Results May Vary, by Bethany Chase

Publication: Ballantine Books; August 9, 2016

About the book:

Can you ever really know the person you love?

She never saw it coming. Without even a shiver of suspicion to warn her, art curator Caroline Hammond discovers that her husband is having an affair with a man—a revelation that forces her to question their entire history together, from their early days as high school sweethearts through their ten years as a happily married couple. In her now upside-down world, Caroline begins envisioning her life without the relationship that has defined it: the loneliness of being an “I” instead of a “we”; the rekindled yet tenuous closeness with her younger sister; and the unexpected—and potentially disastrous—attraction she can’t get off her mind. Caroline always thought she knew her own love story, but as her husband’s other secrets emerge, she must decide whether that story’s ending will mean forgiving the man she’s loved for half her life, or facing her future without him.

Compassionate and uplifting, Results May Vary is a bittersweet celebration of the heart’s ability to turn unexpected troubles into extraordinary strength.

My Review:

Let me begin by saying this is one of the oldest titles on my Kindle TBR list, and I have absolutely no clue why I waited so long to read this amazing novel. After seventeen years together, ten of those married, Caroline Hammond discovers that her wonderful, incredible, fabulous husband Adam cheated on her. Even worse, the affair was with another man. After throwing him out and refusing to talk to him, Caroline begins a new adult life, trying to figure out what went wrong in her marriage, as well as, how to live an adult life without her husband by her side.

First of all, I love Bethany Chase for choosing this topic to write about it because, unfortunately, this is a reality that many women have to face. I actually have a friend that went through this several years ago, although her situation was even more challenging considering that they had children together. Anyhow, any news of an affair is devastating, but I’m not sure what the personal impact would feel like knowing that your husband cheated with another man. Worse because it’s so unimaginable? Better because of the realization that it is an innate sexual orientation thing so don’t take it personally? Regardless, it’s deceit, and I found myself completely immersed in Caroline’s journey after learning about Adam’s indiscretion.

Anyone that has been through a divorce can relate to the roller-coaster ride of emotions that Caroline experienced. From elation at being free to recreate yourself to loneliness watching other couples building on a new and exciting relationship. Bethany Chase beautifully captured Caroline’s ever-changing feelings about her marriage, her divorce, dating again, sex with someone new, and even what color to paint the walls.

Results May Vary is such an honest and reflective novel about the relationships in our past and possible relationships for the future. It prompts you to wonder how well you ever really know someone, but also urges you to get to know yourself. Moreover, the author reminds us of the beauty and peace that accompanies forgiveness and acceptance, regardless of how long it takes. I am so happy that I finally read this novel and only regret not reading it sooner.

*Thanks to NetGalley for providing this novel in exchange for my honest review!