If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins Published by HQN Books Publication Date: August 25th 2015
Pages: 416
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Sisterhood in all its drama, hilarity and tears is at the heart of New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins's thoroughly captivating new novel, featuring the wit and romance that readers have come to expect from the much-loved creator of the Blue Heron series... Wedding-dress designer Jenny Tate understands the happily-ever-after business, yet somehow she's still involved in her ex-husband's life. In fact, Owen's new wife mayβinexplicablyβbe Jenny's new best friend. Sensing this, well, relationship isn't helping her move on, Jenny trades the Manhattan skyline for her hometown up the Hudson, where she'll be able to bask in her sister Rachel's picture-perfect family lifeβ¦and hopefully make one of her own. Her timing couldn't be more perfect, since Rachel will need her younger sister. Her idyllic marriage has just fallen to pieces in spectacular fashion after she discovers her husband sexting with one of his colleagues. Second chances aren't in Rachel's nature, but the desire for an intact family has her rethinking her stance on adultery, much to Jenny's surprise. Rachel points to their parents' "perfect" marriage as a shining example, but to protect her sister Jenny may have to tarnish that memoryβand their relationshipΒβand reveal a secret about their family she's been keeping since childhood. During this summer of secrets and lies, temptation and revelation, Jenny and Rachel will rely on each other to find the humor in their personal catastrophes, the joy in their triumphsβ¦and the strength to keep hanging on.
Let me preface this review by saying you are not likely to see a bad review of a Kristin Higgins book from me. I LOVE her books. However, I am still objective and this book was fabulous! Higgins writes with such wit but at the same time such compassion for her characters. Her characters are always well-developed and likeable. If You Only Knew is no exception.
Jenny is an accomplished wedding dress designer with a seemingly perfect ex-husband who now has a perfect second wife and baby. She also has a sister she loves & three nieces she adores. When she moves back to her home town she also acquires a new (not so competent) super in her new apartment building.
Rachel is Jennyβs sister and has a pretty perfect lifeβuntil one day, she doesnβt. Jenny does her best to support Rachel while maintaining her business and trying to woo Leo, the super/piano teacher. Leo is very mysterious and constantly warns Jenny that he is βfor recreation onlyβ, but you know we girls donβt heed warnings like that!
This book will have readers laughing out loud (as all of Higginsβ books do) and crying at other times. I really felt for Rachelβs situation and loved Jennyβs dedication to her sister. I enjoyed all of the humor, as well as the touching moments of this book and I know anyone else who reads it will too. Until the next one, Kristin! Cheers!
