Today I have a review of The Birthday Girl by Melissa de la Cruz, publishing tomorrow via Dutton Books!
My Thoughts:
Ellie is turning forty, and she’s throwing the party year in her Palm Springs house to celebrate.
Ellie is one that has it all. She has the handsome husband, beautiful and accomplished children, and three homes. She’s a fashion designer and has a solid group of friends.
You know what means, though, right? All perfect on the outside, but not-so-perfect on the inside. Ellie has so many secrets. Her birthdays aren’t always happy times, like her sixteenth birthday. That’s one she’d rather forget.
On the night of her party, allllll of Ellie’s secrets come bubbling up. Everyone in her life shows up to the party, whether they were invited or not. It all falls apart for Ellie that night.
The Birthday Girl is a dramatic (lots ‘o drama!) mystery. I wondered throughout who Ellie really was and what had happened. Her upbringing was very different than her adult life.
I found The Birthday Girl to be a taut, entertaining read, and while Ellie wasn’t the most likable of characters, I came to understand her as light was shed on her early years.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
About the Book:
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Alex & Eliza comes a return to adult fiction, centered around a mysterious woman’s birthday celebration—and what it reveals about her past.
Ellie de Florent-Stinson is celebrating her fortieth birthday with a grand celebration in her fabulous house in Palm Springs.
At forty, it appears Ellie has everything she ever wanted: a handsome husband; an accomplished, college-age stepdaughter; a beautiful ten-year-old girl; two adorable and rambunctious six-year-old twin boys; lush, well-appointed homes in Los Angeles, Park City, and Palm Springs; a thriving career as a well-known fashion designer of casual women’s wear; and a glamorous circle of friends.
Except everything is not quite as perfect as it looks on the outside—Ellie is keeping many secrets. This isn’t the first of her birthday parties that hasn’t gone as planned. Something happened on the night of her sweet sixteenth. Something she’s tried hard to forget.
But hiding the skeletons of her past comes at a cost, and all of Ellie’s secrets come to light on the night of her fabulous birthday party in the desert—where everyone who matters in her life shows up, invited or not. Old and new, friends and frenemies, stepdaughters and business partners, ex-wives and ex-husbands congregate, and the glittering facade of her life crumbles in one eventful night.
Beautifully paced and full of surprises, The Birthday Girl<.i> is an enthralling tale of a life lived in shadow, and its unavoidable consequences.
Have you read The Birthday Girl, or is it on your TBR? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
I do like the sound of this one. Thanks Jennifer 🙂
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Thank you! It was really unique and fun!
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Sounds good jennifer
I have put this on amazon wishlist
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Thanks, Shalini! I hope you get a chance to check it out!
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“Lots ‘o drama” huh? I’m so up for this. Thanks for your excellent review, Jennifer💜 I got this for audio review without knowing anything about this author so I’m very happy you enjoyed the book.
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Thanks, Jonetta! So much drama! I hope you enjoy it too! I look forward to what you think! ♥️
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Great review! I keep seeing so many mixed reviews on this, but it’s on my tbr.
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Thank you, Toya! I think it’s to go into this one knowing it’s not a thriller and more of a drama with some mystery/suspense to it. I hope you enjoy it too! ♥️
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Your picture really pops! I loved the pitcher! Great review, Jennifer. I added this drama mystery to my TBR list. Happy reading! 🎂🌹❤️📚💐😊😘
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Thanks so much, Virginia! That cover was so fun to photograph! Happy reading to you too! ♥️
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Sounds like a good story.
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It was a fun one, Marialyce!
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it does sound plenty dramatic, I can’t imagine everyone showing up to my birthday party…. shudders! Btw, there are so many books with that same title.
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I would be pretty overwhelmed, too, Jina!
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Ohhhhh! This one sounds like something I would like! Awesome review Jen! Happy Monday!😳 Is there such a thing as that?😁💜
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Thanks so much, Sus! It was a ton of fun! So original and dramatic! ♥️
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Oh, yess!! Drama & secrets! Love it 😀
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It’s a fun one, Norrie! Lots of drama! ♥️
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This sounds so dramatic and I’m so interested so figure out what could be hiding in Ellie’s past given how put together her life seems now!
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Thanks, LP! She has such an interesting past! A huge thank you for all your kind and thoughtful comments over the weekend. I am a little behind but I plan to catch up and thank you for every single one. You are the best. ♥️
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This is on my TBR!!
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I hope you love it too!
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I love the cover! The book sounds great too!
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It was a terrific read!
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I really like the sound of this one, Jennifer! I almost requested it but didn’t since I had several books coming out the same date. I’ll have to see if the library has it. Wonderful review, my friend! ♥
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Thanks, Steph! It was a great read! Tons of drama and a touch of intrigue/mystery/suspense! ♥️
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You’re welcome! It definitely sounds like my kinda book! 😉❤
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Ah yes, birthday parties should be banned – too many old secrets come out when the wine starts to flow! Birthday cake, on the other hand, should never be banned… 😉
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And birthday cupcakes! 🧁 😂 Too many old secrets and old “friends” come out!
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This sounds pretty crazy! Adding it to my TBR!
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Super crazy and so much fun, Angela!
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All of that drama makes this sound like a must-read book. That’s great that even though the character isn’t overly likable, the book makes it so you can at least get some insight into why she’s the way she is.
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I agree, Suzanne, and I’m ok with unlikable characters. I’m always waiting for them to redeem themselves, but even if they don’t, if other things come together well enough I can be invested in the read. ♥️
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Great review Jennifer. I have read mixed reviews of this one so have been a bit worried. Glad to see you enjoyed it. I am ready for lots of drama. 😁
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Thanks, Carla! I think it’s because they are expecting a thriller and it’s really just more of a drama? Maybe? I hope you enjoy it and look forward to your thoughts!
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That makes sense.
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