Kaira Rouda

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About Kaira Rouda
Kaira Rouda is a USA TODAY, Amazon charts, and international bestselling, multiple award-winning author of contemporary fiction that explores what goes on beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Her domestic suspense novels include BEST DAY EVER, THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER, ALL THE DIFFERENCE, THE NEXT WIFE, and SOMEBODY'S HOME. Her latest novel is THE WIDOW. BENEATH THE SURFACE will be out in September, 2023. To date, Kaira's novels have been translated into more than ten languages.
She lives in Southern California with her family and is at work on her next novel. Connect with her on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest: @KairaRouda; and on Facebook at Kaira Rouda Books.
If you'd like to host Kaira at your book club, in person or virtually, connect with the author, visit KairaRouda.com.
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Books By Kaira Rouda
THE PERFECT MARRIAGE IS THE PERFECT ILLUSION.
Paul Strom has the perfect life: a glittering career as an advertising executive, a beautiful wife, two healthy boys and a big house in a wealthy suburb. And he’s the perfect husband: breadwinner, protector, provider. That’s why he’s planned a romantic weekend for his wife, Mia, at their lake house, just the two of them. And he’s promised today will be the best day ever.
But as Paul and Mia drive out of the city and toward the countryside, a spike of tension begins to wedge itself between them and doubts start to arise. How much do they trust each other? And how perfect is their marriage, or any marriage, really?
Forcing us to ask ourselves just how well we know those who are closest to us, Best Day Ever crackles with dark energy, spinning ever tighter toward its shocking conclusion. In the vein of The Couple Next Door, Kaira Rouda weaves a gripping, tautly suspenseful tale of deception and betrayal dark enough to destroy a marriage…or a life.
Praise for Best Day Ever
“Highly entertaining and truly surprising!” —Kate Moretti, New York Times bestselling author of The Vanishing Year
“Best Day Ever is a creepy, spine-tingling and utterly addictive tale of domestic suspense.” —Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke, bestselling authors of The Good Widow
A husband with secrets. A wife with no limits. A riveting novel of marriage, privilege, and lies by Kaira Rouda, the USA Today bestselling author of The Next Wife.
Jody Asher had a plan. Her charismatic husband, Martin, would be a political icon. She, the charming wife, would fuel his success. For fifteen congressional terms, they were the golden couple on the Hill. Life was good. Until he wasn’t.
Martin’s secret affair with a young staffer doesn’t bother Jody personally. But professionally? It’s a legacy killer. Soon a reporter gets word of this scandal in the making, and Martin’s indiscretions threaten to ruin everything Jody has accomplished.
When Martin suddenly dies, it’s a chance to change the narrative—but the reporter won’t let go of his lead. As the balance of power shifts in the Asher house and on the Hill, it’s time for Jody to take control. And there’s nothing the ruthless widow won’t do to secure the future she’s entitled to. Even if she has a secret of her own.
An Amazon Charts bestseller.
There is no limit to the lies, suspicion, and secrets that can poison the perfect marriage in this twisting novel of suspense by USA Today bestselling author Kaira Rouda.
Kate Nelson had it all. A flourishing company founded with her husband, John; a happy marriage; and a daughter, Ashlyn. The picture-perfect family. Until John left for another woman. Tish is half his age. Ambitious. She’s cultivated a friendship with Ashlyn. Tish believes she’s won.
She’s wrong.
Tish Nelson has it all. Youth, influence, a life of luxury, and a new husband. But the truth is, there’s a lot of baggage. Namely, his first wife—and suspicions of his infidelity. After all, that’s how she got John. Maybe it’s time for a romantic getaway, far from his vindictive ex. If Kate plans on getting John back, Tish is one step ahead of her.
She thinks.
But what happens next is something neither Kate nor Tish saw coming. As best-laid plans come undone, there’s no telling what a woman will do in the name of love—and revenge.
Jane Harris lives in a sparkling home in an oceanfront gated community in Orange County. It’s a place that seems too beautiful to be touched by sadness. But exactly one year ago, Jane’s oldest daughter, Mary, died in a tragic accident, and Jane has been grief-stricken ever since. Lost in a haze of anti-depressants, she’s barely even left the house. Now that’s all about to change.
It’s time for Jane to reclaim her life and her family. Jane’s husband, David, has planned a memorial service for Mary and three days later, their youngest daughter, Betsy, graduates high school. Yet as Jane reemerges into the world, it’s clear her family has changed without her. Her husband has been working long days—and nights—at the office. Her daughter seems distant, even secretive. And her beloved Mary was always such a good girl—dutiful and loving. But does someone know more about Mary, and about her last day, than they’ve revealed?
The bonds between mothers and daughters, and husbands and wives should never be broken. But you never know how far someone will go to keep a family together . . .
Perfect for fans of B.A. Paris and Shari Lapena.
Praise for The Favorite Daughter
A PopSugar Best Book of Spring
“A chilling glimpse behind the façade of the perfect family.” —Liv Constantine, author of The Last Mrs. Parrish
“[An] exceptional psychological thriller. . . . Suspense fans will be amply rewarded.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Diabolical. . . . Delightfully wicked fun.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Jane is a character readers will love to hate. Rouda combines domestic suspense with a touch of dark humor for a compulsively readable book set in the mind of a textbook narcissist.” —Bookreporter
What choices would you make if you knew you may die soon?
From the multi award-winning, best-selling author of four books, including Here, Home, Hope, a gripping and heart wrenching novel about a young mother who has it all. The only problem is she may be dying.
In her previous works including All the Difference, Rouda's characters "sparkle with humor and heart," and the stories are "told with honest insight and humor" (Booklist). "Inspirational and engaging" (ForeWord), these are the novels you'll turn to for strong female characters and an "engaging read" (Kirkus).
In the Mirror is the story of Jennifer Benson, a woman who seems to have it all. Diagnosed with cancer, she enters an experimental treatment facility to tackle her disease the same way she tackled her life - head on. But while she's busy fighting for a cure, running her business, planning a party, staying connected with her kids, and trying to keep her sanity, she ignores her own intuition and warnings from others and reignites an old relationship best left behind.
If you knew you might die, what choices would you make? How would it affect your marriage? How would you live each day? And how would you say no to the one who got away?
"Kaira Rouda has created relatable characters you'll care deeply about. Emotionally gripping and heart-achingly beautiful, In the Mirror will make you think about what's truly important."
~ Tracey Garvis Graves, New York Times bestselling author
“Balancing sadness and humor, the retrospective tone of this novel is both therapeutic and affecting. In the Mirror is an emotion-packed novel about a mother facing terminal cancer. It is a nostalgic tribute to the things that really matter: family and friends.”
~ Foreword
"Rouda writes with a fluent, psychologically subtle realism that cuts Jennifer’s pathos (and occasional self-pity) with humor and irony, and she surrounds her with characters—doting dad; vain, shallow mom; mensch of a gay business partner; sarcastic gal pals—who are sharply etched and entertaining. Jennifer is a winning heroine, and readers will undoubtedly root for her as she reaches for a more mature, if achingly uncertain, future. An absorbing story of a woman grasping at life in the midst of death.
~ Kirkus Reviews
"Jennifer's journey through cancer and her struggle to love her husband in the face of the return of her first love is something to cheer and rejoice in. A moving and uplifting novel about family and the struggles we all face to live every minute to the fullest."
~ Anita Huges, author of Monarch Beach
"I was completely absorbed by In the Mirror. This is a moving story from the unique perspective of a seriously ill patient who is a wife, sister, daughter and friend, examining all of those relationships with honesty and humor. This story will stay with you because of the questions it asks and the answers it offers."
~ Lian Dolan, bestselling author of Helen of Pasadena
(beach reads, summer reading, contemporary romance, love, family relationships, women's fiction, religious & inspirational)
Told from the points of view of both the parents and the kids, The Goodbye Year explores high school peer pressure, what it’s like for young people to face the unknown of life after high school, and how a transition that should be the beginning of a couple’s second act together—empty nesting—might possibly be the end.
A quiet neighborhood. A lovely home. A promising new beginning. In a heartbeat everything can change in this propulsive novel of suspense by USA Today bestselling author Kaira Rouda.
Julie Jones has left her suffocating marriage. With her teenage daughter, Jess, she’s starting over. Their new house in Oceanside is the first step toward a new life. Even if it does come with the unexpected. The previous owners, a pastor and his wife, have left something—or rather someone—behind…
Tom Dean has a bitter hatred for the father who considers him a lost cause, and for the woman who’s moved into their family’s house. The only home he’s ever known. He’s never going to leave. She thinks he’ll be gone in three days, but Tom has the perfect plan.
For a newly single mother and her daughter, a fresh start is the beginning of a nightmare. Before the weekend is over, somebody is going to get exactly what they deserve.
Winner! USA Best Book Awards, Mainstream Women's Fiction. Winner! Indie Excellence Award, Fiction/Suspense!
From bestselling author Kaira Rouda, "a quick and sexy mystery is a challenge to unravel, and proves there’s nothing humdrum about the suburbs." - IndieReader APPROVED
“An intriguing cast of characters and an untimely death set the stage for a chick-lit, murder mystery in Rouda's (HERE, HOME, HOPE) latest novel. A trio of strong women form the centerpiece of the absorbing novel. The murder mystery serves as a captivating backdrop to the finely drawn characters, and the twist at the end is a fantastic revelation. It's a nod to Rouda's talent that despite the inherent (and severe) flaws each woman displays, the reader still forms an attachment to each of them. A light, engaging read that keeps readers guessing until the end.” ~ Kirkus Reviews
"There are few things more entertaining than stories revealing the seamy underside of suburban life." -- The US Review of Books RECOMMENDED
˃˃˃ "A murder mystery that kept me guessing until the end, with lovable characters who made me laugh and cry. Kaira Rouda has done it again!" USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster
From the bestselling author of HERE, HOME, HOPE, comes a novel of suspense and choices, with a nod to the best of Susan Isaacs's tales of suburban murder.
Everything isn't what it seems in the wonderful suburb of Grandville. ALL THE DIFFERENCE is the story of three women whose lives become entangled by the choices they make and how, ultimately, one of them turns to murder to achieve her goals.
Roommates Laura and Angie couldn't be more different. Laura is a local celebrity, the television anchor who is motivated to move out of small-time media markets and on to the big time, no matter the cost. Meanwhile, Angie, a luckless waitress, spends her time waiting for Mr. Right to save her from temporary jobs and a life spent making bad choices.
On the other side of town, Ellen abandons her life as a successful fundraiser for that of an isolated housewife in the country estate she shares with her husband, whose affairs become increasingly hard to ignore. When the city’s gossip columnist, Maddie, and restaurant reviewer, Dixon, become involved in the mystery, the unlikely duo stir up more than they intended. But will anyone be able to stop the next murder?
With her signature compassion and wit, Kaira Rouda once again takes readers on an entertaining journey into the heart of women’s lives in suburbia - this time with adultry and murder in the mix.
˃˃˃ "More than just 5 stars! It's awesome. If you are looking for that one amazing read, that one read to get completely lost in, then look no further than the incredible talent of Kaira Rouda. Five Book worthy and more, this book will turn you inside out as you follow the characters and become one of them. I absolutely can not wait until the next book releases!" ~ Reviews by Molly
"Spicy and Captivating! Kaira Rouda has a gift for engaging storytelling. All The Difference was a wonderful weekend read, that had me turning the pages to find out what happens next." ~ Debbie Steg
"Reading Kaira Rouda is like getting together with one of your best friends - fun, fast and full of great advice!" Claire Cook, bestselling author
(beach reads, contemporary romance, mystery, suspense, award winning, chick lit)
Discover the next novel that will take your book club's breathaway! From unconventional love stories to emotional roller coaster rides, from historicalsagas to powerful contemporary voices, Graydon House Books is the new home for all yourwomen's fiction needs. Download this FREE e-sampler and get an exclusive preview of fourof the most talented voices in women's fiction today. Includes extended excerpts from:
SOMETHING LIKE HAPPY by Eva Woods
Thirty-something Annie is looking for a fresh start. Hernew friend Polly knows every day could be the last. Together they embark on anunforgettable adventure: learning to be happy in just one hundred days. But what happensif time runs out?
“A special book that will make you laugh through your tears.”—Amy E.Reichert, author of The Coincidence of Coconut Cake
BEST DAY EVER by USA TODAY bestselling author Kaira Rouda
The perfect couple is the perfect illusion
Paul Strom is the perfect husband—that's why he's planned a romanticweekend for his wife, Mia, at their lake house. He's promised today will be the best dayever. But as Paul and Mia drive toward the countryside, doubts begin to arise. How perfectis any marriage—and what are Paul's secret plans for their weekend at the lake?
“Best Day Ever is a creepy, spine-tingling and utterly addictive tale of domestic suspense.”—LIZFENTON and LISA STEINKE, bestselling authors of The Good Widow
PERFECTLY UNDONE by Jaime Raintree
Sometimes you have to lose your way to find yourself
A romantic proposal from her long-time boyfriend Cooper should be the crown jewel in Dr.Dylan Michaels's perfect life. But now Dylan must face her past and the haunting guiltover her sister's death—and the role she played in it—before she and Cooper stand a chanceat a future. Can she find her way back to the man she loves, especially when Cooper makeshis own startling confession that changes everything?
“Perfectly Undone is an emotionally complextale of unresolved grief and the secrets we keep, both from those who love us and fromourselves.”—Lorrie Thomson, author of What's Left Behind and Equilibrium
HOUSE OF SHADOWS by USA TODAY bestselling author Nicola Cornick
The wooded hills ofOxfordshire conceal the remains of the aptly named Ashdown house—a wasted pile of cindersand regret. Once home to the daughter of a king, Ashdown and its secrets will unite threewomen across four centuries in a tangle of deceit, romance and destiny.
“Fans of KateMorton will enjoy this gripping tale.”—Candis
Welcome to Graydon House—open the door to your next great book
From page one, Kelly’s witty reflections, self-deprecating humor, and clever tactics in executing that plan—she places Post-it notes all over her house and car—will have readers laughing out loud. The next instant, however, they might rant right along with Kelly as her commitment to a sullen, anorexic teenager left on her doorstep tries her patience or as she deflects the boozy advances of a divorced neighbor. Readers will need to keep the tissue box handy, too, as Kelly repairs the damage she inflicted on a high school friend; realizes how deeply her husband, Patrick, understands and loves her; and ultimately grows into a woman empowered by her own blend of home and career.
Here, Home, Hope will surely appeal to readers of chick lit and other women’s fiction titles who are ready to transition into something new in their own life.
On a weekend voyage, the power-hungry children of an aging billionaire are unprepared for a storm of deceptions in a novel about ruthless family ambition by USA Today bestselling author Kaira Rouda.
You are cordially invited to an overnight voyage on the Splendid Seas.
An invitation to Catalina Island from billionaire CEO Richard Kingsley. For his sons, Ted and John, and their wives, it’s an opportunity to curry favor, gain control of a real estate empire, and secure their family’s futures. For the controlling patriarch, succession is a contest. He and his newest wife won’t make it an easy win.
Then Richard’s estranged live-wire daughter, Sibley, crashes the party. She’s the least of the night’s surprises. As the stakes for the inheritance of the Kingsley legacy are raised, the beautiful waters of the Pacific look more like a menacing illusion.
Let the games begin for a family who has everything money can buy, and has used lies, deception, and more to keep it. This weekend one of them will be crowned heir. One is in line to lose everything. That’s the plan. But in the coming storm, so much can go dangerously wrong.
The day Mia Jensen died, she finally got to live...
We’ve all played the “what if” game. For forty-year-old Mia Jensen, “what if” is a fact of life. Dissatisfied with her choices, she often dreams about what could have been. Now she has the chance to know. But that knowledge will cost her dearly. Only through death can she fully realize the value of her life.
After a terrible day, trying to figure out how she’s come to this point—dissatisfied, alone, on the cusp of divorce––Mia hears a strange noise in her kitchen. When she investigates, she is attacked and left for dead. As Mia dies, she experiences some of the lives that could have been hers had she only made a different choice.
Can one woman find peace with the path she’s chosen before it slips through her fingers forever?
Through the unique voices of New York Times bestsellers and rising stars in women’s fiction, A THOUSAND DOORS examines how our smallest decisions create lasting effects, and asks the ultimate question—can we actually change our lives?
Contributors:
J.T. Ellison, Kimberly Belle, Laura Benedict, A.F. Brady, Patti Callahan Henry, Paige Crutcher, Rebecca Drake, Heather Gudenkauf, Joy Jordan-Lake, Alisha Klapheke, Ariel Lawhon, Kerry Lonsdale, Catherine McKenzie, Kate Moretti, Lisa Patton, Kaira Rouda
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