A Familiar Stranger by A.R. Torre

[Trisha]

Such a quiet and ordinary wife and mother. Who will even notice what she’s done?

Lillian Smith leads an unexceptional life, writing obituaries and killing time with her inattentive husband and disconnected son. Then she meets David, a handsome stranger, in a coffee shop. Lured into an affair, she invents a new persona, one without strings, deadlines, or brooding husbands.

Lillian has never felt so reckless, unpredictable, or wanted. But as her affair with David intensifies, she withdraws from everything that’s real, even her closest friend. When evidence of her life as a secret lover finds its way onto her son’s social media, she risks ruining much more than her marriage or reputation.

As lies beget lies, Lillian’s two worlds spiral dangerously out of control. And betrayals run deeper than she imagines. Because Lillian isn’t the only one leading a double life.

[Trisha]

We're planning to start Tuesday, 9/13 for anyone who would like to join!

[Trisha]

Through Chapter 20

Wow! (view spoiler)[ that's a lot of downward spiral for one. . .week. hubby - cheating. loss of job. I do like her friend, Sam, though. he seems like a good one! Her job sounded interesting - at least she liked it! but her twitter! lol how morbid!!

the POV from her hubby are a little. . .creepy right? that crap about him winning? Gross. I wonder what he's really doing and why

and I wonder - who's death are we tracking? I was reading at a coffee shop earlier and wondered if I'd missed who died. Is it just her? She starts over without hubby and son? (hide spoiler)]

I'm super intrigued to see where this is going

[Trisha]

Through Chapter 40

(view spoiler)[ Mike just seems weird. why does it seem like he's manipulating everything in their lives. He's acting like he is a spy or some other secretive thing but I can't help but think he's just gross lol

and yeah, Lillian is definitely spiraling. She does an awful lot of drinking and inconsistent with her meds. I can't help but wonder if this is also Mike's doing. Has he spent their 20 years together making her unstable and off kilter and gaslit so she felt lonely, depressed and axiety prone? I'm a little nervous about Sam too! He was a bit quick with those meds. Is he not actually a good friend but someone to help "watch" over Lillian for Mike??

lol can you tell I don't like him?
also, we're almost to whoever dies! Yikes! (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

60 chapters

well well well (view spoiler)[ so um. . .yeah, SHE died. holy moly! So thinknig David was actually. . .from Mike's stupid stuff? like trying to get information from Lillian even though she had no idea what Mike was doing

and SAM!!! UGH! He had me fooled. I was completely sure he was a pretty good friend. but to be the one her husband was having an affair with?!?! GRR! What a jerk

so now we have to wonder - where IS this box. someone stold her purse while she slept at the cemetary. Did it really get stolen? or is it sitting somewhere around the cemetary

I'm really liking Lenny more. I wonder what he will find out (hide spoiler)]

what a turn this has taken!!

[Trisha]

and I'm done!

(view spoiler)[ oooh man I was ready to rage! I'm so glad that Sam didn't get away with it
and I'm glad Mike got out of the bad situation he'd put himself in
and that Jacob made it out alive.

so glad for Lenny too. I'm so sad he's sad but I love that he's left with probably getting a desk job out of all this (hide spoiler)]

[Chelsea]

Thank you so much for adding this thread Trisha! I apologize for the delay; my little 3 month old has been under the weather this week and I haven't slept a wink. Starting this today!

[Tasha]

I'm sorry to hear that, Chelsea. It's so hard when they are little and sick. I hope your little one feels better soon and maybe, just maybe you can then get some sleep. I'm a mom (to older kids now) so I know exactly what you mean!

[Kristie]

Hope your little one feels better quickly, Chelsea! And you can get some rest too.

[Trisha]

oh, no worries Chelsea!! I hope you get some sleep soon and that the little one is feeling better!

I hope you like this one!

[Chelsea]

Ok Trisha I agree with all your thoughts above! I finished today and my head is still spinning. Will have to think on it a bit but I believe I'm going with a three star rating at least.

[Trisha]

YAY! I'm so glad you liked it too!!

it had a lot of twists and one big one I didn't see coming! and we have the same rating! I completely agree with the 3 stars!