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Secret Wife
Laura Thompson is getting married. The university lecturer has got her man, her dress and her hopes of a long and happy life with stockbroker Jeff. But the man of her dreams isn't all that he seems, and before long dark clouds are gathering on the horizon...Sadly, Laura has little option but to end her marriage. But leaving Jeff doesn't bring an end to the heartache. In fact, the nightmare is only beginning. Jeff seems to be everywhere, and his vindictiveness knows no bounds...A bewildered Laura finds herself cornered and vulnerable as her life spirals out of control.But the seeds of Laura's present dilemma may well be rooted in her past, a past she knows little about. And that lack of knowledge could lead to her downfall, or even her death. What can Jeff possibly know about her past? And how can Laura fight back, when she doesn't even know what she's fighting for - or why?
- GenresFiction
Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 13, 2018
I love reading novels about relationships.
Laura Thornton marries Jeff the man of her dreams. Her best friend Kerry doesn't like Jeff and all of Laura's work friend don't like Jeff either. It seems that behind closed doors Jeff is not the husband Laura thought he was going to be. Two stories are interwoven throughout that eventually the story meets up in unexpected ways. The Secret Wife is full of suspense being very dark brutal. I just could not put this book down. I highly recommend it to readers who like reading a novel full of tension.
Laura Thornton marries Jeff the man of her dreams. Her best friend Kerry doesn't like Jeff and all of Laura's work friend don't like Jeff either. It seems that behind closed doors Jeff is not the husband Laura thought he was going to be. Two stories are interwoven throughout that eventually the story meets up in unexpected ways. The Secret Wife is full of suspense being very dark brutal. I just could not put this book down. I highly recommend it to readers who like reading a novel full of tension.
September 19, 2014
There are two stories that unfold throughout this book, which eventually converge into one. It is a suspense read with quite a detailed plot which is intriguing and really kept me hooked. It is quite a light read, whereas I usually like my suspense to be much darker, this being partly a romance. I must admit I did guess fairly early on what was going to happen but I was intrigued enough and interested to keep reading to see if I was right.
It is the story of Laura and Kerry, best friends since they were children. It tells of Laura’s ill fated marriage to Jeff and its aftermath, which leaves her convinced that Jeff is determined to stalk her and refuse to let her walk out of his life. Kerry sticks by Laura through everything and is a total rock. What Laura doesn’t know is that she has a past that is clouded by secrets which will be revealed throughout the course of the book.
To sum up, it is a really good easy to read story, but not as suspense filled as I would have liked. I would have preferred to have been kept more in the dark, as some of the plot “twists” are signposted a little too clearly for my liking. Whilst everything tied up nicely in the end, there were a couple of incidents that still didn't quite "fit" in my mind. Thanks to the publishers for a review copy.
It is the story of Laura and Kerry, best friends since they were children. It tells of Laura’s ill fated marriage to Jeff and its aftermath, which leaves her convinced that Jeff is determined to stalk her and refuse to let her walk out of his life. Kerry sticks by Laura through everything and is a total rock. What Laura doesn’t know is that she has a past that is clouded by secrets which will be revealed throughout the course of the book.
To sum up, it is a really good easy to read story, but not as suspense filled as I would have liked. I would have preferred to have been kept more in the dark, as some of the plot “twists” are signposted a little too clearly for my liking. Whilst everything tied up nicely in the end, there were a couple of incidents that still didn't quite "fit" in my mind. Thanks to the publishers for a review copy.
July 11, 2016
The back of the book declares 'Laura Thompson is getting married.'! It's a shame that there is no character in the book with that name! Laura THORNTON - the main character does however get married. I'm amazed at the good reviews for this book. I love reading and felt this was a story has been one I've read several times before - and all the other times it's been written better! some ridiculous things happen in this book without any prelim. Entirely unlikely things happen on every page, leaving me wondering if anyone edited or proofread it at all! I don't want to give examples of silly plot holes because you might want to read it yourself (although I don't recommend it) but it was disappointing from the misspelling on the blurb to the final page. (Why did I finish it you ask??? answer - I have a weird thing where unless the book is beyond hideous i HAVE to finish it. at least it was a quick read!)
September 17, 2014
Told in two separate narratives, in the present the story told is Laura’s who has fallen madly in love with Jeff despite her best friend Kerry’s reservations and in the past by Ellie, who has an affair with the boss at the factory where she works in a lab. Alan Thompson is married and his wife’s father is the chief investor in the business so he simply can’t leave her without losing everything. I found Ellie’s story by far the more compelling of the two at the start of this book, as she flouts the rules of the small village she lives, retreating into her own company as she keeps the affair with Alan Thornwood a secret. Unfortunately this need secrecy means that as the story progresses she becomes a somewhat shadowy figure with few interactions with others to add tone to her character.
Laura’s story conversely becomes more complex as the marriage she entered into so hastily takes a turn for the worse. Jeff has demons from his past which result in him becoming domineering and Laura struggles with guilt over the death of her parents and brother. Through it all she depends heavily on her friend from childhood, Kerry as well as her trusted colleagues at the University where she lectures. As both Laura and Kerry feel they are being watched this part of the story soon takes on a darker hue.
I felt that although the pace picked up and I was eager to find out what was to become of both women the story was undermined by the constant monologues which became repetitive, hammering home the issues rather than letting the reader infer from the narrative. When a book starts with a character, in this case, Kerry, just appearing to know that Jeff was not the man for Laura with no evidence described to back it up, the author is always going to struggle to get me back on board, so it is a measure of some success with the plotting that I kept reading, initially on the strength of Ellie’s tale and didn’t give up in despair. There are some clever twists to the tale although I needed to suspend belief in the fact that Ellie kept her daughter’s father a secret in such a small village, and there is a culmination with a neat convergence of the two tales. I did guess some of the key points, again something that would have been avoided if the book had been written with a shade more subtlety.
This is a light, easy read for readers who like their romance slightly darker than normal as I think this straddles this genre and the psychological to create an interesting and well-paced read.
I’d like to thank the publishers Harlequin UK for sending me a copy of this book in return for this honest review.
Laura’s story conversely becomes more complex as the marriage she entered into so hastily takes a turn for the worse. Jeff has demons from his past which result in him becoming domineering and Laura struggles with guilt over the death of her parents and brother. Through it all she depends heavily on her friend from childhood, Kerry as well as her trusted colleagues at the University where she lectures. As both Laura and Kerry feel they are being watched this part of the story soon takes on a darker hue.
I felt that although the pace picked up and I was eager to find out what was to become of both women the story was undermined by the constant monologues which became repetitive, hammering home the issues rather than letting the reader infer from the narrative. When a book starts with a character, in this case, Kerry, just appearing to know that Jeff was not the man for Laura with no evidence described to back it up, the author is always going to struggle to get me back on board, so it is a measure of some success with the plotting that I kept reading, initially on the strength of Ellie’s tale and didn’t give up in despair. There are some clever twists to the tale although I needed to suspend belief in the fact that Ellie kept her daughter’s father a secret in such a small village, and there is a culmination with a neat convergence of the two tales. I did guess some of the key points, again something that would have been avoided if the book had been written with a shade more subtlety.
This is a light, easy read for readers who like their romance slightly darker than normal as I think this straddles this genre and the psychological to create an interesting and well-paced read.
I’d like to thank the publishers Harlequin UK for sending me a copy of this book in return for this honest review.
August 20, 2015
This was a great book! It bounces back and forth from the present to the past and tells the story of two girls who grow up together in separate families but have something in common.
When Laura decides to get married to Jeff whom she has only known a few months, Kerry is immediately suspicious of his motives and tries to tell her friend that she is being a little hasty in making this decision so quickly. Laura of course is in love and flattered by Jeff's attentiveness, but soon it becomes evident that Kerry was right once the bruises started to show.
