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Bye, Baby
11 hours, 24 minutes
A missing baby. A fraught friendship. A secret that can never be told.
On a brisk fall night in a New York apartment, 35-year-old Billie West hears terrified screams. It's her lifelong best friend Cassie Barnwell, one floor above, and she's just realized her infant daughter has gone missing. Billie is shaken as she looks down into her own arms to see the baby, remembering—with a jolt of fear—that she is responsible for the kidnapping that has instantly shattered Cassie’s world.
So begins the story of Billie and Cassie's friendship--both in recent weeks, and since they met twenty-three years ago, in their small Hudson Valley hometown the summer before seventh grade. Once fiercely bonded by their secrets, including a traumatic, unspeakable incident in high school, Cassie and Billie have drifted apart in adulthood, no longer the inseparable pair they used to be. Cassie is married to a wealthy man, has recently become a mother, and is building a following as a fashion and lifestyle influencer. She is desperate to leave her past behind--including Billie, who is single and childless, and no longer fits into her world. Hurt and rejected by Cassie’s new priorities, Billie will do anything to restore their friendship, even as she hides the truth about what really happened the night the baby was taken.
Told in alternating perspectives in Lovering’s signature suspenseful style, Bye Baby confronts the myriad ways friendships change and evolve over time, the lingering echoes of childhood trauma, and the impact of women’s choices on their lifelong relationships.
A missing baby. A fraught friendship. A secret that can never be told.
On a brisk fall night in a New York apartment, 35-year-old Billie West hears terrified screams. It's her lifelong best friend Cassie Barnwell, one floor above, and she's just realized her infant daughter has gone missing. Billie is shaken as she looks down into her own arms to see the baby, remembering—with a jolt of fear—that she is responsible for the kidnapping that has instantly shattered Cassie’s world.
So begins the story of Billie and Cassie's friendship--both in recent weeks, and since they met twenty-three years ago, in their small Hudson Valley hometown the summer before seventh grade. Once fiercely bonded by their secrets, including a traumatic, unspeakable incident in high school, Cassie and Billie have drifted apart in adulthood, no longer the inseparable pair they used to be. Cassie is married to a wealthy man, has recently become a mother, and is building a following as a fashion and lifestyle influencer. She is desperate to leave her past behind--including Billie, who is single and childless, and no longer fits into her world. Hurt and rejected by Cassie’s new priorities, Billie will do anything to restore their friendship, even as she hides the truth about what really happened the night the baby was taken.
Told in alternating perspectives in Lovering’s signature suspenseful style, Bye Baby confronts the myriad ways friendships change and evolve over time, the lingering echoes of childhood trauma, and the impact of women’s choices on their lifelong relationships.
Audiobook
First published March 5, 2024
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About the author
Carola Lovering
7 books2,942 followersCarola Lovering is the author of Tell Me Lies, Too Good to Be True, Can’t Look Away, and Bye, Baby. She is a graduate of Colorado College, and her work has appeared in Vogue, The Cut, Marie Claire, W Magazine, National Geographic, and Yoga Journal, among other publications. Her novel, Tell Me Lies, has been adapted into a television series for Hulu. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and two young children.
Instagram: @carolatlovering
Twitter: @carolatlovering
Facebook: /carolatlovering
Instagram: @carolatlovering
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,220 reviews
September 3, 2023
This is most definitely not a mystery/thriller, despite the blurb and the unfortunate title. Not that the story isn’t without merit, just know that going into it. Best to just avoid the blurb as it gives too much away.
This is an exploration of obsession and a toxic friendship that defies understanding - until you realize the reasons behind it.
Cassie and Billie have been the best of friends since childhood, and bonded together in inexplicable ways. Now in their 30s, Billie remains unmarried and childless, while the term “gold digger” is an understatement when it comes to Cassie. She married up in a big way, is a new mom, and is now an “influencer” on IG. With her new life and rich friends, she has cast Billie aside.
Billie is deeply hurt and can’t let it go. She goes to extraordinary means to maintain the friendship, which clearly is one-sided.
I admit to being frustrated with Billie’s character in the beginning, but we eventually learn why Billie is trauma bonded to Cassie and it all starts to make sense.
Let’s just say Billie needed years of therapy. I would have enjoyed it more if the author had included a therapist or the psychology of her character’s behaviors in the narrative. It’s no secret to anyone who has followed my reviews that I love psychologically complex characters and I would have loved to have seen this theme explored further. I had to stretch my understanding of the psychology of trauma bonding.
There’s a shocking incident that brings things to a head, and we finally get the backstory on what happened all those years ago, which sheds light on Billie’s behavior.
For me, I think the author tried to include too many themes in the story: sexual abuse, Alzheimer’s, remaining childless by choice vs motherhood, social media, influencers, etc….it’s a lot.
I also thought the evil villain in the story was a bit of a cartoonish caricature, and only needed to twirl a handlebar moustache to complete the picture. I like my villains to be a bit more nuanced.
I read 90% of this in one day and I did love the ending and the themes. It generated a great discussion with my reading buddy, which always makes a read worthwhile.
• I received a digital copy from NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own
September 28, 2023
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
3.5 Stars
This is my third book by Carola Lovering and it was a pretty satisfying read. It was in my favourite format of different points of view and past and present timelines. This wasn't so much a thriller as a social commentary on women's friendship and motherhood. When the friends grow up they grow apart and become two very different women. The reason for their continued toxic friendship is slowly revealed and peeled away layer by layer like an onion. And just like an onion, it will make you want to cry.
There are many issues in this one sexual abuse, classism, Alzheimer's disease and of course the downside of being an influencer. I think the author tried to throw too much into the mix so some parts felt a little watered down, especially Billie's mom and her sickness. I did love how the story showed the relationship is one-sided and why it faltered. Lovering knows how to write an engrossing story. I understand how the social media aspect was needed for the plot but it bored me to tears.
Even though there is a lot going on in the plot itself this is definitely a character-driven story and I really liked that about it. These were some pretty messed up women, one of whom has every right to be that way. I really felt for Billie and could empathize with what she was going through, but it is not an excuse for what she did. I was really happy when she finally got herself together. This is a book I will be thinking about for a long time so for that reason I am rounding up to four stars and that is saying something because I rarely round up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
3.5 Stars
This is my third book by Carola Lovering and it was a pretty satisfying read. It was in my favourite format of different points of view and past and present timelines. This wasn't so much a thriller as a social commentary on women's friendship and motherhood. When the friends grow up they grow apart and become two very different women. The reason for their continued toxic friendship is slowly revealed and peeled away layer by layer like an onion. And just like an onion, it will make you want to cry.
There are many issues in this one sexual abuse, classism, Alzheimer's disease and of course the downside of being an influencer. I think the author tried to throw too much into the mix so some parts felt a little watered down, especially Billie's mom and her sickness. I did love how the story showed the relationship is one-sided and why it faltered. Lovering knows how to write an engrossing story. I understand how the social media aspect was needed for the plot but it bored me to tears.
Even though there is a lot going on in the plot itself this is definitely a character-driven story and I really liked that about it. These were some pretty messed up women, one of whom has every right to be that way. I really felt for Billie and could empathize with what she was going through, but it is not an excuse for what she did. I was really happy when she finally got herself together. This is a book I will be thinking about for a long time so for that reason I am rounding up to four stars and that is saying something because I rarely round up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
August 20, 2023
“A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world.” - Lois Wyse.
That perfectly describes the friendship between Cassie and Billie. Childhood besties that would do anything for one another! Fiercely loyal. But of course as time passes, kids grow up and priorities change. Cassie drifts off to find love with an eligible trust-fund husband and starts a family.
Sadly, Billie is now alone, feeling she lost half of herself.
When the worst tragedy imaginable happens to Cassie the first person she reaches out to is Billie!
But Billie’s impulsive behavior have may have just cost her the chance to rekindle this friendship.
This was such a great domestic drama as the author weaves a thought-provoking story around friendship, women and motherhood. Exploring how it feels to be a woman in todays’ society and making a conscious decision not to be a mother. With what can be perceived as a stigma, I applaud Carola Lovering for tackling this seldom discussed topic.🙌
My favorite read to date by this very talented author. Already looking forward to her next.
A buddy read with Susanne that garnered great discussions on friendships and motherhood🩷
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press
That perfectly describes the friendship between Cassie and Billie. Childhood besties that would do anything for one another! Fiercely loyal. But of course as time passes, kids grow up and priorities change. Cassie drifts off to find love with an eligible trust-fund husband and starts a family.
Sadly, Billie is now alone, feeling she lost half of herself.
When the worst tragedy imaginable happens to Cassie the first person she reaches out to is Billie!
But Billie’s impulsive behavior have may have just cost her the chance to rekindle this friendship.
This was such a great domestic drama as the author weaves a thought-provoking story around friendship, women and motherhood. Exploring how it feels to be a woman in todays’ society and making a conscious decision not to be a mother. With what can be perceived as a stigma, I applaud Carola Lovering for tackling this seldom discussed topic.🙌
My favorite read to date by this very talented author. Already looking forward to her next.
A buddy read with Susanne that garnered great discussions on friendships and motherhood🩷
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press
December 19, 2023
What happens when you grow apart from your best friend … when life takes you in two different directions, and that person no longer makes a space for you in their world?
For Billie, that has led to THIS moment: looking down at her ex-best friend Cassie’s sweet baby Ella sleeping in her arms as she listens to Cassie’s frantic screams from one floor above her. How did it come to this?
Talk about a beginning! From here the story rewinds a bit, with chapters jumping between past and present.
Billie and Cassie met in seventh grade and were inseparable through young adulthood, despite coming from two different backgrounds - one of privilege for Cassie, and a more working-class upbringing for Billie. They supported each other through the good, bad and VERY bad, leading to a drastic choice that has both bonded them for life and conversely pulled them apart over time. Cassie would love nothing more than to escape her past, but for Billie, it’s not that simple.
