What do you think?
Rate this book
The Other Daughter
Nine years ago her daughter was taken. And now she’s back.
Two-and-a-half-year-old Holly is playing happily in a pink plastic playhouse, while her mother Rachel sips coffee and chats with a friend nearby. It should be an ordinary day for all of them. But, in the blink of an eye, it turns into every family’s worst nightmare.
Holly is taken by a stranger and never found.
Nine years later, Rachel is living a quiet life in Dorset. She’s tried to keep things together since the traumatic day when she lost her eldest daughter. She has a new family, a loving partner and her secrets are locked away in her painful past.
Until one afternoon when Rachel meets a new school parent Kate and her teenage daughter Bella. Rachel’s world is instantly turned upside down – she’s seen Bella before. She’d recognise that face anywhere – it’s her missing child.
And she will stop at nothing to get her back…
Two-and-a-half-year-old Holly is playing happily in a pink plastic playhouse, while her mother Rachel sips coffee and chats with a friend nearby. It should be an ordinary day for all of them. But, in the blink of an eye, it turns into every family’s worst nightmare.
Holly is taken by a stranger and never found.
Nine years later, Rachel is living a quiet life in Dorset. She’s tried to keep things together since the traumatic day when she lost her eldest daughter. She has a new family, a loving partner and her secrets are locked away in her painful past.
Until one afternoon when Rachel meets a new school parent Kate and her teenage daughter Bella. Rachel’s world is instantly turned upside down – she’s seen Bella before. She’d recognise that face anywhere – it’s her missing child.
And she will stop at nothing to get her back…
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2019
5115 people are currently reading
6008 people want to read
About the author
Shalini Boland
41 books3,427 followersShalini Boland is the USA-Today bestselling author of twenty psychological thrillers. With three million copies sold, her titles are published by Amazon Publishing, Audible, Bookouture, and Grand Central Publishing.
Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her family and their increasingly demanding dog, Queen Jess. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing (in between re-stocking the fridge and dealing with endless baskets of laundry).
She is also the author of two bestselling SFF series.
www.shaliniboland.com
Now available:
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
THE HONEYMOON
THE SCHOOL REUNION
THE SILENT BRIDE
THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
A PERFECT STRANGER
THE FAMILY HOLIDAY
THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS
MY LITTLE GIRL
THE WIFE
ONE OF US IS LYING
THE OTHER DAUGHTER
THE MARRIAGE BETRAYAL
THE PERFECT FAMILY
THE SILENT SISTER
THE CHILD NEXT DOOR
THE SECRET MOTHER
THE MILLIONAIRE'S WIFE
THE BEST FRIEND
THE GIRL FROM THE SEA
The OUTSIDE SERIES - a thrilling dystopian adventure
The VAMPIRES OF MARCHWOOD series - a romantic fantasy adventure
A SHIRTFUL OF FROGS - an evacuee timeslip adventure
Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her family and their increasingly demanding dog, Queen Jess. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing (in between re-stocking the fridge and dealing with endless baskets of laundry).
She is also the author of two bestselling SFF series.
www.shaliniboland.com
Now available:
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
THE HONEYMOON
THE SCHOOL REUNION
THE SILENT BRIDE
THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
A PERFECT STRANGER
THE FAMILY HOLIDAY
THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS
MY LITTLE GIRL
THE WIFE
ONE OF US IS LYING
THE OTHER DAUGHTER
THE MARRIAGE BETRAYAL
THE PERFECT FAMILY
THE SILENT SISTER
THE CHILD NEXT DOOR
THE SECRET MOTHER
THE MILLIONAIRE'S WIFE
THE BEST FRIEND
THE GIRL FROM THE SEA
The OUTSIDE SERIES - a thrilling dystopian adventure
The VAMPIRES OF MARCHWOOD series - a romantic fantasy adventure
A SHIRTFUL OF FROGS - an evacuee timeslip adventure
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 657 reviews
November 29, 2019
3.5*
In a heartbeat, little 3 year old Holly has vanished. Here one minute, gone the next from a local playground. Her mother Rachel, mere feet away. Just one distracted moment for mom to turn away to chat with friends and poof… Holly was never seen again.
Now nine years later Rachel has moved away and started her life over. She has a devoted boyfriend she loves, as well as 2 young children to raise. Of course she has never forgotten her sweet Holly, just never speaks of her or that horrendous day. She’s managed to move on as well as could be expected. That is until she spots a teenage girl that she thinks could be Holly! Now grown and being raised by another family!
This is where Rachel’s behavior just went a bit too far off the rails for me. Her actions and behavior were just a bit too far-fetched.
But hold on everybody! You’re in luck…you have a huge, twisty pretzel 🥨heading your way! In fact, maybe too big of a twist... as I struggled to put all the puzzle 🧩 pieces together! But maybe that was just me!
A buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Shalini Boland for an ARC to read and review.
In a heartbeat, little 3 year old Holly has vanished. Here one minute, gone the next from a local playground. Her mother Rachel, mere feet away. Just one distracted moment for mom to turn away to chat with friends and poof… Holly was never seen again.
Now nine years later Rachel has moved away and started her life over. She has a devoted boyfriend she loves, as well as 2 young children to raise. Of course she has never forgotten her sweet Holly, just never speaks of her or that horrendous day. She’s managed to move on as well as could be expected. That is until she spots a teenage girl that she thinks could be Holly! Now grown and being raised by another family!
This is where Rachel’s behavior just went a bit too far off the rails for me. Her actions and behavior were just a bit too far-fetched.
But hold on everybody! You’re in luck…you have a huge, twisty pretzel 🥨heading your way! In fact, maybe too big of a twist... as I struggled to put all the puzzle 🧩 pieces together! But maybe that was just me!
A buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Shalini Boland for an ARC to read and review.
June 28, 2023
Every parent would agree this is their worst nightmare...their child goes missing. It happened to Rachel, nine long years ago but she remembers it like it was yesterday. Every single day she analyzes every little girl that would be around Holly's age, wouldn't you do the same? What if by chance you actually saw Holly again? Or what if she moved in to the same town as you...hiding in plain sight?
