Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence of the book you’re reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda’s Voice and asks you to grab a book, turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader, and share a non-spoiler sentence or two. First Line Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Reading is my Superpower that asks you to share the first sentence of the book you’re reading. Book Blogger Hop asks a question of general interest or discussion hosted by Coffee Addicted Writer
My book for today is The House Guest by Alison James
Publication Date: November 1, 2023
I let her into my home. And now she’s destroying my life…
I open the creaking oak front door of my beautiful country house to see a stranger on my doorstep. The woman is stunning with glossy red hair and flawless makeup. ‘Can I help you?’ I ask.
That was my first mistake.
Alexis tells me she is a distant relative and shows me a DNA match on her phone. She has no family and would love to get to know us. My husband Hugh invites her in to join our dinner party. As we drink wine, she opens up about her sad childhood. Her amber eyes are mesmerizing and I can see my husband is being drawn in by her story. Then she asks for our help.
Saying yes was the second mistake.
As Alexis and Hugh spend time together, swimming in our luxurious pool and playing tennis in the sunshine, my husband grows distant and the deep cracks in our relationship begin to show. And when our house guest gets me to open up about my marital problems, I start to wonder why she’s really here.
And then I discover a secret about Alexis that makes my blood run cold.
Am I being paranoid? Or will inviting Alexis into our home destroy my marriage? And is it too late to get rid of her, before she puts our lives in danger…?
First Sentence:
From Prologue:
The dinner party is in full swing when she hears another car arrive, the wheels crunching on the gravel of the grand driveway. Not someone she has invited, because all her guests are already assembled.
Page 56:
‘Oh, but that’s where you’re wrong, Summer. You see, it’s actually not a crime in this country to fake your own death, unless you do so for financial gain, like claiming on a life insurance policy. And I clearly have not gained any financial benefit.’ I point to the packing cases. ‘In fact, it’s easy enough to prove it’s quite the opposite.’ She avoids my gaze, but I put a finger under her chin and lift it so that she’s forced to meet my eye. ‘Whereas you, sweetie’ – I spit the word – ‘have committed a major fraud in impersonating the heiress to an estate worth millions in order to take control of said estate. Not to mention paying your friends to impersonate police officers, which probably also makes you liable to a prison sentence.’ I pull out the burner phone and waggle it in her face. ‘I guess I should probably get on with reporting your crimes before Molcan’s ex rolls up with her removal van.’
Today’s Question Is: – Have you ever stayed up late reading a book? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)
A: Yes. I do this just about every night. If it grabs me and I have to know what is going to happen next, I am all in until the wee hours.
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Book Beginnings hosted by Rose City Reader
First Sentence Friday hosted by Reading Is My Superpower
Friday 56 is hosted by Freda’s Voice
Book Blogger Hop (BBH) is hosted by Coffee Addicted Writer
Please leave a comment, visit the hosts above, and see what other participants had to say, or better yet, join the fun!