Now in their mid-thirties, Cassie is living the dream-life she always aspired to: a wealthy, well-pedigreed husband, multiple homes, a new baby, a curated clothing boutique that bears her name, a squad of moneyed mommy friends and thousands of followers who savor her every move as an Instagram lifestyle influencer. Billie, on the other hand, is single, childless by choice, and working as a luxury travel consultant. She has a nice home, a new relationship with a cop named Alex and her own small circle of down-to-earth good friends. What she REALLY wants, though, is her best friend back. Unfortunately, Cassie is making it clearer by the day that she doesn’t want HER.
So back to the beginning … why does Billie have Cassie’s baby and where does the story go from there? Let me just say the path to those answers is a fascinating read!
I will warn that those looking for a mystery or thriller are not going to find that here. Honestly, it reads more like relational drama with a splash of suspense. The story is narrated by Cassie and Billie, which was nice because, despite their character flaws (and they both had plenty!), I could see the complexity of their relationship from both POVs and understand their feelings, even if I often didn’t agree with them. I also appreciated that despite both MCs' occasional awful behavior, Lovering shows the reader two intelligent, capable women living their best lives, despite making very different choices regarding motherhood. It’s cool to see a book that gives voice to both experiences without showing preference!
All things said, this was a fun read that had me feeling the range of emotions and wanting the best for everyone by the end! Please read the content warning at the end, if you have any concerns, as the book does have a couple potentially upsetting topics for some.
★★★★
Thanks to St. Martins Press, NetGalley and author Carola Lovering for this DRC to honestly review. It’s due to be published on March 5, 2024.
CW: Early-onset Alzheimer’s, abortion, coercive sexual acts
For Billie, that has led to THIS moment: looking down at her ex-best friend Cassie’s sweet baby Ella sleeping in her arms as she listens to Cassie’s frantic screams from one floor above her. How did it come to this?
Talk about a beginning! From here the story rewinds a bit, with chapters jumping between past and present.
Billie and Cassie met in seventh grade and were inseparable through young adulthood, despite coming from two different backgrounds - one of privilege for Cassie, and a more working-class upbringing for Billie. They supported each other through the good, bad and VERY bad, leading to a drastic choice that has both bonded them for life and conversely pulled them apart over time. Cassie would love nothing more than to escape her past, but for Billie, it’s not that simple.
Now in their mid-thirties, Cassie is living the dream-life she always aspired to: a wealthy, well-pedigreed husband, multiple homes, a new baby, a curated clothing boutique that bears her name, a squad of moneyed mommy friends and thousands of followers who savor her every move as an Instagram lifestyle influencer. Billie, on the other hand, is single, childless by choice, and working as a luxury travel consultant. She has a nice home, a new relationship with a cop named Alex and her own small circle of down-to-earth good friends. What she REALLY wants, though, is her best friend back. Unfortunately, Cassie is making it clearer by the day that she doesn’t want HER.
So back to the beginning … why does Billie have Cassie’s baby and where does the story go from there? Let me just say the path to those answers is a fascinating read!
I will warn that those looking for a mystery or thriller are not going to find that here. Honestly, it reads more like relational drama with a splash of suspense. The story is narrated by Cassie and Billie, which was nice because, despite their character flaws (and they both had plenty!), I could see the complexity of their relationship from both POVs and understand their feelings, even if I often didn’t agree with them. I also appreciated that despite both MCs' occasional awful behavior, Lovering shows the reader two intelligent, capable women living their best lives, despite making very different choices regarding motherhood. It’s cool to see a book that gives voice to both experiences without showing preference!
All things said, this was a fun read that had me feeling the range of emotions and wanting the best for everyone by the end! Please read the content warning at the end, if you have any concerns, as the book does have a couple potentially upsetting topics for some.
★★★★
Thanks to St. Martins Press, NetGalley and author Carola Lovering for this DRC to honestly review. It’s due to be published on March 5, 2024.
CW: Early-onset Alzheimer’s, abortion, coercive sexual acts
May 3, 2024
Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering is Friendship and Women's Fiction With a Touch of Suspense!
Billie and Cassie met during the summer before seventh grade and quickly became best friends. Whatever was lacking at home, their friendship filled. Connected at the hip, so to speak, each would do anything for the other.
After high school, they begin to drift apart. As Cassie becomes engaged to a wealthy man, Billie notices subtle changes in their friendship. When Cassie has a baby and Billie remains single and childless, she realizes there's not much left that connects them. Still, Billie remains hopeful...
Bye, Baby is told in Cassie's and Billie's first-person narratives through short, alternating chapters. The focus is on the 30 days before Cassie's 35th birthday, and on the backstory of their friendship. Initially, I didn't care for either protagonist but as the details of the friendship began to unfold, my understanding of both characters levels out. It's a complicated relationship, to say the least.
This was an immersion read-listen through the gifted DRC and ALC. The audiobook narrated by Helen Laser and Karissa Vacker was my preference, but either format will deliver a great experience.
Bye, Baby feels more like Friendship and Women's Fiction with a touch of Suspense rather than a Mystery-Thriller. The pace is consistent and the contrast in personalities between the two main characters contributes to the emotional drama of the story. I enjoyed this far more than I expected to and I love the way it ended. Recommended!
4⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Carola Lovering for a DRC and an ALC of this book through NetGalley. It has been a pleasure to give my honest and voluntary review.
Billie and Cassie met during the summer before seventh grade and quickly became best friends. Whatever was lacking at home, their friendship filled. Connected at the hip, so to speak, each would do anything for the other.
After high school, they begin to drift apart. As Cassie becomes engaged to a wealthy man, Billie notices subtle changes in their friendship. When Cassie has a baby and Billie remains single and childless, she realizes there's not much left that connects them. Still, Billie remains hopeful...
Bye, Baby is told in Cassie's and Billie's first-person narratives through short, alternating chapters. The focus is on the 30 days before Cassie's 35th birthday, and on the backstory of their friendship. Initially, I didn't care for either protagonist but as the details of the friendship began to unfold, my understanding of both characters levels out. It's a complicated relationship, to say the least.
This was an immersion read-listen through the gifted DRC and ALC. The audiobook narrated by Helen Laser and Karissa Vacker was my preference, but either format will deliver a great experience.
Bye, Baby feels more like Friendship and Women's Fiction with a touch of Suspense rather than a Mystery-Thriller. The pace is consistent and the contrast in personalities between the two main characters contributes to the emotional drama of the story. I enjoyed this far more than I expected to and I love the way it ended. Recommended!
4⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Carola Lovering for a DRC and an ALC of this book through NetGalley. It has been a pleasure to give my honest and voluntary review.
August 3, 2023
I’m having a hard time coming up with a proper review for this book. I really enjoyed the writing- as Carola Lovering is a new author for me, and the storyline was somewhat relatable (in the friendship aspect). However, I’m not sure where to begin without giving this whole book away.
In “Bye, Baby”, we have the main characters of Cassie and Billie. Growing up Cassie and Billie were best friends and had each other’s backs no matter what. Although, through flashbacks and the alternating POV’s between the two women, we can see that Billie was always the more loyal, loving friend. While Cassie was always the superficial, self-centered friend that only worried about herself and put her needs before anyone else. To say that I wasn’t a fan of Cassie is putting it mildly. I found her quite detestable, and my heart broke for Billie throughout this whole book.
Billie didn’t have the best life growing up. Billie’s only family was her mother, who unfortunately developed early onset dementia and wed the neighborhood drunk. Billie always wanted someone on her side, to stick with her, and she thought she had that person in Cassie- but of course Cassie moved on to bigger and better things.
Yes, Billie made a horrible decision in this book. But even so, I still felt for her because her feelings were so hurt and she was so devastated. Did Cassie deserve what happened to her? Maybe.
Anyways, this was a very interesting book about friendships, feeling left out, loneliness, and even grieving (because that does happen when our friends exclude us).
I was going to go with three stars, but bumped it up to four because the more I thought about this book, the more I liked it and resonated with Billie’s character.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own. Publication date: March 5, 2024.
Genre~ Women’s Fiction, Mystery & Thrillers
In “Bye, Baby”, we have the main characters of Cassie and Billie. Growing up Cassie and Billie were best friends and had each other’s backs no matter what. Although, through flashbacks and the alternating POV’s between the two women, we can see that Billie was always the more loyal, loving friend. While Cassie was always the superficial, self-centered friend that only worried about herself and put her needs before anyone else. To say that I wasn’t a fan of Cassie is putting it mildly. I found her quite detestable, and my heart broke for Billie throughout this whole book.
Billie didn’t have the best life growing up. Billie’s only family was her mother, who unfortunately developed early onset dementia and wed the neighborhood drunk. Billie always wanted someone on her side, to stick with her, and she thought she had that person in Cassie- but of course Cassie moved on to bigger and better things.
Yes, Billie made a horrible decision in this book. But even so, I still felt for her because her feelings were so hurt and she was so devastated. Did Cassie deserve what happened to her? Maybe.
Anyways, this was a very interesting book about friendships, feeling left out, loneliness, and even grieving (because that does happen when our friends exclude us).
I was going to go with three stars, but bumped it up to four because the more I thought about this book, the more I liked it and resonated with Billie’s character.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own. Publication date: March 5, 2024.
Genre~ Women’s Fiction, Mystery & Thrillers
February 8, 2024
Thank you Heather for this buddy read! I know we both were like 🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴 but you made it a fun read 😊😊ilysm and now I can confirm we have similar rating systems 💖💖💖
Was the Thriller in the room with us tho????
Brief Summary-
Cassie’s is an influencer and a new mother and a wife. She is desperate to leave her past behind. Billie is single and childless who also misses her friendship with Cassie and she is desperate to save their dwindling friendship. At Cassie’s birthday party her baby is stolen and returned at her doorsteps the next morning. Why would someone steal her baby and return it? And why was that someone Billie?
Trigger Warnings-
🔹Sexual abuse of a minor
🔹Murder
🔹Kidnapping
My Thoughts-
I feel like I can’t really go deep into a rant review because I’ll spoil it and I do know some will enjoy this read. It just wasn’t my cup of tea lol. Although this wasn’t a thriller or mystery It was still an okay read. I think this was more of a story showing a one sided and toxic friendship. The pace was slow for about 80% of the book so it really dragged the plot. The last 20% of the book Ienjoyed. tolerated.
I enjoyed the alternating timelines from past to present. As the past story unfolds you get an understanding of Billie and Cassies history growing up together. The present story is shows- Billie stealing the baby from the party, returning the baby (again where’s the mystery or thrill??) and the the aftermath. I enjoyed the POVS of Billie and Cassie. I think reading both of their perspective help move the story along. The chapters involving the past really carried the book.
I really have nothing else to say lol
🗣️I would recommend this book to the right audience. But those seeking a thriller this isn’t it.
This book doesn’t get a playlist.
✨Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨
Was the Thriller in the room with us tho????
Brief Summary-
Cassie’s is an influencer and a new mother and a wife. She is desperate to leave her past behind. Billie is single and childless who also misses her friendship with Cassie and she is desperate to save their dwindling friendship. At Cassie’s birthday party her baby is stolen and returned at her doorsteps the next morning. Why would someone steal her baby and return it? And why was that someone Billie?
Trigger Warnings-
🔹Sexual abuse of a minor
🔹Murder
🔹Kidnapping
My Thoughts-
I feel like I can’t really go deep into a rant review because I’ll spoil it and I do know some will enjoy this read. It just wasn’t my cup of tea lol. Although this wasn’t a thriller or mystery It was still an okay read. I think this was more of a story showing a one sided and toxic friendship. The pace was slow for about 80% of the book so it really dragged the plot. The last 20% of the book I
I enjoyed the alternating timelines from past to present. As the past story unfolds you get an understanding of Billie and Cassies history growing up together. The present story is shows- Billie stealing the baby from the party, returning the baby (again where’s the mystery or thrill??) and the the aftermath. I enjoyed the POVS of Billie and Cassie. I think reading both of their perspective help move the story along. The chapters involving the past really carried the book.
I really have nothing else to say lol
🗣️I would recommend this book to the right audience. But those seeking a thriller this isn’t it.
This book doesn’t get a playlist.
✨Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨
November 8, 2024
2 What in the? Stars.
What did I even just read?
╰┈➤ 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓑𝓵𝓾𝓻𝓫
Told in alternating POV's and flipping from the past to the present. Billie and Cassie have been the best of friends since childhood up until they go off to college. They are bound together by a secret, but is that enough to keep the friendship alive?
Cassie started life in a very well to do family, but due to circumstances, her family loses it all and she has to live a much different life. She is now on a mission to find and marry a rich man.
She becomes very obsessed with this plan and starts to pull away from Billie as she meets new, well off, and 'proper pedigree' friends at College.
Now in their thirties, their friendship has become strained. But when Cassie’s infant daughter goes missing, she turns to Billie, her oldest friend, for help.
╰┈➤ 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓒𝓪𝓷 𝓔𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽
👣 Toxic Female Friendships
👣 Dual Timelines
👣 Dual POV
👣 Domestic Drama
╰┈➤ 𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼
Honestly, I still don't even know what I read or why? To be fair, I did think this was going to be a thriller but it most definitely is not. It's really about a toxic friendship and how it evolved over the years. Nothing really exciting here. As I kept on reading I just kept expecting something to happen, for someone to jump out and scream boo- but no.
Billie was alright in my book, two stars for her.
Thank you Meagan for the buddy read, for bitching about this book with me and for helping me realize that there was absolutely no point to it. I appreciate you forever and ever boo! 😘💖🌷
Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Carola Lovering for this ARC in exchange for an honest review 💐
What did I even just read?
╰┈➤ 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓑𝓵𝓾𝓻𝓫
Told in alternating POV's and flipping from the past to the present. Billie and Cassie have been the best of friends since childhood up until they go off to college. They are bound together by a secret, but is that enough to keep the friendship alive?
Cassie started life in a very well to do family, but due to circumstances, her family loses it all and she has to live a much different life. She is now on a mission to find and marry a rich man.
She becomes very obsessed with this plan and starts to pull away from Billie as she meets new, well off, and 'proper pedigree' friends at College.
Now in their thirties, their friendship has become strained. But when Cassie’s infant daughter goes missing, she turns to Billie, her oldest friend, for help.
╰┈➤ 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓒𝓪𝓷 𝓔𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽
👣 Toxic Female Friendships
👣 Dual Timelines
👣 Dual POV
👣 Domestic Drama
╰┈➤ 𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼
Honestly, I still don't even know what I read or why? To be fair, I did think this was going to be a thriller but it most definitely is not. It's really about a toxic friendship and how it evolved over the years. Nothing really exciting here. As I kept on reading I just kept expecting something to happen, for someone to jump out and scream boo- but no.
Billie was alright in my book, two stars for her.
Thank you Meagan for the buddy read, for bitching about this book with me and for helping me realize that there was absolutely no point to it. I appreciate you forever and ever boo! 😘💖🌷
Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Carola Lovering for this ARC in exchange for an honest review 💐
March 24, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ psychological fiction
Setting ~ New York City & Red Hook, NY
Publication date ~ March 5, 2024
Est page Count ~ 352 (p+ 52 chapters)
Audio length ~ 11 hours 24 minutes
Narrators ~ Helen Laser, Karissa Vacker
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ 2 part story, multiple timelines, childhood friends, sexual assault, secrets, influencer, toxic friendship
Billie & Cassie became best friends when they were 11. Now they're in their 30's and have drifted apart. We begin on the day the baby was taken then head back 50 days before and then we're slowly coming forward to the present. And we also head back to where the toxic friendship began in 2000 and move forward to the present. I didn't find it as confusing as I just made it sound. We learn that jealously can lead to a spur of the moment decision that can change the course of what you thought you wanted.
You're just on the edge of your seat right along with Billie waiting to see when she'll get caught. They share a secret from the past, that while it is predictable I still enjoyed the suspense leading up to it being revealed.
I have family in Red Hook, so it's exciting when I am familiar with the location. Even where I went to college is mentioned. She gives a shout out to Holy Cow, which has the best milkshakes and ice cream cakes I've ever had, so if you're ever in the area you won't be disappointed if you stop there. I do have to say though that true Upstate New Yorkers say they're driving on the Thruway, not I-87.
I was lucky enough to have both a kindle and an audio copy to review.
Narration notes:
A well done job by both! They were both seriously perfect for the characters.
Overall, an enjoyable psychological read.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ psychological fiction
Setting ~ New York City & Red Hook, NY
Publication date ~ March 5, 2024
Est page Count ~ 352 (p+ 52 chapters)
Audio length ~ 11 hours 24 minutes
Narrators ~ Helen Laser, Karissa Vacker
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ 2 part story, multiple timelines, childhood friends, sexual assault, secrets, influencer, toxic friendship
Billie & Cassie became best friends when they were 11. Now they're in their 30's and have drifted apart. We begin on the day the baby was taken then head back 50 days before and then we're slowly coming forward to the present. And we also head back to where the toxic friendship began in 2000 and move forward to the present. I didn't find it as confusing as I just made it sound. We learn that jealously can lead to a spur of the moment decision that can change the course of what you thought you wanted.
You're just on the edge of your seat right along with Billie waiting to see when she'll get caught. They share a secret from the past, that while it is predictable I still enjoyed the suspense leading up to it being revealed.
I have family in Red Hook, so it's exciting when I am familiar with the location. Even where I went to college is mentioned. She gives a shout out to Holy Cow, which has the best milkshakes and ice cream cakes I've ever had, so if you're ever in the area you won't be disappointed if you stop there. I do have to say though that true Upstate New Yorkers say they're driving on the Thruway, not I-87.
I was lucky enough to have both a kindle and an audio copy to review.
Narration notes:
A well done job by both! They were both seriously perfect for the characters.
Overall, an enjoyable psychological read.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
May 23, 2024
This was easily one of my least favorite books I’ve ever read. You’ll guess the “twist” a few pages into reading it. I pushed through because I have a complex about not finishing books but there’s truly no substance here.
March 26, 2024
This wasn’t a thriller that was intense or where the suspense made you turn the pages (or in my case, listen) desperately. But the emotions and strong motives made it an engaging read. Sometimes you get annoyed by the backstory, you just want to know what happens in the now. Here it made me care for the characters more. I wasn’t surprised at any time, but I did want to know how the first scene came to be. I also loved the ending.
December 26, 2023
Friendship, secrets, lies, and one fateful night set the stage for Bye, Baby. I was fully invested in this book from the very beginning. Friendships change, people change, and that can be hard when you were once close to someone, when you spent all your time together, but time and circumstances have created a chasm in our relationship. I found this to be a thought-provoking and well written book. This would make a great book club selection as there is a lot to discuss within the pages of this book.
Billie and Cassie were once best friends. They grew up together and experienced so much together. They had the tightest of bonds but one traumatic event in high school saw them slowly drifting apart. Now Cassie is a married woman with a baby, a social media following and a clothing store. She is living in the present and looking forward to her future. She is now a wealthy woman and has a new circle of wealthy friends. Billie is single and feels the loss of her once close friendship with Cassie.
From the book description readers know one thing that is going to happen in this book (Billie taking Cassie's baby) But that is only aspect of the book. I loved reading both women's POV's in this book. Both POV's are insightful and slowly readers will learn about their past, their bond, and the event that changed both of their lives forever. It's a big "AHA" moment that explains a lot about certain issues the characters have. The two timelines and two POV's really worked for me in this book. Plus, the title really worked and was a clever choice.
I could feel for Billie. It is hard when a relationship changes. Having to mourn that loss and move on. I could feel her longing and sense of loss. Her desire to reconnect with her once best friend and be close again. Cassie, I felt for her as she suffered the heart wrenching pain of not knowing where her baby was and if she would ever see her again. Other than that, I found her to be vapid, self-centered, and cruel. She thrived on the attention she received from her social media followers which had me questioning how happy she was in her life. One thing is certain, both women could benefit from therapy.
This book touches on so many things - friendship, motherhood, secrets, relationships, molestation, Alzheimer's, trauma, and lies to name a few. Some of these may be triggers for some.
I had the pleasure of having the audiobook and kindle version of this book. It made for a fully enjoyable reading experience.
Well written, gripping, hard to put down, thought provoking and riveting.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Billie and Cassie were once best friends. They grew up together and experienced so much together. They had the tightest of bonds but one traumatic event in high school saw them slowly drifting apart. Now Cassie is a married woman with a baby, a social media following and a clothing store. She is living in the present and looking forward to her future. She is now a wealthy woman and has a new circle of wealthy friends. Billie is single and feels the loss of her once close friendship with Cassie.
From the book description readers know one thing that is going to happen in this book (Billie taking Cassie's baby) But that is only aspect of the book. I loved reading both women's POV's in this book. Both POV's are insightful and slowly readers will learn about their past, their bond, and the event that changed both of their lives forever. It's a big "AHA" moment that explains a lot about certain issues the characters have. The two timelines and two POV's really worked for me in this book. Plus, the title really worked and was a clever choice.
I could feel for Billie. It is hard when a relationship changes. Having to mourn that loss and move on. I could feel her longing and sense of loss. Her desire to reconnect with her once best friend and be close again. Cassie, I felt for her as she suffered the heart wrenching pain of not knowing where her baby was and if she would ever see her again. Other than that, I found her to be vapid, self-centered, and cruel. She thrived on the attention she received from her social media followers which had me questioning how happy she was in her life. One thing is certain, both women could benefit from therapy.
This book touches on so many things - friendship, motherhood, secrets, relationships, molestation, Alzheimer's, trauma, and lies to name a few. Some of these may be triggers for some.
I had the pleasure of having the audiobook and kindle version of this book. It made for a fully enjoyable reading experience.
Well written, gripping, hard to put down, thought provoking and riveting.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
September 7, 2023
Carola Lovering returns with another captivating novel that delves into themes of toxic friendship, obsession, motherhood, and the superficiality of privileged social media-driven lives in the Gramercy neighborhood.
Her latest work takes a departure from the thriller/mystery genre, focusing more on women's fiction. The story revolves around two narrators who were childhood friends and faced a tragic event that altered the trajectory of their lives, ultimately leading them down different paths and causing their friendship to unravel.
The book kicks off with Cassie's emotional breakdown after her baby is abducted, witnessed by her estranged best friend Billie, who shockingly happens to be the kidnapper! The intriguing opening immediately grabs your attention, prompting you to ask questions like "why?" and "what's driving her?"
This compelling start propels you to turn the pages, eager to uncover Billie's motives behind this heinous act and what might have triggered such drastic behavior towards Cassie.
The narrative seamlessly navigates between different timeframes: the days leading up to the kidnapping, which highlight the evolving differences in the women's lives, and flashbacks to their childhood at the age of 12, shedding light on the foundation of their long-lasting friendship.
At 35, Billie West lives a jet-setting life, organizing exclusive events and experiences for people's special occasions. Despite her seemingly enviable lifestyle, she grapples with loneliness and an unhealthy obsession with following Cassie's every move through her phone.
On the other hand, Cassie is married to a hedge fund manager, has her own clothing brand, and is immersed in the world of Instagram, sharing every aspect of her life with her followers. Her newfound popularity and motherhood status create a rift between her and Billie, making their once unbreakable bond strain.
As the story unfolds, tensions rise between the two friends, leading to a confrontation that forces them to confront their shared past, their fractured relationship, and their personal struggles. Can they heal their dysfunctional friendship? Will Billie face consequences for her drastic actions? Dive into the story to find out!
Overall, I had a love-hate relationship with the characters, particularly Cassie and her friend McKay, whose behavior frustrated me. Nevertheless, the book was engaging, attention-grabbing, and offered an insightful exploration of the complexities of female friendships. I'm rounding up my rating from 3.5 stars to a solid 4 stars for this dramatic New York tale. I eagerly anticipate the author's future works.
A special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
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Her latest work takes a departure from the thriller/mystery genre, focusing more on women's fiction. The story revolves around two narrators who were childhood friends and faced a tragic event that altered the trajectory of their lives, ultimately leading them down different paths and causing their friendship to unravel.
The book kicks off with Cassie's emotional breakdown after her baby is abducted, witnessed by her estranged best friend Billie, who shockingly happens to be the kidnapper! The intriguing opening immediately grabs your attention, prompting you to ask questions like "why?" and "what's driving her?"
This compelling start propels you to turn the pages, eager to uncover Billie's motives behind this heinous act and what might have triggered such drastic behavior towards Cassie.
The narrative seamlessly navigates between different timeframes: the days leading up to the kidnapping, which highlight the evolving differences in the women's lives, and flashbacks to their childhood at the age of 12, shedding light on the foundation of their long-lasting friendship.
At 35, Billie West lives a jet-setting life, organizing exclusive events and experiences for people's special occasions. Despite her seemingly enviable lifestyle, she grapples with loneliness and an unhealthy obsession with following Cassie's every move through her phone.
On the other hand, Cassie is married to a hedge fund manager, has her own clothing brand, and is immersed in the world of Instagram, sharing every aspect of her life with her followers. Her newfound popularity and motherhood status create a rift between her and Billie, making their once unbreakable bond strain.
As the story unfolds, tensions rise between the two friends, leading to a confrontation that forces them to confront their shared past, their fractured relationship, and their personal struggles. Can they heal their dysfunctional friendship? Will Billie face consequences for her drastic actions? Dive into the story to find out!
Overall, I had a love-hate relationship with the characters, particularly Cassie and her friend McKay, whose behavior frustrated me. Nevertheless, the book was engaging, attention-grabbing, and offered an insightful exploration of the complexities of female friendships. I'm rounding up my rating from 3.5 stars to a solid 4 stars for this dramatic New York tale. I eagerly anticipate the author's future works.
A special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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February 12, 2024
Bye, Baby is a story about love, toxic friendship, and self-discovery.
The story follows Billie and Cassie, two friends who grew up together in the charming town of Hudson Valley. They were inseparable. However, their friendship suffered a blow after a traumatic event in their teenage years, causing them to gradually drift apart. Now in their mid-thirties, Cassie seems to have it all - a thriving career as a fashion and lifestyle influencer, a wealthy husband, and a beautiful daughter. Meanwhile, Billie is still single and childless. Despite the distance between them, Billie can't help but long for the bond they once shared. Billie is determined to reconnect with Cassie and rekindle their friendship, no matter what it takes. But is it possible to bridge the gap that has grown between them over the years?
I love the premise and idea, especially the intriguing history of Billie and Cassie's friendship. However, I feel that the characters could have been more likable to enhance the overall reading experience, especially Billie. She made numerous irrational decisions, and it drove me up the wall. Despite that, the story still had its moments of interest and intrigue. If you're a fan of character-driven stories with complex and flawed personalities, this book might be a great read for you.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Carola Lovering, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
The story follows Billie and Cassie, two friends who grew up together in the charming town of Hudson Valley. They were inseparable. However, their friendship suffered a blow after a traumatic event in their teenage years, causing them to gradually drift apart. Now in their mid-thirties, Cassie seems to have it all - a thriving career as a fashion and lifestyle influencer, a wealthy husband, and a beautiful daughter. Meanwhile, Billie is still single and childless. Despite the distance between them, Billie can't help but long for the bond they once shared. Billie is determined to reconnect with Cassie and rekindle their friendship, no matter what it takes. But is it possible to bridge the gap that has grown between them over the years?
I love the premise and idea, especially the intriguing history of Billie and Cassie's friendship. However, I feel that the characters could have been more likable to enhance the overall reading experience, especially Billie. She made numerous irrational decisions, and it drove me up the wall. Despite that, the story still had its moments of interest and intrigue. If you're a fan of character-driven stories with complex and flawed personalities, this book might be a great read for you.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Carola Lovering, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
March 18, 2024
On a brisk fall night in a New York apartment, 35-year-old Billie West hears terrified screams. It's her lifelong best friend Cassie Barnwell, one floor above, and she's just realized her infant daughter has gone missing. Billie is shaken as she looks down into her own arms to see the baby, remembering―with a jolt of fear―that she is responsible for the kidnapping that has instantly shattered Cassie’s world.
Once fiercely bonded by their secrets, Cassie and Billie have drifted apart in adulthood, no longer the inseparable pair they used to be in their small Hudson Valley hometown. Cassie is married to a wealthy man, has recently become a mother, and is building a following as a lifestyle influencer. She is desperate to leave her past behind―including Billie, who is single and childless, and no longer fits into her world. But Billie knows the worst thing Cassie has ever done, and she will do whatever it takes to restore their friendship…
I had such high expectations for Bye, Baby. Perhaps due to the synopsis and the unmitigated potential for dark behaviors and evil motivations, I anticipated intrigue and dread rising from the pages. While there was some foreboding, it wasn’t exactly in the vein of a thriller—or even suspense. Instead, the book felt decidedly like a domestic drama with a teeny, tiny possibility for an unexpected villain.
The storyline itself was a long, slow burn right from the start. Well, after the prologue that actually contained the most thrilling piece to this incredibly uncomplicated, straightforward plot. With nary a twist or even any well-hidden subterfuge, what unfurled lacked any real surprises. Don’t get me wrong, the dual POVs and dual timelines provided deep backstories for the two central characters, but somehow that just wasn’t enough.
Speaking of the characters, I found that I couldn’t connect with either Billie or Cassie. The former actually irked me quite a bit with her dogged devotion to a friend who didn’t deserve it. As for Cassie, she felt decidedly shallow, both in terms of characterization and persona. And despite Billie being relatively well fleshed out, she still didn’t seem to ring true.
In the end, I did enjoy the exploration of female friendships and motherhood, especially given the toxicity that flowed between these two former friends. A character-driven plot through and through, this was no thriller or tale of suspense. At the same time, I was thoroughly engrossed by Billie and Carrie’s relationship which realistically demonstrated how tension can arise when people change. Even that, however, didn’t entirely rescue this novel for me, so I’m left giving this one a somewhat ambivalent thumbs up. Rating of 3 stars (just).
Thank you to Carola Lovering, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 5, 2024
Trigger warning: early onset Alzheimer’s disease, sexual abuse of a minor, death from a fall, kidnapping, mention of: abortion
Once fiercely bonded by their secrets, Cassie and Billie have drifted apart in adulthood, no longer the inseparable pair they used to be in their small Hudson Valley hometown. Cassie is married to a wealthy man, has recently become a mother, and is building a following as a lifestyle influencer. She is desperate to leave her past behind―including Billie, who is single and childless, and no longer fits into her world. But Billie knows the worst thing Cassie has ever done, and she will do whatever it takes to restore their friendship…
I had such high expectations for Bye, Baby. Perhaps due to the synopsis and the unmitigated potential for dark behaviors and evil motivations, I anticipated intrigue and dread rising from the pages. While there was some foreboding, it wasn’t exactly in the vein of a thriller—or even suspense. Instead, the book felt decidedly like a domestic drama with a teeny, tiny possibility for an unexpected villain.
The storyline itself was a long, slow burn right from the start. Well, after the prologue that actually contained the most thrilling piece to this incredibly uncomplicated, straightforward plot. With nary a twist or even any well-hidden subterfuge, what unfurled lacked any real surprises. Don’t get me wrong, the dual POVs and dual timelines provided deep backstories for the two central characters, but somehow that just wasn’t enough.
Speaking of the characters, I found that I couldn’t connect with either Billie or Cassie. The former actually irked me quite a bit with her dogged devotion to a friend who didn’t deserve it. As for Cassie, she felt decidedly shallow, both in terms of characterization and persona. And despite Billie being relatively well fleshed out, she still didn’t seem to ring true.
In the end, I did enjoy the exploration of female friendships and motherhood, especially given the toxicity that flowed between these two former friends. A character-driven plot through and through, this was no thriller or tale of suspense. At the same time, I was thoroughly engrossed by Billie and Carrie’s relationship which realistically demonstrated how tension can arise when people change. Even that, however, didn’t entirely rescue this novel for me, so I’m left giving this one a somewhat ambivalent thumbs up. Rating of 3 stars (just).
Thank you to Carola Lovering, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 5, 2024
Trigger warning: early onset Alzheimer’s disease, sexual abuse of a minor, death from a fall, kidnapping, mention of: abortion
August 24, 2023
Bye Baby centers around two lifelong friends Cassie and Billie. On the night of Cassie’s 35th birthday, Billie hears terrifying screams coming from the party above. Billie soon discovers the cries are coming from Cassie’s infant daughter. A party is going on and no one is caring for the child. Billie grabs the child and takes her downstairs to comfort her. Billie realizes what she's done and soon after Cassie is hysterically trying to find her missing daughter. What follows is how these best friends, ended up in such a dark place.
Cassie and Billie met 23 years ago in a small Hudson Valley town the summer before their 7th grade year. Growing up the pair was inseparable as they were closely bonded by a dark secret, but as they grew older, they grew apart.
Cassie married a society man from a wealthy family and she is now a fashion and lifestyle influencer on instagram. Since Cassie recently became a mother she finds herself having less in common with Billie. Billie is a single, childless, free spirited world traveler but she desperately wants to reconnect with Cassie and become close to her like they used to be. But even more desperate to keep the secret that she was the one who abducted Cassie’s daughter.
Bye Baby was a brilliant character-driven novel that I found myself completely engrossed in. The book explores the friendships we hold onto, even the toxic ones, and how complex friendships truly are. Filled with suspenseful and thought-provoking moments, Bye Baby was a very compelling read.
I didn't expect it but Billie turned out to be my favorite. I empathized with her character in so many ways and I related to how she felt trying to hold onto a friendship when the other person is trying to push you away. I think every woman will be able to relate to this story and one of the characters.
Bye Baby by Carola Lovering will be available on March 5, 2024. A massive thanks to Netgalley and St Martins Press for the gifted copy!!
Cassie and Billie met 23 years ago in a small Hudson Valley town the summer before their 7th grade year. Growing up the pair was inseparable as they were closely bonded by a dark secret, but as they grew older, they grew apart.
Cassie married a society man from a wealthy family and she is now a fashion and lifestyle influencer on instagram. Since Cassie recently became a mother she finds herself having less in common with Billie. Billie is a single, childless, free spirited world traveler but she desperately wants to reconnect with Cassie and become close to her like they used to be. But even more desperate to keep the secret that she was the one who abducted Cassie’s daughter.
Bye Baby was a brilliant character-driven novel that I found myself completely engrossed in. The book explores the friendships we hold onto, even the toxic ones, and how complex friendships truly are. Filled with suspenseful and thought-provoking moments, Bye Baby was a very compelling read.
I didn't expect it but Billie turned out to be my favorite. I empathized with her character in so many ways and I related to how she felt trying to hold onto a friendship when the other person is trying to push you away. I think every woman will be able to relate to this story and one of the characters.
Bye Baby by Carola Lovering will be available on March 5, 2024. A massive thanks to Netgalley and St Martins Press for the gifted copy!!
January 29, 2024
Cassie and Billie grew up bestfriends. As close as two friends could ever be.
Until college, that is.
Cassie attends Harvard and hopes to meet a trust fund husband (she does!) and her new wealthy elitist friends don't understand her relationship with plain old, Billie.
The fact that Cassie, now a famous Instagram influencer, is slowly cutting Billie out of her life has never been more evident until after she gives birth to baby, Ella. Weeks and months go by without any communication and Billie feels completely lost without Cassie by her side. In brighter news, Billie has met a nice guy, the first one in a long time she has felt feelings for. Maybe this will be just what she needs to take her mind off Cassie.
Cassie's thirty-fifth birthday has arrived and the festivities are being held in their glamorous Gramercy Park apartment. Billie, who wasn't invited, see's the party unfold on Instagram. The hurt and anger consumes her until.....
Baby Ella goes missing and Billie hears the words she has longed to hear from her dearest friend "Billie, I need Billie."
That's all I'm willing to say about Lovering's latest book on dysfunctional relationships. She's the queen of getting into the nitty gritty of relationships, be it between man and woman, or in this case best of friends. Oh, how I loathed Cassie. Money and appearance are all that matter to her. Billie, on the other hand, was kind, understanding, and an excellent friend to have. Her one fault being her absolute steadfast loyalty to an undeserving Cassie. While my feelings toward Cassie never waivered my feelings toward Billie ebbed and flowed but never once did I wish her ill will. I felt sorry for her and more often than not I wanted to reach into the pages to hug her. I was completely satisfied with the ending where a glimmer of hope shone through the pages. I'm beyond pleased to say this was another winner from Lovering. 4 Stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my complimentary copy.
Until college, that is.
Cassie attends Harvard and hopes to meet a trust fund husband (she does!) and her new wealthy elitist friends don't understand her relationship with plain old, Billie.
The fact that Cassie, now a famous Instagram influencer, is slowly cutting Billie out of her life has never been more evident until after she gives birth to baby, Ella. Weeks and months go by without any communication and Billie feels completely lost without Cassie by her side. In brighter news, Billie has met a nice guy, the first one in a long time she has felt feelings for. Maybe this will be just what she needs to take her mind off Cassie.
Cassie's thirty-fifth birthday has arrived and the festivities are being held in their glamorous Gramercy Park apartment. Billie, who wasn't invited, see's the party unfold on Instagram. The hurt and anger consumes her until.....
Baby Ella goes missing and Billie hears the words she has longed to hear from her dearest friend "Billie, I need Billie."
That's all I'm willing to say about Lovering's latest book on dysfunctional relationships. She's the queen of getting into the nitty gritty of relationships, be it between man and woman, or in this case best of friends. Oh, how I loathed Cassie. Money and appearance are all that matter to her. Billie, on the other hand, was kind, understanding, and an excellent friend to have. Her one fault being her absolute steadfast loyalty to an undeserving Cassie. While my feelings toward Cassie never waivered my feelings toward Billie ebbed and flowed but never once did I wish her ill will. I felt sorry for her and more often than not I wanted to reach into the pages to hug her. I was completely satisfied with the ending where a glimmer of hope shone through the pages. I'm beyond pleased to say this was another winner from Lovering. 4 Stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my complimentary copy.
February 15, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Mystery Thriller
"Bye, Baby" by Carola Lovering is a gripping tale that delves into complex friendships and the secrets that bind them. Billie and Cassie, at some points, are the best of friends. Things change when ambitious Cassie decides to enter a different world of fame and success and has a different circle of friends. Billie refuses to move on, and things will get really intense.
The narrative is told from the points of view of the two main characters, and there are also multiple time frames that alternate between the past and the present. The present days are all counted towards the day that Cassie’s baby is kidnapped. There is no need to worry because this is not a spoiler, as you will be aware from the very beginning of the prologue.
There is a saying that says, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer”. Somehow, this saying might be relevant to this story as we see how two close best friends fall apart and how things deteriorate between them. Overall, I found the book to be entertaining; however, there were times when I felt that the characters just had one dimension. Despite the fact that the author's writing style was excellent and made the book simple to read, the plot left me wanting much more, which is especially surprising given that it is a thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
Genre: Mystery Thriller
"Bye, Baby" by Carola Lovering is a gripping tale that delves into complex friendships and the secrets that bind them. Billie and Cassie, at some points, are the best of friends. Things change when ambitious Cassie decides to enter a different world of fame and success and has a different circle of friends. Billie refuses to move on, and things will get really intense.
The narrative is told from the points of view of the two main characters, and there are also multiple time frames that alternate between the past and the present. The present days are all counted towards the day that Cassie’s baby is kidnapped. There is no need to worry because this is not a spoiler, as you will be aware from the very beginning of the prologue.
There is a saying that says, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer”. Somehow, this saying might be relevant to this story as we see how two close best friends fall apart and how things deteriorate between them. Overall, I found the book to be entertaining; however, there were times when I felt that the characters just had one dimension. Despite the fact that the author's writing style was excellent and made the book simple to read, the plot left me wanting much more, which is especially surprising given that it is a thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
March 11, 2024
Female friendship, Motherhood. Life’s changing circumstances. Billie and Cassie were supposed to be forever friends. Cassie marries a man with money, has a new upscale grouping of friends, and a child, and pulls away from Billie. Hurt, Billie does something stupid,something she regrets but doesn’t confess.
Told in alternating voices, viewpoints, we go back and forward in time to find out how this friendship became so toxic. A well done story about facing life’s challenges and finding one’s own way.
The audio book was terrific and I hardily recommend it.
Told in alternating voices, viewpoints, we go back and forward in time to find out how this friendship became so toxic. A well done story about facing life’s challenges and finding one’s own way.
The audio book was terrific and I hardily recommend it.
March 27, 2024
Another great one by Carola Lovering! Bye, Baby was a page-turner for me!! I read this quick because I couldn't put it down and it kept you sucked in! I had to know what was going to happen next. I wouldn't really call this a mystery/thriller book, but I definitely found it to be very suspenseful at times which I loved! I really liked the complexity of Billie and Cassies characters and how the storyline unfolded between past and present timelines. I started out not liking Billie's character at the beginning and then ended up liking Billie and not liking Cassie by the end. Overall, this was fantastic, and I highly recommend it. I am already looking forward to Lovering's next book!!
Thank you, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for a copy of this in return for my honest review.
Thank you, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for a copy of this in return for my honest review.
March 22, 2024
Once best friends, Billie West and Cassie Barnwell have drifted apart. Cassie is married to a wealthy man, has recently become a mother, and is building a following as a lifestyle influencer. Billie is single and childless and no longer fits into Cassie's world. But Billie knows the worst thing Cassie has ever done, and she will do whatever it takes to restore their friendship.
The story is well told in the past and the present by Billie and Cassie. Personally I didn't much like either of these characters but Cassie really annoyed me with her sense of entitlement and Billie made me mad with her fixation on Cassie. I wouldn't class this as a thriller but there is some suspense as we await the finale and there's a lot of relationship drama. This is my first Carola Lovering book although I have a long overdue one on my Netgalley shelf. I enjoyed this one much more than I expected to.
CW: Sexual abuse, dementia, mention of abortion.
My thanks to St. Martin's Press via Netgalley for an advanced copy to read. All opinions expressed are my own.
The story is well told in the past and the present by Billie and Cassie. Personally I didn't much like either of these characters but Cassie really annoyed me with her sense of entitlement and Billie made me mad with her fixation on Cassie. I wouldn't class this as a thriller but there is some suspense as we await the finale and there's a lot of relationship drama. This is my first Carola Lovering book although I have a long overdue one on my Netgalley shelf. I enjoyed this one much more than I expected to.
CW: Sexual abuse, dementia, mention of abortion.
My thanks to St. Martin's Press via Netgalley for an advanced copy to read. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 25, 2023
First of all, I really didn’t know how to rate this one. I had to sit here and think about it a minute. Sooooo here it goes.
This is the story of two childhood friends, Cassie and Billie. Told from both POV. It starts with Cassie screaming for her baby, as Billie looks down and sees she has baby Ella. From there it goes back to past to when they first met and to the current time.
Cassie is the most hideous character ever. Sad as she seems, she is terribly shallow, money hungry, doesn’t care about anyone other than herself, disgustingly judge mental, and did I say hideous? Sometimes I found it hard to read her lines. In my mind…. I’m like…. Who tf talks like this? Obviously there are people out there that are just like her. Self righteous and obsessed with social media.
Okay, enough about Cassie. Let’s talk about Billie. I actually really loved Billie’s character. She’s real, caring, pretty normal and seems like a kickass chick. Oh, other than the fact that she’s obsessed with Billie and how their friendship has dissipated. I just couldn’t stand how Cassie continued to treat her like crap, yet Billie always appears desperate for her friendship. If someone treated me like that….. bye bye.
This touches on family, motherhood, marriage, career choices, sexual abuse, and even murder. I felt Lovering just dragged some parts out a bit. I know the point to show us how this friendship developed and crumbled to the ground…. But plenty of parts could have been omitted. However, I found that I could NOT PUT THIS DOWN. And this really isn’t even a thriller. I did enjoy the ending and how everything was wrapped up in a nice bow. I struggled with the rating but all in all I rate this 3.5 rounded up to 4 ⭐️!
I’d like to thank St Martin’s Press, Carola Lovering, and NetGalley for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Expected publication date is March 5, 2024
This is the story of two childhood friends, Cassie and Billie. Told from both POV. It starts with Cassie screaming for her baby, as Billie looks down and sees she has baby Ella. From there it goes back to past to when they first met and to the current time.
Cassie is the most hideous character ever. Sad as she seems, she is terribly shallow, money hungry, doesn’t care about anyone other than herself, disgustingly judge mental, and did I say hideous? Sometimes I found it hard to read her lines. In my mind…. I’m like…. Who tf talks like this? Obviously there are people out there that are just like her. Self righteous and obsessed with social media.
Okay, enough about Cassie. Let’s talk about Billie. I actually really loved Billie’s character. She’s real, caring, pretty normal and seems like a kickass chick. Oh, other than the fact that she’s obsessed with Billie and how their friendship has dissipated. I just couldn’t stand how Cassie continued to treat her like crap, yet Billie always appears desperate for her friendship. If someone treated me like that….. bye bye.
This touches on family, motherhood, marriage, career choices, sexual abuse, and even murder. I felt Lovering just dragged some parts out a bit. I know the point to show us how this friendship developed and crumbled to the ground…. But plenty of parts could have been omitted. However, I found that I could NOT PUT THIS DOWN. And this really isn’t even a thriller. I did enjoy the ending and how everything was wrapped up in a nice bow. I struggled with the rating but all in all I rate this 3.5 rounded up to 4 ⭐️!
I’d like to thank St Martin’s Press, Carola Lovering, and NetGalley for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Expected publication date is March 5, 2024
February 14, 2024
I thought this story started out interesting, but the main event happened just after the halfway point and it lost steam from there.
I wasn't a fan of the characters in this book, but I was okay with that because I was curious to find out how these people got to the point they were at. Unfortunately, you return to the prologue just after the halfway point and the remainder of the book is just the fallout from the event. You would expect the fallout might be thrilling based on the blurb, but it is sad in a pathetic sort of way. There are also a lot of dumb decisions, which I found frustrating.
Eventually, the book comes back around and the ending was good, but it was too late to completely save the story for me. I thought the overarching story was good, but that section of the book just wasn't executed very well.
I received an audio copy in addition to the ebook. The audio was narrated by Helen Laser and Karissa Vacker. I thought the narration was very well done and suited the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I wasn't a fan of the characters in this book, but I was okay with that because I was curious to find out how these people got to the point they were at. Unfortunately, you return to the prologue just after the halfway point and the remainder of the book is just the fallout from the event. You would expect the fallout might be thrilling based on the blurb, but it is sad in a pathetic sort of way. There are also a lot of dumb decisions, which I found frustrating.
Eventually, the book comes back around and the ending was good, but it was too late to completely save the story for me. I thought the overarching story was good, but that section of the book just wasn't executed very well.
I received an audio copy in addition to the ebook. The audio was narrated by Helen Laser and Karissa Vacker. I thought the narration was very well done and suited the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Want to read
May 16, 2023A new Lovering novel? YES, PLEASE!!!! This sounds so deviously twisted that I may die of anticipation.
St. Martin's Press, don't be responsible for my death, I am BEGGING you for an arc. Please & thank you! 🙏
St. Martin's Press, don't be responsible for my death, I am BEGGING you for an arc. Please & thank you! 🙏
October 18, 2025
DNF @ 40%
This book includes several graphic on page descriptions of child SA and I just couldn't hang in there with it.
Full Review
Thank you to the author Carola Lovering, publishers St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of BYE, BABY. All views are mine.
McKay snorts. "That's a load of crock. Everyone wants kids." Loc. 1547
"[...B]eing childless by choice makes you a terrible person." "A leper, basically. A woman with no real place in society." Loc.1754
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. The story form is pretty wild, with two alternating perspectives, each experiencing two alternating timelines — Lovering manages this element well. I didn't find myself getting lost in all the transitions; had no trouble following the narrative.
2. The 2 fmcs in the "past" sections have good, natural speaking voices. Narrative voices need a bit more distinction.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. There's so much– what would you even call it? Pro-bio-mom? pregnancy-forward? Procreation celebration?– anyway, an obvious favoring of the traditional bio family unit.
2. "That's a load of crock. Everyone wants kids." Loc. 1547 First, the expression is "a load of" something or "a crock of" something, not "a load of crock." Second, "Everyone wants kids," pretty well sums up one of the universal beliefs behind this book.
3. This book is extremely hard on women who don't have children. “And in our culture, being childless by choice makes you a terrible person.” “A leper, basically. A woman with no real place in society.” Loc.1754 Neither one of these statements is true. They are very extreme. And yet neither participant in the scene refutes the fallacies. Then, the two women say this: “And you never know. Maybe you’ll change your mind.” “Maybe.” Loc.1757 As though what women without children need to change their minds is more pressure and trickery.
4. Once the graphic, on-page descriptions of child SA started (and were slated to continue, according to another Goodreads reviewer) I had to throw it in with this book. Such content is triggering for me. This book definitely needs content warnings in the front matter.
Rating: DNF @ 40%
Finished: Mar 07 '24
Format: Digital arc, Kindle, NetGalley
This book includes several graphic on page descriptions of child SA and I just couldn't hang in there with it.
Full Review
Thank you to the author Carola Lovering, publishers St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of BYE, BABY. All views are mine.
McKay snorts. "That's a load of crock. Everyone wants kids." Loc. 1547
"[...B]eing childless by choice makes you a terrible person." "A leper, basically. A woman with no real place in society." Loc.1754
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. The story form is pretty wild, with two alternating perspectives, each experiencing two alternating timelines — Lovering manages this element well. I didn't find myself getting lost in all the transitions; had no trouble following the narrative.
2. The 2 fmcs in the "past" sections have good, natural speaking voices. Narrative voices need a bit more distinction.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. There's so much– what would you even call it? Pro-bio-mom? pregnancy-forward? Procreation celebration?– anyway, an obvious favoring of the traditional bio family unit.
2. "That's a load of crock. Everyone wants kids." Loc. 1547 First, the expression is "a load of" something or "a crock of" something, not "a load of crock." Second, "Everyone wants kids," pretty well sums up one of the universal beliefs behind this book.
3. This book is extremely hard on women who don't have children. “And in our culture, being childless by choice makes you a terrible person.” “A leper, basically. A woman with no real place in society.” Loc.1754 Neither one of these statements is true. They are very extreme. And yet neither participant in the scene refutes the fallacies. Then, the two women say this: “And you never know. Maybe you’ll change your mind.” “Maybe.” Loc.1757 As though what women without children need to change their minds is more pressure and trickery.
4. Once the graphic, on-page descriptions of child SA started (and were slated to continue, according to another Goodreads reviewer) I had to throw it in with this book. Such content is triggering for me. This book definitely needs content warnings in the front matter.
Rating: DNF @ 40%
Finished: Mar 07 '24
Format: Digital arc, Kindle, NetGalley
July 10, 2023
Billie West and Cassie Barnwell had an intense friendship. They were inseparable, shared each other's dreams and secrets, and oftentimes seemed like two minds merged into one soul. The dependency of Billie continued on past that of Cassie and that is what the story revolves around.
Cassie desired the world of fame, fortune, and moving in circles she had once dreamed of, while Billie, was always left on the outside, an introvert, a woman bearing secrets that made her even more dependent.
When Cassie casts Billie off for the world in which she moves, now rich, now semi famous, now married to money with a child, Billie is devastated and tries in every way to work her way into that inner circle.
Both girls share big secrets that deal with trauma and while Cassie moves on in a big way, Billie is left in a valley of despair and desperation. It all comes to a head one night when Cassie is having a huge birthday party, thrown for his wife by her ultra wealthy husband, and Billie is not invited. Then tragedy occurs and Cassie's baby is taken at the party.
The girls, grown to women, show the difference between the ability to cope with trauma or the inability to do so. They both fall apart in different ways and feel they have no one to go to except one another.
This was an interesting look at how people perceive things, having many side elements, like rape, instability, social class, abortion, not wanting children, influencers, and Alzheimers disease. Too many issues cloud the story and make the original story get bogged down with the other side issues. Unfortunately for me, it added elements that were not fully brought out and made for a somewhat tedious story at times.
Jan and I had quite a lively discussion from the book so of course that made it a worthwhile read for us.
Thank you to Carla Lovering, St Martin's Press, and Net Galley for the ability to read this story due out in March of 2024. to listen to this
Cassie desired the world of fame, fortune, and moving in circles she had once dreamed of, while Billie, was always left on the outside, an introvert, a woman bearing secrets that made her even more dependent.
When Cassie casts Billie off for the world in which she moves, now rich, now semi famous, now married to money with a child, Billie is devastated and tries in every way to work her way into that inner circle.
Both girls share big secrets that deal with trauma and while Cassie moves on in a big way, Billie is left in a valley of despair and desperation. It all comes to a head one night when Cassie is having a huge birthday party, thrown for his wife by her ultra wealthy husband, and Billie is not invited. Then tragedy occurs and Cassie's baby is taken at the party.
The girls, grown to women, show the difference between the ability to cope with trauma or the inability to do so. They both fall apart in different ways and feel they have no one to go to except one another.
This was an interesting look at how people perceive things, having many side elements, like rape, instability, social class, abortion, not wanting children, influencers, and Alzheimers disease. Too many issues cloud the story and make the original story get bogged down with the other side issues. Unfortunately for me, it added elements that were not fully brought out and made for a somewhat tedious story at times.
Jan and I had quite a lively discussion from the book so of course that made it a worthwhile read for us.
Thank you to Carla Lovering, St Martin's Press, and Net Galley for the ability to read this story due out in March of 2024. to listen to this
July 27, 2023
We can all relate to the central question in this book - Have you ever struggled with a friendship because it changed?
Cassie Barnwell and Billie West have been inseparable, joined at the hip, until the birth of a child changes everything. Well, that's what we're lead to believe, anyways.
Firstly, Billie. I’ve been there. I’ve felt the pain. I was sucked right into this premise. Like Billie, I didn’t have children and struggled with the societal pressure linked to female destiny - motherhood. I also struggled to maintain friendships that eventually fizzled out because my friends’ priorities had now changed. Such a relatable plot.
Secondly, Cassie. I’ve been there, too. I’ve been focused on building my career and have let friendships dwindle. Not because I wasn’t interested in the effort and time it takes to nurture it, but simply because I didn’t have the time or maybe, make the time. I was busy making a living. Again, relatable to Cassie’s drive to maintain her career.
However, I’ve never shared a dark secret with anyone, so that’s where my story differs from these girls’ story. BUT this is where my interest picked up! Who doesn’t love a good secret? After sharing a past, one of them is desperate to leave it behind and one of them doesn’t. What lengths will Billie go to keep Cassie in her life? Does it have anything to do with Cassie’s baby in her arms? Has something else provided the fuel for Billie’s outlandish behaviour? Is the missing baby really the problem here?
The dueling perspectives were a must in a story such as this one. Lovering played me along and kept me engaged, wondering what really happened that night. I got sucked into the trauma that bound them and kept turning pages to see how incidents in their past affected who they became as adults. I really appreciated Lovering’s exploration of choices and how a single choice can have unforeseen ripple effects. We truly are only one decision away from a completely different life.
I did struggle with a few things:
I wonder if others thought the traits of some were exaggerated to create an effect, leaving a trail of implausibility?
Do others think it felt like a kitchen sink full of themes?
How about more focus needed on Billie’s issues?
Avail yourself of triggers.
Stuffed with lies, jealousy and obsession, this story, highlighting toxic friendships needs to be on your reading list!
I was gifted this copy by St. Martin's Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Cassie Barnwell and Billie West have been inseparable, joined at the hip, until the birth of a child changes everything. Well, that's what we're lead to believe, anyways.
Firstly, Billie. I’ve been there. I’ve felt the pain. I was sucked right into this premise. Like Billie, I didn’t have children and struggled with the societal pressure linked to female destiny - motherhood. I also struggled to maintain friendships that eventually fizzled out because my friends’ priorities had now changed. Such a relatable plot.
Secondly, Cassie. I’ve been there, too. I’ve been focused on building my career and have let friendships dwindle. Not because I wasn’t interested in the effort and time it takes to nurture it, but simply because I didn’t have the time or maybe, make the time. I was busy making a living. Again, relatable to Cassie’s drive to maintain her career.
However, I’ve never shared a dark secret with anyone, so that’s where my story differs from these girls’ story. BUT this is where my interest picked up! Who doesn’t love a good secret? After sharing a past, one of them is desperate to leave it behind and one of them doesn’t. What lengths will Billie go to keep Cassie in her life? Does it have anything to do with Cassie’s baby in her arms? Has something else provided the fuel for Billie’s outlandish behaviour? Is the missing baby really the problem here?
The dueling perspectives were a must in a story such as this one. Lovering played me along and kept me engaged, wondering what really happened that night. I got sucked into the trauma that bound them and kept turning pages to see how incidents in their past affected who they became as adults. I really appreciated Lovering’s exploration of choices and how a single choice can have unforeseen ripple effects. We truly are only one decision away from a completely different life.
I did struggle with a few things:
I wonder if others thought the traits of some were exaggerated to create an effect, leaving a trail of implausibility?
Do others think it felt like a kitchen sink full of themes?
How about more focus needed on Billie’s issues?
Avail yourself of triggers.
Stuffed with lies, jealousy and obsession, this story, highlighting toxic friendships needs to be on your reading list!
I was gifted this copy by St. Martin's Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 3, 2024
Bye, Baby starts with a bang. One fall night, Billie hears Cassie’s hysterical screams one floor above as she discovers her infant daughter has gone missing. Billie looks down into her arms and realizes she is holding the baby. I was immediately drawn in from the start and wanted to know how Billie ended up with Cassie’s baby.
Billie and Cassie become fast friends at the age of 12 despite coming from different backgrounds. Bonded by a traumatic event in high school, they manage to maintain their tight knit friendship through the years, but when they reach their 30s and life takes them in different directions, they find themselves drifting apart. Cassie is now a social media influencer with a new baby, new wealthy husband and a new set of posh friends, while Billie is single and childless. As Cassie embraces her new life, she distances herself from Billie. I really liked Billie’s character while the opposite can be said about Cassie who I did not like at all throughout the book.
In my opinion, despite being categorized by some as a mystery or thriller, the narrative delves into the realm of domestic drama and suspense, focusing on a toxic friendship. Through dual perspectives from Cassie and Billie, as well as alternating between past and present timelines, the story unfolds, revealing the unraveling of their friendship. The POVs and timelines were very distinct making it easy to keep them straight. This book explores complicated friendships, the long lasting affects of trauma, as well as what it is like for some women who choose to not have children.
I listened to the audiobook which was skillfully narrated by Helen Laser and Karissa Vacker, both of whom did a great job. Their portrayal of Cassie and Billie perfectly matched my imagined voices for the characters.
This was a very bingeable read and one I would recommend for people who like domestic drama. 4 stars. 💫
My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with ARC audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion. It is due to publish 3/5/24.
Billie and Cassie become fast friends at the age of 12 despite coming from different backgrounds. Bonded by a traumatic event in high school, they manage to maintain their tight knit friendship through the years, but when they reach their 30s and life takes them in different directions, they find themselves drifting apart. Cassie is now a social media influencer with a new baby, new wealthy husband and a new set of posh friends, while Billie is single and childless. As Cassie embraces her new life, she distances herself from Billie. I really liked Billie’s character while the opposite can be said about Cassie who I did not like at all throughout the book.
In my opinion, despite being categorized by some as a mystery or thriller, the narrative delves into the realm of domestic drama and suspense, focusing on a toxic friendship. Through dual perspectives from Cassie and Billie, as well as alternating between past and present timelines, the story unfolds, revealing the unraveling of their friendship. The POVs and timelines were very distinct making it easy to keep them straight. This book explores complicated friendships, the long lasting affects of trauma, as well as what it is like for some women who choose to not have children.
I listened to the audiobook which was skillfully narrated by Helen Laser and Karissa Vacker, both of whom did a great job. Their portrayal of Cassie and Billie perfectly matched my imagined voices for the characters.
This was a very bingeable read and one I would recommend for people who like domestic drama. 4 stars. 💫
My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with ARC audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion. It is due to publish 3/5/24.
October 11, 2023
2024 releases are looking GOOOOOD my bookworms 📚✨
✍🏼 same author as TELL ME LIES and TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
🥳 pub day: 3/5/24
read if you like: THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR, NONE OF THIS IS TRUE, quick books, friend/family drama, dual POVs, domestic/friendship suspense, character driven plots, influencer plots
NO ONE does drama and relationships like Lovering. TELL ME LIES? are you kidding?! this takes the same spin but with a friendship—and i was here for it!! 👯♀️ she does suspense mixed with character development so well. this was one of my highly anticipated 2024 releases and i truly waited as long as i could go pick it up 🥲
and it was GOOD! it’s different from her usual romantic suspense/semi-thriller vibes, as this is more of a drama mixed with suspense. it was so bingeworthy and starts with a bang. the best way to describe it is a kind of a cat-and-mouse friendship thriller with that one friend you know you’ve grown apart from but you can’t let them go because there is too much history—and secrets—there 👀🫣🤐
this book follows two besties that have grown apart with time… but a very grim secret keeps them from fully losing touch. when one of the besties’ newborn goes missing, all hell breaks lose. who are the friends that are really there for you in times of crisis? who can you really trust?
i really enjoyed this book! the influencer plot was kind of hilarious, and my only wish is that the ending was a biiit more sinister and less tied up but evaluating it as a litfic, i can appreciate the tied up bow 🩷
✍🏼 same author as TELL ME LIES and TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
🥳 pub day: 3/5/24
read if you like: THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR, NONE OF THIS IS TRUE, quick books, friend/family drama, dual POVs, domestic/friendship suspense, character driven plots, influencer plots
NO ONE does drama and relationships like Lovering. TELL ME LIES? are you kidding?! this takes the same spin but with a friendship—and i was here for it!! 👯♀️ she does suspense mixed with character development so well. this was one of my highly anticipated 2024 releases and i truly waited as long as i could go pick it up 🥲
and it was GOOD! it’s different from her usual romantic suspense/semi-thriller vibes, as this is more of a drama mixed with suspense. it was so bingeworthy and starts with a bang. the best way to describe it is a kind of a cat-and-mouse friendship thriller with that one friend you know you’ve grown apart from but you can’t let them go because there is too much history—and secrets—there 👀🫣🤐
this book follows two besties that have grown apart with time… but a very grim secret keeps them from fully losing touch. when one of the besties’ newborn goes missing, all hell breaks lose. who are the friends that are really there for you in times of crisis? who can you really trust?
i really enjoyed this book! the influencer plot was kind of hilarious, and my only wish is that the ending was a biiit more sinister and less tied up but evaluating it as a litfic, i can appreciate the tied up bow 🩷
March 11, 2024
Bye, Baby was a captivating book by Carola Lovering, a new author for me. It was fast paced and well written. Bye, Baby explored the complicated friendship Billie West and Cassie Barnwell shared from around the time they were about twelve years old through the third decade of their lives. It was told in alternating first person narratives that switched back and forth between the past and present.
Billie and Cassie could not have been more different from one another if they tried. From their upbringing, relationships they had with their parents, outlooks on life and their priorities in life they differed greatly but they shared a bond of friendship with one another. From early on, Cassie took the role of leader and Billie became the follower. Billie gave in to most of Cassie’s demands and requests. There was a secret they shared that bounded them to each other.
Cassie’s family had been considered wealthy until her father lost all their money. The change in lifestyle that Cassie’s family had to make was hard for Cassie to accept. Cassie had always known that someday she would marry someone that could provide the kind of life she felt she deserved. Her aspirations were high and her expectations were unbending. Cassie was a very shallow person and one would even call her a snob. Cassie was fortunate enough to be accepted to and attend Harvard, while Billie, although having better grades than Cassie was lucky enough to attend Northeastern. Cassie set her sights high on making friends with some of the richest and most influential women in her year at Harvard. She chose friends who would benefit her and help her live the life she dreamed about. Billie and Cassie continued to be friends during those years but Billie was always expected to join Cassie at Harvard.
Years later, Cassie and Billie were in their thirties and their friendship had become strained. Cassie was married to just the sort of man she intended to marry all those years ago. She and her husband had recently had a baby girl and Cassie was enjoying motherhood. All of Cassie’s friends now were new mothers and had also married well. Cassie’s friendship with Billie had grown distant. To Billie’s dismay, Cassie rarely thought about Billie or included her in her day to day life anymore. Cassie had moved on from Billie. She had a whole new group of friends and Billie just did not fit in with them. Billie was still single and made it known that she did not ever want children. This was something that Billie had known about herself for a very long time. When Billie allowed herself to fall in love, it had become a contention between herself and the man she had fallen in love with. He had wanted to have children and Billie knew that she didn’t. Those differences caused them to end their relationship. Despite the fact that Cassie hardly if ever contacted Billie or included her in her life, Billie continued to be obsessed with Cassie and still craved her friendship. Unfortunately, it was all one sided.
On the night of Cassie’s thirty-fifth birthday party, Billie happened to be in another apartment in the same building that Cassie, her husband and baby daughter resided in. As Billie was doing what she had come to do, there was an unmistakable series a loud screams and unmistakable crying. Billie soon realized that the crying was coming from Cassie’s neglected and forgotten baby daughter. Even though Cassie had told Billie that she had had no plans to celebrate her thirty-fifth birthday, Billie soon discovered that that had been an all out blatant lie. From what Billie gathered, there must have been at least fifty guests that were helping Cassie celebrate her special birthday. Cassie had deliberately lied to Billie and chose not to include her in her celebration. Billie wasn’t sure what possessed her but the next thing she knew she was climbing up the fire escape and grabbing Cassie’s baby. She just wanted the baby to stop crying. What had Billie done? When Cassie discovered that her baby was missing she screamed a bone chilling scream that was undeniably terrifying. Billie overheard Cassie telling her friends that she needed Billie. How could Billie get Cassie’s baby back to her without her learning that she had been the one that had taken her? How would all of this affect Billie’s and Cassie’s friendship going forward?
I was not a fan of Cassie from the onset of the friendship she formed with Billie. Cassie, in my opinion, was obsessed with material things. She was very self-centered and latched on to those that could improve her life and make her look better. I felt sorry for Billie. She was made to endure and witness some things in her earlier years that most likely made her try and hold on to Cassie and the friendship they shared longer than she should have. I was glad that Billie was able to learn from all that she went through and ended up evolving into a more secure and happy person. I really enjoyed the ending of Bye, Baby. There were several topics that were touched upon that included Alzheimer’s, sexual and emotional abuse, friendships, obsession with social media and motherhood. Overall, I enjoyed Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering and recommend it highly. Publication was March 5, 2024.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering through Netgalley in exchange for this honest and voluntary review.
Billie and Cassie could not have been more different from one another if they tried. From their upbringing, relationships they had with their parents, outlooks on life and their priorities in life they differed greatly but they shared a bond of friendship with one another. From early on, Cassie took the role of leader and Billie became the follower. Billie gave in to most of Cassie’s demands and requests. There was a secret they shared that bounded them to each other.
Cassie’s family had been considered wealthy until her father lost all their money. The change in lifestyle that Cassie’s family had to make was hard for Cassie to accept. Cassie had always known that someday she would marry someone that could provide the kind of life she felt she deserved. Her aspirations were high and her expectations were unbending. Cassie was a very shallow person and one would even call her a snob. Cassie was fortunate enough to be accepted to and attend Harvard, while Billie, although having better grades than Cassie was lucky enough to attend Northeastern. Cassie set her sights high on making friends with some of the richest and most influential women in her year at Harvard. She chose friends who would benefit her and help her live the life she dreamed about. Billie and Cassie continued to be friends during those years but Billie was always expected to join Cassie at Harvard.
Years later, Cassie and Billie were in their thirties and their friendship had become strained. Cassie was married to just the sort of man she intended to marry all those years ago. She and her husband had recently had a baby girl and Cassie was enjoying motherhood. All of Cassie’s friends now were new mothers and had also married well. Cassie’s friendship with Billie had grown distant. To Billie’s dismay, Cassie rarely thought about Billie or included her in her day to day life anymore. Cassie had moved on from Billie. She had a whole new group of friends and Billie just did not fit in with them. Billie was still single and made it known that she did not ever want children. This was something that Billie had known about herself for a very long time. When Billie allowed herself to fall in love, it had become a contention between herself and the man she had fallen in love with. He had wanted to have children and Billie knew that she didn’t. Those differences caused them to end their relationship. Despite the fact that Cassie hardly if ever contacted Billie or included her in her life, Billie continued to be obsessed with Cassie and still craved her friendship. Unfortunately, it was all one sided.
On the night of Cassie’s thirty-fifth birthday party, Billie happened to be in another apartment in the same building that Cassie, her husband and baby daughter resided in. As Billie was doing what she had come to do, there was an unmistakable series a loud screams and unmistakable crying. Billie soon realized that the crying was coming from Cassie’s neglected and forgotten baby daughter. Even though Cassie had told Billie that she had had no plans to celebrate her thirty-fifth birthday, Billie soon discovered that that had been an all out blatant lie. From what Billie gathered, there must have been at least fifty guests that were helping Cassie celebrate her special birthday. Cassie had deliberately lied to Billie and chose not to include her in her celebration. Billie wasn’t sure what possessed her but the next thing she knew she was climbing up the fire escape and grabbing Cassie’s baby. She just wanted the baby to stop crying. What had Billie done? When Cassie discovered that her baby was missing she screamed a bone chilling scream that was undeniably terrifying. Billie overheard Cassie telling her friends that she needed Billie. How could Billie get Cassie’s baby back to her without her learning that she had been the one that had taken her? How would all of this affect Billie’s and Cassie’s friendship going forward?
I was not a fan of Cassie from the onset of the friendship she formed with Billie. Cassie, in my opinion, was obsessed with material things. She was very self-centered and latched on to those that could improve her life and make her look better. I felt sorry for Billie. She was made to endure and witness some things in her earlier years that most likely made her try and hold on to Cassie and the friendship they shared longer than she should have. I was glad that Billie was able to learn from all that she went through and ended up evolving into a more secure and happy person. I really enjoyed the ending of Bye, Baby. There were several topics that were touched upon that included Alzheimer’s, sexual and emotional abuse, friendships, obsession with social media and motherhood. Overall, I enjoyed Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering and recommend it highly. Publication was March 5, 2024.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering through Netgalley in exchange for this honest and voluntary review.
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