Wow! What a great premise this is, it had me locked in and hanging onto every word from the very first page. Shalini Boland is a must read author for me. I jumped at the chance to get my hands on her latest book and I was furiously flipping the pages with this one. It started out intense right from the start.
I was doubtful when Rachel thinks she has stumbled upon her daughter 9 years after she went missing. I began to really question her sanity, as she watched ( stalked) the new family in town. I cringed at her actions as she was digging for the truth...then I started to believe her. As the tension turned up and the evidence built up I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, for a killer twist....and there it was!
We are allowed into the mind of someone that has been tortured with guilt and despair for nine years. She is absolutely desperate to find her daughter and will stop at nothing to find out the truth. A roller coaster ride all the way to the end.
Wow! What a great premise this is, it had me locked in and hanging onto every word from the very first page. Shalini Boland is a must read author for me. I jumped at the chance to get my hands on her latest book and I was furiously flipping the pages with this one. It started out intense right from the start.
I was doubtful when Rachel thinks she has stumbled upon her daughter 9 years after she went missing. I began to really question her sanity, as she watched ( stalked) the new family in town. I cringed at her actions as she was digging for the truth...then I started to believe her. As the tension turned up and the evidence built up I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, for a killer twist....and there it was!
We are allowed into the mind of someone that has been tortured with guilt and despair for nine years. She is absolutely desperate to find her daughter and will stop at nothing to find out the truth. A roller coaster ride all the way to the end.
November 8, 2019
This is the story of a child abduction from a busy London shopping centre. Catriona is distraught, muddy and in this emotional state she takes 2 year old girl while her mother is talking to a friend. Part of the story is told in the past from Catriona’s perspective. The other narrator of the story is Rachel Farnborough whose daughter Holly has been abducted several years previously. Rachel meets Kate Morris whose elder daughter Bella bears a striking resemblance to Holly and so Rachel is determined to prove that this is indeed her missing daughter.
The book starts in an intriguing way and has me hooked! It’s easy to read and I enjoyed it although there is some repetition regarding Rachel’s desire to do whatever it takes to learn the truth. Message received! The characters are likeable in particular Rachel’s partner Matt who is so understanding and supportive even though Rachel must be testing his patience with her actions. Some of the things she does are somewhat crazy and ill thought out but who knows what lengths a person would go to in similar, unimaginable circumstances as child abduction is every parents nightmare.
I like the way that Rachel imagines a reunion with her daughter and what will happen to Kate if her suspicions prove to be correct. Her mind goes back and forth as the painful memories resurface and I feel the author captures the pain well and also her up and down emotions. I like the way the tension accelerates then is released and leaves you hanging and asking many questions. I most certainly did not see the ending coming and I like that as when it’s patently obvious a book can lose its allure.
Overall, an enjoyable, twisty read although a bit repetitive in places and so 4 stars rather than 5.
The book starts in an intriguing way and has me hooked! It’s easy to read and I enjoyed it although there is some repetition regarding Rachel’s desire to do whatever it takes to learn the truth. Message received! The characters are likeable in particular Rachel’s partner Matt who is so understanding and supportive even though Rachel must be testing his patience with her actions. Some of the things she does are somewhat crazy and ill thought out but who knows what lengths a person would go to in similar, unimaginable circumstances as child abduction is every parents nightmare.
I like the way that Rachel imagines a reunion with her daughter and what will happen to Kate if her suspicions prove to be correct. Her mind goes back and forth as the painful memories resurface and I feel the author captures the pain well and also her up and down emotions. I like the way the tension accelerates then is released and leaves you hanging and asking many questions. I most certainly did not see the ending coming and I like that as when it’s patently obvious a book can lose its allure.
Overall, an enjoyable, twisty read although a bit repetitive in places and so 4 stars rather than 5.
November 24, 2019
3.75 Stars.
Talk about a Twisty Turny, WILD Ride!
Rachel remembers the day nine years ago when her daughter Holly was kidnapped and yet she has never spoken of it - not to anyone since moving away from that dreadful place and building a new life with her boyfriend Matt and raising her other daughter Jess, and having another child with her boyfriend. Life must go on.
When a new family moves to town, Rachel’s world is turned upside down when she meets their eldest daughter “Bella” who is Holly’s spitting image. Only Rachel is sure Bella is not just a lookalike but Holly and Rachel will do whatever it takes to get her daughter back. The problem is that she’s afraid to tell her boyfriend or anyone else what she’s up to.
Be prepared for the craziest ride ever! While I rolled my eyes quite a bit at Rachel’s antics, when the ending rolled around, I was wholly unprepared and admittedly I must give Shalini Boland props. You got me! Bravo!
This was a buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Shalini Boland for the arc.
Published on Goodreads and NetGalley on 11.24.19.
Talk about a Twisty Turny, WILD Ride!
Rachel remembers the day nine years ago when her daughter Holly was kidnapped and yet she has never spoken of it - not to anyone since moving away from that dreadful place and building a new life with her boyfriend Matt and raising her other daughter Jess, and having another child with her boyfriend. Life must go on.
When a new family moves to town, Rachel’s world is turned upside down when she meets their eldest daughter “Bella” who is Holly’s spitting image. Only Rachel is sure Bella is not just a lookalike but Holly and Rachel will do whatever it takes to get her daughter back. The problem is that she’s afraid to tell her boyfriend or anyone else what she’s up to.
Be prepared for the craziest ride ever! While I rolled my eyes quite a bit at Rachel’s antics, when the ending rolled around, I was wholly unprepared and admittedly I must give Shalini Boland props. You got me! Bravo!
This was a buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Shalini Boland for the arc.
Published on Goodreads and NetGalley on 11.24.19.
October 27, 2019
This is my first book by the author and it initially appealed to me because the plot sounded awesome!
I know there is an arguement that psychological thrillers dont need in depth characters but I do believe they need some depth, for me this was the biggest issue when reading this book, it felt like a one dimensional sketch.
The page count is low therefore some meat could be put on these bones without it turning into a beast of a book, the ideas are brilliant but the execution is half hearted and it's so repetitive I found my mind drifting a fair bit.
However it is a total no effort short readable thriller so if that's your bag, this is your book.
2 stars from me.
I know there is an arguement that psychological thrillers dont need in depth characters but I do believe they need some depth, for me this was the biggest issue when reading this book, it felt like a one dimensional sketch.
