Published By: Macmillan
Pages: 368
Released On: 04/06/2026
Four hours after saying ‘I do,’ he was gone.
Twelve years ago, Carrie married Johan on a beach in Thailand. But as the sun set on their perfect day, armed men swarmed the island and her husband was taken, never to be seen again.
Carrie is now happily remarried; a mother of two. The past is firmly behind her – until she stumbles across Johan by accident online. He is alive and well.
As the memories of their passionate relationship flood back, Carrie is compelled to find out what happened on that beach, and why Johan never got in contact.
The man who promised her a lifetime of love is now a mystery she must solve. But are the answers worth risking her marriage, her family, and the life she fought so hard to rebuild?
The truth, it turns out, is more shocking than any lie . . .
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I was so absorbed by this that I forgot to make notes for my review whilst reading it.
It was so good. It took me longer to read than it normally would but I think that’s because it’s so layered that it demands your full attention.
I initially thought it would be quite a light-hearted, fun romcom, and whilst there is that, it’s got so much more depth that it’s a really thought-provoking story.
I loved how she has given us the present scenes, but instead of just adding the odd flashback, she’s given us big chunks of background scenes, so it’s like two stories in one and I ended up loving both parts to it.
I think she’s written two books so far, with the second one being one of my favourites, and they get better with each one, and this is no different. So with that trajectory in mind, the next one should be even better.
It’s not a thriller, nowhere near, but it still has plenty of twists and turns I couldn’t see coming.
The characters are all marvellous. There are some proper baddies who we don’t like, but even they are quite likeable in a weird way. But most of the characters are good and are just wonderful. The main character of Carrie is a fantastic protagonist and I was on her side from the very start to the very end. She felt so familiar, almost like a friend who I wanted to support.
She just gets better with each book. They’re all a bit different but they do have similar qualities. Firstly her fabulous talent in storytelling. But mainly it’s in her characters. In every book it is the characters who shine and they really make each book special.
I am obsessed with this book and recommend you all read it the moment it comes out.
I cannot wait for her next one. If it follows the same pattern, it will be her best one yet.
Books By Your Bedside 