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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All The Stars
The Assistant is the latest stand-alone novel by Marni Mann. OH. MY. GOSHHHHH it was incredible. I honestly am speechless at the moment. There are no words that can adequately describe all of the emotions I am feeling. It is hands down one of the best books I’ve ever read. The Assistant is a book that you need to go in blind without knowing a single detail. Trust me when I say you will fall in love with Ms. Mann’s words and you will feel them all the way to your soul.
I read a quote the other day and as I was reading, I kept thinking about it. “Sometimes you read a book so special that you want to carry it around with you for months after you finished just to stay near it.”-Markus Zusak That is exactly how I feel. I don’t want to let these characters go. They are embedded into my heart. The emotions that Ms. Mann was able to make me feel while reading was truly special. The love was overpowering, the sadness was real, and the hope was inspiring. Jesse was a remarkable character whose strength was incredibly moving. We all know that time is precious, but this story made me realize how much it truly is a gift. I highly recommend reading it!
The Assistant by Marni Mann blew me away. It was unexpected and all-consuming and not what I was expecting at all. The blurb talks about a couple and their family, but this story is so much more and most likely the last thing you can think off. This is truly one time you really should avoid all spoilers and just take the journey. A story of before and afters that will draw you right in and never let you go. I thought about it for days after I was done.
The story is told in multiple point of views and begins with Jesse and Emery Black. When their lives suddenly gets busier, Jesse suggests an assistant, enter Charlotte Scott. From the first words to the very last, my heart was shattered in so many ways. Marni Mann gave us a unique and emotional story with a twist you do not see coming that will leave you reeling!
4.5-stars. Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading.
4.5 stars
I thought I knew where this book was going. At one point I was convinced I had figured it out. Then it happened. That moment where everything you thought you knew changes. That moment when everything you thought you knew turns out to be no only wrong, but so right that you feels the shift in your bones.
The Assistant is a deeply emotional, gripping read that had me completely captivated. I didn’t want to put it down and really didn’t want it to end. When I turned the final page I felt like there was so much to the story that I still didn’t know. It was well written with a plot that I found unique. If you’ve never read this author this would be a great place to start.
Well… what am I suppose to say here? I am in awe of the raw talent that Marni Mann exhibits every single time she releases a new book. I thought with the last book she wrote, When Ashes Fall, that she couldn’t do any better. Silly, silly me!! The Assistant was amazing! It has to by my favorite Marni Mann book ever!!
Mann’s ability to write these complex characters is certainly uncanny. I felt so connected to Jesse… not in the way where I wanted to be her friend, but I understood her, I felt like in her place I could see myself doing similar things as she had. I really don’t dare to discuss the characters or even their de elopement over time. This is a book where so many things could be a spoiler or ruin certain aspects.
All I really want to say is that this is Marni Mann’s best work. It’s her best writing. The story itself is a work of art. It’s a complexity that will leave the reader thinking and wondering for hours once it is finished. Only phenomenal books do that. The Assistant is beyond phenomenal. I want, no… I need this paperback on my book shelf. It’s special.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
Go into this story blind. Don’t succumb to the urge to read the spoilers. Trust me, the impact of this book will hit you so hard, so deeply, and I don’t want you to lose a single ounce of…anything.
Marni Mann delivers a story that is so haunting it will leave you screaming for more after the final words are finished. From a single character’s point of view, we see love in the eyes of a child, a best friend, a wife, a mother, and a lover. How complex is this woman? How much heart does she have — heart that is put through significant trials.
And in the end, I’m still shaking my head over the magnitude of that love.
I’m not, however, questioning my recommendation of this book. Another Marni Mann winner.
This story will suck you in and twist you around spitting you out in another universe. Literally! You will start this story in a haze, go through the emotional roller coaster it is and leave with a dazed look on your face. I had more questions at the end than in the beginning, and believe me, you’ll have so many questions reading the story.
Jesse and Emery’s relationship is rock solid and wonderful. Being best friends since college and still completely in love is what we all strive for in a marriage. In walks Charlotte, but what role does she play? Don’t get me wrong, there is still plenty of tension and hot times, even with this married couple! Let me just say the entire story isnt what you think when you pick up the book and it’s that much more to walk into blind.
This is another show of wickedly awesome story telling. Go in blind and you won’t be disappointed. Told in multiple points of view and tenses, past and present 1st and 3rd person perspective. It’s all meant to be that way and it all works great. Another must read for 2019 for sure.
4 things
1. This book is not what you think
2. It will give you the emotions
3. It’s a page turner
4. It’s one heck of a book and loved every page and word.
Jesse is strong and has gone through hell but she has the strength of a warrior. Shes devoted to her kids and husband I just fell in love with her on page 1
Emery hes a hard working father and husband and will do anything for Jesse and his children, I loved him so much.
Charlotte she is such a hardworking assistant and has such a genuine heart I loved her as well so much.
But one meeting changes everything for all three.
I love this author, every book she writes is just amazing, this book was everything you need to read this beauty!!
What can I say about Marni Mann that I haven’t already said? She is one of the most gifted writers I have had the privilege of reading as she takes us on epic journeys from beginning to end, regardless of genre or trope. Her talent and innate God given ability just shines through in anything she writes. In The Assistant we are given the story of one of the bravest heroines Mann has written to date. Jesse Black is strong, assertive, dedicated and so loving. This was a phenomenal ride that I never wanted to get off of.
Jesse has led a charmed, privileged and amazing life but through one meeting, her whole world is shattered. Without giving away any spoilers, The Assistant is something that needs to be read and experienced. It is pure storytelling magic. I cried happy and sad tears over one woman’s love for her husband and her absolute devotion and dedication to her children.
Overall, this story has taken a piece of my heart that I never want returned. It is a part of me and something that will always remain. This novel made me laugh and cry but the beauty in this author’s writing is so apparent. Mann showcased a hero and heroine whose love for one another came off the pages. I finished this story in awe over this magnificent book. But that is what I classify as the Marni Mann “magic touch”: her words make me feel and give me chills everytime. This is her gift – one I can revisit over and over again. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
The word Brilliant doesn’t even get to touch it, it packs supernova of emotions, heartsqueezing sentiments, that will leave you on your knees. Begging & gasping for more.
What an unbelievable journey marni takes us on!!! It’s beauty lies in the disturbing details and distressful subject.The irony is- it’s not bold and hard hitting at all. It creeps on you silently and the punch it lands in your solar plexus will make you double up in pain and grief. I’ve read it with knotted stomach and a lump in my throat
Most people will identify with it cause they’ve been touched by this kind of a situation in their life directly or indirectly. It starts out on a happy, joyous note and throughout the story I was waiting for the shoe to drop (cause I know M). And when she steel-toed boot kicks your heart, it is not unexpected yet devastatingly impactful just the same….and then some.
I’ve been her ardent fan since Memoirs, but that story held power in its content, this story holds power in its treatment and plotting. There’s agitation churning right beneath the surface, I see breadcrumbs scattered along the trail all over, giving subtle hints and tiny clues. So my advice – READ ACUTELY!!
I started the book with one vantage viewpoint, finished it with tears in my eyes
Then I noted a tiny loose thread of a detail I’d missed. As soon as i picked it , the whole story turned on its side, went belly up and everything CLICKED INTO PLACE
“How do I make it last as long as possible?”
she had warned me that it would break my heart, but nothing could have prepared me for the heartcrushing effect. Its like a stun-device was thrown in, filling the book with smoke & blinding flash of light and I legit choked and sputtered, not believing what the hidden inferences were pointing me towards!!!
“Promise me you’ll always make smart choices .”
The KEY WORD -> Smart Choices!
There are NO right or wrong answers to any problem in real life…C’est La Vie!!
Very simple story- The Blacks are a blissfully married, utterly devoted and sickeningly in love couple, complete with the most adorably beautiful children. Rich and successful, they have nothing to want for financially. They have a halo of love surrounding their home, till a hurricane sweeps in and their dream life is huffed and puffed and just brought down!!
Enter the Assistant -Charlotte Scott. She’s meticulous, efficient, persistent, hard-working and most of all has a kind sympathetic heart.
What could go wrong?
What does go wrong?
How to hide that wrong?
“He was my soul mate. My best friend. The only man I ever wanted to be with.
There was no doubt in my mind he was perfect for me. So, why couldn’t I tell him………?!*gasp**
The trouble with marni’s books is that they make you ditch the world, the daily life, kids, hubs…..and nothing gets done. I finished the book at 11 pm, then tossed and turned the WHOLE NIGHT !!
That’s how effectual the story was. It’s still plaguing my mind, I’ve gone back, read and reread some scenes and its taken me few hours to sort out the tangled web.
I couldn’t stop crying, partly due to the unfairness of it all and partly due to the strength of spirit, despite of it all.
Characters are soft, vulnerable and powerless like normal human beings, yet filled with super human strength within. They act out of love and dignity of spirit. Friendship, kinship, support and besotted love fill the pages and hence the losses become unbearable by the end.
Particularly notice the grammar in the book, the narrative voices and play on words, they are truely masterful. Each character gets a different treatment and attention and it’s not overtly noticeable. AMAZING!!!
