Review: The Dilemma, by B. A. Paris

The Dilemma, by B. A. Paris

St. Martin's Press - June 30, 2020
General Fiction
E-book

305 pages

* I received this digital ARC courtesy of St. Martin's Press, via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review. This does not influence the following opinions which are my own.

A moving tale of love, loss, and the ties that bind. 

I loved Paris' first three thrilling novels, so when I saw that she had another book in the wings, I could not say yes fast enough!  This book is a departure from her early writing style though.  Rather than a nail biting thriller, this book is more a work of general or literary fiction. There is no real edge of your seat, bite your nails tension, or get you from out of nowhere twists - but her writing is still solid in this diversion from her previous work. 

Livia has dreamed for years of having the perfect party for her fortieth birthday, and her loving husband Adam has done what he can to give her the party of her dreams. The Marquee tent is set up, and all of Livia's most cherished friends and family will be there - all except their daughter Marnie who is living overseas that is. Livia doesn't know it yet, but Adam has arranged for Marnie to come home as a surprise! But as the final touches are being seen to for the party, Adam is burdened with a secret that may destroy Livia. As he struggles to keep his secret, she too is heavily burdened with the weight of a secret. As the evening progresses, and the weight of these secrets threatens to suffocate them both, neither knows that the other is also carrying a secret that can destroy their world as they know it. 

As I mentioned earlier, this is a new genre and style for Paris. I love her crazy twisted thrillers, and if that is what you are looking for, you should know that his book doesn't have that edge - but it does have heart.  I found it a little slow moving, but certainly not unbearably so. All in all, a worthy read, and a good first foray into something new for Paris.

Happy Reading,

Christine