If you’re thinking of reading The Dilemma by BA Paris which is published by Harper Collins, then make your favourite drink, have a supply of your favourite biscuits to hand and make sure you’re sitting comfortably, because you won’t want to move until you’ve read this book from cover to cover. You will be drawn into this heart-wrenching tale of relationships, choices and love, and be taken on a roller-coaster of emotions as you pick your way through the complexities created by secrets, lies and the (sometimes terrible) decisions of the characters. The route cause of all of this chaos: a 40th birthday party! Intrigued? You will be!
This novel is a new direction for Paris and she has you hooked from the outset. Well, that’s if you count reading into the early hours of the night, when the last vestiges of the new year’s eve fireworks have fizzled and faded and the chocolate has all gone, as hooked!
What I thought of the book
The narrative flips between the two main characters: Livia and Adam, who are married so that you see the world through two sets of eyes. Livia has been waiting for, and organising, this party for as long as she can remember and the pressure is on for Adam to make sure that it’s perfect for her. He owes it to her in more ways than one, but just how far is he prepared to go? Adam and Livia seem to have it all: they have a beautiful home and a beautiful (if somewhat complicated and fractured) family, which includes their two children, Marnie and Josh, and their extended family and friends. All of the ingredients for the perfect party! Or so you would think! Livia is planning the celebration of the century, but it’s more than just a party to her. It is her one opportunity to be self-indulgent; to make up for the sacrifices she has made and the past which sneaks up and plays mind games with her. However, party-planning rarely goes smoothly and when the event arrives, it’s a veritable boiling pot of emotions and pain waiting to erupt. Unfortunately for Livia, life doesn’t stop just so that you can have the perfect evening and betrayal can come from even those you hold the dearest to you.
Will the party be worth the hours of meticulous planning and the extravagance? Will Livia have the best night of her life? It certainly becomes one that she won’t ever forget and neither will those close and dear to her. The plot is not a complex one, yet you find yourself turning the pages with trepidation desperately hoping that things will work out as the party draws near for the characters that Paris has invited you to love. You will be hooked by the decisions that have to be made, the hearts which are poised to be broken and the level of secrecy that will make you turn the pages, hoping that relationships can be salvaged and lives will not be destroyed forever.
How much is the book and how can you buy it?
The hardback edition of The Dilemma by BA Paris retails for £9.09 while the ebook retails at £0.69. Buy a copy of either format here.
About the author
B A Paris is the internationally bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors, The Breakdown and Bring Me Back. Having sold over one million copies in the UK alone, she is a New York Times bestseller as well as a number one bestseller on Amazon and iBooks. Her books have sold in 38 territories around the world.
From a Franco-Irish background, she was brought up in England and moved to France where she spent some years working as a trader in an international bank. She then re-trained as a teacher and set up a language school with her husband. Having lived in France for many years, she and her husband recently moved back to the UK. She has five daughters.
Her fourth novel will be out in 2020.
About the book
Author: BA Paris
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 9780008244903
Trim Size: 240x159mm
Pages: 352
Review by: Row Jukes
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* Disclaimer: We were given a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.
18 comments
This book is really interesting, from your review it is clear the depth of the book as well as what reminds me of what I love to read.
How wonderful that you thought that Cristina, that was my exact intention
I am actually looking for a new read, this came right on time! Looks very interesting actually. I will check it out this weekend. Thank you.
Thanks Chad, new read and it is time to get new books to read
I’m always looking for a new book. I will definitely have to check this one out!
Please do Heather, it is a good read
I read the book by BA Paris called Behind closed doors so I’m sure I would like this one.
How wonderful Ashley, hope you liked her other book
Sounds like a great read! I love the intro on the cover…immediately caught my attention. I’ll have to check this one out!
So glad it did, hope you do get a copy of the book
This sounds like an interesting read. I do like books that make you want to read them from start to finish in one day! Although with the kids and two jobs I tend to only listen to audio books in the car.
Audio books are great, but we still prefer paperback books as we set time to read it before bedtime
I haven’t read books by this author yet, but I might get a copy and see how it all turns out. Your review left me wondering for sure! I really like books that have a dual point of view.
Thank you for your kind words Ave. Glad you enjoyed our review
Reading your review made me want to read that book asap. It looks very engaging. I am getting a copy of that this weekend. Thank you for this book recommendation.
Your welcome, lots of people have new year resolution to read a new book so this is perfect to add to the reading list
That looks like a great book to read. I will definitely check that out.
Please do Agnes, I enjoyed reading it