The Accusation

by Zosia Wand

Eve lives in the beautiful Cumbrian town of Tarnside with her husband Neil. After years of trying, and failing, to become parents, they are in the final stages of adopting four-year-old Milly. Though she already feels like their daughter, they just have to get through the 'settling in' period: three months of living as a family before they can make it official.

But then Eve's mother, Joan, comes to stay.

Joan has never liked her son-in-law. He isn't right for Eve; too controlling, too opinionated. She knows Eve has always wanted a family, but is Neil the best man to build one with?

Then Joan uncovers something that could smash Eve's family to pieces...

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Crime

352 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2018

About the author

Zosia Wand is an author and playwright whose stories are rooted in the landscape of South Cumbria. Her commissions include a number of plays for Radio 4 and theatre productions. The Guardian described her adaptation of Hansel and Gretel and More Tales from the Forest for Williamson Park as “a form of free-association fairy tale remix that owes as much to Shrek as to the Brothers Grimm”. A graduate of the Sky Drama’s Flip The Script course, Zosia is currently developing a drama for television. Her novels include the Tarnside Trilogy, an interlinked series of psychological thrillers. Once Upon A Place is her literary debut. Zosia has worked extensively in reader development, regularly hosts events in libraries and bookshops and teaches creative writing. To find out more go to www.zosiawand.com.

Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ A Chilling Taut Thriller

THE ACCUSATION is a chilling thriller that felt a lil too real.

When Eve and Neil are trying to adopt Milly, things are starting to look up for the couple as they reach the final stages of adoption.

After trying for years to have a baby, along comes four year old Milly.
Eve and Neil are over the moon.

I Just wish all their family members would be as happy for them.
Eve and her Mother Joan have a very fraught relationship. Eve feels that finally her life and family is complete so she tries to build bridges with her mother!,

What follows next is a devastating blow, when Milly goes missing.

The Accusation is a taut pacy psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.
I devoured it in 2days I couldn't put it down.
Zosia writing is emotive and It really caught my attention, it was fluid and captivating.

If you enjoy Pyschological Thrillers then you will definitely want to pick this one up!

Thank you to Head of Zeus for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

My Review is also on my Blog Website:-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was really good. The one downside I had was that I didn’t like most of the characters especially Eve. She really annoyed me throughout the book as she went on about being desperate to be a mother but when she gets a foster child she didn’t put her first. It took her until the end of the book to realise what her mother was really like but it was pretty obvious throughout the book and Eve constantly put her mum before Milly which I found to be very unfair and she put her in situations Milly quite clearly hated. I found Eve to be quite weak and easily led. Other than that the story was excellent and it was very well written. I was interested on finding out what would happen and I thought the ending was very good. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eve and Neil, after many failed attempts to conceive, are finally in the latter stages of adopting four year old Milly. They just have to get past this period of settling down as a family under the watchful eyes of social workers before it can all be made official. Milly already feels like she belongs and calls Eve and Neil Mummy and Daddy. Eve loves this child that has come into their lives. What could possibly go wrong? And then Eve’s mother, Joan, from who she has been estranged, lands on the doorstep expecting to stay. Suddenly the fragile harmony of Eve, Neil and Milly is unsettled. But far worse is to come when an accusation is made that cannot be ignored.
From the outset I was drawn into this novel. It’s a story that had me getting angry with Joan, who is a manipulative and selfish individual and annoyed with Eve for allowing her mother to manipulate her and others. Eve needed to learn to grow a backbone and stick up for herself. As for Neil, the author raises more than a few suspicions about him that keeps the reader guessing. There are some lovely characters too. Betty, Neil’s adopted mother is one of them and so is the social worker Shona. Milly is pretty much a typical four year old who has suffered too many changes in her young life.
Even when I didn’t like the main characters and the way they behaved, I was still absolutely involved in the story being told. I had my suspicions about the way the story would pan out. Some of it was correct, other aspects not so much. The story is simply and emotionally told, although at times it does get a little repetitive. But the situation these characters found themselves in could not fail to get me in completely. I simply wanted to keep turning those pages to see how it ended. A definite recommended and involving read. This is my first book by this author. Given how I responded to this one, I would be keen to read another.

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: 3.5 STARS
2018; Head of Zeus
(Review Not on Blog)

I enjoyed this novel but it was more of a domestic suspense than a straight out suspense. While there is a mystery there is no real edge of your seat moment. This is more of an emotion driven plot. If you go in knowing it is more of a domestic suspense novel, I think the reader will enjoy it more.

***I received an eARC from the AUTHOR/PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve not read the authors previous books but after reading this I’ll definitely be reading it.

Eve and her husband Neil are in the final stages of adopting four year old Milly. A big obstacle arrives in the form of Eves mother Joan. I really didn’t like her.

I enjoyed this read. I found it to be an interesting read and I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is dedicated to all you wonderful mothers who love and protect your kids and who would sacrifice their entire life for them!!

You ask me – why this sudden dedication on a book review? Am I so sentimental? No!!

I am scared stiff!! This book had a mother who was psychotic, who wanted a daughter to control, keep her forever as a pet!!

I shudder and shiver and I thank the author Zosia Wand for this. I have envisioned the entire book, and I am writing this review with gritted teeth, just to stop myself from screaming and knocking some sense into these characters. Communication is the key, you idiots!! (That’s me communicating to the characters of the book!!) (At this rate this review is going to have a lot of exclamatory points!!!!)

The characters are neither strong nor weak, they are manipulated, and they are manipulative. They are cunning and yet they are innocent. They know everything but yet do not want to admit anything. They can be strong, yet they choose to be weak.

Did I like any of them? Nooo!!

Did they bring out intense emotions? Yessss!!

My friend Nicole (🐻) says any book which brings out emotions is good. Then this book must be good.

Did I think this book is good? Noo!!! Because the manipulator was manipulating till the last page, and everyone seemed to be twiddling their thumbs. The characters should have growth.

Did they grow here? Yesss!! They grew from manipulators to physical abusers!!! Sheesh!! And there was still a doubt “was I really hit?” NOOOO, YOU JUST WANTED TO TEST THE STAIRS BY ROLLING DOWN THEM AND BREAKING YOUR ANKLE!!!!

At the end of this book I can say only one thing -— I want my mommy because this one was horrifying, she scared me totally, and I am going to have nightmares the entire night!!!

All in all a good book, it made me to go to my mother and hug her tight and thank her for loving me.

[Danielle-Gemma💜 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did really enjoy this book and it was an easy read but I just hated the characters and it ruined it for me a bit if I’m honest

[Fiona MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really grippingly written thriller. One of those ‘putting everything else aside’ to read stories. I was so infuriated by the mother I was clenching my teeth as I galloped through the pages. A great read, will be searching for more by this author.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Where to start?! A gripping read of smothering love and a daughter’s journey to see through the superficial niceness to the dangerous malice beneath. I was on the edge of my seat reading this story, heart in mouth at the steps this evil woman took to control her daughter’s life. I literally felt my own nerves shredding as I read on, paragraph by paragraph, to the compelling conclusion. Simply brilliant.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and reviewed Zosia’s debut novel ‘Trust Me’ last summer and I did really enjoy reading it. I was pleased to hear that her new novel ‘The Accusation’ was due for release and I was especially pleased when I was asked if I would like to take part in the blog tour for ‘The Accusation’. Of course I said yes and I eagerly opened the cover and began to read. I am so pleased that I did because I really enjoyed reading it but more about that in a bit.
Hand on heart I can’t say that I took to the character of Eve. She and her husband have been trying to start a family but it just hasn’t happened for them. They decide against IVF and instead go down the adoption route. I understand how desperate they were to start a family because somebody close to me had similar trouble. They have been through the process and they have been matched with a young girl called Milly. The adoption is going through the system and it is understandable that Eve doesn’t want anything to rock the boat. Again I can understand why Eve is so desperate to wrap Milly up in cotton wool to protect her as she feels that if anything was to go wrong, Childrens’ Services would rescind the adoption. (In a previous life I used to work in Childrens’ Services so I do have some knowledge of the system). Some of the things that Eve says and does set off little alarm bells for me. Part of Eve’s behaviour has to have been learnt from her less than pleasant mother. Eve is happily married to Neil although the adoption has placed the marriage under a certain amount of stress. The stress is made worse by Eve’s mother, who is just plain horrid. She has got to be the most irritating woman known to man. She doesn’t hide her dislike of Neil, she doesn’t hide the fact that she thinks that Eve has wasted her life, she doesn’t hide her dislike of Milly’s name and she seems to think that it is acceptable to travel up to Eve’s house and take a girl she has never met before (Milly) out for an ice-cream without asking permission nor without leaving a note on the kitchen table. Eve’s mother is cold, heartless at times, not particularly likeable and rather confrontational. Yet Eve still feels a pull towards her. If my Mam spoke to me like Eve’s mother talks to Eve, then I would have to say something to her and slap her with a wet fish a few dozen times. Eve has resolved that she is going to be the sort of mother that her own mother never was. In a way all of the adults in this book seem a bit distant and not particularly likeable. Milly is one mixed up kid. She has been witness to some pretty horrific stuff involving her birth mother and she was then brought up by her maternal grandmother, who is suffering health problems. Milly was feeling very close to her grandmother and the removal of Milly into foster care has hit Milly hard. She still hopes to keep up contact with her grandparents but I don’t know how practical or sensible this is because Milly will be in limbo in a sense because she hasn’t fully broken off contact with her birth family but at the same time she can’t integrate fully into her adoptive family because she would feel disloyal to her birth family.
Oh my this was certainly a read and half. In my opinion ‘The Accusation’ is better than ‘Trust Me’. I became hooked on this book after the first chapter and I had figured out who was who. I got the distinct impression that all was not well and because I am a nebby nora (nosy parker) I just had to keep reading on to see if my suspicions proved to be correct and to find out how the story ended. The closer I got to the end of the book, the faster the pages were turning themselves. For me ‘The Accusation’ was a ‘CPID’ (can’t put it down) book. It wasn’t glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me. I even begrudged having to take my two Labradors out which didn’t go down well at all. Reading this book was much like riding on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride, with no idea which direction the story is going to go in next. On occasion reading this book was much like witnessing a car crash where you can see what’s going to happen next but there isn’t a darn thing you can do to stop it, no matter how loud you shout or wave your arms in the air. ‘The Accusation’ is one of those books that will tug on the heartstrings of even the hardest person.
In conclusion I really did enjoy reading ‘The Accusation’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I can’t wait to read what comes next from Zosia Wand. Here’s hoping that we don’t have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t think I ever knew the meaning of the term ‘overprotective mother’ until after reading this book! Twisted, smothering and tense, this book really took a scalpel to family relationships, exploring just what it means if a mother doesn’t want to let go of her child.

The story centres around Eve, a woman who’s been struggling to conceive a child. When she adopts Milly with her husband Neil, they’re over the moon. But things soon take a dark turn when Eve’s mother shows up. Estranged for years, Eve’s mother soon starts to insinuate herself into her life again- and starts digging up old wounds as she goes. Who’s to blame for the tension? Eve’s mother? Milly? Or Neil- the husband that her mother alleges is responsible for a devastating crime?

For a book with such a specific premise, Zosia Wand does an amazing job of teasing out every inch of tension and claustrophobia from the situation that she can. Eve’s anxiety about being a good mother to her new child are presented to us from the start, so we feel every twist and turn in the story of her relationships with Milly and her own mother.

Though she can at times feel annoying- too attached to her mother, too uncertain about what’s really happening, too paralysed by guilt- everything she does is understandable because we’ve all been there- to a lesser degree. Who hasn’t felt resentful of their overbearing parents- but also hamstrung by your love for them? The result is a nerve- shredding read that had me chewing my fingernails compulsively as the story drew to its close- a bit like watching a car crash in slow motion.

The Accusation really explores this dynamic. At it’s heart, this is a story about what it means to be a parent. Does the way in which you’re raised affect the way you parent? How do your parents affect your personality- and does that change if you’re adopted? Wand really takes a scalpel to these intricate relationships, exposing Eve and Neil’s feelings and insecurities and seeing how they act as their own marriage is frayed by the poisonous influence of her mother. The plot really dives into this, taking us on a whirlwind tour of all sorts of families- Eve’s friend Naz, who gave up her future to care for her disabled son; Neil’s family, who adopted him too, and Milly’s family, whose mother was a drug dealer.

Is there such a thing as the perfect family? Perhaps. Turning the thumbscrew on every page, Wand takes us behind closed doors into the messy lives of her characters. Eloquently told and devastatingly laid out, this is an intricate exploration of family.

Three word review: smothering. Tense. Intimate.

[Diane Merritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book!! With twists you wont see coming.. a family journey and what a journey it takes you on. Was an enjoyable read.

[Elite Group · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mother law from hell

Eve lives in beautiful Cumbrian town with her husband and her soon-to-be-adopted daughter, Milly. During the ‘settling in’ period, Milly goes missing. After a full search, Eve discovers her mother has come to visit and has taken the child for an ice cream and movie, claiming Eve’s husband had left Milly alone.

There follows a barrage of claims from Joan of abuse and neglect by her son-in-law, which will jeopardise the adoption. Will Eve realise what Joan is doing or will she be browbeaten by her as she has been all her life?

I found this book a very sad story! I don’t know how I finished it. Not only was it completely predictable but the characters were so unlikeable that it was beyond belief. Eve was so weak and feeble and blind to what her mother was doing that I just couldn’t believe it.

I think this author has stretched the realms of probability and pushed the reader too far in the hope of disliking the characters enough to read to the end to see the woman get her comeuppance.

A moderately awful book. There is nothing I would like about it.

Chester.

Breakaway reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

[Ella (The Story Collector) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve and her husband, Neil, are in the final stages of adopting four-year-old Milly. They only have a few more hurdles to jump before they can officially call her their daughter. Everything seems to be going smoothly, until Eve's mother, Joan, shows up. Joan has never liked her son-in-law, and never liked sharing her daughter. Can she be happy for Eve, finally starting her own family, or will she want to keep her all to herself?

I really enjoyed Zosia Wand’s Trust Me, so I was excited to hear she had a new book coming out. To begin with, I was actually a little surprised and miffed at some of the similarities between the two books. The lead characters have the same jobs and similar interests, and I thought this was a bit lazy. It wasn’t until later in the book that I realised that Lizzie from Trust Me is actually a character in this book and they live in the same town. This was so clever – like an Easter egg in a video game – and I loved the cross-over!
I instantly had to take back all my negative thoughts in appreciation for the genius of this.

Zosia’s writing is magnificent, and I was fully drawn in. I couldn’t put it down. The story is entirely engaging and (mostly) believable.

The one and only flaw was that Eve's mother is just awful. We’re supposed to empathise with the character, that Joan is clearly not a great person, but she’s Eve's mother and she loves her and wants her in her life. Perfectly realistic and understandable. However, Joan is just terrible the entire way through the book. She has no redeeming qualities at all. If my mum was like this, I wouldn’t stand for it at all, regardless of being my parent and wanting that connection. (As it is, my mother is an absolute delight). It just made it really difficult to see why she puts up with her and allows her to become a danger to her family, especially during such an important time in their lives.

Despite any flaws, The Accusation is an interesting, exciting and thoroughly engaging story. I loved it.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant book which deals with the complexities of family relationships and how the dynamics of these can and, often should, change over time. Eve and Neil moved to Cumbria from London and, after years of trying for a baby, are finally getting the chance to have a family of their own in the shape of adopting a lovely little girl, Milly who is four years old.
Despite having had no contact with her for the past two years, Eve could not resist contacting her mother to inform her of good news about Milly. Will Milly be able to heal the rift and bridge the gap between Eve and her mother or should Eve live to regret her decision to contact her mother?
A wonderful book so well written by Zosia Wand, even though, at times I found myself wanting to shout at Eve and give her a good shake to get some sense into her to put her priorities in order! Having said that, and the reason why I rate it so highly I have met so many families with dysfunctional relationships such as this, that it is, sadly, so true to life.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[chantellekitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I went into this book, I thought I was going to massively relate because Milly is adopted at 4 years old in the Lake District like I was but the whole family dynamic in this book made it not so relatable after all.

I felt like Eve was a bit weak and annoying to begin with in the book and her mum was so irritating and at parts made me want to stop reading. I am glad I kept going though because you could see Eve grow and realise what she needed to do and who she needed to put first.

It took about 140 paged for the story to really kick off which I thought was too long, but as soon as it properly kicked off and there was a story flowing, I liked it!

There were a few errors in the book which was a bit sad but apart from them, I’d say it was a nice book and the ending made me all happy and warm inside.

[Barbara Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! The mother from hell!

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chillingly authentic, this story of adoption and family conflict shows that domestic abuse manifests in many ways and sometimes so subtly the victim is unaware of it until they have lost themselves completely.

Eve describes herself as a 'glass half full' person but she is always waiting for her happiness to be destroyed, something has made her this insecure and being under the spotlight as the adoption process draws to a close makes her seek support from an unlikely source. Neil loves Eve and their new daughter Mille, but he has secrets and areas of his life he can't share this makes him vulnerable. Joan appears harmless, but she is manipulative and dangerous, blinkered she only sees one version of events, hers and makes a complex, sinister antagonist, a wolf in sheep's clothing perhaps? The social workers Shona and Helen and the extended family and friends are all believable characters that enhance the story.

Eve is a strong, decisive person in her work life, but in her personal life, she feels inadequate, leaning first on her mother and then her husband for emotional support. Her weakness is a crucial flaw and one she cannot escape until she has someone to fight for. Her character shows the most development in this story told from her point of view. She is frustrating, many times during the story I wanted her to be stronger and assert herself but she is a wholly convincing character who grows with each setback and becomes even stronger as she fights for her daughter and her family's happiness.

An absorbing, realistic story, which sends chills down your spine because this could happen. If you enjoy domestic thrillers with a sinister twist, this is one to read.

I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Charlotte Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

*2.5

I found the discussion of disability in here to be insensitive, harmful and condescending, as well as the unchallenged mindset that infertile women are infertile because they would be unfit mothers

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like watching a straight to video 80s movie. Nothing felt real, no sympathetic characters.

[Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a digital copy provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My review is part of a “blog tour” for the book.
This novel sets off at a dizzying pace and, by the end of the short prologue, you are thrust into the panic and desperation experienced by the central character, Eve and her husband, Neil.

Eve and Neil are desperate for a child and family of their own. Unable to have a child, they decide to adopt and soon fall in love with a four year old girl, Milly, who completes their family. Suddenly, their dream of having their own family is about to be realised and their plans for building an idyllic life in Cumbria, far away from Eve’s estranged mother, are close to becoming a reality. The adoption process is progressing well and fast approaching a conclusuion and Eve is at last about to enter the future she has long dreamt of. Eve is so happy that she feels able to bridge the divide between herself and her own mother by sending a photo of Milly.
Then Eve’s world collapses when Neil calls and says that Milly is missing.
The fear, bewilderment and rising panic from Eve is tangible; the author, Zosia Wand, really punches home these emotions and doubts. The early chapters are gripping the search for Milly is launched. The following tale is a tense, psychological thriller about families and the lies they tell and the dark secrets they harbour from each other. This is a tale that focusses on Eve’s fears and her own perceived inadequacies about herself as a daughter and her ability to be a good mother, and on her doubts and suspicions about Neil; suspicions that have been raised by her own mother’s terrible accusations against him. Soon the future that Eve has longed for and her happiness with Milly and Neil is in danger of crumbling away from her.
After the breath taking early part of this story, I felt that it relaxed a little and I wondered where it was going for a little while. Then, at just under half way through, the tension and pace rises dramatically and the book builds to a satisfying and page turning ending – I was up until 0245 reading the final 50% of this book. My wife and out two dogs were fast asleep beside me as I devoured the pages.
Eve is a complex character full of insecurities, fears and conflicting desires; I quite liked her. Her friend, Naz, is ballsy, direct and strong. Milly is interesting too, she may be only four years old but she displays a keen sense of judgment. Zosia Wand has created one especially satisfying and truly horrible character – one that I am sure you will all be delighted to hate – but I won’t spoil your reading by saying which one. You’ll know soon enough!
I enjoyed this book. I found it exciting and intriguing with characters that I cared for and enough twistyness of plot to keep me hooked. This is a very good read and one that I am sure many readers will enjoy.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neil & Eve are in the final stages of adopting little Milly who is almost 5. They live in the beautiful Lake District where Eve manages community projects and a local park and Neil heads sixth form at a local college. Just some box ticking & their family will be complete. Then there is Joan. The mother-in-law from hell.

I very much enjoyed this book. It dealt with the very tricky topic of difficult mothers. Eve's mother Joan is focussed on her daughter - to the exclusion of all else. Neil has never been good enough and nor have Eve's friends. Will Joan stop at nothing to get Eve back under her roof being a dutiful daughter looking after Joan for ever?

The relationship between a mother and child can be tense. However it is generally felt that a mother will do what is best for their child. Society doesn't tend to talk about mothers who want what is best for themselves regardless of the effect it has on their child's life - even when they are adults. Joan is a well written, self-centred manipulative woman. She wants Eve to herself. She is also not a very bright woman despite her ability to twist people to do her bidding. She has no comprehension as to how the adoption process works and thinks she can twist the social workers to do her bidding. Eve is a woman who can be strong but not where her mother is concerned. Once her mother is on the scene she automatically goes back to being the dutiful and obedient daughter to the detriment of everything else. I am sure many women readers (and maybe men too) will see themselves in Eve's character.

I thought the book was well written with very clear insights into Eve & her mother's relationship. The supporting characters including Neil, Naz (Eve's childhood friend), local friends and Neil's family are also excellent. I particularly enjoyed Naz - what would Eve's childhood have been like without Naz?I wonder if the ending was slightly over the top? Maybe but it did make for an interesting read. I would happily read other books by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Kiran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book drove me crazy. I found the characters very frustrating, I wanted to shake and slap Eve and tell her to wake up. I wanted to inflict bodily harm on her mother. It was a very frustrating read for me.

Eve as a character and as the main POV was tough to stomach at times. I listened to this as an audiobook and found it difficult to sympathise with her at times. She just felt very easily led, her thoughts were chaotic and never focused, she struggled to prioritise or act rationally. She has her reasons for this and I think the author did a really great job showing how your parents can effect you and you really get to see that in Eve. She is an indecisive self-critical overthinker with no strength in her convictions. Her Mum has so much power over her it’s really scary, but also very real.

A lot of the time my feelings for Eve were very negative, it felt like she prioritised her Mum over everything and that Neil and Millie were at the bottom of the list. She would be fixated on the idea of her father or other irrelevant things when the real problems would get brushed a side. She is the very definition of burying your head in the sand and it is really awful.

There were no boundaries and it was hard to wrap my head around decisions and actions that were made.

When I thought I couldn’t hate Eve’s Mum more she would push it ten steps further. What a vile, awful woman. It boggles my mind that Neil especially did not choose to press charges, what she did was unforgivable and deserves the highest punishment available.

I had very strong feelings throughout listening to this book. I am glad I listened to it, and it allowed me to sit and explore my own thoughts about relationships and parenting. It was an interesting read and it reminded me how easy it is to judge and be critical of someone when you aren’t in their shoes, ultimately I felt for Eve and was pleased when she showed strength and advocated for herself and her family.

Good read. Indeed.

[Julie Curran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I did enjoy it.Found her style of writing easy to read.The story itself is gripping and I was intrigued from the first page.It is all about a married couple Eve and Neil who have not been able to conceive after many years of trying.They are currently going through the adoption process of 4 year old Milly.Everything seems to going along smoothly until Eves mother Joan,with whom she has a very strained relationship arrives for a visit.From this moment onwards their world is turned upside down and an ugly accusation threatens to smash their adoption dream to pieces.I found the adoption storyline intriguing.You really get a glimpse into what is involved and how stressful the whole process must be.To Eve and Neil, Milly is already their daughter.Eves love and affection for the little girl really shines through the pages.You realize just how devastating it will be for this couple if the adoption falls through and I found myself backing them the whole time.The only downside for me was Eves character who I found frustratingly weak where her mother was concerned.Her mother is so controlling and maniplative(without giving too much away)yet Eve persists in giving her more chances.It bothered me that a seemingly intelligent and confident woman like Eve couldn’t see through her until it was almost too late.Still a very good read.Zonia Wand sure knows how to build suspense.A real page turner.

[Jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book blurb...
Eve lives in the beautiful Cumbrian town of Tarnside with her husband Neil. After years of trying, and failing, to become parents, they are in the final stages of adopting four-year-old Milly. Though she already feels like their daughter, they just have to get through the 'settling in' period: three months of living as a family before they can make it official.
But then Eve's mother, Joan, comes to stay.
Joan has never liked her son-in-law. He isn't right for Eve; too controlling, too opinionated. She knows Eve has always wanted a family, but is Neil the best man to build one with?
Then Joan uncovers something that could smash Eve's family to pieces…

My thoughts…
The Accusation is a compelling story about love and control, with a mother and daughter as the lead characters.
I found myself swinging between feeling so much for Eve (the daughter) and her husband, Neil, and then wanting to shake both of them until they realised what was at stake.
The Accusation begins as one of those stories that just cruises along and then - BAM! The plot jumps into another gear.
A good read that may make you think twice about the people and their motives, and question what those who love you really want from your relationship.

This review is also published on http://www.readroundoz.wordpress.com

[Angela O'Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story line was well researched by the author and told a story of realisation by Eve that she had been the victim of controlling and coercive behaviour by her mother who demanded that she was the centre of Eve’s attention. Eve’s desire for a loving relationship with her mother at a time when she was becoming an adoptive mother is at the core of the story and makes this a gripping read.

Interest was heightened as I live in the author’s home town (called Tarnside in the book) and so recognised the events and places mentioned throughout the story and also the places referred to in Hitchin where I spent most of my teenage years.

[Ally C · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can’t take anymore! I’m even stopping mid-chapter (13) because I can’t even force myself to finish the chapter. 95% of the story so far is just Eve complaining about her mother but refusing to do anything about the situation for no reason. She’s independent with a husband now. She doesn’t need to put up with her mother being controlling. She’s free. A grown ass free woman with her own money, own life and own family. Either tell your mother to cut the shit or quit complaining. And the complaining is so repetitive. Cut out more than half of the story so far and the reader would still get the point

[Lorna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was actually The Accusation by Wendy James I wanted to read but unfortunately downloaded this book by mistake. The mother/daughter relationship was not healthy, unsure who annoyed me more, the mother was just so cruel and manipulative and the grown-up daughter too weak willed to stand her ground. It was an easy read and overall it was OK but found the characters a bit too shallow for me. We got a bit about the daughter's younger years but not really touched on how the mother turned so nasty, maybe that would have helped to understand her decisions to behave as she did.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god firstly Eves mums a psycho lol secondly what a book and a half!!!!

Totally loved it and didn’t get any sleep at all until it had finished and even then I struggled as was thinking about the book haha!

That’s when you know it’s a corker, I’m off to look for more from the author as I seriously couldn’t get enough of this one! Chilling and crazy and unsettling and downright creeepy in parts, fantastic read!!!

[Sylvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eva and Neil are desperate to adopt as they cannot have a family of their own. Millie comes in to their lives and everything is going well. Eva's mum is desperate to show her support of her daughter but she hates Neil. She accuses Neil of something that puts the whole adoption in jeopardy. So this book was readable in the sense that I finished it. However, I felt it was very long-winded with a quite a bit that was repetitive. Loved Eva's mum's character who actually was quite scary!