A Life Worth Living

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Waterstones.com
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date 15 Oct 2020 | Archive Date 29 Oct 2020
Amazon Publishing UK | Lake Union Publishing

Talking about this book? Use #ALifeWorthLiving #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

Are some white lies simply too big to forgive?

Eve and Leah are identical twins—but beyond that, they’re polar opposites. Struggling journalist Leah envies Eve’s seemingly perfect life—the loyal husband, the beautiful twin daughters, the stellar career—little knowing that what Eve longs for most is Leah’s independence.

When a shocking event upends their world, one woman seizes a split-second chance to change everything and follow her sister down a different life path. It’s a spontaneous choice, but there’s no going back. How will she deal with the fallout when covering up one untruth means lying to everyone—about everything?

One thing is clear: both twins have secrets, and both just want to be happy. But what price will they pay to live the life they’ve always wanted?

Revised edition: This edition of A Life Worth Living includes editorial revisions.

Are some white lies simply too big to forgive?

Eve and Leah are identical twins—but beyond that, they’re polar opposites. Struggling journalist Leah envies Eve’s seemingly perfect life—the loyal...


A Note From the Publisher

Louise Guy has enjoyed working in marketing, recruitment and film production, all of which have helped steer her towards her current and most loved role—writer. Originally from Melbourne, a trip around Australia led Louise and her husband to Queensland’s stunning Sunshine Coast, where they now live with their two sons, gorgeous fluffball of a cat and an abundance of visiting wildlife—the kangaroos and wallabies the most welcome, the snakes the least! Awed by her beautiful surrounds, Louise loves to take advantage of the opportunities the coast provides for swimming, hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. When she’s not writing or out adventuring, Louise loves any available opportunity to curl up with a glass of red wine, switch on her Kindle and indulge in a new release from a favourite author. To get in touch with Louise, or to join her mailing list, visit: www.LouiseGuy.com.

Louise Guy has enjoyed working in marketing, recruitment and film production, all of which have helped steer her towards her current and most loved role—writer. Originally from Melbourne, a trip...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781542015981
PRICE US$14.95 (USD)

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (PDF)
Send to Kindle (PDF)

Average rating from 76 members


Featured Reviews

I'm not sure what to say about the book. Very conflicted.

On one hand, it was good. Good idea, characters were mainly fine although quite stereotypical, I appreciated a novel set in Australia for a change.

But... Stereotypical characters, mainly doing stereotypical things. I think the twins may have been best written. On the other hand, they were all humane, doing mistakes and things that weren't good or bad. Just... humane.

The book had a strange pace. It sort of dragged for the first fifth, then sped up, and set a good pace and then by the ending... everything felt sort of rushed.

The plot... I suppose not plot holes? Maybe believable? But also quite straightforward and that's what was overdone. No special surprises, incredible plot twists.

If you take it for what it is, that is, women's fiction and fiction in general and if you don't look for features of thriller, psychology and just a bit of darkness? It's good.

I did enjoy reading it, but it simply didn't stand out that much. Mind not blown.

Was this review helpful?

Leah and Eve, identical twin sisters. Leah is heartbroken and single, Eve has family, but both are quite unhappy. Eve is harsh and career oriented, Leah is lovable and helpful.
After sudden event, everything changes. Will this finally be a life worth living? Can you forget about yourself to make others happy?

Warm and touching story about family values and most of all love.

I've read the book in one sitting and highly recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

Okay, well this book drove an uncomfortable route. I liked the writing, the narrative, the inner dialogues, however the plot wasn’t my cup of tea.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed the storyline and premise of this book, I just wish there weren’t so many plot holes. I also disliked the ending. Otherwise it has great potential! Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC.
Leah and Eve are twins, mirror images on the outside, but quite different on the inside. Leah is heartbroken after her breakup...She had hoped to get married and start a family, whereas Eve has 2 sweet twin girls, who she basically ignored and a husband she's tired of. Leah adores her nieces and the feeling is returned tenfold.
On their way to a birthday party, they end up in a horrible accident that will change the future forever.
This is a good book of, set in Australia with some interesting and likeable characters (although Eve is a bit difficult to like). I loved the little girls and the cat is hilarious, really enjoyed him. The story clips along nicely, I had a hard time putting it down and finished it way past my bedtime! Definitely recommended.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley, Amazon Publishing and Louise Guy for the opportunity to read this book in return for my honest review. I have mixed feelings about the book, while the premise was interesting, I thought that the plot itself could have been developed further to enrich the story. It had so much potential..

