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He Would Never
Welcome to Green River.
Five families on an annual camping trip, a mothers' group of fourteen years, children starting to look like adults, a father with his own mysterious agenda . . .
He Would Never is a searing page-turner about the bonds we forge in the furnace of early motherhood, the trust we place in other adults, and the chaos that erupts when one man refuses to play by the rules.
Praise for He Would Never
'A compelling, suspenseful tale imbued with warmth, humour and heart' LIANE MORIARTY
Five families on an annual camping trip, a mothers' group of fourteen years, children starting to look like adults, a father with his own mysterious agenda . . .
He Would Never is a searing page-turner about the bonds we forge in the furnace of early motherhood, the trust we place in other adults, and the chaos that erupts when one man refuses to play by the rules.
Praise for He Would Never
'A compelling, suspenseful tale imbued with warmth, humour and heart' LIANE MORIARTY
Audible Audio
Published April 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
August 2, 2025
I absolutely love Holly, so really wanted to love this book.
Please forgive me haha.
The book was beyond boring from start to finish.
It was a struggle to get through.
There was next to no plot.
Way too many characters
No characters of substance.
We didn’t get to know anyone even remotely well if at all which made the story that much more boring.
There was alot going on but then literally nothing at all.
I’ll try another one but dang that was such a let down. I still feel like I’m being punked
Please forgive me haha.
The book was beyond boring from start to finish.
It was a struggle to get through.
There was next to no plot.
Way too many characters
No characters of substance.
We didn’t get to know anyone even remotely well if at all which made the story that much more boring.
There was alot going on but then literally nothing at all.
I’ll try another one but dang that was such a let down. I still feel like I’m being punked
June 2, 2025
A book to relate to! I love when this happens. The same era (give or take) rushing off to mother’s group once a week, seeing some of the mum’s have it all together (pretending?), the tired ones, the scattered ones (me). Meeting once a week, taking turns to host. My nurse was brilliant, I do remember that.
This is a twisty, bumpy and bitey road. Privilege, loyalty, misplaced trust and the need to push on with tradition sees a group of new mum’s tread the oft walked path of continuing friendship past the allotted community group setting (I can’t remember how long the program went for).
I had a rich mum who used to throw the biggest parties, they didn’t stay married long. I had the quiet one, the new to Australia one, the working one and the stay at home one. And.. the one with the useless husband. This may be a digression, but it makes for such good reading when you know what it’s like for real. We also went away when disaster struck, the result of this best left unsaid.
The women all love each other, they see the differences and mostly accept them. They’re all messy and complicated which turns into turning a blind eye, blurring boundaries and at times misplaced loyalties. Complicitous when it comes to inappropriate men drew my ire, keeping an eye on the arrogant, entitled and Andrew Tate-esque dude made for an excellent and tense rhythm. Holly’s inclusion of a character and her alcohol use was spot on, too. This often isn’t done well at all in fiction.
Added to this lively bunch of families and the dynamics between them all was the local setting. This is a great book, Holly’s voice radiated, and what a lovely voice it is.
I listened to this via the Libby platform and my public library.
This is a twisty, bumpy and bitey road. Privilege, loyalty, misplaced trust and the need to push on with tradition sees a group of new mum’s tread the oft walked path of continuing friendship past the allotted community group setting (I can’t remember how long the program went for).
I had a rich mum who used to throw the biggest parties, they didn’t stay married long. I had the quiet one, the new to Australia one, the working one and the stay at home one. And.. the one with the useless husband. This may be a digression, but it makes for such good reading when you know what it’s like for real. We also went away when disaster struck, the result of this best left unsaid.
The women all love each other, they see the differences and mostly accept them. They’re all messy and complicated which turns into turning a blind eye, blurring boundaries and at times misplaced loyalties. Complicitous when it comes to inappropriate men drew my ire, keeping an eye on the arrogant, entitled and Andrew Tate-esque dude made for an excellent and tense rhythm. Holly’s inclusion of a character and her alcohol use was spot on, too. This often isn’t done well at all in fiction.
Added to this lively bunch of families and the dynamics between them all was the local setting. This is a great book, Holly’s voice radiated, and what a lovely voice it is.
I listened to this via the Libby platform and my public library.
May 13, 2025
He Would Never is a gripping, character-driven contemporary fiction by Australian author Holly Wainwright. When Liss is at her lowest point, after the birth of her first child, she meets five women at her mothers’ group and the five form a lifelong bond and friendship group.
Despite not all being campers, the group have made a yearly pilgrimage for the past fourteen years, along with their various partners and children, to a campground that has a sentimental attachment to Liss’ mother and childhood. The story is told by different narrators and explores the bonds between the women, their growing children, and the tension created by one of the dads who is seriously out of kilter with the rest of the group.
Liss is very conscious of her wealth and privilege and tries to keep herself grounded in her earth-mother alter-ego. She holds onto her relationship with Lachy, as the only man to challenge her overbearing father. Dani is the down-to-earth one, but has struggled to find lasting love since the father of her children left. Ginger’s life with solid and reliable Aiden seems dull until the group realise she literally grew up in the circus. Emily and Juno have their own dramas with fertility treatment. Sadie is the one who tends to be labeled crazy and given a wide berth by the group with her penchant for red wine and drama. But is Sadie the only one seeing things as they really are?
As the weekend progresses, secrets emerge, tensions boil over and the actions of a narcissist threaten to blow everything apart. This was a well-written, engaging read that I would definitely recommend.
Despite not all being campers, the group have made a yearly pilgrimage for the past fourteen years, along with their various partners and children, to a campground that has a sentimental attachment to Liss’ mother and childhood. The story is told by different narrators and explores the bonds between the women, their growing children, and the tension created by one of the dads who is seriously out of kilter with the rest of the group.
Liss is very conscious of her wealth and privilege and tries to keep herself grounded in her earth-mother alter-ego. She holds onto her relationship with Lachy, as the only man to challenge her overbearing father. Dani is the down-to-earth one, but has struggled to find lasting love since the father of her children left. Ginger’s life with solid and reliable Aiden seems dull until the group realise she literally grew up in the circus. Emily and Juno have their own dramas with fertility treatment. Sadie is the one who tends to be labeled crazy and given a wide berth by the group with her penchant for red wine and drama. But is Sadie the only one seeing things as they really are?
As the weekend progresses, secrets emerge, tensions boil over and the actions of a narcissist threaten to blow everything apart. This was a well-written, engaging read that I would definitely recommend.
June 3, 2025
I must have read a different book to everyone else. I am the outlier but I stand by my rating. This book was boring and I only kept reading to find out what the 'shocking' end might be...spoiler...there wasn't one 😂
May 29, 2025
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
He Would Never by Holly Wainwright is a page turning, pacy read with themes of motherhood and a despicable villain. I loved the camping setting and really enjoyed this one.
The story is set around five families who gather together annually for a camping trip to Green River beach, the women bonded in early motherhood via a mothers group and they’ve had fourteen years of friendship since.
There are multiple POV’s and timelines and plenty of suspense and as the children grow older some friendships have drifted and partners have come and gone.
Family drama and chaos is about to detonate. What possibly could go wrong, who to trust and what secrets are they hiding?
Highly entertaining and addictive!
Publication Date 29 April 2025
Publisher Macmillan Australia
Thanks to Holly Wainwright and Macmillan Australia for this gifted copy as part of a #TandemBuddyRead with a bunch of lovely bookstagrammers.
He Would Never by Holly Wainwright is a page turning, pacy read with themes of motherhood and a despicable villain. I loved the camping setting and really enjoyed this one.
The story is set around five families who gather together annually for a camping trip to Green River beach, the women bonded in early motherhood via a mothers group and they’ve had fourteen years of friendship since.
There are multiple POV’s and timelines and plenty of suspense and as the children grow older some friendships have drifted and partners have come and gone.
Family drama and chaos is about to detonate. What possibly could go wrong, who to trust and what secrets are they hiding?
Highly entertaining and addictive!
Publication Date 29 April 2025
Publisher Macmillan Australia
Thanks to Holly Wainwright and Macmillan Australia for this gifted copy as part of a #TandemBuddyRead with a bunch of lovely bookstagrammers.
October 31, 2025
Australian author Holly Wainwright’s latest is a contemporary domestic drama with a splash of thriller.
A character driven drama with many sticky themes and an unforeseen twist.
An outdoor trip in Green River.
Fourteen years of a mother’s group.
Five families on their regular camping holiday.
Children growing up too quickly.
A father and narcissist.
One wrong move.
Then chaos erupts.
The final truth is shocking…..
Holly’s fifth yarn of fiction is a mysterious, shady and dark tale.
There’s a big cast to get your head around but it does fall into place.
With many to love to hate and some to cheer on.
Told through different points of view as it all slowly unravels to the dramatic conclusion.
Tensions overflow, secrets and lies spread, drama is in overdrive, reality is simmering, friendship is questioned and past and present collide.
A book that I enjoyed.
A character driven drama with many sticky themes and an unforeseen twist.
An outdoor trip in Green River.
Fourteen years of a mother’s group.
Five families on their regular camping holiday.
Children growing up too quickly.
A father and narcissist.
One wrong move.
Then chaos erupts.
The final truth is shocking…..
Holly’s fifth yarn of fiction is a mysterious, shady and dark tale.
There’s a big cast to get your head around but it does fall into place.
With many to love to hate and some to cheer on.
Told through different points of view as it all slowly unravels to the dramatic conclusion.
Tensions overflow, secrets and lies spread, drama is in overdrive, reality is simmering, friendship is questioned and past and present collide.
A book that I enjoyed.
May 6, 2025
Fantastic book. The best one Holly’s written so far. No massive plot twist, just an exceptional story told well. Gripping and engaging.
June 7, 2025
Fabulous simmering tension, hidden motives, and unraveling trust between five families on their annual camping trip.
Exploring the bonds forged during early parenthood and the connections made since the first parent group fourteen years ago.
Holly Wainwright remains an auto-read author for me, as her stories always hold my attention and are full of so many relatable moments.
Exploring the bonds forged during early parenthood and the connections made since the first parent group fourteen years ago.
Holly Wainwright remains an auto-read author for me, as her stories always hold my attention and are full of so many relatable moments.
June 16, 2025
There was so many characters, I found it so hard to remember who is who until 3/4 through the book. I still don’t know all the kid’s names. I was confused about the mushroom storyline - anyone else in Australia feel conflicted given the real life mushroom murder trial happening at the moment? It felt like copy/paste…. I didn’t enjoy many of the characters, and found everyone’s tolerance of Lachie completely unrealistic.
July 30, 2025
I never write reviews but seriously, don’t bother with this one.
This book was a letdown. It had so much potential; the themes were there but barely explored. Plot points are introduced and then left hanging. The so-called dramatic storyline never really delivers and the pacing is painfully slow. Honestly, the only time anything actually happens is in the last 20 minutes. By then, it’s too little, too late.
2 Stars because I actually quite like Holly's style of writing.
This book was a letdown. It had so much potential; the themes were there but barely explored. Plot points are introduced and then left hanging. The so-called dramatic storyline never really delivers and the pacing is painfully slow. Honestly, the only time anything actually happens is in the last 20 minutes. By then, it’s too little, too late.
2 Stars because I actually quite like Holly's style of writing.
June 23, 2025
3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes: Domestic Drama, Camping Chaos
- - -
This was my first book by Holly Wainwright and straight off the bat, I have to say her writing style is fun. If you’re into books by Ali Lowe, you’ll likely enjoy the same addictive, pacey vibe here. It’s that gossipy, suburban storytelling with a suspenseful edge that’s hard to put down.
That said, it did start a little rocky for me. The map and 20 character list at the beginning set off alarm bells. While I didn’t flip back to the map (because, let’s be honest, who ever really does?), I did find myself glancing at the character list more than I’d like. There were just too many characters to keep track of and often it took away from being able to settle into the story.
But then the first chapter hit and it was a gripping opener that immediately got the suspense brewing. It had me leaning in, waiting to see how everything would unfold as the story was told through multiple POV’s and timelines.
Unfortunately the ending didn’t quite land with the final themes and main character it centered on giving me major ick. Due to this, I lost the ‘thrill’ I thought was coming from the first chapter. I think there was some real potential there that could have set the ending off with much more of a bang.
I think fans of domestic dramas will find plenty to like here though from secrets, lies, friendships and those quiet tensions simmering beneath everyday relationships.
If you liked See How They Fall, The School Run or The Pool this one might hit the spot too but just be ready for a bit of a character juggle.
Vibes: Domestic Drama, Camping Chaos
- - -
This was my first book by Holly Wainwright and straight off the bat, I have to say her writing style is fun. If you’re into books by Ali Lowe, you’ll likely enjoy the same addictive, pacey vibe here. It’s that gossipy, suburban storytelling with a suspenseful edge that’s hard to put down.
That said, it did start a little rocky for me. The map and 20 character list at the beginning set off alarm bells. While I didn’t flip back to the map (because, let’s be honest, who ever really does?), I did find myself glancing at the character list more than I’d like. There were just too many characters to keep track of and often it took away from being able to settle into the story.
But then the first chapter hit and it was a gripping opener that immediately got the suspense brewing. It had me leaning in, waiting to see how everything would unfold as the story was told through multiple POV’s and timelines.
