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The Pact
You made a promise to your sister. It could destroy your daughter.
The Daughter
15-year-old Rosie lies in hospital fighting for her life. She’s trying to tell her mother what happened to her, and how she got there, but she can’t speak the words out loud.
The Mother
Rosie’s mother Toni has a secret. She had a traumatic childhood, and she and her sister Bridget made each other a promise thirty years ago: that they could never speak the truth about what happened to them as children, and that they would protect each other without asking for help from others, no matter what…
Rosie was Toni’s second chance to get things right: a happy, talented girl with her whole life ahead of her. Having lost her husband in a tragic accident, Toni has dedicated her life to keeping Rosie safe from harm.
But Rosie has plans that her mother doesn’t know about. She has dreams and ambitions – of love, of a career, of a life beyond the sheltered existence that her mother has created for her. But the secrets Rosie has been keeping have now put her life in danger.
The Pact
In order to save Rosie, Toni may have to break her lifelong promise to her sister… and open doors to her past she hoped would remain closed forever.
The Daughter
15-year-old Rosie lies in hospital fighting for her life. She’s trying to tell her mother what happened to her, and how she got there, but she can’t speak the words out loud.
The Mother
Rosie’s mother Toni has a secret. She had a traumatic childhood, and she and her sister Bridget made each other a promise thirty years ago: that they could never speak the truth about what happened to them as children, and that they would protect each other without asking for help from others, no matter what…
Rosie was Toni’s second chance to get things right: a happy, talented girl with her whole life ahead of her. Having lost her husband in a tragic accident, Toni has dedicated her life to keeping Rosie safe from harm.
But Rosie has plans that her mother doesn’t know about. She has dreams and ambitions – of love, of a career, of a life beyond the sheltered existence that her mother has created for her. But the secrets Rosie has been keeping have now put her life in danger.
The Pact
In order to save Rosie, Toni may have to break her lifelong promise to her sister… and open doors to her past she hoped would remain closed forever.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2018
1458 people are currently reading
2211 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Lynes
20 books829 followersS. E. Lynes is the #1 Amazon best selling author of THE HOUSEWARMING, and 'intelligent and haunting' psychological thrillers, VALENTINA, MOTHER, THE PACT, THE PROPOSAL, THE WOMEN, THE LIES WE HIDE, CAN YOU SEE HER? and HER SISTER'S SECRET
Formerly a BBC producer, after gaining an MA in Creative Writing, she became a Creative Writing Tutor at Richmond Adult Community College and now combines writing, mentoring and lecturing. She has also published three children's books in Italy.
Formerly a BBC producer, after gaining an MA in Creative Writing, she became a Creative Writing Tutor at Richmond Adult Community College and now combines writing, mentoring and lecturing. She has also published three children's books in Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
March 1, 2018
4 slow burning stars🌟🌟🌟🌟 this is not a fast-paced page turning psychological thriller.... it is more of a slow burning character study.... A study of relationships between women and in particular that of mother and daughter.....
Rosie is your typical teenage girl wanting that taste of freedom.... Toni is her very overprotective mother fighting her every step of the way.... Aunt Bridge is sometimes the voice of reason, but because she knows Toni’s secrets she does understand where she’s coming from..... how do you let your daughter spread her wings when your experience was so ugly?
The story is told from the perspective of the above named characters.... it is told from present and flashback scenes.... and a lot of it is The characters inner dialogue.... Rosie in particular..... I really enjoyed Rosie’s inner dialogue.... I think the author did a really good job with capturing a teenager.... however she did sound exactly like an American teenager..... I had no idea the British use the word like as much as we do in California..... seriously if I had a dollar for every time I said the word like in a day I’d probably be rich by the end of it, hard habit to break, for sure!
My favorite part of the book was the interaction between these three girls/women you knew how much they loved and were there for each other..... and parenting is tough, the more rules you lay down, the more likely your child will be dishonest with you.... if Rosie hadn’t had to sneak around she might have shared some of these things with her mother and avoided a lot of what happened in this book..... but hind sight is always 20/20 isn’t it?
The twist in this book was fairly predictable, even I figured it out and this is rare.... but I did really enjoy the relationships and characters in this book... I also found the book very thought-provoking especially in regards to questions of motherhood, teenagers, and social media.... social media played a huge part in this book.... it really is a different world from when I grew up never needed to worry about how many likes I got.....
I recommend this if you are in the mood for a slow burning character driven book that will make you think....
*** thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book ***
Rosie is your typical teenage girl wanting that taste of freedom.... Toni is her very overprotective mother fighting her every step of the way.... Aunt Bridge is sometimes the voice of reason, but because she knows Toni’s secrets she does understand where she’s coming from..... how do you let your daughter spread her wings when your experience was so ugly?
The story is told from the perspective of the above named characters.... it is told from present and flashback scenes.... and a lot of it is The characters inner dialogue.... Rosie in particular..... I really enjoyed Rosie’s inner dialogue.... I think the author did a really good job with capturing a teenager.... however she did sound exactly like an American teenager..... I had no idea the British use the word like as much as we do in California..... seriously if I had a dollar for every time I said the word like in a day I’d probably be rich by the end of it, hard habit to break, for sure!
My favorite part of the book was the interaction between these three girls/women you knew how much they loved and were there for each other..... and parenting is tough, the more rules you lay down, the more likely your child will be dishonest with you.... if Rosie hadn’t had to sneak around she might have shared some of these things with her mother and avoided a lot of what happened in this book..... but hind sight is always 20/20 isn’t it?
The twist in this book was fairly predictable, even I figured it out and this is rare.... but I did really enjoy the relationships and characters in this book... I also found the book very thought-provoking especially in regards to questions of motherhood, teenagers, and social media.... social media played a huge part in this book.... it really is a different world from when I grew up never needed to worry about how many likes I got.....
I recommend this if you are in the mood for a slow burning character driven book that will make you think....
*** thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book ***
February 18, 2018
3.5 stars
The Pact is about promises and secrets.
"We think we've got over things, don't we? We think we've made our peace with trauma, that we're strong again. We keep going, we smile, we manage day to day. Then something comes along, something so very small compared to things we've faced before, something we think we can more than handle, and it floors us once more. And we realize we're not strong after all. The fault lines have not healed over. We're not living, not really. We're still surviving."
Rosie is a 15-year-old girl who is lying in the hospital in a coma. She has been sheltered for most of her life. Her Mother, Toni, has tried to protect her and keep her safe. Due to her Mother's strict rules and constant hovering, Rosie has secrets of her own. She communicates with friends and a "possible" suitor on social media. Knowing that her Mother checks up on her, she has secrets accounts and is not always honest about where she is going or who she is going to meet.
Toni, Rosie's Mother has secrets as well. She had a traumatic childhood which she wants to keep secret from her daughter. Her sister, Bridget, knows the truth and has vowed to never discuss the past with her. Toni sees her daughter as happy and talented. She believes her daughter will have a good life, if only Toni can keep her safe. When Rosie is approached by a talent scout, will this be a chance at a bright future? Will she be an entertainer like her Aunt Bridget?
What happens when one has secrets? How does a traumatic past shape our future, our relationships and the choices we make? What role does social media have in our lives? As the story progresses, the reader learns about Toni's past, about Rosie's use of social media, about secrets hopes and dreams, about deception and about the hidden dangers which exist in the world. This book flows between the past, the not so distant past and the present effortlessly. I found it very easy to follow and over the course of the book, several gaps are filled in for the reader. There were some sections which I wished would have moved along a little faster but overall, I felt this book was well written and thought out. There are some twists and turns along the way that kept the story interesting.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
The Pact is about promises and secrets.
"We think we've got over things, don't we? We think we've made our peace with trauma, that we're strong again. We keep going, we smile, we manage day to day. Then something comes along, something so very small compared to things we've faced before, something we think we can more than handle, and it floors us once more. And we realize we're not strong after all. The fault lines have not healed over. We're not living, not really. We're still surviving."
Rosie is a 15-year-old girl who is lying in the hospital in a coma. She has been sheltered for most of her life. Her Mother, Toni, has tried to protect her and keep her safe. Due to her Mother's strict rules and constant hovering, Rosie has secrets of her own. She communicates with friends and a "possible" suitor on social media. Knowing that her Mother checks up on her, she has secrets accounts and is not always honest about where she is going or who she is going to meet.
Toni, Rosie's Mother has secrets as well. She had a traumatic childhood which she wants to keep secret from her daughter. Her sister, Bridget, knows the truth and has vowed to never discuss the past with her. Toni sees her daughter as happy and talented. She believes her daughter will have a good life, if only Toni can keep her safe. When Rosie is approached by a talent scout, will this be a chance at a bright future? Will she be an entertainer like her Aunt Bridget?
What happens when one has secrets? How does a traumatic past shape our future, our relationships and the choices we make? What role does social media have in our lives? As the story progresses, the reader learns about Toni's past, about Rosie's use of social media, about secrets hopes and dreams, about deception and about the hidden dangers which exist in the world. This book flows between the past, the not so distant past and the present effortlessly. I found it very easy to follow and over the course of the book, several gaps are filled in for the reader. There were some sections which I wished would have moved along a little faster but overall, I felt this book was well written and thought out. There are some twists and turns along the way that kept the story interesting.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
March 1, 2018
EXCERPT: In the cafe, his breath on my face. His face in my face. His dirty glasses make me feel sick, Mummy. Can you hear me? I can feel you near. I am here in the cafe but it's not now, it's. . . When is this? I am today. I am this morning. I am now. I am in two moments in time, traveling but not traveling. Being. I can feel the pillow under my head. I can see the water above me. . . I am lying under the dark, the weeds. . . the hard seat hurts my bottom. . . not enough padding you say. . . when do you say that? Did you hear me say that to myself? My mouth is dry, Mummy, but I 'm not thirsty. He is sitting too close too close too close. I want to call you, Mummy. . . you are near but you are foggy. I can't shout to you. I can't call you. I left my phone in the. . . I ran out in a rage. . . You are such a pain, you won't leave me alone. I was so pissed off with you, but now I need you and I can't call you. You're always nagging me to call, and I don't want to have to call all the time but now I do - I do want to call and I do have the time, but I can't call because I left my phone in the flat I can't I can't I can't. Mummy, help me, help me, help me. . .
ABOUT THIS BOOK: You made a promise to your sister. It could destroy your daughter.
The Daughter
15-year-old Rosie lies in hospital fighting for her life. She’s trying to tell her mother what happened to her, and how she got there, but she can’t speak the words out loud.
The Mother
Rosie’s mother Toni has a secret. She had a traumatic childhood, and she and her sister Bridget made each other a promise thirty years ago: that they could never speak the truth about what happened to them as children, and that they would protect each other without asking for help from others, no matter what…
Rosie was Toni’s second chance to get things right: a happy, talented girl with her whole life ahead of her. Having lost her husband in a tragic accident, Toni has dedicated her life to keeping Rosie safe from harm.
But Rosie has plans that her mother doesn’t know about. She has dreams and ambitions – of love, of a career, of a life beyond the sheltered existence that her mother has created for her. But the secrets Rosie has been keeping have now put her life in danger.
The Pact
In order to save Rosie, Toni may have to break her lifelong promise to her sister… and open doors to her past she hoped would remain closed forever.
MY THOUGHTS: OMG! OMG! OMG! I just loved this book!
The Pact by S. E. Lynes builds slowly to a breathtaking, heart pounding, edge of the seat, white knuckled climax. I don't know how I can do this book justice.
Lynes grabs your attention from the beginning with a scene that is not fully explained until the end of the book. The story is told from three points of view, that of Rosie, Rosie’s mum Toni, and Toni’s sister Bridget. All three have been touched by tragedies, and have formed a tight knit supportive triangle to the exclusion of everyone else. And Toni and Bridget have a pact, one made a long time ago, before Rosie was even born.
Lynes has perfectly captured not only the struggle between a teenage girl, fighting for just a little of the freedom her friends have, and her protective mother, frightened by her own experiences and determined to prevent her daughter from making the same mistakes, but the burgeoning desires of a first love.
How far will Toni go to keep Rosie safe? How far will Rosie go to get what she wants? And just how far will Bridget go to protect those she loves?
Warning: plan on reading this uninterrupted. Once The Pact gets its hooks into you, you won't want to put it down.
Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of The Pact by S. E. Lynes for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: You made a promise to your sister. It could destroy your daughter.
The Daughter
15-year-old Rosie lies in hospital fighting for her life. She’s trying to tell her mother what happened to her, and how she got there, but she can’t speak the words out loud.
The Mother
Rosie’s mother Toni has a secret. She had a traumatic childhood, and she and her sister Bridget made each other a promise thirty years ago: that they could never speak the truth about what happened to them as children, and that they would protect each other without asking for help from others, no matter what…
Rosie was Toni’s second chance to get things right: a happy, talented girl with her whole life ahead of her. Having lost her husband in a tragic accident, Toni has dedicated her life to keeping Rosie safe from harm.
But Rosie has plans that her mother doesn’t know about. She has dreams and ambitions – of love, of a career, of a life beyond the sheltered existence that her mother has created for her. But the secrets Rosie has been keeping have now put her life in danger.
The Pact
In order to save Rosie, Toni may have to break her lifelong promise to her sister… and open doors to her past she hoped would remain closed forever.
MY THOUGHTS: OMG! OMG! OMG! I just loved this book!
The Pact by S. E. Lynes builds slowly to a breathtaking, heart pounding, edge of the seat, white knuckled climax. I don't know how I can do this book justice.
Lynes grabs your attention from the beginning with a scene that is not fully explained until the end of the book. The story is told from three points of view, that of Rosie, Rosie’s mum Toni, and Toni’s sister Bridget. All three have been touched by tragedies, and have formed a tight knit supportive triangle to the exclusion of everyone else. And Toni and Bridget have a pact, one made a long time ago, before Rosie was even born.
Lynes has perfectly captured not only the struggle between a teenage girl, fighting for just a little of the freedom her friends have, and her protective mother, frightened by her own experiences and determined to prevent her daughter from making the same mistakes, but the burgeoning desires of a first love.
How far will Toni go to keep Rosie safe? How far will Rosie go to get what she wants? And just how far will Bridget go to protect those she loves?
Warning: plan on reading this uninterrupted. Once The Pact gets its hooks into you, you won't want to put it down.
Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of The Pact by S. E. Lynes for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
March 1, 2018
THE PACT by S.E. Lynes is a psychological thriller, that that follows how far one would go to protect their child. I just loved this book!
The story revolves around the main three characters Bridget, her sister Toni and Toni's daughter Rosie and a binding pact made between the sisters 30 years ago about their abusive childhood…to remain a secret between the siblings.
How Far would you go to protect your loved ones? A promise made to a sister. It could destroy the daughter.
15-year-old Rosie lies in hospital fighting for her life. She’s trying to tell her mother what happened to her, and how she got there, but she can’t speak the words out loud.
Rosie’s mother Toni has a secret. She had a traumatic childhood, and she and her sister Bridget made each other a promise thirty years ago: that they could never speak the truth about what happened to them as children.
Having lost her husband in a tragic accident, Toni has dedicated her life to keeping Rosie safe from harm.
Rosie is fifteen years old, and has dreams and ambitions…of love and a career, but thanks to her mother's overprotectiveness, she has lived a sheltered and naïve upbringing.
But Rosie has been keeping secrets from her mother and aunt which could now put her life in danger.
In order to save Rosie, Toni may have to break her lifelong promise to her sister… and open doors to her past she hoped would remain closed forever.
The Pact by S. E. Lynes builds slowly with information released on a need-to-know basis, building up to a major climax. The story is told from three points of view, that of Rosie, Rosie’s mum Toni, and Toni’s sister Bridget. All three have been touched by heartbreaks. The characters are captivating and relevant, the writing is superb.
Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for my copy.
The story revolves around the main three characters Bridget, her sister Toni and Toni's daughter Rosie and a binding pact made between the sisters 30 years ago about their abusive childhood…to remain a secret between the siblings.
How Far would you go to protect your loved ones? A promise made to a sister. It could destroy the daughter.
15-year-old Rosie lies in hospital fighting for her life. She’s trying to tell her mother what happened to her, and how she got there, but she can’t speak the words out loud.
Rosie’s mother Toni has a secret. She had a traumatic childhood, and she and her sister Bridget made each other a promise thirty years ago: that they could never speak the truth about what happened to them as children.
Having lost her husband in a tragic accident, Toni has dedicated her life to keeping Rosie safe from harm.
Rosie is fifteen years old, and has dreams and ambitions…of love and a career, but thanks to her mother's overprotectiveness, she has lived a sheltered and naïve upbringing.
But Rosie has been keeping secrets from her mother and aunt which could now put her life in danger.
In order to save Rosie, Toni may have to break her lifelong promise to her sister… and open doors to her past she hoped would remain closed forever.
The Pact by S. E. Lynes builds slowly with information released on a need-to-know basis, building up to a major climax. The story is told from three points of view, that of Rosie, Rosie’s mum Toni, and Toni’s sister Bridget. All three have been touched by heartbreaks. The characters are captivating and relevant, the writing is superb.
Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for my copy.
June 29, 2023
This is a very emotional story about two sisters and a daughter/niece.
Today social media is everything for young people, even children, who start very early to show online their private lives and are not aware of the danger that it can cause.
15-year-old Rosie is a shy girl and her mother Toni is very strict with her about FB and other social media platforms. Toni has a secret from her childhood when she was molested by her uncle. Only her sister Bridget helped her to escape and is looking after Toni especially after a car accident when was killed Stan, Toni's husband and Rosie's father. They have a pact to look after each other and not involve the police in their lives.
Rosie meets online a nice-looking boy Ollie and falls in love. But she doesn't want her mother to find out about it. She tries to keep it secret, but events take a dramatic turn and the family is again in turmoil.
The story is told from a few points of view and is full of emotions. I was holding it tight, but at a moment I cried. The language of the book is well developed and some characters at the beginning look annoying, but later the reader understands why it happens.
Of course, parents should look after their children, but as children grow up they need to give them more freedom if they want to have their trust.
Today social media is everything for young people, even children, who start very early to show online their private lives and are not aware of the danger that it can cause.
15-year-old Rosie is a shy girl and her mother Toni is very strict with her about FB and other social media platforms. Toni has a secret from her childhood when she was molested by her uncle. Only her sister Bridget helped her to escape and is looking after Toni especially after a car accident when was killed Stan, Toni's husband and Rosie's father. They have a pact to look after each other and not involve the police in their lives.
Rosie meets online a nice-looking boy Ollie and falls in love. But she doesn't want her mother to find out about it. She tries to keep it secret, but events take a dramatic turn and the family is again in turmoil.
The story is told from a few points of view and is full of emotions. I was holding it tight, but at a moment I cried. The language of the book is well developed and some characters at the beginning look annoying, but later the reader understands why it happens.
Of course, parents should look after their children, but as children grow up they need to give them more freedom if they want to have their trust.
February 23, 2018
For all my reviews, visit my blog at http://ladyjbookishnook.blogspot.com
WOW! I can’t stop thinking about The Pact by S.E. Lynes. This is a story about two sisters, Toni and Bridget, who formed a pact 30 years ago when they were children. The promise to one another was they could never speak the truth about their abusive childhood, and they would always protect one another without involving others.
The author grabbed my attention at the very beginning and brilliantly kept me on the edge of my seat as I tried to figure out what was going on. You know that something bad has happened and little by little the layers are peeled away to reveal more. I loved all three of the main characters, Toni, Bridget, and Rosie (Toni’s teenage daughter). Through these characters you are able to see how childhood abuse affects each of them in different ways over a period of many years. Each chapter was told from a different point of view. I did find I needed to be focused while reading because of the way it would switch from points of view as well as back and forth in time.
Overall I thought this was a very perplexing and cleverly written thriller. The author did a great job telling the character’s troubled backstories. The build-up to the ending was amazing. The truth is carefully masked right up to the novel’s conclusion and the little twist at the end was totally unexpected. I would definitely read more from S.E. Lynes and recommend The Pact to anyone who loves a good psychological thriller. Five out of five stars for The Pact!!!
Thank you S.E. Lynes, Bookouture, and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy of this book to read.
March 3, 2018
4☆ An Intriguing Read!
The pact is a story of family loyalty and how far you would go to protect them.
It was thrilling, intriguing, kept me enthralled.
The start of the pact we see sisters Toni and Bridget burying something.
The story is told in 3 points of view. Rosie who is trapped in a coma, Toni (Rosie's Mother) and Aunty Bridget.
I loved Rosie's story although her memories did get a lil disjointed as she tried to break out of her coma. Each one gave us a great insight into her life and just how she comes to be in a coma.
Rosie is your typical teenager she's moody, secretive, and just wants to have fun, as she makes her way towards 16 she wants to do what her friends are doing, partying.
But Rosie has her own secrets. Secrets her mum is yet to uncover!
Toni is very over protective, which can come across as suffocating to Rosie. But Toni has secrets and it's no wonder she acts the way she does. As her past growing up was very Abusive.
Bridget is the glue that holds them all together. She is fun Aunt to Rosie and helps Rosie to have a little more freedom.
Yet she is supportive and the edge of reason to her sister Toni. They have been through so much together. A pact for life.
The pact is a well written character driven story that gives you insight into family relationships and what happens when you have secrets.
There is a nice mix of twists and turns.
This isn't a fast paced read, it's a slow anf steady paced read that packs a punch.
Thank you to Bookouture for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
The pact is a story of family loyalty and how far you would go to protect them.
It was thrilling, intriguing, kept me enthralled.
The start of the pact we see sisters Toni and Bridget burying something.
The story is told in 3 points of view. Rosie who is trapped in a coma, Toni (Rosie's Mother) and Aunty Bridget.
I loved Rosie's story although her memories did get a lil disjointed as she tried to break out of her coma. Each one gave us a great insight into her life and just how she comes to be in a coma.
Rosie is your typical teenager she's moody, secretive, and just wants to have fun, as she makes her way towards 16 she wants to do what her friends are doing, partying.
But Rosie has her own secrets. Secrets her mum is yet to uncover!
Toni is very over protective, which can come across as suffocating to Rosie. But Toni has secrets and it's no wonder she acts the way she does. As her past growing up was very Abusive.
Bridget is the glue that holds them all together. She is fun Aunt to Rosie and helps Rosie to have a little more freedom.
Yet she is supportive and the edge of reason to her sister Toni. They have been through so much together. A pact for life.
The pact is a well written character driven story that gives you insight into family relationships and what happens when you have secrets.
There is a nice mix of twists and turns.
This isn't a fast paced read, it's a slow anf steady paced read that packs a punch.
Thank you to Bookouture for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
February 24, 2018
The Pact by S.E. Lynes is a psychological thriller that brings in how far one would go to protect their child. This one is an extremely slow burning thriller that begins with letting readers know that somehow this young teen has ended up in the hospital with her mother at her side.
Told by flashing back to the events leading up to how in the world this girl ended up fighting for her life the story moved along slowly. As the suspense builds it comes to be known that Toni was an overbearing mother not allowing her daughter many freedoms in an effort to protect her which has backfired into Rosie keeping too many secrets at an attempt to have some teenage fun.
Also during the time that the book is flashing back to Rosie’s activities with Toni’s attempts to protect her daughter and her sister Bridge’s attempts to loosen Toni’s reign the author starts introducing the sister’s past which led to who they are now when raising Rosie the way they had been.
For me this one was just so incredibly slow that it was tough to be interested for the first half of the book. It’s not really until 60-70% or so that the story picks up the pace a bit and really starts unraveling what has happened as all of the secrets came crashing down. There were also parts that I’d guessed early on with so few characters involved so I wasn’t overly surprised so in the end this one was just an OK read for me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Told by flashing back to the events leading up to how in the world this girl ended up fighting for her life the story moved along slowly. As the suspense builds it comes to be known that Toni was an overbearing mother not allowing her daughter many freedoms in an effort to protect her which has backfired into Rosie keeping too many secrets at an attempt to have some teenage fun.
Also during the time that the book is flashing back to Rosie’s activities with Toni’s attempts to protect her daughter and her sister Bridge’s attempts to loosen Toni’s reign the author starts introducing the sister’s past which led to who they are now when raising Rosie the way they had been.
For me this one was just so incredibly slow that it was tough to be interested for the first half of the book. It’s not really until 60-70% or so that the story picks up the pace a bit and really starts unraveling what has happened as all of the secrets came crashing down. There were also parts that I’d guessed early on with so few characters involved so I wasn’t overly surprised so in the end this one was just an OK read for me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
February 17, 2018
To say I loved this book is a bit of an understatement. I gobbled it up like a hungry person presented with a roast dinner (my favourite meal)!! No spoilers here but the story centres on the main three characters Bridget, her sister Toni and Toni's daughter Rosie and a pact made many years ago. The relationship drawn between these three characters was truly masterful in its authenticity. The exploration of social media and its pitfalls was both intriguing and familiar. I found myself whizzing through all the chapters but I especially loved Rosie's chapters which were compelling. I adore this author's writing style which is unique and inspired. Although I wanted to get to the end of the book I also felt as though when I turned that last page I was walking away from good friends that I had come to know very well. If you haven't read this author's work I heartily recommend you read both this one and Mother.
January 26, 2018
I received a free e-copy of The Pack by S.E. Lynes from NetGalley for my honest review.
A psychological thriller. A story of two sisters (Toni and Bridget) who have a pact. Toni has secrets about her childhood that only Bridget knows and they are to never speak about it. Rosie, the daughter of Toni, is a 15 year old girl. Toni's goal in life is to raise Rosie, keep her safe and protect her. Toni is so protective is is over-bearing. Now, Rosie is in the hospital fighting for her life. She is trying to talk to her mother and let her know what happened to her, but she isn't speaking out loud. She is only talking in her head. Will breaking the pact and telling Rosie about her past save Rosie?
A psychological thriller. A story of two sisters (Toni and Bridget) who have a pact. Toni has secrets about her childhood that only Bridget knows and they are to never speak about it. Rosie, the daughter of Toni, is a 15 year old girl. Toni's goal in life is to raise Rosie, keep her safe and protect her. Toni is so protective is is over-bearing. Now, Rosie is in the hospital fighting for her life. She is trying to talk to her mother and let her know what happened to her, but she isn't speaking out loud. She is only talking in her head. Will breaking the pact and telling Rosie about her past save Rosie?
January 23, 2018
The Pact by SE Lynes is a story of two sister Toni and Bridget who have kept a secret for many years and their attempt to keep Toni's daughter Rosie safe from harm. Rosie is a typical fifteen year old who is secretly rebelling against her mothers efforts. Social Media plays a big part in the story and a chilling reminder of educating the young to the dangers that it can hold. I would like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2018
The Pact is one of those books that made me lose sleep at night, because I couldn't put it down! Sisters Toni and Bridget have a dark secret, and Bridge is committed to keeping Toni and her daughter, Rosie, safe at all costs. After Toni's husband was tragically killed, Bridge even puts her own life aside to move in with Toni and pick up the pieces.
Both Bridge and Toni are overprotective of Rosie, who feels stifled and, like any typical teenager, wants to act out a little. We know almost immediately that something terrible has happened to Rosie, who is lying in a hospital bed, and through the narratives of all three women, we travel both back and forth in time to find out what happened, and why.
I really liked this book. There is a great deal of twists, and the characters are very strongly realized. I especially loved Bridge, who will literally do anything to keep her family safe.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for an ARC.
Both Bridge and Toni are overprotective of Rosie, who feels stifled and, like any typical teenager, wants to act out a little. We know almost immediately that something terrible has happened to Rosie, who is lying in a hospital bed, and through the narratives of all three women, we travel both back and forth in time to find out what happened, and why.
I really liked this book. There is a great deal of twists, and the characters are very strongly realized. I especially loved Bridge, who will literally do anything to keep her family safe.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for an ARC.
February 9, 2018
Another brilliant read from SE Lynes! I absolutely loved Mother and could not wait to read this one.. I started this in my lunch break today and just finished it tonight. It had me hooked straight away and I could not stop reading it.
The Pact is the story of 2 sisters who had a very traumatic childhood. 30 years ago they made each other a p poise. A promise that they might need to break to save Rosie. Rosie is Toni's 15 year old daughter who is lying unconscious in a hospital bed. Toni is super strict with her daughter after the death of her husband when Rosie was young. Her sister Bridget is always there to help and dotes on Rosie. Family, love and secrets... what will the family do when it all comes crashing down?
Highly recommend this page turner... thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest opinions
The Pact is the story of 2 sisters who had a very traumatic childhood. 30 years ago they made each other a p poise. A promise that they might need to break to save Rosie. Rosie is Toni's 15 year old daughter who is lying unconscious in a hospital bed. Toni is super strict with her daughter after the death of her husband when Rosie was young. Her sister Bridget is always there to help and dotes on Rosie. Family, love and secrets... what will the family do when it all comes crashing down?
Highly recommend this page turner... thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest opinions
January 20, 2024
I love this authors style of writing and enjoyed my time with them.
I did enjoy my time with this one, however it was slow to start but it did eventually pick up pace which then kept my reader juices going.
Whether I figured out what was happening didn’t sway me from closing the book, I was too far into it by then. I totally didn’t think this was one of her best. The theme wasn’t that unique however she did play with it and made it her own.
I wouldn’t dissuade anyone from reading this as I’m sure you will get a lot out of it.
I did enjoy my time with this one, however it was slow to start but it did eventually pick up pace which then kept my reader juices going.
Whether I figured out what was happening didn’t sway me from closing the book, I was too far into it by then. I totally didn’t think this was one of her best. The theme wasn’t that unique however she did play with it and made it her own.
I wouldn’t dissuade anyone from reading this as I’m sure you will get a lot out of it.
March 6, 2018
The Pact is SE Lynes third standalone psychological thriller and possibly in my opinion her best yet.
The Pact is told through the 3 main characters point of view. Toni, the over protective mother, Rosie, the teenager desperate to be allowed some freedom to grow up and Bridget, the aunt who lives with Rosie and Toni due to a pact they made when they were children themselves.
The story begins with Rosie in hospital, unconscious and fighting for her life and through flashbacks the reader is taken on a journey back to the beginning to discover why she is in hospital and what the Pact Toni and Bridget made 30 years previously has to do with the present.
This book really does have all the ingredients for a gripping page turner. It was like completing a really tricky jigsaw and piece by piece the author revealed a little more, enabling the reader to see part of the puzzle but never the full picture until the final page.
Without doubt SE Lynes is fast becoming one of my favourite psychological thriller authors and one of a select few that I would read without even checking the blurb first.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who loves twisted, clever, gripping thrillers. 5 huge stars.
The Pact is told through the 3 main characters point of view. Toni, the over protective mother, Rosie, the teenager desperate to be allowed some freedom to grow up and Bridget, the aunt who lives with Rosie and Toni due to a pact they made when they were children themselves.
The story begins with Rosie in hospital, unconscious and fighting for her life and through flashbacks the reader is taken on a journey back to the beginning to discover why she is in hospital and what the Pact Toni and Bridget made 30 years previously has to do with the present.
This book really does have all the ingredients for a gripping page turner. It was like completing a really tricky jigsaw and piece by piece the author revealed a little more, enabling the reader to see part of the puzzle but never the full picture until the final page.
Without doubt SE Lynes is fast becoming one of my favourite psychological thriller authors and one of a select few that I would read without even checking the blurb first.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who loves twisted, clever, gripping thrillers. 5 huge stars.
January 30, 2018
The Pact is far, far more than the psychological thriller it's marketed to be, yes it had me literally holding my breath for much longer than is healthy and I was genuinely terrified by what may happen next, but it's also a stunningly beautiful book about love, loyalty and family ties, of the fears a parent has for her child, of the confusion of growing up in this social media age, of how past traumas can influence every thought and act and how no one really knows what another person is coping with.
The often fraught relationships between these wonderfully crafted complex characters are stunningly portrayed, nailing how both love and frustration with those people we love go hand in hand. The author really lets you under the skin of each character and has a real knack of making you care about each and every one.
The story is cleverly revealed and shows how, even when face to face, unscrupulous people can take in the most careful of us. Based around every parent's nightmare, the dialogue, pacing, tension and twists are all skillfully handled and I'm not sure I can find a book to follow this one!
Needless to say that as with her first two books, I absolutely loved this one and will be shouting from the rooftops for everyone to read it - 5 stars feel miserly for this outstanding book but unfortunately that's the limit, just be aware that they are 5 GIANT stars.
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC
The often fraught relationships between these wonderfully crafted complex characters are stunningly portrayed, nailing how both love and frustration with those people we love go hand in hand. The author really lets you under the skin of each character and has a real knack of making you care about each and every one.
The story is cleverly revealed and shows how, even when face to face, unscrupulous people can take in the most careful of us. Based around every parent's nightmare, the dialogue, pacing, tension and twists are all skillfully handled and I'm not sure I can find a book to follow this one!
Needless to say that as with her first two books, I absolutely loved this one and will be shouting from the rooftops for everyone to read it - 5 stars feel miserly for this outstanding book but unfortunately that's the limit, just be aware that they are 5 GIANT stars.
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC
December 13, 2018
When Rosie wakes up in the hospital, she tries to tell her mother what occurred ... but the words won't come.
Toni is her mom... absolutely worried about her daughter. Mom wants to know why Rosie won't/can't tell her what happened. But is Toni any better? She has her own secrets.
Toni and her sister, Bridget, made a pact thirty-some years ago to never, ever speak about their childhood, not under any circumstances.
(Book Blurb) - But in order to save Rosie, Toni may have to break her lifelong promise to her sister… and open doors to her past she hoped would remain closed forever.
There are four woman at the heart of this tale ... each speaking in alternate chapters... each has their own unique voice and their own perspective.
This is not the first book of this author's I have read. I was a tad disappointed in that it felt like it took forever to get to the meat of the story.
Usually this author's books start with a bang and never lets up. This one .. more like a little pop. That being said, about halfway through the book, things started looking up. The suspense was there, twists and turns kept me riveted to the pages. The characters finally sounded credible. The ending was an unexpected surprise.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this Psychological Thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Toni is her mom... absolutely worried about her daughter. Mom wants to know why Rosie won't/can't tell her what happened. But is Toni any better? She has her own secrets.
Toni and her sister, Bridget, made a pact thirty-some years ago to never, ever speak about their childhood, not under any circumstances.
(Book Blurb) - But in order to save Rosie, Toni may have to break her lifelong promise to her sister… and open doors to her past she hoped would remain closed forever.
There are four woman at the heart of this tale ... each speaking in alternate chapters... each has their own unique voice and their own perspective.
This is not the first book of this author's I have read. I was a tad disappointed in that it felt like it took forever to get to the meat of the story.
Usually this author's books start with a bang and never lets up. This one .. more like a little pop. That being said, about halfway through the book, things started looking up. The suspense was there, twists and turns kept me riveted to the pages. The characters finally sounded credible. The ending was an unexpected surprise.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this Psychological Thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 18, 2018
A story on the backdrop of dangers of social media, with 3 women taking centre stage, is what beckoned me to this book.
The mother, Toni, overprotective about her daughter, Rosie, lives with the cool aunt Bridget. Toni and Bridget have their own secretive past, which they can never talk about. Rosie is growing up and at 15, tests the limits of her independence. Till social media shows its dangerous side...
My first book by the author S. E. Lynes, though her third, it was an entertaining read but lesser than what I had expected. The story is narrated from the three women's point of view, looking back into the past for most times. It does switch between past and present till about 70% of the book, then it is all in the present and the thrilling moments begin...
For me, I wanted to love the characters, but I couldn't connect with any. There were too many disjointed thoughts of each. I loved that this book dealt with the dangers of social media where we like, follow, and become close to strangers (Read: 'extra-close' to unknown men)
The author has presented those dangers in the background of fiction, but it serves as a warning to the kids and teenagers and even to the adults, how the trap is laid ever so slowly and the victims are drawn. The story has its twists and turns, and there are moments when adrenaline does thrum through, but no sudden rush with heart pumping and palms sweating.
There were a few niggles, the book did not deliver what was promised on the blurb. The secrets of the sisters had very little bearing to the present story. I found it pretty slow, it didn't keep me hooked on, the book went at a slower pace. And I saw the end coming, as there were a lot of hints throughout the story. I didn't feel it worked as a psychological thriller as it didn't get into my mind.
Read it (took me 4 days), enjoyed it (had its twisty moments), forgot it (could have been so much better). Onto the next!!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher, Bookouture, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The mother, Toni, overprotective about her daughter, Rosie, lives with the cool aunt Bridget. Toni and Bridget have their own secretive past, which they can never talk about. Rosie is growing up and at 15, tests the limits of her independence. Till social media shows its dangerous side...
My first book by the author S. E. Lynes, though her third, it was an entertaining read but lesser than what I had expected. The story is narrated from the three women's point of view, looking back into the past for most times. It does switch between past and present till about 70% of the book, then it is all in the present and the thrilling moments begin...
For me, I wanted to love the characters, but I couldn't connect with any. There were too many disjointed thoughts of each. I loved that this book dealt with the dangers of social media where we like, follow, and become close to strangers (Read: 'extra-close' to unknown men)
The author has presented those dangers in the background of fiction, but it serves as a warning to the kids and teenagers and even to the adults, how the trap is laid ever so slowly and the victims are drawn. The story has its twists and turns, and there are moments when adrenaline does thrum through, but no sudden rush with heart pumping and palms sweating.
There were a few niggles, the book did not deliver what was promised on the blurb. The secrets of the sisters had very little bearing to the present story. I found it pretty slow, it didn't keep me hooked on, the book went at a slower pace. And I saw the end coming, as there were a lot of hints throughout the story. I didn't feel it worked as a psychological thriller as it didn't get into my mind.
Read it (took me 4 days), enjoyed it (had its twisty moments), forgot it (could have been so much better). Onto the next!!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher, Bookouture, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
December 23, 2020
Two sisters Bridget and Toni made a pact 30 years ago to keep their abusive childhood a secret between the siblings. A pact that they might have to break to save Toni’s 15 year old daughter who is lying unconscious in a hospital bed. Will finally revealing the secret bring them all together or tear them further apart?
The Pact by S.E.Lynes is a slow burning psychological thriller. Told between three different point of views with credible characters it exposes the dangers of social media.
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
The Pact by S.E.Lynes is a slow burning psychological thriller. Told between three different point of views with credible characters it exposes the dangers of social media.
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
March 8, 2018
The ending of this was a "GOTCHA" not a plot twist. There's a huge difference.
Just finished reading but cannot write a review until I get the answer to a very burning question. SO, I need to talk to someone who has read this book!! Help! -- edit*don't bother now. I looked over the rest of the book and got my answer. Didn't like the result.
I should have taken a pass on this one.
UPDATE -- I reached out to the author and the publisher on twitter and got nothing. So I stand by this non-review because I don't want to create a controversy. The thing is, there's a difference between leading a reader somewhere to obsfuscate the truth, but quite another to blow a person away with something out of nowhere in the last paragraph. That's not a "twist" people.
But hey, I'm open to discussion. This was not for me and I don't recommend it.
Just finished reading but cannot write a review until I get the answer to a very burning question. SO, I need to talk to someone who has read this book!! Help! -- edit*don't bother now. I looked over the rest of the book and got my answer. Didn't like the result.
I should have taken a pass on this one.
UPDATE -- I reached out to the author and the publisher on twitter and got nothing. So I stand by this non-review because I don't want to create a controversy. The thing is, there's a difference between leading a reader somewhere to obsfuscate the truth, but quite another to blow a person away with something out of nowhere in the last paragraph. That's not a "twist" people.
But hey, I'm open to discussion. This was not for me and I don't recommend it.
March 31, 2018
S.E. Lynes' books should come with a warning: Will chill you to the bone and keep you up all night. The author has this way of ratcheting up the tension to a point where you're almost too scared to turn the page, but you just have to read one more chapter. The prose is sublime without getting in the way of the story and the characters leap of the page. I was so invested in Rosie, Bridge, and Tones, terrified for all of them. I think this book was doubly scary for me as I have a pre-teen and a teenager, and their generation is the first to live an 'online' life with their friends. As parents, we try to protect them from social media dangers, but how can we balance being too protective with letting them live their lives? Lynes also handles the creepier aspects really well, without delving into graphics, but still maintaining the chill factor. Another winner!!
February 8, 2018
Wow! Another amazing, unputdownable, brilliantly written, fast paced and page turning story from this amazing author. I loved this book and could not bear to stop reading it - the story had me hooked from the first stunning page and I read it in one sitting - unable to stay away long enough to do other things. The characters are compelling and relatable, the writing exquisite. One of the best thrillers I have read from an author to watch. Brilliant. Unforgettable. Highly recommended.
February 19, 2018
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookoutre for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
The Pact is centred around Toni her daughter Rosie and older sister Bridget. Toni was devastated after the death of her husband Ralph in a road accident. After the accident Bridget left her partner Jane and moved in with Toni and Rosie.
When Toni was a child she was abused by her Uncle Eric, when Rosie was born Toni vowed to protect her from harm. In the story Rosie Is 15 but feels suffocated by Rosie, she is only allowed access to Facebook on condition Toni can have access. In secret she downloaded Instagram where she was friended by Ollie.
Over the next year Rosie is groomed by Ollie, eventually he asks for intimate pictures of Rosie and then he wants to meet...
I found The Pact very slow going at the beginning. The story was told from the POV of Toni, Rosie and Bridget. Although it was obvious something bad had happened to Rosie I found the early chapters confusing and a little disjointed.
I was glad the story picked up at the 50% mark when it picked up pace. Once the story got going I found it hard to put down. I saw some of the twists in the story but others I was not expecting at all. My favourite character was the cool fifty something Auntie Bridget who played in a rock band and was a computer whizz. I loved her description of their family as a triangle. If a member of the family was in trouble they had to support them.
Although this book is a slow burner it is an excellent story once it gets going. I really enjoyed it and do not hesitate to recommend it.
The Pact is centred around Toni her daughter Rosie and older sister Bridget. Toni was devastated after the death of her husband Ralph in a road accident. After the accident Bridget left her partner Jane and moved in with Toni and Rosie.
When Toni was a child she was abused by her Uncle Eric, when Rosie was born Toni vowed to protect her from harm. In the story Rosie Is 15 but feels suffocated by Rosie, she is only allowed access to Facebook on condition Toni can have access. In secret she downloaded Instagram where she was friended by Ollie.
Over the next year Rosie is groomed by Ollie, eventually he asks for intimate pictures of Rosie and then he wants to meet...
I found The Pact very slow going at the beginning. The story was told from the POV of Toni, Rosie and Bridget. Although it was obvious something bad had happened to Rosie I found the early chapters confusing and a little disjointed.
I was glad the story picked up at the 50% mark when it picked up pace. Once the story got going I found it hard to put down. I saw some of the twists in the story but others I was not expecting at all. My favourite character was the cool fifty something Auntie Bridget who played in a rock band and was a computer whizz. I loved her description of their family as a triangle. If a member of the family was in trouble they had to support them.
Although this book is a slow burner it is an excellent story once it gets going. I really enjoyed it and do not hesitate to recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2018
This is a terrific read. Well-crafted, taut and tense; a real page-turner. I was quickly drawn into the dangerous world of the three main characters: mum Toni, aunt Bridget and daughter Rosie. The narrative fairly hums along, thanks to the author's expert use their inner voices and an a 'third-person' author perspective. Our psychological proximity to the three women bonds us as readers and soon we really care about their unfolding fates. To say more would spoil much... so pick up a copy soon!
January 22, 2018
SE Lynes has soon become one of my must read authors. I have loved her previous books so was delighted to get my hands on The Pact. Every book has a different feel/theme to it and the running one in this book is family secrets, social media and the lies we tell each other and ourselves to get through life and the tough times.
I loved the central characters of Toni, Rosie and Auntie Bridget in the story, they work really well together in their disjointed family unit of survivors. Auntie Bridget is the actual "bridge" between young Rosie and her over protective mum Toni. The language and behaviour of teenage Rosie is spot on; as a mum of a 15 year old daughter I recognised the eye-rolls, teen speak and the intonations that drive me up the wall at times. This relationship is described brilliantly and really touched my mothering nerves. You want your children to do great things but not put themselves in danger, you want them to know they are unique and beautiful but to respect themselves and be careful in the big, wide world. The social media aspect is terrifying - how much do you know your teen and the people that they are speaking with, people they are desperate to impress and their acute need to be "liked" via all the apps?
I'm loathe to give any spoilers so I'll simply say to clear your diary and settle down with The Pact; once you start there's no stopping. Another belter of a book!
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book
I loved the central characters of Toni, Rosie and Auntie Bridget in the story, they work really well together in their disjointed family unit of survivors. Auntie Bridget is the actual "bridge" between young Rosie and her over protective mum Toni. The language and behaviour of teenage Rosie is spot on; as a mum of a 15 year old daughter I recognised the eye-rolls, teen speak and the intonations that drive me up the wall at times. This relationship is described brilliantly and really touched my mothering nerves. You want your children to do great things but not put themselves in danger, you want them to know they are unique and beautiful but to respect themselves and be careful in the big, wide world. The social media aspect is terrifying - how much do you know your teen and the people that they are speaking with, people they are desperate to impress and their acute need to be "liked" via all the apps?
I'm loathe to give any spoilers so I'll simply say to clear your diary and settle down with The Pact; once you start there's no stopping. Another belter of a book!
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book
February 7, 2018
The Pact follows the lives of Toni and Bridget, two sisters who made a pact when they were children that they would always be there for each other and would never ask anyone else for help, but what happened in their childhood to make them do this and how does that now affect Rosie, Toni's daughter, 30 years later?
Toni is now a single parent to Rosie, who is 14 years old, after losing Stan in a car accident and is obviously very protective of her, she limits her daughter to what she can and can't do which is very frustrating for a teenage girl, so unsurprisingly Rosie keeps secrets which could have far reaching effects on her in the long run.
This story highlights what lengths family will go to, to protect loved ones, how social media can take over a persons life and people aren't always what they seem, however innocent they may portray themselves to be. The author creates characters that are instantly loveable and that is what I felt for the three main characters, although I have to admit Bridget was my favourite, she is everything you would want in a sister and was prepared to do anything she could to protect Toni and Rosie whatever the cost.
I was determined, when I started this book, to savour it and make it last, so I sipped it like fine champagne until about halfway through, by this point I didn't want to put it down and by 80% I was knocking it back like tequila. I was so engrossed in it during my lunch break today that I was 15 minutes late going back to work. I wanted to see how it ended but at the same time I didn't want it to end. I know I've said it before but this author is pure genius and this latest book is definitely in my top 5 books to date for 2018, I cannot wait to read her next one. Thank you to Bookouture for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and on Amazon on publication day. This book has earned 5 big fat stars from me, I would give it so many more if I could and I will be shouting it's praise from the rooftops for a long time to come.
Toni is now a single parent to Rosie, who is 14 years old, after losing Stan in a car accident and is obviously very protective of her, she limits her daughter to what she can and can't do which is very frustrating for a teenage girl, so unsurprisingly Rosie keeps secrets which could have far reaching effects on her in the long run.
This story highlights what lengths family will go to, to protect loved ones, how social media can take over a persons life and people aren't always what they seem, however innocent they may portray themselves to be. The author creates characters that are instantly loveable and that is what I felt for the three main characters, although I have to admit Bridget was my favourite, she is everything you would want in a sister and was prepared to do anything she could to protect Toni and Rosie whatever the cost.
I was determined, when I started this book, to savour it and make it last, so I sipped it like fine champagne until about halfway through, by this point I didn't want to put it down and by 80% I was knocking it back like tequila. I was so engrossed in it during my lunch break today that I was 15 minutes late going back to work. I wanted to see how it ended but at the same time I didn't want it to end. I know I've said it before but this author is pure genius and this latest book is definitely in my top 5 books to date for 2018, I cannot wait to read her next one. Thank you to Bookouture for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and on Amazon on publication day. This book has earned 5 big fat stars from me, I would give it so many more if I could and I will be shouting it's praise from the rooftops for a long time to come.
February 5, 2019
7/10
Книга разделена на главы. Есть главы от первого лица – Рози и Тони. И они так же словно вспоминают о чем-то, «разговаривая» друг с другом из настоящего времени. Например, Рози часто говорит: «Мама, помнишь ты всегда предупреждала меня об опасностях, мне надо было тебя послушать, теперь я буду всегда слушать тебя». А Тони говорит: «Моя милая девочка, помнишь, как мы втроем, ты, я и папа ездили на пляж?»
Читатель понимает, что с героями уже что-то произошло, но не понимает, что именно.
Главы, в начале которых стоит имя Бриджит, от третьего лица, но с точки зрения Бриджит. Повествование довольно сумбурное, не сразу разберешься, кто есть кто, какое время они вспоминают и т.д. Но когда разберешься, становится очень интересно.
В целом, книга читается на одном дыхании, потому что в ней много загадок. Но вот сами загадки совсем не впечатлили (особенно суть «договора», о котором всю книгу вспоминали Тони и Бриджит). Да и сама детективная линия к концу стала совершенно очевидна.
И я не очень люблю повествование в стиле обращения к кому-то: «Ты помнишь….»
Так что сначала мне не особо понравилось, но к концу я привыкла, читалось после этого легко.
В целом довольно реалистичные персонажи. Именно с психологической точки зрения героев автор хорошо прописала. Для детектива-триллера самое то.
Хорошая книга для людей постарше и тех, кто любит детективы-триллеры (т.е. для меня). Автор здорово умеет заинтриговать. Пусть развязка и не сильно меня удивила\впечатлила, но книгу я, в целом, прочитала с удовольствием.
Книга разделена на главы. Есть главы от первого лица – Рози и Тони. И они так же словно вспоминают о чем-то, «разговаривая» друг с другом из настоящего времени. Например, Рози часто говорит: «Мама, помнишь ты всегда предупреждала меня об опасностях, мне надо было тебя послушать, теперь я буду всегда слушать тебя». А Тони говорит: «Моя милая девочка, помнишь, как мы втроем, ты, я и папа ездили на пляж?»
Читатель понимает, что с героями уже что-то произошло, но не понимает, что именно.
Главы, в начале которых стоит имя Бриджит, от третьего лица, но с точки зрения Бриджит. Повествование довольно сумбурное, не сразу разберешься, кто есть кто, какое время они вспоминают и т.д. Но когда разберешься, становится очень интересно.
В целом, книга читается на одном дыхании, потому что в ней много загадок. Но вот сами загадки совсем не впечатлили (особенно суть «договора», о котором всю книгу вспоминали Тони и Бриджит). Да и сама детективная линия к концу стала совершенно очевидна.
И я не очень люблю повествование в стиле обращения к кому-то: «Ты помнишь….»
Так что сначала мне не особо понравилось, но к концу я привыкла, читалось после этого легко.
В целом довольно реалистичные персонажи. Именно с психологической точки зрения героев автор хорошо прописала. Для детектива-триллера самое то.
Хорошая книга для людей постарше и тех, кто любит детективы-триллеры (т.е. для меня). Автор здорово умеет заинтриговать. Пусть развязка и не сильно меня удивила\впечатлила, но книгу я, в целом, прочитала с удовольствием.
February 17, 2018
I have to admit that I was very confused after reading the first few pages. I did not know what I had to think about it. But I am not a quiter and I have to admit it intrigued me. Little by little the story is told by the three main characters : Rosie, her mother and her aunt and everything is being unravelled.
The first half was rather slow. I kept waiting for the thriller part and suddenly I got what I was wishing for. I still had to read about 25% last night and I could not put the book down anymore. I had to finish it and I did.
I would advise you to keep reading even though you think the first part is too slow. It's building up and will unravel the twists het author has in store.
Thank you, Netgalley and Bookouture
The first half was rather slow. I kept waiting for the thriller part and suddenly I got what I was wishing for. I still had to read about 25% last night and I could not put the book down anymore. I had to finish it and I did.
I would advise you to keep reading even though you think the first part is too slow. It's building up and will unravel the twists het author has in store.
Thank you, Netgalley and Bookouture
January 31, 2018
Another winner from this brilliant author her writing just keeps you gripped, 5 stars and if you want a really great read then you have it here..
August 14, 2018
"YOU MADE A PROMISE TO YOUR SISTER. IT COULD DESTROY YOUR DAUGHTER.
15-year-old Rosie lies in hospital fighting for her life. She's trying to tell her mother what happened to her, but she can't speak the words out loud.
Toni is a doting and over-protective mother, terrified for her daughter's life. Having lost her husband in a tragic accident, Toni has dedicated her life to keeping Rosie safe from harm. She needs to know what secrets Rosie has been keeping, and how she ended up in a hospital bed - but Toni has a secret of her own.....
Thirty years ago, Toni and her sister Bridget made each other a promise: never to speak of their childhood; to protect each other without asking for help from others, no matter what...
But in order to save Rosie, Toni may have to break her lifelong promise to her sister... and open doors to her past she hoped would remain closed forever."
Even though this book had a slow start, it did eventually picked up so I'm glad I persevered with it. This story doesn't have a lot of characters like most books I read, and is largely told from the point of view of the 3 main female characters. Each character was very cleverly-written and I enjoyed reading from different perspectives. The story as a whole was very creepy - it's frightening to think about all the dangers that are constantly around us. As a reader, I really felt for the characters and the emotions that they were experiencing. Definitely worth a read. Can't wait to read this author's next book!
15-year-old Rosie lies in hospital fighting for her life. She's trying to tell her mother what happened to her, but she can't speak the words out loud.
Toni is a doting and over-protective mother, terrified for her daughter's life. Having lost her husband in a tragic accident, Toni has dedicated her life to keeping Rosie safe from harm. She needs to know what secrets Rosie has been keeping, and how she ended up in a hospital bed - but Toni has a secret of her own.....
Thirty years ago, Toni and her sister Bridget made each other a promise: never to speak of their childhood; to protect each other without asking for help from others, no matter what...
But in order to save Rosie, Toni may have to break her lifelong promise to her sister... and open doors to her past she hoped would remain closed forever."
Even though this book had a slow start, it did eventually picked up so I'm glad I persevered with it. This story doesn't have a lot of characters like most books I read, and is largely told from the point of view of the 3 main female characters. Each character was very cleverly-written and I enjoyed reading from different perspectives. The story as a whole was very creepy - it's frightening to think about all the dangers that are constantly around us. As a reader, I really felt for the characters and the emotions that they were experiencing. Definitely worth a read. Can't wait to read this author's next book!
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