Status
Available
Genres
Publication
Griffin (2021), 368 pages
Description
Fiction. Literature. Thriller. HTML: A woman's birthday party takes a dark turn in a poignant, heart-stopping new novel from the reigning queen of suspense, NYT and USA Today bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors, The Breakdown, and Bring Me Back. "A heartbreaking page-turner that will have you up at night reading just one more chapter." �??Catherine Steadman, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Something in the Water "The phenomenal B. A. Paris has done it again! I devoured The Dilemma in one sitting�??it grabbed me from the very first page and wouldn't let go until I'd finished. Secrets, guilt, shame and heartbreak�??this story has it all in spades."�??Sandie Jones, New York Times bestselling author of The Other Woman Knowing the truth will destroy her. Keeping it secret will destroy him. It's Livia's 40th birthday, and her husband Adam is throwing her the party of a lifetime to make up for the wedding they never had. Everyone she loves will be there, except her daughter Marnie, who's studying abroad. But Livia is secretly glad Marnie won't be there. Livia has recently uncovered a secret about their daughter which, if revealed, will shake the foundation of their family to its core. She needs to tell Adam, but she's waiting until the party is over so they can have this last happy time together. Adam, meanwhile, has his own surprise for Livia: he's arranged for Marnie to secretly fly back for the party. But before Marnie arrives, Adam hears some terrible news. Now he too is faced with a dilemma: Does he share what he's learned with his wife? Is hiding the truth the same as telling a lie? And how far are Adam and Livia willing to go to protect the ones they love�??and give each other a last few hours of happiness? A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's… (more)
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User reviews
LibraryThing member jothebookgirl
if you like detail in writing this is for you. Me? I prefer getting to the point at least a little more quickly than Th Dilemma. The book slowly smoulders on and on, until final the story breaks.
The narrative flips between the two main characters: Livia and Adam, who are married so that you see
Livia has been waiting for, and organizing her own party for as long as she can remember. She even chose their home based the garden where the party would one day take place. Now the pressure is on her husband, Adam, to make sure that it’s perfect for her.
Adam and Livia seem to have it all: they have a beautiful home and a boy and girl child, Marnie and Josh, and a host of extended family and friends. But wait not all is perfect, Livia was disowned at 18 when she became pregnant out of wedlock with Josh. Later Marnie is born into wedlock and maybe that’s kinda okay with Livia’ s dad, but after 20 years there has been no contact.
Now for for Livia’s perfect and extravagant fortieth year old birthday party! Livia is planning the celebration of the century, but it’s more than just a party to her it’s is her one opportunity to be self-indulgent; to make up for the wedding her parents never provided her. Rather she and Adam were married in a fifteen minute ceremony at the courthouse. I am struck by the love between Adam and Livia after marrying so young and under not so wonderful circumstances. Can this love endure the worst event to ever happen in the life of parents?
The party comes and eventually goes with Adam harbouring the most devastating news. Why does Adam wait til after the party to share? Does he really want to spare his wife’s grief until after her gala or is he just afraid to confront it! This is the point this reader became frustrated as The Dilemma drug on and on and on. I guess the author wanted to impose on the reader the difficulty of such a dire decision.
The plot is not a complex one, yet engaging as you desperately hope that things will work out as the party, parties on. Even though the book unfolded slowly and in great detail, I was hooked by the decisions that had to be made hoping that relationships can be salvaged and lives will not be destroyed. But that’s not true life.
The narrative flips between the two main characters: Livia and Adam, who are married so that you see
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the their lives through two sets of eyes. Now here is the part I don’t get but I’m not one who’d ever want a big party or wedding. Livia has been waiting for, and organizing her own party for as long as she can remember. She even chose their home based the garden where the party would one day take place. Now the pressure is on her husband, Adam, to make sure that it’s perfect for her.
Adam and Livia seem to have it all: they have a beautiful home and a boy and girl child, Marnie and Josh, and a host of extended family and friends. But wait not all is perfect, Livia was disowned at 18 when she became pregnant out of wedlock with Josh. Later Marnie is born into wedlock and maybe that’s kinda okay with Livia’ s dad, but after 20 years there has been no contact.
Now for for Livia’s perfect and extravagant fortieth year old birthday party! Livia is planning the celebration of the century, but it’s more than just a party to her it’s is her one opportunity to be self-indulgent; to make up for the wedding her parents never provided her. Rather she and Adam were married in a fifteen minute ceremony at the courthouse. I am struck by the love between Adam and Livia after marrying so young and under not so wonderful circumstances. Can this love endure the worst event to ever happen in the life of parents?
The party comes and eventually goes with Adam harbouring the most devastating news. Why does Adam wait til after the party to share? Does he really want to spare his wife’s grief until after her gala or is he just afraid to confront it! This is the point this reader became frustrated as The Dilemma drug on and on and on. I guess the author wanted to impose on the reader the difficulty of such a dire decision.
The plot is not a complex one, yet engaging as you desperately hope that things will work out as the party, parties on. Even though the book unfolded slowly and in great detail, I was hooked by the decisions that had to be made hoping that relationships can be salvaged and lives will not be destroyed. But that’s not true life.
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LibraryThing member maggie1961
I have loved all of B A. Paris’s previous books, all psychological thrillers and assumed this one would be the same. Incorrectly assumed. I was not prepared for this fantastic book of a different genre that packed a wallop of emotion.
Adam and Livia have come a long way from the teenage couple
Livia always dreamed of a huge birthday party in lieu of the big wedding she never got, planning it in her head for 20 years and now the day is finally here. And nothing could mar this day. Or could it? While Livia is having the timer of life, dancing, eating, drinking and laughing with family and friends, Adam sits on the sidelines with a secret. A secret that will destroy that enviable life they have. A secret that may bring their whole world crashing down. But Livia has a secret of her own.
This book, so well written, was an emotional roller coaster. I was torn between wanting to flip quickly to the end and dreading the coming pages in fear of what might be coming. I think I felt a little like Adam, wanting to know. But not wanting to know.
When reading a book, it is easy to sit back and judge someone’s decision but this book made me really think. I questioned whether or not Adam did the right thing. What would I do? Can you still love someone the same who did something you totally disapprove of? Can you still love someone who hid a vital secret from you?
The books I have read by this author never disappoint and for me, it is signs of a great author when they can write equally riveting books in different genres. This book had the same engrossing quality as the author’s previous works and I can’t wait to see what the author has next in store.
Thank you to the publisher and edelweiss for the privilege of reading and reviewing this book free in exchange for an honest review.
Adam and Livia have come a long way from the teenage couple
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with the shotgun wedding. While her parents disowned her, she is surrounded by family and friends. Now, with two adult children, they have a life to be envied. Livia always dreamed of a huge birthday party in lieu of the big wedding she never got, planning it in her head for 20 years and now the day is finally here. And nothing could mar this day. Or could it? While Livia is having the timer of life, dancing, eating, drinking and laughing with family and friends, Adam sits on the sidelines with a secret. A secret that will destroy that enviable life they have. A secret that may bring their whole world crashing down. But Livia has a secret of her own.
This book, so well written, was an emotional roller coaster. I was torn between wanting to flip quickly to the end and dreading the coming pages in fear of what might be coming. I think I felt a little like Adam, wanting to know. But not wanting to know.
When reading a book, it is easy to sit back and judge someone’s decision but this book made me really think. I questioned whether or not Adam did the right thing. What would I do? Can you still love someone the same who did something you totally disapprove of? Can you still love someone who hid a vital secret from you?
The books I have read by this author never disappoint and for me, it is signs of a great author when they can write equally riveting books in different genres. This book had the same engrossing quality as the author’s previous works and I can’t wait to see what the author has next in store.
Thank you to the publisher and edelweiss for the privilege of reading and reviewing this book free in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member mookie86
It's Livia's 40th birthday and she's having the party of a lifetime to make up for the wedding she never had. Everyone she loves will be there except her daughter Marnie, who's studying abroad. But although Livia loves Marnie, she's secretly glad she won't be at the party. She needs to tell Adam
Adam wants everything to be perfect for Livia so he's secretly arranged for Marnie to come home and surprise her on her birthday. During the day, he hears some terrible news. He needs to tell Livia, because how can the party go on? But she's so happy, so excited - and the guests are about to arrive.
The Dilemma - how far would you go to give someone you love a last few hours of happiness?
