Love, Loss, and Second Chances: ‘In Every Life’ Review + Deep Dive with Author Rea Frey

Main Characters

• Harper
• Ben
• Liam
• Wren
• Jenna

Publisher’s Summary

What happens when a husband’s dying wish is for his wife to find a new love . . . before he’s even gone?

Harper is living a life she never expected. After a failed attempt at making it as an artist in New York while falling for and losing her first love, her dreams crumbled in the span of a week. A decade later, Harper is happily living a simpler life as an art teacher in Chattanooga with her beloved new husband, Ben.

When Ben is diagnosed with late-stage cancer, their whole world shifts. Despite the bad news, Ben comes up with one final wish for his wife: he wants Harper to find a new partner before he dies. When the New York Times sends a journalist to do a feature story about Ben’s life, Harper comes face to face with Liam Hale, the man she fell madly in love with all those years ago and never saw again.

Suddenly, Harper is faced with all of those old what-ifs:

What if Harper had ended up with Liam instead of Ben?

What if she’d pursued life as an artist instead of teaching?

What if it had all turned out differently?

After making a wish, Harper wakes up to find herself in a parallel universe . . . where her what-ifs become a reality.

Is the grass really greener, or is she standing right where she should be—no matter the cost?

In Every Life by Rea Frey Book Review

“In Every Life” is an absolute masterpiece — I couldn’t put it down! From the first page to the last, it pulls you in with unforgettable characters, emotional twists, and a story that feels both heart-wrenching and uplifting. It’s the kind of book that lingers with you, making you reflect on the choices we make, the paths we take, and the “what ifs” we carry with us.

The story follows Harper, who is newly married and filled with hopes for the future, only to have her life upended when her husband Ben is diagnosed with stage IV cancer. The love between Harper and Ben is deeply moving, and their bond feels so genuine that you can’t help but root for them. As Ben’s condition worsens, he makes two heartfelt but challenging requests: that Harper returns to the art career she gave up years ago and, most surprisingly, that she finds someone to love. It’s a shocking and emotional plea that makes you question what true love looks like in the face of inevitable loss.

The plot takes an unexpected turn when a journalist from Harper’s past — her first love, Liam — re-enters her life. As Harper grapples with old feelings and wonders about the life she could have had with Liam, the story seamlessly explores alternate timelines and possibilities. What if she had stayed with Liam? What if things had gone differently? The narrative dives deep into how a single choice can alter the course of our lives, and it beautifully captures the delicate balance between holding on to the past and embracing the future.

This book isn’t just a love story; it’s about healing, self-discovery, and learning to live after loss. It evokes such raw emotions — expect to cry (a lot), laugh, and ponder your own life decisions. The pacing is perfect, making it hard to stop reading, and the writing is so heartfelt that you’ll want to discuss it as soon as you finish.

The touch of magical realism — with glimpses of alternate realities — adds a unique layer to the story. Loved it and if you have read “The Seven Year Slip” by Ashley Poston you will love this book.

This novel is truly one of those rare gems that will stay with you long after the final page. I’m convinced it will be adapted into a movie, but I already know I’ll walk out saying, “The book was better!” If you’re looking for a story that makes you feel deeply, stay up late reading, and then talk about for days, this is the one for you

Interview with the Rea Frey

What drew you to the concept of alternate realities, and how did you decide which alternate life paths to explore for Harper?

I’ve always been fascinated by the quantum realm—the idea that the realm of energy holds infinite possibilities. It’s like a playground where every “what-if” could actually happen. I’m studying to become a certified quantum healer, so the concept of alternate realities just clicked for me, especially when thinking about Harper’s story. I wanted her to explore a different version of herself and dive into those pivotal “what-if” moments that we all think about. The alternate path Harper takes reflects a deeper exploration of the choices we make, and how different versions of our lives might play out if we allowed ourselves to dream bigger or take risks.

The novel deals with themes of love, loss, and second chances. How do you strike a balance between hope and heartbreak in your storytelling?

Life is messy, right? It’s full of highs and lows, and I wanted to honor both in Harper’s journey. Balancing hope and heartbreak felt natural because that’s what life is—an ebb and flow. My work in quantum healing and neuroscience really informs this, too. There’s always the possibility of healing, growth, and second chances if we stay open to the energy around us. I wanted readers to feel the weight of heartbreak but also believe in the power of hope and transformation. Harper’s story is about finding beauty even in the darkest moments.

Can you share more about Harper’s journey—how does her character evolve throughout these different realities?

Harper starts off feeling happy in her life, settled even, but when her husband Ben receives a cancer diagnosis, all those old “what-ifs” begin to resurface. She’s become so busy as a teacher and caretaker, that there isn’t really room for anything else. But when her husband suggests that she start thinking about life beyond him, she’s startled by the reality that even though she’s just learning to become a wife, she might become a widow. When she makes a seemingly innocuous wish, she wakes up in her “what-if” life, but she swiftly begins to see the life she thought she missed out on wasn’t necessarily better—it was just different. She learns to let go of this idea that there’s only one “right” path. Her evolution is about stepping into her power and realizing that, no matter what timeline she’s in, she has the ability to create something meaningful and beautiful, even when it’s hard. It’s all about embracing the present moment, and that’s something I’m passionate about in my own work, too—helping people realize they’re not stuck. We are the creators of our lives.

Inspiration & Process:

Your personal experience with brain surgery seems to have shaped your views on life and healing. How did those experiences influence your approach to writing this novel?

