Book Synopsis:
Annie is the dream wife.
Mother to two-year-old Johnny and wife to David, she is everything her husband expects her to be – supportive, respectful and mild – but what he expects isn’t who she truly is.
Annie is a prisoner in her home.
Her finances, her routine, her social life are all controlled by him. It’s the love for her boy that she lives for, and at night she dreams of a world where she is free.
But Annie is going to fight back.
And you won’t believe how she is going to do it . . .
Perfect for fans of Cara Hunter, Laura Marshall, Elle Croft, BA Paris, JP Delaney Teresa Driscoll and Claire Allan.
The Dream Wife is published today in ebook and paperback. The ebook is currently only £1.99. You can purchase your copy of both here.
My Review:
It’s rare that I’m speechless at the end of a book but this one just completely amazed me. What an ending! Wow I did not see that coming! It’s going to be hard to review this book without giving too much away but I really enjoyed this dark, tension filled and unsettling book.
From the start the reader is aware that something isn’t quite right in Annie’s life as they are introduced to her mad cleaning routines where everything has to be just right. The things her husband expects her to do and how he expects her to behave is shocking to read about. I soon felt very sorry for Annie and the situation she finds herself in. The only bright light in Annie’s world is her son, Johnny and I loved reading about her interaction with him. The little games that she plays with him were so sweet and it was great to read about the close relationship she has with him. This part of the book reminded me a bit of ‘Room’ as the style and intense mother-son relationship were both similar.
Annie husband is possible the most loathesome character I’ve ever come across in a book. His attitude and the way he treats Annie just made my blood boil especially what he says after she’s given birth! Even though I hated him I always think that characters that provoke such a strong reaction are great as they mean that they have been very well written. I found myself hoping that Annie would get her revenge on him and that he would get what he deserved.
The book is very fast paced and gripped me from the start with the unusual situation that Annie finds herself in. I was immediately on Annie’s side and wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen. As an unexpected twist is promised in the blurb I had lots of ideas about what it might be, but was wrong (very wrong) as the ending completely surprised me.
This, unbelievably, is the author’s debut novel and I’m so so excited to read more from her. This would make a fantastic book club book as I’m desperate to discuss it with someone else, so I’m sure it will create lots of lively discussions.
Huge thanks to Orion publishers for my copy of this book via Netgalley and to Tracy Fenton for inviting me onto the blog tour. If you like dark, addictive thrillers that surprise you then you’ll love this book!
About The Author:
I started out studying Psychology at the University of Southampton, before spending many years working in HR. But I had always wanted to be a writer, and now work as a copywriter, proof reader and editor.
I am delighted to have the lovely Ed Wilsonat Johnson & Alcock as my agent. My debut novel, THE DREAM WIFE, is published by Orion, and out now in eBook and paperback on 4th October 2018. It will be followed by DOUBLE TAKE in autumn 2019.
I live in Hampshire with my son and husband. When I’m not writing I can be found pounding the streets in running shoes, or hiding behind a camera lens. I have too many book cases, too many books I haven’t read, and too much of an addiction to American tv.
Follow me on Twitter @paperclipgirl, Instagram @loudelangewriter or Facebook @loudelangewriter.
(Author’s bio taken from her website & picture from her Twitter account)
Over The Rainbow Blog 
Wonderful review! I just bought it!!!
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Wow, this one sounds really amazing. Great review Joanna.
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