I thought at first that I knew where this book was going, and I didn't. There was a real "omg" moment which was when the story really got going after what seemed like a very long set-up. The second half of the book seemed if anything a bit rushed at times, particularly the final outcome. It became a bit confusing who had done what to whom and when. I liked that the book raised a lot of moral questions and that it had mostly good characters contemplating
doing very bad things. Overall I thought this was a good read. It was always going to be hard to follow the emotional kick in the teeth that was Edel's first novel Breaking Point, and this does a pretty good job.

It needs a bit more editing, though. There were a fair few mistakes still in it, including a few plot/fact inconsistencies which hopefully will be ironed out before publication in March.

Despite being chock-full of plot holes, inconsistencies and errors, this is a readable book with a likeable, authentic-seeming protagonist. I felt that this book could have been so much better with more thorough editing.

I really appreciated the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.
An interesting read, with well-outlined characters and a different twist on a practised plot. A weak but manipulative man, a wife who can not provide what he desires, and a woman who is desperate to be loved and appreciated. Edel Coffey manages to keep her reader engrossed with the twists presented, and also the interplay of the relationship that the lead character has with her own Mother, siblings and the new environment she finds herself. I am disappointed that the ending did not reflect the detail that the author had so brilliantly woven into her novel in previous chapters, and found the ending predictable and rushed.
I would recommend "In Her Place" to others though, as the different twists do keep the reader entertained.

Thoroughly enjoyed this up to the last couple of chapters, where the ending felt rushed, as if the author had reached their word count!
The characters are extremely well written and both Ann and Deborah court empathy throughout the story. I did get cross with Ann on several occasions for being so trusting, but I suppose that is precisely how such a relationship works!
The plot is excellent- I could have just done with a little more around the ending to really finish off the story!

In Her Place by Edel Coffey is a fascinating story and features two women, Ann and Deborah, who are both in love with the same man, Justin. Deborah has been in a coma for years and suddenly the trial that she has been on brings her back to life.
Unfortunately Ann has moved into the family home and is in love with Justin and Sophie, their daughter. They even both end up pregnant at the same time by Justin. Deborah’s health deteriorated during her pregnancy and she is struggling to recover and Ann has an early birth , with her daughter spending weeks in hospital.
It is a very complex story and tangled relationships, truth and lies all make the reality very difficult to resolve.
Highly recommended

So I really liked this book, but I don’t think it’s a very realistic storyline. Ann loses her mom and then finds Justin at a bar. They begin sleeping together and she finds out he has a daughter and wife dying in the hospital. They begin a relationship, her sisters don’t agree, she finds out she’s pregnant, and a miracle drug makes his wife’s tumor disappear. Now they are all living under one roof and keeping secrets from each other. Who will Justin choose? Who is to be trusted? I really like edel’s books and can’t wait for another!

A bit of a sad story, although well written and with mostly believable characters. Not a five star rating, as there were too many times when I wanted to shout at my kindle 'oh come on, don't be so gullible'...
I found the ending somewhat predictable, but I am sure that many readers will like this book.

Very well written, with relatable characters and well-constructed dialogue resulting in a very disturbing — but also satisfying — storyline ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A rattling good tale with twists and turns aplenty.

In Her Place is Edel Coffey's second novel and I really enjoyed this one.

The book begins with Ann, who we meet when she is largely down on her luck. She has been caring for her mother who has recently died with very little help and assistance from her two more successful and richer sisters. Whilst away on a work assignment, she meets Justin and whilst she initially considers this to be a one-night arrangement, Justin is clearly keen to take things forward.

The problem I hear you ask? Justin is married....well that complicates matters somewhat. But rest assured, its not an issue as his wife is currently in a long-term coma and is not expected to live much longer. Ann then moves in with Justin and his daughter, pretending to be the nanny at first before being introduced more widely as his new partner.

Well, what do you know? Justin's wife, Deborah, has now undergone a major new medical trial which has miraculously shrunk her tumour and she has made a full recovery.....

Okay, so from the synopsis, there is definitely an element of suspending belief and taking things as you are told them. If you are able and willing to go along for the ride, then you will enjoy this sometimes dark, sometimes twisty novel where you end up rooting for absolutely no-one.....

Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK, Sphere for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was invited to review this novel and I delighted to say it’s a great read. I did guess the twist, but this doesn’t detract from the novel for me. It’s sad and scary at the same time!

