A Borrowed Life: A Novel

Written by Kerry Anne King

Narrated by Teri Clark Linden

From the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Whisper Me This comes an emotional and sharply witty novel about how life’s unexpected detours can ultimately bring you home.

For thirty years Liz has perfectly played the part of Mrs. Thomas Lightsey, exemplary pastor’s wife and mother. But maintaining appearances for the congregation and catering to her demanding husband takes a toll, and she’s lost herself in meeting the expectations of others. When Thomas suddenly dies, Liz feels shock, grief, and, to her surprise, the siren song of freedom. Dare she dream of a life to call her own?

Despite the resistance of her daughter, Abigail, to even the smallest changes, Liz lands a role at the community theater. Inspired by new friends and the character she plays, she explores life’s possibilities, including an unexpected—and steamy—relationship with her leading man.

Just when Liz thinks she might be winning, life hits her with an unthinkable shock. She’s pregnant at forty-nine. Torn between conflicting loyalties to her daughter, her lover, her unborn baby, and herself, can Liz find a way to rebuild her dream life one more time?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Sep 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9781713518181

Kerry Anne King

Kerry Anne King holds a BA in English from York University and an MEd in counseling psychology from Washington State University. She lives with her Viking in a little house surrounded by trees, the perfect place for writing books. Kerry spends her days working as an RN in a clinic, spinning her tales early in the morning and in the evenings after work. In addition to women’s fiction, she also writes fantasy and mystery novels as Kerry Schafer.

Reviews for A Borrowed Life

[Felicia Tillmon-Clowney · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I appreciated how the author handled the evolution of the mother-daughter relationship. Overall, the plot was predictable but an enjoyable read.

[lorikboyd · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

At 49, Elizabeth is lost. At 50, Liz finds herself. Young Elizabeth is like a lot of young girls, bad home life, looking for a better way and falls in love with Thomas, a young fire and brimstone preacher. They marry and he molds her into the type of preacher’s wife he thinks is appropriate. She goes along with this willingly, until one day her life changes in the blink of an eye. She finds her voice, rebels, returns to something she loves and finds a love and life different than she could have ever imagined. A nice love story of an older women going from one extreme in her life to another. You slowly watch Liz change in the span of a year to the women she was always wanted to be. Story is predictable, but enjoyable. Cast of characters are what you would expect to find in a small town, groups separated by differences but in the end willing to come together to support someone they love. The church group is judgmental, holier than thou. Unfortunately, I’ve known people exactly like this. Fortunately, I’ve also know people nothing like this! Writing is good and story develops at a nice pace. Characters are brought to life, flaws and all. Enjoyable story, quick read.Thanks to Ms. King, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

[sdbookhound · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Liz is a 49 year old pastor's wife at the beginning of this story. Her husband Thomas is very legalistic and in complete control of his household. Liz is to be his obedient wife and a role model for the church. In her mind, Liz is trying to keep from completely losing herself and writes in her journals daily in order to deal with the life she has chosen. Out of the blue Thomas drops dead of a heart attack and for the first time in over 25 years Liz is on her own with no one to answer to. She looks back on her marriage with many regrets, the foremost being how she allowed her daughter to be raised. After the initial shock, she forges ahead into this new stage of her life determined to find herself again and live the rest of her days saying yes to things with no regrets. I loved this story. The cast of characters surrounding Liz was interesting and I liked how they supported her and each other. I did, however, think that the church ladies were written a little stereotypically especially at the beginning of the story. Lance was a worthy leading man and love interest with his own tragic backstory. Their romance was truly unique and I loved it. My sincere thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book and give my unbiased opinion on it. I will recommend and look forward to more Kerry Anne King books in my future.

[susan0316 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is an adult 'coming of age' story. Liz, the main character is 49 years old but she hasn't been able to be 'herself' since she got married 26 years earlier to a man who controlled her life. He was a preacher and the head of the household in every way - he told her how to dress, how to act as a preacher's wife and how to raise their only child. He believed that man was the head of the household and that women were only put on earth to serve their husband. When he dies of a sudden heart attack she gradually begins to take her life back and to find the 'inner Liz' - the person she always wanted to be. She decides to try out with a local theater group and begins to investigate life as she hasn't been able to. Shocked by the changes in her life are not only the 'church people' but more importantly her daughter Abigail. Because Abigail was raised in such a controlled household she lives a life that is very strictly controlled. She is appalled that her mother tried out for the play, that her mother has had a few drinks and then the last straw is when her mother gets pregnant. She feels like she has to move home to protect her mother from the terrible outside influences and really wants to control her mother - something that Liz isn't willing to let happen now that she's just found freedom.Liz is one of my favorite characters in a long time. I loved the way she began to open up her life and the fact that she was willing to try a lot of new things even though her husband's voice in her mind kept degrading her. I loved seeing the changes that Liz made in her life and I was on her side as she faced the challenges that she was presented with. She was stronger than she gave herself credit for. This is a wonderful story about hope and self-discovery, family and love and breaking out of the bonds that have held you back. It's a very well-written story with very real - flaws and all - characters who you really care about. It was great to see Liz break out of the life that was forced on her and learning to love and respect herself again. It's Kerry Anne King at her best.

[penny_l-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The last novel I read from Kerry Anne King emotionally drained me. Thankfully, this was a lighter read.After her husband's sudden death, Liz comes to terms with how controlled her world really was - emotionally, financially and physically.Against the opinions of her daughter, and amidst judgement of a tight knit church, she strikes out on her own. An impromptu theatre audition gives Liz a new support community, along with a new outlook on life and love. She struggles and stumbles (and encounters a few comically embarrassing moments), but will not let herself fail.Engaging and hopeful, this is a story of how one woman fought to get her individuality back and won.*Thank you Lake Union Publishing, Kerry Anne King and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.