The New Husband is a riveting thriller about the lies we tell ourselves from D. J. Palmer, the author of Saving Meghan. What makes Simon Fitch so perfect?-He knows all her favorite foods, music, and movies. -Her son adores him. He was there when she needed him most. -He anticipates her every need. -He would never betray her like her first husband.The perfect husband. He checks all the boxes.… like her first husband.
The perfect husband. He checks all the boxes.
The question is, why?
Nina Garrity learned the hard way that her missing husband, Glen, had been leading a double life with another woman. But with Glen gone—presumably drowned while fishing on his boat—she couldn’t confront him about the affair or find closure to the life he blew apart.
Now, a year and a half later, Nina has found love again and hopes she can put her shattered world back together. Simon, a widower still grieving the death of his first wife, thinks he has found his dream girl in Nina, and his charm and affections help break through to a heart hardened by betrayal. Nina’s teenage son, Connor, embraces Simon as the father he wishes his dad could have been, while her friends see a different side to him, and they aren’t afraid to use the word obsession.
Nina works hard to bridge the divide that’s come between her daughter and Simon. She wants so badly to believe her life is finally getting back on track, but she’ll soon discover that the greatest danger to herself and her children are the lies people tell themselves.
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The New Husband by D.J. Palmer reminds us that if someone appears too good to be true, that person probably is. Nina Garrity’s husband disappeared and it looks like he wasn’t the man she thought he was. Luckily, Simon Fitch is nothing like her cheating, missing husband who left them in a financial mess. He wants to marry Nina and take care of her and her kids, but Nina is still not quite ready for that and, instead, agrees to combine households. Her son loves Simon, happy to have a father-figure take an interest in him. Maggie, on the other hand, isn’t anywhere near ready to accept a replacement for her father, especially a man she has misgivings about.
Nina is convinced Simon is perfect, but still needs something to make her feel she is standing on her own two feet and contributing. It’s a surprise to her that Simon objects. That’s when things get interesting. Is Simon perfect or is it Nina wearing her rose-colored glasses and only seeing that he is the complete opposite of her missing husband?
This is a twisting ride that will keep you turning the pages as you try to figure out what is happening. Is Simon who he appears to be? Why won’t he talk about his past? Will Nina figure things out before it’s too late? Another book release that offers a great escape from every day life stuck at home in April 2020.
Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#TheNewHusband #StMartinsPress
This was a pretty intense read that did start off a bit slow but it quickly picked up for me and really kept my interest and had me at the edge of my seat. The writing was very well done, with a sick and twisted character that you soon love to hate. My favorite character was thirteen year old Maggie who just felt in her gut that something wasn’t right with Simon, her mother’s new love, and was determined to somehow prove it. The tension mounts towards the end which made it so difficult to put this book down. I look forward to reading more by this author as I enjoyed this one very much.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the digital and paper review copies.
First time in reading this author but will capture your full attention right away. Nina has had hardship but needs a break which you think has come in Simon. As time goes on and the charmer charms the veil goes on created by the one whom weaved it using the charm. With the characters bringing it all so alive you will forget you are in a story. Maggie is the one whom wants to pick at that veil. This is such a thrilling suspense that you will forget to breathe sometimes. Obtain the riches seeing this one until the end.
I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, D.J. Palmer, and St. Martin’s Press. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work.
I have struggled with this novel. It is an in-depth look at a marriage and family relationships and at times hits right on – but more often, especially with the female characters, this was a miss for me. It was, however, an interesting story, it just felt a bit wooden without the instinctive reactions normal people, especially in a very small town, would feel.
Every once in awhile I challenge myself to read outside of my comfort zone of cozy mysteries. Just to shake things up. Well, this one did that in spades. Talk about lies, deceit and gaslighting. I’m not going into great detail to prevent spoilers but Nina Garrity sure has really had issues with the men in her life. First her husband goes missing while fishing – is he dead or alive? Then Simon Fitch makes his move and all bets are off. Nina and her teenage son don’t see the danger that her daughter, Maggie, sees. Lies, lies and more lies. Who in our lives can we really trust?
The first half of the book goes at a slower pace than the second half and, boy, is the reader in for a ride. The writing is smooth and the tension is intense. It’s one of the reasons my favorite characters are her daughter, Maggie, wise beyond her years and one who trusts her instincts and Daisy the dog.
Bottom line, this psychological thriller works because it’s not beyond imagination that a woman like Nina could become the victim of such a man. It was a great read but I think I need to return to a big stack of cozies, at least for a little while.
My thanks to the publisher, St. Martin’s and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I liked this book even though it seemed to start off slowly.. Keep at it (or it may not seem slow to you) once the story gets really going its great. Nina is enjoying a middle class, two children and a husband happy life, In an instant that changes. Her husband is missing presumed dead. Everything she learns from that day forward about her husband and their life will leave her devastated. All she knew as truth is not.
A new man enters into her life. sweeping her off her feet.. She’s not sure she can commit to marriage but she decides her and the two children will share a house with him. Her new love Simon, treats her like a queen. However, even though her son loves him her middle school age daughter Maggie, hates him. She will not cooperate with even trying. Worse yet for her daughter the new man in her mothers life is a teacher at her school. Ostracized by her best friends or who she thought were her best friends, Maggie tries to figure out how to make her mom see that this new man, Simon, is a really bad man. Her brother says she’s a drama queen and to get with it but Maggie sets out to prove she’s right. Everything she finds Simon explains away easily but he also gives pay back she soon learns. He is not too trifle with and she could end up in a very bad place. She must continue to try non the less. Nina may have caught a glimpse of what her daughter saw as evil and mean but passes it off as imagined. A mistake. This book has good characters, strong story line and once into it you can’t put it down. There definitely are surprises! Thank you NetGalley, D.J. Palmer and St Martin Press NY for allowing me to read this ARC this is my honest opinion.
The New Husbsnd by D. J. Palmer is a phenomenal book! I couldn’t put it down. It had me sitting on the edge of my seat, heart pounding and dreading reading on. You are compelled to turn those pages and see where the story is taking you.
Palmer’s writing style is unique. I have never read a book that made me hold my breath. I was scared for several of the characters and actually had to pick my tablet up and finish the book before I could relax and go to sleep.
This was the first book I’ve read by D. J. Palmer and it certainly won’t be my last. His book was a thrilling adventure I don’t think you will want to miss.
I received this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The New Husband, by D.J. Palmer, is available at booksellers on 4-14-20. As my first experience with Mr. Palmers writing I had no idea what to expect. Wow. I love a good thriller and that’s what I got. Who, what, where, when, how. We’re taught this in school as being the basis of a good story & The New Husband covers all of them. Something about the new boyfriend set my teeth on edge when he seemed so perfect, no one is that woke. I’m reminded of the saying “Oh what a tangled web we weave/When first we practice to deceive.” There are webs all over this plot. The story runs all over a list of emotions from narcissism to love, and psychopathy to seeing the truth clearly. I fell in love with the Golden Retriever, Daisy, I want that dog. The only con I found was the first couple of chapters dragged, not a big deal but it made me wonder if I should forge on. The answer is yes. I’m not going to give away anymore so you can enjoy this book for yourself. Happy reading
#D.J.Palmer #TheNewHusband #StMartin’sPress #Netgalley #Thriller
This author has very quickly become a must read for me! The New Husband was better than I could have even expected and my expectations were very high. It was thrilling, twisted and over the top suspenseful. I didn’t expect things to happen they way they did, the unknown kept me turning page after page. I was hooked right away and couldn’t put it down
3.5 stars
This book had its ups and downs for me. I really wanted to give it 4 stars but some things bothered me enough to take the stars off.
Nina’s husband goes missing but nobody knows if he’s dead or not since there’s no body. On top of that she finds out her husband had secrets. Not that long after, she is in a new relationship. Small town so everybody is side eyeing her. Now my problem isn’t that she started up a new relationship even though she had no idea if her husband was dead or not (That truly doesn’t bother me. Do you, booboo)…my issue was her reason for staying where she lived. She is a stay at home mom, and her husband handles the money making. She has access to the accounts but with money missing she can’t afford the house they live in…so she rapidly moves in with her new boyfriend SIMPLY BECAUSE SHE DOESN’T WANT TO MOVE OUT OF THE STATE? What. She was not going to end up in the street with her children. She not only had her parents but two best friends who seemed like they would have helped her in any way, shape or form. Instead she moved in with Simon, who offered to pay for all of the things until the end of time. Did I mention that she had enough in the account for a year and a half or two years. Nothing was stopping her from moving to a smaller place and going back to work. It made no sense to me and it seriously bothered me. She had mom guilt and she had doubts and second guess herself a lot. I get that. Completely. I’m a mother. I. GET. THAT. A lot was going on. But still that one thing seriously bothered me.
It was a bit slow at first but it kicks into high gear halfway through. This is also where I can see someone rolling their eyes at Nina..but I’m on the outside looking in. It’s easy from my vantage point to yell OMG HOW CAN YOU NOT SEE?!
I liked her daughter, Maggie. She was acting like a bratty teenager and tbh I was here for it. She had every right to act the way she did… Never tell my children I said that. She had a lot going on and she was pretty aware for a 13 year old. Her brother, Conner, served zero purpose until maybe the very end and really if you took him out of the story it wouldn’t be any different.
The POV’s got a little confusing at times which usually doesn’t happen to me. Overall it really was a good read. Once the intense parts kick in it kind of stays at that same pace until the end. Also I find the title of the book to be hilarious..but I’m weird like that and I’ve read the book so I can.
**** 4.5 stars****
The New Husband is my introduction into the world Of D.J. Palmer. The gorgeous cover alone was enough to have me eager to hold the book and see what was inside. I really was not sure what to expect. I immediately assumed it would be a second chance romance. I was not disappointed. In fact, I got second chance romantic suspense- with an emphasis on the suspense.
I thought I would sit an read it in short sessions until I finished. However, once I got started, I found it almost impossible to place my marker in the book and go to bed. I failed miserably at voluntarily stopping. I lost a whole day between the covers of this gripping book until I fell asleep well after 1:30 AM with the book on my chest. I awoke the next morning only to pick it up and continue reading until I reached the conclusion.
This book had me talking out loud to myself. It had me telling my children about the story and hypothesizing my theories about what was going to occur next. The New Husband had me yelling at the characters for their actions and warning them to think about what they were doing. This book was a fully interactive experience for me.
D.J. Palmer’s writing choices played a key role in keeping the suspense and drama elevated. The book alternates between third and first person depending on which character was featured in the chapter. This was a very refreshing aspect of reading for me. It kept me interested and on my toes looking for clues to support my theories.
The characters are so diverse in personality. They are well-developed and very consistent in their actions. The mom and parent in me felt every bit of thr main character – Nina’s conflict. As a woman who is a wife and mother going through the uproarious circumstances she endures, I completely understand her actions even if I did not always agree with her choices. The things she did for her family and survival are very realistic for many who have found themselves in circumstances where family structure must be reassembled.
I am not a reader who typically picks up romantic suspense. But I have no doubt that I will reread The New Husband at some future date. It is a story that challenges the intellect and prblem- solving skills. I will also make a point to add D.J. Palmer to my list of favorite authors. This book was truly that good. I will be recommending and gifting it to my friends who read. Bravo to Mr. Palmer for writing a book which could well be the basis for a movie I would willing pay to watch.
Kept me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommend!
