Happily Ever After- Blog Tour
This was my first read from this author, and it definitely won’t be my last—I was really impressed and will be looking into their other books.
We’re introduced to Ned Wheeler, who, as the blurb tells us, has spent the last 30 years in prison following two serious convictions. Now, after decades behind bars and presenting himself as a “changed man,” he is up for parole. During his time in prison, he has managed to create a version of a new life for himself, which raises the question—has he truly changed, or is there more beneath the surface? As the story unfolds, we gradually learn more about his past and the crimes that shaped his life.
What makes this book particularly interesting is that, although Ned is the central figure, the story is told through multiple perspectives. We hear from three key women whose lives are deeply connected to his.
First, there’s Joanie, Ned’s ex-wife. We learn about how they met, fell in love, and built a family together. However, Joanie is far from a perfect character—she has her own flaws and struggles, which at times make you question her choices and reliability. That said, I appreciated that her character shows growth, as she begins to take some accountability for her past actions.
Then there’s Cass, Ned and Joanie’s daughter. Her relationship with both parents is deeply strained—almost to the point of no contact. Growing up with an absent mother, the shadow of her father’s crimes, and the impact of substance abuse within the family, Cass carries a lot of bitterness. She has built a new life for herself with her own family and is determined to keep her past firmly behind her. Her emotional walls are strong, and it’s interesting to see how they are tested throughout the story.
Finally, we have Florence, Ned’s new romantic interest. She is a devoted Christian who shares her life and beliefs through a podcast. Her perspective adds another layer to the narrative, especially as those around her question her judgment—why would she choose to marry a convicted murderer? Through her, we explore themes of faith, forgiveness, and perception, and whether people truly believe in redemption when faced with real-life consequences.
I really enjoyed the way this story was structured. The use of different formats—journals, podcasts, and conversations—made it feel dynamic and added depth to the storytelling. It kept things engaging and offered different angles on the same events, which made me constantly reassess what I thought I knew.
The title of the book is also cleverly woven into the narrative. Each of the characters, despite their differences and complicated pasts, is ultimately striving for the same thing: their own version of a “happily ever after.” What that looks like, however, varies greatly between them, and that contrast is what makes the story so compelling.
This isn’t a straightforward read—it really challenges your perceptions of the characters, their motivations, and their actions. Just when you think you’ve figured someone out, new information or twists shift your perspective again. There are definitely moments that catch you off guard and add to the overall impact of the story.
Overall, this was an eye-opening, thought-provoking read that I found very hard to put down. It’s easily up there in my top 10 reads of the year. If you enjoy character-driven stories with multiple perspectives, moral complexity, and unexpected twists, I would highly recommend this one.
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