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Mother, Daughter
My teenage daughter is missing . . . and it’s my fault.
THE DAUGHTER
I thought I loved him. That it would end in some sort of happily ever after. That the conversations that brought us together were signs. Like this was one of the miracles Mom always talked about.
But they weren’t signs at all.
They were warnings.
“I don’t want to die,” I plead, his hands wrapped around my neck. Squeezing tight. His eyes are like the ocean, dark and deep, but I don’t want to drown.
I want to breathe. This can’t be how my life ends; before it ever really began.
THE MOTHER
Now, I look through the backdoor window, wanting a clue of where she might be. I was up early this morning trying to get some writing done, I didn’t hear her in the house at all . . . which means she must have left sometime in the night?
I have kept my past a secret, but right now I wish Maple understood just how dangerous the world can be.
THE DAUGHTER
I thought I loved him. That it would end in some sort of happily ever after. That the conversations that brought us together were signs. Like this was one of the miracles Mom always talked about.
But they weren’t signs at all.
They were warnings.
“I don’t want to die,” I plead, his hands wrapped around my neck. Squeezing tight. His eyes are like the ocean, dark and deep, but I don’t want to drown.
I want to breathe. This can’t be how my life ends; before it ever really began.
THE MOTHER
Now, I look through the backdoor window, wanting a clue of where she might be. I was up early this morning trying to get some writing done, I didn’t hear her in the house at all . . . which means she must have left sometime in the night?
I have kept my past a secret, but right now I wish Maple understood just how dangerous the world can be.
- GenresThriller
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2024
259 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Anya Mora
28 books322 followersAnya Mora relies on her experience as a wife and mother to form her creative expression. Her novels, while leaning toward the dark, ultimately reflect light, courage, and her innate belief that love rewards the brave.
You can discover more about the author at https://anyamora.com
You can discover more about the author at https://anyamora.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 13, 2025
A woman who's kept secrets for nearly 18 years is at the center of Mother Daughter, a new thriller written by Anya Mora. I've read one of the author's previous books which is why I grabbed this new release when it appeared on NetGalley. Ripe with conflict and natural curiosity, it's a compelling story. Clearly the mother has been traumatized by something in the past, and when we learn what happened to her, it's horrific. But those people were apprehended, so who could be causing all the problems now again? As it comes together, it's a little off-center, but it makes for a complex tale with good characters. Kept me engaged the whole time and shows why the author's solid for untold stories.
October 9, 2024
Another brilliant and gripping read from Anya Mora,
Bestselling author, Ruby, is searching for her missing daughter, Maple, when she realises that her past may have come back to haunt her. She hasn’t told anyone who she really is and is terrified that someone might know.
Anya has an amazing skill in writing about parent and child relationships and, of course, thrillers! I was immersed in this book right from the start and I loved the writing style, the pace and found the characters realistic and believable.
The twist at the end though… OMG!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Anya Mora and Joffe for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Bestselling author, Ruby, is searching for her missing daughter, Maple, when she realises that her past may have come back to haunt her. She hasn’t told anyone who she really is and is terrified that someone might know.
Anya has an amazing skill in writing about parent and child relationships and, of course, thrillers! I was immersed in this book right from the start and I loved the writing style, the pace and found the characters realistic and believable.
The twist at the end though… OMG!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Anya Mora and Joffe for an ARC in return for an honest review.
October 8, 2024
As my first ARC read, I was eager to dive into Mother Daughter by Anya Mora and share my thoughts ahead of its publication. At the start, I found myself a bit confused—there were many names, events, and details introduced quickly, making it challenging to follow the narrative. Additionally, I noticed several typos in the first third of the book, which detracted from the reading experience.
However, as I progressed, the story began to flow more smoothly. By the time I reached the halfway point, the typos diminished, and the plot captivated me, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The twists, especially the shocking revelation regarding Maple, were expertly crafted and left me stunned.
I have a couple of suggestions that could enhance the reading experience. First, it would be helpful to visually differentiate the text messages from the main narrative. This would clarify their presence and make it easier for readers to follow along. Second, I recommend including a trigger warning list, as some darker themes arise unexpectedly. While I personally didn’t have any triggers, other readers might appreciate this consideration.
Overall, I would rate Mother Daughter 3.5 out of 5 stars. Despite the initial confusion, the story developed into a compelling journey that explores the intricacies of mother-daughter relationships.
However, as I progressed, the story began to flow more smoothly. By the time I reached the halfway point, the typos diminished, and the plot captivated me, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The twists, especially the shocking revelation regarding Maple, were expertly crafted and left me stunned.
I have a couple of suggestions that could enhance the reading experience. First, it would be helpful to visually differentiate the text messages from the main narrative. This would clarify their presence and make it easier for readers to follow along. Second, I recommend including a trigger warning list, as some darker themes arise unexpectedly. While I personally didn’t have any triggers, other readers might appreciate this consideration.
Overall, I would rate Mother Daughter 3.5 out of 5 stars. Despite the initial confusion, the story developed into a compelling journey that explores the intricacies of mother-daughter relationships.
November 13, 2024
This is awesome, wow what a book. This consumed me, the story plot is amazing. But there are some tough topics in this, but it wasn’t gruesome.
This definitely kept me on my toes. I love the layout of this story.
Ruby had gone through a horrific teen hood, as an adult she writes a fiction book about her struggles.
The way the author wrote this story but it was told by Ruby, I can’t describe it very well, but it’s just brilliant. Different characters were different chapters, I love books like this.
I found this so raw and the women in it were so fierce and strong.
This definitely kept me on my toes. I love the layout of this story.
Ruby had gone through a horrific teen hood, as an adult she writes a fiction book about her struggles.
The way the author wrote this story but it was told by Ruby, I can’t describe it very well, but it’s just brilliant. Different characters were different chapters, I love books like this.
I found this so raw and the women in it were so fierce and strong.
October 21, 2024
Please check the trigger warning as this book can be distressing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mother Daughter by Anya Mora is an emotional psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge nearly all the way!
This is a disturbing thriller with many heartbreaking parts. Told in past and present from different points of view.
It was so easy to connect with this story, was so easy to feel for characters and that final twist, sweet peppermint tea! That final twist just came out of nowhere and left me with an open mouth!
Ruby facing the worst nightmare - her daughter goes missing! Once Ruby survived the nightmare that no one should face and turned that into a bestselling book. Now she is worried that history will repeat itself.
I read half of the book and needed to take a couple of hours break to get back to the story as it was emotionally heavy but I was so desperate to find out who was behind the nightmare!
Thank you, NetGalley and Joffe Books for this copy!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mother Daughter by Anya Mora is an emotional psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge nearly all the way!
This is a disturbing thriller with many heartbreaking parts. Told in past and present from different points of view.
It was so easy to connect with this story, was so easy to feel for characters and that final twist, sweet peppermint tea! That final twist just came out of nowhere and left me with an open mouth!
Ruby facing the worst nightmare - her daughter goes missing! Once Ruby survived the nightmare that no one should face and turned that into a bestselling book. Now she is worried that history will repeat itself.
I read half of the book and needed to take a couple of hours break to get back to the story as it was emotionally heavy but I was so desperate to find out who was behind the nightmare!
Thank you, NetGalley and Joffe Books for this copy!
November 19, 2024
I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. That being said, if you have any triggers, you should most likely look up this book before purchasing it. While there is disturbing content, I felt that it was necessary for the story and wasn’t over the top with description. If those scenes had been “glossed over”, those parts of the story that were a direct correlation to those scenes would not have been as impactful, which would have affected the overall feeling of the book.
The plot of this book was somewhat confusing at the beginning, but once I got into the book, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down as everything started to come together. The story definitely kept me asking questions until the very end. I am looking forward to more from this author in the future!
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for giving me the chance to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The plot of this book was somewhat confusing at the beginning, but once I got into the book, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down as everything started to come together. The story definitely kept me asking questions until the very end. I am looking forward to more from this author in the future!
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for giving me the chance to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
November 5, 2024
I absolutely love a good psychological thriller and it's even better when it comes from an author that you've not read before.
Being my first read by Mora, I hadn't known what to expect from this book, but it was such a great read and the perfect introduction to their writing.
First of all, I loved the writing style.
This drew me in from the start and had me instantly intrigued by the whole concept.
I liked that although I've read books about writers before, this storyline really was quite unexpected and unique in many ways.
The atmosphere created by the descriptive writing had me on edge and I think the chapter format had me needing to read on - even beyond bedtime!
There were definitely some difficult topics explored here - I'd say check these out before reading - but these were sensitively written and used to progress the storyline.
The characters were well presented and believable. I really felt for Ruby - as a mum myself, missing children is always a theme that makes me uncomfortable - but I just had to keep reading on to find out all the answers.
This was really easy to read and keep track of with well directed chapters, written from different pov's which allowed the storyline to unfold gradually, build the tension and keep us guessing.
A great first read and I'll be looking out for more to add to my tbr in the near future.
Being my first read by Mora, I hadn't known what to expect from this book, but it was such a great read and the perfect introduction to their writing.
First of all, I loved the writing style.
This drew me in from the start and had me instantly intrigued by the whole concept.
I liked that although I've read books about writers before, this storyline really was quite unexpected and unique in many ways.
The atmosphere created by the descriptive writing had me on edge and I think the chapter format had me needing to read on - even beyond bedtime!
There were definitely some difficult topics explored here - I'd say check these out before reading - but these were sensitively written and used to progress the storyline.
The characters were well presented and believable. I really felt for Ruby - as a mum myself, missing children is always a theme that makes me uncomfortable - but I just had to keep reading on to find out all the answers.
This was really easy to read and keep track of with well directed chapters, written from different pov's which allowed the storyline to unfold gradually, build the tension and keep us guessing.
A great first read and I'll be looking out for more to add to my tbr in the near future.
October 31, 2024
I've read a fair few of Anya's books now, and this is yet another great addition to her books!
As usual, Anya wastes no time in emerging you into the story and starting the roller coaster ride!
The story revolves around 2 characters... Ruby and Maple... Maple is missing, and Ruby is trying to find her, but her past won't stay hidden...
Anya's writing style is always unique, and the way she hooks you while also discussing some quite sensitive issues within her stories is an art form.
Mother Daughter is no different...
She also has an uncanny ability to introduce characters and allow them to develop as both characters and people within her story which is what has happened here - Ruby's past has shaped her into who she I today and it was fascinating to learn more!
Another brilliant book by Anya, and I can't wait to see more from her!
As usual, Anya wastes no time in emerging you into the story and starting the roller coaster ride!
The story revolves around 2 characters... Ruby and Maple... Maple is missing, and Ruby is trying to find her, but her past won't stay hidden...
Anya's writing style is always unique, and the way she hooks you while also discussing some quite sensitive issues within her stories is an art form.
Mother Daughter is no different...
She also has an uncanny ability to introduce characters and allow them to develop as both characters and people within her story which is what has happened here - Ruby's past has shaped her into who she I today and it was fascinating to learn more!
Another brilliant book by Anya, and I can't wait to see more from her!
October 29, 2024
I was sure I'd read a book by Mora before, but according to Goodreads I haven't. Mother Daughter was a great introduction to the author's writing style and had me addicted from the opening chapters.
It's a fast paced thriller fuelled with suspense and a mother's angst. The characters throughout are convincing and most definitely lifelike.
And just when you think it's all over that twist at the end comes and slaps you round the face...I had no idea that was coming!
A brilliantly gripping and compelling read from Mara, that's definitely piqued my interest in her other works.
It's a fast paced thriller fuelled with suspense and a mother's angst. The characters throughout are convincing and most definitely lifelike.
And just when you think it's all over that twist at the end comes and slaps you round the face...I had no idea that was coming!
A brilliantly gripping and compelling read from Mara, that's definitely piqued my interest in her other works.
October 30, 2024
Well this book was an absolute page turner! I found myself completely desperate to find out what happened. A warning to check the trigger warnings if you are affected by them as there are some quite disturbing aspects to the storyline. I really felt for Ruby as a mum of a daughter as her daughter pulls away from her and her whole world falls apart. If you like a dark psychological read then this one is for you!
January 30, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Anya Mora's Mother Daughter is a tapestry woven with threads of love, resentment, unspoken truths, and the enduring power of family.
It's a novel that resonates with the quiet intensity of shared history and the often-fraught journey of navigating the roles of mother and daughter.
Mora avoids the well-trodden path of simplistic portrayals. The relationship at the heart of Mother Daughter isn't a Hallmark card; it's a battlefield, a sanctuary, and everything in between.
We meet characters grappling with their own insecurities and desires, their flaws laid bare with unflinching honesty. The mother isn't a saint, nor is the daughter a rebellious caricature. They are complex individuals, each shaped by their experiences and struggling to understand both themselves and each other.
What truly elevates Mother Daughter is Mora's insightful exploration of the unspoken. The novel delves into the silences that often define family dynamics, the things left unsaid that fester and shape the relationship for years to come. It's in these quiet moments, in the subtle shifts in body language and the carefully chosen words, that the true drama unfolds.
The narrative unfolds with a delicate rhythm, moving between past and present, revealing the pivotal moments that have shaped the mother-daughter bond. Mora skillfully uses this structure to build tension and understanding, gradually revealing the layers of history that connect and divide these two women. The reader becomes a confidante, privy to their innermost thoughts and fears, feeling the weight of their shared experiences.
While the emotional depth of the characters is undoubtedly the novel's greatest strength, the narrative occasionally meanders, losing some of its momentum. Certain plot points feel underdeveloped, leaving the reader wanting more. However, these minor shortcomings are overshadowed by the sheer emotional power of the story.
Mother Daughter is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the most fundamental of human relationships. It's a novel that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, prompting you to reflect on the complexities of your own family ties.
A must-read for anyone who has ever been a mother or a daughter, and for anyone who appreciates stories that delve into the messy, beautiful, and ultimately unbreakable bonds of family.
Anya Mora's Mother Daughter is a tapestry woven with threads of love, resentment, unspoken truths, and the enduring power of family.
It's a novel that resonates with the quiet intensity of shared history and the often-fraught journey of navigating the roles of mother and daughter.
Mora avoids the well-trodden path of simplistic portrayals. The relationship at the heart of Mother Daughter isn't a Hallmark card; it's a battlefield, a sanctuary, and everything in between.
We meet characters grappling with their own insecurities and desires, their flaws laid bare with unflinching honesty. The mother isn't a saint, nor is the daughter a rebellious caricature. They are complex individuals, each shaped by their experiences and struggling to understand both themselves and each other.
What truly elevates Mother Daughter is Mora's insightful exploration of the unspoken. The novel delves into the silences that often define family dynamics, the things left unsaid that fester and shape the relationship for years to come. It's in these quiet moments, in the subtle shifts in body language and the carefully chosen words, that the true drama unfolds.
The narrative unfolds with a delicate rhythm, moving between past and present, revealing the pivotal moments that have shaped the mother-daughter bond. Mora skillfully uses this structure to build tension and understanding, gradually revealing the layers of history that connect and divide these two women. The reader becomes a confidante, privy to their innermost thoughts and fears, feeling the weight of their shared experiences.
While the emotional depth of the characters is undoubtedly the novel's greatest strength, the narrative occasionally meanders, losing some of its momentum. Certain plot points feel underdeveloped, leaving the reader wanting more. However, these minor shortcomings are overshadowed by the sheer emotional power of the story.
Mother Daughter is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the most fundamental of human relationships. It's a novel that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, prompting you to reflect on the complexities of your own family ties.
A must-read for anyone who has ever been a mother or a daughter, and for anyone who appreciates stories that delve into the messy, beautiful, and ultimately unbreakable bonds of family.
October 28, 2024
Here is my review for Mother Daughter by Anya Mora
This is a terrific read and I got into it straight away. I got hooked once I started to read the book, it just draws you in and doesn’t let you go until you finish the book. Maple goes missing about eight am, walking away from school with some guy, Piper doesn’t know who he is. She turns up at Ruby’s house with Jude, who is Maple’s boyfriend. Ruby takes a liking to him as it couldn’t be easy meeting her for the first time under these circumstances. Then Ruby learns of two other local girls who have gone missing so she raises Maple as a missing person with the police and they take her seriously. This is a brilliant book and a great read. It’s written in a diary style. Each chapter usually has a name, i.e. Ruby, Jude etc. Anya Mora has written an excellent story and it keeps you riveted to the book, I just couldn’t put the book down. I like the storyline. She uses good descriptive words to set the scene, so you can set the picture in your mind and visualize it.
Blurb :
My daughter is missing . . . and it’s my fault.
Seventeen years ago I gave birth to her in circumstances so horrific you really won’t want to know. No one should ever go through what I did. Every day of my life I’ve had to deal with that.
Now my daughter has disappeared. She’s facing the same nightmare as me.
Trauma repeats.
You won’t want to put this down until you find out the shocking truth about what happened.
If you loved John Marrs’ Keep It In The Family, Freida McFadden’s The Wife Upstairs, Keri Beevis’s Nowhere to Hide or Abigail Dean’s Girl A, you’ll love Mother, Daughter.
This is a terrific read and I got into it straight away. I got hooked once I started to read the book, it just draws you in and doesn’t let you go until you finish the book. Maple goes missing about eight am, walking away from school with some guy, Piper doesn’t know who he is. She turns up at Ruby’s house with Jude, who is Maple’s boyfriend. Ruby takes a liking to him as it couldn’t be easy meeting her for the first time under these circumstances. Then Ruby learns of two other local girls who have gone missing so she raises Maple as a missing person with the police and they take her seriously. This is a brilliant book and a great read. It’s written in a diary style. Each chapter usually has a name, i.e. Ruby, Jude etc. Anya Mora has written an excellent story and it keeps you riveted to the book, I just couldn’t put the book down. I like the storyline. She uses good descriptive words to set the scene, so you can set the picture in your mind and visualize it.
Blurb :
My daughter is missing . . . and it’s my fault.
Seventeen years ago I gave birth to her in circumstances so horrific you really won’t want to know. No one should ever go through what I did. Every day of my life I’ve had to deal with that.
Now my daughter has disappeared. She’s facing the same nightmare as me.
Trauma repeats.
You won’t want to put this down until you find out the shocking truth about what happened.
If you loved John Marrs’ Keep It In The Family, Freida McFadden’s The Wife Upstairs, Keri Beevis’s Nowhere to Hide or Abigail Dean’s Girl A, you’ll love Mother, Daughter.
January 2, 2025
4⭐️ Mother Daughter by @anya_mora_
The blurb
I NEVER WANTED MY DAUGHTER TO GO THROUGH WHAT I DID.
RUBY: NOW MY KIDS ARE TEENAGERS, THEY DON’T NEED ME TO TIE THEIR SHOELACES OR PACK THEIR LUNCHES. IT’S BEEN A HARD JOURNEY AS A SINGLE MOM TO GET HERE. BUT NOW MY FIRST BOOK IS PUBLISHED, I CAN FINALLY BREATHE AND PUT THE PAST BEHIND ME.
BUT ON THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, MY 17-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER MAPLE DISAPPEARS.
MAPLE: EVERYTHING THINKS ME AND PIPER, MY BFF, ARE TOTAL DORKS. WE WATCH YOUTUBE MAKEUP TUTORIALS, EAT RED VINES, AND DRINK DIET DR PEPPER ON OUR BEDROOM FLOOR.
THEN I DISCOVER MY MOM’S BEEN LYING TO ME MY WHOLE LIFE.
RUBY: I NEED TO KNOW WHO’S TAKEN MY DAUGHTER.
AND IF IT’S ALL MY FAULT.
YOU WON’T WANT TO PUT THIS DOWN UNTIL YOU FIND THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED.
PERFECT FOR FANS OF FREIDA MCFADDEN, JENEVA ROSE, COLLEEN HOOVER AND KERI BEEVIS.
This is an emotional and physcological thriller and at times I did need to take a break from reading, but quickly picked it back up as I was desperate to finish it and find out who was involved. This book really draws you into the storyline with twists and different perspectives of past and present.
Thank you to @zooloosbooktours, the author and @joffebooks for letting me review
The blurb
I NEVER WANTED MY DAUGHTER TO GO THROUGH WHAT I DID.
RUBY: NOW MY KIDS ARE TEENAGERS, THEY DON’T NEED ME TO TIE THEIR SHOELACES OR PACK THEIR LUNCHES. IT’S BEEN A HARD JOURNEY AS A SINGLE MOM TO GET HERE. BUT NOW MY FIRST BOOK IS PUBLISHED, I CAN FINALLY BREATHE AND PUT THE PAST BEHIND ME.
BUT ON THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, MY 17-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER MAPLE DISAPPEARS.
MAPLE: EVERYTHING THINKS ME AND PIPER, MY BFF, ARE TOTAL DORKS. WE WATCH YOUTUBE MAKEUP TUTORIALS, EAT RED VINES, AND DRINK DIET DR PEPPER ON OUR BEDROOM FLOOR.
THEN I DISCOVER MY MOM’S BEEN LYING TO ME MY WHOLE LIFE.
RUBY: I NEED TO KNOW WHO’S TAKEN MY DAUGHTER.
AND IF IT’S ALL MY FAULT.
YOU WON’T WANT TO PUT THIS DOWN UNTIL YOU FIND THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED.
PERFECT FOR FANS OF FREIDA MCFADDEN, JENEVA ROSE, COLLEEN HOOVER AND KERI BEEVIS.
This is an emotional and physcological thriller and at times I did need to take a break from reading, but quickly picked it back up as I was desperate to finish it and find out who was involved. This book really draws you into the storyline with twists and different perspectives of past and present.
Thank you to @zooloosbooktours, the author and @joffebooks for letting me review
October 9, 2024
Mother Daughter by Anya Mora
I was lucky enough to review an early copy of this thanks to Netgalley
What a clever way of writing. Writing about a writer who is writing about their traumatic experiences in life .
Great twists believable characters and I read it in a couple of days, a real page turner for me.
The gory details were not too gory and enough was left to the imagination . I look forward to reading more from this author.
- I never wanted my daughter to go through what I did.
Ruby: Now my kids are teenagers, they don’t need me to tie their shoelaces or pack their lunches. It’s been a hard journey as a single mom to get here. But now my first book is published, I can finally breathe and put the past behind me.
But on the last day of school, my 17-year-old daughter Maple disappears.
Maple: Everyone thinks me and Piper, my BFF, are total dorks. We watch YouTube makeup tutorials, eat Red Vines, and drink Diet Dr Pepper on our bedroom floor.
Then I discover my mom’s been lying to me my whole life.
Ruby: I need to know who’s taken my daughter. And if it’s all my fault.
You won’t want to put this down until you find out the shocking truth about what happened.
I was lucky enough to review an early copy of this thanks to Netgalley
What a clever way of writing. Writing about a writer who is writing about their traumatic experiences in life .
Great twists believable characters and I read it in a couple of days, a real page turner for me.
The gory details were not too gory and enough was left to the imagination . I look forward to reading more from this author.
- I never wanted my daughter to go through what I did.
Ruby: Now my kids are teenagers, they don’t need me to tie their shoelaces or pack their lunches. It’s been a hard journey as a single mom to get here. But now my first book is published, I can finally breathe and put the past behind me.
But on the last day of school, my 17-year-old daughter Maple disappears.
Maple: Everyone thinks me and Piper, my BFF, are total dorks. We watch YouTube makeup tutorials, eat Red Vines, and drink Diet Dr Pepper on our bedroom floor.
Then I discover my mom’s been lying to me my whole life.
Ruby: I need to know who’s taken my daughter. And if it’s all my fault.
You won’t want to put this down until you find out the shocking truth about what happened.
October 28, 2024
This is my first book by Anya Mora and I have to say it was a brilliant introduction to the author. I will say check the trigger warnings before beginning but I enjoyed it. I have to say the writing is fantastic at portraying the emotionally heavy topics, particularly when Ruby is facing have lost her daughter. While I loved this one I did have to take a few breaks due to the content which to me is a good thing. It means that the Mora manages to create the desired affect of unease and upset.
The characters were interesting, multilayered and even if you may not like them they are believable as well. I have to say this paired with the writing made it so easy to get connected to the story. The final twist really got me as well and I have to say it was a fantastic ending if not a shock. If you love a good psychological thriller then you can’t go wrong with this one.
As always thank you to ZooLoos Book Tours and Joffe Books for my copy. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
The characters were interesting, multilayered and even if you may not like them they are believable as well. I have to say this paired with the writing made it so easy to get connected to the story. The final twist really got me as well and I have to say it was a fantastic ending if not a shock. If you love a good psychological thriller then you can’t go wrong with this one.
As always thank you to ZooLoos Book Tours and Joffe Books for my copy. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
November 3, 2024
This is my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last, I absolutely loved it.
The book is so well written with a compelling story line that absolutely gripped me all the way through and held my attention all the way through.
The characters are so well developed too and incredibly believable and likeable. I am a lover of true crime and whenever I watch a documentary about children it always hits the hardest as a mum and an auntie and so I really felt for Ruby and felt like I was experiencing it with her.
The descriptions in this book are so evocative it is so easy to feel like you are there alongside the characters.
I loved the use of different points of views as that is something I love in books especially thrillers as it makes me feel like I really know the characters and what is happening.
I adored this book and can't wait to get my hands on more by the author
The book is so well written with a compelling story line that absolutely gripped me all the way through and held my attention all the way through.
The characters are so well developed too and incredibly believable and likeable. I am a lover of true crime and whenever I watch a documentary about children it always hits the hardest as a mum and an auntie and so I really felt for Ruby and felt like I was experiencing it with her.
The descriptions in this book are so evocative it is so easy to feel like you are there alongside the characters.
I loved the use of different points of views as that is something I love in books especially thrillers as it makes me feel like I really know the characters and what is happening.
I adored this book and can't wait to get my hands on more by the author
October 17, 2024
When best selling author Ruby's daughter Maple goes missing, she realises that she doesn't know her as well as she thought she did. Ruby has brought up her children alone, determined to protect them from the horrors she herself endured.
Ruby has kept her past a secret and even those close to her don't know anything about it.
Has the past come back to haunt her, or are there other monsters out there?
With help from her best friends, her son and her daughter's friends, Ruby is determined to find Maple and two other teenagers who went missing at around the same time.
This book cleverly illustrates the mother/daughter dynamic. It lacked a little bit of pace in the middle for me, and I had guessed the ending, but it was an enjoyable read with an interesting plot and a well constructed conclusion that affirmed that there is always hope.
Many thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC.
Ruby has kept her past a secret and even those close to her don't know anything about it.
Has the past come back to haunt her, or are there other monsters out there?
With help from her best friends, her son and her daughter's friends, Ruby is determined to find Maple and two other teenagers who went missing at around the same time.
This book cleverly illustrates the mother/daughter dynamic. It lacked a little bit of pace in the middle for me, and I had guessed the ending, but it was an enjoyable read with an interesting plot and a well constructed conclusion that affirmed that there is always hope.
Many thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC.
November 3, 2024
This is not the first book by Anya Mora I’m reading, and it will definitely not be my last one of hers.
While most authors I love have their unique ways with words, Anya has her own unique ways of writing emotions. She also has her way of writing characters – girl, how do you do you do it @anya_mora_ ? The book is only 200-something pages long (yay to the trend of shorter books coming back!), but every character in the book is somehow deep, and well-written, and you feel like you really get to know them.
It's a tension-filled, atmospheric, fast-paced, anxiety-inducing read, and it’s the perfect length to make it a one-sitting Friday night read.
p.s. don’t forget to check the trigger warnings with this one if you are a reader who needs trigger warnings, they are there for a reason.
While most authors I love have their unique ways with words, Anya has her own unique ways of writing emotions. She also has her way of writing characters – girl, how do you do you do it @anya_mora_ ? The book is only 200-something pages long (yay to the trend of shorter books coming back!), but every character in the book is somehow deep, and well-written, and you feel like you really get to know them.
It's a tension-filled, atmospheric, fast-paced, anxiety-inducing read, and it’s the perfect length to make it a one-sitting Friday night read.
p.s. don’t forget to check the trigger warnings with this one if you are a reader who needs trigger warnings, they are there for a reason.
April 27, 2025
Anya Mora's Mother Daughter touches on heavy themes such as kidnapping and SA involving minors, so beware. Similar to her other works, there are continuity errors and typos that may be distracting.
I found that there were inconsistent character dynamics as well. Just when you think the characters are having a sweet moment or breakthrough, they suddenly become angry, then switch back to sweetness again.
The romantic elements felt awkwardly placed, and I felt there was a lack of kindness and understanding from the supporting characters at times. Considering the serious topics addressed it ended up feeling off and unnatural.
Overall, I don’t think this book reached the same level of success as some of Mora's previous works. It needed a more cohesive flow and better editing to truly resonate.
I found that there were inconsistent character dynamics as well. Just when you think the characters are having a sweet moment or breakthrough, they suddenly become angry, then switch back to sweetness again.
The romantic elements felt awkwardly placed, and I felt there was a lack of kindness and understanding from the supporting characters at times. Considering the serious topics addressed it ended up feeling off and unnatural.
Overall, I don’t think this book reached the same level of success as some of Mora's previous works. It needed a more cohesive flow and better editing to truly resonate.
October 13, 2024
✨Thanks to NetGalley for the arc, in exchange for an honest review
Ruby has been raising her two kids Maple and Dodge on her own. She’s also a successful author but what her kids don’t know is that the horrific story she wrote is not actually fiction. Using her terrible past to make money and give her kids a future seems like the best revenge. You can’t hide from your past forever though, and one day Maple is kidnapped and Ruby is forced to revisit her past life.
I think the book could have been a bit longer because the resolution goes a little fast. That being said I loved Ruby and the way she loves her kids more than anything. Loved that the big bad was not who I thought it would be (he was a walking red flag for another reason though).
October 30, 2024
Disappointing!
While the plot had some substance, the book was poorly written and hard to read. Characters were confusing and the villain was only a surprise because he was kept in the shadows until the end. There seemed to be a lot of duplication, even within the paragraphs. And the writing just didn't flow right. I had to keep rereading sentences and paragraphs to figure out what was going on and who was saying what. Often it seemed that sentiment was shoe horned in to add some depth to the story but it just didn't fit. I didn't find this addictive or much of a thriller and the 'shattering' final twist was a dud for me.
While the plot had some substance, the book was poorly written and hard to read. Characters were confusing and the villain was only a surprise because he was kept in the shadows until the end. There seemed to be a lot of duplication, even within the paragraphs. And the writing just didn't flow right. I had to keep rereading sentences and paragraphs to figure out what was going on and who was saying what. Often it seemed that sentiment was shoe horned in to add some depth to the story but it just didn't fit. I didn't find this addictive or much of a thriller and the 'shattering' final twist was a dud for me.
October 17, 2024
I think that the story itself was good, I enjoyed the big twist towards the end. I didn't guess the ending which is great. However, some details in the writing I just found a little off putting. There were multiple spelling errors, inconsistencies with names (initially referred to as Piper, then suddenly changed to Piper Anne, then wavered back and forth. Name spelling changed from Brittany to Brittney). A comment was made about having duct tape over her mouth and then the next sentence says "I breathe through my mouth). Otherwise, great plot!
October 25, 2024
I Didn't See The End Coming
When Ruby discovers her teenage daughter, Maple, has disappeared she is distraught. No one, not even Maple’s best friend knows where she is, all that is known is that she left school for the final time early, with a man. Ruby has kept her early life secret, no one knows about her past, but gradually she realises she must come clean in order to find Maple before it is too late. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I certainly didn’t guess the end. In my view it is worth more than 5 Stars.
When Ruby discovers her teenage daughter, Maple, has disappeared she is distraught. No one, not even Maple’s best friend knows where she is, all that is known is that she left school for the final time early, with a man. Ruby has kept her early life secret, no one knows about her past, but gradually she realises she must come clean in order to find Maple before it is too late. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I certainly didn’t guess the end. In my view it is worth more than 5 Stars.
October 28, 2024
We're just going to go with...I didn't care for it. The writing style and the characters were a bit odd to me. It was very much a tell rather than a show, and the voices for the various characters were just not authentic to how one would expect people to act and speak. If I heard "well, where do you think she is" or "I guess I didn't know her as well as I thought I did" one more time, I was gonna blow a gasket. That's kind of the whole point of the book - she's gone and no one knows where she is and she had secrets.
October 10, 2024
Exciting story about Ruby who has escaped a horrific past with only her baby and another on the way. She lives a life of secrecy and tells no one of her past including her son and daughter. She writes a best-selling autobiographical book about her life and markets it as fiction. Seventeen years later her daughter goes missing. Has her past come back to haunt her? It all comes to a jaw dropping ending! I never saw it coming! Release date: 10/28/2024 #NetGalley #MotherDaughter
November 2, 2024
I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. This book centers around Ruby and her children Dodge and Maple. When Maple goes missing, so many secrets in Ruby's life finally come out. I really didn't feel like the book picked up until the end and I felt like there were some inconsistencies and that the police and family would have been working nonstop trying to find Maple. There was a nice twist at the end.
December 4, 2024
This is a story about a mother (Ruby) who is a single mom of 2 teenagers. Her daughter Maple goes missing on her last day of school.
This story grips you from the beginning! And just when you think you have it figured out BOOM plot twist! Was hard to put it down! A great representation of a mother’s love and the fight that she will fight for her children. Well written and definitely a great read! Highly recommend
I received an ARC of this book and will definitely read more from Anya Mora
This story grips you from the beginning! And just when you think you have it figured out BOOM plot twist! Was hard to put it down! A great representation of a mother’s love and the fight that she will fight for her children. Well written and definitely a great read! Highly recommend
I received an ARC of this book and will definitely read more from Anya Mora
January 1, 2025
Needed a better editor
This was a story of some of the most horrendous things that could happen to a woman and when there is no one around protecting her, giving her the solution, the strength, the determination has to come from within. Certainly a story of the will to survive and then thrive. It's down fall was there were so many awkward phrasing, blended sentences and wrong tenses of words used. But I blame that on whomever did the editing.
This was a story of some of the most horrendous things that could happen to a woman and when there is no one around protecting her, giving her the solution, the strength, the determination has to come from within. Certainly a story of the will to survive and then thrive. It's down fall was there were so many awkward phrasing, blended sentences and wrong tenses of words used. But I blame that on whomever did the editing.
February 4, 2025
Good read but lots of story errors
This was a good story premise but there were a ton of editing and story line mistakes. In one chapter a character tucks another one into bed and two chapters later says they've never been in that part of the house. A person is in a place for seven months when she gives birth but she was four months pregnant when she was taken. At some points the writing is just bad with repetitive phrases.
This was a good story premise but there were a ton of editing and story line mistakes. In one chapter a character tucks another one into bed and two chapters later says they've never been in that part of the house. A person is in a place for seven months when she gives birth but she was four months pregnant when she was taken. At some points the writing is just bad with repetitive phrases.
October 8, 2024
An interesting read.
I liked the idea behind the story. It was interesting. It felt a little slow to start off but I was still gripped enough to want to continue.
When an author writes a fictional story they say that some of it comes from personal experience. And this is whats seen in this story. a story about an about an author who has written a story. But there are twists. There is suspense and wonder. I was left wanting to know how this ended and it didn't take me long at all to complete it.
overall an interesting read.
I liked the idea behind the story. It was interesting. It felt a little slow to start off but I was still gripped enough to want to continue.
When an author writes a fictional story they say that some of it comes from personal experience. And this is whats seen in this story. a story about an about an author who has written a story. But there are twists. There is suspense and wonder. I was left wanting to know how this ended and it didn't take me long at all to complete it.
overall an interesting read.
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