Tuesday, February 26, 2013

The Comfort of Lies, Randy Susan Meyers ~ Book review

reading, read with me, fiction, books, book review, I recommend


The Comfort of Lies is quite possibly one of the best books I've read in a while. Certainly tops the list for this year so far. (Affiliate links throughout this post!)

I know that's a pretty big intro for this review, but I really enjoyed it and figured I'd let you know that straight off the bat so you'll stick around and read more. 

The story covers the lives of three women. 

But it's so far from the typical storyline you're expecting after you read that sentence. 

You're thinking they're three 20-somethings who have been trying to find their way, the perfect job and the love of their lives? 

Or, if you know me better than most, you know I kind of outgrew those reads a while ago. 

So maybe you're expecting three 30-40-somethings who are married, struggling with their kids and families, balancing it all and figuring out if they want to stay in their marriages.

Nope. Not that, either. 

It's a mix. A perfect mix. The balance of a woman named Tia who we meet straight away. Tia who fell in love with an older man. An older, married man. Who said he loved her back. 

Do we believe him? It doesn't take more than a page or two, or our reader's instincts to kick in, before we're sure we don't. 

We might hate him, even. But we're not sure yet. 

And Juliette. His wife. 

Do we hate her? (Sometimes.) Feel for her? (Absolutely) Love her? (Not sure yet.) Find her cunning? (YES.) Sneaky? (A little.) Manipulative? (No, even though she kind of is. She's been hurt too badly for us to feel this way, no? But wait ...)

There's a third woman. Caroline. 

Caroline is professional. Put together. A mother. But not a good one. Or is she? We're not sure yet. We SO want her to be. We want her to be as good a mom to her baby as her husband is a dad. 

If you haven't guessed yet there is a part of me that doesn't really want to tell you what connects these women. 

It's not actually the MAN. Well, it kind of is. But it isn't. 

It's the baby.

Caroline's baby. Tia's baby. Juliette's husband's baby. 

Are you still with me? 

Nathan (the supposed scuzz-bucket) had an affair with Tia. She got pregnant. She gave her baby up for adoption. To Caroline. Juliette finds out. It's not a big, exciting, secretive reveal. It's a given if you read inside the book jacket. The story progresses from there. 

Honestly, bits and pieces come together before then, but I don't want to tell you when it all falls into place. Because I want you to read it for yourself. Seriously. 

I know I often suggest this, and I always mean it, but when I'm SERIOUS I let you know. And right now I am. I think it's a great read. An engrossing story that the author unravels in a way that has us identifying with each woman, and gives us their life stories, connections, friends, colleagues, men, children, husbands, parents, in-laws and more. 

It's completely worth the read. I promise. And if you're local and want to borrow my copy? Let me know. I'm all about being your library. But of course, if you know me, you know that already, too!


* I received a copy of this book from TLC book tours to facilitate my review. All expressed opinions are completely my own. I loved this book. Honest to goodness really enjoyed it. So there. *


6 comments:

  1. Best book you have read in a while? I'm there!

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  2. Thanks so much for your words--they mean so much to me. Warmest, Randy Susan Meyers

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  3. Okay...after reading your first two sentences I went straight to Amazon and bought the book for my Kindle. You don't have to tell me twice! BAM!

    Loved your review, as always. You managed to give me a taste of what I have in store without spoiling the plot! Fantastic!! --Lisa

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  4. Wow! That's some recommendation.Is it a tough read?

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  5. I'm SO glad that this book was such a hit with you. So many people are saying similar things - I'll definitely have to get my hands on a copy!

    Thanks for being on the tour.

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  6. Thanks for recommending such a thoughtful book! I enjoyed it so much I read the whole thing in less than two days. I love books where you continue to think about the story, characters, and themes long after you put the book down- and this is definitely one of those.

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