Beside Herself is a story about relationships and infidelity. Married for 15 years, Joel and Hannah have two kids Lincoln and a younger Ridley. Hannah’s birthday is around the corner and she finds Joel busy with the phone. She was expecting a surprise for her birthday party instead stumbled upon a truth. Joel is cheating on her. Even after weeks of deliberation, she could not decide what she should do? That’s when she decides she would like to have an affair of her own. With Joel feeling guilty agrees to this plan. It’s been 15 years she’s out of the dating scene, she doesn’t even know how to get back in the game. Filled with contemplation, she is standing at the crossroad to choose the right path. 

I chose this book to move out of my comfort zone. The book dealt with a sensitive topic and gave readers food for thought. The central theme of the book is infidelity with subtexts of old age and forgiveness. She gave an insight that sometimes there are bigger issues than it meets the eye. Sometimes cheating results from something bigger going in the relationship. 

The focus of the book is on Hannah and author narrates from Hannah’s perspective. She’s shown as a caring mother and his cheating has her taken her by shock.  Joel's shown suffering from guilt and would do anything to make the marriage work. There were parts showing Joel’s and Hannah past, how they met and got married. With this I had issues, the characters weren’t coherent. As a reader, I did not know how was the marriage before cheating. Not one line about it. All we realise Hannah assumed she was in a happy marriage but nothing that proves it.

My expectation fell flat.  It should have delved deeper into their relationship, reflecting upon on themselves. This would involve their life from start to where they have reached. Richard Bent, Joel’s father was the only person who some perspective to the issue.  That too, towards the end. People get angry when someone close to home cheats us. Hence, Hannah wishing to cheat to her husband to get her revenge made sense. In fact, the book concentrated the major portions on Hannah finding a date. 

The book had huge potential but it was all lost. I realized this book is not for me. It might interest other people but I will skip this genre for now.

My rating is 2.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.

I wanted to love this book,  but after being approved, I found the subject matter was a little too close to home so I will re-read at a later date.. Thank you for the opportunity to read this novel.

This was a very light hearted read. Hannah is in a dilemma when she finds out her husband has cheated on her. Where do they go from here? It's a mystery as to what she will do. You always think the typical answer is to split up so it's a good wee read to see how it actually pans out. With a few turns here & there the story turns out good. Romantic and light hearted. Would recommend to anyone

Beside Herself is a story of a family that has a lapse in judgement threaten its very core.  Its also a story of finding forgiveness and the struggle to come out better than ever.  I liked this book and its inspiring message.

Endearing book about a likeable couple and the aftermath of a lapse in judgement when the husband has an affair....lovely characters and a sweet storyline

Great book - and an amazing lesson in life.  I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishers in exchange for an honest review.  The first pages easily pulled me into the pages, but some of those during the healing seemed awkward.   Its one of those scenarios you don't expect to experience during your lifetime but then it happens.  Hannah Bent up to this point thought she had a happy marriage - until.  The next few pages of the book take the reader down the road she took after she read the message that popped up on her husband's phone.  The author follows the repentant husband and the devastated wife as their lives are thrown into the turmoil of discovery.  Well written and even the questionable paths are presented well.  Its definitely a must read,  All the ways a misstep can damage the lives of those people you see every day.

I really enjoyed this novel and couldn't put it down. It was relatable, funny, heartwarming and really insightful

** spoiler alert ** 4.5 stars. 

If you know me you know that I believe in the sanctity of marriage. At first I was not even sure why I requested an ARC of a book that talked about a spouse having an affair in response to their partner's affair. There were times early on in this book that I wanted to stop reading. I couldn't condone an affair but I stuck with it and I am so glad. 

This book comes around and ends so beautifully. I was not familiar at all with LaBan or any of her writing. I will watch for future releases of hers.

This book explores the love story of Joel and Hannah , whose marriage has been hit by a tidal wave. Hannah unwittingly discovers Joel has had a short lived affair.

Will she try to ride the waves and save her marriage? Or will she throw in the towel ? Will her plans for a affair of her own help or hindrance a reconciliation?

The decisions forced on partners who discover infidelity is heartbreaking. The book beautifully explores the complexities of making such a life changing decision. You may love your partner but hate the chaos they have brought into your life. Trust had been shattered can it ever return? The views and options of friends and family can also be influential. Whichever path you choose to take each will be a struggle,

I felt so much for Hannah. She was torn between how she felt she should react and her love for Joel. I could almost feel her hurt and disappointment, The devastation of an affair was brilliantly portrayed and how a marriage and partners are changed forever.

Beside herself is a book about relationships, deceit and forgiveness. 3.5 🌟 rounded up.
Hannah and Joel have been married quite a few years, they seem to have the perfect marriage, nice house, kids etc but Hannah’s world comes tumbling down when on a train and Joel is asleep she goes through his phone and finds text messages between him and someone else, he wakes and comes clean. The book follows the hardship of trying to keep a marriage together after the bombshell has been dropped and wondering if the marriage should be saved. We follow their journey through different councillors and Hannah’s suggestion that she should have an affair to even it out and all the time trying to keep the children from finding out that their marriage is in trouble.
I felt this book could have gone deeper into the scenario and their feelings as at times it felt very light and almost laughable but having said that it did seem fairly believable and I enjoyed getting to know Hannah.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

This book tells the tale of a family that could have been destroyed by a silly mistake.  How many marriages survive the devastation mistakes cause? Very relatable characters.

Beside Herself 
By Elizabeth LaBan

Thank you to Net Galley, Elizabeth LaBan and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.   All opinions are my own. 

This is my third attempt at writing this review.  There seems to be some technical issues on goodreads.com with this book.  Hannah discovers that her husband Joel had an affair.  This is at the very beginning of this novel.  No matter how many times Joel apologized and he did throughout this entire book, Hannah feels the only way to restore balance back to the marriage is to even the score and have her own affair.  I am all for strong female protagonists in my much loved books but in Hannah's case this just goes on for way too long with her failed attempts to restore justice by having her own affair.  This book was too long as in Hannah trying to get even and could use some more editing.  Hannah's antics go on and on.  This felt lackluster in narrative after a while.  This book should be shorter and was a chore to read.

The saving grace for this novel was how much Richard, who is Joel's father and in a nursing home was loved and cared for by all.  I loved how much kindness and dignity these elderly patients were treated.  One care giver in particular raises the book to higher standing by his treatment of both the elderly and Hannah and Joel.  This book is not all dark and the care shown to Richard and the rest of the patients is what made this book shine for me.

Thank you Netgalley for my copy of Beside Herself by Elizabeth LeBan.

This book was not as dark as my usual choice of book however, I was drawn to it because I am interested in domestic stories and how married couples interact with each other after one of them has been cheated on. We read how the relationship between Hannah and Joel changes and shifts and how this new dynamic tests their boundaries and how their expectations from the marriage change. This aspect I found super interesting. Personally, I don't think I would make the same choices as Hannah however I did enjoy this read. I liked the authors style and I would recommend this for book clubs as I believe the book would provoke a lot of discussion.

If your favoured reading material is a compelling tale with a good sprinkling of relationships, anger, infidelity, passion and regret then Beside Herself by Elizabeth LaBan is a must-read for you!

From the get-go I was completely enraptured by this wonderful family drama. Hannah and Joel Bent have a very troubled and turbulent marriage. Joel has been having an affair and Hannah has found out about it, now believing her marriage to be over. Upset and angry, she decides to try to make their marriage work if Joel agrees to allow her to even the score - by committing an act of infidelity herself. Joel goes along with it out of desperation, but can Hannah really go through with her plan?

Both Joel and Hannah were beautifully portrayed by Elizabeth LaBan. Their views about their circumstances, their relationship and their difficulties were really cleverly written, making them very real, flawed and authentic.

I appreciated the way the author delved into the characters' past trepidations, worries and achievements making them multidimensional as their narrative revealed how it was possible to change for the better.

The plot was awesome and poignant as it moved along at a really comfortable pace and I loved the author’s effusive writing-style. There was no room for repetitiveness or boredom here! The story was so moving  and there were many moments of reflection, empathy and compassion. 

Beside Herself is a cracking story and a book that I revelled in all the way through, bringing no disappointments. Elizabeth LaBan rounded things off so masterfully which I welcomed and I think this author will become one of my firm favourites.
  
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Beside Herself by Elizabeth LaBan is a full length, standalone contemporary romance novel and when I ever read a five star read, this is it.
The story s told in a single POV and tells Hannah's heart wrenching story.
Hannah Bent is a 45 year old woman and she believes her life is good. She's married to the love of her life and has two adorable children. She's living the white picked fence dream when one moment of weakness brings everything crashing down around her. She's deeply betrayed, shattered and her trust is destroyed.
Beside Herself tells the journey of a deeply wounded woman, a book about strength, growing, forgivness and second chances.
Beside Herself is a touching and gripping read. I started reading and was hooked after one chapter. I read the book, cover to cover in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. I was on the edge of my seat waiting what would happen to the characters. Beside Herself is a slow burn and that's very fitting too.
I highly recommend this book and give 5+ stars.

