Title: His First Wife's Secret
Author: Emma Robinson
Publication date: 15th April 2021
Book Description:
The tears began to flow. ‘I can’t do this on my own,’ Emily sobbed. ‘I don’t know how.’
When Emily’s husband dies in a terrible accident, she’s not the only wife he leaves behind.
Because, before their whirlwind romance and Emily’s discovery she was pregnant, Pete had been married to Caroline for more than twenty years. A devastating tragedy had torn them apart. But there was a part of Pete that had never fully left his first wife and a secret that would bind them together, forever.
Finding herself lonely, heartbroken, and forced to face life and motherhood alone – Emily is surprised that Caroline offers her support. But Emily knows she needs someone she can trust and rely on. Even if it’s the woman her husband loved before her.
A tentative friendship develops and their lives become entwined. Their bond grows ever stronger as Caroline steps in to help when Emily’s baby arrives unexpectedly early. But it’s not just Caroline hiding a secret. Both of the women who once loved Pete have things they can never admit, without risking a friendship that might be the only thing keeping them both afloat.
When grief begins to takes its toll on Emily, she feels sure that Caroline is the only person who can save her and baby Dylan… But should she trust the woman he loved before her – with her life… Or her child’s?
An utterly devastating, but ultimately uplifting, emotional women’s fiction novel about friendship, motherhood and loss. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Susan Lewis and Jojo Moyes.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'His First Wife's Secret' by Emma Robinson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Emma Robinson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 15th April 2020.
This is the second book I have read by this author. The first book I read is called 'My Husband's Daughter' which I highly recommend!!
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis. I loved Emma Robinson's 'My Husband's Daughter' and am hoping this will be just as good. It also stated in the synopsis 'Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Susan Lewis and Jojo Moyes'.
I am a huge fan of Jodi Picoult and Jojo Moyes so am looking forward to see if it loves up to this. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 45 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in London , UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Emily and Caroline. The benefits of third person perspective, especially with multiple person perspectives are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'His First Wife's Secret' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Emma discusses death, depression, child loss and more.
Wow!!! Where to even begin?? Mind you it's hard enough to write this with blurry eyes through tears!! Oh yes, that emotional even I shed tears!!!
I want to start by saying that Emma Robinson is a very talented author and I cannot wait to get dug into even more of her books. She is definitely on par with several of my favourite authors including Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks and is also one of my favourite authors!!
The book itself is written so well that it reads so smoothly from chapter to chapter with brilliant descriptions and settings perfect for the scene. It really dragged me deep into the story until I came out the other end with tears streaming down my face. The stunning cover and the synopsis suited the storyline perfectly.
The storyline is absolutely heartbreaking and a real tear jerker. It is also an absolutely beautiful story of love, loss, guilt, heartbreak, secrets, friendship and family!! The fact that it goes from how Caroline feels and then moving to Emily's side is a perfect layout for this type of book as you get to really feel what each 'side' is going through. It was an absolute roller-coaster ride of emotions. There were so many moments where my heart was in my throat and so much was going through my mind, I can't say anymore as not to spoil it for future readers but once you have read this book you will know what I mean.
The characters are all realistic and described so well I really felt that I got to know them all. I loved that they were a mix and I enjoyed watching the relationships between each grow and develop. I admired Caroline's strength especially when the big secret was revealed. It was absolutely heartbreaking to find out what happened, especially as a mother myself, I can't say more as to not give too much away. However, I think the ending was absolutely perfect and I would LOVE to see this turned into a movie!!!! I also enjoyed 'meeting' Gabby and Faith who are beautiful people and anyone would be lucky to have friends like them. I had mixed feelings with Emily throughout but by the end I grew to like her and really felt for what she aslo had to go through.
Another HUGE success by Emma Robinson. If you have never read any of her books then what are you waiting for!!! Go and get one now!!! I especially recommend this one and 'My Husband's Daughter".
I would also like to add a thank you to Emma Robinson for bringing up the subject of depression in several forms in this book, especially post natal. I do believe that it needs to be openly talked about and the way it was weaved in the storyline was perfect. It is such an awful thing for anyone to go through and I truly believe that by putting it in this storyline it will help any readers who are either going through it themselves or if they know anyone going through it, then it will help them see the signs and get the help they need and know it is nothing to be ashamed off. Emma has either done alot of research or it is something she has gone through herself as her knowledge shines through which is important when talking about any form of mental health or illness in a book. I have seen so many authors include mental health or disabilities in books, not done their research and it completely spoils the storyline and actually done more damage than good to anyone living with thay condition, etc.
Overall an absolute page turning, tear jerking beautiful story of love, loss, regret, friendship, guilt and family.
Genres covered in this novel include Literary Fiction, Emotional Drama and Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Jojo Moyes, Nicholas Sparks and Jodi Picoult along with anyone looking for a tear jerker.
289 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
@EmmaRobinson @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
Author Bio:
Emma Robinson is the author of several women’s fiction novels. She also blogs about the funny side of parenting and has contributed to podcasts such as Funny Women. Whilst her early novels are humorous, her recent work focuses on emotional themes and these novels are both heart-breaking and life affirming. Emma enjoys writing stories which explore the power of family and friendship in the most challenging circumstances.
Emma currently lives in Essex with a husband, two children and a small black dog.
https://motherhoodforslackers.com/
https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodforslackers
https://twitter.com/emmarobinsonuk
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/39SHa8Z
Apple: https://apple.co/3pMlfpW
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3cwnGsC
Google: https://bit.ly/2MPZVkr
Comments