What do you think?
Rate this book
Her Daughter
When my best friend’s teenage daughter comes to see me, I know something is wrong. With tear-filled eyes, she says she’s pregnant and begs me not to tell her mother. I know I’m betraying my best friend but as I look at Chloe’s terrified expression, I don’t know how I will find the strength to say no…
No matter what life throws at me, I have always been able to depend on my best friend Rachel. In nineteen years of friendship, we’ve never argued or fallen out. So, I’m wracked by guilt over my decision to keep her daughter Chloe’s pregnancy a secret. I don’t want to break Chloe’s trust but, if I don’t say anything, it could destroy my relationship with Rachel.
I hoped Chloe would find the confidence to tell her mom, but days have passed, and the guilt is eating me alive. As much as I want to support Chloe, I don’t know how much longer l can lie to my best friend. I spend every day completely gripped by a panic that sends my heart racing.
The pressure only worsens when I discover that Chloe has one more thing that she’s been hiding. Something that could destroy the perfect life I’ve worked so hard to build—the family I love so much and the career I’m so passionate about.
And then I realize that Chloe isn’t the only one with secrets. Rachel has been lying to us all…
The three of us are more entwined than ever but when the truth comes out, what will be left of our friendship and our families?
An absolutely heartbreaking story about friendship, jealousy and the damage we cause by hiding the truth. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Kate Hewitt.
No matter what life throws at me, I have always been able to depend on my best friend Rachel. In nineteen years of friendship, we’ve never argued or fallen out. So, I’m wracked by guilt over my decision to keep her daughter Chloe’s pregnancy a secret. I don’t want to break Chloe’s trust but, if I don’t say anything, it could destroy my relationship with Rachel.
I hoped Chloe would find the confidence to tell her mom, but days have passed, and the guilt is eating me alive. As much as I want to support Chloe, I don’t know how much longer l can lie to my best friend. I spend every day completely gripped by a panic that sends my heart racing.
The pressure only worsens when I discover that Chloe has one more thing that she’s been hiding. Something that could destroy the perfect life I’ve worked so hard to build—the family I love so much and the career I’m so passionate about.
And then I realize that Chloe isn’t the only one with secrets. Rachel has been lying to us all…
The three of us are more entwined than ever but when the truth comes out, what will be left of our friendship and our families?
An absolutely heartbreaking story about friendship, jealousy and the damage we cause by hiding the truth. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Kate Hewitt.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2024
1052 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
About the author
Jen Craven
11 books129 followersJen Craven is the author of upmarket women's fiction, where one decision changes everything. The author of two historical fiction novels, "Best Years of your Life" is her debut contemporary work. She writes from northwestern Pennsylvania, where she lives with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
February 22, 2024
3.5- 3.75 Stars
Two close-knit families fractured by hidden truths, deceit, and underlying envy.
The story is about motherhood and friendship. While the plot was pretty straightforward and somewhat predictable, it was still entertaining. I think the story would be great for television. Overall, an entertaining read and perfect for fans of women's fiction.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Jen Craven, and Bookouture Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
Two close-knit families fractured by hidden truths, deceit, and underlying envy.
The story is about motherhood and friendship. While the plot was pretty straightforward and somewhat predictable, it was still entertaining. I think the story would be great for television. Overall, an entertaining read and perfect for fans of women's fiction.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Jen Craven, and Bookouture Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
February 28, 2024
“If life hadn’t thrown her a curveball, maybe she wouldn’t be passing off Walmart cookies as her own.”
Dr. Monica Cross, MD, one of the top fertility specialists in Pittsburgh and Rachel Moreland, tired, underappreciated mom to a 19-year-old university child, have been inseparable besties since they met in college. When Rachel gets pregnant 30 credits short of college graduation, their lives take different paths.
Rachel and Chris Moreland are empty nesters and trying to find meaning to their new life. In evaluating their child-raising years, they look back with bitterness at the ease their friends seemed to experience. Needing to be fulfilled and recognized, both at home and in a career, Rachel becomes jealous and feels like her friend has been taking advantage of her kind-heartedness.
Monica and Roman Cross are the ultimate career-driven, life in the fast-lane, power couple. They have a nanny to raise their two boys and struggle to balance the familial commitments with those of their careers. Their dedication to their professional lives comes at a cost.
Both women are keeping secrets and their marriages, friendships and careers depend on the secrets staying hidden. When Chloe, Rachel’s daughter, confides in Monica, it puts Monica’s friendship with Rachel in jeopardy. Does she keep it and risk betraying Rachel? When Chris starts working for Roman, financial discrepancies/indiscretions attempt to dissolve their friendship and that of their wives. The couples soon discover that money doesn’t solve everything and the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
Although this story examines friendship, it also explores the:
✔️Cost of career fulfillment
✔️Fear we have of history repeating itself
✔️Secrets we keep
✔️Tough decisions, especially the split-second choices
✔️Jealousy we harbour
✔️Acceptance of one’s lot in life
✔️Intuition we need to rely on
✔️Motherhood journey
✔️Family dynamics
✔️Unconditional aspect of love
✔️choices that impact your future
Craven’s coming-of-age journey told in three distinct POVs highlights how one decision can change everything. She examines the dynamics of female friendships, the deception of jealousy and the danger of secrets. This women’s fiction is one you’ll want to source for your bookclub or Spring reading list.
Dr. Monica Cross, MD, one of the top fertility specialists in Pittsburgh and Rachel Moreland, tired, underappreciated mom to a 19-year-old university child, have been inseparable besties since they met in college. When Rachel gets pregnant 30 credits short of college graduation, their lives take different paths.
