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Two Mothers
Her daughter died. Did she take mine?
A year ago, my best friend Rachel’s daughter died. Ever since then I have held my own beautiful little girl tighter. I watch Luna shriek with laughter as she tips her toys all over the floor and I look anxiously at Rachel, sipping her tea. But Rachel reassures me that being near Luna helps fill the gaping hole of her grief, just a little.
And when I face my own worst nightmare when Luna is snatched from her bed in the middle of the night, it is Rachel who holds me tightly as I wail. She looks at the blue and white police tape crisscrossing my little girl’s bedroom and promises me they will find Luna. What happened to her daughter was different.
And Rachel is right. Two days later I’m holding my precious girl in my arms after she is found in a nearby park. But my joy is short-lived. Rachel’s husband reports her missing. And when the police find Luna’s cuddly lamb in Rachel’s house, I am forced to face the shocking truth. Did my best friend take my daughter?
Or did someone want Rachel out of the way, to frame a vulnerable, grieving woman? When I receive an anonymous note telling me to stop asking questions, I am certain I don’t know everything.
Who is in the most danger – my best friend, my child, or me? And if I make one wrong move, what will I lose?
A gripping and jaw-dropping page-turner with twists to die for. If you love Lisa Jewell, K.L. Slater and Claire Douglas you’ll love Two Mothers.
A year ago, my best friend Rachel’s daughter died. Ever since then I have held my own beautiful little girl tighter. I watch Luna shriek with laughter as she tips her toys all over the floor and I look anxiously at Rachel, sipping her tea. But Rachel reassures me that being near Luna helps fill the gaping hole of her grief, just a little.
And when I face my own worst nightmare when Luna is snatched from her bed in the middle of the night, it is Rachel who holds me tightly as I wail. She looks at the blue and white police tape crisscrossing my little girl’s bedroom and promises me they will find Luna. What happened to her daughter was different.
And Rachel is right. Two days later I’m holding my precious girl in my arms after she is found in a nearby park. But my joy is short-lived. Rachel’s husband reports her missing. And when the police find Luna’s cuddly lamb in Rachel’s house, I am forced to face the shocking truth. Did my best friend take my daughter?
Or did someone want Rachel out of the way, to frame a vulnerable, grieving woman? When I receive an anonymous note telling me to stop asking questions, I am certain I don’t know everything.
Who is in the most danger – my best friend, my child, or me? And if I make one wrong move, what will I lose?
A gripping and jaw-dropping page-turner with twists to die for. If you love Lisa Jewell, K.L. Slater and Claire Douglas you’ll love Two Mothers.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2024
641 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
July 4, 2024
Gripping, shocking, twist filled, and dramatic! Woohoo! This book kept me on my toes and turning the pages. I did not want to put this book down! Just when I thought I knew where Kathryn Croft was taking this book, she threw in another twist that left me surprised and wanting more.
Rachel and Holly are best friends and mothers. Their daughters are best friends as well. After Rachel's daughter dies, she still enjoyed spending time with Holly and her daughter. Then one day Holly's daughter goes missing but is eventually found. Everyone is relieved but then Rachel’s husband reports Rachel is missing...
This book grabbed my attention from the very first page and did not let go. I was fully invested in learning who took Holly's daughter and what happened to Rachel. There is a lot going on in this book, but it never feels bogged down. I found this book to be wonderfully written and well thought out. It has a nice amount of tension, dread, and suspense as well. I loved how everything came together in the end! Katheryn Croft always delivers an addictive and shocking read!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Rachel and Holly are best friends and mothers. Their daughters are best friends as well. After Rachel's daughter dies, she still enjoyed spending time with Holly and her daughter. Then one day Holly's daughter goes missing but is eventually found. Everyone is relieved but then Rachel’s husband reports Rachel is missing...
This book grabbed my attention from the very first page and did not let go. I was fully invested in learning who took Holly's daughter and what happened to Rachel. There is a lot going on in this book, but it never feels bogged down. I found this book to be wonderfully written and well thought out. It has a nice amount of tension, dread, and suspense as well. I loved how everything came together in the end! Katheryn Croft always delivers an addictive and shocking read!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
June 25, 2024
This one totally captured my attention. Lots of interesting side characters, but the plight of the mother whose baby is stolen is so tragic and captivating. I kinda knew who took the child, but I missed the real villain in it all. Obviously not obvious, but definitely had me guessing. I will definitely keep reading more from the author. I enjoyed how the past and the present were illuminated, plus the use of phones and distractions kept me intrigued with so many different plot lines ultimately coming together in a smashing way. Looking forward to more books by the author.
June 24, 2024
Firstly, I would like to thank netgalley and Bookoutune and the brilliant author Kathryn croft for an early copy of her book to read.
Rating 5*
Another fantastic read from this author, she writes great psychological books.this is about friendship between Rachel and Holly both have girls the same age,Rachel is married to brute of a man and one day her daughter was killed it was an accident,her husband blames her.she struggled to recover over her death.Holly daughter Luna disappeared all the evidence pointed to Rachel but Holly isnt convinced she took her,who else would take her daughter?A fantastic read hooked on this read wanting to find the answers...looking forward to reading her next book...a five star review..