I’m now out of tears and out of words. Bravo for delivering yet another masterpiece Marni, my adoration for you keeps getting deeper
5 stars for tumbling down the rabbit hole
Ahhhhh! This author terrifies me every time I open a book of hers because chance are I’m going to be gutted or destroyed.
GO INTO THIS BOOK BLIND!!!! Don’t read the blurb! Don’t read a review (except mine) and don’t listen to anyone try and tell you about it.
So let me tell you that when I’m reading this book I’m waiting…. and waiting and when I get to 60% and nothing has happened, I’m pissed.
But then you read the very last page and you realize how clever this story is and how all the little details matter. I was so focused on when something was going to happen that I missed things.
Honestly though I’m still mad the way this book ended. Mad as a wife (I’m selfish), mad as a reader (I need another chapter) and just mad that it all played out that way.
I was going to give this book three stars because it’s just a happy story with not much to it but then you get to the end and it all just makes sense.
Marni Mann is one of my favorites and an automatic one-click author. I went into reading this book blind. Not knowing what to expect.
One thing you should know about Marni is she’s a mastermind when it comes to letting the reader think they know how the story will go and ending in a complete different direction.
You’ll be shocked.
Wondering how you missed the signs.
Have you questioning yourself.
The Assistant is phenomenal. I’m still trying to process what happened. So many thoughts going through my head. I don’t know if I need a hug or go cry some more.
This is her best one yet. I keep saying this and she continues to outdo the last.
The Assistant is a must-read. A story that will completely suck you in and when you’ve reached the end it will have you wanting more.
In true Marni Mann form, this book left me flabbergasted and completely at a loss for words. It’s a book that has me wanting more, more, more. This book is full of so much suspense and angst that I could not put it down. I am absolutely floored. There’s a sense of foreboding almost right from the beginning. Heck, even the plot summary gives us that much.
At its heart, this book was so much more than a typical contemporary romance. Some people may not pick up a book like this because they’ll assume it’s a cheating book, but it’s not one at all. It’s a well written, phenomenally constructed book with three separate entities; Jesse, Emery, and Emery’s assistant Charlotte. Jesse is a loving, career focused woman who decides to take a step back from her booming business and focus on family. Family first. Family always. Every decision she makes is filled with such passion and forethought. Her decision to get Emery an assistant for his architect business is one such decision. Emery…God I love how he loves his wife. I love how this author digs into his mind and gives us all the little tidbits that point to his desire and love for his wife, even after 24 years of being together. He made me swoon so hard for him. Charlotte was a breath of fresh air for this family. She came at just the right time, giving them all just what they needed. She was selfless with her actions, and I found myself appreciating her so much more as the book continued on.
This was such as beautifully woven story. I love and appreciate how this author takes risks with her storytelling. With each new release from Marni, I feel as if she redefines my view of what contemporary romance can be. I am amazed by her writing…she is magical.
5 “Breathtaking” Stars
Mesmerizing, hypnotic, unpredictable, soul consuming.
WHAT THE F… what are words? I don’t know, I don’t have any. I AM SPEECHLESS! Marni continues to astound me with her writing. I honestly don’t even know what to say, truly.
I was hooked from the beginning. Once I started reading there was no doubt I’d finish this book in one-sitting. This extraordinary story left me reeling with emotion. I just can’t stop from thinking about all of it, I just can’t. Wow.
The Assistant is brilliant, unique and captivating. It’s emotional, intense and it grips you from the start. You must go into this book blind, there’s no ifs, ands or buts about it. I’m telling you, for the love of everything, DO NOT spoil anything for yourself. Trust me when I tell you, you need to experience this story in all its exquisiteness.
A definite top favorite!
I received an ARC in return for an honest review. I’m having a hard time putting into words how I felt about this book. I loved Jesse and Emery were a perfect couple. I’m not going to lie though, the moment they hired Charlotte I dreaded finishing this book. My first reaction was thinking how secure they must be in their relationship for Jesse to have no problem with a hot young woman traveling and working closely with her husband. I literally dreaded every page that Emery would cheat on Jesse with Charlotte. The story took an absolute turn and totally went in a direction I would have never imagined. For me personally, my hard limit is when couples are so in love have to deal with infidelity and temptation and that fear took over me so I couldn’t really enjoy it. That being said, this is a great story and I definitely recommend you read it!
4.5 stars
This is a very vague review. The blurb doesn’t give a lot away and this is definitely a book that you need to go into blind. Don’t read the reviews, experience it for yourself.