Was this review helpful?

For the first quarter of this book, I had a hard time getting into it. It was written very simply and I didn’t agree with some of the stuff that the characters were doing. There were a few points that were kind of unrealistic as well. I just wanted to power through it at that point and see where the story would go.

Once the plot had a twist to it, I was drawn into the story and I didn’t want to put it down. It kept you guessing about what would happen. I really liked Leahs character and was kind of that Eve was somewhat removed from the plot. This was mostly because I didn’t love Eves character, which I think was possibly what the author wanted judging by how Eve acted from the beginning.

I didn’t think I’d say this at the beginning but I would like for there to be a sequel to this. Towards the end of the book, you are left guessing about if Leah will return to her old life or not. I was hoping she’d be able to stay in the West household. The ending was well written but if you end up liking Leah and Sean, you will want to see where the story goes even after you finish this book!

Was this review helpful?

An emotional wringer of a book that leaves you wanting to hug and say 'i love you' to your friends and family. It shows that life is delicate and that it can be taken away from you in an instant. Lying is never good and create a lie that snowballs into multiple lies is never better and how those lies can affect your family members and friends in a way that you didn't anticipate even if you had good intentions.

There are some logistical issues I have with this book but I guess that's the magic of books- it doesn't have to make sense.

This book makes you think about how you treat your coworkers, friends, and family and how you should always try your best to be kind to them and sometimes a traumatic event makes you do things you wouldn't have done before and makes you re-evaluate your life/life choices.

Was this review helpful?

really good story. This is a great holiday read. I read it in around 2 days and enjoyed the plot and characters immensely. You won't be disappointed.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book and found the main characters to be really interesting. The twins, Eva and Leah, were identical in looks but not in personality and I found myself rushing to the end of this book as I was desperate to know what happens. I found myself both admiring and pitying Leah as she dealt with a very difficult situation and, while perhaps not an entirely believable situation, it’s obviously fiction and was therefore enjoyable,

Was this review helpful?

I greatly enjoyed this book, thank you for giving me a preview copy. The plot was interesting and fast paced and I sympathised with the characters. This is the first novel I have read by this author but I hope it will not be the last!

Was this review helpful?

this book came semi similar to rival sisters to me, the characters had similar attributes. I felt like this needed a more enticing storyline to keep the reader interested.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this novel. The story features Leah and Eve, identical twins in appearance but opposites in personality. I liked the twist and how Leah had to adapt to her new life. However the end was a little too neatly and weirdly wrapped up! However an enjoyable read

Was this review helpful?

Sorry but this wasn't for me, not enough substance to the story line in my opinion and the characters didn't gel with me.

Was this review helpful?

'A Life Worth Living' is my first read by Louise Guy and I certainly enjoyed it enough that it won't be my last. The story is about identical twins Leah and Eve who, despite looking the same and being the best of friends, couldn't be more different. Both are experiencing dissatisfaction with their lives, Leah due to her boyfriend of six years abruptly breaking up with her and Eve struggling to fulfil the role of wife and mother due to having no maternal feelings towards her children. The beginning of the novel builds up the reader's picture of these two lives before a horrific incident which shakes the twins and their family to the core. A decision is made (which I don't want to spoil) which changes everything and the reader is left wondering whether the truth will be revealed.

Guy has carefully plotted an intriguing story here. Don't expect a psychological thriller or anything twisty. It is pure family drama and Guy layers up the raw emotion as lives are altered and morals challenged. I particularly enjoyed the developing family dynamics with Eve's twin daughters and their childish excitement about the world, continually demonstrating their capacity to cope with grief and disruption. All in all, this was an emotional yet ultimately uplifting read. 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is a tricky one to review. I really wanted to love it, and the idea at the heart of the book was certainly unique and interesting enough to capture my attention initially. Unfortunately, the pacing of the book faltered as it entered its second half, to the point where I struggled to finish it.

It's a real shame, as initially I was really enjoying this book - I was intrigued by the main characters and what happened after the accident (hard to say more without spoilers!) and I always enjoy books about twins, so initially I was a bit fan. It's also more of a family drama than a thriller, which is something I appreciated as I felt it was far better suited to this genre.

However, as I said my interest waned towards the second half of the book, and I think there just wasn't enough happening plot wise to justify the rather long book length. I think my main issue is that there was so much potential and room for the author to further develop the plot further, but instead the focus was very narrow, which combined with a slow pace limited my ability to really enjoy and engage with the book.

