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3.26 AVERAGE
3.26 AVERAGE
Fairly quick read. I found the way she described certain memories and flashbacks a bit confusing, they just could have been more clear. I think the big take away is the concept of communication.
I have enjoyed B.A. Paris’s books in the past but this one just missed the mark for me. I was seriously annoyed through most of it.
All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
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This review will appear on my site on September 17, 2020.
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This one definitely receives 4 Frustrating Stars: But this is in a good way!
Oh my word, this one is a departure from Paris’ other novels, as this one is not a thriller/ mystery but more of a domestic drama. This novel deals with family dynamics/ history, consequences of past actions, communication (or I should say a lack of), love, grief, and good intentions that may not have the desired effect.
It is Livia’s big 40 and she is going to have the biggest party ever, especially since she never got the huge wedding she really wanted. She has planned this since her early 20s. But she is keeping a secret from her husband Adam, and likewise he is keeping a new secret from her. In the long run, yes, Livia’s secret has big consequences, but Adam wins this ‘competition of secrets’ hands down.
This novel is a longer one that takes place just over a 24 hour period and we have both Livia and Adam as the narrators in dueling perspectives. The novel does become a bit weary; it is very repetitive as both narrators are constantly focused on the secret they are keeping from each other. I was more involved with Adam’s secret than Livia’s. Adam’s secret is heart breaking on so many levels. He becomes very frustrating at times because to get a definitive answer to his dilemma, all he has to do is make one phone call. At times I wanted to slap him and yell “Just make that phone call!” But then Adam still has a dilemma as once he knows the answer then there is no turning back. Adam really is in a lose-lose situation with Livia’s party going on.
Like Livia, I also turned 40 this year, so I identified with her on having a big birthday year. This is a situation no couple would want to find themselves in. There are ultimately no winners or losers in their situation. The title of the novel is so apparent as you read through the novel. The only thing that did not seem realistic was a woman who focused on having a huge 40th birthday party for half of her life. I mean, what about your 30th? That one is just as important!
I really did enjoy this frustrating novel, despite the repetitiveness of it. It does make you think “what would you do?” in Livia and Adam’s situations. And all I can say is: I am not sure.
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This review will appear on my site on September 17, 2020.
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This one definitely receives 4 Frustrating Stars: But this is in a good way!
Oh my word, this one is a departure from Paris’ other novels, as this one is not a thriller/ mystery but more of a domestic drama. This novel deals with family dynamics/ history, consequences of past actions, communication (or I should say a lack of), love, grief, and good intentions that may not have the desired effect.
It is Livia’s big 40 and she is going to have the biggest party ever, especially since she never got the huge wedding she really wanted. She has planned this since her early 20s. But she is keeping a secret from her husband Adam, and likewise he is keeping a new secret from her. In the long run, yes, Livia’s secret has big consequences, but Adam wins this ‘competition of secrets’ hands down.
This novel is a longer one that takes place just over a 24 hour period and we have both Livia and Adam as the narrators in dueling perspectives. The novel does become a bit weary; it is very repetitive as both narrators are constantly focused on the secret they are keeping from each other. I was more involved with Adam’s secret than Livia’s. Adam’s secret is heart breaking on so many levels. He becomes very frustrating at times because to get a definitive answer to his dilemma, all he has to do is make one phone call. At times I wanted to slap him and yell “Just make that phone call!” But then Adam still has a dilemma as once he knows the answer then there is no turning back. Adam really is in a lose-lose situation with Livia’s party going on.
Like Livia, I also turned 40 this year, so I identified with her on having a big birthday year. This is a situation no couple would want to find themselves in. There are ultimately no winners or losers in their situation. The title of the novel is so apparent as you read through the novel. The only thing that did not seem realistic was a woman who focused on having a huge 40th birthday party for half of her life. I mean, what about your 30th? That one is just as important!
I really did enjoy this frustrating novel, despite the repetitiveness of it. It does make you think “what would you do?” in Livia and Adam’s situations. And all I can say is: I am not sure.
This book was terrible. I hate a book that relies on miscommunications for plot. Gave it 2 stars because I give 1 star to DNFs
A very different style for B. A. Paris!
Unlike many of her books, “The Dilemma” is not a thriller.
