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You Were Right
Mary Moore and Lauren Thomas were childhood best friends. They did everything together until the summer of their twenty-third birthday when an explosive argument shattered their bond and changed everything.
Now, twenty years later, as Mary’s marriage crumbles, she learns that Lauren has been in a kayaking accident and is presumed dead. Devastated that the chance to mend what was broken is gone forever, Mary is pulled back into the past she’s done everything to avoid. An old CD filled with the soundtrack of their youth becomes both a lifeline and a torment, each song unlocking memories she’s long buried.
But as Mary digs into the life Lauren lived without her, unsettling inconsistencies begin to surface. Something doesn't seem right and the more Mary digs, the more she's convinced Lauren’s accident wasn't an accident after all.
To uncover the truth, Mary must confront not only the secrets Lauren kept, but the ones she’s kept from herself.
Now, twenty years later, as Mary’s marriage crumbles, she learns that Lauren has been in a kayaking accident and is presumed dead. Devastated that the chance to mend what was broken is gone forever, Mary is pulled back into the past she’s done everything to avoid. An old CD filled with the soundtrack of their youth becomes both a lifeline and a torment, each song unlocking memories she’s long buried.
But as Mary digs into the life Lauren lived without her, unsettling inconsistencies begin to surface. Something doesn't seem right and the more Mary digs, the more she's convinced Lauren’s accident wasn't an accident after all.
To uncover the truth, Mary must confront not only the secrets Lauren kept, but the ones she’s kept from herself.
274 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 2, 2026
About the author
Georgina Kelly
2 books19 followersAfter a publishing deal fell through just two months before release day, I decided to take matters into my own hands and self‑publish. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m only just getting started.
My comfort reads are always contemporary romance, but I have a soft spot for thrillers and historical fiction too. Non‑fiction and I are still trying to make friends… it’s a work in progress.
Off the page, I have a blended family that keeps life interesting in the best possible way. I’m a sweet‑and‑salty kind of gal—both in my cravings and my attitude—and I try not to take life too seriously.
Thanks for being here. I hope you enjoy the stories.
— GK
My comfort reads are always contemporary romance, but I have a soft spot for thrillers and historical fiction too. Non‑fiction and I are still trying to make friends… it’s a work in progress.
Off the page, I have a blended family that keeps life interesting in the best possible way. I’m a sweet‑and‑salty kind of gal—both in my cravings and my attitude—and I try not to take life too seriously.
Thanks for being here. I hope you enjoy the stories.
— GK
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Review of advance copy
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Childhood friends till their 23rd year, Mary and Lauren had a huge falling out following a betrayal. Now, two decades later, Mary, immature,selfish, and deceitful, is going through troubled waters in her marriage when she learns that Lauren has disappeared following a kayaking accident.
Determined to learn what happened, Mary decides to investigate. 3 and a half stars.
Childhood friends till their 23rd year, Mary and Lauren had a huge falling out following a betrayal. Now, two decades later, Mary, immature,selfish, and deceitful, is going through troubled waters in her marriage when she learns that Lauren has disappeared following a kayaking accident.
Determined to learn what happened, Mary decides to investigate. 3 and a half stars.
Review of advance copy
This is the first book I have read by this author and I have to say, that I was blown away by this story. As someone who has always struggled with friendships, and have had a few end in similar ways, this story hit hard.
Mary and Lauren have been best friends since grade school. Joined at the hip figurately and at time literally, they have a bond most people only find once in a lifetime. That is until their 23rd year. Lauren meets and gets engaged to Owen just months after meeting him. Mary senses there is something off with him and tried to convince her that he's not the right guy for her. It isn't long after that Lauren cuts off contact.
Twenty years later, Mary is married, with a daughter who is about to go off to college. Things between her and husband Paul haven't been that great for a while and their daughter going off to school only seems to amplify the distance that is growing. While hosting a party for her daughter, Mary gets a call that shatters her world. Her ex-best friend Lauren has been in a kayaking accident and is presumed dead. Mary can't believe it. The best friend she always thought there would be time to reconcile with is gone. She needs answers and starts looking to see if this truly was an accident. Laurens mother gives Mary a CD made of songs Lauren put together for Mary. Mary soon realizes there is a message within the songs and realizes that maybe, just maybe, Laurens disappearance wasn't an accident.
What is Lauren trying to tell her? Did Owen have something to do with it? Why can't Mary let it go?
This story was fantastically written. Its written in the format of past and present viewpoints with Mary as the narrator. I really liked having the past view as a way to show their friendship depth. I can also sympathize with losing a friend and having no real idea why. Early on you kind of hope that Lauren is somehow still alive and they will reconcile. I know probably all of us have had this kind of thing happen. Maybe not an ex-friend pass away but definitely a friendship lost to time or location. All in all, I really liked this story, and I very much look forward to seeing more from this author. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
Mary and Lauren have been best friends since grade school. Joined at the hip figurately and at time literally, they have a bond most people only find once in a lifetime. That is until their 23rd year. Lauren meets and gets engaged to Owen just months after meeting him. Mary senses there is something off with him and tried to convince her that he's not the right guy for her. It isn't long after that Lauren cuts off contact.
Twenty years later, Mary is married, with a daughter who is about to go off to college. Things between her and husband Paul haven't been that great for a while and their daughter going off to school only seems to amplify the distance that is growing. While hosting a party for her daughter, Mary gets a call that shatters her world. Her ex-best friend Lauren has been in a kayaking accident and is presumed dead. Mary can't believe it. The best friend she always thought there would be time to reconcile with is gone. She needs answers and starts looking to see if this truly was an accident. Laurens mother gives Mary a CD made of songs Lauren put together for Mary. Mary soon realizes there is a message within the songs and realizes that maybe, just maybe, Laurens disappearance wasn't an accident.
What is Lauren trying to tell her? Did Owen have something to do with it? Why can't Mary let it go?
This story was fantastically written. Its written in the format of past and present viewpoints with Mary as the narrator. I really liked having the past view as a way to show their friendship depth. I can also sympathize with losing a friend and having no real idea why. Early on you kind of hope that Lauren is somehow still alive and they will reconcile. I know probably all of us have had this kind of thing happen. Maybe not an ex-friend pass away but definitely a friendship lost to time or location. All in all, I really liked this story, and I very much look forward to seeing more from this author. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you BookSirens, and the author, Georgina Kelly, for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of You Were Right. This novel will be self-published on June 2, 2026.
Mary and Lauren were childhood best friends up until their 23rd birthday when their friendship fell apart. As Mary’s marriage faces difficulty, she learns that Lauren has had an accident that’s been presumed fatal. With minimal clues, Mary takes on the task to find out what really happened.
This was a well written story that does have heart. The bones are there to tell a great story but I think some of the execution elements detracted from that. As a reader, there is a certain degree in which you suspend belief of what’s plausible and there were a couple plot points that made this very difficult.
With Lauren’s kayaking accident, she’s presumed dead and you learn within the first twenty pages, no body is recovered. What is hard to believe is that a spouse and family would hold a memorial and funeral without that body. It’s more plausible it becomes a missing person case. It’s a precursor to where the story eventually goes but maybe if that implausibility is addressed, either by Mary or Lauren’s family, the story becomes more believable.
Second, as the story was written from Mary’s perspective, she does not come across as a likeable character making her less of a reliable narrator. Quite often, her behaviour was childish, manipulative, dishonest. If the story was written from a third-person perspective, that could change some of those negative elements to her character and still move the story forward. In contrast, Mary’s partner, Paul, came across as a genuinely likable character.
As the author is Canadian from the province of Ontario, like myself, I appreciate the Canadiana throughout the story that I recognize. From the various Canadian cities where the story takes place to the restaurants that actually exist. Personally, I love it when a Tim Horton’s Double-Double is referenced. I also found myself Googling other restaurants and checking out their menus online. Actually, I want to go to Snug Harbour for two-piece fish & chips.
This was a solid three star read.
Mary and Lauren were childhood best friends up until their 23rd birthday when their friendship fell apart. As Mary’s marriage faces difficulty, she learns that Lauren has had an accident that’s been presumed fatal. With minimal clues, Mary takes on the task to find out what really happened.
This was a well written story that does have heart. The bones are there to tell a great story but I think some of the execution elements detracted from that. As a reader, there is a certain degree in which you suspend belief of what’s plausible and there were a couple plot points that made this very difficult.
With Lauren’s kayaking accident, she’s presumed dead and you learn within the first twenty pages, no body is recovered. What is hard to believe is that a spouse and family would hold a memorial and funeral without that body. It’s more plausible it becomes a missing person case. It’s a precursor to where the story eventually goes but maybe if that implausibility is addressed, either by Mary or Lauren’s family, the story becomes more believable.
Second, as the story was written from Mary’s perspective, she does not come across as a likeable character making her less of a reliable narrator. Quite often, her behaviour was childish, manipulative, dishonest. If the story was written from a third-person perspective, that could change some of those negative elements to her character and still move the story forward. In contrast, Mary’s partner, Paul, came across as a genuinely likable character.
As the author is Canadian from the province of Ontario, like myself, I appreciate the Canadiana throughout the story that I recognize. From the various Canadian cities where the story takes place to the restaurants that actually exist. Personally, I love it when a Tim Horton’s Double-Double is referenced. I also found myself Googling other restaurants and checking out their menus online. Actually, I want to go to Snug Harbour for two-piece fish & chips.
This was a solid three star read.
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April 21, 2026ARC REVIEW
This story really sticks with you.
Mary and Lauren were once inseparable - best friends who shared everything - until one huge argument in their early twenties ended it all. No resolution, just years of silence.
Two decades later, Mary is already dealing with a failing marriage when she hears that Lauren has died in a kayaking accident. The news hits hard, especially knowing they never got the chance to fix what was broken.
As Mary looks back on their past - sparked by an old CD filled with songs from their youth - memories start coming back piece by piece. But along with the nostalgia comes doubt. The more she learns about Lauren’s life, the more things don’t add up… and it starts to feel like the accident might not have been an accident at all.
💭 My thoughts:
This isn’t just a mystery - it’s really about regret, friendship, and the emotional weight of things left unsaid. The story takes its time, focusing on Mary’s memories and feelings while slowly building suspense.
I loved how music was used to connect the past and present - it made everything feel more personal and a little haunting. And while there is a mystery to solve, the heart of the story is really about what went wrong between them.
If you enjoy slower, character-focused stories with a bit of mystery, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thanks @booksirens and @georginakellywrites for the opportunity to be an advanced reader.
This story really sticks with you.
Mary and Lauren were once inseparable - best friends who shared everything - until one huge argument in their early twenties ended it all. No resolution, just years of silence.
Two decades later, Mary is already dealing with a failing marriage when she hears that Lauren has died in a kayaking accident. The news hits hard, especially knowing they never got the chance to fix what was broken.
As Mary looks back on their past - sparked by an old CD filled with songs from their youth - memories start coming back piece by piece. But along with the nostalgia comes doubt. The more she learns about Lauren’s life, the more things don’t add up… and it starts to feel like the accident might not have been an accident at all.
💭 My thoughts:
This isn’t just a mystery - it’s really about regret, friendship, and the emotional weight of things left unsaid. The story takes its time, focusing on Mary’s memories and feelings while slowly building suspense.
I loved how music was used to connect the past and present - it made everything feel more personal and a little haunting. And while there is a mystery to solve, the heart of the story is really about what went wrong between them.
If you enjoy slower, character-focused stories with a bit of mystery, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thanks @booksirens and @georginakellywrites for the opportunity to be an advanced reader.
Review of advance copy
I completed an ARC read of You Were Right by Georgina Kelly, a work of literary fiction that explores grief, friendship, and the turning points of midlife. Mary finds herself at a crossroads: her twenty-year marriage is unraveling after her husband’s indiscretion, and her only daughter is preparing to leave for college, forcing both of them to confront what comes next.
When Mary learns that her childhood best friend, Lauren, has died, long-buried pain resurfaces. Their friendship ended abruptly years ago, and Mary is left with unresolved guilt and questions. In an unexpected final gesture, Lauren leaves Mary a mixtape tied to key moments from their shared past. As Mary uncovers a hidden message in the tape, she realizes that not everything about Lauren’s death is as it seems.
I found myself most engaged in the present-day chapters, where Mary tries to piece together the puzzle of Laurens life and death with her husband's support. While the childhood chapters effectively establish the depth of Mary and Lauren’s friendship, the mystery in the present timeline was especially compelling.
Overall, I rated this novel four stars.
When Mary learns that her childhood best friend, Lauren, has died, long-buried pain resurfaces. Their friendship ended abruptly years ago, and Mary is left with unresolved guilt and questions. In an unexpected final gesture, Lauren leaves Mary a mixtape tied to key moments from their shared past. As Mary uncovers a hidden message in the tape, she realizes that not everything about Lauren’s death is as it seems.
I found myself most engaged in the present-day chapters, where Mary tries to piece together the puzzle of Laurens life and death with her husband's support. While the childhood chapters effectively establish the depth of Mary and Lauren’s friendship, the mystery in the present timeline was especially compelling.
Overall, I rated this novel four stars.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this story. I was expecting a thriller and got more of a deep friendship story with some mystery. Had I known going in, I probably wouldn't have read this, and I would have missed out. Mary is middle-aged and facing her daughter going off to college and a faltering marriage. To add to that, her estranged childhood best friend, Lauren has disappeared while kayaking. They had some sort of falling out at age 23 and haven't really spoken since. Lauren leaves Mary a mixtape and Mary feels there is a message in there. The story of what happened doesn't sit right with Mary, so she decides to investigate on her own. The friendship between these two women was so wonderful that I felt as if I was part of their group as I read along. I loved the playlist aspect and the 90's feel. I am also an American and enjoyed the peek at life in Canada. My only issue was that Lauren's body was not found and within a matter of a few weeks, there was a funeral. I'd be pretty upset if my family did that! But I get that this had to happen to get the story moving, so I'm overlooking that little bit. I do look forward to more from this author.
Review of advance copy
I received an advanced copy of this book for free and I am so glad I was chosen. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is about friendship, not your average heartbreak, and a once-in-a-lifetime bond that reminds me so much of the book Firefly Lane. I genuinely didn’t want it to end.
I’ve been searching for a story that captures friendship the way Firefly Lane did and this is it, maybe even more. The depth of love, the history vs. current events, and the shared secrets, it all felt real and relevant. The 90s and Y2K nostalgia adds another fabulous layer to the book as I was also a teenager in the 90s. The chapter titles, the moments, the feeling of growing up and being a third friend right alongside them.
One lie that caused 20 years of damage. The love between Mary and Lauren shows at the end of the day real friendships can last anything. But for real, the fact that Firefly Lane is even mentioned in the story completely cements the vibe. If you love epic, emotional, decade-spanning friendship stories, this one will absolutely stay with you. 💛
This book is about friendship, not your average heartbreak, and a once-in-a-lifetime bond that reminds me so much of the book Firefly Lane. I genuinely didn’t want it to end.
I’ve been searching for a story that captures friendship the way Firefly Lane did and this is it, maybe even more. The depth of love, the history vs. current events, and the shared secrets, it all felt real and relevant. The 90s and Y2K nostalgia adds another fabulous layer to the book as I was also a teenager in the 90s. The chapter titles, the moments, the feeling of growing up and being a third friend right alongside them.
One lie that caused 20 years of damage. The love between Mary and Lauren shows at the end of the day real friendships can last anything. But for real, the fact that Firefly Lane is even mentioned in the story completely cements the vibe. If you love epic, emotional, decade-spanning friendship stories, this one will absolutely stay with you. 💛
May 15, 2026
I expected a little more of a thriller but could not put this one down!
Mary & Lauren, while flawed, were very likable. While Mary believes her friendship with Lauren has deteriorated beyond repair (having not spoken for 20 years), she still feels the need to find closure and makes some discoveries along the way. I admired her determination to figure out the truth even though Lauren’s family wanted nothing to do with her.
I enjoyed the dual timelines as well. While the present day chapters moved the story along I felt the past chapters really helped paint a picture of how close the girls were before they’re falling out, making it feel like a more realistic read.
I thought I had the ending figured out but the twist at the end was surprising yet pleasant, though slightly unsatisfying.
Overall I would give this 4 stars! Thanks to BookSirens & the author for a free advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Mary & Lauren, while flawed, were very likable. While Mary believes her friendship with Lauren has deteriorated beyond repair (having not spoken for 20 years), she still feels the need to find closure and makes some discoveries along the way. I admired her determination to figure out the truth even though Lauren’s family wanted nothing to do with her.
I enjoyed the dual timelines as well. While the present day chapters moved the story along I felt the past chapters really helped paint a picture of how close the girls were before they’re falling out, making it feel like a more realistic read.
I thought I had the ending figured out but the twist at the end was surprising yet pleasant, though slightly unsatisfying.
Overall I would give this 4 stars! Thanks to BookSirens & the author for a free advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy
ARC Review—From BookSirens
You Were Right by Georgina Kelly
Star Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: June 2nd, 2026
Genre: Domestic Thriller/Mystery
Format: Digital
This was about two childhood best friends and a fractured friendship. 20 years later Mary has a marriage that is rough and her and her husband is falling apart and within that problem she finds out that her former best friend Lauren has been presumed dead. She doesn’t take this lightly and she decides that something is really wrong, so she does her own little investigation to try to get to the real truth of what happened even though she had doubts about it but she didn’t give up. This to me was more of a slowish burn mystery not very thrilling I was expecting more from Lauren’s controlling husband towards Mary but nothing really happens in that regard. It was a good read though, I liked the ending as well.
You Were Right by Georgina Kelly
Star Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: June 2nd, 2026
Genre: Domestic Thriller/Mystery
Format: Digital
This was about two childhood best friends and a fractured friendship. 20 years later Mary has a marriage that is rough and her and her husband is falling apart and within that problem she finds out that her former best friend Lauren has been presumed dead. She doesn’t take this lightly and she decides that something is really wrong, so she does her own little investigation to try to get to the real truth of what happened even though she had doubts about it but she didn’t give up. This to me was more of a slowish burn mystery not very thrilling I was expecting more from Lauren’s controlling husband towards Mary but nothing really happens in that regard. It was a good read though, I liked the ending as well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this story, and as the twists came, I had hoped for a certain ending, so I was happy when that is how it ended! I found the story easy to get invested in, and the characters were relatable. I feel bad for Mary. She was hit on all sides at once! I have a difficult time with OW plots - that's a personal preference.
The dual time narrative works well. Learning more about the girl's history brings it all together to demonstrate how deeply rooted both the betrayal would have felt, and why Mary had the determination to seek answers.
I look forward to reading more of Georgina's books!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The dual time narrative works well. Learning more about the girl's history brings it all together to demonstrate how deeply rooted both the betrayal would have felt, and why Mary had the determination to seek answers.
I look forward to reading more of Georgina's books!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Lauren and Mary are best friends-inseparable until a betrayal in their 20’s. Fast forward to years later, as Mary has to search for her friend when she is reported missing. Do Lauren and Mary still know each other as well as they once did, or will hurt feelings be too much to overcome.?Mary must follow her heart to find her friend, and heal in the process.
A story of mistakes made and relationships reformed- this is a great read.
I received an advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
A story of mistakes made and relationships reformed- this is a great read.
I received an advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is well written, and a very easy read. The plot draws you in easily, I found myself thinking about what came next whenever I was in between chapters. The emotional journey of the FMC draws your attention, and with an accompanying playlist, you are drawn right into the story and emotional aspect of each chapter. This book will have you smiling, crying, dancing and humming along!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
This is reasonably well written with good background and fill on the narrative character. That does not mean I actually like her. I also found the ending to be less than realistic. This is an easy read that many readers will find easy to connect with.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 1, 2026
I received an advance copy courtesy of the author and Book Sirens.
Mary and Lauren were inseparable until their early 20s. Then, suddenly, an argument ended their friendship, leaving the damage irreparable. Fast forward 20 years. Mary is in an unhappy marriage when she learns that Lauren is missing, presumed dead, after a kayaking accident. Though they haven't spoken for years, Mary is deeply affected and feels the need to dig back into what she turned her back on all those years ago. What she discovers is far beyond what went wrong in their 20s...
A tale of friendship, secrets, lies, betrayal, and forgiveness, written in both the present and the past, this was, for the most part, a fast-paced story that had me hooked from the start. I preferred the present-day storyline, but I appreciate how the past was necessary to understand the present. The present-day characters felt more developed and easier to relate to. I nearly didn't see the plot twist - found myself thinking "Could it be...?" One must suspend disbelief a little with how the story ends but isn't that the point of a great escapist read? :)
There was definitely a lot more going on than the blurb led me to believe! I especially loved the 90s musical references (they are a lovely and unique way for the timeline to progress!). A compelling read!
Mary and Lauren were inseparable until their early 20s. Then, suddenly, an argument ended their friendship, leaving the damage irreparable. Fast forward 20 years. Mary is in an unhappy marriage when she learns that Lauren is missing, presumed dead, after a kayaking accident. Though they haven't spoken for years, Mary is deeply affected and feels the need to dig back into what she turned her back on all those years ago. What she discovers is far beyond what went wrong in their 20s...
A tale of friendship, secrets, lies, betrayal, and forgiveness, written in both the present and the past, this was, for the most part, a fast-paced story that had me hooked from the start. I preferred the present-day storyline, but I appreciate how the past was necessary to understand the present. The present-day characters felt more developed and easier to relate to. I nearly didn't see the plot twist - found myself thinking "Could it be...?" One must suspend disbelief a little with how the story ends but isn't that the point of a great escapist read? :)
There was definitely a lot more going on than the blurb led me to believe! I especially loved the 90s musical references (they are a lovely and unique way for the timeline to progress!). A compelling read!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews