Just Like Her Mother

by Julia Roberts

If anyone walked in on our cosy family dinner, they’d think my daughter and her boyfriend were the perfect couple. I watch as he puts his arm around her. Her eyes shine as she gazes at him lovingly. But I know that he is hiding a secret. A secret that would devastate my daughter…

My son sits across the round oak table, his jaw set as he plays with his food. I catch his eye, pleading with him silently. Not now. Only we know the truth. My husband pulls his beautiful girl in for a hug, and my heart breaks. My happy family is so close to ruin. How much longer can I hold us together?

We’ve all seen the warning Jemma’s unanswered phone calls, the too-charming way Will wormed his way into our family, the dark rumours about just how far he’ll go to get ahead. I hoped Jemma would uncover his secrets and as I look at her now, I wonder if she’s simply playing a part. After all, she’s watched me play my roles of loving daughter, perfect wife and devoted mother for years. Is my daughter more like me than I could ever imagine?

I steel myself. The only way to get Will out of our lives is for me to finally reveal the secret I’ve been keeping. But once the truth is out, will Jemma ever trust me again? Or am I about to lose my darling girl forever?

An utterly gripping and emotional read about the sacrifices we make for those we love. Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, Amanda Prowse and Susan Lewis.

See what readers are saying about Julia

‘Had me hooked from start to finish… Brilliant… A book I’ll remember for a long time. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one sitting. I absolutely adored it and cried my heart out so much over this one. What a beautiful story!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wonderful… I was thinking about it constantly, telling friends about it… SO many secrets… I literally couldn’t stop reading… several times I sacrificed my sleep.’ Curling Up with a Coffee and a Kindle, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Brilliant and heartbreaking… I just couldn’t read it fast enough. I wanted to finish it quickly but at the same time I never wanted it to end… just stunning.’ Postcard Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Phenomenal… Just blew me away… I couldn’t turn fast enough… I can’t love this enough and give it all the five stars!!!!!!’ Oh Happy Reading, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Reduce me to tears… the definition of a page-turner and a tear-jerker. I didn’t want to stop reading… I loved every word.’ The Book Lover’s Boudoir, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Grab the tissues… Unputdownable… I finished with it in one sitting… Absolutely loved it… My heart was in my throat… Will stay with me for a long time.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I just could not put it down… A really beautiful, engrossing and captivating read, I was sorry when it finished

Genres: Womens Fiction

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2025

Reviews

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Just Like Her Mother by Julia Roberts. Well that was interesting! The book I read does not sound like the one in the description. This book was indeed a family drama with each character having their own issues to work through. It was a good book and I thoroughly enjoyed it, just not what I was expecting. Not a bad book and I would recommend it if you like reading books about a family saga, secrets, and life problems. I gave it a 3 star rating.

[em · Rating 2 out of 5]

From the blurb I was under the impression that this was going to be more thriller esque, but maybe that’s my fault. This was an okay book, but I think my main issue with it was the writing. Everything felt overwritten and over explained and I found myself skimming things, surprised that the same event/action/thought was repeated so many times. It was a simple, slice of life book where nothing really happens. I’m sure this is someone’s perfect book, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #JustLikeHerMother #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Bookish Venturess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book. I love how it shows that a family that looks perfect isn't. It also shows how secrets affect people and how you treat family members really is important. This was a good story that is from a mother's point of view as they maneuver through the loss of her mother in law, and their daughter's boyfriend problems. Overall just a great book that was very enjoyable.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet family story. The sudden death of a matriarch puts a focus on family secrets, insecurities, and strained relationships. In the end, everyone has learned how important family is.

[maria · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a Weak Main Character


I couldn't finish this book. Lexi is a weakling and I couldn't get past that. Stressing over everything and I just could read anymore. Disappointing waste of time.

[Sun-young Peony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time to read about Julia Roberts' work, and the way this author builds the relationships is so WELL DONE.

TROPE: Family Drama

Even though they look like a happy family, you can just feel this tense vibe underneath everything. There's this SECRET that the mother knows! As I read the book, I can't help but feel her worry and love she has for her daughter.

Here's what I liked about the book:

1. On the surface, everything looks happy. But you also get these little hints that something else is going on underneath.

2. Dynamics between the siblings and the parents. They are so real! You can just sense the tension as THIS SECRET could ruin everything for them. It makes you wonder who knows what's really going on and how much longer they can pretend everything's okay.

3. The author is really good at making you feel like something bad is about to happen, and you're always trying to figure out the whole story. You'll be so invested in these characters and what happens to them.

My reading experience:

OMG! There were times I was "internally screaming" at the book! It's like you want to jump into the story and HELP THEM, but then you remember, "Oh wait, this isn't real life!"

Yeah, this book has that in spades.

NOW...

Since this book totally delivers on its promise of being a REAL tear-jerker and so emotional you can't put it down, sooooo get ready for a rollercoaster of feelings because it will definitely pull at your heartstrings. TWO reasons:

REASON 1: You can feel HOW HEAVY that secret is and the disaster that might happen when it finally comes out. It's like this thick cloud hanging over everything.

REASON 2: You will absolutely glued to the pages. In my case, I was totally desperate to see how it all ended, even though I had this uncomfortable or you know... nagging feeling it was going to make me sob! You just have to know what happens in the end!

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DISCLAIMER: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this early.

[DEBORAH M. HOGAN · Rating 3 out of 5]

just okay

This book was very disjointed. I did not understand any connection with the characters and the title. Too much detail on frivolous things.

[Brad · Rating 1 out of 5]

Waste of time!

Poorly written, predictable book! What a,waste of time! Kept waiting for the hook, there most definitely is not one! Don't waste your time!

[Jacqueline Spilsbury · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointed

I've loved all Julia's books but very disappointed wi
th this one ... Boring really and a predictable ending..
Sorry Julia Roberts

[Aldridge Kelley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring

Describes normal activities in too much detail. It was actually difficult to find a plot. I only kept reading it because I have to sit with feet elevated.

[PJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just ok. I was expecting more, but it left me a little flat.

[Ameya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family Secrets and Emotional Truths.

"Just Like Her Mother" by Julia Roberts revolves around Alexis, her husband, Stuart, and their two adult children, Gemma and Callum. Julia Roberts delivers an emotionally charged domestic drama, a compelling exploration of secrets, family dynamics, and the quiet resilience of a woman stretched to her limits.

At the heart of the story is Alexis, a wife, mother, daughter, and professional—juggling it all and barely holding things together. Her long-awaited holiday with husband Stuart is disrupted when his mother falls ill, dragging them back into the day-to-day pressures of caregiving and family tensions. Meanwhile, Alexis harbors a disturbing secret about her daughter Gemma’s new boyfriend, Will, while also dealing with a younger colleague threatening her place at work.

Much like Amanda Prowse’s books, Roberts captures the emotional nuance of everyday life with compassion and clarity. Both authors excel at portraying women navigating complicated roles within the family unit, while managing personal loss, hidden pain, and the weight of unspoken truths. Readers who appreciate Amanda Prowse’s focus on emotional stories and strong, relatable female leads will appreciate "Just Like Her Mother" by Julia Roberts.

Fans of Liane Moriarty too will find much to enjoy here. This is a novel that delves beneath the surface of everyday life to reveal the fractures, fears, and loyalties that define us.

Julia Roberts handles the layered storytelling with nuance, deftly moving between the present and the shadows of Alexis’s past. There’s a quiet, slow-burn suspense that builds as long-buried truths begin to rise to the surface, with a payoff that feels both poignant and satisfying. Just Like Her Mother is a thoughtful, relatable read that reinforces Julia Roberts’ place as a strong voice in contemporary women’s fiction.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

This review also appears in
https://thereadersvault.blogspot.com/... and
https://www.netgalley.com/member/book....

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Roberts does it again. Another story filled with relatable family dynamics that pull on the heartstrings. This book follows the story of a Lexi and Stuart who would do anything for their family. Lexi has a stressful job at a TV news studio and Stuart has retired so money is tight but all they want is to make sure everyone in the family is looked after including their widowed mothers. Lexis only concern is her daughter’s boyfriend and the secret she knows about him. How can she break her daughter’s heart by telling her but if she doesn’t can she live with herself. To celebrate their wedding anniversary the couple head off on a return to the island where they honeymooned but when a health crisis at home forces them to cut the trip short will the families life ever be the same. This is one of those books where we can all relate to these characters and I was especially taken with Lexi and her frustrations around life and the workplace as we get older. This is a powerful read with a really satisfying ending. A perfect book for lying by the beach.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexis is grappling with the sudden death of her mother-in-law, but her worries don’t end there. Despite her long and successful marriage to her husband, Stuart, Alexis often finds herself wondering if there’s something missing between them. As they navigate life without their matriarch, Alexis, Stuart, and their two adult children, Gemma and Callum, must confront their own challenges.

With the funeral arrangements underway, Alexis is concerned about Gemma’s relationship with her boyfriend, Will. Something feels off, but she’s determined not to break Gemma’s heart by revealing what she feels is wrong. Alexis, meanwhile, works tirelessly to maintain the delicate balance in all their lives, including her demanding job.

Julia Roberts’ latest book weaves a compelling family drama with intense drama for all involved. It’s easy to root for this family as they face their individual struggles and strive to overcome them.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

Often you keep a secret to protect a loved one. You don't want them to get hurt obviously, but keeping something hidden affects you too. After all you don't know of the person you want to keep from hurting will react when they find out you kept them in the dark. So in fact by trying to protect them, you still hurt hem in the end. 

Talking is so important, because if you don't people might misinterpret the signs they think you are sending. This results in pain and unhappiness and they both could have been prevented. 

I felt the strain Lexie, our protagonist is under. She wants to do the right thing for everyone, but forgets about whet she wants and needs. When, one day, the dam bursts, she knows it's time she learns to say no and to stop nullifying herself. 

This is a beautiful story about loss and love, deceit and happy ever afters. And indeed, like mother, like daughter. :)

I loved they dynamic between Lexie and her husband. Something to bear in mind: when something troubles you, talk about it and don't keep it all bottled up inside. It will spare you from pain and heartbreak. 5 stars

Thank you

[DianeLikesToRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you Bookouture for inviting me to be part of the Books on Tour for “Just Like Her Mother“ by Julia Roberts Lexi is mom of two grown children, married to Stuart and checking in on both of their moms. Basically, she is trying to do it all!
Lexi and Stuart are on a much needed vacation when Stuart’s mom falls ill. They rush home and the drama begins. Lexi knows a secret about her daughter’s boyfriend that is hard to keep to herself. Lexi is also having problems at work with a younger colleague. She is navigating all of this while dealing with her mother in law and mother’s health and emotional issues.
I totally related to Lexi. My husband and I are always checking in with our parents. We hurt when our children hurt. Really good read! Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Claire Turkington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading @juliagroberts and it won’t be my last. I just loved this book. I was engrossed from the start, shred a few tears along the way, to the perfect ending. I couldn’t stop reading and didn’t want it to finish. Unputdownable, a real page turning tear jerker.
A beautifully written story about love, loss, secrets, sacrifices and happy endings with relatable family dynamics that really pull at your heartstrings. It’s just captivating with so much depth and emotional drama. You’re just taken in by all the great likeable characters including Wilfie the cat.
The perfect family drama. Definitely recommend if you enjoy this genre. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
With thanks #NetGallery @bookouture for an arc of #JustLikeHerMother in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 17 April 2025

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Like Her Mother by Julia Roberts is the first book by the author I have read and I look forward to reading more from her. This was a story full of family drama with secrets, surprises and unexpected twists. Lexi and Stuart seem to have the perfect family, but things are not always what they seem. Lexi, the mom, is balancing taking care of her family, her mother-in-law and her mom, all while keeping a secret. As we meet the characters and follow their journey, we are pulled in and are waiting for something we know is coming. But what is the secret and who will get hurt? I liked Lexi and her husband and felt they were relatable. With everything they are going through. Her love for her children is felt throughout the story. Be ready to go on an emotional journey with this family.

Happy reading!

[María Jose Mendez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for an early copy of Just Like Her Mother.
For me was a 4,5 stars.
I really liked this story, is about family dinamics, and how the little secrets can affect everyone involved.
Lexi and Stuart marriage seems perfect, but the strains from Lexi having to work non stop to affoard the mortgage while Stuart is retired, and the load of her having to carry all the problems of her two grownup children Jemma and Callum, to a point that she needs to start to let things go or ask for help.
It gives me a Liane Moriarty likelyhood, it's about family, the difficulties that brings and also the love. It's not a fast themed book, but if you like the characters based books, it's deffinitley the one for you.
And a plus for me was Wilfie the cat.

[Marie Yarwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will the secrets make or break up a family unit?
Make sure you have tissues to hand- they are definitely needed. This is such a tastefully written book, with just enough emotion but couldn’t put the book down - I had to find out the truth immediately.

When Will is keeping a secret from Jenny and other family members knowing what it is, will it make or break their relationship?

What a family will do for love really shows in this story, moving literally heaven & earth to be together travelling miles to be with the ones they love, all except Mari - she is a heartless woman who I thought had a motive against Stuart but it turns out the ‘‘green eyed monster’ played its part.

This story is full of twists and turns making this a fantastic read keeping you guessing at every chance.

[Marissa Hux · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy a good family drama, especially when there are hidden secrets involved. It’s fascinating to see a seemingly perfect family that actually has a lot going on beneath the surface, with each member keeping things from one another. I appreciated getting a glimpse into the mother's perspective and how she deals with the burden of caring for so many people. It was eye-opening to see her realize that some of her worries were unnecessary, especially when others were just concerned about disappointing her. As the story unfolds, you’ll find yourself getting caught up in the characters' emotional turmoil as the tension rises and their secrets come to light.

Thank you @bookouture & @juliagroberts
for including me on this book tour 🫶🏻

[Heidireadsitall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t particularly enjoy this book. I felt that the plot was slow, with minimal development, and the writing contained a lot of unnecessary filler. It simply wasn’t an engaging read for me. I suppose this genre may not be my preference, though I can see how it might resonate with others. Additionally, having recently lost my grandmother, certain themes in the book evoked some difficult emotions, which made the reading experience even less enjoyable for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[LoveBooks2119 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching novel centered around a family, their dynamic and love for one another as well as the importance of honesty and the impact of keeping secrets.
This was an emotional read and I was prepared with tissues at hand.
Lexie was a terrific protagonist that many of us can relate to in some way whether as a mother or a daughter.
I'm eager to read another novel by Julia Roberts.
Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity to listen to this complimentary advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Barb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I feel like I did not read the book that was described. I went into it expecting a thriller and it was not at all. I really don't understand how the title has anything to do with the storyline. It came across in the description of the book that the mom was hiding some huge dark secrets and I didn't see that at all. It was also too descriptive in parts and I did skim through those. I would say it's more of a family drama if even 

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for an early copy of Just Like Her Mother. This was an extremely good story, the only fault I found was that it was full of description with every conversation that was said. I liked Lexi a lot, she was a great representation of a woman at her age. I did not like the part about the Plan but in this day and age, I guess that’s the way you have to play the game. The book closed up every characters story in a perfect way. A Great Read!

[Angel **Book Junkie** · Rating 3 out of 5]

According to Goodreads a 3 star review means that I liked a book.
This book was okay middle of the road.
Nothing really stuck out for me as loving it but I didn't hate it either.
I had a hard time connecting to the characters and that means that with a book like this that I really couldn't love it.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandy K Koch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a family drama, told from the wife/mother, Alexis's perspective.  She and Stuart are celebrating their anniversary with a trip. While on the trip, his mother dies.Th8s is the beginning of a majorly stressful few months for Alexis.There are work, mother, husband, and sister-in-law problems, which lead to a meltdown and counselor visits.There is a strong marriage and  great relationships with adult children, but all involved problem solving and forgiveness.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit that I struggled reading this book. The storyline was not bad but the way it was written lacked soul and emotion. It felt like something was missing. There were so many storylines but none were focused on in great depth.
A family saga with secrets and lies which had the potential to be a good book but for me fell short.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a relatively new author for me and I am definitely going to look out for more of their books. This was a tear jerking family drama about love and loss and secrets and lies and family dynamics a story that really pulls at your heart strings.

I highly recommend this author if you like family drama and if you like books by other authors such as Emma Robinson and Alison ragsdale.

[Katrece Candelaria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly? like reading my grocery list from 3 days ago. The only good part is the relationship between the main character and her mother-in-law. Maybe I missed something but I was never on the edge of my seat about the secret mother and son shared. Characters did not seem fleshed out. Maybe it's just me?