Item: The Dilemma
Rating: 4
Author: Lori

The Dilemma by B.A. Paris is a suspenseful book that keeps you wondering and digs deep into family dynamics. The concept is intriguing and the characters are compelling, although sometimes hard to root for. This is a perfect book for a summer afternoon for anyone who enjoys a dramatic story that keeps you on edge.

Title: The Dilemma
Author: B.A. Paris
Also by this author: The Therapist
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Genres: Contemporary, Mystery, Adult Fiction
Publication Date: June 30, 2020
Rating: four-stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

It’s Livia’s fortieth birthday and tonight she’s having a party, a party she’s been planning for a long time. The only person missing will be her daughter, Marnie.

But Livia has a secret, a secret she’s been keeping from Adam, her husband, until the party is over. Because how can she tell him that although she loves Marnie, she’s glad their daughter won’t be there to celebrate with her?

Adam is determined everything will be just right for Livia and the party is going to be perfect… until he learns something that will leave him facing an unbearable decision.

❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃

Review: The Dilemma by B.A. Paris

While I was expecting this novel to be a thriller, it did keep me on my toes and had me guessing throughout. The family is one that is easy to relate to and they have their share of struggles. This 40th birthday party for Livia is one event that has been in the works for years and they are determined to make it a success. What could go wrong?

❀ Enjoyable Story

The novel is told from the perspectives of Livia and Adam and takes place over the course of one day. There are flashbacks that help to fill in the gaps and give depth to the narrative. It is really enjoyable to read about the party preparations and discover how the much planned for event unfolds.

❀ Livia is interesting and relatable

Livia is a really interesting character to read about, as she has had quite a few obstacles to overcome in her life. This big birthday party seems extravagant and over-the-top at first, but as more is revealed about her life it makes sense for her to self-indulge. Her character definitely has some flaws, but she is very relatable. Adam, on the other hand, is hard to understand because of his actions. I found myself wanting to shake some sense into him throughout most of the book.

❀ Full of Suspense and Drama

The Dilemma by B.A. Paris is one to try if you are in the mood for a novel that is full of suspense and lots of drama. I look forward to reading more of this author’s works.

About B.A. Paris

B A Paris is the internationally bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors, The Breakdown, Bring Me Back and The Dilemma. Having sold over a million copies in the UK alone, she is a New York Times bestseller as well as a Sunday Times bestseller. Her books have been translated into 40 languages. Having lived in France for many years, she and her husband recently moved back to the UK.
Her fifth novel is out in 2021

Twitter | Goodreads

About Lori

Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.

14 thoughts on “Book Review: The Dilemma by B.A. Paris”

Stephanie @ Bookfever says:

July 2, 2020 at 12:50 pm

This sounds like a great read. I’m always looking for thrillers and mystery books so will have to remember this one. Great review, Lori!
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