The page count is low therefore some meat could be put on these bones without it turning into a beast of a book, the ideas are brilliant but the execution is half hearted and it's so repetitive I found my mind drifting a fair bit.
However it is a total no effort short readable thriller so if that's your bag, this is your book.
2 stars from me.
October 25, 2019
The Other Daughter is the sixth psychological thriller I’ve read by Shalini Boland so that alone should tell you I really enjoy her writing. I am at the point now after all previous four or five star stories that I don’t even bother reading the blurb and just grab away when I see her name and here we are yet again with another winner!
This book features a mother who had gone through one of the most devastating things that could happen to a parent. Nine years earlier Rachel had gone out with a friend to a local mall where the ladies chatted while Rachel’s toddler played. In just a few short moments of not paying attention Rachel’s daughter completely vanished.
Now, nine years later, Rachel has patched herself together as good as she can but not a day has gone by she hasn’t thought of her missing daughter. One day while picking up her two younger children from school Rachel meets a new mother at the school who had just moved to town with her husband and three children. When Rachel takes one look at the oldest daughter she loses her breathe from how much the girl resembles her missing Holly.
Seeing that this has become one of my auto-read authors I wasn’t at all surprised when I quickly became engrossed in this story. As soon as I was drawn in and learned all the details of the book my mind began to spin with possible outcomes never trusting anyone or anything because I just know Ms. Boland will have some amazing twists coming. Did all my debating and detectiving work and I get anywhere close?? Heck no! Another no way I would see that one coming made it worth the lack of sleep this page turner caused.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
This book features a mother who had gone through one of the most devastating things that could happen to a parent. Nine years earlier Rachel had gone out with a friend to a local mall where the ladies chatted while Rachel’s toddler played. In just a few short moments of not paying attention Rachel’s daughter completely vanished.
Now, nine years later, Rachel has patched herself together as good as she can but not a day has gone by she hasn’t thought of her missing daughter. One day while picking up her two younger children from school Rachel meets a new mother at the school who had just moved to town with her husband and three children. When Rachel takes one look at the oldest daughter she loses her breathe from how much the girl resembles her missing Holly.
Seeing that this has become one of my auto-read authors I wasn’t at all surprised when I quickly became engrossed in this story. As soon as I was drawn in and learned all the details of the book my mind began to spin with possible outcomes never trusting anyone or anything because I just know Ms. Boland will have some amazing twists coming. Did all my debating and detectiving work and I get anywhere close?? Heck no! Another no way I would see that one coming made it worth the lack of sleep this page turner caused.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 28, 2019
EXCERPT: Catriona realises she still has mud caked in her fingernails. Her clothes are still a bit muddy too. She should go and have a shower before Darren gets home. But then she remembers...and with that vivid flash of memory, her body begins to tremble once more - a strange, unsettling shaking that she has no control over. And she realises that there's no way she's going to be able to go back into that bathroom.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Nine years ago her daughter was taken. And now she’s back.
Two-and-a-half-year-old Holly is playing happily in a pink plastic playhouse, while her mother Rachel sips coffee and chats with a friend nearby. It should be an ordinary day for all of them. But, in the blink of an eye, it turns into every family’s worst nightmare.
Holly is taken by a stranger and never found.
Nine years later, Rachel is living a quiet life in Dorset. She’s tried to keep things together since the traumatic day when she lost her eldest daughter. She has a new family, a loving partner and her secrets are locked away in her painful past.
Until one afternoon when Rachel meets a new school parent Kate and her teenage daughter Bella. Rachel’s world is instantly turned upside down – she’s seen Bella before. She’d recognise that face anywhere – it’s her missing child.
And she will stop at nothing to get her back…
MY THOUGHTS: The Other Daughter is one of those books that when you aren't reading it, you're still thinking about it.
I started this last night, read until I fell asleep with it in my hand, was a little late to work because I read too long over my breakfast, and came home from work early to finish it because I just had to know what happened, and no, I couldn't possibly wait another hour and a half to find out.
Now, just a word of warning...there are times when you are going to have to suspend belief, but it's worth it.
There were times when I was reading along when I would think 'wtf? Don't care - read on.' This doesn't often happen. Usually little 'holes' annoy me no end. But Shalini Boland has written a cracker of a novel that swept me along, keeping me feeling excited and anticipating her next move. And never, in my wildest dreams, did I anticipate that ending!
#TheOtherDaughter #NetGalley
💖💖💖💖💖
THE AUTHOR: Hello :) I write suspense thrillers and dark adventures, and I live in Dorset, England with my husband, two children and our dog.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Other Daughter by Shalini Boland for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Nine years ago her daughter was taken. And now she’s back.
Two-and-a-half-year-old Holly is playing happily in a pink plastic playhouse, while her mother Rachel sips coffee and chats with a friend nearby. It should be an ordinary day for all of them. But, in the blink of an eye, it turns into every family’s worst nightmare.
Holly is taken by a stranger and never found.
Nine years later, Rachel is living a quiet life in Dorset. She’s tried to keep things together since the traumatic day when she lost her eldest daughter. She has a new family, a loving partner and her secrets are locked away in her painful past.
Until one afternoon when Rachel meets a new school parent Kate and her teenage daughter Bella. Rachel’s world is instantly turned upside down – she’s seen Bella before. She’d recognise that face anywhere – it’s her missing child.
And she will stop at nothing to get her back…
MY THOUGHTS: The Other Daughter is one of those books that when you aren't reading it, you're still thinking about it.
I started this last night, read until I fell asleep with it in my hand, was a little late to work because I read too long over my breakfast, and came home from work early to finish it because I just had to know what happened, and no, I couldn't possibly wait another hour and a half to find out.
Now, just a word of warning...there are times when you are going to have to suspend belief, but it's worth it.
There were times when I was reading along when I would think 'wtf? Don't care - read on.' This doesn't often happen. Usually little 'holes' annoy me no end. But Shalini Boland has written a cracker of a novel that swept me along, keeping me feeling excited and anticipating her next move. And never, in my wildest dreams, did I anticipate that ending!
#TheOtherDaughter #NetGalley
💖💖💖💖💖
THE AUTHOR: Hello :) I write suspense thrillers and dark adventures, and I live in Dorset, England with my husband, two children and our dog.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Other Daughter by Shalini Boland for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
June 27, 2022
Two-and-a-half-year-old Holly was abducted while playing in a common play area. CCTV cameras captured footage of a stranger in a hoodie abducting her, but she was never found. Now it’s nine years later and Holly’s mother Rachel is sure Bella, the girl she meets at her children’s school, is her lost daughter. She befriends Bella’s family, trying to get closer to the girl so she can determine one way or another if Bella is her daughter, and if Kate, her mother, is the woman who abducted her all those years ago. This was my first thriller by Shalini Boland, and I enjoyed it. At first, I was convinced I knew where things were going, but then the story completely surprised me! Definitely looking forward to more books by this author.
October 11, 2019
Another exciting gripping psychological thriller by author Shalini Boland that I can highly recommend.
Rachel's two and half year old daughter Holly is abducted while Rachel is chatting to a friend at a local playground and is momentarily distracted. Holly is never found and nine years later Rachel is now living in Dorset still traumatised from losing her eldest daughter Holly but making a fresh start with her new partner. Her world is again thrown into turmoil again when Rachel meets a new school parent Kate and her teenage daughter Bella. Rachel cannot believe her eyes and is convinced Bella is her missing child.
This is an addictive read that maybe stretch your imagination at times but an entertaining read all the same.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Rachel's two and half year old daughter Holly is abducted while Rachel is chatting to a friend at a local playground and is momentarily distracted. Holly is never found and nine years later Rachel is now living in Dorset still traumatised from losing her eldest daughter Holly but making a fresh start with her new partner. Her world is again thrown into turmoil again when Rachel meets a new school parent Kate and her teenage daughter Bella. Rachel cannot believe her eyes and is convinced Bella is her missing child.
This is an addictive read that maybe stretch your imagination at times but an entertaining read all the same.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2019
If you have been reading Shalini Boland’s books, you know that her stories are always engrossing, fast paced and have unexpected twists. This book is no different and keeps you hooked till the end, though not all aspects of the story tie up realistically.
Rachel works hard to bring balance to her life after her eldest daughter Holly is kidnapped. Her partner leaves her with a young toddler (Jess) to care for. Nine years later, she has a loving partner in Matt now, and they raise two kids – Jess & Charlie. The pains of the past return as she meets a new couple Shaun & Kate who move into the area with their three kids. Rachel feels their daughter Bella bears a striking resemblance to her lost daughter Holly.
While not entirely clear on how she should approach this, Rachel is determined to pursue this as she feels strongly drawn to Bella. She digs into Shaun & Kate’s backgrounds with vigour, determined to trace their story.
The story has you hooked and is a page turner from start to finish. It is also very well written and is a pleasure to read. Some aspects of the story are unrealistic though, not everything ties up cleanly and does detract from the impact at the end.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author for a free electronic copy of the book in order to provide a review.
Rachel works hard to bring balance to her life after her eldest daughter Holly is kidnapped. Her partner leaves her with a young toddler (Jess) to care for. Nine years later, she has a loving partner in Matt now, and they raise two kids – Jess & Charlie. The pains of the past return as she meets a new couple Shaun & Kate who move into the area with their three kids. Rachel feels their daughter Bella bears a striking resemblance to her lost daughter Holly.
While not entirely clear on how she should approach this, Rachel is determined to pursue this as she feels strongly drawn to Bella. She digs into Shaun & Kate’s backgrounds with vigour, determined to trace their story.
The story has you hooked and is a page turner from start to finish. It is also very well written and is a pleasure to read. Some aspects of the story are unrealistic though, not everything ties up cleanly and does detract from the impact at the end.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author for a free electronic copy of the book in order to provide a review.
November 6, 2019
Shalini Boland strikes again! Another dark twisty psychological thriller from the master herself. Nine years ago Rachel‘s eldest daughter Holly went missing while she was playing at a playground. Rachel only wasn’t paying attention for a few minutes and her daughter disappeared, never to be seen again... that is until now. While at the school pick up Rachel starts a conversation with a new mom Kate and then she sees Kates oldest daughter Bella and has the shock of her life. Bella is the spitting image of Rachel’sHolly’s missing daughter Holly. Convinced that this is her missing daughter, Rachel will stop at nothing, and I mean nothing to find the truth. Twists and turns, zigs and zags, and just when you think you’ve got it all figured out BAM! Not so fast!
Rachel was such a sympathetic character, I really felt for her. Some of her actions were a bit questionable and over the top, but I don’t know what I would do in the same situation. Her partner Matt was so supportive and understanding. Kate was also likable, you could tell she had something to hide, but I did not want to cast her as a kidnapper. All the kids added some levity and light to this dark story. This is one of those stories that keeps you guessing the entire time. I kept trying to puzzle it together and I just could not make all the pieces fit. You might need to stretch the bounds of believability in this one, but it is so worth it. A well told story with an ending that will leave your head spinning.
This book in emojis: 👩👧 🤔 🧩 🤯
*** Big thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
Rachel was such a sympathetic character, I really felt for her. Some of her actions were a bit questionable and over the top, but I don’t know what I would do in the same situation. Her partner Matt was so supportive and understanding. Kate was also likable, you could tell she had something to hide, but I did not want to cast her as a kidnapper. All the kids added some levity and light to this dark story. This is one of those stories that keeps you guessing the entire time. I kept trying to puzzle it together and I just could not make all the pieces fit. You might need to stretch the bounds of believability in this one, but it is so worth it. A well told story with an ending that will leave your head spinning.
This book in emojis: 👩👧 🤔 🧩 🤯
*** Big thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
September 17, 2019
From reading other reviews,I have noticed that when it comes down to twists in thrillers,reader's opinions are divided. Some enjoy a really good twist of two whilst others don't,I suppose it's all down to personal preference. Me....I love a good twist or two,as long as I don't see them coming. I love a twist that blows my mind and leaves me sat in my comfy chair,totally stunned and doing a very bad impersonation of omg cat. Well.. in The Other Daughter, Shalini Boland cleverly manipulates the reader into believing that you think you know what's going on and then she throws in a massive,jaw dropping twist that takes everything that you thought you knew,rolls into into a ball and chucks it out the window.
The story that is told in chapters that alternate between now and then is predominately narrated by Rachel who lives in Wareham in Dorset with her husband Matt and their two children Charlie and Jess. On the surface it would appear that Rachel has it all,a happy marriage,two loving children,a lovely home and a job that she loves in a local cafe. But Rachel is hiding a devastating secret,one that she hasn't even divulged to Matt. Seven years ago,her two year old daughter Holly was abducted from a play area outside a cafe in London whilst Rachel was chatting to one of her friends. For years Rachel has managed to bury the pain and get on with her life. But then one day she befriends a new mother who has just moved into the area with her family and when Rachel meets the woman's eldest daughter Bella,she is stunned at how closely Bella resembles her missing daughter. After that meeting Rachel finds herself spending every waking moment trying to find the evidence that proves that Bella is her missing daughter. She is totally convinced that Bella's mother and father were behind Molly's abduction. Although I could empathise with Rachel because of the shock of losing her young daughter,I can't say that I thought she was a very likeable character for various reasons. I did feel a lot of sympathy for poor Matt and their two children as Rachel's behaviour became more erratic and her obsession with Bella gradually took over her life. But is Bella really Rachel's missing daughter and precisely how far is Rachel prepared to go to prove what she believes to be true?
The chapters that were set in the past were narrated by a woman called Catriona, a complex character who was very pivotal to the plot and her chapters especially at the beginning of the book were chilling and intense. But who was she and how does she fit into this emotionally charged thriller? Well you are just going to read this absolutely brilliant story and find out for yourself.
I really love Shalini Boland books,they are always extremely well written,tightly plotted,page turners and The Other Daughter is no exception. Her characters are all well rounded,vivid and realistic. Her story telling is hypnotic and captivating,drawing you into her character's fictional world. The only disappointing aspect about her books is that once you start reading one,you don't want to put it down so it is over far too quickly. I loved this book and would have giving it far more than five stars if I could. Very very highly recommended.
Many many thanks to Bookouture and Shalini Boland for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The story that is told in chapters that alternate between now and then is predominately narrated by Rachel who lives in Wareham in Dorset with her husband Matt and their two children Charlie and Jess. On the surface it would appear that Rachel has it all,a happy marriage,two loving children,a lovely home and a job that she loves in a local cafe. But Rachel is hiding a devastating secret,one that she hasn't even divulged to Matt. Seven years ago,her two year old daughter Holly was abducted from a play area outside a cafe in London whilst Rachel was chatting to one of her friends. For years Rachel has managed to bury the pain and get on with her life. But then one day she befriends a new mother who has just moved into the area with her family and when Rachel meets the woman's eldest daughter Bella,she is stunned at how closely Bella resembles her missing daughter. After that meeting Rachel finds herself spending every waking moment trying to find the evidence that proves that Bella is her missing daughter. She is totally convinced that Bella's mother and father were behind Molly's abduction. Although I could empathise with Rachel because of the shock of losing her young daughter,I can't say that I thought she was a very likeable character for various reasons. I did feel a lot of sympathy for poor Matt and their two children as Rachel's behaviour became more erratic and her obsession with Bella gradually took over her life. But is Bella really Rachel's missing daughter and precisely how far is Rachel prepared to go to prove what she believes to be true?
The chapters that were set in the past were narrated by a woman called Catriona, a complex character who was very pivotal to the plot and her chapters especially at the beginning of the book were chilling and intense. But who was she and how does she fit into this emotionally charged thriller? Well you are just going to read this absolutely brilliant story and find out for yourself.
I really love Shalini Boland books,they are always extremely well written,tightly plotted,page turners and The Other Daughter is no exception. Her characters are all well rounded,vivid and realistic. Her story telling is hypnotic and captivating,drawing you into her character's fictional world. The only disappointing aspect about her books is that once you start reading one,you don't want to put it down so it is over far too quickly. I loved this book and would have giving it far more than five stars if I could. Very very highly recommended.
Many many thanks to Bookouture and Shalini Boland for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
August 25, 2020
3.75 rounded up!
Nine years ago, Catriona took little Holly’s hand and walked her right out of the pink, Playhouse, she was exploring, while Mom, Rachel, sipped coffee nearby with friends. (Not a spoiler, chapter 1)
Nine years later, Rachel, has moved on, best that she can, with her two other children, Jess and Charlie.
Until the day she meets new school parent, Kate and her teenage daughter Bella.
Bella looks NOTHING like Kate.
But, she does look exactly like her missing daughter, Holly.
Too much of a coincidence, right?
Maybe. Maybe Not.
I have only read one other book by the popular, Shalini Boland, so I looked back at my review to find out why it has taken me so long, to read another.
Apparently I was engaged with her writing from page one, but didn’t quite buy into the ending, and rated it a 3.5.
This time, I was immediately engaged by the writing again, and I liked but didn’t love the ending, though I was more satisfied with it than with my first try.
I am going to venture a guess and say that though these stories may never be 5 star reads for me personally-that when I am looking for an entertaining book to spend an afternoon with, I wouldn’t hesitate to download another because I bet every single one of them will be enjoyable! 😊
Let me know your favorite!
Because I will be reading more!
Nine years ago, Catriona took little Holly’s hand and walked her right out of the pink, Playhouse, she was exploring, while Mom, Rachel, sipped coffee nearby with friends. (Not a spoiler, chapter 1)
Nine years later, Rachel, has moved on, best that she can, with her two other children, Jess and Charlie.
Until the day she meets new school parent, Kate and her teenage daughter Bella.
Bella looks NOTHING like Kate.
But, she does look exactly like her missing daughter, Holly.
Too much of a coincidence, right?
Maybe. Maybe Not.
I have only read one other book by the popular, Shalini Boland, so I looked back at my review to find out why it has taken me so long, to read another.
Apparently I was engaged with her writing from page one, but didn’t quite buy into the ending, and rated it a 3.5.
This time, I was immediately engaged by the writing again, and I liked but didn’t love the ending, though I was more satisfied with it than with my first try.
I am going to venture a guess and say that though these stories may never be 5 star reads for me personally-that when I am looking for an entertaining book to spend an afternoon with, I wouldn’t hesitate to download another because I bet every single one of them will be enjoyable! 😊
Let me know your favorite!
Because I will be reading more!
October 11, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my advance copy of “The Other Daughter” by Shalini Boland– for my honest review
This is the first book I have read by Shalini Boland, and did enjoy her style of writing. The book kept my interest, and I thought it was a well written storyline, full of twists, turns and lots of guessing.
I did find it quite unrealistic and over the top at about the half way point, but still did enjoy it.
I will read more books by this author.
#TheOtherDaughter #NetGalley
This is the first book I have read by Shalini Boland, and did enjoy her style of writing. The book kept my interest, and I thought it was a well written storyline, full of twists, turns and lots of guessing.
I did find it quite unrealistic and over the top at about the half way point, but still did enjoy it.
I will read more books by this author.
#TheOtherDaughter #NetGalley
October 7, 2019
Shalini Boland is a go to author for me, having enjoyed most of her books. The Other Daughter was once again a fast read with a quick paced story. Although there were a few things that I struggled with believing, this was a great book.
9 years ago Rachel's 2 year old daughter Holly was taken whilst playing at a coffee shop. She has never given up hope of finding her daughter again. She meets a new family to the area and becomes friendly with the mother Kate. When she meets Kates eldest daughter Bella she is convinced that it is Holly all grown up. But how can she prove it? In her attempts to do so she learns that the family is keeping secrets and is more convinced that Kate took her daughter. The ending was one that I had considered whilst reading, but all the same it was a twisty and eventful story.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
9 years ago Rachel's 2 year old daughter Holly was taken whilst playing at a coffee shop. She has never given up hope of finding her daughter again. She meets a new family to the area and becomes friendly with the mother Kate. When she meets Kates eldest daughter Bella she is convinced that it is Holly all grown up. But how can she prove it? In her attempts to do so she learns that the family is keeping secrets and is more convinced that Kate took her daughter. The ending was one that I had considered whilst reading, but all the same it was a twisty and eventful story.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
September 19, 2019
Two year old Holly is abducted from a play area in a shopping centre. Unfortunately she is never found.
Nine years later Rachel sees a girl that she thinks is Holly and will stop at nothing to prove that this girl is her daughter.
Rachel's behaviour becomes increasingly desperate and she begins to act more and more unhinged.
I found parts of this book unbelievable and I had suspected that there would be a twist in the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Nine years later Rachel sees a girl that she thinks is Holly and will stop at nothing to prove that this girl is her daughter.
Rachel's behaviour becomes increasingly desperate and she begins to act more and more unhinged.
I found parts of this book unbelievable and I had suspected that there would be a twist in the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2019
Two and a half year old Holly was abducted from a shopping centre play area while her mother was talking to a friend. She was never found.
Nine years have went by since Holly's disappearance. Rachel meets a new mum at the school gates. They have just moved to the area from London. Rachel has led a quiet life in Dorset. No one, not even her boyfriend knew off her past, that her eldest daughter Holly had been abducted. When she walks Kate back to her car, she is shocked when she sees her eldest daughter, Bella. Bella is the mirror image of how Holly would look today. Rachel is convinced that Bella is her missing daughter. Rachel does everything in her power to try and find out the truth.
OMG Shalini Boland! You have messed with my head and my sleep! I had the intention to read a fee chapters before I went to sleep, but I could not put the book down! This story is told in a duel timeline. The present day and from when Holly was abducted. We are told the story from Rachel and Cationas point of view. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Rachel, no one believed her. This book is tense, very well written, cleverly crafted and executed. I couldn't believe at times what Rachel got up to, but I suppose desperate times call for desperate measures. And WOW, I never saw that ending coming. Shalini Boland is one off my favourite authors. I highly recommend recommend this page turning, gripping and shocking read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Shalini Boland for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Nine years have went by since Holly's disappearance. Rachel meets a new mum at the school gates. They have just moved to the area from London. Rachel has led a quiet life in Dorset. No one, not even her boyfriend knew off her past, that her eldest daughter Holly had been abducted. When she walks Kate back to her car, she is shocked when she sees her eldest daughter, Bella. Bella is the mirror image of how Holly would look today. Rachel is convinced that Bella is her missing daughter. Rachel does everything in her power to try and find out the truth.
OMG Shalini Boland! You have messed with my head and my sleep! I had the intention to read a fee chapters before I went to sleep, but I could not put the book down! This story is told in a duel timeline. The present day and from when Holly was abducted. We are told the story from Rachel and Cationas point of view. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Rachel, no one believed her. This book is tense, very well written, cleverly crafted and executed. I couldn't believe at times what Rachel got up to, but I suppose desperate times call for desperate measures. And WOW, I never saw that ending coming. Shalini Boland is one off my favourite authors. I highly recommend recommend this page turning, gripping and shocking read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Shalini Boland for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2019
This, my 8th book review for this author ( the most reviews for any author since I started reviewing ) and can honestly say they have all been great but by the tiniest of margins......
This is my favourite!
Imagine your daughter, aged 2 and a half is taken whilst you have a coffee with a friend, you think she is safe a few feet away in the cafe playhouse
Imagine spending 9 years grieving for her
You start a new life, a new family and move to a new area but of course never really come to terms with what happened
Then imagine a new family move into the town....their eldest daughter stops you in your tracks when you see her
You are sure it’s your missing daughter, almost positive
What, seriously can you do?
And thats where I will leave the plot but tell you that the word ‘addictive’ in the blurb is 100% right as Rachel tries to prove the girl is hers, its tense, dramatic and emotive and there is a very very surprising ending and twist that had me reeling
I also have to tell you there is a dinner party conversation between both families where Rachel is asking searching questions that had me looking away unable to read for a few seconds as it was so real and so awkward, a real genius few pages that eventually I read 3 times and continued to think about throughout the whole book
A perfect psychological thriller, as always reader friendly, character driven and from page 1 throws you in and keeps you there
10/10
5 Stars
October 10, 2019
Nine years after her two-year-old daughter Holly is abducted at a busy shopping mall, Rachel Farnborough meets a girl who she believes is her missing daughter and will stop at nothing to get her back. I absolutely loved this book. The plot was engaging, perfectly paced, and thoroughly entertaining. The author cleverly tricks the reader into thinking they know exactly what's going on in the story. But then reveals a shocking twist that will mess with your mind and make you question everything you thought you knew about Holly's kidnapping. I don't want to say too much more about the story or the characters as I think it's best to go into it knowing as little as possible. Overall, this was an addictive, enjoyable psychological thriller and I highly recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2019
Rachel's 2 year old daughter, Holly, was taken by a stranger. Mom was sitting with some friends, busily chatting and she took her eyes off for just a moment. A moment is all it took. It's been 9 years and Holly has never been found.
Rachel still grieves for her lost daughter, even though she's gone on to have more children with a loving partner. She's tried to keep her past secret, even her partner has no knowledge of a missing child.
While waiting at the school for her daughter, she meets another school mom, Kate. They are busy talking about their children, when Kate's daughter, Bella, comes out. Rachel is shocked beyond belief .... Bella is her missing daughter...
Her world is turned topsy-turvy and she will do anything ... anything at all to get her daughter back.
This author just never disappoints. The characters are finely drawn and come to life under this author's pen. It's very well written with a major twist that you just don't see coming.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this Psychological Thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Rachel still grieves for her lost daughter, even though she's gone on to have more children with a loving partner. She's tried to keep her past secret, even her partner has no knowledge of a missing child.
While waiting at the school for her daughter, she meets another school mom, Kate. They are busy talking about their children, when Kate's daughter, Bella, comes out. Rachel is shocked beyond belief .... Bella is her missing daughter...
Her world is turned topsy-turvy and she will do anything ... anything at all to get her daughter back.
This author just never disappoints. The characters are finely drawn and come to life under this author's pen. It's very well written with a major twist that you just don't see coming.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this Psychological Thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 5, 2020
Whenever Shalini Boland publishes a new book, I am on board.They are always entertaining and she writes characters that feel quite real, places in situations that are out of the ordinary. At first I was sure I had The Other Daughter all figured out at the halfway mark and was a little disappointed, but then quite a significant twist really surprised me and kept me on my toes! It's not my favorite of her books, but definitely entertaining and fast-paced. If you're looking for a clever, engaging mystery that isn't gory or too creepy, you might want to give this author a try!
Thanks to Bookouture for supplying me with a copy of The Other Daughter in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Thanks to Bookouture for supplying me with a copy of The Other Daughter in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
November 18, 2019
Now: Rachel’s three-year-old daughter Holly is taken from a mall. Nine years later, she’s still missing. Even Rachel’s live in boyfriend and her two children don’t know about Holly. Then a new family moves to town and Rachel is certain their twelve-year-old Bella is her missing daughter.
Then: Catriola’s daughter Grace dies so she steals Holly and starts calling her Grace.
Except that’s not really the plot and Shalini Boland needs a number of pages to tell (not show) readers why. I’ll tell you why to save you from reading this non-thrilling “thriller”.
Rachel isn’t really Rachel, she’s Catriola. She never had a daughter Holly but imagined her dead Grace as Holly. Rachel/Catriola’s daughter Jess is actually a girl named Holly who Catriola stole from the real Rachel. Bella’s family are just innocent victims. Confused?
Boland’s plot is so contrived and ridiculous and requires so much explaining it loses any punch. A good twisted should be more of an “aha, I missed that” not a dissertation of implausibility.
I’m glad I only paid 99 cents for this.
Then: Catriola’s daughter Grace dies so she steals Holly and starts calling her Grace.
Except that’s not really the plot and Shalini Boland needs a number of pages to tell (not show) readers why. I’ll tell you why to save you from reading this non-thrilling “thriller”.
Rachel isn’t really Rachel, she’s Catriola. She never had a daughter Holly but imagined her dead Grace as Holly. Rachel/Catriola’s daughter Jess is actually a girl named Holly who Catriola stole from the real Rachel. Bella’s family are just innocent victims. Confused?
Boland’s plot is so contrived and ridiculous and requires so much explaining it loses any punch. A good twisted should be more of an “aha, I missed that” not a dissertation of implausibility.
I’m glad I only paid 99 cents for this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2019
4 1/2 stars
9 years ago Rachel's two year old daughter Holly was abducted from a play area while Rachel was momentarily distracted chatting with a friend .Holly is never found and though Rachel never gave up hope of finding her daughter again, she has moved on. She now has a wonderful boyfriend as well as 2 young children and is as settled as she can be. But when Rachel meets a new school parent Kate and her teenage daughter Bella she is convinced Bella is her missing child and will stop at nothing to find the truth.
The Other Daughter was a fast paced psychological thriller by Shalini Boland. A little far fetched at times but still an addictive read with a crazy twisty ending . Highly recommend and cannot wait for the next one by Shalini Boland !
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/
April 19, 2020
I so rarely get to say this, but the hype around this one is real!
Rachael Farnborough's two-year-old daughter, Holly, was abducted from a play area in a shopping center. Rachael was sitting close by with her other infant daughter in a baby stroller, enjoying a rare break and a chance to chat with her mom friends. In a life-changing split second, Holly is gone.
This one promised a shocking twist and boy did it deliver. The only reason I'm not giving this one 5 stars is because at times, the dialogue felt a little simplistic and artificial, like when you go see a play on stage. It just didn't flow as smoothly as I wanted it to, or as smoothly as I'm accustomed to from other authors. But it was a really cool story that definitely kept me guessing till the end. If you crave those rare thrillers that make your mouth fall open with shock, you will love this one.
Rachael Farnborough's two-year-old daughter, Holly, was abducted from a play area in a shopping center. Rachael was sitting close by with her other infant daughter in a baby stroller, enjoying a rare break and a chance to chat with her mom friends. In a life-changing split second, Holly is gone.
This one promised a shocking twist and boy did it deliver. The only reason I'm not giving this one 5 stars is because at times, the dialogue felt a little simplistic and artificial, like when you go see a play on stage. It just didn't flow as smoothly as I wanted it to, or as smoothly as I'm accustomed to from other authors. But it was a really cool story that definitely kept me guessing till the end. If you crave those rare thrillers that make your mouth fall open with shock, you will love this one.
October 12, 2020
This book was about a woman named Rachel trying to recover after the loss of her first daughter Holly. Holly went missing many years early but then Rachel sees a girl who looks just like her. Now the hunt is on to prove that girl she’s seen is her missing daughter. Rachel’s on a mission and no one is going to stop her until she finds out if her daughter is still alive.
I couldn’t believe the twist that came. I never suspected it throughout the whole book.
I couldn’t believe the twist that came. I never suspected it throughout the whole book.
October 11, 2019
Wow wow wow. I wish I could give this book 10 stars
I really don’t know how to start. This book was amazing. I love all shalina. One of my favourite authors.
I couldn’t wait to get this on netgalley
Anyway
Every parents worst nightmare. Rachel takes her daughter to a play area for a catch up with a friend. They 1 second of not paying attention and Rachel’s daughter is snatched. 9 years later Rachel moved to Dorset to have a fresh start. Rachel made friends with Kate at the school gates with her daughter. Rachel feels she’s seen Bella before and that’s when it hits her. She looks like her kissing daughter holly
Rachel will go to any lengths to get her back.
I did not expect what happened
I really recommend this book and shalonas other books
I really don’t know how to start. This book was amazing. I love all shalina. One of my favourite authors.
I couldn’t wait to get this on netgalley
Anyway
Every parents worst nightmare. Rachel takes her daughter to a play area for a catch up with a friend. They 1 second of not paying attention and Rachel’s daughter is snatched. 9 years later Rachel moved to Dorset to have a fresh start. Rachel made friends with Kate at the school gates with her daughter. Rachel feels she’s seen Bella before and that’s when it hits her. She looks like her kissing daughter holly
Rachel will go to any lengths to get her back.
I did not expect what happened
I really recommend this book and shalonas other books
November 11, 2019
Fast paced, absorbing, suspenseful...The Other Daughter was a gripping psychological thriller. The book has two timelines - then and now - that delves into the abduction and loss of a 2-year-old named Holly. In the spirit of honesty, there were parts that required me to suspend reality because some of the decisions were unbelievable and the timelines weak, but despite all that, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The plot suspense and reveal made up for the inconsistencies. It was just one of those thrillers that was fun to read and had me puzzling as to how it would end. I'm keen to read more from this author. A gracious thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2019
This is not a standard kidnapper thriller, which I am grateful for. It's the story of a woman whose child is kidnapped, only to believe she's found her years later in the form of her new neighbor's daughter.
I've said this before and I'll say it again: Shalini Boland is an amazing author who creates gripping, unputdownable suspense novels with twists. I didn't see this one coming.
A quick, fast paced read that had me hooked from the beginning. Thanks to Shalini Boland and NetGalley for an ARC.
I've said this before and I'll say it again: Shalini Boland is an amazing author who creates gripping, unputdownable suspense novels with twists. I didn't see this one coming.
A quick, fast paced read that had me hooked from the beginning. Thanks to Shalini Boland and NetGalley for an ARC.
Read
November 4, 2019I'm sure your mom told you, as did mine, that if you can't say something nice, you shouldn't say anything at all. So I'm leaving that here.
I've read several other books written by this author and so I will try again with the next one. I see that I am totally in the minority reaction here.
I could go on and on about what I disliked but I will spare you so that you can form your own opinion. It was a quick read and I'm glad I made myself finish.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
I've read several other books written by this author and so I will try again with the next one. I see that I am totally in the minority reaction here.
I could go on and on about what I disliked but I will spare you so that you can form your own opinion. It was a quick read and I'm glad I made myself finish.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
September 15, 2019
*thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Shalini Boland for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
5 stars!
Ohh my god this was simply AMAZING!! That ending just completely blew my mind! I don't think I was even expecting a twist but that's probably because I was so caught up in the story I wasn't even thinking about that. This was just beyond my expectations. The ending was so massive that it actually took my brain quite awhile to absorb what I had just read, so I am very thankful that the author decided to not just end it there, at the big reveal of the twist, but she carried on to explain it in details and to give us a follow up type of story. Only then did it fully hit me. I did have to read it a couple times to sink in but wow! It was a powerful twist that I didn't see coming. There is also a decent amount of suspense in the pages which for me shows that it has been very well written.
The story is written in both the past and the present. The past being about a woman named Catriona and the present being about a woman named Rachel. Rachel's daughter, Holly is kidnapped one day from a playhouse in the mall. 9 years go by without any information on what happened. The police have no leads. Then Rachel sees a girl who is the age Holly would be, and she's convinced that girl is Holly. Only she needs proof. I will not say anything about Catriona other than her story too is a very interesting, enjoyable and engaging read.
From start to the end this story holds your attention. It leaves each chapter with just enough mystery to keep you wanting to keep reading. For that reason I ending up flying through this.
This is my second book by Shalini Boland and once again she's written a masterpiece. She is now definitely added to my favourite authors and I can not wait to dive into her other novels that are already published while waiting for new ones to pop up. An absolutely captivating read! I can not highly recommend this enough!
5 stars!
Ohh my god this was simply AMAZING!! That ending just completely blew my mind! I don't think I was even expecting a twist but that's probably because I was so caught up in the story I wasn't even thinking about that. This was just beyond my expectations. The ending was so massive that it actually took my brain quite awhile to absorb what I had just read, so I am very thankful that the author decided to not just end it there, at the big reveal of the twist, but she carried on to explain it in details and to give us a follow up type of story. Only then did it fully hit me. I did have to read it a couple times to sink in but wow! It was a powerful twist that I didn't see coming. There is also a decent amount of suspense in the pages which for me shows that it has been very well written.
The story is written in both the past and the present. The past being about a woman named Catriona and the present being about a woman named Rachel. Rachel's daughter, Holly is kidnapped one day from a playhouse in the mall. 9 years go by without any information on what happened. The police have no leads. Then Rachel sees a girl who is the age Holly would be, and she's convinced that girl is Holly. Only she needs proof. I will not say anything about Catriona other than her story too is a very interesting, enjoyable and engaging read.
From start to the end this story holds your attention. It leaves each chapter with just enough mystery to keep you wanting to keep reading. For that reason I ending up flying through this.
This is my second book by Shalini Boland and once again she's written a masterpiece. She is now definitely added to my favourite authors and I can not wait to dive into her other novels that are already published while waiting for new ones to pop up. An absolutely captivating read! I can not highly recommend this enough!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 657 reviews