Jun13

Happy Birthday, Best Friend!!

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Happy Birthday, Best Friend!!

Hi!!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my fantastic, wonderful best friend’s birthday!! When I started my blog almost twelve years ago, I was looking for a space to create. However, I was primarily looking for friends. I was a very lonely person at the time and the idea of meeting people all around the world was so enticing. The blogosphere heard my plea and blessed me with Kate of Live In The Nautical. Very shortly after my blog began, Kate and I began talking and we literally have never stopped twelve years later. lifewithlilred has done so much good in my life but bringing me my best friend is the best thing that it has or will ever do and I mean that most sincerely.

Although Kate lives in New Hampshire, it always feels like she is right down the street from me. We text each other novels (Johnny calls us Tolkien!) all day every day, FaceTime for hours on end every weekend, and my days just don’t feel complete without her. I fully believe that your best friends should inspire you and Kate inspires me to no end. Her fashion speaks for itself but her intelligence, kindness, bravery, and humor shine. Her laugh is infectious, her smile radiates, and she makes every person she encounters feel seen and heard. That is something that everyone can put on their inspo boards!

To think that our blogs put us together is honestly crazy because it was my wish literally coming true and I’m never not going to be thankful for it. Kate and I bonded instantly about being former figure skaters, being a funeral home family, and being the biggest true crime and reality TV loving fashionistas that I know of. Who knew that somewhere in this great big world, my perfect best friend was waiting for me in New Hampshire?! My Gemini Twin no less!

The universe and the blog gods brought us together and Kate has been with me through thick and thin. Through tears and laughter and every insane thing that life throws our way, Kate has been there. She’s the first person I want to talk to because she just gets it. Kate and I have only met each other once in real life but that is meaningless because I feel like we have known each other for forever. The mold was broken when Kate was made and it is a gift to be a part of her life. She is an absolute star and the best friend a gal could ever ask for. ❤

To my beautiful Gemini Twin:

Happy Birthday!!!!!

I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jun12

Home Improvements That Add Comfort, Style, And Convenience

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Home Improvements That Add Comfort, Style, And Convenience

Our homes are so much more than just a place to crash; they’re where our lives unfold. And making that space work better for you doesn’t always mean a huge renovation. Just a few thoughtful, smart upgrades can totally change your home, making it comfier, more practical, and just plain nicer to be in. From simple tech additions to clever design tricks, these improvements can really shake up your daily routine in a good way:

Maximizing Comfort in Every Room:

Making your home feel cozy goes beyond just throwing a blanket on the couch. Smart home tech can actually help you set up every room just how you like it. Picture this: Your lights automatically shift through the day, bright and cool in the morning to help you wake up, then warm and dim at night to help you relax. Smart thermostats take it a step further, learning your family’s schedule so the temperature is always perfect, all while saving you money on energy. You can even get automated blinds that open with the sunrise and close for privacy at night, making your home feel like it’s really tuned into your needs.

Designing Functional and Beautiful Bathrooms:

Bathrooms used to be just for getting clean, but now they’re becoming personal retreats. Modern updates are all about bringing that spa feeling right into your home. Think smart mirrors with adjustable LED lights and anti-fog features, perfect for getting ready on busy mornings. Digital shower controls let you set the exact temperature before you even step in. If you’re thinking about a bigger change, checking out shower remodeling tips can give you tons of ideas for a space that’s both beautiful and super practical. Things like built-in benches, rainfall showerheads, and sleek glass doors can really make the whole room feel luxurious.

Storage Solutions for a Clutter-Free Home:

A home without clutter is a home without stress, but finding a spot for everything can be tough. Smart storage is all about making the most of every inch you have. Go vertical with shelves that reach the ceiling; it draws your eye up and uses wall space efficiently. Grab some multi-functional furniture, like an ottoman with hidden storage or a coffee table that lifts to hide remotes and magazines. Just thinking about how you use each room can spark clever ideas for organizing your living spaces, helping you cut down on clutter and make your space feel more open and airy.

Waterproofing for Long-Term Durability:

Some of the smartest home upgrades are the ones you can’t even see. Protecting your home from water damage is very important for its long-term health and your peace of mind. In spots that get a lot of moisture, like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements, putting in waterproof flooring and wall panels is a smart move. For even more security, you can install smart water leak detectors. These little sensors can sit near appliances like washing machines or under sinks. If they sense any moisture, they’ll immediately ping your phone so you can deal with a small leak before it turns into a huge problem.

Making Your Home More Accessible:

A truly smart home works for everyone, no matter their age or how they get around. Adding universal design elements can make your home safer and comfier for both family and guests. This could be something simple, like stylish grab bars in the shower (they come in so many cool finishes now!). Other ideas include putting in a walk-in tub, creating entryways without steps, and using lever-style door handles instead of knobs. Embracing these universal design principles means your home stays a welcoming and practical space for years to come.

Smart upgrades are all about making your daily life better. Whether it’s a cool new gadget or a simple design tweak, these improvements help create a home that’s comfier, more organized, and ready for whatever the future holds!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jun12

How To Completely Transform Your Dining Room

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How To Completely Transform Your Dining Room

Want a completely new look for your dining room to wow your guests at your next dinner party or family get together? Then check out the helpful tips below:

Paint the walls:

Simple, relatively easy, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg – adding a new coat of paint to your dining room walls can truly transform the look. If you want to make the space feel bigger and brighter, then it’s best to opt for a light color in a neutral tone. 

Although if you want something a bit cozier and more gothic, then a darker tone like navy or black, or a richer hue like reds can work well too. You can even try out a feature wall in a bolder color if you don’t want to commit right away. It also makes sense to pick a paint that is washable. Then, no matter how messy the family gets at dinner time, it will be easy to keep the space clean and pristine. 

Try a new furniture arrangement:

Sometimes, all you need to transform the look of a room is to try a new way of arranging the furniture that you already have. The best way to see what will work in your dining room is to try things out beforehand. Some options you may wish to consider include moving your dining table to the center of the room to ensure plenty of walking space and a good flow. You may also want to use floating units or sideboards at the edges of the room. These can provide you with plenty of space for food and storage, while freeing up the table for guests. 

Invest in new dining chairs:

Dining chairs really can make or break the look of your dining space. That is why it’s so important to choose them carefully. The first thing you should consider is the style of chair that you want. For example, the stunning lion knocker dining chairs from Shawcross Furniture are stylish and elegant and will enhance the feel of any room in which they are displayed. The good news is that they look expensive, but are actually very reasonably priced, so you can get all the styles without breaking the bank. 

For those looking for a more farmhouse vibe, simple pine chairs are a great choice. You can even paint them different colors to add extra interest and verve in your dining space. 

Replace your flooring:

Floors matter in dining rooms. Not only do they contribute to the look and feel of a space, but they also need to be practical as well. For example, if your dining room is one you keep for special occasions, a luxurious carpet (as long as it is washable) is a good choice. However, if you use your dining room as a family eating space on a daily basis, choosing a reasonably priced wood floor that can be easily washed and wiped is a much better idea. 

Just remember to use lighter tones of flooring for spaces that you want to look larger, and dark tones if you want your dining room to be more intimate and cozy.

Small and simple changes to your dining room can give it a brand new feel without breaking your bank!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun12

When Does It Make Sense to Sell Old Jewelry?

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When Does It Make Sense to Sell Old Jewelry?

Many people have their old jewelry tucked away in drawers, storage containers, and jewelry boxes. Some people’s pieces may have been gifts and others may have been left over from changing their fashion and preferences. Some may simply be broken or incomplete. While all of these items often remain out of sight for many years, they will still hold a lot of value. Deciding whether you want to keep or sell your old jewelry is a very personal choice. However, there are situations where selling may be the most practical and financially sensible thing to do.

Understanding the factors that are involved can assist individuals in making informed decisions about the pieces that they no longer wish to use:

Let every piece hold the same value:

One of the first things to consider is whether or not the jewelry is going to serve a purpose. Some pieces are going to carry sentimental value simply because they are connected to important memories, life events, and family members. The emotional significance will often outweigh any financial benefits that can be had from selling. Other items may have very little personal meaning. Broken chains, outdated designs, and single earrings may simply take up space without providing a lot of value in everyday life. Evaluating the role that each piece plays will make the decision a lot easier.

Changing financial priorities:

Life circumstances can change as time goes on. People may choose to save up for a major purchase, build an emergency fund, or pay off debt. In situations like these, selling unused valuables is going to provide access to funds without it having an effect on your everyday income. Jewelry that has not been worn for many years will often represent an asset that could be put towards your more immediate financial goals. This does not mean that every item needs to be sold, but it can be very worthwhile to understand what pieces are worth it for you.

Gold continues to hold value:

Unlike many consumer products that lose their value over time, precious metals will often retain their worth. Due to their material gold remains a sought after asset because of its long-standing role in investment and manufacturing. As a result, items that appear damaged or outdated may still have value based on the gold content. This is one reason why many individuals start to explore options for obtaining cash for gold when evaluating the unused jewelry in their collection. Understanding the value of precious metals will assist you making more informed decisions.

Consider both emotional and financial factors:

Before you sell your jewelry, it’s extremely important for you to think about financial and sentimental considerations. A piece may have a limited market value but be significant emotionally or vice versa. Taking the time to evaluate each item on an individual basis will help to prevent regret. In many cases, keeping a meaningful piece while selling unwanted items will give you a more balanced approach.

Old or damaged jewelry could be providing you extra funds for a rainy day. What’s in your jewelry box that you could sell?!

Featured Image By: Mian Shahzad Raza from Pixabay

Jun12

If The Shoe Doesn’t Fit?!

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If The Shoe Doesn’t Fit?!

Hello! My brother and I are avid hikers and sadly all of my hiking shoes have bit the dust. In their defense, I only have a handful of shoes that aren’t heels and they were all old as dirt and falling apart when I had to part with them. And, while my new wheelies are technically tennis shoes, they are pretty clunky and not the best for a trek through the woods in. I decided to rectify this by stopping into Famous Footwear during my break at work and expected to be in and out in a matter of minutes. Believe you me, it doesn’t take your girl long to find a perfect pair of shoes! To my complete and utter surprise, that was not the case in the slightest and I am still shooketh!

I think the last time I was in a Famous Footwear was when I was in grade school lol but it was the only option that made sense as TJMaxx’s in store shoe selection leaves a lot to be desired. I rolled into the store on a mission: Find a cute, sturdy pair at forty dollars or less and then I would be on my way. This was far more difficult than I could have imagined! I am so used to discount prices at TJs that my mind was simply blown when I saw full price footwear. Of course, the shoes were brand name like Nike, Vans, and Sketchers, but they were eighty dollars plus! Hard no.

Rather than entertain those options, I started looking at canvas shoes instead which were much more complimentary to my budget. There were several pairs that I liked so I took five boxes or so to the mirror to try them on. I am SO glad I did. My shoe size is a true blue size six and in my head there is no reason why size sixes shouldn’t fit. So tell me why literally none of the sixes at Famous fit me?! Every size six I tried was at least a half a size too big and that went across the Blowfish, Hey Dude, and Jelly Pop brands.

Saying I was frustrated was an understatement. Shoes are my thing lol and this store was giving me so much trouble! Then, I decided to dig deeper by looking at the labels of each brand as they included European sizes. It was just as I suspected. The size sixes I was trying were a thirty-seven in European sizing. When it comes to those size ranges, I am a thirty-six because thirty-seven is a six and a half. Therein lied the problem and there were no five and a half women’s shoes. I even looked in the children’s section before leaving the store with empty hands! Although there was a light up pair that I was really considering…!

In conclusion, shopping for heels is easy peasy. Shopping for sneakers is a shockingly different story. I never thought I would find myself writing a post about If The Shoe Doesn’t Fit but I guess there’s a first time for everything!

What is your favorite brand for tennis shoes? Where can they be purchased at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun11

Conversations Families Should Have About College Costs

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Conversations Families Should Have About College Costs

For a lot of families, preparing for college involves a lot more than simply choosing a school and completing applications. One of the most important parts of the whole process is discussing how higher education will be funded. Unfortunately, a lot of families avoid having open conversations about college costs until those acceptance letters arrive, and this is not ideal because it can lead to confusion, disappointment, and a whole lot of financial stress. Having honest conversations as early on as possible is a much better idea because it means everyone can make informed decisions and develop realistic expectations. Here are some of the most important conversations every family should have about college costs:

Discuss what college really costs:

Many students focus primarily on tuition when thinking about college expenses. In reality, the total cost of attendance often includes:

  • Housing
  • Meal plans
  • Textbooks
  • Technology
  • Transportation
  • Activity fees
  • Personal expenses

The final cost can be significantly higher than the advertised tuition rate. Families should review complete cost estimates for each school being considered so there are no surprises later. Understanding the full picture helps students make more informed choices.

Be honest about family contributions:

A lot of students just assume that their parents will cover most, if not all, of their expenses, while a lot of parents assume that their kids understand their financial limitations, and this can lead to lots of misunderstandings that can create tensions in the family if expectations are not clearly established. Families should discuss:

  • Available college savings
  • Annual contributions
  • Financial limitations
  • Potential future changes in circumstances

Honesty helps everyone to plan more effectively, so it is much better to have those difficult conversations early on than it is to have to have a very stressful one further down the line.

Talk about student responsibilities:

Paying for college is often a shared effort. Students may contribute through:

  • Savings
  • Part-time employment
  • Summer jobs
  • Scholarships
  • Work-study programs

Discussing these expectations ahead of time helps students understand their role in the financial plan. It can also encourage valuable financial responsibility and budgeting skills. Clear expectations reduce confusion and help create accountability.

Explore scholarship opportunities together:

Scholarships are great because they can significantly reduce the costs of college for the average student, but many kids underestimate just how many opportunities are out there for them to explore. You should work together to identify the following:

  • Academic scholarships
  • Community scholarships
  • Merit-based awards
  • Industry-specific opportunities
  • Local funding programs

Applying for scholarships takes a lot of time and effort but the potential rewards are really worth it, so do not let your child slack off from doing so and be around to help them with it all if you possibly can. Remember that the sooner your student starts searching for scholarships, the more opportunities they will discover.

Understand financial aid options:

Financial aid can be confusing, particularly for first-time college families. Taking time to understand the various forms of assistance available can help reduce borrowing needs. Families should discuss:

  • Grants
  • Federal aid
  • Work-study programs
  • Institutional aid
  • State-based programs

Completing required financial aid applications as early as possible often improves access to available resources. Education about the process can prevent missed opportunities.

Have a conversation about student loans:

Loans are a reality for a lot of students heading off to college and their families, however, borrowing decisions are something that should be approached very carefully and with full understanding. Kids heading off to college and their parents should understand that money that is borrowed will eventually need to be repaid, and it will often take many, many years to do so. Topics that it will be worth discussing include:

  • Loan amounts
  • Interest rates
  • Repayment obligations
  • Future monthly payments
  • Expected career earnings

A lot of families explore private loan options like Ascent Funding Student Loans alongside other funding sources so that they can get a look at the whole picture and work out which options suit them best. If you are going to do that, you need to make sure you research all loan options thoroughly to get the best deals and the best funding for your family. It really pays to have the whole picture and explore every avenue. The goal is not simply securing funding but making informed borrowing decisions.

Compare cost versus value:

A common misconception is that the most expensive school automatically provides the best education. Families should evaluate:

  • Graduation rates
  • Job placement outcomes
  • Academic programs
  • Alumni networks
  • Financial aid packages
  • Total projected debt

A college that offers strong value may provide better long-term outcomes than a higher-priced alternative. Choosing a school should involve both educational and financial considerations.

Plan for all four years:

Many families focus heavily on first-year expenses but overlook the long-term picture. A financial plan should consider:

  • Annual tuition increases
  • Future housing costs
  • Ongoing living expenses
  • Potential changes in financial circumstances

Looking ahead can help prevent unexpected financial challenges later in a student’s academic journey. College financing is a marathon, not a sprint.

The more you discuss, the better chances you will have of ensuring your student gets to college and has a great time without getting into higher-than-necessary levels of debt. Being on the same page about what is and is not possible right from the start is crucial, so sit down and talk!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun11

It’s In The Bag: Juicy Couture Duffle Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Juicy Couture Duffle Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of It’s In The Bag! For every gift giving occasion, there is a one thousand percent chance that I will receive a TJMaxx gift card from someone and I was blessed with one from Johnny’s parents for my birthday. As my family is going to Italy in the fall, I planned to purchase a carry on bag for myself with these newly acquired funds. I didn’t tell anyone about this idea and was genuinely shocked when my mom beat me to the punch. She gifted me with the most gorgeous Juicy Couture duffle bag and it is the perfect measurements for a carry on!! I am beyond obsessed so let’s take a moment to ogle my new bag altogether:

As soon as my mom presented me with her present, I knew exactly what it was and I still couldn’t quite believe it. It’s like she read my mind! However, she one upped what I had in my head completely. I was going to get a simple suitcase carry on with my gift cards and didn’t even dream about a duffle bag like this! That raspberry color, the collegiate style patches, those adorable puppy and mini purse accessories?! I was swooning. Part of it was the bag itself, of course, but the other part was the brand. I have loved all things Juicy Couture since I was a teenager but never had anything other than their perfume. This duffle bag made my teenage and thirty-two year old self so happy that I can’t even put it into words lol. 😀

Not only is this bag going to be just right for our Italy vacation but it will also come in so handy as an overnight bag in general. The only overnight bag I have was a freebie from Victoria’s Secret that I got for spending X amount of money over fifteen years ago! The zipper is busted and it looks every bit of its age from all of those years of toting it on vacations and sleepovers. This major upgrade of a birthday gift means that I can finally lay my elderly Vicky’s Secret bag to rest. My only wish is that I had an overnight occasion to break it out for because I’ll be on pins and needles until I can finally use it for Italy!

Big ups to my mind reader mom for the most amazing gift. I absolutely love it!! ❤

What is a brand you love but don’t have anything by? Do you go on overnights often? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun10

Our Birthaversary Weekend

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Our Birthaversary Weekend

Hi! Johnny and I just celebrated our birthaversary week and it was magical. My main squeeze had his birthday on the first, our fifth wedding anniversary was on the fourth, and my thirty second birthday was this Sunday. We gifted each other with lots of surprises including games for our new Switch 2 (Stay tuned for all things Pokopia soon!) and concert tickets. We will be seeing The Strokes towards the end of the month which I am so excited for and Josh Groban and Billy Idol later in the summer. It’s going to be a hoot! We also had a big party on Saturday to commemorate all of our special occasions and it was just the best.

For the past week and change before our party, Johnny and I were putting in work getting our apartment in tip top shape. We decluttered, dusted, vacuumed, and reorganized like crazy and I couldn’t have been happier with the end results. Our place looked just as good as when we first moved in! Now if only the bunnies would stop shedding… Although that’s never going to happen and all we can do is laugh about the literal dust bunnies our bunnies leave lol. Bless their precious hearts!

Among all of the cleaning, I also spent lots of time cooking up a storm for our guests. I hate to toot my own horn but I made the most divine spinach artichoke dip, pasta salad, and elote. I even dabbled in baking for a change by making peanut butter cheesecake waffle cones. Holy heavenly! After a whirlwind of cooking and cleaning on Saturday, we couldn’t wait for our friends and family to arrive and had the most lovely time. From one in the afternoon to ten thirty at night, the party was in full swing and while it was barrels of fun, it was freaking exhausting! We haven’t had a big bash since our housewarming/birthaversary party several years ago and being the hostess and host with the most wore us both out big time. We were ready to drop once everyone went home!

As we spent the day before my birthday raging, my actual birthday was spent in recovery mode. I played lots of Pokopia, Johnny and I had a laugh by watching The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent, and then we wrapped the day up with a St. Denis Medical marathon. It was just what we needed after all of that prep work and partying and I even extended my birthday by taking Monday off. I rarely take days off and I reveled in having the apartment to myself, hanging out with the bunnies, and working without a time crunch. Oh yeah, and playing Pokopia too – can’t forget that! 😀

Our Birthaversary Weekend was absolutely fabulous but I think we are all partied out until next year!!

How do you celebrate your birthday? Do you have any special occasions coming up? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun9

Fresh & Flouncy OOTD

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Fresh & Flouncy OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! We had an absolutely crap spring in good ol’ Akron, Ohio. It was cold, grey, and it felt like it was always raining. Until the sun came out! For the past few weeks we have been enjoying the most gorgeous weather and I have been living for the moderate seventy degree temps. All I want to do is be outside all of the time now! My cravings have been satisfied with lots of walks and hikes and a lovely outdoor birthday party for one of Johnny’s coworkers this past weekend. This is what I wore to celebrate:

Who? What? Wear?

Striped Top: Japna, TJMaxx

Tennis Skort: Kyodan, TJMaxx

Heeled Mules: Betsey Johnson, TJMaxx

I have no idea where I got the daisy earrings lol

After being bundled up in jeans and hoodies all spring, it has been delicious to break out shorts, skirts, and dresses. I am normally not a huge fan of dressing for summer but I can’t get enough of it now as the weather didn’t give me the opportunity to don my spring favorites. I love pretty, flowy blouses in the spring and decided to start there when styling this OOTD with an emerald green striped blouse by Japna. This top is so breezy and just screams spring and summer. I love how the navy and white stripes pop against the green and the bell sleeves that dance in the wind, offering the most feminine fluttering movement.

As this top featured stark white stripes, there was no better skirt to pair it with than my Kyodan tennis skort. Talk about a perfect combination! I love the preppy vibes that this skort provides sans hitting the tennis court lol. Rather than serve there, I’ll serve fashion instead! Also, major shout out to the skort because it is one of the best pieces of clothing that doesn’t get enough credit. There is nothing like the comfort of not having to worry about my underoos showing when the wind picks up and for that, I am thankful. #blessed

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. This OOTD had a pattern on top but a neutral piece on the bottom, which meant that I could have some fun with shoes. I chose a darling pair of heeled mules by Betsey Johnson because if her clothes and accessories aren’t fashion fun then I truly don’t know what is! How cute is that black and white heel and bright yellow flowers?! For earrings, I kept with the flower motif with a pair of daisy stud earrings and was ready to partay!

Stay tuned for the Blooper Reel from my Fresh & Flouncy OOTD coming soon! ❤

What is your favorite season? What are your summer wardrobe must haves? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun8

Lil Red’s Book Club: The Divorce By Freida McFadden Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: The Divorce By Freida McFadden Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! In a spoiler free setting, as always, we will be discussing one of Freida McFadden’s most recent thrillers called The Divorce. Freida McFadden books are very hit or miss for me. Some are pretty good and some just actively suck lol. However, I really enjoyed The Divorce and it was a welcome palette cleanser after reading the second installment of the Stillhouse Lake series. It was easily one of the best Frieda McFadden books I have read in recent memory! Before we begin, I will be placing a trigger warning on The Divorce for violence, disturbing content, addiction, and mental illness. You ready? Let’s get to it!

Naomi lives a picture perfect life. She is a stay at home mom to her darling son, Teddy, while her husband, Jeremy, works hard and makes lots of money as a hedge fund manager. Although Jeremy’s schedule is erratic and he is constantly on call for his posh clients, he is an excellent father and is always home to put Teddy to bed. They are truly a happy family and life is good. Until the rug gets swept under Naomi’s feet. Jeremy tells her that he wants a divorce and that Teddy should stay in his home while Naomi lives in a tiny apartment.

How could her picture perfect life go so terribly, terribly wrong in the blink of an eye? Naomi tries to ignore the fact that there could be another woman involved and makes many attempts to talk to Jeremy but he just doesn’t want to listen. So, Naomi takes matters into her own hands and makes a late night house call to her former home where her worst nightmare is confirmed. Jeremy is seeing someone else and she is beautiful and very young. Then, things start to go downhill and fast.

As their divorce mediation begins, Naomi’s mental health deteriorates rapidly while Jeremy and his girlfriend, Ronnie’s, love blossoms. Jeremy has introduced Ronnie to Teddy and they are even planning a big birthday bash for him while Naomi flounders to earn full custody. Naomi is convinced that if she could just speak to Jeremy then she will win him back and Ronnie will be a thing of the past. He has made it clear that this is not an option and now her attention is fully on Ronnie. If she can’t have her husband back then why should Ronnie have him either?

The divorce is getting messy and Naomi believes that Ronnie is a threat to her and her family’s safety as she begins to experience strange and dangerous behavior. Ronnie attempted to poison her. Ronnie calls her at all hours making threats. Ronnie wants to get rid of Teddy so she can have Jeremy all to herself. But who is tormenting who? One of Jeremy’s primary concerns of Naomi as a parent is her mental instability. Is he just painting her in a poor light or is she really as unhinged as he claims? Someone in this love triangle is not being truthful. Read The Divorce to find out who!

The Divorce was an ultra quick read and I finished it in three sittings because I just couldn’t put it down! It is rare that I find myself truly excited about a Freida McFadden book because they always fall on an average or way below average scale for me. This is mainly because I figure out the grand reveals really quickly! I am pleased to report that I did not see the twist coming in The Divorce whatsoever and it really did put the thrill back into her thrillers for me. The Divorce had more twists and turns than the most intense of rollercoasters and all I could do was hang on tight and enjoy the ride.

What was so interesting about The Divorce was how I felt about the characters throughout it. Normally when I read a book, I have the characters who I like set in stone and that doesn’t falter. With every new surprise that this book offered, my opinions shifted until I didn’t even know what to think. I went from despising Ronnie to feeling sorry for her. From rooting for Naomi to fearful and rocking back and forth from “good for him” to “what the hell?” on Jeremy’s part. This made the delicious plot of The Divorce all that more enticing and made the grand reveal even more shocking. There is no solid ground in this book and it left my jaw on the floor until the final page!

I am going to award The Divorce with the coveted ten out of ten stars. This was an excellent thriller and it is hands down some of Freida McFadden’s best work which must be commended. Highly recommend!

What is your favorite Freida McFadden book? What are you currently reading? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah