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I'm Her Mother
We both say she’s our daughter. But one of us is lying …
My little girl Lola is my whole world. Three years old and so beautiful – all golden curls and dimpled cheeks. But on our way home from holiday she was stolen, whisked away in the blink of an eye.
I can’t breathe without Lola. I don’t know how to get her back. The woman who has my daughter is on the run. And she has no intention of bringing Lola home. Because she says she’s her mother. But that’s impossible, because I’m Lola’s mother.
Though really, I should have known my secrets would come back to haunt me. That this day was always going to come …
My little girl Lola is my whole world. Three years old and so beautiful – all golden curls and dimpled cheeks. But on our way home from holiday she was stolen, whisked away in the blink of an eye.
I can’t breathe without Lola. I don’t know how to get her back. The woman who has my daughter is on the run. And she has no intention of bringing Lola home. Because she says she’s her mother. But that’s impossible, because I’m Lola’s mother.
Though really, I should have known my secrets would come back to haunt me. That this day was always going to come …
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2024
583 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Lauren North
15 books517 followersLauren writes psychological suspense novels that delve into the darker side of relationships and families. She has a lifelong passion for writing, reading, and all things books. Lauren’s love of psychological suspense has grown since childhood and her dark imagination of always wondering what’s the worst thing that could happen in every situation.
Lauren studied psychology before moving to London where she lived and worked for many years. She now lives with her family in the Suffolk countryside. Readers can follow Lauren on Twitter @Lauren_C_North and Facebook @LaurenNorthAuthor
Lauren studied psychology before moving to London where she lived and worked for many years. She now lives with her family in the Suffolk countryside. Readers can follow Lauren on Twitter @Lauren_C_North and Facebook @LaurenNorthAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
May 20, 2024
One child….two mothers…
Isobel and her daughter Lola each go into separate stalls in a public bathroom…. But when Isobel comes out Lola is nowhere to be found.
Emma feels Lola is herdaughter and she will do whatever Is necessary to protect her.
But who really is Lola’s mother?
The beginning started off with a bang and I was all in! Loved it. It’s a super easy read I was flying through the pages and kept me guessing from start to finish.
Isabel’s mother in law Margaret wins the award for nastiest MIL ever!🏆 Not sure I’d have the strength or patience to keep myself in check like Isobel did.
My only holdbacks were some of the actions of the mothers didn’t wring true for me. It’s hard to say more without spoilers so I’ll just have to let you read it for yourself and you’ll understand what I mean.
Lauren North is one of my go-to authors. And I’m already watching and looking forward to her next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
Isobel and her daughter Lola each go into separate stalls in a public bathroom…. But when Isobel comes out Lola is nowhere to be found.
Emma feels Lola is herdaughter and she will do whatever Is necessary to protect her.
But who really is Lola’s mother?
The beginning started off with a bang and I was all in! Loved it. It’s a super easy read I was flying through the pages and kept me guessing from start to finish.
Isabel’s mother in law Margaret wins the award for nastiest MIL ever!🏆 Not sure I’d have the strength or patience to keep myself in check like Isobel did.
My only holdbacks were some of the actions of the mothers didn’t wring true for me. It’s hard to say more without spoilers so I’ll just have to let you read it for yourself and you’ll understand what I mean.
Lauren North is one of my go-to authors. And I’m already watching and looking forward to her next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
July 13, 2024
Two mothers are claiming one daughter to be their very own. When Isobel and husband Roly make a restroom stop, Emma is lurking to snatch up their daughter Lola. Is this a random snatch and grab? A kidnapping for ransom scenario? Or is there much more going on in this new popcorn thriller from Lauren North? It may take the wisdom of Solomon to determine which woman Lola should be with.
North splits the narrative into two perspectives: Isobel vs. Emma. This makes for riveting reading as we watch both sides make their moves. The alternating POVs also gives the opportunity for us to learn more about Lola's earlier years and the time before. This situation is much more complicated than it looked when we were first introduced to the players at the rest area. While I found this to be quite the page-turner, it seemed to wander a bit in the middle. Definitely an author I will consider reading again in the future. If you have a favorite title to recommend, just let me know I the comments.
Thank you to Bookotoure and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
North splits the narrative into two perspectives: Isobel vs. Emma. This makes for riveting reading as we watch both sides make their moves. The alternating POVs also gives the opportunity for us to learn more about Lola's earlier years and the time before. This situation is much more complicated than it looked when we were first introduced to the players at the rest area. While I found this to be quite the page-turner, it seemed to wander a bit in the middle. Definitely an author I will consider reading again in the future. If you have a favorite title to recommend, just let me know I the comments.
Thank you to Bookotoure and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2024
2⭐️
I actually had an okay time reading this; It was fun, but I am far from loving it.
This book follows Isobel and Roly, a typical couple, whose daughter, Lola, was kidnapped in broad daylight. We follow the dual POV's of Isobel and Emma. Emma is the woman who kidnapped their daughter and is trying to leave the country with her claiming that she is actually Lola's mother. Two women claiming they are Lola's mother...and we don't know who's telling the truth. There are plenty of deep, dark secrets that Emma and Isobel will do whatever possible to keep from surfacing.
While I did have fun reading this, it definitely had it's issues. The thing I had problems with is some of the plot itself. I found the plot and events that happened to at times be so far-fetched and so unrealistic. The different ways Emma was able to avoid being caught and the things she did to keep Lola safe just...didn't feel all too realistic. As much as I love the vibe when reading, it was really hard to overlook the unrealistic aspects.
The main thing, however, that I really couldn't get past was Isobel as a person. I truly could not get past the fact that the entire book was Isobel being a human doormat. I understand that it was all explained later, but we're talking like 85% of the book and Isobel was nothing but insufferable. I didn't click with any of the characters and, like I mentioned earlier, it didn't help that they played into a beyond unrealistic plot line. The whole time I was reading this, I was like, "For the love of God please just develop SOME sort of backbone." It was so hard to tolerate.
Onto better news, I liked that the story was interesting and it was such a fast and bingeable read. It was engaging enough to keep your attention and want to keep reading I will say that. However, I did not find the plot twists all that surprising and it's not hard to guess what's actually going to happen. I was not on the edge of my seat and it wasn't as gripping as I'd hoped.
Overall, I, personally, wouldn't fully say I'd recommend this. It was fast and easy to read and the plot had just enough substance to keep your attention, but it didn't go much beyond that.
Thank you to Lauren North, Bookoture, and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I need a gripping thriller to break up the heavy content I've been reading 😅
I actually had an okay time reading this; It was fun, but I am far from loving it.
This book follows Isobel and Roly, a typical couple, whose daughter, Lola, was kidnapped in broad daylight. We follow the dual POV's of Isobel and Emma. Emma is the woman who kidnapped their daughter and is trying to leave the country with her claiming that she is actually Lola's mother. Two women claiming they are Lola's mother...and we don't know who's telling the truth. There are plenty of deep, dark secrets that Emma and Isobel will do whatever possible to keep from surfacing.
While I did have fun reading this, it definitely had it's issues. The thing I had problems with is some of the plot itself. I found the plot and events that happened to at times be so far-fetched and so unrealistic. The different ways Emma was able to avoid being caught and the things she did to keep Lola safe just...didn't feel all too realistic. As much as I love the vibe when reading, it was really hard to overlook the unrealistic aspects.
The main thing, however, that I really couldn't get past was Isobel as a person. I truly could not get past the fact that the entire book was Isobel being a human doormat. I understand that it was all explained later, but we're talking like 85% of the book and Isobel was nothing but insufferable. I didn't click with any of the characters and, like I mentioned earlier, it didn't help that they played into a beyond unrealistic plot line. The whole time I was reading this, I was like, "For the love of God please just develop SOME sort of backbone." It was so hard to tolerate.
Onto better news, I liked that the story was interesting and it was such a fast and bingeable read. It was engaging enough to keep your attention and want to keep reading I will say that. However, I did not find the plot twists all that surprising and it's not hard to guess what's actually going to happen. I was not on the edge of my seat and it wasn't as gripping as I'd hoped.
Overall, I, personally, wouldn't fully say I'd recommend this. It was fast and easy to read and the plot had just enough substance to keep your attention, but it didn't go much beyond that.
Thank you to Lauren North, Bookoture, and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I need a gripping thriller to break up the heavy content I've been reading 😅
June 26, 2024
What an exciting, thrilling, red herringy, all encompassing read
I read a lot of stories about missing people but the start to this tale had me sitting up straight ( as opposed to slouching on settee or bed 😀 ) as you could feel the tenseness shimmering through the words, I wanted to stop it happening, you know like in a fav film where you want so bad for ‘that part’ not to happen……anyway it happened and was juggernaughted into this frenzied story
Who to believe? Which Mum is the Mum? Very convincing from both ‘Mums’
Watch out for despicable characters
And the ending, well that was terrific and then the ending ending had me back up straight again!
Really really good read, thoroughly enjoyable yet scary in parts and when finished one of those times you think ‘yep, I love reading’
Superb
I read a lot of stories about missing people but the start to this tale had me sitting up straight ( as opposed to slouching on settee or bed 😀 ) as you could feel the tenseness shimmering through the words, I wanted to stop it happening, you know like in a fav film where you want so bad for ‘that part’ not to happen……anyway it happened and was juggernaughted into this frenzied story
Who to believe? Which Mum is the Mum? Very convincing from both ‘Mums’
Watch out for despicable characters
And the ending, well that was terrific and then the ending ending had me back up straight again!
Really really good read, thoroughly enjoyable yet scary in parts and when finished one of those times you think ‘yep, I love reading’
Superb
August 1, 2024
A beautiful three-year-old girl is abducted from a bathroom rest stop.
The little girl's distraught mother is hysterical.
Another woman claiming to be the young girl's real mother is elated.
Who is the girl's real mother?
Unfolding from the two POVs of two mothers, this book is truly a battle of two unreliable narrators.
Who is telling the truth?
Author Lauren North has penned another pacey and twisty thriller.
Although the book had some eye-rolling moments, overall, this book was a winner.
I especially enjoyed the Author's Note, discussing the impetus for this book.
I listened to the audiobook read by Emma Gregory.
Although Emma Gregory did an outstanding job with the narration, two narrators would have been preferred since the book unfolded from two POVS.
Lauren North is one of my go-to authors and I always look forward to her releases.
July 23, 2024
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'I'm Her Mother' by Lauren North.
Yet another thrilling and twist packed psychological thriller from the absolutely fantastic author Lauren North! This storyline was absolutely ram packed with hair raising action which kept me turning the pages while on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happened next. The book was filled secrets, shock, family, lies, heartache, suspense, drama, tension and twists to keep you on your toes. I love the fact that there were multiple protagonists telling us their stories which gives the reader a massive insight into everything that was going on but without giving away too much. The storyline includes a mother's worse nightmare with their child being taken and I wanted to make future readers aware of this as it may be unsuitable and/or upsetting for some readers. This book takes the reader straight into the action leaving them constantly wanting to know what happens next from the very first page until the last!! This book started straight into the action and continues on a rollercoaster ride of twists, turns, shocks and surprises all the way until the cliff hanger ending which I absolutely loved and would have never seen coming. The other thing I would never have seen coming is all the twists and turns!! Just when I thought the storyline could not get any more shocking there was another twist and then another until I was reading this with my jaw dropped open in disbelieve!! I have read thousands of psychological and crime books so it is getting harder and harder to surprise me but Lauren managed it hook, line and sinker over and over so a MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS to Lauren!!!
There isn't much worse in a book than than guessing who did what when your not even half way through a book but there's no worry of that here. Lauren's absolutely fantastic emotive and evocative descriptions will have your heart racing and filled with suspense and tension along with Emma and Isobel in each and every chapter!! I could not put this book down as every single time I even thought about it something else would happen until I just had to read one more until this happened so much I had devoured it in one sitting of a few hours so make sure you clear your schedules before starting!! An absolutely unputdownable addictive page turner!!. Needless to say this would make an absolutely epic movie!!!
Clear your schedules before you even turn a single page on this epic psychological thriller as you will not be able to put it down!!
This is one of those books where it is extremely difficult to say much about the characters without giving any of the storyline. Our main protagonists consist of Isobel whose daughter Lola is taken from her when she is in the toilets of a service station and she will do anything to get her back. Emma has Lola and is determined that she is her daughter and that she needs to keep her safe and away from Isobel as well as several other characters we meet in this book. Lauren has done an absolutely fantastic job of weaving each of the protagonist's chapters together in a way where she drips feeds us exactly the right amount of information at the perfect timings. My opinion changed on the characters throughout the books so it is hard to say how I felt about them now knowing the truth but there was definitely a mix of feelings and I went from feeling sorry for one character to absolutely hating them, the complete opposite for another character, my heart went out to another character but to which ones? Well, grab your copy of this page turner and discover for yourself today!! What I will say is that this is a book filled with some very unlikeable characters that you have no idea who is telling the truth, who is hiding what and why they are doing certain things. Lauren's fantastic evocative writing skills ensures each one of them come to life in front of your eyes and that you can see, feel and hear everything that they are while turning the pages. Lauren has done an absolutely fantastic job of creating several complex characters each with their own unique personalities and mixing them into a storyline that has an ending you will never see coming!! However, regardless of how you feel about any of the characters they each play their part perfectly bringing out each and every one of your emotions throughout this action packed, addictive page turner!!
Well done Lauren on yet another fantastic, gritty and unputdownable success!! This is the reason you are one of my favourite authors and here's to your next success!!
Overall a heart racing, action packed, page turning must read with twists you will never see coming!!
#ImHerMother #LaurenNorth #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous
@LaurenNorth @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous
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Review for 'I'm Her Mother' by Lauren North.
Yet another thrilling and twist packed psychological thriller from the absolutely fantastic author Lauren North! This storyline was absolutely ram packed with hair raising action which kept me turning the pages while on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happened next. The book was filled secrets, shock, family, lies, heartache, suspense, drama, tension and twists to keep you on your toes. I love the fact that there were multiple protagonists telling us their stories which gives the reader a massive insight into everything that was going on but without giving away too much. The storyline includes a mother's worse nightmare with their child being taken and I wanted to make future readers aware of this as it may be unsuitable and/or upsetting for some readers. This book takes the reader straight into the action leaving them constantly wanting to know what happens next from the very first page until the last!! This book started straight into the action and continues on a rollercoaster ride of twists, turns, shocks and surprises all the way until the cliff hanger ending which I absolutely loved and would have never seen coming. The other thing I would never have seen coming is all the twists and turns!! Just when I thought the storyline could not get any more shocking there was another twist and then another until I was reading this with my jaw dropped open in disbelieve!! I have read thousands of psychological and crime books so it is getting harder and harder to surprise me but Lauren managed it hook, line and sinker over and over so a MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS to Lauren!!!
