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The Woman in My Home
I thought I could never leave my little girls. But I had to.
My husband told me that the accident was my fault. That I was to blame when our beautiful, funny two-year-old daughter almost died.
So ten months ago I left. I left our isolated house in the wild, windswept village where we lived. I left my little girls. And every day away from them was agony. I missed the soapy smell of their hair and their laughs and the way they played together under the apple tree.
But now I’m back, knocking on my own front door like a stranger.
There’s a woman living in my home. Taking care of my daughters. Sharing a bed with my husband.
And she has a newborn baby.
Everything I thought I knew . . . was a lie.
My husband told me that the accident was my fault. That I was to blame when our beautiful, funny two-year-old daughter almost died.
So ten months ago I left. I left our isolated house in the wild, windswept village where we lived. I left my little girls. And every day away from them was agony. I missed the soapy smell of their hair and their laughs and the way they played together under the apple tree.
But now I’m back, knocking on my own front door like a stranger.
There’s a woman living in my home. Taking care of my daughters. Sharing a bed with my husband.
And she has a newborn baby.
Everything I thought I knew . . . was a lie.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2024
503 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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May 29, 2024I may or may not have dnf this book which is so sad. My first dnf of the year… Smfh the synopsis was nothing like what the actual book was giving… I tried to read this but once I caught myself skimming for 2 hours and still barely made it half way through proved to me I just need to give it up.
May 25, 2024
I honestly don’t know how to feel about this story. I really wanted to love it especially because of the description but it didn’t go in the direction I thought it would. There was a lot of back in fourth of the present to events leading up to Elin’s return but most of it seemed unnecessary and there was no indication of what timeline it would be on so I had to figure out on my own if it was the past or the present. I was hooked for the most part because I was curious for the truth but I did have to also push myself to keep reading for some parts. The last 10% was where I wanted to get the book over with already. I hate to say it, but I was also unsatisfied with the ending. The way things turned out felt like it was just a rush to end the story. I feel like the description is very misleading and that is a big part of why this story intrigued me in the first place. This story had so much potential but ultimately it disappointed me.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this e-ARC.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this e-ARC.
May 30, 2024
Gripping
When Elin’s small daughter had a bad accident at home, Elin blamed herself, and so did her husband. Unable to live with it, Elin left home, leaving both her small daughters behind. Ten months later, she is back, only to find another woman has moved in and she has a baby as well. We follow Elin as she tries to make amends to her children and forge a life with them, but how can she when her husband has moved on so quickly? I found this book gripping and also very sad, but I was anxious to read it to the end, urging Elin in my mind not to give up.
When Elin’s small daughter had a bad accident at home, Elin blamed herself, and so did her husband. Unable to live with it, Elin left home, leaving both her small daughters behind. Ten months later, she is back, only to find another woman has moved in and she has a baby as well. We follow Elin as she tries to make amends to her children and forge a life with them, but how can she when her husband has moved on so quickly? I found this book gripping and also very sad, but I was anxious to read it to the end, urging Elin in my mind not to give up.
May 28, 2024
I loved this book. It is thoughtful and reflective and deals with trauma and motherhood in an intelligent and piercing way. It is also 'unputdownable'! I wanted to race to the end to find out what happens, but I am glad I didn't because the quality of the writing is beautiful. The characters are complex, too. I recognised a lot of the anguish of motherhood that Elin experiences. I definitely recommend this book!
May 18, 2024
I really didn’t connect with this book and found the narration really weird. I felt like the first 70% of the book was unnecessary with a lot happening near the end. I feel like this author is one and done for me.
September 3, 2024
3.5 stars. This was a good story and kept me reading. I did struggle a bit with the 2nd person narration (I think that is what it is anyway). All is all I'm glad I read it, it just took me a bit longer than I would have liked.
May 18, 2024
This book was not for me. It wasn't at all what I had expected, after reading the book description. It wasn't gripping for me. It also kept jumping between the past and the present, which I have no problem with, but there wasn't anything indicating that the timeline was switching. I had to use context clues from what was being said. Overall, I just didn't care for it. There may be people that love it, but unfortunately I was not one of them.
July 19, 2024
Did not feel it was gripping at all and quite slow. Wouldn’t recommend.
May 21, 2024
So gripping I read this in one sitting
Many thanks to Joffe books for this free eARC.
‘She wasn’t crying. That was the terrifying part.’ … From these opening lines, the story and characters pull you in. I connected with them all immediately, and the author has a real knack of making even the narcissistic, controlling, and outright despicable people tolerable enough to read.
Right from the start the tension is palpable and grows with every page. I had to keep remembering to breathe. It’s all the worse for its subtlety. Psychological and emotional abuse scars you in ways people don’t see unless they care to, which makes it so insidious and disgusting. This book captures all of this in a realistic, compelling, and sensitive manner. I could not put this book down!
Though the writing is passive, which would—usually—put me off, the writer executes the narrative skilfully, which makes this a smooth read as well as a compelling one. Here are some lines which stood out for me …
‘[…]as he fixed his gaze on me, the realisation passed over his eyes like a shadow in water.’
And …
‘Though it was he who made me this way—weaker, less sure of myself—he also hated me for it. That was the unfairness—and the stupidity.’
And …
‘[…]and while feeling grateful for this attention, I also had a prickly sense of exposure, like a creature uncovered in the grass.’
And …
‘People came, bringing presents and clichés.’
I loved so many it proved difficult to choose so few. The setting is also incredibly well depicted, and I love how the many references to the near mountains enhance the mood, whether it be brightly lit and inspiring or gloomy, overcast, and dangerous.
To some, this may seem a slow read until the final 25%, but the tension and fear is there throughout and so subtly done I loved it. The way the story unfolds, following the same POV but switching between different yet relevant time periods and the present, makes for a tantalising slow reveal about the silent menace and what really happened.
I cannot recommend this book or the author highly enough. It gets a solid five stars from me. Go read this novel.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
Many thanks to Joffe books for this free eARC.
‘She wasn’t crying. That was the terrifying part.’ … From these opening lines, the story and characters pull you in. I connected with them all immediately, and the author has a real knack of making even the narcissistic, controlling, and outright despicable people tolerable enough to read.
Right from the start the tension is palpable and grows with every page. I had to keep remembering to breathe. It’s all the worse for its subtlety. Psychological and emotional abuse scars you in ways people don’t see unless they care to, which makes it so insidious and disgusting. This book captures all of this in a realistic, compelling, and sensitive manner. I could not put this book down!
Though the writing is passive, which would—usually—put me off, the writer executes the narrative skilfully, which makes this a smooth read as well as a compelling one. Here are some lines which stood out for me …
‘[…]as he fixed his gaze on me, the realisation passed over his eyes like a shadow in water.’
And …
‘Though it was he who made me this way—weaker, less sure of myself—he also hated me for it. That was the unfairness—and the stupidity.’
And …
‘[…]and while feeling grateful for this attention, I also had a prickly sense of exposure, like a creature uncovered in the grass.’
And …
‘People came, bringing presents and clichés.’
I loved so many it proved difficult to choose so few. The setting is also incredibly well depicted, and I love how the many references to the near mountains enhance the mood, whether it be brightly lit and inspiring or gloomy, overcast, and dangerous.
To some, this may seem a slow read until the final 25%, but the tension and fear is there throughout and so subtly done I loved it. The way the story unfolds, following the same POV but switching between different yet relevant time periods and the present, makes for a tantalising slow reveal about the silent menace and what really happened.
I cannot recommend this book or the author highly enough. It gets a solid five stars from me. Go read this novel.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
June 26, 2024
After a horrible accident that left her child scarred, Elin abandons her husband and kids. She decides to return home months later, only to find her husband has moved on. What really happened the day of the incident and how has her husband already found someone else to replace her?
The author writes in great detail, every moment of each chapter. I could vividly picture each character and scene. Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I found every character to be unlikeable. While the overall theme of the book was a good one, the actions of each character were unrealistic, as were the characters themselves. I found myself questioning their actions all throughout the story.
The author writes in great detail, every moment of each chapter. I could vividly picture each character and scene. Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I found every character to be unlikeable. While the overall theme of the book was a good one, the actions of each character were unrealistic, as were the characters themselves. I found myself questioning their actions all throughout the story.
June 7, 2024
First, thank you to NetGalley, author CR Howell and Joffe publishing for the ARC and opportunity to review this book.
I will admit that I saw a few reviews complaining about how ‘dark’ this book was and how the title didn’t match the storyline so I was a little worried but that worry quickly dissipated.
This book was unreal! The way the author showcased gaslighting in a domestic relationship and how traumatic pasts can cause mental health disorders in women was so unbelievably well done!
So many women are so judgemental towards others when it comes to mental health and being a mother and hating so many suffer in silence. The storyline of this mother’s traumatic upbringing, her dissociative disorder when she became a mother and her journey through therapy was so realistic and heart warming.
While I wouldn’t so much classify this as a thriller book, it was suspenseful and gripping. I read it in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down.
The way I could relate to the main character through my own traumatic past was unbelievable. The storyline was so realistic and so well done.
While it was a book that I knew the twists before they came, I think this is just because I have studied trauma endlessly and have my own past trauma that I have been healing.
I think this is one of those books that readers will either love or hate due to the topic in the storyline. I absolutely loved it. I would give it more than 5 stars because not only was it a great page turning read, but it brought awareness to trauma and mental health that so many can relate too.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I will admit that I saw a few reviews complaining about how ‘dark’ this book was and how the title didn’t match the storyline so I was a little worried but that worry quickly dissipated.
This book was unreal! The way the author showcased gaslighting in a domestic relationship and how traumatic pasts can cause mental health disorders in women was so unbelievably well done!
So many women are so judgemental towards others when it comes to mental health and being a mother and hating so many suffer in silence. The storyline of this mother’s traumatic upbringing, her dissociative disorder when she became a mother and her journey through therapy was so realistic and heart warming.
While I wouldn’t so much classify this as a thriller book, it was suspenseful and gripping. I read it in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down.
The way I could relate to the main character through my own traumatic past was unbelievable. The storyline was so realistic and so well done.
While it was a book that I knew the twists before they came, I think this is just because I have studied trauma endlessly and have my own past trauma that I have been healing.
I think this is one of those books that readers will either love or hate due to the topic in the storyline. I absolutely loved it. I would give it more than 5 stars because not only was it a great page turning read, but it brought awareness to trauma and mental health that so many can relate too.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 30, 2024
What a debut! I am really impressed with this novel. First of all, I’ve never before read such a vivid, authentic, and unflinchingly honest depiction of motherhood in all its messy, dysfunctional, harrowing glory. It spoke to me on so many levels - I felt seen and understood - but it also terrified me, having so often felt at the end of my tether as a mother, like the novel’s protagonist, Elin. It portrays how we as mothers, often question our own sanity - doubly so, as in Elin’s case, when being gaslit and suppressing past traumas - and it explores what might happen if we made a snap decision in those moments, and how that might alter the course of our lives and turn everything upside down in the blink of an eye. Terrifying - and very, very close to the bone. This is a brave novelist, writing what hurts. Writing the unthinkable. Writing with guts.
It’s a coming-of-motherhood novel (I don’t *think* that’s a genre but maybe it should be!) which has an underlying, bubbling tension throughout the first half, leading to twist and turns and dramatic climaxes in the second half, that really lives up to all the build up. Although it is an absolutely thrilling read (I was completely gripped, my heart was thumping like mad for most of it) - it is not strictly a thriller. I’d say it is more of a literary novel, for readers who want depth and meatier characters, and relishes some complex psychological themes.
It is set in north west Wales, a predominantly Welsh speaking community, which works well with Elin’s feelings of alienation and disassociation (caused by an early traumatic experience), by her not being able to speak Welsh. The author’s respect for the language and culture is apparent and the setting feels authentic. I love how the author weaves the Welsh language into the folds of the narrative without it feeling shoehorned in any way.
The Woman in My Home is a love letter to Elin’s children, it’s also a love letter to herself. It is about motherhood, yes; it’s also about losing one’s identity (which often happens in motherhood), and it’s about the unreliability of memory. But for me, at its core is a beautifully vivid study of generational trauma, and how Elin eventually manages to break that cycle. She makes a start, anyway. And we really, really pine for her.
It’s all of this, written in a simple, achingly beautiful style, with the characters driving the plot, not the other way around (thankfully). They will stay with me for a long time.
The dawn chorus was in full swing by the time I’d devoured it. Can’t wait to read more of this author’s work.
It’s a coming-of-motherhood novel (I don’t *think* that’s a genre but maybe it should be!) which has an underlying, bubbling tension throughout the first half, leading to twist and turns and dramatic climaxes in the second half, that really lives up to all the build up. Although it is an absolutely thrilling read (I was completely gripped, my heart was thumping like mad for most of it) - it is not strictly a thriller. I’d say it is more of a literary novel, for readers who want depth and meatier characters, and relishes some complex psychological themes.
It is set in north west Wales, a predominantly Welsh speaking community, which works well with Elin’s feelings of alienation and disassociation (caused by an early traumatic experience), by her not being able to speak Welsh. The author’s respect for the language and culture is apparent and the setting feels authentic. I love how the author weaves the Welsh language into the folds of the narrative without it feeling shoehorned in any way.
The Woman in My Home is a love letter to Elin’s children, it’s also a love letter to herself. It is about motherhood, yes; it’s also about losing one’s identity (which often happens in motherhood), and it’s about the unreliability of memory. But for me, at its core is a beautifully vivid study of generational trauma, and how Elin eventually manages to break that cycle. She makes a start, anyway. And we really, really pine for her.
It’s all of this, written in a simple, achingly beautiful style, with the characters driving the plot, not the other way around (thankfully). They will stay with me for a long time.
The dawn chorus was in full swing by the time I’d devoured it. Can’t wait to read more of this author’s work.
June 18, 2024
For me this book was unknowingly a bit of a departure from the psychological thriller genre I typically read - while it did have some elements of that genre, it had a more literary, almost poetic tone to it. It was undoubtedly beautifully written by a talented author.
The plot is based in rural Wales, where a woman Elin, returns to her family home after a 10 month absence - having left her family when unable to cope with feelings of guilt surrounding a accident which disfigured one of her daughters. On her return she finds that the family have moved on in every sense, husband David has a new partner, and a new born baby is also a surprising addition. This is the story of Elin's discovery of all that lies behind the swift new relationship, as well as her discovering a new perspective on events leading to her departure.
The story is written from the perspective of Elin talking to her daughter Rhiannon, there is a bleak feel to the narrative, that some readers will surely appreciate (even if it didn't engage me personally.)
All in all I found this a well written book that readers who like their mystery told with a literary edge will enjoy.
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
The plot is based in rural Wales, where a woman Elin, returns to her family home after a 10 month absence - having left her family when unable to cope with feelings of guilt surrounding a accident which disfigured one of her daughters. On her return she finds that the family have moved on in every sense, husband David has a new partner, and a new born baby is also a surprising addition. This is the story of Elin's discovery of all that lies behind the swift new relationship, as well as her discovering a new perspective on events leading to her departure.
The story is written from the perspective of Elin talking to her daughter Rhiannon, there is a bleak feel to the narrative, that some readers will surely appreciate (even if it didn't engage me personally.)
All in all I found this a well written book that readers who like their mystery told with a literary edge will enjoy.
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
May 28, 2024
Returning to the family home after ten months, her daughters were young, Catrin was two and a half, and her sister Rhiannon was five. Elin is determined to put all the wrongs right now, but her husband is acting really strange.
The first part of this book is written as if Elin is looking into the Household seeing things but not actually being there!
She is seeing her girls growing up, seeing what they are wearing, what they are playing with, etc. I must admit I did find parts of this fairly difficult to follow at times, but when it got to about halfway through the book, I found myself more involved in the storyline. Elin seemed to have a fairly disturbed childhood and she was determined that her girls would not have the same childhood as her, but how the other woman and her child wormed their way into their lives and home seems a bit strange.
The story perks up in the last 30%, and I found myself wanting to know the secrets and lies that surrounded this family and how things would work out in the end.
The first part of this book is written as if Elin is looking into the Household seeing things but not actually being there!
She is seeing her girls growing up, seeing what they are wearing, what they are playing with, etc. I must admit I did find parts of this fairly difficult to follow at times, but when it got to about halfway through the book, I found myself more involved in the storyline. Elin seemed to have a fairly disturbed childhood and she was determined that her girls would not have the same childhood as her, but how the other woman and her child wormed their way into their lives and home seems a bit strange.
The story perks up in the last 30%, and I found myself wanting to know the secrets and lies that surrounded this family and how things would work out in the end.
June 30, 2024
Get ready for some twisty twists with this psychological thriller!
The Woman in my Home by @crhowellwriter tells the story of Elin, a woman who abruptly leaves her young family and returns 10 months later to find a new woman in her home raising her family.
Elin's husband David is the definition of gaslighting. When her young toddler, Catrin, suffers a severe accident under her watch, Elin instantly feels like she has failed as a mother and should not be trusted to take care of Catrin and her sister Rhiannon, a message her husband has already said many times. Elin decides to leave her family, something she seems as a way to protect her daughters, but returns less than a year later to a life that has completely changed. David has moved on from their relationship and has another woman living in the house with him, raising Catrin and Rhiannon, as well as a newborn baby. David makes it very difficult for Elin to find a job or housing in their small town, and insists Elin live in their house alongside his new partner. Elin quickly begins to realize that something doesn't add up with this new family David has created, but the truth is not so easy to uncover.
I looked at some other reviews and saw quite a polarization of opinions! Many readers really enjoyed it, as I did, and others felt it was too slow or confusing. I didn't find that at all, but I mention this because I also saw some people DNF'd or mentioned that it picked up at about 30%. I often struggle with whether or not to DNF books so I usually go check other reviews before I decide and find the "do not give up" messages in reviews helpful! I'd definitely recommend seeing this one through, it is not that confusing once you get into it, especially because some of the story needs to be revealed later on to keep up the suspense. The writing is great and the plot is super interesting. For chickens like me, there are a few scary/intense moments near the end, but nothing too crazy! It is out now, so go get a copy!
Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher @joffebooks for giving me the chance to read and review it!
The Woman in my Home by @crhowellwriter tells the story of Elin, a woman who abruptly leaves her young family and returns 10 months later to find a new woman in her home raising her family.
Elin's husband David is the definition of gaslighting. When her young toddler, Catrin, suffers a severe accident under her watch, Elin instantly feels like she has failed as a mother and should not be trusted to take care of Catrin and her sister Rhiannon, a message her husband has already said many times. Elin decides to leave her family, something she seems as a way to protect her daughters, but returns less than a year later to a life that has completely changed. David has moved on from their relationship and has another woman living in the house with him, raising Catrin and Rhiannon, as well as a newborn baby. David makes it very difficult for Elin to find a job or housing in their small town, and insists Elin live in their house alongside his new partner. Elin quickly begins to realize that something doesn't add up with this new family David has created, but the truth is not so easy to uncover.
I looked at some other reviews and saw quite a polarization of opinions! Many readers really enjoyed it, as I did, and others felt it was too slow or confusing. I didn't find that at all, but I mention this because I also saw some people DNF'd or mentioned that it picked up at about 30%. I often struggle with whether or not to DNF books so I usually go check other reviews before I decide and find the "do not give up" messages in reviews helpful! I'd definitely recommend seeing this one through, it is not that confusing once you get into it, especially because some of the story needs to be revealed later on to keep up the suspense. The writing is great and the plot is super interesting. For chickens like me, there are a few scary/intense moments near the end, but nothing too crazy! It is out now, so go get a copy!
Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher @joffebooks for giving me the chance to read and review it!
May 28, 2024
Title: The Woman in My Home by C.R. Howell
Genre: Thriller
Pub Date: May 30, 2024
I hate Elin's husband and mother in law. Husband, because he's incredibly incompetent, penny pincher to a fault, and a mamas boy, and MIL is overbearing, sticking her nose where it doesn't belong. Elin left after the accident and was very obviously struggling with motherhood. She honestly just needed someone supportive in her life.
The multiple timelines helped move the story along a little, but the timeline swaps aren't clearly marked and the narration style is very strange. It's like a long letter to her daughter? Overall I couldn't become invested and even the twist was unsatisfying. I'm sorry to say this book just wasn't for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the digital review copy!
Genre: Thriller
Pub Date: May 30, 2024
I hate Elin's husband and mother in law. Husband, because he's incredibly incompetent, penny pincher to a fault, and a mamas boy, and MIL is overbearing, sticking her nose where it doesn't belong. Elin left after the accident and was very obviously struggling with motherhood. She honestly just needed someone supportive in her life.
The multiple timelines helped move the story along a little, but the timeline swaps aren't clearly marked and the narration style is very strange. It's like a long letter to her daughter? Overall I couldn't become invested and even the twist was unsatisfying. I'm sorry to say this book just wasn't for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the digital review copy!
June 17, 2024
A mother disappears out of her children’s lives and then 10 months later reappears in the hopes she’ll be welcomed back with open arms. Going into this book I was expecting a page-turning thriller; instead I got a more thought-provoking story examining the ways different people handle crisis and tragedy. This book touches on triggering topics such as spousal abuse, postpartum depression and child loss so reader beware. The author does switch between the past and present to give insight into the mind of the mother and why she left. Overall I enjoyed this book and there was a bit of a mystery weaved into this story of a family in crisis.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the digital review copy!
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the digital review copy!
January 2, 2025
I can't really do books written in 2nd person. It feels weird like I am being lectured by my mom, like she is trying to convince me of something. Or it reads like bad erotica. This one is more like my mom trying to explain herself. I love her so much but I do not like that.
In this book the woman is writing to her child explaining why she left and what happened when she came back. It reads like she is writing a letter or telling a story. There are a million details which makes it seem like she is lying.
I have no other opinions about the book. I just have this personal preference that ruined it for me. Someone else might love this.
In this book the woman is writing to her child explaining why she left and what happened when she came back. It reads like she is writing a letter or telling a story. There are a million details which makes it seem like she is lying.
I have no other opinions about the book. I just have this personal preference that ruined it for me. Someone else might love this.
May 22, 2024
Elin’s husband blames her for the accident to her two-year-old daughter. So, she left for 10 months. Now that she is back, someone else has taken her place with her girls and her husband. And there is a new baby in the picture. Elin feels like a stranger in her house. Will she find out everything was a lie, or was it all her fault?
This was my first book by this author, so I was looking forward to it. It was difficult to follow at first since it alternated timelines, but once I caught on to all the characters, it was easy to follow. There were lots of twists that made it interesting and kept my attention. The Woman in My Home is a pretty fast read and will keep you guessing until the end!
#NetGalley #CRHowell #JoffeBooks #TheWomanInMyHome
This was my first book by this author, so I was looking forward to it. It was difficult to follow at first since it alternated timelines, but once I caught on to all the characters, it was easy to follow. There were lots of twists that made it interesting and kept my attention. The Woman in My Home is a pretty fast read and will keep you guessing until the end!
#NetGalley #CRHowell #JoffeBooks #TheWomanInMyHome
July 1, 2024
It's hard to believe that this is the first book by this author.
It didn't take me long to get used to the different style of writing and become intrigued with the storyline and plot.
It has many twists and strong characters to form an opinion on.
I did partly guess right at one point, but not the whole outcome.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this gripping psychology thriller, right through to that unexpected outcome.
I will be keeping an eye open for this author's next book.
My thanks to Joffe books.
It didn't take me long to get used to the different style of writing and become intrigued with the storyline and plot.
It has many twists and strong characters to form an opinion on.
I did partly guess right at one point, but not the whole outcome.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this gripping psychology thriller, right through to that unexpected outcome.
I will be keeping an eye open for this author's next book.
My thanks to Joffe books.
July 16, 2025
Brilliant.
What a story! Written as though Elin was talking or writing her elder daughter Rhiannon, it was an unusual and interesting style of writing that I came to enjoy. Full of trauma, Elin was mentally manipulated by her older husband, and after an accident to the younger child, left home and tried to take her life because of the blame her husband inflicted upon her. Fast forward 10 months later she returns home to find another young woman and child living with her husband. What happens to both women under the control of this man is heartbreaking, affecting everyone in the household. A solid 5 stars from me.
What a story! Written as though Elin was talking or writing her elder daughter Rhiannon, it was an unusual and interesting style of writing that I came to enjoy. Full of trauma, Elin was mentally manipulated by her older husband, and after an accident to the younger child, left home and tried to take her life because of the blame her husband inflicted upon her. Fast forward 10 months later she returns home to find another young woman and child living with her husband. What happens to both women under the control of this man is heartbreaking, affecting everyone in the household. A solid 5 stars from me.
June 13, 2024
Highly recommend this compelling book where you feel invested in discovering the truth about the daughter's accident, alongside the narrator's experiences from both childhood and motherhood. The shift between past and present, which delve into early trauma as well as the controlling power of her husband, worked seamlessly. With deft descriptions, nuanced and believable characters, the book was well written yet still an accessible "easy" read.
May 23, 2024
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for an early copy of The Woman in My Home. Interesting, kept me hooked but I truly don’t understand why. The writing was slow, the father was a cruel character and there was soooo much going on. However, it was very intriguing, a lot of gaslighting from the father. I just can’t explain my feelings with this book, all I can tell you is STICK WITH IT!!!!
May 27, 2024
Unfortunately I didn't connect with this book at all. I loved the sound of the description but it was nothing like I was expecting. Travelling from past to present didn't work and it got confusing. I believe the book has potential and with a few tweaks here and there I would have enjoyed reading but I am positive there will be others who disagree. The book is NOT a bad book it just wasn't for me.
May 30, 2024
Loved this beautifully-written book. It’s an accessible but quite literary psychological novel with real tension, rather than the thriller it might appear to be. It says important things about important things in compelling but elegant ways. If that kind of book appeals to you, you’ll find this an outstanding example. A bravura debut.
June 3, 2024
A very twisted story that keeps you reading and wanting to figure out or sort what’s actually happening. This story was about a woman who had been suffering from post pardon and left when she thought she had harmed her child. She comes back to her husband who has moved on already and even has another child, but things just aren’t adding up.
June 15, 2024
I stayed up late reading because I just had to finish this book in one sitting. The depictions of motherhood, gaslighting from a partner and childhood trauma were truly brilliant, avoiding cliche and sensationalism and getting to the heart of how these things can feel. I felt it was well plotted, with a gradual increase in pace that propelled me towards the finish (well past my usual bedtime!).
July 24, 2024
I think this book was an interesting read, but not as thrilling as it was described as. I really enjoyed the mother’s perspective and how every chapter was explaining her past and how she ended up in her current situation, but I went into the book thinking it was going to be a thriller the whole time and not just toward the end. I would still recommend though!
November 4, 2024
The book is terrible and I believe a lot of people would DNF it however I loved the writing style after really long time.
I have read better plots/stories but they didn’t really work for me because of the terrible writing.
I was at the verge of dnf-ing it a couple of times however for some reason I decided to go on.
I have read better plots/stories but they didn’t really work for me because of the terrible writing.
I was at the verge of dnf-ing it a couple of times however for some reason I decided to go on.
May 23, 2024
This book was darker than expected, and definitely should come with a trigger warning for miscarriage/child loss. It was confusing in the beginning, but it all added up in the end with a pretty good twist. Overall, I enjoyed it.
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