Unfortunately the ending didn’t quite land with the final themes and main character it centered on giving me major ick. Due to this, I lost the ‘thrill’ I thought was coming from the first chapter. I think there was some real potential there that could have set the ending off with much more of a bang.
I think fans of domestic dramas will find plenty to like here though from secrets, lies, friendships and those quiet tensions simmering beneath everyday relationships.
If you liked See How They Fall, The School Run or The Pool this one might hit the spot too but just be ready for a bit of a character juggle.
September 29, 2025
I couldn't put it down until I had finished it.
June 17, 2025
thoroughly enjoyed this book. dealt with some pretty dark themes but in a captivating way. very easy read.
May 7, 2025
Your best book yet Holly, 4.5 stars! Very Liane Moriarty. I can see it as a mini series.
June 30, 2025
A great story told well. Characters are well rounded - not all of them likeable. The teens were particularly accurate. Difficult situation that is very believable. What I found hard to believe is that Liss would actually be married to that guy. Great depiction of a friends/family camping holiday - the chaos, the heat, the mess, the mums, the kids, the alcohol…..
July 1, 2025
This was going to get ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ but as soon as c*vid is mentioned it’s an auto one star deduction. If it happened earlier in the book it would have been a DNF. I don’t want it mentioned in my books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2025
Ehhh. This book frustrated me. Didn’t feel like it really went anywhere, didn’t like the characters & then it ended.
May 13, 2025
Liss and her husband Lachy plan a weekend trip every year to Green River, a secluded camping spot. This spot has been owned by Liss’ family for decades and for her it’s her paradise
The yearly trip includes her mothers group families, who have all made spent the past fourteen years supporting each other through all aspects of motherhood and relationships
It’s tradition now, the weekend is planned to the T. But on the first night of this year’s trip at the disco party, one of the mothers sees Lachy acting inappropriately and immediately calls it out.
This moment sparks a change in everyone’s relationships, with secrets beginning to burst to the surface, will this destroy Liss’ paradise?
My first Holly Wainwright book and I really enjoyed it. Told from multiple POVs, weaving between past and present. Loved the secluded camp site setting, I was drawn in from the first chapter and couldn’t trust anyone! I felt it wrapped up a bit too quickly but it still was a gripping read
June 2, 2025
I must have read a different book based on the reviews. I love Holly but just couldn’t get into this one. It felt like she didn’t quite execute her vision for the story. Too many characters, too many stereotypes, a lot of words but not much actually happened. No suspense and no plot twist (unless I missed it). The mushroom story line was odd. I’m not sure what to make of it?! Anyway, not my thing but clearly I’m the minority.
May 27, 2025
What started out as five women attending a mothers group has now turned into lifelong friendships and the annual families camping trip. Some love it, and some loathe it, but it is tradition. These families could not be more different, and after last year's trip, Sadie is on the out. Surely she is not the only one seeing what is really happening!?
As the trip continues and pleasantries fade, tensions begin to rise and secrets surface. More than one person wants this tradition to be finished.
won't lie, I was sceptical about this one. I really enjoyed Wainwrights' The Mummy Bloggers and How to be Perfect but had not been able to get into I Give my Marriage a Year. However, I enjoyed this one! Written from multiple POV, it's hard not to connect with at least one of the characters. This book was an easy but enthralling read with great character progression and would make the perfect book to read snuggled in bed on a cold winter's day.
As the trip continues and pleasantries fade, tensions begin to rise and secrets surface. More than one person wants this tradition to be finished.
won't lie, I was sceptical about this one. I really enjoyed Wainwrights' The Mummy Bloggers and How to be Perfect but had not been able to get into I Give my Marriage a Year. However, I enjoyed this one! Written from multiple POV, it's hard not to connect with at least one of the characters. This book was an easy but enthralling read with great character progression and would make the perfect book to read snuggled in bed on a cold winter's day.
August 8, 2025
Too many characters and back and forth over the years. which is confusing and left me flicking back and forth in the novel. The map is needed as the writing is not clear and helps to reader to make sense of all the families. I should of DFN but finished reluctantly.
September 13, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up. I enjoyed this Aussie story of the 5 families who go on an annual camping trip together and the DRAMAS that unfold during these trips, coming to a big crescendo on the final trip. I mean, look at the title and that’ll give you a clue! A lot of readers found this boring and uneventful, and I thought I might too, but it kept chugging along at a steady pace and I enjoyed delving into the characters. A nice audiobook length- 10 hrs. Would recommend.
May 4, 2025
Audiobook: Really loved this! A little hard to keep track of who all the characters were and where they fit in to the story with the audio medium, but that did not take away from the enjoyment. This kept me on the edge of my seat and was an interesting exploration of friendship and How society has changed over time. Definitely recommend and would absolutely love a sequel.
July 1, 2025
I should have known: if the first thing I see inside a book is a long long list of characters, it’s going to be complicated and overblown. And still I persisted. Until the very bad end.
Honestly, I don’t know what went so badly wrong between The Couple Upstairs and this drawn-out mess. There were some themes that could have been well explored, but were not.
The only saving grace is I didn’t pay for it. Thank you, library.
Honestly, I don’t know what went so badly wrong between The Couple Upstairs and this drawn-out mess. There were some themes that could have been well explored, but were not.
The only saving grace is I didn’t pay for it. Thank you, library.
July 10, 2025
3.5 stars. A group of misfit new mums are brought together through a dysfunctionally-led Mother's group. The group gather annually for a camping trip and it depicts the development of their relationships and children over time. The chapters are narrated by a different character with a general focus on two women.
I found the book a bit slow, felt none of those relationships would have stood the test of time, particularly the way they all talk about and treat each other. I couldn't relate to any of the characters. It improves at the end with some drama but it comes too late.
I found the book a bit slow, felt none of those relationships would have stood the test of time, particularly the way they all talk about and treat each other. I couldn't relate to any of the characters. It improves at the end with some drama but it comes too late.
September 22, 2025
Blah. Not worth waiting the two months at the library. Stupid ending!
June 11, 2025
A disappointing follow-up to The Couple Upstairs (which I loved, together with Holly’s other books).
Too many characters, too many unrealistic interactions in the name of building tension (people just don’t behave in the way portrayed in this book), and generally just a tad soap opera-ey. Not a fan of this one, unfortunately.
Too many characters, too many unrealistic interactions in the name of building tension (people just don’t behave in the way portrayed in this book), and generally just a tad soap opera-ey. Not a fan of this one, unfortunately.
August 20, 2025
Really loved this - the premise, the suspense and the story-telling. A group of families from a mother’s group go camping once a year, bonded through the women from their early years in the trenches with their babies. Each character is unique and really well articulated - I worried early on that with so many characters I would get lost but they very quickly became their own. I loved the suspense of this book, the first half particularly was quick. While you could argue the narrative was ultimately inevitable, there was lots of nuance throughout that tied up loose ends and were nice ‘Easter eggs’ throughout.
If you like a modern, fast-paced, Australian book that’s spans over different time periods seamlessly, this is for you!
If you like a modern, fast-paced, Australian book that’s spans over different time periods seamlessly, this is for you!
July 16, 2025
Little bit boring for the first half of the book and I’m not sure I liked any of the characters? But overall enjoyable
Lachy YOU SUCK
Lachy YOU SUCK
May 26, 2025
“Five families whose bond had been forged in the white-hot fire of early parenthood.”
I don’t mean to alarm you, but in my opinion, Holly Wainwright has discovered the secret formula for the perfect and entirely devourable novel. An alchemy of mystery and suspense, supported by rich character-based plot that depicts the reality of women’s lives and is sprinkled with some subtle social commentary.
The host of characters, drawn together purely by postcode and birthdate, are quirky and complex, likeable and relatable. Holly’s depiction of life in those vulnerable months postpartum was visceral. Her ability to write in the vein of “women’s fiction”, with all its recognisable tropes, while adding depth and nuance is skilful. Her novel is an ode to female friendship, an investigation of toxic masculinity and a musing on the changing nature of adolescence. These threads are woven in subtly, allowing the reader to engage with the critical analysis to the degree with which they choose. As an Outlouder, I was already a big Holly fan, but this was by far her best book yet. I absolutely loved it.
I don’t mean to alarm you, but in my opinion, Holly Wainwright has discovered the secret formula for the perfect and entirely devourable novel. An alchemy of mystery and suspense, supported by rich character-based plot that depicts the reality of women’s lives and is sprinkled with some subtle social commentary.
The host of characters, drawn together purely by postcode and birthdate, are quirky and complex, likeable and relatable. Holly’s depiction of life in those vulnerable months postpartum was visceral. Her ability to write in the vein of “women’s fiction”, with all its recognisable tropes, while adding depth and nuance is skilful. Her novel is an ode to female friendship, an investigation of toxic masculinity and a musing on the changing nature of adolescence. These threads are woven in subtly, allowing the reader to engage with the critical analysis to the degree with which they choose. As an Outlouder, I was already a big Holly fan, but this was by far her best book yet. I absolutely loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews