The Husband's Secret

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

"To err is human, to forgive, divine." Alexander Pope

By the time you finish reading this novel, you will understand the power of these words.

One of the best novels I have read in a long time, this author introduces you to a sweeping  array of characters and then, remarkably, manages to intricately weave their stories into one. The result is a captivating, spell-binding page-turner. So let's begin...

Cecilia Fitzpatrick's life is perfection personified. Three precocious daughters, an impeccable house right out of Home and Garden, and husband, Jean-Paul; handsome, devoted, a man beyond reproach. She is the envy of all who know her. While Jean-Paul is away on a business trip, Cecilia accidentally discovers a letter written to her by him with instructions to be opened only after his death. Curiosity wins and the shocking content is revealed. Decisions made in a fleeting moment and lives are shattered.

Meet Tess and Will. Happily married with a six-year-old son, Liam, they successfully own a thriving advertising agency with Felicity, Tess's cousin. Best friends since childhood, Tess begins to notice that Felicity has changed  in the last few months. No longer overweight and dowdy, Felicity exudes a newly-found confidence. Yet when Will announces to a stunned and speechless Tess that he and her cousin have fallen in love, Tess is dumbfounded and feels like such a fool. Unable to cope with this shocking news, Tess escapes to her mother's home and enrolls Liam in her alma mater, St. Agatha's primary school. Here she meets an old flame, Connor Whitby.  A troubled man with demons of his own. Decisions made in a fleeting moment and lives are shattered.

Life ended for Rachel Crowley over twenty years ago when daughter Janie was murdered. Diligent police never arrested anyone. Yes, she continues to eat and breathe but that's just going through  the motions. Her only reason for living is grandson Jacob; what a joy it must be to view life through his eyes. Now even that is being taken away. Son Rob is moving to America, and she certainly isn't going there to visit. She vows to continue to vigilantly pursue Janie's killer. And Rachel feels sure she knows who it is; Connor Whitby, the P.E. teacher at St. Agatha's where Rachel works tirelessly as a secretary. When she gets the opportunity, he will pay for his sins. Decisions made in a fleeting moment and lives are shattered.

A riveting, engrossing novel set in Australia, home of the author. A wonderful choice for book clubs and lively discussion. We all question at one time or another the what-ifs in our lives. Do we really want to know? End the year on a high note with an edgy, compelling story by a gifted writer.

The New Year promises to offer many choices for enthralling , irresistible novels written by new authors and the tried-and-true. Hope you will continue to visit theezbooknook and find one that you enjoy. Please continue to tell new readers. Your continued support is invaluable, what a pleasure it is to share with you.....