From USA Today best-selling author, Marni Mann, comes a haunting new romantic thriller. At forty-two, I’m married to my best friend, and we have two beautiful children. Everything about my life is perfect until my father gets sick. Before: I owned and operated a massively successful women’s shapewear company.After: I stay home with my family because I’ve learned the importance of time. Before: … learned the importance of time.
Before: My husband could rely on me to take care of everything.
After: I hire him the perfect assistant.
My entire life can be summed up in before and afters, but something happens in the middle.
A meeting.
And it changes the course of everyone’s lives forever.
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I’m still speechless this book has literally left me without words. Where do I start? First of all, this is the first emotional rollercoaster book I’ve read from Marni.
The characters in the book are so complicated but so untied at the same time. This book gave me so many emotions I don’t know how to process them. Let me just say this is a must read you will feel heartbreak joy and so many feelings. I will definitely have everyone I know read this book. And that ending man… the ending leaves you speechless. 5 star review.
OMFG! My entire body is tingling. Not goosebumps, not pins and needles, just this weird tingle that is coursing through me since I read those final words. The Assistant is one of those reads that makes you feel like impending doom is all around you. You know it isn’t. You look away from the page and you hear birds signing, your dog begging to go out, and cars around you but the minute you go back to your book/e-reader nothing exists but the written words coming to life in front of your very eyes.
The Assistant is a powerful, suspenseful story that will leave you reeling. I was on edge the entire time I read it. I just couldn’t get my heart to calm down or my mind to stop racing. Even when something as minor as food preparations were happening, I found myself having internal freak outs. I know my reaction was BEYOND reasonable. I was too invested. And yet, I still feel my internal freak out was warranted.
Marni Mann baked a cake with a smile on her face. She’s smiling while she presents it to us. She tells us it’s our favorite. She has never asked our favorite. We don’t actually know her personally but her smile is convincing, her words thoughtful and perfectly placed. She has you convinced that the cake (The Assistant) is necessary for all your future happiness. And we believe her with every part of our doubting hearts! That’s what The Assistant does. You are wrapped up in every word Marni gives you smiling in your innocence. Taking in your new favorite flavor…
The Assistant cannot be summarized. It can’t be given a few quips to help you understand. It is best to go in blind and know that tissues may be required (though I say that often and yes, I needed some!). Enjoy the unique and highly effective storytelling. I imagine it would be in your best interest to schedule a large block of time to read it because there is no putting this story down. I didn’t stop to eat, drink, or use the bathroom. I was consumed by this book. Even as I finish typing this, I’m still tingling from the ending.
Talk about a game changer!
Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
*** ARC Received for Honest Review ***
5 stars
WOW! It’s going to be some time until I can pick up another book. I am so completely blown away with what Marni has just done. I thought nothing could be better than When Ashes Fall (which I LOVE with all of my heart), then Marni comes out with this. . . I simply have no words. If I never get another book again, I would be happy to reread The Assistant over and over. In fact, that is exactly what I did. The second I finished the last word I went right back to the beginning to read it again. How can you not?! I mean once you get through it once there are so many questions.
I can’t give one second away, but trust me, you want this book and you want to read it over and over and over. I need a support group now to help me with questions I have. I need to talk to other people and get their take. I need to dissect and go over and ask, “why, and how, and what the heck?”
Marni you have taken a piece of my soul and gladly give it to you for this amazing read!
Marni Mann is one of the best writers and storytellers around. This is my third book of hers I’ve read and it’s also hit my top favorite reads of all times list. She draws you in from page one, leaving bird crumbs of information that will all make sense eventually. I can’t read fast enough, which makes for some pretty late nights.
Holy crap! What did I just read??? I was literally on the edge of my seat the entire book! This is a mind bending, heart wrenching story that will draw you in from the first chapter! Freaking amazing story that absolutely did not end like I thought it would!! Must read book for 2019!!
As I went in blind, the mystery was ten-fold and I can’t put into words what this book did to me. Mann has crafted a character-driven psychological romance, building up a plot that thickens…and then boom! I never saw what was coming. I shouted out loud, I sobbed and couldn’t sit still, my nerves getting the better of me.
Although The Assistant is by no means for the weak-hearted, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this incredibly well-written and rewarding standalone that literally took me by storm. Simply bravo, Mann!
Readers should definitely go blindly into the book. I did, and I am glad I made that choice. I started theorizing just where this book was headed, and in a way, parts of it were not surprising. what is surprising is as much as you think you know about this story, it’s still a twist you won’t see coming. I do think Emery and Jessie were made to be TOO perfect and the ending felt a little rushed. But this story is emotional, raw and heartbreaking and the narrators did a great job bringing this story to life.
I was so intrigued by this book from the very start. I’ve read Marni Mann books before, but this one seemed so different.
I was completely hooked on the alternating perspectives that pushed this story along. I felt worried about what might be coming for these characters and that made it hard to put this one down. I had many suspicions as the story went along, and when the I got to one specific part, I felt as if the world had caved in just a bit. Wow. The fear I felt for this character was palpable. From that point on the story raced along and I was so nervous about what this book would do to my emotions by the conclusion. I love books that affect my emotions in such a strong manner. This was a fantastic book and even when I thought I knew what might happen, I was shocked by the actual events. Just wow. Well done!! I would love to read more books like this from Mann. She writes such rich emotions in her books, no matter the genre, and I love that about all the books I have read by her so far.
When one of your favorite people recommends a book, you just leap. I didn’t read the blurb, didn’t even have a clue what the book was about, but knew the cover and title were intriguing.
This book, wow! It was an emotional journey with a couple of twisty twists. This story will linger in my psyche for a long time.
I can’t get over how much I enjoyed this story, will be checking out this author’s other novels, soon.
received in exchange for a honest review..
First and foremost, you should go into this book with no preconceived notions. This book isn’t as it seems. Their is more layers and depth than meets the eye.
Marni, you continue to amaze me with the breath of your talent..I thought that Until Ashes Fall was incredible and sleighed me and it did but this book sleighed me in a different way. And that ending…..You leave the door cracked but also allow our imaginations to take over can create our own next moments..
The writing is phenom and the characters are well fleshed out. Marni has written them like you are close friends and going to their house for aggravation night and when a shoulder is needed. The emotion that is poured into the pages comes out in the characters and the storyline. You can’t help but love Emery. Jesse you see in in pain over her father but that there is something else going on…you get glimpses when you read her POV and how Marni has the before and after views of hers…As the story unfolds you feel so much emotion and you ache over what is to come..
Emery is one to swoon over. He is everyone’s dream guy. He is kind, caring, genlte, sweet, honest, loves his wife with all he is, hardworking and just genuinely an amazing man and family man. He treats his with reverence and respect and love. The love he and Jesse have is beautiful and special. He has a partner and soulmate in Jesse..Watcing him with her just has you swoon. As the story unfolds and you see all the interactions he and Jesse have with Charlotte and your mind wonders…So many questions come up and you begin to have your mind put some of the answers together but still you aren’t quite sure. And yet in the back of your mind things are clicking…only you are caught up in the moment and the story and feeling all these emotions you ignore that clicking..
Jesse, Emery’s wife, is successful and has her own business. She is smart and kind. Her love for her husband and family shines through. Only she is going through such an emotional journey in this book. From the emotional heart breaking prologue to the very end, her story breaks your heart and warms it at the same time.
So where does Charlotte come in? Emery gets a big contract as an architect and Jesse suggests he hires an assistant and he agrees. So with Jesse’s help emery goes about looking for someone and Charlotte applies. She holds Emery’s interest and they hire her. Charlotte is smart and kind. She helps to make both Jesse’s and Emery’s life easier. She is more than just an assistant. She is the one who goes beyond to help ease the burden on them..
the story grabs you from the prologue with the emotion and the profound emotional journey the characters go through and you will go through as well. The characters have depth as does the story with its twists and turns, emotional moments and how Marni goes between now and before keeps you so engrossed and enthralled that even when your heart is feeling so much and you want to put it down you can’t …You need to know what is going on and what is happening.. From beginning to end you will feel every emotion out there and love Marni for it even if at times you don’t think you will. in fact at times you yell at her for some of the emotion but it is so so worth it…and you can’t put the book down for the story and characters just lure you in and keep you enthralled to the end. And that ending just seriously not expected and wow just wow…
Just wow. Very well written. A love so strong between H & h. A beautiful family, two homes but you can’t stop tragedy from coming. I loved the ending.
Even more now than with any other Marni Mann books you need to go in blindly. Stay clear away from spoilers. If you don’t know what to expect, you’re in the right spot. I wasn’t sure either before I picked this book up. It’s so different from what I normally read and that turned out to be a good thing.
3 1/2 stars! I really wished the book had of became more interesting in the beginning. I really did not become really invested until 3/4 of the way thru. That’s when the plot truly starts and keeps your attention. I just felt the book was too slow to develop but once it became interesting it was great and the twist at the end was awesome!
There’s a reason why Marni Mann is hands down one of my authors. Her ability to make you feel so many different emotions that you yourself didn’t even know existed and how she’s managed to capture that essence of the one thing that you were craving, is the reason why I will forever be a lifelong fan. Not only does she flip the script and not keep you characterize into one box, she tests your limit without you even knowing what’s happening. Dark romance? She has you covered? Emotional turmoil? She’s your girl. Mind f*ck? Honey she’s the written book and you’re over here still scratching your head trying to figure out HOW.
First let me be honest and say that I’ve read 3 reviews before I started this book and all of them said the exact same thing: Go into this book blindly and avoid any and all spoilers. So with that in mind, I followed that rule to a T and went into the unknown. I had an idea what this book was going to be like and I felt good about it. My confidence quickly took a nose dive when I realized that what I thought, was NOT what this book was going to be about at all. I had no clue what I getting myself into and then 50% in, I started to get antsy and worried…for good reason.
This one took me be surprise for a little bit and I must say that I have mixed feelings about the outcome. A huge part of me can understand why it was done and what would’ve happened if things had gone the other way but there’s still a voice in the back of my head. It’s not roaring loud or arrogant, but it’s there and it’s whispers is the one thing that is getting me right now. Am I happy? Do I want more? Was this the right decision? I think that a part of me will always wonder and I despite that feeling, I really have to applaud this author for doing that.
As I’ve said before, this story needs to be read without any background knowledge or even a hint of the storyline because the characters that are in this book, deserve that. They are meant to be in that protective layer and shielded for a certain amount of time until they decide it’s time to show you what they’re all about. You will love them whole heartedly, feel this sense of pride and love because they let their guard down, but the main thing that will hit you and wreck you the most? Is knowing that you got to witness their ups and downs, the sacrifices, their heartbreak, their love, and their strength.
There is no doubt that this was beautiful story and I always say at the end of my reviews if I recommend the book or not and this will be no different: Read this book!!
*Arc received for an honest review
This book has to have the most unique storyline ever! It’s complex. It’s multi-layered. It’s powerful. It’s emotional. It’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
I saw where the story was going early on. I had figured out almost everything by the midpoint. There were a couple of things I didn’t necessarily see coming, but overall, I wasn’t as shocked as others seemed to be. However, that didn’t lessen my reading experience from start to finish. I enjoyed each and every page.
This is one of those books that you won’t want to put down. It’s intoxicating and addicting. You need to get to the end. You need your heart to be released. And the ending… did she? Didn’t she? Did SHE? You will need to talk through that ending. You will need to try to see if you can figure it out.
Overall, this is definitely a book you should dive in to. It’s one you will most likely devour and savor. It will be a book that will stay with you, simmer in your brain for some time.
Jesse Black is a successful entrepreneur, supportive wife and a loving mother. After losing her father, Jesse decides to step back from her company and spend more time with her family. By hiring an assistant to help her husband’s business and to cover household tasks, Jesse begins to make up for lost time and heal her emotions.
“I was doing everything I could to hide this, to stop it from controlling me. To stop it from winning.”
What ensues is an emotionally charged journey that takes Jesse through the past and present. While confronted with the pain from her father’s diagnosis to his passing, Jesse contemplates how life can be unpredictable but also about taking control of what is possible.
“None of us are what we used to be, Jesse. We’re all changing.”
The general landscape definitely worked for me. Once Jesse makes certain decisions for moving forward, there isn’t one definitive answer, yet her choices are uniquely hers.
In starting this book, I wasn’t completely sure of the genre, and that allowed me to have many theories as to the plot development. Plus, this storyline unravels in a way that offers a twist or two that left me hanging on every last word.
The Assistant is a story about difficult choices and sacrifice. This book would appeal to those who enjoy contemporary fiction with twisty elements.
Dang! That’s all that I can think of. I really enjoyed reading this book. From start to finish the author had me engrossed in the complex story that she had written. It was a little predictable for me, but even guessing something right didn’t change the impact that the story has. It has this authors normal mind trickery and I loved that. This author really knows how to play on emotions and keep the readers guessing. There is so much I want to say about the story, but I can’t because it is so complex. Each chapter feeds into the next and the weaving that she has done. This story is so puzzling, beautiful, and a story I am so glad I read. Jesse is a true inspiration and I really loved her. 5 stars #2OCCJD
Marni Mann delivers an intriguing and thrilling story that will blow your mind!
After reading some of the reviews, my only advice is to go into it blind. If you enjoy reading a very well written and suspenseful story that makes you doubt your own prediction, this is the perfect book! A must read!
Pay attention to all the details while reading. Every part of the plot was smartly weaved making this book a top on my list of 2019!
I am gobsmacked, this book is simply glorious. With a slow pace, a contemplative style, wonderful, deep characters, this book is simply entrancing. There is a sense of something wrong, an excess of heartache that had no reason. Slowly everything is cleared up, but the author takes her time in the presentation of information. Meanwhile, we fall in love with Emery and Jesse, look at Charlotte with slight suspicion, and wonder at this seemingly perfect life where something is not quite right.
There’s no way to discuss this book without giving away spoilers, so I only need to say you need to read with an open heart and an open mind. Then be prepared for an implosion. This is the story of a couple who have everything: two successful and fulfilling careers, two lovely children, lovely homes, a lovely life and an all-abiding love for each other. Then it unravels and we give our hearts a strenuous workout as we read how it goes. Simply riveting, slightly suspenseful, there are times I cringed when it went one way, then cried when it went another way. It’s brilliant writing, wonderful character development, keeps you wondering and then it breaks your heart. Have a box of tissues ready!
I’ve been staring at nothing for hours trying to find something to say. Marni Mann delivers an unforgettable story that WILL leave you undecidedly crazy! Which way is up? It’s taken two days for me to write this review. And I’m pretty sure I still have nothing to say. I could ramble about all my theories and such, but that won’t help you at all. I was expecting this story to be completely different. Here comes The Mann to slap me in the face with something so thought provoking, I couldn’t pick up another book. I still haven’t picked up another book. I’m driving to work, hmmm, I wonder if I read this chapter or that chapter, I’ll get that duh moment. I’ve decided that I’ll write this review and then hassle all my book friends for their take. It’s the only option. This is one of those books… You finish, soaking all the words up, you re-read the last chapter tapping your chin, and then you finally come to the conclusion, you know nothing. Okay, you might have guessed something, but not everything. I pride myself in figuring out the twists. I was quite dumbfounded.
The story centers around a perfect family, perfect life. A life long love and loss. You’ll be reeling from one moment to the next, basking in what’s going to happen moments, and waiting for the other shoe to drop. This book made me itchy scratchy. The flow was rather slow for my tastes, but I think the story and timeline were written in way to make you look left while all the time you should’ve been looking right. Completely and utterly blindsided, I was. Let me touch on the emotions. As much as I didn’t like the flow, I equally loved it. I sat back, more than a few times and reevaluated my life. If I could say one word about this book, Impactful.
I’ve read quite a few of Marni Mann’s novels, and this one really put my mind through the ringer, just as I was hoping. Bullseye to the brain with The Assistant.