3.5 ☕️☕️☕️☕️ Rounded up! 

Every so often, I like to pick up “issue driven” fiction-a story where two sides of an issue are presented, allowing you to consider another’s point of view, regarding a certain issue or decision that must be made. 

This sounded like THAT kind of book. 

Hannah finds that her husband Joel has cheated, and she must decide whether or not to stay or go.

He wants to stay married, and will agree to just about anything to get Hannah to stay...including letting her have an affair to even the score. 

But do two wrongs ever make a right? 
Will entering the dating world convince  her that she still loves her husband and the home they have built with their two young children? 
Or will it show her that you can survive and thrive in a new life? 

I expected this book to have more substance.  

But despite the dilemma that Hannah faces, its more of a light, entertaining read; Not what I anticipated but a touching, engaging story that grew on me, as it progressed, full of flawed characters and decisions! 

In fact my favorite parts of the book involved Hannah’s relationship with her father in law, Richard (a scene stealing supporting actor if this were a movie!) who resides in an assisted care living facility and the entire family’s love for the Philadelphia Eagles! 

Oh, and as soon as I submit my review..I am looking up Joffrey’s coffee and having some delivered! 

☕️ Thank You to Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing and Elizabeth LaBan for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review! This title is available now!

A very thought provoking book. It will have you playing the "what would you do " game. I enjoyed all the characters, and their stories.

I wasn't a fan of this book.  The premise was good, which was why I signed up for it, but it unfortunately didn't live up to expectations.  I felt that the female lead character was way too wishy-washy when confronted with the news of her husband's cheating, just kept on with her normal day.  I understand hiding emotions from the children, but the rest just didn't gel for me.  Thanks for the opportunity to read and review.

Not A Megachurch. (Ignore the first paragraph. ;) ) In this book, LaBan describes the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe - as it is formally known - as a megachurch for those drawn to Disney but still religious enough to go to church while on vacation, and it is *NOT*. I'm an annual passholder at Disney and go there at least every couple of months - and frequently stop by at the outlet mall directly beside this church and know for a fact how empty it tends to be! 1* book! (OK, how do people write serious reviews like that? Get a life!)

But seriously, this book was really, really good. It takes the reader on a ride many have been on in real life and while it may bring back painful memories, it does it in a way that can provide a bit of catharsis - and maybe even hope. Funny yet mostly realistic, this book pulls few punches indeed and at times can be a bit uncomfortable for some because of it. But at the end of the day, an excellent story and very much recommended.

He would have loved that Joel whispered. Leaning back against the seat as the train moved from penn Station-NYC- to arrive in Philadelphia. Hannah scowled and shook her head.  How come he thinks that?  But she couldn’t talk now. But then she said he would have hated it. His face said your right. He was ridiculously optimistic but also quite reasonable, two of Hannah’s favorite characteristics of his. They had picked the silent car but she wanted to talk more. Really something they could never do when the kids were with them. Really, something they could never do when the kids- Ridley was their daughter- five and Lincoln who was eight- were with them, when they were all together, everything was so noisy, constant talking, whining, laughter, crying. Than two kids were at home with their babysitter, Monica. But now she wanted to keep talking, mostly about the event they had been to at NBC to honor Joel’s father- Richard T. Bent who had anchored the NBC Nightly News for twenty four years. Richard wasn’t well enough to attend the trip, so they went in his place. But he truly would have hated it. He never wanted anything to be about him, it was supposed to be about the news. Richaed was at St. Martha’s Manor. He’d gone there for rehab from a small stroke and never left. That was over a year ago.  Then she found Joel had fallen asleep. She looked for his phone and found it. Hannah was pretty sure Joel was planning a surprise birthday party for her. All signs pointed that way, including a few unexplained calls and a lot of time and a lot of time on his computer. In four months Hannah turns forty six. As she went through his phone she saw something about HOTEL. It turned out that Joel had cheated on her and when she confronted him he said it was over, he doesn’t know why he did it and wanted to stay as they were. She mentioned him getting his own place. She made a run to his father with soap. Joel called and said he had an appointment with a marriage counsellor at 5:30 pm  that day and he wanted her to go and she agreed. They went to four other councillors before finding Dr. Snow.
I enjoyed this book. I was happy with the ending. I liked the plot. I loved the relationship between Hannah and Richard. I was so sad that Hannah got so hurt by Joel’s infidelity. I liked Hannah’s  I was glad they amended it and were close again. Lincoln was so cute and loved how he wanted to stay in contact with his mother when she left the house. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend it.