Not Her, Not Yet

by Chelsea O'Hara

Not Her, Not Yet
In a village of secrets, trust is the deadliest lie.

Wren wakes up alone in a remote mountain village — with no memory of who she is or how she got there. Her husband, Caleb, insists she’s safe, but something feels dangerously wrong.

As the days pass, Wren begins to unravel the chilling the peaceful village hides dark secrets, Caleb’s love is twisted control, and escape may be her only chance at survival.

But how can you run when the past is buried deep, and the people around you don’t want you to remember?

Dark, gripping, and full of unsettling twists, Not Her, Not Yet is a psychological thriller about identity, manipulation, and the fight to reclaim yourself when everything you know has been stolen.

Content This book contains intense psychological and physical abuse, emotional manipulation, and mature subject matter. Recommended for adult readers only.

266 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2025

About the author

Chelsea O’Hara writes psychological thrillers grounded in real life, inspired by experiments, human behaviour, and the darkness we try not to see. She’s fascinated by the fragility of memory, the strangeness of isolation, and the way ordinary people fracture under extraordinary pressure.

Her stories mix unsettling psychology with sharp, human edges, a little horror, a little heartbreak, and just enough dark humour to keep the lights on. She likes to say she writes about the things people prefer to ignore, the whispers in the walls, the truths we bury, and the shadows we pretend not to see.

Why did she start writing? She couldn’t tell you. Maybe to make sense of the chaos, maybe to lean into it. She’s always been fascinated by the human mind — why one person breaks and another doesn’t, why some turn cruel while others cling to kindness. Either way, the result is the same: thrillers that crawl under your skin and stay there.”

Chelsea writes best at night, when the house is still, her coffee is strong, and she pretends the scratching in the walls is “just the pipes.”

Reviews

[Sarah E B ʚ♡ɞ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars⭐🌠

‘Not Her, Not Yet’ by Chelsea O’Hara is a delightful read. It starts off slowly, but by the midpoint, the tension rises dramatically. At that point, I found myself completely engrossed. The book somewhat reminds me of 'Before I Go to Sleep' by S.J. Watson, yet O’Hara brings her own distinctive style to the story. She skillfully creates that eerie sensation one experiences when aware that something ominous is nearby, yet its source remains hidden. Although I had a sense of the story's direction from the beginning, it didn't ruin the part of my reading (if that makes sense). I was able to relate to the character, experience her emotions, and observe her gradual build-up of feelings. In this narrative, I view it more as a character-focused journey of Wren. I got this book for an honest review.

☕📿

[Laura❄️📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wren wakes up in a remote mountain village, no memory of who she is or where she is. Her husband Caleb insists she is safe with him and that she will get better but something feels very wrong. Wren picks up quickly that the village has dark secrets and that Caleb’s love is cleverly disguised control. The only way out is to escape but how can she run away when her past is buried deep and no one wants her to remember?

OMG I loved this book, the suspense starts building right from the first page and keeps ramping up at a steady pace right until the end. Poor Wren didn’t who she is but she knows something is not right but can’t put her finger on what. Having experienced manipulation and coercion myself firsthand the author has written a very accurate portrayal of what this looks like and how it makes you feel. I’ve only recently got into thrillers after having a reading slump caused by over saturation of fantasy books so this book proved a welcome respite and I found myself gripped. It was cleverly written and the subject matter was dealt with very sensitively, overall I would highly recommend this book and I will be reading more from this author.

[Stacey (Bookalorian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the Lit-indie Files. Where I take a chance on small/indie published books and bring you the inside scoop!!

I just finished Not Her, Not Yet by Chelsea O’Hara and here are my musings.

Wren has no memories… The man claiming to be her husband is telling her she is safe but shouldn’t she remember this man Caleb? Something is wrong. As the dark days roll on, Wren learns things she doesn’t want to know. Caleb’s love comes with strings and the controlling behaviour makes her question herself more and more.

Maybe someone out there can help her but they all seem to know more than they are letting on.

I made a mistake… I was reading the first chapter of a few books to set up my reading… I read this one before bed one night and OMG sleeping wasn’t easy after this disturbing book.

SIDEBAR - I am a survivor of abuse. Manipulation, control, smashing holes in walls, gaslighting… Those are the least horrible things I went through so I thank Chelsea for all the triggers. I don’t need warnings but I know a lot of people do and she makes sure to write this book in a well researched and sympathetic way.

I wanted to rescue Wren so badly.. That is how well written the characters are. Not that we have many to deal with as it is mostly Wren and then Caleb and saddling a whole book on mostly one character was a risky risk but it worked really well because you felt like you were trapped in that cabin with her and you have a front row seat to all that unfolds.

The biggest problem I found was the pacing. I would have liked the pace to have been a little faster and for the book to have gone a little further. Maybe having us watching Wren after the ending. That’s a personal preference only, not a problem with the book. I think this book got right under my skin and did so in a really effective way without going for the shock value.