I had about six different theories about how this story was going to go. To say it kept me on my toes would be a massive understatement. I swapped my theories every couple of chapters, going back and forth over what I thought was going to happen. Some I got right, some I was way off. There’s a sadness and a sense of foreboding throughout this story which really messed with my head. Coupled with my numerous theories, it was very nearly too much for me. I couldn’t wait to see how this story ended but at the same time I was having major anxiety at the thought of getting there.
This isn’t like other books that I’ve read by Marni Mann and I really enjoyed it. It messed with my mind big time.
The Assistant by Marni Mann. Jesse and Emery Black fell in love freshman year of college. They have been together for over 24 years, 2 kids 17 & 12 and 2 careers . She started a very successful company called Cinched and he is a highly successful architect with his own firm that just landed a contract for a building in Boston that will change the skyline. Jesse has always been the backbone of the family and had decided to help Emery out. She has decided he needs an assistant. Due to her father’s long suffering illness and death she has decided to quit her business and devote more time to her family. First thing is getting Emery his assistant. Charlotte is the perfect assistant. Her duties range from being Emery’s right hand to household help. She is a God send to Jesse who is struggling with her situation with her father and Emery’s hectic schedule. The story is told as a before and after of what is going on with Jesse as well as how Charlotte is handling her duties. I have read several books by this author and wasn’t quite sure regarding this story. Hold on and keep reading. One sentence changed everything for me and how I felt about this story. I couldn’t wait to finish this book to see how it was going to end. Wow!!!! Definitely didn’t see that coming and by the last page my mouth was left open and I wanted more. Absolutely brilliant!!!!! 4.5 stars
Marni Mann continues to blow me away and she has completely outdone herself with this story. I have been reading/reviewing Marni Mann for the last 4+ years. With each book she grows as an author. I can’t say she’s peaked with The Assistant because I know she’ll continue to write amazing stories, but I can say that she hit the mark so well with this book that I don’t know where else to go from here.
I’m telling you to go in blind, but disclaimer, THIS IS NOT A CHEATING BOOK. I don’t consider that a spoiler as so many people have asked me. There is so much love and warmth, but also sadness and heartache. The Assistant is a story that you must read blind. You will feel all emotions while reading this book. You will be wondering what the hell is happening next because really, you cannot predict this one
Every assumption IS Wrong
When I finish a book, more often than not I wonder what does the Hapily Ever After look like? This book author Marni Mann wrote, gave me that and so much more.
Readers you will see more eloquent praises for this story, and while I can type and repeat verbatim a combination of them all it will still not do justice to this True Heartache and The Raw Love these characters expressed for one another.
Told in 3 POV, There are truths thats will give us a real life persperctives, making every single assumption from the cover to the blurb wrong, while I will not share spoilers I will say this asside from keeping tissues by your side pay attention to what may seem as the most mundane detail beacuse when I got to the almost end and the EPILOGUE confirmed i was still in shock of it all.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
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 shapwear company. After: I stayed home with my family because I’ve 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.
HOLY MARNI MANN BLOWN AWAY!!!! This book is just amazing. I do not miss a thing that Marni Mann writes. She is one of my must reads but I must say that she has blown my away with The Assistant. I did not read a thing about what this book was about before I picked it up to read it. I just know that I am going to love anything that she writes and man oh man was I just speechless when I finished The Assistant. This is not a easy breezy romance this is intense oh my gosh what is going to happen kind of read that keeps you turning the pages as fast as you can for you can not wait two seconds more to find out what is going on!! I could go on and on and tell you how amazing this book is but I don’t want to give away a thing about it. You just need to trust me and get this book. You will not be able to put it down. You are going to love every single second of it!! Bravo Marni Mann. Bravo. This is one that I will not forget anytime soon and will be rereading many times over!!
I am absolutely torn over this which completely bums me out. I had to talk this out with my hubby because my feelings are so mixed and I’m not sure how to feel without spoiling anything. Ugh. What I can say is that I was not a fan of switching from first person to some chapters that are in third. For me, I’m not a fan of third person and switching between them makes my head go wonky and it takes me out of the story, which kinda irritates me. But that’s just me, if that doesn’t bother you then I say give this one a whirl. I do have to say I’m completely pissed off at the pretend character because of her actions. I think they were selfish and I don’t think it’s fair to keep something like that from someone you love. Ugh again. I don’t know. I’m a mixed bag of emotions over this. But I love this amazing cover and the writing was fantastic, no really, it is. I just want to set my tablet on fire because like I said, I’m seriously irked at the fictional characters. I wish there was more to the ending. Okay, okay, I’m going to go and eat my feelings with some ice cream and think about this some more.