There isn't much worse in a book than than guessing who did what when your not even half way through a book but there's no worry of that here. Lauren's absolutely fantastic emotive and evocative descriptions will have your heart racing and filled with suspense and tension along with Emma and Isobel in each and every chapter!! I could not put this book down as every single time I even thought about it something else would happen until I just had to read one more until this happened so much I had devoured it in one sitting of a few hours so make sure you clear your schedules before starting!! An absolutely unputdownable addictive page turner!!. Needless to say this would make an absolutely epic movie!!!
Clear your schedules before you even turn a single page on this epic psychological thriller as you will not be able to put it down!!
This is one of those books where it is extremely difficult to say much about the characters without giving any of the storyline. Our main protagonists consist of Isobel whose daughter Lola is taken from her when she is in the toilets of a service station and she will do anything to get her back. Emma has Lola and is determined that she is her daughter and that she needs to keep her safe and away from Isobel as well as several other characters we meet in this book. Lauren has done an absolutely fantastic job of weaving each of the protagonist's chapters together in a way where she drips feeds us exactly the right amount of information at the perfect timings. My opinion changed on the characters throughout the books so it is hard to say how I felt about them now knowing the truth but there was definitely a mix of feelings and I went from feeling sorry for one character to absolutely hating them, the complete opposite for another character, my heart went out to another character but to which ones? Well, grab your copy of this page turner and discover for yourself today!! What I will say is that this is a book filled with some very unlikeable characters that you have no idea who is telling the truth, who is hiding what and why they are doing certain things. Lauren's fantastic evocative writing skills ensures each one of them come to life in front of your eyes and that you can see, feel and hear everything that they are while turning the pages. Lauren has done an absolutely fantastic job of creating several complex characters each with their own unique personalities and mixing them into a storyline that has an ending you will never see coming!! However, regardless of how you feel about any of the characters they each play their part perfectly bringing out each and every one of your emotions throughout this action packed, addictive page turner!!
Well done Lauren on yet another fantastic, gritty and unputdownable success!! This is the reason you are one of my favourite authors and here's to your next success!!
Overall a heart racing, action packed, page turning must read with twists you will never see coming!!
#ImHerMother #LaurenNorth #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous
@LaurenNorth @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous
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August 29, 2024
This was my first book by Lauren North, and I can promise that it won’t be my last!
Isobel’s young daughter, Lola, is snatched from a bathroom at a rest stop. The woman who takes her daughter is on the run and claims that Lola is her daughter. Which woman is telling the truth?
WHOA! There were so many secrets in this intense thriller! The author wove such palpable foreboding into this story. I was on the edge of my seat the entire ride. There is so much deceit and manipulation going on. I found myself gasping out loud at certain points. I had no clue which mother to believe. Even when I thought I had it figured out, the author threw another twist at me. The ending was just perfect! What a gripping and engrossing book! I will definitely be reading more by Lauren North soon.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Isobel’s young daughter, Lola, is snatched from a bathroom at a rest stop. The woman who takes her daughter is on the run and claims that Lola is her daughter. Which woman is telling the truth?
WHOA! There were so many secrets in this intense thriller! The author wove such palpable foreboding into this story. I was on the edge of my seat the entire ride. There is so much deceit and manipulation going on. I found myself gasping out loud at certain points. I had no clue which mother to believe. Even when I thought I had it figured out, the author threw another twist at me. The ending was just perfect! What a gripping and engrossing book! I will definitely be reading more by Lauren North soon.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
July 4, 2024
really do not know what I thought about this book. The who dunnit who is telling the truth kept me interested. But there were aome parts that did not feel believeable. But still glad i read this book. A solid 3 stars. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
June 2, 2024
I was so excited to read the latest Lauren North thriller, the last one was a 5⭐️ Unfortunately, this is another anticipated book that let me down. Please bear in mind, this review is my personal opinion and most people do not agree with me
My main issue was the pace. It was very slow and that rarely works for me. It’s a very fast start but there’s so many repetitive thoughts, I got bored
The story is told through Isobel and Emma’s points of view. It all takes place in present day with many past recollections. I struggled to connect with the women, and I really wished we’d had flashbacks to tell the story, as the reveal was pretty gripping
There’s definitely more to this story than there seems and everyone is hiding massive secrets. It’s mysterious and kept me guessing but there was too much repetition for me to enjoy
I rarely guess big twists, but I guessed a couple. However, the pace picked up at the end, so I still enjoyed the drama. The final big bad twist came and I was shocked! It made me sad that up until the end, I didn’t care - if only there had been less repetition and some “then” chapters
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this eBook in exchange for my honest review
My main issue was the pace. It was very slow and that rarely works for me. It’s a very fast start but there’s so many repetitive thoughts, I got bored
The story is told through Isobel and Emma’s points of view. It all takes place in present day with many past recollections. I struggled to connect with the women, and I really wished we’d had flashbacks to tell the story, as the reveal was pretty gripping
There’s definitely more to this story than there seems and everyone is hiding massive secrets. It’s mysterious and kept me guessing but there was too much repetition for me to enjoy
I rarely guess big twists, but I guessed a couple. However, the pace picked up at the end, so I still enjoyed the drama. The final big bad twist came and I was shocked! It made me sad that up until the end, I didn’t care - if only there had been less repetition and some “then” chapters
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this eBook in exchange for my honest review
May 20, 2024
Isobel and Roly’s daughter has been kidnapped by Emma, who is claiming to be her real mother.
It is a dual POV, following Emma while she is on her journey to escape the country with the child and then Isobel, who is worried sick about her daughter but also worried about what secrets may come out from the past.
This was good read. The last part of the book was filled with twists that I wasn’t expecting.
Thank you Net Galley & Bookouture for this ARC.
It is a dual POV, following Emma while she is on her journey to escape the country with the child and then Isobel, who is worried sick about her daughter but also worried about what secrets may come out from the past.
This was good read. The last part of the book was filled with twists that I wasn’t expecting.
Thank you Net Galley & Bookouture for this ARC.
July 17, 2024
This is one of the twistier thrillers I’ve read in a while! Because of that, I can’t give away anything but the synopsis: Isobel and Roly were on a trip with their three-year-old daughter, Lola. They stopped for a bathroom break, and Lola took the stall next to her mother. When Isobel comes out, her daughter is gone.
The woman who took her is named Emma, and she’s been tracking this family for a while now. She has been waiting a long time to find her daughter Lola, and she got the chance in that bathroom. Before Isobel was pulling up her pants, Emma and Lola were already gone.