Rachel and Chris Moreland are empty nesters and trying to find meaning to their new life. In evaluating their child-raising years, they look back with bitterness at the ease their friends seemed to experience. Needing to be fulfilled and recognized, both at home and in a career, Rachel becomes jealous and feels like her friend has been taking advantage of her kind-heartedness.
Monica and Roman Cross are the ultimate career-driven, life in the fast-lane, power couple. They have a nanny to raise their two boys and struggle to balance the familial commitments with those of their careers. Their dedication to their professional lives comes at a cost.
Both women are keeping secrets and their marriages, friendships and careers depend on the secrets staying hidden. When Chloe, Rachel’s daughter, confides in Monica, it puts Monica’s friendship with Rachel in jeopardy. Does she keep it and risk betraying Rachel? When Chris starts working for Roman, financial discrepancies/indiscretions attempt to dissolve their friendship and that of their wives. The couples soon discover that money doesn’t solve everything and the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
Although this story examines friendship, it also explores the:
✔️Cost of career fulfillment
✔️Fear we have of history repeating itself
✔️Secrets we keep
✔️Tough decisions, especially the split-second choices
✔️Jealousy we harbour
✔️Acceptance of one’s lot in life
✔️Intuition we need to rely on
✔️Motherhood journey
✔️Family dynamics
✔️Unconditional aspect of love
✔️choices that impact your future
Craven’s coming-of-age journey told in three distinct POVs highlights how one decision can change everything. She examines the dynamics of female friendships, the deception of jealousy and the danger of secrets. This women’s fiction is one you’ll want to source for your bookclub or Spring reading list.
March 1, 2024
Two friends since high school and still friends, but one wishing she had what the other had.
What might make it worse is that Rachel’s daughter finds out she is pregnant, but she tells her mother’s friend, Monica, instead and asks Monica to not tell her mother yet.
Monica feels terrible because she and Rachel have never kept secrets from each other.
We follow all the characters in this emotional, character-driven novel with all characters having current and past secrets.
The secrets and betrayals brought to light how they can destroy friendships and families.
This book is for women's fiction fans and those readers who enjoy family drama.
HER DAUGHTER isn't a book I normally read, but it turned out to be one I enjoyed even though I guessed one of the secrets. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
What might make it worse is that Rachel’s daughter finds out she is pregnant, but she tells her mother’s friend, Monica, instead and asks Monica to not tell her mother yet.
Monica feels terrible because she and Rachel have never kept secrets from each other.
We follow all the characters in this emotional, character-driven novel with all characters having current and past secrets.
The secrets and betrayals brought to light how they can destroy friendships and families.
This book is for women's fiction fans and those readers who enjoy family drama.
HER DAUGHTER isn't a book I normally read, but it turned out to be one I enjoyed even though I guessed one of the secrets. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
March 1, 2024
4.5 Stars Rounded Up
Happy Publication Day!
This audiobook was made available to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This novel was simply a beautiful exploration of friend and family relationships. The main characters are Rachel, a married mother of 3, with her oldest a freshman at university, and her 2 youngest in grade school. Her best friend since her own college days, Monica, an IVF doctor, married to a mayoral candidate and the mother of 2 grade school aged sons. Rachel's oldest daughter, Chloe, is also a pov character.
This follows their families and friendships through an extremely complicated year. Between Chloe's news and Monica's husbands campaign, this is a year of changes and growth.
I found the story incredibly touching. I read this in one sitting, and while not surprised, I was fully engrossed.
I'd definitely read another novel by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read/listen to and review this novel.
Happy Publication Day!
This audiobook was made available to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This novel was simply a beautiful exploration of friend and family relationships. The main characters are Rachel, a married mother of 3, with her oldest a freshman at university, and her 2 youngest in grade school. Her best friend since her own college days, Monica, an IVF doctor, married to a mayoral candidate and the mother of 2 grade school aged sons. Rachel's oldest daughter, Chloe, is also a pov character.
This follows their families and friendships through an extremely complicated year. Between Chloe's news and Monica's husbands campaign, this is a year of changes and growth.
I found the story incredibly touching. I read this in one sitting, and while not surprised, I was fully engrossed.
I'd definitely read another novel by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read/listen to and review this novel.
February 20, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Bookouture for an advanced copy of the audio.
This is not a thriller. Apparently many readers have made that mistake going in. It is a story about friendship and family primarily. We meet Rachel and Monica (yes the friends reference is also mentioned in the book). These friends met in college and have remained best friends for 20 years through Rachel's unplanned pregnancy in college, through marriage and more kids these two rely on each other just like family. So it comes as jo surprise when Rachel's now 19 year old daughter turns to Monica in times of need. There are things which are hard to confide in your parents and Monica is the perfect middle ground. When scandals start surfacing about Monica's politician husband things start to unravel in a way that threatens the very fabric of Rachel and Monica's relationship. Can it survive these bombshells?
I have to say I went in a little blind to this one bit it was a little refreshing change from fast paced thrillers. A couple of personal beefs were the story sometimes had too much unnecessary detail which I felt were just beefing out the book. Even the ending felt dragged out somewhat.
The other one was I sometimes felt like punching Chloe (Rachel's daughter) either the author did an excellent job in writing an ungrateful, whiney, short-sighted, self-centered character very typical of a college girl I suppose but she really grated my nerves. That and I'm really sorry to say but the narrator had quite a strong accent. I know the book is set in Pittsburgh so the accent is appropriate but unfortunately it wasn't music to my British ears I'm so so sorry but it is what it is.
This is not a thriller. Apparently many readers have made that mistake going in. It is a story about friendship and family primarily. We meet Rachel and Monica (yes the friends reference is also mentioned in the book). These friends met in college and have remained best friends for 20 years through Rachel's unplanned pregnancy in college, through marriage and more kids these two rely on each other just like family. So it comes as jo surprise when Rachel's now 19 year old daughter turns to Monica in times of need. There are things which are hard to confide in your parents and Monica is the perfect middle ground. When scandals start surfacing about Monica's politician husband things start to unravel in a way that threatens the very fabric of Rachel and Monica's relationship. Can it survive these bombshells?
I have to say I went in a little blind to this one bit it was a little refreshing change from fast paced thrillers. A couple of personal beefs were the story sometimes had too much unnecessary detail which I felt were just beefing out the book. Even the ending felt dragged out somewhat.
The other one was I sometimes felt like punching Chloe (Rachel's daughter) either the author did an excellent job in writing an ungrateful, whiney, short-sighted, self-centered character very typical of a college girl I suppose but she really grated my nerves. That and I'm really sorry to say but the narrator had quite a strong accent. I know the book is set in Pittsburgh so the accent is appropriate but unfortunately it wasn't music to my British ears I'm so so sorry but it is what it is.
March 8, 2024
Best plot twist ever...I think my mouth hung open when what was revealed. A book about love, friendship, hardships, scandals.. this book had it all. I definitely enjoyed reading this one kept me totally .
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.
April 8, 2024
3.3 ⭐️🎧
First, this is NOT a thriller, despite what the description leads you to believe. This is general women’s fiction with a drama flair.
This story is centered around entangled relationships between family and friends, seeded with secrets, jealousy and scandal. Rachael (the Mom) grapples with emotional maturity, feeding off of some underlying insecurities and regret. Chloe (the daughter) is also (age appropriately) immature, but more from an innocent, lack of experience even though she should know better, standpoint.
🫶🏼 “Be like a tree, and drop your leaves. That’s the only way to start fresh.” Solid advice!
🎧 This was a slow and underwhelming story for me. I think part of that was because I went into it thinking it was a thriller but nothing “exciting” was happening, but also partly because of the narrator for the audio version. I never got used to the nasally voice with lack of inflection and therefore had a hard time connecting emotionally. It felt more like hearing a story than feeling it.
😮 Sadly, the “plot twist” wasn’t jaw dropping for me. It was one of my first thoughts, and just fell a little flat for me on the “didn’t see that coming” level. I do think this could be different for those not expecting a thriller or twist. But once you know there’s a twist, it’s easy to guess.
🎀 The end was wrapped up nicely, leaving you with hope for peace in their futures.
🤔 Overall, if I had read the book versus audio, and gone in thinking it was a drama versus thriller, I think this could have been a very different experience for me.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and Jen Craven for providing me with a complimentary ARC to review!
First, this is NOT a thriller, despite what the description leads you to believe. This is general women’s fiction with a drama flair.
This story is centered around entangled relationships between family and friends, seeded with secrets, jealousy and scandal. Rachael (the Mom) grapples with emotional maturity, feeding off of some underlying insecurities and regret. Chloe (the daughter) is also (age appropriately) immature, but more from an innocent, lack of experience even though she should know better, standpoint.
🫶🏼 “Be like a tree, and drop your leaves. That’s the only way to start fresh.” Solid advice!
🎧 This was a slow and underwhelming story for me. I think part of that was because I went into it thinking it was a thriller but nothing “exciting” was happening, but also partly because of the narrator for the audio version. I never got used to the nasally voice with lack of inflection and therefore had a hard time connecting emotionally. It felt more like hearing a story than feeling it.
😮 Sadly, the “plot twist” wasn’t jaw dropping for me. It was one of my first thoughts, and just fell a little flat for me on the “didn’t see that coming” level. I do think this could be different for those not expecting a thriller or twist. But once you know there’s a twist, it’s easy to guess.
🎀 The end was wrapped up nicely, leaving you with hope for peace in their futures.
🤔 Overall, if I had read the book versus audio, and gone in thinking it was a drama versus thriller, I think this could have been a very different experience for me.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and Jen Craven for providing me with a complimentary ARC to review!
January 21, 2024
I was a just a bit disappointed that the book wasn't written in 1st POV since the blurb was, but I really enjoyed this book even if it was a bit slow at times. By the end, I was really shocked at the twist ! I'm happy with how it all ended, though. It was an emotional and touching read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
February 18, 2024
This book definitely took unexpected turns all while pulling on your heartstrings. You get a mix of perspectives, that have had me screaming at my phone, gasping out loud and wishing the characters made different choices.
This story takes you through the daily lives of Rachel, Monica & Chloe. You see their lives change, their struggles and how small things can trump the bigger matter they’re all facing.
I enjoyed this book,
I volunteered to listen to an ARC of this audiobook through NetGalley.
This story takes you through the daily lives of Rachel, Monica & Chloe. You see their lives change, their struggles and how small things can trump the bigger matter they’re all facing.
I enjoyed this book,
I volunteered to listen to an ARC of this audiobook through NetGalley.
February 24, 2024
Cloe is in college. She has just broken up with her boyfriend. Her parents want better for her than they had for themselves. They had her as a teenage pregnancy and didn't get the chance to go to college. They both now have mediocre jobs
Monica and Rachel, Cloe's mom are best friends.Monica is the aunt that, of course, Cloe feels safe to tell her anything
Monica now knows a big secret that Cloe has told her. She feels really guilty not telling her best friend this secret. If it were her daughter, she would want her best friend to tell her, so why hasn't she told Rachel the secret. This is killing her inside
Can Rachel and Monica remain friends and get through these secrets, or is there a bigger secret that has to come to light
Monica and Rachel, Cloe's mom are best friends.Monica is the aunt that, of course, Cloe feels safe to tell her anything
Monica now knows a big secret that Cloe has told her. She feels really guilty not telling her best friend this secret. If it were her daughter, she would want her best friend to tell her, so why hasn't she told Rachel the secret. This is killing her inside
Can Rachel and Monica remain friends and get through these secrets, or is there a bigger secret that has to come to light
February 22, 2024
Initially I loved this 'domestic drama' about two college best friends now in their early 40s juggling careers, husbands, kids, and dilemmas. I couldn't put it down even though the narrator wasn't great (her voice for the one husband was cringey).
