Expected publication: September 17, 2013
Format: E-ARC via NetGalley
Publisher: Penguin
Rating: 4/5
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Synopsis
What
if the life you wanted, and the woman you fell in love with, belonged to
someone else? Chris and Claire Canton’s marriage is on life support. Downsized during the recession and out of work for a year, Chris copes by retreating to a dark place where no one can reach him, not even Claire. When he’s offered a position that will keep him away from home four nights a week, he dismisses Claire’s concern that time apart could be the one thing their fragile union can’t weather. Their suburban life may look idyllic on the outside, but Claire has never felt so disconnected from Chris, or so lonely.
Local
police officer Daniel Rush used to have it all, but now he goes home to an
empty house every night. He pulls Claire over during a routine traffic stop,
and they run into each other again at the 4th of July parade. When Claire is
hired to do some graphic design work for the police department, her friendship
with Daniel grows, and soon they’re spending hours together.
Claire
loves the way Daniel makes her feel, and the way his face lights up when she
walks into the room. Daniel knows that Claire’s marital status means their
relationship will never be anything other than platonic. But it doesn’t take
long before Claire and Daniel are in way over their heads, and skating close to
the line that Claire has sworn she’ll never cross.
My Thoughts
I
read this right after I had just finished Garvis-Graves previous novel On the
Island. I was a little apprehensive to do so since I was so in awe of her last
work. I went into this with a clear mind and trying not to compare the two.
I
was pleasantly surprised that I had no need to worry. This book is just as
great! I enjoyed the story of Claire and all that is happening in her life. I really
liked how the story was told in alternating prospects, those of the three main
characters, Claire, her husband Chris and Daniel. While I personally don’t just
see this as a story of an “almost” affair it does bring up the question. What is
actually considered an affair? Is it just physical or is emotionally allowing
yourself to open up to someone else just as bad? I saw this as more of failure
to communicate with your loved one as the real culprit. The lack of communication
is what drove Claire and Chris apart. In other stories I’ve only seen one side,
that’s why I liked how the author let us to see what the other person was
feeling and thinking.
Although
I liked all the characters ,I kind of saw Daniel was just a pawn in helping
Claire and Chris deal with their problems. Don’t get me wrong I liked his
backstory and I would kind of like to see it explored more….maybe into its own
book…HINT HINT! But I just didn’t see him as a real threat to Claire. Maybe it wasn’t
so much him but Claire’s devotion to her family.
Overall
I enjoyed this novel. It’s a fast paced book with a great cast of supporting
characters. The neighbors and the drama that ensues throughout the block reads
very true to life. It just shows you that everything just isn’t what it seems. Life
isn’t all white picket fences it has its ups and downs but we have to fight for
what we love no matter what. Like they say the grass isn’t always greener on
the other side.
