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The Day I Lost Her
As I stare at the girl, I feel my heart pound inside my chest. There she is, my daughter, right in front of me after all this time. I have to reach her, to hold her, before I lose her all over again…
I have experienced what no mother I have lost my child. Many years ago, after my divorce, my daughter moved in with her father, and then went missing...
For years, I searched everywhere for my darling girl, but she had vanished without a trace. But even on my darkest days, when my heart felt truly broken, I kept a hope alive inside – a hope that my little girl would, one day, find her way back to me.
And now, standing in front of me, so close I could touch her, is a young woman who looks just like my beloved Tilly . I’ve been reminded of her so many times over the years, but this is different. The curve of her face, the sound of her voice…
But just as my heart leaps with unimaginable joy, she disappears into the crowd and I lose sight of her. I can’t believe she has gone before I had the chance to reach her.
As I desperately scan the faces around me, my heart pounding in my chest, I realise I am certain that she was my little girl, back after all these years. But why would she seek me out now, just to vanish all over again? And how can I find her? Because no matter how much time has passed, she will always be my little girl… And I will do whatever it takes to hold her in my arms once more.
I have experienced what no mother I have lost my child. Many years ago, after my divorce, my daughter moved in with her father, and then went missing...
For years, I searched everywhere for my darling girl, but she had vanished without a trace. But even on my darkest days, when my heart felt truly broken, I kept a hope alive inside – a hope that my little girl would, one day, find her way back to me.
And now, standing in front of me, so close I could touch her, is a young woman who looks just like my beloved Tilly . I’ve been reminded of her so many times over the years, but this is different. The curve of her face, the sound of her voice…
But just as my heart leaps with unimaginable joy, she disappears into the crowd and I lose sight of her. I can’t believe she has gone before I had the chance to reach her.
As I desperately scan the faces around me, my heart pounding in my chest, I realise I am certain that she was my little girl, back after all these years. But why would she seek me out now, just to vanish all over again? And how can I find her? Because no matter how much time has passed, she will always be my little girl… And I will do whatever it takes to hold her in my arms once more.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2023
270 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 23, 2023
After Yvonne's divorce her 13 year old daughter Tilly moves in with her father. Yvonne has lost everything and is struggling to start again.
Yvonne has never forgotten Tilly and regularly sends letters and emails saying how much she misses her, writing all about her life and job.
Even though she's told Tilly has gone travelling, she still imagines seeing her everywhere she goes.
I was completely gripped by this heartbreaking story, it tugged at my heart strings and I couldn't wait to find out what happens to this family.
When you read a book and it makes you feel different types of emotions, then you know you have found a great author!!
I will definitely be looking out for more of Catherine Miller's books.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Yvonne has never forgotten Tilly and regularly sends letters and emails saying how much she misses her, writing all about her life and job.
Even though she's told Tilly has gone travelling, she still imagines seeing her everywhere she goes.
I was completely gripped by this heartbreaking story, it tugged at my heart strings and I couldn't wait to find out what happens to this family.
When you read a book and it makes you feel different types of emotions, then you know you have found a great author!!
I will definitely be looking out for more of Catherine Miller's books.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2023
I was not really sure exactly what to expect when I first started reading this book. There was an air of mystery surrounding the plot. It also stirred my heart to see a mother, Yvonne, who had so royally messed up her life and the lives of her family many years ago, trying to help those less fortunate.
Yvonne lost her daughter when she was 13 years old because she had an addiction that was toxic to her husband and daughter and everyone around her. Her daughter, Tilly, went to live with her father when she was 13 years old and Yvonne has not seen her since that day. This was a wake up call for Yvonne, but unfortunately for her it was too late for her marriage and her relationship with her daughter. When her daughter turned 18 she left her father's home and three years later, no one knows where she is at. She says she wanted to travel, but it is as if she vanished. Yvonne glimpses a young lady that she feels is her daughter, but the young girl vanishes into the crowd. It was like heartbreak all over again.
From that point forward you will see and feel the many emotions that Yvonne is experiencing as she desperately tries to locate the young woman that she is so sure is her daughter. I really liked the character of Yvonne. She messed up in her younger years, but instead of wallowing in self-pity, she has chosen to make something better of herself and now she helps with those less fortunate in her community. I believe, in the beginning, her heart for the downtrodden is almost a penance for not being the mother and wife she should have been. However, it soon became a way of life for her, and she truly cared for these people. I admired her. I also felt her despair. There is no love like a mother's love, and she never stopped loving her daughter.
I was not expecting a little mystery and intrigue mixed in with this story, so this added an element of surprise which in turn added to the story line. I was pleasantly surprised with the way this book was written. I wanted to cry at times and cheer at other times. It was definitely a page turner which will take you on a emotional roller coaster ride that will tug on your heart strings.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Yvonne lost her daughter when she was 13 years old because she had an addiction that was toxic to her husband and daughter and everyone around her. Her daughter, Tilly, went to live with her father when she was 13 years old and Yvonne has not seen her since that day. This was a wake up call for Yvonne, but unfortunately for her it was too late for her marriage and her relationship with her daughter. When her daughter turned 18 she left her father's home and three years later, no one knows where she is at. She says she wanted to travel, but it is as if she vanished. Yvonne glimpses a young lady that she feels is her daughter, but the young girl vanishes into the crowd. It was like heartbreak all over again.
From that point forward you will see and feel the many emotions that Yvonne is experiencing as she desperately tries to locate the young woman that she is so sure is her daughter. I really liked the character of Yvonne. She messed up in her younger years, but instead of wallowing in self-pity, she has chosen to make something better of herself and now she helps with those less fortunate in her community. I believe, in the beginning, her heart for the downtrodden is almost a penance for not being the mother and wife she should have been. However, it soon became a way of life for her, and she truly cared for these people. I admired her. I also felt her despair. There is no love like a mother's love, and she never stopped loving her daughter.
I was not expecting a little mystery and intrigue mixed in with this story, so this added an element of surprise which in turn added to the story line. I was pleasantly surprised with the way this book was written. I wanted to cry at times and cheer at other times. It was definitely a page turner which will take you on a emotional roller coaster ride that will tug on your heart strings.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 20, 2023
When Yvonne’s divorce is finalized, she leaves her daughter. It sounds harsh, but she recognized she had her own demons to deal with and she could not provide a healthy environment for Tilly. That was years ago. Despite not seeing her daughter, she wrote her for years—sometimes a text, sometimes an email, and sometimes a letter. Although she could not be with her physically, Yvonne hoped Tilly understood she loved her still and would always be her mother.
Work at the food pantry that Yvonne runs is hectic and often requires a mode of delicacy and empathy that many people cannot manage. Having an unorthodox past herself, Yvonne knows that no one chooses to have to ask for help. Day to day she sees many people walk through the doors, but when she believes she sees Tilly she is dumbfounded. After so many years, could it be her? She is supposed to be traveling around Europe having the time of her life according to Yvonne’s ex, so why is this young woman hanging around?
What starts as a mystery gets even more complicated as Yvonne questions herself and her ability to really know her long lost daughter. This girl is wearing her gifts sent over several years, and seems to have all the right answers, but something is off. Yvonne, who is more sensitive than most, is determined to get to the bottom of things, even if she doesn’t like the answers she finds. What starts as an innocent meet up rapidly devolves into chaos that only Yvonne can fix.
The Day I Lost Her is a page turner for sure as the reader tries to figure out what in the world happened to Tilly. Yvonne is an easy character to like. She could have easily spiraled out of control, but instead climbed her way out of an emotional hole, to not only help herself, but also others in her community. She’s imperfect, but inspiring, and the cast of characters surrounding her only enhance her goodness.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author Catherine Miller for the advanced copy of the book. The Day I Lost Her is out now. All opinions are my own.
Http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
Work at the food pantry that Yvonne runs is hectic and often requires a mode of delicacy and empathy that many people cannot manage. Having an unorthodox past herself, Yvonne knows that no one chooses to have to ask for help. Day to day she sees many people walk through the doors, but when she believes she sees Tilly she is dumbfounded. After so many years, could it be her? She is supposed to be traveling around Europe having the time of her life according to Yvonne’s ex, so why is this young woman hanging around?
What starts as a mystery gets even more complicated as Yvonne questions herself and her ability to really know her long lost daughter. This girl is wearing her gifts sent over several years, and seems to have all the right answers, but something is off. Yvonne, who is more sensitive than most, is determined to get to the bottom of things, even if she doesn’t like the answers she finds. What starts as an innocent meet up rapidly devolves into chaos that only Yvonne can fix.
The Day I Lost Her is a page turner for sure as the reader tries to figure out what in the world happened to Tilly. Yvonne is an easy character to like. She could have easily spiraled out of control, but instead climbed her way out of an emotional hole, to not only help herself, but also others in her community. She’s imperfect, but inspiring, and the cast of characters surrounding her only enhance her goodness.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author Catherine Miller for the advanced copy of the book. The Day I Lost Her is out now. All opinions are my own.
Http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
November 22, 2023
After Yvonne's divorce was finalized, she left her daughter Tilly. Even though it may sound harsh, she acknowledged that she had her own personal issues to deal with and could not provide a healthy environment for her child. This happened many years ago, but despite being unable to see Tilly in person, Yvonne tried to stay in touch with her daughter by writing to her frequently. She would send a text, email, or letter whenever she could, hoping that Tilly knew that she still loved her and would always be her mother.
Working at the food pantry that Yvonne manages can be hectic, and it often requires a delicate and empathetic approach that many people may not be able to handle. Having lived an unorthodox life herself, Yvonne understands that no one chooses to ask for help. Every day, she encounters many people who come through the doors seeking assistance, but when she thinks she sees Tilly, she is left dumbfounded. After all these years, could it really be her? According to Yvonne's ex, Tilly is supposed to travel around Europe and enjoy herself, so why is she still here?
Yvonne faces a complicated mystery as she questions her ability to recognize her long-lost daughter. Although the girl appears to have all the correct answers and is wearing the gifts Yvonne sent over the years, something seems amiss. Yvonne is incredibly perceptive and determined to uncover the truth, regardless of what she may discover. However, their meeting quickly spirals out of control, and only Yvonne has the power to set things right.
The Day I Lost Her is captivating as the reader follows along to uncover the mystery behind Tilly's disappearance. The protagonist, Yvonne, is a likeable character who triumphs over emotional turmoil and helps others in her community. Despite her flaws, she is inspiring, and her interactions with the supporting characters add to her appeal. Overall, the book is a page-turner that showcases the best of human resilience and compassion.
#generalfictionn #womensfiction #netgalley #bookreview #TheDayILostHer
6 d
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Many thanks!
Working at the food pantry that Yvonne manages can be hectic, and it often requires a delicate and empathetic approach that many people may not be able to handle. Having lived an unorthodox life herself, Yvonne understands that no one chooses to ask for help. Every day, she encounters many people who come through the doors seeking assistance, but when she thinks she sees Tilly, she is left dumbfounded. After all these years, could it really be her? According to Yvonne's ex, Tilly is supposed to travel around Europe and enjoy herself, so why is she still here?
Yvonne faces a complicated mystery as she questions her ability to recognize her long-lost daughter. Although the girl appears to have all the correct answers and is wearing the gifts Yvonne sent over the years, something seems amiss. Yvonne is incredibly perceptive and determined to uncover the truth, regardless of what she may discover. However, their meeting quickly spirals out of control, and only Yvonne has the power to set things right.
The Day I Lost Her is captivating as the reader follows along to uncover the mystery behind Tilly's disappearance. The protagonist, Yvonne, is a likeable character who triumphs over emotional turmoil and helps others in her community. Despite her flaws, she is inspiring, and her interactions with the supporting characters add to her appeal. Overall, the book is a page-turner that showcases the best of human resilience and compassion.
#generalfictionn #womensfiction #netgalley #bookreview #TheDayILostHer
6 d
bookouture's profile picture
Many thanks!
August 8, 2023
Get the tissues ready! Yvonne has worked so hard to rebuild her life after a gambling addiction resulted in the breakdown of her marriage and loss of her home and her daughter, Tilly, who she hasn’t seen for eight years. When Tilly shows up, Yvonne should be overwhelmed with happiness, but she’s not… there’s an sinister undertone of deception running all the way through this story, which kept me guessing all the way through about Tilly’s motivation for tracking her mum down after all this time. There are some things that only a mother can know about her own child and as we know, a mother’s love is like no other. The emotion of this element of the story, combined with the sinister goings on make this book a great read.
I personally enjoyed the food surplus distributions as I hold this from my own home three times a week, along with a team of volunteers, just like Yvonne does and I could resonate with lots of the people and events of those evenings, both good and bad, and characters like Polly and Mr Jenkins added another excellent dimension to the story and to the character building of Yvonne and her team/friends.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Catherine Miller and Bookouture for an ARC in return for an honest review.
I personally enjoyed the food surplus distributions as I hold this from my own home three times a week, along with a team of volunteers, just like Yvonne does and I could resonate with lots of the people and events of those evenings, both good and bad, and characters like Polly and Mr Jenkins added another excellent dimension to the story and to the character building of Yvonne and her team/friends.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Catherine Miller and Bookouture for an ARC in return for an honest review.
August 18, 2023
The Day I Lost Her by Catherine Miller is a very poignant and emotional story of a mother trying to reconnect with her daughter. It's the story of Yvonne rebuilding her life after losing something very precious to her.
Yvonne works in a food bank after losing her family and her house and has had to start her life from scratch. In the process, she is completely out of her daughter's life. She tries to keep in touch with letters and emails to her daughter but never receives any response. One day, though, she meets a young woman who says that she is her daughter. Something doesn't feel right, though.
This book sheds light on the life of the volunteers and people who work as well as come to the food banks. It gives a realistic picture of the hardships individuals are facing, and so many of the times, it's not their choice. The community bonding is so heartwarming to read. As a mother, my heart was crying for Yvonne, and the ending was so satisfying to read.
CW: separation, mental illness, gambling, modern slavery
Thank you, Bookoouture, for this book. All opinions are my own.
Yvonne works in a food bank after losing her family and her house and has had to start her life from scratch. In the process, she is completely out of her daughter's life. She tries to keep in touch with letters and emails to her daughter but never receives any response. One day, though, she meets a young woman who says that she is her daughter. Something doesn't feel right, though.
This book sheds light on the life of the volunteers and people who work as well as come to the food banks. It gives a realistic picture of the hardships individuals are facing, and so many of the times, it's not their choice. The community bonding is so heartwarming to read. As a mother, my heart was crying for Yvonne, and the ending was so satisfying to read.
CW: separation, mental illness, gambling, modern slavery
Thank you, Bookoouture, for this book. All opinions are my own.
February 12, 2024
After her marriage falls apart, Yvonne’s daughter Tilly lives with her father. Yvonne struggles to start anew and erase the past misfortunes that she has caused. She succeeds in most areas, but the one that continues to be lacking is her relationship with her daughter. Yvonne attempted to maintain contact with Tilly by sending letters, but has never been able to successfully connect. Until 1 day, Tilly shows up at her job. Is this truly her long lost daughter, and if so, why has she suddenly decided to initiate contact? There are so many questions that require answers. While heartwarming, this book does have twists and turns that also kept it interesting. I would have liked to see more character development of Tilly, as that was lacking. The character of Yvonne was well developed and I really got to know her. The plot evoked a lot of emotions while reading: joy, sadness, and anger to name a few. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 14, 2023
First, I want to thank Catherine Miller, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
Ohh get ready for your heart strings to be pulled tightly as Catherine Miller is back with her latest The Day I Lost Her! Fans of hers will definitely want to pick up this must read and add it to your evergrowing TBR List!
The Day I Lost Her is a book about a Mother’s unconditional love for her daughter and the lengths she would go to get her back!
One aspect of The Day I Lost Her that I adored was how she incorporated how essential food pantries are to the community. Having attended one in the past where my bestie lives I know first hand how beneficial they are to the community. I am so thankful that Catherine used this platform to raise awareness with this topic.
Ohh get ready for your heart strings to be pulled tightly as Catherine Miller is back with her latest The Day I Lost Her! Fans of hers will definitely want to pick up this must read and add it to your evergrowing TBR List!
The Day I Lost Her is a book about a Mother’s unconditional love for her daughter and the lengths she would go to get her back!
One aspect of The Day I Lost Her that I adored was how she incorporated how essential food pantries are to the community. Having attended one in the past where my bestie lives I know first hand how beneficial they are to the community. I am so thankful that Catherine used this platform to raise awareness with this topic.
July 16, 2023
"The Day I Lost Her" is a book about a mother who hit rock bottom and lost everything. She worked her way up to regain herself while consistently writing and emailing her daughter who she was under the impression wanted no contact with her..until she finds out the truth...
This book is a heartbreaking and heartwarming story all in one. It hits on various emotions and is written so well that it sucked me in from the beginning and I couldn't put the book down! There are twists in this book that you won't see coming and some you will, which I love in a book as it keeps me captivated.
This book is a heartbreaking and heartwarming story all in one. It hits on various emotions and is written so well that it sucked me in from the beginning and I couldn't put the book down! There are twists in this book that you won't see coming and some you will, which I love in a book as it keeps me captivated.
August 17, 2023
Yvonne is a mother desperate to reconnect with her daughter Tilly. This book was heartbreaking and mysterious. They are the two emotions I felt while reading my heart broke for Yvonne but at the same time I could feel the mysterious air to the story. I felt so sorry for Yvonne as she had a tough time and did some things that she regretted but now she has got her life together and is doing so much good to help others who are suffering and having a hard time. I easily jumped into this book and would highly recommend.
August 20, 2023
Told from the POV of Mother and Daughter this story is about reuniting family. Yvonne lost her daughter due to divorce and her health struggles and does not deny it was the right choice at the time but misses her daughter. When a girl looking like her daughter shows up at her work she is determined to find her.
I enjoyed this quick read. You can tell from the daughter’s POV that something is not right but don’t know what it is. I loved the daughters POV as little nuggets into the plot. A very well written and captivating story!
I enjoyed this quick read. You can tell from the daughter’s POV that something is not right but don’t know what it is. I loved the daughters POV as little nuggets into the plot. A very well written and captivating story!
December 31, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I liked how we had chapters from both of our main characters, helping us to see the story from each side. The book deals with themes of family, addiction and poverty amongst others. I found the foodbank setting particularly poignant, as we deal with this cost of living crisis.
I liked the characters and thought the story was nicely paced. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy of this book.
I liked the characters and thought the story was nicely paced. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy of this book.
July 29, 2023
The Day I Lost Her is a novel, full of heart, hope, and a testament to a mother's undying love. It's a narrative that invites us to reflect on our own relationships, our outlook, and the extraordinary lengths we would go for the ones we love.
October 13, 2023
heart warming family tale
Lovely tale of a mother who reached rock bottom and made the hardest most selfless decision of her life to then follow the events as she made all in her life good and her only wish was to be reunited with her daughter very well written and emotional
Lovely tale of a mother who reached rock bottom and made the hardest most selfless decision of her life to then follow the events as she made all in her life good and her only wish was to be reunited with her daughter very well written and emotional
December 19, 2023
This is sweet and sad. I didn't get it at first but I am glad I kept with it. This is a hard situation and the story was a tear jerker.
Thank you for the ARC.
Thank you for the ARC.
June 20, 2024
This book was written in an interesting way but I could not understand the characters and their motivations.
April 18, 2025
A nice read, enjoyable and suspenseful, wondering what the final outcome will be.
July 26, 2025
This book has a couple twists, but was really slow.
August 10, 2023
I'm kind of torn. I found the story line interesting but not really believable? Also it could have gone so much further than where it ended. Character development was decent though I would have liked to see more about the relationship between Tilly and Rhoda.
August 21, 2023
Yvonne made some poor decisions and, as a result, lost all contact with her daughter. After putting her life back together and doing a complete 180, someone arrives, claiming to be her long-lost daughter.
Told in two points of view, Yvonne communicating with her long-lost daughter via text, email, and letters: in almost a diary format helping her cope with her circumstances and deal with her pain, and from the daughter's perspective. This story is about loss, heartache, and found family it was mysterious and intriguing and, at the same time, a heart-wrenching book.
Without giving too much away, I'm so glad at the end result of the circumstances in the book, a very lovely positive outcome.
Topics like gambling, loss of family, hard times, mental illness, and controlling behaviour are all dealt with, with sensitivity and compassion. And I'm always a sucker for found family.
Told in two points of view, Yvonne communicating with her long-lost daughter via text, email, and letters: in almost a diary format helping her cope with her circumstances and deal with her pain, and from the daughter's perspective. This story is about loss, heartache, and found family it was mysterious and intriguing and, at the same time, a heart-wrenching book.
Without giving too much away, I'm so glad at the end result of the circumstances in the book, a very lovely positive outcome.
Topics like gambling, loss of family, hard times, mental illness, and controlling behaviour are all dealt with, with sensitivity and compassion. And I'm always a sucker for found family.
November 24, 2023
This book! So much emotion!
Yvonne was forced to walk away from her husband and her child because of her addictions. When she did she didn’t realize what she was leaving her daughter to live with. After years of being away from Tilly, Yvonne sets out to find her.
I felt so bad for Yvonne through this whole book. She turned her life around and does so much good for people, but a part of her is missing. Her determination to save her daughter, as well as her step sister, just shows the kind of woman that she is.
I really enjoyed this book. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC of this book.
Yvonne was forced to walk away from her husband and her child because of her addictions. When she did she didn’t realize what she was leaving her daughter to live with. After years of being away from Tilly, Yvonne sets out to find her.
I felt so bad for Yvonne through this whole book. She turned her life around and does so much good for people, but a part of her is missing. Her determination to save her daughter, as well as her step sister, just shows the kind of woman that she is.
I really enjoyed this book. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC of this book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews