Title: THE SILENT BRIDE
Author: Shalini Boland
ISBN: 978 1662 5070 83
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Source: Review copy from the Author / NetGalley
In this chilling story from the bestselling author of The Secret Mother, it’s the wedding day of Alice’s dreams. Until it becomes a nightmare…
Alice and Seth are a perfect love story: the handsome doctor and his beautiful fiancée. They’re wealthy, well liked and made for each other—the envy of all their friends. Alice can’t wait for the day of their dream wedding. But when she arrives at the altar, she doesn’t recognise the man waiting to marry her.
When this stranger insists he’s Seth, her husband-to-be, the entire congregation seems to agree. Even her parents try to persuade Alice to go through with the wedding.
As panic sets in, Alice’s world comes apart. Where is the real Seth, and why have all traces of him disappeared from her life? Fearing she’s losing her mind, she sets out to uncover the truth and escape the nightmare she’s living in. But with everyone around her convinced by the fake Seth, how can she ever hope to find the man she loves?
Official Summary
30 January 2023
If you are a Boland fan you will know that you can expect a twisty psychological thriller with realistic characters when you reach for one of her books. This was my fifth book by Shalini Boland and this is my favourite so far. If you haven’t read any of this author’s work, you are in for a treat when you add her to your TBR.
The author reached out with a NetGalley ARC copy of this book and wow what a brilliant read – thank you for this review copy.
The Silent Bride tells the story of a bride walking down the aisle on her wedding day, excited by her big day and eager to start her new life. When she looks up and sees her groom, she does not recognise him. No matter what anyone else may say, she is convinced that he is not the man she was planning to marry….
Can you imagine?
Shalini Boland’s characters are brilliant. She creates realistic, relatable people who you find yourself identifying with. Then she adds a situation that is beyond imagination and ties it all together with a fantastic twist at the end. The Silent Bride is exactly that.
Alice has not had a lot of success with relationships. When she meets Seth, that all changes – he is the perfect boyfriend and when after only a year of dating he proposes she is a hundred percent sure that he is the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with. Walking down the aisle, Alice cannot wait to start her life with Seth – she knows it will be perfect. Until she looks up to face her groom and finds that she does not recognise the man waiting for her at the altar.
Panicked she runs from the church, confused that no-one else sees the problem. This new “Seth” unsettles her and she cannot stand to be in the same room with him. Desperate to understand what is happening she is forced to lean on her friends and family until she can find out what is happening.
I raced through this book in two days (while working full day) I could not read fast enough. This is a gripping story full of surprises as you jump between then and now, trying to understand what is happening to Alice. The constant confusion this woman faces keeps you flicking the pages. I loved it.
The characters are all realistic and relatable. There is a nice mixture of personalities and you are sure to find someone in this story you will love. Alice is a brilliant creation. This young woman seems to go from one disastrous relationship to the next. I enjoy her drive to understand what was happening and her courage to stand up for herself when it mattered most.
This is a book that has cemented its place on my top ten for the year already. I loved this book and will most likely pick this one as my book of the month.
If you enjoy a twisty psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat as you race towards the last page, then you will not go wrong in reaching for this book. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is a fabulous read and without a doubt my favourite Shalini Boland book so far. Go ahead, and add this one to your TBR you will not be disappointed.
Also by Shalini Boland
The Daughter In Law
Your new husband has a shocking secret. Would your mother-in-law kill to protect it?
From the moment I meet my new mother-in-law in her beautiful country house, she makes it clear I’m not welcome. Lilian Fletcher hates me for marrying her precious boy on a golden beach far away from her.
Starting our marriage living in the Fletchers’ family home is a nightmare. Lilian’s steely blue gaze follows me everywhere. Then the accidents start to happen, and I know she is behind them. It starts with small things, like a dropped birthday cake, a spilt glass of wine. But then my mother-in-law accuses me of something terrible. This woman is determined to get me out of her son’s life.
Now I wish I’d never met my handsome, clever husband. Or come to this luxurious house that feels more like a prison.
But I have secrets too. And no-one knows who I really am…
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Books and music are my passion and I’ve always been a writer in some shape or form. Before children, I was signed to Universal Music as a singer/songwriter. But that all seems like several lifetimes ago.
Now I combine motherhood with writing fiction. I write the kinds of books I love to read – suspenseful thrillers and gripping adventures.
A huge thank you to Shalini Boland for reaching out with a copy of this book. I think this is my favourite Shalini Boland book so far. I am determined to read more of this author’s books during 2023. Are you a fan? Which is your favourite book? Leave a comment below and I will add it to my wish list. Until next time…Happy Reading!
