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You Weren't Watching
A domestic thriller, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Sally Hepworth.
Late one summer, the town of Rosewood is rocked by a kidnapping. A child is taken by someone the family thought they could trust. A group of mothers, unlikely friends bonded by their children, need each other more than ever. Charlotte. Riddled with anxiety. Sloane. Divorced fitness freak. Katya. Ever loyal best friend. Iris. True-crime-obsessed insomniac. When one of these women digs a little deeper, they discover there’s more to this crime—more than anyone could have imagined—and discovering this nightmare could cost this mother her life.
Late one summer, the town of Rosewood is rocked by a kidnapping. A child is taken by someone the family thought they could trust. A group of mothers, unlikely friends bonded by their children, need each other more than ever. Charlotte. Riddled with anxiety. Sloane. Divorced fitness freak. Katya. Ever loyal best friend. Iris. True-crime-obsessed insomniac. When one of these women digs a little deeper, they discover there’s more to this crime—more than anyone could have imagined—and discovering this nightmare could cost this mother her life.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2023
4 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 12, 2023
** HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY **
This domestic thriller was exceptional! Unique, shocking and emotional. It had a lot - kidnapping, disappearances, secrets, crimes, creepers, stalking - I had goosebumps at one point.
A few stand out aspects for me include the breezy, enjoyable and fast paced flow, the humour (I was LOL-ing), the friendships, the true depiction of mental health, the plausibility (in a thriller, yes!), and importantly the totally relatable FMCs.
To top it all off, an unpredictable twist and some questions left open for some fun discussion... or debate 😆. I consider the latter to be a testament to the excellent research that would've gone into the book (and I shall say no more so as to avoid spoilers).
I loved Hazeltine's debut novel and gave it 5 stars but this by far exceeded my expectations.
Whilst this book is somewhat interconnected to her debut, While the Baby Sleeps, it would be just as great as a stand alone - I really like when an author has the ability to make this work.
Anticipated publication date: 12 June 2023.
⚠️ Author has included TWs at the start of the book, and I love that indie authors are doing this more ⚠️
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This domestic thriller was exceptional! Unique, shocking and emotional. It had a lot - kidnapping, disappearances, secrets, crimes, creepers, stalking - I had goosebumps at one point.
A few stand out aspects for me include the breezy, enjoyable and fast paced flow, the humour (I was LOL-ing), the friendships, the true depiction of mental health, the plausibility (in a thriller, yes!), and importantly the totally relatable FMCs.
To top it all off, an unpredictable twist and some questions left open for some fun discussion... or debate 😆. I consider the latter to be a testament to the excellent research that would've gone into the book (and I shall say no more so as to avoid spoilers).
I loved Hazeltine's debut novel and gave it 5 stars but this by far exceeded my expectations.
Whilst this book is somewhat interconnected to her debut, While the Baby Sleeps, it would be just as great as a stand alone - I really like when an author has the ability to make this work.
Anticipated publication date: 12 June 2023.
⚠️ Author has included TWs at the start of the book, and I love that indie authors are doing this more ⚠️
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 27, 2023
Wow! This thriller is Desperate Housewives meets Law and Order SVU! So intense! I loved every gripping minute of this high intensity thriller! Stephanie Hazeltine has become an auto-read author. Her books never disappoint. You Weren’t Watching had me hooked from the start. Action packed, character driven and with twists that were totally unexpected. Extremely entertaining and very satisfying! Thank you BookSirens for my ARC. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 26, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The plot: There is a mother group of four, who meet every Tuesday and their only problems are the ones concerning motherhood and families. Then one day the news breaks - in the nearby town a little girl is missing. But how would this affect the group and what is their connection to the case?
I read the first book by the author - "While the baby sleeps" and I liked it. But this one was even better!
What I liked:
1. the plot. The story starts off with intrigue - we learn that a child is missing, but we don't know any details. Then we meet four mothers - Charlotte, Sloane, Katya, and Iris, and gradually find out about them and their families. I liked that the story is told from 2 POVs of Charlotte and Sloane, although there are 4 mothers in the group, they are the main characters here. And closer to the end we get a third POV, which to me was the unexpected one. The story is full of suspense, real-life relationships, and situations, so much so that I could relate to all the moms in one way or another.
2. the writing. The book is well-written and easy to read. I enjoyed the author's writing style, it flows easily and is a pleasure to read.
3. the characters. I liked every character, they are all well-described, and even the secondary ones are distinct although without many details, for example, Paul or Janie, and they all invoke particular emotions. Charlotte is a good mother, but is anxious and unsure of herself; Katya is a loyal friend, always ready to help and protect; Sloane comes off as judgmental at first and sort of on a high horse, but later changes for the better; and Iris - a true hero, a mother of 3, 2 of them twins, (it is always beyond me how they do it) - a fan of true crime documentaries and a good friend. All of them are usual mothers with good and bad days, but loving, caring, and relatable.
4. the intrigue. I loved how the author built the story to enhance the reading experience. She gave the information out bit by bit, but still, I could never guess what the next chapter would bring. The suspense, the intensity, and the tension between characters grew throughout the book until it all came together in the end. But even in the epilogue, the author gave us an interesting twist.
5. the ending. The ending was so mind-blowing, I never saw it coming. Everything turned around and we learned who the real bad person was in the situation and the allies were also unexpected.
Content warning: abuse, kidnapping, custody battles.
Overall opinion: Wow, that was such a great story! I enjoyed every minute of it. Every moment I had free time, my hand will just grab the Kindle to read further. When I was not reading, my brain would go back to try to guess what would be next. This was a truly great experience - full of twists, intense, intriguing, and all-consuming. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, especially mystery and thriller lovers.
The plot: There is a mother group of four, who meet every Tuesday and their only problems are the ones concerning motherhood and families. Then one day the news breaks - in the nearby town a little girl is missing. But how would this affect the group and what is their connection to the case?
I read the first book by the author - "While the baby sleeps" and I liked it. But this one was even better!
What I liked:
1. the plot. The story starts off with intrigue - we learn that a child is missing, but we don't know any details. Then we meet four mothers - Charlotte, Sloane, Katya, and Iris, and gradually find out about them and their families. I liked that the story is told from 2 POVs of Charlotte and Sloane, although there are 4 mothers in the group, they are the main characters here. And closer to the end we get a third POV, which to me was the unexpected one. The story is full of suspense, real-life relationships, and situations, so much so that I could relate to all the moms in one way or another.
2. the writing. The book is well-written and easy to read. I enjoyed the author's writing style, it flows easily and is a pleasure to read.
3. the characters. I liked every character, they are all well-described, and even the secondary ones are distinct although without many details, for example, Paul or Janie, and they all invoke particular emotions. Charlotte is a good mother, but is anxious and unsure of herself; Katya is a loyal friend, always ready to help and protect; Sloane comes off as judgmental at first and sort of on a high horse, but later changes for the better; and Iris - a true hero, a mother of 3, 2 of them twins, (it is always beyond me how they do it) - a fan of true crime documentaries and a good friend. All of them are usual mothers with good and bad days, but loving, caring, and relatable.
4. the intrigue. I loved how the author built the story to enhance the reading experience. She gave the information out bit by bit, but still, I could never guess what the next chapter would bring. The suspense, the intensity, and the tension between characters grew throughout the book until it all came together in the end. But even in the epilogue, the author gave us an interesting twist.
5. the ending. The ending was so mind-blowing, I never saw it coming. Everything turned around and we learned who the real bad person was in the situation and the allies were also unexpected.
Content warning: abuse, kidnapping, custody battles.
Overall opinion: Wow, that was such a great story! I enjoyed every minute of it. Every moment I had free time, my hand will just grab the Kindle to read further. When I was not reading, my brain would go back to try to guess what would be next. This was a truly great experience - full of twists, intense, intriguing, and all-consuming. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, especially mystery and thriller lovers.
June 2, 2023
ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴇʀᴇɴ'ᴛ ᴡᴀᴛᴄʜɪɴɢ
-ꜱᴛᴇᴘʜᴀɴɪᴇ ʜᴀᴢᴇʟᴛɪɴᴇ
Late in the summer, Rosewood, a tranquil town, is thrown into chaos when a shocking kidnapping takes place. The unthinkable happens as a child is snatched away by someone the family had placed their trust in.
In this gripping tale, a group of mothers, brought together by the unbreakable bond of motherhood, find solace and strength in one another's company. They lean on each other more than ever before during this harrowing time.
Meet Charlotte, whose life is plagued by anxiety, and Sloane, a divorcee and fitness enthusiast. Then there's Katya, a steadfast and loyal best friend, and Iris, an insomniac with an unwavering obsession for true crime.
As the story unfolds, one of these courageous women dares to delve deeper into the mystery, only to uncover a web of darkness far beyond anyone's imagination. The unimaginable truth is waiting to be unveiled, but little do they know that their relentless pursuit of justice may come at a grave cost—one that threatens the very life of a mother.
I absolutely loved every aspect of this story! The plot had me sitting on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the shocking twists and turns. The character development was phenomenal, as I grew deeply invested in Charlotte, Sloane, Katya, and Iris. Their strengths, vulnerabilities, and unyielding determination were portrayed with such authenticity.
A special thank you to Stephanie Hazeltine for gifting me a copy of "You Weren't Watching." Your writing prowess and ability to craft such a gripping narrative are truly commendable. I was captivated from beginning to end, and I cannot wait to explore more of your work.
Happy reading x
-ꜱᴛᴇᴘʜᴀɴɪᴇ ʜᴀᴢᴇʟᴛɪɴᴇ
Late in the summer, Rosewood, a tranquil town, is thrown into chaos when a shocking kidnapping takes place. The unthinkable happens as a child is snatched away by someone the family had placed their trust in.
In this gripping tale, a group of mothers, brought together by the unbreakable bond of motherhood, find solace and strength in one another's company. They lean on each other more than ever before during this harrowing time.
Meet Charlotte, whose life is plagued by anxiety, and Sloane, a divorcee and fitness enthusiast. Then there's Katya, a steadfast and loyal best friend, and Iris, an insomniac with an unwavering obsession for true crime.
As the story unfolds, one of these courageous women dares to delve deeper into the mystery, only to uncover a web of darkness far beyond anyone's imagination. The unimaginable truth is waiting to be unveiled, but little do they know that their relentless pursuit of justice may come at a grave cost—one that threatens the very life of a mother.
I absolutely loved every aspect of this story! The plot had me sitting on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the shocking twists and turns. The character development was phenomenal, as I grew deeply invested in Charlotte, Sloane, Katya, and Iris. Their strengths, vulnerabilities, and unyielding determination were portrayed with such authenticity.
A special thank you to Stephanie Hazeltine for gifting me a copy of "You Weren't Watching." Your writing prowess and ability to craft such a gripping narrative are truly commendable. I was captivated from beginning to end, and I cannot wait to explore more of your work.
Happy reading x
May 23, 2023
Holy moly this was intense! It's kind of a slow build, but drops little hints as you go that put you on edge and make your mind wonder, and the build up is worth it. This story may be triggering for some moms out there so don't take the warnings lightly. I was slightly shaking through the last several chapters.There are tie-ins to the first book, but if you haven't read it you won't be totally lost.
The different families show different situations and one in particular (or part of the family at least) had me fuming and feeling sick every time they were in a scene. This book addresses so many things us moms worry about, both with ourselves and our families, as well as the effect the passing of time has on our relationships with different groups of people.
As I said, the last part of the book started getting to me (not in a triggered kind of way, just relatable), and with that epilogue, I really want to know what happens!
The different families show different situations and one in particular (or part of the family at least) had me fuming and feeling sick every time they were in a scene. This book addresses so many things us moms worry about, both with ourselves and our families, as well as the effect the passing of time has on our relationships with different groups of people.
As I said, the last part of the book started getting to me (not in a triggered kind of way, just relatable), and with that epilogue, I really want to know what happens!
June 28, 2023
I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
This book was so good!! I loved all the twists and turns and I absolutely was not expecting the end! The plot was fast paced and interesting and the author did a great job weaving multiple characters' stories together to create a thriller that was difficult to put down.
This book was so good!! I loved all the twists and turns and I absolutely was not expecting the end! The plot was fast paced and interesting and the author did a great job weaving multiple characters' stories together to create a thriller that was difficult to put down.
May 24, 2023
Oh WOW, what a story! I really enjoyed this thriller, which kept me guessing about what was actually going to happen until the very end. It was very difficult to put down and now I need to catch up on my housework. Interesting characters who all have another behind-the-scenes story that could easily link into the main story. The ending was left open and so I’m hoping that there will be another book leading on from this - I will really be looking forward to reading that. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 12, 2023
This is the second book in a series. However, in my opinion you can read this without reading the first book even though I highly recommend reading it because it's just as good as this one!
This book was written in such a way that I felt like I was a part of the mom's group. The attention to detail in the writing made this possible. As the book went on and everything started to unravel, my anxiety was through the roof and I couldn't stop reading to find out how everything was resolved.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was written in such a way that I felt like I was a part of the mom's group. The attention to detail in the writing made this possible. As the book went on and everything started to unravel, my anxiety was through the roof and I couldn't stop reading to find out how everything was resolved.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 17, 2023
I echo what other reviewers have said - this book is a can’t-put-down. I was on a flight and was preparing to watch the inflight entertainment when I flicked to Kindle and read the first page. Before I knew it, I had “9 minutes left in this book” when we landed and the seatbelt sign went off otherwise I would have read it in one sitting. The opening page grips you from the start. The writing is so lyrical and you get a sense of the scene immediately and how probable it is for a child to get lost, any parent’s worst fear. We are introduced to the women in the mothers group who are all well developed characters. It is all relatable such as Charlotte not liking others using her nickname for her daughter, Iris the super mum who makes zucchini slice, Sloane’s need to exercise, Katya and Charlotte being closer because they live closer, the natural shrinking of the mothers group as various women move away or return to work, the relationships with men.
My mullet-haired, tattooed seat companion gently asked me if I was okay as I sobbed messily towards the end, it was excellent seeing the different points of view and the motivations of the characters,
Apart from being character-driven, the plot is really cleverly delivered, and it’s good that you don’t have to read the first book and also exciting that there will be a third to come!
This book is a must-read - it really is like a Liane Moriarty or a Sally Hepworth novel! Enjoy!
My mullet-haired, tattooed seat companion gently asked me if I was okay as I sobbed messily towards the end, it was excellent seeing the different points of view and the motivations of the characters,
Apart from being character-driven, the plot is really cleverly delivered, and it’s good that you don’t have to read the first book and also exciting that there will be a third to come!
This book is a must-read - it really is like a Liane Moriarty or a Sally Hepworth novel! Enjoy!
July 9, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to a possible sequel. A group of four Mothers, Charlotte, Sloane, Katy and Iris meet once a week with their preschool children at the playground. Charlotte is targeted by a strange woman who calls herself Michelle who keeps turning up and bumping into her and befriends her. Charlotte's daughter, Imogen, is kidnapped and creates situation of fear, horror and terror not just for Imogen's parents but it affects the whole group and the surrounding area. It is a Mother's nightmare with soft toys containing trackers, hidden rooms with cameras, and traumatised kidnapped children kept in cages. It takes a determined Sloane to uncover the key to it and inform the Police but will she manage to get there in time to save Imogen or will she be lost forever as some of the missing children in the surrounding area.
The author catches the emotions and fears and the effects on the whole community and it is made worse when they find out who enabled the kidnapping to happen and who planted the trackers especially as Charlotte is divorced from Imogen's Dad. It is an emotional thriller with twists and turns and leaves it open for a sequel but it is difficult to put the book down when you have started reading it. I have not read this author before but I will be looking out for any other books.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to a possible sequel. A group of four Mothers, Charlotte, Sloane, Katy and Iris meet once a week with their preschool children at the playground. Charlotte is targeted by a strange woman who calls herself Michelle who keeps turning up and bumping into her and befriends her. Charlotte's daughter, Imogen, is kidnapped and creates situation of fear, horror and terror not just for Imogen's parents but it affects the whole group and the surrounding area. It is a Mother's nightmare with soft toys containing trackers, hidden rooms with cameras, and traumatised kidnapped children kept in cages. It takes a determined Sloane to uncover the key to it and inform the Police but will she manage to get there in time to save Imogen or will she be lost forever as some of the missing children in the surrounding area.
The author catches the emotions and fears and the effects on the whole community and it is made worse when they find out who enabled the kidnapping to happen and who planted the trackers especially as Charlotte is divorced from Imogen's Dad. It is an emotional thriller with twists and turns and leaves it open for a sequel but it is difficult to put the book down when you have started reading it. I have not read this author before but I will be looking out for any other books.
June 26, 2023
Stephanie is back again but this time with a new mothers group - Charlotte, Sloane, Iris and Katya. They have formed a friendship through the mothers group and still catch up once a week with the children.
The story is told in two points of view at the start and one thrown in at the end of the book (won't give too much away here). We hear from Charlotte and Sloane. Children are being abducted in the area and it comes very close to home when one of the children from the Mum's group goes missing. Full of lies, deception, crimes and stalking. This domestic thriller has everything. You can't trust anyone.
I'm a lover of short chapters and this book was so easy to devour. It gave me goosebumps and a lot of scares being a mother. It is a mothers worst nightmare, having your child being abducted and one of the main reasons we do not put our child on social media.
I really enjoyed that the two books are connected. It really blew my mind as I was not expecting that way. I can't say much more without giving it all away. But just know it was a great plot twist!
Thank you Stephanie for sending me a gifted copy for my honest book review. You Weren't Watching is out now.
The story is told in two points of view at the start and one thrown in at the end of the book (won't give too much away here). We hear from Charlotte and Sloane. Children are being abducted in the area and it comes very close to home when one of the children from the Mum's group goes missing. Full of lies, deception, crimes and stalking. This domestic thriller has everything. You can't trust anyone.
I'm a lover of short chapters and this book was so easy to devour. It gave me goosebumps and a lot of scares being a mother. It is a mothers worst nightmare, having your child being abducted and one of the main reasons we do not put our child on social media.
I really enjoyed that the two books are connected. It really blew my mind as I was not expecting that way. I can't say much more without giving it all away. But just know it was a great plot twist!
Thank you Stephanie for sending me a gifted copy for my honest book review. You Weren't Watching is out now.
June 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Ill admit at first the moms were kind of back and forth for me. Sometimes i liked them and could sympathize and other times i found myself saying oh my gods you're being a bit much. Not to a degree i was like ok you're crazy or a bad parent, but more in a way as hun you gotta take a chill pill type thing. They all seemed extremely wound up Charlotte and her insecurities and Sloane being extremely over the top to a concerning degree at times. I don't know they just seemed very tightly wound up and extremely stressed, but in their defense taking care of kids is very stressful and hard work. Its easy to see they both want the best for their children. I think the author did a great job in building character growth. It was nice seeing how everything worked out. Also oh my gods that plot twist!! Didnt see it coming. I had my suspicions yes, but i was off on a few things which i enjoyed. I prefer books where i cant guess every single detail. I like the mystery and thats why this genre is one lf my favorites. Overall great book and cant wait to read more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 2, 2023
Thank you to Stephanie Hazeltine for sending me a copy of your new book!
You Weren’t Watching is the (sort of) sequel to the first novel While the Baby Sleeps.
It follows a group of mothers and their day to day lives and struggles. As someone who is not a parent yet Hazeltine does an amazing job of creating the huddle and huddle of parental life and putting the small things into perspective.
These novels have a crime fiction element that is so unique and You Weren’t Watching is no different. There is the hint of a crime at the beginning of the novel and then the story plays out in real life chronological order. It always leaves me on the edge of my seat waiting to she what the crime is and who is involved.
The plot is wound perfectly and springs at just the right moment to have me saying “ oh my god”!
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to see what Hazeltine will come up with next!
You Weren’t Watching is the (sort of) sequel to the first novel While the Baby Sleeps.
It follows a group of mothers and their day to day lives and struggles. As someone who is not a parent yet Hazeltine does an amazing job of creating the huddle and huddle of parental life and putting the small things into perspective.
These novels have a crime fiction element that is so unique and You Weren’t Watching is no different. There is the hint of a crime at the beginning of the novel and then the story plays out in real life chronological order. It always leaves me on the edge of my seat waiting to she what the crime is and who is involved.
The plot is wound perfectly and springs at just the right moment to have me saying “ oh my god”!
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to see what Hazeltine will come up with next!
June 29, 2023
✍️ This domestic thriller follows four mothers in the town of Rosewood. When a kidnapping occurs one summer and one of the mothers digs deeper into the crime, they discover there is more than they could possibly have imagined
After reading @stephaniehazeltinewrites first book "While The Baby Sleeps" and absolutely Delighting in it, I was very eager to read this one and once again it did not disappoint. I LOVED IT!
From the moment I started reading I was Immediately Thrilled and Hooked .The story and the captivating writing had me in complete Panic and Apprehension from start to finish. I couldn't put it down.
The story was fast paced, relatable and filled with a great sense of emotion, empathy and profoundness. The twists and turns kept me surprised and guessing till the end. There were heavy topics conveyed not for the faint hearted.
Highly recommend!
June 3, 2023
I loved this! An intense thrilling ride. I devoured (today) this domestic thriller - 'you weren't watching' by Stephanie Hazeltine. A fast paced page turner. Told from multiple POVs in two parts. From the prologue, we know a child is missing. But as the story progresses, you will question what this missing child has to do with mums Charlotte, Sloane, Iris, and Katya - who meet regularly as a mums group. All will be revealed 😲
A tale about the struggles of parenting. A tale about the struggles of friendships. A tale about who you can really trust. More importantly, a tale about what can happen when you aren't watching.
There were many twists and turns throughout. I also loved the twist of this being a 'sort of' sequal to her first book 'while the baby sleeps.' Read both books!
A tale about the struggles of parenting. A tale about the struggles of friendships. A tale about who you can really trust. More importantly, a tale about what can happen when you aren't watching.
There were many twists and turns throughout. I also loved the twist of this being a 'sort of' sequal to her first book 'while the baby sleeps.' Read both books!
June 10, 2023
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
All I can really say about this book is WOW. I was absolutely hooked from the first chapter and inhaled this book in one setting. All the moms are relatable, as are the depictions of mental health issues. That, in and of itself, was a breath of fresh air.
The plot movement is great throughout the book, and I was seriously unable to put it down. The twists and turns, the darkness lingering just under the surface - I had goosebumps at some points, even. This book entails stalking, kidnapping, and a group of moms who will do anything for the ones they love.
Hazeltine has woven such a frightening tale into a beautiful story. She is being put on my automatic read list any time she releases a new book.
All I can really say about this book is WOW. I was absolutely hooked from the first chapter and inhaled this book in one setting. All the moms are relatable, as are the depictions of mental health issues. That, in and of itself, was a breath of fresh air.
The plot movement is great throughout the book, and I was seriously unable to put it down. The twists and turns, the darkness lingering just under the surface - I had goosebumps at some points, even. This book entails stalking, kidnapping, and a group of moms who will do anything for the ones they love.
Hazeltine has woven such a frightening tale into a beautiful story. She is being put on my automatic read list any time she releases a new book.
June 24, 2023
Stephanie Hazeltine is a "new to me" author and I really enjoyed this fast paced novel about new mothers and their insecurities that quickly escalates into a kidnapping. I quickly became invested in the characters and was able to get a visceral feeling for everything these new moms were experiencing.
I was glad to see the author included trigger warnings, since I could see the topics being upsetting to a young parent. Also, I found the epilogue a little jarring as it took the book in a whole different direction and introduced a character we hadn't met, but based on other reviewer comments it seems it might be leaving room for a sequel, which I would welcome!
Thank you to BookSirens for an advance reader's copy of this this interesting read.
I was glad to see the author included trigger warnings, since I could see the topics being upsetting to a young parent. Also, I found the epilogue a little jarring as it took the book in a whole different direction and introduced a character we hadn't met, but based on other reviewer comments it seems it might be leaving room for a sequel, which I would welcome!
Thank you to BookSirens for an advance reader's copy of this this interesting read.
June 12, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Happy publication day 🥂
YOU WEREN’T WATCHING is an domestic thriller about a woman who experiences every mother’s worst nightmare; a missing child. The author did a great job of conveying the emotions and anxieties of the characters. The end was fairly predictable (at least, I wouldn’t call it shocking) + the story didn’t evoke strong emotions from me — but a solid story nonetheless!
Read this if you love books about motherhood, missing children, neighbourhood secrets, stalkers & being watched.
Thank you to the author for my digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
My detailed reviews and recommendations can be found on my bookstagram. Link in bio 🖤
Happy publication day 🥂
YOU WEREN’T WATCHING is an domestic thriller about a woman who experiences every mother’s worst nightmare; a missing child. The author did a great job of conveying the emotions and anxieties of the characters. The end was fairly predictable (at least, I wouldn’t call it shocking) + the story didn’t evoke strong emotions from me — but a solid story nonetheless!
Read this if you love books about motherhood, missing children, neighbourhood secrets, stalkers & being watched.
Thank you to the author for my digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
My detailed reviews and recommendations can be found on my bookstagram. Link in bio 🖤
June 2, 2023
The first book I read by Stephanie Hazeltine was While the Baby Sleeps and I really loved it. So my expectations for You Weren't Watching were pretty high and Stephanie has definitely exceeded them and then some! I loved the pace of the story, the plot and the character driven chapters. The suspense is off the charts and I was not at all surprised by the ending but I wasn't disappointed either. I just couldn't get enough of getting to know the mother's and the children are adorable. There is a few surprises and I feel that there could be a sequel to the book. If so sign me up for it!
June 9, 2023
I really liked this book. It started really strong and it made me want to keep reading it. I read it straight through in just one day. The author was able to convey a lot of feelings and emotions that parents, especially moms can often feel. I could feel what the characters were feeling. I thought some parts were a little predictable but overall it was still a great read. I would love to read more books from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 1, 2023
A fast-paced tale about moms who struggle to be perfect mothers in the world of real life. A group of moms meets every Tuesday in a safe park to share coffee and motherhood stories with each other. Each chapter is told from the viewpoints of different mothers allowing the reader to glimpse the angst that is happening in their lives. All goes well until guards are let down and lives are put in danger. Very well crafted with an ending that leaves the reader wondering.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 28, 2024
Stephanie Hazeltine has hooked me again with this follow up to While The Baby Sleeps. You Weren’t Watching was another edge of your seat domestic thriller that I devoured in an afternoon.
The town of Rosewood is rocked when a little girl disappears in the blink of an eye while her mum is temporarily distracted. With a group of mums at its heart, this suspenseful read explores the lengths parents would go to for their child. The story is y old in alternating chapters from the POVs of two mothers: Sloane and Charlotte. Sloane is recently divorced and sharing custody of her daughter, Frankie, with her ex and his new partner. Charlotte has two children, Imogen and baby Jordy and is constantly worried that she is not a good enough mum.
Tightly plotted and tense, the reader is confronted with plenty of warning signs that something is not right, but it’s not until another child goes missing that we realise just how close the danger is.
I really enjoyed having the two POVs, especially as these mothers were very different in their parenting styles and ideas. These differences led to even greater tension and kept me guessing as to what was going to happen next. I loved the way that Stephanie brought it all together for a shocking ending.
The town of Rosewood is rocked when a little girl disappears in the blink of an eye while her mum is temporarily distracted. With a group of mums at its heart, this suspenseful read explores the lengths parents would go to for their child. The story is y old in alternating chapters from the POVs of two mothers: Sloane and Charlotte. Sloane is recently divorced and sharing custody of her daughter, Frankie, with her ex and his new partner. Charlotte has two children, Imogen and baby Jordy and is constantly worried that she is not a good enough mum.
Tightly plotted and tense, the reader is confronted with plenty of warning signs that something is not right, but it’s not until another child goes missing that we realise just how close the danger is.
I really enjoyed having the two POVs, especially as these mothers were very different in their parenting styles and ideas. These differences led to even greater tension and kept me guessing as to what was going to happen next. I loved the way that Stephanie brought it all together for a shocking ending.
May 25, 2023
I am pleased to say that I really liked this thriller. I did receive an e-arc of it and am so happy that I did.
This thriller will have you gasping and second guessing y ourself while you try to figure out who is behind it all. I could not put this book down until I finished it!!!
Definitely recommend reading this book, but check the TW first!!!
This thriller will have you gasping and second guessing y ourself while you try to figure out who is behind it all. I could not put this book down until I finished it!!!
Definitely recommend reading this book, but check the TW first!!!
June 2, 2023
I enjoyed the characters new moms in a mom’s group. They talk about their relationships and struggles with young children. There’s mystery and suspense that kept me reading. I enjoyed the flow and writing style of author. *I was given an advanced reader copy via BookSirens and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
June 9, 2023
Thank you Stephanie Hazeltine for a copy of your newest book!
This read was SO gripping, emotional and it had my heart racing a few times. As if it's not everyone's fear that your child goes missing?!
The plot is very clever, twisty and the ending was so good.
Highly recommend this read!
4.5/5 stars!
This read was SO gripping, emotional and it had my heart racing a few times. As if it's not everyone's fear that your child goes missing?!
The plot is very clever, twisty and the ending was so good.
Highly recommend this read!
4.5/5 stars!
June 9, 2023
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 11, 2023
The plot was intense, powerful and thrilling and held me captive all the way through! The characters fairly leaped off the page, and the tension was palpable.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
August 28, 2023
I absolutely devoured this book. I could not put it down. It was fast paced and I was captivated from start to end. Every time I thought I had figured things out, there was another twist or snippet of information that had me second guessing myself. I highly recommend this book, I think it was my favourite one so far!
June 26, 2023
This book was so good. The twists and turns, amazing. I had a bad feeling about michelle but didn’t she would do that. I couldn’t put this book down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 3, 2023
This book was so good, and very suspenseful towards the end! The topic that this story used is such a huge problem in our world, and not talked about nearly enough. It's so great to see an author shed some light on something so horribly common. I would definitely recommend!
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