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My Mother's Lie: A completely addictive family drama with jaw-dropping twists
I’m frozen to the spot as I read the words addressed to my dead ‘I have no choice but to forgive you… Not that you deserve it.’ A soft buzzing sound fills my ears as my world tilts. What secrets was my mother hiding?
I struggle through the rest of the funeral, accepting word after word of sympathy. But all I can think about is that card burning a hole in my pocket. My mother was everything to me, and I thought everyone loved her too. So what could this card mean?
Trying to push it out of my mind, I cling to my memories of her love and support. We had breakfast together every morning and she’d always sipped her coffee from a chunky red mug I’d made her at school.
But then, I find more things that don’t make sense. Unpaid bills and empty bank accounts. More secrets she’d kept from me. And when I stumble across my parents’ marriage certificate, my breath catches and falters. Because it’s not my mother’s name written there…
My heart beats faster in my chest. Was my mother who I thought she was? I need to find out who sent that card. But not just to uncover the truth… it’s my only chance to find out who I really am, too.
But when I do… will I be prepared to face the consequences of my mother’s lie?
Fans of Jodi Picoult, Kate Hewitt and Diane Chamberlain will be hooked by this unputdownable page-turner filled with shocking twists and heartbreaking secrets.
Readers love My Mother’s
“Oh wow… you neeeeeed to read this. you will finish with the smuggest most satisfied readers smile on your face when you do.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“Wow! This book is hard to put down… This story keeps your attention and emotions on a whirlwind ride.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“I couldn’t put this book down… I felt every twist and heartbreak right alongside the narrator. The mystery kept me guessing, and I was completely absorbed from start to finish… I was left thinking about it long after I closed the book.” @lpreadss ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“Loved this thriller, kept me hooked throughout. Read this book in 1 sitting. Highly recommend.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“A masterfully crafted psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end! 😱 … The plot twists are expertly done, with a few surprises that will leave you gasping… If you're looking for a book that will stay with you long after you finish it, look no further!” @sapphirenst9ne ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
“This is a gripping, emotional page-turner that blends family drama with psychological suspense.
I struggle through the rest of the funeral, accepting word after word of sympathy. But all I can think about is that card burning a hole in my pocket. My mother was everything to me, and I thought everyone loved her too. So what could this card mean?
Trying to push it out of my mind, I cling to my memories of her love and support. We had breakfast together every morning and she’d always sipped her coffee from a chunky red mug I’d made her at school.
But then, I find more things that don’t make sense. Unpaid bills and empty bank accounts. More secrets she’d kept from me. And when I stumble across my parents’ marriage certificate, my breath catches and falters. Because it’s not my mother’s name written there…
My heart beats faster in my chest. Was my mother who I thought she was? I need to find out who sent that card. But not just to uncover the truth… it’s my only chance to find out who I really am, too.
But when I do… will I be prepared to face the consequences of my mother’s lie?
Fans of Jodi Picoult, Kate Hewitt and Diane Chamberlain will be hooked by this unputdownable page-turner filled with shocking twists and heartbreaking secrets.
Readers love My Mother’s
“Oh wow… you neeeeeed to read this. you will finish with the smuggest most satisfied readers smile on your face when you do.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“Wow! This book is hard to put down… This story keeps your attention and emotions on a whirlwind ride.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“I couldn’t put this book down… I felt every twist and heartbreak right alongside the narrator. The mystery kept me guessing, and I was completely absorbed from start to finish… I was left thinking about it long after I closed the book.” @lpreadss ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“Loved this thriller, kept me hooked throughout. Read this book in 1 sitting. Highly recommend.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“A masterfully crafted psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end! 😱 … The plot twists are expertly done, with a few surprises that will leave you gasping… If you're looking for a book that will stay with you long after you finish it, look no further!” @sapphirenst9ne ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
“This is a gripping, emotional page-turner that blends family drama with psychological suspense.
- GenresFiction
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2026
About the author
Anna E. Collins
10 books433 followersANNA E. COLLINS is a Seattle-area author who writes stories about the lives and loves of women. Once upon a time she was a teacher with a master’s degree in educational psychology. Nowadays, plotting fiction and raising humans are her main pursuits. Find her (and her canine sidekick) on Instagram, @aeccreates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I hadn’t read Anna E. Collins before, but the premise of My Mother’s Lie immediately caught my attention. While there are moments you might see coming, there are plenty you absolutely won’t — and that unpredictability makes the story all the more gripping. It’s a cleverly crafted tale, filled with believable, well drawn characters, and it’s left me eager to explore more of Collins’ work in the future.
Frankie Lavigne has always believed she and her mother, Estelle, were inseparable. They lived on the same property, worked side by side at the Starview Academy, and shared a bond Frankie thought was unbreakable. Estelle had even built a brief burst of fame on a one hit wonder inspired by Frankie’s childhood abduction — a story the whole town knew and rallied around. When Estelle dies, hundreds turn out to mourn her, leaving Frankie overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. But among the sympathy cards is one message that shakes her to the core, triggering a chain of revelations that prove her relationship with her mother was far more complicated than she ever imagined.
What makes My Mother’s Lie so compelling is the way Anna E. Collins draws her characters with such nuance and emotional truth. Frankie’s journey is layered, painful, and deeply human, and the people around her feel just as vividly realised. Every revelation lands with weight because the characters feel real — flawed, loving, and shaped by their own histories. It’s this authenticity that keeps the story gripping and leaves you thinking about Frankie long after you’ve turned the last page.
Frankie Lavigne has always believed she and her mother, Estelle, were inseparable. They lived on the same property, worked side by side at the Starview Academy, and shared a bond Frankie thought was unbreakable. Estelle had even built a brief burst of fame on a one hit wonder inspired by Frankie’s childhood abduction — a story the whole town knew and rallied around. When Estelle dies, hundreds turn out to mourn her, leaving Frankie overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. But among the sympathy cards is one message that shakes her to the core, triggering a chain of revelations that prove her relationship with her mother was far more complicated than she ever imagined.
What makes My Mother’s Lie so compelling is the way Anna E. Collins draws her characters with such nuance and emotional truth. Frankie’s journey is layered, painful, and deeply human, and the people around her feel just as vividly realised. Every revelation lands with weight because the characters feel real — flawed, loving, and shaped by their own histories. It’s this authenticity that keeps the story gripping and leaves you thinking about Frankie long after you’ve turned the last page.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
just not my cup of tea
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was fantastic, full of twists that kept me gripped. I didn't guess the direction, in which the story was taking.
The story was very well structured to give bits and pieces away and lay lots of clues. I loved the way the characters developed and the journey that the main character, Frankie went on.
I really struggled to put this down and constantly felt compelled to read a bit more.
I'll definitely read more by this author.
The story was very well structured to give bits and pieces away and lay lots of clues. I loved the way the characters developed and the journey that the main character, Frankie went on.
I really struggled to put this down and constantly felt compelled to read a bit more.
I'll definitely read more by this author.
February 19, 2026
My Mother's Lie, a mother/daughter mystery/drama
FMC Frankie is grieving the loss of her mother, Estelle Lavigne, when she finds an odd note left on one of the funeral flower arrangements, indicating someone held a grudge against her mother. This comes as a shock to Frankie, because everyone loves Estelle, nearly the entire town comes to her funeral, so she cannot imagine who would have held a grudge. As Frankie now has to takeover managing the music school she and her mother co-operated, she starts to discover more secrets that Estelle had kept. The more Frankie looks into one secret, she begins to uncover yet another, until she is at a complete loss as to who her mother actually was. She enlists the help of an ex-boyfriend and his grandmother, and goes on a cross country search to discover the truth of Estelle Lavigne.
I enjoyed the dual timeline/dual POV of this story where we are in the current time with Frankie as she digs into Estelle's past, and then we get the past with Estelle. I did not expect the bombshell discovery that Frankie stumbles upon near the end, unraveling her entire life in just seconds. I felt for Frankie, and how angry it would make someone to find their origins to be not what they had previously believed. I thought the way Frankie and the other characters handled the situation at the end was just perfect icing on the cake, and made sure another participant to Estelle's lies did not get away with it.
I loved Thora's character, her little office full of true sleuthing equipment. It sounds like a fun way to spend time during retirement. It was also great for Frankie to learn the truth behind her high school sweetheart's break up, and get a second chance.
Thank you so much to Bookouture, the author, and netgalley for a copy of this story!
FMC Frankie is grieving the loss of her mother, Estelle Lavigne, when she finds an odd note left on one of the funeral flower arrangements, indicating someone held a grudge against her mother. This comes as a shock to Frankie, because everyone loves Estelle, nearly the entire town comes to her funeral, so she cannot imagine who would have held a grudge. As Frankie now has to takeover managing the music school she and her mother co-operated, she starts to discover more secrets that Estelle had kept. The more Frankie looks into one secret, she begins to uncover yet another, until she is at a complete loss as to who her mother actually was. She enlists the help of an ex-boyfriend and his grandmother, and goes on a cross country search to discover the truth of Estelle Lavigne.
I enjoyed the dual timeline/dual POV of this story where we are in the current time with Frankie as she digs into Estelle's past, and then we get the past with Estelle. I did not expect the bombshell discovery that Frankie stumbles upon near the end, unraveling her entire life in just seconds. I felt for Frankie, and how angry it would make someone to find their origins to be not what they had previously believed. I thought the way Frankie and the other characters handled the situation at the end was just perfect icing on the cake, and made sure another participant to Estelle's lies did not get away with it.
I loved Thora's character, her little office full of true sleuthing equipment. It sounds like a fun way to spend time during retirement. It was also great for Frankie to learn the truth behind her high school sweetheart's break up, and get a second chance.
Thank you so much to Bookouture, the author, and netgalley for a copy of this story!
February 27, 2026
Anna E. Collins’ My Mother’s Lie completely hooked me. What starts as a straightforward mystery about a daughter grieving her mother quickly turns into a layered story about secrets, identity, and the uncomfortable realization that the people we trust most may be hiding entire lives from us.
Frankie’s journey is what makes this book work so well. Watching her dig through her mother Estelle’s past felt like a real investigation, one discovery leading to another until the entire foundation of what she believed begins to crumble. Each clue pulls the story deeper into the mystery, and I found myself constantly wondering what truth would surface next.
The dual timelines are handled really well. Seeing Frankie search for answers in the present while gradually uncovering Estelle’s past adds tension to every chapter. The author does a great job revealing pieces slowly, allowing the story to build rather than relying on cheap twists. When the bigger revelations do arrive, they land with real emotional weight.
What stood out most to me was how believable the characters felt. Frankie’s grief, confusion, and determination drive the story forward, and the supporting characters add depth without distracting from the central mystery. The relationships evolve naturally as the truth begins to surface.
This is the kind of thriller that keeps you turning pages because you need to know what really happened. By the end, the emotional payoff and the answers to the mystery felt earned.
A gripping story about family secrets, identity, and the consequences of buried truths. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author.
Frankie’s journey is what makes this book work so well. Watching her dig through her mother Estelle’s past felt like a real investigation, one discovery leading to another until the entire foundation of what she believed begins to crumble. Each clue pulls the story deeper into the mystery, and I found myself constantly wondering what truth would surface next.
The dual timelines are handled really well. Seeing Frankie search for answers in the present while gradually uncovering Estelle’s past adds tension to every chapter. The author does a great job revealing pieces slowly, allowing the story to build rather than relying on cheap twists. When the bigger revelations do arrive, they land with real emotional weight.
What stood out most to me was how believable the characters felt. Frankie’s grief, confusion, and determination drive the story forward, and the supporting characters add depth without distracting from the central mystery. The relationships evolve naturally as the truth begins to surface.
This is the kind of thriller that keeps you turning pages because you need to know what really happened. By the end, the emotional payoff and the answers to the mystery felt earned.
A gripping story about family secrets, identity, and the consequences of buried truths. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My Mother’s Lie is one of those novels that immediately pulls you into its emotional core. Anna E. Collins begins with a chilling moment—a mysterious card addressed to the protagonist’s late mother—and from there unravels a story of grief, secrets, and the fragile bonds of family.
What makes this book so compelling is the way it balances heartbreak with suspense. The protagonist’s journey through mourning is interrupted by unsettling discoveries: unpaid bills, hidden truths, and a marriage certificate that raises more questions than it answers. Each revelation tilts the world further off its axis, forcing her to confront the possibility that the woman she adored may not have been who she seemed.
Collins writes with a tenderness that makes the story feel deeply human, even as the twists keep you turning pages. The novel captures that uneasy space between love and betrayal, showing how the search for truth can be both devastating and liberating.
This is a gripping, emotional page-turner that blends family drama with psychological suspense. Fans of Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain will find themselves right at home here—drawn in by the secrets, but staying for the heart.
with thanks to Anna E Collins, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
What makes this book so compelling is the way it balances heartbreak with suspense. The protagonist’s journey through mourning is interrupted by unsettling discoveries: unpaid bills, hidden truths, and a marriage certificate that raises more questions than it answers. Each revelation tilts the world further off its axis, forcing her to confront the possibility that the woman she adored may not have been who she seemed.
Collins writes with a tenderness that makes the story feel deeply human, even as the twists keep you turning pages. The novel captures that uneasy space between love and betrayal, showing how the search for truth can be both devastating and liberating.
This is a gripping, emotional page-turner that blends family drama with psychological suspense. Fans of Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain will find themselves right at home here—drawn in by the secrets, but staying for the heart.
with thanks to Anna E Collins, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When one of your parents passes away, it’s only natural for your world to collapse.
What may make it even harder is when, like Frankie, your mother is the only parent you have left. Frankie and her mum were a team: they ran a business together, shared everything, and faced life side by side.
When Frankie reads a disturbing message on one of the sympathy cards after the funeral, she is startled, but she doesn’t give it much thought or attach too much importance to it.
It’s only when Frankie starts going through her mother’s documents that she gradually realizes she may not have known this person at all. And then the question arises: who is she herself, really…?
This is Frankie’s touching yet deeply unsettling story. The deeper she digs, the greater her confusion becomes, and the more everything she once believed in melts away like snow in the sun.
Bonds are broken, while others are unexpectedly formed.
Sometimes you think you’re living a life that suits you perfectly—until you realize it was all built on manipulation.
A beautiful, emotional story with several shocking twists.
For me, the pace at the beginning could have been a little faster, which is why I’m giving this book 4.5 stars.
Thank you
What may make it even harder is when, like Frankie, your mother is the only parent you have left. Frankie and her mum were a team: they ran a business together, shared everything, and faced life side by side.
When Frankie reads a disturbing message on one of the sympathy cards after the funeral, she is startled, but she doesn’t give it much thought or attach too much importance to it.
It’s only when Frankie starts going through her mother’s documents that she gradually realizes she may not have known this person at all. And then the question arises: who is she herself, really…?
This is Frankie’s touching yet deeply unsettling story. The deeper she digs, the greater her confusion becomes, and the more everything she once believed in melts away like snow in the sun.
Bonds are broken, while others are unexpectedly formed.
Sometimes you think you’re living a life that suits you perfectly—until you realize it was all built on manipulation.
A beautiful, emotional story with several shocking twists.
For me, the pace at the beginning could have been a little faster, which is why I’m giving this book 4.5 stars.
Thank you
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I struggle through the rest of the funeral, accepting word after word of sympathy. But all I can think about is that card burning a hole in my pocket. My mother was everything to me, and I thought everyone loved her too. So what could this card mean? Trying to push it out of my mind, I cling to the memories of her love and support. We had breakfast together every morning, and she'd always sip her coffee from a chunky old red mug I'd made her at school. But then, things don't always make sense. Unpaid bills and empty bank accounts. More secrets she's kept from me. And when I stumble across my parents'marriage certificate, my breath catches and falters. Because it's not my mother's name written there.
This is a compelling read. It's a story of grief and secrets. Frankie and her mother Estelle had had a close bond, they ran a business, and shared everything. But after her mother's death, Frankie realises she didn't know her mother at all.
Filled with twists, secrets and lies, I could not put this book down. The story has a dual timeline - Estelle's story is told in the past, Frankie's from the present day.
Published 19th February 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #AnnaECollins for my ARC of #MyMothersLie in exchange for an honest review.
This is a compelling read. It's a story of grief and secrets. Frankie and her mother Estelle had had a close bond, they ran a business, and shared everything. But after her mother's death, Frankie realises she didn't know her mother at all.
Filled with twists, secrets and lies, I could not put this book down. The story has a dual timeline - Estelle's story is told in the past, Frankie's from the present day.
Published 19th February 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #AnnaECollins for my ARC of #MyMothersLie in exchange for an honest review.
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December 1, 2025Tras la repentina muerte de su madre, Frankie Lavigne descubre que la mujer que toda la comunidad veneraba dejó algo más que un legado musical y una escuela prestigiosa: dejó secretos. Entre facturas escondidas, deudas imposibles y una nota anónima que cuestiona la memoria de Estelle, Frankie se ve obligada a mirar su vida desde un ángulo que nunca imaginó.
Mientras intenta sostener Starview, el conservatorio que ambas dirigían, una figura del pasado de su madre resurge con preguntas incómodas y una presencia inquietante que parece saber demasiado. Frankie comienza a comprender que, para entender quién fue realmente Estelle, debe descifrar una mentira enterrada décadas atrás y que es capaz de desmoronar toda su vida.
Cada descubrimiento la acerca más a la verdad y también al peligro de aceptar que amar a alguien no significa conocerlo.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Mientras intenta sostener Starview, el conservatorio que ambas dirigían, una figura del pasado de su madre resurge con preguntas incómodas y una presencia inquietante que parece saber demasiado. Frankie comienza a comprender que, para entender quién fue realmente Estelle, debe descifrar una mentira enterrada décadas atrás y que es capaz de desmoronar toda su vida.
Cada descubrimiento la acerca más a la verdad y también al peligro de aceptar que amar a alguien no significa conocerlo.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
April 4, 2026
At her beloved mother's funeral, a woman discovers a cryptic note that indicates that her mother was not entirely beloved by everyone. But how can that be?
After a music career that brought her a smash hit song - one that still remains popular - Frankie's mother Estelle sets up a Music Academy that provides a financial boost that succeeds in breathing life into a dying locality.
Over time this not only made her hugely popular with the locals, it also gave her daughter a career path in music. But as Frankie begins to investigate Estelle's past, it becomes clear that her mother was a woman with many secrets...
This is an entertaining story with some excellent twists. I found some of them required a major suspension of disbelief, but if you can set that aside, it will have great appeal for thriller readers. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
After a music career that brought her a smash hit song - one that still remains popular - Frankie's mother Estelle sets up a Music Academy that provides a financial boost that succeeds in breathing life into a dying locality.
Over time this not only made her hugely popular with the locals, it also gave her daughter a career path in music. But as Frankie begins to investigate Estelle's past, it becomes clear that her mother was a woman with many secrets...
This is an entertaining story with some excellent twists. I found some of them required a major suspension of disbelief, but if you can set that aside, it will have great appeal for thriller readers. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Author Anna E. Collins ignited my curiosity and kept me flipping pages until the very end in her upcoming novel about uncovering hidden truths.
Collins shows us that not only is truth difficult to find sometimes, but it’s also uncomfortable to accommodate. Frankie Lavigne faces a fork in the road when she deals with the unraveling chaos after the death of her mother Estelle; will she allow the truth to destroy her or reform her? Regardless of her choice, the truth changes everything.
You’ll get swept up in this family drama about the search for truth, the devastating effects of manipulation, and the consequences of a mother’s deception. The emotional suspense is well balanced with the psychological suspense and the secrets are revealed slowly so that you’ll need to keep flipping pages.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Collins shows us that not only is truth difficult to find sometimes, but it’s also uncomfortable to accommodate. Frankie Lavigne faces a fork in the road when she deals with the unraveling chaos after the death of her mother Estelle; will she allow the truth to destroy her or reform her? Regardless of her choice, the truth changes everything.
You’ll get swept up in this family drama about the search for truth, the devastating effects of manipulation, and the consequences of a mother’s deception. The emotional suspense is well balanced with the psychological suspense and the secrets are revealed slowly so that you’ll need to keep flipping pages.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
February 23, 2026
My book review today is for My Mother's Lie by Anna.E.Collins.
This was the first I have read of this author and I was impressed.
This book starts when we meet Frankie at her mum's funeral. Then she sees a note on some funeral flowers with a very concerning comment. This and some other things leads Frankie to begin looking into her mother and her own past. Not everything is as it seems and secrets begin to unravel.
I enjoyed this book as it was fast paced, twisty and kept me reading way past bedtime 🤣. The characters were believable and I cared what happened to them.
The dual POV and dual timeline was great and through them you start to see the plot come together.
I found although this book had long chapters (which aren't my fav) I was always left wanting to read more.
#AnnaECollinsBookTour #bookreview #bookbesties #booktokker @bookouture
This was the first I have read of this author and I was impressed.
This book starts when we meet Frankie at her mum's funeral. Then she sees a note on some funeral flowers with a very concerning comment. This and some other things leads Frankie to begin looking into her mother and her own past. Not everything is as it seems and secrets begin to unravel.
I enjoyed this book as it was fast paced, twisty and kept me reading way past bedtime 🤣. The characters were believable and I cared what happened to them.
The dual POV and dual timeline was great and through them you start to see the plot come together.
I found although this book had long chapters (which aren't my fav) I was always left wanting to read more.
#AnnaECollinsBookTour #bookreview #bookbesties #booktokker @bookouture
February 22, 2026
A family drama told over two time periods, in the present through Frankie and in the past, told by her late mother Estelle.
As Frankie’s mother died various things come to light about the past which take her on a journey to find the truth.
This book was written in an easy to read way but still managed to capture lots of emotion and mystery. The characters were interesting and credible as well. I loved the slow burn of the rekindled relationship between Frankie and Owen which was very moving.
For me the book was perhaps lacking in pace to begin with, but I was interested enough to continue to read it to discover the truth. So many lies and secrets were slowly revealed and the momentum gathered pace.
My second book from this author and it won’t be the last.
4 star
As Frankie’s mother died various things come to light about the past which take her on a journey to find the truth.
This book was written in an easy to read way but still managed to capture lots of emotion and mystery. The characters were interesting and credible as well. I loved the slow burn of the rekindled relationship between Frankie and Owen which was very moving.
For me the book was perhaps lacking in pace to begin with, but I was interested enough to continue to read it to discover the truth. So many lies and secrets were slowly revealed and the momentum gathered pace.
My second book from this author and it won’t be the last.
4 star
February 14, 2026
My Mother’s Lie by Anna E. Collins
This was an emotional read, and I wasn’t expecting the way this story unfolded. Heartfelt and beautifully written, this slow burn will capture your heart.
Frankie is struggling to process how her life continues forward after her beloved mother, Estelle, dies. Frankie suddenly finds herself running the school her mother started, and the secrets she took to the grave.
This was a well-written, engaging, and entertaining story. The characters are memorable and will connect with readers. When things feel bleak, the truth will restore the balance and set everyone free.
Publication date: February 19, 2026
Publisher: Bookouture
This was an emotional read, and I wasn’t expecting the way this story unfolded. Heartfelt and beautifully written, this slow burn will capture your heart.
Frankie is struggling to process how her life continues forward after her beloved mother, Estelle, dies. Frankie suddenly finds herself running the school her mother started, and the secrets she took to the grave.
This was a well-written, engaging, and entertaining story. The characters are memorable and will connect with readers. When things feel bleak, the truth will restore the balance and set everyone free.
Publication date: February 19, 2026
Publisher: Bookouture
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow! This book is hard to put down. Frankie is crushed by her mother's death. They were so close and did everything together. She was a talented musician and beloved by the town and the music conservatory that they ran together. A note at the funeral rocks Frankie to the core. As she learns more about the school's financial situation and finds strange things at home, Frankie is determined to figure out the secrets her mother kept. This story keeps your attention and emotions on a whirlwind ride. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Frankie's mum Estelle dies, the whole town comes to the funeral to pay their respects and give condolences. Estelle founded a music academy and was much loved. But when Frankie sees a card saying Estelle didn't deserve forgiveness, she wants to find out who sent it. But that's not the only abnormality as she discovers her mum has kept more than one secret from her.
This was a well written family drama, we have Frankie's story in the present and Estelle's from the past, before and during her fame. It was a fast paced novel with a satisfying conclusion
This was a well written family drama, we have Frankie's story in the present and Estelle's from the past, before and during her fame. It was a fast paced novel with a satisfying conclusion
February 4, 2026
Thank you to Bookouture for the arc! This was my first book by Anna E. Collins and I’m now a fan. It was a very quick and entertaining read.
Frankie and her mother Estelle run a music school called Starview. When Estelle passed away, it became Frankie’s responsibility to successfully run the school. Unfortunately for Frankie, she quickly learns that Starview wasn’t as profitable as she thought it was. This story was full of twists and turns and it led to a great story! I always love when books offer multiple POV’s which this did. I’m so glad I read
Frankie and her mother Estelle run a music school called Starview. When Estelle passed away, it became Frankie’s responsibility to successfully run the school. Unfortunately for Frankie, she quickly learns that Starview wasn’t as profitable as she thought it was. This story was full of twists and turns and it led to a great story! I always love when books offer multiple POV’s which this did. I’m so glad I read
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Frankie keeps finding all kinds of clues that just aren’t adding up after her mother’s death.
I loved all the sleuthing and investigating Frankie did, along with Owen and Thora to uncover the truth about Estelle’s deceptions.
The narrative was always taking a new curve that kept me engaged and reading rapidly.
The ending was appropriate but I feel like Estelle never has to atone for her machinations nor her selfishness.
Th aka NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance read.
I loved all the sleuthing and investigating Frankie did, along with Owen and Thora to uncover the truth about Estelle’s deceptions.
The narrative was always taking a new curve that kept me engaged and reading rapidly.
The ending was appropriate but I feel like Estelle never has to atone for her machinations nor her selfishness.
Th aka NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I couldn’t put this book down. One note at a mother’s funeral turns everything upside down...secrets, lies, and a shocking truth about her past. As the story unfolded, I felt every twist and heartbreak right alongside the narrator. The mystery kept me guessing, and I was completely absorbed from start to finish. By the end, I was left thinking about it long after I closed the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was good but I struggled to get into it as I was expecting a thriller from the description and the cover 🫣
I found myself really invested in the characters after I realised what I was actually reading and had a good time with this but the ending unsurprisingly fell a little flat for me given I was expecting something else.
3.5 star rounded up
I found myself really invested in the characters after I realised what I was actually reading and had a good time with this but the ending unsurprisingly fell a little flat for me given I was expecting something else.
3.5 star rounded up
February 27, 2026
While Frankie is grieving the loss of her mother, she comes across lie after lie, and wonders if she really knew her mother at all. As the past comes to light, Frankie finds herself at a crossroad and must choose between a future of her own choosing or continue to live her mother’s lies. A great read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC book. This one was very thrilling! Loved going on the journey with Frankie to find out the truth about her mother. I was not expecting the twist in this one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the kind of book that works really well for me.
A huge dramatic charge, followed by a mystery... I really enjoyed it. It has a good pace, it's captivating, and
I loved the protagonist.
I recommend it!
A huge dramatic charge, followed by a mystery... I really enjoyed it. It has a good pace, it's captivating, and
I loved the protagonist.
I recommend it!
February 20, 2026
An absolutely fantastic read from start to finish, I can thoroughly recommend this book.This author never fails to hit the mark. 5* from me. Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for allowing me to read this fabulous book.
May 10, 2026
Lies, lies, lies!!!
How do you deal with finding out that just about everything you knew about your life was a lie? As this story weaves itself between the ‘past and present”, a life is upended by things that have come to light with a death.
How do you deal with finding out that just about everything you knew about your life was a lie? As this story weaves itself between the ‘past and present”, a life is upended by things that have come to light with a death.
March 22, 2026
Wow! Mom,how could you?
It was a good read once you got the connections. Wonder if this could really be pulled off! Writer had s great imagination!,
It was a good read once you got the connections. Wonder if this could really be pulled off! Writer had s great imagination!,
May 1, 2026
Good read - kept wanting to read !!!
May 17, 2026
It was SLOW in the beginning but finished good
February 24, 2026
MY MOTHER'S LIE BY ANNA E. COLLINS.
4 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
I read this book in one sitting and it kept me so hooked throughout.
I'm really looking forward to picking up another book by this author
4 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
I read this book in one sitting and it kept me so hooked throughout.
I'm really looking forward to picking up another book by this author
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