To Have and to Hoax

4.5/5

That was delightful. I LOVED this story and the schemes Violet and James were up to to vex their spouse. I felt for Violet, poor thing TAKING ALL THIS WAY to Kent only to see James alive and annoyed that she learned about his accident? I'm petty and I'd probably take revenge too.

Now, hiring an actor might be a bit much, but it was hilarious. I loved James's reaction to learning his wife was sick, when he thought it to be genuine - and then his realization and reaction when he learned it was all a ruse. Amazing.

I wouldn't have Violet's grace when James flirted with Sophie in front of her - I would hysterically cry instead, but I LOVED how calm Violet was and her lecture the next morning. And when Sophie started making James uncomfortable? Hysterical. I loved it.

The only critique I have is this: we didn't learn what the argument was about until 60% of the book. Around 45% we only learn that Violet has allegedly betrayed James, with no details whatsoever - and only at 60% we learn the whole story. I was annoyed a bit by that, I was hoping for a quicker reveal. It was too dragged out, especially, since their closest friends never learned at this point - no, that was revealed to a stranger. Come on.

Also, Jeremy's role in this whole thing and James's reaction. He needed the barest excuse not to trust Violet and he destroyed the marriage. But he learned how Jeremy was involved and... Nothing? Not even an argument? Not a raised voice? Seriously? He treated Violet like shit for the past 4 years when Jeremy was more responsible than Violet ever was? Come on! I get that people changed and they both matured, but seriously, at least give me one argument between them. So what Violet was though could be at least a little justifiable.

That's the only reason it's not 5 stars for me. The book was great, the story amazing, and I loved James's grovel and action to fix his mistakes. And I loved that despite everything, he was still in love with his wife, to the point where he always came home and hated sleeping in the countryside when she wasn't there with him! It was sweet!