Emily Giffin is a talented author. I know this for a fact because I'm a hard reader to consistently please, and she does it. This book took me on an emotional roller coaster and when I finished I had so many emotions swirling through my body. I love how Emily can bring about so many feelings in her readers and this book does just that! If you enjoyed Something Borrowed (one of my favorite books of all time) then this should be your next binge read!

Another best seller for EG. I could have finished this in 1 night but at 4 am I needed to sleep. I really enjoyed the characters and storyline.

Emily Giffin’s books are always emotionally charged and character-driven and her latest, The Lies That Bind, is no different. The story follows Cecily post-break-up with a long-time boyfriend as she meets a new man in a bar late one night and explores the new love. While the main relationship was predictable in it’s complications and events, I still found the story overall to be touching and dramatic. Giffin’s cast of characters fit wonderfully with one another and into the story to create believable relationships and dialogue. (Besides the twist with the boyfriend, but I don’t want to give that away.) I was a little disappointed by the ending because it felt too far-fetched and like it wrapped up such a complicated experience so easily, but I can understand why Giffin wrote it that way for her readers. I think most would be disappointed otherwise.

I was also impressed by how she tacked the emotionally traumatic experience of the terrorist attacks on 9/11. She captures the fear, chaos, and camaraderie post-attacks in New York delicately and very well. Through this storyline and setting she woke in me so many memories and nostalgia from that time period and I’m sure will do the same for others. It was a bold choice to include such a traumatic event in her writing as it could, however, directly turn others off from reading because of sensitivity or lasting PTSD.

Set against the backdrop of 9/11, The Lies That Bind is a must read for Giffin fans! Mostly because the story is good, but also because Darcy and Rachel and Ethan make appearances! I read this one lightning-fast and now I wish I had savored it a little bit more. I really enjoyed this one.

Wow I hate to give a such negative review to an ARC but every character in the book was an appalling human being. I really felt like this book was disrespectful to people who were affected by the 9/11 tragedy. I guess you could say I couldn’t put it down but I kept reading just to see if the plot where go where I horrifically thought it would and unfortunately it did.

Emily Giffin is one of my favorite authors for a reason: she writes really compelling stories about characters caught in complex moral situations. The Lies That Bind continues in this tradition and highlights Emily Giffin's intelligence, creativity, and giftedness as a writer.

Cecily has just been dumped, and after a night of drinking alone at a bar, she is ready to call up her ex-boyfriend. However, she is stopped by a mysterious stranger named Grant. The two begin to spend more time together, and quickly fall in love, despite the secrets Grant seems to be keeping. Then 9/11 happens, and Grant disappears. Suddenly, Cecily is alone again and forced to put her life back together, even as the secrets from Grant's past begin to pop-up at every turn.

The plot of this book moved quickly and constantly kept me guessing about what would happen next. The characters were interesting and Giffin's portrayal of 9/11 and life in NYC afterward was thoughtful and well-written. My only complaint was that it sometimes felt like the character's shifted too quickly. It was hard to decide who I should be rooting for. One minute I would like a character and then suddenly something would change and I would hate them. This speaks to Giffin's talent for creating complex characters, but as a reader, the ending left me feeling a little disappointed and confused. That being said, overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for an interesting contemporary fiction read.

I have read the majority of Emily Giffin's book and found this to be in the top two, falling short of only "Love the One You're With." The characters were strong and complex, their story lines well developed, and the narrative made the story flow quickly - in major part because I couldn't put it down, finishing it in one sitting. The author was able to immerse the reader into well-painted scenes of the 9/11 era.

Griffin is always a treat!

I have not met one of Ms. Griffin's books that I disliked. In fact, I've enjoyed each one more than the one before it. This book had everything that I needed at the moment. Excellent character development, an in-depth plot, and writing that never disappoints. In addition, there were secrets and lies. Of course there were LIES! Look at the title. Need I say more? I am always a fan of a good betrayal (in a story of course!) The bigger, the better! I guess I just like to read about drama. This was an intense, dramatic read. I'm also a fan of the Real Housewives franchise. Need I say more?

This was an excellent read. Perfect for escaping the current situation we are in.. and very well-done.

I have loved all of the authors previous books and was so excited to hear she released a new one! It was good - but the twist was TOTALLY out of left field. Still processing it... I just finished about an hour ago and just had to rush over to write the review. Would definitely recommend to friends with the caveat that its a bit heavier than expected!

I so loved sections of this compelling read but other left me a bit incredulous to say the least. Not the first “amazing guy is not as wonderful as he seems” read but the twists and turns and revelation after revelation keep me reading. Loved the setting for the book...NYC during 9/11. That certainly helped some of the unbelievable appear believable. Such an emotional time for this country, and the main character, Cecily. Her relationship with Grant seemed perfect, especially when they met, until... she ended up back with Matthew. Her relationship with Amy was just too much of a stretch, especially once Matthew’s family connection was revealed. Have to admit that I didn’t care for the ending. Keep writing Emily Giffin! This one will be well received upon its publication in June. Many thanks to Emily Giffin, Doubleday, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to read this compelling read.

Giffin does it again. The Lies that Bind is written in her conversational, yet relatable tone that readers can relate to because it is like they are back with an old friend. Cecily's story is told in direct relation to 9/11. Her tale is simialr to many who lived in NYC during that time and embraced the "love the one you are with" rather than the one you thought you lost. Grant, the man of mystery emerges as the classic anti-hero, but manages to change Cecily for the better (even though he was lost) and Giffin gives her readers a very satisfying happy ending.

I don't want to give anything away but I will say I love and hate this book at the same time. I received this ARC for my honest opinion and boy let me preface this with the fact that Emily Giffin has been one of my favorites for so long. When I recommend one of her books I tell my friends/family "you know that line in the sand that so many don't cross....not Emily. She messes with your mind and makes you question what is wrong and right" I wouldn't have it any other way. This story was gripping and made you feel all of the emotions and fall in and out of love with the cast of characters. I loved it and know this will be another best seller for Emily Giffin. Thank you for taking me on this amazing journey.

I don’t want to be the kind of person that says “I liked Emily Giffin before she was cool”, but I remember reading “Something Borrowed” and just falling in love. I love the way her books read like “chick lit” but actually go much deeper.

This book hooked me and I finished it so quickly after receiving it. Although the ending wasn’t my favorite or what I wanted, I respect writers that don’t just wrap things up as neatly or as easily as the reader would expect.

I did roll my eyes a few times at how men seem to just be completely enamored with Cecily. I do love how Darcy, Ethan, and Rachel were there, no matter how far-fetched it might seem.

Overall, I liked this book a lot. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC.

Cecily has been dating Matthew long enough, feeling it is time to think about marriage. Matthew is not ready and Cecily breaks up with him. Not wanting to wallow in her grief, she goes to a bar. While contemplating dialing Matthew’s number, a handsome man walks up and tells her not to do it. They begin a conversation that leads them into a relationship. Grant is very mysterious about himself but the times they have together feel so right. When 9/11 occurs, Grant is believed dead. Once alone again, Matthew enters the picture. The lies in the story bind the characters together. Cecily lies to her parents about her relationships, Grant lies about his other life, Cecily lies to Matthew about her relationship with Grant. I loved the characters and the twists and turns throughout the book. The reader sympathizes with all parties as the lies unfold.

This felt like a return to the author's earlier books, in a very fun way - an interesting premise, a lot of twists and turns and a satisfying conclusion (although I think one that people will debate!) make this a great one for some quarantine or summer reading.

Loved something borrowed. There’s something about this author that makes you believe love is out there and there’s one person for each of us! Couldn’t put it down!!

You probably know Emily Giffin as the New York Times bestselling author of Something Borrowed. She's got another hit on her hands. I loved this book so much I woke up at 3am, planning to read "just one more chapter" and finished the whole book.

Cecily Gardner is trying her best to not think about her ex... but the incessant checking of her phone is making that nearly impossible. So she leaves the phone at home and heads to the bar. She's about to break, though, and her finger is hovering over the last digit of his number on the bar's landline when a mysterious voice behind her says "Don’t do it—you’ll regret it.." She spends the evening taking shots with mystery man - Grant Smith- and in a very un-Cecily-like fashion, invites him home. She's surprised when Grant is the perfect gentleman... not even the attempt of a kiss.

Over the coming weeks, Cecily and Grant fall head over heels in love, vowing to stay together despite the distance that's about to keep them apart when Grant heads overseas to take care of some family business.

He returns to the US on September 10, leaves Cecily's apartment the morning of the 11th... and after the Twin Towers are hit, Cecily is unable to get in touch. When she sees Grant's face staring back at her from a missing person's flyer, the reporter in Cecily takes over. She needs to know who's looking for him -- the answers she finds will cause her to question just how well she knew the man she loved.

***I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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The Lies That Bind By Emily Giffin is an interesting story that takes place around 9/11. Cecily find herself in a bar after breaking up her long time boyfriend, Matthew. As she's about to call Matthew she hears a voice tell her not to do it. Grant seems perfect and everything is so comfortable between them. Grant has a complicated life and they can only see each other a few times over the summer but Cecily is head over heels. Cecily writes for a newspaper in New York. After 9/11 Cecily sees a missing poster with Grant's face. Her friend calls the number and Grant's wife answers. This send Cecily into a tailspin. Where is Grant? Was he in the towers when they fell? Who is the woman on the phone? Is she really his wife and if she is then what does mean for Cecily?

This is an interesting concept around 9/11 with the chaos and confusion of so many missing people. The story is told from Cecily's point of view. I loved the relationship between Cecily and her best friend, Scottie. He was my favorite character in the book. Everyone should have a friend who always has your back. I struggled with connecting to Cecily. She has a great family and great friends but wasn't very happy. Then all of her happiness was wrapped up in a person she had just met.

This book seemed to be slow in getting the story started but as a long time Emily Giffin fan I enjoyed this book and feel it is worth reading.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

General Fiction (adult)
Women's Fiction
Release Date: June 2, 2020

When I first started this book I was sure I would be reading till the end. I’m glad I stuck with it. In the beginning when Cecily was feeling sorry for herself at a bar, by herself I never would have guessed how her life would turn out. Taking Grant home without even knowing his name made me think “what are you doing girl, this isn’t going to end well”. As the story goes along I was rooting for Matthew, not his family that’s for sure. I’m reading this during the quarantine of 2020 and when 9-11 is brought up, it made me very emotional. I’m glad I read to the end because I never would have guessed how the story finished.

I love Emily Giffin so I was so excited to preview The Lies That Bind. This book did not disappoint at all. It had love, humor, and twists and turns that all kept me hooked!

Cecily falls in love pretty quickly with Grant after meeting him in a bar and then life happens and tears them apart. When they are finally reunited 9/11 happens and once again they are separated and the mystery unfolds. It's called The Lies That Bind for a reason and boy will it keep you guessing!

I had no idea how this story was going to end and the end did surprise me very much. I love stories that are not completely predictable and Giffin's books never are.

I recommend buying The Lies That Bind if it are an Emily Giffin fan bc it will be right up your alley!!