Overall, I thought the story perfectly captured the complexities of female friendships in adulthood and felt both MC were realistic. Not necessarily likable but they felt like they could be women I know (we are similarly aged). My heart also ached for 19yo Chloe and her relationship in college. Most of us can relate to her heartbreak.
Then came the "twist" at 80% which is hardly a twist when it has been overdone so. many. times.
I was enraged and annoyed a book I had enjoyed so much was now plundering down this dumb sh*t hole. What's worse is it was wholly unnecessary.
The rest of the book was a total bore.
I also found myself increasingly annoyed with inaccuracies around birth. For example, most babies struggle to latch and it takes a lot of work, especially for a first-time mother. Here the baby attached instantly? sure. Second, the baby actually nurses which again, no, it takes 3-5 days for milk to come in. A baby can't "feed" right away. (Even if we wanted to count a few drops of colostrum, mama probably wasn't putting that out immediately after birth to the point her newborn was "well fed"). Then she's in the hospital for THREE DAYS. Don't I wish this was true for mothers! Vaginal births are lucky to make it 24 hours before getting the boot. Even c-sections are usually sent home after 48-hours. This isn't right but it is reality.
As a final personal note about birthing stuffs, I am so tired and exhausted by the endless one-hit (or two-hit) wonder pregnancies, especially when the person is on birth control. Chloe can still fall pregnant, but why not make it because she was having plenty of unprotected sex with whomever. Pregnancy isn't easy to come by the majority of the time.
SUMMARY: Rachel and Monica were freshman year roommates and have remained best friends/family ever since, even though Rachel dropped out of college junior year when she fell pregnant.
Now, 20 years later, Monica is a IVF doctor married to a college professor who is now running for mayor. Both Monica and Rachel have two children of similar ages (elementary school age) plus Rachel has Chloe, a 19yo college freshman. Both women have jealousy towards the other e.g. Monica is jealous of Rachel's steady marriage to Chris and her skinny figure and Rachel is jealous Monica is rich with a thriving career and nanny.
When Chloe's bf dumps her, she's devastated and Rachel starts getting jealous of Monica and Chloe's relationship (e.g. Monica bought Chloe a cheer up gift). Unbeknownst to Rachel, Monica is also the first person Chloe tells she's pregnant.
Then shit hits the fan in both women's orbits. Monica's husband is facing several scandals he insists are faked by his opponent and Rachel's daughter is pregnant. They try to navigate their respective "storms" only to find out things are going to get a lot more rocky and muddy.
Thanks netgalley for my ALC.
Overall, I thought the story perfectly captured the complexities of female friendships in adulthood and felt both MC were realistic. Not necessarily likable but they felt like they could be women I know (we are similarly aged). My heart also ached for 19yo Chloe and her relationship in college. Most of us can relate to her heartbreak.
Then came the "twist" at 80% which is hardly a twist when it has been overdone so. many. times.
I was enraged and annoyed a book I had enjoyed so much was now plundering down this dumb sh*t hole. What's worse is it was wholly unnecessary.
The rest of the book was a total bore.
I also found myself increasingly annoyed with inaccuracies around birth. For example, most babies struggle to latch and it takes a lot of work, especially for a first-time mother. Here the baby attached instantly? sure. Second, the baby actually nurses which again, no, it takes 3-5 days for milk to come in. A baby can't "feed" right away. (Even if we wanted to count a few drops of colostrum, mama probably wasn't putting that out immediately after birth to the point her newborn was "well fed"). Then she's in the hospital for THREE DAYS. Don't I wish this was true for mothers! Vaginal births are lucky to make it 24 hours before getting the boot. Even c-sections are usually sent home after 48-hours. This isn't right but it is reality.
As a final personal note about birthing stuffs, I am so tired and exhausted by the endless one-hit (or two-hit) wonder pregnancies, especially when the person is on birth control. Chloe can still fall pregnant, but why not make it because she was having plenty of unprotected sex with whomever. Pregnancy isn't easy to come by the majority of the time.
SUMMARY: Rachel and Monica were freshman year roommates and have remained best friends/family ever since, even though Rachel dropped out of college junior year when she fell pregnant.
Now, 20 years later, Monica is a IVF doctor married to a college professor who is now running for mayor. Both Monica and Rachel have two children of similar ages (elementary school age) plus Rachel has Chloe, a 19yo college freshman. Both women have jealousy towards the other e.g. Monica is jealous of Rachel's steady marriage to Chris and her skinny figure and Rachel is jealous Monica is rich with a thriving career and nanny.
When Chloe's bf dumps her, she's devastated and Rachel starts getting jealous of Monica and Chloe's relationship (e.g. Monica bought Chloe a cheer up gift). Unbeknownst to Rachel, Monica is also the first person Chloe tells she's pregnant.
Then shit hits the fan in both women's orbits. Monica's husband is facing several scandals he insists are faked by his opponent and Rachel's daughter is pregnant. They try to navigate their respective "storms" only to find out things are going to get a lot more rocky and muddy.
Thanks netgalley for my ALC.
February 25, 2024
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
The narration on this book for the story perfectly! Her character voices are spot on and really made me feel like part of the story! I really enjoyed all the family drama between the two best friends, Rachel and Monica, and their families. There were so many twists, most I didn’t see coming, and the writing kept me engaged and wanting more the whole book! I would definitely recommend if you like family drama and fiction stories!
The narration on this book for the story perfectly! Her character voices are spot on and really made me feel like part of the story! I really enjoyed all the family drama between the two best friends, Rachel and Monica, and their families. There were so many twists, most I didn’t see coming, and the writing kept me engaged and wanting more the whole book! I would definitely recommend if you like family drama and fiction stories!
March 14, 2024
This was my first book by Jen Craven, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This was a book that I feel can be discussed in book clubs. There are so many important topics that can be touched on. This storyline was different than the norm. It was a fast paced and thrilling read.
Chloe was my fave character, and I found myself rooting for her and wanting to hug her. Reading her POV as she navigated her complicated teenage years was heartbreaking at times and heartwarming at others. I definitely did not see that twist coming!
I enjoyed Amelia Sciandra's narration. She did a great job bringing the story to life.
This book was beautifully written, touching on topics such as the dynamics of friendships, the trials of motherhood, and the danger of keeping secrets. This one will stay with me for a while.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Chloe was my fave character, and I found myself rooting for her and wanting to hug her. Reading her POV as she navigated her complicated teenage years was heartbreaking at times and heartwarming at others. I definitely did not see that twist coming!
I enjoyed Amelia Sciandra's narration. She did a great job bringing the story to life.
This book was beautifully written, touching on topics such as the dynamics of friendships, the trials of motherhood, and the danger of keeping secrets. This one will stay with me for a while.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
March 3, 2024
I just finished Her Daughter by Jen Craven for my @bookouture book tour and here are my thoughts.
Rachel and Monica have been best friends since college. They are fully in each other's lives and their families are close. Rachel’s eldest daughter Chloe has been depressed since her boyfriend broke up with her. It’s not the only thing she is hiding and when she goes to her moms best friend instead of her, she knows she is going to break her moms heart but being pregnant isn’t something she wants to face yet.
Rachel has her own problems. Her husband has political aspirations and there are whispers he is misappropriating campaign funds and then sexual assault allegations follow, which has Monica’s husband quitting the campaign and that’s enough to make anyones head spin but there is something more going on and it could blow both families clean apart.
I enjoy women’s fiction for the most part. I like women's fiction when they have twists in them too. This one had that. It was really well written and the pace was actually decent which I appreciated. The book covers some difficult topics including teen pregnancy, sexual assault, divorce.
We get the story from 3 POV, Monica’s, Rachel’s and Chloe’s. I don’t usually enjoy so many POV but this worked well. It covered the story well enough that I don’t think anything was missed.
I loved the family drama and watching the two different families trying to navigate their problems. I love how it shows that every family has its problems and they aren’t always the same. It was definitely a solid read. Entertaining and it has a pretty decent twist to it too.
4 stars
Thank you to @netgalley and Bookouture for my gifted copy
#herdaughter #jencraven #bookouture #netgalley #bookaddict
#bookaddiction #bookaddict #bookaesthetic #bookaholic #bookblog #bookblogger #bookblogging #bookclub
Rachel and Monica have been best friends since college. They are fully in each other's lives and their families are close. Rachel’s eldest daughter Chloe has been depressed since her boyfriend broke up with her. It’s not the only thing she is hiding and when she goes to her moms best friend instead of her, she knows she is going to break her moms heart but being pregnant isn’t something she wants to face yet.
Rachel has her own problems. Her husband has political aspirations and there are whispers he is misappropriating campaign funds and then sexual assault allegations follow, which has Monica’s husband quitting the campaign and that’s enough to make anyones head spin but there is something more going on and it could blow both families clean apart.
I enjoy women’s fiction for the most part. I like women's fiction when they have twists in them too. This one had that. It was really well written and the pace was actually decent which I appreciated. The book covers some difficult topics including teen pregnancy, sexual assault, divorce.
We get the story from 3 POV, Monica’s, Rachel’s and Chloe’s. I don’t usually enjoy so many POV but this worked well. It covered the story well enough that I don’t think anything was missed.
I loved the family drama and watching the two different families trying to navigate their problems. I love how it shows that every family has its problems and they aren’t always the same. It was definitely a solid read. Entertaining and it has a pretty decent twist to it too.
4 stars
Thank you to @netgalley and Bookouture for my gifted copy
#herdaughter #jencraven #bookouture #netgalley #bookaddict
#bookaddiction #bookaddict #bookaesthetic #bookaholic #bookblog #bookblogger #bookblogging #bookclub
February 16, 2024
"Sometimes the best things in life are the things you already had. The things you had all along. And now, the things you get back."
Attention all book clubs: ADD THIS ONE TO YOUR LIST BECAUSE THERE IS SO MUCH TO DISCUSS.
The perfect blend of women's fiction and domestic suspense, Craven cranks out yet another burning page-turner about parenthood, female friendship, the choices we make, and the promises we break.
A must read this year!
Attention all book clubs: ADD THIS ONE TO YOUR LIST BECAUSE THERE IS SO MUCH TO DISCUSS.
The perfect blend of women's fiction and domestic suspense, Craven cranks out yet another burning page-turner about parenthood, female friendship, the choices we make, and the promises we break.
A must read this year!
March 7, 2024
This was a good and enjoyable read and I will be sure to look out for more Jen Craven books.
Rachel and Monica have been best friends ever since they met at university in their freshman year where they were paired up to room together. Fast forward 20 years both are settled in life with husbands and children. Rachel’s biggest life regret was having to drop out of university when she got pregnant with Chloe, her eldest daughter, and it’s a dream that she can finally put in motion with Chloe and her two younger brother and sister now at an older age. But then Chloe totally blindsides Rachel by announcing she is pregnant, and Rachel sees the dream of finishing her degree slipping away. The pregnancy puts Rachel and Monica’s friendship on the line too when Rachel discovers Chloe told Monica about the pregnancy 3 weeks before she told her parents. Whilst this is all happening Monica’s husband Roman is running for mayor and suddenly both Monica and Rachel’s lives begin to change. Allegations made against Roman start, at first embezzlement and theft of public monies but then more serious accusations of sexual harassment of a staffer. Although Monica and Roman are in the eye of the storm Rachels husband, Chris, is also involved as he recently had been employed as Romans campaign manager. With Chloe’s pregnancy and the worries with the campaign, Rachel and Monica’s friendship teeters on the edge of breaking apart, then comes another huge life changing revelation that will affect both families for the rest of their lives. Can Rachel and Monica’s friendship survive, or will this be one bombshell too much for it?!
This was my first book by Jen Craven and I really enjoyed it. I warmed to the character of Monica pretty quickly and loved hearing from the different characters, Monica, Rachel and Chloe. I did, however, found it hard to like Rachel, she seemed very preoccupied with status etc. and also, she pushed her husband, Chris, into accepting a job with Roman despite him being happy with his current job which was a massive mistake for their family. I do admit I had guessed the bombshell at around chapter 28 (halfway through the book) but this didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the story. Indeed, the second half of the book really had me gripped and I was getting annoyed when the daily activities of living were taking me away from reading (for me the sign of a good book).
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book and I shall be watching out for more books by Jen Craven. Solid 4 stars for a good book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jen Craven and Bookouture for my advanced reading copy. Out now.
Rachel and Monica have been best friends ever since they met at university in their freshman year where they were paired up to room together. Fast forward 20 years both are settled in life with husbands and children. Rachel’s biggest life regret was having to drop out of university when she got pregnant with Chloe, her eldest daughter, and it’s a dream that she can finally put in motion with Chloe and her two younger brother and sister now at an older age. But then Chloe totally blindsides Rachel by announcing she is pregnant, and Rachel sees the dream of finishing her degree slipping away. The pregnancy puts Rachel and Monica’s friendship on the line too when Rachel discovers Chloe told Monica about the pregnancy 3 weeks before she told her parents. Whilst this is all happening Monica’s husband Roman is running for mayor and suddenly both Monica and Rachel’s lives begin to change. Allegations made against Roman start, at first embezzlement and theft of public monies but then more serious accusations of sexual harassment of a staffer. Although Monica and Roman are in the eye of the storm Rachels husband, Chris, is also involved as he recently had been employed as Romans campaign manager. With Chloe’s pregnancy and the worries with the campaign, Rachel and Monica’s friendship teeters on the edge of breaking apart, then comes another huge life changing revelation that will affect both families for the rest of their lives. Can Rachel and Monica’s friendship survive, or will this be one bombshell too much for it?!
This was my first book by Jen Craven and I really enjoyed it. I warmed to the character of Monica pretty quickly and loved hearing from the different characters, Monica, Rachel and Chloe. I did, however, found it hard to like Rachel, she seemed very preoccupied with status etc. and also, she pushed her husband, Chris, into accepting a job with Roman despite him being happy with his current job which was a massive mistake for their family. I do admit I had guessed the bombshell at around chapter 28 (halfway through the book) but this didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the story. Indeed, the second half of the book really had me gripped and I was getting annoyed when the daily activities of living were taking me away from reading (for me the sign of a good book).
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book and I shall be watching out for more books by Jen Craven. Solid 4 stars for a good book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jen Craven and Bookouture for my advanced reading copy. Out now.
February 24, 2024
Her Daughter by Jen Craven
Narrated by Amelia Sciandra
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
When my best friend’s teenage daughter comes to see me, I know something is wrong. With tear-filled eyes, she says she’s pregnant and begs me not to tell her mother. I know I’m betraying my best friend but as I look at Chloe’s terrified expression, I don’t know how I will find the strength to say no…
No matter what life throws at me, I have always been able to depend on my best friend Rachel. In nineteen years of friendship, we’ve never argued or fallen out. So, I’m wracked by guilt over my decision to keep her daughter Chloe’s pregnancy a secret. I don’t want to break Chloe’s trust but, if I don’t say anything, it could destroy my relationship with Rachel.
I hoped Chloe would find the confidence to tell her mom, but days have passed, and the guilt is eating me alive. As much as I want to support Chloe, I don’t know how much longer l can lie to my best friend. I spend every day completely gripped by a panic that sends my heart racing.
The pressure only worsens when I discover that Chloe has one more thing that she’s been hiding. Something that could destroy the perfect life I’ve worked so hard to build—the family I love so much and the career I’m so passionate about.
And then I realize that Chloe isn’t the only one with secrets. Rachel has been lying to us all…
The three of us are more entwined than ever but when the truth comes out, what will be left of our friendship and our families?
My Opinion
Rachel and Chloe have been best friends for 20 years so what could possibly come between them? This is the first book I have read by Jen Craven but it was definitely a great read, I was hooked quite early on and refused to do anything until I had finished. For me, this was a book that just kept on giving - there were always more secrets to be revealed.
Rating 4/5
Narrated by Amelia Sciandra
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
When my best friend’s teenage daughter comes to see me, I know something is wrong. With tear-filled eyes, she says she’s pregnant and begs me not to tell her mother. I know I’m betraying my best friend but as I look at Chloe’s terrified expression, I don’t know how I will find the strength to say no…
No matter what life throws at me, I have always been able to depend on my best friend Rachel. In nineteen years of friendship, we’ve never argued or fallen out. So, I’m wracked by guilt over my decision to keep her daughter Chloe’s pregnancy a secret. I don’t want to break Chloe’s trust but, if I don’t say anything, it could destroy my relationship with Rachel.
I hoped Chloe would find the confidence to tell her mom, but days have passed, and the guilt is eating me alive. As much as I want to support Chloe, I don’t know how much longer l can lie to my best friend. I spend every day completely gripped by a panic that sends my heart racing.
The pressure only worsens when I discover that Chloe has one more thing that she’s been hiding. Something that could destroy the perfect life I’ve worked so hard to build—the family I love so much and the career I’m so passionate about.
And then I realize that Chloe isn’t the only one with secrets. Rachel has been lying to us all…
The three of us are more entwined than ever but when the truth comes out, what will be left of our friendship and our families?
My Opinion
Rachel and Chloe have been best friends for 20 years so what could possibly come between them? This is the first book I have read by Jen Craven but it was definitely a great read, I was hooked quite early on and refused to do anything until I had finished. For me, this was a book that just kept on giving - there were always more secrets to be revealed.
Rating 4/5
March 2, 2024
First, I want to thank Jen Craven, Bookouture, and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
OMG!! WOW!!! Readers who are in a reading slump you must pick up Jen Craven’s Her Daughter!! Constantly I’m asked for book suggestions that have creative storylines, fast paced, and totally twisted that you never could have seen the climatic ending! This my friends is the book you need to rush out and get, clear your schedule and dive right in. This is a must read!!! It deserves way more than 5 stars!! It is an amazing read.
Jen put a huge smile on my face as Pittsburgh, PA was the setting of this book. My sister and her family live there and love visiting there! Many of the sites and geographical landmarks she mentioned in the book I have seen, driven by, or visited! Many times I chuckled at some of the comments that were thrown in there.
Chloe’s character and her storyline will be one that will stick with me for a long time. I loved reading about her ups and downs as she navigated through her teenage years. However, never in a million years did I ever see that incredible jaw dropping climax come about! It was just earth shattering!!
Jen did an incredible job sharing what crazy busy lives mothers have juggling kids, work schedules, married life and their friendships.
There are some taboo topics in this book but if you put a trigger label on it you would ruin the story! That being said, this would be a perfect book to add to your book club. Infact, there are some perfect discussion questions in the back of the book to consider using.
OMG!! WOW!!! Readers who are in a reading slump you must pick up Jen Craven’s Her Daughter!! Constantly I’m asked for book suggestions that have creative storylines, fast paced, and totally twisted that you never could have seen the climatic ending! This my friends is the book you need to rush out and get, clear your schedule and dive right in. This is a must read!!! It deserves way more than 5 stars!! It is an amazing read.
Jen put a huge smile on my face as Pittsburgh, PA was the setting of this book. My sister and her family live there and love visiting there! Many of the sites and geographical landmarks she mentioned in the book I have seen, driven by, or visited! Many times I chuckled at some of the comments that were thrown in there.
Chloe’s character and her storyline will be one that will stick with me for a long time. I loved reading about her ups and downs as she navigated through her teenage years. However, never in a million years did I ever see that incredible jaw dropping climax come about! It was just earth shattering!!
Jen did an incredible job sharing what crazy busy lives mothers have juggling kids, work schedules, married life and their friendships.
There are some taboo topics in this book but if you put a trigger label on it you would ruin the story! That being said, this would be a perfect book to add to your book club. Infact, there are some perfect discussion questions in the back of the book to consider using.
February 29, 2024
Ok so we all thought this was going to be a thriller.
Rachel's daughter Chloe discovers she is pregnant, but instead of turning to her mother, she confides in Monica, Rachel’s best friend. As secrets are revealed and loyalties are tested, the strength of their friendships will be put to the ultimate test. Dun, dun, dun!!
I found this book to be captivating and was immediately drawn in. The writing was smooth and easy to follow. The first half of the book focused on developing the relationships between the characters and I was expecting a thrilling plot. However, I soon realized that this was not a thriller, I don’t know why this title was in the thriller section in NetGalley.
Like other readers, I was waiting for a murder, revenge, a crime, something! Despite this, I enjoyed the diverse personalities of the characters and how they were all connected at their core.
Rachel's daughter Chloe discovers she is pregnant, but instead of turning to her mother, she confides in Monica, Rachel’s best friend. As secrets are revealed and loyalties are tested, the strength of their friendships will be put to the ultimate test. Dun, dun, dun!!
I found this book to be captivating and was immediately drawn in. The writing was smooth and easy to follow. The first half of the book focused on developing the relationships between the characters and I was expecting a thrilling plot. However, I soon realized that this was not a thriller, I don’t know why this title was in the thriller section in NetGalley.
Like other readers, I was waiting for a murder, revenge, a crime, something! Despite this, I enjoyed the diverse personalities of the characters and how they were all connected at their core.
February 29, 2024
Stories between women and about women continue to appeal to me.
When I read the description I was all in.
I correctly anticipated one of the big plot twists and then I waited for the fall out.
I knew something had to give because the relationships were strained and cracks were visible.
I liked how the author resolved the issues but also acknowledged nothing was perfect.
Even a firm friendship can become strained and both Monica and Rachel had to decide if it was the worth the work.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the early read.
When I read the description I was all in.
I correctly anticipated one of the big plot twists and then I waited for the fall out.
I knew something had to give because the relationships were strained and cracks were visible.
I liked how the author resolved the issues but also acknowledged nothing was perfect.
Even a firm friendship can become strained and both Monica and Rachel had to decide if it was the worth the work.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the early read.
January 2, 2024
Oh my god! This book is incredible! I loved this bunch of characters and the relationships they had. They went through a hell of a lot with so many twists I did not see coming. Such a brilliant read. Will definitely read more from this author!
February 22, 2024
This one wasn’t really for me. Everyone sucked and the ending was just unbelievable. I listened to the audio and the narrator’s interpretation of a Pittsburgh accent was just off putting. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to review.
May 21, 2024
Nice fun read easy to get into. I thought that Rachel and
Monica were a little too quick to judge each other since they were supposedly best friends. I did not see the plot twist with the Roman being the baby’s father!
Monica were a little too quick to judge each other since they were supposedly best friends. I did not see the plot twist with the Roman being the baby’s father!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2024
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for the book #HerDaughter by #JenCraven. This book is full of emotion, betrayal and forgiveness and is such a great book. I highly recommend it.
August 7, 2025
Betrayal of friendship … marriage and trust… quite sad but a hidden twist to end it all ….
January 25, 2024
You can have many friends and friendships can start at a young age, lasting a life time. I think though, there is only one friend you can turn to any time, whether it's to share good or bad news, whether you have to support one another or laugh with each other. It's a bond that is cemented and not one single thing can ever break that bond. At least that is what you always thought...
Sometimes though, life happens and you are trapped between a rock and a hard place. Someone confides in you and asks you to keep their secret.That should not be a problem unless the one person you have to keep it hidden from is your best friend. You are thorn apart, because you want to stay true to your word, but you so don't want to betray your bestie.
That's not the only thing that makes that strong connection become weaker and weaker. Will it break or is there enough to survive all this mayhem?
I understood both Rachel and Monica's points of view and I see why they felt hurt. I also loved the evolution they went through. When there is a will there usually is a way but it sometimes takes a few small earthquakes to make you see things differently and find the right path again.
A great and emotional page turner for me, without a doubt. 5 stars
Thank you
Sometimes though, life happens and you are trapped between a rock and a hard place. Someone confides in you and asks you to keep their secret.That should not be a problem unless the one person you have to keep it hidden from is your best friend. You are thorn apart, because you want to stay true to your word, but you so don't want to betray your bestie.
That's not the only thing that makes that strong connection become weaker and weaker. Will it break or is there enough to survive all this mayhem?
I understood both Rachel and Monica's points of view and I see why they felt hurt. I also loved the evolution they went through. When there is a will there usually is a way but it sometimes takes a few small earthquakes to make you see things differently and find the right path again.
A great and emotional page turner for me, without a doubt. 5 stars
Thank you
January 31, 2024
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for an early copy of Her Daughter. Monica was definitely put in a bad position, and I do understand Rachel's reaction. This was an emotional book about friendships and it was a WINNER!!!! I did see where the plot was going and I definitely was not surprised with what happened. I really enjoyed it and I felt like I was right there in the middle of all that was going on. EXCELLENT READ! Thank you again.
February 28, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookoture for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This book officially publishes on 3/1/24!
Overall, this one fell flat for me. I will note, however, that I may not be the ideal reader for this type of book. Although I do understand the author’s premise for this novel, the twist was something I had guessed relatively early in the book. I also found the majority of the characters to be hard to relate to, if not downright unlikeable, which did detract from the plot for me while reading. Please check out any relevant trigger warnings if you decide to pick this one up!
Overall, this one fell flat for me. I will note, however, that I may not be the ideal reader for this type of book. Although I do understand the author’s premise for this novel, the twist was something I had guessed relatively early in the book. I also found the majority of the characters to be hard to relate to, if not downright unlikeable, which did detract from the plot for me while reading. Please check out any relevant trigger warnings if you decide to pick this one up!
February 19, 2024
This was a pretty decent book. There was one main plot twist, but you could kind of see it coming based on information that was provided. I listened to the audiobook of this, and I can say that I did not enjoy the narrator. I almost didn’t want to finish it for that reason.
February 21, 2024
Rachel and Monica have been best friends for 20 years. Their watching each other‘s children grow up and are like an extended family that vacations and celebrates everything together. Rachel is married to Chris a loving and steady partner who is always there for her and his children they had their first child in their late teens and have been going strong ever cents. Her best friend Monica didn’t meet her husband Roman until she was 32 he’s running for mayor and as far as Monica is concerned they have a perfect life together. When Rachel‘s 19-year-old daughter Chloe tells Monica that she is pregnant Monica promises to keep the secret but his guilt ridden because of it. Until recently Monica‘s life has been perfect but with Roman running for mayor she isn’t prepared for the dirt that his opponent is swinging in their direction from embezzlement to sexual-harassment and Monica doesn’t know what to believe Rachel on the other hand knows something is up with her daughter Chloe but doesn’t know how to approach her recently standoffish daughter she tries to discuss it with Monica who always seems to change the subject or surprisingly have something she forgot she had to go do. Poor Chloe who recently was devastated by the brake up with her first college boyfriend and and now she hast to tell him he is a father to be and she is surprised when he takes it way better than she expected. The actions of one of this extended family will affect them all even poor Preston and the secrets the others have to keep May just tear it apart. Let me just say I first started off liking Rachel but found that I agreed with Chloe and that she always makes it about her although she’s a mother who takes care of her kids and Monica‘s I did find she thought of only how things affected her but that’s not to say that at times I didn’t like her because I did but for the most part not so much. As far as Monica goes I really liked her and felt a connection with her and her struggles to be a good mother and a working doctor and the good wife this book is not a thriller it’s more a drama but that’s not even a genre that’s what it is more drama and a really good read about women supporting women and realizing who the real culprit and perpetrator is. Not everything is black-and-white and if you take time to look in the grey parts you may just fine you’re blaming the wrong person. The only one I really felt bad for was poor Preston who did nothing to get what he got. Having said that the ending was awesome I loved the epilogues in a few like a book about friendship and family that has drama then you’ll definitely love Her Daughter by Jen Craven I really liked the narrator who didn’t change her voice as much as as the accent when doing the different characters and I thought she did pretty good and would listen to another book by her as well as read another one by Jen Craven. I want to thank the publisher and net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews