Review - Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers

Summary from Amazon

Five years ago, Tia fell into obsessive love with a man she could never have. Married, and the father of two boys, Nathan was unavailable in every way. When she became pregnant, he disappeared, and she gave up her baby for adoption.

Five years ago, Caroline, a dedicated pathologist, reluctantly adopted a baby to please her husband. She prayed her misgivings would disappear; instead, she’s questioning whether she’s cut out for the role of wife and mother.

Five years ago, Juliette considered her life ideal: she had a solid marriage, two beautiful young sons, and a thriving business. Then she discovered Nathan’s affair. He promised he’d never stray again, and she trusted him.

But when Juliette intercepts a letter to her husband from Tia that contains pictures of a child with a deep resemblance to her husband, her world crumbles once more. How could Nathan deny his daughter? And if he’s kept this a secret from her, what else is he hiding? Desperate for the truth, Juliette goes in search of the little girl. And before long, the three women and Nathan are on a collision course with consequences that none of them could have predicted.

My Review - 4 1/2

I really enjoyed this story, genuine feel to it but only if you have been through it as one of the women in the book, a friend, mom or counselor.  Those that have huge judgments against anything to do with an affair I recommend to stay away from this book, I don't see many being able to enjoy the writing and story without hating it if the topic is a trigger for you.

I loved the title Comfort of Lies, I didn't think it was so much the affair which was an obvious lie and not even the white lies but rather the waiting for the right time to divulge information necessary for loved ones to make important decisions, which definitely is a comfort at the time for the one withholding the information. 

I most understood the story of Caroline, she was the woman who adopted the baby girl created from the affair.  She wanted to please her husband and wanted to be the perfect career mom without having to give up her career.  She had ill feelings on giving quality time to her daughter and doing 'mommy' things.  I think some moms will have a hard time understanding her thoughts but I found them to be honest and when she finally gave enough of those thoughts to her husband, he supported her through them.

Tia who had the affair, loved Nathan, he was her everything and she knew he shouldn't have been but he was a real 'true love', to her.  I understood this love too, love shadowed her thoughts, she didn't think, love took over.  I understood why she decided to give her daughter up for adoption, this was explained well.  Tia's journey was intriguing, I got it and appreciated her character.

Juliette was the most complex to me.  She had what some would call a charmed life, recognised and appreciated it.  Her husband was honest about the affair when he ended it and she worked through it, not easily but she did until the letter arrives saying he has a 5 year old daughter.  Juliette's reaction was extreme but again I got it, when the rug is pulled from under you, do you really know how you will fall or if you will balance without falling.  You can say how you will react but you never really know.

Great storyline, I really enjoyed every moment.  All the women connect at some point because Tia chose an open adoption, we learn a lot about this choice.  My favourite is that it was told by the multiple characters, the women and Nathan, I love this style, it was done perfectly.

 Memorable Quote

"The philosophy of comfort does not take into consideration several very important factors, one being that open adoption should not be based on making the adults involved comfortable; rather it should be about providing for the needs of the child."


My Review of her debut - The Murderer's Daughters - I gave it 3 1/2  - I saw huge growth with her writing, she used the style of using multiple narrators again but in Comfort of Lies it was perfect.