“You can never really know what goes on inside someone else’s marriage.”

--Louise Candlish, The Second Husband

The Second Husband by Louise Candlish is a compelling psychological thriller about love, marriage, and the consequences of one life-changing decision. The story follows a woman whose seemingly stable life begins to unravel after a tragic event brings unexpected complications. With its emotional depth and suspenseful twists, the novel explores trust, loyalty, and the hidden truths within relationships.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

His voice was sweet, intimate, demanding: 'There is a way out of this, you know. You could agree to marry me.' When Davis Calder moves in next door to Kate Easton and her seventeen-year-old daughter Roxy, neither has any idea of the devastation about to be unleashed. With Kate struggling to accept her daughter's independence and Roxy getting more secretive by the day, there's enough family tension to go around already. Before they know it, glamorous, charismatic Davis is the only one who seems able to keep the peace. Until, one wedding day later, Kate makes a discovery that blows the whole family apart ...

My reaction to this novel...

I just finished The Second Husband by Louise Candlish, and I honestly have a lot of mixed feelings about it. The writing is good and the pacing is steady, but the story led me in directions that made me expect something completely different. I kept thinking the plot would go somewhere darker or more shocking, and when it didn’t, it felt a little off for me. I was waiting for twists that never came, especially with the tension between Davis and Roxy. The book made me suspicious, made me think there was something inappropriate or dangerous happening behind the scenes, and I kept waiting for that moment when everything would explode. But the twist I built up in my mind never actually happened in the story.

The book focuses more on slow manipulation, secrecy, and emotional control rather than the kind of big dramatic reveal I was expecting. Davis is written in a way that feels unsettling, and the author really plays with the idea that you can’t fully trust someone who enters your life at your most vulnerable moment. But instead of going where my mind thought it was heading, the story moved in a more subtle direction. I honestly felt a bit disappointed because I was preparing myself for something intense. It made the ending feel lighter compared to the tension the earlier chapters built up.

Still, I do appreciate how the book explores the fear of trusting again after being hurt. Kate’s confusion, her loneliness, and the way she tries to rebuild her life felt very real. The atmosphere also kept me turning the pages because I wanted answers. But when I finally reached the end, I couldn’t help feeling like the story had set my expectations too high in the wrong way. It wasn’t a bad book, and the writing is strong, but my mind went in a different direction, so the ending felt a little flat compared to what I imagined.

Overall, it’s an interesting domestic thriller, but it didn’t give me the emotional or plot payoff I thought it would. Maybe it’s just me expecting more, or expecting something else entirely. It’s a good read, just not the kind of twisty intensity I hoped for.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐(3/5)

“Quiet minds cannot be perplexed or frightened but go on in fortune or misfortune at their own private pace, like a clock during a thunderstorm.”

― Robert Louis Stevenson, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

One of the most well-known works of English literature, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is regarded as a seminal work of gothic horror.  The novella has also had a significant influence on popular culture, with the term "Jekyll and Hyde" being used colloquially to describe individuals who appear to be benevolent but are occasionally startlingly terrible.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

Robert Louis Stevenson's masterpiece of the duality of good and evil in man's nature sprang from the darkest recesses of his own unconscious—during a nightmare from which his wife awakened him, alerted by his screams. More than a hundred years later, this tale of the mild-mannered Dr. Jekyll and the drug that unleashes his evil, inner persona—the loathsome, twisted Mr. Hyde—has lost none of its ability to shock. Its realistic police-style narrative chillingly relates Jekyll's desperation as Hyde gains control of his soul—and gives voice to our own fears of the violence and evil within us. Written before Freud's naming of the ego and the id, Stevenson's enduring classic demonstrates a remarkable understanding of the personality's inner conflicts—and remains the irresistibly terrifying stuff of our worst nightmares.

My reaction to this novel...

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is one of those classic books that almost everyone recognizes by title, yet many readers have never actually experienced for themselves. When I first picked it up, I was surprised by how thin it is, small, quick to finish, and easily readable in just one sitting. Because of that, I expected the story to be fast-paced and intense, and in many ways it is.

The book sets a dark, mysterious atmosphere from the very beginning. It follows a group of characters who slowly uncover a disturbing connection between a respected doctor and a strange, unsettling man who appears in London under troubling circumstances. Even without knowing any details, the story gives a strong feeling that something dangerous and unnatural is happening beneath the surface.

One thing I want to be completely honest about is the writing style. Since this book was written in the late 1800s, the English used is very formal, old-fashioned, and sometimes difficult to follow. For modern readers, this can make certain parts feel slow, or harder to connect with emotionally. The story itself is interesting, but the choice of words may not immediately hook readers the way newer books do. That’s the only issue I felt while reading.

But even with the old style of writing, the book delivers a powerful mood. There is a quiet tension throughout the pages, and it makes you want to understand what is happening and why. The mystery keeps building, and the curiosity grows stronger as you read. Since the book is short, the pacing smooths out quickly, and before you know it, you’re already near the end.

What I also appreciate is how the story deals with deep themes in a very subtle way. It touches on human nature, inner struggles, morality, and the parts of ourselves we prefer to hide. It doesn’t shout its message. It lets you think and interpret on your own. Even without revealing any plot twists, the emotional weight and the moral questions still stay with you after reading.

Because the book feels atmospheric and mysterious, I became curious if there is a movie adaptation. I feel like the story would be interesting to see on screen, especially since the book uses older language that might not be easy for newcomers. A film version could help bring the atmosphere and tension to life visually.

Overall, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a classic that remains relevant because it explores timeless themes. It’s short, intriguing, and thought-provoking. The only challenge is the writing style, which may feel distant for modern readers, but the story remains worth experiencing, especially for anyone who loves mysteries, psychological themes, and classic literature.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)

"You forgive someone who has not requested your forgiveness and may not have even repented of their offense not to set them free but to set yourself free."

--Tony Evans, Stronger Together Weaker Apart

Dr. Evans highlights that everyone who follows Christ is called to unity in Stronger Together, Weaker Apart.   In addition, he thinks that we should live in harmony and love in order to positively influence other people's lives.

Synopsis from Amazon...

Do you struggle to love those whose opinions differ from yours?

Whether it’s the coworker talking politics, the opinionated uncle at the other end of the holiday table, or the fellow believer sitting in your pew, it can be hard to grit your teeth and get along—much less show love! And you’re not the only one struggling.

But here’s the good news: Division is never the last word for those who are in Christ Jesus. In this collection of soul-searching prayers and devotions, you’ll be empowered to take up the armor of God, ground your words in Scripture, and pray for the unity that comes through a shared kingdom vision.

Nothing gets better until we come together. Join bestselling author and teacher Dr.Tony Evans and discover how the Spirit moves when God’s people pray. 

My reaction to this novel...

This book truly spoke to me in a way I didn’t expect. Stronger Together, Weaker Apart by Tony Evans is one of those books that doesn’t just make you think. It makes you reflect on yourself deeply. From the very first few pages, I found myself pausing to absorb every word. There were so many moments where I just had to stop and say, “That’s me.” It’s powerful, honest, and full of truth that really hits home.

What I love most about this book is how Pastor Tony Evans writes with both wisdom and compassion. He doesn’t sugarcoat things, but at the same time, he writes in a way that makes you want to grow instead of feeling condemned. The main message is so clear and relevant, especially today that unity, humility, and understanding are what truly make us strong. When we let pride, division, or selfishness take over, we lose the strength that comes from being united, whether it’s in our relationships, our community, or even our faith.

As I was reading, I found myself reflecting on my own actions and attitudes. I realized how often I contribute to disunity in small ways without even noticing, through my words, my reactions, or even my silence. This book helped me see that real strength comes when we choose to work together, forgive, and build bridges instead of walls. It’s not easy, but Tony Evans explained it so beautifully that it made me want to try harder and do better.

Another thing that stood out to me is how biblical and practical the lessons are. It’s not just full of verses, it’s full of real-life applications. It reminded me that faith is not just about what we believe; it’s also about how we treat others. Every chapter feels like a gentle but firm reminder to check our hearts, fix our relationships, and seek peace whenever possible.

This book also came to me at the right time. I was going through a period where I felt easily frustrated with people around me, but as I read Stronger Together, Weaker Apart, I began to see things differently. It taught me to respond with grace, patience, and understanding instead of anger or pride. I really felt like God was using this book to speak directly to me.

Tony Evans’ writing is simple, but it carries so much wisdom and power. He has this way of turning deep biblical truths into words that hit your heart directly. It’s like he’s talking to you personally, guiding you step by step to become more humble, loving, and united with others.

I can honestly say this book changed the way I look at myself and my relationships. It’s not just a good Christian read but it’s a mirror that reflects who we really are and who we’re called to be. I finished this book feeling convicted, inspired, and more determined to choose unity over division every single day. I learned so much and saw myself in every page. A must-read for anyone who wants to grow in faith, character, and relationship with others.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)