Ben and Harper are thrilled to be on their honeymoon, that is until Ben collapses and a cancer diagnosis follows shortly behind. Now that he knows he is dying, he has one wish…for Harper to find someone else…before he goes. Oh and there is a journalist that wants to write the story. When Harper opens the door to the journalist however, she finds the one that got away. Now Harper is filled with what ifs and trying to figure out how to be around Leo, while also being there for her dying husband.

I went into this book blind, which was a good thing because I’m not sure I would have picked it up at this moment if I had read the synopsis. That said, I’m so glad I picked it up. I will recommend that if you are going into this one…have tissues! I loved the tiny bit of magical realism, and I also really enjoyed that we learned so much more about Harper throughout the story. Yes, the main idea was for her to find someone to be with once Ben is gone, but I loved that Harper also found herself throughout the story.

Thank you to @harpermuse for my gifted copy of this book!

This book is touching and heartfelt story of what ifs. A story of love, loss, and grief. I recommend going in blind just trusting and falling for the story right from the beginning. There’s a touch of magical realism that makes you think about life’s what ifs and if things would be different if you made a different choice.

I loved this book. I couldn’t imagine watching my husband die while running into the “one that got away” I found myself rooting for both relationships. The way the story played out was perfect. I may have even cried a little in the end.

In Every Life by Rea Frey was SO, SO good! It was a sliding doors sort of romance story. And I just adored it.

This is the first book I have read by Ms. Frey, and it will not be my last.

The characters were so likeable! Harper, Ben, and Liam were all great characters. It was so interesting to read about the characters and how they change/same the same in the different scenarios.

I love that Harper learns such an important lesson and that she is such a loving, loyal partner to her sick husband, Ben.

This book is very tame, with little spice and no vulgar language. I really appreciated the writing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the advance read in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In Every Life is a tale of what could have been. Harper and Ben have a short perfect marriage until Ben is diagnosed with cancer just after their honeymoon. Willing to do anything to help Ben, Harper tries a spell that switches her to an alternate life she could have had.

I loved everything about this book! The characters are so real and the story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I fell in love with the characters. If you are looking for an emotional read, check out this book!

This is such a powerful story! Life presents everyone with choices, and Harper faces some very difficult ones. What will she choose for the story of her life? I thoroughly enjoyed this love story, and especially loved the path Harper chose!

“The moral of the story is simple: love. Love your people while you still have them. Love your partners while they’re still here. Love the ups and downs, the good and the bad. Love the fights and the trivial nonsense. Love it all.”

What is….What was…What may be

4.5 stars rounded up! There is just something about Rea Frey’s writing that makes you simultaneously think AND feel. She has you pondering your own life’s decisions while you’re lost in the stories her mind creates.

This story is heartfelt with strong characters that you just want to root for. I went into this one blind and I recommend that because, although this is not a twisty thriller, there are some aspects of the plot that are jarring in the best way when you’re not expecting them.

“You don’t have to know someone for years for them to make a lasting impression.” Indeed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Harper Muse. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Oh my goooooooosh. Oh my gosh, oh my gosh.

It's no secret that my favorite trope is the whole butterfly effect/parallel universe thing.
In this book we follow Harper who is the newly wed wife to Ben. Ben knows he's dying, so his wish is for his wife to find love after his passing. In walks Leo, not only a NY Times journalist coming to interview the married couple, but he just so happens to be the long lost love of Harper from a decade prior.

This book was split into three parts: What Is, What Was, and What If. To be honest, the What Was section somewhat drove me crazy. If miscommunication drives you mad, then maybe skip this one.
When we dive into What If, this is where the parallel lives start. What would've happened had Harper and Leo stayed together...if Ben never even met Harper. Would their lives ever intersect?

I really enjoyed parts of it, but others were meh. If I'm rating a book solely on the emotion is brought to the table, then this is a 5/5. I absolutely SOBBED. I was hoping it would be more of a TJR Maybe in Another Life story, but it was actually very different, as we had more resolution in this one. I loved the open endedness of Maybe in Another Life.

All in all, i'd recommend this to someone who liked books like The Two Lives of Lydia Byrd and The Life Intended. This wasn't my favorite, but i definitely still enjoyed it.

Harper’s husband Ben is dying of cancer. But before he goes, he wants two things: one, to find someone new for her to love, and two, for her to give her art career another shot. Harper is not crazy about either of these ideas. But her world is turned on its head when a reporter assigned to write about Ben’s story turns out to be a man who, a decade earlier, Harper fell madly in love with in the space of a week and then never saw again. Someone about whom she’s always wondered, “what if?”

I was concerned at first that I’d picked up a straightforward contemporary romance kind of novel, and wondered why I’d selected it, as that’s not really my thing. But this book takes place not only in the present and the past, but also in alternate realities. I was happy when it took that turn, although honestly I think the writing was good and compelling enough to keep me interested even without that twist.

This book was overall really excellent, but there were a few things I didn’t like about it. I didn’t really care for Ben at times. I know he’s trying to help Harper by pushing her out of her comfort zone, but she specifically tells him that she does not want something – multiple somethings – and he goes behind her back and does it anyway. Even if he’s “doing it for her,” terminal cancer doesn’t give you the right to be a controlling partner.

I also don’t like that the woo-woo “power of positive thinking” workshop cured Ben’s cancer, even if it was just in the alternate world. I know this is a novel with time travel and parallel universes, but this was not set up as part of the magic, or even some sci-fi technology or something. From what I understood, it was a sort of mind-over-matter retreat for truly desperate people. Those things exist, and they are almost always scams that get people killed. I feel like it’s dangerous to promote such things as a miracle cure, even in fiction.

The book was excellent overall, but for me, those drawbacks were enough make a dent in its rating. Four and a half stars, rounded down to four.

Representation: LGBTQ+ characters, POC characters

CW: Cancer

When Ben and Harper are faced with a life-altering challenge, they make the best of it by purposefully living in the moment. Ben’s cancer prognosis is grim so he wants to see his wife, Harper, find a new love before he dies. This was such an easy going read despite the emotional subject matter. I really enjoyed reading about their relationship and all the ways they embraced memorable experiences together. With elements of magical realism, fantasy, and foreshadowing, I loved how Harper was able to get a glimpse into the “what if” moments of her life. A positively, enjoyable read!

It is on their honeymoon that Ben and Harper discover that Ben has pancreatic cancer. Soon Ben is contemplating his own mortality and wants for Harper to be happy. However, Ben believes that he needs to find Harper a new husband before he dies. Harper is resistant to this wacky plan as if she can't have Ben, then she doesn't want anyone. When a journalist gets wind of Ben’s crazy idea, they decide to visit ben and Harper to document this romantic gesture of a husband's dying wish for his beloved wife. When the New York Times sends a journalist to their house to do a feature, Harper opens the door to find the one man who got away. Or, rather, the man she spent one perfect week with a decade ago and never saw Leo Hale. Suddenly, Harper realises that the feelings that she had for Leo are unresolved and she begins to wonder ‘what-if’ and wishes for a better future for her and Ben. Suddenly, life for Harper becomes very interesting….
Without revealing too much of this storyline, I found this a very thought-provoking idea for a book. I am sure that many a person has contemplated how their life would have been altered if they took a different pathway. Ben and Harper are so sweet together, but it is Leo’s appearance that made for interesting reading. A great read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Really liked it, read it!
🌶️ Rating: 0

Rea Frey’s In Every Life is a beautifully written novel that blends dual timelines and time travel to create a unique and moving story. I rated this book 4 stars.

Tropes:
* Time Travel
* Cancer (Trigger Warning)
* Dual Timelines
* Emotional Strain of Caregiving
* Magical Realism

Ben and Harper’s marriage faces a significant challenge with Ben’s unexpected late-stage cancer diagnosis. Wanting to ensure Harper’s future happiness, Ben wishes for her to find a new partner before he passes away. Though initially resistant, Harper’s life takes an unexpected turn when a New York Times journalist, sent to cover Ben’s story, turns out to be Liam Hale—the man Harper spent a perfect week with a decade ago and never saw again.

Harper is thrust into a whirlwind of what-ifs:
* What if she had ended up with Liam instead of Ben?
* What if she had pursued her dreams as an artist instead of teaching?
* What if her life had turned out differently?


After making a wish, Harper awakens in a parallel universe where these what-ifs become her reality. As she navigates this new world, she must confront the question: Is the grass really greener on the other side, or is she right where she should be, despite the impending loss of her beloved Ben?

Frey has crafted a sweet and heartfelt story that explores the depths of love and the complexities of life's choices. Harper and Ben’s relationship is deeply touching, showcasing a love so profound that Ben wishes for Harper’s happiness even in his absence. Their short-lived yet intense connection adds a layer of poignancy to the story, making Harper’s journey all the more compelling.

While the premise of a young man dying shortly after marriage is heart-wrenching, the novel balances its sadness with moments of hope and upliftment. It’s a perfect blend of heartache and inspiration, making it a must-read for those who enjoy emotionally resonant stories with a touch of magic.

Overall, In Every Life is a uniquely beautiful novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. I loved how everything played out and am excited to read more from Rea Frey.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy of In Every Life. As per the description, what happens when a husband's dying wish is for his wife to find a new love . . . before he's even gone? Harper has no desire to find a new love, but what if she could get what she really wants; her husband free of cancer and to be known for her art? A well written tell of be careful what you wish for.

What happens when a husband’s dying wish is for his wife to find a new love … before he’s gone??

After failing to make a life as an artist in New York and leave her first love, Harper’s dreams crumbled and she returned to Chattanooga and made a life with her new husband, Ben.

When Ben is diagnosed with terminal cancer their new life together is shattered. Despite the devastating news his dying wish is for her is to find a new partner.

When New York Times sends a journalist to do a feature story about Ben’s life, Harper meets Liam Hale the man she fell head over heels in love with all those years ago in New York.

Suddenly, Harper is faced with all of those old what if’s:

What if Harper had ended up with Liam instead of Ben?

What if she’d pursued a life of an artist instead of teaching?

What if it had all turned out differently?

After making a wish Harper wakes up to find herself in a parallel universe … where her what ifs become a reality.

Is the grass really greener - or is she standing right where she’s meant to be - no matter the cost.

There’s no spoiler alerts here but it’s a
heartbreaking and wonderful story about love, loss, grief and growth

I really enjoyed this magical story.

Thank you #reafrey and #netgalley for a copy.

When Harper & Ben are on their honeymoon, Ben begins having severe stomach pains, and after throwing up, he passes out. Within a year he is diagnosed with late stage cancer, and the life they had planned together, is obliterated. His final wish is for Harper to find someone else to love before he dies, so he knows she won't be alone. When the New York Times sends a journalist to do a feature story about Ben's life, to Harper's astonishment, the reporter they sent was none other than the man she fell for and then walked away from years ago, Liam Hale. The chemistry is immediately rekindled between the two, and Harper is faced with all of the "what ifs" in her life. After making a wish, Harper wakes up to find herself in a parallel universe . . . where her what-ifs become a reality. Is the grass really greener, or is she standing right where she should be--no matter the cost?

I am of two minds about this book. I loved the beginning of the story, and it gave me Cecelia Ahern & Nicholas Sparks vibes. I felt like I was going to need a tissue box before the book was over. Then the book started going back and forth between "what is" and "what was" and it just gave me whiplash. I am not a fan of alternate reality themes, so that could have also added to my dislike of this section, I will admit. Then came the ending and I almost needed the tissue box again. I really liked the beginning and end, but the middle drove me crazy. Not just for the reasons I stated above, but also because Harper was so wishy-washy about what she wanted, and it seemed to go on an endless loop. Overall it was a 3.5 rounded up to a 4.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Rea Frey, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Ben and Harper are on their honeymoon when they learn he has cancer. Ben's final wish is that he wants Harper to find a new husband before he dies. Harper doesn't want to entertain the notion. But when a journalist comes to interview Ben when his idea is made public, it is Liam at the door. Liam, who Harper spent a magical week with 10 years ago, and never saw again. Those unresolved feelings come bubbling up. What if she would have ended up with Liam?

I love Rea Frey's looks into the "what if." We all wonder what would happen if we would have taken a different path in our lives. This book adds a dose of magical realism into that thought when Harper does a Stand in Your Power full moon ritual to manifest her dreams. Suddenly, she's getting a look into what might have been. There's a lot of feelings in here, from love and second chances, to grief and moving on, to being confident in your dreams. I liked the peek into the art world, especially with the high schoolers. Rea Frey creates magical books that I love spending time with!

Harper and Ben are happy newlyweds on their honeymoon. Ben had been sick to his stomach but they just thought it was something he ate. When he got home, he went to the doctor, and he was served a devastating diagnosis. After much thought and his health worsening, he tells Harper that he has one dying wish. He would like to find Harper a wonderful husband to take care of her when he's gone. Harper is not as committed to his plan. Ben contacts a journalist to chronicle their story. I laughed, cried, smiled, and sighed throughout this wonderful story. It is a bittersweet tale of love, losses, and finding strength through second chances.

This was an interesting book and story. I'm still not quite sure how I would rate it! I really liked some parts of it but didn't like other parts. To me, the story had two storylines and I would have loved to have cut out the part I didn't like! However, I liked the lessons that the main character, Harper, learned by the end of the book. She is madly in love with her husband, Ben, when on their honeymoon he is diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and their lives are immediately changed forever. After treatment and as Ben struggles to come to terms with his looming future, he decides he wants his wife to find another man to love while he's still alive, so he knows she'll be ok after he dies. Harper is stunned and angry. When a journalist comes to interview Ben, who should he be but the man that Harper fell in love with before she knew Ben - Liam Hale. What a coincidence and talk about awkward! That would have been interesting and fine right there but then the story goes into "time travel and parallel universe" stuff. It's all a little "woo-woo" to me. I know some people enjoy that type of fiction, but it really isn't my thing. Harper is supposed to learn something from these different experiences in her trips to a parallel universe and help her make decisions. I just couldn't get into it. I did like the way it helped her make the hard decision at the end though. Personally, I didn't particularly like Ben's character. Harper didn't NEED a man to take care of her and he shouldn't have pushed that on her. I know that he was coming from a place of love but still - she could do what lots of other widows do and follow her own path of grief. I really liked Liam's character though. All in all, it was a good book, and I did rush through some parts to get to the "real" stuff!

Be ready for this book to take you through an emotional wringer.

The 3 characters Harper, Ben and Liam are each so well developed. The witter did a great job of bringing together this love triangle in a poignant manner, using the pov of then, now, what if. Harper sees a lot of character growth in this book - the choices she made that changed the trajectory of her life, and the path she nows needs to take forward.

A unique romance.

I also listened to the book and the narration was very well done.

#netgalley #ineverylife

Wow, this book really got me in all my emotions!!!

There were so many layers to this book, to this story, to the love. It was so well written, and really felt personal.

Ben. Harper. Liam. They were all wonderful. They all lived and loved, so well.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.