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Husbands & Lovers
Win a free print copy of this book!
7 days and 09:58:11
24 copies available
U.S. only
Two women—separated by decades and continents, and united by a mysterious family heirloom—discover second chances at love in this sweeping novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Summer Wives.
A sprawling and exciting new novel from Beatriz Williams, the acclaimed author of A Hundred Summers and The Summer Wives.
A sprawling and exciting new novel from Beatriz Williams, the acclaimed author of A Hundred Summers and The Summer Wives.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published June 25, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,317 reviews
July 18, 2024
I was blown away as soon as I got my hands on this highly anticipated historical fiction romance meets women’s fiction by Beatriz Williams. Who am I kidding? Every time she releases a new book, I dance with joy and make sure to carve out enough time to immerse myself fully in the remarkable journeys with her memorable characters until my eyes can't stay open (I have a rule to finish her books in one sitting, but due to the length of the text, sometimes it becomes more challenging than I can endure).
Anyway, if you ask me if I enjoyed this ride, I can enthusiastically scream “yes”, especially because the parts featuring Mallory resonated with me so intensely. I loved her character development: her endurance, tough, witty demeanor, her connection and devotion to her son Sam, and when I read about her past, uncovering the big mystery that forces her to keep secrets, I loved her even more. Her unfinished love story with Monk broke my heart.
Now, let’s talk more about the plot: there are two (actually three) timelines, and even though they center on Mallory Dunne and Hannah Ainsworth’s narratives, we also get limited perspectives from their lovers’ voices, which piqued my interest because I enjoyed seeing how these incredible women changed the course of the men’s lives and made them simmer in love.
The story begins in New England in 2022, where Mallory Dunne, a single mom barely making ends meet to take care of her 10-year-old son Sam, receives terrible news that pushes her to drive three hours to the hospital where Sam has been airlifted after being poisoned by toxic mushrooms at his summer camp. His condition requires a kidney transplant, and unfortunately, both Mallory and her sister Paige are not suitable donors. Their estranged father is not an option she wants to consider. And of course, she has no intention of asking the father of her child, the famous songwriter Monk Adams, whom she hasn’t seen since 2008 due to tragic events that separated them. Unfortunately, Monk is about to marry a famous influencer, so there’s no way she can face him, even for the sake of their child he never met.
But there’s one more lead that Mallory can follow. She discovers her mother was adopted, which means there might be relatives she never met who could help her as potential donors, leading her story to intersect with another timeline: Cairo, 1951.
In Cairo, we're introduced to Hannah Ainsworth: a Hungarian refugee still suffering from the aftereffects of the tragedy she endured during the war, married to a respectable British diplomat. Her husband's health condition leads him to an office job in Cairo, where Hannah is bitten by a snake and saved by the charismatic hotel manager Lucien Beck. This encounter changes her life forever, as a passionate forbidden relationship puts Hannah between two men and forces her to make a decision between two different life paths. As soon as she discovers she’s expecting, the choice she has to make becomes even more imminent and crucial.
Overall, I love both timelines and the well-developed characterization, but you may guess I rooted for Mallory & Monk’s story that takes place between 2008 and 2022, as it engaged me a little more. Take your napkins with you when you start reading this book to savor the emotional ride fully. Definitely one of the best historical fiction and women’s fiction of the year that you shouldn’t miss; it highly deserved my shiny five stars!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for sharing this remarkable book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
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Anyway, if you ask me if I enjoyed this ride, I can enthusiastically scream “yes”, especially because the parts featuring Mallory resonated with me so intensely. I loved her character development: her endurance, tough, witty demeanor, her connection and devotion to her son Sam, and when I read about her past, uncovering the big mystery that forces her to keep secrets, I loved her even more. Her unfinished love story with Monk broke my heart.
Now, let’s talk more about the plot: there are two (actually three) timelines, and even though they center on Mallory Dunne and Hannah Ainsworth’s narratives, we also get limited perspectives from their lovers’ voices, which piqued my interest because I enjoyed seeing how these incredible women changed the course of the men’s lives and made them simmer in love.
The story begins in New England in 2022, where Mallory Dunne, a single mom barely making ends meet to take care of her 10-year-old son Sam, receives terrible news that pushes her to drive three hours to the hospital where Sam has been airlifted after being poisoned by toxic mushrooms at his summer camp. His condition requires a kidney transplant, and unfortunately, both Mallory and her sister Paige are not suitable donors. Their estranged father is not an option she wants to consider. And of course, she has no intention of asking the father of her child, the famous songwriter Monk Adams, whom she hasn’t seen since 2008 due to tragic events that separated them. Unfortunately, Monk is about to marry a famous influencer, so there’s no way she can face him, even for the sake of their child he never met.
But there’s one more lead that Mallory can follow. She discovers her mother was adopted, which means there might be relatives she never met who could help her as potential donors, leading her story to intersect with another timeline: Cairo, 1951.
In Cairo, we're introduced to Hannah Ainsworth: a Hungarian refugee still suffering from the aftereffects of the tragedy she endured during the war, married to a respectable British diplomat. Her husband's health condition leads him to an office job in Cairo, where Hannah is bitten by a snake and saved by the charismatic hotel manager Lucien Beck. This encounter changes her life forever, as a passionate forbidden relationship puts Hannah between two men and forces her to make a decision between two different life paths. As soon as she discovers she’s expecting, the choice she has to make becomes even more imminent and crucial.
Overall, I love both timelines and the well-developed characterization, but you may guess I rooted for Mallory & Monk’s story that takes place between 2008 and 2022, as it engaged me a little more. Take your napkins with you when you start reading this book to savor the emotional ride fully. Definitely one of the best historical fiction and women’s fiction of the year that you shouldn’t miss; it highly deserved my shiny five stars!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for sharing this remarkable book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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April 21, 2024
Beatriz Williams never disappoints! Two women in two different eras, struggling to rebuild their lives: a WWII-scarred Hungarian ex-countess now trying to adapt to life as wife to a British diplomat, a modern-day artist molding her every day around a son with damaged kidneys and little hope of a transplant. Both women are linked by mysterious lovers and an even more mysterious family heirloom that ties 21st century New England to postwar Cairo. Sensitive, thought-provoking, romantic, and entertaining.
June 13, 2024
Husbands and Lovers, by Beatriz Williams
Expected Publication: June 25, 2024
4.5 Stars
--- Update June 12th, 2024 ---
I wanted to share my other draft of this review. I know it's coming out soon, so I've updated it. My final draft and original review is below this one.
What a phenomenal book! It was thoroughly captivating, and it tugged on me on so many levels. I love moving historical fiction, and I love books that look at love and identity with a very honest lens, and this book has both. This novel had me totally enthralled!
There's much to love about this book. Here's some of what you get: two incredibly clever protagonists; British colonial Egypt; that devilishly handsome boy, who you had that summer fling with, turned into an international music sensation; cobras; clueless New Englanders; mushrooms; yes, a bit of sex (maybe more than a bit); aunts who really lived it up back in the seventies, and more! These are some of the shiny things that drew me into a very enjoyable and sophisticated story.
Regarding the plot, this story is set during three timelines. Hannah in 1950's Cairo, and her granddaughter, Mallory, set around 2008 during her college years and then set in 2022. Hannah is a Hungarian refugee who finds herself marrying a British diplomat, many years her senior, and they find themselves in British colonial Egypt. This is where Hannah meets Lucien Beck, and they become lovers.
In Mallory's college timeline, she falls in love with Monk Adams while working on Winthrop island for the summer. They're are SO in love with each other. It's beautiful.
Then in the 2022 timelines, Mallory and Monk have split for some terrible reason. Monk becomes a celebrity through his music. In this timeline, Mallory and Monk have had a son, but Mallory raises him alone. He needs a kidney transplant. Mallory and her sister Paige also learn that their mother is adopted, and they search for their family roots.
The book had a writing style that had me often savoring every word, every metaphor. It's just so skillfully and evocatively written. Scenes in the plot were so beautifully rendered, from the "this is awesome!" moments to the "did that just happen?!?" moments. This is a wonderful historical novel with vibrant characters you find yourself loving and despising, often at the same time.
Among many topics, the story examines interactions among different classes of society. Colonialism in Egypt features prominently as well. There's some difficult topics here as well, and they are heartbreaking. No one can truly understand what horrific things happened to them unless they went through it themselves.
Ultimately, traveling through this novel was transformative for me. It wasn't flawless - there seemed to be minor narrative elements that didn't add up, or maybe I just missed something a few times. I don't know. But these flaws are overwhelmingly outweighed by the novel's profound emotional impact, intriguing plot and its courage to look honestly at the value and deep humanity of a physical connection of two people.
This book is among one of my top reads this year, and I absolutely recommend it!
I received this ARC from NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
--------
ORIGINAL REVIEW
Husbands and Lovers is a deeply moving novel that earns 4.5 stars, rounded up. This historical fiction captivates with its honest exploration of love and identity, drawing readers into an enthralling story.
The book features two clever protagonists and spans three timelines: the 1950s in Cairo with Hannah, the 2008 college years of her granddaughter Mallory, and their lives in 2022. Hannah, a Hungarian refugee married to a British diplomat in colonial Egypt, meets Lucien Beck and becomes his lover. In 2008, Mallory falls in love with Monk Adams during a summer job on Winthrop Island. By 2022, Mallory and Monk are separated, but their son needs a kidney transplant. Mallory also discovers her mother was adopted and sets out to trace their family roots.
Williams masterfully crafts scenes that range from thrilling to shocking, with characters you can't help but both love and despise. Her vivid writing style makes every word and metaphor worth savoring. The book tackles difficult topics like colonialism and social class divisions while portraying the profound emotional impact of a physical connection between two people.
Despite minor narrative inconsistencies, Husbands and Lovers is transformative in its emotional resonance and compelling plot. It courageously delves into the value of human connection, leaving a lasting impression that warrants an enthusiastic recommendation.
4.5 Stars
Criteria: This rating is for books that are compelling, thought-provoking, and well-executed across the board. These books offer deep character development, an engaging plot, and a memorable writing style. They might introduce innovative ideas or explore themes in a way that resonates deeply. While not flawless, a book with this rating is one I would eagerly recommend and reflects a high level of enjoyment and appreciation.
Disclaimer:
I received this ARC from NetGalley, and all opinions are my own.
Expected Publication: June 25, 2024
4.5 Stars
--- Update June 12th, 2024 ---
I wanted to share my other draft of this review. I know it's coming out soon, so I've updated it. My final draft and original review is below this one.
What a phenomenal book! It was thoroughly captivating, and it tugged on me on so many levels. I love moving historical fiction, and I love books that look at love and identity with a very honest lens, and this book has both. This novel had me totally enthralled!
There's much to love about this book. Here's some of what you get: two incredibly clever protagonists; British colonial Egypt; that devilishly handsome boy, who you had that summer fling with, turned into an international music sensation; cobras; clueless New Englanders; mushrooms; yes, a bit of sex (maybe more than a bit); aunts who really lived it up back in the seventies, and more! These are some of the shiny things that drew me into a very enjoyable and sophisticated story.
Regarding the plot, this story is set during three timelines. Hannah in 1950's Cairo, and her granddaughter, Mallory, set around 2008 during her college years and then set in 2022. Hannah is a Hungarian refugee who finds herself marrying a British diplomat, many years her senior, and they find themselves in British colonial Egypt. This is where Hannah meets Lucien Beck, and they become lovers.
In Mallory's college timeline, she falls in love with Monk Adams while working on Winthrop island for the summer. They're are SO in love with each other. It's beautiful.
Then in the 2022 timelines, Mallory and Monk have split for some terrible reason. Monk becomes a celebrity through his music. In this timeline, Mallory and Monk have had a son, but Mallory raises him alone. He needs a kidney transplant. Mallory and her sister Paige also learn that their mother is adopted, and they search for their family roots.
The book had a writing style that had me often savoring every word, every metaphor. It's just so skillfully and evocatively written. Scenes in the plot were so beautifully rendered, from the "this is awesome!" moments to the "did that just happen?!?" moments. This is a wonderful historical novel with vibrant characters you find yourself loving and despising, often at the same time.
Among many topics, the story examines interactions among different classes of society. Colonialism in Egypt features prominently as well. There's some difficult topics here as well, and they are heartbreaking. No one can truly understand what horrific things happened to them unless they went through it themselves.
Ultimately, traveling through this novel was transformative for me. It wasn't flawless - there seemed to be minor narrative elements that didn't add up, or maybe I just missed something a few times. I don't know. But these flaws are overwhelmingly outweighed by the novel's profound emotional impact, intriguing plot and its courage to look honestly at the value and deep humanity of a physical connection of two people.
This book is among one of my top reads this year, and I absolutely recommend it!
I received this ARC from NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
--------
ORIGINAL REVIEW
Husbands and Lovers is a deeply moving novel that earns 4.5 stars, rounded up. This historical fiction captivates with its honest exploration of love and identity, drawing readers into an enthralling story.
The book features two clever protagonists and spans three timelines: the 1950s in Cairo with Hannah, the 2008 college years of her granddaughter Mallory, and their lives in 2022. Hannah, a Hungarian refugee married to a British diplomat in colonial Egypt, meets Lucien Beck and becomes his lover. In 2008, Mallory falls in love with Monk Adams during a summer job on Winthrop Island. By 2022, Mallory and Monk are separated, but their son needs a kidney transplant. Mallory also discovers her mother was adopted and sets out to trace their family roots.
Williams masterfully crafts scenes that range from thrilling to shocking, with characters you can't help but both love and despise. Her vivid writing style makes every word and metaphor worth savoring. The book tackles difficult topics like colonialism and social class divisions while portraying the profound emotional impact of a physical connection between two people.
Despite minor narrative inconsistencies, Husbands and Lovers is transformative in its emotional resonance and compelling plot. It courageously delves into the value of human connection, leaving a lasting impression that warrants an enthusiastic recommendation.
4.5 Stars
Criteria: This rating is for books that are compelling, thought-provoking, and well-executed across the board. These books offer deep character development, an engaging plot, and a memorable writing style. They might introduce innovative ideas or explore themes in a way that resonates deeply. While not flawless, a book with this rating is one I would eagerly recommend and reflects a high level of enjoyment and appreciation.
Disclaimer:
I received this ARC from NetGalley, and all opinions are my own.
June 27, 2024
"Husbands & Lovers" totally took me on a wild ride! I mean, we're talking about New England vibes mixed with Egyptian intrigue — how cool is that?
First off, Mallory and Hannah are like the coolest heroines ever. Yeah, sure, they make some questionable choices at first, but as you dig deeper into their stories, everything starts to make sense. And let's not forget about the settings! From the beaches of New England to the streets of Cairo, I was totally hooked on the vivid imagery.
The romance between Mallory and Monk is both enchanting and heartrending, their connection palpable even across the years. Meanwhile, Hannah's story is equally mesmerizing, filled with passion and sacrifice in equal measure. I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns in both narratives, kept guessing until the very end.
The whole book is packed with family secrets and unexpected twists that had me guessing until the very end. And can we talk about how it tackles deep stuff like heartbreak, redemption, and betrayal? So. Good.
Honestly, "Husbands & Lovers" is a must-read. It's got everything — romance, mystery, drama — all wrapped up in a super addictive package. I'm definitely gonna be checking out more of Beatriz Williams's stuff after this!
First off, Mallory and Hannah are like the coolest heroines ever. Yeah, sure, they make some questionable choices at first, but as you dig deeper into their stories, everything starts to make sense. And let's not forget about the settings! From the beaches of New England to the streets of Cairo, I was totally hooked on the vivid imagery.
The romance between Mallory and Monk is both enchanting and heartrending, their connection palpable even across the years. Meanwhile, Hannah's story is equally mesmerizing, filled with passion and sacrifice in equal measure. I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns in both narratives, kept guessing until the very end.
The whole book is packed with family secrets and unexpected twists that had me guessing until the very end. And can we talk about how it tackles deep stuff like heartbreak, redemption, and betrayal? So. Good.
Honestly, "Husbands & Lovers" is a must-read. It's got everything — romance, mystery, drama — all wrapped up in a super addictive package. I'm definitely gonna be checking out more of Beatriz Williams's stuff after this!
June 25, 2024
Now Available
Beatriz Williams is one of my favorite authors. I have read many of her books. I just knew I was going to love this book.
This book is an amazing story of two women 70 years apart, who paths are woven together united by an heirloom.
Mallory is a single Mom who spent her youth one summer on Winthrop Island. Mallory and Monk were teenage lovers. They hadn’t seen each other for 14 years.
A tragic event tore them apart. Mallory and Monk meet again.
Egypt 1952 Hannah is a Hungarian refugee married to a British diplomat. Hannah’s story is not a happy one as we learn of her life during World War II and then in Cairo living a loveless marriage.
The two stories are beautifully woven together by remarkable bracelet. Mallory discovers that she was adopted, and that the bracelet that her mother left her has ties to Egypt.
This was a captivating story. A real page turner. I couldn’t put it down
I was very fortunate to receive this advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Random House -Ballantine Books.
Highly recommended.
Beatriz Williams is one of my favorite authors. I have read many of her books. I just knew I was going to love this book.
This book is an amazing story of two women 70 years apart, who paths are woven together united by an heirloom.
Mallory is a single Mom who spent her youth one summer on Winthrop Island. Mallory and Monk were teenage lovers. They hadn’t seen each other for 14 years.
A tragic event tore them apart. Mallory and Monk meet again.
Egypt 1952 Hannah is a Hungarian refugee married to a British diplomat. Hannah’s story is not a happy one as we learn of her life during World War II and then in Cairo living a loveless marriage.
The two stories are beautifully woven together by remarkable bracelet. Mallory discovers that she was adopted, and that the bracelet that her mother left her has ties to Egypt.
This was a captivating story. A real page turner. I couldn’t put it down
I was very fortunate to receive this advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Random House -Ballantine Books.
Highly recommended.
July 20, 2024
I love when you finish a book feeling smarter, heartened, and enriched. For a second, the author had me believing the ending was going to be different from what I originally expected. I’m so glad it wasn’t. There are three timelines presented in the novel: 1951, 2008, and 2022. The two main characters are connected by a mysterious bracelet: a cuff of the Egyptian cobra with glittering eyes and tongue. What makes this bracelet so special? Williams weaves in a little bit of every genre—historical fiction, second chance romance, mystery, and family drama, to name a few. If you’re already a Williams fan, you might recognize some of the characters, too. An absolutely perfect summer read that will transport you to the Cape, Mystic, CT, and even beyond to Cairo, Egypt.
December 3, 2023
This was one of my top reads this year! An amazing novel set in two different time periods. The first story follows Mallory, who is a single mom, whose son is ill and in need of a kidney transplant. The other story follows Hannah who is in Egypt during the 1950s while stuck in a loveless marriage during a tumultuous time in Egypt's history. Both women are strong but have huge obstacles to overcome including whether to follow their heart or not.
I cannot recommend this book enough. I find myself still thinking about it. I really hope that there might be a follow up book as I don't want to stop reading about these characters. There was so much to love in this book. The settings, one in New England and the other in Egypt were fascinating to read about and transported me from one continent to the next. As well as what they both went through and how they were able to over come so much. I also loved the way the book was written. As soon as I finished a chapter I wanted to read more. This is a fantastic book and I look forward to reading more by Beatriz Williams.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and Random House for allowing me to read this ARC. I am so grateful as this was a fantastic read!
I cannot recommend this book enough. I find myself still thinking about it. I really hope that there might be a follow up book as I don't want to stop reading about these characters. There was so much to love in this book. The settings, one in New England and the other in Egypt were fascinating to read about and transported me from one continent to the next. As well as what they both went through and how they were able to over come so much. I also loved the way the book was written. As soon as I finished a chapter I wanted to read more. This is a fantastic book and I look forward to reading more by Beatriz Williams.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and Random House for allowing me to read this ARC. I am so grateful as this was a fantastic read!
Want to read
April 2, 2024I DNFed Husbands & Lovers because I disliked the main heroine so much. She's an emotional hot mess, stubbornly allows her kid to suffer, and refuses to listen to anyone. I couldn't get past the first 20%.
**Thank you to Ballantine Books & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
**Thank you to Ballantine Books & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
June 25, 2024
Beatriz Williams is an author I really love. This book was Excellent. Had all the Elements of a Fantastic Book. It starts in Cairo, Egypt where Hannah Ainsworth is a bit of a mystery. She has just remarried to British Diplomat. Yet, that is not really a love affair. Hannah has lived through many things before this marriage and finds passion with another man while married. The book has Heat, but in the best way, there is passion, love, betrayal, and survival. Hannah has a rare bracelet that she hands down and it is a mystery to Mallory Dunne in 2022, what that bracelet means to her.
So, this is Beatriz Williams at her best. Mallory had fallen in love as a teenager with Monk Adams a decade ago on a beautiful island just off the coast of Providence, R I. There she finds wealth, deception, first love, and keeping secrets. Yet, 10 years later her son, Sam who needs a Kidney Transplant. She is back staying with her sister on the Island, but Monk is there. She can’t help but remember how passionately they felt for each other and how it all came crashing down. She is afraid to ever think about that time again.
Mallory is trying to figure out her life, which has her at the beautiful beach, but the story sweeps her back to Ireland and Egypt. She needs answers to understand herself and finally make decisions for her future.
You will love this one if you enjoy Historical Fiction, Elements of Spying, Intrigue, Wealthy Settings, and Ties that can Bind for a Lifetime. It’s one Great Book!
Thank you NetGalley, Beatriz Williams, and Ballentine Books. I always leave reviews of books I read.
So, this is Beatriz Williams at her best. Mallory had fallen in love as a teenager with Monk Adams a decade ago on a beautiful island just off the coast of Providence, R I. There she finds wealth, deception, first love, and keeping secrets. Yet, 10 years later her son, Sam who needs a Kidney Transplant. She is back staying with her sister on the Island, but Monk is there. She can’t help but remember how passionately they felt for each other and how it all came crashing down. She is afraid to ever think about that time again.
Mallory is trying to figure out her life, which has her at the beautiful beach, but the story sweeps her back to Ireland and Egypt. She needs answers to understand herself and finally make decisions for her future.
You will love this one if you enjoy Historical Fiction, Elements of Spying, Intrigue, Wealthy Settings, and Ties that can Bind for a Lifetime. It’s one Great Book!
Thank you NetGalley, Beatriz Williams, and Ballentine Books. I always leave reviews of books I read.
March 4, 2024
I have been a fan of Williams work for a long time. I anticipate every book she writes.
I loved how the chapters are broken down by decades timelines and continents and how the story all comes together.
We follow Mallory Dunne in New England in 2022 and Hannah Ainsworth In Cairo in 1951.
Mallory is a single mother with a 10-year-old son Sam who is fighting for his life. He ate a toxic mushroom and the father is not in the picture. This was Mallory’s choice, but life intervenes and the father Monk is able to meet Sam. I adored this story. Sometimes we meet people who make a difference in our lives and we learn something. Other times, timing is off. Can they find their way back to each other? Mallory’s sister Paige has been there for her and Sam and wants to best for them.
Hannah Ainsorth’s life has been complicated. She meets a powerful diplomat and gets married but she the marriage is strained. She meets Lucien Beck a hotel manager after she is bitten by a snake. Their relationship changes and Hannah must decide about her life. Unexpected challenges face them all.
I was completely invested in all of the characters. Williams always draws me in with her books. She has a unique way of telling a story and invites you in.
I loved how the chapters are broken down by decades timelines and continents and how the story all comes together.
We follow Mallory Dunne in New England in 2022 and Hannah Ainsworth In Cairo in 1951.
Mallory is a single mother with a 10-year-old son Sam who is fighting for his life. He ate a toxic mushroom and the father is not in the picture. This was Mallory’s choice, but life intervenes and the father Monk is able to meet Sam. I adored this story. Sometimes we meet people who make a difference in our lives and we learn something. Other times, timing is off. Can they find their way back to each other? Mallory’s sister Paige has been there for her and Sam and wants to best for them.
Hannah Ainsorth’s life has been complicated. She meets a powerful diplomat and gets married but she the marriage is strained. She meets Lucien Beck a hotel manager after she is bitten by a snake. Their relationship changes and Hannah must decide about her life. Unexpected challenges face them all.
I was completely invested in all of the characters. Williams always draws me in with her books. She has a unique way of telling a story and invites you in.
January 31, 2024
I am not a huge historical fiction reader, so when I heard Beatriz Williams was releasing a novel with a contemporary timeline, I knew I had to get my hands on it. This story was so unique and the way it unfolded kept me captivated with each page - in both the past and present timelines.
And on a side note, I'll never eat a wild mushroom again!
Thank you to Random House for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
And on a side note, I'll never eat a wild mushroom again!
Thank you to Random House for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
January 2, 2024
Mallory is a mother who needs a kidney for her son and must face Monk, the man she used to love, to get it. Hannah is a recovering Hungarian refugee from WWII, married to a man she does not love, who falls for a spy in a revolutionary Egypt. The two women are connected, not just by blood, but by their complicated hearts.
This intergenerational novel is told with multiple timelines, not just between Mallory and Hannah's stories but also Mallory's life in the present and her life in the past, when she and Monk fell in love when they were college students. Mallory, Hannah, Monk, and Lucien are each interesting characters with unique motivations and desires, and it was fascinating to watch them unfold. Mallory is the most developed of all the characters, and was equal parts lovable, funny, and relatable. Her love story with Monk was SO sweet and doesn't fall into the cliche traps of many romances. I also enjoyed Williams' writing style--it's poignant and sharp without being too wordy; emotional without being sappy.
However, the real downside of this book was the multiple timelines. I think they can be really tricky, and because Williams chose to include two timelines for Mallory and only one for Hannah, we really didn't get to know as much about Hannah. I loved Hannah's story so much--both her time in Egypt and the bits and pieces we learned about her background in Hungary during the war. However, I felt like her story was cut short in many places to make more room for Mallory. I would have preferred more room for her in this novel. The connection between the two women also felt a little forced. While it was a good novel, it almost felt like two novels combined into one. Both stories were so interesting they could have been two separate novels!
3/5
This intergenerational novel is told with multiple timelines, not just between Mallory and Hannah's stories but also Mallory's life in the present and her life in the past, when she and Monk fell in love when they were college students. Mallory, Hannah, Monk, and Lucien are each interesting characters with unique motivations and desires, and it was fascinating to watch them unfold. Mallory is the most developed of all the characters, and was equal parts lovable, funny, and relatable. Her love story with Monk was SO sweet and doesn't fall into the cliche traps of many romances. I also enjoyed Williams' writing style--it's poignant and sharp without being too wordy; emotional without being sappy.
However, the real downside of this book was the multiple timelines. I think they can be really tricky, and because Williams chose to include two timelines for Mallory and only one for Hannah, we really didn't get to know as much about Hannah. I loved Hannah's story so much--both her time in Egypt and the bits and pieces we learned about her background in Hungary during the war. However, I felt like her story was cut short in many places to make more room for Mallory. I would have preferred more room for her in this novel. The connection between the two women also felt a little forced. While it was a good novel, it almost felt like two novels combined into one. Both stories were so interesting they could have been two separate novels!
3/5
June 25, 2024
I took a subconscious break from Beatriz Williams books in 2018. No real reason. But when @addie.yoder told me how she flew through HUSBANDS & LOVERS I took a chance thanks to @prhaudio #parnter.
I also FLEW through the book on audio. I listened while doing housework over the weekend and then again working a cross stitch after work. I could not put it down.
Contemporary historical fiction told through triple timelines from 1950s Cairo to 2022 on fictional east coast Winthrop Island. Sometimes I enjoy one timeline/POV over another, but I loved all of them. Another reason why I read it so quickly. Were certain elements predictable? Maybe- but I didn't care. The writing and character development kept me invested. The blend of romance, family secrets and interconnected stories made for an entertaining summer read.
I also FLEW through the book on audio. I listened while doing housework over the weekend and then again working a cross stitch after work. I could not put it down.
Contemporary historical fiction told through triple timelines from 1950s Cairo to 2022 on fictional east coast Winthrop Island. Sometimes I enjoy one timeline/POV over another, but I loved all of them. Another reason why I read it so quickly. Were certain elements predictable? Maybe- but I didn't care. The writing and character development kept me invested. The blend of romance, family secrets and interconnected stories made for an entertaining summer read.
July 22, 2024
I have loved every single Beatriz Williams novel I have ever read, be it with her fellow authors Karen White and Lauren Willig or solo, she never disappoints. Husbands & Lovers was no different though I did have my doubts in the beginning. Despite the dual timelines of Mallory and Hannah, it moved pretty slowly for me until I had about a quarter of the book left which is when all of the secrets started coming out. Both timelines then started getting really intense and I liked that Williams added a couple more POV's at the end as well. I wouldn’t necessarily have needed them, but I loved them. 🥺
The audiobook is narrated by Helen Laser & Caroline Hewitt both of whom really brought it as our FMC's voices. They gave Mallory and Hannah’s characters so much life and made me connect with the story even further. Mallory is our present-day POV involving lost love and a death cap mushroom, and Hannah is our past POV involving Egypt, human loss, and new love. Both had their heartbreaking moments infused with a dash of humor, but this book completely broke me and then put me back together again. Equally touching stories in their own right that will have you questioning life choices and pining for old loves. If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of romance and mystery, Husbands & Lovers should be at the top of your list!
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
The audiobook is narrated by Helen Laser & Caroline Hewitt both of whom really brought it as our FMC's voices. They gave Mallory and Hannah’s characters so much life and made me connect with the story even further. Mallory is our present-day POV involving lost love and a death cap mushroom, and Hannah is our past POV involving Egypt, human loss, and new love. Both had their heartbreaking moments infused with a dash of humor, but this book completely broke me and then put me back together again. Equally touching stories in their own right that will have you questioning life choices and pining for old loves. If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of romance and mystery, Husbands & Lovers should be at the top of your list!
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
June 24, 2024
INCREDIBLE.
In this captivating historical fiction + romance hybrid, two women's stories are interwoven by an ancient family heirloom.
In present day New England, single mother, Mallory, gets a phone call that no mother wants to experience: her 10 year old son, Sam, has been poisoned by a rare mushroom while off at summer camp.
Sam survives, but is now on a kidney donor list. Neither Mallory or her older sister Paige are a match, she's not in contact with her father, her mother had passed away, and she surely is not going to ask her son's father, the now famous musician Monk Adams, who she had a summer romance with; they have not been in touch since Mallory abruptly left him heartbroken all those years ago, and he doesn't even know he has a kid.
Through the kidney donor process, Paige and Mallory learn that their mother was adopted and is actually not from Ireland like they grew up thinking she was. They set out on a mission to learn more about their roots and all the secrets connected to their blood-related grandmother.
While all this is happening, the book is going back and forth between Mallory's life and Hannah's, the other main character, in 1950s Egypt. These two characters are connected by a cobra bracelet that Mallory inherited when her mother passed away; she was always fascinated by this bracelet but never understood its origin.
There is romance in both timelines, and a reappearance of Monk in Mallory's life. I am a SUCKER for a musician romance, it is my favourite niche and I rarely see it, so I was eating this up! Not to mention they were childhood best friends and that's my favourite trope too.
Monk was such a good guy; I highlighted so many of his parts because he was very sentimental and sweet. I also LOVED Paige!! She was my favourite supporting character, made me laugh out loud, and I loved the sister relationship she had with Mallory.
The way everything came together in the end was perfect, I couldn't have asked for better. The writing is so good and really sucked me in. Usually when there is more than one POV you prefer one over the other, but I loved them both. It is the perfect mix of romance and historical fiction and I need to now read everything Beatriz Williams has ever written.
I am so thankful to Penguin Canada for my early copy 🥹
If you do one thing today let it be putting this book on hold at the book store or library, I promise you it's worth it!!
In this captivating historical fiction + romance hybrid, two women's stories are interwoven by an ancient family heirloom.
In present day New England, single mother, Mallory, gets a phone call that no mother wants to experience: her 10 year old son, Sam, has been poisoned by a rare mushroom while off at summer camp.
Sam survives, but is now on a kidney donor list. Neither Mallory or her older sister Paige are a match, she's not in contact with her father, her mother had passed away, and she surely is not going to ask her son's father, the now famous musician Monk Adams, who she had a summer romance with; they have not been in touch since Mallory abruptly left him heartbroken all those years ago, and he doesn't even know he has a kid.
Through the kidney donor process, Paige and Mallory learn that their mother was adopted and is actually not from Ireland like they grew up thinking she was. They set out on a mission to learn more about their roots and all the secrets connected to their blood-related grandmother.
While all this is happening, the book is going back and forth between Mallory's life and Hannah's, the other main character, in 1950s Egypt. These two characters are connected by a cobra bracelet that Mallory inherited when her mother passed away; she was always fascinated by this bracelet but never understood its origin.
There is romance in both timelines, and a reappearance of Monk in Mallory's life. I am a SUCKER for a musician romance, it is my favourite niche and I rarely see it, so I was eating this up! Not to mention they were childhood best friends and that's my favourite trope too.
Monk was such a good guy; I highlighted so many of his parts because he was very sentimental and sweet. I also LOVED Paige!! She was my favourite supporting character, made me laugh out loud, and I loved the sister relationship she had with Mallory.
The way everything came together in the end was perfect, I couldn't have asked for better. The writing is so good and really sucked me in. Usually when there is more than one POV you prefer one over the other, but I loved them both. It is the perfect mix of romance and historical fiction and I need to now read everything Beatriz Williams has ever written.
I am so thankful to Penguin Canada for my early copy 🥹
If you do one thing today let it be putting this book on hold at the book store or library, I promise you it's worth it!!
July 2, 2024
So, I quite frankly inhaled this book. What a shockingly delightful journey through the lives of two women, in two different time periods, with so much heartbreak and turmoil - but more in common than either could have ever imagined. This will stand as a top read for me throughout the whole year. Brava!
July 5, 2024
This book had a lot of potential. We follow two timelines — Hannah, a young European wife living in Egypt in the 1950s, and Mallory, a mother living in New England in the present day reunited with a long lost love of the past. There was a lot I enjoyed — The characters (at least in the Hannah’s story) were well-developed, the writing was compelling, the set-up was intriguing… and yet… by about halfway through the novel, I was confused about why this book had the historical timeline at all. Hannah’s story felt like it needed to be more fully fleshed out. It actually had a really compelling story but it was a tiny part of the book compared to the Mallory’s story, and while they were related, they didn’t really feel intertwined and it felt like the book would have been stronger without the historical story at all. Or maybe that story should have been its own book. It just felt like the author was trying to force the two together in a dual-timeline story because it’s so popular in the genre. I don’t know… There was a lot I enjoyed but ultimately, the historical timeline felt like it needed to be either more fleshed out and more relevant to the main story in this book or cut all together.
