Mothers and Other Strangers

by Corey Ann Haydu

Two estranged childhood best friends reunite as expectant mothers, after a mysterious falling-out between their own mothers keeps them apart for years​. Perfect for readers of Claire Lombardo and J. Courtney Sullivan.

When Sydney and Mae meet on the playground as toddlers, it seems like kismet. Even their very different mothers—the Type-A Beth Ann and the free-spirited Joni—agree the girls are made for each other, and it's not long before even the mothers become inseparable.   

Then a falling out draws them apart, and decades later, the loneliness still lingers for the newly pregnant Sydney. Adrift in the absence of her closest friend, Sydney has been drawn into a Multi-Level Marketing scheme, exacerbated by the demands of her inflexible mother, Beth Ann, whose constant scrutiny seems reserved only for her daughter.   

Across the city, Mae is stunned to find herself single, pregnant, and still haunted by the loss of her mercurial late mother, Joni, whose mysterious death holds as many unanswered questions as Mae does herself. Mae is an artist who has lived under the shadow of the one painting (of two girls) that made her famous years ago, the success of which confines as much as it defines her.   

When Sydney and Mae find themselves back in one another’s lives, each with a baby girl on the horizon, it once again seems like destiny. Each begins to pull the other away from the coercive influence of outsiders—mommy groups, marketing schemes, artistic pressures, and ex-boyfriends. But the two women will soon discover that it’s not destiny that has drawn them together this time, but a devastating secret at the center of their orbits—a truth that finally will bind them or shatter them, for good.   

An intimate and searing novel about mothers and daughters, and destiny and desire, Mothers and Other Strangers takes a full-hearted look at those relationships in life that are as impossible as they are utterly essential.

Genres: Fiction, Family Drama, Chick Lit, Friendship, Adult Fiction, Literary Fiction

407 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2026

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published March 31, 2026.

3.5 stars

An interesting story of two intertwined families, Sydney and Mae meet as small children, then their mothers, Joni and Beth Ann become best friends, as you do and then their families of three begin doing everything together.

Cut to many years later. There has been a terrible falling out between the families. Joni has died in mysterious fashion. Sydney and Mae are in their thirties. Sydney and Beth Ann have become involved with a MLM scheme. What has lead the families here and what is to become of them?

I liked this, even if I didn’t quite buy it all. I especially wasn’t sure how Sydney became the woman she became. Good read, though. I kept turning those pages.

[Angie Miale · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Blessings don’t look like blessings until you look through the right lens.”

We love a messy family drama, especially one that crosses generations and inherited trauma! Everyone is gonna read this. Trust. This one is special for 3 reasons.

1. It’s solely focused on the women. BethAnn and Joni. Their daughters Sydney and Mae. Finally Sydney and Mae’s daughters in the 3rd act.

2. It is incredibly well written. The paragraphs that you’ll re-read. An adult debut, this is a skilled writer tackling deeper issues. Secrets will be uncovered, and our characters are flawed while likable and relatable. These women will sometimes make the reader angry, sometimes heartwarming, always becoming more real by the minute.

3. The nuances of characterization through scenes that are about connection and disconnection. Traditions and family values that don’t always serve us.

Here is an example;

“Whoever ordered first ordered the least caloric thing she could find, and the one who ordered next would find a way to make her dish even more spare, even less filling. Sydney found herself doing it with other people too, but they didn’t play the game like Beth Ann did. So the other woman would order a burger and Sydney would order leek soup and feel incensed.”

Relatable.

Lastly, I do love to hate on MLM culture, so we get some of that too.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and company for the ARC. Book to be published March 30, 2026.

[Ellen Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written story about the complexities of life - friendships, motherhood, relationships, grief. The timeline jumps from past to present to develop the history of the women. How they met as children was fun but the way the reader sees the complex dynamics between the mothers and the daughters makes everything come into focus for the rest of the book. This book is a real and raw literary treasure. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A women's fiction story by a new to me Canadian author that follows two childhood friends as they become mothers, struggle with relationships and career success and loss. The focus is heavy on female friendship and forgiveness, family secrets and art which were all topics I tend to really enjoy in stories. Honestly though it was just an okay read for me, I thought it was a bit too long and it left me underwhelmed. The audio narration was well done but this isn't a story that's going to stick with me.

[Of Paper & Planes · Rating 2 out of 5]

“The truth was the truth, as painful as it was. But sharing it, making it your own, letting the world hear it on your own terms that was the only way to make it tolerable.”

Corey Ann Haydu’s adult debut novel is ambitious and stylistically confident. The prose is accessible, polished, and quotable. Yet, despite technical skill, the novel struggled to sustain momentum or ground itself in emotional investment.

The writing itself is this novel’s greatest strength. Controlled, thoughtful, and occasionally lyrical, the prose is pleasurable to read and often thought-provoking. Many individual lines and observations stand out, particularly in passages that reflect on motherhood, maturity, and taking up space in the world as a modern woman. Unfortunately, strong prose alone does not fully compensate for broader structural and character issues.

As a work of character-driven literary fiction, the expectation is a cast of vibrant characters with compelling emotional arcs. Yet, these characters felt underdeveloped and largely static. The absence of meaningful internal or relational change over the course of the narrative is a missed opportunity that robs the book of much-needed depth.

The story reads smoothly yet lacks propulsion. Major plot points are heavily foreshadowed, resulting in twists that feel more muted than revelatory. The core issue here isn’t complexity. The twists exist and could have great narrative impact. Yet, the story fails to build the subtle tension required for unpredictability.

One of the primary challenges this novel faces is interpersonal relationships. By framing the main character’s reunion as MLM recruitment, the friendship feels forced, undermining the emotional stakes. None of the women seem to feel much emotional attachment to each other. Instead, they treat each other as inevitable results of proximity. It’s hard for the reader to root for a friendship that neither character seems to actually want.

Thematically, “Mothers and Other Strangers” has several strong points. Its reflections on motherhood offer genuine insight and emotional clarity. These passages feel grounded and purposeful, creating space for meaningful questions around the experience and empowerment of modern mothers. Yet, the story also takes a very negative overarching attitude towards men and marriage. This stance may resonate with some readers, but it will certainly alienate others.

Overall, this is not a poorly written novel, but one whose execution does not align with its ambitions. Readers who prioritize prose over plot and enjoy contemplative fiction will enjoy this story. Unfortunately, it fell flat for me. However, the author’s voice has great promise and I am curious to see how it may evolve in future works. 2.5⭐️

Thank you to Little, Brown and Company via NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Corinne Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about friendships that women have with other women once they become mothers, where the friendships are usually developed by the children. Sydney & Mae become friends at preschool and through this budding friendship, their mothers become best friends as well. The two families even start taking vacations together. Then all of a sudden a “secret” surfaces that fractures the whole friendship. This was very much a character-driven story. The characters were complicated but very well-developed. I was very invested in seeing how the story fleshed out.

Thank you to NetGalley & Little, Brown and Company for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved this story. I can best describe it was: totally unexpected and refreshingly intriguing. I’ve never read a story quite like this one and I could absolutely see it turning into a show or movie!

What I loved:
- Themes: messy and raw motherhood (told through multiple generations), complicated friendships, unexpected and layered betrayals, multiple POV’s strung together beautifully, pregnancy and new mom feelings and truths embraced, tragedy’s, and layered secrets.
- Twists and Turns: I absolutely loved how many twists were in this story. It made it a quick, page turner that I didn’t want to put down.
- Fast paced
- Corey’s writing style was so easy to follow, while also vulnerable and real
- Character Development: whether you love them or not, you get to know them intimately
- The MLM and social media aspect was a very interesting add! I genuinely loved that because I’ve done them in the past and totally agree with how Corey portrayed what some of them are like (not all - but some for sure!). I haven’t ever seen that written into a novel.

What I would have loved:
- Faster start: it took me a minute to organize the characters in my brain and so it was a bit of a slow start, but then it was super fast once it hit the first twist!
- I would have loved to get to know Barrett a bit more from his perspective and also Joni. I felt like I knew all of the other characters so well, but maybe just a few more chapters to get to know a little more about them.
- There were some things I wish hadn’t happened, but if they hadn’t - this story wouldn’t had stuck with me and been so intriguing, so I wouldn’t change a thing.

Check triggers.

4.5 rounded up

Thank you @netgalley for the ARC! I can’t wait to share with friends!

[Patty Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney and Mae became best friends after their Moms became best friends, too. Everything seemed mapped out for them to live idyllic, intertwined lives forever...Until tragedy and secrets unraveled the world as they know it.

Loved the way Haydu introduces punch after punch in this story. Whenever you think you have something figured out, in comes another blow. Told in past and present POVs, this story will make it hard for you to look away.

If you love deep and messy friendships between women, read this!

Thank you to Little, Brown & Company and the author for providing a free copy of this book through NetGalley.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚Mothers and Other Strangers
✍🏻Corey Ann Haydu
Blurb:
For fans of Claire Lombardo and J. Courtney Sullivan, a moving and surprising story about two women, best friends since childhood, who reunite as expectant mothers after a mysterious falling out between their mothers (also best friends) keeps them apart for years—and who must finally contend with the secrets between them.

When Sydney and Mae meet on the playground as toddlers, it seems like kismet. Even their very different mothers—the type-A Beth Ann and the free-spirited Joni—agree the girls are made for each other, and it's not long before even the mothers become inseparable.

Then a falling out draws them apart, and decades later, the loneliness still lingers for the newly pregnant Sydney. Adrift in the absence of her closest friend, Sydney has been drawn into a Multi-Level Marketing scheme, exacerbated by the demands of her inflexible mother, Beth Ann, whose constant scrutiny seems reserved only for her daughter.

Across the city, Mae is stunned to find herself single, pregnant, and still haunted by the loss of her mercurial late mother, Joni, whose mysterious death holds as many unanswered questions as Mae does herself. Mae is an artist who has lived under the shadow of the one painting (of two girls) that made her famous years ago, the success of which confines as much as it defines her.

When Sydney and Mae find themselves back in one another’s lives, each with a baby girl on the horizon, it once again seems like destiny. Each begins to pull the other away from the coercive influence of outsiders—mommy groups, marketing schemes, artistic pressures, and ex-boyfriends. But the two women will soon discover that it’s not destiny that has drawn them together this time, but a devastating secret at the center of their orbits—a truth that finally will bind them or shatter them, for good.

An intimate and searing novel about mothers and daughters, and destiny and desire, MOTHERS AND OTHER STRANGERS takes a full-hearted look at those relationships in life that are as impossible as they are utterly essential.
My Thoughts:
This was a beautifully written story about the complexities of life - friendships, motherhood, relationships, grief.. Mae and Sydney meet as little girls and, despite the differences in their mothers. Mae's mother is free spirited while Sydney mother Beth Ann is more distant. Sydney and Mae meet as small children, then their mothers, Joni and Beth Ann become best friends, as you do and then their families of three begin doing everything together.. Then all of a sudden a “secret” surfaces that fractures the whole friendship. Sydney and Mae's friendship bloom in a way that entangles the lives of their parents together forever: playground playdates, summer family beach trips, and a casual intimacy that blurs the boundaries of each parent.
Thanks NetGalley, Little, Brown and Company and Author Corey Ann Haydu for the complimentary copy of "Mothers and Other Strangers" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Little,BrownCompany
#CoreyAnnHaydu
#MothersandOtherStrangers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for the advanced copy of Mothers and Other Strangers. This book was recommended to fans of J Courtney Sullivan and Clare Lombardo, both favorites of mine, so I happily agreed to review this book before publication in exchange for an honest reviews.

This book is hard to rate. Did I like it? No. Did I like the characters? No. Does it give you points to ponder and make you think? Yes. It would make an excellent book discussion, if the members stick with it. It is multilayered, and goes in depth on family relationships, friendships and societal effects on a person's being.

This book is also hard to review. It focuses on two main characters, Mae and Sydney, and their very different mothers, Joni and Beth Anne respectively. The premise of the book is the mothers are best friends, the daughters are best friends, something happens and there is a falling out. The daughters reunite later in life. The book is told in two timelines, when the girls are young, the mothers are neighbors, and later when the girls are grown, expecting their own babies, and Joni is dead. You should go into this book blind, and just read it as it comes. I found it very dark, frustrating and false. The mothers make you question if this is even a true friendship, I did not feel that. The women are very different, which shouldn't hold them back, but you only feel complaints and judgement about the other one. Then the daughters? Mae is always in control, bossy, but yet gives you the feeling that Joni, Sydney and Beth Anne are the only things in her life. This is true of all the females. Mae has problems connecting with her father, Sydney has conflicts with her mother- as I said, a lot of layers here.

Sydney and Beth Anne in the later timeline are part of a pyramid scheme that plays out on social media. This story line gives you a lot to reflect on of who people truly are and who they portray themselves to be. This plays out in the whole book with all the characters putting on a show for each other, who they should grow into, their places in an idealist suburban life and what that means. Are any of them real friends, or just playing at the idea? Are the mothers only trying to live up to images of what they want to be, which then fall to their daughters to grow into the women they should be? Something happens later in the book that does make the book better, but as I said, I can't go into it too much without ruining the book for future readers.

Sydney and Beth Anne are weak, Mae and Joni manipulative and a little lost. Like mother like daughter in both cases. I found the book way too judgmental, fake, and too long. The entire book is a performance, just like we live our lives out on social media trying to promote our perfect lives.

So yes, the book makes you think, but it was a sludge to get through and I didn't enjoy it when I was looking for a happy and relaxing book about female friendships.

[Carole Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two women experience the complexities of friendship and motherhood

Sydney and Mae met as little girls and became instant friends, and their mothers became friends as well (in the way that mothers of young children do). Sydney's mother Beth Ann and Mae's mother Joni couldn't have been more different, with Beth Ann being tightly wound and invested in fitting into the suburban mother mold while Joni is a free-spirited artist. The girls remain close, almost like sisters, throughout their childhood, but their mothers have a major falling out and the girls' friendship slowly drifts apart. They reconnect years later in NYC, both pregnant and in their thirties. Sydney's marriage isn't doing well and she is under the thumb, both personally and professionally, of the perfectionist and controlling Beth Ann, while Mae is single, her mother Joni dead for many years and her art career unremarkable apart from one major early success. It seems like kismet for the two to meet up again when both are desperately in need of emotional support, but a secret from long ago will emerge that may shatter both of their lives.
Mothers and Other Strangers is a debut novel that focuses on the complex and bewildering relationships between friends and between mothers and daughters. The dual timelines of the four women's stories unfold, with clues about the secrets and betrayals hovering just under the surface scattered throughout the narrative. The pressures to "fit in" and the strange worlds of social media and business-as-marketing schemes (think Mary Kay Cosmetics, only with pashmina shawls) are also interwoven. I found the depiction of the girls' friendship in particular to ring true, the ups and downs and overall intensity of the bond, and as both a daughter and a mother to a daughter I could relate to those messy dynamics as well. It is a heartfelt tale, intimate if at times a bit too drawn out, and a great option for book clubs Those looking for a novel that delivers authentic if occasionally painful truths as it fleshes out the relationships between characters, including readers of J. Courtney Sullivan, Celeste Ng, and Alice Hoffman, should give this one a try. My thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for allowing me access to the novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Beth Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

MOTHERS AND OTHER STRANGERS by Corey Ann Haydu

This is a very solid adult domestic fiction novel.

Mae and Sydney meet as little girls and, despite the differences in their mothers (Mae’s mother Joni is free-spirited and Sydney’s mother Beth Ann is very buttoned-up), they and their mothers (and their fathers) begin a tight and intermingled friendship (?) throughout the years. I say “friendship (?)” because I wanted to *see* how Joni and Beth Ann had been actual friends toward each other versus two awkward women that didn’t have anyone else and only had little girls the same age in common.

It did take a chunk of time for me to get all the characters down in the sense of who is married to whom and who is the kid of whom. With some time, I kept everything straight with a bit of mnemonic devices (Beth Ann is married to Barrett, the B’s are together).

I felt that this was a compelling read as you go back and forth in time, and I didn’t anticipate one of the reveals. I liked that angle!

Other than the friendship piece, one thing I struggled with is Beth Ann’s character. I did not see why she would be pulled toward a friendship with Joni. Based on what we know about Joni, I could see Beth Ann’s uptightness and tendency to want to look perfect to outsiders to not lend itself to wanting a friendship with carefree, hippie Joni. I also felt that Beth Ann appeared SO weak with no self-confidence that it was hard to buy. (Please, I’d love to talk with someone about this!)

I really liked how the MLM (multi-level marketing) structure infiltrated the book through Beth Ann and Sydney’s characters. This mother/daughter duo were looking to fill such holes in their lives that they wanted this MLM to provide. As someone who is very anti-MLM and knows about the world only via documentaries, I found the inside perspective of someone who was struggling within the culture to be fascinating.

I found this a compelling read on family dysfunction with many elements that I enjoyed. I wanted the friendship element to resonate more between Joni and Beth Ann, but that was told rather than shown.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for an Advance Reader Copy. My review is completely my own.

It publishes March 31, 2026.

[Saray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale of friendship, mothers, and daughters. What could go wrong? Apparently A LOT. This was definitely a rollercoaster of a journey. Like this is a borderline horror story. Insanely aggravating due to certain poor decisions being made, but enjoyable because of how real (stupid) and flawed the characters were. And I really do mean flawed, because I don't think I favored a single character. There is not a single healthy relationship in this book, all twisted and complicated, but I do love me some family drama, so of course I devoured it. Mothers and Other Strangers was really well written!

The book introduces us to Sydney and Mai who meet in preschool and instantly become best friends. Their mothers, Beth Ann and Joni are complete opposites but against all odds, also form a deep and resonating friendship of their own. The book is written in dual timelines, the 'Then' and the 'Now.' The 'Then' takes us to the past where we unravel the forming bonds between these two families, leading up to a situation that ultimately leaves them estranged. The 'Now' is set in the present, where Sydney and Mai are both pregnant with girls, dealing with the aftermath of their broken relationship years after. Although they have not been in contact, both girls yearn for the other's friendship. However, the events that took place are bizarre, and unforgivable.

What I enjoyed the most about this book was the difference in dynamics between the mother-daughter relationships. And I don't know which one made me more uncomfortable. Beth Ann had this insane urge to continue to control every aspect of Sydney's life, while Mai and Joni seemed a bit more loving and understanding, except that Joni LITERALLY makes everything about herself. Like I said, very unlikeable characters.

What I did not enjoy, was the insanely obvious foreshadowing in the beginning of the book. It made the twist less unexpected. But enjoyable regardless, because my mouth was on the floooooorrr. Every single character in this, except Mae's father, Graham, is a self-absorbed psychopath.

Definitely a more character rather than plot driven book, but man the DRAMAAA, so good.

Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Shannon (The Book Club Mom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had to use just one word to describe Corey Ann Haydu’s forthcoming adult debut, MOTHERS AND OTHER STRANGERS it would be MESSY! Shocking, complicated, and dramatic are other adjectives that would work just as well. It immediately made me think of two books that I absolutely adored—think Lake Effect meets Firefly Lane. That is the overall vibe for this book.

The novel follows two families—mostly the two mothers and their two daughters, Sydney and Mae, but the daughters are really the main focus. The reader witnesses their journey through girlhood, adolescence, and then into adulthood as they become mothers themselves. I didn’t feel a major pull towards either Sydney or Mae, but their experiences were certainly relatable and realistic. All of the relationships in this novel are complicated! Every single one of them. And not always what they seem! There’s SO many little twists, turns, and surprises that pop up throughout. Some of them you’ll anticipate and expect, and some will completely shock your socks off. You’ll definitely be entertained, that’s for sure.

READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:

- Female friendship
- Mother-daughter relationships
- Family drama and dynamics
- Marriage and motherhood
- Flawed and realistic characters
- Dual POVs
- Alternating timelines
- Character-driven novels
- Slow-paced plots
- Twists, turns, and surprises
- Secrets, lies, and betrayal
- Mystery and intrigue

I must say that the pacing was a tad choppy at times and also sluggish around the last half. The novel is a little over 400 pages, and I felt like it didn’t really need to be. I think it could have been edited down a little bit. Other than that, I was extremely impressed with this upcoming release and can’t wait to read what Haydu writes next!

MOTHERS AND OTHER STRANGERS releases on March 31st! It gets a solid 4/5 stars from me.

[Lisa Britton · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

This was an intriguing concept that ultimately didn’t fully land for me.

The story follows the friendship between Sydney and Mae, as well as the relationship between their mothers, exploring the complicated dynamics that emerge when two families grow deeply intertwined. Told across dual timelines—then and now—it examines how motherhood, family secrets, and complex relationship dynamics shape identity and long-standing friendships.

I was especially drawn in by the promise of a deep, nostalgic bond between Sydney and Mae, but I found myself struggling to connect emotionally with the story. Instead of feeling grounded in that friendship, the narrative leaned heavily into the unsettling influence of Ivy Miller’s cult-like pyramid scheme, which created a persistent sense of discomfort. While I think that unease was intentional, it made it harder for me to feel invested in the characters themselves.

The characterization was another challenge. Rather than feeling relatable or layered, many of the characters came across as more disturbing than compelling. I especially wanted more depth from Beth Ann and Joni—their motivations felt underdeveloped, which left parts of the story feeling incomplete despite its length.

Pacing was also an issue. The book felt overly long, yet it didn’t quite deliver the emotional or psychological depth I was hoping for. Additionally, the twist was fairly predictable, which lessened its overall impact.

That said, I can appreciate the ambition of the story and the themes it explores around motherhood, influence, and identity. It just didn’t fully pull me in the way I had hoped.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the early copy and the opportunity to give my honest feedback.

[Donna Krutsinger - Mockingbird Musings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book was like unwrapping a multi-boxed present and discovering surprise after surprise.

Talk about a messy and complex and dysfunctional family (or families, I should say), Corey Ann Haydu gives us two of them, and they are so intricately intertwined, that sometimes we find ourselves wondering...now which one was that or who did that?

Meet Barrett, Beth Ann, and their young daughter, Sydney, residing in the idyllic suburb of Sommersette. Enter Graham, Joni, and daughter, Mae, who arrive to Sommersette when both girls are three. By a "happenstance" meeting at school pick up followed by a playdate at a nearby park, Sydney and Mae are on their way to becoming best friends at a mere three years old. The moms - Beth Ann and Joni - couldn't be any different. Beth Ann, in trying to escape her own Stepford wifedom, gets caught up in a pyramid or Ponzi scheme trying to "find herself." Jonie is a free flowing artsy hippie. Yet, not only do the girls become best friends, the wives also do (or try to), and the families vacation together every summer.

The book is told in an efficient now and then format, which works so well for all of the secrets that are revealed. If you enjoy reading family saga stories about friendship, secrets, searching for happiness, and finding oneself, look for this one that hits shelves March 31st.

Thank you, NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company, for this novel that delves into the question - how well do we really know our own family? This new release would make for excellent book club discussion.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haydu gives us the perfect book club novel for 2026! A tale that winds through mothers and daughters, and best friends and sisters, and back to mothers again, following four women throughout their lives and their relationships to each other. A rare literary glimpse into motherhood, especially NEW motherhood, when everything is raw and messy and relationships often form in unexpected places. Joni and Beth Ann become mom friends when their daughters become best friends and the story starts from there...but does it? Or did it start way before that? When Mae and Sydney grow up and become first-time moms at the same time, it's another round of strange dependence on the "fellow mom" relationship. There are secrets and tragedy, infidelity and grief, and the question of "more". Like shouldn't women want to "have it all?" A career and children and a husband and power and success and loyalty?? Sydney and Mae have different views on what "success" looks like as a woman, and the theme of MLMs and their predatory aspects is fabulous. When women build relationships on the basis of selling items to other women, is this support or ambition or some combination? Haydu also captures the characterization of an artist and how creating art for a living can be a series of fortunate accidents, while also a struggle to maintain inspiration as daily life overwhelms you. Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown for advance copies of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Amanda Bennett at passionforprose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mothers and Other Strangers follows Mae and Sydney, who reconnect after years of silence. Both are expecting baby girls just weeks apart, a twist of fate that feels almost kismet for two women who were once inseparable.

Told through alternating “now” and “then” timelines, the story gradually reveals how their families—especially their mothers, Beth Ann and Joni—became deeply intertwined. As long-buried secrets come to light, the ripple effects prove life-altering, reshaping the relationships that once defined them.

At its core, this is a deeply human story that explores the complexities of motherhood and the weight of the choices we make. The dual timeline keeps the narrative moving, though the middle section drags at times. The major reveal comes a bit too early, which makes the ending feel somewhat anticlimactic. And while the MLM subplot underscores the contrast between Mae and Sydney, it leans more toward satire than substance.

If family dramas are your cup of tea, this one is a strong brew. That said, the mothers and daughters in these two families could all benefit from a healthy dose of therapy.

Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown and Company, and author Corey Ann Haydu for the advanced copy of the book. Mothers and Other Strangers is out March 31st. All opinions are my own.

http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful and very twisty novel about two women who grew up as best friends and meet again as adults after an estrangement when they are both, improbably, pregnant at the same time. The story unfolds in two timelines. In the past, we see Sydney and Mae's friendship bloom in a way that entangles the lives of their parents together forever: playground playdates, summer family beach trips, and a casual intimacy that blurs the boundaries of each parent. In the present, we see each woman transition into motherhood, try to repair their relationship, and discover deeply buried family secrets. The perspective jumps around quite quickly, sometimes even in the same scene, from one character to another. At first, I found it a little distracting -- but once I got used to it, I loved the immersive feeling of big scenes. The twists and turns are so shocking. I never could have imagined how the book turned out...believe me, when you read this book, you will be on the edge of your seat once you get to the last 20% of the book. I've loved Corey Ann Haydu's YA novels for years. And I was so delighted to read this adult debut. I hope there are more!

Thanks to Netgalley for offering me this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jackie Lomeli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mothers and Other Strangers is a beautifully layered and emotionally honest story about friendship, motherhood, and the secrets we inherit without ever choosing them. Corey Ann Haydu moves into adult fiction with confidence, crafting two flawed but compelling women whose lives were shaped by a childhood bond that never really loosened its grip.

I loved following Sydney and Mae as they reconnect just as they’re both expecting major life changes—literally and figuratively. Their shared history feels tender and complicated, and Haydu captures that strange mix of nostalgia and unease that comes with confronting the past. The dynamics between mothers and daughters are especially vivid here, full of quiet tensions, unspoken expectations, and the kind of love that sometimes hurts as much as it heals.

The book shines in its emotional depth and character-driven storytelling. The pacing is steady, and while some moments feel intentionally subtle, the payoff comes in the unraveling of the central secret that binds these two women in unexpected ways.

Overall, this is a thoughtful, intimate novel about identity, legacy, and the friendships that shape us long after childhood. A strong and heartfelt read that lingers.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!*

WOW.

This book was incredible, and reminded me so much of why I love reading and writing in the first place. The story of Mae and Sydney and their moms and their dads and the complicated relationships between people was page-turning, realistic, and fascinating. I want to avoid spoilers at all costs, because I really do feel like it would be best for fellow readers to go in to this blindly, but I will say I loved the reality of how each character's life turned out and the patterns that repeated themselves.

The only thing I didn't love was a reveal toward the end that felt a little TOO convenient, and I do believe the story could've survived had that element not been part of the plot. However, the more I think about it, the more it gives Joni all the more reason to move to Sommersette in the first place, so I don't know if it's too much after all.

I will be recommending this book to everyone. It is truly such a cautionary and special tale about the way we view our mothers and how we become them, whether we want to or not.

[Danna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mothers and Other Strangers is a then-and-now story of two mother-daughter pairs, best friends until they’re not.

Mae and Sydney meet on the playground as three-year-olds. Their immediate best-friendship forces their mothers, Joni and Beth Ann, into a best-friendship of their own. In short order, the two families become enmeshed—more of a family than friends.

In the “now” portion of the book, Mae and Sydney are thirty-three, pregnant and not speaking. We know things went adrift, and the “then” portion, slowly moving forward “now” is the explanation as to why.

I struggled with this book. I liked the writing, but loathed the characters, finding them all weak and insipid. Ultimately, their personalities and behaviors made this book somewhat intolerable—despite my enjoyment of the prose and curiosity about how things would unfold. I am sure some people will enjoy this anyway, maybe even relate to the characters and their internal dramas, but I couldn’t. Do not recommend, 2.5 stars rounded down.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure - I received a free, advanced readers copy of this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway. This is an uncompensated review

This was an interesting and complicated book about complicated female friendships and (to some extent) generational trauma. I began it with some trepidation, because I've also dealt with complicated and traumatic female friendships. As I got through it, I admitted that the entanglements in the book were even more complicated and traumatic than my own.

This is a book about why friendships are worth it, about walking away and coming back (not all of them but the point is made). About daughterhood and, a little bit, about motherhood. About hope and potential 'not lived up to', and a recognition that you live up to yourself, not 'potential'. About early talent, and mother-daughter competition. About cultish devotion. About curating life for social media.

About secrets and lies, and things coming out after they've had time to really fester. About when to tell your children the difficult truth. About making a child your secret keeper.

About sudden, unexpected death and leaving big messes for your children to figure out.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3-1/2 stars? Not a must read, but a solid novel that addresses the complexities of some of the most complex relationships ever -- mothers and daughters and best friends. Sydney and Mae meet in daycare when they are three and become fast friends. In short order, their moms become close friends as well and over the years, their families also become intertwined. There are, of course, rivalries between the girls and moms -- but a serious tragedy and a grand betrayal of an untold secret sever the relationship. In their 30s, Sydney and Mae reconnect as expectant moms. It's hard to know how much of Sydney's motivation in reaching out is to reconnect with Mae because she misses her and how much is desperation to get someone, anyone into her multi-level marketing pashmina business. But there is one more big bomb of a secret that gets exposed in the final chapters that is so self-serving and indulgent. I kind of would have liked if the book explored that fallout further instead of the somewhat trite ending that quickly followed.

[SamM · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars — rounded up

I was gifted an ARC. This book will be released on March 31st!

This book made me think of my BFF right off the bat — we’ve been friends since childhood — but that’s pretty much where the similarities ended.

The family drama, especially between Sydney and her mother, absolutely drove me crazy. Their relationship is rough, and the whole Lilly Lou scheme (think Lululemon vibes) was equally awful. The fake “inspirational” social media posts? Ugh. I hate all of that — it is manipulative, performative, and just plain exhausting. Side rant over.

That said, this author’s adult debut does a great job exploring the contrast between grown-up friendships vs. childhood friendships. Maybe it’s the sociology major in me, but I’ve always found it fascinating how friendships evolve depending on the season of life you’re in, and this theme really worked for me.

I do think the Lilly Lou storyline wasn’t necessary, and honestly, the book would’ve been stronger without it. Still, overall this was an engaging, thoughtful read with an interesting storyline.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The book opens with a fairly bleak premise, and for much of the story I found it difficult to fully connect with the characters. They’re flawed in ways that feel very human, but also sometimes hard to love or easily empathize with. That emotional distance made the first part of the book a bit heavy for me.

That said, the final 10% really shifted my experience. The story comes full circle in a satisfying way, tying together earlier threads and giving new meaning to some of the harder moments. There were a few genuinely sweet and meaningful scenes near the end that added emotional depth and made the journey feel worthwhile.

Overall, this is a character-driven story that asks you to sit with discomfort for a while before delivering its payoff. If you don’t mind spending time with imperfect, sometimes challenging characters in exchange for a more meaningful heartfelt conclusion, this one may resonate with you.

[Megan Magee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beth Ann and Joni are moms, are different as two best friends can be. Realistically, they're only friends because their daughters are. As soon as Sydney and Mae have an instant connection, and their parents are unable to deny the chemistry. Where one excels in art, the other is just mediocre, and when one is sexy carelessly, one struggles to perform in her role as "mom". Told in both then and now, both women and both daughters POV, we learn the girls go their own ways in adulthood and determine the why. So many flaws are at the crux of our little girls turned adults in particular- sometimes it pained me greatly to slog through some truly ameteur decisions. The end comes full circle, with the kids unable to even be seperated in their identities and how others view them. Engaging enough, but none of the characters are particularly interesting as individuals- they are also all somewhat tropey. The MLM inclusion here didn't connect with me, personally, as well. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Little, Brown, and Company for the digital eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a raw but intimate novel exploring motherhood, mother-daughter relationships and friendships, all essential parts of life.

Sydney and Mae meet as children as their mothers, Beth Ann (type-a personality) and Joni (free-spirited) watch them play. A friendship between the mothers makes them inseparable until a falling out. Years later single pregnant Sydney still misses Mae. She and her mother, Beth Ann, are drawn into mid level marketing scheme. Across the city, Mae finds herself single and pregnant and missing her mother, Joni, who died mysteriously. Mae is an artist famous for her picture of two girls. Eventually the two young women meet and start to untangle themselves from coercive elements like ex-boyfriends, moms groups, etc. but as they reunite it becomes clear there is a secret that underlies the friendship that could destroy it all.

Well written. Taut and suspenseful. Great read.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Hachette Books for allowing me to read this ARC.

[Nessa Velez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank You NetGalley and Little Brown for the ARC read in exchange for an honest review.

A character driven story about the ebbs and flows of female friendships, the inevitable pull of love and the rupture of it when secrets are kept. In this book we get the interconnected stories of two adult best friends, the connection it grants to their daughters who then become best friends and their evolution through life as time moves.

While the story is written in beautiful prose and engages you in the story, I did feel a lot of the “tense plot points” and “secrets” were not really so. So it took away from the story for me. I would have also liked to see more of the deeper bond between the girls, in a way I feel like Sydney was always talking about how much she needed Mae and how much she loved her but didn’t particularly show it or why it was so.

Overall I enjoyed the story, again the author does write very beautifully and I hope to read more of her work.

[ct lydon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Family drama, lies, conflict, and attempted resolution—oof.

I struggled a lot with this book. None of the characters felt particularly likable, which made it difficult to stay engaged. While I was curious enough to want to understand the characters and see how the story ended, getting there was a challenge.

The editing felt awkward and clunky at times, and the book was extremely wordy. There were many pages filled with lengthy descriptions that ultimately led nowhere, which slowed the pacing considerably. It’s a shame, because I truly wanted to enjoy this book. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t live up to the idea.

In the end, this one earns two stars from me. The concept itself felt stronger than the actual reading experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Publishers for providing this ARC copy.