The Widow's Husband

The Widow's Husband

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  • Type:Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date:2022-05-02 21:21:59
  • Update Date:2025-09-06
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Lesley Sanderson
  • ISBN:B09QH35DMK
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

For seven years I believed my husband was dead – until the note arrived this morning…

The day her husband Tom disappeared, Rachel’s life fell apart。 Childhood sweethearts with two young children, they’d done everything together。 And then, suddenly, Tom was gone。 Without a word, without a note, without a single sign of where he might be, leaving Rachel to survive alone。

Now, nearly seven years later, Rachel has come to terms with life as a single mother, caring for their children who still secretly long for their father’s miraculous return。

But in his absence, Tom’s hidden life started to emerge, and Rachel has discovered things a wife should never have to。 A secret life that betrayed everything Rachel thought she knew。 Not knowing where he’d gone was no longer the main worry keeping her awake at night – it seemed much more likely he’d been silenced。 Forever。

Until today, when – with just one month until Tom is to be declared legally dead – Rachel receives a note in handwriting she recognises with dread:

My darling, I’ve missed you so much。 Give me a chance to explain。 I’m coming home。

The husband she’d lost is alive。

And so are all his secrets…

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Reviews

Megan Jones

The day her husband Tom disappeared, Rachel’s life fell apart。 Childhood sweethearts with two young children, they’d done everything together。 And then, suddenly, Tom was gone。 Without a word, without a note, without a single sign of where he might be, leaving Rachel to survive alone。 Now, nearly seven years later, Rachel has come to terms with life as a single mother, caring for their children who still secretly long for their father’s miraculous return。 But in his absence, Tom’s hidden life st The day her husband Tom disappeared, Rachel’s life fell apart。 Childhood sweethearts with two young children, they’d done everything together。 And then, suddenly, Tom was gone。 Without a word, without a note, without a single sign of where he might be, leaving Rachel to survive alone。 Now, nearly seven years later, Rachel has come to terms with life as a single mother, caring for their children who still secretly long for their father’s miraculous return。 But in his absence, Tom’s hidden life started to emerge, and Rachel has discovered things a wife should never have to。 A secret life that betrayed everything Rachel thought she knew。 Not knowing where he’d gone was no longer the main worry keeping her awake at night – it seemed much more likely he’d been silenced。 Forever。 Until today, when – with just one month until Tom is to be declared legally dead – Rachel receives a note in handwriting she recognises with dread: My darling, I’ve missed you so much。 Give me a chance to explain。 I’m coming home。 The husband she’d lost is alive。 And so are all his secrets。 This is a very gripping read and I was immersed in this from start to finish。 Sanderson has written an electric plot that keeps you wanting to read on, as well as this, the plot is incredibly emotional and heartfelt。 I connected with the characters and cared about them and what they were going through。 'The Widow's Husband' is an intense read and I enjoyed getting to know Rachel and learning about what happened to Tom and where it all went wrong。 Sanderson teases the truth and secrets are revealed slowly。 I did not find the plot particularly shocking but it did not need to be as the emotion behind everything was so strong。 I have already touched on the characters but Sanderson has created a lovely family with strong personalities and it was a joy getting to know them and following them as they hunt for the truth。 Tom despite being absent is still a strong character and I was hooked as we discover what happened nearly 7 years ago。 Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance copy。 。。。more

Mrs V J Chamberlain

I enjoyed this book, and usually love this author's work, but for some reason, it wasn't quite as compelling as I expected。The story revolves around Rachel, a woman whose husband, Tom, left her and their two children for a younger woman, Heidi。 Rachel is left heartbroken, but then suddenly Tom disappears。 Despite a thorough police investigation, no one seems to know what happened to him。 Then, coming up to seven years after his disappearance, just as Rachel is about to legally declare him dead, I enjoyed this book, and usually love this author's work, but for some reason, it wasn't quite as compelling as I expected。The story revolves around Rachel, a woman whose husband, Tom, left her and their two children for a younger woman, Heidi。 Rachel is left heartbroken, but then suddenly Tom disappears。 Despite a thorough police investigation, no one seems to know what happened to him。 Then, coming up to seven years after his disappearance, just as Rachel is about to legally declare him dead, she receives a note, appearing to be from Tom saying he wants to come back to her。 This sends Rachel reeling and is the start of a catalogue of events, leaving her not knowing who she can trust。I thought the book started off promisingly and I was intrigued to find out what was going on。 The characters were realistic, especially Rachel and the plot was well thought out, leaving you questioning everything and everyone and believing nothing。 It was when I got to the middle of the book I found my interest wandering, I put the book down for a few days and wasn't in a big hurry to pick it up again, which is always telling for me。I did mostly enjoy it, just not a huge must read, page turner for me。 I prefer the author's previous books, but would read another of hers。Thanks to publishers Bookouture and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review。 。。。more

Jessica

This book had a very interesting premise that drew me in immediately。 Rachel’s husband, Tom, leaves her and their 2 young children to be with his mistress Heidi。 Rachel is left alone and devastated when all of a sudden Tom disappears。 Nobody has seen or heard from him。 Where did he go? Was he met with foul play or did he just give up on his double life? Coming up to the 7 year anniversary of his disappearance Rachel receives a note with Tom’s handwriting saying he wants to come back to her。 A ge This book had a very interesting premise that drew me in immediately。 Rachel’s husband, Tom, leaves her and their 2 young children to be with his mistress Heidi。 Rachel is left alone and devastated when all of a sudden Tom disappears。 Nobody has seen or heard from him。 Where did he go? Was he met with foul play or did he just give up on his double life? Coming up to the 7 year anniversary of his disappearance Rachel receives a note with Tom’s handwriting saying he wants to come back to her。 A genuine what the hell is going on, I enjoyed trying to piece together the puzzle of who is involved, why and is Tom alive? The problem I had was Rachel is just not a very likable character and her mothering left a lot to be desired。 A single mother, why doesn’t she do anything with her children? She seems to pawn them off on others。 Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC。 。。。more