3 stars
I've always enjoyed B.A. Paris works before, and this one was definitely different than her usual page-turning thrillers. Although the premise of secrets and miscommunication works well to shape the story, it took a long time to get there. The Dilemma has a psychological tone that I have not seen much from other thriller writers where you want to get to the climax of the story sooner and keep the pages turning.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
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something about their daughter but she's waiting until the party is over so they can have this last happy time together.Adam wants everything to be perfect for Livia so he's secretly arranged for Marnie to come home and surprise her on her birthday. During the day, he hears some terrible news. He needs to tell Livia, because how can the party go on? But she's so happy, so excited - and the guests are about to arrive.
The Dilemma - how far would you go to give someone you love a last few hours of happiness?
3 stars
I've always enjoyed B.A. Paris works before, and this one was definitely different than her usual page-turning thrillers. Although the premise of secrets and miscommunication works well to shape the story, it took a long time to get there. The Dilemma has a psychological tone that I have not seen much from other thriller writers where you want to get to the climax of the story sooner and keep the pages turning.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
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LibraryThing member fastforward
When I find out B.A. Paris has a new book coming out, I get giddy. When I actually get the book in my hands and sit down to read it, I'm like a kid on Christmas morning. I just have so much fun reading her books, and this one was no exception. I wouldn't say any of her books are perfect and I
I 100% agree with other reviewers who said this book is a bit different than anything she has written before. I don't want to get into spoilers and I do think the less you know going in, the better. If you can appreciate a slow paced story this might be the book for you because most of it takes place over the course of a day. Livia got married and had her kids at a young age. Now that she is turning 40, she wants to finally do something special for herself, so she throws a big party to celebrate her birthday. This party has been in the works for a long time and she doesn't want anything to ruin the day, so she thinks it's best to just wait until after the party to share a secret with Adam, her husband. Adam has something rather important to tell Livia as well, but he knows how important the party is to her so he's going to have to decide when to drop the bombshell. The story alternates between Livia and Adam on the day of the birthday party.
So who is most likely to enjoy this book? Well, if you have liked other books by the author, than give this one a chance but just go in knowing that it is different from her other novels. (And yes I wish I didn't have to be so vague, but trust me, you don't want to know too much ahead of time.) If you aren't a B.A. Paris fan, than I highly doubt this is going to be the book that changes your opinion about her writing. For as many readers as I know who love her books, there's a decent amount of people who don't, and that's perfectly fine. We all have certain writers we love, and that's definitely the case for me with this author. She manages to always keep things interesting and I seriously can't wait to check out her next book! (Am I going to have to wait until 2021?)
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review!
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realize she is not everyone's cup of tea, but an amazing reading experience always counts for something and that's why I'm placing this in the 5 star category. When you can set aside your everyday life problems and get lost in a book, it's really what reading is all about, or at least that's my opinion.I 100% agree with other reviewers who said this book is a bit different than anything she has written before. I don't want to get into spoilers and I do think the less you know going in, the better. If you can appreciate a slow paced story this might be the book for you because most of it takes place over the course of a day. Livia got married and had her kids at a young age. Now that she is turning 40, she wants to finally do something special for herself, so she throws a big party to celebrate her birthday. This party has been in the works for a long time and she doesn't want anything to ruin the day, so she thinks it's best to just wait until after the party to share a secret with Adam, her husband. Adam has something rather important to tell Livia as well, but he knows how important the party is to her so he's going to have to decide when to drop the bombshell. The story alternates between Livia and Adam on the day of the birthday party.
So who is most likely to enjoy this book? Well, if you have liked other books by the author, than give this one a chance but just go in knowing that it is different from her other novels. (And yes I wish I didn't have to be so vague, but trust me, you don't want to know too much ahead of time.) If you aren't a B.A. Paris fan, than I highly doubt this is going to be the book that changes your opinion about her writing. For as many readers as I know who love her books, there's a decent amount of people who don't, and that's perfectly fine. We all have certain writers we love, and that's definitely the case for me with this author. She manages to always keep things interesting and I seriously can't wait to check out her next book! (Am I going to have to wait until 2021?)
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review!
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LibraryThing member amysan
This book was quite a bit different from her other books. I was expecting a thriller, but it's more of a family drama/character study and I really enjoyed it!
LibraryThing member jenn88
This did not seem like a B.A. Paris novel. Very disappointing. I wanted to know what was going on, but after a while the story just dragged and I was nowhere near as interested as I was at the beginning. There was no big twist, nothing to make it stand out and be a great read that'll stick in my
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC.
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mind long after. I liked the plot and I liked that it was told from the husband's point-of-view as well as the wife's. But unfortunately this is a forgettable book for me. Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC.
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LibraryThing member tamidale
I’m thinking that the main character of this book is “The Party.” Livia is throwing herself a big 40th birthday party to make up for the big wedding she never got to have. I found it sad that both she and her husband are still nursing the old wounds of the unexpected pregnancy and shotgun
At any rate, the events leading up to the party have caused Livia and her husband, Adam to keep some big secrets from each other so as not to ruin The Party. Livia knows there is something bothering Adam, but he puts her off claiming it’s just a migraine.
They make it through the night and as soon as the guests leave, things start to implode. I won’t go into the details so as not to spoil the story, but trust me, it’s some heavy stuff.
There are no happy endings here and this is not a feel good story.
This story would make for great discussion for book clubs and has some serious topics concerning making the right decisions and which secrets are the kind that need to be kept and which secrets need to be told and to whom.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advance copy and give an honest review.
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wedding that set their lives on another course.At any rate, the events leading up to the party have caused Livia and her husband, Adam to keep some big secrets from each other so as not to ruin The Party. Livia knows there is something bothering Adam, but he puts her off claiming it’s just a migraine.
They make it through the night and as soon as the guests leave, things start to implode. I won’t go into the details so as not to spoil the story, but trust me, it’s some heavy stuff.
There are no happy endings here and this is not a feel good story.
This story would make for great discussion for book clubs and has some serious topics concerning making the right decisions and which secrets are the kind that need to be kept and which secrets need to be told and to whom.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advance copy and give an honest review.
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LibraryThing member BettyTaylor56
When I began reading this book, I was expecting a thriller as her previous three books have been. But I was surprised to find it is actually a family drama story. I was skeptical about this genre switch and for probably the first half of the book I was waiting for that thriller twist. But the twist
The book was a roller coaster of emotions, and the author made me feel them all – happiness, excitement, dread, fear, heart wrenching grief. The story revolves around 19-year-old Marnie, the extravagant 40th birthday party her mother Livia has long dreamed of, and the dilemma Marnie’s father Adam finds himself in. Both of Marnie’s parents have a secret they are keeping from the other. Livia’s secret will impact their circle of friends, nothing ever being the same after the secret is revealed. Adam’s secret will change his family’s life forever. But these secrets are the ones we keep to prevent hurting the ones we love. I kept asking myself “What would I do here?” Sometimes you just can’t win, whichever choice you make.
The emotional responses throughout the book were very realistic. It had a slow start as the tension built, but I thought it was ultimately worth the wait. The relationships – marriage, family, friends – felt real.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the advance copy to read and review. All opinions stated are my own.
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never came and, I am pleased to say, I enjoyed the book. The book was a roller coaster of emotions, and the author made me feel them all – happiness, excitement, dread, fear, heart wrenching grief. The story revolves around 19-year-old Marnie, the extravagant 40th birthday party her mother Livia has long dreamed of, and the dilemma Marnie’s father Adam finds himself in. Both of Marnie’s parents have a secret they are keeping from the other. Livia’s secret will impact their circle of friends, nothing ever being the same after the secret is revealed. Adam’s secret will change his family’s life forever. But these secrets are the ones we keep to prevent hurting the ones we love. I kept asking myself “What would I do here?” Sometimes you just can’t win, whichever choice you make.
The emotional responses throughout the book were very realistic. It had a slow start as the tension built, but I thought it was ultimately worth the wait. The relationships – marriage, family, friends – felt real.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the advance copy to read and review. All opinions stated are my own.
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LibraryThing member CassiesBooksReader
The Dilemma by B. A. Paris is Contemporary Suspense Thriller Fiction. B.A. Paris never fails to impress me because I never know what to expect. Her latest book is a thriller but as usual a unique story. I could not stop reading this on the edge, what is going to happen next book. At times you want
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars
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to shout at the characters but at the same time you completely understand their heart wrenching dilemma. Another must read winner for Ms.Paris.I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars
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LibraryThing member Twink
Bestselling author B.A. Paris is back with a new book - The Dilemma.
Livia has been planning her fortieth birthday party for twenty years. She never had the wedding she wanted, so this party will be all she dreamed of - and it has to be perfect. But as the day of the party draws near, Livia has
The narrative changes from Livvy to Adam in alternating chapters. We come to know each of them and their extended circle of friends as well. The driving question of course is what those secrets are. Paris does a great job of stretching out the reveal, with foreshadowing, hints and partial truths giving the reader another reason for just 'one more chapter.'
Neither Adam or Livia want to hurt their spouse by revealing their secrets. But as they each hold theirs closer to their chest, the complications and implications from those decisions start to compound. Therein lies the dilemma.
Paris's previous books have been suspense tales and that's what I went in expecting. The Dilemma is a page turner, but not a thriller. Instead it is an exploration of family relationships, dynamics, decisions,friendship, love and loss. The reader can't help but ask themselves what decision(s) they would make.
Livia has been planning her fortieth birthday party for twenty years. She never had the wedding she wanted, so this party will be all she dreamed of - and it has to be perfect. But as the day of the party draws near, Livia has
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decisions to make. She has a secret, one she knows she needs to share with her husband Adam....but when? Before or after the party? Adam has a secret as well. One he too is in a dilemma about - when to tell Livvy? And each of their children have secrets as well.The narrative changes from Livvy to Adam in alternating chapters. We come to know each of them and their extended circle of friends as well. The driving question of course is what those secrets are. Paris does a great job of stretching out the reveal, with foreshadowing, hints and partial truths giving the reader another reason for just 'one more chapter.'
Neither Adam or Livia want to hurt their spouse by revealing their secrets. But as they each hold theirs closer to their chest, the complications and implications from those decisions start to compound. Therein lies the dilemma.
Paris's previous books have been suspense tales and that's what I went in expecting. The Dilemma is a page turner, but not a thriller. Instead it is an exploration of family relationships, dynamics, decisions,friendship, love and loss. The reader can't help but ask themselves what decision(s) they would make.
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LibraryThing member GrandmaCootie
I am always so excited when I learn there is another book by author B. A. Paris on the way, and I am never disappointed. No story is quite the same – sometimes jaw-dropping, sometimes non-stop danger and suspense, and sometimes a deep dive into people, their relationships, their secrets and what
The Dilemma is not a thriller with an “oh wow” ending or danger around every corner. Instead it’s a story that tortuously takes you step by step through Livia’s 40th birthday party, with delicious glimpses into the past of her and husband Adam’s life together, and growing horror about what will happen when one of them reveals the big secret they are hiding to the other. Who are the heroes and who are the villains changes depending on whose point of view you are currently seeing, whose eyes you are looking through. And who secret you are keeping.
The characters are well developed, linked together in surprising ways we discover with every turn of the page. The plot flows smoothly, sometimes seeming to speed along and sometimes perfectly dragging out the suspense and uncertainty.
The story is compressed into such a tight time span that I couldn’t put it down, couldn’t turn pages fast enough I couldn’t begin to guess how it would end. I didn’t want it to end because I didn’t want the bad hidden truths to become exposed lies, but at the same time I couldn’t wait for the ending because I was desperate to see how it all played out. No way could everyone be happy when all was revealed. And who was going to reveal what first? Well done, B. A. Paris! Another totally satisfying story. Disturbing, thought provoking, and a great read. Thanks to St. Martin’s Publishing Group for providing an advance copy of The Dilemma for my reading pleasure and honest review. All opinions are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
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they say and don’t say to each other.The Dilemma is not a thriller with an “oh wow” ending or danger around every corner. Instead it’s a story that tortuously takes you step by step through Livia’s 40th birthday party, with delicious glimpses into the past of her and husband Adam’s life together, and growing horror about what will happen when one of them reveals the big secret they are hiding to the other. Who are the heroes and who are the villains changes depending on whose point of view you are currently seeing, whose eyes you are looking through. And who secret you are keeping.
The characters are well developed, linked together in surprising ways we discover with every turn of the page. The plot flows smoothly, sometimes seeming to speed along and sometimes perfectly dragging out the suspense and uncertainty.
The story is compressed into such a tight time span that I couldn’t put it down, couldn’t turn pages fast enough I couldn’t begin to guess how it would end. I didn’t want it to end because I didn’t want the bad hidden truths to become exposed lies, but at the same time I couldn’t wait for the ending because I was desperate to see how it all played out. No way could everyone be happy when all was revealed. And who was going to reveal what first? Well done, B. A. Paris! Another totally satisfying story. Disturbing, thought provoking, and a great read. Thanks to St. Martin’s Publishing Group for providing an advance copy of The Dilemma for my reading pleasure and honest review. All opinions are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
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LibraryThing member Susan.Macura
Adam and Livia have had some rough patches but their marriage remains strong. As Liv approaches her 40th birthday and her dream party, since her wedding was not what she dreamed of, all sorts of secrets wind their way around a tragedy that no one could have foreseen. I loved the way the author used
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a timeline and alternated between Adam and Liv as they told this tale from their unique perspectives. Show Less
LibraryThing member LoriKBoyd
Well...this was emotional and so not what I expected read from this author. I had read Behind Closed Doors, and while it was a gripping read, it so bothered me, and would call it a favorite.
This book, was so different, I couldn’t put it down. The title and cover are perfect for this storyline,
To say anything more about this book would be to give too much away. I’ll sum it up saying it’s about family, love, protection, disappointment and acceptance, moving thru and moving past, and most of all forgiveness of each other and self.
Thanks to B.A. Paris, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.
This book, was so different, I couldn’t put it down. The title and cover are perfect for this storyline,
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and would have bought the book on the jacket write-up alone. I also, wanted to see how this author would spin the tale. Although, I know, for a fact that neither I or my husband would have handled the situations the way Adam or Livia did. I gave my husband a brief synopsis of the story, and we both knew what the other would do. As I was reading this story, so many questions and concerns entered my head. Shock. Surprise. Why are some secrets being kept? How could they do that? But as the story evolved, I felt the author did a great job of making the reader see both Adam and Livia‘s sides of the story, whether we agreed or disagreed. To say anything more about this book would be to give too much away. I’ll sum it up saying it’s about family, love, protection, disappointment and acceptance, moving thru and moving past, and most of all forgiveness of each other and self.
Thanks to B.A. Paris, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.
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LibraryThing member bookczuk
Pandemic read that made me incredibly sad. I think it's because I, too, lost a family member suddenly (to violence, though not a plane crash), and kept shuddering and reading from memories of that time. Well written, interesting, and I can't rate it because it left me shattered, from no fault of
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the author. Show Less
LibraryThing member Booklover217
"It's not the happy of before- how could it be? But it's our kind of happy, and it's enough."
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the gifted copy.
I absolutely love domestic suspense/thrillers and this one did not disappoint. I was sucked in from the beginning and I could not wait for the secrets to be
I loved that B.A. Paris showed how versatile her writing is with this one. She blended genres seamlessly without losing the emotional connection. The tension building was fantastic. I loved how realistic the family and social dynamics were depicted. The author did a great job of highlighting how complicated family and friendship relationships can be when they are so closely embedded. It was easy to see why everyone held on to their secret for so long. The story also highlighted not only how deep family love runs but also how deep the family hurts can be when not discussed openly. It makes you question if you should ever hide a secret from a loved one to protect them from pain.
Although I didn't agree with some of the character's decisions, I could understand why they handled certain situations the way they did. Grief is complicated and marraiges are difficult and only the people affected by those situations can decide what is right for them. BA Paris is easily becoming a favorite author.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the gifted copy.
I absolutely love domestic suspense/thrillers and this one did not disappoint. I was sucked in from the beginning and I could not wait for the secrets to be
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revealed. Each new clue about the secrets had my emotions on edge. By the time the big reveal happened, I was completely captivated. The last 50 pages had me sobbing and I did not expect to get so emotional. My emotions were all over the place throughout the story and I found myself literally talking to the pages at some parts. I loved that B.A. Paris showed how versatile her writing is with this one. She blended genres seamlessly without losing the emotional connection. The tension building was fantastic. I loved how realistic the family and social dynamics were depicted. The author did a great job of highlighting how complicated family and friendship relationships can be when they are so closely embedded. It was easy to see why everyone held on to their secret for so long. The story also highlighted not only how deep family love runs but also how deep the family hurts can be when not discussed openly. It makes you question if you should ever hide a secret from a loved one to protect them from pain.
Although I didn't agree with some of the character's decisions, I could understand why they handled certain situations the way they did. Grief is complicated and marraiges are difficult and only the people affected by those situations can decide what is right for them. BA Paris is easily becoming a favorite author.
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LibraryThing member SquirrelHead
This book could’ve been 200 pages shorter. In my opinion, the entire sequence of events could’ve been summed up in a short story and you would not have been left wanting more. It's important to state the IMO straight away as I am definitely in the minority on this. I see many 4 and 5 star
Livia and Adam area couple married for 20+ years. Livia seems like a self-absorbed woman with loads of low self esteem. She’s been planning her 40th birthday party ever since she felt robbed of a big wedding back when she became pregnant with her son. Her parents did not approve of having a child out of wedlock and cut her out of their lives. The big wedding her mother promised her suddenly disappeared and so she planned, back when she was newly married, to have her “ big day” on her 40th. That's a long time to nurse a grudge because she felt slighted by her parents.
The other storyline woven in concerns Livia and Adam's daughter Marnie. She is studying in Hong Kong. Unbeknownst to Livia she is secretly flying home to London so she can be at her mothers 40th birthday party.
Adam knows his daughter is flying back and what flight she will be on and so, when he hears about a deadly crash on a flight she was supposed to be on, he is obviously concerned. But does he tell his wife? Oh noooo. He doesn’t want to ruin her party. No seriously. A birthday party with 100 people, catered and costing who knows how much money. Adam has to be sure Marnie was actually on the flight because if she was, she did not survive.
The title Dilemma refers to Adam and Livia keeping a secret from one another. After the party they each plan to tell the other the secrets they are holding. For Adam, it's Marnie is missing and presumed dead. Livia's secret also involves her daughter but it's about an affair and more involving Marnie and someone they know. They don't talk to each other! That's the big thing here. Each one going over their worries alone and planning when to share with each other. Bah...
This author had been getting good reviews for her book Behind Closed Doors so I thought I would start with this one when the library got it in. Perhaps I will try Paris' other novel but I won't be rushing to the bookstore to grab it.
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reviews but I am going with a solid 2 and a half.Livia and Adam area couple married for 20+ years. Livia seems like a self-absorbed woman with loads of low self esteem. She’s been planning her 40th birthday party ever since she felt robbed of a big wedding back when she became pregnant with her son. Her parents did not approve of having a child out of wedlock and cut her out of their lives. The big wedding her mother promised her suddenly disappeared and so she planned, back when she was newly married, to have her “ big day” on her 40th. That's a long time to nurse a grudge because she felt slighted by her parents.
The other storyline woven in concerns Livia and Adam's daughter Marnie. She is studying in Hong Kong. Unbeknownst to Livia she is secretly flying home to London so she can be at her mothers 40th birthday party.
Adam knows his daughter is flying back and what flight she will be on and so, when he hears about a deadly crash on a flight she was supposed to be on, he is obviously concerned. But does he tell his wife? Oh noooo. He doesn’t want to ruin her party. No seriously. A birthday party with 100 people, catered and costing who knows how much money. Adam has to be sure Marnie was actually on the flight because if she was, she did not survive.
The title Dilemma refers to Adam and Livia keeping a secret from one another. After the party they each plan to tell the other the secrets they are holding. For Adam, it's Marnie is missing and presumed dead. Livia's secret also involves her daughter but it's about an affair and more involving Marnie and someone they know. They don't talk to each other! That's the big thing here. Each one going over their worries alone and planning when to share with each other. Bah...
This author had been getting good reviews for her book Behind Closed Doors so I thought I would start with this one when the library got it in. Perhaps I will try Paris' other novel but I won't be rushing to the bookstore to grab it.
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LibraryThing member ChrisK916
Maybe I am naive...but this one kept me in suspense... I almost (no not really) had a little bit of let down with the ending...but maybe not. It may be how we all resolve these things..... Enjoy
LibraryThing member LynnB
Unlike many of the other reviewers, I hadn't read any of Ms. Paris's earlier novels. I wasn't, therefore, expecting a "thriller".
This book is a solid family drama. Livia has been planning her 40t birthday party for about 20 years. Becoming pregnant at 17, her religious parents denied her a lavish
The event means so much to Livia. Everyone is coming, except her 19 year-old daughter who is studying abroad. Livia has recently discovered that her daughter, Marnie, is having an affair with a 38-year-old family friend, whose wife has recently been diagnosed with MS. This relationship will tear the family and their circle of friends apart and Livia is relieved that Marnie won't be at the party. She decides not to tell her husband about the affair until after the party.
Her husband, Adam, however, has arranged for Marnie to fly home and surprise Livia. The plane Marnie was to have been on crashes, but there is reason to believe she missed the connection. Adam decides to say nothing to Livia so as not to spoil her party.
Hence, the dilemma. I especially loved the story from Adam's point of view. His failure to tell Livia was so complex. He was partly in denial, clinging to the faint hope that the connection hadn't been made. He was partly in deep grief. He acted out of love and self-preservation and all his feelings were so well portrayed.
I agree that the book was a bit too long...once the party was over, there were a few too many missed opportunities to share the secrets. But all in all, a great read.
This book is a solid family drama. Livia has been planning her 40t birthday party for about 20 years. Becoming pregnant at 17, her religious parents denied her a lavish
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wedding and cut her from their lives. This party is the make-up event to enjoy what she's missed and she's even invited her parents....The event means so much to Livia. Everyone is coming, except her 19 year-old daughter who is studying abroad. Livia has recently discovered that her daughter, Marnie, is having an affair with a 38-year-old family friend, whose wife has recently been diagnosed with MS. This relationship will tear the family and their circle of friends apart and Livia is relieved that Marnie won't be at the party. She decides not to tell her husband about the affair until after the party.
Her husband, Adam, however, has arranged for Marnie to fly home and surprise Livia. The plane Marnie was to have been on crashes, but there is reason to believe she missed the connection. Adam decides to say nothing to Livia so as not to spoil her party.
Hence, the dilemma. I especially loved the story from Adam's point of view. His failure to tell Livia was so complex. He was partly in denial, clinging to the faint hope that the connection hadn't been made. He was partly in deep grief. He acted out of love and self-preservation and all his feelings were so well portrayed.
I agree that the book was a bit too long...once the party was over, there were a few too many missed opportunities to share the secrets. But all in all, a great read.
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LibraryThing member IreneCole
Well...this is not my usual type of read, but on other occasions when I have strayed from horror I have been able to count on a good twisty family drama from B. A. Paris. I have enjoyed her previous 3 novels more than this one. The story takes place over preparations for 40th birthday party, the
I received an advance copy for review.
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party itself, and it's aftermath. It seemed maddeningly slow paced, and although I did enjoy probably the first third of the book I begin to wish they would just get on with it. It seemed to drag on for too long. A slow drawn out reveal can sometimes increase the suspense but when drawn out too long can just lead to boredom. It seemed to drag even after the climax instead of just coming to an end.I received an advance copy for review.
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LibraryThing member ComicGirl178
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy of "The Dilemma". I was disappointed with this book, I feel like the suspense was over the top and ultimately left me wanting more.
LibraryThing member jenn88
This did not seem like a B.A. Paris novel. Very disappointing. I wanted to know what was going on, but after a while the story just dragged and I was nowhere near as interested as I was at the beginning. There was no big twist, nothing to make it stand out and be a great read that'll stick in my
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC.
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mind long after. I liked the plot and I liked that it was told from the husband's point-of-view as well as the wife's. But unfortunately this is a forgettable book for me. Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC.
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LibraryThing member GeauxGetLit
The title of this book was justly done! I have read some other books by the author and I went into this book expecting it was going to be another thriller. It was my dilemma that I discovered this book was more about family, love and hope. What would you do if you think one of your children has
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died? Yes, this book was deep and emotional and I wasn’t expecting that at all. The dad decides to not tell his wife about their daughter, because it was her birthday and he wanted his wife to have a final great night. It was a story of tragedy and loss and grief!
I would recommend this book as it did deliver on the emotional roller coaster, but know what you are preparing for before you read it!
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LibraryThing member zmagic69
Not really a mystery, told mostly over the course of a day, both husband and wife have a revelation they need to tell the other. But the book also is similar to some Nicholas Sparks books. It was an enjoyable quick read.
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2020
Physical description
368 p.; 8.27 inches
ISBN
1250151376 / 9781250151377