The Liar by Nora Roberts

The Liar

by Nora Roberts

When her husband Richard dies in a freak accident, Shelby Pomeroy is devastated. But his death reveals a horrible truth - Richard was a liar and a cheat. Now Shelby is left with the consequences - huge, terrifying debts and mounting proof that her late husband betrayed her in every conceivable way.

Heart-broken but unbowed, Shelby is determined to fix her problems - if only for the sake of her gorgeous little daughter Callie. Returning home to Tennessee and the family she thought she'd lost for ever, she discovers a new sense of strength and freedom. And hope, too, in the handsome form of carpenter Griffin Lott - a straight-dealing man who couldn't lie to her if he tried.

But not everyone is thrilled to see Shelby Pomeroy back in town. And when a shocking act of violence is traced back to Richard's shady business, it becomes clear that she is not safe from him, even in death. With her life in danger, Shelby must face the lies of the past - or lose everything.

Reviewed by Leigha on

5 of 5 stars

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A young widower discovers her recently dead husband told a lot of lies in this adult romance.

What? A new Nora Roberts book I actually liked? Nay, loved? Say it ain’t so! The Liar took me completely and utterly by surprise. It had everything I love about Roberts’ stories – engaging characters, an atmospheric setting, and an intriguing mystery. Shelby is my type of heroine. She is accountable for her transgressions and tenaciously fights for her victories. I would love to see more women depicted with such characteristics.

The small town vibe is exquisitely depicted in the novel, particularly the sense of community. From the beauty salon gossip to the local entertainment at the Friday night bar, it really captures the essence of small town living. Shelby’s family, friends, and acquaintances are just as enduring as Shelby herself. The romance between her and Griff is heartwarming and sweet, even if somewhat predictable.

It’s not flawless. It lacks representation. Some of the language becomes repetitive over the course of the novel. The main antagonist is glaringly obvious after a certain point. But overall it is the first Nora Roberts book I completely and truly enjoyed in a very, very long time.

tl;dr A suspenseful romance capturing a small town setting full of engaging characters.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 26 August, 2017: Finished reading
  • 26 August, 2017: Reviewed