Welcome to a weekly post, Throwback Thursday. This weekly book review post is a way to share some old favourites, books that were published over a year ago and most importantly those books that have been languishing on the to be read pile for far too long!
Today’s Throwback Thursday book review comes from Mrs R. If You Only Knew is a 2015 release, from popular contemporary romance author Kristan Higgins. A second hand book find encouraged Mrs R to finally give Kristan Higgins a chance and the experience was a most welcome one, it resulted in a five star read!
Synopsis:
Sisterhood in all its drama, hilarity and tears is at the heart of New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins’s thoroughly captivating new novel, featuring the wit and romance that readers have come to expect from the much-loved creator of the Blue Heron series…
Wedding-dress designer Jenny Tate understands the happily-ever-after business, yet somehow she’s still involved in her ex-husband’s life. In fact, Owen’s new wife may—inexplicably—be Jenny’s new best friend. Sensing this, well, relationship isn’t helping her move on, Jenny trades the Manhattan skyline for her hometown up the Hudson, where she’ll be able to bask in her sister Rachel’s picture-perfect family life…and hopefully make one of her own.
Her timing couldn’t be more perfect, since Rachel will need her younger sister. Her idyllic marriage has just fallen to pieces in spectacular fashion after she discovers her husband sexting with one of his colleagues. Second chances aren’t in Rachel’s nature, but the desire for an intact family has her rethinking her stance on adultery, much to Jenny’s surprise. Rachel points to their parents’ “perfect” marriage as a shining example, but to protect her sister Jenny may have to tarnish that memory—and their relationship—and reveal a secret about their family she’s been keeping since childhood.
During this summer of secrets and lies, temptation and revelation, Jenny and Rachel will rely on each other to find the humor in their personal catastrophes, the joy in their triumphs…and the strength to keep hanging on.
Mrs R’s review:
I’ve come across Kristan Higgins’ romance books over the years but hadn’t had the chance to read one. When I heard that she has crossed over into contemporary fiction I picked up a second hand copy of If Only You Knew. Kristan’s first contemporary book is a surprisingly raw, honest account that delves into fidelity, motherhood and sisters.
If Only You Knew is set in Manhattan and Hudson. Having never been to America, I enjoyed the opportunity to live life in the fast lane with Jenny then the slower, family paced life in Hudson with Rachel. Told in the first person through alternating chapters, I really got to know the two sisters with all their human frailties and untapped strengths.
From the very beginning, Jenny was my favourite sister. Her career as a wedding dress designer was a detailed, fascinating read with all it’s ups and downs. From bridezillas to monster mother in laws, I appreciated the hard work and passion that Jenny put into her job. It would be amazing to have the level of talent that Jenny had. She appeared to be so strong minded and have it all together, not just with her career, but life in general. Jenny’s friendship with her ex husband and his new family was no exception. She was unafraid to stand up to her dramatic mother and always had Rachel’s back. It wasn’t until later that I realised just how toxic Jenny’s relationship with Owen, the, ex, was and that she needed to make a clean break. With this came the journey of being a single woman and navigating the dating jungle with all its intricacies. I felt Jenny’s pain as she met Leo, the unavailable man of her dreams. The reason for his unavailability was both a surprise and extremely heartbreaking. I also slowly came to realise that Jenny carried a family secret, a heavy burden that weighed heavily upon her mind. The choices she made in this respect show the deep love and bond she has with her family.
While Jenny began as my favorite sister, it is Rachel who quietly stole my heart. Rachel was the original mother earth, devoting her life to both her husband and their triplets. While this isn’t me and makes it a little harder to relate to, I came to admire Rachel for her devotion to her family. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough to stop her husband from cheating. I was shocked initially when Rachel decided to stay with her husband but I always thought it was more for the sake of the children then anything else. So I didn’t think it would last when I saw the warning signs that Jenny saw too. Jenny’s sadness and anger mirrored mine many times throughout the course of Rachel’s marriage. When Rachel finally makes the best choice not just for her girls but herself, I was so happy for her. I don’t think the future would be easy for Rachel but it was the beginning of many, much needed positive changes for her.
This is the perfect read to remind you about the power of family love and all that it brings with it.
If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins was published in 2015. Details on how to purchase the book can be found here.
To learn more about the author of If You Only Knew, Kristan Higgins, visit here.
