I was browsing titles on the Netgalley site when I stumbled upon the synopsis of this book: “What happens when a husband’s dying wish is for his wife to find a new love…before he’s even gone?” Intrigued, I couldn’t help but wonder, if I were the husband, would I make such a wish? Or if I were the wife, would I fulfill it? Out of curiosity, I requested a copy.

In summary, Ben is diagnosed with stage 4 cancer (⚠️TW) early in his marriage to Harper. His dying wish is for her to find a new love, before he passes, but she resists this uncoventional idea. Meanwhile, an old flame reappears in Harper’s life, creating a love triangle. This leads FMC to ponder all the what-ifs.

I’ll start with what I like about the book.
~I enjoyed the narrative moved between the past, showing “what was,” and the present, “what is”. It also has an element of magical realism, exploring the “what if”, which I found creative as this is new to me.
~The journey of self-discovery. The characters especially Harper faced numerous challenges and questions about her identity and choices, leading her to deeper understanding of who she is and what she truly wants in life.

Now, onto what I didn’t like.
~Ben’s constant plea for Harper to find a “man” to love felt uncomfortable and unrealistic for me. In reality, while it’s natural to want your partner to be happy again, I think, we should also let them acknowledge their pain and mourn. Additionally, I was hoping the new love wouldn’t necessarily be a man. Perhaps it could have been about finding love in a different form.
~I wasn’t satisfied with the ending. Initially, I was okay with it, as Ben’s wish was somewhat fulfilled with a “twist”. (Spoiler ‼️) However, when Harper rekindled an old flame. It felt off. For someone to be your TOTGA (the one that got away), no second chances.

All in all, this book hooked me with its intriguing premise and raised many questions in my mind. Highly recommended to readers who are intrigued by the idea of exploring life’s what-if.

Love, grief, and new beginnings combine in this novel of then, now and what if. Harper and Ben are happily married when he's diagnosed and tells her that her to find a new partner. Even as she's processing this, the reporter sent to write about him turns out to be her old flame Liam. Suddenly, she's thinking what if she'd been with Liam instead and there's a parallel universe thing going on. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's a plot pulled in part from real life but twisted with the Liam angle. It's also an emotional read with characters you'll care about.

This book was heartwarming but it felt too similar “my wife said you may want to marry me“” but I don’t know if that was intention?

This book was so well done! It wasn't your typical romance novel and there were fantasy-esque elements that totally surprised in me in the best way. I loved the formatting of the book... hopping between 'What Was' and "What Is" and even giving us some "What If?' It was really unique and kept the pacing of the novel on point.

A romance novel about a young man dying shortly after he marries the love of his life sounds devastatingly tragic and while it was certainly sad and there plenty of moments of emotion, overall, this book didn't feel soul crushingly sad which I really appreciated. Sometimes you need a good cry but this was the perfect blend of uplifting and interesting while also being emotional and heart wrenching.

The 'what if' portion of the book really surprised me. It was totally unexpected but I did think it was a good twist that added a lot to the story.

All in all, this book was totally unique, well written, and very moving. I loved how everything played out and I can't wait to read more by Frey.

Thank you to Harper Muse for the copy.

In Every Life is a moving and emotional romance with a touch of magical realism. It has similar feel to Taylor Jenkins Reid’s In Another Life which is what initially drew me to the story.

I’m afraid I struggled to connect with Harper, Ben and Leo, and to get a sense of their chemistry. I found Ben’s insistence for Harper to find love, and Harper’s secrets from Ben both a bit uncomfortable given the circumstances.

However I did really enjoy the writing and the magical realism aspects of the story. The story flowed well and kept my interest throughout. I liked Harper’s journey in terms of finding her personal and professional identity, and would have loved to have read more about her early relationship with both Ben and Leo.

Thank you HarperMuse, and NetGalley for a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

This book is so good! It is the most interesting romance book I've read in a long time. Ben and Harper's story is full of ups and downs. It starts with their honeymoon when Ben gets sick and is diagnosed with stage three cancer soon after. Ben has the crazy idea that he wants to find Harper a new man to love before he dies. When Leo, an old flame of Harper's, enters the picture they can't help but wonder if he's the one. This book has a few surprising twists that keep it interesting including a little time travel. Thanks to @NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC of this wonderful book. I know Rea's fans are going to love it as much as I do.

Ben is diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at the start of his marriages. He wants his wife, Harper, to find a new partner before he passes. She is resistant to this crazy idea. At the same time, an old fling comes back in Harper’s life and makes her wonder.. what if?

This was a special read that leaves your heart warmed. I don’t read a lot of romance but my favorite romance has a touch of magical realism, which this one does. The magic really adds something special here. There’s a lot of answers to the “what if” and how we accept our path in life.

“When you fall in love with someone after a single week and then you never see them again… well, that kind of aching can drive someone insane.”

In Every Life comes out 8/6.

In Every Life blew me away with how emotional I got reading this book. It’s an alternate timeline love story for one woman, Harper, between her husband Ben, who she just wed, and Liam, the one who got away ten years ago. After Ben is diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer and given little odds of surviving, Harper starts going down the road of what-ifs… what if she hadn’t given up on her art, what if she hadn’t left NYC, what if she had stayed with Liam and never met Ben? Still in denial about Ben’s impending death, Harper makes a desperate wish to the universe to give her the possibility of a life where she hadn’t given up art and where Ben isn’t sick. The next morning she wakes up in NYC, in Liam’s bed, and running the same gallery that she fled from all those years ago. In this alternate timeline, she stayed instead of running, and has a decade of art and relationship with Liam to show for it, but because she never left, she never met Ben. As she begins to get acquainted with her new life, she realizes how much she misses Ben and desperately wants to get back to him - but can she return to a life where she knows she will lose him? Dripping with emotion, this book was a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. I found it to be a very satisfying read, and I definitely needed a box of tissues by the bittersweet end.

The thought of a current partner finding you a new partner doesn't sound romantic to me at all, it sounds controlling and manipulative. I know Ben was supposedly doing it from his heart but it seemed to me he was doing it for himself because he has to know Harper's okay before he dies. Like she can't be okay without a man in her life? And him wanting her to do her art was because HE wanted to see one of her shows before he goes. It just pissed me off to no end. Everything just sounded like manipulation disguised as love and for her benefit.

All the secrets Harper's been keeping drove me mad as well. She too was only thinking of herself by not revealing the truth about her and Leo. The whole plot just seemed to go round and round in circles and the repetitiveness of it all was boring. This was another almost DNF for me but it has such rave reviews I wanted to give it a chance. It was just too unbelievable where Ben's health worries were concerned. One minute he can't go in the sun because of his treatment and the next minute he is out feeling the sun on his face and doing hikes. He had stage four pancreatic cancer and is supposed to be in hospice.

It was so damn slow getting the plot to go forward, the characters were all one-dimensional and the ending was just too much for me to take. It was so implausible and outlandish that it made me want to barf. (spoiler) All that new age "your mind can cure stage four cancer" bullshit. (end spoiler) I can't believe all the five-star reviews for this one. This is my first and my last book by this author.

Rea Frey’s *In Every Life* is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the infinite possibilities that shape our existence. The narrative follows Harper, a once-aspiring artist whose dreams crumbled after a whirlwind romance and a failed attempt to find her place in the bustling art scene of New York City. A decade later, she has settled into a quieter life as an art teacher in Chattanooga, enjoying the companionship of her devoted husband, Ben. However, their idyllic existence is shattered when Ben receives a diagnosis of late-stage cancer, prompting a heartbreaking yet selfless wish for Harper to find a new partner before he passes away. Frey masterfully weaves a tapestry of emotions, showcasing Harper’s internal struggle as she grapples with the weight of her husband’s request. The arrival of journalist Liam Hale, Harper’s first love, reignites unresolved feelings and plunges her into a whirlwind of nostalgia and “what-ifs.” The author deftly portrays the complexities of human relationships, emphasizing that love is not a finite resource. Rather, it expands and evolves, even in the face of heartbreak. As Harper makes a wish and wakes up in a parallel universe where her past choices have led her down a different path, Frey invites readers to ponder the age-old question: Is the grass really greener on the other side? This alternate reality throws Harper into a whirlwind of possibilities, forcing her to confront the life she could have had with Liam and the dreams she set aside for the sake of practicality and love. The parallel universe serves as a compelling device, illuminating the consequences of choices made and unmade while simultaneously highlighting the importance of acceptance and gratitude for the life one leads. Frey’s writing is imbued with a sense of realism and authenticity that resonates deeply with readers. The emotional depth of Harper’s character transforms her from a mere protagonist to a relatable figure grappling with universal themes of regret, hope, and the complexities of love. The narrative flows seamlessly, and the pacing allows readers to savor the moments of introspection while remaining engaged in the unfolding drama of Harper’s life. Ultimately, *In Every Life* is not just a story about choices; it is a meditation on the beauty of the life we live and the relationships we hold dear. Frey deftly demonstrates that every life has its share of what-ifs, but it is the acceptance of our journeys that truly shapes our happiness. As Harper navigates the parallel universe and confronts her past, readers are left with a profound message: the paths we take, no matter how divergent, contribute to the richness of our experiences. In conclusion, Rea Frey’s *In Every Life* is a beautifully crafted narrative that invites readers to reflect on their own choices and the intricate tapestry of their lives. It challenges us to appreciate the present while simultaneously acknowledging the dreams that may have remained unfulfilled. As Harper ultimately discovers, the heart’s true home may not lie in the past or in the possibilities of the future, but in the love and connections forged in the present moment. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeply moving reflection on love, loss, and the inherent beauty of our individual journeys.

Ben is a composer and Harper is an artist. They are madly in love, honeymooning in Hawaii, when Ben gets sick. His diagnosis of stage four pancreatic cancer changes everything. In Every Life, by Rea Frey, takes the reader on a journey filled with love and grief. (There’s even an alternate life episode which was a little strange.) Ben wants Harper to find someone to love before he passes, so when Liam, the one who got away, shows up to write an article on them things get complicated. The love Ben and Harper have for each other shines through, each wanting the best for the other. The book is a little different, but it’s worth the read.

WOW! Easily one of the best books I have ever read. 5 stars is just not enough!

Ben Foster has been diagnosed with terminal cancer just weeks after being wed to Harper. Harper, once an aspiring artist, teaches art near their home in Chattanooga. Ben compiles a list of his dying wishes - the main one being for Harper to find new love before he dies. Such a noble wish to assure she is loved, she is taken care of, and she knows it is okay to move on. Harper is undeniably against this wish - she will never find a love like hers and Bens. But when the reporter who is covering Ben's story shows up Harper cannot believe her eyes - its Liam. . . the "one that got away".

I absolutely could not put this book down! Filled with love, heartache, hope, and grief. A beautifully written story that will give you all the feels. Harper's character was relatable in so many ways. Facing hardships and life's lessons, her vulnerability and willingness to search herself and admit her mistakes. The raw truth behind terminal illness and all of the thoughts and emotions that brings with it. I laughed, I cried, I battled internally with how I hoped this story would end but everything about it was beautiful and perfect.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Rea Frey, and Harper Muse. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Just finished reading “In Every Life” by Rea Frey.

I really enjoyed this book and the storyline. It sounded interesting- a husband and wife get a cancer diagnosis and the husband wants to find a new love for his wife when he’s gone.

Enter the ex boyfriend- coincidence? The story evolves into what if’s, what was and what is to come.

It makes the reader think about their own life and how a single decision can change the course of your life.

Very enjoyable! I binged this book and would definitely recommend it!

“I’ve got all the time in the world.”

I read The Other Year when it came out and fell in love with Rea Frey’s writing. When I participated in an author chat about that book and she told us about In Every Life, and I knew I had to read it. I’m so thankful to WunderbooksPR for sending me a digital ARC!

With a little bit of magical realism and time travel/sliding doors aspects, In Every Life explores what life could be like if different choices had been made, and if we really did have all the time in the world. Harper gets a chance to decide if she will stay and face the grief that will soon be hers as her husband grapples with his terminal cancer diagnosis or if she will take a shot with the one who got away. The range of emotions was vast in reading this book and I loved every bit of it.

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

Read if you like:
The Other Year
The Last Love Note
Here After
Princess Bride quotes
Magical realism
Sliding Doors
Explorations of grief

In Every Life a little rain must fall, but for Ben & Harper it's a monsoon, not a light sprinkle. Married barely a year when Ben is diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, the future he planned with Harper is shattered. Ben hatches a plan for Harper to "find someone to love before I leave," and into this plot walks Liam-Harper's "one who got away" from ten years earlier. Although Harper and Liam only spent a week together, it was love and first sight and Harper was sure Liam was her forever. But things don't always turn out the way we thought, and now Harper is devoted to Ben. Through a spell Harper is able to see how her life would have turned out if she had stayed with Liam. In Every Life is a sweet blend of fantasy and reality-who wouldn't want a peek into "what could have been" had we made a different choice? But when Ben shows up in Harper's "other life" happy and cancer free, she is torn between staying in a reality where she is not with Ben but he gets to live, or returning to their lives together where Ben will likely die. In Every Life is escapist fiction at its best-tender, insightful, but messy-just like the real thing.

Rea Frey has created a compelling exploration of "the one who got away" or "what if" scenarios.

Harper Swanson Foster loves her husband. They are a great match. After a whirlwind romance, they got married and went off to honeymoon. On the honeymoon, Harper's husband Ben collapses. They soon discover he has stage four pancreatic cancer- practically a death sentence.

When a reporter comes to report on Ben's life and work as a successful move composter, Harper's world is rocked. It turns out to be her proverbial one who got away. A man named Liam that she had one week with in New York when she was trying to make it as an artist. Couple Liam's appearance with Ben's wish for Harper to find a new love before he leaves, and Harper is in for an emotional rollercoaster. You might think you know what will happen, but you are probably wrong!

At first I thought this was going to be a 2 or 3 star read. The characters were well fleshed out, but obviously, it was a bit of a bummer. I was more so disappointed because I thought that the book was reading super predictably. Well Frey certainly subverted my expectations. The book took quite a few unexpected turns that I found really made the book! This is compelling read, and I would recommend.

Highlights:
-Grief and loss
-Facing death
-Exploration of "what if" or alternative universes so to speak
-Spousal role as a caretaker

Harper and Ben are on their honeymoon when Ben falls ill and is diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer.
As the couple deal with his illness, Ben expresses a desire to find someone else for Harper to love when he's gone.
The New York Times reporter Liam is scheduled to write a story about Ben and his life as a composer is interested in including Ben's search. Liam turns out to be an old love interest of Harper's. Harper is given the opportunity to see what
life with Liam would be like without forgetting what her life with Ben has been. Which life will she choose and what
is the lesson she needs to learn to move forward? A touching, emotional story .
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
#InEveryLife #HarperMuse #NetGalley

Ben and Harper start their married life with a cancer diagnosis but he eventually goes into remission and when it comes back the doctor insists there is no viable treatment for Ben this time.

Ben gets the crazy idea that he wants Harper to find a new husband before he dies, Harper thinks it’s a wacky idea, but not before a journalist discovers it. He comes to interview Ben and Harper. It turns out that Harper met this journalist a decade ago and spent a whirlwind week with him but left a lot of things unfinished.


This has a Sliding Doors vibe that appeals to me because I loved the movie, but I did not like some of the elements that were throughout the plot; I did not like. There was too much New Age that I did not realize would be present and had I known that I would’ve not read this. This is my first Rea Frey book, so I am unsure if this is the norm for her writing. This is a book that I would’ve read over twenty years ago but not now. So my much younger self would given this book a higher rating. 2.5 stars

My gratitude to Netgalley and Harper Muse. All opinions expressed were honest and completely mine.

4 what if stars

How far would you go for someone you love? What would you sacrifice to heal them? Those are the issues that Harper must grapple with in this book.

Harper marries Ben and all is well in their world, compatible in so many ways, and competitive! They met on an obstacle course and raced to the finish. Unexpectedly, on their honeymoon, Ben falls ill and is soon given a grim diagnosis.

As Ben’s days are numbered, he starts to worry about what Harper will do after he’s gone. She’s an art teacher, but that’s not enough, he wants her to find another to love. He sets out to accomplish this in any way he can, including soliciting a story.

Another surprise greets Harper when the reporter assigned to the story turns out to be the earlier love of her life (for one week) in New York. Harper tried to break into the art scene, but things don’t work out, leaving Liam and her dreams behind.

So now Harper must deal with Liam and navigate Ben’s wishes. Luckily, Harper has great friends who also want to help, and with a tarot card reading and wishing on a full moon, Harper wakes up in a new reality. She must grapple with her feelings for Liam and Ben and her abandoned art career. Is there a way for her to have it all? Is there a way to heal Ben?

I enjoyed thinking about the possibilities in this one, and I think the cover is spot on! I want to read more from this author. This was my first book of hers, but she’s written quite a few.

In Every Life is a charming tale of love which examines life's untaken paths. With a touch of magical realism, FMC Harper explores an alternate life and allows us into her imagination of where different choices might have led.

While I'm no stranger to contemporary romance, I don't typically stray into romantasy or sci-fi in my book choices - so this was a bit outside my comfort zone. With that being said, this book was definitely was an emotional read that helped open my eyes to exploring more literary genres. It was an interesting mash-up of genres that will appeal to a wide audience who enjoy a tug-at-your-heartstrings romance with a fairytale vibe (just check the TW first).

3.5 stars rounded up.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.