Rating 5*
Another fantastic read from this author, she writes great psychological books.this is about friendship between Rachel and Holly both have girls the same age,Rachel is married to brute of a man and one day her daughter was killed it was an accident,her husband blames her.she struggled to recover over her death.Holly daughter Luna disappeared all the evidence pointed to Rachel but Holly isnt convinced she took her,who else would take her daughter?A fantastic read hooked on this read wanting to find the answers...looking forward to reading her next book...a five star review..
June 30, 2024
Rachel and Holly are best friends. They are both mothers, but Rachel’s daughter Evie was tragically killed in a hit and run accident a few months ago. With the help of Holly and her daughter Luna Rachel healed. But some say that Rachel spends too much time with Luna and when Luna is abducted all fingers at point at Rachel. But when Luna turns up and Rachel disappears. They think with guilt after taking Luna. Holly knows that her friend wouldn’t do that and will do anything to find out the truth.
Two Mothers by Kathryn Croft is another fabulous thriller from the author. This is slow to start with. But it is a well thought out story with is full of twists, secrets and lies. I thought it was quite heartfelt too how two people close to each other, but their lives are so far apart. This is a great read that I really enjoyed. 5 stars from me.
Two Mothers by Kathryn Croft is another fabulous thriller from the author. This is slow to start with. But it is a well thought out story with is full of twists, secrets and lies. I thought it was quite heartfelt too how two people close to each other, but their lives are so far apart. This is a great read that I really enjoyed. 5 stars from me.
June 28, 2024
Two Mothers by Kathryn Croft is a story that will grip your heart and keep you guessing. I especially enjoyed how this was written between both mother's point of view, you can't help but feel for each of them as they navigate grief and friendships that are affected by it.
Holly and Rachel are best friends and so are their daughters Evie and Luna, but when a tragedy takes Evie's life in a car accident nothing is ever the same. Holly and Rachel's friendship is put through the test, and Rachel seems to take an uncomfortable interest in Holly 's daughter Luna. So when Luna goes missing all eyes are on Rachel but Holly sets out to prove Rachel's innocence.
I loved how this story made you connect with the grief of the two mother's, and how they both struggled to work through it. Holly's determination to the absolve her friend was a beautiful testament to their bond. Though the ending left somethings unresolved, I really enjoyed the storyline and it kept me interested through out.
Thank You Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Holly and Rachel are best friends and so are their daughters Evie and Luna, but when a tragedy takes Evie's life in a car accident nothing is ever the same. Holly and Rachel's friendship is put through the test, and Rachel seems to take an uncomfortable interest in Holly 's daughter Luna. So when Luna goes missing all eyes are on Rachel but Holly sets out to prove Rachel's innocence.
I loved how this story made you connect with the grief of the two mother's, and how they both struggled to work through it. Holly's determination to the absolve her friend was a beautiful testament to their bond. Though the ending left somethings unresolved, I really enjoyed the storyline and it kept me interested through out.
Thank You Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 29, 2024
Netgalley ARC: I devoured this book and could not put it down. The emotional whiplash was intense and I loved it. We gained so much knowledge and secrets from just from 2 different POVs, I really enjoyed the writing style. Once I thought I had solved it, it turned around and surprised me with more heartwrenching drama. Gone girl vibes for sure, but with a unique twist. Loved it!
July 17, 2024
WHOA! What a brilliant thriller! I was entranced from the very beginning until the very end. This story is told from two mothers' POVs - Rachel in the past, and her best friend Holly in the present. Rachel's daughter tragically passes away, and Rachel relies on spending time with Holly and her daughter Luna to help her make it through her days. Luna disappears, and Holly can't help but wonder if Rachel had something to do with Luna's disappearance.
While these two mothers navigate their complex friendship, they are each navigating trials in their personal lives. Rachel and Holly are two strongly developed characters. They are each complex and dealing with trials along with their fragile friendship. These two mothers are fueled by their love for their children as they work to uncover the truth. Short chapters and well fleshed out writing propelled this story, and kept me grossly intrigued by the developments. I just had to know what was going to happen. The twists were jaw dropping! I'm so glad to have been introduced to this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
While these two mothers navigate their complex friendship, they are each navigating trials in their personal lives. Rachel and Holly are two strongly developed characters. They are each complex and dealing with trials along with their fragile friendship. These two mothers are fueled by their love for their children as they work to uncover the truth. Short chapters and well fleshed out writing propelled this story, and kept me grossly intrigued by the developments. I just had to know what was going to happen. The twists were jaw dropping! I'm so glad to have been introduced to this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 11, 2024
Two Mothers, written by Kathryn Croft, is a suspenseful story of two friends, ripped apart by tragedy. When Rachel’s daughter Evie is gone (vague to avoid spoilers), her life seems pointless. Her only reprise is visiting friend, Holly, and spending time with her daughter, Luna. But then Luna disappears- without a trace. Could Rachel be responsible? Is her grief so much that she took her friend’s daughter?
There’s a lot to unpack in this story, including background noise about other things happening in the character’s lives. When the story finally comes full circle- the reader is left shocked with the discovery. The storylines come together flawlessly and in such a poetic way, the reader can’t anticipate the bombshell! Two Mothers was an enjoyable read that questions how well we really know each other and the secrets in our lives.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC! Release date: 7/5/24
There’s a lot to unpack in this story, including background noise about other things happening in the character’s lives. When the story finally comes full circle- the reader is left shocked with the discovery. The storylines come together flawlessly and in such a poetic way, the reader can’t anticipate the bombshell! Two Mothers was an enjoyable read that questions how well we really know each other and the secrets in our lives.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC! Release date: 7/5/24
June 29, 2024
Thank you Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Two Mothers is a fast paced thriller.
I’ve read a couple of books by Kathryn and with another to add to the growing list, I’m pleased with my reading journey.
Holly and Rachel are mothers and best friends.
One has lost her daughter in a traumatic accident.
To help with her grief, Rachel spends a lot of time with Holly’s family.
Then the others daughter gets child napped.
Soon after Rachel disappears.
A coincidence or not……
Holly will do anything to uncover the truth and when she does, it shocks everyone….
The plot had me hooked and with short chapters and good writing, I flipped through the pages with ease and excitement.
Told through today and the past, the distinct dialogue of the two main female protagonists made for gripping reading.
With a collection of characters that are interesting, moments of tension, a twist, some surprises and a wrapped up ending, all making an enjoyable reading encounter.
Two Mothers is a fast paced thriller.
I’ve read a couple of books by Kathryn and with another to add to the growing list, I’m pleased with my reading journey.
Holly and Rachel are mothers and best friends.
One has lost her daughter in a traumatic accident.
To help with her grief, Rachel spends a lot of time with Holly’s family.
Then the others daughter gets child napped.
Soon after Rachel disappears.
A coincidence or not……
Holly will do anything to uncover the truth and when she does, it shocks everyone….
The plot had me hooked and with short chapters and good writing, I flipped through the pages with ease and excitement.
Told through today and the past, the distinct dialogue of the two main female protagonists made for gripping reading.
With a collection of characters that are interesting, moments of tension, a twist, some surprises and a wrapped up ending, all making an enjoyable reading encounter.
June 10, 2024
Two Mothers - Rachel and Holly. Best friends, one lost her daughter in a tragic accident and the other daughter was kidnapped.
Told in dual POV and timelines going between Rachel in the past and Holly in the present. I was guessing up to the very end.
Rachel looses her daughter Evie in a tragic accident. While struggling with this grief she tries to spend more time with best friend Holly and her daughter Luna. Holly’s daughter is kidnapped and shortly after Rachel disappears.
Did Rachel kidnap Luna? Did she disappear on her own? Holly won’t stop until she gets the answers.
Fast paced, edge of my seat page turner with an ending I didn’t see coming.
Thank you to the authors, publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Told in dual POV and timelines going between Rachel in the past and Holly in the present. I was guessing up to the very end.
Rachel looses her daughter Evie in a tragic accident. While struggling with this grief she tries to spend more time with best friend Holly and her daughter Luna. Holly’s daughter is kidnapped and shortly after Rachel disappears.
Did Rachel kidnap Luna? Did she disappear on her own? Holly won’t stop until she gets the answers.
Fast paced, edge of my seat page turner with an ending I didn’t see coming.
Thank you to the authors, publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
June 3, 2024
Two Mothers
By: Kathryn Croft
Pub Date: July 5, 2024
Publisher: Bookouture
Friends, mothers, death and the daughter who binds them. Rachel and Holly are friends and one of them lost their daughter. Rachel is trying hard to be happy for Holly whose daughter is growing and is a part of their lives, while keeping her grief in check. Rachel has an abusive husband and another child to care for. Now Luna is missing, and Rachel is a suspect.
Croft is a go-to author for a domestic thriller and I always look forward to her novels. The twist was not what I expected, which is always exciting.
Thank you Bookouture for the gifted copy.
By: Kathryn Croft
Pub Date: July 5, 2024
Publisher: Bookouture
Friends, mothers, death and the daughter who binds them. Rachel and Holly are friends and one of them lost their daughter. Rachel is trying hard to be happy for Holly whose daughter is growing and is a part of their lives, while keeping her grief in check. Rachel has an abusive husband and another child to care for. Now Luna is missing, and Rachel is a suspect.
Croft is a go-to author for a domestic thriller and I always look forward to her novels. The twist was not what I expected, which is always exciting.
Thank you Bookouture for the gifted copy.
June 15, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley and Bookoutre for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The tagline was not lying; this was definitely unputdownable 😅
The writing was so accessible and I flew through it. The characters were all thoughtfully fleshed out and the twist was actually very interesting!
I don’t feel like, as a reader, I got a lot of closure from the ending; but this was definitely a solidly great thriller.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookoutre for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The tagline was not lying; this was definitely unputdownable 😅
The writing was so accessible and I flew through it. The characters were all thoughtfully fleshed out and the twist was actually very interesting!
I don’t feel like, as a reader, I got a lot of closure from the ending; but this was definitely a solidly great thriller.
June 13, 2024
Two Mothers🍼
By Kathryn Croft💥
Review✨
I read this quickly because I was eager to find out how it ended. I had no idea where the story was headed and was thoroughly astonished by the twists and turns. I have to add that the suspense was one of the highlights. There is a lot of drama and lies interspersed with grief. I enjoyed the writing style and how well it flowed. I thought this was a great read.
Dual timelines⏰
Page turner📖
Plot twists🌀
Thriller🔪
Mystery⁉️
Suspense🫣
4 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
By Kathryn Croft💥
Review✨
I read this quickly because I was eager to find out how it ended. I had no idea where the story was headed and was thoroughly astonished by the twists and turns. I have to add that the suspense was one of the highlights. There is a lot of drama and lies interspersed with grief. I enjoyed the writing style and how well it flowed. I thought this was a great read.
Dual timelines⏰
Page turner📖
Plot twists🌀
Thriller🔪
Mystery⁉️
Suspense🫣
4 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 13, 2024
Thrilling book!
The writing style is different and a bit lengthy at times, but the author gets her point across and you just don't see the ending coming! What a huge twist towards the end!
It's a story about two friends that have daughters of similar age. One loses her baby in a tragic accident and the other is suspicious of her friend's affections towards her baby. Things get complicated when the other baby goes missing!
It's a slow start but things get unraveled and the tempo of the book picks up. Overall, this book is a rollercoaster of emotions and twists that will leave you thinking long after you've finished reading. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers with unexpected plot twists. Highly recommend!
Thank you NetGalley and the publishing company for my free ARC book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The writing style is different and a bit lengthy at times, but the author gets her point across and you just don't see the ending coming! What a huge twist towards the end!
It's a story about two friends that have daughters of similar age. One loses her baby in a tragic accident and the other is suspicious of her friend's affections towards her baby. Things get complicated when the other baby goes missing!
It's a slow start but things get unraveled and the tempo of the book picks up. Overall, this book is a rollercoaster of emotions and twists that will leave you thinking long after you've finished reading. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers with unexpected plot twists. Highly recommend!
Thank you NetGalley and the publishing company for my free ARC book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 1, 2024
Rachel and Holly are best friends and they have daughters the same age, all is well until Rachel’s daughter, Evie dies after a car accident. After that their friendship is never really the same.
One night Luna, Holly’s daughter disappears from her bedroom, a few days later as they recover Luna, Rachel disappears too.
*** Spoilers coming***
Two mothers is a story of an incredible friendship, despite everything what really shines is their loyalty towards each other. When everyone believes that Rachel is the one behind Luna’s abduction, Holly refuses to believe it, she never gives up on Rachel even when everyone and everything is telling her to. Rachel is the same, after making a terrible mistake (though to be fair I don’t see that event as consensual), she does everything to make it right. A little distance and a traumatic event are not enough to break the bond between Rachel and Holly. Both are wonderful characters, they go through so much trauma and pain, but at the end of the day, they never give up on each other.
Elijah and Damien, the husbands are both monsters. In different ways of course, I feel like Damien is pure evil when Elijah is just a regular asshole. Both do not deserve their wives and yes I did wish something would happen to them (they deserved it). Other men are thankfully not that bad. Jake is a great character and I wish we could have seen more of him and Rachel and how they could have build a relationship despite the terrible even that made they meet. They both deserved it. Ross doesn’t have much of a personality to be honest, but I’m glad he was in Holly’s life, cause he was nice. Only characters that I felt were really a miss were the kids Oscar and Megan, I mean they’re here for the plot obviously, but the way they’re written was not satisfying. And in this day and age, Megan’s actions made me very uncomfortable (which is why this book won’t be 5 stars, well that and a couple other reasons).
The case (well the cases) is probably the weakest part of the book, I know sad for a thriller but what works best is really the bond between Holly and Rachel. I did find the irony that Rachel spends most of her life surviving a monster to end up meeting another one, felt very true to life. But the whole Oscar/Ryan thing was a little over the top for me, and it also felt like the reveal didn’t really pay off for anything. Also I would have changed the ending with Rachel actually pulling off make everyone believe she was dead and running away. Cause the actual ending was just too sad.
Despite those little points I didn’t like, still a beautiful story about the strength of women friendships
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC, Two mothers by Kathryn Croft is out this July
One night Luna, Holly’s daughter disappears from her bedroom, a few days later as they recover Luna, Rachel disappears too.
*** Spoilers coming***
Two mothers is a story of an incredible friendship, despite everything what really shines is their loyalty towards each other. When everyone believes that Rachel is the one behind Luna’s abduction, Holly refuses to believe it, she never gives up on Rachel even when everyone and everything is telling her to. Rachel is the same, after making a terrible mistake (though to be fair I don’t see that event as consensual), she does everything to make it right. A little distance and a traumatic event are not enough to break the bond between Rachel and Holly. Both are wonderful characters, they go through so much trauma and pain, but at the end of the day, they never give up on each other.
Elijah and Damien, the husbands are both monsters. In different ways of course, I feel like Damien is pure evil when Elijah is just a regular asshole. Both do not deserve their wives and yes I did wish something would happen to them (they deserved it). Other men are thankfully not that bad. Jake is a great character and I wish we could have seen more of him and Rachel and how they could have build a relationship despite the terrible even that made they meet. They both deserved it. Ross doesn’t have much of a personality to be honest, but I’m glad he was in Holly’s life, cause he was nice. Only characters that I felt were really a miss were the kids Oscar and Megan, I mean they’re here for the plot obviously, but the way they’re written was not satisfying. And in this day and age, Megan’s actions made me very uncomfortable (which is why this book won’t be 5 stars, well that and a couple other reasons).
The case (well the cases) is probably the weakest part of the book, I know sad for a thriller but what works best is really the bond between Holly and Rachel. I did find the irony that Rachel spends most of her life surviving a monster to end up meeting another one, felt very true to life. But the whole Oscar/Ryan thing was a little over the top for me, and it also felt like the reveal didn’t really pay off for anything. Also I would have changed the ending with Rachel actually pulling off make everyone believe she was dead and running away. Cause the actual ending was just too sad.
Despite those little points I didn’t like, still a beautiful story about the strength of women friendships
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC, Two mothers by Kathryn Croft is out this July
June 20, 2024
Her daughter died. Did she take mine?
This is the opening line for the synopsis of 'Two Mothers' by new-to-me author, Kathryn Croft. This line immediately grabbed me and had me ensnared until the end!
Told in dual perspectives, the novel is set in modern UK and follows the lives of Holly and Rachel, two best friends. Holly is a first-time mother of a toddler (Luna), a devoted wife, and a journalist, juggling to make it all work. Rachel is also a mother, wife, and employed as a teacher, but one year ago, her life changed irrevocably for the worst - her 2-year-old daughter Evie died after she was hit by a car. This, coupled with a troubled marriage, has her struggling at work and home and has also changed her relationship with her son and Holly. One of the few things that brings her joy is spending time with Luna. Then the unthinkable happens. Someone has kidnapped Luna. When she is finally found, Rachel disappears a few days later, leading people to believe that she was the kidnapper. Readers follow Holly as she investigates, learning devastating truths along the way.
I really enjoyed the mystery inherent in this book's plot. There were a lot of little twists and turns and they ensured that I was never bored - I was definitely invested in finding out what happened to Rachel! So I appreciated Croft's ability to draw me in, her writing flowed well and created the right kind of tension. I also liked that I did not get the 'whodunit' correct! Yes, I love it when a mystery novel manages to catch me off-guard, and I was not disappointed here.
The only reason I was not able to give this 5 stars was because I found the conclusion to be a bit unsatisfactory. I would have preferred a happier ending for everyone (including everyone getting their just comeuppance!) but there was a loose end or two that I did not like. However, this is just more of a personal preference.
All in all, 'Two Mothers' is a pretty good mystery novel and one I would recommend for a quick read.
*A great many thanks to Bookouture, Kathryn Croft, and NetGalley for this ARC. It is important to note that I was not committed to providing a positive review; all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*
This is the opening line for the synopsis of 'Two Mothers' by new-to-me author, Kathryn Croft. This line immediately grabbed me and had me ensnared until the end!
Told in dual perspectives, the novel is set in modern UK and follows the lives of Holly and Rachel, two best friends. Holly is a first-time mother of a toddler (Luna), a devoted wife, and a journalist, juggling to make it all work. Rachel is also a mother, wife, and employed as a teacher, but one year ago, her life changed irrevocably for the worst - her 2-year-old daughter Evie died after she was hit by a car. This, coupled with a troubled marriage, has her struggling at work and home and has also changed her relationship with her son and Holly. One of the few things that brings her joy is spending time with Luna. Then the unthinkable happens. Someone has kidnapped Luna. When she is finally found, Rachel disappears a few days later, leading people to believe that she was the kidnapper. Readers follow Holly as she investigates, learning devastating truths along the way.
I really enjoyed the mystery inherent in this book's plot. There were a lot of little twists and turns and they ensured that I was never bored - I was definitely invested in finding out what happened to Rachel! So I appreciated Croft's ability to draw me in, her writing flowed well and created the right kind of tension. I also liked that I did not get the 'whodunit' correct! Yes, I love it when a mystery novel manages to catch me off-guard, and I was not disappointed here.
The only reason I was not able to give this 5 stars was because I found the conclusion to be a bit unsatisfactory. I would have preferred a happier ending for everyone (including everyone getting their just comeuppance!) but there was a loose end or two that I did not like. However, this is just more of a personal preference.
All in all, 'Two Mothers' is a pretty good mystery novel and one I would recommend for a quick read.
*A great many thanks to Bookouture, Kathryn Croft, and NetGalley for this ARC. It is important to note that I was not committed to providing a positive review; all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*
October 30, 2024
My friend recommended this book to me , and all I can say is I’m glad she did never heard of the Author before Kathryn Croft . But really enjoyed it 📚..
Her daughter died .
Did she take mine ?
A year ago , my best friend Rachel’s daughter died.Ever since then I have held my own beautiful little girl tighter . I Watch Luna shriek with laughter as she tips her toys all over the floor and I look anxiously at Rachel, sipping her tea. But Rachel areassures me that being near Luna helps fill the gaping hole of her grief ,just a little.
So when Luna is snatched from her bed in the middle of the night, it is Rachel who holds me tightly.she looks at the blue and white police tape crisscrossing my little girls bedroom and promises me they will find Luna.What happened to your daughter was different.
And Rachel is right .Two days later I’m holding my precious girl in my arms after she is found in a nearby park .But my joy is short-lived .Rachel’s husband reports her missing .And when the police find Luna’s cuddly lamb in Rachel’s house, I am forced to face the shocking truth .Did my best friend take my daughter?
Or did someone want Rachel out of the way, to frame a vulnerable , grieving woman? When I receive an anonymous note telling me to stop asking questions, I am certain I don’t know everything .
Who is in the most danger- my best friend, my child, or me?
And will finding the truth save us, or destroy us all?
Her daughter died .
Did she take mine ?
A year ago , my best friend Rachel’s daughter died.Ever since then I have held my own beautiful little girl tighter . I Watch Luna shriek with laughter as she tips her toys all over the floor and I look anxiously at Rachel, sipping her tea. But Rachel areassures me that being near Luna helps fill the gaping hole of her grief ,just a little.
So when Luna is snatched from her bed in the middle of the night, it is Rachel who holds me tightly.she looks at the blue and white police tape crisscrossing my little girls bedroom and promises me they will find Luna.What happened to your daughter was different.
And Rachel is right .Two days later I’m holding my precious girl in my arms after she is found in a nearby park .But my joy is short-lived .Rachel’s husband reports her missing .And when the police find Luna’s cuddly lamb in Rachel’s house, I am forced to face the shocking truth .Did my best friend take my daughter?
Or did someone want Rachel out of the way, to frame a vulnerable , grieving woman? When I receive an anonymous note telling me to stop asking questions, I am certain I don’t know everything .
Who is in the most danger- my best friend, my child, or me?
And will finding the truth save us, or destroy us all?
June 24, 2024
Rachel and Holly are friends, who have little girls the same age. Rachel's daughter, Evie, was killed when she was hit by a car several month ago. Holly and her daughter, Luna, provide a sense of comfort and healing for Rachel. When Luna goes missing, everyone thinks that Rachel had something to do with it, until Rachel goes missing too.
I don't want to give too much away in my review. This one had me hooked. It is told from both Holly and Rachel's POVs. Holly's POV is the "now", while Rachels is the "before." At times having several perspectives in a book can be confusing, but in this case it worked very well. We are also introduced to the husbands and other secondary characters who make an impact in this book.
I am usually pretty good at figuring out who did it in these kinds of books, but in this particular one I failed. There were themes of mental health issues and domestic violence in this book and each theme lead me down a different path. In the end, I was shocked by who actually did it and the ending was good, but made me a bit sad. I just wish that it could have been a happier ending for everyone.
All in all, this was a great read and my first from this author. I will definitely be trying to get my hands on more of her work!
Thank you to NetGalley, Kathryn Croft and Bookouture for the ARC!!
I don't want to give too much away in my review. This one had me hooked. It is told from both Holly and Rachel's POVs. Holly's POV is the "now", while Rachels is the "before." At times having several perspectives in a book can be confusing, but in this case it worked very well. We are also introduced to the husbands and other secondary characters who make an impact in this book.
I am usually pretty good at figuring out who did it in these kinds of books, but in this particular one I failed. There were themes of mental health issues and domestic violence in this book and each theme lead me down a different path. In the end, I was shocked by who actually did it and the ending was good, but made me a bit sad. I just wish that it could have been a happier ending for everyone.
All in all, this was a great read and my first from this author. I will definitely be trying to get my hands on more of her work!
Thank you to NetGalley, Kathryn Croft and Bookouture for the ARC!!
May 28, 2024
When people become friends it's because they have something in common that is important to them both. It can be a hobby or it can be they have bonded because of their children. Being friends does not mean you have to think or act the same in every situation. Each person keeps their own characteristics and they only thing they need when something devastating happens to one of them, is that they are being supported and being respected for the way they want to work through their grieve.
Things one person can draw comfort from, can be seen as obsessive behaviour by someone else and that's when the bond between two friends can start showing cracks. This is the moment to begin to repair it or it will break forever.
Rachel wants to help her friend Hollie, but from then on everything goes downhill real fast...
A gripping story that kept me turning the pages like there was no tomorrow. Both female characters are strong and doing everything to dig deep enough to uncover the truth. Two mothers united by the love for their children and putting them first. The husbands are another kettle of fish altogether. 4,5 stars
Thank you
Things one person can draw comfort from, can be seen as obsessive behaviour by someone else and that's when the bond between two friends can start showing cracks. This is the moment to begin to repair it or it will break forever.
Rachel wants to help her friend Hollie, but from then on everything goes downhill real fast...
A gripping story that kept me turning the pages like there was no tomorrow. Both female characters are strong and doing everything to dig deep enough to uncover the truth. Two mothers united by the love for their children and putting them first. The husbands are another kettle of fish altogether. 4,5 stars
Thank you
June 7, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rachel’s 2 year old daughter was hit y a car and killed a year ago. Her good friend Holly has a daughter, Luna, who is the same age and Rachel would love spend time with her but Holly hesitates to allow it because she thinks it is too painful for Rachel. So when Luna disappears, Holly wants to believe it wasn’t Rachel that took her, but it makes the most sense. Then shortly after Luna is found, Rachel disappears and even though Holly got her daughter back, she still needs answers.
3.5 stars.
I really like this author and read everything she comes out with but this wasn’t my favorite. I had a hard time getting into this one, perhaps because I don’t really care too much about child abductions. Also I felt like some of revelations were out of character for the people’. Overall, a decent read, just not my favorite from this author.
Rachel’s 2 year old daughter was hit y a car and killed a year ago. Her good friend Holly has a daughter, Luna, who is the same age and Rachel would love spend time with her but Holly hesitates to allow it because she thinks it is too painful for Rachel. So when Luna disappears, Holly wants to believe it wasn’t Rachel that took her, but it makes the most sense. Then shortly after Luna is found, Rachel disappears and even though Holly got her daughter back, she still needs answers.
3.5 stars.
I really like this author and read everything she comes out with but this wasn’t my favorite. I had a hard time getting into this one, perhaps because I don’t really care too much about child abductions. Also I felt like some of revelations were out of character for the people’. Overall, a decent read, just not my favorite from this author.
July 7, 2024
Two mothers is an exhilarating thriller, with a captivating cast of characters and an unbelievable twist.
You will not want to put this down.
Rachel James lost her daughter, Evie, unexpectedly in a tragic accident a year ago. She’s tried to cope with the immense grief, and be there for her son, but the only thing seems to help is spending time with Luna, her best friend’s daughter. But when Rachel’s involvement with Luna and persistence in seeing her becomes an obsession, how far will she go to get her daughter back?
Holly Fisher is a journalist, wife, and mother to Luna. When Luna is kidnapped in the middle of the night, Holly will not rest until Luna is home. But when Luna is found in the middle of nowhere, seemingly unharmed, it raises more and more questions and Holly will stop at nothing to get answers.
I physically do not have words for how absolutely insane this book was.
I was completely captivated from the moment I read the first line. No one is who you think they are and everyone is hiding something.
Huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Kathryn Croft for the opportunity to read and review.
July 8, 2024
Lots of twists, great plot, quick read, a page turner — this book caught my attention from the start. If you are looking for a good thriller to capture your attention, check this out!!
This book follows Rachel and Holly - two mothers. Rachel’s live changes when her daughter dies unexpectedly. Holly and Rachel’s relationship fades until Holly’s daughter, Luna, goes missing. Rachel wants to help find Luna — until Rachel goes missing, too. Who took Luna and what happened to Rachel? This book kept me on my toes wondering who took Luna and what happened to Rachel. I did not see the ending coming. It was very well written. This was my first book by this author, and I will definitely be checking out more of her work.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows Rachel and Holly - two mothers. Rachel’s live changes when her daughter dies unexpectedly. Holly and Rachel’s relationship fades until Holly’s daughter, Luna, goes missing. Rachel wants to help find Luna — until Rachel goes missing, too. Who took Luna and what happened to Rachel? This book kept me on my toes wondering who took Luna and what happened to Rachel. I did not see the ending coming. It was very well written. This was my first book by this author, and I will definitely be checking out more of her work.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2024
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released on July 5th called, Two Mothers. This was a five-star thriller for me! It's about two women who are friends with little girls the same age, one of the girls dies and then the other is kidnapped. Everyone thinks the grieving mother did it, but then when the little girl is returned unharmed and the grieving mother disappears, it becomes apparent that something far more sinister is going on. The story goes back and forth between the POV of both mothers, while giving us pieces of their pasts alongside their current lives. There was so much suspense! There were so many twists! This book was absolutely fantastic, I couldn't read it fast enough! 💛📚
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this ARC of Two Mothers, in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this ARC of Two Mothers, in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2024
ARC review:
I haven’t read a thriller in a while and I was looking forward to a fast paced book to dig into.
And that’s exactly what I got. Twists and turns in every chapter and always at the end which made me continue reading.
The dual perspective came together nicely. There was no confusion.
The topics this book covered hit close to home since I’m going through something similar yet it was handled in a way that didn’t “trigger” yet still punched your gut like a good thriller does.
All in all I enjoyed this and would recommend to someone who wants a quick, easy thriller.
The only reason for my deduction of a star was; “you must know” was used far too often. Usually by the same person. Maybe it’s my autism picking up on a detail like that; but for some reason it bothered me.
I haven’t read a thriller in a while and I was looking forward to a fast paced book to dig into.
And that’s exactly what I got. Twists and turns in every chapter and always at the end which made me continue reading.
The dual perspective came together nicely. There was no confusion.
The topics this book covered hit close to home since I’m going through something similar yet it was handled in a way that didn’t “trigger” yet still punched your gut like a good thriller does.
All in all I enjoyed this and would recommend to someone who wants a quick, easy thriller.
The only reason for my deduction of a star was; “you must know” was used far too often. Usually by the same person. Maybe it’s my autism picking up on a detail like that; but for some reason it bothered me.
June 7, 2024
I just raced through this book in 12 hours. I could not get enough of the mystery of 2 best friends whose lives are upended by one’s child being killed and the other being kidnapped. When one of the friends goes missing, readers will question every assumption made. Who can be trusted? And who is to blame? Kathryn Croft has crafted yet another fine psychological thriller. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 5, 2024
Two Mothers was intriguing and kept me pulled in. Overall I enjoyed this book and found myself questioning motives and reconsidering things throughout.
This is my second book from this author and I enjoyed this one the most.
I felt things mostly wrapped up well but did have some frustration with one loose end.
Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of this book.
This is my second book from this author and I enjoyed this one the most.
I felt things mostly wrapped up well but did have some frustration with one loose end.
Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of this book.
August 14, 2024
I did enjoy this book. There was a lot going on and it was a lot to follow but overall a good listen.
June 6, 2024
NetGalley Arc... Wow, Wow, Wow!!! First read, but definitely not the last read from this author. I loved everything about this....the style of writing, the suspense, the jaw dropping cliffhanger's that seemed to drop at the end of most of the chapters! Just how..at one point I literally looked up from reading with my mouth open and had to take a minute to take it all in 😳
The Before in Rachel's voice, and Now in Holly's worked so well, there wasn't a morsel of information missed and between the two, I was really pulled in to both women and really got to know them and more importantly, root for them. Every single character was relevant and there were so many twists, turns and interlinks..this literally had it all. Amazing!!
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced read of this...I loved it 😍
The Before in Rachel's voice, and Now in Holly's worked so well, there wasn't a morsel of information missed and between the two, I was really pulled in to both women and really got to know them and more importantly, root for them. Every single character was relevant and there were so many twists, turns and interlinks..this literally had it all. Amazing!!
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced read of this...I loved it 😍
August 20, 2024
Decent story with a few red herrings. The ending was disappointing, it felt rushed and ended abruptly, leaving big parts of the story unresolved
June 9, 2024
This was a great book that I pretty much read in one sitting. I went in blind and when I read the synopsis later, I actually think it gave too much information- there are even more good twists if you don’t read it first :) The story centers on best friends Rachel and Holly who have daughters the same age; then the unthinkable happens and Rachel’s daughter dies in an accident. The relationship becomes tense, and this all comes to a head when Holly's own daughter goes missing a year later. The book is much more than that, though, and deeply explores friendships, relationships, and forgiveness.
I really liked both Holly and Rachel, as well as most of the tertiary characters in the story (there are some jerks, too, but the author makes them believable). Both Holly and Rachel were strong characters who tried to do the right thing. Holly’s steadfast belief in Rachel, even when no one agreed with her, was heartwarming. The mystery was strong, and I read along eagerly to find out what had really happened. The end of the book left a bit of a question mark, and I truly understand where the author was going, and what Holly ultimately decided to do, but ideally I wish it had been buttoned up more cleanly. That being said, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book.
Overall, this was a twisty, yet moving, story and I have a feeling it’s going to stick with me for a long time. I’d recommend to those who like mysteries as well as domestic suspense. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked both Holly and Rachel, as well as most of the tertiary characters in the story (there are some jerks, too, but the author makes them believable). Both Holly and Rachel were strong characters who tried to do the right thing. Holly’s steadfast belief in Rachel, even when no one agreed with her, was heartwarming. The mystery was strong, and I read along eagerly to find out what had really happened. The end of the book left a bit of a question mark, and I truly understand where the author was going, and what Holly ultimately decided to do, but ideally I wish it had been buttoned up more cleanly. That being said, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book.
Overall, this was a twisty, yet moving, story and I have a feeling it’s going to stick with me for a long time. I’d recommend to those who like mysteries as well as domestic suspense. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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