Otherwise Engaged A Novel
Otherwise Engaged A Novel by Susan Mallery, published by Harlequin Enterprises ULC on November 4, 2025, is a 368-page exploration of the complex relationships between mothers and daughters. This narrative delves into the impact of secrets on familial bonds, particularly as Shannon grapples with her engagement while her mother, Cindy, is also preparing for her own wedding. The story unfolds as both women navigate their intertwined lives, revealing the challenges and misunderstandings that arise from their respective choices.
Readers will find a rich tapestry of themes including domestic life, friendship, and the nuances of family dynamics. The plot thickens when a long-buried secret surfaces, connecting four women at a wedding venue and prompting reflections on identity and the past. As Shannon and Victoria confront the repercussions of their mothers’ decisions, they explore the question of how their lives might have differed had circumstances been different. This edition offers a contemporary look at the complexities of family life, making it a thoughtful addition to the genre of women’s fiction.
Official synopsis Publisher
A twisty, tender and wise look at how secrets can transform the powerful–and sometimes problematic–bond between mothers and daughters, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.
When Shannon gets engaged, her beloved mom, Cindy, is the first person she wants to tell–and the last. Cindy’s engaged, too, and has already hinted at a double wedding. The image of a synchronized bouquet toss with her mom fills Shannon with horror. She’ll keep her engagement a secret until Cindy’s I-dos are done.
Victoria has never been proper enough for her mother, Ava, so she stopped trying. She lives on her own terms and amuses herself by pushing Ava’s buttons. Ava loves but doesn’t understand her stuntwoman daughter. When a movie-set mishap brings Victoria home, Ava longs to finally connect.
Chance brings the four women together at a wedding venue, where a shocking secret comes tumbling out. Twenty-four years ago, desperate teenager Cindy chose wealthy Ava to adopt her baby–then changed her mind at the very last second. The loss rocked Ava’s world, leaving her unable to open her heart to the daughter she did adopt, Victoria. As Shannon and Victoria deal with the fallout from the decisions their mothers made, they wrestle with whether who they are is different than who they might have become.
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