Going through brain surgery was a huge wake-up call. It made me deeply aware of how fragile life is and how powerful our capacity for healing can be. That experience changed how I look at everything, and it definitely shaped Harper’s journey in In Every Life. I wanted to explore what it means to heal—emotionally, physically, spiritually. And as someone studying healing and neuroscience, I’m fascinated by how our minds and bodies are capable of so much more than we realize. Harper’s story reflects that idea: even when facing pain or loss, there’s always potential for healing.

You mentioned your business partner’s wife’s illness as inspiration for Ben and Harper’s story. How did their experience shape your portrayal of love in the face of terminal illness?

Watching their journey really opened my eyes to the raw vulnerability of loving someone through illness. How much goes into caretaking. How much you have to believe that it’s all going to turn out okay. It’s a kind of love that goes beyond words—it’s about being present, about showing up even when it’s hard. For Ben and Harper, I wanted to capture that realness. Their story isn’t just about facing death; it’s about how love endures even in the darkest moments. It’s messy, it’s heartbreaking, but there’s also this deep, quiet strength in it. Their experience made me want to show love in all its complexity.

Do you find it emotionally challenging to explore such heavy themes in your writing, or is it a therapeutic process for you?

It’s a little bit of both! Writing about heavy themes like loss, illness, and healing is definitely emotional, but it’s also incredibly therapeutic. I think my work in wellness helps me see things through a lens of possibility. Writing these stories allows me to process my own emotions, and I hope it does the same for readers. There’s something healing about putting those heavy feelings onto the page and working through them with my characters.

Writing Journey & Publishing Insights:

Your career has spanned many areas of the publishing industry—from ghostwriting to journalism. How have those experiences shaped you as a fiction writer?

It’s been a wild ride, that’s for sure! Working across so many different parts of the publishing industry has given me a unique perspective. Ghostwriting taught me how to adapt to different voices, while journalism sharpened my storytelling skills and my ability to get to the heart of a story quickly. These experiences shaped me as a fiction writer because they gave me range—I’m able to bring all those different techniques into my work. Plus, it’s given me empathy for writers at all stages, which is a huge part of how I mentor other authors.

You mentioned your first publishing experience wasn’t ideal. How did that shape your approach to future projects and the way you mentor other writers?

Oh man, my first experience was definitely a learning curve. It taught me how important it is to advocate for yourself and really understand the business side of publishing before you try to get published. That experience made me more intentional about my career, and it’s why I’m so passionate about helping other writers now. I want to help others navigate the ups and downs of the industry while staying true to their creative vision. It’s tough, but with the right mindset, you can create a career tailor-made for you.  

As a writing coach, what advice do you give to aspiring authors struggling with the “what-ifs” in their own careers?

I tell them that the “what-ifs” will always be there, but they can’t let those doubts hold them back. The energy we focus on grows, and if you’re focused on fear, you’ll stay stuck. My advice is define what you really want from a writing career, to understand and trust the process, stay open to possibilities, and just keep showing up. Writing is about resilience—it’s about pushing through those doubts and believing in your voice. I’m all about helping writers tap into that inner strength and get out of their own way. Sometimes, there’s this pervasive “what if I fail” mentality; but what if you don’t?  

Holism & Wellness Influence:

How do your passions for health and wellness intersect with your creative work?

They’re completely intertwined. As someone who is building a new brand and business called Unreachable (which shows people that less, not more is the key to thriving in a hyperconnected world), I’m obsessed with how energy and wellness influence everything, including creativity. Staying balanced—mentally, physically, and emotionally—allows me to show up fully for my writing. I truly believe that when we take care of ourselves, our creative energy flows more freely. In Every Life touches on these themes of healing and wholeness because that’s how I live my life too. I want to bring that holistic approach into everything I do.

With such a busy career and multiple interests, how do you maintain balance and stay grounded?

Honestly, it’s a work in progress, but I’ve learned to prioritize what truly matters. I make time for meditation, breathwork, and movement because those things keep me grounded. And with Unreachable, which I’m building with my partner to help others disconnect from toxic tech and reconnect with themselves, I’m even more passionate about mental health and well-being. It’s about creating intentional space for yourself to reset and recharge. That’s what keeps me centered, especially when things get hectic.

Looking Ahead:

Are there any themes or concepts you haven’t explored yet in your novels that you’re eager to tackle?

Absolutely! I’m really drawn to the intersection of identity, technology, and connection, and how all of that shapes our mental health. As I’m building Unreachable, I’m thinking a lot about how our modern world impacts our sense of self, our relationships, and our overall well-being. I’d love to dive deeper into those themes in a nonfiction book and definitely examine some of those themes in my fiction as well. There’s so much to explore, especially when it comes to how we stay human in an increasingly digital world.

What do you hope readers take away from In Every Life—especially those struggling with regret or longing for second chances?

I hope readers walk away feeling hopeful and empowered. Life is full of regrets and missed opportunities, but I believe there’s always a chance to rewrite your story. I want readers to realize that it’s never too late to make a different choice, to heal, or to start fresh. We have more power over our lives than we often give ourselves credit for. That’s something I deeply believe, both in my own life and through the work I’m doing with Unreachable—helping people realize they have the power to change, no matter where they are in life.

Listen to the Audio Book

Purchase “In Every Life” Here

Book Photos

Book Quotes

Everyone has that one big “what if” or a story about the one who got away. I’m no different except my “what if” is literally a few feet away.

― Rea Frey, In Every Life

If we’re meant to find each other again, we will,” he whispers in my ear. 
My body erupts into goose bumps as he steps back and flings his arms wide.
“I’ve got all the time in the world.” He lifts a hand in a wave, turns, and walks away, just as Liam did hours before.

― Rea Frey, In Every Life

That wasn’t just some random week to me,” he finally says. “It was my whole life, my future. You were my future.” His voice cracks, and so does my heart.

― Rea Frey, In Every Life