By Ruth Ferguson, NDG Editor
Sometimes marriages can lose the flames of passion as the couple settles into the everyday routine of work and kids. The latest book by Kaira Rouda is the definition of a page-turner as Paul Strom and his beautiful wife Mia set out to rekindle the fire in Best Day Ever. Their scenic drive to the lake is the setting of the hottest psychological thriller of the fall reading must-read lists.
Strom has worked very hard to create the perfect life with the picture perfect spouse, kids, home and career. But is everything really as Instagram worthy as he wants everyone to believe? Readers get a peek at how much he does not like any deviation from his perfect plan real quick as he and Mia set off for a weekend alone at their lake house on a lovely autumn day.
What makes this book so enjoyable is the way Rouda drops subtle hints along the way that hit you and stop you in your track. The reader finds themselves thinking, “wait a minute, did he just ….” And just because Paul thinks he knows Mia so well, the reader should not make any assumptions.
When I spoke to Kaira Rouda at the Book Expo America in New York City last spring, she shared what inspired Paul – or rather who inspired Paul.
“He came from a long list of bad bosses,” Rouda admitted. “He has the type of personality who wants to be in control of everything in his life. I begin to wonder what would it be like to live with Paul.” The character simply popped into her head one day and off she went.
Paul is so controlling even tries to manulipate the reader into thinking how great a guy he is. “He really wants the reader to like him,” Rouda shared.
Believe me when I say this book has twists and turns, but unlike other attempts at being clever, the twists never fill forced. This comes as a result of effort Rouda put in planning and mapping out the reader’s journey. She kept a chart to make sure revelations were not shared too soon.
Dallas fans have an opportunity to meet the charming author at the hottest new bookstore Interabang on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. The store opened at Royal and Preston and has hit the ground running with authors such as Harlan Corben, Attica Lockie and Ken Follett just within the last month.
For Rouda this is book was a departure as the USA Today bestselling author is well known for contemporary fiction as well as modern romances. Best Day Ever is an entertaining book that will grab your attention from page one. Just don’t make plans for a couple of hours, because you will want to finish it as soon as possible.