Also, I love the cover but after reading the book, neither the cover nor the title match the book at all. I’m really not sure what they were going for with either. 😂
Thanks to a NetGalley and Ballantine for the free egalley in exchange for an honest review.
Also, I love the cover but after reading the book, neither the cover nor the title match the book at all. I’m really not sure what they were going for with either. 😂
Thanks to a NetGalley and Ballantine for the free egalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
2.5 stars.
I don't know what it is lately with the ARC's I've been getting but I was not a fan of this one.
We have two storylines here, one of them I enjoyed a lot better than the other. Hannah's storyline from the 1950's in Egypt was generally decent, and this probably would have been a solid three star read if it was more focused on this part. I enjoyed the historical fiction aspect of it, the setting and the characters had a post war essence to them that I have to appreciate.
The two worst part of this book are the two main characters in the other timeline - Mallory and Monk in "present" era (2008 & 2022). UGH. I just can't with these two. Monk is the biggest wet noodle with absolutely no sense of humor, no spark, no personality other than his love for Mallory. He is supposed to be a superstar as big as the Backstreet Boys in the 90's and yet he is literally the lamest MC ever. I don't want to give away a part of the plot, but I don't buy that he would be "cool" with the big secret that Mallory keeps from him. To just buy into it and accept it like he does is so unrealistic to me that my eyes were rolling. Everything he said made my eyes roll.
Mallory gets all this praise from Monk, his siblings and family, her sister, and every other character in this book about how great she is, and I'm sorry but I just don't see it. She has done a lot of selfish things that should not be so forgivable. She is not likeable, and yet everyone talks to her like she's the best thing on Earth.
None of the other characters particularly stand out and half the time I forgot who some people were. They are one dimensional and lack substance.
I also hate how the cover of this book has absolutely nothing to do with this story. It is half historical fiction and half sappy soap opera romance, not a fun and breezy beach read like it leads you to believe.
2.5 stars.
I don't know what it is lately with the ARC's I've been getting but I was not a fan of this one.
We have two storylines here, one of them I enjoyed a lot better than the other. Hannah's storyline from the 1950's in Egypt was generally decent, and this probably would have been a solid three star read if it was more focused on this part. I enjoyed the historical fiction aspect of it, the setting and the characters had a post war essence to them that I have to appreciate.
The two worst part of this book are the two main characters in the other timeline - Mallory and Monk in "present" era (2008 & 2022). UGH. I just can't with these two. Monk is the biggest wet noodle with absolutely no sense of humor, no spark, no personality other than his love for Mallory. He is supposed to be a superstar as big as the Backstreet Boys in the 90's and yet he is literally the lamest MC ever. I don't want to give away a part of the plot, but I don't buy that he would be "cool" with the big secret that Mallory keeps from him. To just buy into it and accept it like he does is so unrealistic to me that my eyes were rolling. Everything he said made my eyes roll.
Mallory gets all this praise from Monk, his siblings and family, her sister, and every other character in this book about how great she is, and I'm sorry but I just don't see it. She has done a lot of selfish things that should not be so forgivable. She is not likeable, and yet everyone talks to her like she's the best thing on Earth.
None of the other characters particularly stand out and half the time I forgot who some people were. They are one dimensional and lack substance.
I also hate how the cover of this book has absolutely nothing to do with this story. It is half historical fiction and half sappy soap opera romance, not a fun and breezy beach read like it leads you to believe.
April 24, 2024
Husbands & Lovers- now that’s a title that will get your attention!! I loved the multiple timelines in this book and the author brings them together beautifully. This is my first book by this author but I quickly fell in love with her writing style. This one should definitely be on everyone’s TBR!
Thank you NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for an ARC copy of this book.
Thank you NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for an ARC copy of this book.
July 3, 2024
A new favorite from Beatriz Williams! 🩵
Thank you, Random House & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of Husbands & Lovers {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Time: 1951 & 2022
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 6.25.2024
Pages: 384
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
What a journey this was! Beatriz Williams' novels consistently take me on an adventure as they feature strong female protagonists full of tenacity and ambition, but Husband & Lovers just hit differently. It was full of so much more than I normally find in Williams stories - maybe it was the mood I was in, the audiobook narration, or it was just that good. Either way, it had me hooked from start to finish.
The characters, setting, romance, and family mystery provided everything I look for when reading this genre. I simply couldn't get enough of Husbands & Lovers and was genuinely disappointed that the story was over. It may be the book that pulls me out of my historical fiction reading rut. I can't wait to see what Beatriz Williams comes up with next.
trigger warning: rape, sexual assault, war crimes
Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆
I opted to listen with my ears, and let me tell you that Helen Laser ( narrated Yellowface, Don't Forget to Write, and The Wedding People) and Carolina Hewitt (narrated Meant to Be, House on Biscayne Bay, and the Leftover Woman) did an incredible job. They undoubtedly brought the story to life and flawlessly portrayed every ounce of emotion, allowing the characters to shine even brighter than they already did.
Read if you enjoy:
🩵 Unfinished love stories
✌🏼 Dual timeline
💪🏼 Redemption
🔍 Mystery
🤔 Thought-provoking story
I recommend reading Husbands & Lovers if you're looking for a binge-worthy historical fiction to read by the pool this summer.
______
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Thank you, Random House & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of Husbands & Lovers {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Time: 1951 & 2022
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 6.25.2024
Pages: 384
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
What a journey this was! Beatriz Williams' novels consistently take me on an adventure as they feature strong female protagonists full of tenacity and ambition, but Husband & Lovers just hit differently. It was full of so much more than I normally find in Williams stories - maybe it was the mood I was in, the audiobook narration, or it was just that good. Either way, it had me hooked from start to finish.
The characters, setting, romance, and family mystery provided everything I look for when reading this genre. I simply couldn't get enough of Husbands & Lovers and was genuinely disappointed that the story was over. It may be the book that pulls me out of my historical fiction reading rut. I can't wait to see what Beatriz Williams comes up with next.
trigger warning: rape, sexual assault, war crimes
Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆
I opted to listen with my ears, and let me tell you that Helen Laser ( narrated Yellowface, Don't Forget to Write, and The Wedding People) and Carolina Hewitt (narrated Meant to Be, House on Biscayne Bay, and the Leftover Woman) did an incredible job. They undoubtedly brought the story to life and flawlessly portrayed every ounce of emotion, allowing the characters to shine even brighter than they already did.
Read if you enjoy:
🩵 Unfinished love stories
✌🏼 Dual timeline
💪🏼 Redemption
🔍 Mystery
🤔 Thought-provoking story
I recommend reading Husbands & Lovers if you're looking for a binge-worthy historical fiction to read by the pool this summer.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on StoryGraph:https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
June 4, 2024
This book was amazing.
It grabbed my attention from the start. The two different timelines made it impossible to put down. It’s a great mix of historical fiction and romance.
Hannah’s parts of the book were excellent. You felt for her and hoped the best. I rooted for Mallory to find love and happiness the whole book.
Such a great read!
It grabbed my attention from the start. The two different timelines made it impossible to put down. It’s a great mix of historical fiction and romance.
Hannah’s parts of the book were excellent. You felt for her and hoped the best. I rooted for Mallory to find love and happiness the whole book.
Such a great read!
June 9, 2024
Nothing says summer like a new Beatriz book! In this one we’re back on Winthrop Island where Mallory is reconnecting with the love of her life, father of her son that he doesn’t know exists, and he’s also a famous musician. At the same time, she learns her mother was adopted and she in her sister are looking into who their grandparents are. There’s a lot going on so I hope everyone’s following. We have three timelines, modern day I described, 2008 where Mallory is first on the island and falls in love, and 1952 CAIRO where we meet Hannah a diplomats wife with a wild past. In classic Beatriz fashion the timelines weave together so well. Loved. Out 6/25
July 1, 2024
4.5 🌟 This book was great! I loved the two timelines relaying the stories of Hannah, which takes place in Cairo in the mid-20th century, and Mallory, in Connecticut in the early 21st century. Both women suffered great hardships in their lives and both experienced losing the loves of their lives. I’ve read one other book that briefly depicted the British occupation in Egypt, but I appreciated the different perspective this story offered. I love that one timeline gave us a soap opera-worthy second-chance romance, and the other timeline humbled us with the reminder that not everyone gets a happily ever after. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction with a touch of romance and mystery.
December 2, 2023
I have read all of Beatriz Williams books, I love them all, but Husbands and Lovers is hands down my favorite! Told in a dual timeline, 1950s Cairo and 2022 on fictional Winthrop Island, tied together by a mysterious family heirloom.
Part historical fiction, set during the Egyptian revolution, tells the story of Hannah, married to an English diplomat, but in love with Lucien, a spy for the Musad. And a second chance romance between Mallory and Monk, former young lovers who meet again after 14 years. Mallory is a single mom involved in a DNA search of her family which provides many shocking surprises and Monk has become a famous musician. I'm here to tell you I haven't been this invested in a love story as I have with these two characters in a long time. This relationship feels a little more contemporary for Beatriz Williams, and I loved it. Both stories are connected, and tie up nicely at the end.
As with all her books, you will not be able to put it down, and sad you can't read it again for the first time.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Part historical fiction, set during the Egyptian revolution, tells the story of Hannah, married to an English diplomat, but in love with Lucien, a spy for the Musad. And a second chance romance between Mallory and Monk, former young lovers who meet again after 14 years. Mallory is a single mom involved in a DNA search of her family which provides many shocking surprises and Monk has become a famous musician. I'm here to tell you I haven't been this invested in a love story as I have with these two characters in a long time. This relationship feels a little more contemporary for Beatriz Williams, and I loved it. Both stories are connected, and tie up nicely at the end.
As with all her books, you will not be able to put it down, and sad you can't read it again for the first time.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2024
What a fun, entertaining ride this novel was! There are two story lines. The one in present day New England, with flashbacks to 12 years earlier, and one in Egypt in the early 1950’s, with flashbacks to WWII in Hungary. The present-day story features Mallory, a woman raising her son, Sam, who needs a kidney transplant – and, therefore, must understand her own genealogical history. Mallory is a fierce mother with a large amount of emotional baggage. The other characters in the present-day story include a now world-famous musician/singer, who Mallory knew as a teenager, his hilarious influencer fiancé, and Mallory’s always-prepared-for-everything sister. The setting is primarily an island off the coast of New England (which was fictionally created by Williams in previous novels but reading those is not at all necessary for full enjoyment of this one), but the genealogical search (undertaken for Sam) takes Mallory and her sister to Ireland to one of the Magdalene Laundries. To add even more intrigue, there is also an inherited beautiful bracelet in the shape of a cobra.
Hannah is the main character in the 1950’s story. We meet her as the wife of her very stodgy British husband, living in Cairo. The Cairo scenes are wonderful and descriptive. We learn that Hannah was originally Hungarian (actually a countess), but lost all that she loved in WWII. We watch as Hannah becomes enamored of Lucien, ostensibly the assistant manager of a hotel in Cairo.
The scenes in this novel range from teenagers on beaches to the pyramids at Giza. The characters are entertaining and the two storylines move along quickly. I needed something light but well done and well written – and this novel met my desire very well!
Hannah is the main character in the 1950’s story. We meet her as the wife of her very stodgy British husband, living in Cairo. The Cairo scenes are wonderful and descriptive. We learn that Hannah was originally Hungarian (actually a countess), but lost all that she loved in WWII. We watch as Hannah becomes enamored of Lucien, ostensibly the assistant manager of a hotel in Cairo.
The scenes in this novel range from teenagers on beaches to the pyramids at Giza. The characters are entertaining and the two storylines move along quickly. I needed something light but well done and well written – and this novel met my desire very well!
July 21, 2024
HUSBANDS AND LOVERS
By Beatriz Williams
Beatriz Williams always writes and engaging historical fiction romance with strong female leads and dual timelines and complex family dynamics. This was a fantastic summer read lovely enough to get lost in.
I loved it!
By Beatriz Williams
Beatriz Williams always writes and engaging historical fiction romance with strong female leads and dual timelines and complex family dynamics. This was a fantastic summer read lovely enough to get lost in.
I loved it!
April 15, 2024
TW/// Sexual assault, Rape
This was a real roller coaster of changed ratings for me.
This book starts off with such a zany, kooky situation happening that it literally made me say, "Huh??" out loud.
The whole impetus for the plot of the novel is the fact that the main character's son eats a bad mushroom at summer camp and almost dies.
Now, obviously that can happen, but it just immediately set me off on what ended up being a scavenger hunt to find the tone of this novel.
Was it serious literary fiction, or a humorous romp? Was this supposed to be more soap-operaey? I never quite figured that out.
A lot of the more serious details that would have given this novel more of a backbone and made me identify with, and root for, the characters, just weren't present.
I didn't like Mallory. I didn't particularly understand why anyone did, even without the fact that she didn't tell the father of her child that he had a son for 13 years and then only told him because he accidentally found out.
Without a strong reason (like if he was abusive or a criminal) that's objectively shitty behavior.
And hey, I can get behind a protag who is paying for something shitty that she did in the past.
Only Mallory never really...paid? Monk forgave her pretty quickly even before finding out the dark secret that led to her leaving without a goodbye.
He kept jokingly calling her "Miss Integrity" and I was like...why? She stole your son for 13 years. She cheated on her boyfriend to get with you and then cheated on ANOTHER guy to get back with you later on. Where is the integrity in that? I'm confused.
But, truthfully, Mallory comes by that deceitful streak honestly, because the story alternates between her and her grandmother who also cheated on her husband.
It turns out that Mallory's mother was adopted, and that her grandparents were not her mother's biological parents.
Mallory's actual grandmother, Hannah got pregnant with a baby via an affair that she had while she was living with her English diplomat husband in Cario and he took her to Ireland to have the baby and give it up for adoption.
The part where Mallory and her sister visit Ireland to find the convent where their mother was born is the worst part of the book.
I have no idea why the author decided to drag the proud nation of Ireland into this story since it doesn't seem like she did much research before including a section about the Magdalene Laundries that was just really out of place and borderline offensive.
I am not from Ireland, and it's entirely possible that someone who is from Ireland would have a different take on this but I got to the part where the author referred to driving by a sign with an "unpronounceable Gaelic name" and just thought that left a really bad taste in my mouth.
Referring to a native language that was stolen from its speakers as "unpronounceable" just rubbed me the wrong way.
Also, it's not Gaelic, it's Gaeilge, which is the name that the Irish use to refer to their language. That may be a small detail but it just feels like a basic respect thing to me.
I was really looking forward to this book and was really excited to get an arc of it, but it ended up letting me down. I'm not usually a huge lover of Literary Fiction so maybe it's my own fault for letting my expectations get too high!
Either way, one star.
This was a real roller coaster of changed ratings for me.
This book starts off with such a zany, kooky situation happening that it literally made me say, "Huh??" out loud.
The whole impetus for the plot of the novel is the fact that the main character's son eats a bad mushroom at summer camp and almost dies.
Now, obviously that can happen, but it just immediately set me off on what ended up being a scavenger hunt to find the tone of this novel.
Was it serious literary fiction, or a humorous romp? Was this supposed to be more soap-operaey? I never quite figured that out.
A lot of the more serious details that would have given this novel more of a backbone and made me identify with, and root for, the characters, just weren't present.
I didn't like Mallory. I didn't particularly understand why anyone did, even without the fact that she didn't tell the father of her child that he had a son for 13 years and then only told him because he accidentally found out.
Without a strong reason (like if he was abusive or a criminal) that's objectively shitty behavior.
And hey, I can get behind a protag who is paying for something shitty that she did in the past.
Only Mallory never really...paid? Monk forgave her pretty quickly even before finding out the dark secret that led to her leaving without a goodbye.
He kept jokingly calling her "Miss Integrity" and I was like...why? She stole your son for 13 years. She cheated on her boyfriend to get with you and then cheated on ANOTHER guy to get back with you later on. Where is the integrity in that? I'm confused.
But, truthfully, Mallory comes by that deceitful streak honestly, because the story alternates between her and her grandmother who also cheated on her husband.
It turns out that Mallory's mother was adopted, and that her grandparents were not her mother's biological parents.
Mallory's actual grandmother, Hannah got pregnant with a baby via an affair that she had while she was living with her English diplomat husband in Cario and he took her to Ireland to have the baby and give it up for adoption.
The part where Mallory and her sister visit Ireland to find the convent where their mother was born is the worst part of the book.
I have no idea why the author decided to drag the proud nation of Ireland into this story since it doesn't seem like she did much research before including a section about the Magdalene Laundries that was just really out of place and borderline offensive.
I am not from Ireland, and it's entirely possible that someone who is from Ireland would have a different take on this but I got to the part where the author referred to driving by a sign with an "unpronounceable Gaelic name" and just thought that left a really bad taste in my mouth.
Referring to a native language that was stolen from its speakers as "unpronounceable" just rubbed me the wrong way.
Also, it's not Gaelic, it's Gaeilge, which is the name that the Irish use to refer to their language. That may be a small detail but it just feels like a basic respect thing to me.
I was really looking forward to this book and was really excited to get an arc of it, but it ended up letting me down. I'm not usually a huge lover of Literary Fiction so maybe it's my own fault for letting my expectations get too high!
Either way, one star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2023
4.5
Williams is one of my go-to historical fiction authors so when I got approved for this one I had to read it right away.
I started this one night thinking I’d just read one or two chapters which instead turned into half the book. Each timeline was so good that I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I had to know what would happen.
I adored the present day timeline most but was also completely invested in everything that occurred in the 1950s. There is a small amount of spice that drops in after about 50% that I was a tad surprised by, but as this has romance as a subgenre I probably should’ve seen it coming. Lol
I love how Williams set the scenes, brought depth to both stories, and connected both timelines. It was an impressive, informative, and all-consuming read that will be a perfect beach read this summer.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the arc via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Williams is one of my go-to historical fiction authors so when I got approved for this one I had to read it right away.
I started this one night thinking I’d just read one or two chapters which instead turned into half the book. Each timeline was so good that I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I had to know what would happen.
I adored the present day timeline most but was also completely invested in everything that occurred in the 1950s. There is a small amount of spice that drops in after about 50% that I was a tad surprised by, but as this has romance as a subgenre I probably should’ve seen it coming. Lol
I love how Williams set the scenes, brought depth to both stories, and connected both timelines. It was an impressive, informative, and all-consuming read that will be a perfect beach read this summer.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the arc via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 6, 2023
This novel will take you around the world!
Mallory Dunne has a sick child and a mysterious past. As she searches (and waits) for a kidney donor for her son she is pushed by her sister to seek out the father of her child as well as track down any potential relatives by researching her deceased mother's life. Her sister drags her home to the cape where so much went wrong years ago.
Through flashbacks to Cairo in the 50's via a a character named Hannah and Mallory's life 15 years ago with her first love Monk, we are treated to excellent stories of women doing the absolute best they can in situations that leave few choices. Mallory,Monk and Hannah are characters you aren't soon to forget. There's some action, some adventure, espionage, romance and of course, mystery. This book has it all, grab it! #husbands&lovers #beatrizwilliams
#RandomHouse
Mallory Dunne has a sick child and a mysterious past. As she searches (and waits) for a kidney donor for her son she is pushed by her sister to seek out the father of her child as well as track down any potential relatives by researching her deceased mother's life. Her sister drags her home to the cape where so much went wrong years ago.
Through flashbacks to Cairo in the 50's via a a character named Hannah and Mallory's life 15 years ago with her first love Monk, we are treated to excellent stories of women doing the absolute best they can in situations that leave few choices. Mallory,Monk and Hannah are characters you aren't soon to forget. There's some action, some adventure, espionage, romance and of course, mystery. This book has it all, grab it! #husbands&lovers #beatrizwilliams
#RandomHouse
June 25, 2024
At the beginning, I was put off a little between the prologue then jumping into the dual timelines. Soon I was entranced by Mallory Dunne and her love and care for her thirteen year old son, Sam, as he has dialysis three times a week while waiting for match for a kidney transplant. In the other timeline, it's 1952 in Egypt, and it's heading for turmoil between fights over ownership of the Suez Canal and attempts to create Israel. Both are fascinating, but my heart goes to Mallory who must reach out to her young love who turned into a celebrity musician to see if he could be match for the kidney. So many tantalizing and intricate plotlines kept me fascinated. Once I picked it back up this am, I couldn't stop reading. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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