Eileen Goudge

Hang on to your hats! There is enough plot in here for several books. I don't require that much action to enjoy a book, but the storytelling in Garden of Lies is so masterful that it works effortlessly. Is this a romance? I suppose it is--that's how it was sold--but it is much more than that. It's a story full of life, joy and sorrow, with characters in 3-D, thrown into complex situations. There's a reason this one hit the NYT Bestsellers list and stayed there. Read it and enjoy!

Just when you have read the last page of what you think is the best book ever, along comes Eileen Goudge with a new book and suddenly you are exchanging that “best book ever” with THE REPLACEMENT WIFE. Eileen has once again given readers a novel that is a love story that grabs you from the opening and drives you to hold on to the roller coaster of ups and downs, twists and turns, while testing your emotional strength. THE REPLACEMENT WIFE is a love story not just about two people but show more about the main character’s entire world; her husband, children, friends, and career.

First and foremost, this love story is about a husband and wife, and how although their relationship definitely changes over time, it never loses its effect on the lives of the people it touches, nor the reader. Camille Hart appears to have it all; a perfect family with two wonderful children and an amazing husband, Edward. She enjoys her work as a matchmaker because she sincerely wants to help other people find true love as well as ideal companionship. Could there really be something in this idyllic life that would pose a problem?

Sadly, there is a very big “something” which is that Camille has cancer which had been in remission. The fight was a brave one and her second chance had given her back this perfect life. That is, up until the villainous illness returns and appears that no remission is in sight this time and she must make plans to deal with the inevitable. Camille is a fighter and if she isn’t going to beat it this time, she is sure she is going to leave her beloved husband and children in the best of hands. Faced with probably only six months left to live, Camille decided to do her best job ever with her matchmaking and find her husband a replacement wife. This would give Camille peace of mind knowing that her family would be in good hands after she was gone. Edward, a doctor, is not agreeable to this but in order to make Camille happy, he goes along with it, as he hangs on to the slim chance she might beat the cancer a second time.

What happens as Camille puts her plan in motion is not what one might think. I was surprised by what happened and especially by the ending. With Goudge’s propensity for creating realistic as well as compelling characters, the narrative burst forth from the pages to capture the reader’s heart and this beautiful story begs the reader to consider what they might do if put in the same situation. Camille and Edward’s story is unique in many ways, but with great attention to detail, Goudge is able to touch on issues that do come up in most people’s lives such as making choices for one’s family, illness, and the effects one’s decisions can have on their marriage and family. Being deeply invested in the plot line, and expecting a much different ending, I have to say I was sorry for this story to end. I enjoyed it so much and as always with Eileen Goudge, one of the first writers to take a personal interest in me when I started out, I now have to wait again for her next work of art! Thank you once again, Eileen. Do not miss this one my friends! show less

I’m honestly a little ashamed it took me so long to read The House on Mountain Laurel Lane, because this book was absolutely beautiful. Eileen Goudge has a gift for writing stories that feel deeply human full of heart, quiet strength, and hope.

This novel is a gentle yet powerful reminder that grief doesn’t disappear, but it can change, and that friendship, love, and taking risks can help guide you forward. The characters feel real, the emotions are sincere, and the story stays with you show more long after the final page.

If you love novels about resilience, connection, and finding your way through life’s hardest seasons, this one is not to be missed. I only wish I had took it off my shelf sooner. show less

Book Title: "The Replacement Wife"
Author: Eileen Goudge
Published By: Open Road Media
Age Recommended: 18 +
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5

Review: I've just finished "The Replacement Wife" by Eileen Goudge, and I'm still sitting here wondering what it would be like to be told you only had a few months to live. A few months left with your children, your husband, friends, and family... what would you do? What would you do if you were a business-woman whose job was to find matches for show more people that had not the time nor ability to find that perfect someone in their life, then one day you find out that you had to find someone to replace you because you fear your family would be unable to go on without you? How hard would it be to seek out a woman to finish raising your children, to be your husband's companion, to give yourself a sense of accomplishment and well-being before you traveled down your final road to eternal sleep?

This book made me cry, it made me smile and above all it made me thankful for what I have in my life. Eileen Goudge writes this story beautifully, with an expertise that makes you feel, dream, and truly live it as though you were there. Camille Hart is not just a matchmaker with a terminal illness, she's a martyr, a fighter and a modern day heroine. The surprising ending is the best of all. I whole-heartedly recommend this novel. Everyone should read it, man or woman, a beautiful book and one to truly be cherished.

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