Caitlin Weaver does it again!
I was thrilled to be provided with the opportunity to review this ARC and downloaded it immediately. While I had an idea of where this book was going, I was hooked on every word.
I found Caitlin’s ability to weave between past and present absolutely beautiful. The transitions were so clean, I was painting a vivid picture in my mind the whole time.
I had high hopes after ‘Such a Good Family’ and ‘Things We Never Say’ and they were met and then some.
Thank you Net Galley & Storm Publishing!

This was a pretty farfetched story, but nonetheless, it was an enjoyable, quick read. Weaver writes about characters who live a lifestyle I can't really relate to, but that makes the plots all the more fascinating! Very fast-paced, page-turner! Friendship, family, loyalty (and betrayal) - this book has a little bit of everything!!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this advanced copy. This one was a bit slow for me. Not quite a thriller as listed. I found it kind of predictable. I did love the premise

Caitlin Weaver is one hell of a storyteller, as I found out from reading her previous novel, Things We Never Say.

In this story, moved by her friends Peter and Liz's unsuccessful attempts to have a baby when she has three lovely children of her own, Fabiola - known for being the friend who gets things right, and does things right - offers to carry a child for them, to her own uparjit husband's dismay.

The story is an interesting study in marriage, motherhood, desire, friendship and the things we sometimes do for - and to - others. The final twist was not a big surprise to me, and I was disappointed by the betrayal aspect (in more than one case), but I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more by this writer. It gets 4 stars despite the touch of disappointment with the twist. Well worth reading!

I had not read anything by this author before, and I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! The first 1/3 was good, but then the book got better and better- I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what happened! Unpredictable, emotional, and lovely. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Fabiola has spent her life being good. The perfect daughter to her single father. A supportive wife to her entrepreneurial husband, who’s throwing everything they have at launching his start-up. A devoted mother to her three beautiful children. And a loyal best friend to Liz, who's been by Fabiola's side since Liz married her oldest childhood friend, Peter.

When Liz needs help starting her own family, Fabiola comes up with the perfect plan. She’s good at being pregnant, and she so badly wants to help her friend. It seems like the greatest gift one woman can give another. And Peter? For Peter – she doesn’t even have to think – she would do anything.

But then one reckless moment changes everything. Now Fabiola must decide who to protect: her best friend, the man she's never stopped loving, or the child growing inside her. With her marriage unraveling and her teenage daughter hiding secrets of her own, she's discovering that the hardest promises to keep are the ones we make to ourselves.

This book was fantastic. The twists and turns were relatively predictable (which is almost always the case when you read a lot!), but that didn't distract from this well-written story. I like that this book brings up some potentially thorny subjects. Super read! 4.5⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

Solid 3.5 stars. Read it in one sitting. The characters were in a word, MESSY. But, relatably messy. Family drama, the bonds of female friendships, realistic depiction of marriage, loss and betrayal were all central themes.

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy.

Thank you so much for the ARC. I am now officially a fan of Caitlin Weaver's books! I love how the book is based on the lives of real people. Fabi's one-night stand with Peter that led to a pregnancy and the reality of how grown, successful men can still today avoid the responsibility of fatherhood. Also the abandonment that Fabi experienced by her mom is a real issue affecting children and adults today. I loved Vivi. Children are sometimes the eyes and ears in a household and Vivi's behavior is a reflection of the chaos that was happening at home, in her parents marriage. I loved how Liz unexpectedly forgave Fabi and opened her heart and home to Fabi's family. Things could have turned out so differently. Such a beautiful book which tugged at my heart.

This was a very complex read which had me feeling many emotions, it definitely had me swaying between the right and wrong reactions to the situation.

I found myself completely engrossed in the text. It was an exceptional experience! The narrative was filled with drama, authenticity, emotional depth, and a captivating quality that drew me in.

Fabiola loves being a mom. She has three children, and loves giving them all of her attention and feels anxious that they are growing up and might not need her anymore.

With an innovative husband who is trying to get his start-up company and her own career is taking off. At Fabiola’s wedding, she introduced Peter, her old friend and childhood crush, to her best friend, Liz. Peter and Liz fell in love, got married and seemed to have everything. Everything, but children. As Liz’s best friend, Fabiola impulsively agrees to be a surrogate for her friends. Their arrangement takes a disastrous turn as Fabiola and Peter’s connection grows. Fabiola’s reckless actions reveal a pattern of impulsive, thoughtless behavior. Now, Fabiola must navigate the tangled mess she created and seek a way to make amends.

I enjoyed the book, but my opinion of the main character Fabiola changed drastically. Initially, I respected her as a smart and loyal person, and I loved the women’s friendship portrayed at the beginning. However, it all turned out to be fake! Fabiola's actions became increasingly annoying and childish. Her messiness ruined everything, and she showed no consideration for other people's feelings. She definitely didn't deserve her friends. Instead of handling her situation maturely, she acted like a teenager, which was really off-putting. The author, Caitlin Weaver, did a great job creating her characters, but Fabiola’s transformation was a major disappointment.

Wow! This was so not what I was expecting when I started reading it. I will not give anything away, because there are so many things that are thrown at you that are a surprise, but I absolutely hated Aron, Fabiola's husband. Self-centered man that can't see anything but his own wishes in life. Liz and Alice, Fabiola's best friends are friends I wish I had. Ones that stand by you no matter what. It did take me a little bit to get into the story at the start (plus I got sick and didn't read for quite a few days), but once I got into it I couldn't stop and put it down. I loved the ending, everything ended exactly as it needed to end.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

First off, I want to clarify that this book is not the mystery thriller I initially hoped for, as I usually gravitate towards that genre. However, I found it to be a surprisingly comforting and dramatic read.

