The Good Neighbor by AJ Banner
Description from Netgalley — “Shadow Cove, Washington, is the kind of town everyone dreams about—quaint streets, lush forests, good neighbors. That’s what Sarah thinks as she settles into life with her new husband, Dr. Johnny McDonald. But all too soon she discovers an undercurrent of deception. And one October evening when Johnny is away, sudden tragedy destroys Sarah’s happiness. Dazed and stricken with grief, she and Johnny begin to rebuild their shattered lives. As she picks up the pieces of her broken home, Sarah discovers a shocking secret that forces her to doubt everything she thought was true—about her neighbors, her friends, and even her marriage. With each stunning revelation, Sarah must ask herself, Can we ever really know the ones we love?” After reading the book and reflecting back on the description, I do suppose the plot and the description line up well; however, when I had read the description I was expecting a thriller or even a possible horror akin to The (original) Stepford Wives. I was expecting suspense and mystery. Instead, I got a fairly standard women’s fiction study of infidelity, insecurity, and loss against the backdrop of a mysterious fire/arson. It was fine but truly not very exciting. I suppose it was engaging enough that I finished it and I do remember the plot and the outcome (but not a single character’s name). It wasn’t my style of book but was relatively well-written. I think there’s an audience for it but, alas, I’m not it.
I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.