Ann is at a loss of how to continue her life. Having spent the past 3 years caring for and nursing her beloved mother, the grief she now feels is all encompassing. Her career in journalism has ground to a halt, and she will be homeless if her two successful sisters get their way and sell the family home. Wandering around her home ground of Brooklyn, praying for some good luck, a call comes through, offering Ann a job writing a review of a play in Hudson, which she accepts. Whilst mulling over the awfulness of the play in a nearby bar later that evening, Ann meets Justin, and matters take a more positive turn. Or do they?

Having previously read Coffey’s Breaking Point (5*, absolutely amazing for a debut, would definitely recommend), I was really looking forward to this one.

Whilst the plot was good and there was a nice, if obvious, twist, this book fell short of my expectations. A slow burn with much repetition spoilt the flow, and the characters were all a little stereotypical. However, a short, easy read to while away a rainy afternoon.

A bit disappointing.

Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown.

Ann’s life and job prospects are in the doldrums after she takes on a carer role for her mother, who has recently died. She’s trying to re-establish her journalistic career and is offered a few hundred dollars to review a play which proves to be woefully bad. Later at the bar, she meets Justin Forster and the chemistry is instant. Not only that, he’s rich, seriously rich. However, it’s complicated, he has a six-year-old daughter Sophie and a wife Deborah, who has been in hospital for years and is not expected to survive for much longer. So, Anne is “in her place “and for once in her life, she is following her heart. Will it be a fairytale ending or something more grim?

This is a slow burner at the start, but it’s really captivating reading. Ann is interesting, she seems a good person, she’s quiet, low-key and it’s fascinating witnessing how she how she is with Justin when she feels comfortable and secure. However, those prickles of concerns start, and those grow exponentially. As she becomes more immersed in Justins world, the multiple plot layers emerge. There’s insight into relationships and in short but very pertinent sentences the author sums up situations up to perfection. There’s commentary on social hierarchy and how Ann is viewed in Justin’s social circle and in the wider community. From this point on the tension grows and there are times when it’s palpable, as there’s everything from suspicion to impossible choices. Equally enjoyable are the dynamics on display and there are several of those from within the Foster household to that with Ann’s sisters who bend with the wind. The characterisation is very good as the complex plot deepens I find I change my mind several times.

The last half of the book is especially strong as things changed dramatically for Anne, and her situation becomes vulnerable and very precarious. It becomes clear that things are not simple, that there are secrets and lies and big fat liars and characters are faced with unbearable situations . There are a couple of occasions that my jaw drops as I hadn’t seen THAT coming and it clearly demonstrates that life can change in the most unexpected ways. Perhaps it’s a case of the truth really will set you free?

Overall, another thought provoking and addictive read from the talented Edel Coffey.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to the publishers for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Post to Goodreads/X on 7/3/24

Post to Amazon and Waterstones on 21/3/24

I loved Breaking Point so was eager to read whatever Edel Coffey wrote next.

In Her Place starts in the classic Rebecca / Verity / The Wife Upstairs vein, a woman meets a rich man, who lives in a big house, in the shadow of his wife’s presence.

It all flows very nicely, and it changes up into something a bit different. It didn’t wow me like Breaking Point, it kept me reading and kept me entertained. If you particularly like the ‘shadow of the first wife’ trope you’ll probably enjoy it more.

Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK

I absolutely loved the author's previous novel Breaking Point so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read In Her Place.
Ann, a writer, is living in New York, she feels that she's been left behind as all her peers seem to be married to wealthy men, with children or with good careers. Ann put her life on hold to care for her mother and now, after her mother's death she faces homelessness as her sisters plan to sell her mother's house. While reviewing a play in Upstate New York she meets Justin, an older wealthy man with a 6 year old daughter. She is soon involved with Justin and moves into his house, despite the fact that he already has a wife Deborah, who is in a coma and on end of life care.
In Her Place was such a compelling read, the author writes effortlessly and completely drew me in to Ann's story. I found Ann to be an interesting character who makes so many bad choices in her relationship with Justin. The author excellently portrays the isolating and controlled life both Ann and Deborah live with Justin. At times I felt that the storyline was unbelievable and the ending was a little rushed but it was a thought provoking read that I raced through in 24 hours and would recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

Ann is a bit of a sorry character, single, financially struggling and recovering from her mother’s death. She meets Justin, older, rich, a father and in a difficult situation as his wife, Deborah, is near death. Until things change and the whole situation changes.
This was a really slow paced read for me then it gets to 40% and bang it speeds along as did I hooked! Really enjoyed it and recommend to any domestic thriller lovers. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for an honest review.