Propulsive.  Unexpected.  

This is my favorite kind of read.  I love to be pushed out of my comfort zone and to have any preconceived notions challenged.  And this book... it’s full of complexity and scandal and things I generally say no to without even batting an eye.  

And yet, Hall reminded me that gray areas are always worth unpacking.  Because when the layers get peeled back, there’s almost always more commonality than difference.  

With richly crafted characters full of flaws and dimensionality, Hall lured me into this genre defying tale.  The mystery was fed in equal parts by the family drama and a love triangle, and the messiness of it all was utterly spellbinding.   

But more than anything else, this book made me feel in DEEP and impactful ways.  Love and heartbreak.  Trauma and grief.  Sacrifice.  Forgiveness.  Redemption.  I found myself so immensely invested.  It was a raw and honest look at relationships that broke me and then stitched me back together with hope.  

And the ending... beautiful, breathtaking, and deeply satisfying. 

It’s obvious that Halle is a seasoned writer even though this is her first publication in the United States, and I’m eager to read more by her!

🎧The narration by Hattie Morahan breathed life into this narrative.  Her lovely accent readily immersed me into this cozy British setting and immediately encapsulated Beth’s voice.  She also well embodied the emotion of the read accentuating both the tenderness and tension of the plot.  A truly fabulous audiobook production!  (And I’ll be looking for other books narrated by Hattie!)

Many thanks to my friends at @simonbooks and @simon.audio for the free #gifted copies of this book.  #simonbooksbuddy #partner