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Like Mother, Like Daughter
Christina Valdecchi has had to face the bitchy clique of school mums for years, ever since her fall out with Lisa, the mum of her daughter's best friend. The picture perfect parent that never misses a chance to remind Christina she doesn't measure up.
Lisa Marco was taught that being a good parent meant making the hard choices. She understands why Christina's 'friendship parenting' approach makes her fun, but Lisa's priority is keeping her daughter safe even if she fears it's driving her daughter away.
But tonight when Christina and Lisa get the call that every parent dreads they will have to confront the choices that brought them here.
They say mothers know best but how well do they really know their daughters?
Lisa Marco was taught that being a good parent meant making the hard choices. She understands why Christina's 'friendship parenting' approach makes her fun, but Lisa's priority is keeping her daughter safe even if she fears it's driving her daughter away.
But tonight when Christina and Lisa get the call that every parent dreads they will have to confront the choices that brought them here.
They say mothers know best but how well do they really know their daughters?
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2024
66 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
May 9, 2024
I'd say this book is one of my favourites in the last few months. So much tension and suspense. I really enjoyed the dual timelines and the multiple POVs. The relationships between mother and daughter, and also between friends, is widely explored here, and I think it is done really well.
The accident and everything leading up to it, are just so tense, I was anxious while reading and I also wanted to turn those pages faster than possible because I needed to know what was coming.
A fab read, my first book by Dawn Goodwin. I'll likely look up more of her work as this was great.
The accident and everything leading up to it, are just so tense, I was anxious while reading and I also wanted to turn those pages faster than possible because I needed to know what was coming.
A fab read, my first book by Dawn Goodwin. I'll likely look up more of her work as this was great.
August 23, 2024
This book is a wake up call for adults as well as their teenage children. A coming of age book that causes a person to pause and reflect about their actions and how they affect others . The author tackles many real life issues- bullying, risk taking behaviors, and the pressure we place on others with our expectations . The entire book flips back and forth from past to present until it ends in present day .
October 5, 2025
This book would have been good if it didn’t have fat phobia in literally EVERY chapter. Not to mention every single character is insufferable, unlikeable, and the biggest PoS you’ve ever seen. Every. Single. One. Also, I think the author forgot what she’d already written because she had characters surprised about “plot twists” they had already known about based on the flashbacks.
May 10, 2024
3.5 stars
Lisa has had her fill of the bitchy group of school mums. She tolerates them, even when her husband Ben invites them all back to hers for a late night party. She especially dislikes Christina, they used to be best friends, just like their daughters were, until an incident drew everyone apart.
But then Lisa and Christina get a call - about their respective daughters, Emma and Sofia - and as they face their worst nightmare they begin to uncover secrets long buried…
This is very much a character led story. The timeline jumps back and forth between then and now, with viewpoints from several different characters. The story builds in very much the style of a domestic drama; there are hints and suggestions of past incidents that leave you intrigued and guessing. Lisa is struggling with a lot of things, but she doesn’t know the half of what’s going on with her own child.
An interesting glimpse of parenting and families. You might think yours is perfect - but is it really?
Lisa has had her fill of the bitchy group of school mums. She tolerates them, even when her husband Ben invites them all back to hers for a late night party. She especially dislikes Christina, they used to be best friends, just like their daughters were, until an incident drew everyone apart.
But then Lisa and Christina get a call - about their respective daughters, Emma and Sofia - and as they face their worst nightmare they begin to uncover secrets long buried…
This is very much a character led story. The timeline jumps back and forth between then and now, with viewpoints from several different characters. The story builds in very much the style of a domestic drama; there are hints and suggestions of past incidents that leave you intrigued and guessing. Lisa is struggling with a lot of things, but she doesn’t know the half of what’s going on with her own child.
An interesting glimpse of parenting and families. You might think yours is perfect - but is it really?
January 27, 2026
I don’t really see how this is considered a thriller in any way. Maybe family saga/drama. The characters were flat. I don’t think it even told us where this took place (I may have missed it). It lacked description. But I was engaged enough. I don’t regret reading it. I liked how the author shined light on how parents often times don’t know who their children really are and how balance in parenting is necessary. I think If this took place in first person it would have been better. I also would’ve liked to see the teens at school. We are told what kind of kids they are and how they are perceived by the other kids but we don’t get to actually see it. I prefer the show don’t tell method. I didn’t feel any attachment to any characters, none of them were likable, and I honestly didn’t care what happened to them.
November 30, 2024
2.5/5
Mehhhhh… I wouldn’t really call this a thriller 😅 this author is new to me, so I was excited to discover another thriller author! But this book fell flat.
The characters were eh, the overall storyline was eh, and nothing really happened in the book. I wasn’t a huge fan of the constant changing POVs and timelines either… Kinda sad but oh well!
Mehhhhh… I wouldn’t really call this a thriller 😅 this author is new to me, so I was excited to discover another thriller author! But this book fell flat.
The characters were eh, the overall storyline was eh, and nothing really happened in the book. I wasn’t a huge fan of the constant changing POVs and timelines either… Kinda sad but oh well!
September 6, 2024
There was lots of tension but also some careless errors, like characters’ names being mixed up, which spoilt this for me. Also, some parts were unbelievable like when Emma admits that Kai didn’t rape her and Sophia says something like, come on, let’s all be friends. I mean, really?!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2025
2.5* I’m not sure what genre best fits this book, but overall I wasn’t in love with any of it. As I did the audio, it just became background noise because I just wasn’t engaged.
March 5, 2025
Listened to this as an audiobook and had trouble focusing on it, just didn't hold my attention.
July 2, 2025
Everything and nothing was happening in this book. I did not like this book I wouldn't even give this book a full star. I don't understand how this book got a rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.
February 3, 2026
After reading Best Friends Forever (loved that!) this was a just a large MEH 😒 there are no twists, everyone is a weird selfish arsehole, it seems falsely accusing a long time friend of rape is as forgivable as stealing their lunch.
The dad who treated his family like Crap, acting dodgy, avoiding secret messages (what was that about?…oh we don’t find out) did it all because he was pre-diabetic (say what) and we never find out why people didn’t like Emma in the first place! Besides the fact she’s a dick.
The dad who treated his family like Crap, acting dodgy, avoiding secret messages (what was that about?…oh we don’t find out) did it all because he was pre-diabetic (say what) and we never find out why people didn’t like Emma in the first place! Besides the fact she’s a dick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2026
A perfect winter Saturday one day read! I absolutely could not put it down as the plot and characters developed.
Not disappointed and will be looking for more books by this author.
Not disappointed and will be looking for more books by this author.
September 23, 2024
4.5 stars for realism sadly but the ending seemed a little far-fetched to me. Not a lot of long-term consequences for some characters. I rated it highly because I definitely feel it is discussable.
January 27, 2026
These characters are awful. All of them. No redeeming qualities whatsoever. The lie Emma told about Kai is horrible. I hate them all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2024
"THEY SAY THE APPLE DOESN'T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE..."
...
When sculptor and single mother Christina moves to the area with her young daughter Sophia, she raises more than the odd eyebrow or two. Not only does she arrive at the school gates dressed as if she is off for a night out, but her steady stream of boyfriends often set tongues wagging too. Her approach to parenting is also very unique, as she seeks to be more of a friend and mentor for Sophia, rather than a strict disciplinarian who encourages educational achievement. When many of the other mums actively seek to avoid contact with Christina, Lisa finds herself reaching out to this woman who is in so many ways her polar opposite, even more so when her own daughter Emma declares that she and Sophia are the best of friends.
Lisa is as highly strung as Christina is laid back, so when a playtime experience at Lisa's house seems to go dangerously wrong for Emma, Lisa jumps to conclusions about Sophia, unaware until it is too late that Christina has witnessed her hysterical actions. As quickly as the friendship had begun, it is now over, with Lisa and Christina drawing the battle lines between them and forbidding the two girls to have anything more to do with one another.
However, Lisa's actions backfire on her and it is she who finds herself ostracised on the school runs. So, many years later when both girls are sitting their final exams which will determine their university placements and when she is forced to attend a school fundraising evening alone, as husband Ben has gone missing in action, Lisa finds herself seated on the same table as Christina and her latest boyfriend Colin, together with two other couples, known to both ladies. Much to the annoyance of his wife Lena, Owen, one of the other husbands, begins to take a rather unhealthy and unconcealed interest in Lisa and feeling abandoned by an increasingly remote Ben, she rather plays-up to his advances. When Ben arrives later, obviously and unusually for him, more than a little inebriated, he insists that all four couples continue to party at their house, despite Lisa's protests.
Unbeknown to the adults, their offspring, rather than cramming for those all important exams, have been making their own fun over at Christina's house, where Emma and Sophia have drawn an uneasy truce and aim to renew their friendship, although they agree that neither mother must ever know about it. Drink and drug fuelled events spiral out of control however and both girls, together with Lena and Owen's son Kai, end up doing things they will all come to regret and which have the potential for such far-reaching ramifications, that they will not be able to be kept secret. With social media playing such a prevalent role in all their lives and with the many still unsolved jealousies and disagreements which surround this group of eight adults and six teenagers, it is only a matter of time before things come to a head in the most dangerous and potentially life-threatening of ways.
When the chips are down and a life hangs in the balance, the youngsters turn the tables on their parents and decide to become the grown ups, in a situation which has reached crisis point and as they see it, truth and honesty is the only way forward!
...
Part dark domestic drama, part mystery, this punchy storyline does jump back and forth between timelines throughout. However, the chapters are short, tight and well-signposted, so there is never any confusion about how events are rolling out. I got to know early on who the victim was, although not all the details, which were tantalisingly dangled as clues before me, were not dovetailed or connected until the very end of the book. This story was definitely all about the journey, which had so many twists and turns and was wonderfully nuanced in the detail of the narrative and dialogue, being as much about what was left unspoken, as what was actually said.
There was a relatively small and nuclear main cast of characters in this storyline, comprising eight adults (four couples) and the six children they parent between them. All of the characters were authentic, well-defined and developed, although not very compelling; however I was probably able to personally relate to one parent more than any of the others. The family dynamics were tense, volatile and complex, making relationships strained and distant. It seemed as though the adults were trying to live the lives they craved but had never had, through their children.
The many domestic and social mores explored and discussed between the characters, were largely, as someone who has never had children of my own, way outside my paygrade as the saying goes and therefore I possibly shouldn't pass comment on them. However, it did seem to me that this was a group of parents who were far too busy talking at their children, rather than to them, making it almost impossible for them to listen or even hear the almost desperate pleas for understanding and support their offspring were craving. They also didn't appear able to communicate with one another, which made relationships and home life an almost impossible minefield to negotiate, when actions were completely misinterpreted and silence was automatically assumed to indicate guilt.
Arguments abounded over whether the correct style of parenting was that which Lisa adopted of strict regimes of study and revision in preparation for that all important place at university; or Christina's approach of being a friend and confidante to her daughter, working on the assumption that they would always have each other for company in their shared love of the arts and life. Although both women thought they were doing all the right things for all the right reasons, they were actually driving Sophia and Emma further away from them, to the point where Emma felt more able to confide in and be more open and truthful with, Christina, rather than her own mother.
With the ever increasing volume of cases of alleged sexual coercion in modern society, the storyline also dips into the difficult and highly emotional charged world of trying to ascertain what defines rape or consent, especially when revenge and jealousy are among the over-arching motives. And what happens when those terrible fears of the consequences become reality?
It feels as though it isn't until the youngsters decide to reverse the roles and adopt the position of adults in the consequent situation, that the lines become less blurry as dialogue is opened between them all, everyone's viewpoint and opinion are taken into account and considered outcomes are adopted, which helps to bring closure to past events and a combined will to move on to better understanding in the future.
A thought-provoking read about all those issues we hope never to have to deal with!
...
When sculptor and single mother Christina moves to the area with her young daughter Sophia, she raises more than the odd eyebrow or two. Not only does she arrive at the school gates dressed as if she is off for a night out, but her steady stream of boyfriends often set tongues wagging too. Her approach to parenting is also very unique, as she seeks to be more of a friend and mentor for Sophia, rather than a strict disciplinarian who encourages educational achievement. When many of the other mums actively seek to avoid contact with Christina, Lisa finds herself reaching out to this woman who is in so many ways her polar opposite, even more so when her own daughter Emma declares that she and Sophia are the best of friends.
Lisa is as highly strung as Christina is laid back, so when a playtime experience at Lisa's house seems to go dangerously wrong for Emma, Lisa jumps to conclusions about Sophia, unaware until it is too late that Christina has witnessed her hysterical actions. As quickly as the friendship had begun, it is now over, with Lisa and Christina drawing the battle lines between them and forbidding the two girls to have anything more to do with one another.
However, Lisa's actions backfire on her and it is she who finds herself ostracised on the school runs. So, many years later when both girls are sitting their final exams which will determine their university placements and when she is forced to attend a school fundraising evening alone, as husband Ben has gone missing in action, Lisa finds herself seated on the same table as Christina and her latest boyfriend Colin, together with two other couples, known to both ladies. Much to the annoyance of his wife Lena, Owen, one of the other husbands, begins to take a rather unhealthy and unconcealed interest in Lisa and feeling abandoned by an increasingly remote Ben, she rather plays-up to his advances. When Ben arrives later, obviously and unusually for him, more than a little inebriated, he insists that all four couples continue to party at their house, despite Lisa's protests.
Unbeknown to the adults, their offspring, rather than cramming for those all important exams, have been making their own fun over at Christina's house, where Emma and Sophia have drawn an uneasy truce and aim to renew their friendship, although they agree that neither mother must ever know about it. Drink and drug fuelled events spiral out of control however and both girls, together with Lena and Owen's son Kai, end up doing things they will all come to regret and which have the potential for such far-reaching ramifications, that they will not be able to be kept secret. With social media playing such a prevalent role in all their lives and with the many still unsolved jealousies and disagreements which surround this group of eight adults and six teenagers, it is only a matter of time before things come to a head in the most dangerous and potentially life-threatening of ways.
When the chips are down and a life hangs in the balance, the youngsters turn the tables on their parents and decide to become the grown ups, in a situation which has reached crisis point and as they see it, truth and honesty is the only way forward!
...
Part dark domestic drama, part mystery, this punchy storyline does jump back and forth between timelines throughout. However, the chapters are short, tight and well-signposted, so there is never any confusion about how events are rolling out. I got to know early on who the victim was, although not all the details, which were tantalisingly dangled as clues before me, were not dovetailed or connected until the very end of the book. This story was definitely all about the journey, which had so many twists and turns and was wonderfully nuanced in the detail of the narrative and dialogue, being as much about what was left unspoken, as what was actually said.
There was a relatively small and nuclear main cast of characters in this storyline, comprising eight adults (four couples) and the six children they parent between them. All of the characters were authentic, well-defined and developed, although not very compelling; however I was probably able to personally relate to one parent more than any of the others. The family dynamics were tense, volatile and complex, making relationships strained and distant. It seemed as though the adults were trying to live the lives they craved but had never had, through their children.
The many domestic and social mores explored and discussed between the characters, were largely, as someone who has never had children of my own, way outside my paygrade as the saying goes and therefore I possibly shouldn't pass comment on them. However, it did seem to me that this was a group of parents who were far too busy talking at their children, rather than to them, making it almost impossible for them to listen or even hear the almost desperate pleas for understanding and support their offspring were craving. They also didn't appear able to communicate with one another, which made relationships and home life an almost impossible minefield to negotiate, when actions were completely misinterpreted and silence was automatically assumed to indicate guilt.
Arguments abounded over whether the correct style of parenting was that which Lisa adopted of strict regimes of study and revision in preparation for that all important place at university; or Christina's approach of being a friend and confidante to her daughter, working on the assumption that they would always have each other for company in their shared love of the arts and life. Although both women thought they were doing all the right things for all the right reasons, they were actually driving Sophia and Emma further away from them, to the point where Emma felt more able to confide in and be more open and truthful with, Christina, rather than her own mother.
With the ever increasing volume of cases of alleged sexual coercion in modern society, the storyline also dips into the difficult and highly emotional charged world of trying to ascertain what defines rape or consent, especially when revenge and jealousy are among the over-arching motives. And what happens when those terrible fears of the consequences become reality?
It feels as though it isn't until the youngsters decide to reverse the roles and adopt the position of adults in the consequent situation, that the lines become less blurry as dialogue is opened between them all, everyone's viewpoint and opinion are taken into account and considered outcomes are adopted, which helps to bring closure to past events and a combined will to move on to better understanding in the future.
A thought-provoking read about all those issues we hope never to have to deal with!
December 18, 2024
Unfortunately this book wasn't for me. I found the characters almost caricatures rather than fully fleshed out humans, and the story was a bit lack-lustre despite the interesting premise. I don't think this should have been marketed as a thriller - more of a suburban drama. And the ending wrapped everything up a little too neatly for my taste. But there is an audience for every books, so I hope this book finds its segment.
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the review copy.
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the review copy.
February 18, 2025
I enjoyed the characters in this book, but there is so much jumping back and forth between timelines that I feel like it took me longer than normal to get into the story.
July 4, 2024
What a shame.....I last read a book by this author some half a dozen years ago now, and marked it down a star due to poor editing and too many mistakes for my liking. I was sure in the intervening years that things would only have improved so I was confident enough to buy another....never again !!
The worst thing of all is the persistence of getting her own characters' names wrong !! Even if this happens ONCE in a book, it's enough to make me see red and I will hack off a star, but in this book it happened too many times for me to bother to count.....and I was furious !! She still hasn't mastered the art of using commas, either (...'she was already miles ahead of Emma in her opinion' being one of those sentences deemed senseless for the lack of correct punctuation). To say I was disappointed is a gross understatement.
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the story (as I did the other I read by her) but when I'm paying for something it had better be up-to-snuff or else !! And this just isn't. Presentation for me matters just as much. It's certainly on-trend with kids and their social media goings-on these days. I'm so pleased I don't have children as it's a real minefield out there. I really enjoyed how she kept us guessing as to which girl was more injured as well. That was cleverly done. She can weave an intriguing tale for sure. (I did have to wonder where kids manage to drum up cat pee to sling at each other, however !!!)
Sadly, it's ruined for me, though, for the sake of a decent proofreading exercise...She doesn't capitalise ok for some reason, off kilter warranted hyphenation, as did slut dropping and me time. There were apostrophe mistakes, missed question marks, words missed in sentences...she asks at one point, "Could someone have lost weight in one night ?" when she'd not seen him for over a week so that was a senseless remark altogether. Botox and Prosecco need capitalising, she wrote crackling not cracking.......nightmare !! But to be writing Sophia and not Emma (twice on one page at one point) then Lisa and not Sophia, I think it was, also more than once is unforgivable !! And for nobody to spot this when checking it just reeks of a slapdash process altogether.
So, a great story but an unpardonable lack of editing spoilt it for me and I won't buy anymore by her.
The worst thing of all is the persistence of getting her own characters' names wrong !! Even if this happens ONCE in a book, it's enough to make me see red and I will hack off a star, but in this book it happened too many times for me to bother to count.....and I was furious !! She still hasn't mastered the art of using commas, either (...'she was already miles ahead of Emma in her opinion' being one of those sentences deemed senseless for the lack of correct punctuation). To say I was disappointed is a gross understatement.
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the story (as I did the other I read by her) but when I'm paying for something it had better be up-to-snuff or else !! And this just isn't. Presentation for me matters just as much. It's certainly on-trend with kids and their social media goings-on these days. I'm so pleased I don't have children as it's a real minefield out there. I really enjoyed how she kept us guessing as to which girl was more injured as well. That was cleverly done. She can weave an intriguing tale for sure. (I did have to wonder where kids manage to drum up cat pee to sling at each other, however !!!)
Sadly, it's ruined for me, though, for the sake of a decent proofreading exercise...She doesn't capitalise ok for some reason, off kilter warranted hyphenation, as did slut dropping and me time. There were apostrophe mistakes, missed question marks, words missed in sentences...she asks at one point, "Could someone have lost weight in one night ?" when she'd not seen him for over a week so that was a senseless remark altogether. Botox and Prosecco need capitalising, she wrote crackling not cracking.......nightmare !! But to be writing Sophia and not Emma (twice on one page at one point) then Lisa and not Sophia, I think it was, also more than once is unforgivable !! And for nobody to spot this when checking it just reeks of a slapdash process altogether.
So, a great story but an unpardonable lack of editing spoilt it for me and I won't buy anymore by her.
June 3, 2024
I read this book in paperback
Today my biggest shout out is, don’t miss this exciting new novel by Dawn Goodwin.
I have enjoyed every word, every page, and every chapter that is told in each character’s point of view. It’s the best book any reader can possibly buy!
Like Mother Like Daughter is a paperback I couldn’t let go of. The story became increasingly scary for one mother for the love of daughter.
I love how each character came to life, throughout, during a school quiz, where one firmly expects to have a bit of fun and and a laugh, but I could feel the tension ploughing between them all.
A group of good friends, Sally and her husband have twin boys, Carter and Leo. Lena and Owen have a son Kai. But how can two mothers who are best friends, with their daughters who are best friends all fall out? How can everything go so badly wrong?
Lisa Marco has daughters Emma and Lucy, she maybe a bit of a pushy mother in what she thinks is specially in the best interest her daughter Emma.
Christina Valdecchi has a daughter Sophia who is best of friends with Emma ever since they started the same school together.
But when Sophia has Emma over for a sleepover over, a tragedy occurs. Christina has to phone Lisa that there has been an accident and that an ambulance has taken the girls to hospital. Lisa blames Christina for what has happened to her daughter, Emma.
This story is touching, heartbreaking, where it weaves through in how a mother suffers traumatic stress and worry with how a daughter becomes involved in taking drugs, and the real issues a mother wants to know is how her daughter exactly got mixed up with drugs in the first place and who is responsible. The one I must mention is this book is full on with drama and you will be grateful to have read such a rollercoaster story. I personally can see Like Mother Like Daughter, being made into a film.
Today my biggest shout out is, don’t miss this exciting new novel by Dawn Goodwin.
I have enjoyed every word, every page, and every chapter that is told in each character’s point of view. It’s the best book any reader can possibly buy!
Like Mother Like Daughter is a paperback I couldn’t let go of. The story became increasingly scary for one mother for the love of daughter.
I love how each character came to life, throughout, during a school quiz, where one firmly expects to have a bit of fun and and a laugh, but I could feel the tension ploughing between them all.
A group of good friends, Sally and her husband have twin boys, Carter and Leo. Lena and Owen have a son Kai. But how can two mothers who are best friends, with their daughters who are best friends all fall out? How can everything go so badly wrong?
Lisa Marco has daughters Emma and Lucy, she maybe a bit of a pushy mother in what she thinks is specially in the best interest her daughter Emma.
Christina Valdecchi has a daughter Sophia who is best of friends with Emma ever since they started the same school together.
But when Sophia has Emma over for a sleepover over, a tragedy occurs. Christina has to phone Lisa that there has been an accident and that an ambulance has taken the girls to hospital. Lisa blames Christina for what has happened to her daughter, Emma.
This story is touching, heartbreaking, where it weaves through in how a mother suffers traumatic stress and worry with how a daughter becomes involved in taking drugs, and the real issues a mother wants to know is how her daughter exactly got mixed up with drugs in the first place and who is responsible. The one I must mention is this book is full on with drama and you will be grateful to have read such a rollercoaster story. I personally can see Like Mother Like Daughter, being made into a film.
May 12, 2024
This is my first book by Dawn Goodwin, so when it dropped through my letterbox, I just had to start reading immediately. I was immersed straight away the story telling is so skilful.
Told over dual timelines the past and today. The chapters are told by Lisa and Christina mainly with their daughters in the present day, giving us their viewpoints of what is happening too. Lisa and Christina are two women who were once very close friends but now have nothing to do with each other if they have a choice.
Their daughters Emma and Sophia were the same, great friends until one day when their mothers tell them to stay away from each other. They grow up separated, and both girls have truly different upbringings. The question is, does any parent of a teenager really know their children?
From the opening chapter to the final page, this is almost a 'what not to do with your teenage daughter'. The characters are all so believable, I have known people just like both Lisa and Christina in varying degrees. I went from wanting to give both adults a good talking to all the way to feeling heartboken for everyone.
Dawn Goodwin has explored every facet of parent and child relationships, as well as friendships. Alongside this, we have the tension of the accident and everything on the run up to it, so well crafted. It's such a fabulous read! I have now put Dawn Goodwin on my authors to definitely read list. I dont know how I missed her until now.
Thanks to Head Of Zeus for my gifted copy to join the tour with my honest review.
Told over dual timelines the past and today. The chapters are told by Lisa and Christina mainly with their daughters in the present day, giving us their viewpoints of what is happening too. Lisa and Christina are two women who were once very close friends but now have nothing to do with each other if they have a choice.
Their daughters Emma and Sophia were the same, great friends until one day when their mothers tell them to stay away from each other. They grow up separated, and both girls have truly different upbringings. The question is, does any parent of a teenager really know their children?
From the opening chapter to the final page, this is almost a 'what not to do with your teenage daughter'. The characters are all so believable, I have known people just like both Lisa and Christina in varying degrees. I went from wanting to give both adults a good talking to all the way to feeling heartboken for everyone.
Dawn Goodwin has explored every facet of parent and child relationships, as well as friendships. Alongside this, we have the tension of the accident and everything on the run up to it, so well crafted. It's such a fabulous read! I have now put Dawn Goodwin on my authors to definitely read list. I dont know how I missed her until now.
Thanks to Head Of Zeus for my gifted copy to join the tour with my honest review.
May 24, 2024
As a parent who has survived the challenging teenage years and come out the other side, I am all too familiar with parental guilt. Am I too strict, am I too lenient, should I be their friend or their parent - and how do I feel about other people’s parenting styles that are very different to my own?
All these issues - and more, including the complex dynamics of teenage friendships and playground politics - are tackled in Like Mother Like Daughter, and with an added element of mystery as the story unfolds, it all makes for an entertaining and engaging read that I very much enjoyed.
Lisa and Christina were friends when their girls, Emma and Sophia, were young but after a falling out the relationship between both mothers and daughters became strained. But when they get a call any parent dreads telling them their daughters have been taken to hospital, the women find themselves thrown together - and we learn what led to falling out, as well as what has been happening in their daughters’ lives in the six weeks prior. Do Lisa and Christina know their girls as well as they thought they did?
Moving between past and present and told from multiple points of view, the story keeps you guessing as the truth is slowly revealed - and you are left reflecting on the complicated dynamics of families and of friendships, and how lack of communication can have such a huge impact.
All these issues - and more, including the complex dynamics of teenage friendships and playground politics - are tackled in Like Mother Like Daughter, and with an added element of mystery as the story unfolds, it all makes for an entertaining and engaging read that I very much enjoyed.
Lisa and Christina were friends when their girls, Emma and Sophia, were young but after a falling out the relationship between both mothers and daughters became strained. But when they get a call any parent dreads telling them their daughters have been taken to hospital, the women find themselves thrown together - and we learn what led to falling out, as well as what has been happening in their daughters’ lives in the six weeks prior. Do Lisa and Christina know their girls as well as they thought they did?
Moving between past and present and told from multiple points of view, the story keeps you guessing as the truth is slowly revealed - and you are left reflecting on the complicated dynamics of families and of friendships, and how lack of communication can have such a huge impact.
February 11, 2024
Playground politics are so much worse when they involve the parents rather than the children of any school. And the case of Christina and Lisa is no exception.
The two mothers are polar opposites when it comes to parenting approaches, with Lisa paying the price for being more thoughtful and less fun in her attempts to raise her daughter.
Even after the two of them have a falling out, there is no way to escape, because their daughters are best friends. And unsurprisingly, Christina benefits from being the mother that everyone wishes they had - because really, having a fun mother is just so much more...fun.
Except there's no fun and games on offer when things go badly wrong, and both mothers find themselves in frighteningly similar situation. Which of them, if either, will find their parenting style validated now?
This is a really interesting story, showing the complex range of mother daughter-dynamics and inevitably making readers who have daughters think about where they fit into the parenting spectrum.
The characters are relatable, and their horror at their predicament is all too believable. An engrossing read, it gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The two mothers are polar opposites when it comes to parenting approaches, with Lisa paying the price for being more thoughtful and less fun in her attempts to raise her daughter.
Even after the two of them have a falling out, there is no way to escape, because their daughters are best friends. And unsurprisingly, Christina benefits from being the mother that everyone wishes they had - because really, having a fun mother is just so much more...fun.
Except there's no fun and games on offer when things go badly wrong, and both mothers find themselves in frighteningly similar situation. Which of them, if either, will find their parenting style validated now?
This is a really interesting story, showing the complex range of mother daughter-dynamics and inevitably making readers who have daughters think about where they fit into the parenting spectrum.
The characters are relatable, and their horror at their predicament is all too believable. An engrossing read, it gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
May 8, 2024
This book tells the story of Lisa and Christina - two women who have a falling out and vow never to speak again. Except then their daughters become best friends and they have no choice but to be in each other's lives again.
The characters in this book are absolutely fascinating and so recognisable as people that I encounter in the school playground everyday. They are so opposite from each other which made this book such an interesting read. At times they are really frustrating and I couldn't help but think that a lot of this could have been avoided if they'd only talk to each other instead of making up narratives in their own heads. It was frustrating but only added to the suspense and drama of the book.
The way the story is told through a past and present timeline really helped my understanding of a reader about how their relationship had reached the point it had and it helped to provide a lot of background.
I found the plot really engaging and the pacing was great. The writing is good and I found this an easy reading experience. There were enough twists and drama filled moments to keep the whole thing interesting. I would definitely recommend
3.5 stars from me
I found this to be an interesting read
The characters in this book are absolutely fascinating and so recognisable as people that I encounter in the school playground everyday. They are so opposite from each other which made this book such an interesting read. At times they are really frustrating and I couldn't help but think that a lot of this could have been avoided if they'd only talk to each other instead of making up narratives in their own heads. It was frustrating but only added to the suspense and drama of the book.
The way the story is told through a past and present timeline really helped my understanding of a reader about how their relationship had reached the point it had and it helped to provide a lot of background.
I found the plot really engaging and the pacing was great. The writing is good and I found this an easy reading experience. There were enough twists and drama filled moments to keep the whole thing interesting. I would definitely recommend
3.5 stars from me
I found this to be an interesting read
April 16, 2024
I really wanted to like this, and the synopsis sounded so good. Dawn Goodwin is a new-to-me author. I found the characters were flat and I couldn’t even visualize the characters’ appearance or clothes, which I like to be able to do, as it helps me get to know them.
There were some visuals that were OK, like parties or Emma coming back home one night and the way she tricked her parents into thinking she was in bed asleep (that was good). It was interesting that Christina and Lisa had different parenting styles, but sadly I didn’t find their relationships with their daughters or their interactions vivid enough.
I feel the story was slow and I felt distanced from, and pulled out of, it when I so wanted to be engrossed in it.
The chapters were short but they didn’t help the pace for me and I felt confused as to where the story was going.
Sadly. Like Mother, Like Daughter wasn’t gripping at all for me.
Thanks to Dawn Goodwin and publisher for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
2 stars
There were some visuals that were OK, like parties or Emma coming back home one night and the way she tricked her parents into thinking she was in bed asleep (that was good). It was interesting that Christina and Lisa had different parenting styles, but sadly I didn’t find their relationships with their daughters or their interactions vivid enough.
I feel the story was slow and I felt distanced from, and pulled out of, it when I so wanted to be engrossed in it.
The chapters were short but they didn’t help the pace for me and I felt confused as to where the story was going.
Sadly. Like Mother, Like Daughter wasn’t gripping at all for me.
Thanks to Dawn Goodwin and publisher for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
2 stars
May 13, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4 for Goodreads
Lisa Marco has had to face the bitchy clique of school mums for years, ever since her fall out with Christina Valdecchi, the mum of her daughter's best friend. Christina is the ‘fun parent’ that makes Lisa feel that she never quite measures up as she is always the bad guy making all the tough choices. Whilst Christina is friends with her daughter, Lisa’s focus on keeping her daughter safe is actually driving her away. When the phone call all mothers dread happens, the two mothers have to confront the realities that have got them to this situation, they say mothers know best but just how well do they really know their daughters?
This was my first book by this author and it is a fast-paced read through different character pov’s. The chapters switching from the different character viewpoints is key in keeping the pace moving, seeing events that have happened from different outlooks, proving just how easy it can be to misinterpret a situation. The broken friendship between Christina and Lisa is evidently a relationship with unfinished business and the twists and turns along the way explain this perfectly.
The tension of the accident is prominent with the interweaving background stories setting the scene until the final reveal, all very cleverly structured. An author I will definitely look to read more by in the future.
Lisa Marco has had to face the bitchy clique of school mums for years, ever since her fall out with Christina Valdecchi, the mum of her daughter's best friend. Christina is the ‘fun parent’ that makes Lisa feel that she never quite measures up as she is always the bad guy making all the tough choices. Whilst Christina is friends with her daughter, Lisa’s focus on keeping her daughter safe is actually driving her away. When the phone call all mothers dread happens, the two mothers have to confront the realities that have got them to this situation, they say mothers know best but just how well do they really know their daughters?
This was my first book by this author and it is a fast-paced read through different character pov’s. The chapters switching from the different character viewpoints is key in keeping the pace moving, seeing events that have happened from different outlooks, proving just how easy it can be to misinterpret a situation. The broken friendship between Christina and Lisa is evidently a relationship with unfinished business and the twists and turns along the way explain this perfectly.
The tension of the accident is prominent with the interweaving background stories setting the scene until the final reveal, all very cleverly structured. An author I will definitely look to read more by in the future.
May 5, 2024
Lisa and Christina, two mothers of teenage daughters, fell out when there daughters were young. One night they receive the news that every parent dreads. As they are thrown together in a hospital waiting room, what exactly did happen all those years ago? And what has been happening in there daughters lives recently?
This is the first book I have read by Dawn Goodwin, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are believable. All humanely flawed, but for the most part, likeable. The story is told from many different perspectives, and across different timelines. This is something that is hard to do well, which is why I don't usually enjoy it. Goodwin masterfully weaves the whole tale together though. The twists and turns keep coming as we slowly find out the truth of the situation. It had me hooked throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I have read by Dawn Goodwin, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are believable. All humanely flawed, but for the most part, likeable. The story is told from many different perspectives, and across different timelines. This is something that is hard to do well, which is why I don't usually enjoy it. Goodwin masterfully weaves the whole tale together though. The twists and turns keep coming as we slowly find out the truth of the situation. It had me hooked throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2024
What do they say about when you assume?
You make an 'ass' out of 'u' and 'me'.
Like Mother, Like Daughter is a great reminder about why you should stay open-minded, humble, and judgement free when it comes to your friends, and especially your family.
This dual-timeline, multiple POV novel takes place over a period of 6 weeks when former friends end up being the only ones who can help each other. Kids are mean, adults are worse. Gossip. Sex. Drugs. Alcohol. High school drama extends far outside the classroom but feels like the end of the world. While this novel is a work of fiction, it is such a 'real story' that is a great lesson in humility and honesty.
I enjoyed the read and the story, though I did feel the changes in direction, timeline, perspectives impacted the flow of the storyline. Overall, a good book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the ARC.
You make an 'ass' out of 'u' and 'me'.
Like Mother, Like Daughter is a great reminder about why you should stay open-minded, humble, and judgement free when it comes to your friends, and especially your family.
This dual-timeline, multiple POV novel takes place over a period of 6 weeks when former friends end up being the only ones who can help each other. Kids are mean, adults are worse. Gossip. Sex. Drugs. Alcohol. High school drama extends far outside the classroom but feels like the end of the world. While this novel is a work of fiction, it is such a 'real story' that is a great lesson in humility and honesty.
I enjoyed the read and the story, though I did feel the changes in direction, timeline, perspectives impacted the flow of the storyline. Overall, a good book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the ARC.
May 12, 2024
I absolutely loved Dawn’s latest book. It was a real page turner from start to finish. I was drawn in to the story immediately. The characters and storyline were so believable, I felt like a fly on the wall in the character’s lives, living and breathing their journey. As a mum of teenage girls, at times it was quite confronting and I found myself feeling quite emotional. I think Dawn was so successful in capturing the challenges teens face today, particularly with social media. I usually struggle with storylines that move between the past and present but Dawn does this so seamlessly and one chapter just flowed into the next. Overall, I thought that the book was a lovely combination of completely, plausible, everyday situations that so many of us can identify with and yet ample suspense, compelling the reader to know more. A fabulous read and a wonderful way to spend Mother’s Day in Australia!
May 15, 2024
A page turning thriller!
This is my first novel by this author but I devoured this so quickly and enjoyed it so much I for sure will be reading her any and all of her previous works. Goodwin straight off the bat builds amazing tension from the start of this novel to the end, I was on the edge of my seat for a good eighty percent of this novel and found myself biting my nails from anxiety when it got super tense.
What really caught my attention when reading this book is the dual time line and the circumstances surrounding the accident, I enjoyed how we got multiple POVs and get to see everything from a range of perspectives both daughters and mothers. With amazing characters and a unique plot you will be buried between the pages of this novel from start to end.
This is my first novel by this author but I devoured this so quickly and enjoyed it so much I for sure will be reading her any and all of her previous works. Goodwin straight off the bat builds amazing tension from the start of this novel to the end, I was on the edge of my seat for a good eighty percent of this novel and found myself biting my nails from anxiety when it got super tense.
What really caught my attention when reading this book is the dual time line and the circumstances surrounding the accident, I enjoyed how we got multiple POVs and get to see everything from a range of perspectives both daughters and mothers. With amazing characters and a unique plot you will be buried between the pages of this novel from start to end.
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