This was the first book I read in 2024, and it still resonates with me. Told from the point of view of three women—Adrienne Lafayette, Beatrice Chanler and Marthe Simon—with the Marquis des Lafayette's home in France as the centerpiece during three different time periods—the French Revolution, World War I and World War II. Adrienne and Beatrice are actual historical women; Marthe is based on a compilation of real-life women. I was drawn into all three worlds, and all three women are strong and independent with remarkable stories of courage and love. Stephanie Dray weaves their stories together seamlessly in a narrative that had me turning the pages, unable to put the book down.
Recommended by Oprah Magazine ∙ Cosmo∙ PopSugar∙ SheReads ∙ Parade ∙ and more!
An epic saga from New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray based on the true story of an extraordinary castle in the heart of France and the remarkable women bound by its legacy.
Most castles are protected by men. This one by women.
A founding mother... 1774. Gently-bred noblewoman Adrienne Lafayette becomes her husband, the Marquis de Lafayette’s political partner in the fight for American independence. But when their idealism sparks revolution in France and the guillotine threatens everything she holds dear, Adrienne…
I am not a huge fan of books that get a lot of hype. First Lie Wins was a Reese's Book Club pick, and I admit that I was hesitant going in. But within a few pages, I was completely hooked. I love a good story about a con artist, and this book did not disappoint. There were so many twists and turns that I had no idea where it was going or whether it would stick the landing. But to my delight, everything fell into place perfectly with an incredibly satisfying ending. Elston's storytelling and plot are impeccable, and I was immediately drawn into Evie Porter's cons, delighting in her cleverness and wondering what would happen next. The structure of the book works well, with back and forth from present to past to present and tells the story exactly as it should be told. It is one of those books I've finished that I've said, "I wish I wrote that!"
REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK | INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“This fast-paced read has everything you could want in a thriller: secret identities, a mysterious boss and a cat & mouse game that kept me guessing the whole way through.”—Reese Witherspoon
“One of the best thrillers I’ve ever read... Amazing.”—Jesse Watters
Evie Porter has everything a nice, Southern girl could want: a perfect, doting boyfriend, a house with a white picket fence and a garden, a fancy group of friends. The only catch: Evie Porter doesn’t exist.
The identity comes first: Evie Porter. Once she’s given a name and location…
I admit when I started this book, I wasn't sure I was going to like it. I've been staying away from anything that seems even slightly depressing, and it looked like it might be going in that direction. But I kept with it, and I am so glad I did. The book evolved into something so unexpected. Phoebe is a complex character whose encounters over a weekend with strangers helps her discover herself. I was so drawn into Phoebe's world, rooting for her all the way. Espach does a wonderful job eliciting compassion and strength for all her characters. It's been a couple of months since I read the book, and I am still thinking about it. That, to me, is the mark of an excellent read.
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A Today Show #ReadwithJenna Book Club Pick
A propulsive and uncommonly wise novel about one unexpected wedding guest and the surprising people who help her start anew.
It’s a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. She's immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people, but she’s actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn’t here for the big event. Phoebe is here because she’s dreamed of coming…
This astonishing crime novel—inspired by the Tudor era—takes the reader into the world of Kate Parker, who has just married billionaire Hank Tudor when a headless body is discovered near their summer home . . .
Kate Parker knows what she’s getting into when she marries billionaire businessman Hank Tudor—she’s his sixth wife, after all, and was by his side (as his assistant) when his fifth marriage to actress Caitlyn Howard fell apart.
But honeymoon plans go awry when a headless body is discovered near Hank’s summer home, forcing Kate to contend with two more of his exes: Catherine Alvarez—the first—who lives as a shut-in with her computers, carefully following Tudor Enterprises; and Anna Klein—the fourth—who runs a bed-and-breakfast where she and her wife keep a steady eye on things—particularly Hank’s children, Lizzie and Teddy.
In this clever and suspenseful reimagining of Tudor era betrayals, these three women become entwined in a deadly game of cat and mouse—with each other, Hank, and Hank’s brilliant fixer, Tom Cromwell—as Kate seeks to solve the puzzle of who the murdered woman is, who killed her, and whether her death has any connection to the other headless body from eight years ago.
