In my experience, domestic fiction, like A Borrowed Life, is very hit-or-miss. Books in the genre are either slow and dull, taking place more in the narrator's head (where nothing really happens) than anywhere else, or they're full of more drama than an episode of Grey's Anatomy. A Borrowed Life is one of the rare books that seemed to walk that elusive middle ground, somehow managing to be both slow and drama-filled. It took a while for me to get invested in the story (like, over half the book), but once I did, I was hooked. It's an emotional read from start to finish about life's detours, and it's the perfect story for anyone who has ever felt like their life has ventured off course.

This book is about expectations. What our family expects from us, what society expects us to be, and ultimately, what we expect from ourselves as our lives unfold in quite unexpected ways. As serious as this sounds, Kerry Anne King has written a page-turner that is witty and charming, while dealing with a circumstance that is nothing short of life-altering. As Liz navigates through an unfathomable time in her life, she realizes she must find herself. And fast. Because up until now, maybe she hasn''t been all she could have been. Changes may be in order, but who will she lose in the process? This story moved me so much. I read it in two sessions over the course of a couple of days because I just couldn't put it down. Who doesn't love a book like that? You will fall in love with all the characters who are so colorfully written. And save some room in your heart for a stray cat, because there's a cute one of those tucked in there too. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advance reader's copy. Pub date September 22, 2020.

#ABorrowedLife #NetGalley
Big Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Kerry Anne King for an early copy to review.
49 years old Elizabeth, an obedient pastor's wife, a mother, a respectful member of the congregation , a model to look up to. Newly widowed after 26 years being married, living a life that's more like a role playing than living where the only sliver of rebellion is talking to her inner self in a hidden journal every morning before her husband woke up.
Though we don't get the chance to meet Thomas - her husband - as a living character; his presence is all over the place, controlling from beyond the grave weather by his voice in her head all the time disapproving and judging or through their daughter Abigail who was raised into a miniature version of her father suppressing Liz's any trial of breaking free and finding her old self.
One of the most charming things in this book is the friendship between Val and Liz, in one situation Val finds her friend with a disposed mattress in her yard first thing in the morning still in her pajamas, the only question she asks her is " what's the plan?" returning moments later with coffee and blankets to build her friend a fort.
This is a story about loss, hope, self discovery, faith and how one might get confused that you no longer believes in God where the truth is you was pushed away by the hands on a misguided representative of God.
Is it too late to shrug off your borrowed life and emerge on the other side? Is it easier to give up and shrink back to the comfort of that life everybody around you expects you to conform to?
We follow Liz in her quest to discover herself and fight to give this self a chance to live.
An excellent read that I enjoyed and didn't want to end.

Super spoilers!

This is a solid 3.5 for me, bordering on a 4 star. We have overlapping themes of loss- Loss of a husband, loss of faith, loss of what was considered her 'normal'. Our love interest has loss- divorce and many...many child losses. The church loses a leader, a stable helpmate (not only for Thomas but also the church- she held many of the clubs and charities.) Her daughter 'loses' her father AND her mother in one fell swoop. All of this is centered around our main character who lost herself 26 years ago.

And yet, loss is mirrored by the light of new beginnings. A new hobby, new friends, new home, new relationship, new child.

The novel does a good job of marrying these two themes, providing characters that feel real (especially to anyone who has left the church- the indoctrination was portrayed well.)

It wraps up a bit too cozy for something I'd generally reach for but it's exactly the kind of book I need right now.
Do note: There is one graphic sex scene and a few swear words- well placed and not just used because the author likes their characters to swear.





Thanks NetGalley for the Arc!

The last novel I read from Kerry Anne King emotionally drained me. Thankfully, this was a lighter read.
After her husband's sudden death, Liz comes to terms with how controlled her world really was - emotionally, financially and physically.
Against the opinions of her daughter, and amidst judgement of a tight knit church, she strikes out on her own. An impromptu theatre audition gives Liz a new support community, along with a new outlook on life and love. She struggles and stumbles (and encounters a few comically embarrassing moments), but will not let herself fail.
Engaging and hopeful, this is a story of how one woman fought to get her individuality back and won.
*Thank you Lake Union Publishing, Kerry Anne King and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was really well written. It started a bit dark but once I got past the first chapter I loved how Liz, the main character started to start taking charge in her life and making decisions based on what SHE wanted to do. Felt empowered by her strength and was happy with the ending.

