International Kindle Paperwhite
EUR 11.08 with 28 percent savings
Print List Price: EUR 15.30
You will be charged USD 12.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Simon & Schuster Digital Sales LLC. Price set by seller.
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Learn more

How it works

  1. Choose your delivery method
  2. Send now or schedule for later
  3. Add your personal message
  4. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.

Added to

Sorry, there was a problem.

There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem.

List unavailable.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

  • Unreasonable Doubts: A Novel

Follow the author

Get new release updates & improved recommendations
Reyna Marder Gentin
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Unreasonable Doubts: A Novel Kindle Edition

by Reyna Marder Gentin (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars (283)
Jaded New York City Public Defender Liana Cohen would give anything to have one client in whom she can believe. Dozens of hardened criminals and repeat offenders have chipped away at her faith in both herself and the system. Her boyfriend Jakob’s high-powered law firm colleagues see her do-gooder job as a joke, which only adds to the increasing strain in their relationship.

Enter imprisoned felon Danny Shea, whose unforgivable crime would raise a moral conflict in an attorney at the height of her idealism—and that hasn't been Liana in quite a while. But Danny's astonishing blend of good looks, intelligence, and vulnerability intrigues Liana. Could he be the client she’s been longing for—the wrongly accused in need of a second chance? Is he innocent? As their attorney-client relationship transforms into something less than arm’s length, Liana is forced to confront fundamental questions of truth, faith, and love—and to decide who she wants to be.
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    322 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    She Writes Press
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    November 13, 2018
  6. File size
    799 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start over
Previous page
  1. Book cover Jessica Harmon Has Stepped Away
    Jessica Harmon Has Stepped Away
    Kindle Edition
    EUR8.52
  2. Book cover Both Are True, Kindle Unlimited
    Both Are True
    Kindle Edition
    EUR5.96
  3. Book cover My Name is Layla
    My Name is Layla
    Just released
    Kindle Edition
    EUR8.52
  4. Reyna Marder Gentin
Next page
Loading...

Editorial Reviews

Review

2019 Women’s Fiction Writers Association Star Award Finalist in Outstanding Debut Fiction

“Fans of Allison Leotta and Lisa Scottoline will appreciate the domestic and romantic elements as well as the legal intrigue.”
—Booklist

“…intelligently written…. There is something in this story for everyone, and if you are like I was, the ending is going to be worth the wait.”
—Reader Views

“Can head and heart possibly make the scales of Justice balance, or must one prevail? Reyna Gentin’s first novel is not only intelligent, but deeply moving. She knows the law and she knows her characters. Well done!”
—Susan Isaacs, author of Compromising Positions, After All These Years, and As Husbands Go

"Unreasonable Doubts is a promising debut. An intriguing blend of romance and legal suspense from a new writer to watch.”
—William Landay, New York Times bestselling author of Defending Jacob

“Reyna Marder Gentin’s passion for the law shines in her debut novel. And Gentin’s deft exploration of justice, love, and tradition sets Unreasonable Doubts apart. A new talent has arrived!”
—Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, best-selling author of Jewish Literacy: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People and Its History, and the Rabbi Daniel Winter mystery series

“Reyna Marder Gentin’s Unreasonable Doubts takes you behind the closed doors of lawyers’ offices and courtrooms... A compelling look at the legal system with vivid and unforgettable characters who will keep you up at night, worrying about them."
—Jimin Han, author of A Small Revolution

“A blend of drama, romance, and legal suspense, Gentin’s novel is engaging and fast-paced, immediately sweeping you into the tale.”
—Dayton Jewish Observer

“. . . [a] page-turner love story and legal thriller.”
—bookscover2cover

“A compelling, aptly named novel about a young lawyer's search for clarity and fulfillment in her career, love relationship(s), and spiritual life. Reyna Marder Gentin, a former lawyer, is, without a reasonable doubt, a writing talent that is headed for a promising career as an author.”
—Miriam Arond, former director of the Good Housekeeping Institute, former editor-in-chief of Child and American Health magazines, and coauthor of The First Year of Marriage: What to Expect, What to Accept and What You Can Change

“Thrilling and informative, a superb novel that should be read by all those interested in how our criminal justice system really works."
—Kenneth R. Feinberg, former administrator of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund

“The crisply written Unreasonable Doubts moves quickly and keeps readers on the edge of their seat with dialogue that rings true. Author Reyna Marder Gentin knows her stuff and displays that in her debut novel.”
―Andy Gotlieb, Jewish Exponent

