“With The Comfort of Lies, Meyers’ complex characters feel familiar yet flawed, and this sharply-woven tale demonstrates her uncanny ability to explore and illuminate the nuances of life’s most thorny dilemmas.” —Brooklyn Daily Eagle
“I recommend you read this book because it will make you think and wince and maybe even cry.” —Huffington Post
“Told from the perspective of three women all connected to a 5-year-old girl, The Comfort Of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers is a haunting tale linking the birth mother, the adoptive mother and the birth father’s wife. This emotional heartfelt novel is from Atria Books.”—National Examiner
“Three women are held together by a common thread: a child. Tia relinquished the baby girl for adoption when her married lover disappeared after she told him she was pregnant. Caroline adopted a baby against her better judgment to please her husband. And Juliette, after discovering her straying husband produced a child with another woman, becomes determined to learn the truth of it all.” —Working Mother Magazine
“It’s easy to imagine some heated book group discussions — about everything from open adoption and working moms to loyalty and forgiveness — arising from The Comfort of Lies.” —Bookreporter
“Meyers creates three distinct voices, with each woman speaking from a place of pain and strength while navigating complicated emotions in the aftermath of a life-changing event. The alternating perspectives maintain the intensity of the emotions and relationships, leading to the inevitable decision of which is more powerful: the harm caused by dishonesty, or the strength of forgiveness and love.” —RT Magazine
“Having sped through The Comfort of Lies in two days, I’m going to begin calling Meyers a compulsively readable writer.”
—Fiction Writers Review
“An affair never just affects the two people involved, especially if one of the lovers is married. Meyers’ writing is true, strong and pure. Her characters aren’t perfect. If they were, who would want to read about them?”—Sulphur Springs News Telegram
“In The Comfort of Lies, Meyers is able to have the reader conjure up different emotions from anger to sadness to happiness. It is a well-written and captivating story that intertwines infidelity, heartbreak, and sacrifice of the modern family.” —Military Press
“A compelling tale that leads to an emotionally satisfying conclusion.” —Medina County Library
“Told from alternating perspectives, Meyers writes a compelling family drama that invites her readers to examine the consequences of the lies we tell and the secrets we keep, under the pretense of protecting those we love.”—Boston Globe South
“A moving novel.” —Margriet Magazine, Netherlands
“Sublime aptly Meyers deepened its characters.” —Viva Magazine, Netherlands
“Nothing is what it seems, and yet everything falls into place.”
—Flair Magazine, Netherlands
“Insightful, disturbing and ultimately hopeful! Papieren kind (The Comfort of Lies) is a layered novel about the collateral damage of infidelity and a sensitive exploration of what lies at the core of motherhood.” —Happy Moms, Netherlands
“I was very impressed with Meyers’ debut, Vlleugam (The Murderer’s Daughters), and therefore very curious about her new title: Papieren kind. I can tell you, this book is as good as her first! I read it with great pleasure and recommend all of you do the same!”—Book Blog, Netherlands
Author Reviews
“I devoured this big-hearted story of three women whose lives collide years after a baby is put up for adoption. Meyers’ wit and wisdom shine through, even when her characters are at their most sorrowful and confused. She writes with insight and compassion, about marriage, forgiveness, work, family and the true meaning of motherhood.” —J. Courtney Sullivan, New York Times bestselling author of Commencement and Maine
“The Comfort of Lies explores a complex and beautiful web of relationships between three very different women whose lives intersect in startling and heartrending ways. This is my favorite kind of read: a page-turner soaked in empathy with an elegant understanding of the human heart. Randy Susan Meyers is a first rate talent.” —Joshilyn Jackson, New York Times bestselling author
“I devoured this book. Randy Susan Meyers writes with great empathy and insight about three distinct women and the unlikely intersection of their lives. The story will pull you into the uncomfortable space where truths are confronted, and lead you to the other side where the world looks brighter. A sensitive exploration of why we take refuge in the comfort of lies, and what happens when we dare to release ourselves from their power.” —Shilpi Somaya Gowda, author of New York Times bestseller Secret Daughter
“I spent many blissful, addicted hours with The Comfort of Lies, totally hooked on needing to know what happened next in the braided stories of Tia, Caroline and Juliette. Meyers has an uncanny ability to get inside women whose circumstances dramatically divide them and show how at heart, we’re all the same. Another unforgettable Meyers smash-hit.” —Jenna Blum, New York Times bestselling author of Those Who Save Us
“A fast-paced multi-narrator story that gets to the heart of the trade-offs of motherhood. You will be drawn in by these characters because of the mystery at the novel’s center and relate to the ways in which they each create their own loneliness while surrounded by others.” —Heidi W. Durrow, author of New York Times bestseller, The Girl Who Fell From the Sky
“Insightful, unsettling, and ultimately hopeful, The Comfort of Lies is a compelling, multilayered story. Randy Susan Meyers skillfully exposes the insecurities and strengths of three women who find their lives forever reshaped in the far-reaching wake of a little girl’s adoption.” —Beth Hoffman, New York Times bestselling author of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt
“A novel about love, that explores its meaning with wise restlessness and no easy answers. Profound, clear-sighted and more than a bit slyly funny, this is a book to read, to reread and to share.” —Robin Black, author of If I loved you, I would tell you this
“The Comfort of Lies, Randy Susan Meyers’ thoughtful, gripping new novel, explores the unlikely intersection of three women in crisis. The result is a haunting exploration of the secrets we keep – and how, in the aftermath of their detonation, shattered lives can be mended. Meyers is a major talent, and her writing is a gift to readers everywhere.” —Sarah Pekkanen, author of These Girls
“Randy Susan Meyers plumbs the depth and intricacy of human entanglements, exploring them with a clear eye and compassion for each of her insightfully rendered characters. The Comfort of Lies is a riveting page-turner, conjuring the ways in which we compete with, lay claim to and ultimately love one another.” —Juliette Fay, bestselling author of Shelter Me and Deep Down True
“The intertwining and heart wrenching stories of how three women come to terms with the decisions they’ve made and those yet to make will touch you and stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Beautifully written. Strong characters. The Comfort of Lies is a powerful, poignant and riveting novel.” —M.J. Rose, International bestseller
“A tender, yet sharp portrayal of the messy way three women stumble into each other’s worlds, Meyers explores the lies we tell each other, and maybe more importantly, the ones we tell ourselves. A whip-smart observation of the definition of family and ultimately, what it means to love.” —Amy Hatvany, author of Outside the Lines
“What does it mean to be a mother — are there prerequisites, and reasons a woman’s qualifications should be questioned? The Comfort of Lies is a fascinating story of three women’s claims to the same child, written with incisive wisdom, page-turning skill, and above all, deep heart. Another home-run novel of family drama from Randy Susan Meyers.” —Nichole Bernier, author of The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D.
“Randy Susan Meyers’ must-read new novel The Comfort of Lies resonates with vibrations of love in forms as varied as a symphony: the discordant notes of jealousy, the sweet harmony of soulmates connecting, the high notes of sacrifice and forgiveness—all underscored by the sweeping passion of mother love that is embedded in its heart’s core.” —Marianne Leone, author of Jesse, A Mother’s Story
“A roller-coaster of a ride through the world of infidelity, unwed motherhood, and adoption. Randy Susan Meyers’ The Comfort of Lies deftly explores the importance of trust, and the power of love.”
—Meg Waite Clayton, bestselling author of The Four Ms. Bradwells, The Wednesday Sisters, and The Language of Light
“With warmth, you-are-there immediacy and impressive insight, Randy Susan Meyers explores both the destructive nature of lies and the redeeming power of hard truths. Every page in this multilayered novel of separate yet entangled lives not only illustrates the accommodations we make for love but also illuminates what it means to be a family. This book is an enormous accomplishment!” —Mameve Medwed, author of national bestselling How Elizabeth Barrett Browning Saved My Life and Of Men and Their Mothers
Online Reviews
“I love Randy’s writing — and Lies specifically…the writing itself is clear, crisp and has the ability to hook you in right away with simple and compelling storytelling. From the minute I started the book, I had a hard time putting it down. I read it within days because the characters were so raw and interesting. Randy doesn’t rely on gimmicks or crazy plot twist. She simply tells a compelling story.”
—Leah’s Thoughts
“The depth of understanding and appreciation of feelings held by her characters make Randy Susan Meyers an outstanding writer.”
—Joseph’s Reviews
“Randy Susan Meyers deals with compassion, truth, and what it really means to be a mom in The Comfort of Lies.”
—Woman Around Town
“The PERFECT book club book . . . a very raw and emotionally charged book. The author really did her homework and truly left no stone uncovered with the emotional, physical, and relational views from each character impacted by the consequence of an affair. It is easily the best book for me of 2012…although it won’t be available until February 2013.”
—Books in the Burbs
“Randy Susan Meyers has done it again. Just as in her last book The Murderer’s Daughters, she’s created an intricate story of how one action changes the lives of three women. I will buy a book from Randy Susan Meyers any time and look forward to many more.”
—Booktrib
“The author did a marvelous job, creating difficult but realistic, thought-provoking situations and characters I could understand and feel for.”
—Brandy Purdy
“Something Ms. Meyers masters is writing believable imperfect women who are so relatable you swear you are friends with them.”
—Girls Just Reading
“What’s really stunning about Meyers’s work is that she works through some very heavy topics here without once stepping into a too-heavy or ponderous feel. It’s a lively, smart book that tells a great story. But it does more than just tell a story – it makes you think. I absolutely inhaled this book. Lucky readers!!”
—Moms Motherhood Moms
“Randy Susan Meyers takes you on a journey that is so personal and intriguing you won’t want to put the book down.”
—That Book You Like, Australia
“The Comfort of Lies provides a strong reminder that sometimes the children’s needs have to be the focal point.”
—Write Note Reviews, Australia
“The Comfort of Lies is a great beach read.”
—Parents
“The Comfort of Lies would make a wonderful book club selection. The women, instead of falling into rigid characterizations, reveal themselves to be deeply layered and flawed. Each struggles with the pressure to do what’s right, even when the answers falls into the grey areas we are often afraid to discuss. The story calls into question what makes a good mother, who deserves to be a mother, and if parenthood is a right or a privilege. All thought provoking topics ripe for discussion. The Comfort of Lies is a quietly powerful read, full of heart, both broken and mended.”
—Vinobaby
“A fascinating portrayal on the long-term repercussions of affairs and women’s abilities to cope and repair or destroy their lives.”
—Cayocosta72 Book Reviews
“Superb, translation nears perfection. This is an extraordinary psychological novel that will surprise most readers!”
—Monde de Papier (France)
“Tightly written, perfectly paced and compelling. And reading it from a mother’s perspective (and there are quite a few mothers in the story), it pulls at the heartstrings. Through the three women you glimpse different brands of desperation, different types of love, the power of loyalties and the pressure to do what’s ‘right’. Mothers reading this book – I challenge you to read it without casting yourself in each role: *impossible*.”
—Books are my favourite and best
“For me to feel so involved with these characters it’s a sign of a great writer.”
—A Southern Girl’s Bookshelf
“The Comfort of Lies is a gripping and riveting story that breathlessly outlines the consequences of lies and how we can sacrifice those we love most.”
—Confessions of a Book Junkie
“Randy Susan Meyers has written something really special with The Comfort of Lies. It’s personal; it’s the real struggle that women face every day with their status as independent people that are in a society transitioning its ideas of parenthood – and, specifically, what it means to be a mother when the world is so much more. Each of her explored characters has purpose and motive while retaining a kernel of something endearing. Readers who love women’s fiction – rather, any adult contemporary fiction about today’s society – will find this book something worth reading.”
—Dreaming in Books
“These characters and their lives are so relatable that I felt I knew them all like they were my very best friends. I don’t know what it is about Meyers’s writing, but it is phenomenal. She has this outstanding ability to draw you in and use language, that isn’t any different from the next author, but yet gives you a cozy, warming feeling. I snuggled up with this book and a hot cup of cocoa and stayed with it for hours.”
—Dwell in Possibility
“The Comfort of Lies is definitely a pageturner and one you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve read it.”
—1776 Books
“The author delves deeply into each of the psyches of the players and the relationships.”
—A Musing Reviews
“Meyers examines the complexities of relationships and the consequences of infidelity in this thoughtful family drama.”
—Book’d Out
“Touching…a real page turner.”
—Popcorn Reads
“…a well-conceived insight into how self-deception can soothe and destroy simultaneously, and the particular emotional succour women can only get from one another. As Tia says to Nathan of her new acquaintance Juliette, ‘We haven’t yet figured out how to truly hate you, so we turn it on each other.’ Happily, not for long.”
—The Coast Radio Station, New Zealand
“Writing with skill, Meyers creates a wholly real yet haunting family drama in The Comfort of Lies. The characters are at once sympathetic and the next moment so completely foolish. Meyers examines fidelity and forgiveness, family and love in a thoughtful and introspective novel.”
—Utah Mom’s Life
“The Comfort of Lies is an intimate story and readers will feel personally involved in the character’s lives. It is such a wonderful experience to read a book that is so well written and that such care is taken with each character.”
—Jane’s Boekentips
“A pure joy to read and discuss. The Comfort of Lies has my unconditional recommendation and I’m positive it will make my top ten reads of 2013.”
—Sheri de Grom
“I was totally invested from the first chapter and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!”
—Life in the Thumb
“This engrossing book navigates among the three women, telling each of their stories with warmth and understanding. Nathan has a few chapters of his own, and the reader even feels sympathy for his grief at the horrible mess he caused for those he loved. We watch the story unfold, wondering how Honor is going to be affected by the turmoil of the adults in her life, who have been changed so irrevocably by her birth. The stories of Tia, Caroline, Juliette and Nathan become interlaced around this child and we watch in sympathy as their lives collide.”
—Bookloons
“This was a fascinating read. Well drawn, realistic characters and excellent writing.”
—Book Dilettante
“Randy Susan Meyers (The Murderer’s Daughters) has written a multi-faceted, thought-provoking novel about the complicated lives and challenges contemporary women—and families—face. Chapters told from alternating viewpoints allow readers to experience the psyches of the characters as their private motivations and pain are examined until truth is ultimately exposed.”
—Reading Between the Lines
“The Comfort of Lies takes the reader in a wonderful, thought provoking journey. I can see this being a great book club selection because the situations and the women are so wonderfully written, it automatically opens the door for discussions.”
—Novel Chatter
“Incredibly moving.”
—Charlotte’s Web of Books
“The Comfort of Lies is a book that will have you talking about it in a good way. This book will also have you suggesting it to your friends to read.”
—Cheryl’s Book Nook
“Talk about a book you can’t put down! The more I read the more I was captivated by the story…I never knew exactly where the story was headed, I didn’t know where I wanted it to go. In the end, perfect ending. Loved everything about this book. This is a perfect book for a book club! So many topics to discuss! Highly highly recommend!”
—A Novel Review
“One incredible novel with an intriguing premise, complex characters, and a believable ending. I gave this book a solid 4 stars and it’s a novel I would definitely recommend!”
—Stephany Writes
“The Comfort of Lies is a beautiful book about the things that tear us apart and how they can bring us back together. Recommended.”
—Devourer of Books
“While each characters’ actions may not stand up to judgement, if there was a judgement, they all did so for very personal reasons. And while real life may not have treated these families as well as Randy Susan Meyers did, I am glad that The Comfort of Lies ended the way it did. Drey’s rating: Excellent!”
—Drey’s Library
“Sharp writing. Emotional story. Complex characters. Layered drama that kept me flipping the pages. The Comfort of Lies (paperback) was just published a few short weeks ago, making it a prime pick for a book club (discussion questions/readers guide included).”
—Literary Marie’s Precision Reviews
“While you would not think that a book entitled The Comfort of Lies would be a reassuring story in any way, I feel oddly calm and at peace with my little life after having read this book….Read this one. It’s amazing. Truly amazing. Top Ten amazing.”
—52 in 52
“This is the kind of book that’s almost impossible to put down. While it’s a very specific story, it’s also universal. These women could be us, or our friends or sisters. We all have complicated relationships and we all have trusted people we shouldn’t have. This is such a wonderful book, the kind that you won’t want to put down. It’s not always a fun world to be in (there’s a lot of anger and a lot of sadness here) but it’s one of the most captivating worlds I’ve seen. Highly recommended.”
—KellyVision
“…the great writing and fast pace of the book kept me enthralled. I always enjoy a well written book that explores the dynamics of family life and relationships gone awry, especially when it comes to a satisfying conclusion. The Comfort of Lies delivered that in a big way, and has me eager to read anything else Randy Susan Myers dishes out.”
—Becca’s Byline
“In The Comfort of Lies, everyone has to deal with the consequences of their decisions, and they do so with truly human reactions. Yet again, this is a novel and entirely fiction, yet it kept me thinking long after I finished reading it.”
—5 Minutes for Books
“Meyers capably internalizes her characters’ issues, presenting a compelling story of motherhood.”
—Curled Up With a Good Book
“This book is extremely well written, we are taken on this journey with 3 different women coming from very different frames of mind, different lives who are bound by one incident. Loved it. ”
—Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
“Overall, a wonderful and intriguing book. It isn’t merely about the consequences of an affair but touches on some issues that women face silently. Best of all, it isn’t depressing or sad. It made me think and I sat on the edge of my seat waiting for the train wreck because I knew there would be one.”
—Reflections of a Bookaholic
“The Comfort of Lies is one of those rare books that presents distinctly flawed characters that you cannot help but root for.”
—Luxury Reading
“If you are looking for a character-driven novel with great emotion, I highly recommend The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers.”
—Alison’s Book Marks
“This was my first time reading a book by Randy Susan Meyers and I was very impressed with her ability to write such a character driven story. If you enjoy thought provoking reads about love and family I would highly recommend this one.”
—The Book Garden
“As the plot carried each woman further towards the inevitable confrontation, it still managed to hold back just enough to keep the reader engaged….I found it a thought provoking read and can say without reservation that it is one that will get and keep book clubs talking.”
—BookNAround
“A character driven novel that will appeal to readers that love to read about relationships, especially flawed ones. The reader finds that no one is perfect but in the end we all usually do the right thing as do the people in this story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it.”
—Celticlady’s Reviews
“On a scale from one to ten, The Comfort of Lies would be an eleven. This book has such a realistic touch to it that I feel like anyone could find some way to relate to this book and enjoy the pleasure of reading it.”
—Morgan-Taylor
“Randy Susan Meyers has created a book that involves a subject that sends terror into the hearts of most wives, infidelity.”
—A Chick Who Reads
“One of the things that makes this story so dramatic is that you don’t particularly like any of the three women. Whether you are reading from their perspective or whether you are seeing them through another woman’s eyes, their flaws are glaring and personalities infuriating at times. I don’t know that I rooted for any one of them throughout the book, but still, there was something engaging about each one….I love books written in this form because you really get more out of the story than when the narrator is just one person. You get to see how characteristics appear on the surface as well as their motivations beneath the facade each person projects.”
—Ruminations of a Relentless Reader
“This is one of those books that is impossible not to become emotionally invested.”
—Bookfan
