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Be Mine
When Beth joins wellness group ‘Elixir,’ she thinks it is the answer to everything. So why, ten years later, is she still running from them? And what do they want from her, now?
Beth is a new mother struggling to find her place in the world. She is exhausted, mentally and physically, but her anxieties are not simply the fears of a first-time mum. A terror burns in her, fuelled by a secret past she is lucky to have escaped. When a letter arrives, bearing only the infinity symbol, Beth knows immediately it is from them. And that her past is finally catching up with her…
Ten years earlier, on the heels of a messy breakup, Beth meets the effervescent Marissa who introduces her to “Elixir” – a health and wellness organisation that she promises will change Beth's life forever. She quickly becomes intoxicated and convinced it is the solution to all her problems. No task is too great, even as the gruelling exercise classes become more frequent, even as the therapy sessions become more costly, even as their ‘requests’ become ‘demands,’ Beth convinces herself this is what she wants.
Then, when she falls for the brand’s enigmatic leader, Tate, she can’t imagine life without Elixir. But as Beth’s star begins to rise, Marissa’s starts to fall. And though Marissa tries to warn her of the darkness lurking beneath the brand’s gleaming exterior, Beth finds she cannot let go.
Be Mine is a story about finding our place in the world today, and where we turn to belong in a godless modern society.
Beth is a new mother struggling to find her place in the world. She is exhausted, mentally and physically, but her anxieties are not simply the fears of a first-time mum. A terror burns in her, fuelled by a secret past she is lucky to have escaped. When a letter arrives, bearing only the infinity symbol, Beth knows immediately it is from them. And that her past is finally catching up with her…
Ten years earlier, on the heels of a messy breakup, Beth meets the effervescent Marissa who introduces her to “Elixir” – a health and wellness organisation that she promises will change Beth's life forever. She quickly becomes intoxicated and convinced it is the solution to all her problems. No task is too great, even as the gruelling exercise classes become more frequent, even as the therapy sessions become more costly, even as their ‘requests’ become ‘demands,’ Beth convinces herself this is what she wants.
Then, when she falls for the brand’s enigmatic leader, Tate, she can’t imagine life without Elixir. But as Beth’s star begins to rise, Marissa’s starts to fall. And though Marissa tries to warn her of the darkness lurking beneath the brand’s gleaming exterior, Beth finds she cannot let go.
Be Mine is a story about finding our place in the world today, and where we turn to belong in a godless modern society.
384 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2025
31 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
Lizzy Barber
11 books199 followersHello!
I am a London-based author, living in Islington with my husband, George. I read English at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University, and My Name Is Anna is my first novel.
Having previously dabbled in acting and film development, I have spent the last eight years working in the restaurant business with my brother, Jamie, heading up our brand and marketing department. We have a small group of restaurants, mainly in London, including Hush in Mayfair, the all-day burger brand, Hache, and the Latin American barbecue group, Cabana.
Working with the restaurants has been creative and dynamic…and has involved a certain about of writing (including a lot of press releases!), but writing has always been a creative itch I have scratched on the side.
I have always written in fits and starts, but about five years ago I started writing my first serious novel – a very long and drawn out literary fiction piece based on my grandmother’s life in Mandate Palestine, pre-Suez Cairo and post-war London.
I started taking regular classes with Maggie Hamand at the Complete Creative Writing Course, which made me completely rethink my approach to writing, and was invaluable in shaping the way I wrote.
However, in April 2017 I found myself at a complete dead end with my first novel, and, almost as a form of release, starting dabbling with a thriller that had been niggling away at me. I mentioned I was writing it to my mother, and, about a week later, she told me that she had spied a first novel competition that I *had* to enter.
I hammered away at my laptop, completing just enough of the book to be able to enter, and literally handed my entry in on the closing day of the competition (I couriered my entry, so worried was I it wouldn’t make the deadline!).
And then I forgot all about it…
About two months later, preparing for my morning operations meeting, I received a phone call out of the blue, which completely changed my life.
The phone call was from Luigi Bonomi of LBA Books telling me I had WON the Daily Mail and Random House First Novel Prize 2017
Thus began an extraordinary chain of events that I am still waiting to wake up from on a daily basis. The little thriller I had dabbled away at is now My Name Is Anna, and was published by Century, an imprint of Penguin Random House, in January 2019. It will be published in North America by MIRA, an imprint of Harper Collins, on 3rd September 2019.
I have had the privilege of working with a marvelous team of people on My Name Is Anna / A Girl Named Anna, and am now hard (hard!) work on my second book. Stay tuned…
I am a London-based author, living in Islington with my husband, George. I read English at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University, and My Name Is Anna is my first novel.
Having previously dabbled in acting and film development, I have spent the last eight years working in the restaurant business with my brother, Jamie, heading up our brand and marketing department. We have a small group of restaurants, mainly in London, including Hush in Mayfair, the all-day burger brand, Hache, and the Latin American barbecue group, Cabana.
Working with the restaurants has been creative and dynamic…and has involved a certain about of writing (including a lot of press releases!), but writing has always been a creative itch I have scratched on the side.
I have always written in fits and starts, but about five years ago I started writing my first serious novel – a very long and drawn out literary fiction piece based on my grandmother’s life in Mandate Palestine, pre-Suez Cairo and post-war London.
I started taking regular classes with Maggie Hamand at the Complete Creative Writing Course, which made me completely rethink my approach to writing, and was invaluable in shaping the way I wrote.
However, in April 2017 I found myself at a complete dead end with my first novel, and, almost as a form of release, starting dabbling with a thriller that had been niggling away at me. I mentioned I was writing it to my mother, and, about a week later, she told me that she had spied a first novel competition that I *had* to enter.
I hammered away at my laptop, completing just enough of the book to be able to enter, and literally handed my entry in on the closing day of the competition (I couriered my entry, so worried was I it wouldn’t make the deadline!).
And then I forgot all about it…
About two months later, preparing for my morning operations meeting, I received a phone call out of the blue, which completely changed my life.
The phone call was from Luigi Bonomi of LBA Books telling me I had WON the Daily Mail and Random House First Novel Prize 2017
Thus began an extraordinary chain of events that I am still waiting to wake up from on a daily basis. The little thriller I had dabbled away at is now My Name Is Anna, and was published by Century, an imprint of Penguin Random House, in January 2019. It will be published in North America by MIRA, an imprint of Harper Collins, on 3rd September 2019.
I have had the privilege of working with a marvelous team of people on My Name Is Anna / A Girl Named Anna, and am now hard (hard!) work on my second book. Stay tuned…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
May 26, 2025
“Our brains and our bodies are rotting. And we allow them to. But if we want to transform ourselves, we have to do something about it.
We have to act.”
Oof, it's so unsettling to "watch" as someone succumbs to a cult. Beth finally freed herself of the influence however, and is now trying to navigate being a new mother, which has its own challenges. When she receives a note that bears the group's logo, an infinity symbol, she's thrust back into her memories AND becomes increasingly concerned for herself and her family's safety!
I'm a huge fan of dual timelines and the way they rotated here was perfect! I couldn't read fast enough because whenever the timeline shifted...I couldn't put the book down. I was a little twitchy in my seat as I was witness to Beth's inculcation into the fitness group Elixir. The truly insidious way the cult seeped into her life with promises of betterment when she was most vulnerable was chilling. There always seems to be some kernels of truth in what a cult's manifesto purports to be initially. Don't even get me started on the eerie excerpts from Elixir's founder that were mixed in. I was getting some serious NXIVM (a real cult) vibes!
As the past unfolds, things in the present become more dire and a sense of foreboding lingers. What awful thing did Beth do to escape and have they found her after all these years? I managed to suss things out, but this is definitely a twisty tale folks! The way Lizzy Barber weaved together these timelines and the various people involved was immensely clever. If you enjoy cult centric thrillers with past secrets and a suspenseful slow burn, snatch up a copy of BE MINE post haste!
____
Thank you Datura Books for my free copy. All thoughts are my own.
We have to act.”
Oof, it's so unsettling to "watch" as someone succumbs to a cult. Beth finally freed herself of the influence however, and is now trying to navigate being a new mother, which has its own challenges. When she receives a note that bears the group's logo, an infinity symbol, she's thrust back into her memories AND becomes increasingly concerned for herself and her family's safety!
I'm a huge fan of dual timelines and the way they rotated here was perfect! I couldn't read fast enough because whenever the timeline shifted...I couldn't put the book down. I was a little twitchy in my seat as I was witness to Beth's inculcation into the fitness group Elixir. The truly insidious way the cult seeped into her life with promises of betterment when she was most vulnerable was chilling. There always seems to be some kernels of truth in what a cult's manifesto purports to be initially. Don't even get me started on the eerie excerpts from Elixir's founder that were mixed in. I was getting some serious NXIVM (a real cult) vibes!
As the past unfolds, things in the present become more dire and a sense of foreboding lingers. What awful thing did Beth do to escape and have they found her after all these years? I managed to suss things out, but this is definitely a twisty tale folks! The way Lizzy Barber weaved together these timelines and the various people involved was immensely clever. If you enjoy cult centric thrillers with past secrets and a suspenseful slow burn, snatch up a copy of BE MINE post haste!
____
Thank you Datura Books for my free copy. All thoughts are my own.
October 13, 2025
First of all, I'd like to talk about Lizzy's writing style. In the first few chapters, she introduces us to Elixir by extracts of its manifesto, interviews, and articles... and honestly, I was convinced to join Elixir. That manifesto itself was so motivating and inspiring that I actually thought of joining a gym!
The story unfolds in two timelines: past, where we get to see how Beth gets involved with Elixir, and the present, where she's navigating life as new mom while also trying to figure out why Elixir wants her back.
It took me a little while to get into the story, but once I was hooked, I found myself asking questions: Why and how did Beth join Elixir? What happened to her? Did she do something? And who is Tate? What did he do to Beth?
As the story progresses, I do get answers about how and why Beth joined Elixir, but God, how do I talk about Elixir without spoiling things?! I'll just say: it's not what you think it is.
Around 170 pages in, I start suspecting every character. Whom do I trust? Should I trust anyone? Lizzy's style pulls you in, and every chapter leaves you wanting more, completely absorbed in Beth’s world and the mystery of Elixir.
Though I saw the first plot twist coming, but still, the rest of the book kept me on the edge of my seat, making me desperate to know what would happen next.
And those last thirty pages! I was practically begging: please tell me I'm wrong, please tell me this is a lie. But then not one but two twists! I guessed one, and it still broke my heart, but the other one... I was totally wrong!
After finishing this book, let's just say my trust issues have been amplified. And as if all of this wasn't enough, Lizzy gives us an epilogue set in 2042, which just– *no spoilers!* – that infinity symbol makes sense now!
If you love a book that makes you suspect every character, Be Mine is definitely for you!
Thank you, The Bombay Circle Press, for the copy!
The story unfolds in two timelines: past, where we get to see how Beth gets involved with Elixir, and the present, where she's navigating life as new mom while also trying to figure out why Elixir wants her back.
It took me a little while to get into the story, but once I was hooked, I found myself asking questions: Why and how did Beth join Elixir? What happened to her? Did she do something? And who is Tate? What did he do to Beth?
As the story progresses, I do get answers about how and why Beth joined Elixir, but God, how do I talk about Elixir without spoiling things?! I'll just say: it's not what you think it is.
Around 170 pages in, I start suspecting every character. Whom do I trust? Should I trust anyone? Lizzy's style pulls you in, and every chapter leaves you wanting more, completely absorbed in Beth’s world and the mystery of Elixir.
Though I saw the first plot twist coming, but still, the rest of the book kept me on the edge of my seat, making me desperate to know what would happen next.
And those last thirty pages! I was practically begging: please tell me I'm wrong, please tell me this is a lie. But then not one but two twists! I guessed one, and it still broke my heart, but the other one... I was totally wrong!
After finishing this book, let's just say my trust issues have been amplified. And as if all of this wasn't enough, Lizzy gives us an epilogue set in 2042, which just– *no spoilers!* – that infinity symbol makes sense now!
If you love a book that makes you suspect every character, Be Mine is definitely for you!
Thank you, The Bombay Circle Press, for the copy!
May 5, 2025
I want to preface this with the fact that I am all consumed with the history of and story related to cults. I will always pick up a book on the topic and this one was perfect! Be Mine follows Beth, a young woman out on her own, living in California, and out of her element. By chance, she meets a new friend, Marissa, who introduces her to a wellness group, run by the charismatic leader Tate. As Beth is introduced to this lifestyle change, she falls under Tate’s spell and becomes part of his health-focused community.
Fast forward a decade and the story is focused on a new mom and her constant fear of her past. With subtle reminders and potential threats, she’s faced with her worst nightmare.
I really enjoy this storyline, reminiscent of a cult in recent news. The names and places may change, but a large majority of cult stories start the same way- and that’s by taking advantage of insecurities and alienating their subjects from friends and families. The author did a good job of representing that aspect. I really liked the dual timelines and felt the fear of present-day Beth as she slowly unraveled. My only dislike was the pacing. I felt like the ending wrapped up too easy and too quickly for the amount of time and pacing that was dedicated to the first 75%.
Overall, I was very happy with this book and am grateful to NetGalley and Datura books for the ARC!
Fast forward a decade and the story is focused on a new mom and her constant fear of her past. With subtle reminders and potential threats, she’s faced with her worst nightmare.
I really enjoy this storyline, reminiscent of a cult in recent news. The names and places may change, but a large majority of cult stories start the same way- and that’s by taking advantage of insecurities and alienating their subjects from friends and families. The author did a good job of representing that aspect. I really liked the dual timelines and felt the fear of present-day Beth as she slowly unraveled. My only dislike was the pacing. I felt like the ending wrapped up too easy and too quickly for the amount of time and pacing that was dedicated to the first 75%.
Overall, I was very happy with this book and am grateful to NetGalley and Datura books for the ARC!
May 23, 2025
"Mind + body = Elixir.
That is your true self.
That magic. That spark.
It's nothing fantastical.
It's you." (Ch 8)
She has nightmares, haunted by a past she escaped and is still trying to escape. She has a new life now, a new family. She had once been promised the perfect life of her dreams, a veritable utopia, but it had come at too high of a price. After all these years, it has found her, and all that she has now and all that she cares for is in danger.
It's told through dual timelines and a segmented mix of relative excerpts. This is a psychological thriller that lured me in from the beginning, allowed me to coast in the middle, and then promptly reeled me in mercilessly with the masterfully 🤯 twisted mindf**kery. It's like a slow, wicked burn, but not in the romantasy sense... a well-crafted anticipatory build-up of absorbing suspense and tension.
The very ending seemed a little convenient and rushed, wish there was just slightly more resistance and hesitancy. Especially since they underwent through so much. There should have been just a little more pushback before the give, in my opinion.
What the MFC experienced in the present (2023) timeline is a little similar to the MFC in Don't Let Her Stay by Nicola Sanders - post partum emotions verging on psychosis vs a sharp edge into paranoia, distrust, isolation, mind fog or forgetfulness. Also appreciated the small glimpses into her fertility and prenancy journey.
ARC courtesy of Datura Books
That is your true self.
That magic. That spark.
It's nothing fantastical.
It's you." (Ch 8)
She has nightmares, haunted by a past she escaped and is still trying to escape. She has a new life now, a new family. She had once been promised the perfect life of her dreams, a veritable utopia, but it had come at too high of a price. After all these years, it has found her, and all that she has now and all that she cares for is in danger.
It's told through dual timelines and a segmented mix of relative excerpts. This is a psychological thriller that lured me in from the beginning, allowed me to coast in the middle, and then promptly reeled me in mercilessly with the masterfully 🤯 twisted mindf**kery. It's like a slow, wicked burn, but not in the romantasy sense... a well-crafted anticipatory build-up of absorbing suspense and tension.
The very ending seemed a little convenient and rushed, wish there was just slightly more resistance and hesitancy. Especially since they underwent through so much. There should have been just a little more pushback before the give, in my opinion.
What the MFC experienced in the present (2023) timeline is a little similar to the MFC in Don't Let Her Stay by Nicola Sanders - post partum emotions verging on psychosis vs a sharp edge into paranoia, distrust, isolation, mind fog or forgetfulness. Also appreciated the small glimpses into her fertility and prenancy journey.
ARC courtesy of Datura Books
July 29, 2025
Cult thrillers are some of my absolute favorites, and Be Mine did not disappoint. With perfectly timed twists and reveals, Lizzy Barber delivers a gripping, psychologically layered story that had me hooked from the first page.
This was my first book by this author, and I’m already eager to dive into more of her work. The dual timeline, contrasting Beth’s desperate present with her intoxicating and dangerous past, was masterfully done. The way Elixir slowly tightens its grip on her felt disturbingly realistic, and the creeping dread as the past collides with the present kept me flipping pages until the satisfying ending!
Thank you NetGalley and Datura Books for the gifted copy.
This was my first book by this author, and I’m already eager to dive into more of her work. The dual timeline, contrasting Beth’s desperate present with her intoxicating and dangerous past, was masterfully done. The way Elixir slowly tightens its grip on her felt disturbingly realistic, and the creeping dread as the past collides with the present kept me flipping pages until the satisfying ending!
Thank you NetGalley and Datura Books for the gifted copy.
May 18, 2025
This was too insanely boring.. DNF
July 16, 2025
Oh wow!! How did I manage to forget to post my review - will post it soon. Need to dig thru my reviews and find it. This will take a while 🫣 but loved this book! Hahah all the vibes.
May 12, 2025
“Despite you, I survived. And you must hate that.”
Be Mine follows new mother Beth, whose life is thrown into turmoil when she receives a letter bearing only the infinity symbol. She knows exactly who it’s from - Elixir, the wellness cult that once controlled her life, and they’ve finally found her. The secrets Beth has tried so hard to hide are about to be uncovered - but can she finally escape them for good, or will her freedom pay the ultimate price?
Be Mine is told over a dual timeline from Beth’s perspective, and is a book that has exceeded all of my (already high) expectations! The concept and cover had me intrigued from the get go, but it was the narrative itself that had me hooked start to finish - this book is an absolute masterclass.
Lizzy Barber’s writing is hauntingly atmospheric and moves seamlessly between past and present, building a palpable tension with each chapter. Elixir is as seductive as it is terrifying, drawing both the characters as well as the reader into its web of charismatic manipulation. Much like Beth, I found myself torn between fascination and horror as the truth slowly unraveled.
I really felt for Beth’s character, and it was disconcerting how discreetly cults are woven into society, and how easily they prey on the vulnerable. While I sympathized with Beth though, every character had me questioning their motives, and the twists - especially that ending - left me absolutely reeling! I was tempted to apply the tattoo, but my sanity’s grateful I didn’t, otherwise I’d probably be horrified and desperately trying to scrub it off right now😂👀
Thank you so much to Lizzy Barber and the Datura team for sending me this advanced copy of Be Mine to read and review. My opinions are my own.
Be Mine follows new mother Beth, whose life is thrown into turmoil when she receives a letter bearing only the infinity symbol. She knows exactly who it’s from - Elixir, the wellness cult that once controlled her life, and they’ve finally found her. The secrets Beth has tried so hard to hide are about to be uncovered - but can she finally escape them for good, or will her freedom pay the ultimate price?
Be Mine is told over a dual timeline from Beth’s perspective, and is a book that has exceeded all of my (already high) expectations! The concept and cover had me intrigued from the get go, but it was the narrative itself that had me hooked start to finish - this book is an absolute masterclass.
Lizzy Barber’s writing is hauntingly atmospheric and moves seamlessly between past and present, building a palpable tension with each chapter. Elixir is as seductive as it is terrifying, drawing both the characters as well as the reader into its web of charismatic manipulation. Much like Beth, I found myself torn between fascination and horror as the truth slowly unraveled.
I really felt for Beth’s character, and it was disconcerting how discreetly cults are woven into society, and how easily they prey on the vulnerable. While I sympathized with Beth though, every character had me questioning their motives, and the twists - especially that ending - left me absolutely reeling! I was tempted to apply the tattoo, but my sanity’s grateful I didn’t, otherwise I’d probably be horrified and desperately trying to scrub it off right now😂👀
Thank you so much to Lizzy Barber and the Datura team for sending me this advanced copy of Be Mine to read and review. My opinions are my own.
May 27, 2025
Review originally on JamReads
Be Mine is a psychological thriller novel, written by Lizzy Barber, and published by Datura Books. A story following a new mother, Beth, whose life is shaken up when she receives a letter with the infinite symbol: a reminiscence of her past as a member of Elixir, a wellness cult that once controlled her life; she tried hard to hide her secrets, but seems the past has finally caught her.
Barber divides the narration into two timelines: the present one, following Beth as she tries to uncover who's the Elixir member among her close ones, struggling to deal with motherhood at the same time, and slowly becoming more paranoid as she feels the past is catching her; and a past one that introduces us to how Beth became part of Elixir after moving to California, emotionally broken, and how she slowly ascended into the hierarchy, together with the demise of Marisa, the person that introduced her.
At the heart of our story is Beth, trying to protect her family from that part of her past, a first-time mother, still struggling with the challenges that come with motherhood, isolated due to the fear of Elixir discovering her; somebody that needs to heal, but whose traumas are triggered again after the letter. A captivating main character, especially as we deep dive into the circumstances that drew her into Elixir.
And honestly, part of why this novel is brilliant is how credible the past part of the narrative is: we have somebody vulnerable which is attracted by a group that focuses on not only exploiting those weaknesses, but also getting more material that can be used to destroy them, with the target of creating a new identity where the group is in the center of anything. It is scary how well Barber portrayed the way in how many cults operate nowadays, making this story incredibly plausible, something that changing the names could be the reflection of what many people experienced.
The present timeline helps to keep you in tension, constantly reminding you of the fear Beth is experiencing, but also leaving a bit open to the speculation of what if she's just paranoid; what if she's just broken because of her past? I must also add that there are a few twists that I totally didn't see coming.
The pacing is really on the spot, with a precise and tight prose, making of this a book you can easily devour in a few hours; especially as you feel compelled to know more about what is happening to Beth and the truth behind Elixir.
Be Mine is an excellent thriller, a perfect novel if you are looking for a great story about cults and that also has a touch on the struggles of motherhood; in definitive, a really enjoyable novel by Lizzy Barber.
Be Mine is a psychological thriller novel, written by Lizzy Barber, and published by Datura Books. A story following a new mother, Beth, whose life is shaken up when she receives a letter with the infinite symbol: a reminiscence of her past as a member of Elixir, a wellness cult that once controlled her life; she tried hard to hide her secrets, but seems the past has finally caught her.
Barber divides the narration into two timelines: the present one, following Beth as she tries to uncover who's the Elixir member among her close ones, struggling to deal with motherhood at the same time, and slowly becoming more paranoid as she feels the past is catching her; and a past one that introduces us to how Beth became part of Elixir after moving to California, emotionally broken, and how she slowly ascended into the hierarchy, together with the demise of Marisa, the person that introduced her.
At the heart of our story is Beth, trying to protect her family from that part of her past, a first-time mother, still struggling with the challenges that come with motherhood, isolated due to the fear of Elixir discovering her; somebody that needs to heal, but whose traumas are triggered again after the letter. A captivating main character, especially as we deep dive into the circumstances that drew her into Elixir.
And honestly, part of why this novel is brilliant is how credible the past part of the narrative is: we have somebody vulnerable which is attracted by a group that focuses on not only exploiting those weaknesses, but also getting more material that can be used to destroy them, with the target of creating a new identity where the group is in the center of anything. It is scary how well Barber portrayed the way in how many cults operate nowadays, making this story incredibly plausible, something that changing the names could be the reflection of what many people experienced.
The present timeline helps to keep you in tension, constantly reminding you of the fear Beth is experiencing, but also leaving a bit open to the speculation of what if she's just paranoid; what if she's just broken because of her past? I must also add that there are a few twists that I totally didn't see coming.
The pacing is really on the spot, with a precise and tight prose, making of this a book you can easily devour in a few hours; especially as you feel compelled to know more about what is happening to Beth and the truth behind Elixir.
Be Mine is an excellent thriller, a perfect novel if you are looking for a great story about cults and that also has a touch on the struggles of motherhood; in definitive, a really enjoyable novel by Lizzy Barber.
July 16, 2025
Writing as @mylittlebookhome
Ooo she is twisty! So so twisty! and of course I loved it because I love a book that has me guessing and throws me a massive plot twist half way through the book that I did not see coming.
This was an enthralling read told across two timelines - the past and present day of Beth’s life and dealings with what is really a lifestyle cult that she gets sucked into. With a cult leader who is really quite a demon and who manipulates his followers poor Beth gets in deeper and deeper and struggles to ever escape.
If you like a fast paced psychological thriller with great characters and a wicked plot then this one is definitely for you!
Huge thanks to @daturabooks for my copy and spot on the tour!
Ooo she is twisty! So so twisty! and of course I loved it because I love a book that has me guessing and throws me a massive plot twist half way through the book that I did not see coming.
This was an enthralling read told across two timelines - the past and present day of Beth’s life and dealings with what is really a lifestyle cult that she gets sucked into. With a cult leader who is really quite a demon and who manipulates his followers poor Beth gets in deeper and deeper and struggles to ever escape.
If you like a fast paced psychological thriller with great characters and a wicked plot then this one is definitely for you!
Huge thanks to @daturabooks for my copy and spot on the tour!
April 17, 2025
Thanks to Datura for the gifted proof of this title in return for an honest review.
I've read a surprising amount of 'cult' books over the years and they're all very sensitively done. I can see why cults can be attractive and suck you in. Lizzy has got the fear level right here, that subtle fear, always looking over your shoulder. I think that can often be scarier than all out terror.
It's split between the "then" - before the cult and during - and the "now", ten years later as a mother and with a family. All the to-ing and fro-ing between time periods can get confusing but it feels very natural here, like it's the perfect way to tell the story.
Did I like Beth? Well, I didn't dislike her, but I wasn't fully enamoured with her, there was just something off about her, which does make sense in the context of the whole book. But I didn't really mind that I wasn't a huge fan of hers, which I know sounds weird considering in my previous reviews I've said how much I prefer character over plot. But for me, this is less about the character herself, and more about the psychological impact past events have caused.
There are a lot of other characters, some more prominent than others, and some more "goodies" and others "baddies". There might be a lot of them, but there wasn't a wasted one amongst them.
I love how Lizzy has depicted the postnatal issues you might have - tiredness, boredom, pain, loneliness, and how that can affect your mental health. You're forgetful, suspicious, tired; your mind can play tricks on you.
There is so much depth to this, so many layers, it's very impressive. Given the intense topic I thought it might be a hard book to get through, or a bit of a longer read, but I read it in less than 24 hours, it was so addictive.
Given the genre and topic, I was expecting a twist or two, and yet they still caught me off guard. I didn't see any of them coming, and I wonder if I reread it knowing what I know now, if I'd read it differently.
I have a copy of Lizzy's Nanny Wanted but I haven't read it yet, but it might just have to go to the top of my list now.
I've read a surprising amount of 'cult' books over the years and they're all very sensitively done. I can see why cults can be attractive and suck you in. Lizzy has got the fear level right here, that subtle fear, always looking over your shoulder. I think that can often be scarier than all out terror.
It's split between the "then" - before the cult and during - and the "now", ten years later as a mother and with a family. All the to-ing and fro-ing between time periods can get confusing but it feels very natural here, like it's the perfect way to tell the story.
Did I like Beth? Well, I didn't dislike her, but I wasn't fully enamoured with her, there was just something off about her, which does make sense in the context of the whole book. But I didn't really mind that I wasn't a huge fan of hers, which I know sounds weird considering in my previous reviews I've said how much I prefer character over plot. But for me, this is less about the character herself, and more about the psychological impact past events have caused.
There are a lot of other characters, some more prominent than others, and some more "goodies" and others "baddies". There might be a lot of them, but there wasn't a wasted one amongst them.
I love how Lizzy has depicted the postnatal issues you might have - tiredness, boredom, pain, loneliness, and how that can affect your mental health. You're forgetful, suspicious, tired; your mind can play tricks on you.
There is so much depth to this, so many layers, it's very impressive. Given the intense topic I thought it might be a hard book to get through, or a bit of a longer read, but I read it in less than 24 hours, it was so addictive.
Given the genre and topic, I was expecting a twist or two, and yet they still caught me off guard. I didn't see any of them coming, and I wonder if I reread it knowing what I know now, if I'd read it differently.
I have a copy of Lizzy's Nanny Wanted but I haven't read it yet, but it might just have to go to the top of my list now.
July 16, 2025
It feels like stepping into a greenhouse where all is lush—but the air is ever so slightly too heavy, the heat tipping into chill. Lizzy Barber doesn't just tell a tale; she builds a psychological terrarium where vulnerability spreads like ivy—clinging, creeping, and ultimately, suffocating.
.
Beth's path is not a typical slide into anarchy—it's a soft slippage, the sort that adheres to the pace of life itself, where threat seldom booms. The most unnerving are not the loud ones—they're clad in smiles, herbal tea, and the mellow Californian glow. Barber's brilliance is her skill in making manipulation feel like silk, rather than chains. Elixir, the wellness group at the novel's center, never demands. It gives suggestions. It compliments. It honors you just enough to efface you.
.
The dual timelines are managed with careful friction. The Beth of today—delicate, nurturing, half-fixture—is perennially quiet at odds with the woman she came to be in San Francisco. That tension whirs beneath every domestic scene, like a tea kettle shy of boiling. And when the past comes knocking, it does not knock hard—it leaves tokens in letters.
.
Tate, the leader of the group, is the type of person who talks with flawless grammar and makes you feel somewhat sorry for not knowing your own soul already. Marissa is even more sinister—friendship personified until you see that she's presenting herself like a mirror, reflecting only what you wish you could see.
.
Be Mine is not a thriller by traditional standards—it's an affective exodus, tracing the gradual dissolution of self under the pressure of edited intention. There are no sensational cliffhangers to be found here, merely a sequence of gentle, horrifying allowances. The book doesn't grab—you it tightens.
.
Barber doesn't shriek. She breathes—and manages to rattle the spine.
.
Beth's path is not a typical slide into anarchy—it's a soft slippage, the sort that adheres to the pace of life itself, where threat seldom booms. The most unnerving are not the loud ones—they're clad in smiles, herbal tea, and the mellow Californian glow. Barber's brilliance is her skill in making manipulation feel like silk, rather than chains. Elixir, the wellness group at the novel's center, never demands. It gives suggestions. It compliments. It honors you just enough to efface you.
.
The dual timelines are managed with careful friction. The Beth of today—delicate, nurturing, half-fixture—is perennially quiet at odds with the woman she came to be in San Francisco. That tension whirs beneath every domestic scene, like a tea kettle shy of boiling. And when the past comes knocking, it does not knock hard—it leaves tokens in letters.
.
Tate, the leader of the group, is the type of person who talks with flawless grammar and makes you feel somewhat sorry for not knowing your own soul already. Marissa is even more sinister—friendship personified until you see that she's presenting herself like a mirror, reflecting only what you wish you could see.
.
Be Mine is not a thriller by traditional standards—it's an affective exodus, tracing the gradual dissolution of self under the pressure of edited intention. There are no sensational cliffhangers to be found here, merely a sequence of gentle, horrifying allowances. The book doesn't grab—you it tightens.
.
Barber doesn't shriek. She breathes—and manages to rattle the spine.
October 13, 2025
Beth is a new mother struggling to find her place in the world. She is exhausted, mentally & physically, but her anxieties are not simply the fears of a first-time mum. When a letter arrives, bearing only the infinity symbol, Beth knows immediately that her past is finally catching up with her… Ten years earlier, on the heels of a messy breakup, Beth meets the effervescent Marissa who introduces her to “Elixir” – a health & wellness organisation that she promises will change Beth's life forever. She quickly becomes intoxicated & convinced it is the solution to all her problems. Then, when she falls for the brand’s enigmatic leader, Tate, she can’t imagine life without Elixir. But as Beth’s star begins to rise, Marissa’s starts to fall & though Marissa tries to warn her of the darkness lurking beneath the brand’s gleaming exterior, Beth finds she cannot let go.
At first I wasn’t completely sure about this one & the direction it was going to go in but wow, what a journey!
Told between two timelines, the Beth of today is a new mother, finding her way in the world after a struggle to conceive. Intersected with chapters from 10 years ago we see a completely different outlook & stage of life discussed, instantly provoking the reader to ponder what has happened over this timeframe.
Looking from the outside in it is very evident of the ‘cult’ environment being described, Lizzy very cleverly portrays how attractive & appealing the ‘offer’ can captivate anyone, regardless of vulnerability, with people just wanting to find a place they belong in the world.
It’s hard to review without giving too much away but the final quarter of this book had me truly captivated, I literally couldn’t believe what I was hearing & definitely didn’t see the unhinged twists coming. And what a very clever ending, leaving the reader to ponder exactly what that meant, believe me this book will have your brain going in circles, but in a good way - expertly done Lizzy!👏
At first I wasn’t completely sure about this one & the direction it was going to go in but wow, what a journey!
Told between two timelines, the Beth of today is a new mother, finding her way in the world after a struggle to conceive. Intersected with chapters from 10 years ago we see a completely different outlook & stage of life discussed, instantly provoking the reader to ponder what has happened over this timeframe.
Looking from the outside in it is very evident of the ‘cult’ environment being described, Lizzy very cleverly portrays how attractive & appealing the ‘offer’ can captivate anyone, regardless of vulnerability, with people just wanting to find a place they belong in the world.
It’s hard to review without giving too much away but the final quarter of this book had me truly captivated, I literally couldn’t believe what I was hearing & definitely didn’t see the unhinged twists coming. And what a very clever ending, leaving the reader to ponder exactly what that meant, believe me this book will have your brain going in circles, but in a good way - expertly done Lizzy!👏
June 22, 2025
It’s May 2013 and Beth is starting a new life in San Francisco. Escaping from a relationship breakup back in the uk, this new job is just the medicine she needs. But she’s still feeling empty, so when she meets Marissa in a coffee shop she’s drawn to her confident and healthy demeanour. Wanting that kind of life, she visits ‘Elixir’, the fitness & health club Marissa has recommended. And quickly becomes hooked on their idylls, their exercise classes and their mantras. And then she meets the leader of Elixir, Tate. His magnetism sweeps her off her feet and before long Beth can think of nothing else. Even when others try to warn her…
Such an enjoyable read! Be Mine is told over two separate timelines, then and now, as the present Beth who is back in London wonders if she’ll ever escape from her secret past. I loved knowing that Beth had clearly managed to escape Elixir’s clutches but how - and at what cost?
This is a real tightly woven thriller, written so plausibly that it was easy to understand how Beth became so charmed by these people. The characters are intriguing, cunning and manipulative but also felt very authentic. Beth’s life in London is the perfect contrast; as a new mum her exhaustion and loneliness is palpable and she seems like a different person to the one she once was.
Compelling, clever and cultish. A winner all round!
April 13, 2025
In Be Mine, we follow Beth in 2013, newly moved to San Francisco from the U.K after a strenuous breakup, who's introduced to the Ellixir wellness classes, which are focused on mind, body and spirit. Before long, Beth is in deep. She soon discovers that Ellixir is basically a cult, and is rife with psychological and physical abuse.
Fast forward 10 years and Beth has managed to escape the clutches of Ellixir and is back in the U.K. But she's paranoid that Ellixir still might be after her, even a decade later.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all In all, an enjoyable, intriguing psychological thriller, with a central theme very much reminiscent of the world of Scientology.
It's a story full of suspense and twists and turns, with a dash or two of fun, and mystery galore.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
Fast forward 10 years and Beth has managed to escape the clutches of Ellixir and is back in the U.K. But she's paranoid that Ellixir still might be after her, even a decade later.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all In all, an enjoyable, intriguing psychological thriller, with a central theme very much reminiscent of the world of Scientology.
It's a story full of suspense and twists and turns, with a dash or two of fun, and mystery galore.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
June 25, 2025
Be Mine focuses on Beth, a new mother, an ex-cult member, who grows increasingly concerned after strange things keep happening.
This was my first thriller that focused on that cult aspect and I devoured it. As the inner workings of Elixir unfold, the creepier it gets. It was definitely interesting and eerie to see just how far Beth was pulled into the world of Elixr.
I’m a sucker for a dual timeline and the way this book handled it definitely added and extra “oomph” to the ending.
Speaking of endings…. WOW. There was a moment that I actually dropped my in surprise. It did seem the tiniest bit rushed, but the way everything pulled together was so good.
Thanks to NetGalley & publisher for this eBook.
This was my first thriller that focused on that cult aspect and I devoured it. As the inner workings of Elixir unfold, the creepier it gets. It was definitely interesting and eerie to see just how far Beth was pulled into the world of Elixr.
I’m a sucker for a dual timeline and the way this book handled it definitely added and extra “oomph” to the ending.
Speaking of endings…. WOW. There was a moment that I actually dropped my in surprise. It did seem the tiniest bit rushed, but the way everything pulled together was so good.
Thanks to NetGalley & publisher for this eBook.
May 26, 2025
3.5 💫
Maybe it's just because I've read a few cult-themed novels in the past year, but I wasn't as thrilled by this as I was hoping to be. I don't want to say it was predictable - because the twists at the end (most of them, at least) did get me, but up until those reveals, it just didn't feel like anything new or too exciting.
I did genuinely enjoy the writing style itself, and was hooked enough to keep reading, but there was just something that felt lacking for me. But Lizzy Barber is certainly an author I can see myself returning to and giving another chance.
Thank you to Datura and NetGalley for the ARC invite.
Maybe it's just because I've read a few cult-themed novels in the past year, but I wasn't as thrilled by this as I was hoping to be. I don't want to say it was predictable - because the twists at the end (most of them, at least) did get me, but up until those reveals, it just didn't feel like anything new or too exciting.
I did genuinely enjoy the writing style itself, and was hooked enough to keep reading, but there was just something that felt lacking for me. But Lizzy Barber is certainly an author I can see myself returning to and giving another chance.
Thank you to Datura and NetGalley for the ARC invite.
May 6, 2025
Be Mine is a thrilling and addictive dive about manipulation, identity and the desperate need to belong. I devoured this one, the writing was absolutely gripping, the past and present timelines, the pacing, everything just made for an unputdownable read. Cult books are usually built on the same base, but this one felt different, Lizzy was able to instigate the fear, always having that lurking feeling. I can definitely say this won't be my last book by this author !
I can't say I loved the characters per say, they all had their flaws, but they were very intriguing to follow. The book has a lot of depth, it is so much more than just a cult book, there are many other issues at hand. This book is full of layers, the characters are complex and I truly thought it would be a harder book to get through but honestly this book would have been a one sitting read if life hadn't gotten into it. There were some twists and turns that truly left me with my jaw on the floor. Truly didn't see them coming.
Overall, this was a really great, thrilling psychological read. It had everything to make for an absolutely addictive ride. Kept me hooked from start to finish with a gripping storyline. Don't miss out, especially if you're into cult books you'll love this one!
✨️Thank you to @daturabooks & @lizzybarber for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I can't say I loved the characters per say, they all had their flaws, but they were very intriguing to follow. The book has a lot of depth, it is so much more than just a cult book, there are many other issues at hand. This book is full of layers, the characters are complex and I truly thought it would be a harder book to get through but honestly this book would have been a one sitting read if life hadn't gotten into it. There were some twists and turns that truly left me with my jaw on the floor. Truly didn't see them coming.
Overall, this was a really great, thrilling psychological read. It had everything to make for an absolutely addictive ride. Kept me hooked from start to finish with a gripping storyline. Don't miss out, especially if you're into cult books you'll love this one!
✨️Thank you to @daturabooks & @lizzybarber for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2025
There’s something endlessly fascinating about stories where self-improvement curdles into control, where “healing” becomes another kind of harm. this is beth's story. Beth moves to San Francisco after a breakup and ends up getting pulled into a “wellness” group called Elixir. They promise healing, purpose, community: all the usual shiny words. Years later, she’s back in the UK, a new mother, still looking over her shoulder, half-convinced the group is still watching her. The story moves between those two timelines, showing how it all began and how it never really ended.
What worked for me was how ordinary it all felt. The cult isn’t robes and chanting: it’s yoga classes, self-improvement talk, and a man named Tate who’s just the right mix of charming and manipulative. It captures how easy it can be to fall for something that looks good when you’re lonely and trying to start over.
Some parts didn’t land - the ending felt a bit too bollywood, and a few phrases made me wince. but I still couldn’t put it down. It’s not just a story about a cult; it’s about what happens after you escape one. How you learn to trust yourself again. How you live with the echo of something that once had too much power over you.
to that I’d add: the book’s real strength is how it shows the bleed between the extraordinary and the banal, and how that bleed is amplified by motherhood. the sections about beth as a new parent: exhausted, hypervigilant, and suddenly responsible for another human - make the threat feel less like a plot device and more like an ongoing anxiety. postpartum life magnifies small paranoias into daily realities: every weird text, every misplaced memory, every second-guess about safety reads differently when you’re holding a baby. the novel understands that the aftermath of cult involvement isn’t a tidy “escape” moment; it’s a long, threaded worry you carry into feeding schedules and school runs.
the book also doesn’t shy from the mechanics of control. the so-called “extraction” sessions and the way the group repackages benign acts as ritual felt chillingly familiar. it’s the classic slow normalization tactic. yet the author keeps the tone close to beth’s perspective, which serves the book well: we see how language is used to reframe abuse as enlightenment. that said, some prose choices are clumsy enough to pull you out - wordings that feel off, odd verbs, and a handful of lines that made me stop and reread for the wrong reasons. those moments are distracting, but they don’t ruin the central experience.
i saw the twist from a mile away but was delighted when it finally landed. i thought the depiction of the psychological aftermath: the second-guessing, the shame, the ways memory can be reshaped by coercion is realistic and credible.
i kept thinking about how easy it is to mistake a polished pitch for genuine care, and how hard it is to prove to yourself that what you escaped was real abuse and not just a bad phase. elixir doesn’t give tidy answers, and that’s part of its point: recovery and clarity are messy, incremental, and often incomplete. it’s not a perfect book, but it’s an unsettling, humane one and i rather enjoyed it. 3.4/5
What worked for me was how ordinary it all felt. The cult isn’t robes and chanting: it’s yoga classes, self-improvement talk, and a man named Tate who’s just the right mix of charming and manipulative. It captures how easy it can be to fall for something that looks good when you’re lonely and trying to start over.
Some parts didn’t land - the ending felt a bit too bollywood, and a few phrases made me wince. but I still couldn’t put it down. It’s not just a story about a cult; it’s about what happens after you escape one. How you learn to trust yourself again. How you live with the echo of something that once had too much power over you.
to that I’d add: the book’s real strength is how it shows the bleed between the extraordinary and the banal, and how that bleed is amplified by motherhood. the sections about beth as a new parent: exhausted, hypervigilant, and suddenly responsible for another human - make the threat feel less like a plot device and more like an ongoing anxiety. postpartum life magnifies small paranoias into daily realities: every weird text, every misplaced memory, every second-guess about safety reads differently when you’re holding a baby. the novel understands that the aftermath of cult involvement isn’t a tidy “escape” moment; it’s a long, threaded worry you carry into feeding schedules and school runs.
the book also doesn’t shy from the mechanics of control. the so-called “extraction” sessions and the way the group repackages benign acts as ritual felt chillingly familiar. it’s the classic slow normalization tactic. yet the author keeps the tone close to beth’s perspective, which serves the book well: we see how language is used to reframe abuse as enlightenment. that said, some prose choices are clumsy enough to pull you out - wordings that feel off, odd verbs, and a handful of lines that made me stop and reread for the wrong reasons. those moments are distracting, but they don’t ruin the central experience.
i saw the twist from a mile away but was delighted when it finally landed. i thought the depiction of the psychological aftermath: the second-guessing, the shame, the ways memory can be reshaped by coercion is realistic and credible.
i kept thinking about how easy it is to mistake a polished pitch for genuine care, and how hard it is to prove to yourself that what you escaped was real abuse and not just a bad phase. elixir doesn’t give tidy answers, and that’s part of its point: recovery and clarity are messy, incremental, and often incomplete. it’s not a perfect book, but it’s an unsettling, humane one and i rather enjoyed it. 3.4/5
May 26, 2025
This was a ride and a half and I loved every moment. The plot builds slowly as Beth is swept/brainwashed into the Elixir brand and allows it to become her whole persona.
At first this may seem like a typical ‘cult escape’ but it is so so much more. The characters are all untrustworthy, even those who ‘have’ no link to Elixir. I wasn’t sure who was worse Tate or those gullible to fall for his nonsense.
The different timelines build up the intensity and I really didn’t seen some of the twists coming. I Highly recommended this for psychological thriller lovers.
At first this may seem like a typical ‘cult escape’ but it is so so much more. The characters are all untrustworthy, even those who ‘have’ no link to Elixir. I wasn’t sure who was worse Tate or those gullible to fall for his nonsense.
The different timelines build up the intensity and I really didn’t seen some of the twists coming. I Highly recommended this for psychological thriller lovers.
June 5, 2025
This review was originally published on Queen's Book Asylum.
I received an ARC from Datura Books in exchange for an honest review.
From the moment I heard about Be Mine, I knew I had to get my hands on it. I’m super fascinated with cults (hopefully not in a creepy way), and I *think* I read it somewhere that this book was at least partly inspired by NXVIM (which I could believe, reading it), about which I saw a documentary and read articles. Anyway. I was happy when the ARC landed on my doorstep (actually it got handed over to me by the delivery man, but you know…) and couldn’t wait to jump on it. Wasn’t sure whether I would be able to review it by release day, but since I read over 250 pages in one single day over the weekend, well, here we are.
Be Mine tells the story of Beth in a dual timeline – on one hand, we follow her as she gets sucked into Elixir after a series of traumas that makes her leave the UK and move to San Fransisco thanks to a job transfer and on the other hand, we see her 10 years later, a new mom, struggling with keeping it together. Especially when it seems like that Elixir found her once again after she left them quite abruptly. I liked how the parallel worked in favor of the book – as Elizabeth (as she becomes known within Elixir after meeting the charismatic founder, Tate) gets higher within the organization, reaching higher and higher levels, Beth starts to sink into paranoia, not knowing anymore what’s real and what isn’t.
Be Mine is not going to be for everyone, not least because it has a slow pace and not a lot of things happen in the majority of the book. And I think it suited this story, I enjoyed getting deeper and deeper and was compelled to read on, to find out whether Beth is going crazy, and what exactly happened in the past that made her run away for so long. However, the last quarter or so felt way too rushed, and it felt like it ended quite abruptly. Up to that point, Barber masterfully built up the tension, and I’m not usually one to say this, but Be Mine could have benefited from another 100 pages or so to execute the endgame properly. To really bring home the impact of everything. It felt more like a slap than the proper punch it should have been.
This is a difficult review to write, because I’m trying not to talk too much about either the plot or the characters for fear of spoilers, but that doesn’t leave me much to work with. I thought most of the characters were totally on point – I could sympathize with Beth being a mother with a newborn (not that I have any experience there) and struggling despite her husband, who she could depend on. Despite the frustrations on both ends. I wish Adam got a bit more agency to get to know him on a deeper level to understand his motivations. I also could sympathize with the younger Beth, being alone in a new country, not having any friends after the traumas she went through. It’s understandable why she got sucked into Elixir.
Although, as time goes on, it gets harder to look past her decisions and understand why she got so deep into an organisation that exploits her and makes her believe that it’s all for her own good and improvement. Then again, if one never gets associated with such cults, it’s hard to see what’s going on in a desperate person’s mind. The kind these cults prey upon. Until you get so low in your life that you gladly grab at anything that promises to get you out of it, you never really know how easy it is to get brainwashed, no matter how smart you are otherwise. All that said, it was easy to see why older Beth reacted the way she did in some situations, and I think Barber did grab the psychological aspect of her character very well.
The fact that the founder of the cult, Tate only gets a minor role in the plot makes his character more mysterious, but also somehow takes the power from him, as we get the POV of those whom he harmed. And even when he makes an appearance whether in person or through excerpts – Elixir manifesto, interview – it comes through how much of a creep he is, and I think that works a lot better than if he was present all the way through.
Be Mine is a slow burn psychological thriller about wellness cults, motherhood and the past that always catches up with us. Once it sucks you in, it’s as hard to put down as it is to get out of Elixir. Definitely gives one a lot of food for thought, and I think this one will stay with me for a while yet, despite some of my complaints.
I received an ARC from Datura Books in exchange for an honest review.
“San Fransisco was, for want of a better phrase, a mindfuck. Unlike London, prone to tradition and stagnation, here optimism crackled in the air like electricity.”
From the moment I heard about Be Mine, I knew I had to get my hands on it. I’m super fascinated with cults (hopefully not in a creepy way), and I *think* I read it somewhere that this book was at least partly inspired by NXVIM (which I could believe, reading it), about which I saw a documentary and read articles. Anyway. I was happy when the ARC landed on my doorstep (actually it got handed over to me by the delivery man, but you know…) and couldn’t wait to jump on it. Wasn’t sure whether I would be able to review it by release day, but since I read over 250 pages in one single day over the weekend, well, here we are.
Be Mine tells the story of Beth in a dual timeline – on one hand, we follow her as she gets sucked into Elixir after a series of traumas that makes her leave the UK and move to San Fransisco thanks to a job transfer and on the other hand, we see her 10 years later, a new mom, struggling with keeping it together. Especially when it seems like that Elixir found her once again after she left them quite abruptly. I liked how the parallel worked in favor of the book – as Elizabeth (as she becomes known within Elixir after meeting the charismatic founder, Tate) gets higher within the organization, reaching higher and higher levels, Beth starts to sink into paranoia, not knowing anymore what’s real and what isn’t.
Be Mine is not going to be for everyone, not least because it has a slow pace and not a lot of things happen in the majority of the book. And I think it suited this story, I enjoyed getting deeper and deeper and was compelled to read on, to find out whether Beth is going crazy, and what exactly happened in the past that made her run away for so long. However, the last quarter or so felt way too rushed, and it felt like it ended quite abruptly. Up to that point, Barber masterfully built up the tension, and I’m not usually one to say this, but Be Mine could have benefited from another 100 pages or so to execute the endgame properly. To really bring home the impact of everything. It felt more like a slap than the proper punch it should have been.
This is a difficult review to write, because I’m trying not to talk too much about either the plot or the characters for fear of spoilers, but that doesn’t leave me much to work with. I thought most of the characters were totally on point – I could sympathize with Beth being a mother with a newborn (not that I have any experience there) and struggling despite her husband, who she could depend on. Despite the frustrations on both ends. I wish Adam got a bit more agency to get to know him on a deeper level to understand his motivations. I also could sympathize with the younger Beth, being alone in a new country, not having any friends after the traumas she went through. It’s understandable why she got sucked into Elixir.
Although, as time goes on, it gets harder to look past her decisions and understand why she got so deep into an organisation that exploits her and makes her believe that it’s all for her own good and improvement. Then again, if one never gets associated with such cults, it’s hard to see what’s going on in a desperate person’s mind. The kind these cults prey upon. Until you get so low in your life that you gladly grab at anything that promises to get you out of it, you never really know how easy it is to get brainwashed, no matter how smart you are otherwise. All that said, it was easy to see why older Beth reacted the way she did in some situations, and I think Barber did grab the psychological aspect of her character very well.
The fact that the founder of the cult, Tate only gets a minor role in the plot makes his character more mysterious, but also somehow takes the power from him, as we get the POV of those whom he harmed. And even when he makes an appearance whether in person or through excerpts – Elixir manifesto, interview – it comes through how much of a creep he is, and I think that works a lot better than if he was present all the way through.
Be Mine is a slow burn psychological thriller about wellness cults, motherhood and the past that always catches up with us. Once it sucks you in, it’s as hard to put down as it is to get out of Elixir. Definitely gives one a lot of food for thought, and I think this one will stay with me for a while yet, despite some of my complaints.
October 3, 2025
It's us, it is strange how easily we give all the strings to others to manipulate us.. You are your own failure! This book is a powerful and shocking presentation of how foolishly we show our vulnerable side to strangers. What looks like loneliness, in a sudden moment of weaknesses, becomes desperate desire to belong. Our inner identity crisis gives power for manipulation.
A perfect mind-blowing thriller if you are tired of typical suspenseful and high octane mysteries, it's just right amount of suspense and riveting craziness to give you space to breathe and think about it. This book is not so fast, not slow and uninteresting yet it's smooth and inflicted teaspoon of drama in every chapters provides the necessary amount of curiosity to occupy your thoughts.
Once, Beth was a different person, convinced she was living her dream life with the enigmatic wellness group, Elixir. But when that dream became a nightmare, she had no choice but to run, no matter what – or who – stood in her way.
Ten years later, exhausted and struggling with the pressures of motherhood, she receives a mysterious letter bearing only the infinity symbol, and knows immediately it is from them. The past she’d run from has finally caught up with her, and the secrets she’s tried so hard to hide will soon be uncovered.
It started with two different timelines and simultaneously filled the void with information about Beth. The story starts with Beth, her new life with her little girl and husband, yet in the core of her heart she is haunted by her past, the past is peeking out from another chapter. Story goes back and forth creating layers and interesting aspects.
It started with Beth and in just a perfect swift touch everything changed, it's no more Beth's journey, the whole thing changed, a plot twist that you never expected nor imagined in a single blink, a jaw dropping turn, and a fragment of time turned all the characters upside down.
Highly recommended this book, get yourself loose into this thriller and learn how wellness, and self-love trend can be exhausting and left you completely weak and unshielded.
Thank you for this gifted copy @bylizzybarber x @daturabooks
A perfect mind-blowing thriller if you are tired of typical suspenseful and high octane mysteries, it's just right amount of suspense and riveting craziness to give you space to breathe and think about it. This book is not so fast, not slow and uninteresting yet it's smooth and inflicted teaspoon of drama in every chapters provides the necessary amount of curiosity to occupy your thoughts.
Once, Beth was a different person, convinced she was living her dream life with the enigmatic wellness group, Elixir. But when that dream became a nightmare, she had no choice but to run, no matter what – or who – stood in her way.
Ten years later, exhausted and struggling with the pressures of motherhood, she receives a mysterious letter bearing only the infinity symbol, and knows immediately it is from them. The past she’d run from has finally caught up with her, and the secrets she’s tried so hard to hide will soon be uncovered.
It started with two different timelines and simultaneously filled the void with information about Beth. The story starts with Beth, her new life with her little girl and husband, yet in the core of her heart she is haunted by her past, the past is peeking out from another chapter. Story goes back and forth creating layers and interesting aspects.
It started with Beth and in just a perfect swift touch everything changed, it's no more Beth's journey, the whole thing changed, a plot twist that you never expected nor imagined in a single blink, a jaw dropping turn, and a fragment of time turned all the characters upside down.
Highly recommended this book, get yourself loose into this thriller and learn how wellness, and self-love trend can be exhausting and left you completely weak and unshielded.
Thank you for this gifted copy @bylizzybarber x @daturabooks
March 13, 2025
Set in the world of toxic wellness cults, 'Be Mine' follows Beth who moved to San Francisco for a fresh start, ready to work hard and forget what happened to her in the UK. She is invited by new acquaintance Marissa to attend an exclusive wellness class called Elixir - and once she's there, she's absolutely hooked. The classes, the instructors, the approach to life , the exclusivity - all appeal to Beth in a way that nothing else has. She soon finds herself there more and more, getting up desperately early to attend classes or sneaking out of work to rush across town. Beth's efforts are noticed by Marissa, who encourages her to sign up for more classes and commit to a higher level of Elixir classes. Beth has heard Marissa talk about Elixir's founder, Tate, who is this almost mythical figure, issuing wellness advice and instructions to his followers who hang on his every word.
Beth becomes obsessed by Tate and getting his approval for all of her efforts, doubling down on all of the effort she's putting in. She's rewarded by being admitted to an inner circle, but life becomes even more demanding, especially when she meets Tate himself. God, Tate is an utterly vile self-serving character, as soon as you hear about him, you know what to expect and boy, he delivers in spades. He is so self-obsessed and narcissistic, an absolute master at manipulating others whilst simultaneously knocking their self-confidence and leaving them wanting more, desperate to please .
The Elixir timeline is interspersed with episodes from Beth's current life. She's managed to escape Elixir and get back to London to start a family, but she can't relax, paranoid that Elixir will find her even a decade later. As the book opens, it seems as though they have found her, as an envelope with their distinctive logo mysteriously appears in her flat.
This is Lizzy Barber's best book yet, an utterly addictive psychological read that I couldn't tear myself away from!
Beth becomes obsessed by Tate and getting his approval for all of her efforts, doubling down on all of the effort she's putting in. She's rewarded by being admitted to an inner circle, but life becomes even more demanding, especially when she meets Tate himself. God, Tate is an utterly vile self-serving character, as soon as you hear about him, you know what to expect and boy, he delivers in spades. He is so self-obsessed and narcissistic, an absolute master at manipulating others whilst simultaneously knocking their self-confidence and leaving them wanting more, desperate to please .
The Elixir timeline is interspersed with episodes from Beth's current life. She's managed to escape Elixir and get back to London to start a family, but she can't relax, paranoid that Elixir will find her even a decade later. As the book opens, it seems as though they have found her, as an envelope with their distinctive logo mysteriously appears in her flat.
This is Lizzy Barber's best book yet, an utterly addictive psychological read that I couldn't tear myself away from!
March 27, 2025
Beth, newly moved to San Francisco in 2013, in the wake of a difficult breakup, is vulnerable to the approaches of a friendly stranger who introduces her to the mysterious Elixir organisation, which promises to change her life - mind, body and spirit. Soon, she's in deep.
In the present day, back in the UK, Beth is a new mother to baby Etta, but her life is shadowed by the fear that Elixir has a long reach. Are they really still watching her, sending her messages?
The story develops over these two timelines as we learn more about Elixir, its well-named leader Tate (I kept thinking "Andrew") and its impact on Beth and others.
Elixir is clearly a cult, with all the attributes including a supposedly charismatic leader (although from the outset Tate is obviously weird and creepy). Fine by me, I love a scary (fictional) cult. Psychological and physical abuse is rife in Elixir world, and despite the healthy living claims, they have no objection to alcohol, drugs and extreme eating restriction. It's hard to believe an intelligent woman like Beth falls for it all, though I guess it does happen.
The "Extraction" sessions, among a few other things, were reminiscent of Scientology's "auditing".
There are some odd word choices which jarred at times ("he wielded his body" - yikes! - "she worried her head", the use of "distinctively" instead of "distinctly") and some that are just wrong (a man in a queue "inferred" that she should move forward).
It all got a bit crazy towards the end, and I didn't like or see the point of the very end. I wasn't sure what I was meant to conclude from it. The main twist was good, and I didn't see it coming at all - though I'm not entirely sure it would work in real life.
There's generally quite a lot of suspension of disbelief required here, which is not to say weird and scary cults don't exist, because they clearly do! It was an engaging read, though.
In the present day, back in the UK, Beth is a new mother to baby Etta, but her life is shadowed by the fear that Elixir has a long reach. Are they really still watching her, sending her messages?
The story develops over these two timelines as we learn more about Elixir, its well-named leader Tate (I kept thinking "Andrew") and its impact on Beth and others.
Elixir is clearly a cult, with all the attributes including a supposedly charismatic leader (although from the outset Tate is obviously weird and creepy). Fine by me, I love a scary (fictional) cult. Psychological and physical abuse is rife in Elixir world, and despite the healthy living claims, they have no objection to alcohol, drugs and extreme eating restriction. It's hard to believe an intelligent woman like Beth falls for it all, though I guess it does happen.
The "Extraction" sessions, among a few other things, were reminiscent of Scientology's "auditing".
There are some odd word choices which jarred at times ("he wielded his body" - yikes! - "she worried her head", the use of "distinctively" instead of "distinctly") and some that are just wrong (a man in a queue "inferred" that she should move forward).
It all got a bit crazy towards the end, and I didn't like or see the point of the very end. I wasn't sure what I was meant to conclude from it. The main twist was good, and I didn't see it coming at all - though I'm not entirely sure it would work in real life.
There's generally quite a lot of suspension of disbelief required here, which is not to say weird and scary cults don't exist, because they clearly do! It was an engaging read, though.
May 20, 2025
📚 Book Review 📚
Be Mine by @bylizzybarber ♾
It’s 2013 and Beth has recently moved to San Francisco following an unpleasant breakup. As she’s finding her feet, she finds a friend in Marissa who introduces her to wellness group, Elixir, ran by the prestigious Tate. But the longer Beth is a member of Elixir, she realises that things aren’t all as they seem and cracks in the bodacious exterior soon start to show dark, ugly truths.
Fast forward to 2023, Beth has returned to the UK and is juggling her relationship and being a new mother to baby Etta, who she has longed for, for so long. When an envelope sporting Elixir’s logo is posted through her door, Beth realises they’ve found her and won’t stop at anything to hunt her down…
Lizzy Barber, you have just blown my socks off. Be Mine features common real-life struggles, flawed and complex characters, and a strong multi-layered narrative that is downright addictive. I always love the idea of a book being written about a cult, and although it has been done many times before, this is an excellent addition to the subgenre.
Told over dual timelines, this makes for a thrilling read – I loved reading about Beth’s time in the cult and how you could slowly feel her succumb to their manipulation and cunning brain-washing techniques. I must admit, none of the characters are likeable – I’m not sure if this was intended, or if it was me not connecting with them as I knew what they were getting themselves into. This didn’t take any enjoyment away from my reading experience though as I love an unlikeable character!
Be Mine is seeped in suspenseful anxiety which increases page after page. There definitely wasn’t enough time in the day to read this one and, unfortunately, adult responsibilities had to come first, otherwise I would have demolished this in one sitting.
All in all, this is a highly intense novel that arouses suspicion and hits you with unexpected yet utterly satisfying twists and turns.
I’d like to say a huge thank you to the team at @daturabooks, and to Lizzy Barber, for the proof in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Be Mine is available to buy now!
Be Mine by @bylizzybarber ♾
It’s 2013 and Beth has recently moved to San Francisco following an unpleasant breakup. As she’s finding her feet, she finds a friend in Marissa who introduces her to wellness group, Elixir, ran by the prestigious Tate. But the longer Beth is a member of Elixir, she realises that things aren’t all as they seem and cracks in the bodacious exterior soon start to show dark, ugly truths.
Fast forward to 2023, Beth has returned to the UK and is juggling her relationship and being a new mother to baby Etta, who she has longed for, for so long. When an envelope sporting Elixir’s logo is posted through her door, Beth realises they’ve found her and won’t stop at anything to hunt her down…
Lizzy Barber, you have just blown my socks off. Be Mine features common real-life struggles, flawed and complex characters, and a strong multi-layered narrative that is downright addictive. I always love the idea of a book being written about a cult, and although it has been done many times before, this is an excellent addition to the subgenre.
Told over dual timelines, this makes for a thrilling read – I loved reading about Beth’s time in the cult and how you could slowly feel her succumb to their manipulation and cunning brain-washing techniques. I must admit, none of the characters are likeable – I’m not sure if this was intended, or if it was me not connecting with them as I knew what they were getting themselves into. This didn’t take any enjoyment away from my reading experience though as I love an unlikeable character!
Be Mine is seeped in suspenseful anxiety which increases page after page. There definitely wasn’t enough time in the day to read this one and, unfortunately, adult responsibilities had to come first, otherwise I would have demolished this in one sitting.
All in all, this is a highly intense novel that arouses suspicion and hits you with unexpected yet utterly satisfying twists and turns.
I’d like to say a huge thank you to the team at @daturabooks, and to Lizzy Barber, for the proof in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Be Mine is available to buy now!
May 6, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Datura Books for this eCopy to review
Be Mine by Lizzy Barber is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into themes of identity, manipulation, and the desperate desire to belong. The story follows Beth, a new mother struggling with the pressures of motherhood and a haunting past she thought she had escaped.
Beth receives a mysterious letter bearing only the infinity symbol, a chilling reminder of her time with the wellness group, Elixir. Ten years earlier, Beth was introduced to Elixir by the charismatic Marissa, who promised it would change her life. Beth quickly became enamoured with the group's leader, Tate, and the seemingly perfect lifestyle they offered. However, as Beth's involvement deepened, she began to uncover the dark underbelly of Elixir, leading to a desperate escape.
One of the standout aspects of Be Mine is its exploration of the psychological impact of cult-like groups and the lengths people will go to find a sense of belonging. Barber masterfully portrays Beth's internal struggles and the tension between her past and present. The narrative is filled with suspense, keeping the reader on edge as Beth's past catches up with her.
The characters are well-developed and complex. Beth's journey from a vulnerable young woman to a determined mother fighting for her freedom is compelling and relatable. The dynamics between Beth, Marissa, and Tate add depth to the story, highlighting the manipulative tactics used by Elixir to control its members.
Be Mine is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that offers a fresh perspective on the psychological thriller genre. Fans of suspenseful and emotionally charged stories will find much to enjoy in this book.
Be Mine by Lizzy Barber is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into themes of identity, manipulation, and the desperate desire to belong. The story follows Beth, a new mother struggling with the pressures of motherhood and a haunting past she thought she had escaped.
Beth receives a mysterious letter bearing only the infinity symbol, a chilling reminder of her time with the wellness group, Elixir. Ten years earlier, Beth was introduced to Elixir by the charismatic Marissa, who promised it would change her life. Beth quickly became enamoured with the group's leader, Tate, and the seemingly perfect lifestyle they offered. However, as Beth's involvement deepened, she began to uncover the dark underbelly of Elixir, leading to a desperate escape.
One of the standout aspects of Be Mine is its exploration of the psychological impact of cult-like groups and the lengths people will go to find a sense of belonging. Barber masterfully portrays Beth's internal struggles and the tension between her past and present. The narrative is filled with suspense, keeping the reader on edge as Beth's past catches up with her.
The characters are well-developed and complex. Beth's journey from a vulnerable young woman to a determined mother fighting for her freedom is compelling and relatable. The dynamics between Beth, Marissa, and Tate add depth to the story, highlighting the manipulative tactics used by Elixir to control its members.
Be Mine is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that offers a fresh perspective on the psychological thriller genre. Fans of suspenseful and emotionally charged stories will find much to enjoy in this book.
Read
May 22, 2025Cult stories will forever be my favorite and the cult in BE MINE was a fantastic one. Sure, Elixir seems innocuous enough. What could be harmful about a wellness cult? Exercise is great! Good health is even better! Everything about Elixir should be positive, right? As with all cults, something sinister lurks beneath the shiny exterior and that’s something Beth learned long ago.
Now 9 years later, on a whole different continent and fresh in the throes of the new mom life, it seems as if her past has caught up with her. Though maybe the things she’s experiencing are due to brain fog from lack of sleep. Maybe Elixir hasn’t caught up to her and the things she’s finding are purely coincidental?! Maybe she spends too much time alone with her thoughts and needs to join a mom group. Or maybe, just maybe, someone finally recognizes her and wants revenge.
Told through dual timelines, we slowly but surely get the full picture of Elixir and the circumstances that finally led to Beth breaking free of the wellness cult. Having just left her cheating boyfriend and recovering from an intentional overdose, Elixir and their recruiters jumped right in when she was the most vulnerable. I’m not a cult expert by any means, but I suspect that’s how most cults gain members. By preying on people who lack support, like Beth. I also really enjoyed seeing how influential and far-reaching Elixir’s hold was, as it added an even more frightening element to the cult.
All told, I really enjoyed this one and will certainly be on the hunt for more books by this author. Definitely pick this one up if you’re a fan of cult thrillers and twisty mysteries.
*Thanks so much to Datura Books for gifting an arc for review!
Now 9 years later, on a whole different continent and fresh in the throes of the new mom life, it seems as if her past has caught up with her. Though maybe the things she’s experiencing are due to brain fog from lack of sleep. Maybe Elixir hasn’t caught up to her and the things she’s finding are purely coincidental?! Maybe she spends too much time alone with her thoughts and needs to join a mom group. Or maybe, just maybe, someone finally recognizes her and wants revenge.
Told through dual timelines, we slowly but surely get the full picture of Elixir and the circumstances that finally led to Beth breaking free of the wellness cult. Having just left her cheating boyfriend and recovering from an intentional overdose, Elixir and their recruiters jumped right in when she was the most vulnerable. I’m not a cult expert by any means, but I suspect that’s how most cults gain members. By preying on people who lack support, like Beth. I also really enjoyed seeing how influential and far-reaching Elixir’s hold was, as it added an even more frightening element to the cult.
All told, I really enjoyed this one and will certainly be on the hunt for more books by this author. Definitely pick this one up if you’re a fan of cult thrillers and twisty mysteries.
*Thanks so much to Datura Books for gifting an arc for review!
May 18, 2025
I love a book about a cult I find them scarily fascinating, just how people can be sucked in. Sadly it is usually people who are desperate for help and somewhere to feel they belong.
We find exactly how Beth was sucked in to Elixir, a wellness and self improvement group fronted by the enigmatic Tate who is extremely vocal in stating Elixir is not a cult and anyone who says it is will feel the weight of a hefty lawsuit. So yup that’s a cult then.
Having moved to San Francisco, Beth bumps into Marissa, a glamorous and together woman, just how Beth would love to be. Initially Marissa convinces Beth to join a few wellness classes, but Beth soon becomes addicted to Elixir and the costly lifestyle.
Jump forward 10 years and Beth is now living in London with her husband and their baby. She has escaped the cult but is constantly looking over her shoulder in case they find her. She is befriended by Mia, another new mum but can she trust her? Can she trust anyone? Then she receives an invitation to an Elixir event and her world collapses.
This is truly an addictive rollercoaster of a page turner. It seamlessly moves between past and present as we find exactly how Beth was taken in, and how she saw Elixir and Tate for exactly who they are and escaped.
I felt so sorry for Beth being taken in by these people, and then again as a mother with all of a new mother’s insecurities and worries alongside the worry of being found. Her husband knows nothing of her past life and she wants to keep it that way, but the past is catching up with her.
Excellent book I had to finish in just a few sittings!
Huge thanks to Datura books for sending me an advance copy.
We find exactly how Beth was sucked in to Elixir, a wellness and self improvement group fronted by the enigmatic Tate who is extremely vocal in stating Elixir is not a cult and anyone who says it is will feel the weight of a hefty lawsuit. So yup that’s a cult then.
Having moved to San Francisco, Beth bumps into Marissa, a glamorous and together woman, just how Beth would love to be. Initially Marissa convinces Beth to join a few wellness classes, but Beth soon becomes addicted to Elixir and the costly lifestyle.
Jump forward 10 years and Beth is now living in London with her husband and their baby. She has escaped the cult but is constantly looking over her shoulder in case they find her. She is befriended by Mia, another new mum but can she trust her? Can she trust anyone? Then she receives an invitation to an Elixir event and her world collapses.
This is truly an addictive rollercoaster of a page turner. It seamlessly moves between past and present as we find exactly how Beth was taken in, and how she saw Elixir and Tate for exactly who they are and escaped.
I felt so sorry for Beth being taken in by these people, and then again as a mother with all of a new mother’s insecurities and worries alongside the worry of being found. Her husband knows nothing of her past life and she wants to keep it that way, but the past is catching up with her.
Excellent book I had to finish in just a few sittings!
Huge thanks to Datura books for sending me an advance copy.
May 20, 2025
*Huge thank you to Datura books for this free copy in exchange for an honest review. *
Ok, so You’d think reading a book about ‘wellness groups’ "cough cults" would make me more cautious, but if Lizzy Barber’s the one pouring the Kool-Aid, I’m chugging it with zero hesitation. It's rare and scary to admit when a thriller is relatable BUT hear me out... This book had me clutching my iced coffee while whispering, “same, girl” during every sleep-deprived motherhood moment. The portrayal of postpartum fog? Nailed it. I felt seen.
BUT this book was about SO much more than Beth's motherhood journey. Her past with the Elixir cult (sorry, “wellness group”) was disturbing in a “would I have fallen for this too?” kind of way. I have watched a documentary or two on the types of leaders that run these organizations and honestly, I hope all of Tate's pants are slightly too short and that his socks keep falling down like they’ve given up on him too. Dweeb.
The dual timeline was handled so well that I didn’t even notice I was jumping back and forth as I was too busy stress-snacking and flipping pages. The articles, interviews, and Tate's manifesto added so much more and it made the journey so much fun.
This wasn’t just a “cult book.” It was a story about identity, motherhood, trauma, and the terrifying idea that your past might send you creepy mail just when you finally got your kid to nap. The twists were really well done, and I loved the surprise.
My only issue? I wanted MORE for Tate. Like to be exposed for secretly eating Hot Pockets and hoarding energy drinks but overall, I loved this book!
Ok, so You’d think reading a book about ‘wellness groups’ "cough cults" would make me more cautious, but if Lizzy Barber’s the one pouring the Kool-Aid, I’m chugging it with zero hesitation. It's rare and scary to admit when a thriller is relatable BUT hear me out... This book had me clutching my iced coffee while whispering, “same, girl” during every sleep-deprived motherhood moment. The portrayal of postpartum fog? Nailed it. I felt seen.
BUT this book was about SO much more than Beth's motherhood journey. Her past with the Elixir cult (sorry, “wellness group”) was disturbing in a “would I have fallen for this too?” kind of way. I have watched a documentary or two on the types of leaders that run these organizations and honestly, I hope all of Tate's pants are slightly too short and that his socks keep falling down like they’ve given up on him too. Dweeb.
The dual timeline was handled so well that I didn’t even notice I was jumping back and forth as I was too busy stress-snacking and flipping pages. The articles, interviews, and Tate's manifesto added so much more and it made the journey so much fun.
This wasn’t just a “cult book.” It was a story about identity, motherhood, trauma, and the terrifying idea that your past might send you creepy mail just when you finally got your kid to nap. The twists were really well done, and I loved the surprise.
My only issue? I wanted MORE for Tate. Like to be exposed for secretly eating Hot Pockets and hoarding energy drinks but overall, I loved this book!
March 10, 2025
"Be Mine" is a whirlwind of a story that has your intriguied from the get go! It took me a while to get into the swing of multiple time POV (past and present day), but once I got into the flow of it, the book had me in its clutches, and I couldn't put it down. I loved being slowly trickle fed information as I tried to piece together what made the main character Beth who she was, and why she was getting so angsty over the mysterious occurances happening present day, whilst simultaneously slowly finding out exactly what those events were in the past! I can only imagine how hard it must be to write so many mysteries in both present day and past day without confusing the reader and it just goes to show how masterful Lizzy Barber is at her craft!
As a mother with a young baby myself, I found myself relating to a lot of what Beth (present day POV) as a mother was going through - I think the sheer exhaustion and how that can affect your mental state, was beautifully written! I was jealous that Beth managed to get Etta to take to a bottle straight away, but to evoke such emotions in me, just goes to show how ingrossed I was in the read!
I thought the cult aspect of the story was well done, with lots of angsty tension, and a good portrayal of the mental abuse that followers can suffer at the leader's hands.
Overall, I thought it was a fun read, with plently of mystery to keep you engrossed. I always end up saying this about Lizzy Barber's work, but it's a perfect holiday read!
As a mother with a young baby myself, I found myself relating to a lot of what Beth (present day POV) as a mother was going through - I think the sheer exhaustion and how that can affect your mental state, was beautifully written! I was jealous that Beth managed to get Etta to take to a bottle straight away, but to evoke such emotions in me, just goes to show how ingrossed I was in the read!
I thought the cult aspect of the story was well done, with lots of angsty tension, and a good portrayal of the mental abuse that followers can suffer at the leader's hands.
Overall, I thought it was a fun read, with plently of mystery to keep you engrossed. I always end up saying this about Lizzy Barber's work, but it's a perfect holiday read!
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