Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion

Discussion is open for the August group read of The Wife Between Us, with Dana as the discussion leader.

Please use spoiler tags if you are sharing any plot related surprises. Just type < spoiler > to start the spoiler and < / spoiler > to end the spoiler (remove the spaces for the html tag to work).

Posts should be exclusively about this book.

When you've finished, be sure to post in the "August Challenge: I Finished!" thread.

Hello everyone! I'm Dana and I'm going to be your discussion leader this month for the book The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen. Although I've read this book once, I will re-read it along with you so we can get through it together.

So the book has 3 parts. The first one is the longest and because there are 4 weeks I was thinking of dividing the first one into 2 sections.

For today and tomorrow I will give you some pre-questions for you to answer.

On Sunday the 4th until Saturday the 10th we will cover the prologue and the first 9 chapters of the book and I will ask you a few questions.

From Sunday 11th to Thursday 15th we will cover chapters 10-18.
From Friday 16th to Friday 23rd we will cover Part 2 of the book (Chapters 19-30).
From Saturday 24th to Friday 30th we will discuss Part 3 and the epilogue of this book.
And on the last 2 days of the month I will ask you questions about your thoughts towards the book (like things about characters, favourite parts of the book and so on).


But first things first!
1. Do you like/love thriller books?
a. If your answer is yes, which ones are your favourites?
b. If not (or if you haven't read thrillers yet), what determined you to read "The Wife between Us"?
2. What are your expectations for this book? For example, I would love this book to help me learn what to avoid when I'm in a relationship and how to realize if it's toxic and when to let go. (I gave this example because this book is a psychological thriller).

I will also answer my questions:

1. Do you like/love thriller books?
A: I love thriller books! It's my favourite genre (I also love fantasy books).
My favourite thriller books (that I also recommend) are: , , , .

I don’t read thrillers often, but I loved The Girl on the Train, and the movie adaptation of A Simple Favor was a hoot. So I thought why not? My library had the ebook and audiobook available just in time for me to join the monthly read too!

Now, I’m only on chapter 5, but already Richard is such a dooouuuuuche! I hope lots of horrible things happen to him.

I read this book about three months ago, so hopefully I'll remember enough to participate in the discussion...

I like some thrillers. I think "Gone Girl" was one that got me into the genre, when I hadn't really read them before. I don't think I've really loved (given five stars to) any of the thrillers I've read, but I'm open to continue mixing them into my reading.

I read this book because I saw a lot of people on here reading it and it was available on my Hoopla app. :)

I like thrillers but haven’t read that many of them. It wasn’t until I joined online book clubs that I really started reading them. My favorite is probably Gone Girl. I’ve read some good ones since then but that one blew my mind. I’m expecting a good twist from the book. That’s my favorite part of a good thriller.

1. I do like thriller books. The first one I read was "Girl With a Dragon Tatoo" a couple of years ago. I think I read it for one of the Popsugar prompts. :) I don't read a lot of thrillers, but I like to mix them into my rotation every now and again.

2. I did not have any expectations for this book, other than to be a fun quick read, and it definitely met that expectation. I'm almost done with it!

Great! What are everyone's opinion by now and how far are you in the book?

I will add the next questions soon!

Lesley wrote: "I like thrillers but haven’t read that many of them. It wasn’t until I joined online book clubs that I really started reading them. My favorite is probably Gone Girl. I’ve read some good ones since..."

Gone Girl must have been a big hook for people to start reading more thrillers. I saw the movie first, then really enjoyed following it up with the book to get more details.

It looks like they're making a movie of The Wife Between Us, but I can't tell when it's supposed to come out. Does anyone know? Would you want to watch it after reading the book? I'd be curious if they'd keep the twists the same or change it up...

Lauren wrote: "Lesley wrote: "I like thrillers but haven’t read that many of them. It wasn’t until I joined online book clubs that I really started reading them. My favorite is probably Gone Girl. I’ve read some ..."

I didn't knew that, but I'd really like to see it.

Dana wrote: "Great! What are everyone's opinion by now and how far are you in the book?

I will add the next questions soon!"

I've really enjoyed it. I'm pretty tired today because I stayed up waaaaay past my bedtime reading it. I'm about halfway through Part 3, so I've almost finished.

Will probably start this one next weekend! I actually have a personally inscribed copy that I obtained in April 2018 when I met them at the Christamore House Guild Book & Author Luncheon in Indianapolis, IN. I am so anxious to see what I think! It is amazing to me that they can write together when they live quite a distance apart!

1) I do love a good thriller, though I think I am more into "mysteries" than thrillers. I find some thrillers to be a bit too scary for me. So I am careful about my selections.

1. a) I love Alafair Burke's Ellie Hatcher series, Samantha Kincaid series, and her stand-alones. (I have yet to read one of the books she co-wrote with Mary Higgins Clark.) I love Jane Harper's books, though the first one of hers I read, The Dry, was almost too creepy. (I'm such a wuss!) I have really enjoyed both books by Karen M. McManus that I've read. I really enjoyed The Woman in the Window and I enjoyed The Girl on the Train until the ending which really did not work for me.

2) I trust it will be enjoyable. And I always hope for a good mystery!

Lauren wrote: "Lesley wrote: "I like thrillers but haven’t read that many of them. It wasn’t until I joined online book clubs that I really started reading them. My favorite is probably Gone Girl. I’ve read some ..."

IMDb can usually be relied on to report movies in the works, even the ones in early development. The site doesn't have anything for an upcoming movie of this book, although the database lists both authors. That implies that they're in the early talking stages: no one cast, no studio signed on, etc.

1. Do you like/love thriller books? I do if they are done well. I read more mysteries than thrillers, though.
a. If your answer is yes, which ones are your favourites?
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
You by Caroline Kepnes
The Robert Langdon series by Dan Brown
Rizzoli & Isles series by Tess Gerritsen
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series by Steig Larsson
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

2. What are your expectations for this book? I don't have any expectations really. It seems like a lot of people love the book, but there are many that have not been as thrilled (pun intended). So we'll see where I fall. I am planning to start the book tonight.

Hey!
NOPE, I do NOT usually like Thrillers. (Unless they also include a supernatural element). I've read a few, of course, but this is NOT the 1st genre I gravitate towards.
In fact, I tried to AVOID reading this book! BUT then...Every. Single. Book. Group. I. Belong. To. Is. Reading. THIS. BOOK.
So, having been avoiding the book in about 6 other reading groups, I finally caved when yet again, it was being read in August. I got myself an Amazon gift card, got the 11$ kindle edition, and here I am....Really enjoying the book MUCH MORE than I thought that I would, actually! So, at 16% into the novel, I remain pleasantly surprised! --Jen from Quebec :0)

I read this one a few months ago because I love thrillers. I really enjoyed this book so buckle in and just enjoy the ride. :)

I enjoy thrillers, but they're not usually something I pick up all on my own, with the exception of Gillian Flynn, I'd read just about anything if she wrote it.

Usually, it's group reads or prompts that get me to pick these up.

My copy of The Wife Between Us is in my hold locker at the library as we speak, so I'll grab it tonight and hopefully get into it this weekend.

I have no knowledge of anything about this book going into it, so I have no expectations good or bad.

Okay, guys! The next set of questions where we cover the prologue and chapters 1-9 from part I of the book:

*Before answering, remember to put any spoilers into the spoiler tag!*

1. Which character do you like more? Nellie or Vanessa?
2. Have you noticed anything "weird" or out-of-place in both of their lives?
3. What are all of your assumptions so far? Spill every idea that goes through your mind! Again, use the spoiler tags!
4. Which chapter hooked you the most so far and why?

Prologue/Ch 1-9
1. Which character do you like more? Nellie or Vanessa?
Nellie so far, as she seems to be sweet and innocent, although struggling with the different social class into which she is now placed and something terrible from her past. Vanessa is (view spoiler)[broken and stalkerish and possibly dangerous (hide spoiler)], but I feel sorry for her.
2. Have you noticed anything "weird" or out-of-place in both of their lives?
They both seem to have had difficult pasts and secrets, and Richard seems to be their rescuer.
3. What are all of your assumptions so far? Spill every idea that goes through your mind! Again, use the spoiler tags!
I'm intrigued so far and have no idea where this is going (just as a good thriller should be). (view spoiler)[I get the sense that there is something behind the urgency to have children, and perhaps weird issues around that. But it could also be completely normal. And I don't trust Richard as really having the best interests of his women at heart - he comes across as "too perfect" which means he's likely anything but. (hide spoiler)]
4. Which chapter hooked you the most so far and why?
I don't have the book on hand, but so far the chapters with Vanessa are the most interesting to me.

Christine wrote: "I don’t read thrillers often, but I loved The Girl on the Train, and the movie adaptation of A Simple Favor was a hoot. So I thought why not? My library had the ebook and audiobook available just i..."

I loved The Girl on The Train too!

I didn't get a chance to answer the first set of questions so I'll do them all now.

Pre-Reading
1. Do you like/love thriller books? I love thrillers! My favourites from recent reads are The Woman in the Window and An Anonymous Girl.
2. What are your expectations for this book? I loved the way the characters developed in An Anonymous Girl by the same authors and I am expecting more insights from this book on how people react in certain situations.

Prologue/Chapter 1-9
1. Which character do you like more? Nellie or Vanessa? So far I like Nellie more but I also feel bad for Vanessa
2. Have you noticed anything "weird" or out-of-place in both of their lives? There are (view spoiler)[a lot of parallels in their lives - as if Nellie is following through Vanessa's foosteps unwillingly. Both of them have a secret from the past. Richard seems to be the charming man every woman wants but there seems to be something off abut him. (hide spoiler)]
3. What are all of your assumptions so far? Spill every idea that goes through your mind! Again, use the spoiler tags! I can't guess what exactly the deal is but (view spoiler)[I am certain Richard is not the prince charming he seems to be. Nellie seems to have been attacked in the past which has made her extra cautous but a lot of behaviour is much more compulsive to only count for that. there has to be something else at play here. Also, Richard mentioned Nellie should start painting and Aunt Charlotte paints. Is that a connection that will bring the women closer? (hide spoiler)]
4. Which chapter hooked you the most so far and why? 7th and 8th because (view spoiler)[ we find out a lot more about the women's pasts in these chapters

I may have gone overboard with spoilers but I wanted to make sure to not reveal anything that would spoil the book for anyone. (hide spoiler)]

Nitz wrote: "I didn't get a chance to answer the first set of questions so I'll do them all now.

Pre-Reading
1. Do you like/love thriller books? I love thrillers! My favourites from recent reads are [book:The ..."

It's totaly fine! Use how many spoiler tags you need!

Also, I'm enjoying everybody's answers until now!

Prologue/Chapters 1-9

So far I like Vanessa because I feel so sorry for her. She seems so lost and unhappy. I don’t mind Nellie but her naïveté is really problematic.

I don’t understand why (view spoiler)[ she can’t see how manipulative Richard is. Alarm bells are going off left and right for me. He’s controlling and he’s jealous. I can’t stand him and I am worried about her. I worry about Vanessa too with how obsessed she seems to be with him. (view spoiler)[

So far I’m really enjoying it. Waiting for a good twist in the story. (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

I've just read the first 10 pages because I am behind on reading other books for IRL book club meetings next weekend, but I'm already hooked! Love the writing and particularly their word choices!

1. Which character do you like more? Nellie or Vanessa?
I'm not getting too attached to either of them, my suspicion is on high so I'm finding it hard to see them as anything other than suspects!

2. Have you noticed anything "weird" or out-of-place in both of their lives?
I mean Richard is a tool. (view spoiler)[I'm not sure why either of them are cool with the way he treats/ed them, maybe it's their past issues? (hide spoiler)]

3. What are all of your assumptions so far? Spill every idea that goes through your mind! Again, use the spoiler tags!
(view spoiler)[I don't think that the woman that Nellie noticed at the daycare is Vanessa. I think this is much deeper than just the two of them. I also enjoy the different POV styles (Vanessa is 1st person and Nellie is 3rd person - limited I think). Also that Richard is a much deeper brand of evil than we have even begun to see. Really hope he gets his comeuppance. (hide spoiler)]

4. Which chapter hooked you the most so far and why?
Not sure I have a favourite, enjoying getting sucked into the story though.

Argh I don't know what to think of Vanessa, I don't want her to be the bad guy here, for the most part her narration seems honest and complete, but then she goes and says shit like this (view spoiler)["The phone calls, the watching, the other things I've done..." so just how far over the line is she really going??? (hide spoiler)]

I determined that I was going to strictly follow the reading schedule because it is a pain to answer questions if I've read ahead. But I finished this week's reading last night, and it is killing me to stop. This is a test of endurance for sure. :)

Teri wrote: "I determined that I was going to strictly follow the reading schedule because it is a pain to answer questions if I've read ahead. But I finished this week's reading last night, and it is killing m..."

It sure is! And you do whatever works best for you ;).

On 15th my time when I'll get home I'll post the next questions.

No way! My reading time is so limited, mainly just to weekends, that I would be finishing it! Besides, I wouldn't have the willpower to stop! :)

It helps that I have a couple other books going as well.

Teri wrote: "I determined that I was going to strictly follow the reading schedule because it is a pain to answer questions if I've read ahead. But I finished this week's reading last night, and it is killing m..."

I admire your will power! I finished my reading for the first week, answered the questions and then waited less than a day to pick it up again and read the entire book

Hey guys!

Time for the next round of questions from Part 1, chapters 10-18 (the remaining of part 1):

1. Did you expected that twist? If you had, when and how did you realised?
2. So far, do you think that (view spoiler)[Richard is guilted for how Vanessa ended up? (hide spoiler)]
3. Tell me your opinion about Samantha. Would you like to have her as your friend?
4. Do you like this book so far? How would you rate it until this moment?

1. Did you expect that twist? If you had, when and how did you realised?
A few pages before, I was pretty certain that (view spoiler)[Nellie was not the replacement for Vanessa. I didn't get that they were the same person, but with all of the "Her schedule was easy to find" there was no way that Vanessa would keep missing Nellie (ie at the restaurant). (hide spoiler)]

2. So far, do you think that (view spoiler)[Richard is guilted for how Vanessa ended up? (hide spoiler)]
Not one bit.
Edit: Do we mean "does he feel bad?" or "is he responsible?". Answers are no and yes respectively.

3. Tell me your opinion about Samantha. Would you like to have her as your friend?
Hell yes, she's awesome. - Loved the poem she wrote.

4. Do you like this book so far? How would you rate it until this moment?
I really enjoyed it to the end of chapter 18. I literally put the book down and was like OMG what just happened.

So unfortunately the first twist was ruined for me because (view spoiler)[ I noticed in the description of the book here on Goodreads that Nellie was not on the characters list. They should have listed the name to avoid giving that away! (hide spoiler)]

Lauren wrote: "So unfortunately the first twist was ruined for me because [spoilers removed]"

I didn't even noticed this. You are right!

1. Did you expected that twist? If you had, when and how did you realised?
I knew something was wrong (view spoiler)[about the assumption of Nellie being the new wife because Vanessa missed her at the restaurant. I noticed a couple of places where there are a lot of similarities between the two for instance both of them talk about their chalky complexion but I had attributed that to Richard having a type (hide spoiler)]
2. So far, do you think that (view spoiler)[[Richard is guilted for how Vanessa ended up?] (hide spoiler)]
Yes definitely.
3. Tell me your opinion about Samantha. Would you like to have her as your friend?
I love Samantha! She's such an awesome person and friend.
4. Do you like this book so far? How would you rate it until this moment?
I would rate it 4/5.

1. Did you expected that twist? If you had, when and how did you realised?
(view spoiler)[I usually make notes of characters when I start a new book as I'm old and easily forgetful. I had initially had Nellie and Vanessa as the same person when I started the list, but I can't remember why I thought so. After a couple of chapters, I revised my list to separate them. Should have gone with my first instinct. (hide spoiler)]

2. So far, do you think that (view spoiler)? (view spoiler)[There is something really creepy about the guy. He is likely responsible, and he likely doesn't feel a bit bad about it. And don't ever get involved with a guy who decides to call you "Nellie" because you are a nervous flier. It's demeaning. (hide spoiler)]

3. Tell me your opinion about Samantha. Would you like to have her as your friend? She obviously really cares about her friend and is very supportive. We all need friends like that.

4. Do you like this book so far? How would you rate it until this moment?I'm enjoying it immensely and cannot wait to see what comes next. I'd give it 4 stars.

Teri wrote: "... And don't ever (view spoiler)[get involved with a guy who decides to call you "Nellie" because you are a nervous flier. It's demeaning. (hide spoiler)]..."


Honestly. What a dick move, right?

Dana wrote: "Okay, guys! The next set of questions where we cover the prologue and chapters 1-9 from part I of the book:

*Before answering, remember to put any spoilers into the spoiler tag!*

1. Which charact..."

I'm just at chapter 8! Maybe I'll get through #9 this evening! :)

I'm a bit behind, so will answer the first set of questions ref. Chapters 1-9 without reading everyone else's comments first. :)

1. Which character do you like more? Nellie or Vanessa?
I believe it is rather obvious that we are supposed to "like"/connect with Nellie. Thus far, she is depicted as the 'victim' and the 'girl-next-door type'. We have been presented with no details regarding what Vanessa keeps referring to as her betrayal of Richard, or at least that's how I am interpreting it, so I am trying my best to withhold judgement of her. Perhaps because I was betrayed in my first marriage and I know how that feels. I keep thinking to myself. Who knows? I might be just as obsessive if put in the same situation.

However, although these two women are the main focus in many ways...there is something about Richard I just don't trust. He seems very manipulative to me. But then, I guess I distrust most males, especially with regard to relationships...an after-effect of that first marriage! :) (view spoiler)[Like when he sat with his 'sister', Maureen, across from Nellie at the restaurant. That seemed a little strange to me, as if he was purposefully isolating Nellie. I also questioned his relationship with Maureen. Are they REALLY brother/sister? But what else could they be? There is no reason for him to deceive either Vanessa or Nellie, is there? (hide spoiler)]

2. Have you noticed anything "weird" or out-of-place in both of their lives?
Hmmmm... Interesting question. Of course, I immediately think, "Well, they did both fall in love with Richard..." I do believe Vanessa is self-medicating with alcohol. It seems the reader is to assume she suffers from anxiety/obsessiveness and maybe depression. Her mother certainly had emotional challenges; I am guessing depression from the descriptions of her symptoms we have received thus far. Neither of them has parents or a good relationship with their parents. And Richard is significantly older than Nellie. (Same age difference as that between myself and my husband.) It would appear that neither of them is accustomed to the level of financial resources that Richard has. I guess if there is something else that is significant I am missing it. I am no great sleuth, which I believe is one reason I enjoy mysteries/thrillers so much. I rarely have it all figured out and if I did, then it would be boring, wouldn't it? ;) I just appreciate the ride!

3. What are all of your assumptions so far? Spill every idea that goes through your mind! Again, use the spoiler tags!
My main assumption is that (view spoiler)[Vanessa is going to directly contact Nellie in some manner to try to prevent her from marrying Richard. I assume she is the one who called the photographer. I keep thinking Vanessa is going to go over the edge and try to harm Nellie in some way or even try to kill her. And then I keep wondering why she doesn't feel that same anger toward Richard. Though I also assume she blames herself for whatever she did that seemingly broke up their marriage. (I have a vision of that scene early on where she is headed to the wine cellar, knowing that the case of wine is no there. Why?!? Why is it not there? Did she sell it and pocket the money? Did she drink it all? So many questions about that.) (hide spoiler)] I keep thinking all these assumptions are misplaced...but I cannot determine how that could be either! Fun stuff!

4. Which chapter hooked you the most so far and why?
I suppose Chapter 9 since that was the spookiest to me.

Nitz wrote: "I didn't get a chance to answer the first set of questions so I'll do them all now.

Pre-Reading
1. Do you like/love thriller books? I love thrillers! My favourites from recent reads are [book:The ..."

That's right! Both of them have secrets from the past! I don't believe (view spoiler)[Nellie's registered with me as much simply because I feel as if it was sexual assault of some sort and that is so common... (hide spoiler)]

Lynn wrote: "I'm a bit behind, so will answer the first set of questions ref. Chapters 1-9 without reading everyone else's comments first. :)

1. Which character do you like more? Nellie or Vanessa?
I believe i..."

I'm so sorry for that first marriage. :( I have never been married, but I know how it is to be betrayed by men and how hard it is to trust men after that.

But anyway, to answer this question of yours: I rarely have it all figured out and if I did, then it would be boring, wouldn't it? I'd say that it is not boring as it is dissapointing.
When I read thrillers or mysteries in general I make many assumptions and almost or most of the times I guess some of them. But I still love that book if it's good, and the ending is still great. I am mostly something like: "I KNEW IT!" :)) but in the same time the pleasure isn't that high because you already expected that, it's not like when a twist sweeps you off your feet and your jaw drops.

But yeah, I love your answers. A few things you got right, the others aren't true. But you'll discover as you go on.

^_^

Dana wrote: "Lynn wrote: "I'm a bit behind, so will answer the first set of questions ref. Chapters 1-9 without reading everyone else's comments first. :)

1. Which character do you like more? Nellie or Vanessa..."

And I love your comment:
A few things you got right, the others aren't true. But you'll discover as you go on.
Yikes! Now I'll be questioning what was correct and what was incorrect! ;) Thanks!

Dana wrote: "Lynn wrote: "I'm a bit behind, so will answer the first set of questions ref. Chapters 1-9 without reading everyone else's comments first. :)

1. Which character do you like more? Nellie or Vanessa..."

Oh, and regarding that marriage? Honestly, IMHO, the only difference between a relationship and "marriage" is the paperwork. A marriage is only as good and long as each spouse wishes it to be! :) Lots of lessons learned in that one... I do my best not to regret, but consider it my opportunity to live and learn! Besides, it is the negative experiences that tend to teach us the most, IMO!

Teri wrote: "It helps that I have a couple other books going as well."

But still... This is why I only listened to a couple of mysteries on audio. I couldn't stand having to get out of the car when I got to work, etc.! I just wanted to keep going. Whereas, when I'm reading a real live book, I have no choice, I must put it down. ;) Hmmm...maybe I'm a bit obsessive? ;)

Time for the next set of questions! Part 2 (chapters 19-30):

1. Tell me your opinion about Emma. Do you like her or not?

2. Make a comparison between what you thought about Vanessa in the beginning and what you think about her now. Is there a difference? What changed your mind about her?

3. Tell me your thoughts about chapter 24 (view spoiler)[(about young Vanessa and Daniel, and Maggie) (hide spoiler)]. Use the spoiler tags.

4. Tell me all your thoughts and assumptions about Part 2. Use the spoilers tags where needed.

Lynn wrote: "Dana wrote: "Lynn wrote: "I'm a bit behind, so will answer the first set of questions ref. Chapters 1-9 without reading everyone else's comments first. :)

1. Which character do you like more? Nell..."

That's very true!

Lynn wrote: "Teri wrote: "It helps that I have a couple other books going as well."

But still... This is why I only listened to a couple of mysteries on audio. I couldn't stand having to get out of the car whe..."

We all are when we read good books. I know the feeling.

HUH!! Well....I am on chapter 23, and now I feel like I must return to the 1st page and re-read these 23 chapters to ensure that I'm fully understanding what is happening, you know?!? --Jen from Quebec :0)

Jen from Quebec :0) wrote: "HUH!! Well....I am on chapter 23, and now I feel like I must return to the 1st page and re-read these 23 chapters to ensure that I'm fully understanding what is happening, you know?!? --Jen from Qu..."

Yeah, I perfectly understand you!