A Palm Beach Wife

Exploring a place where brand names, money, and gossip rule, Marren (Between the Tides) shows the importance of status for a woman in Palm Beach, Fla., and how easily a few dangerous secrets can take it all away. Faith and Edward are near the top of the Palm Beach social ladder, with everyone envious of their perfect marriage. Faith is proud of everything they’ve built, including her store, Vintage Tales. One night, at a charity ball, Edward admits he’s lost all their money. All that’s left is her store and their house, both in her name. When Edward relapses into an old drug addiction, it’s up to Faith and her store to salvage their life and protect their daughter, all while she hides her husband’s secrets—and one of her own—as long as she can. Although the story is sometimes heavy with detailed descriptions of clothes, accessories, and expensive items of decor, the mystery and intrigue will keep readers holding on until the shocking ending they won’t see coming. Agent: Alice Martell, Martell Agency. (Apr.)

Correction: An earlier version of this review incorrectly stated that the novel was set in California.