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Come Back to Me
11 hours, 39 minutes
The debut novel from Sara Foster, author of The Hush, You Don’t Know Me, and Beneath the Shadows.
Do you have to keep a promise made in the past, if it means losing all that you have now?
A London restaurant. An ordinary night out. But when ambitious lawyer Mark introduces his date to a work colleague, Chloe, and her husband, Alex, it’s obvious something is very wrong. Alex and Julia pretend not to know each other, but the shocked expressions on their faces tell a different story.
As the mystery of Julia’s identity unravels, a terrible, decade-old tragedy comes to light. While Chloe struggles with secrets of her own, Alex must decide whether to take Julia back to Australia to lay the past to rest. And Julia will finally confront Alex with the whole truth of what happened all those years ago.
Come Back to Me is a taut psychological drama that will keep you enthralled until the very last word.
The debut novel from Sara Foster, author of The Hush, You Don’t Know Me, and Beneath the Shadows.
Do you have to keep a promise made in the past, if it means losing all that you have now?
A London restaurant. An ordinary night out. But when ambitious lawyer Mark introduces his date to a work colleague, Chloe, and her husband, Alex, it’s obvious something is very wrong. Alex and Julia pretend not to know each other, but the shocked expressions on their faces tell a different story.
As the mystery of Julia’s identity unravels, a terrible, decade-old tragedy comes to light. While Chloe struggles with secrets of her own, Alex must decide whether to take Julia back to Australia to lay the past to rest. And Julia will finally confront Alex with the whole truth of what happened all those years ago.
Come Back to Me is a taut psychological drama that will keep you enthralled until the very last word.
359 pages, ebook
First published February 1, 2010
About the author
Sara Foster
13 books757 followersSara Foster is a critically acclaimed, bestselling fiction author with a passion for psychological suspense and a keen interest in exploring zeitgeist issues and strong female characters in her nail-biting novels. Her latest story, When She Was Gone, begins when an au pair and two small children vanish from a remote Australian beach, and is a race-against-time thriller, exploring themes around misogyny, wealth, power and control.
Sara is also the author of dystopian thriller The Hush and seven more bestselling novels. Two of her books have been optioned for television, and You Don’t Know Me was adapted into a chart-topping podcast series by Listnr. Sara has a PhD in creative writing (studying maternal representations in fiction) and lives in Perth, WA, with her husband, two daughters, three cats, Luna the cavoodle and Sunny the bearded dragon.
Sara writers a newsletter for readers called Book Chat (sarafoster.beehiiv.com), and a Substack, Resilient Author, for writers (https://sarafosterauthor.substack.com). Or visit her website: www.sarafoster.com.au to find out more.
Sara is also the author of dystopian thriller The Hush and seven more bestselling novels. Two of her books have been optioned for television, and You Don’t Know Me was adapted into a chart-topping podcast series by Listnr. Sara has a PhD in creative writing (studying maternal representations in fiction) and lives in Perth, WA, with her husband, two daughters, three cats, Luna the cavoodle and Sunny the bearded dragon.
Sara writers a newsletter for readers called Book Chat (sarafoster.beehiiv.com), and a Substack, Resilient Author, for writers (https://sarafosterauthor.substack.com). Or visit her website: www.sarafoster.com.au to find out more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
May 15, 2026
Profound, thought-provoking, perceptive, and moving, Come Back to Me was a stunning debut novel by an author who’s become a true tour de force since it originally came out. From the evocative prose to the layers of emotion, it not only worked itself into my bones and my brain, but also into the very center of my soul. You see, this psychological drama had it all. A dysfunctional family, a mysterious past, and plenty of deep, dark, tragic secrets just waiting to come out. Oh. And I mustn’t forget the heartbreaking four-sided romance weaving through it all. Quite literally bringing me to tears multiple times, this story was an emotional exploration of trauma, love, guilt, grief, and redemption. Between the multiple POVs that gave me a round-robin view and the dual timelines that sucked me into the nightmare-filled past, I was utterly obsessed with it all from the explosive first chapter to the heartfelt last page.
I do have to say that while the bulk of the book was rooted in drama, there was a captivating slow-boiling suspense feel throughout it as well. With several jaw-dropping twists, onion-like plotting, and flawed, complex characters that I both loved and hated, it was pure magic to this mystery/thriller reader. You see, the dangling secrets and deeply tragic history had me not only commiserating with each of the main characters, but switching sides on who I was rooting for over and over. All thanks to how well Foster sucked me into the tale, it was a gut-punch of a read that is sure to live rent-free in my head for a very long time. I’m not kidding. I’m absolutely bowled over by every part of this novel. So if you’re a fan of Sarina Bowen or Laura Dave, give this one a try as it will undoubtedly be a *chef’s kiss* kind of read for you as well. Now I just need a sequel, Ms. Foster! I have to know what happens to these characters! Rating of 5+ stars.
SYNOPSIS:
A London restaurant. An ordinary night out. But when ambitious lawyer Mark introduces his date to a work colleague, Chloe, and her husband, Alex, it’s obvious something is very wrong. Alex and Julia pretend not to know each other, but the shocked expressions on their faces tell a different story.
As the mystery of Julia’s identity unravels, a terrible, decade-old tragedy comes to light. While Chloe struggles with secrets of her own, Alex must decide whether to take Julia back to Australia to lay the past to rest. And Julia will finally confront Alex with the whole truth of what happened all those years ago.
Thank you Sara Foster and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: April 28, 2026 (re-release)
Don’t read the following list of triggers if you don’t want a potential spoiler!
Content warning: suicide, pregnancy, kidnapping, violence, rape, knife violence, grief, suicidal ideation, alcohol abuse, abandonment, pedophelia, mention of: mental illness, anxiety attack, death of a parent, pedophelia, chronic illness
I do have to say that while the bulk of the book was rooted in drama, there was a captivating slow-boiling suspense feel throughout it as well. With several jaw-dropping twists, onion-like plotting, and flawed, complex characters that I both loved and hated, it was pure magic to this mystery/thriller reader. You see, the dangling secrets and deeply tragic history had me not only commiserating with each of the main characters, but switching sides on who I was rooting for over and over. All thanks to how well Foster sucked me into the tale, it was a gut-punch of a read that is sure to live rent-free in my head for a very long time. I’m not kidding. I’m absolutely bowled over by every part of this novel. So if you’re a fan of Sarina Bowen or Laura Dave, give this one a try as it will undoubtedly be a *chef’s kiss* kind of read for you as well. Now I just need a sequel, Ms. Foster! I have to know what happens to these characters! Rating of 5+ stars.
SYNOPSIS:
A London restaurant. An ordinary night out. But when ambitious lawyer Mark introduces his date to a work colleague, Chloe, and her husband, Alex, it’s obvious something is very wrong. Alex and Julia pretend not to know each other, but the shocked expressions on their faces tell a different story.
As the mystery of Julia’s identity unravels, a terrible, decade-old tragedy comes to light. While Chloe struggles with secrets of her own, Alex must decide whether to take Julia back to Australia to lay the past to rest. And Julia will finally confront Alex with the whole truth of what happened all those years ago.
Thank you Sara Foster and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: April 28, 2026 (re-release)
Don’t read the following list of triggers if you don’t want a potential spoiler!
Content warning: suicide, pregnancy, kidnapping, violence, rape, knife violence, grief, suicidal ideation, alcohol abuse, abandonment, pedophelia, mention of: mental illness, anxiety attack, death of a parent, pedophelia, chronic illness
July 1, 2026
Just an innocent dinner out with friends…
Chloe and her husband Alex are meeting Chloe’s coworker, Mark, for dinner. Tonight, Mark is bringing along a new date. While introducing one another, there’s an uncomfortable pause. It appears that Alex and this new woman may already know each-other. Everyone stands there…no one says a word. #awkward!
This book started out strong! I was hooked at this point. But the storyline quickly splintered. Too many characters and sub plots so confusing I felt I was losing my grasp as it jumped around.
Also, Chloe’s response to what was happening around her just didn’t add up. She appeared absolutely nonchalant to a situation that dictated she lose her mind! (Or was that just me)💁🏻♀️
🎧: Flora Ogilvy gave a great performance, but this audio would have lent itself perfectly to multiple narrators.
✍️ Sara Foster
🎧 11 hours 39 minutes
🎤 Flora Ogilvy
🗓️ Anticipated release date: now available
📈 3/5🌟🌟🌟
👉 Thriller, suspense
Thank you to libro.fm and Blackstone Publishing
Chloe and her husband Alex are meeting Chloe’s coworker, Mark, for dinner. Tonight, Mark is bringing along a new date. While introducing one another, there’s an uncomfortable pause. It appears that Alex and this new woman may already know each-other. Everyone stands there…no one says a word. #awkward!
This book started out strong! I was hooked at this point. But the storyline quickly splintered. Too many characters and sub plots so confusing I felt I was losing my grasp as it jumped around.
Also, Chloe’s response to what was happening around her just didn’t add up. She appeared absolutely nonchalant to a situation that dictated she lose her mind! (Or was that just me)💁🏻♀️
🎧: Flora Ogilvy gave a great performance, but this audio would have lent itself perfectly to multiple narrators.
✍️ Sara Foster
🎧 11 hours 39 minutes
🎤 Flora Ogilvy
🗓️ Anticipated release date: now available
📈 3/5🌟🌟🌟
👉 Thriller, suspense
Thank you to libro.fm and Blackstone Publishing
July 4, 2026
"Do you have to keep a promise made in the past, if it means losing all that you have now?"
"A London restaurant. An ordinary night out. But when ambitious lawyer Mark introduces his date to a work colleague, Chloe, and her husband, Alex, it’s obvious something is very wrong. Alex and Julia pretend not to know each other, but the shocked expressions on their faces tell a different story."
After reading countless high reviews on this audio, I requested it later than the publishing date and thankfully I enjoyed every minute of it.
Considering it does have some trigger alerts before you choose it concerning rape and the trauma long after it happened. The characters are believable and their predicament of relationships in each found it hard to have closure, but the author does an outstanding job in presenting the information before distributing and confronting the guilt. So much guilt and grief in this book that I could not imagine finding redemption. Ten years have passed but the confrontation of Alex and Julia's past is raw and would rock any bystanders relationships with emotions of what to do in this situation. The ending is justifiable but difficult as the secrets are exposed.
The narrator Flora Ogilvy did an outstanding job. I enjoyed it and excited to read Foster's other books.
Thank you Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing-Audio Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
"A London restaurant. An ordinary night out. But when ambitious lawyer Mark introduces his date to a work colleague, Chloe, and her husband, Alex, it’s obvious something is very wrong. Alex and Julia pretend not to know each other, but the shocked expressions on their faces tell a different story."
After reading countless high reviews on this audio, I requested it later than the publishing date and thankfully I enjoyed every minute of it.
Considering it does have some trigger alerts before you choose it concerning rape and the trauma long after it happened. The characters are believable and their predicament of relationships in each found it hard to have closure, but the author does an outstanding job in presenting the information before distributing and confronting the guilt. So much guilt and grief in this book that I could not imagine finding redemption. Ten years have passed but the confrontation of Alex and Julia's past is raw and would rock any bystanders relationships with emotions of what to do in this situation. The ending is justifiable but difficult as the secrets are exposed.
The narrator Flora Ogilvy did an outstanding job. I enjoyed it and excited to read Foster's other books.
Thank you Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing-Audio Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
July 15, 2017
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
*4.5 stars
Perth based British author Sara Foster has become one of my favourite writers, especially in the psychological mystery field. Come Back to Me is Foster’s debut novel and marks the third novel that I have read by this author. Shallow Breath, also written by Sara Foster, still remains close to my heart, a number of years after I finished this book. I have the feeling that Come Back to Me will also linger with me for some time.
Come Back to Me is a consuming psychological drama that splits its setting between London and Perth. A simple double dinner date opens up old wounds and buried secrets when Mark brings a date, Julia, to a London restaurant to meet his friends, Chloe and Alex. Immediately, it becomes obvious that Alex and Julia are uncomfortable in each other’s company. They clearly have a past history together which they refuse to divulge to their respective partners. Eventually, the truth surrounding Alex and Julia’s connection begins to emerge and a terrible event that occurred ten years ago is gradually revealed. It is a secret that will require Alex to join Julia, on the other side of the world, in Australia, to confront the past and lay some demons to rest. However, matters are complicated further when Alex’s current love, Chloe, hides a special secret of her own. This creates a new source of tension between Alex and Chloe. Alex is then torn between the woman he loves now and a woman he loved in his past. Come Back to Me is an involving story of love, loyalty, honouring promises, secrets and revelations.
Sara Foster is talented author, who is adept in creating stories with a strong grounding in the psychological mystery genres. She is unafraid of delving into complicated situations that arise in our everyday lives. A brave task for an author, especially as Come Back to Me is Foster’s first published novel. Come Back to Me is a stimulating and addictive read that I was hard pressed to put down. In fact, I recall reading this book in two back to back sittings. This signals my obvious enjoyment of this story.
Foster’s characters are full-bodied and complex. These characters have many secrets to unravel, which encourages the reader to stay with the novel. There are some interesting relationship dynamics and emotions that emerge from Come Back to Me. I loved the shroud of secrecy that engulfed the main character of Julia. Her journey in particular was a harrowing one that submerged me in a mixture of feelings from sadness, to shock and deep admiration. In fact, there were a number of times where Julia’s harrowing attack in Perth reminded me of British backpacker Joanne Lees terrifying experience in the outback in 2001, where she and her boyfriend Peter Falconio were set upon by a crazed gunman. There are obvious links between this real life case and Foster’s fictional character Julia’s ordeal. These passages were handled with great care and insight by the accomplished hand of Sara Foster. Alex, Julia’s boyfriend at the time of her attack in Perth, was a protagonist I held much sympathy for. I could see how conflicted he must have felt between having to choose to between his current love and a past love that he made a lasting promise to. My only real issue with the character set in Come Back to Me was the lack of communication or lost opportunities to engage in vital conversations that occurred during the novel. Many of the complications in the story could have been prevented or solved earlier if these characters had of spoke up, instead of burying or avoiding the truth. These frustrations aside, overall the characterisation in Come Back to Me is of a high standard.
What I loved about Come Back to Me was flashback style of narrative employed by Foster. I also appreciated the alternating setting (London and Perth). This novel also moves in time, from the past in Australia, to ten years later in London. Both settings are described in plenty of detail, so much so that you feel like you are stepping on the bustling footpaths of London and then on golden sands of isolated Perth. The transitions in location and time were seamless. I am familiar with both these locations and genuinely feel Foster did a good job of bringing these two contrasted settings to life for the reader.
Come Back to Me is a psychological based mystery novel that serves to remind that often our pasts and the promises we made in times gone by, will eventually catch up with us. It is about working to right past wrongs, despite how painful the process may be. Going back to the where Sara Foster’s successful writing career started, by reading her debut novel, Come Back to Me, was a rewarding experience. Come Back to Me is a novel I highly commend.
*4.5 stars
Perth based British author Sara Foster has become one of my favourite writers, especially in the psychological mystery field. Come Back to Me is Foster’s debut novel and marks the third novel that I have read by this author. Shallow Breath, also written by Sara Foster, still remains close to my heart, a number of years after I finished this book. I have the feeling that Come Back to Me will also linger with me for some time.
Come Back to Me is a consuming psychological drama that splits its setting between London and Perth. A simple double dinner date opens up old wounds and buried secrets when Mark brings a date, Julia, to a London restaurant to meet his friends, Chloe and Alex. Immediately, it becomes obvious that Alex and Julia are uncomfortable in each other’s company. They clearly have a past history together which they refuse to divulge to their respective partners. Eventually, the truth surrounding Alex and Julia’s connection begins to emerge and a terrible event that occurred ten years ago is gradually revealed. It is a secret that will require Alex to join Julia, on the other side of the world, in Australia, to confront the past and lay some demons to rest. However, matters are complicated further when Alex’s current love, Chloe, hides a special secret of her own. This creates a new source of tension between Alex and Chloe. Alex is then torn between the woman he loves now and a woman he loved in his past. Come Back to Me is an involving story of love, loyalty, honouring promises, secrets and revelations.
Sara Foster is talented author, who is adept in creating stories with a strong grounding in the psychological mystery genres. She is unafraid of delving into complicated situations that arise in our everyday lives. A brave task for an author, especially as Come Back to Me is Foster’s first published novel. Come Back to Me is a stimulating and addictive read that I was hard pressed to put down. In fact, I recall reading this book in two back to back sittings. This signals my obvious enjoyment of this story.
Foster’s characters are full-bodied and complex. These characters have many secrets to unravel, which encourages the reader to stay with the novel. There are some interesting relationship dynamics and emotions that emerge from Come Back to Me. I loved the shroud of secrecy that engulfed the main character of Julia. Her journey in particular was a harrowing one that submerged me in a mixture of feelings from sadness, to shock and deep admiration. In fact, there were a number of times where Julia’s harrowing attack in Perth reminded me of British backpacker Joanne Lees terrifying experience in the outback in 2001, where she and her boyfriend Peter Falconio were set upon by a crazed gunman. There are obvious links between this real life case and Foster’s fictional character Julia’s ordeal. These passages were handled with great care and insight by the accomplished hand of Sara Foster. Alex, Julia’s boyfriend at the time of her attack in Perth, was a protagonist I held much sympathy for. I could see how conflicted he must have felt between having to choose to between his current love and a past love that he made a lasting promise to. My only real issue with the character set in Come Back to Me was the lack of communication or lost opportunities to engage in vital conversations that occurred during the novel. Many of the complications in the story could have been prevented or solved earlier if these characters had of spoke up, instead of burying or avoiding the truth. These frustrations aside, overall the characterisation in Come Back to Me is of a high standard.
What I loved about Come Back to Me was flashback style of narrative employed by Foster. I also appreciated the alternating setting (London and Perth). This novel also moves in time, from the past in Australia, to ten years later in London. Both settings are described in plenty of detail, so much so that you feel like you are stepping on the bustling footpaths of London and then on golden sands of isolated Perth. The transitions in location and time were seamless. I am familiar with both these locations and genuinely feel Foster did a good job of bringing these two contrasted settings to life for the reader.
Come Back to Me is a psychological based mystery novel that serves to remind that often our pasts and the promises we made in times gone by, will eventually catch up with us. It is about working to right past wrongs, despite how painful the process may be. Going back to the where Sara Foster’s successful writing career started, by reading her debut novel, Come Back to Me, was a rewarding experience. Come Back to Me is a novel I highly commend.
April 8, 2026
After reading her release last year, I had to get my hands on this one. I really loved When She Was Gone as it was a 5 ⭐️ read for me.
One night, a couple goes to a restaurant to meet with their work colleague. The colleague, Mark, shows up with a date. When the woman sees the other man, she leaves the restaurant.
How do these two people know one another?
Unfortunately, this book started extremely slow. The author gave great details about every single movement a character made. I felt it really drew it out. However, I found myself curious about the mystery and wanted to finish.
Was the overall story good? Yes, I enjoyed it. The pacing of this was just way too slow for my liking. I recommend this to fans of slow burn character driven mysteries. I’m just not the right reader for this one.
Torn between 3 - 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
One night, a couple goes to a restaurant to meet with their work colleague. The colleague, Mark, shows up with a date. When the woman sees the other man, she leaves the restaurant.
How do these two people know one another?
Unfortunately, this book started extremely slow. The author gave great details about every single movement a character made. I felt it really drew it out. However, I found myself curious about the mystery and wanted to finish.
Was the overall story good? Yes, I enjoyed it. The pacing of this was just way too slow for my liking. I recommend this to fans of slow burn character driven mysteries. I’m just not the right reader for this one.
Torn between 3 - 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 7, 2015
This book was a waste of time! Psychological thriller it certainly was not, perhaps the way it drove me insane with the nonsense was psychological. There was no twist but the author tried her best to make one and drag it out. "I have something to tell him but I will wait" and then create some sort of argument in her head and then say "Ok not telling him".
I finished this book in one seating because I skipped so many pages to get over the bullsh#$ and was hoping for a good twist in the end, but no, the "twist" was exactly what you've expect. Really cliche!
I finished this book in one seating because I skipped so many pages to get over the bullsh#$ and was hoping for a good twist in the end, but no, the "twist" was exactly what you've expect. Really cliche!
June 22, 2016
Alex and Chloe are living an idyllic life, very happily married, both working in jobs they enjoy...Chloe as a lawyer, Alex working from home on his designs. One of Chloe’s colleagues, Mark, with whom she had a brief fling a few years ago, invites her and Alex to dinner at a London restaurant, where they meet Mark’s date, Julia. Suddenly, as Alex and Julia come face to face, something goes terribly wrong. The shocked looks on their faces said they knew each other, but they pretended to be new acquaintances, which made Chloe and Mark extremely suspicious.
And so begins the avalanche of confusion, heartache, terror, and loss as the mystery of Julia’s identity slowly unravels. Where has Julia been the last 10 years, why has no-one, not even her family, been able to find her? Alex has to decide whether to help Julia now, when he feels he let her down 10 years ago, and wonders if they can lay the terrible tragedy which befell Julia to rest by heading to Australia?
Chloe has a secret of her own, one she feels she can’t tell Alex now, as she feels betrayed by a past she knew nothing about, and still knows nothing about. Alex is torn between his wife, whom he loves dearly, and Julia, whom he also loved dearly.
This psychological drama has every emotion you could image, with a plot that keeps you glued to the pages, right to the very end.
And so begins the avalanche of confusion, heartache, terror, and loss as the mystery of Julia’s identity slowly unravels. Where has Julia been the last 10 years, why has no-one, not even her family, been able to find her? Alex has to decide whether to help Julia now, when he feels he let her down 10 years ago, and wonders if they can lay the terrible tragedy which befell Julia to rest by heading to Australia?
Chloe has a secret of her own, one she feels she can’t tell Alex now, as she feels betrayed by a past she knew nothing about, and still knows nothing about. Alex is torn between his wife, whom he loves dearly, and Julia, whom he also loved dearly.
This psychological drama has every emotion you could image, with a plot that keeps you glued to the pages, right to the very end.
March 5, 2012
Review for the Australian Women Writers Challenge 2012
Excellent psychological thriller that had me glued to the pages from the very first chapter, and the pace didn’t die down for a second. It starts off with Alex and Chloe, a happily married couple getting ready for a dinner date with Mark and his new lady friend, Julia. Mark is Chloe’s work colleague but he is also Chloe ex boyfriend.
When they arrive at the restaurant, Chloe and Mark notice the surprised look on Alex face when his sees Julia for the very first time, and their strange reaction towards each other. It’s obvious to Mark and Chloe that there is a history between Alex and Julie. But Chloe concern is what history do they have? Is this woman still part of her husband life? Are they having an affair? All these thoughts and questions are running through Chloe’s mind. She becomes suspicious and is jumping to conclusions thus creating tension in their marriage. Alex is not helping the situation when his behaviour is out of character; he becomes secretive, withdrawn and distant from Chloe.
Alex needs to make and important decision which could make or break his marriage; ignore Julia and be up front with Chloe about his past, or pursue Julia and keep the promise his made to her many years ago.
There are twists and turns in this story that got my heart racing. Horrible and tragic secrets are revealed. And it was amazing how instantly I become caught up in these four individual lives from the get go. I read it so fast because the writing was smooth, it flowed and it was uncomplicated – and I must add, very hard to put down. It’s a wonderful book and I highly recommend it. Looking forward to reading Sara Foster’s latest novel ‘Beneath the Shadows’.
Excellent psychological thriller that had me glued to the pages from the very first chapter, and the pace didn’t die down for a second. It starts off with Alex and Chloe, a happily married couple getting ready for a dinner date with Mark and his new lady friend, Julia. Mark is Chloe’s work colleague but he is also Chloe ex boyfriend.
When they arrive at the restaurant, Chloe and Mark notice the surprised look on Alex face when his sees Julia for the very first time, and their strange reaction towards each other. It’s obvious to Mark and Chloe that there is a history between Alex and Julie. But Chloe concern is what history do they have? Is this woman still part of her husband life? Are they having an affair? All these thoughts and questions are running through Chloe’s mind. She becomes suspicious and is jumping to conclusions thus creating tension in their marriage. Alex is not helping the situation when his behaviour is out of character; he becomes secretive, withdrawn and distant from Chloe.
Alex needs to make and important decision which could make or break his marriage; ignore Julia and be up front with Chloe about his past, or pursue Julia and keep the promise his made to her many years ago.
There are twists and turns in this story that got my heart racing. Horrible and tragic secrets are revealed. And it was amazing how instantly I become caught up in these four individual lives from the get go. I read it so fast because the writing was smooth, it flowed and it was uncomplicated – and I must add, very hard to put down. It’s a wonderful book and I highly recommend it. Looking forward to reading Sara Foster’s latest novel ‘Beneath the Shadows’.
June 14, 2016
A little biased on this one! The characters became great friends, and I miss them now they are off into the world. The story still makes me shed a tear. I hope everyone enjoys reading it.
May 18, 2026
The strongest part of this book was the constant emotional push and pull between the characters. Nobody felt completely innocent. Nobody felt completely honest either. Every interaction had this quiet tension underneath it where you knew something bigger was sitting there waiting to explode.
I also liked that this wasn’t written like an overproduced thriller trying too hard to shock you every chapter. It felt heavier than that. More personal. More about guilt, loyalty, old decisions, and how the past can quietly destroy the life you built if you never actually deal with it. It read much more like psychological suspense to me than an actual thriller.
The Australia and London backdrop added a lot to the atmosphere, and once the story picked up, I flew through it. I just think getting there took longer than it needed to.
This one definitely could have been shorter. I felt the drag in the beginning and kept waiting for it to really settle into itself. But once it did, I was in.
Overall, really solid psychological suspense with complicated relationships, buried secrets, and that constant feeling that everyone is emotionally cornered.
I also liked that this wasn’t written like an overproduced thriller trying too hard to shock you every chapter. It felt heavier than that. More personal. More about guilt, loyalty, old decisions, and how the past can quietly destroy the life you built if you never actually deal with it. It read much more like psychological suspense to me than an actual thriller.
The Australia and London backdrop added a lot to the atmosphere, and once the story picked up, I flew through it. I just think getting there took longer than it needed to.
This one definitely could have been shorter. I felt the drag in the beginning and kept waiting for it to really settle into itself. But once it did, I was in.
Overall, really solid psychological suspense with complicated relationships, buried secrets, and that constant feeling that everyone is emotionally cornered.
May 1, 2012
Mark and Chloe are solicitors working for a London firm. They've shared a past, but Chloe is now happily married to Alex and life is good. But then, one night at dinner in a restaurant, Mark introduces his date Julia to Chloe and Alex and everything suddenly changes. Although they deny knowing each other, it's obvious that Alex and Julia have some kind of connection. Eventually it is revealed that they did know each other many years before and now have to face up to something that happened that has haunted both of them since.
This story drew me in right from the start. Chloe's life is going well, too well as it turns out, and now she is thrust in the middle of something she had no part in. It is obvious that whatever happened to Julia and Alex has scarred them both, but Julia much more so. But as the story moves on you learn of Alex's guilt over not being able to stop the event or protect Julia from harm.
Just to complicate things Chloe has a secret of her own - a secret she is unable to share with Alex once Julia re-enters his life. Although she does her best to hold it together at work and in dealing with her dramatic mother and Alex's brother (who suffers from a mental illness), you can literally feel Chloe beginning to crumble.
The suspense is great as the story slowly unravels, moving between present and the 1990s in Australia. As you come to know just what did happen, you can understand why Julia has become the person she is and while you know Alex is the only person who can help her heal, you begin to wonder if he actually can.
The main themes of this story are love and the difficult choices that can be associated with it - especially young love. It also touches on mental illness and post traumatic stress and the lengths people go to in the search for coming to terms with tragedy.
This story drew me in right from the start. Chloe's life is going well, too well as it turns out, and now she is thrust in the middle of something she had no part in. It is obvious that whatever happened to Julia and Alex has scarred them both, but Julia much more so. But as the story moves on you learn of Alex's guilt over not being able to stop the event or protect Julia from harm.
Just to complicate things Chloe has a secret of her own - a secret she is unable to share with Alex once Julia re-enters his life. Although she does her best to hold it together at work and in dealing with her dramatic mother and Alex's brother (who suffers from a mental illness), you can literally feel Chloe beginning to crumble.
The suspense is great as the story slowly unravels, moving between present and the 1990s in Australia. As you come to know just what did happen, you can understand why Julia has become the person she is and while you know Alex is the only person who can help her heal, you begin to wonder if he actually can.
The main themes of this story are love and the difficult choices that can be associated with it - especially young love. It also touches on mental illness and post traumatic stress and the lengths people go to in the search for coming to terms with tragedy.
November 16, 2025
I’m not quite sure how to review this title in all honesty, firstly I believe that it’s an older novel newly adapted to audio, which I always really appreciate, I miss out on many books because they’re unavailable in audio format, so we really need to keep producing them.
There was really nothing wrong with the story, but I should’ve been absolutely hooked and I just wasn’t, I was invested enough to want to finish it and find out the outcome for all of the characters, but at several points I was actually bored. The writing was good, the storyline was solid with lots of side stories and twists, but I definitely wasn’t absorbed.
Not a strong pacey thriller, more of a melancholic life story. Several traumatic themes but something left me a bit uncaring.
The narration was nice, but perhaps added to the lack of pace and tension as it was definitely quite soft and gentle.
Huge thanks to Bolinda Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
There was really nothing wrong with the story, but I should’ve been absolutely hooked and I just wasn’t, I was invested enough to want to finish it and find out the outcome for all of the characters, but at several points I was actually bored. The writing was good, the storyline was solid with lots of side stories and twists, but I definitely wasn’t absorbed.
Not a strong pacey thriller, more of a melancholic life story. Several traumatic themes but something left me a bit uncaring.
The narration was nice, but perhaps added to the lack of pace and tension as it was definitely quite soft and gentle.
Huge thanks to Bolinda Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
May 6, 2026
Thank you Blackstone Publishing - Audio & Netgalley for the gifted copy of this audiobook, and to Blackstone Publishing for the early finished copy...this is my honest review.
🎧📖 Come Back To Me 📖🎧
Author: Sara Foster
Pub Date: April 21, 2026
Audiobook Publisher: Blackstone Publishing - Audio
Narrator: Flora Ogilvy
Length: 10 hours, 30 minutes
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
MY RATING: 3.75/5⭐
(Rounded Up to 4⭐)
Come Back To Me is a slow-burning and tense psychological thriller from author Sara Foster. I loved Foster's 2025 release, When She Was Gone, and I was really excited to read this one!
On an ordinary night out, Chloe and her husband Alex meet up with Chloe's colleague, Mark, and his date, Julia. Though Alex and Julia pretend not to know each other, their shocked expressions tell a different story. As the mystery of Julia’s identity unravels, a terrible, decade-old tragedy comes to light. While Chloe and Mark each struggle with secrets of their own, the past secrets of Alex and Julia have circled into the present... and they have to decide how much of that tragic past to share.
When I say this book is slow-burning, I mean it's slooooooooooooooowwwww. The story is told through multiple POVs in alternating chapters, but the storytelling seemed to go almost minute-by-minute as each character's actions were painstakingly detailed. I enjoyed the story much more after some of the mysteries were finally revealed, but whew -- it took a really long time to get there. While this book is definitely a character-driven read, it's almost got more of a women's fiction vibe than a mystery/thriller vibe.
I really enjoyed the audiobook of this one, and Flora Ogilvy did a fantastic job capturing the internal tension of each character's struggles with his or her secrets.
While this book was a little slow for my liking, I really enjoyed the story itself. If you like slow-burning psychological thrillers that are character-focused and filled with secrets, this is one you should definitely pick up! And it's available now!
#ComeBackToMe #SaraFoster #BlackstonePublishing #partner #BlackstoneInsiders #earlyfinishedcopy #Netgalley #BlackstonePublishingAudio #audiobooks #slowburnthrillers #bookrecs #bookrecommendations #bookreviews
🎧📖 Come Back To Me 📖🎧
Author: Sara Foster
Pub Date: April 21, 2026
Audiobook Publisher: Blackstone Publishing - Audio
Narrator: Flora Ogilvy
Length: 10 hours, 30 minutes
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
MY RATING: 3.75/5⭐
(Rounded Up to 4⭐)
Come Back To Me is a slow-burning and tense psychological thriller from author Sara Foster. I loved Foster's 2025 release, When She Was Gone, and I was really excited to read this one!
On an ordinary night out, Chloe and her husband Alex meet up with Chloe's colleague, Mark, and his date, Julia. Though Alex and Julia pretend not to know each other, their shocked expressions tell a different story. As the mystery of Julia’s identity unravels, a terrible, decade-old tragedy comes to light. While Chloe and Mark each struggle with secrets of their own, the past secrets of Alex and Julia have circled into the present... and they have to decide how much of that tragic past to share.
When I say this book is slow-burning, I mean it's slooooooooooooooowwwww. The story is told through multiple POVs in alternating chapters, but the storytelling seemed to go almost minute-by-minute as each character's actions were painstakingly detailed. I enjoyed the story much more after some of the mysteries were finally revealed, but whew -- it took a really long time to get there. While this book is definitely a character-driven read, it's almost got more of a women's fiction vibe than a mystery/thriller vibe.
I really enjoyed the audiobook of this one, and Flora Ogilvy did a fantastic job capturing the internal tension of each character's struggles with his or her secrets.
While this book was a little slow for my liking, I really enjoyed the story itself. If you like slow-burning psychological thrillers that are character-focused and filled with secrets, this is one you should definitely pick up! And it's available now!
#ComeBackToMe #SaraFoster #BlackstonePublishing #partner #BlackstoneInsiders #earlyfinishedcopy #Netgalley #BlackstonePublishingAudio #audiobooks #slowburnthrillers #bookrecs #bookrecommendations #bookreviews
February 5, 2017
1.5 Not-For-Me Stars
Part 1 introduces the four characters.
Chloe, a family law lawyer. Mark her colleague and ex. Alex, Chloe's husband and Julia, the woman Mark took to their double date. The woman who promptly leaves after it becomes apparent that her and Alex have history.
Part 2, I barely remember!
Part 3, there's so much going on. And they're all still keeping secrets!
I just couldn't care! Besides the four main characters, there's so much going on. They've all got family issues, schizophrenic brother, child abuse, Parkinsons disease, and so many secrets... didn't think it was ever going to end.
Part 1 introduces the four characters.
Chloe, a family law lawyer. Mark her colleague and ex. Alex, Chloe's husband and Julia, the woman Mark took to their double date. The woman who promptly leaves after it becomes apparent that her and Alex have history.
Part 2, I barely remember!
Part 3, there's so much going on. And they're all still keeping secrets!
I just couldn't care! Besides the four main characters, there's so much going on. They've all got family issues, schizophrenic brother, child abuse, Parkinsons disease, and so many secrets... didn't think it was ever going to end.
May 11, 2026
An interesting and thought-provoking novel. The odds of anything as dramatic happening in a person's life are so rare, but how would you react if a person from the past returned and needed you to fulfill a promise? Not just any small thing too.
I genuinely do not think I could have been as calm as any of these characters. They make decisions that are, for the most part, logical and thought thru while even just reading I wanted to yell. These are rich and complex characters and it shows in their actions.
The story began very slowly, too slowly for my taste which is the only thing that kept it from being a 5 star read. I wouldn't really call this a psychological thriller, as it was classified but it certainly made me think.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Sara Foster, and Blackstone Publishing for my copy of this audiobook.
I genuinely do not think I could have been as calm as any of these characters. They make decisions that are, for the most part, logical and thought thru while even just reading I wanted to yell. These are rich and complex characters and it shows in their actions.
The story began very slowly, too slowly for my taste which is the only thing that kept it from being a 5 star read. I wouldn't really call this a psychological thriller, as it was classified but it certainly made me think.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Sara Foster, and Blackstone Publishing for my copy of this audiobook.
April 12, 2020
I really enjoyed this. I found it graphic and harrowing, but all the characters were believable. I did wish Chloe and Alex would have talked everything through early in the piece but then, I guess there wouldn't have been a story.
The plot kept me turning the pages. As a WA girl, I enjoyed the familiar Perth setting. I liked the various subplots involving Chloe's parents, and Mark's parents and family.
I've read 3 of Sara Foster's books now, and I think this is my fave.
The plot kept me turning the pages. As a WA girl, I enjoyed the familiar Perth setting. I liked the various subplots involving Chloe's parents, and Mark's parents and family.
I've read 3 of Sara Foster's books now, and I think this is my fave.
January 15, 2014
Sara Foster’s debut novel, Come Back to Me (2010) is the third book I’ve read by this talented Western Australian author. Having previously enjoyed Beneath the Shadows and Shallow Breath, I picked up this one at a second hand bookstore and it has sat on my TBR pile for a little while. I finally managed to pick it up and read it over the Christmas holidays and I’m kicking myself for having waited for so long- I loved it!
Come Back to Me is a mystery that spans Australia and England and had me hooked from the very first chapter. The way that Foster weaves the suspense throughout the story by relinquishing a little background information at a time and cliffhanger chapter endings managed to keep me on the edge of my seat almost the entire time. The characters frustrated me for a majority of the story (I just wanted them to communicate!!) and yet they were characters that were flawed and relatable, no matter what their circumstances.
Chloe and her husband Alex turn up at a double date dinner with her colleague (and ex-boyfriend) Mark and his new woman, Julia. The tension steps up immediately as it becomes obvious that Alex and Julia have some history. The tension is amplified by the delay in Chloe actually confronting Alex about this and why Alex isn’t upfront about it in the first place. And yet at the same time, I could understand why they did this. Chloe is fearful of losing Alex and Alex is so shocked by Julia’s reappearance that it brings up a lot of unresolved feelings for him. The plot takes off from there with Alex and Chloe’s marriage on the rocks, the identity of this mysterious Julia is revealed and Mark and Chloe develop an unlikely (and dysfunctional) friendship.
Although I wanted Alex to be more open with Chloe and to have tried harder to get his message across, I can also understand the difficult position he was in and how he felt he needed to supporting Julia. Julia was a character who is surrounded by mystery, but as her story unravels I could really empathise with her difficult experiences and how she chose to deal with this. Chloe was probably the most frustrating character for me as she just made silly decisions, she was avoidant and at times emotionally immature. And yet, I could still relate to her because of the fear of losing her husband and her life which led her to make these choices.
Foster creates fantastic mysteries that are psychologically stimulating and portray realistic and intriguing characters. Well worth the read and I’m looking forward to reading future books by this talented Aussie author.
Come Back to Me is a mystery that spans Australia and England and had me hooked from the very first chapter. The way that Foster weaves the suspense throughout the story by relinquishing a little background information at a time and cliffhanger chapter endings managed to keep me on the edge of my seat almost the entire time. The characters frustrated me for a majority of the story (I just wanted them to communicate!!) and yet they were characters that were flawed and relatable, no matter what their circumstances.
Chloe and her husband Alex turn up at a double date dinner with her colleague (and ex-boyfriend) Mark and his new woman, Julia. The tension steps up immediately as it becomes obvious that Alex and Julia have some history. The tension is amplified by the delay in Chloe actually confronting Alex about this and why Alex isn’t upfront about it in the first place. And yet at the same time, I could understand why they did this. Chloe is fearful of losing Alex and Alex is so shocked by Julia’s reappearance that it brings up a lot of unresolved feelings for him. The plot takes off from there with Alex and Chloe’s marriage on the rocks, the identity of this mysterious Julia is revealed and Mark and Chloe develop an unlikely (and dysfunctional) friendship.
Although I wanted Alex to be more open with Chloe and to have tried harder to get his message across, I can also understand the difficult position he was in and how he felt he needed to supporting Julia. Julia was a character who is surrounded by mystery, but as her story unravels I could really empathise with her difficult experiences and how she chose to deal with this. Chloe was probably the most frustrating character for me as she just made silly decisions, she was avoidant and at times emotionally immature. And yet, I could still relate to her because of the fear of losing her husband and her life which led her to make these choices.
Foster creates fantastic mysteries that are psychologically stimulating and portray realistic and intriguing characters. Well worth the read and I’m looking forward to reading future books by this talented Aussie author.
November 24, 2017
Full of secrets, twists and turns
What if something horrible happened to someone you loved, and you couldn't stop it? What if your loved one pushed you away and you went, always regretting it? What if, ten years later, you had the chance to try to make it right? A chance meeting of his lost love on a double date with his wife and a friend transported Alex back to a terrible time. He and Amy had been young and deeply in love when tragedy struck. Amy disappeared and for ten years, he had not known if she was alive or dead. Now, when he had finally moved forward and found happiness with his wife, Chloe, Amy was sitting across a table from him. Amy fled, but it didn't take long for them to reconnect, and Alex found himself torn between his love for Chloe and the life they had built together and his lost love for Amy and his guilt for letting her down when she needed him.
Come Back to Me is a story about the promises we make to the people in our lives, and the secrets we keep while trying to protect them. It is about the many kinds of love we feel for them, and how we reconcile who we really are when those secrets can no longer stay hidden. Until the end, I was never quite sure how it was going to come around. The resolution of all the hidden secrets and relationships was ultimately satisfying
What if something horrible happened to someone you loved, and you couldn't stop it? What if your loved one pushed you away and you went, always regretting it? What if, ten years later, you had the chance to try to make it right? A chance meeting of his lost love on a double date with his wife and a friend transported Alex back to a terrible time. He and Amy had been young and deeply in love when tragedy struck. Amy disappeared and for ten years, he had not known if she was alive or dead. Now, when he had finally moved forward and found happiness with his wife, Chloe, Amy was sitting across a table from him. Amy fled, but it didn't take long for them to reconnect, and Alex found himself torn between his love for Chloe and the life they had built together and his lost love for Amy and his guilt for letting her down when she needed him.
Come Back to Me is a story about the promises we make to the people in our lives, and the secrets we keep while trying to protect them. It is about the many kinds of love we feel for them, and how we reconcile who we really are when those secrets can no longer stay hidden. Until the end, I was never quite sure how it was going to come around. The resolution of all the hidden secrets and relationships was ultimately satisfying
November 21, 2017
I’m going to be honest. I can not, in good conscience, give this book anything less than five stars.
While I was expecting more of a thriller/suspense, I still was pleasantly surprised to find some element of mystery, but a lot of family drama in it too.
I loved this. I have never read Sara Foster before, but I am going to hunt down the rest of her books down!
Honestly such a great book. There are dual story lines but four main characters. It was so so interesting and such a quick and easy read. Foster writes impeccably and ughhh I’m ranting but I really loved this.
Read it pls
While I was expecting more of a thriller/suspense, I still was pleasantly surprised to find some element of mystery, but a lot of family drama in it too.
I loved this. I have never read Sara Foster before, but I am going to hunt down the rest of her books down!
Honestly such a great book. There are dual story lines but four main characters. It was so so interesting and such a quick and easy read. Foster writes impeccably and ughhh I’m ranting but I really loved this.
Read it pls
April 14, 2013
It was boringly predictable..And annoyingly stupid. I wouldn't waste my time reading this crap if I were you. And I'm never going to read any other books by this author , if this is how her writing is!
April 11, 2017
Wow! What a powerful exploration of love, conflict and adversity. The characters are so well written that they feel like friends. The unimaginable horrors that they experienced are told in a compelling way that explores the frailty of life.
January 21, 2015
3.5 stars
May 4, 2026
4.5 stars!
Mark introduces his date, Julia, to Chloe and her husband, leading to a tense revelation as Alex and Julia share a troubled past. A decade-old tragedy surfaces, complicating Alex's decision to return to Australia with Julia, jeopardizing his marriage to Chloe. Julia faces the choice of revealing the full truth about their shared past.
Writing this book must have been an enormous challenge! I can see why it received mixed reviews; the pace is quite slow, and many readers may not have had the patience to stick with it. This slow burn is understandable, though, as the story is extensive and demands to be told with care, rich with emotions and detail.
As a traveler myself, this narrative brings to life my worst nightmare! I’ve traveled all over Europe and lived in a few other countries, and I often found myself thinking about the concerns my parents had during my trips. Now that I'm older, I fully grasp their worries, but when you’re young and carefree, it feels different. This story hits close to home, so be sure to check the trigger warnings; it’s deeply emotional, meticulously detailed, and the pacing can be quite slow, making it a tough read. For any mothers out there with adventurous daughters, you might want to think twice before diving into this; it may break your heart and bring on some tears.
The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives and dual timelines, allowing us to gradually uncover the traumatic events that impacted the young couple, Alex and Julia. This psychological domestic drama explores a myriad of themes, and it’s heart-wrenching to discover their story. You might find yourself asking, "What would I do if I were in their shoes?" It’s nearly impossible to place yourself in such a scenario, but doing so is essential to appreciating the story as it unfolds.
We’re confronted with complicated family dynamics, buried secrets, grief, and a journey of self-discovery, all intertwined with jealousy and a lack of support. This story truly moved me; while I typically shy away from excessive emotion in thrillers, the author’s approach was necessary to convey the plot and its conclusion effectively. If you stick with this book until the end, you’ll find it worthwhile—what a powerful topic, well-written and handled with sensitivity. Bravo!
I won’t sugarcoat it: the book is slow and challenging to get into, but the audiobook enhanced the experience significantly! I could take my time, follow along in the text, speed up the narration, and the narrator did an outstanding job conveying the right emotions and pace. I completely understand why some might DNF this book due to its slow pace, but there was always something happening to keep me engaged. The ending was both unexpected and heartwarming, leaving me feeling hopeful.
This review is a bit different from my usual style because the book itself is exceptional, leaving me lost in thoughts, wondering how it would all come together for the characters. Despite any negative or brief reviews, I believe this book will eventually find its audience. It may not be the first choice for many, but it deserves a chance. This story is gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, yet ultimately hopeful, thought-provoking, and eye-opening. What makes it powerful is how closely it mirrors real life—it’s almost eerie. For those who are hesitant, I encourage you to try the audiobook and give this story a shot; while it may be slow, it’s undeniably intriguing.
Thank you, Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review volutnarily.
Mark introduces his date, Julia, to Chloe and her husband, leading to a tense revelation as Alex and Julia share a troubled past. A decade-old tragedy surfaces, complicating Alex's decision to return to Australia with Julia, jeopardizing his marriage to Chloe. Julia faces the choice of revealing the full truth about their shared past.
Writing this book must have been an enormous challenge! I can see why it received mixed reviews; the pace is quite slow, and many readers may not have had the patience to stick with it. This slow burn is understandable, though, as the story is extensive and demands to be told with care, rich with emotions and detail.
As a traveler myself, this narrative brings to life my worst nightmare! I’ve traveled all over Europe and lived in a few other countries, and I often found myself thinking about the concerns my parents had during my trips. Now that I'm older, I fully grasp their worries, but when you’re young and carefree, it feels different. This story hits close to home, so be sure to check the trigger warnings; it’s deeply emotional, meticulously detailed, and the pacing can be quite slow, making it a tough read. For any mothers out there with adventurous daughters, you might want to think twice before diving into this; it may break your heart and bring on some tears.
The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives and dual timelines, allowing us to gradually uncover the traumatic events that impacted the young couple, Alex and Julia. This psychological domestic drama explores a myriad of themes, and it’s heart-wrenching to discover their story. You might find yourself asking, "What would I do if I were in their shoes?" It’s nearly impossible to place yourself in such a scenario, but doing so is essential to appreciating the story as it unfolds.
We’re confronted with complicated family dynamics, buried secrets, grief, and a journey of self-discovery, all intertwined with jealousy and a lack of support. This story truly moved me; while I typically shy away from excessive emotion in thrillers, the author’s approach was necessary to convey the plot and its conclusion effectively. If you stick with this book until the end, you’ll find it worthwhile—what a powerful topic, well-written and handled with sensitivity. Bravo!
I won’t sugarcoat it: the book is slow and challenging to get into, but the audiobook enhanced the experience significantly! I could take my time, follow along in the text, speed up the narration, and the narrator did an outstanding job conveying the right emotions and pace. I completely understand why some might DNF this book due to its slow pace, but there was always something happening to keep me engaged. The ending was both unexpected and heartwarming, leaving me feeling hopeful.
This review is a bit different from my usual style because the book itself is exceptional, leaving me lost in thoughts, wondering how it would all come together for the characters. Despite any negative or brief reviews, I believe this book will eventually find its audience. It may not be the first choice for many, but it deserves a chance. This story is gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, yet ultimately hopeful, thought-provoking, and eye-opening. What makes it powerful is how closely it mirrors real life—it’s almost eerie. For those who are hesitant, I encourage you to try the audiobook and give this story a shot; while it may be slow, it’s undeniably intriguing.
Thank you, Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review volutnarily.
April 17, 2026
Come Back to Me by Sara Foster is a release or reprint of her 2010 debut novel. I've read several of Foster's books but discovered her after this was published. The events here come about thanks to a bizarre act of fate and what ensues could potentially be a second chance, and a time to do the right thing this time around... or it could be time to realise past decisions weren't necessarily the wrong ones.
There are several complicated relationships on offer here. Chloe and Alex are married; but Chloe and a work colleague Mark, were once dating. This opens with the disastrous double-date. It's obvious that Mark's date (Julia) and Alex know each other and the fact that Julia does a runner says it all.
As well as romantic relationships Foster examines those between parents and adult children. Mark feels judged by his father, a previous partner in the law firm where he's working. Chloe feels a strong sense of responsibility for her mother, who takes her for granted. There's also a sense of fear... fear of doing the wrong thing, of letting loved ones down, of being disappointed, instead remaining stuck in some sort of limbo.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
There are several complicated relationships on offer here. Chloe and Alex are married; but Chloe and a work colleague Mark, were once dating. This opens with the disastrous double-date. It's obvious that Mark's date (Julia) and Alex know each other and the fact that Julia does a runner says it all.
As well as romantic relationships Foster examines those between parents and adult children. Mark feels judged by his father, a previous partner in the law firm where he's working. Chloe feels a strong sense of responsibility for her mother, who takes her for granted. There's also a sense of fear... fear of doing the wrong thing, of letting loved ones down, of being disappointed, instead remaining stuck in some sort of limbo.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
January 22, 2026
I really enjoyed listening to this story and felt the narrator did a fantastic job of portraying all the characters and their feelings.
Happily married Chloe has an exciting secret to tell her husband Alex however before she has a chance they are introduced to her colleague marks girlfriend Julia and from the minute Alex and Julia Lock eyes it’s clear they know each other but how. When Julia suddenly leaves the restaurant shortly after this initial meeting both Mark and Chloe are left confused.
Over the course of this story, the secret of Alex and Julia begins to reveal itself leaving both Chloe and Mark reeling where does this leave them?
Told from several perspectives before from all four characters point of views and now again from all four characters the story blends beautifully to lead us to the outcome. However, the ending…….I want more I need to know exactly what happens next for all four of these characters as I’ve actually grown to love them all great story writing well done Sara
This is a review of the audiobook.
Happily married Chloe has an exciting secret to tell her husband Alex however before she has a chance they are introduced to her colleague marks girlfriend Julia and from the minute Alex and Julia Lock eyes it’s clear they know each other but how. When Julia suddenly leaves the restaurant shortly after this initial meeting both Mark and Chloe are left confused.
Over the course of this story, the secret of Alex and Julia begins to reveal itself leaving both Chloe and Mark reeling where does this leave them?
Told from several perspectives before from all four characters point of views and now again from all four characters the story blends beautifully to lead us to the outcome. However, the ending…….I want more I need to know exactly what happens next for all four of these characters as I’ve actually grown to love them all great story writing well done Sara
This is a review of the audiobook.
February 20, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I will definitely read more books by Sara Foster. The characters in this book were well developed. I would give it 4 1/2 stars if I could. I don't want to give anything away about the book. I recommend it to anyone who likes to read suspense novels with a bit of romance tucked in for good measure.
December 6, 2019
A very enjoyable first book. Not exactly a psychological thriller but it kept me interest to the end.
May 1, 2026
An enjoyable suspense novel that captures the reader from the early pages and takes the reader on a journey of twists and turns.
December 2, 2012
“Do you have to honour a promise you made in the past if it means losing all that you have now?
When Mark introduces his date, Julia, to Chloe and her husband at a London restaurant, it’s obvious something is very, very wrong. Alex and Julia pretend not to know each other, but the shocked expressions on their faces tell another story.
As the mystery of Julia’s identity unravels, a terrible tragedy from ten years ago gradually comes to light. While Chloe struggles with a secret of her own, Alex has to decide whether he should take Julia back to Australia to try to lay the past to rest, when doing so will risk all he has with the wife he loves.
And Julia must decide whether to finally confront Alex with the whole truth about what happened back then.
Set in London and Perth, Come Back to Me is a taut psychological drama that will keep you enthralled until the very last page.”
Alex and Chloe are happily married, own a lovely home and are both doing well in their chosen careers – her as a family law solicitor, him a designer with his own business run from home.
One fateful introduction by Chloe’s ex-boyfriend and current colleague, Mark, threatens to unravel everything that Alex and Chloe have worked towards in their relationship – her name is Julia.
Immediately on arriving at the restaurant and being introduced to Julia, Chloe realises that something is seriously wrong – the shocked look on Alex and Julia’s faces on seeing each other lead both her and Mark to believe that this is not the first time they have met. Julie hurriedly excuses herself from the table to go to the ladies room and Alex sits in dumbfounded silence.
As the story unravels, taking us from present-day London to 1990’s Australia, we come to learn that Alex has kept a secret from Chloe - him and Julia share a past, one that he has been incapable of speaking about due to the tragic events which took place.
Whilst Chloe keeps a secret of her own close to her heart, she watches as her world appears to crumble around her. Can Julia face the demons of her tragic past thereby enabling her to get on with her life? Is this finally a chance for Mark to win back the woman he gave up years ago? Will Alex lose everything he has with Chloe? Will it be possible for Chloe to finally reveal her secret to Alex?
I found it quite difficult to put this book down. There were so many secrets intermingled in the plot that all I wanted to do was discover every single one of them. Sara Foster has an easy, flowing prose style and has created a tale with likeable, well-formed characters. Whilst injecting a lot of emotion and relationship issues into this book, I found the most prominent to be the importance of communication in a relationship.
If you are looking for a multifaceted psychological thriller and a complicated story of love which combine with multiple twists and turns, then this debut novel by Sara Foster will keep you enthralled right to the last chapter.
When Mark introduces his date, Julia, to Chloe and her husband at a London restaurant, it’s obvious something is very, very wrong. Alex and Julia pretend not to know each other, but the shocked expressions on their faces tell another story.
As the mystery of Julia’s identity unravels, a terrible tragedy from ten years ago gradually comes to light. While Chloe struggles with a secret of her own, Alex has to decide whether he should take Julia back to Australia to try to lay the past to rest, when doing so will risk all he has with the wife he loves.
And Julia must decide whether to finally confront Alex with the whole truth about what happened back then.
Set in London and Perth, Come Back to Me is a taut psychological drama that will keep you enthralled until the very last page.”
Alex and Chloe are happily married, own a lovely home and are both doing well in their chosen careers – her as a family law solicitor, him a designer with his own business run from home.
One fateful introduction by Chloe’s ex-boyfriend and current colleague, Mark, threatens to unravel everything that Alex and Chloe have worked towards in their relationship – her name is Julia.
Immediately on arriving at the restaurant and being introduced to Julia, Chloe realises that something is seriously wrong – the shocked look on Alex and Julia’s faces on seeing each other lead both her and Mark to believe that this is not the first time they have met. Julie hurriedly excuses herself from the table to go to the ladies room and Alex sits in dumbfounded silence.
As the story unravels, taking us from present-day London to 1990’s Australia, we come to learn that Alex has kept a secret from Chloe - him and Julia share a past, one that he has been incapable of speaking about due to the tragic events which took place.
Whilst Chloe keeps a secret of her own close to her heart, she watches as her world appears to crumble around her. Can Julia face the demons of her tragic past thereby enabling her to get on with her life? Is this finally a chance for Mark to win back the woman he gave up years ago? Will Alex lose everything he has with Chloe? Will it be possible for Chloe to finally reveal her secret to Alex?
I found it quite difficult to put this book down. There were so many secrets intermingled in the plot that all I wanted to do was discover every single one of them. Sara Foster has an easy, flowing prose style and has created a tale with likeable, well-formed characters. Whilst injecting a lot of emotion and relationship issues into this book, I found the most prominent to be the importance of communication in a relationship.
If you are looking for a multifaceted psychological thriller and a complicated story of love which combine with multiple twists and turns, then this debut novel by Sara Foster will keep you enthralled right to the last chapter.
June 19, 2026
Chloe and her husband Alex are meeting Chloe’s co-worker Mark and his girlfriend for dinner. When Chloe’s husband Alex sets eyes on Mark’s date, Julia, time stands still. They present to “meet” as if they don’t know each other, but it is obvious to Mark and to Chloe that Alex and Julia have met before. Julia quickly excuses herself for a bathroom break, only to disappear from the restaurant.
Julia isn’t Julia at all, and as the tale goes on, a tragedy from ten years prior comes to light. Meanwhile, Chloe has a secret of her own. Her secret is one she shouldn’t be scared to share with her husband, but she is.
Here’s the thing, by all appearances, Chloe and Alex are happily married. But Chloe unravels as Alex abruptly travels to Australia with “Julia” to set right what happened ten years ago.
This book was intriguing and fast paced. I loved the domestic thriller element of this story. It’s my favorite. I received the Advanced Listener Copy of this book and it was well narrated and edited.
Julia isn’t Julia at all, and as the tale goes on, a tragedy from ten years prior comes to light. Meanwhile, Chloe has a secret of her own. Her secret is one she shouldn’t be scared to share with her husband, but she is.
Here’s the thing, by all appearances, Chloe and Alex are happily married. But Chloe unravels as Alex abruptly travels to Australia with “Julia” to set right what happened ten years ago.
This book was intriguing and fast paced. I loved the domestic thriller element of this story. It’s my favorite. I received the Advanced Listener Copy of this book and it was well narrated and edited.
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