Family dynamics/relations are very strongly portrayed in a realistic manner. The characters are relatable, and likeable.
Two truths are kept secret- both parties with secrets think they’re protecting the other. Both secrets have the potential to destroy life as they know it.
Unlike many of her books, “The Dilemma” is not a thriller.
Family dynamics/relations are very strongly portrayed in a realistic manner. The characters are relatable, and likeable.
Two truths are kept secret- both parties with secrets think they’re protecting the other. Both secrets have the potential to destroy life as they know it.
To była ciekawa historia, której się nie spodziewałam i która trzymała mnie w pewnym momencie w stresie i rozpaczy. Liczyłam na coś innego, ale mimo to się nie zawiodłam.
This book was much more emotional than I thought it would be. I love B A Paris and her previous works so much, but this was a surprise because it’s not the same style she normally goes for!
It was so lovely to see two characters points of view on the same day. I love when an author can humanize their protagonists and make you understand why they’re making the choices they are, even if they could be viewed as very bad choices. In the end, I really cared about this family and had to finish this is one night because I couldn’t put it down!
Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and Net Galley for sending me this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
It was so lovely to see two characters points of view on the same day. I love when an author can humanize their protagonists and make you understand why they’re making the choices they are, even if they could be viewed as very bad choices. In the end, I really cared about this family and had to finish this is one night because I couldn’t put it down!
Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and Net Galley for sending me this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Yikes, I hated this. The characters are so unlikeable, selfish, and unrealistic that I was rolling my eyes several times throughout the book. They have awful communication and contradict themselves multiple times - talking about forgiveness and the multiple surprises that pop up. I’ll include a summary below, but honestly I’d skip this one. Her previous book”Behind Closed Doors” is much better.
It’s livia’s 40th birthday and she has a grand party planned. She’s been dreaming of this party for over 20 years to make up for the wedding she never got. Livia has recently discovered a secret about their daughter, Marnie, that will ruin their family and circle of close friends. Adam, Livia’s husband, has arranged for Marnie to fly home to surprise Livia for her birthday. But before Marnie arrives, he gets terrible news. Should he share it with Livia before her dream party?
It was god awful y’all. God awful. And the author really loved the phrase “eyes shining (or bright) with unshed tears”. How many times can you have unshed tears in the span of 24 hours? Oh well, hopefully the next book is better.
It’s livia’s 40th birthday and she has a grand party planned. She’s been dreaming of this party for over 20 years to make up for the wedding she never got. Livia has recently discovered a secret about their daughter, Marnie, that will ruin their family and circle of close friends. Adam, Livia’s husband, has arranged for Marnie to fly home to surprise Livia for her birthday. But before Marnie arrives, he gets terrible news. Should he share it with Livia before her dream party?
It was god awful y’all. God awful. And the author really loved the phrase “eyes shining (or bright) with unshed tears”. How many times can you have unshed tears in the span of 24 hours? Oh well, hopefully the next book is better.
This books was not at all what I was expecting from the thriller queen B.A. Paris and I loved it! If you go into this one expecting a thriller you will be disappointed.
Today is the day Livia has been dreaming of, her fortieth birthday. Since her life didn’t turn out quiet as she expected and she didn’t get the typical big wedding, Livia has made it known she plans to make up for it with this years birthday party. With all the plans set there is just one person who will be missing, her daughter Marnie and although she acts sad she is truly relieved. You see Livia has been holding on to a secret that she knows will change her family and friends lives but she is not ready to share the secret with her husband until the party is over. What Livia doesn’t know is that today her husband Adam is holding on to his own secret and it is one he is can not come to terms with. Once the party is over who will be the first to reveal their secret and will it be to late?
Today is the day Livia has been dreaming of, her fortieth birthday. Since her life didn’t turn out quiet as she expected and she didn’t get the typical big wedding, Livia has made it known she plans to make up for it with this years birthday party. With all the plans set there is just one person who will be missing, her daughter Marnie and although she acts sad she is truly relieved. You see Livia has been holding on to a secret that she knows will change her family and friends lives but she is not ready to share the secret with her husband until the party is over. What Livia doesn’t know is that today her husband Adam is holding on to his own secret and it is one he is can not come to terms with. Once the party is over who will be the first to reveal their secret and will it be to late?