Two couples, one suicide, two POVs—one living narrator, one beyond-the-grave narrator, and obsessive lovers, only we need to find out if this was a suicide or a homicide.
“And in the year we’ve been here, they’ve never gone beyond the fence, and they’ve certainly never seen anyone jump. They couldn’t have because out of the seven souls who have come to the cliff since we moved in, seven have walked away. Gabe has saved them all.”
Until tonight.
This is my first read of Sally Hepworth’s, and need I say; I can’t wait to read her other fictional works. In this gripping, heartbreaking, and triggering story, Sally takes us through the interwoven lives of Amanda, Max, Pippa, and Gabe.
This book is about Pippa and Gabe, as it is about Amanda and Max. Pippa and Gabe move to a cliffside cottage to start anew from their struggles, except the cliff is a popular suicide spot known as “The Drop.” In the 7 years that they have moved into the cottage, there have been 7 suicidal attempts but none successful because Gabe is blessed with the ability to talk people out of taking their own lives…until tonight. Gabe goes out to talk Amanda off the cliff, Pippa looks away to call 911, and Amanda falls off the cliff at that moment. The problem is Pippa thinks there is something off with the situation, given Gabe’s stance when Amanda fell, but Gabe insists she jumped.
“The fact is, I did see something. I saw Gabe, cliffside, talking to the woman. I saw her throw up her arms, and I saw him take a step toward her. Then I saw Gabe alone, his arms extended, palms forward. The more I think about it, there’s something about his stance that bothers me. I can’t get it out of my head. He was holding his hands the way you would if you’d pushed someone.”
This is where their lives take a turn for the worse; why? Because when the police arrive, Gabe lies about knowing the woman or the woman giving him her name. Pippa later discovers the woman’s identity, and she is shocked. Regardless, Pippa is stuck in a world where she believes her marriage is perfect and would do anything to keep it that way.
Pipa narrates her story from the before and the now perspective. Amanda narrates her side of the story from beyond the grave. Her story is told from the before and after her death perspective. “
“So, this is it. I’m dead.
The police are retrieving my body. An arduous process, apparently, and they are out of practice to boot.”
Max is rattled and angry as he insists his wife was not suicidal and is hell-bent on getting to the bottom of it all. Now we are all wondering if this is a case of homicide or suicide, and where have Max and Gabe crossed paths before?? This is a domestic thriller fiction with interesting twists and turns. Some you see coming, others you don’t, but all enjoyable nonetheless. Sally Hepworth handles the issue of mental health quite well, and that is one thing I find a number of authors struggle to do. She shows us the struggles of the patient and the stress it can put on caregivers, how it puts a strain on the family if the patient doesn’t take their situation seriously, and the problems with misdiagnosis.
A big thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Soulmate.

I really enjoyed Hepworth’s latest thriller. The idea that this young couple lives near a known suicide spot and the husband has saved many peoples lives is an intriguing premise. As the story unravels you get to see how their past is affecting their future. The end of the book felt a bit rushed and like some things were thrown in that weren’t necessary.

Pippa and Gabe's story of how they came together as a couple is one so unexpected and almost near fairytale quality. Yet like any relationship not everything is picture perfect and meant as a fairy tale. As the marriage of Pippa and Gabe progresses, Pippa begins to realize that Gabe has flaws that go far beyond his mental illness. Some of his unique quirks are more outstanding attributes but when it comes down to it, Pippa begins to see that there is more to it than just the good. Some things with Gabe are just not right.

After a blip in their relationship and Gabe's mental health taking a turn for the worse, Pippa recommends a fresh start. Gabe has just lost his job and with starting their family nothing seems the right choice then starting over. Gabe and Pippa find a home by a cliff that is notorious for suicide attempts. As the years pass, Gabe takes it upon himself to save everyone that attempts to commit suicide from the Drop. However, when Gabe fails to save one jumper, Pippa truly begins to question how well she knows her husband.

The Soulmate is the type of story that pulls the readers right into the characters thoughts and emotions. Bouncing between characters in the then and the now, the reader gets a peek into the experiences of the jumper and of Pippa before the jump and after. Still, I couldn't help questioning even at the end if the jumper had actually jumped or if she was pushed.

You see the jumper is none other than the wife of Gabe's ex-boss. Without spoiling the book, there is more to it all then is at the surface level. To me it was interesting in how Hepworth gave such two separate views of marriage and the view of love amongst couples. Pippa seems near dependent on Gabe even while she is the main caretaker of Gabe when he has a low point. All but Pippa seem to realize this, but since Gabe saved Pippa at a low point she can't help but do the same for him.

The reader at first would have the mindset the title is symbolizing the relationship of two that would do whatever it took to stay together: Gabe and Pippa. However, as the reader continues reading on you can't help but realize the truth behind the title. It leaves to question until the very end just how satisfied one can be in a flawed relationship.

