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Left at the Altar
As I walk down the aisle, I can’t help beaming. It’s the perfect day. For the first time in years, I feel safe, secure. Until I reach the altar, and there’s no sign of my fiancé. That can’t be. He’s my world. And I desperately need this fresh start, to keep my son safe…
My fiancé Johnny is handsome, charming and kind. He’s already the perfect stepfather to my little boy, Lucas – unlike his real father. Today, in front of our loved ones, I will truly leave my secrets behind.
But when I get to the church, Johnny isn’t here. I crumble. How could he do this to me? To Lucas? I desperately search the crowd, hoping this is some sort of bad joke.
And I catch sight of a face I never thought I’d see again. He sees me looking and smirks. Is he the reason Johnny has disappeared?
My stomach drops as my family gather round to console me. They press tissues into my hands, to wipe the tears that should be pouring. But my eyes are dry as I stare at the man from my past.
I make a silent promise: I’ll do anything to get Johnny back and protect my little boy.
No matter how far I’ll have to go…
My fiancé Johnny is handsome, charming and kind. He’s already the perfect stepfather to my little boy, Lucas – unlike his real father. Today, in front of our loved ones, I will truly leave my secrets behind.
But when I get to the church, Johnny isn’t here. I crumble. How could he do this to me? To Lucas? I desperately search the crowd, hoping this is some sort of bad joke.
And I catch sight of a face I never thought I’d see again. He sees me looking and smirks. Is he the reason Johnny has disappeared?
My stomach drops as my family gather round to console me. They press tissues into my hands, to wipe the tears that should be pouring. But my eyes are dry as I stare at the man from my past.
I make a silent promise: I’ll do anything to get Johnny back and protect my little boy.
No matter how far I’ll have to go…
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2025
1037 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Campbell
15 books715 followersAJ Campbell is an Amazon USA top 40 bestselling author, who loves throwing characters into unbelievable situations and figuring it out from there. The result is psychological suspense novels full of twists, turns, and torment, with gasp-worthy endings. An avid hiker, AJ lives in the UK on the Essex / Hertfordshire border with her husband, sons, and cocker spaniel, Max. She is a Netflix junkie, a theatre tragic, and a wine and Asian food enthusiast.
Connect with AJ here:
www.ajcampbellauthor.com
www.facebook.com/AJCampbellauthor
www.instagram.com/ajcampbellauthor/
Connect with AJ here:
www.ajcampbellauthor.com
www.facebook.com/AJCampbellauthor
www.instagram.com/ajcampbellauthor/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
August 13, 2025
Another fabulously twisty thriller from AJ Campbell that came between me and my sleep! As always full of suspense and unexpected surprises from the start to end. I love how this author just sucks the reader in immediately, making you want to read just one more chapter….
Imagine getting to the church, all the wedding preparations are done and you are about to marry the man of your dreams, only for him to not turn up. How devastating. This is the premise of this story, and how the bride, Hannah, is convinced that Johnny wouldn’t do that to her and her son. I didn’t know what to expect but my goodness that ending was 🤯🤯 fabulous
Thanks so much to Bookouture on NetGalley for allowing me to read this fantastic thriller early. Publishing on August 13th.
Imagine getting to the church, all the wedding preparations are done and you are about to marry the man of your dreams, only for him to not turn up. How devastating. This is the premise of this story, and how the bride, Hannah, is convinced that Johnny wouldn’t do that to her and her son. I didn’t know what to expect but my goodness that ending was 🤯🤯 fabulous
Thanks so much to Bookouture on NetGalley for allowing me to read this fantastic thriller early. Publishing on August 13th.
August 18, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Left at the Altar by AJ Campbell. This is my second book by this author and I enjoyed both of them. This one was quite suspenseful and it had some unexpected twists / surprises. This was an exciting read and I would highly recommend it to others. OMG what an ending! You need to read it to find out more. I gave this book a 4 star rating. #Bookouture #AJCampbell #Booktour
July 29, 2025
Can there be anything worse than being left at the altar,well almost at the altar,and having no reason,no clue or no prior warning that this might happen ?
For Hannah this becomes a nasty reality as her soon to be Father in Law who is about to give her away receives a call minutes from arriving at the church where Hannah presumes she will soon xperience the ‘happiest day of her life’
Hannah is stunned,furious,upset but mostly perplexed and hurt as to why this has happened….and where is Johnny her hubby to be? she is at a loss,as is everyone
But as she delves deeper into the past and people she becomes suspicious of things she finds,things have been hidden from her and she is learning that people are not always as they seem
Another exciting read from this author that kept me involved in the storyline and especially Hannah who felt sorry for as she tried to come to terms to being ditched on her special day but was resolved to find out the truth even when it seemed everything was against her
Emotive and lots of hidden revelations made this a thrilling thriller
For Hannah this becomes a nasty reality as her soon to be Father in Law who is about to give her away receives a call minutes from arriving at the church where Hannah presumes she will soon xperience the ‘happiest day of her life’
Hannah is stunned,furious,upset but mostly perplexed and hurt as to why this has happened….and where is Johnny her hubby to be? she is at a loss,as is everyone
But as she delves deeper into the past and people she becomes suspicious of things she finds,things have been hidden from her and she is learning that people are not always as they seem
Another exciting read from this author that kept me involved in the storyline and especially Hannah who felt sorry for as she tried to come to terms to being ditched on her special day but was resolved to find out the truth even when it seemed everything was against her
Emotive and lots of hidden revelations made this a thrilling thriller
July 23, 2025
It was going to be Hannah’s perfect day, the day she will marry the love of her life, Johnny, and become a family with her son from a previous relationship, Lucas. She’s got her gown on, she’s waiting at the church…and then she gets the news from Johnny’s brother, Tom. Johnny called him and said he couldn’t go through with the marriage; he felt trapped and needed some time to himself.
Hannah is beside herself. How can this be? He is like a father to Lucas. They’ve lost a baby together. They’ve already put a plan in motion to sell Hannah’s house and buy a new one. When she gets back to the hotel, she heads into the rose-strewn honeymoon suite alone and finds a gift and note from Johnny, calling her his wife and saying he’s so happy to spend the rest of his life with her. Why would he leave those things if he had cold feet?
Luckily, her sisters India and Carrie are there for her, but there are two problems: India showed up with a man named Dean, a man Hannah knows all too well. Do Dean’s appearance and Johnny’s disappearance have anything to do with each other? Also, Carrie is engaged to Tom, so either way Hannah is now stuck with this family. As the focus moves to Carrie and Tom’s wedding, Hannah can’t shake the feeling that something is really wrong. None of this makes sense.
The mystery of where Johnny went is quite good, and the two families are quite interesting together. Chapter cliffhangers made the book more suspenseful, and there were a lot of great surprises and twists. I did figure out the ending, but with plenty of red herrings, I wasn’t sure if I was right until I read it. This is quite a good domestic thriller and a quick read! Four stars.
(Thank you to Bookouture for inviting me on this book’s tour! “Left At The Altar” is slated to be released on August 13, 2025.)
Hannah is beside herself. How can this be? He is like a father to Lucas. They’ve lost a baby together. They’ve already put a plan in motion to sell Hannah’s house and buy a new one. When she gets back to the hotel, she heads into the rose-strewn honeymoon suite alone and finds a gift and note from Johnny, calling her his wife and saying he’s so happy to spend the rest of his life with her. Why would he leave those things if he had cold feet?
Luckily, her sisters India and Carrie are there for her, but there are two problems: India showed up with a man named Dean, a man Hannah knows all too well. Do Dean’s appearance and Johnny’s disappearance have anything to do with each other? Also, Carrie is engaged to Tom, so either way Hannah is now stuck with this family. As the focus moves to Carrie and Tom’s wedding, Hannah can’t shake the feeling that something is really wrong. None of this makes sense.
The mystery of where Johnny went is quite good, and the two families are quite interesting together. Chapter cliffhangers made the book more suspenseful, and there were a lot of great surprises and twists. I did figure out the ending, but with plenty of red herrings, I wasn’t sure if I was right until I read it. This is quite a good domestic thriller and a quick read! Four stars.
(Thank you to Bookouture for inviting me on this book’s tour! “Left At The Altar” is slated to be released on August 13, 2025.)
June 30, 2025
OMG! She's done it again!! I actually think this is my fav of AJ Campbells yet! (and I rate all of hers five stars!)
Could not put this one down! Don't start it if you have jobs to do!
Brilliant plot kept me guessing all the way through
Plenty of twists
Just prime AJ Campbell at her best!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Could not put this one down! Don't start it if you have jobs to do!
Brilliant plot kept me guessing all the way through
Plenty of twists
Just prime AJ Campbell at her best!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 13, 2025
AJ has this way of writing where you are drawn in from the start and you develop this relationship with the characters, so much so there aren’t any awkward silences.
The dialogue just flows at a nice, steady pace, so that not too much is happening all at once and at the same time, not too little.
Enjoyed reading this one!
Each time I finish one of AJ’s books, I cannot wait to get started on the next.
Another 5 star!
The dialogue just flows at a nice, steady pace, so that not too much is happening all at once and at the same time, not too little.
Enjoyed reading this one!
Each time I finish one of AJ’s books, I cannot wait to get started on the next.
Another 5 star!
August 3, 2025
Left At The Alter, by AJ Campbell, it is the day of Hannah‘s wedding to Johnny and she couldn’t be happier. Her sister India has flown in from Australia her sister Carrie who happens to be engaged to Johnny’s brother Tom, helped get her ready for the wedding the only problem is her fiancé doesn’t show up and sends a message saying he can’t go through with it! to make matters worse Hannah sees Dean the brother of someone from her past who she knows all too well is no good and he’s there with her sister India. this alarms Hannah but the overwhelming emotion is devastation and being torn between believing Johnny left her at the altar and thinking Johnny would never do this. when she reads the text Johnny sent to his dad Allen it is her first inkling to let her know Johnny not showing up may not have been his choice after all. although when she talks to sister Carrie and Tom she learns things about Johnny that causes her to believe she may not have known him that well at all. It isn’t until she’s at Johnny’s house and receives a plant that was sent to Johnny from another woman that causes her to dig and find evidence, but of what? Did Johnny leave her did Dean warn him off do to her past or something more devious at play? everything just gets merkier when her and India find Dean murdered at his house but what she eventually uncovers will not only change her life but the lives of her sisters also. there is so much I left out of this awesome awesome read like her son Lucas, Hana authentically spirals in mainly how the people she has come to love like family may not even be trustworthy. Usually when I really super Duper love a book I find it hard to write a good summary and that’s the case with this book but it’s also because there is so much in the book from the things in her past to current day. The ending I thought was sad but for the reader I think very satisfying. I truly enjoy AJ Campbell’s books and after reading such horrible thrillers lately was so happy to dive into this one knowing chances are it was going to be a good one and it definitely was. I found Hannah‘s emotional breakdown unlike most books where it’s almost irritating I found it authentic and plausible I love her relationship with her sister India and possibly carry? This is really a great book and one I definitely recommend a thriller fan to Love a multi limbed octopus of a thriller that all comes together in the end. #NetGalley,#Bookouture,#TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #AJCampbell, #LeftAtTheAltar,
August 12, 2025
Left at the Altar by AJ Campbell. Thanks to the author for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Hannah’s fiancee leaves her on their wedding day, her family and friends sympathize with her. They don’t believe Hannah though when she thinks there’s more to it than cold feet.
Another twisty entertaining story from Ms. Campbell. This is a good summer beach read as it’s fast paced and suspenseful. The mystery takes a bit to get going because at first it’s just.. why was Hannah left at the altar.. but it ends up becoming much more.
Left at the Altar comes out 8/13.
When Hannah’s fiancee leaves her on their wedding day, her family and friends sympathize with her. They don’t believe Hannah though when she thinks there’s more to it than cold feet.
Another twisty entertaining story from Ms. Campbell. This is a good summer beach read as it’s fast paced and suspenseful. The mystery takes a bit to get going because at first it’s just.. why was Hannah left at the altar.. but it ends up becoming much more.
Left at the Altar comes out 8/13.
August 14, 2025
I always read this author’s books as soon as they come out. This book was certainly a whirlwind, and it reads quickly. But it is probably my least favorite by her. I just felt icky after reading it. Not what I strive for when reading. But, many will love it as this author deserves!
August 2, 2025
Hannah is excited to marry Johnny Caxton the love of her life. Her previous relationship was an abusive one and the only good thing that came out of it was her son Lucas. Johnny is also excited to become a dad for Lucas. But on the way to her wedding, she recognises a person from her past, which she hoped she would never see again Dean Ferguson.
So, when she finds out that Johnny as changed his mind and not coming to the wedding, she thinks that Dean may have something to do with it. Is her past catching up with her? When she asks the Caxton’s if they have heard from Johnny, they seem to be hiding something, but why?
She needs to find out where is johnny and has Dean got anything to do with it. She starts her own investigation with the help of her sister India. To find out the truth.
This is another great page turner from AJ Campbell, with lots of twists and turns that kept you engaged throughout. But for me the ending did leave me with a few unanswered questions. 4 stars from me.
So, when she finds out that Johnny as changed his mind and not coming to the wedding, she thinks that Dean may have something to do with it. Is her past catching up with her? When she asks the Caxton’s if they have heard from Johnny, they seem to be hiding something, but why?
She needs to find out where is johnny and has Dean got anything to do with it. She starts her own investigation with the help of her sister India. To find out the truth.
This is another great page turner from AJ Campbell, with lots of twists and turns that kept you engaged throughout. But for me the ending did leave me with a few unanswered questions. 4 stars from me.
September 2, 2025
Every bride’s worst nightmare!
Even if this wasn’t an author I automatically read, the title would have hooked me straight in! And as always, the book lived up to its promise. Beautifully plotted with all kinds of twists of turns, I couldn’t put it down. It left me thinking about it long after I’d finished reading. Highly recommended.
Even if this wasn’t an author I automatically read, the title would have hooked me straight in! And as always, the book lived up to its promise. Beautifully plotted with all kinds of twists of turns, I couldn’t put it down. It left me thinking about it long after I’d finished reading. Highly recommended.
August 16, 2025
“Sandwiched between Johnny’s absence and the marquee for my sister’s wedding isn’t the ideal place to heal the scars still so blood raw.”~
In Left at the Altar by A.J. Campbell, what was supposed to be one of the happiest days of Hannah’s life becomes a living nightmare, because her beloved fiancé, Johnny, bailed on their wedding day. Hannah’s confusion, shock and anguish after she was told by his family, instead of Johnny personally, was utterly visceral throughout the pages.
The week after would be in preparation for her sister Carrie’s wedding who is engaged to Tom, Johnny’s brother; yet, understandably all Hannah can focus on is picking up the shattered pieces of her heart that was scattered by Johnny. As much as she loves her sister, dealing with Carrie and Tom’s wedding is the last thing she needs.
What she does need is to talk with Johnny and sort everything out so she and her young son, Lucas, can move forward with their lives with or apart from Johnny. But Johnny isn’t returning Hannah’s calls or texts.
The week that follows after being jilted at the altar is a slow burn psychological thriller full of secrets, lies, shady characters, suspense, mystery, danger and discovery. What Hannah finds only leads to more unresolved questions and pieces of a puzzle she is so desperate to solve.
It’s an emotionally charged, gripping story that explores Hannah’s innermost thoughts, fears and motivations, unshakable ghosts of the past, and how she handles the knowledge and truth as it unravels before her.
I enjoyed Left at the Altar and appreciate its fast-paced read and cliffhanger chapter endings that launched me straight into each new chapter. I look forward to reading more great novels from A.J. Campbell!
***I received a free copy in NetGalley from Bookouture and am leaving my honest review***
In Left at the Altar by A.J. Campbell, what was supposed to be one of the happiest days of Hannah’s life becomes a living nightmare, because her beloved fiancé, Johnny, bailed on their wedding day. Hannah’s confusion, shock and anguish after she was told by his family, instead of Johnny personally, was utterly visceral throughout the pages.
The week after would be in preparation for her sister Carrie’s wedding who is engaged to Tom, Johnny’s brother; yet, understandably all Hannah can focus on is picking up the shattered pieces of her heart that was scattered by Johnny. As much as she loves her sister, dealing with Carrie and Tom’s wedding is the last thing she needs.
What she does need is to talk with Johnny and sort everything out so she and her young son, Lucas, can move forward with their lives with or apart from Johnny. But Johnny isn’t returning Hannah’s calls or texts.
The week that follows after being jilted at the altar is a slow burn psychological thriller full of secrets, lies, shady characters, suspense, mystery, danger and discovery. What Hannah finds only leads to more unresolved questions and pieces of a puzzle she is so desperate to solve.
It’s an emotionally charged, gripping story that explores Hannah’s innermost thoughts, fears and motivations, unshakable ghosts of the past, and how she handles the knowledge and truth as it unravels before her.
I enjoyed Left at the Altar and appreciate its fast-paced read and cliffhanger chapter endings that launched me straight into each new chapter. I look forward to reading more great novels from A.J. Campbell!
***I received a free copy in NetGalley from Bookouture and am leaving my honest review***
August 10, 2025
AJ Campbell is known for her short propulsive chapters and Left At The Altar was written in that signature style. Her chapters are short and addictive, you can't stop at just one.
When Hannah is left at the altar, literally, she can't reconcile how the love of her life abandoned her. As she digs into the reasons, she is thwarted by people who are supposed to be her support system. It was impossible to determine who was trustworthy.
I couldn't put this one down.
When Hannah is left at the altar, literally, she can't reconcile how the love of her life abandoned her. As she digs into the reasons, she is thwarted by people who are supposed to be her support system. It was impossible to determine who was trustworthy.
I couldn't put this one down.
September 10, 2025
This book exceeded my expectations! I could not put it down. I must say AJ Campbell never disappoints!! Cannot wait for next one.
August 18, 2025
Wow read in 4 hours 10 /10
Brilliant story, full of mystery, emotional, toxic, gripping story
From start to finish, the story has you guessing where Johhny is?
After Hannah is left at the altar, her pass comes back to haunt her.
Brilliant story, full of mystery, emotional, toxic, gripping story
From start to finish, the story has you guessing where Johhny is?
After Hannah is left at the altar, her pass comes back to haunt her.
August 31, 2025
The happiest day of her life...but is her past about to turn it into a nightmare...?
What could possibly be worse than being stood up at the altar? Well, almost at the altar. With no clue, no reason, no idea or warning as to why it happened? I'm sure there are worse things but in that moment in time on what is supposed to a woman's happiest day in which she is to shine - this is her day, her moment - to be left at the altar is devastating.
Hannah is on her way to the church with her soon-to-be father-in-law Alan beside her in the luxurious Rolls Royce who is to stand in for her dear departed father and will be giving her away. She is both excited and anxious for what lay ahead, knowing that in an hour she'll be Mrs Johnny Caxton. When she hears the tinkle of a ringtone, she thinks at first it is hers but Alan retrieves his from his pocket to answer the call. His face pales. Something is wrong. He tells the driver to circle the block again and turns to face Hannah. Johnny isn't coming.
Hannah's world comes crashing down. Her soulmate; her best friend - Johnny. He was so excited to be marrying her. He couldn't wait for them to be man and wife. And now he's backed out? Told his brother Tom that he feels trapped and can't go through with it? Hannah is at first in denial and then she is angry. How could he do this to her? How could he do this to her son, Lucas? The boy he treated like his own son. He said he couldn't wait to be her husband and Lucas' dad. So how could he do this to them?
Wanting answers, Hannah refuses to accept the whispers and half-truths and heads to Johnny's flat the following day. She finds it in the same way that she left it the day before the wedding. Even down to the half drunk coffee and plate of crumbs on the kitchen bench, knowing Johnny's penchant for tidiness he would have cleared that away had he been home. Plus his wedding suit was still hanging ready for the big day. So where was he? What happened to him?
And then there was a face from Hannah's past on the arm of her sister India. How did they know each other and what was he doing here? Does he have something to do with Johnny's disappearance? Added to all that is going on, Hannah must also contend with her sister Carrie's wedding to Johnny's brother Tom the following week. A celebration she certainly doesn't feel like partaking in. But she must grin and bear it, for her sister's sake.
So many secrets and layers of deception are woven into this fast paced tale of family drama filled with tension and suspense at every turn. Amidst the twists and red herrings, I correctly guessed the villain and what had happened. The clues are there - you just have to recognise them. Keep your eyes peeled for everything. It's there in plain sight.
This is my first foray into A.J. Campbell (though I do have another title or two of hers on my shelf to read) and it was a fast paced read that I devoured in one sitting in a matter of hours. Very quick read with short snappy chapters that I just love that keeps the pace moving and the thrills keep coming as we race to the end. Will you guess the final twist? I suspected but wasn't completely sure.
An entertaining read for sure and did not disappoint. I will be sure to check out more from her in future.
I would like to thank #AJCampbell, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #LefAtTheAltar in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
What could possibly be worse than being stood up at the altar? Well, almost at the altar. With no clue, no reason, no idea or warning as to why it happened? I'm sure there are worse things but in that moment in time on what is supposed to a woman's happiest day in which she is to shine - this is her day, her moment - to be left at the altar is devastating.
Hannah is on her way to the church with her soon-to-be father-in-law Alan beside her in the luxurious Rolls Royce who is to stand in for her dear departed father and will be giving her away. She is both excited and anxious for what lay ahead, knowing that in an hour she'll be Mrs Johnny Caxton. When she hears the tinkle of a ringtone, she thinks at first it is hers but Alan retrieves his from his pocket to answer the call. His face pales. Something is wrong. He tells the driver to circle the block again and turns to face Hannah. Johnny isn't coming.
Hannah's world comes crashing down. Her soulmate; her best friend - Johnny. He was so excited to be marrying her. He couldn't wait for them to be man and wife. And now he's backed out? Told his brother Tom that he feels trapped and can't go through with it? Hannah is at first in denial and then she is angry. How could he do this to her? How could he do this to her son, Lucas? The boy he treated like his own son. He said he couldn't wait to be her husband and Lucas' dad. So how could he do this to them?
Wanting answers, Hannah refuses to accept the whispers and half-truths and heads to Johnny's flat the following day. She finds it in the same way that she left it the day before the wedding. Even down to the half drunk coffee and plate of crumbs on the kitchen bench, knowing Johnny's penchant for tidiness he would have cleared that away had he been home. Plus his wedding suit was still hanging ready for the big day. So where was he? What happened to him?
And then there was a face from Hannah's past on the arm of her sister India. How did they know each other and what was he doing here? Does he have something to do with Johnny's disappearance? Added to all that is going on, Hannah must also contend with her sister Carrie's wedding to Johnny's brother Tom the following week. A celebration she certainly doesn't feel like partaking in. But she must grin and bear it, for her sister's sake.
So many secrets and layers of deception are woven into this fast paced tale of family drama filled with tension and suspense at every turn. Amidst the twists and red herrings, I correctly guessed the villain and what had happened. The clues are there - you just have to recognise them. Keep your eyes peeled for everything. It's there in plain sight.
This is my first foray into A.J. Campbell (though I do have another title or two of hers on my shelf to read) and it was a fast paced read that I devoured in one sitting in a matter of hours. Very quick read with short snappy chapters that I just love that keeps the pace moving and the thrills keep coming as we race to the end. Will you guess the final twist? I suspected but wasn't completely sure.
An entertaining read for sure and did not disappoint. I will be sure to check out more from her in future.
I would like to thank #AJCampbell, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #LefAtTheAltar in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
July 18, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Left at the Alter was a slow to unravel domestic thriller. A J Campbell wrote a high stakes, emotionally twisted story.
Just moments before her wedding, Hannah, the bride was left standing at the altar—her fiancé Johnny had vanished. Hannah knew deep down this wasn’t Johnny’s style. Something bad had happened… and she believed she was to blame.
What most intrigued me was how Campbell left me guessing throughout. There were plenty of twists and turns. Despite some being predictable, I enjoyed the chilling layers that she slowly pulled back. In addition to the twists and layers, Campbell incorporated all the common psychological domestic thriller themes- secrets, betrayal, consequences of the past, and fear of exposure. Fortunately for these themes they drove the plot and enhanced the emotional stakes and the character development to make the narrative more appealing.
Collectively, the premise had an intriguing concept but despite its fast pace and twisted plot, I wasn’t as compelled by this narrative as I have other books by Campbell. I felt some of the inner monologue was repetitive and the emotional thoughts of the characters were overly explained. However, the story itself was an entertaining read. I’d recommend this for fans of domestic drama, dark twists, and a slow unraveling.
Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Left at the Alter was a slow to unravel domestic thriller. A J Campbell wrote a high stakes, emotionally twisted story.
Just moments before her wedding, Hannah, the bride was left standing at the altar—her fiancé Johnny had vanished. Hannah knew deep down this wasn’t Johnny’s style. Something bad had happened… and she believed she was to blame.
What most intrigued me was how Campbell left me guessing throughout. There were plenty of twists and turns. Despite some being predictable, I enjoyed the chilling layers that she slowly pulled back. In addition to the twists and layers, Campbell incorporated all the common psychological domestic thriller themes- secrets, betrayal, consequences of the past, and fear of exposure. Fortunately for these themes they drove the plot and enhanced the emotional stakes and the character development to make the narrative more appealing.
Collectively, the premise had an intriguing concept but despite its fast pace and twisted plot, I wasn’t as compelled by this narrative as I have other books by Campbell. I felt some of the inner monologue was repetitive and the emotional thoughts of the characters were overly explained. However, the story itself was an entertaining read. I’d recommend this for fans of domestic drama, dark twists, and a slow unraveling.
Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 16, 2025
ARC review
Left At The Altar
Author AJ Campbell
Release date August 13th
Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
What an incredible fast-paced psychological thriller.
Left At The Altar is a fast-paced suspense thriller that gripped me from the beginning and kept me guessing until the end, AJ Campbell's attention to detail with the plot, characters and settings are spectacular with a story of many twists and turns.
It's Hannah's wedding day and as she reaches the church she learns her husband to be Johnny won't be there and has disappeared.
Outside the church Hannah sees someone from her past, Dean a man she thought she would never see again and nor wanted to, is he the reason for Johnny's disappearance?
Hannah is determined to find the truth and what's happened to and the whereabouts of Johnny, she has so many questions to ask and the more she delves the more questions are raised and the suspicions of something sinister is going on, and his family have something to hide, and she makes some shocking discoveries.
Left At The Altar is an incredibly addictive read, that drew me in and held me with bated breath not wanting to put this book down.
Intense and exciting reading with amazing twists and a surprising ending.
Left At The Altar
Author AJ Campbell
Release date August 13th
Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
What an incredible fast-paced psychological thriller.
Left At The Altar is a fast-paced suspense thriller that gripped me from the beginning and kept me guessing until the end, AJ Campbell's attention to detail with the plot, characters and settings are spectacular with a story of many twists and turns.
It's Hannah's wedding day and as she reaches the church she learns her husband to be Johnny won't be there and has disappeared.
Outside the church Hannah sees someone from her past, Dean a man she thought she would never see again and nor wanted to, is he the reason for Johnny's disappearance?
Hannah is determined to find the truth and what's happened to and the whereabouts of Johnny, she has so many questions to ask and the more she delves the more questions are raised and the suspicions of something sinister is going on, and his family have something to hide, and she makes some shocking discoveries.
Left At The Altar is an incredibly addictive read, that drew me in and held me with bated breath not wanting to put this book down.
Intense and exciting reading with amazing twists and a surprising ending.
August 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of Left at the Altar.
This book hooked me right away with its strong opening a wedding day gone wrong, a bride humiliated, and a life turned upside down. Hannah’s heartbreak and shock were so raw that I immediately felt pulled into her world. The idea of being abandoned at the altar sets the tone for a fast-paced, emotional thriller where betrayal, secrets, and lingering questions all crash together.
The pacing started off high and exciting, and the twists kept me engaged throughout. While some turns were more predictable than others, the storytelling was compelling enough that I still found myself flipping pages quickly, eager to see how things would play out. What really carried the story for me was Hannah’s resilience even when she felt broken, she was determined to confront the lies around her and find the truth.
Left at the Altar is an easy, fast read with just enough suspense to keep you guessing. It’s emotional, tense, and layered with the kind of drama that makes you wonder what you would do if it were your own life unraveling.#Bookouture #AJCampbell #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of Left at the Altar.
This book hooked me right away with its strong opening a wedding day gone wrong, a bride humiliated, and a life turned upside down. Hannah’s heartbreak and shock were so raw that I immediately felt pulled into her world. The idea of being abandoned at the altar sets the tone for a fast-paced, emotional thriller where betrayal, secrets, and lingering questions all crash together.
The pacing started off high and exciting, and the twists kept me engaged throughout. While some turns were more predictable than others, the storytelling was compelling enough that I still found myself flipping pages quickly, eager to see how things would play out. What really carried the story for me was Hannah’s resilience even when she felt broken, she was determined to confront the lies around her and find the truth.
Left at the Altar is an easy, fast read with just enough suspense to keep you guessing. It’s emotional, tense, and layered with the kind of drama that makes you wonder what you would do if it were your own life unraveling.#Bookouture #AJCampbell #NetGalley
August 17, 2025
Another gripping read in psychological fiction from this talented author.
Hannah is a single mother about to marry the love of her life. However, on the journey to the church, she receives the crushing news that groom, Johnny, has had second thoughts and won't be coming. As the days roll on, Hannah receives only a text message from Johnny by way of apology and explanation, and when she finds evidence of his commitment to her and their life together in a number of places she begins to wonder if foul play is involved. This brings a series of revelations that are superbly dark and twisty!
This book is a real page turner, definitely one I would recommend.
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book on exchange for an advance copy.
Hannah is a single mother about to marry the love of her life. However, on the journey to the church, she receives the crushing news that groom, Johnny, has had second thoughts and won't be coming. As the days roll on, Hannah receives only a text message from Johnny by way of apology and explanation, and when she finds evidence of his commitment to her and their life together in a number of places she begins to wonder if foul play is involved. This brings a series of revelations that are superbly dark and twisty!
This book is a real page turner, definitely one I would recommend.
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book on exchange for an advance copy.
July 5, 2025
It's Hannah's wedding day. The day she gets to marry Johnny, the love of her life. He says he can't wait to be a family with her and her son Lucas. But when he doesn't turn up to the wedding, she's devasted and can't understand why. And now he's disappeared. She's determined to find out exactly what has happened.
AJ has done it again. I've loved all of her books so far, but this one has just become my favourite. I loved everything about this one. The characters were perfectly flawed, the story was great, the pace was perfect. And I could not put it down.
AJ has done it again. I've loved all of her books so far, but this one has just become my favourite. I loved everything about this one. The characters were perfectly flawed, the story was great, the pace was perfect. And I could not put it down.
August 9, 2025
I've loved previous books by this author so I was looking forward to this one & it did not disappoint! I was gripped from the start & very keen to know what had happened to Jonny after he left Hannah at the Altar. I found Hannah's description of her feelings a little repetitive & I guessed early on what might have happened to Jonny. I felt the story did drag in the middle but picked up again for the last quarter of the book & gave more of an insight into the other characters. Overall another fab read from this author & thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for the ARC 😃
July 7, 2025
I am shocked by all the 5 🌟 reviews I see. This book is fine. It’s twisty. It moves quickly but it’s by no means a literary masterpiece. I enjoy this book as a filler read. The FmC taking care of her son above all else is admirable. But there is no depth to character or events. For that reason, it says 3 🌟 for me.
Thank you AJ Campbell, Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you AJ Campbell, Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 13, 2025
Wow!
WOW... this Psychological Thriller sucked me in and wouldn't let me go!
Left at the Altar is one of those books where the main character seems so likable that you continue page turning as quickly as you can because you're hoping for a happy ending for her, but you know something big is coming. Loved it!
WOW... this Psychological Thriller sucked me in and wouldn't let me go!
Left at the Altar is one of those books where the main character seems so likable that you continue page turning as quickly as you can because you're hoping for a happy ending for her, but you know something big is coming. Loved it!
July 6, 2025
Hannah is shocked to learn her fiancé Johnny has left her at the altar. She knows that he wouldn’t have done that and that something is wrong when her sister shows up with Dean. Hannah has kept the truth about the past to herself. Now, she worries she will loose everything. She needs to protect her son at all costs.
Hannah was tenacious in her pursuit of the truth and slowly unravels the web of lies told to her. It was a slow burn.
Hannah was tenacious in her pursuit of the truth and slowly unravels the web of lies told to her. It was a slow burn.
September 1, 2025
Another excellent book by Ms. Campbell. I swear her books are so addicting — once you start you don’t want to stop reading it. There are plenty of twists and turns in this book. Y’all need to read her books.
September 30, 2025
sadly
Sad and surprising ending . Too many family secrets to overcome for a happy ending . Life does go on .
Sad and surprising ending . Too many family secrets to overcome for a happy ending . Life does go on .
August 13, 2025
“Left at the Alter” by A.J. Campbell is a twisty, suspenseful read that kept me hooked from the start. It’s full of secrets and surprises, and just when I thought I had it figured out—boom, another twist! Super well written and hard to put down. Definitely a fun, binge-worthy thriller.
August 15, 2025
All the repetitiveness in the first 60% had this dragging. The FMC was insufferable and it probably could’ve been 50 pages shorter without all the repeating. My first book by this author and not sure I’ll read any others
August 18, 2025
Such a good book that I couldn’t put down the entire time but then the ending was so open ended! I wish it would have been finished. That was disappointing.
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