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She Wants You Gone
She is the perfect child. Only you know there is something very wrong.
Beth is excited to move to a remote, tiny hamlet in Suffolk with her new husband and stepdaughter, Dolly – but she quickly finds that all is not what it seems. The hamlet has a dark history and there is something odd about its tiny population.
Beth tries hard to build a bond with her new stepdaughter but although Dolly is lovely to everyone else, when the two of them are alone, she is a very different child.
Beth soon realises that Dolly wants her gone. For good. How far will she go to get what she wants?
A twisty, nerve-shredding thriller perfect for fans of Gillian McAllister, BA Paris and Harriet Tyce.
Beth is excited to move to a remote, tiny hamlet in Suffolk with her new husband and stepdaughter, Dolly – but she quickly finds that all is not what it seems. The hamlet has a dark history and there is something odd about its tiny population.
Beth tries hard to build a bond with her new stepdaughter but although Dolly is lovely to everyone else, when the two of them are alone, she is a very different child.
Beth soon realises that Dolly wants her gone. For good. How far will she go to get what she wants?
A twisty, nerve-shredding thriller perfect for fans of Gillian McAllister, BA Paris and Harriet Tyce.
- GenresThriller
346 pages, Paperback
Published March 20, 2025
16 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Dodd
2 books2 followersJoanna is fascinated by toxic friendship and family groups, and the long shadows cast by old secrets. She lives in London, where she enjoys acting in plays, running very slowly, and spending time with her (lovely and not at all toxic) family and friends.
She’s wanted to be a crime writer since she became addicted to Murder She Wrote as a teenager (although her real-life sleuthing skills are probably not quite as honed as Jessica Fletcher’s).
She’s wanted to be a crime writer since she became addicted to Murder She Wrote as a teenager (although her real-life sleuthing skills are probably not quite as honed as Jessica Fletcher’s).
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 10, 2025
- arc from netgalley -
Beth moves to a small hamlet with her husband and his daughter, Dolly. Beth feels there isnsomethjng 'off' about the place... But what exactly? And there is definitely something not right about Dolly... Does Dolly want Beth gone, or is Beth imagining things? What exactly is going on?
The first half of this book is a lot of story line and charcter building. The second half of this book is faster paced, atmospheric, and tense. With a surpsing twist! I rated this book 4 stars.
Beth moves to a small hamlet with her husband and his daughter, Dolly. Beth feels there isnsomethjng 'off' about the place... But what exactly? And there is definitely something not right about Dolly... Does Dolly want Beth gone, or is Beth imagining things? What exactly is going on?
The first half of this book is a lot of story line and charcter building. The second half of this book is faster paced, atmospheric, and tense. With a surpsing twist! I rated this book 4 stars.
July 21, 2025
Although unrealistic at times, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It did take me a long time to get into it but it was great once I was in! Dolly is quite something and I think the character needed to be slightly older based on what was revealed and what she was supposedly capable of. Beth, the main character is likeable and I was willing it to be a happy ending but it was never going to happen. It became evident fairly on she would meet the same end as Dolly's mum. One thing rhat never gets officially revealed is where the scarf came from. Presumably Dolly committed the mugging but despite being referred to many times, an official line is never given. All in all, a great read and I'll keep an eye out for more from the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2025
4 stars
Expected publication date March 20, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley and Hera Books, for this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.
Beth, her husband Noah, and step-daughter Dolly move to a very small village outside of London. Things aren't all that great between Beth and Dolly, but she hopes they can become closer. Once they arrive at their new home, Beth has an uneasy feeling that things just aren't quite right. In just a few short days, Beth sees glimpses of Dolly's true feelings for her, tries to form a strained relationship with one of the few people in proximity to her, and finds a dead body. Secrets about the village, and the people who live there, come to light, as well as the truth about the tragic death of Dolly's mother.
This was a quick read that kept me interested. The chapters were short, and there were enough twists to keep me reading.
Expected publication date March 20, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley and Hera Books, for this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.
Beth, her husband Noah, and step-daughter Dolly move to a very small village outside of London. Things aren't all that great between Beth and Dolly, but she hopes they can become closer. Once they arrive at their new home, Beth has an uneasy feeling that things just aren't quite right. In just a few short days, Beth sees glimpses of Dolly's true feelings for her, tries to form a strained relationship with one of the few people in proximity to her, and finds a dead body. Secrets about the village, and the people who live there, come to light, as well as the truth about the tragic death of Dolly's mother.
This was a quick read that kept me interested. The chapters were short, and there were enough twists to keep me reading.
June 26, 2025
Loved the overall book! I definitely did not know what was going to happen next and made me want to keep reading it to find out! Only thing keeping me from rating 5 stars is I didn’t love the final ending.
July 19, 2025
Really enjoyed this story, did not expect the ending!!
July 19, 2025
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
I’d never heard of Kristen Bird prior to reading this book. After finding out she was a relatively new author, I was even more intrigued to give this one a try.
"She Wants You Gone" is a twisty domestic thriller. A recently married couple swap the busy life of London to move into a quiet house in the countryside. The only downside? The woman’s new step daughter is not her biggest fan. The story unfolds with unexpected twists, keeping you guessing as the layers of the plot are revealed. After a slightly slow pace in the beginning, I found myself totally engrossed in the suspense and the clever turns the story took.
However, looking back, the details have faded a bit. While the initial read was enjoyable and the surprises were genuinely shocking, the book didn't leave a lasting impression. It's a solid read for thriller fans, but maybe not the most memorable one out there.
I’d never heard of Kristen Bird prior to reading this book. After finding out she was a relatively new author, I was even more intrigued to give this one a try.
"She Wants You Gone" is a twisty domestic thriller. A recently married couple swap the busy life of London to move into a quiet house in the countryside. The only downside? The woman’s new step daughter is not her biggest fan. The story unfolds with unexpected twists, keeping you guessing as the layers of the plot are revealed. After a slightly slow pace in the beginning, I found myself totally engrossed in the suspense and the clever turns the story took.
However, looking back, the details have faded a bit. While the initial read was enjoyable and the surprises were genuinely shocking, the book didn't leave a lasting impression. It's a solid read for thriller fans, but maybe not the most memorable one out there.
March 13, 2025
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
📖 Genre: Psychological Thriller
📅 Publication Date: March 20, 2025
🌟 Summary: Beth is thrilled to start anew in a secluded Suffolk hamlet with her husband and his thirteen-year-old daughter, Dolly. However, the picturesque village harbors unsettling secrets, and Dolly's seemingly angelic demeanor masks a sinister side known only to Beth. As Dolly's malevolent intentions become increasingly apparent, Beth realizes that her stepdaughter will stop at nothing to remove her from their lives. This chilling psychological thriller delves into the complexities of blended families and the dark lengths to which jealousy can drive a person.
🖋️ My Thoughts:
✔ Compelling Protagonist: Beth's character is portrayed with depth and authenticity, capturing her escalating anxiety and isolation as she grapples with Dolly's manipulative behavior. Her resilience in the face of mounting terror evokes both empathy and admiration.
✔ Chilling Antagonist: Dolly's dual nature—sweet and innocent in public, but cruel and calculating in private—is masterfully depicted, creating a palpable sense of dread. Her psychological manipulation adds a disturbing layer to the narrative, keeping readers on edge.
✔ Atmospheric Setting: The remote hamlet, with its eerie ambiance and enigmatic residents, serves as an ideal backdrop for the unfolding suspense. Dodd's vivid descriptions immerse readers in a setting that is both charming and unsettling.
✔ Engaging Plot: The storyline is intricately woven, with tension escalating as Beth uncovers the village's dark history and Dolly's true nature. The plot twists are well-executed, leading to a climax that is both shocking and satisfying.
🔸 Minor Drawbacks:
▫ Pacing Variations: Certain sections of the book progress at a slower pace, which may momentarily lessen the suspense. However, these moments are brief and do not significantly detract from the overall tension.
▫ Secondary Character Development: While the focus on Beth and Dolly is compelling, some secondary characters could have been more fully developed to enhance the narrative's depth.
✨ Final Verdict: She Wants You Gone is a gripping psychological thriller that masterfully explores the sinister dynamics within a blended family. Joanna Dodd's skillful storytelling and ability to evoke genuine fear make this novel a standout in the genre. Despite minor pacing issues, the book delivers an intense and chilling reading experience that will linger long after the final page.
📌 Recommended For: Fans of psychological thrillers, readers intrigued by complex family dynamics, and those who appreciate narratives that delve into the darker aspects of human nature.
📖 Genre: Psychological Thriller
📅 Publication Date: March 20, 2025
🌟 Summary: Beth is thrilled to start anew in a secluded Suffolk hamlet with her husband and his thirteen-year-old daughter, Dolly. However, the picturesque village harbors unsettling secrets, and Dolly's seemingly angelic demeanor masks a sinister side known only to Beth. As Dolly's malevolent intentions become increasingly apparent, Beth realizes that her stepdaughter will stop at nothing to remove her from their lives. This chilling psychological thriller delves into the complexities of blended families and the dark lengths to which jealousy can drive a person.
🖋️ My Thoughts:
✔ Compelling Protagonist: Beth's character is portrayed with depth and authenticity, capturing her escalating anxiety and isolation as she grapples with Dolly's manipulative behavior. Her resilience in the face of mounting terror evokes both empathy and admiration.
✔ Chilling Antagonist: Dolly's dual nature—sweet and innocent in public, but cruel and calculating in private—is masterfully depicted, creating a palpable sense of dread. Her psychological manipulation adds a disturbing layer to the narrative, keeping readers on edge.
✔ Atmospheric Setting: The remote hamlet, with its eerie ambiance and enigmatic residents, serves as an ideal backdrop for the unfolding suspense. Dodd's vivid descriptions immerse readers in a setting that is both charming and unsettling.
✔ Engaging Plot: The storyline is intricately woven, with tension escalating as Beth uncovers the village's dark history and Dolly's true nature. The plot twists are well-executed, leading to a climax that is both shocking and satisfying.
🔸 Minor Drawbacks:
▫ Pacing Variations: Certain sections of the book progress at a slower pace, which may momentarily lessen the suspense. However, these moments are brief and do not significantly detract from the overall tension.
▫ Secondary Character Development: While the focus on Beth and Dolly is compelling, some secondary characters could have been more fully developed to enhance the narrative's depth.
✨ Final Verdict: She Wants You Gone is a gripping psychological thriller that masterfully explores the sinister dynamics within a blended family. Joanna Dodd's skillful storytelling and ability to evoke genuine fear make this novel a standout in the genre. Despite minor pacing issues, the book delivers an intense and chilling reading experience that will linger long after the final page.
📌 Recommended For: Fans of psychological thrillers, readers intrigued by complex family dynamics, and those who appreciate narratives that delve into the darker aspects of human nature.
February 28, 2025
Whoa - unpredictable in the best of ways and had me on the edge of my seat!
Beth marries widower Noah, and becomes a step-mom to his teen daughter Dolly. After Beth has been mugged near their home in London, they jump at the chance to move into his parents home in the rural countryside in a small hamlet. What a wonderful fresh start in a place with so much history!
Only Beth senses something feels off the minute they arrive. But she can't put her finger on exactly what it is... Dolly, who appears to have perfect manners and on her best behavior in front of her dad (and anyone else) begins to act out when it's just her and Beth - whether it's ignoring her or making cruel remarks under her breath. This just feeds into the weird vibe Beth gets from the place.
As Beth learns more about the history of the area, and the more she gets to know her two neighbors, the more she feels something isn't right. Isolated, Beth doesn't know what to think, and maybe she's overreacting? So she continues to try to build her relationship.
Blended families are tough, and the author did a great job reinforcing this. I felt there was too much reference/reliance of the main character on a website resource for new step-parents. It felt a bit superfluous. Also some portions felt disjointed - I had difficulty tracking some of the timeline referencing Dolly's early years. That aside, the build of tension was done with precision, and I did not predict how things unfolded - many twists!
Thanks to NetGalley, Hera Books & Joanna Dodd for the eARC.
Pub Date Mar 20 2025 #SheWantsYouGone #NetGalley
Beth marries widower Noah, and becomes a step-mom to his teen daughter Dolly. After Beth has been mugged near their home in London, they jump at the chance to move into his parents home in the rural countryside in a small hamlet. What a wonderful fresh start in a place with so much history!
Only Beth senses something feels off the minute they arrive. But she can't put her finger on exactly what it is... Dolly, who appears to have perfect manners and on her best behavior in front of her dad (and anyone else) begins to act out when it's just her and Beth - whether it's ignoring her or making cruel remarks under her breath. This just feeds into the weird vibe Beth gets from the place.
As Beth learns more about the history of the area, and the more she gets to know her two neighbors, the more she feels something isn't right. Isolated, Beth doesn't know what to think, and maybe she's overreacting? So she continues to try to build her relationship.
Blended families are tough, and the author did a great job reinforcing this. I felt there was too much reference/reliance of the main character on a website resource for new step-parents. It felt a bit superfluous. Also some portions felt disjointed - I had difficulty tracking some of the timeline referencing Dolly's early years. That aside, the build of tension was done with precision, and I did not predict how things unfolded - many twists!
Thanks to NetGalley, Hera Books & Joanna Dodd for the eARC.
Pub Date Mar 20 2025 #SheWantsYouGone #NetGalley
March 20, 2025
She Wants You Gone by Joanna Dodd is a twisty thriller with just the right amount of suspense, tension, and unease!
When Beth, her husband Noah and Dolly, Noah's daughter from a previous relationship, move to a tiny village outside of London, Beth feels uneasy. She can't quite put a finger on what is wrong. Things have never been easy with Beth and Dolly, but Beth is hopeful that the change of scenery might do wonders for their strained relationship. But after just a few days Beth begins to get a sense of Dolly's real feelings of her. Dolly shows a completely different side of herself to other people but Beth can see the cruelty in Dolly's glare. And the dark unsettling history of the village does nothing to ease Beth's fears, especially when a dead body is found..
This novel had me gripped as I raced through the pages to find out more about the relationship between Dolly and Beth! A deep sense of tension and ominous vibes was prevalent throughout this novel which definitely amped up the creepy factor. Overall a great twisty read that absolutely had me hooked!
Thank you to NetGalley, Joanna Dodd, and Hera Books for this ARC. Expected publication day is March 20th 2025.
When Beth, her husband Noah and Dolly, Noah's daughter from a previous relationship, move to a tiny village outside of London, Beth feels uneasy. She can't quite put a finger on what is wrong. Things have never been easy with Beth and Dolly, but Beth is hopeful that the change of scenery might do wonders for their strained relationship. But after just a few days Beth begins to get a sense of Dolly's real feelings of her. Dolly shows a completely different side of herself to other people but Beth can see the cruelty in Dolly's glare. And the dark unsettling history of the village does nothing to ease Beth's fears, especially when a dead body is found..
This novel had me gripped as I raced through the pages to find out more about the relationship between Dolly and Beth! A deep sense of tension and ominous vibes was prevalent throughout this novel which definitely amped up the creepy factor. Overall a great twisty read that absolutely had me hooked!
Thank you to NetGalley, Joanna Dodd, and Hera Books for this ARC. Expected publication day is March 20th 2025.
April 6, 2025
She wants you gone by Joanna Dodd is an intriguing and unsettling story about a step-daughter who wants her step-mother gone.
Beth is excited for a fresh start. She is excited to move to a remote place with her new husband and stepdaughter, Dolly. She quickly finds that the town of Hamlet where they have moved has a dark history and there is something odd about the residents there.
Dolly is a lovely child to everyone, everyone except Beth that is. When they are around others she is polite but when they are alone she sees a very different side of her. Beth soon realizes that Dolly wants her gone for good. But just how far is Dolly willing to go to make that happen?
Thank you to Joanna for writing this intriguing story and for working with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
Beth is excited for a fresh start. She is excited to move to a remote place with her new husband and stepdaughter, Dolly. She quickly finds that the town of Hamlet where they have moved has a dark history and there is something odd about the residents there.
Dolly is a lovely child to everyone, everyone except Beth that is. When they are around others she is polite but when they are alone she sees a very different side of her. Beth soon realizes that Dolly wants her gone for good. But just how far is Dolly willing to go to make that happen?
Thank you to Joanna for writing this intriguing story and for working with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
March 11, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and author for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
A brilliant plot that tells the story of Beth who has met & married widowed Noah and moves to his childhood home with his daughter dolly to kickstart a home baking business. Full of twists and turns, I was hooked from the start. Things are not what they seem in the new house and the tiny hamlet in which it resides and nor are things are they seem with young Dolly, Noah’s daughter. Beth feels isolated in this new small community and isn’t sure who she can trust. Then Noah is called away abroad and things come to a head. A gripping read. Highly recommended
A brilliant plot that tells the story of Beth who has met & married widowed Noah and moves to his childhood home with his daughter dolly to kickstart a home baking business. Full of twists and turns, I was hooked from the start. Things are not what they seem in the new house and the tiny hamlet in which it resides and nor are things are they seem with young Dolly, Noah’s daughter. Beth feels isolated in this new small community and isn’t sure who she can trust. Then Noah is called away abroad and things come to a head. A gripping read. Highly recommended
July 27, 2025
Some books just hit the spot, this one did for me. A creepy prologue that drew me in immediately. A well balanced plot with plenty of intrigue. It's dark and mysterious and the spookiness grows the more you read. The protagonist Beth finds herself in a very awkward and frightening predicament...what to say and what to do? She is torn and I felt for her. I found this story tense and compelling. Being a mother has its responsibilities but being a step-mother...well there are some lines you do not dare to cross. The creepiness and twists vamp up even more towards the end.
A job well done Joanna Dodd. I've not previously read anything by this author but I would willingly read more.
A job well done Joanna Dodd. I've not previously read anything by this author but I would willingly read more.
August 26, 2025
Writing - Exquisite
Characters - Stunning
Scenery - Beautiful
Plot - Brilliant
This hit the mark and just kept on running. The whole story had me just wanting to read the next page and never put it down.
Absolutely sped through this just so i could get to the next twist and they never stopped twisting.
Books like this are the reason i love reading as i just get so wrapped up in the storyline and the characters that i never want to stop turning the page just to get to the big conclusion and omg was this a big one.
The whole story had me guessing every character at every turn and then threw a complete 180° and put me right back at the start.
Beautiful 10/10
Characters - Stunning
Scenery - Beautiful
Plot - Brilliant
This hit the mark and just kept on running. The whole story had me just wanting to read the next page and never put it down.
Absolutely sped through this just so i could get to the next twist and they never stopped twisting.
Books like this are the reason i love reading as i just get so wrapped up in the storyline and the characters that i never want to stop turning the page just to get to the big conclusion and omg was this a big one.
The whole story had me guessing every character at every turn and then threw a complete 180° and put me right back at the start.
Beautiful 10/10
February 1, 2025
Beth, her husband, and stepdaughter, Dolly, move to a hamlet. Beth immediately feels that there is a weird vibe, but Dolly is ecstatic.
Dolly is only 13, but makes Beth's life a misery. Beth tries hard to get on with Dolly, despite the child's mean streak.
I really got into this novel. It is dark, mysterious, disturbing and creepy.
The characters are well developed and some are sinister.
I was gripped from the first page to the last. What a sad ending.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hera for the DRC.
Dolly is only 13, but makes Beth's life a misery. Beth tries hard to get on with Dolly, despite the child's mean streak.
I really got into this novel. It is dark, mysterious, disturbing and creepy.
The characters are well developed and some are sinister.
I was gripped from the first page to the last. What a sad ending.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hera for the DRC.
February 23, 2025
3.5/5
Thriller based around new stepmum Beth and family relocating to an isolated hamlet that leaves her unsettled. Thirteen-year-old Dolly is polite and charming but Beth sees another side to her. And the small community's interest in the dark history of the hamlet does little to quash her feelings, especially when Dolly becomes fascinated with 'Hannah', an all-powerful woman according to the historic lore.
This was a quick read that held my attention but I would have liked to see Beth grow more throughout the novel and for more of the other characters viewpoints to be shared.
Thriller based around new stepmum Beth and family relocating to an isolated hamlet that leaves her unsettled. Thirteen-year-old Dolly is polite and charming but Beth sees another side to her. And the small community's interest in the dark history of the hamlet does little to quash her feelings, especially when Dolly becomes fascinated with 'Hannah', an all-powerful woman according to the historic lore.
This was a quick read that held my attention but I would have liked to see Beth grow more throughout the novel and for more of the other characters viewpoints to be shared.
March 5, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for providing the ARC!
This story follows the relationship between Beth, the new stepmother, and Dolly the stepdaughter. There is a layer of darkness that is prevalent throughout this story and it made for some major surprises. I enjoyed Joanna Dodd's ability to keep the reader engaged and her ability to have an unpredictability about the story. The flow and pacing of the story worked well with the important elements of the story which made for a great read. Definitely recommend!
This story follows the relationship between Beth, the new stepmother, and Dolly the stepdaughter. There is a layer of darkness that is prevalent throughout this story and it made for some major surprises. I enjoyed Joanna Dodd's ability to keep the reader engaged and her ability to have an unpredictability about the story. The flow and pacing of the story worked well with the important elements of the story which made for a great read. Definitely recommend!
January 6, 2026
What an absolute load of rubbish. Is the author in high school. Who comes up with such a ridiculous story line. And the constant use of the word disconcerted and constantly wondering what the Blended Family would say about what was happening. All this because someone grieving used a doll as a tool to overcome grief hahaha. The most pathetic book I think I’ve ever read.
August 14, 2025
Couldn’t finish this one, it was very slow and I could not relate to Beth and her consistent overthinking and lack of assertiveness.
A bit of witchcraft mixed in? Hard to say since I put it down.
Next!
A bit of witchcraft mixed in? Hard to say since I put it down.
Next!
September 9, 2025
Book took a very long time to capture me and once it did I had guessed what was going to happen, wasn’t a bad ready just took me a while to read because I felt I had read it, it’s very similar to don’t let her stay by Nicola sanders and that book also had the same effect
October 25, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book as it was a page turner with shortish chapters, which I like. It was a bit unbelievable at times but it did move along nicely. I've taken one star off because I hated the way the author ended this book, it could have been so much better!
June 29, 2025
8/10 Step family,Moving to the country,Secrets,Damaged Child,Death of a parent,Secret Murderer
August 1, 2025
this was a good fast pace thriller, loved the twist
October 21, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It’s interesting and has a bit of a plot twist. Kind of left on a cliffhanger though as you can’t be sure what’s going on/happened during the last page.
January 6, 2026
very good..
March 10, 2025
[Arc from Netgalley]
My opinions are my own.
I am generally very easily entertained. However, I'm really struggling with this one. I want to like it. I'm trying to give it a chance.
Where do I begin with this review?! I'm only 37% of the way through the book, so if I can finish the rest, I'll update this review. It starts with an epic prologue that grasped my attention immediately. After that it feels like I'm reading Beth's poorly written diary along with some short snippets of website articles and letters. So far, the characters are pretty cliché, and it's becoming somewhat predictable.
Also, I'm not understanding how the chapters are broken up the way they are. Many of these can be combined into one. For example, the same scene goes on for about 10 or so chapters.
The first half of this book is going slower than molasses in a snow storm. Hopefully the second half picks up some.
I'll update this when I finish...
Update: the speed really picks up about halfway through. The characters come more alive, and the story gets loads better. The first half seemed like I was reading Beth's diary and was extremely too slow for me, but it felt like the writing greatly improved through the second half. The reason I left 3 stars when I first wrote this review is due to the wonderful descriptions of the scenery and how I could picture myself in the story. Although this isn't a favorite book of mine, I did enjoy it in the end.
Thank you Netgalley and Hera Books for the digital arc!!
My opinions are my own.
I am generally very easily entertained. However, I'm really struggling with this one. I want to like it. I'm trying to give it a chance.
Where do I begin with this review?! I'm only 37% of the way through the book, so if I can finish the rest, I'll update this review. It starts with an epic prologue that grasped my attention immediately. After that it feels like I'm reading Beth's poorly written diary along with some short snippets of website articles and letters. So far, the characters are pretty cliché, and it's becoming somewhat predictable.
Also, I'm not understanding how the chapters are broken up the way they are. Many of these can be combined into one. For example, the same scene goes on for about 10 or so chapters.
The first half of this book is going slower than molasses in a snow storm. Hopefully the second half picks up some.
I'll update this when I finish...
Update: the speed really picks up about halfway through. The characters come more alive, and the story gets loads better. The first half seemed like I was reading Beth's diary and was extremely too slow for me, but it felt like the writing greatly improved through the second half. The reason I left 3 stars when I first wrote this review is due to the wonderful descriptions of the scenery and how I could picture myself in the story. Although this isn't a favorite book of mine, I did enjoy it in the end.
Thank you Netgalley and Hera Books for the digital arc!!
May 7, 2025
I have given 4 stars as the book is well written and has that can not put it down quality. But for me knowing I am been dishonest to myself I do like a happy, happy ending. This is my personnal taste only which I accept.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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