Laura leaves Jeff but he pursues her relentlessly and she is constantly worried that he won't take no for an answer. It has turned into the marriage from hell.
Thank goodness she has Kerry to support her, that's what friends are for - or are they? This book was a real page turner and has a "domestic noir" flavour to it. I had not heard of this Irish author before, but I will be seeking out her other titles as well. Would appeal to lovers of Women's fiction and those who like a thriller.
When Laura decides to get married to Jeff whom she has only known a few months, Kerry is immediately suspicious of his motives and tries to tell her friend that she is being a little hasty in making this decision so quickly. Laura of course is in love and flattered by Jeff's attentiveness, but soon it becomes evident that Kerry was right once the bruises started to show.
Laura leaves Jeff but he pursues her relentlessly and she is constantly worried that he won't take no for an answer. It has turned into the marriage from hell.
Thank goodness she has Kerry to support her, that's what friends are for - or are they? This book was a real page turner and has a "domestic noir" flavour to it. I had not heard of this Irish author before, but I will be seeking out her other titles as well. Would appeal to lovers of Women's fiction and those who like a thriller.
March 8, 2018
This was a very gripping story with more twists than I expected! It evokes emotions of anger, sympathy, suspense and sadness and takes New unexpected turns, keeping you eager to read the next page. The only criticism I’d have is the very ending...without spoiling it, I’ll just say I didn’t find the speed of evolution of the relationship realistic or fitting but it was actually a very minor detail and didn’t affect the storyline. I’d definitely recommend this one!!!
June 11, 2018
If you like a soap-opera plot with juvenile writing, an overabundance of cliches, and feeble, dumb women ... then this is the book for you.
Read
February 16, 2020Another dnf. These women were doormats and I didn’t like the writing style.
November 16, 2020
Oh no. No.
The amount of gaslighting in this books was... well, it was a lot. And hard to handle. Not to mention the lack of building relationships, or the world they're living in.
There were also just really weird moments, like one reviewer pointed out the name of the character on the cover doesn't match the character in the book. There was also a moment where a man asks Laura to a "basic Italian restaurant with good food" and they end the date by saying how great the FRENCH restaurant was?
The male characters were all... horrible, except for one who only showed up and actually DID anything when it was convenient. And for some reason, NONE of the staff members at various places in the book have ANY idea about privacy laws and not giving out people's phone numbers, addresses, work schedules, etc.
The plot was just incredibly convenient. The police were terrible and unhelpful but in a way that was just... not realistic? ACAB, but at least make them speak like actual humans?
Anyway... Entertaining enough, but could have used a stronger editor.
The amount of gaslighting in this books was... well, it was a lot. And hard to handle. Not to mention the lack of building relationships, or the world they're living in.
There were also just really weird moments, like one reviewer pointed out the name of the character on the cover doesn't match the character in the book. There was also a moment where a man asks Laura to a "basic Italian restaurant with good food" and they end the date by saying how great the FRENCH restaurant was?
The male characters were all... horrible, except for one who only showed up and actually DID anything when it was convenient. And for some reason, NONE of the staff members at various places in the book have ANY idea about privacy laws and not giving out people's phone numbers, addresses, work schedules, etc.
The plot was just incredibly convenient. The police were terrible and unhelpful but in a way that was just... not realistic? ACAB, but at least make them speak like actual humans?
Anyway... Entertaining enough, but could have used a stronger editor.
February 17, 2023
3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay this definitely had the potential to be a 4 star read! It was fast, easy to read and I really enjoyed the plot line! I would genuinely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced and suspenseful read! I read it in a day and couldn’t put it down 👏🏽
However there were a few annoyances that bumped this down to 3.5 for me.
At times the dialogue felt really scripted, the characters talking so formally it didn’t feel like a natural conversation.
Also the main character was a bit pathetic and oblivious, I’m aware she had a traumatic life event occur but she was so gullible …
And just a side note the back of the book gives the main character the WRONG last name (is that a publishing fault?)
Okay this definitely had the potential to be a 4 star read! It was fast, easy to read and I really enjoyed the plot line! I would genuinely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced and suspenseful read! I read it in a day and couldn’t put it down 👏🏽
However there were a few annoyances that bumped this down to 3.5 for me.
At times the dialogue felt really scripted, the characters talking so formally it didn’t feel like a natural conversation.
Also the main character was a bit pathetic and oblivious, I’m aware she had a traumatic life event occur but she was so gullible …
And just a side note the back of the book gives the main character the WRONG last name (is that a publishing fault?)
August 9, 2018
I began reading this book before bed but soon found it's better to begin this book well awake. Almost every chapter it switches from past to present.
If you live a busy life, this book is great as the chapters are short.
The stories plod along and then there is a twist and some unraveling at the end.
It made a change to read two stories at the same time that fit together more and more as the book progressed.
If you live a busy life, this book is great as the chapters are short.
The stories plod along and then there is a twist and some unraveling at the end.
It made a change to read two stories at the same time that fit together more and more as the book progressed.
February 14, 2023
I only read a third of this book and realised that I was 'pushing' through it without enjoying it. Life is too short for bad books.
What I did read felt like a first draft to me. There was a lot of telling instead of showing. The storyline was super predictable, and the motivations are juvenile. This is only my opinion, and I am possibly in the minor given that Ms Kavanagh is a prolific writer.
What I did read felt like a first draft to me. There was a lot of telling instead of showing. The storyline was super predictable, and the motivations are juvenile. This is only my opinion, and I am possibly in the minor given that Ms Kavanagh is a prolific writer.
August 1, 2023
An entertaining story that could have been shorter. This one was recommended to me, and while I like reading out of my comfort zone this one was a little unexpectedly violent. I think everyone in this story needs to toughen up a bit. But the twists were exciting, I just wish they had been a bit more scattered throughout—rather than everything exciting (and surprisingly lacking in detail) in the last 20 pages.
December 17, 2023
i love this book with my whole heart, ive read it multiple times and it never ceases to wow me. the double plot twist at the end had me gobsmacked because it was so unexpected. i love how two completely different stories unfold and eventually intertwine with each other. i usually read books that are about romance and relationships, so reading a thriller novel made a good change, and to say I was not disappointed would be an understatement. recommend!!
October 29, 2018
I really struggled with this book.
The concept was good, the execution not so much.
How it was written came across as amateur, as if it hadn't been edited in the correct way. Sentences were far too simple, the characters although adults came across as child like.
It's not a story that I'd want to read again and it doesn't have me reaching for more of the authors works.
The concept was good, the execution not so much.
How it was written came across as amateur, as if it hadn't been edited in the correct way. Sentences were far too simple, the characters although adults came across as child like.
It's not a story that I'd want to read again and it doesn't have me reaching for more of the authors works.
January 10, 2021
Warning spoiler alert
I loved this book, was going to give it 5 stars, until the last chapter what in the hell happened there. The so called hero is basically a predator. Who in the hell would be up for sex and playing happy ever after when a shit load of drama happened to her. Hes basically praying on her at one of her lowest points. Just such an awful ending. 😢😢 but definitely still worth the read. 📖🤓
I loved this book, was going to give it 5 stars, until the last chapter what in the hell happened there. The so called hero is basically a predator. Who in the hell would be up for sex and playing happy ever after when a shit load of drama happened to her. Hes basically praying on her at one of her lowest points. Just such an awful ending. 😢😢 but definitely still worth the read. 📖🤓
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2017
The book starts slow but if you push through you'll be rewarded with a jaw on the floor ending.
February 24, 2019
Brilliant book I couldn’t put it down kept me reading from start to end
September 7, 2020
Gritty read with a great twist !!
January 20, 2021
Nice holiday read. Nice twist at the end. 😀
July 18, 2021
Great quick easy read...
March 28, 2022
A slow start but couldn't put it down by the end.
May 25, 2023
Couldn't stand the writing. Felt like I had found a story I wrote in school. DNF at chapter 5
September 8, 2014
A story that starts out or seems to start out as a wedding in the present and a simple love affair in the past turns into something quite unexpected. A mystery, a stalker and tragedy, and all these events are linked in a way the reader doesn't realise in the beginning. Nothing is quite what it seems and to understand the future you have to comprehend the events of the past.
Kavanagh presents two stories being told simultaneously. The story of Laura in the present and that of Ellie in the past. Ellie is the mistress of a wealthy businessman, his so-called secret wife. He has promised her the moon, stars and a life together. Instead all she gets is life full of lies. The actions between the two of them have repercussions that reach far into the future.
Laura is wealthy heiress with really poor choice in men. Her brand new husband is bully, a misogynist and tends to make a point of hurting her at every opportunity. Unfortunately Laura decided to ignore the advice of her best friend Kerry and marry him anyway.
Kerry and Laura have been friends for their entire lifetime. As close as sisters, and yet Laura still chooses not to heed the words of her friend. The result is catastrophic.
It was quite interesting to see this story evolve from a romantic dalliance to domestic abuse and then into something completely different. A tale of betrayal suspense, misery and rejection with an unexpected twist at the end.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Harlequin UK and MIRA UK.
Kavanagh presents two stories being told simultaneously. The story of Laura in the present and that of Ellie in the past. Ellie is the mistress of a wealthy businessman, his so-called secret wife. He has promised her the moon, stars and a life together. Instead all she gets is life full of lies. The actions between the two of them have repercussions that reach far into the future.
Laura is wealthy heiress with really poor choice in men. Her brand new husband is bully, a misogynist and tends to make a point of hurting her at every opportunity. Unfortunately Laura decided to ignore the advice of her best friend Kerry and marry him anyway.
Kerry and Laura have been friends for their entire lifetime. As close as sisters, and yet Laura still chooses not to heed the words of her friend. The result is catastrophic.
It was quite interesting to see this story evolve from a romantic dalliance to domestic abuse and then into something completely different. A tale of betrayal suspense, misery and rejection with an unexpected twist at the end.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Harlequin UK and MIRA UK.
September 12, 2014
* 3.5 stars
This is the first book I have read by Irish contemporary women’s fiction Author Linda Kavanagh. It is an on the edge of your seat type suspense read and once you open the book you don’t want to stop reading until the end, due to the short, sharp chapter style structure . It is about Laura, the main character, who is an orphan heiress and university lecturer. Laura has fallen in love with a charming man, called Jeff and they marry hastily. Soon into the marriage, Laura experiences Jeff’s true nature, he is abusive and volatile, and as a result, she decides to end their ill fated marriage. With the support of her best friend Kerry, Laura tries to pick up the pieces of her life and move on, but Jeff refuses to do so. Life becomes dangerous and complicated for Laura as she tries to escape the tight grip Jeff has over her. Running concurrently to Laura’s story is a story set in the past about a woman named Ellie. Ellie is a lonely widower who begins an illicit affair with a married local businessman Alan. Ellie and Alan’s union produces some good twists to the novel and as their relationship unfolds, little do they both realise that their decisions will have devastating far reaching outcomes. This book was deceiving in a good way for me, initially it began as a chick lit style novel but as I delved deeper into this tale, I was rewarded with a detailed plot that had me guessing about the character’s motivations right up to the conclusion of the novel. A talented suspense writer, I look forward to discovering more books by Linda Kavanagh.
This is the first book I have read by Irish contemporary women’s fiction Author Linda Kavanagh. It is an on the edge of your seat type suspense read and once you open the book you don’t want to stop reading until the end, due to the short, sharp chapter style structure . It is about Laura, the main character, who is an orphan heiress and university lecturer. Laura has fallen in love with a charming man, called Jeff and they marry hastily. Soon into the marriage, Laura experiences Jeff’s true nature, he is abusive and volatile, and as a result, she decides to end their ill fated marriage. With the support of her best friend Kerry, Laura tries to pick up the pieces of her life and move on, but Jeff refuses to do so. Life becomes dangerous and complicated for Laura as she tries to escape the tight grip Jeff has over her. Running concurrently to Laura’s story is a story set in the past about a woman named Ellie. Ellie is a lonely widower who begins an illicit affair with a married local businessman Alan. Ellie and Alan’s union produces some good twists to the novel and as their relationship unfolds, little do they both realise that their decisions will have devastating far reaching outcomes. This book was deceiving in a good way for me, initially it began as a chick lit style novel but as I delved deeper into this tale, I was rewarded with a detailed plot that had me guessing about the character’s motivations right up to the conclusion of the novel. A talented suspense writer, I look forward to discovering more books by Linda Kavanagh.
May 25, 2014
Oh to be a secret wife I don't think so, what women do for the man they love or suppose they love knows no bounds, what a man is capable of doing is just as bad, I read this book while in Hospital out of boredom to begin with but I soon became enthralled in the story and was reading it at speed to find out what happened next. I was so enthralled in the story that It took me until the final few chapters to piece the twist of it together and to see what a woman is capable of doing for love.
I was disappointed when I came to the end of this book that I had never heard of this amazing author who had captured my mind for a few days and at that moment chose to embark on a quest to read more of her books, This book is a true page turner read it and weep, laugh and get angry at times but read it
I was disappointed when I came to the end of this book that I had never heard of this amazing author who had captured my mind for a few days and at that moment chose to embark on a quest to read more of her books, This book is a true page turner read it and weep, laugh and get angry at times but read it
December 27, 2014
I love Linda Kavanagh books as there is always a twist very near the end of her books, which I can never predict. As I expect one, I try to be one step ahead, but never am! This one is no different. But...
There are 2 stories being told in 'The Secret Wife' in alternate chapters, which eventually become one.
The book is a page turner. But the twist occurs all of a sudden 40 pages from the end of the book. There is no lead up and I was left wondering had I misread or skipped a page?
So the book ends very abruptly. It's as if the author wanted to finish the book quickly. Because of the abrupt ending, I'm only giving this book 4 stars.
A super read. Thanks Linda Kavanagh. Looking forward to her next book.
There are 2 stories being told in 'The Secret Wife' in alternate chapters, which eventually become one.
The book is a page turner. But the twist occurs all of a sudden 40 pages from the end of the book. There is no lead up and I was left wondering had I misread or skipped a page?
So the book ends very abruptly. It's as if the author wanted to finish the book quickly. Because of the abrupt ending, I'm only giving this book 4 stars.
A super read. Thanks Linda Kavanagh. Looking forward to her next book.
March 16, 2015
Totally loved this book 10/10 best book I have read in a while
Laura Thornton marries Jeff the man of her dreams. Her best friend Kerry doesn't like Jeff and all of Laura's work friend don't like Jeff either. It seems that behind closed doors Jeff is not the husband Laura thought he was going to be. Two stories are interwoven throughout that eventually the story meets up in unexpected ways. The Secret Wife is full of suspense being very dark brutal. I just could not put this book down. I highly recommend it to readers who like reading a novel full of tension and suspense.
September 7, 2014
A clever premise, but unbelievable that in their tiny town nobody guessed about the factory owner dad. The fact that Ellie was kept and basically did nothing for decades made her a poor character and a poor role model for her daughter. And the weird guy lurking in the bushes? What a creepy family. I was glad to see Laura triumph.
February 23, 2015
A frustrating read, there was limited sophistication to the writing, it was repetitive and, while not hard to read, hard to believe. The child protagonists' thoughts/abilities were unbelievable at a few points and it all entwines too perfectly, making it a little cringe-worthy.
The twist was interesting, but at the end of the day, a little too justified and fanciful.
The twist was interesting, but at the end of the day, a little too justified and fanciful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews