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The Good Mothers
Not yet published
Expected 15 Jan 26With an eight-year-old son struggling with ADHD and nowhere else to turn, soon-to-be-divorced mom Lacey answers a life-saving “Seeking responsible single mom to join our household. Motherhood can be lonely and we support each other!”
When she arrives at Wildwood Lane she finds a ramshackle house with a welcoming bright yellow door and a wraparound porch with its cozy couch and scattered toys. And inside, three mothers who have forged their own rules for survival.
As Lacey battles her conspiracy-theorist ex-husband for custody while juggling a new, make-or-break job, she discovers these women offer more than shared childcare, communal dinners and late nights bonding over wine after the kids’ bedtime. They're building something a chosen family where women don’t just survive—they thrive.
But when her enigmatic housemate comes up with a risky plan which could secure her financially and protect her son’s future, she faces an impossible choice: How far will she go to protect the family she’s found?
A fierce, tender novel about how sometimes women have to break the rules to build the life they really want. Perfect for readers who loved Big Little Lies and All They Need to Know.
When she arrives at Wildwood Lane she finds a ramshackle house with a welcoming bright yellow door and a wraparound porch with its cozy couch and scattered toys. And inside, three mothers who have forged their own rules for survival.
As Lacey battles her conspiracy-theorist ex-husband for custody while juggling a new, make-or-break job, she discovers these women offer more than shared childcare, communal dinners and late nights bonding over wine after the kids’ bedtime. They're building something a chosen family where women don’t just survive—they thrive.
But when her enigmatic housemate comes up with a risky plan which could secure her financially and protect her son’s future, she faces an impossible choice: How far will she go to protect the family she’s found?
A fierce, tender novel about how sometimes women have to break the rules to build the life they really want. Perfect for readers who loved Big Little Lies and All They Need to Know.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 15, 2026
99 people want to read
About the author
Caitlin Weaver
4 books39 followersCaitlin Weaver is the bestselling author of suspenseful, emotionally layered domestic dramas that are perfect for book clubs.
Her writing has been featured in Well+Good, Business Insider, Huff Post, Scary Mommy, and more.
Caitlin lives in Atlanta with her husband and children.
Her writing has been featured in Well+Good, Business Insider, Huff Post, Scary Mommy, and more.
Caitlin lives in Atlanta with her husband and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Storm Publishing, Caitlin Weaver & NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
~
This book hooked me in straight from the start! It is right up my alley, so relatable, being a mother myself. I was interested to see where it would go.
I loved the mystery at each turn of this book wondering what would happen, and I was interested in all the characters and their emotional back stories and their resilience. I was rooting for all the women to win!
Looking forward to reading more from Caitlin in the future!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
~
This book hooked me in straight from the start! It is right up my alley, so relatable, being a mother myself. I was interested to see where it would go.
I loved the mystery at each turn of this book wondering what would happen, and I was interested in all the characters and their emotional back stories and their resilience. I was rooting for all the women to win!
Looking forward to reading more from Caitlin in the future!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When you have a child who is struggling with a medical condition, it’s important as a parent to have support from the people around you. It’s only natural to want to vent from time to time or to discuss ideas with someone who is also closely involved in the situation.
Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case, and you may feel forced to take measures you would rather avoid—but necessity knows no law. This is exactly what Lacey experiences firsthand. She is desperately searching for a solution, but there aren’t many options available… until a saving angel appears.
Lacey isn’t out of the deep hole she’s in just yet, but the first step has certainly been taken, and it seems that the only way is up—or so it appears. There are still several obstacles she needs to overcome before she gets there, and more than once she feels like she’s taking one step forward and two steps back.
This book truly captivated me from beginning to end. You can sense that at times things seem almost too good to be true—and often, that’s because they are. I really enjoyed the friendship and love woven into the story, as well as the twists and turns. For me, this is a very versatile book that doesn’t fit neatly into just one category.
One thing is certain: I thoroughly enjoyed it and followed with great anticipation as Lacey evolved from -10 to +10, taking every step in between.
Justice does come—but sometimes at a heavy price…
Excellent work by the author, though that was to be expected, as I was already a fan of the two other books I’ve read by her. I’m very much looking forward to what’s next.
For me, this book is definitely worthy of 5 stars.
Thank you
Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case, and you may feel forced to take measures you would rather avoid—but necessity knows no law. This is exactly what Lacey experiences firsthand. She is desperately searching for a solution, but there aren’t many options available… until a saving angel appears.
Lacey isn’t out of the deep hole she’s in just yet, but the first step has certainly been taken, and it seems that the only way is up—or so it appears. There are still several obstacles she needs to overcome before she gets there, and more than once she feels like she’s taking one step forward and two steps back.
This book truly captivated me from beginning to end. You can sense that at times things seem almost too good to be true—and often, that’s because they are. I really enjoyed the friendship and love woven into the story, as well as the twists and turns. For me, this is a very versatile book that doesn’t fit neatly into just one category.
One thing is certain: I thoroughly enjoyed it and followed with great anticipation as Lacey evolved from -10 to +10, taking every step in between.
Justice does come—but sometimes at a heavy price…
Excellent work by the author, though that was to be expected, as I was already a fan of the two other books I’ve read by her. I’m very much looking forward to what’s next.
For me, this book is definitely worthy of 5 stars.
Thank you
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm really getting tired of these supposedly empowering, feminist type stories where the only way women can prevail is by violence towards men. Because that's how to settle issues like the wage gap and toxic work environments - criminal acts. So inspiring. I'm really not exaggerating. You read this story, and it makes women come off even worse because they think they have to resort to terrible deeds in order to live a decent life.
Lacey is dealing with a tumultuous divorce from a man who apparently went crazy from COVID and refuses to medicate their son, who is diagnosed with ADHD. So she joins a 'mommune' where like-minded women who were abused or screwed over by men commiserate and raise their kids together. Literally, almost every night ends with the four women sitting around drinking copious amounts of wine. Seriously, almost every single night. It was like watching a Golden Girls marathon. Except that I enjoy that show immensely. Those were fierce women who owned their issues, worked hard, and ate tons of cheesecake. The women in this book drink and complain about the unfairness of it all.
So anyway, Lacey arrives with her son, but still needs a job. So the owner of the house creates a fake resume (illegal, but who cares, apparently) to get her a job with someone she used to know. It turns out there's a whole lot more going on than just these women innocently supporting each other and helping care for each other's kids. And almost everything about it is criminal, but they don't care. Because they deserve it, after all.
Almost every man in the book is terrible except one, who is the complete opposite and still gets screwed over because again, this story is ridiculous, and the women think criminal acts are justified because their lives are hard. The story is described as women 'breaking a few rules.' Are you kidding me? If it were men doing these things to get back at the women in their lives, everyone would complain. Plenty of women and men deal with hardship in ways other than revenge and violence, yet you'd never know it reading this book. Talk about bringing a gun to a knife fight. It truly boggles my mind that anyone would celebrate these characters.
I received this advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley
Lacey is dealing with a tumultuous divorce from a man who apparently went crazy from COVID and refuses to medicate their son, who is diagnosed with ADHD. So she joins a 'mommune' where like-minded women who were abused or screwed over by men commiserate and raise their kids together. Literally, almost every night ends with the four women sitting around drinking copious amounts of wine. Seriously, almost every single night. It was like watching a Golden Girls marathon. Except that I enjoy that show immensely. Those were fierce women who owned their issues, worked hard, and ate tons of cheesecake. The women in this book drink and complain about the unfairness of it all.
So anyway, Lacey arrives with her son, but still needs a job. So the owner of the house creates a fake resume (illegal, but who cares, apparently) to get her a job with someone she used to know. It turns out there's a whole lot more going on than just these women innocently supporting each other and helping care for each other's kids. And almost everything about it is criminal, but they don't care. Because they deserve it, after all.
Almost every man in the book is terrible except one, who is the complete opposite and still gets screwed over because again, this story is ridiculous, and the women think criminal acts are justified because their lives are hard. The story is described as women 'breaking a few rules.' Are you kidding me? If it were men doing these things to get back at the women in their lives, everyone would complain. Plenty of women and men deal with hardship in ways other than revenge and violence, yet you'd never know it reading this book. Talk about bringing a gun to a knife fight. It truly boggles my mind that anyone would celebrate these characters.
I received this advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Loved, loved and loved this one. I devoured this one in just one day. I really kind of like this sort of thrillers. Some sort of revenge thrillers. Especially by women.
This was a fast-paced thriller. This was such a good written thriller, I could put myself in the main character shoes. I could picture everything I read. I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough. I read a book by this author earlier and that was a good one too, so maybe I have a knew author, which I want to read every book...
It has depth and issues that are real so you can relate to them. You can understand the problems they have. I said a couple of times, oh nooo...
So pick this one up it will publish next month.
This was a fast-paced thriller. This was such a good written thriller, I could put myself in the main character shoes. I could picture everything I read. I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough. I read a book by this author earlier and that was a good one too, so maybe I have a knew author, which I want to read every book...
It has depth and issues that are real so you can relate to them. You can understand the problems they have. I said a couple of times, oh nooo...
So pick this one up it will publish next month.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
THE GOOD MOTHERS BY CAITLIN WEAVER.
4 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Release date set for the 15th of January 2026.
I really enjoyed this story and I've finished it so quickly. I started it lastnight.
Brilliant characters.
Brilliant author.
Brilliant cover.
I was gifted this book by Storm and so looking forward to picking up another caitlin weaver book ☺
4 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Release date set for the 15th of January 2026.
I really enjoyed this story and I've finished it so quickly. I started it lastnight.
Brilliant characters.
Brilliant author.
Brilliant cover.
I was gifted this book by Storm and so looking forward to picking up another caitlin weaver book ☺
December 30, 2025
Full review to follow soon
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book review: Caitlin Weaver’s The Good Mothers.
Storm Publishing, thank you so much along with NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
Some books feel like a warm couch you sink into, while quietly tightening the screws when you least expect it. The Good Mothers does exactly that. It opens with exhaustion, hope, and a mother who is one bad day away from breaking. Lacey is navigating a painful divorce, a custody battle with a conspiracy theorist ex, a make or break job, and an eight year old son whose ADHD makes the world louder and harder for both of them. When she answers an ad promising support and community, it feels less like a choice and more like a lifeline.
Wildwood Lane is instantly vivid. The ramshackle house with its bright yellow door, wraparound porch, and toys scattered like proof of survival sets the tone beautifully. This is not a picture perfect setup. It’s messy, lived in, and held together by women who have decided they can’t do motherhood alone anymore. The shared dinners, late night wine after bedtime, and tag team parenting moments are cozy in the best way, but Weaver never lets the story drift into fantasy. There’s always tension humming just beneath the surface.
Lacey’s emotional journey is the heart of the novel. Her fear of failing her son, of losing him, of choosing the wrong path again feels painfully real. The other mothers are just as layered, each bringing their own wounds and strengths into the household. Together they form a chosen family that feels earned, not idealized. As one line puts it, “We didn’t save each other. We stood shoulder to shoulder and survived.” That sentiment runs through every chapter.
When the story pivots toward a risky plan that could change everything, the book sharpens into something darker and more suspenseful. The question isn’t just what these women will do, but what motherhood demands of them. How much sacrifice is too much? Where does protection cross into danger? Weaver handles these questions with empathy and nerve, never offering easy answers or moral shortcuts.
What I appreciated most is how honest this book is about motherhood. It doesn’t romanticize selflessness or shame fear and anger. Instead, it acknowledges that loving a child can make you brave and reckless in equal measure. The pacing is excellent, the emotional beats land hard, and the ending left me staring at the wall, heart full and aching.
The Good Mothers will resonate deeply with readers who love emotionally charged women’s fiction with a suspenseful edge. If you enjoyed Big Little Lies, Jodi Picoult, or stories about found family forged under pressure, this one belongs on your list. It’s tender, tense, and quietly powerful, the kind of book that stays with you long after you close the cover.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#TheGoodMothers #CaitlinWeaver #StormPublishing #NetGalley #BookReview #ARCReview #WomensFiction #MysteryThriller #FoundFamily #Motherhood #Bookstagram #UpcomingBooks #MustRead
Storm Publishing, thank you so much along with NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
Some books feel like a warm couch you sink into, while quietly tightening the screws when you least expect it. The Good Mothers does exactly that. It opens with exhaustion, hope, and a mother who is one bad day away from breaking. Lacey is navigating a painful divorce, a custody battle with a conspiracy theorist ex, a make or break job, and an eight year old son whose ADHD makes the world louder and harder for both of them. When she answers an ad promising support and community, it feels less like a choice and more like a lifeline.
Wildwood Lane is instantly vivid. The ramshackle house with its bright yellow door, wraparound porch, and toys scattered like proof of survival sets the tone beautifully. This is not a picture perfect setup. It’s messy, lived in, and held together by women who have decided they can’t do motherhood alone anymore. The shared dinners, late night wine after bedtime, and tag team parenting moments are cozy in the best way, but Weaver never lets the story drift into fantasy. There’s always tension humming just beneath the surface.
Lacey’s emotional journey is the heart of the novel. Her fear of failing her son, of losing him, of choosing the wrong path again feels painfully real. The other mothers are just as layered, each bringing their own wounds and strengths into the household. Together they form a chosen family that feels earned, not idealized. As one line puts it, “We didn’t save each other. We stood shoulder to shoulder and survived.” That sentiment runs through every chapter.
When the story pivots toward a risky plan that could change everything, the book sharpens into something darker and more suspenseful. The question isn’t just what these women will do, but what motherhood demands of them. How much sacrifice is too much? Where does protection cross into danger? Weaver handles these questions with empathy and nerve, never offering easy answers or moral shortcuts.
What I appreciated most is how honest this book is about motherhood. It doesn’t romanticize selflessness or shame fear and anger. Instead, it acknowledges that loving a child can make you brave and reckless in equal measure. The pacing is excellent, the emotional beats land hard, and the ending left me staring at the wall, heart full and aching.
The Good Mothers will resonate deeply with readers who love emotionally charged women’s fiction with a suspenseful edge. If you enjoyed Big Little Lies, Jodi Picoult, or stories about found family forged under pressure, this one belongs on your list. It’s tender, tense, and quietly powerful, the kind of book that stays with you long after you close the cover.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#TheGoodMothers #CaitlinWeaver #StormPublishing #NetGalley #BookReview #ARCReview #WomensFiction #MysteryThriller #FoundFamily #Motherhood #Bookstagram #UpcomingBooks #MustRead
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Motherhood can be isolating, overwhelming, and messy—and The Good Mothers leans into all of it in a way that felt both comforting and quietly unsettling.
Caitlin Weaver does a great job capturing the loneliness, exhaustion, and fierce love that come with motherhood, especially when you’re trying to hold everything together with very little support. The premise alone pulled me in: single moms, shared survival, and a “found family” situation that feels both safe and slightly fragile.
I really liked the sense of community and intimacy inside the house on Wildwood Lane. The relationships between the women felt authentic, messy, and deeply emotional, and I found myself rooting for Lacey as she navigated custody battles, financial stress, and impossible choices. There’s a quiet tension simmering beneath the surface that keeps you turning pages, even when the story leans more emotional than suspenseful.
This story resonated strongly with me on a personal level. As a mom to a neurodivergent son and daughter—and as a teacher who works with neurodivergent students—I felt deeply connected to Lacey and all that she endured. While I haven’t experienced divorce myself, the emotional weight of her journey felt very real to me, and many of my students come from family circumstances similar to what Lacey and Elliot experienced, which made this story hit even closer to home.
I’ve also read The Things We Never Say and Who We Used to Be, and much like those books, The Good Mothers is emotionally rich and deeply compelling. Weaver consistently excels at writing flawed, vulnerable women and exploring the complicated bonds between them.
This is less of a traditional thriller and more of a thoughtful, character-driven novel about motherhood, loyalty, and how far someone will go to protect the family they’ve chosen—and that’s very much Weaver’s signature writing style. If you enjoy stories about complicated women, moral gray areas, and emotionally resonant storytelling, this one is definitely worth picking up.
A big thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of yet another engaging story!
Caitlin Weaver does a great job capturing the loneliness, exhaustion, and fierce love that come with motherhood, especially when you’re trying to hold everything together with very little support. The premise alone pulled me in: single moms, shared survival, and a “found family” situation that feels both safe and slightly fragile.
I really liked the sense of community and intimacy inside the house on Wildwood Lane. The relationships between the women felt authentic, messy, and deeply emotional, and I found myself rooting for Lacey as she navigated custody battles, financial stress, and impossible choices. There’s a quiet tension simmering beneath the surface that keeps you turning pages, even when the story leans more emotional than suspenseful.
This story resonated strongly with me on a personal level. As a mom to a neurodivergent son and daughter—and as a teacher who works with neurodivergent students—I felt deeply connected to Lacey and all that she endured. While I haven’t experienced divorce myself, the emotional weight of her journey felt very real to me, and many of my students come from family circumstances similar to what Lacey and Elliot experienced, which made this story hit even closer to home.
I’ve also read The Things We Never Say and Who We Used to Be, and much like those books, The Good Mothers is emotionally rich and deeply compelling. Weaver consistently excels at writing flawed, vulnerable women and exploring the complicated bonds between them.
This is less of a traditional thriller and more of a thoughtful, character-driven novel about motherhood, loyalty, and how far someone will go to protect the family they’ve chosen—and that’s very much Weaver’s signature writing style. If you enjoy stories about complicated women, moral gray areas, and emotionally resonant storytelling, this one is definitely worth picking up.
A big thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of yet another engaging story!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
read if you like:
🧍♀️ motherhood friendships
💪🏼 fighting the patriarchy
👩❤️👨 complicated family dynamics
summary:
Caitlin Weaver is an automatic read for me, and I was psyched to get a copy of her newest book, THE GOOD MOTHERS. It follows Lacey, a soon-to-be-divorced mom to a challenging son, Elliott, who is determined to find stability on her own. She responds to a mysterious ad for a spot in a “mommune”, a home with three women and their kids who support each other. Desperate for support, she moves in, and finds herself in a home where women don’t only survive, they thrive. While battling her soon-to-be ex husband for custody, she finds support in her fellow moms — helping her find a job, love and hope that things will get better. But when she finds herself part of a much bigger plan, she realizes she’ll have to put her whole life on the line — and her custody of her son.
The premise of this book is SO UNIQUE, but it works. If you have even an ounce of feminist energy, you’ll love the vibes of the mommune. They are thoughtful, kind, supportive and each other’s biggest cheerleaders, which you can’t help but feel good about. Weaver does a great job of developing these characters, and helping eliminate the stigma around unmarried women finding support in each other. Their kids are charming, their stories are relatable and you can’t help but root for them. The “mystery” aspect of this story is an added bonus. Again, it’s unique, but feels realistic and believable, and makes you double down on your support for the women. The book moves quickly, despite a little bit of a slow start to set the scene, and even though it’s one of her longer books, you won’t be able to put it down. The ending is the best part — empowering, satisfying and gratifying.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy. If you’re looking for a book with a different type of moral dilemma, check this out when it releases on January 13!
🧍♀️ motherhood friendships
💪🏼 fighting the patriarchy
👩❤️👨 complicated family dynamics
summary:
Caitlin Weaver is an automatic read for me, and I was psyched to get a copy of her newest book, THE GOOD MOTHERS. It follows Lacey, a soon-to-be-divorced mom to a challenging son, Elliott, who is determined to find stability on her own. She responds to a mysterious ad for a spot in a “mommune”, a home with three women and their kids who support each other. Desperate for support, she moves in, and finds herself in a home where women don’t only survive, they thrive. While battling her soon-to-be ex husband for custody, she finds support in her fellow moms — helping her find a job, love and hope that things will get better. But when she finds herself part of a much bigger plan, she realizes she’ll have to put her whole life on the line — and her custody of her son.
The premise of this book is SO UNIQUE, but it works. If you have even an ounce of feminist energy, you’ll love the vibes of the mommune. They are thoughtful, kind, supportive and each other’s biggest cheerleaders, which you can’t help but feel good about. Weaver does a great job of developing these characters, and helping eliminate the stigma around unmarried women finding support in each other. Their kids are charming, their stories are relatable and you can’t help but root for them. The “mystery” aspect of this story is an added bonus. Again, it’s unique, but feels realistic and believable, and makes you double down on your support for the women. The book moves quickly, despite a little bit of a slow start to set the scene, and even though it’s one of her longer books, you won’t be able to put it down. The ending is the best part — empowering, satisfying and gratifying.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy. If you’re looking for a book with a different type of moral dilemma, check this out when it releases on January 13!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 rounded up
Lacey is currently struggling, she has an eight year old son Elliott who has ADHD, she has nowhere to live and is about to be divorced from her conspiracy theory obsessed husband, Judd. She responds to an advert that seeks responsible mothers to join a supportive household, a mommune if you will. As they approach the house on Wildwood Lane, Lacey’s first impressions are that this is what a home is supposed to feel like. However, it soon becomes clear that there’s an ulterior motive to the genuine warmth of the welcome. Just how far is Lacey prepared to go, both for her son and for their future?
This is more of a character driven novel and a reflection on motherhood than the usual mystery/thriller from this author. I really like the novel’s characters and the atmosphere of Wildwood Lane feels warm and developing which is precisely what Lacey needs. All the women have a past or secrets but I like how they look after each other. Lacey‘s husband Judd is very unlikeable, his views are archaic to me but sadly, he’s not alone in his opinions, which defies the science. The tension and difficulties with him are done well and I want to go into bat for her. Elliot’s ADHD is conveyed well too.
I like the direction the plot takes, although it is perhaps on the far-fetched/fortuitous side, however, it keeps me interested. It’s good on motherhood and the lengths that characters are prepared to go to for the welfare of their children.
The ending seems a bit rapid and let’s say there’s a lot of luck on characters sides.
Overall, it’s a good read, it’s well paced, making thoughtful points and has the bonus of some surprises along the way.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Lacey is currently struggling, she has an eight year old son Elliott who has ADHD, she has nowhere to live and is about to be divorced from her conspiracy theory obsessed husband, Judd. She responds to an advert that seeks responsible mothers to join a supportive household, a mommune if you will. As they approach the house on Wildwood Lane, Lacey’s first impressions are that this is what a home is supposed to feel like. However, it soon becomes clear that there’s an ulterior motive to the genuine warmth of the welcome. Just how far is Lacey prepared to go, both for her son and for their future?
This is more of a character driven novel and a reflection on motherhood than the usual mystery/thriller from this author. I really like the novel’s characters and the atmosphere of Wildwood Lane feels warm and developing which is precisely what Lacey needs. All the women have a past or secrets but I like how they look after each other. Lacey‘s husband Judd is very unlikeable, his views are archaic to me but sadly, he’s not alone in his opinions, which defies the science. The tension and difficulties with him are done well and I want to go into bat for her. Elliot’s ADHD is conveyed well too.
I like the direction the plot takes, although it is perhaps on the far-fetched/fortuitous side, however, it keeps me interested. It’s good on motherhood and the lengths that characters are prepared to go to for the welfare of their children.
The ending seems a bit rapid and let’s say there’s a lot of luck on characters sides.
Overall, it’s a good read, it’s well paced, making thoughtful points and has the bonus of some surprises along the way.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC, releasing January 15th.
The Good Mothers is an anxiety-ridden, compulsively readable story that hooked me fast and refused to let go.
Lacey leaves her husband Judd to protect her eight-year-old son, Elliott. During the pandemic, Judd spirals into conspiracy thinking and refuses to believe Elliott’s ADHD is real-let alone that medication might be necessary. With little money and no clear job prospects, Lacey ends up renting a room in a house shared by single mothers who call themselves a “mommune.” It’s unconventional, but it offers something she desperately needs: support, understanding, and a sense of safety.
Things take a darker turn when one of the mothers, Regina, makes Lacey a vague but tempting offer-one that could change her financial future. With a custody battle looming, Lacey must decide whether to take a potentially dangerous shortcut or continue doing things the hard way, as she always has.
What worked for me:
The story is addictive-I genuinely couldn’t stop reading.
I was fully invested in whether Lacey could keep Elliott full-time.
Regina’s backstory adds tension and intrigue, even when you start to suspect where it’s going.
What didn’t quite land:
Regina’s “big secret” felt fairly predictable.
Judd’s storyline, particularly how the custody battle resolves, wrapped up a little too neatly and easily.
That said, despite the rising anxiety as the story unfolds, I really enjoyed this book. The emotional payoff at the end-and how Lacey and Elliott’s story ultimately wraps up-felt satisfying and earned.
The Good Mothers is an anxiety-ridden, compulsively readable story that hooked me fast and refused to let go.
Lacey leaves her husband Judd to protect her eight-year-old son, Elliott. During the pandemic, Judd spirals into conspiracy thinking and refuses to believe Elliott’s ADHD is real-let alone that medication might be necessary. With little money and no clear job prospects, Lacey ends up renting a room in a house shared by single mothers who call themselves a “mommune.” It’s unconventional, but it offers something she desperately needs: support, understanding, and a sense of safety.
Things take a darker turn when one of the mothers, Regina, makes Lacey a vague but tempting offer-one that could change her financial future. With a custody battle looming, Lacey must decide whether to take a potentially dangerous shortcut or continue doing things the hard way, as she always has.
What worked for me:
The story is addictive-I genuinely couldn’t stop reading.
I was fully invested in whether Lacey could keep Elliott full-time.
Regina’s backstory adds tension and intrigue, even when you start to suspect where it’s going.
What didn’t quite land:
Regina’s “big secret” felt fairly predictable.
Judd’s storyline, particularly how the custody battle resolves, wrapped up a little too neatly and easily.
That said, despite the rising anxiety as the story unfolds, I really enjoyed this book. The emotional payoff at the end-and how Lacey and Elliott’s story ultimately wraps up-felt satisfying and earned.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Exactly the kind of heart wrenching drama and thriller I always expect from Caitlin Weaver. She is absolutely an auto-buy author for me and for good reason. Her books are often on kindle unlimited, and they always have strong female leads and always shitty dudes. I gotta say, I love this formula.
In this case we follow Lacey, who is down on her luck- going through a divorce from her awful ex husband Judd (the perfect name for him)- he is vile and won’t pay for their son Elliott’s ADHD medication or even administer it to him when he is with him. Judd is fighting Lacey for custody. She is fired from a job and accidentally hits a parked car. Life is hard. Then she finds a group of moms in communal living who share living expenses and child care and offer a loving environment for their kids.
Elliott is a dollface 8 year old, but parenting a child with an ADHD diagnosis is always challenging even in the best of circumstances. I really was so sucked in and wanted to throw my kindle across the room at Lacey’s custody issues. The moms get her the opportunity to be an executive assistant and get a job better than the one she has before— but are they hiding something?
If you love a thriller but you aren’t interested in the higher stakes- bloody murdering or random type thrillers, Caitlin Weaver proves you can have a beachy-popcorn thriller that is just as much of a page turner without all that.
Thanks to @netgalley and storm publishing for the ARC. Book to be published January 15, 2026
In this case we follow Lacey, who is down on her luck- going through a divorce from her awful ex husband Judd (the perfect name for him)- he is vile and won’t pay for their son Elliott’s ADHD medication or even administer it to him when he is with him. Judd is fighting Lacey for custody. She is fired from a job and accidentally hits a parked car. Life is hard. Then she finds a group of moms in communal living who share living expenses and child care and offer a loving environment for their kids.
Elliott is a dollface 8 year old, but parenting a child with an ADHD diagnosis is always challenging even in the best of circumstances. I really was so sucked in and wanted to throw my kindle across the room at Lacey’s custody issues. The moms get her the opportunity to be an executive assistant and get a job better than the one she has before— but are they hiding something?
If you love a thriller but you aren’t interested in the higher stakes- bloody murdering or random type thrillers, Caitlin Weaver proves you can have a beachy-popcorn thriller that is just as much of a page turner without all that.
Thanks to @netgalley and storm publishing for the ARC. Book to be published January 15, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fabulously flawed families, making catastrophic decisions with the very best intentions.
Caitlin Weaver wastes no time dropping her characters into situations where there are no good options — only bad ones and worse ones. “The Good Mothers” is a sharp, clear-eyed reminder that family isn’t just about blood; it’s about choice, obligation, and who is quietly expected to absorb the fallout when everything goes sideways (spoiler: it’s the women).
This book has things to say about motherhood — the invisible labour, the moral gymnastics, and the frankly audacious expectation that women will give endlessly, complain never, and still smile nicely while doing it. Weaver doesn’t blink. She leans hard into the uncomfortable truth of exactly what a mother will do for her child, even when that choice sits squarely in the moral danger zone.
Is this my usual read? No. It’s far more drama than thriller, and I went in expecting more pace and peril. What I got instead was a quietly confident, emotionally loaded novel that seeps under your skin and refuses to mind its own business. It’s readable, well written, and just unsettling enough to make you side-eye everyone involved — which, frankly, feels like the point.
Not explosive. Not flashy. But incisive, thought-provoking, and unafraid to poke at the soft underbelly of “good motherhood” until it squeaks.
My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC of “The Good Mothers” by Caitlin Weaver.
Caitlin Weaver wastes no time dropping her characters into situations where there are no good options — only bad ones and worse ones. “The Good Mothers” is a sharp, clear-eyed reminder that family isn’t just about blood; it’s about choice, obligation, and who is quietly expected to absorb the fallout when everything goes sideways (spoiler: it’s the women).
This book has things to say about motherhood — the invisible labour, the moral gymnastics, and the frankly audacious expectation that women will give endlessly, complain never, and still smile nicely while doing it. Weaver doesn’t blink. She leans hard into the uncomfortable truth of exactly what a mother will do for her child, even when that choice sits squarely in the moral danger zone.
Is this my usual read? No. It’s far more drama than thriller, and I went in expecting more pace and peril. What I got instead was a quietly confident, emotionally loaded novel that seeps under your skin and refuses to mind its own business. It’s readable, well written, and just unsettling enough to make you side-eye everyone involved — which, frankly, feels like the point.
Not explosive. Not flashy. But incisive, thought-provoking, and unafraid to poke at the soft underbelly of “good motherhood” until it squeaks.
My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC of “The Good Mothers” by Caitlin Weaver.
December 20, 2025
Thank you so much, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the gifted ARC!
My thoughts:
I very much enjoyed reading about Lacy and the mommune. I think right from the start I was holding my breath for Lacy and Elliot and what they were going through. I can't even imagine how hard it must have been for her to gather the courage to leave her husband, and do what is best for Elliot and his needs. That takes so much courage, and then to just go into it without a solid plan is brave.
I loved this whole chosen family thing that the book had, because yea 100%. Your blood family isn't always going to be there for you, and sometimes they are not the correct family for you. But a chosen family is made up of the people you choose and where you go. Lacy found that with the mommune.
Without revealing too much, those twists had me on the edge of my seat! Like, at one point I swear one other moms was going to betray them all and everything was going to go to shit. But, I loved how everything went and how everything ended. I think it was just a perfect way to go for Lacey and Elliot.
The Vibes:
Major F the Patriarchy!
Found Family
Sometimes you need to make your own rules
Overall, 10/10 for me! Loved everything about this book and I can't wait to read more from Caitlin.
My thoughts:
I very much enjoyed reading about Lacy and the mommune. I think right from the start I was holding my breath for Lacy and Elliot and what they were going through. I can't even imagine how hard it must have been for her to gather the courage to leave her husband, and do what is best for Elliot and his needs. That takes so much courage, and then to just go into it without a solid plan is brave.
I loved this whole chosen family thing that the book had, because yea 100%. Your blood family isn't always going to be there for you, and sometimes they are not the correct family for you. But a chosen family is made up of the people you choose and where you go. Lacy found that with the mommune.
Without revealing too much, those twists had me on the edge of my seat! Like, at one point I swear one other moms was going to betray them all and everything was going to go to shit. But, I loved how everything went and how everything ended. I think it was just a perfect way to go for Lacey and Elliot.
The Vibes:
Major F the Patriarchy!
Found Family
Sometimes you need to make your own rules
Overall, 10/10 for me! Loved everything about this book and I can't wait to read more from Caitlin.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Good Mothers by Caitlin Weaver is a solid, emotionally driven read about motherhood, friendship, and finding support in unexpected places. The premise pulled me in right away. A newly single mom ends up living with other single mothers and they form their own kind of family. It’s the kind of setup that promises warmth, drama, and a lot of feelings.
The strongest part of the book is the relationships between the women. Their bond feels genuine, and there are moments that really capture the exhaustion, love, and anxiety that come with being a parent. I liked watching the friendships grow and appreciated the focus on women supporting one another through messy, complicated lives.
That said, the story did drag at times, and some of the plot points felt pretty familiar. I occasionally wanted more tension or surprises, and a few characters could have used a bit more depth to make them stand out. Nothing was bad, it just didn’t quite rise above what I’ve read before in similar books.
Overall, The Good Mothers is an easy, heartfelt read that I enjoyed, but didn’t love. If you like character-driven stories about found family and motherhood, it’s worth picking up. For me, it landed comfortably at three stars.
The strongest part of the book is the relationships between the women. Their bond feels genuine, and there are moments that really capture the exhaustion, love, and anxiety that come with being a parent. I liked watching the friendships grow and appreciated the focus on women supporting one another through messy, complicated lives.
That said, the story did drag at times, and some of the plot points felt pretty familiar. I occasionally wanted more tension or surprises, and a few characters could have used a bit more depth to make them stand out. Nothing was bad, it just didn’t quite rise above what I’ve read before in similar books.
Overall, The Good Mothers is an easy, heartfelt read that I enjoyed, but didn’t love. If you like character-driven stories about found family and motherhood, it’s worth picking up. For me, it landed comfortably at three stars.
December 24, 2025
The Good Mothers is both a “Will the main character triumph over adversity?” and a “How far would you go to protect the ones you love and prove your worth?” novel that I found so interesting. The premise of single moms living together, supporting one another, sharing responsibilities, and knowing someone will always be there seems like a brilliant idea. However, the trust that needs to take place for this to be successful is enormous. Lacey is a soon to be single mom struggling with an impending divorce and custody issues, a career that never took off, and is entering the world of dating. While desperately looking for a place to stay, she happens upon a house of women that fits her budget. All of the women in the “mommune” (I hate this word so much, but the story makes up for it) have an equally compelling and complicated story. The most important lesson is that no matter how far you are backed into a corner, you always have a choice. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Books for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lacey's marriage to Judd has been going downhill since the pandemic, thanks to his obsession with various conspiracy theories and his refusal to understand the importance of medicating their son's ADHD condition.
Finally, unable to cope with his behaviour, she moves out, but swiftly finds herself without options after losing her job and falling out with her sister.
A mysterious advert offering an opportunity for a single mother to join an accommodation space organised by other single mothers seems like a lifeline. But Lacey doesn't quite know what she is getting into...
Caitlin Weaver can always be relied upon to deliver an interesting story, and this one is no exception. Offering strong themes of female friendship and found family, and taking the reader into an interesting assessment of widely prevalent gender dynamics in America today, this is a really absorbing and easy read, which nevertheless addresses some interesting social questions.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Finally, unable to cope with his behaviour, she moves out, but swiftly finds herself without options after losing her job and falling out with her sister.
A mysterious advert offering an opportunity for a single mother to join an accommodation space organised by other single mothers seems like a lifeline. But Lacey doesn't quite know what she is getting into...
Caitlin Weaver can always be relied upon to deliver an interesting story, and this one is no exception. Offering strong themes of female friendship and found family, and taking the reader into an interesting assessment of widely prevalent gender dynamics in America today, this is a really absorbing and easy read, which nevertheless addresses some interesting social questions.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you, NetGalley, for this ebook ARC of 'The Good Mothers' by Caitlin Weaver - expected release date of 01/15/2026
ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Weaver's writing was clean and this was a quick, easy read but the relationships (romantic and platonic) felt more surface level, rather than deep and meaningful. Because of this, I hard time understanding how the FMC, Lacey, could put so much trust in the new people she meets, right away (the mommune group, Simon). I guess though that was probably Weaver's way of providing a strong indicator of how desperate Lacey must've felt to establish a new life, given she just jumped right into the mommune and a new relationship right away. I figured out most of the reveals early on but there were still a few surprises that unraveled through the story. It was on the safe side but worth the read if you like lighter domestic thrillers
ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Weaver's writing was clean and this was a quick, easy read but the relationships (romantic and platonic) felt more surface level, rather than deep and meaningful. Because of this, I hard time understanding how the FMC, Lacey, could put so much trust in the new people she meets, right away (the mommune group, Simon). I guess though that was probably Weaver's way of providing a strong indicator of how desperate Lacey must've felt to establish a new life, given she just jumped right into the mommune and a new relationship right away. I figured out most of the reveals early on but there were still a few surprises that unraveled through the story. It was on the safe side but worth the read if you like lighter domestic thrillers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When a woman and her child are down and out, one step away from homelessness,, where do they go? With luck, that woman would find herself in a "mommune." Lacey has left her husband and taken her son, Elliott with her. Elliott has ADHD and until the correct medication was found for him, was a handful. So when Lacey and Elliot went to stay at her sisters, Elliott's temper got them kicked out. Lacey and Elliott found a home with three other single moms. It is a home where the mothers provide support for each other and for the children. It seemed to Lacey that the support came with no strings attached. She soon found out that help came with a price. Other than the book being a bit longer than it could have been, and slower paced than I like, it was a strong 3.5 stars which I rounded up to 4. I look forward to reading other books by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complementary digital ARC. This review is my own thoughts and not coerced in any way.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book truly resonated with me. I deeply connected with the main character, a mother leaving her husband to pursue a better life for her son, who has been diagnosed with ADHD. The father struggles to accept his son’s condition, believing punishments and labelling him as bad for his behaviour are more effective than seeking professional help and implementing a structured routine. Despite feeling lost, she finds solace in a house full of other single mothers, all navigating their own challenges.
The story revolves around a group of women who support one another, demonstrating that sometimes a village is truly needed. A touch of drama is woven throughout, illustrating that sometimes, fighting dirty might be necessary to secure what’s rightfully yours.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever grappled with self-discovery and faced the complexities of raising children who don’t fit the mold. It would make an excellent choice for a book club discussion.
The story revolves around a group of women who support one another, demonstrating that sometimes a village is truly needed. A touch of drama is woven throughout, illustrating that sometimes, fighting dirty might be necessary to secure what’s rightfully yours.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever grappled with self-discovery and faced the complexities of raising children who don’t fit the mold. It would make an excellent choice for a book club discussion.
December 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love everything Caitlin Weaver writes & this was no exception! Started it and couldn’t put it down! Lacey is planning on leaving her husband and needs a place to live with her son Elliott, so she answers an ad to move into a large house with three other women, who are also living there with their children. Think of it as a sorority house, but with adult women, and their children; everyone helping each other out, while raising their kids and forming strong friendships between each other. All of the women in the house have their secrets and when one of them comes up with a dangerous plan, it’s tough for Lacey to walk away, because it would provide security for her and Elliott in their future. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC - I really enjoyed it! Definitely check it out - published mid January!#booksbyashleynicole
I love everything Caitlin Weaver writes & this was no exception! Started it and couldn’t put it down! Lacey is planning on leaving her husband and needs a place to live with her son Elliott, so she answers an ad to move into a large house with three other women, who are also living there with their children. Think of it as a sorority house, but with adult women, and their children; everyone helping each other out, while raising their kids and forming strong friendships between each other. All of the women in the house have their secrets and when one of them comes up with a dangerous plan, it’s tough for Lacey to walk away, because it would provide security for her and Elliott in their future. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC - I really enjoyed it! Definitely check it out - published mid January!#booksbyashleynicole
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've read two other novels by Caitlin Weaver which I gave 3 out of 5 and 4 out of 5 stars. So I figured this one had to be at least a 3 star read. I was thrilled to discover that for me, The Good Mothers hits the 5 star mark. I enjoy a good family drama which throws in some suspense and a dash of mystery. This publication goes further by offering an original set of circumstances, completely dissimilar to any other I've come across. I also have a love of scenarios where good people find themselves thrown into moral or criminal dilemmas. This book delivered in spades.
I received this arc from netgalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
I received this arc from netgalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Good Mothers was a story filled with strong mothers who will do whatever it takes to protect their children. Lacey leaves her husband and has to start over from scratch. Rather than starting over alone, she finds herself part of a "mommune", a community of mothers who help each other get through the hard times and celebrate the good times. There is some shadiness that pops up but Lacey realizes she can do what it takes to keep her son safe and she's formed friendships that will help her along the way. This didn't really read as a thriller to me but it was a solid story and enjoyable read!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, author Caitlin Weaver, and Storm Publishing for the ARC and the opportunity to review this book.
Although marketed as a thriller, the novel does not strongly deliver on suspense or high stakes tension.
Instead, it reads more as general fiction, focusing on emotional depth rather than thrills. That said, the story itself is well written and thoughtfully executed.
At its core, it is a heartfelt exploration of a mother’s love and the lengths she will go to protect her child, which gives the novel its greatest impact.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publishes January 15th 2026
Although marketed as a thriller, the novel does not strongly deliver on suspense or high stakes tension.
Instead, it reads more as general fiction, focusing on emotional depth rather than thrills. That said, the story itself is well written and thoughtfully executed.
At its core, it is a heartfelt exploration of a mother’s love and the lengths she will go to protect her child, which gives the novel its greatest impact.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publishes January 15th 2026
December 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this author’s book The Perfect Plan, so I was excited to dive into this one. This is a heartfelt story about how far you’re willing to go for your children and the impossible choices that come with that kind of love, and I really liked the strong sense of community and found family aspect, along with the reminder that it often takes a village to raise children. The drama and romance kept me invested, even when things felt heavy at times.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This felt like a warm, slightly chaotic hug of a story. Lacey, a mom at the end of her rope, stumbles into a shared house full of other women just trying to hold it together and somehow they create something bigger than any of them expected. Between custody battles, exhausted late nights, and the pull of a risky decision, the book explores how found family can be just as powerful as the one you’re born into. Emotional, suspenseful, and deeply relatable, it’s a story about women choosing each other and daring to want more than survival.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an early copy of The Good Mothers. I LOVE Caitlin Weavers books, she NEVER DISAPPOINTS!!! I really did not like Lacey, something about her bugged me throughout the book even the ending. I loved Simon, he was the nicest character ever!!! I LOVED the idea of the mommune, sounds absolutely heavenly. The friendships made the book, LOVED IT ALL. Admittedly I’m a bit jealous.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book differs somewhat from other Caitlin Weaver novels I’ve read, featuring a slower pace. I appreciated the camaraderie among the women, though it felt like it took until near the end for Lacey’s story to come together. The number of significant life events she experienced in such a short period also felt somewhat unrealistic to me.
I would like to thank the publisher and author for providing me with a complimentary advanced copy. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I would like to thank the publisher and author for providing me with a complimentary advanced copy. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Did I guess at 90% of the plot? Yes
Did I still enjoy the book even with this? Also yes
I really liked the idea of the mommune, though at times I felt the words wine and peanut butter were vastly overused in that house.
It was pretty easy to see where the plot was going, but I enjoyed the ride.
The ending seemed to tie everything up quite quickly, but satisfactorily.
Enjoyable
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy
Did I still enjoy the book even with this? Also yes
I really liked the idea of the mommune, though at times I felt the words wine and peanut butter were vastly overused in that house.
It was pretty easy to see where the plot was going, but I enjoyed the ride.
The ending seemed to tie everything up quite quickly, but satisfactorily.
Enjoyable
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for the arc!
This book was super enjoyable and weirdly wholesome and inspiring, which I wasn't expecting. I loved the characters so much and the plot was pretty unique for me. It was a bit slow at times but overall I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from this author.
This book was super enjoyable and weirdly wholesome and inspiring, which I wasn't expecting. I loved the characters so much and the plot was pretty unique for me. It was a bit slow at times but overall I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from this author.
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