Soon, you’ll realize that both women have many secrets - and you’ll find out their secrets! You’ll learn about their pasts, their mental states, their relationships and even who the actual mother is. You’ll find out everything, with a ton of twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
You’ll need to suspend reality a bit, but this is a very suspenseful thriller that didn’t get convoluted as the cross-country adventure got more and more intense. The intensity is there from page one, and most psychological thriller readers should like this one! 4.5 stars.
(Thank you to Bookouture, Lauren North and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on July 18, 2024.)
The woman who took her is named Emma, and she’s been tracking this family for a while now. She has been waiting a long time to find her daughter Lola, and she got the chance in that bathroom. Before Isobel was pulling up her pants, Emma and Lola were already gone.
Soon, you’ll realize that both women have many secrets - and you’ll find out their secrets! You’ll learn about their pasts, their mental states, their relationships and even who the actual mother is. You’ll find out everything, with a ton of twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
You’ll need to suspend reality a bit, but this is a very suspenseful thriller that didn’t get convoluted as the cross-country adventure got more and more intense. The intensity is there from page one, and most psychological thriller readers should like this one! 4.5 stars.
(Thank you to Bookouture, Lauren North and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on July 18, 2024.)
July 23, 2024
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'I'm Her Mother' by Lauren North.
Yet another thrilling and twist packed psychological thriller from the absolutely fantastic author Lauren North! This storyline was absolutely ram packed with hair raising action which kept me turning the pages while on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happened next. The book was filled secrets, shock, family, lies, heartache, suspense, drama, tension and twists to keep you on your toes. I love the fact that there were multiple protagonists telling us their stories which gives the reader a massive insight into everything that was going on but without giving away too much. The storyline includes a mother's worse nightmare with their child being taken and I wanted to make future readers aware of this as it may be unsuitable and/or upsetting for some readers. This book takes the reader straight into the action leaving them constantly wanting to know what happens next from the very first page until the last!! This book started straight into the action and continues on a rollercoaster ride of twists, turns, shocks and surprises all the way until the cliff hanger ending which I absolutely loved and would have never seen coming. The other thing I would never have seen coming is all the twists and turns!! Just when I thought the storyline could not get any more shocking there was another twist and then another until I was reading this with my jaw dropped open in disbelieve!! I have read thousands of psychological and crime books so it is getting harder and harder to surprise me but Lauren managed it hook, line and sinker over and over so a MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS to Lauren!!!
There isn't much worse in a book than than guessing who did what when your not even half way through a book but there's no worry of that here. Lauren's absolutely fantastic emotive and evocative descriptions will have your heart racing and filled with suspense and tension along with Emma and Isobel in each and every chapter!! I could not put this book down as every single time I even thought about it something else would happen until I just had to read one more until this happened so much I had devoured it in one sitting of a few hours so make sure you clear your schedules before starting!! An absolutely unputdownable addictive page turner!!. Needless to say this would make an absolutely epic movie!!!
Clear your schedules before you even turn a single page on this epic psychological thriller as you will not be able to put it down!!
This is one of those books where it is extremely difficult to say much about the characters without giving any of the storyline. Our main protagonists consist of Isobel whose daughter Lola is taken from her when she is in the toilets of a service station and she will do anything to get her back. Emma has Lola and is determined that she is her daughter and that she needs to keep her safe and away from Isobel as well as several other characters we meet in this book. Lauren has done an absolutely fantastic job of weaving each of the protagonist's chapters together in a way where she drips feeds us exactly the right amount of information at the perfect timings. My opinion changed on the characters throughout the books so it is hard to say how I felt about them now knowing the truth but there was definitely a mix of feelings and I went from feeling sorry for one character to absolutely hating them, the complete opposite for another character, my heart went out to another character but to which ones? Well, grab your copy of this page turner and discover for yourself today!! What I will say is that this is a book filled with some very unlikeable characters that you have no idea who is telling the truth, who is hiding what and why they are doing certain things. Lauren's fantastic evocative writing skills ensures each one of them come to life in front of your eyes and that you can see, feel and hear everything that they are while turning the pages. Lauren has done an absolutely fantastic job of creating several complex characters each with their own unique personalities and mixing them into a storyline that has an ending you will never see coming!! However, regardless of how you feel about any of the characters they each play their part perfectly bringing out each and every one of your emotions throughout this action packed, addictive page turner!!
Well done Lauren on yet another fantastic, gritty and unputdownable success!! This is the reason you are one of my favourite authors and here's to your next success!!
Overall a heart racing, action packed, page turning must read with twists you will never see coming!!
#ImHerMother #LaurenNorth #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous
@LaurenNorth @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous
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Review for 'I'm Her Mother' by Lauren North.
Yet another thrilling and twist packed psychological thriller from the absolutely fantastic author Lauren North! This storyline was absolutely ram packed with hair raising action which kept me turning the pages while on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happened next. The book was filled secrets, shock, family, lies, heartache, suspense, drama, tension and twists to keep you on your toes. I love the fact that there were multiple protagonists telling us their stories which gives the reader a massive insight into everything that was going on but without giving away too much. The storyline includes a mother's worse nightmare with their child being taken and I wanted to make future readers aware of this as it may be unsuitable and/or upsetting for some readers. This book takes the reader straight into the action leaving them constantly wanting to know what happens next from the very first page until the last!! This book started straight into the action and continues on a rollercoaster ride of twists, turns, shocks and surprises all the way until the cliff hanger ending which I absolutely loved and would have never seen coming. The other thing I would never have seen coming is all the twists and turns!! Just when I thought the storyline could not get any more shocking there was another twist and then another until I was reading this with my jaw dropped open in disbelieve!! I have read thousands of psychological and crime books so it is getting harder and harder to surprise me but Lauren managed it hook, line and sinker over and over so a MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS to Lauren!!!
There isn't much worse in a book than than guessing who did what when your not even half way through a book but there's no worry of that here. Lauren's absolutely fantastic emotive and evocative descriptions will have your heart racing and filled with suspense and tension along with Emma and Isobel in each and every chapter!! I could not put this book down as every single time I even thought about it something else would happen until I just had to read one more until this happened so much I had devoured it in one sitting of a few hours so make sure you clear your schedules before starting!! An absolutely unputdownable addictive page turner!!. Needless to say this would make an absolutely epic movie!!!
Clear your schedules before you even turn a single page on this epic psychological thriller as you will not be able to put it down!!
This is one of those books where it is extremely difficult to say much about the characters without giving any of the storyline. Our main protagonists consist of Isobel whose daughter Lola is taken from her when she is in the toilets of a service station and she will do anything to get her back. Emma has Lola and is determined that she is her daughter and that she needs to keep her safe and away from Isobel as well as several other characters we meet in this book. Lauren has done an absolutely fantastic job of weaving each of the protagonist's chapters together in a way where she drips feeds us exactly the right amount of information at the perfect timings. My opinion changed on the characters throughout the books so it is hard to say how I felt about them now knowing the truth but there was definitely a mix of feelings and I went from feeling sorry for one character to absolutely hating them, the complete opposite for another character, my heart went out to another character but to which ones? Well, grab your copy of this page turner and discover for yourself today!! What I will say is that this is a book filled with some very unlikeable characters that you have no idea who is telling the truth, who is hiding what and why they are doing certain things. Lauren's fantastic evocative writing skills ensures each one of them come to life in front of your eyes and that you can see, feel and hear everything that they are while turning the pages. Lauren has done an absolutely fantastic job of creating several complex characters each with their own unique personalities and mixing them into a storyline that has an ending you will never see coming!! However, regardless of how you feel about any of the characters they each play their part perfectly bringing out each and every one of your emotions throughout this action packed, addictive page turner!!
Well done Lauren on yet another fantastic, gritty and unputdownable success!! This is the reason you are one of my favourite authors and here's to your next success!!
Overall a heart racing, action packed, page turning must read with twists you will never see coming!!
#ImHerMother #LaurenNorth #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous
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July 15, 2024
2 Mother’s claiming one child, who’s the real mother?! This book took me on a ride. This was my first introduction to Lauren North’s writing and I was hooked from the start. There were so many twists and unpredictable moments I was kept wondering until the end.
Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity!
Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity!
July 16, 2024
Thank you Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’m Her Mother is a slow burn thriller full of drama, misdirection and a complex cast with a shock here and there.
Isobel and Emma both believe that Lola is their daughter.
But who is lying…..
Who is telling the truth….
Two mothers are insisting that a three year old girl is theirs.
With multiple undesirables, suspicious scenarios and a bucket load of lies, what are the facts and who do you believe…….
I’m a fan of Lauren’s work but I did find the first half was a little repetitive and very leisurely.
Besides this I found the storyline good and the last quarter the pace revved up, got twisty and had that unexpected ending.
Everyone got to be a suspect, hide secrets and be a little bad cause we all have that in us, right!
Told over a few days with a little suspense and touch of intrigue, this book is good if you can overlook the plodding first half.
I’m Her Mother is a slow burn thriller full of drama, misdirection and a complex cast with a shock here and there.
Isobel and Emma both believe that Lola is their daughter.
But who is lying…..
Who is telling the truth….
Two mothers are insisting that a three year old girl is theirs.
With multiple undesirables, suspicious scenarios and a bucket load of lies, what are the facts and who do you believe…….
I’m a fan of Lauren’s work but I did find the first half was a little repetitive and very leisurely.
Besides this I found the storyline good and the last quarter the pace revved up, got twisty and had that unexpected ending.
Everyone got to be a suspect, hide secrets and be a little bad cause we all have that in us, right!
Told over a few days with a little suspense and touch of intrigue, this book is good if you can overlook the plodding first half.
November 8, 2024
2.5 🌟
Three year old Lola has two women claiming to be her mother. Throughout the book the guessing of who is actually Lola’s mother continues and I found the plot a bit extreme and unbelievable. The ending didn’t hit the spot for me unfortunately either.
Three year old Lola has two women claiming to be her mother. Throughout the book the guessing of who is actually Lola’s mother continues and I found the plot a bit extreme and unbelievable. The ending didn’t hit the spot for me unfortunately either.
November 1, 2024
We both say she's our daughter...who do you believe...?
I must say, Lauren North has impressed me. This is my fourth read of hers, the first being her first thriller "The Perfect Betrayal" (also published as "The Perfect Son" , through another publisher) and I loved it. But then came "My Word Against His" (her first with Bookouture) - deviously brilliant, closely followed by "She Says She's My Daughter" - very clever. And then came along this one. And again, I was both entertained and thrilled in equal measure. Probably the most irritating thing about this book is the interfering mother-in-law and the husband's ridiculous name of Roly. I'm sorry, but I could only see a cross between a Sharpei dog and a rotund figure of a man.
The story itself is so full of twists that you think you have it all figured out (and granted, while you might have some, you won't even be close as to the rest of it!) that you will get whiplash with which the speed everything changes in the blink of an eye. Throughout the entire tale I was unsure who to really believe despite spying the obvious underlying truth. But hold tight, North isn't even close to being finished with this one, and everything you thought you knew you then begin to question. But are they the right questions? You'll have to read the book to find out!
Isobel and Roly are on their way home from Cornwall with their 3 year old daughter Lola when they stop at the motorway services for a bathroom break. And Lola, being at the precocious age of 3, insists on going by herself. That's fine, mum Isobel is only in the cubicle next door. The whole scenario takes something like, what, two minutes? But by the time Isobel comes out of her's, Lola has gone. She's not in the cubicle she'd locked herself in, she's not at the basins, she's not even outside the bathroom waiting for her mother. She has simply vanished.
Isobel is frantic. She races outside to find Roly scrolling through his phone and asks has he seen Lola. That would be a no. So he does what any frantic parent would do. Calls in a favour via a friend who is a DCI at Scotland Yard, knowing he'll track the culprit down and return Lola to them.
Let's backtrack a bit, back to the bathroom. While Isobel is scrolling through her phone in her cubicle, Lola had promptly finished her business and was busy washing her hands at the basin. Enter Emma...with a big bright yellow ducky that Lola had spied on her way to the bathroom with pleas to Isobel to add ducky to her collection of stuffed toys. Emma smiles. Lola smiles. Emma reaches out her hand. Lola hesitates, looks back at the cubicle before the lure of ducky is too much and she takes Emma's hand. In a matter of moments, before Isobel has buttoned up her skinny jeans that Roly loves her in, Emma and Lola have gone.
What ensues is a frantic chase north, south, east, west across the country in a bid to find Lola and return her safely into Isobel and Roly's arms and arrest the person who took her. But the deeper you delve into this story, the more you find that as soon as you peel back one layer, another lays beneath. And so on...and so on...and so on. Just when it seems they are closing in, Emma escapes their claws once again.
But just who is Emma and how does she fit into Isobel and Roly's world? Both women claim to be Lola's mother, but which one of them is telling the truth? Both women have secrets but can you guess what they are? Even Roly has secrets as does his horrible mother Margaret who thinks only of the Huntingdon name and the fact that Lola is "her grandchild" rather than Isobel's daughter.
You'll need to suspend reality a bit but that's OK; if the story's entertaining and thrilling enough, then how believable it is or isn't doesn't matter. For me, it's all about the entertainment factor and how much the author draws you into the world within those pages making it an easy read and without being convoluted. If they can do that, and keep me thrilled along the way, then you can pretty much guarantee 5 stars from me.
Overall, a thoroughly entertaining, intriguing thrill ride that is twisty and intense from the first page. Plenty of red herrings in this one to keep you guessing all the way through. I doubt you will see the outcome before its reveal. I think most psychological thrillers will like this one!
I would like to thank #LaurenNorth, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #ImHerMother in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I must say, Lauren North has impressed me. This is my fourth read of hers, the first being her first thriller "The Perfect Betrayal" (also published as "The Perfect Son" , through another publisher) and I loved it. But then came "My Word Against His" (her first with Bookouture) - deviously brilliant, closely followed by "She Says She's My Daughter" - very clever. And then came along this one. And again, I was both entertained and thrilled in equal measure. Probably the most irritating thing about this book is the interfering mother-in-law and the husband's ridiculous name of Roly. I'm sorry, but I could only see a cross between a Sharpei dog and a rotund figure of a man.
The story itself is so full of twists that you think you have it all figured out (and granted, while you might have some, you won't even be close as to the rest of it!) that you will get whiplash with which the speed everything changes in the blink of an eye. Throughout the entire tale I was unsure who to really believe despite spying the obvious underlying truth. But hold tight, North isn't even close to being finished with this one, and everything you thought you knew you then begin to question. But are they the right questions? You'll have to read the book to find out!
