(65)The Dilemma by B.A. Paris

Saturday, July 18, 2020



Livia has been planning her 40th birthday for years. Really, ever since she was forced to give up the wedding of her dreams. Now the day is here, the day that she has been planning for so long, but she is not as excited as she thought she would be. In fact, she is relieved that her daughter won't be able to attend. Livia has been keeping a secret about their daughter from her husband, Adam. She has a dilemma, she knows that she has to tell Adam her secret, but can't she wait until after her birthday? 

Adam has a big surprise for Livia. He knows how important it is for his wife to have both of their children home for her 40th birthday. So he has arranged for their daughter, Marnie, to fly home for Livia's birthday. But then he hears tragic news that he knows will destroy Livia. His dilemma is does he tell her before the party or let her enjoy the birthday she has been planning for years? And what will happen to their marriage when Livia does find out?

The Dilemma was the first book by B.A Paris that wasn't a complete thriller. Instead the author explores the moral ambiguity of secrets in a marriage. The story is told in alternating chapters with both Livia and Adam narrating.  Both Livia and Adam were being torn up by their secrets. They both wanted to protect each other from the devastation the secret would bring the other, but at what cost?  Adam's secret was much more devastating, but I could understand why he did it. It was out of love for his wife. He wanted to give her the last bit of happiness she would have for quite some time. But I also understand how a secret of that magnitude could destroy a marriage. - CLICK HERE FOR SPOILERS  There was no happy ending to this book, there was only survival. 

Bottom Line - While The Dilemma wasn't exactly the kind of book I have come to expect from B.A. Paris, it was still very good and worth the read. 

Details: 
  • The Dilemma by B.A. Paris
  • On Facebook
  • Pages: 352
  • Publisher: St. Martin's Press
  • Publication Date: 6/30/2020
  • Buy it Here!
  • Thank you to NetGalley for the free book in exchange for an honest review. 

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