This is a well written emotional read. It grabs you on the first page and doesn't let go. The author has a way with words that draws you into the story and when you're not reading the book, you're thinking about it. This is a 5 star read all the way through! I highly recommend it. Thank you Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Oh my! What a wonderful book.
I raced through this book and absolutely loved it.
Elizabeth is married to Pastor Thomas who dies very early on in the story. As Elizabeth moves forward with her life it soon becomes clear that what initially appears to have been a strictly religious man who was concerned and protective over his family was actually a very emotionally controlling and coercive person who carefully cultivated a very toxic relationship.
It was wonderful to watch Liz gradually find herself again, find new friends and start to have the self esteem to speak up for herself.
The characters were an excellent cast, some likeable and others not so much but all believable and each brought something to the story.
The book was very well written and moved along at a good pace, keeping me invested and cheering Liz on.
This was the first book I have read by Kerry Anne King but it certainly won’t be the last. I rated this 5⭐️ and highly recommend it to everyone.

This is the first book from Kelly Anne King that I’ve read and it won’t be the last.

When Elizabeth’s husband dies suddenly of a heart attack, she realises that she has sleepwalked her way into a life that he very carefully created and controlled for her. No longer restrained by his rules, this is a lovely story of self discovery as Elizabeth, or rather Liz, learns about who she is by saying yes to new experiences.... even if that gets her in to a little hot water!

The characters are wonderfully thought out and grow naturally as the plot progresses. At times they are a little over exaggerated admittedly but overall they work well together, allowing for different aspects of Liz’ newly found personality to shine through. Each character seems to represent a part of her past or potential future in some way shape or form.

The plot isn’t something ‘new’ but the characters help to make this a warm and at times an emotional read that you don’t want to put down. The ending did feel a little rushed but only slightly.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it when it’s released later in the year!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5 from me

This was a completely moving and brilliant book and one I won't soon forget. Following the sudden loss of her husband, Liz embarks on a journey of rediscovering her life and learns so much about herself along the way. This is a novel of learning to love and respect yourself, no matter what age you are.

My emotions were all over the place with this one. There were moments where I found myself hoping that Liz would be able to finally stand up for herself and that Abigail would see all the potential in her own life then I would revert the opposite way.

This was a frustrating, emotionally gripping but uplifting read that I will recommend to friends who are fans of this genre.

Loved this book. Could relate to her judgmental religious background. Just fun, easy to read, summer reading. I will look for more books from this author.

While I wouldn't categorize this as a must read, this story is a feel good happy after the fact that will get you through the weekend.

This book immediately hooks you in. Its such a wonder story of finding yourself without having to worry about what those closest to you might think or say.

Elizabeth (Liz) is the wife of Thomas who is a pastor. Liz what she would like to be called feels hemmed in. Her husband constantly undermines her. One day he dies of a heart attack. Liz learns how to move on and become her true self. She has a few bumps along the way and a romance. I enjoyed this story very much. The author did a wonderful job with descriptions and personalities of the other characters in the story. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the E-ARC, This is my own opinion.

Wow, I really loved this romance. This is the kind of story that hangs with you. Kudos to the author!! And thank you to #NetGalley for letting me read it.

I thought this was okay, I felt a little uninterested and not connected with the characters. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy!

This was my first book by this author and I was very pleased. The story of family, life choices, and finding one's true self was portrayed with heart and sincerity. Overall, I thought it was a very good read.

After a busy week, A Borrowed Life, an easy, lighthearted read, helped ease me into vacation mode. I could read a little while eating breakfast, take a break to go for a run, and pick up where I left off without missing a beat. The likeable main character discovers who she is and grows as the predictable but entertaining story unfolds. The plot and conflicts were engaging, not immersive. I did not find myself staying up late to read; however, I did look forward to reading and relaxing with Kerry Anne King’s A Borrowed Life.

A very moving story of Liz,. the repressed, quiet, pastor's wife. Her husband passes away and Liz slowly finds herself, her voice, her freedom and her happiness. I love the author's writing style and I enjoyed following along as Liz finds herself. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this advance copy,

A Borrowed Life is a completely moving and brilliant book from Kerry Anne King. Following the sudden loss of her husband, Liz embarks on a journey of rediscovering her life.

It was frustrating, gripping, uplifting and funny all rolled into one and definitely a book I'll recommend to friends!