One-Line Summary:
A Reliable Wife is a gripping and atmospheric novel that explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption in the harsh landscape of rural Wisconsin in the early 20th century.
The Arrival of Catherine Land and Her Mysterious Intentions
In the small town of Truro, Wisconsin, in 1907, Ralph Truitt, a wealthy and lonely businessman, places an advertisement in a Chicago newspaper seeking “a reliable wife.” Catherine Land, a beautiful and enigmatic woman, responds to the ad, claiming to be a simple woman in search of a new start. Ralph is captivated by Catherine’s photograph and decides to marry her, hoping she will bring companionship and warmth to his cold and isolated life.
Secrets and Deception Unraveled
As Catherine arrives in Truro, it becomes clear that she is not the innocent woman she claimed to be. She carries a dark past and a hidden agenda. Determined to inherit Ralph’s fortune and escape her troubled past, Catherine plans to poison him and disappear. However, as she spends more time with Ralph, she begins to develop genuine feelings for him, complicating her plans.
A Twisted Love Triangle and Unexpected Twists
Catherine’s plans are further complicated when Ralph’s estranged son, Antonio, returns to Truro. Antonio is a troubled and manipulative young man who quickly becomes infatuated with Catherine. Sensing an opportunity to exploit the situation, Catherine engages in a dangerous game of seduction, using Antonio to further her own agenda while trying to maintain her growing affection for Ralph.
As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the characters’ true motivations come to light. The novel takes unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Will Catherine go through with her plan to poison Ralph? Will Antonio discover her true intentions? And will Ralph ever find the love and companionship he longs for?
Key Takeaways:
- Love and redemption can be found in unexpected places.
- Deception and betrayal can have far-reaching consequences.
- The power of forgiveness and second chances.
“You can only trust yourself and the first six people you meet after that.” – A Reliable Wife
In A Reliable Wife, author Robert Goolrick weaves a dark and atmospheric tale of love, betrayal, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of rural Wisconsin in the early 20th century, the novel explores the complexities of human relationships and the lengths people will go to in order to find happiness and escape their pasts. With its richly drawn characters and suspenseful plot, A Reliable Wife is a captivating read that will leave readers pondering the depths of human nature and the power of love and forgiveness.