Isobel and Roly are on their way home from Cornwall with their 3 year old daughter Lola when they stop at the motorway services for a bathroom break. And Lola, being at the precocious age of 3, insists on going by herself. That's fine, mum Isobel is only in the cubicle next door. The whole scenario takes something like, what, two minutes? But by the time Isobel comes out of her's, Lola has gone. She's not in the cubicle she'd locked herself in, she's not at the basins, she's not even outside the bathroom waiting for her mother. She has simply vanished.
Isobel is frantic. She races outside to find Roly scrolling through his phone and asks has he seen Lola. That would be a no. So he does what any frantic parent would do. Calls in a favour via a friend who is a DCI at Scotland Yard, knowing he'll track the culprit down and return Lola to them.
Let's backtrack a bit, back to the bathroom. While Isobel is scrolling through her phone in her cubicle, Lola had promptly finished her business and was busy washing her hands at the basin. Enter Emma...with a big bright yellow ducky that Lola had spied on her way to the bathroom with pleas to Isobel to add ducky to her collection of stuffed toys. Emma smiles. Lola smiles. Emma reaches out her hand. Lola hesitates, looks back at the cubicle before the lure of ducky is too much and she takes Emma's hand. In a matter of moments, before Isobel has buttoned up her skinny jeans that Roly loves her in, Emma and Lola have gone.
What ensues is a frantic chase north, south, east, west across the country in a bid to find Lola and return her safely into Isobel and Roly's arms and arrest the person who took her. But the deeper you delve into this story, the more you find that as soon as you peel back one layer, another lays beneath. And so on...and so on...and so on. Just when it seems they are closing in, Emma escapes their claws once again.
But just who is Emma and how does she fit into Isobel and Roly's world? Both women claim to be Lola's mother, but which one of them is telling the truth? Both women have secrets but can you guess what they are? Even Roly has secrets as does his horrible mother Margaret who thinks only of the Huntingdon name and the fact that Lola is "her grandchild" rather than Isobel's daughter.
You'll need to suspend reality a bit but that's OK; if the story's entertaining and thrilling enough, then how believable it is or isn't doesn't matter. For me, it's all about the entertainment factor and how much the author draws you into the world within those pages making it an easy read and without being convoluted. If they can do that, and keep me thrilled along the way, then you can pretty much guarantee 5 stars from me.
Overall, a thoroughly entertaining, intriguing thrill ride that is twisty and intense from the first page. Plenty of red herrings in this one to keep you guessing all the way through. I doubt you will see the outcome before its reveal. I think most psychological thrillers will like this one!
I would like to thank #LaurenNorth, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #ImHerMother in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
July 25, 2024
This was a good read. I was so hooked and engaged at the start. However somewhere down the line it started feeling very repetitive and sentences just repeating itself over and over.
I was really happy with the writing though, it was very easy to read and made me want to keep reading until around the mid point but that’s only because of the repetitiveness.
I enjoyed how we get both FMCs point of views throughout. I was starting to pick up on a few twist but the ending was still like BAM!! And I was not expecting that at all.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the chance to read this 🫶🏽
I was really happy with the writing though, it was very easy to read and made me want to keep reading until around the mid point but that’s only because of the repetitiveness.
I enjoyed how we get both FMCs point of views throughout. I was starting to pick up on a few twist but the ending was still like BAM!! And I was not expecting that at all.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the chance to read this 🫶🏽
July 20, 2024
Holy Moly! Lauren North knows how to get my pulse racing!
Isobel’s three year old daughter, Lola, is snatched from the toilets in a service station by their former Nanny, Emma, who believes she is Lola’s real mother. Isobel is bereft and is desperate to find Lola, but she also has to deal with the mother in law from hell, who is terrified that the family name will be brought into disrepute!
As a terrifying cat and mouse game ensues, with both women utterly convinced that Lola is their daughter, secrets from the past threaten to emerge. I did guess which of the two women was Lola’s real mother, but never in my wildest dreams could I have predicted the rest.
The pace is fast, the characters are brilliantly ruthless and the twists are dropped from a great height - they knocked the breath out of me as I hurtled to the end of this crazy, crazy ride!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Lauren North and Bookouture, for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Isobel’s three year old daughter, Lola, is snatched from the toilets in a service station by their former Nanny, Emma, who believes she is Lola’s real mother. Isobel is bereft and is desperate to find Lola, but she also has to deal with the mother in law from hell, who is terrified that the family name will be brought into disrepute!
As a terrifying cat and mouse game ensues, with both women utterly convinced that Lola is their daughter, secrets from the past threaten to emerge. I did guess which of the two women was Lola’s real mother, but never in my wildest dreams could I have predicted the rest.
The pace is fast, the characters are brilliantly ruthless and the twists are dropped from a great height - they knocked the breath out of me as I hurtled to the end of this crazy, crazy ride!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Lauren North and Bookouture, for an ARC in return for an honest review.
September 20, 2024
Two women both claim a girl is their daughter. This book alternates perspective between each woman, with the reader being privy to the inner thoughts of both. Gripping read as the story progresses. As the mystery unfolds, it’s easy to pick what the twist is, until that twist is revealed, and further turned on its head to a really satisfying ending. That is until you realize the plot holes that are only present by knowing the characters thoughts throughout the story, that the reader is outright lied to. This could have been easily avoided if the characters were just lying to others characters, rather than having their thoughts lie to the reader.
December 19, 2024
Ridiculous plot poorly told.
June 10, 2025
Great book with lots of unexpected twists. I listened to the audio book and although the reader has a really nice voice I found it a bit staccato and forced.
June 26, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture and Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Roly and Isobel stop at a rest area for their 3 year old daughter, Lola, to use the bathroom. When Isobel comes out of the stall, Lola is missing and eventually they realize she has been kidnapped. Emma is the kidnapper and also believes that she is Lola's mother and must take her away from her parents to keep her safe. Roly and Isobel have done some shady things in their past, which we aren't privy to right away, but they eventually realize those things are coming back to haunt them.
I am starting to realize my attention span is getting shorter and I am getting less willing to stick with books that are boring or where the reveals aren't coming fast enough. Fortunately I didn't have that problem with this one. This one kept me interested throughout, which I can't say for that many books that I have read recently. I really enjoyed this one. I usually don't like when the characters keep referring to the terrible things they have done in the past. I find it annoying. We know this has to do with your shady past or there would be no book. But, in this case, there was enough going on beyond just talking about shady dealings to keep me interested and honestly, I really wanted to know what bad stuff they had done. I really went back and forth on Emma and what her relationship was with Roly and Isobel and there was a lot to that story that got metered out throughout the book, so when you thought you knew it all, you didn't. There were lots of reveals and lots of twists and turns and I really didn't figure out any of the nuances, so I enjoyed this ride and look forward to this author's next book.
Roly and Isobel stop at a rest area for their 3 year old daughter, Lola, to use the bathroom. When Isobel comes out of the stall, Lola is missing and eventually they realize she has been kidnapped. Emma is the kidnapper and also believes that she is Lola's mother and must take her away from her parents to keep her safe. Roly and Isobel have done some shady things in their past, which we aren't privy to right away, but they eventually realize those things are coming back to haunt them.
I am starting to realize my attention span is getting shorter and I am getting less willing to stick with books that are boring or where the reveals aren't coming fast enough. Fortunately I didn't have that problem with this one. This one kept me interested throughout, which I can't say for that many books that I have read recently. I really enjoyed this one. I usually don't like when the characters keep referring to the terrible things they have done in the past. I find it annoying. We know this has to do with your shady past or there would be no book. But, in this case, there was enough going on beyond just talking about shady dealings to keep me interested and honestly, I really wanted to know what bad stuff they had done. I really went back and forth on Emma and what her relationship was with Roly and Isobel and there was a lot to that story that got metered out throughout the book, so when you thought you knew it all, you didn't. There were lots of reveals and lots of twists and turns and I really didn't figure out any of the nuances, so I enjoyed this ride and look forward to this author's next book.
July 13, 2024
Isobel and her husband Roly are just returning from a lovely family holiday in Cornwall with their three year old daughter Lola when they stop at the motorway services so Lola can go to the toilet, she insists on going into the cubicle on her own but when Isobel comes out of the one next door her little girl has vanished and Isobel's world crumbles. They quickly discover who has Lola, a woman claiming to be her mum, but how can that be when Isobel is her mum? But things are never as they seem and the secrets that have been hidden for the last few years are about to be revealed...
I'm Her Mother is North's latest thriller and is told from the perspectives of Isobel and Emma, both claiming to be Lola's mum. Emma is determined to prove that she's her real mum but first she needs to get her as far away from England as possible and keep them both safe, Isobel just wants her little girl back home and to carry on with their lives. This is a fast paced read, with short chapters, lots of action and some very unsavoury characters. I didn't particularly like any of the characters in this story and was continually pulled back and forth between Isobel and Emma, which one was I to believe? There were some great twists in this extraordinary tale, and I did eventually guess who was telling the truth but nothing prepared me for the final sucker punch that North delivered which left me, as always, in awe of her vivid imagination and writing abilities. This is another fantastic read from one of my go to authors and an easy five stars from me, I can't wait for her next one!
I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
I'm Her Mother is North's latest thriller and is told from the perspectives of Isobel and Emma, both claiming to be Lola's mum. Emma is determined to prove that she's her real mum but first she needs to get her as far away from England as possible and keep them both safe, Isobel just wants her little girl back home and to carry on with their lives. This is a fast paced read, with short chapters, lots of action and some very unsavoury characters. I didn't particularly like any of the characters in this story and was continually pulled back and forth between Isobel and Emma, which one was I to believe? There were some great twists in this extraordinary tale, and I did eventually guess who was telling the truth but nothing prepared me for the final sucker punch that North delivered which left me, as always, in awe of her vivid imagination and writing abilities. This is another fantastic read from one of my go to authors and an easy five stars from me, I can't wait for her next one!
I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
May 11, 2024
⭐️ rating: 8/10
read if you like:
🏡 family dramas
🕵🏻 kidnappings
❌ double crossing
🏃 people on the run
summary:
This book tells the story of Isobel, mother to three year old Lola, who is taken from her and her husband on their way home from vacation. The kidnapper, Emma, believes that Lola is hers, and goes on the run to keep from being found.
The book goes back and forth between Isobel and Emma’s point of view, and builds out both women’s characters deeply. I found myself having empathy for both Isobel AND Emma, even though on the surface, Emma was the criminal. The writer also does a good job of going deep into both characters backstories early on, rather than dragging out unnecessary reveals, letting you focus on the kidnapping itself. The plot moves quickly, and is hardly predictable — I thought I had read enough child kidnapping books to know how this story would progress, but I was completely wrong! Everyone in this book has their own agenda and secrets — from the two women, to Roly, Isobel’s husband, and his mother, Margaret. There are several twists throughout it, and the complexity is easy to follow but SO GOOD! In the end, it’s hard to know who to feel more sorry for — Isobel or Emma, but its unique for a book to keep you both on the edge of your seat AND pull on your heartstrings!
read if you like:
🏡 family dramas
🕵🏻 kidnappings
❌ double crossing
🏃 people on the run
summary:
This book tells the story of Isobel, mother to three year old Lola, who is taken from her and her husband on their way home from vacation. The kidnapper, Emma, believes that Lola is hers, and goes on the run to keep from being found.
The book goes back and forth between Isobel and Emma’s point of view, and builds out both women’s characters deeply. I found myself having empathy for both Isobel AND Emma, even though on the surface, Emma was the criminal. The writer also does a good job of going deep into both characters backstories early on, rather than dragging out unnecessary reveals, letting you focus on the kidnapping itself. The plot moves quickly, and is hardly predictable — I thought I had read enough child kidnapping books to know how this story would progress, but I was completely wrong! Everyone in this book has their own agenda and secrets — from the two women, to Roly, Isobel’s husband, and his mother, Margaret. There are several twists throughout it, and the complexity is easy to follow but SO GOOD! In the end, it’s hard to know who to feel more sorry for — Isobel or Emma, but its unique for a book to keep you both on the edge of your seat AND pull on your heartstrings!
July 28, 2024
HOLY. SHIT.
I’ve now read five books by Lauren North and so far I’ve found her very hit and miss. I either love her books or struggle to stay engaged for the duration of the book. “The Perfect Son” and “All the Wicked Games” have two of the best plot twists I’ve ever read, “She Says She’s my Daughter” was pretty good although a little more predictable, and “The Teacher’s Secret” was to me difficult to get through. It had a good premise but I struggled to stay engaged. I was really hoping that “I’m her Mother” would be great, and it didn’t disappoint!
Admittedly, the first half of the book was slow, but for me that was realistic. In this kind of situation it does feel like time is dragging, like nothing is happening, and I thought that was conveyed pretty well through the slow pacing at the start.
But the second half - HOLY CRAP.
I don’t want to give anything away, but there were several twists I never saw coming. Without giving it away, one of the twists wasn’t that major to the plot overall, but had me reeling. I actually had to go back and see if I could see any signs that that was coming - never in a million years would I have expected that one.
The last 20% was incredible and THAT. ENDING?! THAT EPILOGUE?! WHAT?! My heart actually dropped -
This was actually sensational and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the next book by this author will be just as good!
I’ve now read five books by Lauren North and so far I’ve found her very hit and miss. I either love her books or struggle to stay engaged for the duration of the book. “The Perfect Son” and “All the Wicked Games” have two of the best plot twists I’ve ever read, “She Says She’s my Daughter” was pretty good although a little more predictable, and “The Teacher’s Secret” was to me difficult to get through. It had a good premise but I struggled to stay engaged. I was really hoping that “I’m her Mother” would be great, and it didn’t disappoint!
Admittedly, the first half of the book was slow, but for me that was realistic. In this kind of situation it does feel like time is dragging, like nothing is happening, and I thought that was conveyed pretty well through the slow pacing at the start.
But the second half - HOLY CRAP.
I don’t want to give anything away, but there were several twists I never saw coming. Without giving it away, one of the twists wasn’t that major to the plot overall, but had me reeling. I actually had to go back and see if I could see any signs that that was coming - never in a million years would I have expected that one.
The last 20% was incredible and THAT. ENDING?! THAT EPILOGUE?! WHAT?! My heart actually dropped -
This was actually sensational and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the next book by this author will be just as good!
May 31, 2025
I read Lauren North’s The Perfect Son in which a child is in danger a couple months ago. I picked up I’m Her Mother in which yet another child is in danger. But Lauren’s prose is descriptive and immersive and her plot is convoluted and surprising with twist after twist. Three year old Lola Huntington seems to have the perfect life with 2 loving, affluent parents and looking forward to her fourth birthday in a few weeks. On the way home from a family trip she goes into a restroom with her mother. She is momentarily distracted and then snatched by a young woman called Emma Jacobs. Emma believes she is Lola’s mother. She goes on the run with Lola. The plot unfolds over the next 4 days as Emma and Lola are on the run and Roland and Isabel desperately look for them. Chapters alternate between Isabel and Emma. Gradually we learn the backgrounds of the 2 woman and how their stories intertwine. I found it hard to root for either one of these woman to get Lola. They both seemed emotionally unstable in different ways. Both of them feared the enigmatic “Jonny” and his “businesses.”
Tension increases until the final 50 pages bring twist after twist. I did find the ending pretty far fetched but I definitely did not have it figured out. The child is unharmed in the end.
Tension increases until the final 50 pages bring twist after twist. I did find the ending pretty far fetched but I definitely did not have it figured out. The child is unharmed in the end.
May 25, 2024
I devoured this book in just over 24 hours, gripped by the twists and turns, fast pace and countless questions, which were all answered in a satisfying way by the end.
This book made me feel anger at character’s actions, as well as understanding and empathy. Characters I disliked became favourites and plot twists constantly challenged my opinions. Just as the two mothers in this story, I was never quite sure who I should be rooting for or trusting along the way.
Little Lola was an adorable character, and portrayed believably for a three-year-old, especially once everything became clear at the end!
I thought the plot was incredibly clever! Although a few of the more minor twists were quite predictable, I feel as though this may have been intentional, paving the way for larger, shocking twists that I never saw coming.
A few phrases felt a little overused, but made sense for the characters.
Overall, I rated this story 4.5/5 stars, rounded to 5, an enjoyable read that kept me guessing!
I received an advance reader copy of this book, which in no way affects my review. This review is voluntary.
This book made me feel anger at character’s actions, as well as understanding and empathy. Characters I disliked became favourites and plot twists constantly challenged my opinions. Just as the two mothers in this story, I was never quite sure who I should be rooting for or trusting along the way.
Little Lola was an adorable character, and portrayed believably for a three-year-old, especially once everything became clear at the end!
I thought the plot was incredibly clever! Although a few of the more minor twists were quite predictable, I feel as though this may have been intentional, paving the way for larger, shocking twists that I never saw coming.
A few phrases felt a little overused, but made sense for the characters.
Overall, I rated this story 4.5/5 stars, rounded to 5, an enjoyable read that kept me guessing!
I received an advance reader copy of this book, which in no way affects my review. This review is voluntary.
July 1, 2024
My little girl Lola is my world. Three years old and beautiful - all golden curls and dimpled cheeks. But on our way home from holiday, she was stolen, whisked away in the blink of an eye. I can't breathe without Lola. I don't know how to get her back. The woman who has my daughter is on the run. And she has no intention of bringing my daughter home. Because she says she's her mother.
Roly and Isobel make a quick stop so that Lola can use the bathroom, but when Isobel comes out of the toilet, Lola is missing, she's been kidnapped. Emma (the kidnapper) believes that Lola is her daughter.
This story is told from Isobel and Emma's perspectives. I felt for both these women for different reasons. We get a lot of backstories of both women. My opinion of them kept changing. The pace is fast in this twisted and well-written story. I was intrigued to see how it would end. Both the women's stories were compelling, but who was telling the truth.
Published 18th July 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #LaurenNorth for my ARC of #ImHerMother in exchange for an honest review.
Roly and Isobel make a quick stop so that Lola can use the bathroom, but when Isobel comes out of the toilet, Lola is missing, she's been kidnapped. Emma (the kidnapper) believes that Lola is her daughter.
This story is told from Isobel and Emma's perspectives. I felt for both these women for different reasons. We get a lot of backstories of both women. My opinion of them kept changing. The pace is fast in this twisted and well-written story. I was intrigued to see how it would end. Both the women's stories were compelling, but who was telling the truth.
Published 18th July 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #LaurenNorth for my ARC of #ImHerMother in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2024
A mother is devastated when her daughter, Lola, gets kidnapped and is desperate to find her. The woman who has Lola insists she’s her mother. With both women claiming Lola is theirs, will Lola be returned and will the truth be found out?
Having read quite a few missing children thrillers, they tend to get a bit similar. Although this started in the usual way, by the end it went in some interesting, crazy directions, which I found enjoyable but belief needs to be suspended. I really liked the premise of not knowing who to believe and my mind kept changing rapidly trying to work out the truths. I found that the characters points of views compelling but felt I lacked a connection to them.
This was an entertaining, twisty psychological thriller, however I felt that I didn’t really get into the story until close to the end, when more action and unravelling starts to happen. I found the build up to this too long and repetitive but ultimately, I am pleased that I read this and will read more by this author. 3.5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
Having read quite a few missing children thrillers, they tend to get a bit similar. Although this started in the usual way, by the end it went in some interesting, crazy directions, which I found enjoyable but belief needs to be suspended. I really liked the premise of not knowing who to believe and my mind kept changing rapidly trying to work out the truths. I found that the characters points of views compelling but felt I lacked a connection to them.
This was an entertaining, twisty psychological thriller, however I felt that I didn’t really get into the story until close to the end, when more action and unravelling starts to happen. I found the build up to this too long and repetitive but ultimately, I am pleased that I read this and will read more by this author. 3.5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
June 21, 2024
Wow, wowsers, just wow! Not other words needed. Just go buy and read this book and then tell me you don't agree!
My mind is blown.
Literally been sitting here for a couple of hours trying to think of words, but it's impossible. Anything I say might be taken as a spoiler which I wouldn't want to do.
I definitely didn't see anything coming,
I equally could barely stop reading it, to the extent that I not only was reading on the tube, but in the cab office and then in the cab ride home, all totally fed up that I kept having to move from one ot the other while I was so so close to the end, and just wanting to see what would happen next.
Was never fully sure who to believe, but both of leading ladies stories are totally compelling. And I kept on gasping out loud.
Definitely Lauren North's best book, even though I've loved them all, this one just wow.
Basically I loved it, was addicted, and you really do need to read it for yourself! And trust no one!
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My mind is blown.
Literally been sitting here for a couple of hours trying to think of words, but it's impossible. Anything I say might be taken as a spoiler which I wouldn't want to do.
I definitely didn't see anything coming,
I equally could barely stop reading it, to the extent that I not only was reading on the tube, but in the cab office and then in the cab ride home, all totally fed up that I kept having to move from one ot the other while I was so so close to the end, and just wanting to see what would happen next.
Was never fully sure who to believe, but both of leading ladies stories are totally compelling. And I kept on gasping out loud.
Definitely Lauren North's best book, even though I've loved them all, this one just wow.
Basically I loved it, was addicted, and you really do need to read it for yourself! And trust no one!
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
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