“A wonderful debut novel, it’s a legal thriller with substance—a page-turner that will trigger introspection and reflection.”
—David Lat, Editor-at-Large, Above the Law, and author of Supreme Ambitions

“Gentin gives us a little legal drama, a little psychological thriller, a taste of crime story, and lots of romance. Best of all, she gives us characters who come to life as real people who will stay with us long after we close the book.”
—Readers’ Favorite

“A delectable book about a charming and savvy young lawyer dealing with demanding personal and professional issues of enormous interest to any reader.”
—Floyd Abrams, author of The Soul of the First Amendment

About the Author

After graduating from Yale College and Yale Law School, Reyna Marder Gentin practiced first as a juvenile rights attorney with the Legal Aid Society and then as a criminal appellate attorney with a nonprofit public defender’s office for nearly eighteen years. That work inspired the story of Unreasonable Doubts. Reyna keeps a hand in the law as a volunteer, representing clients in domestic violence cases who seek restraining orders against their intimate partners. Reyna's personal essays and short stories have been widely published. You can find links to all her pieces at www.reynamardergentin.com. Reyna lives with her family in Westchester, New York. She is currently hard at work on her second novel, Both Are True.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0798LG8X8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ She Writes Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 13, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 799 KB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 322 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1631524141
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Best Sellers Rank: #4,088,370 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars (283)

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reyna Marder Gentin

Reyna Marder Gentin

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Reyna Marder Gentin grew up in Great Neck, New York. She attended college and law school at Yale. For many years, she practiced as an appellate attorney with a public defender's office before turning to writing full time. Reyna has studied at the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College, and her work has been published widely online and in print. Her debut novel, UNREASONABLE DOUBTS, was named a finalist for the Women's Fiction Writers Association Star Award in 2019. Her middle grade novel, MY NAME IS LAYLA, came out in January, 2021 and will be re-released in February, 2026. School Library Journal noted that "Layla's struggles at school and home are authentically depicted, and readers who face their own challenges will relate." Layla won the 2021 gold medal in the Moonbeam Children's Awards in pre-teen fiction. Reyna's novel BOTH ARE TRUE was published in October, 2021. Nicola Krauss, co-author of THE NANNY DIARIES, called BOTH ARE TRUE a "moving novel that examines what it means to start over--with surprising consequences." Reyna's latest novel, JESSICA HARMON HAS STEPPED AWAY, was published in November, 2025, and has been named as a finalist for the 2025 Sarton Women's Book Award. Kirkus called the novel "A rich, engrossing portrait of a mother and daughter fencing their way toward a truce." Reyna lives with her family in Scarsdale, New York.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
283 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find this novel to be an engrossing read with a wonderful plot and relatable characters. The book is well-written and thought-provoking, with one customer noting how it offers philosophical counsel from a Judaic perspective. They appreciate the blend of friendship in the relationships and consider it a page-turner.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

48 customers mention readability, 46 positive, 2 negative
Customers find the book engaging and entertaining, describing it as a riveting novel that holds their interest.
Wow! What a great read. The story grabs you from the first page and keeps you engaged and guessing until the very end....Read more
...Doubts” has written an intense, intriguing, captivating, suspenseful and riveting novel that is extremely thought-provoking....Read more
...enough humor to keep things light, Unreasonable Doubts is an entertaining read from a gifted storyteller....Read more
...I would recommend this book for anyone that likes a good read and a plot that keeps you guessing until the end.Read more
32 customers mention content, 29 positive, 3 negative
Customers find the content of the book engaging and intelligent, describing it as a breathtaking debut novel that is very relatable.
...Great debut. I will look forward to her next novel.Read more
...Blend of friendship, romance and fantasy. Great bookclub book - a must read!Read more
Loved this book! I finished in one day on my last vacation. It was really entertaining and the characters kept me turning pages till I was done....Read more
I truly enjoyed this book. It was hard to put down and it left me guessing until the end about how everything would turn out!...Read more
26 customers mention story, 24 positive, 2 negative
Customers enjoy the story of the book, describing it as riveting with a wonderful plot, and one customer notes its credible legal elements.
...The story was interesting but hard to reconcile. Who is Danny Shea, really?? Why is he wired as he is? What is the fascination with Liana?...Read more
...It had everything I like in a book..a good story line, relatable characters that anyone could identify with and great character development along...Read more
Wonderful plot and character development. Educational about the court system. Blend of friendship, romance and fantasy....Read more
...A pleasant read, interesting story and fun adventure. I highly recommend it.Read more
19 customers mention character development, 18 positive, 1 negative
Customers appreciate the character development in the book.
...It had everything I like in a book..a good story line, relatable characters that anyone could identify with and great character development along...Read more
Wonderful plot and character development. Educational about the court system. Blend of friendship, romance and fantasy....Read more
A fast moving novel filled with believable characters and romance. Very well written. I hope that there will be a sequel!Read more
...There were many characters (including NYC) that were relatable.Read more
10 customers mention thought-provoking, 10 positive, 0 negative
Customers find the book thought-provoking, with one review noting its philosophical insights from a Judaic perspective and another highlighting its educational content about the court system.
...It manages to be complex and thought-provoking while also being a page turner....Read more
...captivating, suspenseful and riveting novel that is extremely thought-provoking. The Genres for this book are Legal Suspense, and Fiction....Read more
...Defying such simplistic categorization, Unreasonable Doubts is literary tour de force and an impressive study of the range of human emotions....Read more
Ms. Gentin has written a suspenseful novel that addresses the virtues of the legal profession, offers philosophical counsel from a Judaic...Read more
10 customers mention writing quality, 10 positive, 0 negative
Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one customer noting it's a suspenseful novel.
Very enjoyable and well written. Easy to read in one sitting. Looking forward to the follow-up!Read more
This was a well-written page turner, from start to finish.Read more
it was interesting reading held my interest. written well.Read more
...For me, the book as a whole was mildly interesting and reasonably well written, but unusually clever or exciting.Read more
8 customers mention relationships, 8 positive, 0 negative
Customers enjoy the relationships in the book, appreciating its blend of friendship and romance, with one customer noting that the relationship issues are universal.
...Educational about the court system. Blend of friendship, romance and fantasy. Great bookclub book - a must read!Read more
...It’s a legal thriller. It’s a mystery-suspense. It’s romance. It’s part workplace comedy. It’s part personal tragedy. It’s uplifting....Read more
I loved Unreasonable Doubts!! It's both suspenseful and romantic, while also being very intelligently written....Read more
...as a legal thriller, but for me it was much more about the intricacies of human relationship – and the vulnerability that it takes to really open...Read more
7 customers mention page-turning, 7 positive, 0 negative
Customers describe the book as a page turner.
This debut novel was very engrossing and a page turner. I was curious to see how the main character, Liana Cohen, would work through her conflicts....Read more
...Definitely a page turner....Read more
...-line... with pace and more than sufficient interest and action to keep pages turning....Read more
A real page turner!Read more
Not my typical reading genre--and I LOVED IT!
5 out of 5 stars
Not my typical reading genre--and I LOVED IT!
Confession up front--I don't typically read legal thrillers or romance novels. Defying such simplistic categorization, Unreasonable Doubts is literary tour de force and an impressive study of the range of human emotions. Reyna Marder Gentin brilliantly crafts a tale that will keep you engaged until the very end. I can't wait for the author's next novel!
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • teachlz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Innocent and Guilty
    Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Lindas Book Obsession Reviews “Unreasonable Doubts” by Reyna Marder Gentin She Writes Press, November 13, 2018

    Reyna Marder Gentin, Author of “Unreasonable Doubts” has written an intense, intriguing, captivating, suspenseful and riveting novel that is extremely thought-provoking. The Genres for this book are Legal Suspense, and Fiction. The timeline for his book are in the present and go to the past or future only when it pertains to the events or characters in this story. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated.

    Liana Cohen is a Public Defender that has mixed feelings now when dealing with the legal cases she has to represent. She deals with hardened criminals. rapists, murders and is starting to lose the enthusiasm that every person is innocent until they are proven guilty. Liana’s boyfriend Jacob, is working his way up the ladder in a successful law firm. Jacob’s colleagues refer to Liana as the “do-gooder”. Why is Liana so confused at this point in time?

    One of Liana’s co-workers gives her a case of Danny Shea, who is in prison for rape. When Liana reads Danny’s letters, something in her makes her want to give him a second chance. Often as a Public Defender, the best form of attack is to find some mistake in the process from the first trial. Soon Liana becomes obsessed with this case. Is she in danger?

    I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy legal suspense novels that offer so much more. There are twists and turns and surprises in this story. Happy Reading!!
    8 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • AMDaniele
    4.0 out of 5 stars Well written but leaves questions
    Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    "Unreasonable Doubts" was an interesting read as the author led us through the conflicts within Liana Cohen as she tries to reconcile her desire to help others find justice in the US court system while dealing with a lack of truly innocent convicted felons. In comes Danny Shea, young, handsome, articulate--innocent??

    Added to her sense of a lack of meaning to her work at the Public Defender's Office is Liana's strong distaste for her boyfriend's distinctly inequitable treatment at a local, large and prestigious law firm. The conflict was good, and healthy; but Danny added an entirely different level to the already complex dynamics.

    The story was interesting but hard to reconcile. Who is Danny Shea, really?? Why is he wired as he is? What is the fascination with Liana? What is Liana's fascination with Danny? Too many loose ends left me feeling as if I'd missed more of the meaning. More insight into Danny's backstory would have resolved that. He is not a typical character type, so it is hard to fold him into the rest of the story without more details.

    Nonetheless, this is a very good first novel.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad, not great
    Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I was very interested in the basic outline of the story. For me, the book as a whole was mildly interesting and reasonably well written, but unusually clever or exciting.
    Helpful
     Report
  • ET from Westchester
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Entertaining Read from a Gifted Storyteller
    Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2018
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Reading a first novel is always a risky proposition. In the case of Unreasonable Doubts by Reyna Marder Gentin, the risk is well worth taking. The storyline grips you from the early pages, and Gentin's straightforward narrative is a welcome departure from the wordy and all-too-often pedantic efforts of fiction debuts. With relatable, normal characters and enough humor to keep things light, Unreasonable Doubts is an entertaining read from a gifted storyteller. I'm looking forward to Gentin's next novel!
    7 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Greg French
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping and thought-provoking. You'll be on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    WOW, just wow!

    Unreasonable Doubts works on so many levels. It’s a legal thriller. It’s a mystery-suspense. It’s romance. It’s part workplace comedy. It’s part personal tragedy. It’s uplifting. It’s earth shattering.

    The story is about a public defender, Liana Cohen, an idealist who has given up a high-paying job at a cushy firm to contribute to the public good. But after a few years on the job, Liana questions whether she’s actually doing any good.

    This existential crisis leads her down a path that puts her job, her love life, her life and everything she’s ever believed in in jeopardy. I won’t tell you what happens, but the ending will surprise you and make you question whether you’re too much like Liana, or make you worry that you might be too different.

    Wonderful debut novel! I can’t wait to read the author’s next one.
    7 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Susan S.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Engrossing read
    Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Ms. Gentin has written a suspenseful novel that addresses the virtues of the legal profession, offers philosophical counsel from a Judaic perspective and inspires the reader to question roads to pursue on the journey toward a fulfilling life of purpose and love. The main character's choices at times, I felt, were uncharacteristic and inconsistent with her personality, professional growth and spiritual awareness. However, Ms. Gentin's writing style is descriptive and captures reader's interest. Great debut. I will look forward to her next novel.
    Helpful
     Report
  • PJC
    5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn’t put it down!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I read “Unreasonable Doubts” in my book group - comprised of 5 women lawyers - and thoroughly enjoyed it. The career challenges faced by the protagonist rang true to me as Liana searches for meaning in her day to day work as a public defender. The descriptions of the legal processes central to the plot are spot on and the relationship issues are universal. Gentin makes you feel like you’ve known the characters all your life; they’re your best friends, partners, mentors and guilty pleasures. Her storytelling is gripping, mixed with many laugh out loud moments. The book has broad appeal, but will be particularly enjoyable for anyone seeking meaning in a chosen career while struggling with work/life balance.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • FPerry
    4.0 out of 5 stars Close to a 5
    Reviewed in Canada on February 12, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was a pretty good read, interesting and enjoyable almost to the end. It reminded me very much of the Lisa Scottoline novels. One reviewer indicated that he/she didn't like the move into a lot of "religion" about three-quarters of the way through, but I didn't find that out of place or objectionable at all-- likely because, in spite of the faith in the book being Jewish, I'm Christian and appreciate when writers can bring the aspect of God into a book without being preachy. 90% of the way through, I would have give in a 5 star rating, but I'm afraid I found the closing chapters and the epilogue a bit too neat and tidy. Almost everything is worked out and ends in happiness. (I say "almost", because perhaps she's left something hanging that might lead to another adventure.)
    Report
See more reviews

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report