A man is out fishing early one morning thinking he has the place to himself. But as the sun rises, he sees a boat in the distance with what looks like just a dog in it. Pulling closer and calling out, he sees it is only a golden retriever in the boat but the bottom of it is filled with blood.
Nina Garrity is married to Glen and they are parents to Connor, 16, and Maggie, 13. When the police arrive with her dog in the car, they tell her that her husband has evidently fallen overboard and drowned. An extensive search ensues with nothing found.
Eighteen months later, Nina is carrying on her life the best she can and a lovely man, named Simon, who happens to be a social studies teacher at Maggie’s school, has been dating her. Now, they have moved to another house where all of them will live together. Maggie is very distressed about Simon living with them. She is intent that she does not like him and simply wants her Dad. Connor is handling things better and he and Simon do some sports things together. Simon professes to love Nina. He has money from other investments, in addition to his school teacher salary and can take care of them all without Nina needing to work. But she is determined to get a job and no longer be dependent on a man after some things she learned about Glen. Maggie persists in saying that there is another part of Simon that only shows up now and then and it’s frightening. Could this loving man not be who he seems to be or is the child imagining things?
This book at first seems to drag and you want to roll your eyes at some of the characters as they seem so naive. But as we approach the end of the book, it all comes together and leaves the reader with their mouth open in awe. What a read. I was racing through it at the end and holding my breath. Do not miss this book. It’s so well done.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
4.5 Suspicious Stars…
Ingenious with a twist of insanity. This book was well-written ~ it drew me in, kept me flipping pages trying to unravel the truth. At points I was yelling at Nina in my mind, telling her to open her eyes, go with her gut. When the truth comes out, its not what is expected, but perfect executed. I will certainly be recommending this one!
A new house, a new neighborhood, a new “boyfriend” for mom, but nothing but hatred for Maggie.
Having Simon, the new boyfriend, move in with them wasn’t something Maggie liked because she extremely disliked him. She just wasn’t comfortable around him and felt something was not quite right.
Since her father was never found after a boating accident, things had been rough, but this seemed worse.
As the days go on, Maggie sees more things happening that seem like control on Simon’s part.
Why can’t her mother see this especially since Simon always said subtle things indicating that her mother shouldn’t go back to work because she couldn’t handle the house and a job.
As we look back, Maggie’s father wasn’t much better since he had been lying to her mother as well.
As we get to know the characters more…
1. Nina needed to wake up and listen to her daughter.
2. Connor needed to be more aware of what was going on.
3. Maggie needed to keep questioning her impressions of Simon.
4. And Simon needed to leave.
Can you tell I didn’t like Simon? He was such a manipulator.
I kept wondering and worrying about what his real plan was and what he was going to do next.
Tension, ill will, subtlety, lies, and suspense abound in THE NEW HUSBAND.
The tension throughout the book was very strong but the ending tension was so strong, you will be talking out loud to the characters and having your blood pressure rise. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
DJ Palmer brings us a psychological thriller that will draw you in and at some points early on, have you second guessing who is sane and who is not. Nina and Simon are both getting a second chance at love and despite misgivings of Nina’s daughter, she is willing to give it her all. Soon, things start to go awry, things make no sense and all of them will need to pull together to make a new family unit work. Did Nina’s husband die? Can Nina let it all go and just be with Simon? What are the secrets that are being held by each of them that will through their lives in an upheaval that have them running for cover? While you learn early on some of the history behind what is going on, the story culminates in a harrowing finale that will have you taking a few breaths when you are done.
D.J. Palmer is a new author to me but after reading The New Husband I will certainly be checking out her previous works. I have to say I struggled to get into this book but I’m so glad I persevered because it turned into a great read.
This is a story that will turn you upside down , it’s emotional, it’s scary and at times it’s very disturbing, it’s a nightmare you never want to experience. It’s a well written book that makes you realise you don’t always know people, sometimes you see what they want you too and more of than not it’s your friends and family who see the real person because you are looking in with rose tinted glasses. This is a psychological thriller that is well written and it will draw you in, it will have you on the edge of your seat as you keep turning the pages even if at some point you try to put it down it’s one of those books you need to finish…..
If you love dark suspense this will be a must read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley
Nina Garrity is struggling to find her new normal since her husband’s disappearance and assumed death. She’s trying to figure out how to keep their family afloat, pay their bills, and keep their kids lives as normal as she can. It’s been a year and half since they lost him, but the grief still lingers just as strong as the first day.
Then she has a chance encounter with a local teacher, and she sees the same grief she carries in his eyes too. A friendship soon blossoms, and before long they are spending all their free moments together. Their pasts bond them, helps them fall for one another…. but will it also be the reason they end?
Between the pages of The New Husband lies a story of a family grieving the loss of one of their own, and the man who comes into their lives to piece it all back together. But everything isn’t quite as it seems, there are layers and layers of secrets, lies, and deceit ready to give way at any moment. This mind-bending thriller will grab a hold of your attention from the first page and not let go until the last. I polished this one off in one afternoon, I just could not put it down, the words were so addictive! If you like domestic thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, then I have no doubt this one will be perfect for you… it’s suspenseful, dramatic, and certain to rattle you to your core! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was suspenseful and hard to put down. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.
One day while sitting in the cafeteria, a boy I once judged and dismissed, a boy who was an outsider himself, asked if he could join me for lunch. I was reluctant at first, but then we started to talk and I found that this boy, a boy I never would have considered before, was smart and funny, generous and kind.
That was Benjamin Odell. He turned out to be my best friend and he’s one of the reasons my family is still alive.
Judging others is easy. It makes us feel superior.
So what to do?
It’s simple. Don’t rush to judgement.
Have humility. Show empathy.
Ask: What can I do to help?
I believe we all want the same things out of life. We want to be loved, accepted, to belong to someone, to feel wanted and valued. Sometimes we make poor choices on this journey. Instead of sitting in judgment of those choices, let’s help each other get back on the right path.
Those are the main things I took from this awesome story. I did judge the mother, Nina, in this story. I judged her harshly. I felt so bad for that when I got more into the story and knew why she turned to someone when she was feeling so weak and alone.
This is my second book by D. J. Palmer and I can assure you it won’t be my last. From the very first page to the very last word this book had me in it’s grips. It had me on edge and in tears in many places. It was one that will make you eventually look back and say what would I have done? Would I have been strong enough? Would I have seen what was clearly right in front of my eyes? We are all truly way to quick to judge others. For whatever reason we tend to do that and it’s time to stop. To see what may be causing people to do the things they do. Now I have to say that some people, like Simon, yes we can judge him. He’s not the best of the best. But we also need to understand why he is like he is. If we can.
This story is told from the mother, Nina, and her thirteen year old daughter, Maggie’s, perspectives. Nina has a hard time after the loss of her husband, Glen, goes missing. She doesn’t know if he is dead or alive. Things don’t look good for him though no matter what happened.
Maggie never believes her dad is gone completely. She hates Simon, the man her mom fell for and ultimately decided to marry one day. Maggie didn’t trust him at all. She wanted her dad and as with most children her age was not going to accept anyone else.
This book will take you on a roller coaster of a ride that you can’t get away from. The ups and downs will leave you breathless and screaming for everyone to wake up and see what is going on. It’s a very intense story of love, loss, new beginnings, letting go, murder, adultery and even forgiveness. You will definitely be breathing heavy at the end when it all comes together. You won’t want to miss a thing. It’s like watching a movie and you can’t take your eyes from the screen but you also want to hide and scream at the people to stop, to look out.
This book had some great characters. Some you will love and others you will hate. But they are all well developed and their parts are done to perfection. To me this book was done to perfection. It was totally one of the best thrillers I have ever read.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #D.J. Palmer and #St Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
It is another big 5 stars and the highest recommendation from me.