Drowning in Paper Flowers

THE LIE: Ruby Powell is the epitome of perfect. She’s beautiful, prominent, and wealthy. She lives in her dream home in the most affluent neighborhood in Dallas. She's a doting mother, a devoted wife, and a respected member of her community. She takes pride in serving as the president of both her son’s elementary school PTA and her daughter’s high school soccer Booster Club. Her kids adore her, and her husband is still her best friend after eighteen years of marriage.

THE TRUTH: Ruby Powell is a full-figured, middle-aged housewife, living in a house she’s grown to despise. She’s a subpar mother. She detests her husband. And she’s addicted to anti-anxiety pills due to a recurring nightmare. She volunteers at both of her children’s schools, albeit for appearance’s sake only, because what would it look like if she were a stay-at-home mom who didn’t volunteer? Her teenage daughter loathes her, and her six-year-old son suffers from PTSD due to being the victim of a kidnapping when he was a toddler.

What happens when Ruby is no longer able to separate the truth from the lie?

A nightmare.

An affair.

A dead body.

A lifelong secret.

And the ending you never saw coming.

©2024 Erika Lockhart Westbury (P)2025 Erika Lockhart Westbury

Clever and Meticulous Writing

This one is clever and creative. I save my fives for “over the top” masterpieces. This one is probably a 4.5
When the answers are revealed, the layers are peeled back slowly and methodically. There’s a lot to uncover and the way it is revealed is very clever.
I really enjoyed this book. I do not think I was left with one question.
Highly recommend if you like a good mystery with a twist and revelations that impress you with “I did not see that coming”.

WOW!!

This story was fantastic. I could not stop listening. The character development and story line is so good. Will definitely be reading more from this author!

Excellent listen, with an unusual, intriguing plot

I loved this! The only gripe I had was probably a matter of taste - I got a bit tired of all the unnecessary metaphores.Other then that- this was a page turner (or whatever the audiobook equivalent is) Such a great character study of the female characters specifically mothers and daughters, as well as the toxic family dynamics. This felt like a fresh take. Also,
I personally love a positive character arc, with a nice ending not everyone likes that, but it was the cherry on top for me. Narration was top notch if you're thinking of turning it down, I highly recommend listening to the sample first before you decide -the narrator works so well with this particular story. I highly recommend this thoroughly intriguing thriller!

Wow

I love the book, I love the story. Reading was amazing 5 ⭐️ I didn’t want it to end

So many twists!

Loved it all!
Main character seriously had everything happen to her all at once! One thing after another. Kept me going all throughout the book. Great narration.