Melissa Suslowicz Bartz

My Review:I want to start off by saying that I really love this author and her books。 I’ve read most of her books so far and have loved them all。 In my opinion this book was good but not her best。 My biggest complaint would have been that I saw that ending coming from a mile away。 That is the main reason why I knocked my rating down。 I would have also liked a few more twists that were shocking。 Put all of this aside and I thought this book was pretty good overall。 I read this one very quickly an My Review:I want to start off by saying that I really love this author and her books。 I’ve read most of her books so far and have loved them all。 In my opinion this book was good but not her best。 My biggest complaint would have been that I saw that ending coming from a mile away。 That is the main reason why I knocked my rating down。 I would have also liked a few more twists that were shocking。 Put all of this aside and I thought this book was pretty good overall。 I read this one very quickly and loved the fact that everyone was a suspect。 I also loved that the ending came together nicely was wrapped up in a tight bow。 There was no cliffhangers or questions that I had that were unanswered。 I will definitely be reading more of this author in the future。 In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read。 I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 4 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️ 。。。more

Donna Kaczynski

Gripping ThrillerThis book is a gripping thriller, that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end。

Joyb Animalcrackers

I liked this wnd ground it a bit out of the ordinary。 Only the last few chapters seemed a bit weak。Rachael has everything a businessman husband, two small children and a nice home。 Then her husband leaves her for a younger woman then disappears from noth their lives and,after almost seven years is soon to be declared legally dead -but is he?

Sue Wallace

The widow's husband by Lesley Sanderson。For seven years I believed my husband was dead – until the note arrived this morning…A really good read。 I liked the story and characters apart from Heidi。 I didn't trust her。 This was a really good read。 Twisty and tense。 I liked Rachel。 Didn't like Heidi。 4*。 The widow's husband by Lesley Sanderson。For seven years I believed my husband was dead – until the note arrived this morning…A really good read。 I liked the story and characters apart from Heidi。 I didn't trust her。 This was a really good read。 Twisty and tense。 I liked Rachel。 Didn't like Heidi。 4*。 。。。more

Tansy

Great bookWow, this was truly a great read。 It has everything you want in a book。 Grabs you at the beginning, slows down just a little bit to a slow burn but keeps you turning page after page。 One of those books that you can't wait to find out the ending while hoping it never ends。 That's right, you know what I'm talking about。 There is a satisfying ending and you finally find out the one nagging question that has bugged you from the very chapter。 You feel like you are leaving a family behind an Great bookWow, this was truly a great read。 It has everything you want in a book。 Grabs you at the beginning, slows down just a little bit to a slow burn but keeps you turning page after page。 One of those books that you can't wait to find out the ending while hoping it never ends。 That's right, you know what I'm talking about。 There is a satisfying ending and you finally find out the one nagging question that has bugged you from the very chapter。 You feel like you are leaving a family behind and hoping to see them again。 Definitely recommend。 。。。more

Anne

This was an intriguing novel about a love triangle: Tom and Rachel are married when Tom leaves her for another woman, Heidi。 Now in the present, seven years have passed and Rachel is remodeling her home with daughter Lara and son Josh。 But Tom is missing and hasn't been heard from so Heidi and Rachel form a kind of connection, hoping to discover what happened。 Alternating between past and present, the book details the meeting and spark between Tom and Heidi as well as the trauma Rachel and her k This was an intriguing novel about a love triangle: Tom and Rachel are married when Tom leaves her for another woman, Heidi。 Now in the present, seven years have passed and Rachel is remodeling her home with daughter Lara and son Josh。 But Tom is missing and hasn't been heard from so Heidi and Rachel form a kind of connection, hoping to discover what happened。 Alternating between past and present, the book details the meeting and spark between Tom and Heidi as well as the trauma Rachel and her kids feel as she's lost her husband to another woman and now presumes he's dead。 It's a terrific tale of subterfuge, denial, and deceptions; who is telling the truth and who is lying? Dive in and discover for yourself; this is one that begs to be read quickly as you may not be able to put it down!Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC! 。。。more

Kirsty Bookworm86

BLOG TOUR REVIEW Review for 'The Widow's Husband' by Lesley Sanderson。 Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Lesley Sanderson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous Publication date 21st April 2022。This is the second book I have read by this author。 I have previously read 'Every Little Lie' which I would highly recommend。 I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title。 I am a huge fan of Lesley and if this is half as good as 'Every BLOG TOUR REVIEW Review for 'The Widow's Husband' by Lesley Sanderson。 Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Lesley Sanderson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous Publication date 21st April 2022。This is the second book I have read by this author。 I have previously read 'Every Little Lie' which I would highly recommend。 I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title。 I am a huge fan of Lesley and if this is half as good as 'Every Little Lie' it is guaranteed to be a page turner。 The synopsis stated that this book is 'A totally addictive and suspenseful thriller that will have you reading late into the night, perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, T。M。 Logan and Lisa Jewell。' I am a huge fan of all three of those authors so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement。 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 and 44 chapters。 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 the UK 🇬🇧。 I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book。 This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Rachel, Tom and Heidi。 The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists 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。 Well done Lesley on yet another fantastic page turner!!! What an absolutely gripping heart racing story!!! This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions leaving your heart racing and hands sweating while your standing by Rachel, Tom and Heidi throughout!!! The cover, synopsis and title suit the book perfectly。 The storyline is absolutely captivating and evocative!! It is filled with lies, love, secrets, family, tension and suspense from the first page until the last。 Once I started this I just could not put it down and couldn't go to sleep until I had finished it!! It all starts with a note through the door and the events explode from there。 I had my suspicions about what may be going on but I certainly didn't expect what had actually happened!!! I won't say too much as I don't want to spoil it for future readers。 It is truly captivating and page turning so if you are about to start this book make sure you clear your schedule as once you've start you won't be able to stop。 Every chapter makes you want to start the next one and then the next as each ends on the perfect spot to make you want to carry on。 This book would make an absolutely amazing movie!!! It is set over/includes multiple time lines。 When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions。 It also shows the bigger picture。 The characters are all vivid, strong and realistic and I became invested in each of them as each move every one made left you on edge。 I really felt for Rachel as she struggled with everything that was going on in the present and what had happened in the past, as a mother of three myself it must have been so hard for her especially with a tween to look after too。 I couldn't stand Heidi from the moment I met her and found her to be truly selfish and despicable。 My heart truly went out to Laura and Josh who were just innocent children caught up in an adults world。 Tom doesn't get any sympathy from me as he was absolutely dispicable although I will admit that he did look after his family when many wouldn't but then again why should a father get praise for something he should do anyway? However I don't think he deserved what happened to him。 The other main character is Freddie but I won't say anything about him or anymore on the others as I don't want to give too much away so you'll just have to pick up a copy and let me know your thoughts。 Regardless of whether you love or hate the characters they all come together perfectly to make this storyline as addictive as it is。 Congratulations Leslie on yet another absolutely amazing book which I can guarantee will be a HUGE success。 This is why your in my favourite author list。 I am looking forward to reading more of your previous and have added them all onto my wish list!!! Here's to more future successes 🥂!! Overall a very fast pace, gripping, unputdownable psychological thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat with a pounding heart!!! Genres covered in this book include Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Fiction and Domestic Fiction amongst others。 I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of K。L。 Slater, T。M。 Logan, Shari Lapena and Lisa Jewell。277 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 #TheWidowsHusband #Bookouture #LesleySanderson #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour@LesleySanderson @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 https://kcmw86。wixsite。com/bookworm86https://m。facebook。com/Bookworm1986/?。。。https://m。facebook。com/Bookwork86/?__。。。https://www。instagram。com/bookwormwhi。。。 。。。more

Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice*

EXCERPT: Weakness was what had got him involved with her in the first place。 He'd come to logical conclusions after a lot of soul searching; he'd even got as far as preparing a speech and getting the words clear in his head, exactly how he planned to say them。 He was determined not to drink, to harden himself to her charms。 He needed to - take that last time he'd been so determined to leave her, and all it had taken was a look from those eyes, a brush of her red lips against his cheek, a word wh EXCERPT: Weakness was what had got him involved with her in the first place。 He'd come to logical conclusions after a lot of soul searching; he'd even got as far as preparing a speech and getting the words clear in his head, exactly how he planned to say them。 He was determined not to drink, to harden himself to her charms。 He needed to - take that last time he'd been so determined to leave her, and all it had taken was a look from those eyes, a brush of her red lips against his cheek, a word whispered in his ear, and he'd been ripping her clothes off, his earlier resolve discarded on the floor along with her dress。 But he'd made the right decision about the will。 She couldn't take that away from him - nobody could。 ABOUT 'THE WIDOW'S HUSBAND': For seven years I believed my husband was dead – until the note arrived this morning…The day her husband Tom disappeared, Rachel’s life fell apart。 Childhood sweethearts with two young children, they’d done everything together。 And then, suddenly, Tom was gone。 Without a word, without a note, without a single sign of where he might be, leaving Rachel to survive alone。Now, nearly seven years later, Rachel has come to terms with life as a single mother, caring for their children who still secretly long for their father’s miraculous return。But in his absence, Tom’s hidden life started to emerge, and Rachel has discovered things a wife should never have to。 A secret life that betrayed everything Rachel thought she knew。 Not knowing where he’d gone was no longer the main worry keeping her awake at night – it seemed much more likely he’d been silenced。 Forever。Until today, when – with just one month until Tom is to be declared legally dead – Rachel receives a note in handwriting she recognises with dread:My darling, I’ve missed you so much。 Give me a chance to explain。 I’m coming home。The husband she’d lost is alive。And so are all his secrets…MY THOUGHTS: The Widow's Husband is a quick and easy read that kept me on the edge of my seat。 And yet, it was entirely plausible, and all the more enjoyable because of that。 The story is as old as time itself; hard working married man with two children has his head turned by younger, prettier, sexier woman and leaves his family for her。 Idiot。 Because Tom soon comes to realise that the grass may have looked greener on the other side of the fence, but maybe he should have just stayed home and taken better care of the grass he had。 And that's when he disappears。 Just vanishes。 Without trace。 So where has Tom gone? Has he run off with yet another woman? Has he just run off, away from all his responsibilities? Or has something happened to him?Then just as Rachel is steeling herself to have Tom declared legally dead and move on with her life, a note, in Tom's handwriting appears on her doormat saying he wants to come home 。 。 。 The story is told mainly from Rachel's viewpoint and mainly in the present with relevant flashbacks to when Tom left。 There are also occasional chapters written from Tom's and Heidi's viewpoints so that the reader sees the complete picture。 I liked Rachel。 Lesley Sanderson has depicted the swinging emotional responses that anyone would feel in this situation realistically yet with empathy。 Lara, their twelve year old daughter is a lost soul。 My heart ached for this shy and lonely child who barely remembers her father, but desperately wants him back in her life。 Josh, at eight, doesn't remember Tom at all, and is sporty, happy and outgoing, the perfect foil for Lara's introversion。 Heidi。 。 。 the girlfriend, she's also received a note from Tom (is he hedging his bets?) and it is these notes which brings Rachel and Heidi together to try and figure out just what happened seven years earlier。 Lesley Sanderson had me all over the place trying to decide if Tom was indeed alive and remorseful, or if someone was playing a cruel trick on these two women。 Freddie, old time family friend and Tom's business partner supports Rachel, but Rachel has mixed feelings about the timing of his reappearance in her life。 This was a satisfying, suspenseful read that had me completely bamboozled as to Tom's fate until the reveal。 My only comment is that I would have ended the book with chapter 42。 I didn't think that the ensuing chapters added any value to the story and for me, personally, actually detracted from it。 ⭐⭐⭐⭐。3#TheWidowsHusband #NetGalley I: @lesleysandersonauthor @bookoutureT: @LSandersonbooks @Bookouture#contemporaryfiction #crime #domesticdrama #mystery #suspense #thriller THE AUTHOR: Lesley spends her days writing in coffee shops in Kings Cross where she lives and also works as a librarian in a multicultural school。 She loves the atmosphere and eclectic mix of people in the area, and she loves languages。She attended the Curtis Brown Creative novel writing course in 2015/6, and in 2017 was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish fiction prize。Lesley discovered Patricia Highsmith as a teenager and has since been hooked on psychological thrillers。 She is particularly interested in the psychology of female relationships。DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Widow's Husband by Lesley Sanderson。 All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions。For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads。com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday。wordpress。comThis review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday。wordpress。com/。。。 。。。more

Alyssa

The title alone is what brought me in。 I love a good domestic thriller。 Rachel's husband has been missing but right before he's declared dead things happen ! Well this book was so good ! The author's writing was so good I want to go and read the other book ! Thank you NetGalley for this arc ! The title alone is what brought me in。 I love a good domestic thriller。 Rachel's husband has been missing but right before he's declared dead things happen ! Well this book was so good ! The author's writing was so good I want to go and read the other book ! Thank you NetGalley for this arc ! 。。。more

Colleen

The Widow's Husband is a twisted, suspenseful, domestic thriller。 The story begins with Rachel counting off the days until she can finally put an end legally to declare her missing husband deceased。 As she is going about her day a letter is found by her son on the front doormat。 Rachel's name is on the front of the envelope。 She opens it to find written in her husband's handwriting "I want to come back to you。" Trying to hide her emotions from her children she helps her daughter with her homewor The Widow's Husband is a twisted, suspenseful, domestic thriller。 The story begins with Rachel counting off the days until she can finally put an end legally to declare her missing husband deceased。 As she is going about her day a letter is found by her son on the front doormat。 Rachel's name is on the front of the envelope。 She opens it to find written in her husband's handwriting "I want to come back to you。" Trying to hide her emotions from her children she helps her daughter with her homework。 She can't concentrate and her mind wanders about what this means and if it could be true。 Rachel and her children's lives have never been the same since Tom disappeared with no notice or warning。 Everyday they wanted to know what happened。 Now, almost seven years later, Rachel was hoping she could finally move one but still hoping for his return。 Rachel quietly asks questions of Tom's former business partner and the woman he left her for。 But another letter turns up adding more questions than answers。There are many twists and turns while Rachel begins to suspect everyone and everything she believed was true about her husband。 A loved one will turn up missing as this escalates to a thrilling conclusion。This was a wonderful story。 A fast read for an afternoon。 I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review。 。。。more

Nicole Shaw

Reading Between the Wines book review #29/135 for 2022:Rating: 3 ½ 🍷 🍷 🍷Book 📱: The Widow’s HusbandAuthor: Lesley SandersonGenre: General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & ThrillersAvailable now!Sipping thoughts: This book had me pulled in from the beginning。 I suspected everyone and trusted no one! I was reading and yelling at some of the characters actions because I wanted them to say and do something different。 I enjoyed the reveal and thrills。 I can’t put my finger on what made me score this book Reading Between the Wines book review #29/135 for 2022:Rating: 3 ½ 🍷 🍷 🍷Book 📱: The Widow’s HusbandAuthor: Lesley SandersonGenre: General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & ThrillersAvailable now!Sipping thoughts: This book had me pulled in from the beginning。 I suspected everyone and trusted no one! I was reading and yelling at some of the characters actions because I wanted them to say and do something different。 I enjoyed the reveal and thrills。 I can’t put my finger on what made me score this book 3。5 stars rather than 4 but it was still enjoyable。Cheers and thank you to @Bookouture and @NetGalley for an advanced copy of @TheWidowsHusband。#TheWidowsHusband #LesleySanderson #Bookouture #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult 。。。more

marnie | once upon a time book reviews

“She thought he was gone forever…”Lesley Sanderson has become a go to author for me when I am in need of a great story to get lost in and forget about the outside world for a few hours。 Each book I have read from her is such an enjoyable reading experience and The Widow’s Husband is no exception。 I will even go as far as saying this is her best work to date!In Sanderson’s own words, she wanted to create an “evocative novel about obsession, secrets and the blurred lines between love and lies”。 Sh “She thought he was gone forever…”Lesley Sanderson has become a go to author for me when I am in need of a great story to get lost in and forget about the outside world for a few hours。 Each book I have read from her is such an enjoyable reading experience and The Widow’s Husband is no exception。 I will even go as far as saying this is her best work to date!In Sanderson’s own words, she wanted to create an “evocative novel about obsession, secrets and the blurred lines between love and lies”。 She has achieved that and so much more with this story。 I was completely addicted to this right from the outset and pulled into to the story unable to put it down。Told via multiple points of view, present and past, Sanderson gives the reader a set of characters that will have you second guessing each of them。 They have been masterfully created and really bring the story to life。The Widow’s Husband is a thrilling twisty read that will have you reading long into the night。 Perfectly written and plotted, I can’t recommend this book highly enough。 It is very entertaining and is my choice for my read of the month for April!Thank you to Lesley Sanderson, Bookouture and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of The Widow’s Husband, which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarilyWhere you can find me 😊💻 Blog: bit。ly/3gR3io8👩‍🏫 Facebook: bit。ly/3gVeC2B🐤Twitter: bit。ly/3BQk2Dl📷 Instagram: bit。ly/3wSv0Gj📌 Pinterest: bit。ly/3vS2HGX📚 Goodreads: bit。ly/3wQxUM3 。。。more

Robin Loves Reading

Rachel’s husband Tom disappeared nearly seven years ago。 Without a trace。 Not a single clue。 How is it that she gets a note all this time later that simply says “I want to come back to you”? She recognizes his handwriting。 But how can that be?Rachel is just about to be able to legally declare Tom dead。 One more month。 But, this note just might change everything。 Their marriage wasn't perfect, although Rachel was more than content。 Until she discovered Tom had been having an affair。 He moved in w Rachel’s husband Tom disappeared nearly seven years ago。 Without a trace。 Not a single clue。 How is it that she gets a note all this time later that simply says “I want to come back to you”? She recognizes his handwriting。 But how can that be?Rachel is just about to be able to legally declare Tom dead。 One more month。 But, this note just might change everything。 Their marriage wasn't perfect, although Rachel was more than content。 Until she discovered Tom had been having an affair。 He moved in with his girlfriend, leaving her to raise their two children alone。 But then one day Tom vanished。 No one heard from him again。 No one knew where he was。 Not Rachel。 Not Heidi, Tom's other woman。 Forced to learn more about Tom and his deceitfulness becomes Rachel's primary concern。 Slowly, Rachel begins to unravel secrets。 Secrets that will no doubt provide answers she desperately needs。 All the while, Rachel must examine her feelings where Tom is concerned。Lesley Sanderson has written a captivating story。 Filled with compelling drama and intriguing characters, this engaging read culminates with a stunning conclusion。 Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review。 This is my honest opinion。Please also see my YouTube video review - https://youtu。be/yAPWDyAuy5k 。。。more

Renita D'Silva

A heart poundingly suspenseful book that kept me awake late into the night。 Loved this one so much。 Wonderfully good。 Do read this one。

Els

You have a successful business… You have a great marriage and a beautiful family… And still this does not seem to be enough…The grass always is greener on the other side, right… Until you are on the other side and the green is fading, showing the brown colour underneath…When your partner leaves you for someone else you are hurt, devastated, angry,… but you try to do your best to survive。 You still love them, because love does not work with a switch。 You cannot turn it on and off like a light。Wha You have a successful business… You have a great marriage and a beautiful family… And still this does not seem to be enough…The grass always is greener on the other side, right… Until you are on the other side and the green is fading, showing the brown colour underneath…When your partner leaves you for someone else you are hurt, devastated, angry,… but you try to do your best to survive。 You still love them, because love does not work with a switch。 You cannot turn it on and off like a light。What would you do when it seems like they want to come back? Would you open your arms to them, because of the love you still feel or because everybody deserves a second chance? Or maybe because of all of the above?And than your life is turned upside down once again。 You find yourself on the bottom of that dark pit for the second time。 You grow stronger every day and decide it’s time to move on, but that is easier said than done。。Who can you trust? Can you count on friends to help you or are you on your own?An enjoyable read where the author shows us it’s perfectly possible to love two partners, but impossible to keep them both happy。 You will always end up with your back against the wall。 4 stars。Thank you, Lesley Sanderson and Bookouture 。。。more

Simran

2。9 starsA husband has an affair, leaves his wife and kids for his mistress and just when he believes his “perfect” life will begin, he vanishes。 I wasn't the biggest fan of this book。 However, it did have a fantastic plot idea。 Throughout the book, I kept on wondering, "Where can he possibly be" or "What had happened to him," but as the book went on, the plot became easily predictable, which caused me not to enjoy it as much as I wish I could have。 The different POVs were nice to see since I'm 2。9 starsA husband has an affair, leaves his wife and kids for his mistress and just when he believes his “perfect” life will begin, he vanishes。 I wasn't the biggest fan of this book。 However, it did have a fantastic plot idea。 Throughout the book, I kept on wondering, "Where can he possibly be" or "What had happened to him," but as the book went on, the plot became easily predictable, which caused me not to enjoy it as much as I wish I could have。 The different POVs were nice to see since I'm a sucker for them, but I was initially confused since the characters weren't introduced well。 The main character, Rachel's personality, was a bit questionable at the time since she often dumped her kids off on other moms。 However, it was nice to see the love and attachment for her children at times of their trouble。 I'm not a big fan of infidelity, which is when I read a particular part as much as the other character deserved it, it made me lose interest。 Overall, the book was okay, and the writing was well-done, but I just wished there was a bit more suspense and the thriller aspect since it felt bits and pieces were missing throughout the book。 Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for an honest review。 This book will be published on April 21, 2022。  。。。more

Debra (semi-hiatus)

Rachel’s estranged husband, Tom, left one day and was not seen again。 It's been almost seven years since Rachel last saw him。 Seven years of raising their two children without him。 Seven years not knowing。 Just one month shy of declaring him legally dead, Rachel's world is turned upside down yet again when she receives a note in Tom's handwriting, telling her that he wants to come back。 Come back? From where?So many questions go through her mind。 As she begins to question why he left and where h Rachel’s estranged husband, Tom, left one day and was not seen again。 It's been almost seven years since Rachel last saw him。 Seven years of raising their two children without him。 Seven years not knowing。 Just one month shy of declaring him legally dead, Rachel's world is turned upside down yet again when she receives a note in Tom's handwriting, telling her that he wants to come back。 Come back? From where?So many questions go through her mind。 As she begins to question why he left and where he might be, she learns that Tom had secrets - lots of secrets! With apprehension, she turns to the woman he left her for, and is left with even more questions。This book had me questioning things as well! This was a fun quick read which had me doing my own detective work trying to figure out just where this book was going。 This book had a nice number of twists and turns。 While doing my own super sleuthing, I lined up my list of suspects, wondering who could be trusted, who could be lying, who had more secrets, and wondering what happened to Tom???I love trying to figure out the final reveal。 I had several theories along the way。 I liked that this book didn't have too many characters。 This provided the opportunity to get to know the characters more and to be more engaged in the plot。 With all books there were characters that I liked, some that I didn't care for, and some that I suspected of what I didn’t know。I appreciated how the author showed the range of emotions that Rachel went though from longing, doubt, confusion, hope, despair, etc。 Just how do you come to terms with someone disappearing from your life so abruptly? What do you do when you receive a note asking to come back? This had me questioning how I would react in that situation。I loved the underlying tension running through the book。 The doubt, the unease。 This was a fast paced read that kept me on my toes and flying through the pages!Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review。 All the thoughts and opinions are my own。Read more of my reviews at www。openbookposts。com 。。。more

Bridget

Rachel's husband, Tom disappeared seven years ago and she has learned to live her life without her childhood sweetheart and true love。 Then she receives a note, the handwriting recognisable to her。。。The Widow's Husband is certainly an addictive read; the reader is soon questioning everything。 Told using multiple narratives going back seven years and returning to the present day, this intriguing domestic thriller is rapidly paced。 There are some tense moments and large doses of doubt, deception a Rachel's husband, Tom disappeared seven years ago and she has learned to live her life without her childhood sweetheart and true love。 Then she receives a note, the handwriting recognisable to her。。。The Widow's Husband is certainly an addictive read; the reader is soon questioning everything。 Told using multiple narratives going back seven years and returning to the present day, this intriguing domestic thriller is rapidly paced。 There are some tense moments and large doses of doubt, deception and suspicion。 The characters vary between lovesome and loathsome and I enjoyed the gratifying ending。 Engaging right to the last。I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley, and this review is my own unbiased opinion。 。。。more

Connie

Rachel is the mother of Lana and Josh。 The children’s father, Tom, disappeared 7 years ago。 He had been having an affair with Heidi and was living with her when he vanished。 In a short time, Rachel will be able to have Tom declared dead which means she will be able to access his life insurance money to help care for herself and the children。Tom’s partner in their business has kept up with Rachel and been her friend。 She’s not sure if she wants more from the relationship。Heidi is back in their li Rachel is the mother of Lana and Josh。 The children’s father, Tom, disappeared 7 years ago。 He had been having an affair with Heidi and was living with her when he vanished。 In a short time, Rachel will be able to have Tom declared dead which means she will be able to access his life insurance money to help care for herself and the children。Tom’s partner in their business has kept up with Rachel and been her friend。 She’s not sure if she wants more from the relationship。Heidi is back in their lives because she is good with math and is helping Lana who is struggling with it。But now, Rachel has received a note in what appears to be Tom’s handwriting saying he wants to come home to her。 Could he be alive?This book kept me unsure of what’s going on and how it will end。 I suspected several characters and was partially right。 The ending is tense and scary。 All in all, a well-written story by an author whose books I have enjoyed before。 Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review。 。。。more

Stina

★★★★★ 4。5 stars (rounded up)I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Lesley Sanderson's addictive domestic thriller THE WIDOW'S HUSBAND。A husband who disappears without a trace。 A concerned wife。 An even more frantic girlfriend。 And a tangled mess that he's left behind。 Where is he? Is he dead or alive? Or did he feel the pinch of keeping two women and two households and flee?Another compelling Lesley Sanderson thriller that I was excited to sink my teeth into。 I knew I w ★★★★★ 4。5 stars (rounded up)I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Lesley Sanderson's addictive domestic thriller THE WIDOW'S HUSBAND。A husband who disappears without a trace。 A concerned wife。 An even more frantic girlfriend。 And a tangled mess that he's left behind。 Where is he? Is he dead or alive? Or did he feel the pinch of keeping two women and two households and flee?Another compelling Lesley Sanderson thriller that I was excited to sink my teeth into。 I knew I wouldn't be disappointed。。。and I wasn't。 The premise was certainly intriguing and there were enough thrills and chills and twists to keep me enthralled from beginning to end。Seven years ago, Rachel's husband Tom disappeared without a trace and has not been seen since。 But before he went missing, Tom had left her for a younger woman, Heidi。 One afternoon Tom fails to return home from work and Heidi rings Rachel in a frantic mess wondering if she has seen or heard from him。 And despite police investigations, Tom was never found。Now seven years later, Rachel has single-handedly raised their two children Lara (12) and Josh (8) who have no recollection of their father。 Despite him leaving her for another woman, Rachel has had to come to terms with the fact that Tom is not coming back。 And now the time is approaching when she can declare him legally dead and inherit all he has left behind。 And then the first note arrives。,i>"I want to come back to you。"Rachel is speechless。 She would know Tom's distinctive writing anywhere。 Has he been alive all this time? And if so, where has he been? And why now? Just when they were getting their lives back on track。。。why now? But before she can make any sense of it, Tom's girlfriend Heidi reinserts herself in their lives。。。and takes young Lara under her wing。 Lara who has no friends and is incredibly sensitive warms to Heidi instantly。 Should she be worried? Her sister seems to think so。。。as does Freddie, Tom's business partner who has been showing an interest in Rachel of late。 But Rachel begins to wonder if she can trust any of them。And then another note appears; this time it's more in depth with details that only Tom would know about。 Rachel knows without a doubt that Tom must be alive。 And yet still she questions why now? Why is he contacting her now? As the story unfolds it soon becomes clear that there is far more to Tom's disappearance。 But how can Rachel move on with so many unanswered questions?THE WIDOW'S HUSBAND is certainly an addictive thrill ride as the reader questions everything and everyone。 Cleverly told through multiple narratives both seven years ago and in the present day, this intriguing domestic thriller is fast paced and a quick read that will entertain and intrigue。 There are some tense moments but I easily unpicked the tangled mess to unravel most of it before the grand finale。。。and I enjoyed every minute of it。One of my favourite Lesley Sanderson thrillers to date, THE WIDOW'S HUSBAND is filled with secrets and deception and plenty of twists to keep you engaged until the very last page。I would like to thank #LesleySanderson, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheWidowsHusband in exchange for an honest review。This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic。blogspot。com/。 。。。more

Leona

The Widow’s Husband is an intense psychological thriller that I really enjoyed。 It’s full of twists and turns and a few red herrings thrown in which kept me alert throughout the story。 The story is told in duel timeline and both timelines really kept my interest as I tried to figure out who I could and couldn’t trust。

Joanna Lambert

Rachel’s husband Tom disappeared nearly seven years ago。 She has since rebuilt a new life for her and her two children。 Tom was having an affair when he left and had abandoned the marital home。 When the next anniversary of his death comes around, Rachel will be able to have him certified as dead。 She then feels she can truly get on with her life。 But as the story begins, a mysterious envelope is posted through the letterbox。 Inside is a note which appears to have come from Tom。Written between p Rachel’s husband Tom disappeared nearly seven years ago。 She has since rebuilt a new life for her and her two children。 Tom was having an affair when he left and had abandoned the marital home。 When the next anniversary of his death comes around, Rachel will be able to have him certified as dead。 She then feels she can truly get on with her life。 But as the story begins, a mysterious envelope is posted through the letterbox。 Inside is a note which appears to have come from Tom。Written between present day and just before Tom went missing, the story moves back and forth, enabling the reader to see the run up to Tom’s disappearance as well as how Rachel deals with the mysterious note。 Pitched into this strange situation, she finds the line between friends and foe are blurred。 Like Rachel, I wasn’t sure who was trustworthy and who wasn’t。 It’s an easy read, with a storyline that is full of twists and turns and keeps you hooked。 Recommended。I would like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture and Lesley Sanderson for an ARC of The Widow’s Husband in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Paula Stammers

A mystery and a psychological thriller all rolled in to one !! Definitely one bit to be missed。Rachel’s life fell apart seven years ago when her husband, Tom, disappeared without a trace。 There has been no sign of Tom until now。 Rachel had received a note through the door and it is Tom’s handwriting。 The note states he wants to come home but is it genuine, and if so, why now ?Rachel is on the verge of being able to declare her husband dead, as he has been missing for coming up to seven years but A mystery and a psychological thriller all rolled in to one !! Definitely one bit to be missed。Rachel’s life fell apart seven years ago when her husband, Tom, disappeared without a trace。 There has been no sign of Tom until now。 Rachel had received a note through the door and it is Tom’s handwriting。 The note states he wants to come home but is it genuine, and if so, why now ?Rachel is on the verge of being able to declare her husband dead, as he has been missing for coming up to seven years but does this note mean he is still alive somewhere ? Does he really want to come home ? Does Rachel want him to come home ? What will her two children think ? They were only small when Tom went missing。Rachel becomes friends with someone from the past but is everything quite as it seems ? Who can Rachel trust ? And will she finally discover the truth about why Tom disappeared ?This is a great mystery psychological thriller。 There are plenty of twists to keep you engaged with the story。 I really loved the characters, which always helps, especially Rachel。 Definitely one not to be missed。Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book。 。。。more

Heather Adores Books

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers。 To view it, click here。 3。5 ⭐ rounded up This story line is similar to ones I've read many a time, with predictably galore, however Lesley made it her own and I did enjoy it。 Mostly told by Rachel, but we get some chapters told by Tom and Heidi that go back and forth between the present and the past。 I like this form of writing style because it still keeps a bit of mystery to the story。Rachel’s husband, Tom, disappeared close to 7 years ago。 At the time of his disappearance he was shacking up with Heidi, who he recentl 3。5 ⭐ rounded up This story line is similar to ones I've read many a time, with predictably galore, however Lesley made it her own and I did enjoy it。 Mostly told by Rachel, but we get some chapters told by Tom and Heidi that go back and forth between the present and the past。 I like this form of writing style because it still keeps a bit of mystery to the story。Rachel’s husband, Tom, disappeared close to 7 years ago。 At the time of his disappearance he was shacking up with Heidi, who he recently left Rachel and his 2 children, Lara and Josh, for。 Since they are still married, Rachel is close to being able to officially declare him dead when she gets a note from him saying he wants to come home to her。I'd like to know how Rachel is able to continue being a stay at home mom long after Tom leaves her ~ where does she get the money from? And then when she does come into some loot she puts it into fixing up her house, craziness。 Heidi, Heidi, Heidi ~ I could see her involvement from a kilometre away。 Not quite sure in what universe she thought she would be entitled to anything after only putting in a few months with Tom。Now onto Lara, who is 12。 12!! I have a 14 year old, so I'm not too far off from remembering this age ~ my child was certainly not telling me she was going to the cinema and will be home by 9:30pm。 Thank you very much little ma'am, but you will be home and in bed by 8pm, maybe 8:30 if I'm being nice! And Rachel doesn't even know who she's going with and how she'll get home ~ ummm, what? I don't know what happens over the pond, but 12 is way too young to be out and about at that time of night over here in the states。 Maybe I'm a Smother。Josh seems like a delightful boy at age 8。 I love that he was very passionate about drama club。 Does Rachel ever have to lead the carpool though? I'm still not quite sure why she had such a late appointment and needed Heidi to pick him up that one time ~ don't you plan your appointments when the kids are at school when you're a SAHM and single at that?I'm still not too sure how I feel about Freddie。 It for sure was weird he contacted her after so many years have gone by。 And only 2 months later for their happily ever after - eh。 This was a fast paced, quick read that definitely has some thrilling elements。 Although mostly predictable for me I did find the how and what happened to Tom to be a surprise。 Though, duh, looking back the title is quite revealing。 Trigger warning ~ cheating*Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for the ARC。 I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*More reviews here ➡ Heather Adores Books 。。。more

Jennifer

2。5 starsFantastic plot idea, but unfortunately the story just fell flat for me。 The first half of the book just seemed to be "Is this note really from him, or no? Is he alive or dead? Do I WANT him to be alive or dead?" either the main character thinking to herself, or discussing with others。 The characters aren't introduced well, as the first chapter or two I couldn't figure out what name went with who - but I had it figured out around Chapter 3 I think。 The transitions from one scene to the n 2。5 starsFantastic plot idea, but unfortunately the story just fell flat for me。 The first half of the book just seemed to be "Is this note really from him, or no? Is he alive or dead? Do I WANT him to be alive or dead?" either the main character thinking to herself, or discussing with others。 The characters aren't introduced well, as the first chapter or two I couldn't figure out what name went with who - but I had it figured out around Chapter 3 I think。 The transitions from one scene to the next seemed abrupt to me。 Like "Oh, suddenly we're in a new location。" The kids don't act their age - I might be able to believe the 12-year-old has a cell phone, but the 8-year-old?? Both kids seem to act older than their ages are supposed to be。 Lara for instance, acts more like 15-16 than a 12-year-old。 I can understand why Rachel never drives her son anywhere (so she can do other things in the story), but really, she seems to dump her kid off on other moms (including her own) a lot, haha。All that being said, I did like the ending and how everything came together。 。。。more

Caroline 'reading with Buddy'

I really enjoyed this it had enough twists and turns to keep me interested and I am so glad that I read it。 This author always delivers and whenever I see a book by her I just have to drop everything and read it。 I am not going to say more due to the risk of spoilers。 I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own。

Tina

A husband who disappears without a trace。 A worried wife。 Children who have to cope without him with a teenaged daughter staring to act out。 She knows he's dead: it's been almost seven years。 To make matters worse, the husband has been having an affair。 After receiving questioning letters, she wonders if they are from him。 I found it very intriguing。 A wild ride of a psychological thriller。 This book moves very quickly。 There a two people that are closely involved that she suspects of sending th A husband who disappears without a trace。 A worried wife。 Children who have to cope without him with a teenaged daughter staring to act out。 She knows he's dead: it's been almost seven years。 To make matters worse, the husband has been having an affair。 After receiving questioning letters, she wonders if they are from him。 I found it very intriguing。 A wild ride of a psychological thriller。 This book moves very quickly。 There a two people that are closely involved that she suspects of sending the letters。 I experienced the same trepidation as this wife。 I was entirely captivated from the first page through the last。 The book was both engaging and entertaining。 I hope to read more from this author。Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC of this book。 This was honest review。 。。。more