The Twilight Wife

One of my favorite books of 2016, I picked up this book and could not put it down until I turned the last page. The fabulous writing just drew me in and the amazing story and cast of characters kept me enthralled and wanting to know every last thing there was to know.

And oh that ending, I did not see that coming at all. And I loved loved loved it.

I will long remember the atmosphere of this book, the scenes were set so perfectly, wet and dreary, adding to the story so perfectly.

And the characters were so well written that I felt I knew them, especially Kyra in all of her confusion and frustration. I loved being along with her as she puzzled out the clues that led to that fabulously twisty ending.

I will definitely be watching for more from this superbly talented writer.

I received a copy of The Twilight Wife through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Touchstone Publishing and A.J. Banner for this opportunity.
I read this book in three sittings... it was that good. Kyra Winthrop awakes from a head injury with only glimpses of her short-term memory. As she relies on her husband to care for her and help her regain her memories, she has flashes of another house, another man, another life. A story of obsession and deceit, you'll be guessing until he very end.

This was a riveting story and I couldn't put it down! The twists and turns were amazing and I can't wait for another book from A J.

Thank you to Netgalley and Touchstone publishing for allowing me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  I loved it!
                    Kyra Winthrop is trying to piece her life back together.  After a diving accident she has very little memory of her life for the past four years.  She remembers her life as a marine biologist, but not her marriage- or their courtship.  Jacob has been trying to be patient, showing her pictures and feeding her stories, but something feels wrong.  Memories are coming back slowly, but they don't coincide with what Jacob is saying.  She remembers someone else... was she unfaithful?  Who is this man she remembers?  As she digs deeper into the past, she finds that there are secrets- deep and dark.  This is a story about a man's obsession, and a woman's fight for the truth. 
            I loved this story.  Kyra was a great character, and I really felt for her.  I will admit her frustration was... well frustrating at times.  I wanted her to become stronger, faster.  That's just me, though, and I feel like her struggle was necessary for the story.    I liked all the characters, really, even when I shouldn't.  This was a fast paced read, with a creepy, mysterious feel.  I really didn't have any issues with it. 
          On the adult content scale, there is language, violence, and sexual content.  It's all fairly tame, though.  I would give it a five.

Not too long ago I read an amazing book by A.J. Banner that stuck with me (The Good Neighbor), so when I saw the author had released another book, The Twilight Wife, I just couldn't wait to read it! I'll give you a very small spoiler - the book is awesome. The story is great, it has a great pace, the suspense builds throughout and the "ah hah" moment doesn't get disclosed until the exact time that it should. Go out and get your own copy of The Twilight Wife - you won't be disappointed.

Kyra Winthrop is a 34-year old marine biologist who lives with her husband Jacob on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest. Kyra is recovering from a traumatic brain injury as a result of a diving accident that she can't remember. In fact, she is struggling with memory issues and can't remember the last four years of her life prior to the accident. Jacob, always trying to aid in her recovery, spoon feeds her the details of her life and fills in the memories that she can't remember.

The combination of Kyra's spotty memories and those provided by Jacob start to have Kyra struggling and confused while she's attempting to put her history together. Kyra starts to become suspicious and begins to feel that the landscape of her past is disjointed.

As Kyra races to uncover her past, her truth becomes a terrifying nightmare. I won't tell you the end - you know I don't do spoilers - get The Twilight Wife for yourself. The characters are extremely well developed and complex. If you are like me, you will become totally immersed in this story and won't want to stop until you're finished. I really felt that the dialogue was very believable and the author is an amazing storyteller.

I was provided with a complimentary digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and unbiased opinion.

Title: The Twilight Wife
Author: A.J. Banner
Publisher: Touchstone
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Twilight Wife" by A. J. Banner

My Thoughts....

What a good mystery thriller with psychological suspense read that will keep your attention and definitely have you guessing all the way till the end keeping you on the edge of your seat. The author gives the ready quite a story of what happens to Kyra Winthrop after an accident steals her memory for the past four years. But what will happen as Kyra begins to piece her life back together again? This is definitely a read that will give you a 'tale of confusion and deceit' as the twist and turns with clues that are brought out in this well written story. I liked the way this author gives the reader such a story that you will not see that ending coming definitely giving the reader a real shocker. I liked the descriptions used in the story with 'details of marine creatures, birds and trees on this Pacific Northwest island [Mystic Island].'

"The Twilight Wife" is one of those stories that you will just have to pick up this good read to find out the truth that will be webbed in the lies and deception of it all. The characters were all well developed, portrayed and defined giving the reader one easy read of a incredible story. Will Kyra be able to finally get more of her memory back and becomes more confident in her own abilities to finally connect the dots? In the end will it all work out for Kyra? Well, this is where I say you will have to pick up this good read to see just how this author will bring it all out to the reader. If you like a good mystery thriller with psychological suspense, then I would recommend "The Twilight Wife" for you.

This ARC was given by the publisher and NetGallery in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.

For fans of such novels as Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson, The Twilight Wife is the perfect fit. A.J. Banner has really done it again with this novel, and I can't seem to get over it. I read this over the course of a couple of days, and honestly felt like every time I put it down I was just itching to get back to it. Kyra Winthrop is a 30 something wife and marine biologist. When she loses her memory, the only person she has to rely on to give her the information that she so yearns for is her husband Jacob. She tries hard not to get on his nerves by asking question after question, but it seems like he's always willing to provide the answers that she is looking for.

When visions start coming to Kyra, she can't be sure that they are real memories, or if they are just thoughts that keep creeping into her mind. She sees things like a bad marriage in her memories, and wonders why she would carry a condom in her wallet, if her and her husband were on the verge of having a child. All of these things start to pile up and Kyra wants the answers, but it seems like Jacob is not going to supply them.

It seems that Jacob has done everything he can to lure Kyra into this existence that wasn't really theirs and brings her into seclusion so she cannot find out the real things that happened to her in her past. Between flashbacks of memories, and current situations we get a glimpse of who Jacob really is, and who Kyra was as well. As this book starts off, it's nice and slow, lulling you into this world of quiet deception. You can feel something is wrong, but can't put your finger on it, it's like a yucky feeling at the pit of your stomach that you can't shake. Then the truth begins to unravel and you are sent on a spiraling roller coaster into disbelief. I quite enjoyed this book, and definitely cannot wait to see what else is coming from Banner. Give yourself some time to get over this book if you can, because it will stick with you for days. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars, and received it from Netgalley.

I really enjoyed this book. More than once I was tense with anticipation over Kyra's memories! To not remember the last few years of your life would be so traumatic. Excellent book!

don't plan to do anything until you've finished reading the twilight wife. when kyra's memory is stolen by an accident, it's hard to know what's real and what's not. deception,confusion, oh my. a total page turner.

Kyra Winthrop lives with her husband Jacob on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest. She is recovering from a traumatic brain injury as a result of a diving accident. She is struggling with memory issues and cannot remember her life four years prior to the accident. Her husband, aiding in her recovery, provides her with details of the memories that she cannot remember.

Kyra begins to have flashes of memories prior to her accident. Sometimes a scent or a person she meets in town provides her with glimpses of her past life. The combination of these memories and those provided by her husband have her struggling and confused in putting her history together. She becomes suspicious and begins to feel that the landscape of her past is disjointed.

This psychological thriller starts out calm and then midway shifts with unanticipated twists and turns. The book is well narrated and the story flows well. The details in Kyra’s flashback’s provide the backdrop to the tension that builds throughout the story. I enjoyed this novel!

**Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Simply put, this book absolutely floored me! I did NOT see the ending coming, and I was swept along with the emotions of the main character with every move she made. Her unlikely friendships made along the way and her turbulent thoughts and emotions created an ideal atmosphere for this type of story.

This was my first time reading A.J. Banner, but it will most definitely NOT be my last. I was intrigued, mad, frustrated, wistful, and confused all at the same time.

This was an honest to God 5 stars for me and I will absolutely, wholeheartedly recommend this book!

What would upset you more? Not being able to remember something that might be very important, or someone keeping a secret from you that might help you remember that very important something?
THE TWILIGHT WIFE by, A. J. Banner had an excellent beginning, making the reader start to wonder why Kyra doesn't show any memory of what has happened since her accident, or how she actually wound up where she was in the first place? Could the reason be that she would be afraid of what she might find out? Kyra even has to keep reminding herself of who to, and how long she has been married. And, what about that dream that keeps haunting her all the time? Why won't it let her rest? Why has four years just vanished from her life? Will she ever get those four years back?
I like the saying on page 71, "The past can't be changed." And the way Nancy brought out several things to the conversation that adds to a deeper story. I also liked what Jacob said on page 78 about the past. That really touched me. After that is when the mystery really deepened. What really happened on the dive? Can Kyra trust anyone? Could the reason be jealousy? A beautiful sad story of betrayal, loneliness, and guilt. A must read.

The Twilight Wife is the latest story from A. J. Banner. Warning, don't start this book without the time to read it as you will not want to put it down! Compelling and intense with twists and surprises. I enjoyed The Good Neighbor (Ms Banner's first novel) and gave it 5 stars in my review. Wish I could give The Twilight Wife at least 8 or 9 stars! I was given an early copy to review.

I loved this book. I would have read it straight through but life interfered. I was on the edge of my seat through the entire book. The characters were so interesting and we find out that memories can be deceiving. I would recommend this book to others in a heartbeat!!

Firstly, I received ARC of The Twilight Wife in exchange for an honest review.

A loving couple, a beautiful island home, what could be better? Things are not always what they seem. Gripping, you will never see it coming! It's been quite a while since I've been thrown for a loop by a book, it was a terrific spin.
By the end I found myself speaking out loud to Kyra, much the same way you might tell the person in a horror movie "Don't go in there".
Once again A.J. Banner does not disappoint.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this great book! Definitely a must-read for fans of the psychological thriller genre and very reminiscent of SJ Watson's Before I Go to Sleep. Only due to the fact that life interfered made me have to wait several days to finish this book - otherwise, I would have sat in one place until I finished!

Marine biologist Kyra suffered a traumatic brain injury while diving with her husband, Jacob. She has a complex form of amnesia where she has lost a 4-year period including the time before/after the accident. Her devoted husband takes her to his parents' old home on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest to recover. She starts having dreams or possible memory flashbacks and starts to question her relationship to her husband, her friends, and her own sanity.

No more details because the ride is such a good one that you don't want anyone to spoil it! Just make sure to pick up a copy and carve out some time. This book definitely makes me want to go back and read the author's first book, The Good Neighbor. Definitely a great writer!

I enjoy a well written psychological thriller and The Twilight Wife BLEW. ME. AWAY!! From the moment I turned on my kindle to read this gem I was completely captivated by the colossal twists and turns. The plot was extremely well developed and A.J. Banner has an incredible talent in spinning an intricate web that will leave you guessing until the very end. And speaking of the ending, I can honestly say I never saw that coming. I had a theory throughout the book and I'm not too proud to say I was waaaay wrong. The entire book was told through Kyra's perspective, which in my opinion added to the suspense-- loved that! I liked the writing style so much that after I finished The Twilight Wife I immediately went to Amazon and 1-clicked A.J. Banner's previous book (The Good Neighbor)!! Of course, I look forward to reading everything/anything Ms. Banner comes out with in the future. The Twilight Wife is a complete 5 star book that EVERYONE should read!! It's the perfect novel to get lost in-- I promise you won't regret it!!

THE TWILIGHT WIFE
by A.J. Banner
Publisher: Touchstone
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Release Date: December 27, 2016
Kyra Winthrop is a marine biologist who is recovering from a traumatic brain injury she received while on a dive three months prior. During her recovery, She, along with her husband Jacob, are living in his parents’ former home on idyllic Mystic Island in the NW Pacific.
But all is not what it appears to be as Kyra begins having flashes of memories, of a life that doesn’t add up to what she has been led to believe.
As Kyra’s memories slowly begin to return, the truth becomes a terrifying nightmare that’s there’s no waking up from.
The Twilight Wife is psychological thriller writing at its finest. Filled with lies, deception and a reach out and grab you, twist of an ending, it keeps you engaged until the very last page is read. I highly recommend this book.

O...M...G...!!! This book was AMAZING!!! I couldn't stop reading it, and I didn't want it to end!!! So many twists and turns - and I didn't even see the BIG one coming!! This book will pull you in completely!! I could relate with Kyra so much, I felt like I was her!

This is my 2nd AJ Banner book, and I will be a fan for life!!!

I really enjoyed The Twilight Wife. It was a well written story with an outcome I wasn't expecting. The main character, Kyra definitely surprised me in this book and I ended up really rooting for her to regain her memory. I love a good suspense novel that keeps me guessing and this one did for sure. I look forward to reading more books by AJ Banner.

Full of suspense and intrigue, The Twilight Wife kept me guessing even when I thought I had it figured out. Kyra is a woman with a missing past. Injured in a diving accident with her husband Jacob, she is left with a gap of 4 years suddenly gone from her memory. With near no recall of her life with Jacob, Kyra must take the information he gives her and try to piece it together with the sporadic bits and pieces that come back to her on their own. She has an idyllic life with her husband Jacob, living in a quaint little house off the beach -on a small and secluded island off the coast, and enjoying the pleasure and freedom of being off the grid. She tells herself she should be happy she's alive; the accident that took her memory could have killed her. However, while there's no telling when or even if her memory will fully restore itself, Kyra just can't shake the feeling that things aren't quite as they seem.

The Twilight Wife was a great mystery which should also appeal to readers who enjoy a good thriller. This book was easy to get into and hard to out down. For me personally, I enjoyed trying to make sense of Kyra's story alongside her, and felt the author did a really good job slipping her clues to us both at just the right times and in just the right ways. I was kept guessing, but it wasn't so completely hard to unravel that I felt stumped. There were some good twists and turns along the way though that I didn't see coming.

Thanks to Banner, her publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with this review opportunity. It's been a pleasure.

I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. This was a page turner and I finished it pretty quickly. The suspense was brilliantly paced and kept me guessing all the way to the last few chapters. I had a few ideas of what might be going on and one of my guesses ended up being right. I love the author's style of writing, it is efficient, not overly detailed, and holds my attention. Overall, this was a really good story and one I would definitely recommend reading if you enjoy suspense and being kept on the edge. I read this author's previous book and enjoyed it as well. I could see myself reading more books from this author as they are published since I've enjoyed the two I've read so far.

Love love love this book. Haven't stopped talking about it to all my friends.

Simply incredible! I read it in one setting, completely immersed in the characters and the plot. I felt like I was recovering from traumatic brain injury, going through Kyra's confusion, impatience, and frustrations with her, as I put together the clues from her flashes of memories. The Twilight Wife reminds me of both Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train, but, in my opinion, it is so much better. I think you have a best seller here!

People are going to love this book. It has best seller written all over it. It is a well paced mystery that has enough twists to keep you guessing but not so many that you're wtf-ing your way through it. Knocked off one star for being a teensy bit convoluted in the end and a few hanging plot lines but I really enjoyed the ride.