The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty - A 30-minute Instaread SummaryInside this Instaread Summary: - Overview of the entire book- Introduction to the important people in the book- Summary and analysis of all the chapters in the book- Key Takeaways of the book- A Reader's PerspectivePreview of this summary: Chapter OneCecilia's husband, John-Paul, is in Chicago on business. She is a busy mother and part-time Tupperware consultant. Her twelve-year-old daughter, Esther, is currently obsessed with the Berlin Wall. Cecilia has a piece of the wall from a trip she took to Germany several years ago. While in the attic searching for it, she finds a mysterious envelope with her name on it. A note on it says that it should only be opened in the event of her husband's death. She does not open it. When she mentions the letter to John-Paul on the phone, she is troubled by his awkward silence.Chapter TwoTess and Felicity are cousins. Felicity was always overweight until recently, when she joined Weight Watchers and lost forty pounds. Tess, her husband, Will, and Felicity own a marketing business together in Melbourne. Tess is worried about her mother, who has just broken her ankle, and her six-year old son, Liam, who is being bullied at school. Will and Felicity call Tess into a meeting to tell her they have fallen in love. Furious, Tess says she will move back to Sydney with Liam to help her mother. She believes that her husband became attracted to Felicity when she lost weight. She tosses cold coffee in their faces....

    He infiltrates the most hostile countries in the world, defeats our enemies' advanced security measures, and eliminates threats before they ever reach our shores. But now, his skills have left him. Sent overseas on a critical assignment, he fails, unable to pull the trigger. Absent his talents, Robie is a man without a mission, and without a purpose.To recover what he has lost, Robie must confront what he has tried to forget for over twenty years: his own past.THE GUILTYWill Robie escaped his small Gulf Coast hometown of Cantrell, Mississippi after high school, severing all personal ties, and never looked back. Not once. Not until the unimaginable occurs. His father, Dan Robie, has been arrested and charged with murder.Father and son haven't spoken or seen each other since the day Robie left town. In that time, Dan Robie-a local attorney and pillar of the community-has been elected town judge. Despite this, most of Cantrell is aligned against Dan. His guilt is assumed.To make matters worse, Dan has refused to do anything to defend himself. When Robie tries to help, his father responds only with anger and defiance. Could Dan really be guilty? With the equally formidable Jessica Reel at his side, Robie ignores his father's wishes and begins his own desperate investigation into the case. But Robie is now a stranger to his hometown, an outsider, a man who has forsaken his past and his family. His attempts to save his father are met with distrust and skepticism . . . and violence.Unlike the missions Robie undertook in the service of his country, where his target was clearly defined, digging into his father's case only reveals more questions. Robie is drawn into the hidden underside of Cantrell, where he must face the unexpected and possibly deadly consequences of the long-ago choices made by father and son. And this time, there may be no escape for either of them.

    It is a vast cosmic sea. Where each life exists as rippling circles on its surface, past and future being eternally present. And occasionally, one expanding ring intertwines with that of another, weaving the lives of two people together . . . Intertwine In 2012, Emme Wilde can’t find the right guy. Instead, she obsesses over the portrait of an unknown man in an old locket. Granted, a seriously dreamy guy with delicious, wind-swept hair she just itches to run her fingers through. Emme travels to England, determined to uncover his history and conquer the strong connection she feels. In 1812, James Knight has given up finding the right woman. But then he finds a beautiful mystery woman, dripping wet and half-dead, beneath a tree on his estate. Now if he can uncover her history, perhaps adventure—and romance—will find him at last Divine Georgiana Knight--born in the nineteenth century, but now living in 2013--discovers a centuries-old love letter written in her own handwriting. Should she risk giving up hot showers and return to the past to discover the mysterious stranger who inspired (will inspire?) her passionate letter?In 1813, Sebastian Carew is madly in love with his childhood friend, Georgiana. He is determined to find Georgiana and win her affections. However, she has utterly vanished. Can he divine the truth of her disappearance and convince her to marry him before time runs out? Clandestine In 2014, Marc Wilde--martial artist and actor--finds his life a mess. Someone knows about the time portal in the cellar of Duir Cottage and is threatening to tell the world unless Marc pays up. So yeah . . . life not going so well. In 1814, Kit Ashton has problems of her own. Her brother has disappeared (again), leaving Kit penniless and forcing her to take up employment as a lady's companion (sigh). Add in the sudden appearance of a wind-swept, silver-tongued rogue who makes Kit want to flirt, flirt, flirt . . . it all leaves her one misstep from disaster. Kit is determined to find her brother and return home, all while guarding her heart and (most importantly) keeping her secrets . . . well . . . secret. Refine In 1815, Timothy, Viscount Linwood—handsome, arrogant, privileged—never veers from the refined rules of his world. But then Fate intervenes and draws him to a vivid woman who makes him want things he can never have. Can a pompous lord change enough to find redemption? In 2015, Jasmine Fleury just wants her happily-ever-after. If only she could stop losing people instead. Worse, she finds herself babysitting a haughty nineteenth century lord who can't even shave himself. She has no interest in playing damsel-in-shining-armor to his knight-in-distress. But Fate has other plans . . . Explore four stories of love which transcend Time itself.

    She has a great job and wonderful friends. This holiday season, thanks to the disobedience of a four-year old, Aspen is also reunited with a tanned man with silver eyes from her past.Facing his first Christmas season out of the rodeo circuit in many years, Colt Larkin wasn’t exactly looking forward to spending the holidays in the sleepy little town where he grew up. Until he came face to face with the mocha beauty he had thought about since high school. Unfortunately, she is harboring an intense dislike for him.Can he convince her of the truth, or will the lie she has believed for the past twenty years keep them apart?It happened once before, so perhaps all they need to do, to find their holiday hearts together is…Add A Little Mistletoe…

    

    The four Crawford siblings might know all there is to know about their chosen careers, but they have no idea how relationships work. Growing up in a small town full of nosy neighbors, hilarious antics, and family that never butts out, you'd think they'd figure it out.Between the axe throwing, the apology chickens and competitive Scrabble, our heroes just might find true love. Eventually.This complete series features four full-length romantic comedies that will have you snorting with laughter as you follow Hunter, Diana, Archer and Fletcher Crawford up the creek with broken paddles.Can the Crawfords get their act together and figure out how to love? Dive into this steamy series (try to avoid the mating skunks) and escape with feel-good fiction.This set includes:The Nerd and the NeighborThe Botanist and the BillionaireThe Midwife and the MoneyThe Planner and the Player

    Five are connected to a series of old unsolved disappearances. But the sixth is fresh. What’s worse, two of the victims—including the most recent—were killed with Cork’s gun. As Cork searches for answers, he must dig into his own past and that of his father, a well-respected man who harbored a ghastly truth. Northwest Angle: Amid the wreckage of a violent storm, Cork O’Connor and his daughter Jenny discover a body. Nearby, a baby boy lies hungry and dehydrated but still very much alive. Powerful forces in pursuit of the child follow them to the isolated Northwest Angle, where it’s impossible to tell who is friend or foe. Trickster’s Point: Cork O’Connor sits deep in the wilderness with his good friend Jubal Little—favored to become Minnesota’s first Native American elected governor—who is slowly dying with an arrow through his heart. But this is no hunting accident. The arrow is one of Cork’s. As he works to clear his name and track the killer who set him up, only Cork knows that his complex, passionate, ambitious friend was also capable of murder.

    A freelance reporter struggling to get into the 'big time'...A rookie officer starting her career in public safety...A cargo ship captain trying to outlive a terminal illness that has no cure...A bounty hunter returning a long-hunted fugitive to Earth...A terrible plague that threatens to destroy the human race...The 25th century is not starting off very well."Fall of the Core" is a 150,000 word stand-alone novel in the Frontiers Saga Universe."

    All have an HEA and have never been released before.

    She will do anything to protect her family, even if that means giving up what she wants the most, a life with Santano“Tan” Morales. Tan knows that something is going on between Kia and his father but is not sure what. Tan has a lot on his plate with trying to keep his ex-wife’s advances at bay and finding out the secrets his wife and father are keeping from him. Will Kia trust Tan enough to confide in him? Sable Mills thought she had escaped her troubled past life in Nashville. Her controlling father was dead, and so was her cheating husband, thanks to being rescued by Kole Morales. Unfortunately, her past finds her and threatens to take away her newfound freedom. Can Kole save the woman he is falling for? Or will his secrets come back to not only haunt him but Sable as well? The D-City Squad comes together for one final ride, to battle new and old enemies. Viper and the crew will have to deal with more lies and drama. But will all of them make it out with their lives?

     Celebrate the season of love with EIGHT BRAND-NEW, NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED STEAMY STORIES From Nine New York Times & USA Today Bestselling, Award-Winning Authors Ranging from fun and flirty to semi-sweet and suspenseful, this amorous collection of stories will not just hold you captive through Valentine’s Day; it’s romance you’ll find IRRESISTIBLE all year long. Two Hearts’ Reconnaissance: Tamara Ferguson, USA Today bestselling author: Drawn to each other from the moment they met, Eve Loughlin and Harry Giordano are teenage survivors who’ve overcome the odds. When their careers split them apart, can they find their way back to their hearts? Cupid’s Quest: Natalie Ann, USA Today bestselling author: Can Cupid’s arrow burst through the commitment wall that Ruby has built around her heart to let Josh sneak in? A Little Change of Plans: Suzanne Jenkins, USA Today bestselling author: Jake saw rookie firefighter Geri and it was love at first sight. All Night Long: Cynthia Cooke, USA Today bestselling author: A fake engagement, A Valentine’s Party, and a St. Bernard rescue on a snowy mountain, and suddenly dreams are coming true. Never Lovers: Alicia Street, USA Today bestselling author: Can a love that is torn in pieces ever be repaired? The Player: Jacquie Biggar, USA Today bestselling author: Sometimes, love happens when we least expect it… Unexpected Packages: Stacy Eaton, USA Today bestselling author: A birthday gift delivered to her home gives her more than she bargained for. First Class Flirtation: Susan Jean Ricci, USA Today bestselling author: A dispute between two strangers during a cross-country flight leads to a passionate infatuation - and the ultimate rescue. Serendipity Falls: Patrice Wilton, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: Something mysterious is happening in this small mountain town. A wedding a month--Is there a love bug in their spring water, or is Cupid playing tricks?

    From street beats to under the covers, they're arresting, they're provocative, and they're sure to steal your heart!Undercover Heat: When Agent Kyra Sanders and FBI hotshot Quinn Daniels are assigned to go undercover as a married couple, trouble--and desire--flares. She's got a history, he's got a hell of a secret, and the only answer to this dilemma is almost criminal.In the Shadow of Vengeance: Elizabeth Merlot can't afford to let handsome Detective Noah McNeil discover her secret past. But when trouble finds her son, Noah may be the only one who can save their lives.Montana Mustangs: When a body washes up on the shore of a rural Montana lake, police officer Dane Burke and Aura Montgarten must get to the bottom of this mystery--but Aura has a secret that's out of this world. Can two unlikely souls find true love?Love Is in the Air: When Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Jim Cromwell investigates Maine-based drug ring The Alabatross Alliance, the case leads him to airline pilot Captain Sophie Berg. He's not sure if she's an innocent or his lead suspect, but when she's kidnapped, Jim must decide whether to believe his head or his heart.Inheriting Fear: Detective Luca Patterson has never crossed a professional line until he meets his new neighbor Mya. She's sexy, feisty, and he can't stop thinking about her, but her secrets coincide with Luca's case--and lead to an unexpectedly sizzling interlude in his bed. When lines blur, will love or duty ultimately come into focus?Fated Hearts: Sheriff Carter McAlister offers mysterious newcomer Henley Elliott a job as his assistant. Breaking through her carefully built shell proves to be a near-impossible task, and now a dangerous new presence in the Cove seems to be targeting Henley. Can Henley and Carter leave their secrets and scars in the past to get a second chance at happily ever after?On His Watch: Special Agent Jason Spark is enjoying some welcome peace and quiet when he's called to a 911 call and steps into a horrifying bloodbath straight out of a Hollywood slasher movie. Survivor Nikki Hart believes Jason might be the angel sent to protect her. But when she learns about the secret role he played in her tragedy, can she ever forgive him?Ashley's Allegiance: Ashley Whitman's ready to step up and contribute to the family tea legacy, just like her successful cousins. But as the conspiracy surrounding the farm deepens, so does her relationship with Sheriff Jacob Sanders. Their families have been rivals for years...will a union between them finally bring peace to Emerald Springs?Acts of Faith: Everyone assumed Emma's brother died in a car accident. Then one of his friends asks Emma to meet her so she can reveal the truth, but the whistleblower is brutally murdered before their appointment. There's only one person Emma can turn to for help--her ex-husband, a cop who never wants to see her again.Retribution: The homicide of a criminal lawyer puts Dallas homicide detective Remy LeBeau on a collision course with a professional assassin from his past. Is his relationship with professional barrel racer Cody Lewis the motivation behind the attacks--or a secret weapon that gives him the edge to end this nightmare once and for all?Sensuality Level: Sensual

    And certainly what Melville did for whaling Austen does for marriage--tracing the intricacies (not to mention the economics) of 19th-century British mating rituals with a sure hand and an unblinking eye. As usual, Austen trains her sights on a country village and a few families--in this case, the Bennets, the Philips, and the Lucases. Into their midst comes Mr. Bingley, a single man of good fortune, and his friend, Mr. Darcy, who is even richer. Mrs. Bennet, who married above her station, sees their arrival as an opportunity to marry off at least one of her five daughters. Bingley is complaisant and easily charmed by the eldest Bennet girl, Jane; Darcy, however, is harder to please. Put off by Mrs. Bennet's vulgarity and the untoward behavior of the three younger daughters, he is unable to see the true worth of the older girls, Jane and Elizabeth. His excessive pride offends Lizzy, who is more than willing to believe the worst that other people have to say of him; when George Wickham, a soldier stationed in the village, does indeed have a discreditable tale to tell, his words fall on fertile ground. Having set up the central misunderstanding of the novel, Austen then brings in her cast of fascinating secondary characters: Mr. Collins, the sycophantic clergyman who aspires to Lizzy's hand but settles for her best friend, Charlotte, instead; Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. Darcy's insufferably snobbish aunt; and the Gardiners, Jane and Elizabeth's low-born but noble-hearted aunt and uncle. Some of Austen's best comedy comes from mixing and matching these representatives of different classes and economic strata, demonstrating the hypocrisy at the heart of so many social interactions. And though the novel is rife with romantic misunderstandings, rejected proposals, disastrous elopements, and a requisite happy ending for those who deserve one, Austen never gets so carried away with the romance that she loses sight of the hard economic realities of 19th-century matrimonial maneuvering. Good marriages for penniless girls such as the Bennets are hard to come by, and even Lizzy, who comes to sincerely value Mr. Darcy, remarks when asked when she first began to love him: "It has been coming on so gradually, that I hardly know when it began. But I believe I must date it from my first seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley." She may be joking, but there's more than a little truth to her sentiment, as well. Jane Austen considered Elizabeth Bennet "as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print". Readers of Pride and Prejudice would be hard-pressed to disagree. --Alix Wilber

     African American savant Lark Chambers is young, beautiful and brilliant, an interpreter formerly trained by the United Nations. Fluent in seven languages, she's at the top of her game at Linguistics, Interpreting, Sign and Translation (LIST), the company that assigns her to Dario DiRossi, a multi-billion dollar textile heir, and currently her devastatingly handsome boss. DiRossi is no threat to her self control, however. As a product of the foster care system, Lark doesn't know the first thing about getting close enough to a man to trust him with her heart. But when a handsome stranger christens her first night in her favorite city of Florence with lovemaking, Lark finds herself confronting the turmoil behind her put- together exterior. And her latest assignment just might put her over the edge.

    She said goodbye to her boyfriend, Jake—and never saw him again. Now, at fifty, she finds herself regretting the paths not taken. Especially the chance to be with Jake.… In returning to her hometown of Colville, Washington, to her parents’ house, her girlhood friends and the garden she’s always loved, she also returns to the past—and the choices she made back then.Back on Blossom Street:There’s a new shop on Seattle’s Blossom Street—a flower store called Susannah’s Garden, right next door to A Good Yarn. Susannah Nelson, the owner, has just hired a young widow named Colette Blake. A couple of months earlier, Colette had abruptly quit her previous job—after a brief affair with her boss. To her dismay, he’s suddenly begun placing weekly orders for flower arrangements!Twenty Wishes:Anne Marie Roche wants to find happiness again. At thirty-eight, her life’s not what she’d expected—she’s childless, a recent widow, alone. She owns a successful bookstore on Seattle’s Blossom Street, but despite her accomplishments, there’s a feeling of emptiness. On Valentine’s Day, Anne Marie and several other widows get together to celebrate…what? Hope, possibility, the future. They each begin a list of twenty wishes, things they always wanted to do but never did. Anne Marie begins to act on her wishes, and when she volunteers at a local school, an eight-year-old girl named Ellen enters her life.