It was good. It was really fucking good. The undertones of what the town knew just made it even more terrifying. I loved it. It was almost like I was reading a real account of abuse and that made it even more sickening. I’m impressed. Super excellent read.

4.5 stars

Thank you @chelseaohara for my gifted copy. That was one entertaining read.

[Maryann Larucci-Troche · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Not Her, Not Yet’ by Chelsea O’Hara has completely captivated me—it’s my first experience with her work, and I can hardly put it down! Her writing is a spellbinding tapestry of vivid descriptions that draw you in completely; if I didn’t need sleep, I would have devoured the entire book in a single day!

The story starts with a tantalizing mystery: Wren awakens in an unfamiliar room, and panic sets in as she realizes she has no memory of who she is. Beside her sits Caleb, her supposed husband, who gently guides her through the fog of her confusion. He reveals that she was in a terrible accident and has been asleep for days. His care seems sincere, yet there’s an underlying sense of unease.

As Wren begins to gather strength, she embarks on a journey through her surroundings, exploring her life with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. Caleb is ever-watchful, reminding her of her favorite foods, clothes, and where to find her belongings, but what’s lurking beneath his attentiveness? A trip to the village leaves Wren reeling as familiar faces greet her like long-lost friends, yet their names escape her. It’s a whirlwind of emotions when Wren overhears a little girl’s comment about her eye color—could it hold a truth she’s lost?

The tension escalates as Wren feels the cracks in her perfect husband’s facade. Each day, she diligently tests her memories and skills, eager to regain herself. In a moment of gratitude, she surprises Caleb with a home-cooked meal, but his reaction is shocking—a terrifying outburst that leaves her reeling. What just happened?

As Caleb’s moods oscillate wildly, exhibiting fury and tenderness, Wren grapples with her identity and sense of self-worth. She’s driven by a desperate desire to be the wife he wants, believing that if she can just remember, maybe he’ll love her the way she hopes.

I won’t spoil the thrilling twists that unfold, but trust me—you need to read this book! The ending will spark potent conversations that you won’t want to miss. I can't wait for discussions with others who join me on this rollercoaster ride!

A heartfelt thank you to Chelsea O’Hara for providing me with an ebook copy of her riveting work in exchange for my honest review. Grab your copy—you’re in for a treat!

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me totally hooked from the first word until the last. Absolutely brilliant/fantastic well put together. This is one novel, thriller fans you have got to read.

Wren is has no memory of who she is or anything about her past life. She is told a story by Caleb, of her accident in how she lost her memory.

Sadly because she can’t remember anything, she is a victim of domestic abuse, with being forced to have sex with Caleb. And believe me I’ve been there. I was lucky to have an escape plan, and never went back to him. But for Wren escaping is difficult. Wren did escape, but something happens in her situation when she escapes. I loved every word, every sentence, every chapter, and I loved how the author set her pages out in little paragraphs. This is 100% a page-turning must read. I am very thankfull for the author sending me a copy!

[Neil Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clinging horror permeates this Gothic tour de force by a seriously gifted writer.

A woman wakes to find herself in a strange bed in a strange room. She concludes that, judging from her injuries, she seems to have survived an accident. Presently, a man appears by her side carrying what turns out to be a cup of chamomile tea, a beverage she will become all too sickeningly familiar with in the endless days of anguish in store. He informs her that her name is Wren and he is her husband, Caleb. As time drags by, Wren gradually comes to understand that, far from being in the care of a loving spouse, she is the prisoner of a deeply sick, controlling, stranger intent on her reduction to a vegetable state.

Caleb’s behaviour is bone-chilling in its super-refined cruelty and anti-reason. He forbids her to have nightmares because her screams disturb his slumber and insists she has green eyes despite the evidence of her own senses that her eyes are brown. Before she knows it, she begins to doubt herself, trapped in fatalistic acceptance of her persecution, and rationalises her torment as deserved. Later, her reactions vary between surrender for the sake of inner peace and shrill silent resistance, sometimes groping to identify which of these conscious modes represents her true state of mind.

Given the compelling force and presence of the work, stylistic aspects might be discounted - the critic disarmed - but as this is a review I offer a few observations, with great respect:

There are passages of repetition early on as Wren ‘settles in’ but these may be intended to convey her trauma and dissociated state.

The writer enjoys similes, some quite elaborate, such as ‘Nervous energy flitted beneath my skin like static trying to find a spark.’ These constructs can divert from the narrative drive as the reader attempts to process the images evoked. On the other hand, there are metaphors of great power and originality. The fake flowers which adorn the kitchen table of the fake couple provide a perfect symbol of sterility and desolation, a masterly touch.

‘smile didn’t quite reach his eyes’ or versions thereof occur too frequently everywhere nowadays. As writers, perhaps we should all try to refrain from this formula, together with that other trusty standby, ‘parents died in a car crash’.

While the novelistic observations, explorations of emotional depths, thoughtful insights, descriptions of feelings, and so on are striking, indeed addictive, they can become overwrought and overabundant. I believe the work would benefit from a reduction in temperature and the variety of ingredients per page.

The dish would be no less memorable for being a tad less rich.

[Terry Birdgenaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Her, Not Yet by Chelsea O’Hara explores the first-person POV of a woman who has lost her memory and is highly suspicious of the man, Caleb, who claims to be her husband. While at first Caleb is loving and caring of his so-called wife Wren, in time his protective nature becomes overwhelmingly controlling and eventually abusive. Still, Wren tries to be a good wife, despite her suspicions and the dire circumstances. The novel is incredibly well-written, a master-craft in getting into a gaslit character’s head. It is also teeming with unique and effective metaphors and similes that punch the reader in the face. So many authors use tired, old literary devices, but these are fresh and attest to the wonderful writing style of the author. Yet, with all the beauty of the writing, this book is tough to read, as the abusive temperament of the antagonist slowly develops. The book is not without issues, as there is both repetition and a few plot holes, that may annoy some readers. The perseveration may be a literary device to illustrate how unrelenting and desperate abusive relationships can become, but makes for a slow-moving pace and drags down the book’s middle. As for the plot, I found myself asking questions like: why doesn’t Wren ask about her family, her follow-up medical treatment, or his or her employment? And why doesn’t she avoid drinking the suspicious tea? These issues aside, the novel is a gut-wrenching, psychological thriller that shines an important spotlight on partner-abuse and will appeal to readers looking for a powerfully emotional read.

[Gene Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chelsea O’Hara’s “Not Her, Not Yet” opens with the protagonist Wren awakening in a remote village with no memory of who she is or how she got there, and her husband Caleb insists everything is fine. But from the beginning, something feels wrong, and the unease only grows stronger as the story unfolds.

The writing is eerie and evocative, often giving that unsettled feeling you get when you know something terrible is happening just out of sight. O’Hara captures the isolation of Wren’s situation quite well, while also showing how twisted and suffocating Caleb’s version of “love” really is. The tension between them is constant, and even when Wren doesn’t recognize the danger, the reader feels it pressing in.

Despite the publisher’s “adults only” positioning, the book is not quite as explicit as that warning suggests. Some language is harsh, and the subject matter -- psychological and physical abuse against women -- is heavy, but the narrative is more about emotional intensity than graphic detail. Readers looking for gratuitous torture pr0n or darkness won’t find it here.

Overall, this isn’t the kind of thriller that relies on nonstop action, but it is one that can get under your skin. If you like psychological thrillers that are more about mood, control, and survival than gore, this is a strong and memorable read.

[Thomas Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Her, Not Yet is a book about the psychological abuse of a woman, couched in a mystery. It wasn’t a pleasant story to read. It wasn’t supposed to be.
The woman, Wren, wakes in a strange house with a strange man, her memory gone. He tells her her name, and that he is her husband, Caleb. He is going to help her get well.
The rest of the book is about the process Caleb uses to bend her to his will, written in her POV. He wants to mold her into his vision of the perfect woman, mostly by emotional manipulation, gaslighting, food deprivation, imprisonment, all the techniques are here. The story is written in short, direct sentences throughout.
The book is unsettling – it was obviously meant to be. So that makes it a difficult story to like. It was successful in making me feel Wren’s doubt, pain and helplessness. But it became somewhat boring – empathy only goes so far.
Caleb makes an unnecessary appearance in his own POV at the end, followed by another we’ve not heard from before, The Stranger. In my opinion, these detract from the impact.

[Loralee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wren wakes up in a strange place with no memories, and in a house with a man who calls himself Caleb and claims to be her husband. He says she's been in an accident and lost her memories, but for Wren, things don't add up. Things don't seem right. The author does a great job at making the story feel off balance just a bit, even when things seem to be going well. The reader knows something very wrong is going on, and Wren has to work her way through all sorts of problems to try to find herself. Having been through difficult things myself, the book was hard to read. And while it may have been deliberate, I would have preferred to have some things explained a bit more. Also, the ending was a bit confusing and vague. I would have preferred some clarity and a bit more closure, though that may just be my preferences. There were difficult themes, and strong language in places, including the use of the "F" word. The book wouldn't be appropriate for kiddos.

[J.R. Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Wren wakes up, she finds herself in an unusual house with a man called Caleb, unable to remember anything at all. Caleb claims that he's her husband. And he gradually begins inserting hobbies and memories into her head, about food she enjoyed and things they did together. Yet from the beginning, it certainly seems as if something is not right here, as Caleb seems to be being a little too kind. As it turns out, he isn't the kind and helpful soul that he claims to be...

This is a story that handles psychological and emotional manipulation. The use of emotive language and descriptions was very well done. It is an intriguing story, about how Wren has to deal with her intensely difficult situation, and her fight for survival.

[Carrie Wienandt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was so long and drawn out and the ending was not even good. I had to skim through most of the paragraphs because it was so repetitive and boring.