In the expected skill and style of Hepworth, The Soulmate twists and twines and draws in each and every character as much as it does the reader. While the story left me feeling like there may have been some loose ends, it does end rather poetically and suitable. If you have read any of Hepworth's works then I recommend The Soulmate for your next read in April. While it wasn't my favorite of her works, it was a book I didn't want to put down. Until next time, happy reading!

Sally Hepworth is one of my auto-buy authors! Along with her other books, this one did not disappoint. I was intrigued from the very beginning. I loved the before/after POVs. There were so many twists and turns that I was not expecting!

Great book. I loved her other books also so was excited to read this one. The writing is well rounded and easy to read, even the Australian lingo is easy to understand. Loved the characters mostly. I didn’t like how pipa enabled gabe, so I was excited when she finally got free. I also like the plot twist, for the first half of the book I thought max was the evil one and gabe killed Amanda for him but that wasn’t the case. I was excited to be wrong. One of my best reads so far in 2023

I am already a huge fan of Sally Hepworth and her writing style, and was beyond excited my first book approved on NetGalley was to read The Soulmate!

This book was amazing, and every chapter left me on the edge (no pun intended). I was immediately hooked from the very beginning, and just wanted to keep reading until the very end. Each chapters ending almost seemed to have a cliff hanger (pun intended this time) that I couldn't put it down!

I loved the different points of view, and how the story was not only told in present, but also past tense. There were so many twists throughout this book, and so many questions I had while reading. Hepworth did an amazing job at explaining everything neatly towards the end of the story. Her endings never feel rushed, and I am always left with a "wow" feeling.

Another phenomenal story by Sally, and I am already looking forward to the next!

Sally Hepworth can do no wrong!

I adore Sally and her writing style, and The Soulmate is no different. This book is written in dual POV, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Anytime I read a mystery, I attempt to uncover the twists beforehand, but I was not too successful with this book, which is always fun!

If you enjoy other Sally Hepworth’s books, then you should definitely read The Soulmate. Fast paced, dark, mysterious, *chefs kiss*

4.5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

A twisting and turning story that had me hooked; I could not put this book down.

This book was full of intertwined secrets and deceit and the plot twists kept me guessing the whole time. I only predicted one of the many twists and it somehow still shocked me when it came to light. I really enjoyed the dual POV and I think it was handled in a unique way that gave the reader insight into information we wouldn’t otherwise be privy to. I also appreciated the representation of mental health struggles while not diminishing the characters responsibility for their mistakes.

This was my first read by Sally Hepworth and I am eager to check out more of her work

An enthralling domestic drama that explores marital love, loyalties, and lies. Told in dual narrative by Pippa and Amanda, whose lives ultimately intersect in more ones than one, this novel contains Sally Hepworth's trademark depth of characterization, riveting plot lines, and surprising twists.

A special shoutout to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this upcoming novel.

4.5 stars

The beauty of this piece by Sally Hepworth is her ability to keep you guessing. When you find a book that keeps you drawn in, staying up late into the night to finish it, you know you've found a winner.

Sally starts out "The Soulmate" by quickly building up a descriptive world and within the first 10 pages, tragedy strikes. It's so sudden that it is almost jarring but creates such an interest into what actually happened and who is telling the truth.

The dual perspectives and dual timelines can get a little muddled but hearing all sides of the story creates for a compelling novel that will keep you guessing at every turn. I also was pleased that the story reached into complex storylines such as mental illness and a woman's need to "fix" her significant other.

I couldn't put this down. This is definitely worth the read upon release date!

Loved this book, but that's no surprise because I love Sally Hepworth's writing. 4.5 Stars from me.

A family moved to a home hoping for a fresh start. The spot behind their house, "The Drop" is also a place that people come to end their lives. The husband, Gabe, spend much of his time talking people, quite literally, off the ledge. That is until he doesn't. And Amanda jumps... Or did she?
Pippa, Gabes wife, finds out that Amanda was no stranger... He actually knew exactly who Amanda was. But why didn't he disclose this to the police?

This story goes back and forth between then and now. From Pippa and Amanda's point of view. I really enjoy that we hear Amanda's point of view, even in death.

This book kept me guessing the whole time and almost every chapter had some type of revelation you'll never see coming.

Give thank you for Netgalley and the publishers for a free e-Arc version in return for my honest review!

I received this ARC through NetGalley and was ecstatic. Everything about the book intrigued me from my initial request: the name, the cover, the description, the author. It did not disappoint! Sally had me captivated through the entire book, from very beginning to reading the Epilogue as slowly as I could, not wanting it to end. As someone who is madly in love with their soulmate and sometimes questions the troubles that come along with marriage and what that means for the fairytale “soulmate” title I believe in, this book was very relatable and personal to me at many points. The twists were shocking and unforeseen. The story flowed perfectly, even jumping back and forth between past and present and different characters. And the ending somehow broke my heart while simultaneously giving me peace of mind. So much emotion was packed in to this book, I’ve been going over it again for a couple hours now. This is a book I’ll be buying off the shelves as soon as it’s released so I can read it again and again, while recommending it to anyone who will listen. It was powerful and I have several quotes highlighted that I’ll keep for my own reference, but I think this one sums it all up:

“Ah, marriage, you wonderful, complicated beast.”

This was a nice mystery to read during the Christmas break. Twisty and unexpected! Would definitely recommend

Thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth. I absolutely loved this story and the characters.. Gabe and Pippa live with their two daughters in a house near a cliff. The cliff is a site that people come to, to commit suicide. Gabe a friendly and helpful person has talked 7 people away from the cliff and saved their lives. Until one day, he doesn't save one. she jumps, or did she...…. I highly recommend this book by Sally Hepworth, she is becoming one of my favorite authors..

The Soulmate had my interest from the start. The setting was creepy being that the main characters unknowingly moved into a house where people have come, and continue to come, to commit suicide at a cliff called “The Drop.” The husband initially appears to be a hero, but is he? His wife has doubts. Who is lying to who? Throughout the book I felt a range of emotions from suspense to jealousy to compassion to disbelief. I enjoyed the POV style of writing and dual timelines. It was a twisty domestic suspense/thriller with interesting characters and an unpredictable ending. This was the first Sally Hepworth novel I’ve read and it certainly won’t be the last!

Thank you @SallyHepworth, @StMartinsPress and @NetGalley for a free digital ARC. The opinions are mine alone and not biased in any way.

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth is an absolutely delicious novel of domestic suspense. Two couples, two POVs, one suicide (or was it a murder?), and endless secrets makes this book an addictive read. Oh, and did I mention the twists? Tons of twists kept me glued to my kindle until I finally reached The End. Very satisfying. Five enormous stars!!!

Talk about a book that will make you cancel your Friday night plans to stay in and binge! Phew, this one had me hooked from the very first page, and these characters were so easy to dive right into. I loved the short chapters (I can always justify reading for longer when I'm just squeezing in oneeee more small chapter) and really enjoyed the alternating POVs between Pippa and Amanda. I think both of their perspectives added so much depth to the story and gave us a closer look into their marriages, families, their pasts and their secrets- and there's a lottttt of juicy details in there. This book was full of amazing twists and turns but the last one REALLY threw me for a loop. Hepworth really did it again with this one, and I think this may be my new favorite from her; definitely recommend!

How could he not have saved her from jumping?

Gabe has saved so many people from committing suicide before.

Wonder what went wrong this time?

Gabe and his wife Pippa live in a huge house on “The Drop” that has a steep ravine that people like to use as a suicide spot.

Thankfully Gabe can usually talk them out of jumping, but this time he couldn’t talk Amanda down.

His wife saw him “trying,” but she also saw some mannerisms that Gabe knows not to use when trying to stop the person on the edge. Did he know this woman?

Pippa finds out that the woman was upset because her husband was unfaithful, but she also finds out it was the wife of Gabe’s former boss.

THE SOULMATE has chapters titled with the names of the characters both living and dead.

Amanda is watching from above as she makes her way to eternity and sees what is going on with her husband and others pertinent to her life.

Amanda's chapters also let us know what’s currently happening in everyone’s household.

Each chapter tell of the lives of the characters before and after marriages and this event.

Surprise after surprise along with secrets kept awaits the reader.

The book is well done even though suicide, infidelity, depression, and other sensitive topics are addressed.

Mystery fans and fans of Sally Hepworth will enjoy her newest that you won’t be able to put down.

This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

Another awesome book by Sally Hepworth! I absolutely loved the vibe of this book and I always enjoy a small sleepy towns near the water and mysteries and thrillers with those. It really sets the mood for a cozy rainy evening of reading.

Thank you to Net Galley, the publisher, and author for providing this book for my honest review. Oh my goodness! This book has so many twists and turns! The main characters, a married couple with two young daughters, live near a cliff that is famous for suicides. The man has a reputation of saving people from jumping off the cliff. He has saved so many people that there are articles about it. The book starts with the one he couldn’t save. We then get multiple perspectives and timelines of the main couple who live near the cliff and the one who wasn’t saved. I love the perspective of the one who jumped the most. Wow! The multiple twists in this book really got me! I didn’t see them coming but it all came together really effectively in the end. I am emotionally drained now after riding this roller coaster! It was so good though! I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys domestic thrillers and multiple timelines and perspectives. Thank you so much to Net Galley, the publisher, and author for providing this book for my review. I don’t know how I can pick another book up for awhile though. This one will sit with me for quite sometime!