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Finding Eva
Eva is desperate to find her birth parents after spending her childhood in foster care. She leaves London and heads to Whitby in search of her mother and father, after breaking up with her boyfriend, Gareth.
Gareth is furious with Eva. He loved her deeply and the disclosure she made when she ended the relationship is eating away at him.
Celia, Eva’s friend, is concerned about Eva. She has stopped answering her calls and when Celia goes to London to find her, she realises Eva has moved without telling anyone. Celia makes the decision to follow Eva to Whitby, concerned that Eva is unravelling. Both women have been damaged by their childhoods.
When Gareth also decides to go to Whitby, it is the start of a lethal situation.
Who exactly is Eva and why is Celia so concerned?
Some relationships are toxic. Others are deadly.
- GenresThriller
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2018
206 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Baker
24 books336 followersJ. A. Baker was born and brought up in the North East of England.
When she's not writing and thinking up new and inventive ways of killing off her fictional characters, or looking after her young grandchildren, she can be found pottering around her garden with her madcap dog, Theo or in a coffee shop eating cake with her long suffering husband.
When she's not writing and thinking up new and inventive ways of killing off her fictional characters, or looking after her young grandchildren, she can be found pottering around her garden with her madcap dog, Theo or in a coffee shop eating cake with her long suffering husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 29, 2018
This was a dark, disturbing, and extremely descriptive read
Eva is determined to find her birth parents... growing up in foster care Eva really is a success story...she has a good job in the financial market, a nice apartment, a loving boyfriend... so what really is behind her motivation to find her birth parents? Is it simple curiosity or something more sinister?
Told from three different points of view... Eva... Garrett her boyfriend who she breaks up with to begin this quest... and Celia a lifelong friend who also grew up in foster care... none of these characters were terribly likable, although I’m not sure if that impacted how I felt about the story or not.... although perhaps if I liked Eva a bit better I would have cared more as to what happened to her, I mean I cared, but.... even though I did not care for these characters I felt as though getting all of their perspectives really added a lot to the story....
The first half of the story was very detailed and descriptive... with lots of backstory and it did get a little tiresome at times... but the second half really picked up and there were lots of twists... one I saw coming and another one that surprised me.... i’d probably classify this as more of a suspense than a thriller, but either way I really wanted to find out how this was going to end...
Recommend for those of you who enjoy strong suspense with detailed and descriptive writing....
Eva is determined to find her birth parents... growing up in foster care Eva really is a success story...she has a good job in the financial market, a nice apartment, a loving boyfriend... so what really is behind her motivation to find her birth parents? Is it simple curiosity or something more sinister?
Told from three different points of view... Eva... Garrett her boyfriend who she breaks up with to begin this quest... and Celia a lifelong friend who also grew up in foster care... none of these characters were terribly likable, although I’m not sure if that impacted how I felt about the story or not.... although perhaps if I liked Eva a bit better I would have cared more as to what happened to her, I mean I cared, but.... even though I did not care for these characters I felt as though getting all of their perspectives really added a lot to the story....
The first half of the story was very detailed and descriptive... with lots of backstory and it did get a little tiresome at times... but the second half really picked up and there were lots of twists... one I saw coming and another one that surprised me.... i’d probably classify this as more of a suspense than a thriller, but either way I really wanted to find out how this was going to end...
Recommend for those of you who enjoy strong suspense with detailed and descriptive writing....
July 26, 2018
Finding Eva by J.A. Baker was a story about a girl brought up in care and on a journey to find her birth parents. I found this book very disjointed and the characters unlikeable. This book was not for me.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2018
'Finding Eva' is psychological thriller author J. A. Baker's fourth standalone novel predominantly set in Whitby. North Yorkshire, although some of the story is set in and around London.
Eva has had a difficult life having been abandoned by her parents as a baby and placed into care. Since then she has managed to build a good life for herself, has a highly successful career in finance, and decides to sell her London flat and move to Whitby as it is where she believes her biological parents are now living. She also left her boyfriend without informing either him or her friend Celia of exactly where she was going. What could be lurking around the corner for Eva? Who does this danger come from and what do they want from her?
I'm afraid I had a number of issues with the book. It is very slow moving making it a real hard slog to get through, and I wanted to DNF it numerous times, although I did stick it out until the end as I don't like to give up on a book. There is also not much going on and I think this has been further enhanced by the slow-moving plot. There is a lot of description and although I enjoy many authors who write in a highly descriptive fashion, I found the mix of issues meant I couldn't get into the writing style here. It is well written but would be better described as suspense than as a thriller in my opinion. There were a lot of characters we were introduced to also, making it difficult to keep up with who is being talked about. However, Baker does a great job of seamlessly weaving together the perspectives of Eva, Gareth (Eva's boyfriend) and Celia. There were also a few non-predictable twists which I always appreciate, but unfortunately there were too many issues by that point and, as a consequence it didn't quite work for me.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Eva has had a difficult life having been abandoned by her parents as a baby and placed into care. Since then she has managed to build a good life for herself, has a highly successful career in finance, and decides to sell her London flat and move to Whitby as it is where she believes her biological parents are now living. She also left her boyfriend without informing either him or her friend Celia of exactly where she was going. What could be lurking around the corner for Eva? Who does this danger come from and what do they want from her?
I'm afraid I had a number of issues with the book. It is very slow moving making it a real hard slog to get through, and I wanted to DNF it numerous times, although I did stick it out until the end as I don't like to give up on a book. There is also not much going on and I think this has been further enhanced by the slow-moving plot. There is a lot of description and although I enjoy many authors who write in a highly descriptive fashion, I found the mix of issues meant I couldn't get into the writing style here. It is well written but would be better described as suspense than as a thriller in my opinion. There were a lot of characters we were introduced to also, making it difficult to keep up with who is being talked about. However, Baker does a great job of seamlessly weaving together the perspectives of Eva, Gareth (Eva's boyfriend) and Celia. There were also a few non-predictable twists which I always appreciate, but unfortunately there were too many issues by that point and, as a consequence it didn't quite work for me.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
November 4, 2018
Finding Eva is the fourth standalone psychological. thriller by author J. A. Baker. The novel centers around a girl brought up in foster care, searching for her birth parents.
Eva is desperate to find her birth parents after spending her childhood in foster care. She leaves London and heads to Whitby in search of her mother and father, after breaking up with her boyfriend, Gareth. Gareth is furious.
Celia, Eva’s friend, is concerned about Eva. She has stopped answering her calls and when Celia goes to London to find her, she sees that Eva has moved without telling anyone.
Both Celia and Gareth decide to follow Eva to Whitney.
But who is Eva?
The story alternates between three characters. Eva, Gareth and Celia.
I am afraid that I had problems with this novel as I just couldn't connect with the characters. I found the pace slow and it took me awhile to get into the story. I found it very descriptive, and while it is well written, I would categorize this novel as suspense rather than a thriller.
I would recommend this book to those who like slower paced descriptive suspense.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books via NetGalley for my digital copy.
Eva is desperate to find her birth parents after spending her childhood in foster care. She leaves London and heads to Whitby in search of her mother and father, after breaking up with her boyfriend, Gareth. Gareth is furious.
Celia, Eva’s friend, is concerned about Eva. She has stopped answering her calls and when Celia goes to London to find her, she sees that Eva has moved without telling anyone.
Both Celia and Gareth decide to follow Eva to Whitney.
But who is Eva?
The story alternates between three characters. Eva, Gareth and Celia.
I am afraid that I had problems with this novel as I just couldn't connect with the characters. I found the pace slow and it took me awhile to get into the story. I found it very descriptive, and while it is well written, I would categorize this novel as suspense rather than a thriller.
I would recommend this book to those who like slower paced descriptive suspense.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books via NetGalley for my digital copy.
August 8, 2018
The story flicks between three characters. Eva, Gareth and Celia. It was good to see the point of views from each person as you really get a sense of them and how things affect them individually.
Eva hasn't had the stablest of home life's being taken from her real family and put into care. I could understand why she would want to find her real parents and having lots of unanswered questions. I was very intrigued to find out why Eva had cut herself from everyone, especially her closest friend.
This is such a dark and brooding read. The author has a knack of drawing you in so that before you know it she has you hooked and unable to put the book down even if you wanted to. As things start to be revealed, well I just let the author take me hostage and stayed within the pages until I got to the end. There are a fair few lies and secrets to be revealed and I was dying to find them all out.
Finding Eva is a story full of suspense that you don't quite know what you're walking into. The author is a good story teller and kept me enthralled throughout. I really enjoyed this book and if you haven't yet read any of the authors books, then I highly recommend you doing so.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Eva hasn't had the stablest of home life's being taken from her real family and put into care. I could understand why she would want to find her real parents and having lots of unanswered questions. I was very intrigued to find out why Eva had cut herself from everyone, especially her closest friend.
This is such a dark and brooding read. The author has a knack of drawing you in so that before you know it she has you hooked and unable to put the book down even if you wanted to. As things start to be revealed, well I just let the author take me hostage and stayed within the pages until I got to the end. There are a fair few lies and secrets to be revealed and I was dying to find them all out.
Finding Eva is a story full of suspense that you don't quite know what you're walking into. The author is a good story teller and kept me enthralled throughout. I really enjoyed this book and if you haven't yet read any of the authors books, then I highly recommend you doing so.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
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October 16, 2018"Some things are best left tucked away in the recesses of your brain; kept as unremembered images which only wreak havoc if toyed with and set free."
This is psychopathy at its worst -- or best -- depending on your predilections for genre fiction. I have never 'met' such a cast of dysfunctional characters in a very long time and my head is reeling after the revelations and the conclusion of this psychological thriller. I don't usually care for books where all the "action" is in the psyche of the characters in a stream of consciousness, but I stuck with it and raced to the end as I was filled with a sense of dread as to what the outcome would be given the beginning chapter.
I knew that there were dead bodies, just didn't know WHO they were as I began reading. Eva Tweedie has gone to Whitby to finally confront the parents who gave her into care when she was a child. She has questions, wants answers, and won't back down this time. She's fresh off a breakup with her boyfriend, Gareth, and it seems that she has told him something that makes reconciliation impossible. In addition, her best friend from the old days in care, Celia, is worried about Eva, has cautioned her about raking up the past, and is set on stopping her from further heartbreak.
The narrative unfolds from the perspectives of Eva, Celia and Gareth. The reader has no clue if any of them is reliable as each tells his or her version of the story. All seem a bit overwrought with emotion and there is a LOT of anger underlying their actions. The pace is slow by sure as all of them come to Twinby for answers -- seeking out Eva's mother as the source and wanting her to pay for the sorry mess that is their lives. Unfortunately, one of them is a total psycho...NO SPOILERS
Despite my misgivings at the internal angsting all were experiencing and the repetition of the emotional turmoil, I ended up enjoying this because the conclusion, though somewhat expected, was quite satisfying. I'm glad I finished it despite wanting to chuck it initially. If you want to read a novel about 3 really messed up young people, then this is the book for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This is psychopathy at its worst -- or best -- depending on your predilections for genre fiction. I have never 'met' such a cast of dysfunctional characters in a very long time and my head is reeling after the revelations and the conclusion of this psychological thriller. I don't usually care for books where all the "action" is in the psyche of the characters in a stream of consciousness, but I stuck with it and raced to the end as I was filled with a sense of dread as to what the outcome would be given the beginning chapter.
I knew that there were dead bodies, just didn't know WHO they were as I began reading. Eva Tweedie has gone to Whitby to finally confront the parents who gave her into care when she was a child. She has questions, wants answers, and won't back down this time. She's fresh off a breakup with her boyfriend, Gareth, and it seems that she has told him something that makes reconciliation impossible. In addition, her best friend from the old days in care, Celia, is worried about Eva, has cautioned her about raking up the past, and is set on stopping her from further heartbreak.
The narrative unfolds from the perspectives of Eva, Celia and Gareth. The reader has no clue if any of them is reliable as each tells his or her version of the story. All seem a bit overwrought with emotion and there is a LOT of anger underlying their actions. The pace is slow by sure as all of them come to Twinby for answers -- seeking out Eva's mother as the source and wanting her to pay for the sorry mess that is their lives. Unfortunately, one of them is a total psycho...NO SPOILERS
Despite my misgivings at the internal angsting all were experiencing and the repetition of the emotional turmoil, I ended up enjoying this because the conclusion, though somewhat expected, was quite satisfying. I'm glad I finished it despite wanting to chuck it initially. If you want to read a novel about 3 really messed up young people, then this is the book for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for this e-book ARC to read and review.
August 30, 2018
Oh my there are some seriously messed up people in this book and I love it! Eva was placed in care when she was little but what has always eaten away at her was why no-one ever came back to re-claim her. You would think that having a successful career in finance in London would have been a massive ‘see what I have done’ to the world but it wasn’t enough. She literally walked out on everything that was stable in her life and headed to her home town of Whitby and her past. Leaving behind a confused and angry boyfriend, Gareth, that turned into a ticking time bomb. This man is rightly furious and needs more answers. There is only one way to get them, to track Eva down. When lifelong friend Celia, who also grow up in care alongside Eva, discovers that she is gone she also heads towards Whitby.
The story is told through all three of these characters, Eva, Gareth and Celia. The chapters are of varying lengths with each one that is real a chapter in their lives and how it connects them in different ways. The descriptions in-depth to give the full feel to the situation and place. I dreaded the characters coming together in Whitby because there was so much anger in them all. All wanting their own worlds put right and damn anyone else. The story goes back into the past, not a good place, but there again neither is the present.
The characters aren’t really likeable but I think that is the point, it is what life has made them. The last third of the book picks up the pace from finding out about the past to what to do with it in the here and now. The story had begun at the end, well almost. A house, screams and a murder scene but who? Nice end!
The story is told through all three of these characters, Eva, Gareth and Celia. The chapters are of varying lengths with each one that is real a chapter in their lives and how it connects them in different ways. The descriptions in-depth to give the full feel to the situation and place. I dreaded the characters coming together in Whitby because there was so much anger in them all. All wanting their own worlds put right and damn anyone else. The story goes back into the past, not a good place, but there again neither is the present.
The characters aren’t really likeable but I think that is the point, it is what life has made them. The last third of the book picks up the pace from finding out about the past to what to do with it in the here and now. The story had begun at the end, well almost. A house, screams and a murder scene but who? Nice end!
August 29, 2018
I’m a sucker for watching the tv programme Long Lost Family so this blurb sucked me right in. Someone looking for their birth parents I find intriguing but of course this is fiction so I knew I was gonna get a good story.
Eva has spent most of her childhood in foster care. The need to find her birth parents is strong so after breaking up with her boyfriend Gareth Eva takes herself to Whitby to look for them.
Celia is Eva’s friend who has been through the foster care system with Eva.
Although I found this a tad slow to start off with I really enjoyed it. I thought it was a really well written story full of suspense. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Eva has spent most of her childhood in foster care. The need to find her birth parents is strong so after breaking up with her boyfriend Gareth Eva takes herself to Whitby to look for them.
Celia is Eva’s friend who has been through the foster care system with Eva.
Although I found this a tad slow to start off with I really enjoyed it. I thought it was a really well written story full of suspense. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
August 30, 2018
3.5☆ An enjoyable read.
(Rounded up to 4☆ for Amazon and Goodreads)
Finding Eva is a story about discovering your past, secrets and drama.
Eva grew up in foster care after her parents left her. Eva is curious and feels like she wants to find them now. So she sells up and moves to the area she believes them to be.
Celia and Eva were in foster care and Celia is Eva's best friend. So when she disappears without saying anything she decides to try and find her. But just why is Celia so desperate to find her.
Unfortunately I just couldn't connect with the characters. The pace was slower and took me a while to get into the story. I found it to be a little confusing to start with as the story is told by three characters. Eva, Cecila and Gareth (Eva's Ex) and I found myself back tracking to see who's chapter it was.
Having said that, it was a suspenseful read, with some twists, Drama and secrets.
I just like my thrillers to be a little more faster paced and action packed.
I would recommend this book to those who like slower paced yet descriptive thrillers with some twists and suspense.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
(Rounded up to 4☆ for Amazon and Goodreads)
Finding Eva is a story about discovering your past, secrets and drama.
Eva grew up in foster care after her parents left her. Eva is curious and feels like she wants to find them now. So she sells up and moves to the area she believes them to be.
Celia and Eva were in foster care and Celia is Eva's best friend. So when she disappears without saying anything she decides to try and find her. But just why is Celia so desperate to find her.
Unfortunately I just couldn't connect with the characters. The pace was slower and took me a while to get into the story. I found it to be a little confusing to start with as the story is told by three characters. Eva, Cecila and Gareth (Eva's Ex) and I found myself back tracking to see who's chapter it was.
Having said that, it was a suspenseful read, with some twists, Drama and secrets.
I just like my thrillers to be a little more faster paced and action packed.
I would recommend this book to those who like slower paced yet descriptive thrillers with some twists and suspense.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
September 23, 2018
This book was interesting to begin with but somewhere in middle, it loses its pace till it reaches a good end. The story had Eva trying to find courage to meet her real mom. It is all about knowing where you come from.
The story is told in 3 POV, Eva, her ex Gareth, and her best friend in foster home Celia.
There were twists but it was too slow to keep my interest going. I had to skim read it to get to the end.
The story is told in 3 POV, Eva, her ex Gareth, and her best friend in foster home Celia.
There were twists but it was too slow to keep my interest going. I had to skim read it to get to the end.
September 1, 2018
Finding Eva is J.A. Baker's fourth novel and I found myself horrified that I seem to have missed one, something I shall need to rectify immediately. It is only 18 months or so since J.A. Baker released her debut, Undercurrent, so it is amazing that she is currently working on her fifth novel. What a writing machine! So I couldn't wait to see what Finding Eva is all about.
Eva has left London and headed North to find her birth parents. Eva has left under a cloud after breaking up with her boyfriend, Gareth, and not telling her best friend, Celia, that she was leaving. So Gareth and Celia follow Eva to Whitby, both of them desperate to find Eva for very different reasons. Gareth could kill Eva for what she did to him, and he just might if he gets his hands on her, but what did she do? I certainly couldn't read fast enough to find out! Celia, meanwhile, is quite another matter and she really creeped me out. She sees herself as Eva's soul sister as they were both brought up in care, but with similarities in appearance, it is clear that Celia doesn't just want to be like Eva, she wants to be her. Creepy!
With Gareth and Celia chasing down Eva, the story is told from these 3 different perspectives. Each character has their own motivations which taints their point of view so it's up to the reader to decide which one is nearest to the truth. I really felt for Eva as she just wants to meet her birth parents and find out why they gave her away but, after reading the first chapter, I also worried whether she had some ulterior motive for visiting Whitby.
There's always a keen sense of place in J.A. Baker's novels and Finding Eva is no exception, set on the cold and wet cobbled streets of Whitby, a little fishing village in North Yorkshire. The setting seems to add to the suspense as Eva finds nowhere to hide, despite there being plenty of narrow alleyways and lots of people visiting during the famous goth weekend.
I found this book a little darker and more menacing than J.A. Baker's previous novels but there is so much suspense that it's virtually impossible to put down. Finding Eva is chilling, suspenseful, dark and menacing; it's another superb book by J.A. Baker.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Eva has left London and headed North to find her birth parents. Eva has left under a cloud after breaking up with her boyfriend, Gareth, and not telling her best friend, Celia, that she was leaving. So Gareth and Celia follow Eva to Whitby, both of them desperate to find Eva for very different reasons. Gareth could kill Eva for what she did to him, and he just might if he gets his hands on her, but what did she do? I certainly couldn't read fast enough to find out! Celia, meanwhile, is quite another matter and she really creeped me out. She sees herself as Eva's soul sister as they were both brought up in care, but with similarities in appearance, it is clear that Celia doesn't just want to be like Eva, she wants to be her. Creepy!
With Gareth and Celia chasing down Eva, the story is told from these 3 different perspectives. Each character has their own motivations which taints their point of view so it's up to the reader to decide which one is nearest to the truth. I really felt for Eva as she just wants to meet her birth parents and find out why they gave her away but, after reading the first chapter, I also worried whether she had some ulterior motive for visiting Whitby.
There's always a keen sense of place in J.A. Baker's novels and Finding Eva is no exception, set on the cold and wet cobbled streets of Whitby, a little fishing village in North Yorkshire. The setting seems to add to the suspense as Eva finds nowhere to hide, despite there being plenty of narrow alleyways and lots of people visiting during the famous goth weekend.
I found this book a little darker and more menacing than J.A. Baker's previous novels but there is so much suspense that it's virtually impossible to put down. Finding Eva is chilling, suspenseful, dark and menacing; it's another superb book by J.A. Baker.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
September 13, 2018
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I really enjoyed this story, it goes back and forth between the past and present and it is told from the viewpoints of the three main characters.
The story is very good, it is well thought through and has a great concept. The pace is good but I did feel it dropped about half way through the book, it picked back up again with about a fifth of the book to go thankfully and the ending was spot on.
It has a great writing style and well developed characters. The story is gritty and pretty dark in places so it might not be for everyone but I thought it was a good psychological thriller!
Four stars from me, a really good story that had me hooked!!
I really enjoyed this story, it goes back and forth between the past and present and it is told from the viewpoints of the three main characters.
The story is very good, it is well thought through and has a great concept. The pace is good but I did feel it dropped about half way through the book, it picked back up again with about a fifth of the book to go thankfully and the ending was spot on.
It has a great writing style and well developed characters. The story is gritty and pretty dark in places so it might not be for everyone but I thought it was a good psychological thriller!
Four stars from me, a really good story that had me hooked!!
September 27, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bloodhound Books.
I was immediately attracted to the blanket, there is a woman from behind holding shoes by the sea and the catchphrase at the bottom of the blanket: "Some relationships are toxic, others are deadly".
There is Eva, who is saddened to be reunited with her biological parents after spending many years in foster care. She leaves London to go in search of her real parents. Her best friend Celia without news is searching for her as well as her ex-boyfriend Gareth. But in the end, who is Eva?
A book that kept me on my toes from beginning to end because I was so hooked on the story so captivating, moving and full of suspense and twists and turns. Looking forward to reading another book by this author.
I was immediately attracted to the blanket, there is a woman from behind holding shoes by the sea and the catchphrase at the bottom of the blanket: "Some relationships are toxic, others are deadly".
There is Eva, who is saddened to be reunited with her biological parents after spending many years in foster care. She leaves London to go in search of her real parents. Her best friend Celia without news is searching for her as well as her ex-boyfriend Gareth. But in the end, who is Eva?
A book that kept me on my toes from beginning to end because I was so hooked on the story so captivating, moving and full of suspense and twists and turns. Looking forward to reading another book by this author.
August 12, 2018
This book took some getting into and slightly confused me as to who was telling the story so much so I had to check back on occasion to the title of the chapter as to whose turn of the story it was. But that said once it settled into a rhythm it was a fairly engrossing read. The twists and turns make you want to keep going.
The story tells of how the care system can affect two people who live together in the same environment can turn out so differently, but the back story of how they came to be together gives you more insight into why they are who they are.
Finding her birth parents is the end game for Eva with Celia dogging her every move as she reaches her goal.
Unfortunately for Eva Celia has her own agenda and as she spirals out of control she takes Eva with her.
The story ends on an unexpected twist that you thought would happen but you have to keep reading to confirm it and even then it still throws you yet another twist.
The story tells of how the care system can affect two people who live together in the same environment can turn out so differently, but the back story of how they came to be together gives you more insight into why they are who they are.
Finding her birth parents is the end game for Eva with Celia dogging her every move as she reaches her goal.
Unfortunately for Eva Celia has her own agenda and as she spirals out of control she takes Eva with her.
The story ends on an unexpected twist that you thought would happen but you have to keep reading to confirm it and even then it still throws you yet another twist.
August 2, 2018
Eva is desperate to find her birth parents, so after the break-up with her current boyfriend Gareth, she packs everything up and moves to Whitby. Gareth is furious with Eva about the bomb she dropped on him before the break-up and decides to hunt Eva down. Meanwhile, Eva’s friend Cecila is concerned when Eva doesn’t return any of her calls and decides to go visit in London, only to find out that Eva isn’t there. Cecila decided to go to Eva’s new home in Whitby to make sure she’s not unraveling as both women have been damaged by their childhoods. These meet-ups could be lethal for one party.
I found this book very slow to begin with because we needed all the details of Eva’s life and some details of her and Gareth’s relationship. I found the first almost half of the book to be just minute details that didn’t interest me very much. When we met Cecila, I became more interested in the story because we began to get a different perspective of Eva’s life and see more of where the story was going. I did see one of the twists coming and didn’t quite understand why someone would do that but it becomes more apparent the further you read.
I enjoyed the ending and I didn’t really see the final twist coming and I enjoy that. I also really liked the stand off at the end between three characters! There are definitely some interesting things going on in this novel and I enjoyed most of it. I am not really sure how I overall felt about the book, the writing was easy to follow, but the chapters were too long for my liking and I did enjoy all the characters, but the character development took too long for me.
Pick it up August 27th!
I found this book very slow to begin with because we needed all the details of Eva’s life and some details of her and Gareth’s relationship. I found the first almost half of the book to be just minute details that didn’t interest me very much. When we met Cecila, I became more interested in the story because we began to get a different perspective of Eva’s life and see more of where the story was going. I did see one of the twists coming and didn’t quite understand why someone would do that but it becomes more apparent the further you read.
I enjoyed the ending and I didn’t really see the final twist coming and I enjoy that. I also really liked the stand off at the end between three characters! There are definitely some interesting things going on in this novel and I enjoyed most of it. I am not really sure how I overall felt about the book, the writing was easy to follow, but the chapters were too long for my liking and I did enjoy all the characters, but the character development took too long for me.
Pick it up August 27th!
August 3, 2018
Eva was given away as a baby, unwanted by her parents who were unable to cope with a child at that time. Having had a successful career in finance in London she has sold her flat and moved to Whitby where she believes her parents are living. Whilst in London she had a relationship with Gareth- a turbulent one to say the least. She found respite in the bottom of a bottle and now wishes to put all of this behind her although she does miss Gareth and finds herself calling him more than she feels she should. This is a very descriptive read. Something I wouldn’t normally go for but this is done somehow in a different way. The descriptions drew me in both to the character and the situation- the mark of a good author in my humble opinion. Chapters alternate between three main characters- Eva, Gareth and Celia. Celia is Eva’s lifelong friend whom she was in foster care with. Celia has always had a protective wing over Eva and when she moves without telling her just knows that something is amiss and goes to find her. A book to savour if you enjoy detailed characterisations. In some ways not a lot happens, other than in the minds of the characters- their thoughts of the past and how they want to put things right or confront a situation where they feel they have been wronged. A very clever plot and and ending that made me smile and left me thinking. A wonderful, different read.
August 31, 2018
The beautiful seaside town of Whitby is where this is based. Locals hear screams and the police appear. Rumour has it that there are two people dead and the community is up in arms.
Eve finds herself struggling alone, in a place she doesn't know with a broken heart. She is not coping well, not looking after herself and eventually realises that she has to take charge.
She is desperate to find her birth parents which is why she is in Whitby. After being taken into care as a baby she was in foster care. Celia, in the same foster carer, is her oldest friend and becomes worried about her when she hasn't heard from her. She goes to London to find her.
Eva has made a successful life for herself, with a good job and loving boyfriend. What went wrong and why does he hate her now?
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
Eve finds herself struggling alone, in a place she doesn't know with a broken heart. She is not coping well, not looking after herself and eventually realises that she has to take charge.
She is desperate to find her birth parents which is why she is in Whitby. After being taken into care as a baby she was in foster care. Celia, in the same foster carer, is her oldest friend and becomes worried about her when she hasn't heard from her. She goes to London to find her.
Eva has made a successful life for herself, with a good job and loving boyfriend. What went wrong and why does he hate her now?
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
July 31, 2018
Finding Eva is about how Eva has coped with being brought up in foster care and how it has affected her right through to adulthood. It is about her wanting to find out why her parents didn’t ever come back for her. We get to know Celia, who was brought up in the same foster home as Eva and we meet Gareth, Eva’s now ex boyfriend. I enjoyed learning about each of the characters personalities and how their childhoods had made them the way they are now., even though none of them are likeable. There are a few twists in the story which added to the intensity. I found myself on tenterhooks leading up to the end. I would recommend this book.
September 3, 2018
Being in foster care for most of her life, Eva is searching for her birth parents and when she finally finds her birth mother, not only her life is at stake. The first half of the book was a little slow and I had to make myself read on a few times. But when Celia is introduced, things pick up and get more interesting and I found, I couldn't stop reading. In the end I'm glad I didn't quit, 'cause it proved to be a really good book.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books!
November 22, 2018
A great read, full of suspense and plenty of drama as it reaches a dramatic climax. There were some interesting twists and the ending definitely makes you think. There is some foreshadowing in the prologue but how it gets to that point is dark and a bit disturbing. My only gripe is that it was slow to get going but it certainly grips you once it does. I'm now heading off to find more books by the author!
August 2, 2018
Enjoyable read. I enjoyed reading the chapters from the point of view from the different characters and how they developed as the book went on. I did guess one of the twists early on, although not all the details (I assumed it had been accidental!) However, some twists came as a pleasant surprise and contributed to the enjoyment of the book.. I would welcome reading books by this author in the future.
August 29, 2018
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own. Wow just wow. J.A. Baker has written a truly riveting book. I was hooked from the very first page and just couldn't stop reading much to the annoyance of my dog Fiona who was clearly insisting that I take her outside. Now or else. LOL. Definitely pick up this winner of a book if you love tense and emotional stories. This will definitely hit that spot. Happy reading! #FindingEva #Netgalley
August 28, 2018
This psychological thriller focused on four damaged individuals and grabbed me from the first page. The story of Eva attempting to find her birth mother after growing up in foster care, along with her relationships with her boyfriend and the friend she grew up in foster care with was engrossing.
September 1, 2018
A good book, well developed and tense, I prefer more of a psychological type thriller than this type, but still was able to get into and enjoy this story. It had the tense, taught, twisty nature I enjoy.
I will be recommending and using in a daily challenge in Chapter Chatter Pub.
I will be recommending and using in a daily challenge in Chapter Chatter Pub.
September 4, 2018
WOW
This book is crazy!! The characters are nuts this book is my cup of tea!! I read it all in one sitting
This book is crazy!! The characters are nuts this book is my cup of tea!! I read it all in one sitting
October 25, 2018
FAB
Great read kept me interested from start to finish highly recommend can’t wait to read more from this writer A*****
Great read kept me interested from start to finish highly recommend can’t wait to read more from this writer A*****
June 1, 2023
Thank you NetGalley , J A Baker and Boldwood books for an ARC of this book, for honest opinion.
The Toxic Friend is a fast-paced, climactical, keeps you on the edge of your seat thriller. I couldn’t put the book down I was hooked right from the beginning. I recommend you read this book.
The Toxic Friend is a fast-paced, climactical, keeps you on the edge of your seat thriller. I couldn’t put the book down I was hooked right from the beginning. I recommend you read this book.
October 9, 2018
Great read
Kept me guessing until the end. One of the best I've read in a while. Give it two thumbs up.
Kept me guessing until the end. One of the best I've read in a while. Give it two thumbs up.
May 20, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my opinion.
I was initially drawn in after reading the story description. After years in foster care, and now an adult Eva decides it’s time to meet her birth parents. She knows where they are, and who they are and begins her journey to Whitby to confront them; “why didn’t they want me?”. What she didn’t account for was her estranged best friend, and recent ex boyfriend to both follow her to Whitby, from London. When ensues is an intense game of cat and mouse as the clock ticks on who will find Eva’s parents first; Eva? Gareth? Or Celia?
The story did keep me interested, and was a fast read. However, I found some of the underlying topics of the book (incestuous relationships), and all the violence/gore to be a bit graphic. I enjoy reading thrillers, but overall this one was just too disturbing for me to like.
I was initially drawn in after reading the story description. After years in foster care, and now an adult Eva decides it’s time to meet her birth parents. She knows where they are, and who they are and begins her journey to Whitby to confront them; “why didn’t they want me?”. What she didn’t account for was her estranged best friend, and recent ex boyfriend to both follow her to Whitby, from London. When ensues is an intense game of cat and mouse as the clock ticks on who will find Eva’s parents first; Eva? Gareth? Or Celia?
The story did keep me interested, and was a fast read. However, I found some of the underlying topics of the book (incestuous relationships), and all the violence/gore to be a bit graphic. I enjoy reading thrillers, but overall this one was just too disturbing for me to like.
September 16, 2018
Great book, slightly different to my normal thrillers but definitely worth a read. The last 30% of the book had many twists and turns, I was frantically reading to find out what the outcome, brilliant.
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