Title: The Dilemma
Author: B.A. Paris
Publisher:

[Synopsis]

It’s Livia’s fortieth birthday and tonight she’s having a party, a party she’s been planning for a long time. The only person missing will be her daughter, Marnie.

But Livia has a secret, a secret she’s been keeping from Adam, her husband, until the party is over. Because how can she tell him that although she loves Marnie, she’s glad their daughter won’t be there to celebrate with her?

Adam is determined everything will be just right for Livia and the party is going to be perfect… until he learns something that will leave him facing an unbearable decision.

[My Review]

I really enjoyed this interesting, sort-of-slow-burner of a novel. Not a lot of ‘action’ really ‘happens’ as such, and I therefore don’t feel it’s a thriller like with many of her previous works, but nevertheless B.A. Paris manages to infuse tension into every page.

I feel that The Dilemma is a family drama and character study into Livia and Adam, a married couple with two children (Josh and Marnie), both trying to work out what to do about some secrets that have come to light regarding Marnie. It’s the day of Livia’s long-awaited 40th birthday party, and so the story largely takes place over one day, with the emotions and decisions of both characters weighing heavily on their minds as they try to do the best for their family.

I didn’t really know what to expect (and I don’t want to give too much away about the story, as I feel this book is best enjoyed without), but I found it hard to put this novel down. It’s very easy to read, and the story flows well. Although, as I mentioned above, there isn’t a lot of ‘action’ in the novel, as it focuses on the run-up to Livia’s party, there is a lot of emotions, thoughts and feelings in there, and that’s what this book really focuses on. I found it a really addictive read.

[Rating: 4/5]

Many thanks to the publisher, HQ Books, for providing a copy of this book on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.

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