think that was the point? I did feel for the teenage Clare as I think everyone can relate to a first love slipping away.
I did see the twists coming but the many layers of the story kept me engaged .
Overall a very captivating debut! Well done!
Thank you Sourcebooks for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
The character depth was amazing! I loved Eileen...how strong yet how vulnerable she was & I enjoyed that she had a story as well...she wasn’t just “the sister.”
Clare was hard to like but I think that was the point? I did feel for the teenage Clare as I think everyone can relate to a first love slipping away.
I did see the twists coming but the many layers of the story kept me engaged .
Overall a very captivating debut! Well done!
Thank you Sourcebooks for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 12, 2020
This book follows Eileen and Simon after the death of Claire, with Clairs story being told as well.
The book leads takes you on a journey to begin with, its really interesting trying to find out why Clair killed herself. However once you find out the reason its predictable and I actually was completely let down. I struggled to love this book, as I said the first half is more gripping than the second half.
Eileen's character is very relatable but also quite boring if I'm honest and Simon didn't really need his own chapters.
I am giving it 3 stars though as I did enjoy the begining when I first started reading I thought it would be a easy 5 star book but it let's itself down.
It's a mundane story. Chic lit.
If you are looking for a quick and easy book to read on holiday this is a good book for you.
Thank you source books and netgalley for providing a PRC of her perfect life in exchange for a free and honest review.
The book leads takes you on a journey to begin with, its really interesting trying to find out why Clair killed herself. However once you find out the reason its predictable and I actually was completely let down. I struggled to love this book, as I said the first half is more gripping than the second half.
Eileen's character is very relatable but also quite boring if I'm honest and Simon didn't really need his own chapters.
I am giving it 3 stars though as I did enjoy the begining when I first started reading I thought it would be a easy 5 star book but it let's itself down.
It's a mundane story. Chic lit.
If you are looking for a quick and easy book to read on holiday this is a good book for you.
Thank you source books and netgalley for providing a PRC of her perfect life in exchange for a free and honest review.
June 2, 2020
Her Perfect Life is a great mystery that kept me guessing all the way through. Clare Collins is a successful, famous author and it seems she is living the perfect life. Eileen, Clare’s sister, is a frazzled, mom of three, with a seemingly perfect marriage. The book starts with Eileen getting a phone call from Clare’s husband, Simon, to the news that her sister has committed suicide. She heads to San Francisico to meet with Simon and try to piece together the details of why Clare would have killed herself. What ensues are chapters alternating from the present and past chapters from Clare, Simon and Eileen. In the end, we finally get the truth. It goes to show you that many people are hiding behind their perfect life with secrets and lies. It was a fascinating, engaging read that could lead to some great discussions. I would highly recommend this one.
TW: infidelity, suicide, death
* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
TW: infidelity, suicide, death
* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
June 1, 2020
Pure delight!
Secrets, envy, and infidelity are the twisty backdrop in Rebecca Taylor’s page-turning debut.
Eileen envies her successful sister Clare’s life. Both live their own versions of the perfect life, or, at least Eileen tries to. With a husband and three children she can barely keep up with her household chores, or getting the kids to school on time.
Upon Clare’s death, shocking photos of infidelity and stacks of secret diaries spanning back to adolescence reveal their lives were anything but perfect.
Written in easy to keep track dual-storylines, this novel centers around life, family and the complexities of marriage. It’s fast-paced, smartly written narrative is perfect for women contemporary readers. Highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Secrets, envy, and infidelity are the twisty backdrop in Rebecca Taylor’s page-turning debut.
Eileen envies her successful sister Clare’s life. Both live their own versions of the perfect life, or, at least Eileen tries to. With a husband and three children she can barely keep up with her household chores, or getting the kids to school on time.
Upon Clare’s death, shocking photos of infidelity and stacks of secret diaries spanning back to adolescence reveal their lives were anything but perfect.
Written in easy to keep track dual-storylines, this novel centers around life, family and the complexities of marriage. It’s fast-paced, smartly written narrative is perfect for women contemporary readers. Highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2020
Eileen hasn’t seen her sister Clare in a while but she is stunned when Clare commits suicide. Clare is a famous novelist residing in a home she had built to her specifications and Eileen envisioned her life to be perfect, so why would she kill herself? I was drawn into this story very quickly and enjoyed it right up until the end. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 15, 2020
A story essentially about two sisters. Clare was the award winning author and Eileen got to know that she committed suicide. But why? Clare had everything in her life.
My first book by the author, writing was thrilling in most parts. I got to know the lives of both the sisters and the secrets that revolved around them. Emotions were laid bare as the past and present intertwined. The mystery with its twist at the end was predictable. I couldn't connect much with the characters, but it was the story which got to me.
Overall, a fun read
My first book by the author, writing was thrilling in most parts. I got to know the lives of both the sisters and the secrets that revolved around them. Emotions were laid bare as the past and present intertwined. The mystery with its twist at the end was predictable. I couldn't connect much with the characters, but it was the story which got to me.
Overall, a fun read
July 23, 2020
Her Perfect Life was definitely a page-turning read for me.
Clare Collins seems to have it all - a successful writing career, a huge home and a loving husband. So, when she ends her own life, those who knew her are taken by surprise. Meanwhile, her sister, Eileen and her husband, Simon are left to pick up the pieces and figure out what would have led Clare to take the actions she did. Perhaps the answers lie within her latest novel, A Perfect Life. Through reading the book and through Clare’s journals, they learn more about her inner thoughts and life experiences, digging out some secrets along the way.
The novel is primarily told through Eileen’s perspective, but includes points of view from Simon and Clare as well.
Throughout the novel, Taylor does a great job foreshadowing the events to come, so the ending wasn’t a surprise, but more like a finished puzzle when the pieces finally all fit together.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend to readers who like mystery and psychological thrillers.
Clare Collins seems to have it all - a successful writing career, a huge home and a loving husband. So, when she ends her own life, those who knew her are taken by surprise. Meanwhile, her sister, Eileen and her husband, Simon are left to pick up the pieces and figure out what would have led Clare to take the actions she did. Perhaps the answers lie within her latest novel, A Perfect Life. Through reading the book and through Clare’s journals, they learn more about her inner thoughts and life experiences, digging out some secrets along the way.
The novel is primarily told through Eileen’s perspective, but includes points of view from Simon and Clare as well.
Throughout the novel, Taylor does a great job foreshadowing the events to come, so the ending wasn’t a surprise, but more like a finished puzzle when the pieces finally all fit together.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend to readers who like mystery and psychological thrillers.
February 17, 2020
Eileen, a mother of three (and her husband, Eric, who shuns chores) is shocked to learn that her sister, Clare Collins, has died. Clare was an accomplished author, beautiful, rich and successful. Eileen's brother-in-law, Simon, calls to tell Eileen that Clare committed suicide. He wants her to fly to San Francisco and he will have a car waiting to take Eileen the 40 miles north to Clare and Simon's mansion.
Eileen receives a surprise of her own as she gets ready to board her flight to California.
As the story progresses we learn more about Clare and Eileen's earlier years and their triumphs and struggle they went through together.. The question of WHY Clare committed suicide remains as does the major problem Eileen faces back home in Denver.. Excellent writing and character depiction! Loved this book!!!
RECOMMEND!
Many Thanks to Source Books Landmark and NetGalley for a great read.
Eileen receives a surprise of her own as she gets ready to board her flight to California.
As the story progresses we learn more about Clare and Eileen's earlier years and their triumphs and struggle they went through together.. The question of WHY Clare committed suicide remains as does the major problem Eileen faces back home in Denver.. Excellent writing and character depiction! Loved this book!!!
RECOMMEND!
Many Thanks to Source Books Landmark and NetGalley for a great read.
June 30, 2023
Elaine and Clare are sisters, who over the years have grown apart. Clare is a world famous author and Elaine has her hands full with her husband Eric and their three kids. Elaine’s day to day life is hectic with minimal help from her husband. Her only escape is her photography career which is a far cry from the success she thought she’d achieve.
When Elaine receives a call from Clare’s husband Simon telling her that Clare has shot herself, Elaine is distraught. Adding to her problems, Elaine receives a manila envelope containing photographs that show her husband is having an affair with his co-worker. Elaine rushes to her brother-in-law’s side to not only help Simon, but to also see if she can find clues to Clare’s suicide. Why would her world famous sister kill herself? Also, what is she going to do with her cheating husband?
I really enjoyed this book. The storytelling was interesting and even though the book skips back and forth through time periods, each timeline was captivating. The fact that I could see the twists coming did not diminish my enjoyment. I would definitely recommend this book.
When Elaine receives a call from Clare’s husband Simon telling her that Clare has shot herself, Elaine is distraught. Adding to her problems, Elaine receives a manila envelope containing photographs that show her husband is having an affair with his co-worker. Elaine rushes to her brother-in-law’s side to not only help Simon, but to also see if she can find clues to Clare’s suicide. Why would her world famous sister kill herself? Also, what is she going to do with her cheating husband?
I really enjoyed this book. The storytelling was interesting and even though the book skips back and forth through time periods, each timeline was captivating. The fact that I could see the twists coming did not diminish my enjoyment. I would definitely recommend this book.
August 3, 2020
Solidly written debut novel, told from two perspectives: Eileen, who is a wife and mom, and Clare, her older sister who is a famous, wealthy author and who has just committed suicide. Eileen goes to Clare's home to prepare for the funeral with Clare's husband Simon, and in their grief they try to piece together why she did it.
It's not terribly difficult to put it together once most of the pieces are revealed, but it does take a bit of time to get there. I feel like even though Eileen was young when most of these incidents in Clare's life took place, if she had just taken the time to read Clare's latest book she could have figured it out for herself. As it is, she goes back through Clare's journals, which is helpful, but just doesn't quite go far enough to give the reader an emotional connection to Clare, who always feels far off and distant--both to those around her and to the reader.
I did like this book and will definitely read more from this author in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
It's not terribly difficult to put it together once most of the pieces are revealed, but it does take a bit of time to get there. I feel like even though Eileen was young when most of these incidents in Clare's life took place, if she had just taken the time to read Clare's latest book she could have figured it out for herself. As it is, she goes back through Clare's journals, which is helpful, but just doesn't quite go far enough to give the reader an emotional connection to Clare, who always feels far off and distant--both to those around her and to the reader.
I did like this book and will definitely read more from this author in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
May 18, 2020
"Long before Clare had become Clare Collins, she had been a force in the world. Audacious, fearless even. It didn't add up, didn't make sense. Why?"
When Eileen finds out her sister Clare is dead, she goes to her sisters home in order to make some kind of sense of it all. Reading the journals that Clare has kept from the age of eleven and her newly published novel, Eileen starts to understand that Clare didn't have a perfect life after all.
Let me start by saying, I didn't hate this one. But I didn't love it either.
I felt like it was pretty slow paced, and found there were still a few unanswered questions at the end. I predicted the ending quite early on and was disappointed by the lack of shock factor/twists.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.
When Eileen finds out her sister Clare is dead, she goes to her sisters home in order to make some kind of sense of it all. Reading the journals that Clare has kept from the age of eleven and her newly published novel, Eileen starts to understand that Clare didn't have a perfect life after all.
Let me start by saying, I didn't hate this one. But I didn't love it either.
I felt like it was pretty slow paced, and found there were still a few unanswered questions at the end. I predicted the ending quite early on and was disappointed by the lack of shock factor/twists.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.
June 5, 2020
Successful writer Clare Collins and Eileen, a wife and mother of three, are sisters. One day, Eileen receives a phone call from Simon, Clare's husband in which he reveals shocking news... Clare has been found dead on a beach after apparently shooting herself. Eileen cannot understand why her sister - someone who led a charmed life - would do this, so she heads to San Francisco to meet with Simon. But did Clare really have the alluring lifestyle that Eileen found so enviable?
Her Perfect Life is told in seamlessly transitioning chapters between past and present, narrated by Simon and Eileen, with excerpts from Clare's journals and published works. This style worked very well for me, making unfolding events easy to follow. The characterisation by Rebecca Taylor was very well done and each had plenty of personality and depth. I was invested in all of them and needed to know how the story would pan out. Her Perfect Life is an engaging piece of domestic fiction about sisterhood and relationships that included good dollops of harboured secrets, infidelity, duplicity, lies, and envy. A pretty good début and an all-round riveting read.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Sourcebooks Landmark via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
Her Perfect Life is told in seamlessly transitioning chapters between past and present, narrated by Simon and Eileen, with excerpts from Clare's journals and published works. This style worked very well for me, making unfolding events easy to follow. The characterisation by Rebecca Taylor was very well done and each had plenty of personality and depth. I was invested in all of them and needed to know how the story would pan out. Her Perfect Life is an engaging piece of domestic fiction about sisterhood and relationships that included good dollops of harboured secrets, infidelity, duplicity, lies, and envy. A pretty good début and an all-round riveting read.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Sourcebooks Landmark via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
January 28, 2020
This was a delightful surprise. I enjoyed the book and found it very compelling. The story of Eileen who has her entire life upended in a day when she learns of her sister’s death and her husband’s affair.
The author created a very sympathetic central character in Eileen. She lived under the shadow of her “perfect” sister, a world famous author as she struggled to raise her 3 children. I think so many of us can identify with her, financial issues, crumbling marriage, parent with Alzheimer’s.; sadly common.
I know book groups will enjoy reading and discussing this book. This is Taylor’s first novel, I look forward to reading more. I did enjoy the way that the author pulled all the strings together, so I had a good sense of closure. This is a great beach read, just serious enough, but ultimately satisfying.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this.
The author created a very sympathetic central character in Eileen. She lived under the shadow of her “perfect” sister, a world famous author as she struggled to raise her 3 children. I think so many of us can identify with her, financial issues, crumbling marriage, parent with Alzheimer’s.; sadly common.
I know book groups will enjoy reading and discussing this book. This is Taylor’s first novel, I look forward to reading more. I did enjoy the way that the author pulled all the strings together, so I had a good sense of closure. This is a great beach read, just serious enough, but ultimately satisfying.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this.
January 6, 2020
Debut author Rebecca Taylor spins a superb story of two sisters who, despite growing up together, might as well have been strangers. Secrets, lies, and tragic truths unspoken swirl together through the pages, creating a sophisticated page-turner. It felt like sneaking a read of someone’s fascinating private diary—and being completely powerless to put it down. A five-star read.
March 1, 2020
Her Perfect life is an edge of your seat novel. Very fast read. Eileen and Claire are sisters. They haven’t seen each other in a few years. Eileen is married with 3 kids. Clare is a famous fiction writer married to Simon her agent. Eileen’s life is falling apart when she receives a call from Simon saying Claire died.
March 1, 2020
Her Perfect life is an edge of your seat novel. Very fast read. Eileen and Claire are sisters. They haven’t seen each other in a few years. Eileen is married with 3 kids. Clare is a famous fiction writer married to Simon her agent. Eileen’s life is falling apart when she receives a call from Simon saying Claire died.
July 13, 2020
This is a debut author and she have woven together a great story. I love family stories so I was interested in this book that revolves around two sisters. Eileen is struggling with her part time job, raising a family, and a disconnect from her husband when she learns her sister has committed suicide. Claire has lived a charmed life or so it seems. She is a successful novelist, lives in a mansion, and has a husband that adores her. As Eileen is at the airport heading to help her brother in law she receives a shock that upends her own life and future. I really enjoyed this book and found the multi layered story fascinating as Eileen and her brother in law retrace Claire’s life to find out why she would have committed suicide. I also was impressed with Eileen’s personal growth as she faced the problems in her own life. I enjoyed learning more about these two women and I was engaged in this story from the beginning. I will definitely read more from this author.
July 20, 2021
Just finished this last night and loved it. Could two sisters be more different? Highly recommend.
May 20, 2020
I went into it thinking it was a thriller for some reason and it’s not. I would say this is more of a women’s/contemporary fiction about a woman struggling with her new reality. Eileen was always jealous of her sister, Clare, because she found success as a best-selling author. They had been estranged for three years when Eileen receives the call from Clare’s husband, informing her that Clare has committed suicide. Eileen jumps on a plane to help with the funeral and to inform her mother, not realizing that her life will never be the same once she comes back home to her own husband and three kids.
I was not expecting to like this novel as much as I did. The characters were real and raw while dealing with their grief. It was a bit slow in spots but the narrative is interesting as the novel includes three viewpoints along with excerpts of Clare’s published works. The writing style is short and sweet and the ending solves all of the conflicts. This was an enjoyable read for me and I had a hard time putting it down.
I was not expecting to like this novel as much as I did. The characters were real and raw while dealing with their grief. It was a bit slow in spots but the narrative is interesting as the novel includes three viewpoints along with excerpts of Clare’s published works. The writing style is short and sweet and the ending solves all of the conflicts. This was an enjoyable read for me and I had a hard time putting it down.
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