The story delves deeply into the complexities of daily life, touching on themes of motherhood, the struggles of being a boss mom, and the challenge of balancing multiple roles. It also explores the often-overlooked topic of men who resist household responsibilities while pursuing dreams that sometimes lead to failure.

Through its portrayal of bad decisions, the ups and downs of parenting, the enduring love of parents, and the journey of moving on, the book offers a realistic glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of life. Friendship, resilience, and the constant fight to keep going despite the odds are woven throughout the narrative.

While it may not be heartwarming or tear-jerking in the traditional sense, the book provides a thoughtful reflection on the everyday battles we face. It's a comforting read for anyone looking to connect with the shared experiences of family, love, and the enduring human spirit.

Lastly, I want to give my thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Caitlin Weaver for allowing me to read this ARC!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5/5

This had NOT the perfect plan written all over it. Was everyone in this book wrong? Or doing wrong for the right? Or doing right for the wrong!? Sooo ma y moral dilemma touched on here too.
It was written from our main characters point of view. And actually, though I like a good different pov book. The sticking with just her character pov was what lent to such an emotionally involved book for.me as a reader.
She was so needing to get it right, to be ALL right thst she let herself down and let others let her down all too often. And everyone seemed to let her do everything and be everything for them.
There were so many y read flags in her relationships.
I found it hard to dislike her for the choices she made which weren't always the best. I felt sorry for her more often than not.
I was on edge all the way through. Every page.

Caitlin Weaver doesn't disappoint! This book is an emotional whirlwind, exploring love, loyalty, and the sacrifices women make for those they cherish. I found the characters deeply human, and there were many moments that tugged at my heart. The journey was powerful and unforgettable. This was a beautifully written, thought-provoking read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Review was posted at the links below (Instagram, Goodreads, bookishlytara blog, Storygraph on January 9, 2025. An additional post (with a reposted review) will be posted on Instagram on the publication day as well as submitting an Amazon Canada review. (links to be added below once completed

I have mixed feelings about this book. The story unfolds with an odd yet captivating premise and is filled with engaging twists that draw you in and hold your attention. The characters are a mixed bag; some are well-developed and genuinely intriguing, while others feel underexplored, lack depth, and are honestly unlikeable.

Although the plot tends to be predictable, it maintains a nice pace that kept me turning the pages. I particularly appreciate how the narrative intertwines multiple side plots, which enhances the book as a whole. Overall, it was an entertaining read.

Thank you, Storm Publishing, for providing me with this ARC.

Publication Date: January 15, 2025. If you're into twisty domestic dramas, be sure to add this one to your TBR!

As always, all thoughts are my own. ✨🖤

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review-
I absolutely devoured this book!! What a great read! It stirred every emotion and kept me guessing and feeling.
Fabiola married with three children. When her friend Liz wants a baby and searching for a surrogate she offers- but how does her husband and children feel about this. Liz is married to Peter who was Fabiola’s greatest friend, always there for her. So—- they draw up a plan- but best laid plans are sometimes forgotten - and when a mistake is made what will happen? This was an amazing book!

Caitlin Weaver’s The Perfect Plan explores friendship, family, and the fallout of well-meaning decisions. Fabiola, a devoted mother, becomes a surrogate for her best friend Liz, despite her own troubled marriage and past connections with Liz’s husband, Peter.

The surrogacy unravels as emotional tensions, rebellious children, and marital issues surface, testing relationships and exposing hidden truths. Fabiola’s flawed yet relatable character anchors the story, and Weaver deftly captures the messy intricacies of motherhood, loyalty, and self-discovery.

With realistic dialogue, compelling twists, and an unexpected conclusion, this thought-provoking tale highlights the fragility of human connections and the unpredictability of life.

Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for letting me review this book.

This book reminds me of a tele-novella. I saw the plot coming from the beginning, so there was no shock factor for me. However this book was so well written with Fabiola from her POV. I was completely invested, even though I knew what was going to happen.

I couldn’t put it down, and I was so happy about the ending. I could read more books by this author, because the flow and her writing is so easy to follow. I highly recommend this book, if you are looking for some drama in your life, and also women's fiction in a contemporary manner.

Sometimes the perfect plan is not so perfect, which is definitely the case in this book.

Liz wants a baby, but she is unable to have one. As she is going through applicants for the surrogacy, her best friend, Fabiola, comes up with a brilliant idea. She will be the surrogate. After all, she has had two successful pregnancies, and this is her best friend. This was an immediate red flag for me. This is not a good idea. This is before I knew about Fabiola's past, and the red flags were waving and standing at attention. I knew this was not going to end well for everyone.

Talking Fabiola's husband, Aron, into accepting this surrogacy was not an easy task either. They already have their own set of problems with a rebellious teenage daughter and money issues which has caused some marital strife.

Everything goes through with the implantation, but the real nightmare is about to begin. This one will test the threads of friendships and relationships to the point of breaking. None of these characters were very likable simply because they were so self-entitled. However, Fabiola was a good mother, good businesswoman and tried to be a good wife. I think Fabiola's intentions were good, but she was living in the past. I think she was a very unhappy woman, and she was looking for something more in her life.

This messy situation will get even more convoluted before all is said and done and you will see the real folks beneath their showy exterior. It was a little different, but story was also interesting as I anxiously waited to see where it would end.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.