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Hannah Bauer #1.5
A Welcome Reunion
From the bestselling author of The Perfect Child comes a short thriller about a couple faced with the terrifying return of a girl they once called their own who threatens everything they hold dear.
Janie is the last person Hannah and Christopher Bauer want to see again.
But Janie’s moved back to Clarksville. She’s no longer the frail child Hannah and Christopher adopted over eleven years ago. The child who destroyed their lives. Now Janie is out of juvenile detention—a beautiful, confident young adult—and publicly promoting her new tell-all memoir.
At just eighteen, Janie has a violent and tragic story to share, brimming with grisly details. Details the public can’t get enough of…and that the Bauers can’t bear to relive. Janie has taken a new name and claims to have reformed her sociopathic ways. She’s ready to make amends. But when the Bauers refuse to meet with her, she takes matters into her own hands.
After the social worker formerly assigned to the case makes disturbing revelations about Janie’s calculated behavior, the Bauers brace for Janie’s next move, determined to protect their family—at any cost.
Janie is the last person Hannah and Christopher Bauer want to see again.
But Janie’s moved back to Clarksville. She’s no longer the frail child Hannah and Christopher adopted over eleven years ago. The child who destroyed their lives. Now Janie is out of juvenile detention—a beautiful, confident young adult—and publicly promoting her new tell-all memoir.
At just eighteen, Janie has a violent and tragic story to share, brimming with grisly details. Details the public can’t get enough of…and that the Bauers can’t bear to relive. Janie has taken a new name and claims to have reformed her sociopathic ways. She’s ready to make amends. But when the Bauers refuse to meet with her, she takes matters into her own hands.
After the social worker formerly assigned to the case makes disturbing revelations about Janie’s calculated behavior, the Bauers brace for Janie’s next move, determined to protect their family—at any cost.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2023
5190 people are currently reading
18789 people want to read
About the author
Lucinda Berry
30 books21.7k followersUSA Today bestselling author Lucinda Berry is a former psychologist and leading researcher in childhood trauma. She’s written multiple bestsellers reaching millions of readers worldwide. Some of her bestselling works include The Perfect Child, Saving Noah, When She Returned, The Best of Friends, and Keep Your Friends Close. Her books have been optioned for film and translated into several languages.
If Berry isn’t chasing after her son, you can find her running through Los Angeles, prepping for her next marathon. To hear about her upcoming releases and other author news, visit her on social media (@lucindaberryauthor) or sign up for her newsletter at https://lucindaberry.com.
If Berry isn’t chasing after her son, you can find her running through Los Angeles, prepping for her next marathon. To hear about her upcoming releases and other author news, visit her on social media (@lucindaberryauthor) or sign up for her newsletter at https://lucindaberry.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,860 reviews
August 8, 2023
First of all, thanks to netgalley and Amazon original stories for the arc in exchange for my opinion.
Trigger warning: emotional and physical abuse.
To really enjoy this dark, short novella, it’s a benefit to have read the perfect child. That’s because this novella is about the same child, but now she’s released into the world again, and the family haunted by her, will need to handle what comes next.
The first book was to say it bluntly, dark and gritty. This novella is still all those things, and more. You can’t have a faint heart reading this, because you will read about acts of violence that are hard to imagine. Berry has previously worked as a clinical psychologist, and I’m sure she draws from some of her experience and knowledge to dredge up scenarios that gets under your skin. We all know that there are some real psychopaths out there, and the novella shows how a female psychopath my harvest her skills and terrorize others. I felt this ending to a chilling book I’ll never forget, was well worth the around 60 pages of time it took me.
Trigger warning: emotional and physical abuse.
To really enjoy this dark, short novella, it’s a benefit to have read the perfect child. That’s because this novella is about the same child, but now she’s released into the world again, and the family haunted by her, will need to handle what comes next.
The first book was to say it bluntly, dark and gritty. This novella is still all those things, and more. You can’t have a faint heart reading this, because you will read about acts of violence that are hard to imagine. Berry has previously worked as a clinical psychologist, and I’m sure she draws from some of her experience and knowledge to dredge up scenarios that gets under your skin. We all know that there are some real psychopaths out there, and the novella shows how a female psychopath my harvest her skills and terrorize others. I felt this ending to a chilling book I’ll never forget, was well worth the around 60 pages of time it took me.
August 22, 2023
3.5 "riveting, nailbiting, terrifyingly enjoyable" stars !!!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Amazon Original Stories. I am providing an honest review. This will be released 15 Aug 2023.
So many of you know that I am very hard to please in the area of thrillers. There are too many really crappy ones out there....but this one I could just not put down....this is a novella more than a short story....
Janie is 18 and released from juvenile detention. She is a brilliant sociopath that has already done so much damage in her young life. She is now a memoir author and Instagram mini star and she wants to continue hurting others and enjoying it. Her adoptive mother, father and former social worker are terrified and what will they do to protect themselves and others from Janie (now known as Hope).
The first 75 percent of this had me at the edge of my seat....I was immersed and scared and grossed out (in a good way)...the ending was not to my liking but somewhat believable...a more nebulous one would have been more effective methinks !
The prose is clear, credible and keeps the story going at a pretty quick clip and the characterizations are fairly well done.
A very good and quick domestic thriller and a warning to keep away from Janie especially if they have the audacity to change their name to Hope !
I would definitely try a full length novel by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Amazon Original Stories. I am providing an honest review. This will be released 15 Aug 2023.
So many of you know that I am very hard to please in the area of thrillers. There are too many really crappy ones out there....but this one I could just not put down....this is a novella more than a short story....
Janie is 18 and released from juvenile detention. She is a brilliant sociopath that has already done so much damage in her young life. She is now a memoir author and Instagram mini star and she wants to continue hurting others and enjoying it. Her adoptive mother, father and former social worker are terrified and what will they do to protect themselves and others from Janie (now known as Hope).
The first 75 percent of this had me at the edge of my seat....I was immersed and scared and grossed out (in a good way)...the ending was not to my liking but somewhat believable...a more nebulous one would have been more effective methinks !
The prose is clear, credible and keeps the story going at a pretty quick clip and the characterizations are fairly well done.
A very good and quick domestic thriller and a warning to keep away from Janie especially if they have the audacity to change their name to Hope !
I would definitely try a full length novel by this author.
August 6, 2023
3.75🌟
After she was found abused and neglected, Hannah and Christopher adopt young Janie. They take her in and give her a safe, welcoming home. It’s not long before Janie’s behaviors become not just disturbing, they’re down-right lethal.
Recently turning eighteen Janie has aged out of the juvenile system, and is about to be on her own. But is she really ready to leave behind what’s left of the family she helped to destroy? Can they protect themselves against a now 'adult' Janie?
This was my first read by Lucinda Berry, I enjoyed her writing and the storyline drew me in right from the start. I had no idea this was a sequel to The Perfect Child or I would have started there. This short story can stand on its own as the author gives plenty of back story. But my experience would have been even better reading these books in order.
I do wish would have been a full-length novel. It all wrapped up a bit too quickly, leaving me without enough resolution. Perhaps I would have felt differently if I had read The Perfect Child?🤷🏼♀️
Will I be able ending more of her books? Definitely! I’m off to check her older releases while keeping an eye out for her next (full size) thriller!
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories
After she was found abused and neglected, Hannah and Christopher adopt young Janie. They take her in and give her a safe, welcoming home. It’s not long before Janie’s behaviors become not just disturbing, they’re down-right lethal.
Recently turning eighteen Janie has aged out of the juvenile system, and is about to be on her own. But is she really ready to leave behind what’s left of the family she helped to destroy? Can they protect themselves against a now 'adult' Janie?
This was my first read by Lucinda Berry, I enjoyed her writing and the storyline drew me in right from the start. I had no idea this was a sequel to The Perfect Child or I would have started there. This short story can stand on its own as the author gives plenty of back story. But my experience would have been even better reading these books in order.
I do wish would have been a full-length novel. It all wrapped up a bit too quickly, leaving me without enough resolution. Perhaps I would have felt differently if I had read The Perfect Child?🤷🏼♀️
Will I be able ending more of her books? Definitely! I’m off to check her older releases while keeping an eye out for her next (full size) thriller!
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories
August 16, 2023
EXCERPT: Piper - I'd lose my job if anyone knew I was here, but nothing could keep me away from this moment. Absolutely nothing. I had to see the child killer. Excuse me, the reformed child killer. Because that's who she was now.
ABOUT 'A WELCOME REUNION': Janie is the last person Hannah and Christopher Bauer want to see again.
But Janie’s moved back to Clarksville. She’s no longer the frail child Hannah and Christopher adopted over eleven years ago. The child who destroyed their lives. Now Janie is out of juvenile detention—a beautiful, confident young adult—and publicly promoting her new tell-all memoir.
At just eighteen, Janie has a violent and tragic story to share, brimming with grisly details. Details the public can’t get enough of…and that the Bauers can’t bear to relive. Janie has taken a new name and claims to have reformed her sociopathic ways. She’s ready to make amends. But when the Bauers refuse to meet with her, she takes matters into her own hands.
After the social worker formerly assigned to the case makes disturbing revelations about Janie’s calculated behavior, the Bauers brace for Janie’s next move, determined to protect their family—at any cost.
MY THOUGHTS: Holy cow! That was one hell of a read! It was five stars all the way through from me - right up until the ending, which there really isn't one. It just stops. I turned the (virtual) page and . . . nothing. I went back and reread the final page and tried again - still nothing.
I didn't realize, when I picked this up, that it was a sequel to another book which I am now going to have to find. I really loved this amazingly disturbing read right up till the last page. Now, I am just left feeling short-changed. But I'll get 0ver it. 😉
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#AWelcomeReunion #NetGalley
I: @lucindaberryauthor @amazonpublishing
X: #LucindaBerryAuthor @AmazonPub
#contemporaryfiction #crime #familydrama #mentalhealth #novella #thriller
THE AUTHOR: Dr. Lucinda Berry is a former clinical psychologist and leading researcher in childhood trauma. Now, she spends her days writing full-time where she uses her clinical experience to blur the line between fiction and nonfiction. She enjoys taking her readers on a journey through the dark recesses of the human psyche.
If Berry isn’t chasing after her son, you can find her running through Los Angeles, prepping for her next marathon.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Publishing for providing a digital ARC of this Amazon Original Story A Welcome Reunion by Lucinda Berry for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
ABOUT 'A WELCOME REUNION': Janie is the last person Hannah and Christopher Bauer want to see again.
But Janie’s moved back to Clarksville. She’s no longer the frail child Hannah and Christopher adopted over eleven years ago. The child who destroyed their lives. Now Janie is out of juvenile detention—a beautiful, confident young adult—and publicly promoting her new tell-all memoir.
At just eighteen, Janie has a violent and tragic story to share, brimming with grisly details. Details the public can’t get enough of…and that the Bauers can’t bear to relive. Janie has taken a new name and claims to have reformed her sociopathic ways. She’s ready to make amends. But when the Bauers refuse to meet with her, she takes matters into her own hands.
After the social worker formerly assigned to the case makes disturbing revelations about Janie’s calculated behavior, the Bauers brace for Janie’s next move, determined to protect their family—at any cost.
MY THOUGHTS: Holy cow! That was one hell of a read! It was five stars all the way through from me - right up until the ending, which there really isn't one. It just stops. I turned the (virtual) page and . . . nothing. I went back and reread the final page and tried again - still nothing.
I didn't realize, when I picked this up, that it was a sequel to another book which I am now going to have to find. I really loved this amazingly disturbing read right up till the last page. Now, I am just left feeling short-changed. But I'll get 0ver it. 😉
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#AWelcomeReunion #NetGalley
I: @lucindaberryauthor @amazonpublishing
X: #LucindaBerryAuthor @AmazonPub
#contemporaryfiction #crime #familydrama #mentalhealth #novella #thriller
THE AUTHOR: Dr. Lucinda Berry is a former clinical psychologist and leading researcher in childhood trauma. Now, she spends her days writing full-time where she uses her clinical experience to blur the line between fiction and nonfiction. She enjoys taking her readers on a journey through the dark recesses of the human psyche.
If Berry isn’t chasing after her son, you can find her running through Los Angeles, prepping for her next marathon.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Publishing for providing a digital ARC of this Amazon Original Story A Welcome Reunion by Lucinda Berry for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
August 5, 2023
This was an intense little read! “A Welcome Reunion” is a novella that you will fly through easily in one sitting. And for those of you like me who didn’t know, this novella is also the sequel to Berry’s “The Perfect Child”, which I plan on reading immediately after this!
In this short little story, we learn of Janie’s release from juvenile detention/rehabilitation after several years. Janie is now 18 years old, and claims she has changed her evil ways from childhood. She has even gone so fas as to change her name to Hope.
Hannah and Christopher Bauer are Janie’s (Hope’s) previous adoptive parents. Hannah is very worried about Janie’s release back onto the streets, while Christopher has a bit of a soft spot for Janie. Hannah knows that people don’t change- especially people like Janie, after all that she did to their family. Can and will Hannah stop Janie before she destroys her family once again?
This was my first time reading anything by Lucinda Berry, and in just these few short pages she fully grabbed my attention. I am so curious and cannot wait to read “The Perfect Child” now (although I think it’s going to be quite disturbing). This was a fantastic, quick read that I highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own. Publication date: August 15, 2023.
Genre~ Novellas & Short Stories, General Fiction (Adult), and Mystery & Thrillers
In this short little story, we learn of Janie’s release from juvenile detention/rehabilitation after several years. Janie is now 18 years old, and claims she has changed her evil ways from childhood. She has even gone so fas as to change her name to Hope.
Hannah and Christopher Bauer are Janie’s (Hope’s) previous adoptive parents. Hannah is very worried about Janie’s release back onto the streets, while Christopher has a bit of a soft spot for Janie. Hannah knows that people don’t change- especially people like Janie, after all that she did to their family. Can and will Hannah stop Janie before she destroys her family once again?
This was my first time reading anything by Lucinda Berry, and in just these few short pages she fully grabbed my attention. I am so curious and cannot wait to read “The Perfect Child” now (although I think it’s going to be quite disturbing). This was a fantastic, quick read that I highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own. Publication date: August 15, 2023.
Genre~ Novellas & Short Stories, General Fiction (Adult), and Mystery & Thrillers
August 7, 2023
When I saw on NetGalley that Lucinda Berry had a new novella available that is the sequel to The Perfect Child I immediately hit the request button. I loved The Perfect Child and all the creepiness that came with it.
This is a perfect example of leaving well enough alone and now that I've read this I wish I hadn't. I don't know if The Perfect Child isn't as good as I remember, if I've become a more critical reader over the years, or if this one just wasn't up to par with the original. No idea, but this was a disappointment.
Terrible dialogue, dumb characters, and a conclusion that left much to be desired. 2 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for my complimentary copy.
This is a perfect example of leaving well enough alone and now that I've read this I wish I hadn't. I don't know if The Perfect Child isn't as good as I remember, if I've become a more critical reader over the years, or if this one just wasn't up to par with the original. No idea, but this was a disappointment.
Terrible dialogue, dumb characters, and a conclusion that left much to be desired. 2 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for my complimentary copy.
August 6, 2023
i blame The Silent Patient for giving me extremely high expectations for thrillers.
this short story reveals the aftermath of the book The Perfect Child. i actually hadn’t gotten to read that book but it didn’t affect my understanding of this short story. so i will say, the author did a great job at providing background info to give readers an understanding of prior events in the previous book. perhaps if i read The Perfect Child i would have liked this more? i’m unsure.
janie, a child who did horrific things including murder, is eighteen now and out of the juvenile institution. she decides to change her name to hope, write a book full of lies to make herself look good, go on a tv interview for sympathy, and move right back to the town her adopted parents (hannah and christopher) lived in. her presence heavily affects the couple, especially hannah, leading to more disturbing events. piper is also a notable character to mention since she was janie’s social worker when she was a child. she now follows janie around and has grown to be obsessed with her. even though this was a short story, a decent amount took place but it all felt too dark yet predictable for me. but as i believe, my opinion shouldn’t stop you if you’re interested!
i appreciate Netgalley for providing this arc (btw it’s available to everyone at the moment without having to request, you can simply download it!) because i’ve been interested in this author for a while.
*Trigger warnings for gore, death, disturbing violence, mental health issues*
this short story reveals the aftermath of the book The Perfect Child. i actually hadn’t gotten to read that book but it didn’t affect my understanding of this short story. so i will say, the author did a great job at providing background info to give readers an understanding of prior events in the previous book. perhaps if i read The Perfect Child i would have liked this more? i’m unsure.
janie, a child who did horrific things including murder, is eighteen now and out of the juvenile institution. she decides to change her name to hope, write a book full of lies to make herself look good, go on a tv interview for sympathy, and move right back to the town her adopted parents (hannah and christopher) lived in. her presence heavily affects the couple, especially hannah, leading to more disturbing events. piper is also a notable character to mention since she was janie’s social worker when she was a child. she now follows janie around and has grown to be obsessed with her. even though this was a short story, a decent amount took place but it all felt too dark yet predictable for me. but as i believe, my opinion shouldn’t stop you if you’re interested!
i appreciate Netgalley for providing this arc (btw it’s available to everyone at the moment without having to request, you can simply download it!) because i’ve been interested in this author for a while.
*Trigger warnings for gore, death, disturbing violence, mental health issues*
October 3, 2025
This is the sequel to The Perfect Child. Janie is now 18 and has been released from the juvenile justice system and is claiming to be reformed. She has even written a best-selling book telling her story. Hannah and Piper, however, know that Janie is back to cause more chaos, dragging Hannah and Christopher's son Cole into her psychological games.
I'm not really quite sure what the point of this was, to be honest. It's like the Author realised the ending of the first book was below par. Together with the fact that there wasn't much in the way of repercussions for abhorrent behaviour by our antagonist, they decided to tack this on so everyone could feel satisfied a certain character finally gets their just deserts. It all just felt so pointless; sometimes I think things are best just left alone.
Piper was going to take the blame for that... come on now, such a ridiculous plot. This is quite short and feels like this could have just been added on to the main book, so it feels like a cash grab. If you enjoyed the first book, don't bother with this; it adds nothing. If, like me, you thought the first book was pretty average, definitely don't bother with it. ;)
I'm not really quite sure what the point of this was, to be honest. It's like the Author realised the ending of the first book was below par. Together with the fact that there wasn't much in the way of repercussions for abhorrent behaviour by our antagonist, they decided to tack this on so everyone could feel satisfied a certain character finally gets their just deserts. It all just felt so pointless; sometimes I think things are best just left alone.
Piper was going to take the blame for that... come on now, such a ridiculous plot. This is quite short and feels like this could have just been added on to the main book, so it feels like a cash grab. If you enjoyed the first book, don't bother with this; it adds nothing. If, like me, you thought the first book was pretty average, definitely don't bother with it. ;)
August 15, 2023
** Happy Publication day **
This novella started strong with page one ft. the fascinating nature vs nature debate and continues with some good mystery and suspense.
Janie who was a troubled child and is a sociopath is back in the lives of the people who adopted her. They had a biological child and he learns of Janie being his sister for the first time after the parents had to give her up due to being so dangerous.
I found out when I started this that it was a sequel to The Perfect Child (thanks so much, Lis!). However, having read the novella with absolutely no background, I thoroughly enjoyed it and think it works perfectly fine as a stand alone too. I'm sure it is even better if you've read The Perfect Child though. Also, I think this spoils The Perfect Child so if that is on your TBR maybe read it first!
Anticipated publication date: 15 August 2023.
⚠️ Check TWs online ⚠️
This novella started strong with page one ft. the fascinating nature vs nature debate and continues with some good mystery and suspense.
Janie who was a troubled child and is a sociopath is back in the lives of the people who adopted her. They had a biological child and he learns of Janie being his sister for the first time after the parents had to give her up due to being so dangerous.
I found out when I started this that it was a sequel to The Perfect Child (thanks so much, Lis!). However, having read the novella with absolutely no background, I thoroughly enjoyed it and think it works perfectly fine as a stand alone too. I'm sure it is even better if you've read The Perfect Child though. Also, I think this spoils The Perfect Child so if that is on your TBR maybe read it first!
Anticipated publication date: 15 August 2023.
⚠️ Check TWs online ⚠️
August 7, 2023
Melodramatic and super predictable. This story was too short to have two alternating points of view. I've never read anything by Lucinda Berry before (not even The Perfect Child, which is apparently the backstory to this one) so I don't know if this is a typical representation of her work or not, but I'm not a fan at all. Piper was a semi-likable character, at least (none of the others were), but I thought that her actions at the end were pretty improbable and ridiculous. Based on the other Goodreads reviews, however, I'm obviously in the minority on this one, so take from that what you will.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for providing me with an advance copy of this story to review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for providing me with an advance copy of this story to review.
August 18, 2023
Wow! This short story is disturbing, dark, and intense. It's all-absorbing from start to finish with a conclusion that was completely unexpected. This is a sequel to The Perfect Child, but you don't have to have read that to enjoy this thriller. It is perfect as a stand-alone. This novella is a page-turner that will stay with me for a long time. Thank you, NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for my copy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 18, 2024
★3ish stars
For anyone who reads The Perfect Child, this 80 page novella is a much-needed follow-up after its abrupt ending. A Welcome Reunion picks up about 13 years after the first book, with Janie let back out into the world (bc that's obviously a smart idea smh). She may have a best-selling memoir claiming she's reformed after all these years, but honey, let’s check ourselves. Told from the POV of Hannah and Piper, we are thrown right back into the world of this “reformed” sociopathic demon-child, and it’s enough to make the blood boil all over again. Lemme tell you, LUCINDA DID NOT HOLD BACK WITH THIS NOVELLA 🔥 However my main gripe is that the ending felt unsatisfying yet again–I would have loved for this to be slightly longer in page-length to develop the story a bit more!
* ゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜*
My Review of The Perfect Child
* ゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜*
Pre-review:
Thank you to my girl Heather for letting me know this existed!!! 🙌🏼👏🏼 Need to know what follows that ending from The Perfect Child bc I was SHOOK.
For anyone who reads The Perfect Child, this 80 page novella is a much-needed follow-up after its abrupt ending. A Welcome Reunion picks up about 13 years after the first book, with Janie let back out into the world (bc that's obviously a smart idea smh). She may have a best-selling memoir claiming she's reformed after all these years, but honey, let’s check ourselves. Told from the POV of Hannah and Piper, we are thrown right back into the world of this “reformed” sociopathic demon-child, and it’s enough to make the blood boil all over again. Lemme tell you, LUCINDA DID NOT HOLD BACK WITH THIS NOVELLA 🔥 However my main gripe is that the ending felt unsatisfying yet again–I would have loved for this to be slightly longer in page-length to develop the story a bit more!
* ゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜*
My Review of The Perfect Child
* ゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜*
Pre-review:
Thank you to my girl Heather for letting me know this existed!!! 🙌🏼👏🏼 Need to know what follows that ending from The Perfect Child bc I was SHOOK.
October 23, 2023
If you read The Perfect Child you are going to better understand this dark emotional short story. If not, go and read that first book.
Hannah and Christopher adopted in the past a child who brought tragedy and disaster to their lives. At the end of the last book, she is placed into juvenile detention. Now she is out of it and is ready again to unleash havoc around her.
I was dreading to know what else she do and can anyone stop her. The end was a bit unexpected and terrible, but it can be justified.
Hannah and Christopher adopted in the past a child who brought tragedy and disaster to their lives. At the end of the last book, she is placed into juvenile detention. Now she is out of it and is ready again to unleash havoc around her.
I was dreading to know what else she do and can anyone stop her. The end was a bit unexpected and terrible, but it can be justified.
August 18, 2023
I don’t see the purpose of this story. I think it could have been a lot longer with the potential to be a really good read. I loved The Perfect Child, the first book in this “series”. I was expecting more.
December 16, 2024
What A Leech!!!!!!
August 25, 2023
I've never read anything by Lucinda Berry previously but I'll have to remedy that. I understand that this short story/ novella is a sequel to The Perfect Child so perhaps I'll start there.
18-year-old Janie has recently been released from juvenile detention, changed her name to Hope and has written a startling memoir. She's moved back to Clarksville where Hannah and Christopher Bauer, the couple who adopted her 11 years ago, still live and they're worried about her intentions.
A creepy look at a young manipulative sociopath, well written with believable characters and a very quick read. Like other reviewers, I didn't like the abrupt finish but maybe there'll be a sequel to the sequel!
Thanks to Amazon Original Stories via Netgalley for the opportunity to read this short story. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication: August 15, 2023 - Currently available with a Kindle Unlimited membership.
18-year-old Janie has recently been released from juvenile detention, changed her name to Hope and has written a startling memoir. She's moved back to Clarksville where Hannah and Christopher Bauer, the couple who adopted her 11 years ago, still live and they're worried about her intentions.
A creepy look at a young manipulative sociopath, well written with believable characters and a very quick read. Like other reviewers, I didn't like the abrupt finish but maybe there'll be a sequel to the sequel!
Thanks to Amazon Original Stories via Netgalley for the opportunity to read this short story. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication: August 15, 2023 - Currently available with a Kindle Unlimited membership.
August 15, 2023
A Thriller Novella should be fast paced, it should pack a punch and it should be UNHINGED!
LUCINDA DID THAT!!!
I know I am not the only one who has been patiently waiting for Lucinda’s sequel to The Perfect Child. That book had me so hooked and I was so affected by book and especially the character Janie!
A welcome reunion is 82 pages but did not fail to completely rile me up, enrage and have me rolling my eyeballs to high heavens. I really enjoyed it!
I really wish that it had been made as a full length novel (selfishly) and I am a bit peeved that there wasn’t a chapter solely on Janie POV, as i don’t know about you but I was excited to possibly get more of a reasoning behind Janie mindset and how she truly felt about her past indiscretions now that she is older.
The ending was something else to say the least! And also needs some suspension of disbelief!
But as a quick one hour read, it was great!!!
LUCINDA DID THAT!!!
I know I am not the only one who has been patiently waiting for Lucinda’s sequel to The Perfect Child. That book had me so hooked and I was so affected by book and especially the character Janie!
A welcome reunion is 82 pages but did not fail to completely rile me up, enrage and have me rolling my eyeballs to high heavens. I really enjoyed it!
I really wish that it had been made as a full length novel (selfishly) and I am a bit peeved that there wasn’t a chapter solely on Janie POV, as i don’t know about you but I was excited to possibly get more of a reasoning behind Janie mindset and how she truly felt about her past indiscretions now that she is older.
The ending was something else to say the least! And also needs some suspension of disbelief!
But as a quick one hour read, it was great!!!
October 4, 2023
Excellent short story! I really enjoyed the ride of the twisty plot and whoa- what an ending! Characters were great and I look forward to reading more from this author. She’s a child psychologist so she knows how to write stories about twisted kids 😉
April 9, 2025
Damn again i was really liking where it was going, but the ended was so disappointing. Like they just ended it like that with no other explanation, again it felt rushed. It’s not what I wanted for those characters at all.
November 11, 2024
I always love me some Lucinda Berry! This one did not disappoint. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. While I was hoping for a different twist and ending, this one was still a good one! I just wish the story was and entire full novel instead a short story. Because I need more!!! Lol
August 3, 2023
The perfect sequel doesn’t exi..
Y’all. JANIE IS BACK! And she’s grown up, but does that mean she’s changed? This novella was so bingeable, I literally stopped what I was doing and read it immediately. If you loved the Perfect Child and want more Janie, first seek professional help immediately and secondly you’re going to love how this one ends!
Y’all. JANIE IS BACK! And she’s grown up, but does that mean she’s changed? This novella was so bingeable, I literally stopped what I was doing and read it immediately. If you loved the Perfect Child and want more Janie, first seek professional help immediately and secondly you’re going to love how this one ends!
August 25, 2023
A little novella spin off of The Perfect Child. To be honest, I didn’t even know that it was a sequel so I went in blind and after I started reading I was like wait a minute oh my god this is a spin off!! Anyways, it’s still dark and gritty. So check trigger warnings before you read this one.
Personally, I think the ending was okay I mean I wanted to go where it went but I wanted more, but overall it was really good. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Personally, I think the ending was okay I mean I wanted to go where it went but I wanted more, but overall it was really good. 3.5 stars rounded up.
July 30, 2024
A PERFECT follow up!!!
September 4, 2023
Readers familiar with American former psychologist and childhood trauma researcher, Lucinda Berry’s chilling psychological thriller, The Perfect Child might be wondering “what next” for Hannah and Christopher Bauer and their sociopathic adopted daughter, Janie. They will certainly appreciate the resolution that this post-script provides. It describes what happens when Janie is released from juvenile detention at eighteen years of age.
A name change, a best-selling memoir, a TV interview and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes manipulation that has Hannah utterly terrified for the welfare of her seventeen-year-old son, Cole. Social worker Piper has kept a close eye on Janie, and shares what she has discovered. When Hannah learns the awful truth of it, what will she do? A spoiler alert might have been wise as this one gives away much of the plot of The Perfect Child, but it can be read as a stand-alone. Also very chilling.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories.
A name change, a best-selling memoir, a TV interview and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes manipulation that has Hannah utterly terrified for the welfare of her seventeen-year-old son, Cole. Social worker Piper has kept a close eye on Janie, and shares what she has discovered. When Hannah learns the awful truth of it, what will she do? A spoiler alert might have been wise as this one gives away much of the plot of The Perfect Child, but it can be read as a stand-alone. Also very chilling.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories.
August 7, 2023
I had no idea this was a spin-off to The Perfect Child (which I haven't read) and went into it blind. That might be why I found this completely flat and underwhelming despite a great premise. The characters and plot were both promising but neither delivered. I was expecting so much more.
Despite being a highly readable and engaging novella that I finished in one sitting, there was no tension, suspense, thrills or chills. I was left questioning the point of this book but perhaps those who loved original novel will enjoy the fan service.
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for the Netgalley ARC.
Despite being a highly readable and engaging novella that I finished in one sitting, there was no tension, suspense, thrills or chills. I was left questioning the point of this book but perhaps those who loved original novel will enjoy the fan service.
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for the Netgalley ARC.
August 24, 2023
This book felt too short for all that happened in it. The son was annoying - I can’t believe someone would want a sister so much that he didn’t care about her extremely violent actions towards others. Why did Hannah tell Christopher that she killed her in the end? She could’ve just said that Piper did it. Why did Hannah kill her with a knife? Wasn’t there a less messy way to do that which could seem like an accident? And how the hell was everyone admiring Janie if they knew how she had tortured others? Was there not a single sane person who saw her for what she was?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2024
While I was glad to get some closure in terms of what happened to Janie and her family AFTER the Perfect Child (which had no ending BTW) I think this would have been much better as a full book or even a longer novella. This could have been such an amazing follow up, but it was rushed, and the ending (again) was non-existent. I will admit that I did a little cheer though lol. Is this worth reading? I think so because it does give you the answers you crave after reading The Perfect Child. But it’s nothing mind blowing or spectacular.
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐
August 16, 2023
A Welcome Reunion started amazingly well but after that it was a mess. I didn't get a chance to know the characters, they appeared and then vanished without a trace.
The dialogue was weak and everything was in a rush. I felt too much was going on and Lucinda Berry let things got out of control. I understand that this is a novella but I needed some substance and not just words on paper.
The dialogue was weak and everything was in a rush. I felt too much was going on and Lucinda Berry let things got out of control. I understand that this is a novella but I needed some substance and not just words on paper.
December 22, 2024
i had no idea this existed, but i’m glad i found it. i’m not big on novellas, so i didn’t expect to love this or anything, but i liked seeing what happened later in the bauer’s and janie’s lives. also, it’s good to know christopher is still as insufferable as he was in the perfect child. i feel justified for how much i didn’t like him in that book. team hannah.
↠ 3.5 stars
↠ 3.5 stars
August 17, 2023
Yeeeeees!! A perfect end (no pun intended) for Janie/Hope and a well written Novella from Lucinda Berry
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