All in all, not really my cup of tea. However, the writing the decent enough that I would try the author again in the future.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to receive an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I loved the concept and idea of this book. It made me gasp out loud in places and I spent much of the time thinking “what would I have done” A great read, that I didn’t really want to be over.

Was this review helpful?

While the book had a lot of potential it left me wanting more. I wasn’t a huge fan of the way the plot developed and had a lot of questions I felt were left unanswered. The characters were well written but I didn’t always understand their decisions.

Was this review helpful?

A LIFE WORTH LIVING by Louise Guy is about a pair of identical twins, living two entirely different lives. Eve is glamorous, married to a gorgeous man and has identical twin daughters herself. Leah is kinder, but hasn’t been as lucky. She’s just been dumped by her boyfriend of six years, lives alone with her cat, Lewis (who is definitely the highlight of the book) and while she excels at her job, she no longer has the chance to grow. She envies Eve her life - especially since she met Eve’s husband Sean, first.

When a tragic accident occurs, one twin’s life is forfeit. The other decides to step in her shoes, and slip on her life, relationships, and career, justifying to herself that it’s the right thing to do. Intriguing right?

But you’re never convinced. The characters rung hollow, and their emotional reactions never feel authentic. Guy’s depiction of grief, especially, and the ability for one character in particular to act in such a calculating way when her life has been turned upside down, didn’t feel right to me. It also massively slowed down towards the middle and felt very predictable.

That said, it does have some excellent Goodreads reviews, so clearly others really liked this one! It was just a big miss for me.

ONE STAR / DNF

Was this review helpful?

I don't know what it says about me that I always pick books about twins and about walking away from your life! I guess it is foreign to me so it's appealing. In this book we have both twins and a possible escape from lives they had found less than satisfying. There is a horrible incident and a decision has to be made. How will it change their lives? Who knows! The book was a satisfying exploration into what if one twin simply steps into the place of another.

Was this review helpful?

A life worth living.

Melbourne twins Eve and Leah may look identical, but they are very different. Eve, obsessed with designer labels and clean eating, looks to be living a charmed high flying life with her handsome husband and their twins. Whilst her career may be on track, her marriage and life as a mother is not. As she dabbles in an intense affair, Leah, her sister, finds out her partner is cheating on her. Left single again with no opportunities at work she wonders whether her life is worth living.

The sisters decide to play on their physical similarities and go as twins to a fancy dress party. As Eve has been drinking, Leah takes the wheel and, distracted for a moment, loses control as she swerves to avoid a kangaroo. As the car comes crashing down the bankside, it is clear that only one twin will survive.

A split second decision to become the other results in a journey that turns everything upside down, and the pressure of living a life of lies becomes too much. Louise Guy puts us in the front row of a performance that makes us wonder who is who, and whose life is being lived.

A pacey novel that keeps you turning the pages.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed the book but I wouldn’t say I was a massive fan. It certainly had potential and the concept is interesting. I felt like the twins could have been developed more and the story never really met its potential

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book for the most part. There were issues with pace, slow to start, then rushed at the end. I didn't agree with the protagonist's decision (I think it caused more pain ultimately), and I think some of her justifications weren't believable. The way her grief was portrayed wasn't realistic either. She was the "nice" twin to put it bluntly, but her behaviour after the accident was calculating. SPOILER ALERT! I think it was a bit off for the suggestion of a new relationship so soon after the death of Sean's wife. Sean's wife was painted too black a character. It was almost as though she got in the way 15 years ago, so it justified what happened after her death. I loved the two young girls and Lewis the cat. This story didn't grip me. I think there could have been more twists. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This was a good beach read. There were some unrealistic twists and turns for sure! But that''s ok, the writing was good and the plot moved along nicely.

Was this review helpful?

This book was super good. It was super original and I flew through it. It didn't feel like anything I've read in the past. Can't wait to read more from the author!!

Was this review helpful?

Eve and Leah are identical twins—but beyond that, they’re polar opposites. Struggling journalist Leah envies Eve’s seemingly perfect life—the loyal husband, the beautiful twin daughters, the stellar career—little knowing that what Eve longs for most is Leah’s independence.

When a shocking event upends their world, one woman seizes a split-second chance to change everything and follow her sister down a different life path. It’s a spontaneous choice, but there’s no going back. How will she deal with the fallout when covering up one untruth means lying to everyone—about everything?

Its an intriguing premise but I found it difficult to suspend my disbelief that one twin could act in an a completely out of character way. I also found Eve very difficult to warm to as she just seemed to be very selfish, so I found it hard to care about what happened to her.

Was this review helpful?

Louise Guy writes a beautiful story about two identical twin sisters struggling in their own lives. From the very beginning, I was drawn into the family from Melbourne as the sisters and two adorable little girls captured my heart until the unthinkable happened. While some may consider this a controversial read, I could not put the book down. I wanted more; for the heartbreak to end and to breathe once again after not being able to catch my breath in this fiction novel.

What I liked:
👉 Women’s Fiction
👉 full of twists and turns
👉 takes place in Melbourne, Australia
👉 vivid and real descriptions that get you emotionally involved
👉 masterfully written where the characters leap off the page
👉 both devastating and beautiful
👉 story about family and unconditional love

Was this review helpful?

Loved this book, it was a rollercoaster of emotions and so well written.
It was hard not to empathise with each of the characters.

Was this review helpful?

This book centres on the relationship between a pair of identical twins in their early 30’s. The women are very different from one another and are at different stages in their lives: one is married with two children, the other has just broken up from a long term relationship that she had hoped would soon become an engagement. One appears to be doing very well in a high powered career in property sales and development and the other is struggling to find her path in the world of journalism and is being thwarted in her career aspirations by a boss who wants to keep her where she is.

The plot of this book is totally unlike any I have ever read and the main crux of what happens is totally wild. It is the kind of book where, as the plot unfolds, you’re reading and thinking ‘I feel like this is about to happen…but surely not’. The book had a really high level of anxiety and drama and felt very tense throughout. However, this was coupled with a background of descriptions of quite ordinary, day to day activities, which was an interesting juxtaposition. The plot was truly flabbergasting and I was amazed that the book was able to achieve a real sense of resolution by its close. The book was really easy to read, and despite being quite unrealistic in terms of plot I was really engaged. It also had some really emotional moments that felt very real.

I felt like most of the characters in the book were caricatures – the way their personalities were established felt a little bit one dimensional but also quite extreme. I also felt like the distinction between the twins was a little heavy handed. It seemed to be that one twin was kind of sexy but evil and the other was incredibly wholesome, good and kind, despite maybe doing some things during the book that were absolutely not those things. For me, the characters also seemed a little outdated in terms of their views. For example, one of the twins mentions to her friend ‘I think there is a little bit of a feminist in me’, which I found a bit jarring in 2020.

I also felt like there were some really traumatic events that occurred that seemed to be processed by the characters very easily. Overall, for me there was a lack of realism to the book. Having said that, perhaps that’s not what was intended, and people often really enjoy books that are very intense and high stakes. After all, we often read books as a kind of escapism and while you definitely wouldn’t want this book to be your life, it was very diverting to live in that world for a little while.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed A Life Worth Living by Louise Guy! I love her voice and will definitely be on the lookout for more of her books in the future.

Was this review helpful?

The idea of this book really intrigued me, twins with different personalities and family secrets. I just felt that the beginning of the book didn't live up to my expectations and the writing was a little pedestrian, the book was also VERY repetitive at times and I found it a bit long.

I found parts of the plot kind of unreal and you have to suspend belief. The second half of the book really dragged on to me and I was SO tempted to DNF. I think I was just the wrong reader for this one as it has many four and five star reviews...so take what I say with a grain of salt.

Was this review helpful?

I have decided to give this book a very low 3 stars. The story is well written but totally unbelievable. I did read all of the book and thought long and hard as to how to review it. The main storyline is just not possible. There is no way all those people would have believed the surviving twin.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC of A Life Worth Living by Louise Guy in exchange for an honest review. This was a quick read mostly because towards the end I was skimming quite a bit. I wish there was a little more depth of characters and it was a bit less predictable, but I do always like a complex story about twins. There are so many interesting choices identical twins get to make and the story of Eve and Leah who are opposites even though they look the same is no different. Twists and turns and a good ending do bring this story together in the end.

Was this review helpful?

I really like books about family dynamics, so I was especially interested in this book b/c it is about 2 identical twins. They have a close relationship, but different personalities. Eve appears to have a perfect life, with a husband who loves her, children, and a new job. Leah is single b/c her boyfriend has just broken up with her after six years.

One night a tragedy occurs and it will test the bounds of their bond forever. Each holds secrets that can destroy others. How far will a person go to be loyal to another. Is it the right thing to do? All of these issues come into play until the final outcome.

My only problem with the book is a think it needed the characters to be more developed. I wanted to know more then just surface information about them. So, this a good book worth reading, but has some flaws.

Was this review helpful?

This book was quite different to my usual choices.it had elements of a thriller but was really more of a family drama, I think. Having said that it's good to read some thing other than a thriller some times, and I did enjoy this book. I liked the way it developed, and I wasn't sure how it would pan out. I thought it was an enjoyable read.

Was this review helpful?

Well this was fast paced and I would class it as a palette cleanser from other literary pieces. The story was OK and characters were OK but nothing spectacular so I would say I enjoyed it but it won't be to memorable.

Was this review helpful?

I did enjoy this book,the premise was interesting if not very dark but I did question its believability would family members etc believe her? I know they did but in reality I am not so sure tbh.....but then again it is fiction
Parts of the book were repetitive but overall it was different enough to hold my interest

Was this review helpful?

Eve and Leah may look exactly alike but they are not, not at all. Leah, a journalist getting over a breakup, is the one you might like more, Eve, who is a successful business woman with the family (twins! again!) and a husband, is living a lie. She's having an affair, she doesn't like her children especially, and she's generally unhappy. Then the no spoilers event occurs and things turn upside down for everyone. This is hard to review without messing up the twists. It is somewhat (actually quite) implausible in spots and occasionally howl inducing but it kept me reading. Thanks to Netgalley for the arc.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Net Galley for gifting me an eARC of A Life Worth Living in exchange for an honest review!

Eve and Leah are identical twins—but beyond that, they’re polar opposites. Struggling journalist Leah envies Eve’s seemingly perfect life—the loyal husband, the beautiful twin daughters, the stellar career—little knowing that what Eve longs for most is Leah’s independence.

When a shocking event upends their world, one woman seizes a split-second chance to change everything and follow her sister down a different life path. It’s a spontaneous choice, but there’s no going back. How will she deal with the fallout when covering up one untruth means lying to everyone—about everything?

I went into this one blindly. I didn't know exactly what it was about, but once getting started I was intrigued by the overall concept that is explored in this book. This novel is very thought provoking. The entire time I was reading it I kept questioning if and how someone could really do this? Not going to spoil what I'm talking about, if interested you should definitely check this one out. Just know that a big twist happens, and leads the story in a different direction than I originally anticipated. This ultimately made me want to keep reading. Towards the middle half though, it did feel a little repetitive. I would have liked for there to have been more given to the ending so it didn't seem as rushed and could better close out this story.

Was this review helpful?

Eve and Leah are identical twins with very different lives and personalities. Eve is sweet and caring, has just been dumped by her long-term boyfriend, and is unhappy at her job. Leah is a successful estate agent, married to a great man and has two lovely daughters. To cheer Eve up, Leah decides to take her to a costume party one night, and there's a horrible accident that changes the life of one of them in a shocking way.

I liked the premise of the book. I think it's well written and I definitely wanted to keep reading to see what would happen at the end. It's entertaining and the characters are developed enough. I had tears in my eyes (as one of the twins had for much of this book) in key moments, and I like when a book provokes some emotion like that.

BUT... I struggled to believe the events from the book could actually happen, and that kept distracting me at times from the story.

I think it's a nice read, and that many people will enjoy it. It definitely has a lot of good ingredients, and, in a world where we are used to seeing other people's curated lives through Instagram and social media, it makes you think "how much do we know about what's going on in reality in their lives?"

Was this review helpful?

I read this book in one sitting and I was at the edge of my seat the entire time! Drama filled, fast paced, and entertaining.

I am very capable of suspending disbelief for fiction. But in no world would the decisions in this novel be made and received in the way they were. I can't suspend disbelief that much. That being said, I enjoyed the heck out of this book and would recommend it to anyone.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of “A Life Worth Living” by Louise Guy in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was filled with extremely complicated family dynamics, which I found fascinating. This was a very compelling portrayal of familial relationships. There are times I hated the characters and times I loved them, but that’s what makes them feel so real and genuine. I applaud the author on her ability to conjure up real life people so well. With a shocking twist, the storyline turned slightly less believable, but was still incredibly intriguing. The complexities of the characters and family were beautifully written. If you enjoy fast paced reads filled with secrets, drama and complex family relationships, with a touch of steamy romance, you will love “A Life Worth Living.” It will leave you on the edge of your seat, yearning to read what happens next. As I read, I could not get enough of the storyline. It was a very fast paced read, but truthfully dragged slightly in the middle. However, I was fully engrossed in the storyline, invested in finding out how it ended. If you are looking for a quick read that will have you fully invested in the outcome, I highly suggest picking up this book.

Was this review helpful?

This is an intense read about love, secrets, lies and family. The characters are very real and believable, and the bond between the twin sisters is tight and emotional. The scenes after the shocking event are extremely emotional and Louise Guy really captures the feeling of the twin's bond.

Was this review helpful?

Leah was excited about the upcoming anniversary dinner she had planned with her boyfriend of six years, Grant. She expected a proposal but was shattered when the opposite happened. He left her with no explanation whatsoever. Six years of her life wasted – at least she had Lewis, her devoted and adorable cat. Leah’s identical twin sister Eve had a wonderful husband, Sean and twin daughters, seven-year-olds Ava and Harriet. But she was the complete opposite to Leah, not happy with her life, strict with her children, snappy with Sean and spending more and more time on her career.

The night Leah and Eve drove from the city to the Dandenong Ranges for Eve’s best friend’s 40th birthday party was the night everything changed. A chance decision – wanting to do the right thing – saw life’s journey alter dramatically. Secrets would build, mistakes would be made, dreams would be shattered. Was there any going back from that unplanned and impulsive choice?

A Life Worth Living by Aussie author Louise Guy was spectacular! This is only my second by this author, but I’ll be looking at her back titles now! Well-written characters, from the not-so-nice Eve to the compassionate and caring Leah; plus Eve and Leah’s parents as well as Sean and the twins – in other words, most of the cast 😊 I absolutely had no idea what the outcome could possibly be and have to say I was satisfied with the ending. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital copy of the book.

This was my first novel by Louise Guy. I love family drama and family dynamics, and when I read the plot about identical twins, I knew this was a must read. I connected with the characters, and at some times even hated a couple of them, but I love how a book can twist my emotions like that. This one did, and it was a very enjoyable read. I will be looking for more books by this author!

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book!!! While it took me a bit to get into it, once I did I could not put it down! So filled with emotion, and amazingly heartfelt characters!!! Great read!!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC! This book comes out October 15th.

Starting off, I really wanted to read this because of the synopsis. It sounded like a great mystery read for October, you know the vibes. Twin sisters envying each other’s lives when a tragedy suddenly happens...
But it’s not that at all 😅 it’s more general fiction and you’d have to suspend your belief to most things happening especially after the first 100 pages. The rest of the book felt like an actual rollercoaster where way too much unbelievable things were happening. None of the stuff that happened would slide in real life. It just felt like the characters weren’t fully present.

The characters come off quite robotic and empty so I was never able to connect with them. I also found it hard to feel the grief that was being portrayed. There are way too many details included that just take you out of the experience, personally, but maybe others would enjoy. There are many 4 and 5 star ratings so this was just a miss for me.

#alifeworthliving

Was this review helpful?

Leah and Eve are identical twins. And they're both struggling with their lives. Leah's fiance has already left her for another woman and Eve is having an affair. It's then when the unthinkable happens and everything gets complicated.
I have mixed feelings about the story. In a way I feel it's well written and the characters are nice. But in another way, it didn't come up to my expectations. Perhaps the plot was not what I was expecting. Although I found it a little unreal at times, I read it up to the end to tie the loose ends. I have to say. It was a book easy to read.
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review

Was this review helpful?

‘Identical twins, two very different women.’

Leah and Eve are identical twins, living in Melbourne. Leah has been in a relationship with Grant for six years: they are about to have a celebratory anniversary dinner, and Leah is expecting a proposal. But Grant breaks off their relationship without explanation. Leah is devastated. And her job is not going so well either.

Eve is married to Sean and has identical twin daughters: Harriet and Ava. But Eve is dissatisfied. She is strict with her daughters, distant from Sean, and spending less and less time with her family.

Eve convinces Leah to attend her best friend’s 40th birthday party in the Dandenong Ranges. It is a costume party, and the two of them are identically dressed. But neither of them will make it to the party, and lives will be changed forever.

A spur of the moment decision leads to secrets. And secrets have a way of snowballing and damaging those they are intended to protect.

There are a couple of improbable twists in this novel, but I became some engrossed in the story I really did not care. The main characters are well developed, and I kept reading wanting to know how it would end. I finished the novel satisfied.

This is the first novel I have read by Ms Guy. I will add her others to my reading list.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Was this review helpful?

Leah and Eve are identical twins. Identical in looks that is, but not in personality. Leah is a journalist, frustrated at being stuck with reporting on real estate. A kind and caring person, she adores Eve's seven year old twin girls and longs for children of her own, but unfortunately a long term relationship she thought would lead to marriage has just ended. Eve, although married with children, is a committed career woman, putting her job as a real estate agent before her family. Where Eve is dressed in high fashion and immaculate make-up, Leah is more homely in comfortable clothes and a touch of lipstick.

When a situation arises which gives Leah the chance to change her life forever, she leaps at it but without considering the lies she will have to tell and the moral dilemmas that will arise from her decision. This is an interesting and well written family drama with carefully crafted characters, including Eve's delightful twin daughters. The ethical issues that arise from Leah's decision and the effects they have on her friends and family are carefully examined and make for a provoking and enjoyable read.

Was this review helpful?

This is the story of identical twin sisters Eve and Leah. They look so much alike but the similarity ends there. The sisters live a very different life from each other. They are almost polar opposites. But despite that, they always have each other's back.

I will not spoil anything. I'll be as vague as I can so that future readers can enjoy this story too. There was one day when everything changes. A choice made that created a very chaotic premise for the book. It was quite absurd on my opinion but very powerful for the plot.

I don't usually read books with setup like this but surprisingly, I enjoyed reading this story. The writing is very engaging. I felt very invested on the story and connected with the characters. There were decisions of the characters that I was not fond of but the story really was very interesting for me.

I'm recently enjoying Women's Fiction and this one is a good addition to my shelf. Recommended.❤👍

***Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and Louise Guy for making this book available for review via Netgalley.***

Was this review helpful?

This book was just ok. Nothing stands out that will make alasting impression on me. It was fast paced and the well written.

Was this review helpful?

✏️“Protecting people often means others are hurt. One lie can have so many knock-on effects.”
~ Louise Guy, A Life Worth Living
.
.
This is the second book I have read by the author - the first being ‘Rival Sisters’ (my favourite of the two). Both books look at the relationships between sisters. In this case we follow the relationship of identical twin sisters Eve and Leah and the relationships they have with their family and others. It was an entertaining read filled with drama. Drama is the word that kept popping into my head as I was reading. Although I struggled with the believability of the story line, I was intrigued by how everything would work out in the end. The pace was a bit slow at points, but the ending seemed a rush to close the story. The novel dealt with very emotional topics including guilt, grief, regret, and postnatal depression. One thing I can say for certain is the characters will make you like them or hate them. The author really knows how to write a story that will make you feel some sort of emotion for the main characters. It was a well-written story and once belief can be suspended an entertaining read.
.
.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

Was this review helpful?

This is one of those books that is really hard to review books its too good to keep to yourself, but you don't want to give any spoilers for the next reader, safe to say I loved this book.

Having identical twins inter as the main character was very good as it allowed me to draw comparisons on the two, both Leah and Eve were written very well and as ever, character writing is as Important as the actual writing and plot to me, some times even more so.

Leah is a nice character, she has good attributes though, I'm not sure could relate to the way she handled some things in this book however, she has a good heart, nice nature and seemed to be the better of the two sisters, Eve, I couldn't stand, she was cold, self centred and just down right selfish. The books plot itself is what makes it a good book to escape to especially if you like family drama and I enjoyed that as it was a bit different from something I'd usually read family fiction wise. I don't think ill forget this book in a hurry and it'll be one I recommend to friends and family as its quite thought provoking.

I give thanks to netgalley and the publishers whom sent me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Leah and Eve are identical twins, but couldn't be more different. Recently-single Leah is stuck in a job she hates and envies the married, family life of her sister. Eve is a successful sales person with a glamourous lifestyle, but envies the freedom of her twin. One day, an opportunity arises for one of the sisters to live the life of the other... but with dire consequences!

This one has been on my shelf a while, and I picked it up without reminding myself of the blurb. Looking back, I'm glad I did because there were parts I didn't see coming and it genuinely shocked me! Without giving spoilers, the storyline is completely absurd, but it hooked me... I had to know how it would end!

I liked all the characters, in particular Leah... although I felt Sean was considerably weak and I wanted to shake him into sense on more than one occasion!!

I really liked the writing style but thought the ending was a little disappointing. I needed an epic explosion and unfortunately it fell a little flat. That said, I would definitely look out for more books by Louise Guy... I love that the covers are instantly recognisable as hers!

Thank you to @netgalley for the advanced reader copy of the book!

Was this review helpful?

The special bond between identical twins combined with tragedy and family secrets certainly made for an intriguing mix in Louise Guy’s new novel A LIFE WORTH LIVING. The book caught my attention early when an unforseen event upended the twins’ lives – I am very careful here not to give any spoilers!

I enjoyed reading about the difference in personality between Eve and Leah, and their vastly different life choices, which influenced much of what came next. Even though the sisters were a little bit too opposite at times, almost to the point of caricature, the story kept my attention and I wanted to find out how the situation would unravel. My main issue here was with pacing, since not much happened after the initial earth-shattering event, and the trapped-in-a-corner situation of one of the twins could have been used to create more tension and drama to bring the focus back on the crazy position her choices had put her in. I also would have loved a bit more insight into how the twins’ overcame their difference in personalities in the past and had arrived at this particular point in time because some of their actions didn’t fully gel with me for that very reason.

Altogether a pleasant and mildly intriguing family drama that made a nice change from my faced paced thrillers.

Was this review helpful?

This may potentially be my favourite read of 2020. Although this was a slow burner it was intriguing from the first chapter. I expected what happened to happen but I didn't know which way it would go (once you read it you'll understand what I mean). It's an easy to follow story with detailed scenes that allow you to connect with the characters, initially I was rooting for one and hating the other. I genuinely couldn't put this down, I would 100% recommend and will definitely look out for more of Louise Guy's work!

Was this review helpful?

I love this premise - identical twins would could not be more different. This is definitely a slow start, but it picks up quickly. Love this author, and another great book!

Was this review helpful?

This was an interesting and enjoyable read. I loved the well crafted plot and could not wait to see how it all ended. There is family drama, secrets, and moral decisions.
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

This was a spectacular book. I have only read one other of Louise Guy’s books but hacking loved both, I’ll now go and look at her back log. The characters were very well written and I had no idea what the outcome was going to be which I always really enjoy and I was satisfied with the ending. Highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I liked this story and love books with identical twins. It’s a little cliche having the reins be basically total opposites but I still thought the premise of the book was good and it was well executed.

Was this review helpful?

I received a copy of this book to review from Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.
An interesting read with some good writing. The characters are well written and engaging.
However, the book is full of clichés making it predictable and dull to read at times.
On the whole a good book.

Was this review helpful?

I love Louise Guy books. I love the fact they're a bit far fetched. It was a bit predictable but it was a really enjoyed the story and the characters.

Was this review helpful?

I dont like.
Maybe the author was not for me, too boring.
The main girl make me roll my eyes for the whole thing. Im sorry but i just cant tell more.

Was this review helpful?

Identical twin sisters with polar opposite personalities. A car crash where promises are made and life changes occur.
Can your sister's dying wish become a reality?
A great read, interesting characters but will you agree with the choices made?

Was this review helpful?

This is not my normal book to read. But I am trying to venture outside my comfort zone. I enjoyed this book, even though it felt predictable, and I managed to guess the "twist". The ending seemed slower-paced than the first half of the book. No matter what I still enjoyed it, and I'll be looking forward to reading more books from this author.

Was this review helpful?

I started this book thinking it would keep me riveted. And it did at first, but the more I went on, the more I started to dislike the characters (or the way they were written). Kept waiting for something to happen, and it's only at the/after the 25% mark that the inciting incident took place...and then it just got a bit too weird and convoluted for me. Feel this plot trope could have worked for a day or two, but the way it dragged just made it harder to suspend disbelief. Then the ending had this twist that seemed great on paper but how would that work in real life? Sadly, this book lost me with every page

Was this review helpful?

SPOILER

I love a good chick lit storyline, as there's nothing that helps me unwind more than an easy, stress-free read. The synopsis for this book sounded fairly mysterious, with twins Eve and Leah having quite different lies and both having secrets, and a split second decision allows them to achieve the lives they've always wanted. Now, that split second decision involving one twin trying to pass herself off as the dead twin, is where the book gets completed ruined. Which parent, husband, or good friend, would truly not be able to tell the difference between two identical twins. The idea that someone would get away with this is frankly absurd, and that element of the story alone means you need to suspend disbelief far too much for this to be a genuine work of fiction; it definitely veers more towards the fantastical. It's hard to enjoy a book when you find yourself scoffing at the outlandishness of the plot. For that reason I would not recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

I requested A Life Worth Living by Louise Guy, since it sounded like an interesting family drama. The author has several other books with similar cover art, but it is not clear to me if they all go together. I also see this book has a newer edited version. It is a little difficult to know where to start with this author.

Was this review helpful?

Ahhhh too CHICKLIT for me and not enough mystery and thriller. I like many reviewers were deceived by the books description

Was this review helpful?

Sadly this one wasn’t for me, and didn’t keep me engrossed. I expected a bit more drama but that didn’t come unfortunately, I didn’t really feel a connection with the characters and just wanted a little bit more from this.

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: