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Take Me Home
When struggling photojournalist Harper tries to return a dress she bought that morning for a job that's fallen through something catches her eye: the same little girl who was waiting there that morning is still there.
The sales assistant doesn't know whose she is. The security guard at the mall hasn't had anyone come looking for her. Same goes for the local police, and the media.
In fact, no one seems to be looking for little May at all.
Harper knows from bitter experience what awaits May in Child Protection Services. But, without any clues, how do you put the needle back in the haystack? And who would just leave a child like this?
And what if finding her home was the worst thing you could do?
From the chilly streets of New York City to the electric blue skies of coastal Florida - this is an emotional, page-turning road trip that follows a trail of theories, all the way to a devastating revelation.
- GenresMystery
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2020
14 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 6, 2020
Harper is a photo-journalist and desperately needing work, she’s short of funds and down on her uppers. Whilst reluctantly buying a dress for a much needed job she finds a little girl who is lost. She tells Harper a strange story in bits and pieces and that her name is May. Harper takes her to the nearest police station but gets little help and on hearing that Child and Family Services will be involved she decides she will help May find her mother herself. Her ex-boyfriend and cop Reggie and retired cop TJ, substitute father to Harper, reluctantly help. Who is this pretty little girl? Why has she been left in the store and dressed so inappropriately for a cool NYC autumn day?
Although this is not the wisest move on Harper’s part her intentions are really good and she a very likeable strong character, as are Reggie and TJ. May is adorable and I really like the way the characters go out of their way to help her. The mystery of May takes them on a road trip to Florida, involves a shady organisation known as The Liberty of the Mind Legacy (um, that title alone has me running a mile), the FBI and is a convoluted but gripping search. It’s well written, easy to picture, full of twists and turns especially as the plot and mystery deepens and there some humour to lighten the load. In places the storytelling is dramatic and has the feel of a good TV show that would have you on the edge of your seat. It’s gritty and gripping and builds well to a satisfying conclusion. The truth when it emerges feel plausible and fits well with the narrative. I would really like to read about these characters again in a follow up as they’re too good to be one offs!
Overall, this is an enjoyable, quick, easy thriller read and a very promising debut novel.
With thanks to NetGalley and Orion for the ARC.
Although this is not the wisest move on Harper’s part her intentions are really good and she a very likeable strong character, as are Reggie and TJ. May is adorable and I really like the way the characters go out of their way to help her. The mystery of May takes them on a road trip to Florida, involves a shady organisation known as The Liberty of the Mind Legacy (um, that title alone has me running a mile), the FBI and is a convoluted but gripping search. It’s well written, easy to picture, full of twists and turns especially as the plot and mystery deepens and there some humour to lighten the load. In places the storytelling is dramatic and has the feel of a good TV show that would have you on the edge of your seat. It’s gritty and gripping and builds well to a satisfying conclusion. The truth when it emerges feel plausible and fits well with the narrative. I would really like to read about these characters again in a follow up as they’re too good to be one offs!
Overall, this is an enjoyable, quick, easy thriller read and a very promising debut novel.
With thanks to NetGalley and Orion for the ARC.
September 17, 2021
Although this book was engaging and enjoyable; it felt a little predictable. It was an easy read and I would read further books by the author
October 4, 2020
Photojournalist Harper Stein goes into a store to buy a dress. She notices a little girl in the changing rooms. Thinking no more of the little girl, she pays for the dress and heads home. But when she receives a message telling her the job she was getting has been given to someone else. Now, not being able to afford the dress, she rushes back to the store to return it. Whilst at the store, she notices the little girl is still in the changing room and there's no one with her. Harper has to find the girls (May) mum as she does not want her to end up in the system.
What a fast paced thrilling read this is. It will keep you turning the pages. I only meant to read the first couple of chapters and I ended up reading the whole book. Ther is a lot of characters to try and remember. Harper is a flawed character with a heart of gold. May is adorable. The story is descriptive written with a few twists and turns and a fast pace. The ending leaves way for a follow up story. This is a great read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #OrionPublishingGroup and the author #AlexHart for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a fast paced thrilling read this is. It will keep you turning the pages. I only meant to read the first couple of chapters and I ended up reading the whole book. Ther is a lot of characters to try and remember. Harper is a flawed character with a heart of gold. May is adorable. The story is descriptive written with a few twists and turns and a fast pace. The ending leaves way for a follow up story. This is a great read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #OrionPublishingGroup and the author #AlexHart for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2020
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a debut novel from this author and it had me engaged through the entire story.
Harper has discovered a little girl, May, who appears lost. Her parents are nowhere to be found and her efforts to get help thru authorities are thwarted. She has history with the foster system at an early age and wants to keep May from the nightmare she endured. She finds clues from a note in May's pocket and decides to include her friend, TJ, who is a retired cop, and an ex-boyfriend, Reggie, who is a cop. All agree that the circumstances are not right as they discover that the clues lead them to an organization that is a Cult and possibly under investigation with the FBI.
Their search leads them on a road trip to Florida where they encounter some unsavory characters. They're starting to believe they are on the right track to get answers as their lives are put in danger and there appears to be two storylines weaving together. The ending is a surprise and well worth the read.
If you are a fan of Harlan Coban or John Grisham, then you will appreciate this story as the pace is continuous with short chapters and constant movement with the many characters. Nicely done!!
This was a debut novel from this author and it had me engaged through the entire story.
Harper has discovered a little girl, May, who appears lost. Her parents are nowhere to be found and her efforts to get help thru authorities are thwarted. She has history with the foster system at an early age and wants to keep May from the nightmare she endured. She finds clues from a note in May's pocket and decides to include her friend, TJ, who is a retired cop, and an ex-boyfriend, Reggie, who is a cop. All agree that the circumstances are not right as they discover that the clues lead them to an organization that is a Cult and possibly under investigation with the FBI.
Their search leads them on a road trip to Florida where they encounter some unsavory characters. They're starting to believe they are on the right track to get answers as their lives are put in danger and there appears to be two storylines weaving together. The ending is a surprise and well worth the read.
If you are a fan of Harlan Coban or John Grisham, then you will appreciate this story as the pace is continuous with short chapters and constant movement with the many characters. Nicely done!!
October 4, 2020
Photojournalist Harper Stwin goes into a store to buy a dress. She notices a little girl in the changing rooms. Thinking no more of 5h3 little girl, she pays for the dress and heads home. But she receives a message telling her the job she had been getting has been given to someone else. Now, not being able to afford the dress,she rushes back to the store t return it. Hirst at the store, sje notices the little girl is still in the changing room and there's no one with her. Harper has to find the girl's (May) mum as she does not want her ending up in the system
What a fast paces and thrilling read this is. It will keep you turning the pages. I only meant to 43ad the first couple of chapters but I ended up reading the whole book. There isna lot of characters to try and remember. Harpermis a flawed character with a heart of gold. May is adorable. The story is descriptively written with a few twists and a fast pace. The ending leaves way for a follow up,story. This is a great read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #OrionPublishingGroup and the author #AlexHart for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a fast paces and thrilling read this is. It will keep you turning the pages. I only meant to 43ad the first couple of chapters but I ended up reading the whole book. There isna lot of characters to try and remember. Harpermis a flawed character with a heart of gold. May is adorable. The story is descriptively written with a few twists and a fast pace. The ending leaves way for a follow up,story. This is a great read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #OrionPublishingGroup and the author #AlexHart for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2020
4 Smart Reading Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
Every once in a while, an offer to read comes out of the blue. I am always curious as to why and will look to see if it is going to click with me. As a sometimes mystery/thriller/police type reader, this was a book I would be interested in.
The premise was very smart and captivating right from the start. I loved that the blurb told me what to look for...it is so important for that to happen. As I started this story I was introduced to the main characters and they felt complicated, involved, and real.
I was able to understand all the behaviors, the links of who was connected to who, and wanted to find out how it was going to end. Alex Hart accomplished all of that. He also gave us characters I think he will bring back for more books.
I totally think he should.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Spoiler Free
Every once in a while, an offer to read comes out of the blue. I am always curious as to why and will look to see if it is going to click with me. As a sometimes mystery/thriller/police type reader, this was a book I would be interested in.
The premise was very smart and captivating right from the start. I loved that the blurb told me what to look for...it is so important for that to happen. As I started this story I was introduced to the main characters and they felt complicated, involved, and real.
I was able to understand all the behaviors, the links of who was connected to who, and wanted to find out how it was going to end. Alex Hart accomplished all of that. He also gave us characters I think he will bring back for more books.
I totally think he should.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
August 12, 2020
Take Me Home by Alex Hart is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. It took a but for me to get into it but I finally did. It is fairly fast paced, a little confusing at times, but overall an enjoyable read. It has a little but of something for everyone. Violence, mystery, helpless little girl, and a touch of romance. Not my normal more but intriguing.
September 28, 2020
Living in New York, Harper, a photo journalist is behind on her rent and trying to avoid her landlord. Desperate for some work, she goes to a store to buy a dress she can’t afford for a job as a possible standby for someone later that evening. Whilst trying the dress on, she sees a young girl sitting on her own by the changing rooms. The job doesn’t materialise so several hours later she returns the dress only to find the same girl sitting in the same place – no sign of any parent. With the store about to close, security are not that interested so she takes the 4 year old girl, called May – to the local police station. However when eventually told that May will be placed under the care of family services, she decides to take her home for the night for safety. Harper herself has been under the care of that system and knows how brutal it can be for a child.
However well meaning Harper was, it didn’t seem quite the right thing to do however she calls upon her friends, TJ, a retired ex cop who has become a substitute father figure and reluctantly involves Reggie, an ex boyfriend and NYPD cop to try and find May’s parents. All May can tell them is that she was left there to wait for her mother by ‘Uncle Orange’.
Thus begins a story that begins in New York, ends up in Florida and involves all sorts of dubious characters and deceptions which it seems the FBI are also following. The main part of the story takes place in Florida with Harper, TJ and Reggie on the trail of an elusive cult leader. I have to admit that although this was a pacy and a suspenseful read, some parts did seem a bit convoluted and I kept trying to work out how the strands would connect and what the relevance was. I had different scenarios working out in my head as to what could be happening and why May had been left but the ending, when it came, certainly had me floored. I wasn’t expecting that.
Harper is an impulsive and feisty character, streetwise and smart, she can handle herself in tough situations, however her soft spot is TJ. He has been the main constant in her life and although not a blood relation, is the only person that she will take notice of. Her relationship with Reggie is complicated, and his job is compromised by her actions which causes friction between them.
I did enjoy this, the three main characters were engaging and as frustrating as Harper was at times, especially where Reggie was concerned, I was rooting for her all the way through. The relationship between May and TJ was endearing; despite his reservations about Harper’s actions, he wasn’t going to let them face this alone. May was the one character to tug at my heart, she was such a sweet child, I couldn’t understand how anyone could just leave her.
Although this story was wrapped up following a rather dramatic conclusion, I do wonder whether we will meet these three characters again as some aspects of their own stories seem to have been left open, maybe to allow for a second outing? I do hope so.
However well meaning Harper was, it didn’t seem quite the right thing to do however she calls upon her friends, TJ, a retired ex cop who has become a substitute father figure and reluctantly involves Reggie, an ex boyfriend and NYPD cop to try and find May’s parents. All May can tell them is that she was left there to wait for her mother by ‘Uncle Orange’.
Thus begins a story that begins in New York, ends up in Florida and involves all sorts of dubious characters and deceptions which it seems the FBI are also following. The main part of the story takes place in Florida with Harper, TJ and Reggie on the trail of an elusive cult leader. I have to admit that although this was a pacy and a suspenseful read, some parts did seem a bit convoluted and I kept trying to work out how the strands would connect and what the relevance was. I had different scenarios working out in my head as to what could be happening and why May had been left but the ending, when it came, certainly had me floored. I wasn’t expecting that.
Harper is an impulsive and feisty character, streetwise and smart, she can handle herself in tough situations, however her soft spot is TJ. He has been the main constant in her life and although not a blood relation, is the only person that she will take notice of. Her relationship with Reggie is complicated, and his job is compromised by her actions which causes friction between them.
I did enjoy this, the three main characters were engaging and as frustrating as Harper was at times, especially where Reggie was concerned, I was rooting for her all the way through. The relationship between May and TJ was endearing; despite his reservations about Harper’s actions, he wasn’t going to let them face this alone. May was the one character to tug at my heart, she was such a sweet child, I couldn’t understand how anyone could just leave her.
Although this story was wrapped up following a rather dramatic conclusion, I do wonder whether we will meet these three characters again as some aspects of their own stories seem to have been left open, maybe to allow for a second outing? I do hope so.
December 30, 2020
This was quite a different read as compared to my usual thrillers. An abandoned child and Harper who discovered her and wanted to take her home. A road trip with her friend and a retired cop took her on a long journey where few facts came to light which put them on a path of danger with risk to their lives.
My first read by this author, the story read fast. I liked the characters. This had more of a mystery theme going on with a lot of characters who were difficult to keep track of.
Overall, it was a good read.
My first read by this author, the story read fast. I liked the characters. This had more of a mystery theme going on with a lot of characters who were difficult to keep track of.
Overall, it was a good read.
April 10, 2024
The premise of the book had potential but it was poorly executed, dialogue was frankly cringey, and there was a strange obsession with the main character having big tits which contributed absolutely nothing to the book itself
September 19, 2021
A young photojournalist Harper Stein goes into a store to buy a dress. She notices a little girl in one of the fitting rooms and thinks nothing of it. In route home she is notified the job that was going to help pay for rent, was given to someone else instead. She rushes back to the store before closing, to return the dress. She notices the same little girl as earlier still in the fitting room and realizes no one besides her and the cashier are around,and the cashier has no idea who she is.
Harper now has to find the girls mom. She doesn't want the girl known as May, to end up in the system like she did. Knowing too well it's not the greatest place to be at that age. Harper enlists her go to confidant TJ, a retired New York cop and Reggie current cop and Harper's ex boyfriend for help.
This was a fast paced thriller and you kept turning the pages wanting to know what happens next. Each chapter left you with a cliffhanger. However, be advised that there are a lot of characters coming your way. You come to wonder what does one have to do with the other? And what does another scenario have to do with the other? Nothing, and then everything. I didn't get why this other under cover sting was going down and what it had to do with finding May's parent's. Again it wasnt adding up but only a minor part of the character had everything to do with May. Over all still a good thriller.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book is set to publish October 1, 2020
Harper now has to find the girls mom. She doesn't want the girl known as May, to end up in the system like she did. Knowing too well it's not the greatest place to be at that age. Harper enlists her go to confidant TJ, a retired New York cop and Reggie current cop and Harper's ex boyfriend for help.
This was a fast paced thriller and you kept turning the pages wanting to know what happens next. Each chapter left you with a cliffhanger. However, be advised that there are a lot of characters coming your way. You come to wonder what does one have to do with the other? And what does another scenario have to do with the other? Nothing, and then everything. I didn't get why this other under cover sting was going down and what it had to do with finding May's parent's. Again it wasnt adding up but only a minor part of the character had everything to do with May. Over all still a good thriller.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book is set to publish October 1, 2020
September 25, 2020
***I received an advanced e-copy from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
Harper, a struggling photojournalist gets a potential assignment that would require her to dress up, so she has to go out and buy a dress she can not afford, with the plan to return it the next day. While she is at the store she sees a little girl sitting by herself near the dressing room, and assumes her mom is trying on clothes. As Harper is on her way home, she gets a call saying the assignment went to someone else, so she turns around and heads back to the mall to return the dress before the store closes. She finds the little girl still sitting in the same spot, and no one else in the store except for the store clerk. Harper tries to help May find her mom but discovers no one seems to be missing May. She ends up taking May home and enlisting the help of some friends in law enforcement to try to track down where May came from and why no one is looking for her.
This book has gotten almost entirely excellent reviews, but for some reason I just did not enjoy it. I think it was a combination of the dialogue seemed a little off to me, and a lot of the situations were just too far-fetched. But take that with a grain of salt.....that is just my personal view, and a lot of other people really loved the book. It just wasn't for me.
Harper, a struggling photojournalist gets a potential assignment that would require her to dress up, so she has to go out and buy a dress she can not afford, with the plan to return it the next day. While she is at the store she sees a little girl sitting by herself near the dressing room, and assumes her mom is trying on clothes. As Harper is on her way home, she gets a call saying the assignment went to someone else, so she turns around and heads back to the mall to return the dress before the store closes. She finds the little girl still sitting in the same spot, and no one else in the store except for the store clerk. Harper tries to help May find her mom but discovers no one seems to be missing May. She ends up taking May home and enlisting the help of some friends in law enforcement to try to track down where May came from and why no one is looking for her.
This book has gotten almost entirely excellent reviews, but for some reason I just did not enjoy it. I think it was a combination of the dialogue seemed a little off to me, and a lot of the situations were just too far-fetched. But take that with a grain of salt.....that is just my personal view, and a lot of other people really loved the book. It just wasn't for me.
August 13, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group for the arc of Take me Home by Alex Hart.
This was a 4 star read for me as it had me enthralled and hooked from the beginning to the end! This follows Harper whom in which is a photo Journalist and desperately need work coming her way as she is running out of money.. While she is out buying a dress for a job she stumbles across a little girl in whom is supposedly lost and she ends up telling harper a story in so many words and tells Harper that her name is May. Harper decides to take her to the nearest police station in where they said social services would have to be involved so Harper decides to find May's family herself. But why was she just left and not wearing appropiate attire for the weather...
I really loved this book with it thrills and turns and what happens, a definitely recommend and a 4 star read!!
This was a 4 star read for me as it had me enthralled and hooked from the beginning to the end! This follows Harper whom in which is a photo Journalist and desperately need work coming her way as she is running out of money.. While she is out buying a dress for a job she stumbles across a little girl in whom is supposedly lost and she ends up telling harper a story in so many words and tells Harper that her name is May. Harper decides to take her to the nearest police station in where they said social services would have to be involved so Harper decides to find May's family herself. But why was she just left and not wearing appropiate attire for the weather...
I really loved this book with it thrills and turns and what happens, a definitely recommend and a 4 star read!!
October 24, 2021
An excellent debut novel. Bought on offer for just £2 from Amazon, the cover and the blurb very inviting. What a treat, I could not put it down! A heart breaking story of a small child waiting for her mummy to collect her from a local store....but mummy never came, Harper came instead. Harper couldn't just leave her there all alone. She couldn't let her go into Child Protection. Couldn't and wouldn't! She needed to find her parents. What an incedible journey it turned out to be. Fast paced, short chapters, twisty and intriguing. It pulled at my heart strings throughout, and what an ending! I will definitely be reading more by Alex Hart.
October 7, 2020
This story is told in a multiple point of views. Harper the main character is likeable so does Reggie, her ex and her friend aka her substitute dad, TJ.
I loved the way Harper care for May. She said she don't want kids but the way she treat May show how good she is with kids.
It was an interesting story, full of twists, suspense and I read this in one sitting.
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for Take Me Home ARC!
I loved the way Harper care for May. She said she don't want kids but the way she treat May show how good she is with kids.
It was an interesting story, full of twists, suspense and I read this in one sitting.
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for Take Me Home ARC!
March 29, 2022
Very compelling
May 22, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I liked the descriptions of the surroundings and characters. Based in New York and Florida it’s about a photojournalist from a background in care. She comes across an abandoned child who no one seems to recognise or claim. To save her being involved with child services she decides to investigate herself.
October 1, 2020
Are you in the mood to be swept up in the mystery and drama of a great crime thriller? Then Alex Hart’s debut novel is one you need to add to your TBR.
If you’re a parent then the theme of this book is definitely going to resonate with you and possibly give you heart palpitations. 4-year-old May is left in a New York department store. On her own – just left there!
The shop assistants don’t notice her but photojournalist Harper Stein does and when she steps in to help, she ends up taking on far more than she bargained for. What starts out as her doing her good citizen duty, results in her not wanting May to be taken into the Family Services department of the police.
As someone with a chequered history as a child in care, Harper wants to do everything she can to find May’s parents herself before subjecting sweet, innocent May to the horrors of the system.
So, Harper enlists the help of her longtime friend and retired cop, TJ who, in turn, enlists the help of current cop and Harper’s ex-boyfriend, Reggie. Between the three of them, they follow the scant clues they initially have which leads to May’s home state of Florida and a mystery involving the Liberty of the Mind Legacy… Just who are May’s parents? And why was she so awfully just abandoned in New York city?
I did feel that Harper might have missed a trick by not trying to pump a little more information out of May – she didn’t ask her that many questions and – being a mother of a 4 year old, I know how much they love questions – asking them, answering them, just generally talking non-stop. Although the story might have been a lot shorter if it had taken this route!
There were lost of moments I felt really nervous about what was going to happen to May. As a plot device this was very well done as I couldn’t not find out what happens to May – ensuring I kept reading until the end of the book. Harper was a great character too, tough but vulnerable you really warm to her there is great sexual tension between Harper and her ex that adds a little sizzle to the read.
I happily whizzed through Take Me Home over a few afternoons in the garden. The pace is fast, the plot developments keep coming and just when you think you’ve sussed out what’s happening, the narrative takes a swerve. What more could you want from a crime thriller?
If you’re a parent then the theme of this book is definitely going to resonate with you and possibly give you heart palpitations. 4-year-old May is left in a New York department store. On her own – just left there!
The shop assistants don’t notice her but photojournalist Harper Stein does and when she steps in to help, she ends up taking on far more than she bargained for. What starts out as her doing her good citizen duty, results in her not wanting May to be taken into the Family Services department of the police.
As someone with a chequered history as a child in care, Harper wants to do everything she can to find May’s parents herself before subjecting sweet, innocent May to the horrors of the system.
So, Harper enlists the help of her longtime friend and retired cop, TJ who, in turn, enlists the help of current cop and Harper’s ex-boyfriend, Reggie. Between the three of them, they follow the scant clues they initially have which leads to May’s home state of Florida and a mystery involving the Liberty of the Mind Legacy… Just who are May’s parents? And why was she so awfully just abandoned in New York city?
I did feel that Harper might have missed a trick by not trying to pump a little more information out of May – she didn’t ask her that many questions and – being a mother of a 4 year old, I know how much they love questions – asking them, answering them, just generally talking non-stop. Although the story might have been a lot shorter if it had taken this route!
There were lost of moments I felt really nervous about what was going to happen to May. As a plot device this was very well done as I couldn’t not find out what happens to May – ensuring I kept reading until the end of the book. Harper was a great character too, tough but vulnerable you really warm to her there is great sexual tension between Harper and her ex that adds a little sizzle to the read.
I happily whizzed through Take Me Home over a few afternoons in the garden. The pace is fast, the plot developments keep coming and just when you think you’ve sussed out what’s happening, the narrative takes a swerve. What more could you want from a crime thriller?
October 2, 2020
Harper spots a little girl alone in a clothes shop and thinks nothing of it; her parents are probably around somewhere. She comes back later as the shop is closing and the girl is still there, how strange. No one comes to collect her so she takes her to security. Their incompetency leads her to the police precinct, however they claim the child will to stay overnight in a family services. She remembers how horrible it was for her and refuses to let this girl go down the same path. So she takes matters into her own hands and keeps her, and with the help of ex-cop, TJ, and ex-boyfriend but current cop, Reggie, they go on a hunt to find out the truth. Where are May’s parents? Why would someone leave a 4-year-old in a shop? Surely someone must be looking for her?
The group find themselves going from New York to Florida to find answers, but make some questionable decisions along the way (I mean, technically they have abducted a child) however they have the best of intentions. The relationship that ensues between Harper and May is heart- warming and very realistic given the circumstances. Harper would risk her life to protect this child and would do anything she can to get her into a safe environment. TJ acts as Harper’s father figure; he has looked out for her since she was a child running away from care homes, and still clearly cares about her now. Reggie, although he is her ex, still clearly cares for Harper as well and even risks his career to help her and do what is right for May. The team has a wonderful and complex dynamic; they seem to complement each other perfectly.
Take Me Home was a classic quest for answers. It is full of twists and turns, hidden secret codes, a cult, disguises, and the FBI; all components of a compelling and gripping search. It made for a very fast-paced and enjoyable read, definitely film material…
The group find themselves going from New York to Florida to find answers, but make some questionable decisions along the way (I mean, technically they have abducted a child) however they have the best of intentions. The relationship that ensues between Harper and May is heart- warming and very realistic given the circumstances. Harper would risk her life to protect this child and would do anything she can to get her into a safe environment. TJ acts as Harper’s father figure; he has looked out for her since she was a child running away from care homes, and still clearly cares about her now. Reggie, although he is her ex, still clearly cares for Harper as well and even risks his career to help her and do what is right for May. The team has a wonderful and complex dynamic; they seem to complement each other perfectly.
Take Me Home was a classic quest for answers. It is full of twists and turns, hidden secret codes, a cult, disguises, and the FBI; all components of a compelling and gripping search. It made for a very fast-paced and enjoyable read, definitely film material…
October 21, 2020
// Take Me Home Book Tour ✨// Alex Hart // Book Review 4✨//
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Today is my stop on the book tour for ‘Take Me Home’ by Alex Hart. I would like to say a huge thank you to @orionbooks @alainnageorgiou and @alex_hart_author for the gifted e-copy to join in.
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Photojournalist Harper is struggling to make ends meet in NYC, she goes to return a dress for a last minute job, when she comes across May, a little girl still sat in the same shop, she had visited that morning.
With the sales assistant and security, baffled by where she has come from, Harper takes her home, worried she is going to fall into the care system. Local police and media reveal, that no one has come looking for her.
Who could just leave a child alone? With no clues and no one looking for her, it’s up to Harper and her friends to try and connect the dots. What if her home is the worst place for her?
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I felt myself being sucked in from the first chapter, Harper is a likeable if slightly unwise character. Especially taking the law essentially into her own hands and enlisting her two closest friends. My heart ached for May and I felt myself totally involved in her return ‘home’. What the author has managed, is an intricate weaving of two storylines, taking you on a rollercoaster of emotions to uncover the corruption and heartache of the truth. I loved the mix of characters that Harper, May, TJ & Reggie made, it just worked. I won’t give anything away, but the ending was completely unexpected, which is always the sign of a good thriller. I really enjoy being surprised by a good twist, it felt like Hart really pulled everything in together to bring the story to an end. I would like to think, that there maybe a slight open, to continue the story in the future.
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Not my usual genre, but really enjoyed a change of pace! If you are a thriller fan, this one is for you.
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Today is my stop on the book tour for ‘Take Me Home’ by Alex Hart. I would like to say a huge thank you to @orionbooks @alainnageorgiou and @alex_hart_author for the gifted e-copy to join in.
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Photojournalist Harper is struggling to make ends meet in NYC, she goes to return a dress for a last minute job, when she comes across May, a little girl still sat in the same shop, she had visited that morning.
With the sales assistant and security, baffled by where she has come from, Harper takes her home, worried she is going to fall into the care system. Local police and media reveal, that no one has come looking for her.
Who could just leave a child alone? With no clues and no one looking for her, it’s up to Harper and her friends to try and connect the dots. What if her home is the worst place for her?
•
I felt myself being sucked in from the first chapter, Harper is a likeable if slightly unwise character. Especially taking the law essentially into her own hands and enlisting her two closest friends. My heart ached for May and I felt myself totally involved in her return ‘home’. What the author has managed, is an intricate weaving of two storylines, taking you on a rollercoaster of emotions to uncover the corruption and heartache of the truth. I loved the mix of characters that Harper, May, TJ & Reggie made, it just worked. I won’t give anything away, but the ending was completely unexpected, which is always the sign of a good thriller. I really enjoy being surprised by a good twist, it felt like Hart really pulled everything in together to bring the story to an end. I would like to think, that there maybe a slight open, to continue the story in the future.
•
Not my usual genre, but really enjoyed a change of pace! If you are a thriller fan, this one is for you.
July 15, 2020
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of Take Me Home.
So this was a pretty good book! Harper is shopping one day when she notices a little girl sitting by herself in the dressing room. When Harper returns to the store an hour or so later the same little girl is in the same spot, alone. What starts as an act of kindness, trying to reunite little May with her parents, turns into a massive web of twists and turns involving a “wellness” group called the Liberty of the Mind Legacy and it’s shady founder. I found the plot to be slightly far-fetched only that most people would immediately call the police when a child is found alone and a lot of the people in the story, besides the three main characters Harper, TJ (former NYPD) and Reggie (NYPD), blew it off like it was no big deal for a kid to be abandoned in a department store at 4 years old. Also, I know these books are usually uncorrected copies but the formatting threw me off a few times. You’d be reading one sentence from Harper’s POV and without even a period at the end of the sentence, a random unknown male’s POV would start. This just made for a little confusion at times. However, regardless of these two minor critiques the book was still incredibly fast-paced and a really quick read. There was so much going on that you read faster, dying to figure out how all of these people are connected to May, who her parents are, and why they aren’t looking for her. The ending wasn’t as climactic as I’d hoped but still a twist I wasn’t expecting.
So this was a pretty good book! Harper is shopping one day when she notices a little girl sitting by herself in the dressing room. When Harper returns to the store an hour or so later the same little girl is in the same spot, alone. What starts as an act of kindness, trying to reunite little May with her parents, turns into a massive web of twists and turns involving a “wellness” group called the Liberty of the Mind Legacy and it’s shady founder. I found the plot to be slightly far-fetched only that most people would immediately call the police when a child is found alone and a lot of the people in the story, besides the three main characters Harper, TJ (former NYPD) and Reggie (NYPD), blew it off like it was no big deal for a kid to be abandoned in a department store at 4 years old. Also, I know these books are usually uncorrected copies but the formatting threw me off a few times. You’d be reading one sentence from Harper’s POV and without even a period at the end of the sentence, a random unknown male’s POV would start. This just made for a little confusion at times. However, regardless of these two minor critiques the book was still incredibly fast-paced and a really quick read. There was so much going on that you read faster, dying to figure out how all of these people are connected to May, who her parents are, and why they aren’t looking for her. The ending wasn’t as climactic as I’d hoped but still a twist I wasn’t expecting.
June 30, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. I am so pleasantly surprised this is a debut novel...I would never have guessed. Will definitely be reading more by Alex Hart.
The cover doesn't do the book justice.
It makes it look more ordinary than it is.
This is a taut, intense thriller. It kept me guessing all the way through...and it was perfectly paced. This is very rare...to have the pacing so spot on...and every page was an enjoyable ride and progressed the story...there was no detail or padding which was great!
The characters were great.
Harper was an amazing narrator...she was flawed and kind hearted and tough. I absolutely loved her. She was a really strong woman, who made mistakes and made bad decisions but I never stopped rooting for her. I thought she was great and loved seeing her point of view.
Reggie and TJ were also great, nuanced characters. Though Reggie did something that made me slightly dislike him...and I didn't think he was as great as the author wanted us to think...I was happy to trust Harper on her opinion of him.
The ending was also great and a nice surprise, there were so many times at 97% that I thought I just cannot see how this can end well and then suddenly there was an interesting and fulfilling ending. It was very well written.
I normally prefer thrillers to be stand alone but I'm really hoping we see more of Harper, Reggie and TJ. If there is a sequel or a follow up...I will definitely be reading it.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The cover doesn't do the book justice.
It makes it look more ordinary than it is.
This is a taut, intense thriller. It kept me guessing all the way through...and it was perfectly paced. This is very rare...to have the pacing so spot on...and every page was an enjoyable ride and progressed the story...there was no detail or padding which was great!
The characters were great.
Harper was an amazing narrator...she was flawed and kind hearted and tough. I absolutely loved her. She was a really strong woman, who made mistakes and made bad decisions but I never stopped rooting for her. I thought she was great and loved seeing her point of view.
Reggie and TJ were also great, nuanced characters. Though Reggie did something that made me slightly dislike him...and I didn't think he was as great as the author wanted us to think...I was happy to trust Harper on her opinion of him.
The ending was also great and a nice surprise, there were so many times at 97% that I thought I just cannot see how this can end well and then suddenly there was an interesting and fulfilling ending. It was very well written.
I normally prefer thrillers to be stand alone but I'm really hoping we see more of Harper, Reggie and TJ. If there is a sequel or a follow up...I will definitely be reading it.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2020
Let me start by saying this is so much more than I expected. From the blurb I was expecting a mystery thriller, but to get a police procedural with FBI involvement, some strange cult, more than one mystery and awesome characters to boot was more than a pleasant surprise.
Harper is everything I love in a female protagonist, she’s independent, smart, tough, feisty and with a difficult background she’s not afraid to break the rules. Enlisting the help of retired cop TJ and ex (also current cop) Reggie the three embark on solving the mystery behind the little girls abandonment.
What a ragtag motley crew Harper, TJ and Reggie made and I absolutely loved them. So much so I’ve begged the author for more of them as this would make a great start to a series and I was worried it was a standalone. I’m not ready to let go of the characters yet and that to me says it all.
The plot is another great selling point. I really thought I knew where it was going then boom. I had been played by the author all along with red herrings and misdirection. It’s not often a book is plot and character driven, if it is the pace suffers because of it. Not the case here as I needed to know what was going on I sped through it at lightning speed. (Then regretted it as it was finished). So if you fancy trying to work it out for yourself and spending a few hours with some great characters I highly recommend this.
Harper is everything I love in a female protagonist, she’s independent, smart, tough, feisty and with a difficult background she’s not afraid to break the rules. Enlisting the help of retired cop TJ and ex (also current cop) Reggie the three embark on solving the mystery behind the little girls abandonment.
What a ragtag motley crew Harper, TJ and Reggie made and I absolutely loved them. So much so I’ve begged the author for more of them as this would make a great start to a series and I was worried it was a standalone. I’m not ready to let go of the characters yet and that to me says it all.
The plot is another great selling point. I really thought I knew where it was going then boom. I had been played by the author all along with red herrings and misdirection. It’s not often a book is plot and character driven, if it is the pace suffers because of it. Not the case here as I needed to know what was going on I sped through it at lightning speed. (Then regretted it as it was finished). So if you fancy trying to work it out for yourself and spending a few hours with some great characters I highly recommend this.
September 29, 2020
Take Me Home is an emotional page-turner that I ended up devouring. Full of twists and turns this book will have you on the edge of your seat and have you wanting more.
Normally with these kinds of mysteries I find the plot can be somewhat predictable but Take Me Home had me guessing till the very end and even then I never saw it coming. The fact that this is Alex Hart's debut novel blows my mind as this book had everything I look for in mystery/thriller.
The characters were great, especially May and Harper. May was honestly adorable and I don't blame Harper for wanting to help her. Harper is an incredibly strong character who has been through so much in her life and drops everything to prevent this young girl from going down the same path. The side characters were also brilliant and I found really helped aid this story and develop Harper's character.
There is so much I want to say about this book but I don't want to spoil it! If you love a good mystery/thriller then you need to pick this one up. I had trouble putting it down because I had to know what happened next. It was absolutely brilliant and I cannot wait to see what Alex Hart comes out with next!
Thank you to Orion Publishing for gifting me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I'm so thankful to be a part of this tour!
Normally with these kinds of mysteries I find the plot can be somewhat predictable but Take Me Home had me guessing till the very end and even then I never saw it coming. The fact that this is Alex Hart's debut novel blows my mind as this book had everything I look for in mystery/thriller.
The characters were great, especially May and Harper. May was honestly adorable and I don't blame Harper for wanting to help her. Harper is an incredibly strong character who has been through so much in her life and drops everything to prevent this young girl from going down the same path. The side characters were also brilliant and I found really helped aid this story and develop Harper's character.
There is so much I want to say about this book but I don't want to spoil it! If you love a good mystery/thriller then you need to pick this one up. I had trouble putting it down because I had to know what happened next. It was absolutely brilliant and I cannot wait to see what Alex Hart comes out with next!
Thank you to Orion Publishing for gifting me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I'm so thankful to be a part of this tour!
March 7, 2021
This book follows Harper a Journalist struggling to get by. Whilst in a shopping mall she sees a little girl alone in the changing room. The store is closing and harper tries to ask security about the kid but there not interested, like the police when she goes there too. As harper was in care as a kid the last thing she wanted was for the same to happen to this little kid. Harper knows she shouldn't but takes the little girl with her in hope to find her parents with the help of her friend TJ, a retired cop!! The little kid isn't able to tell Harper much about herself only her name is May Brown, she lives by the beach and was brought to the store by her 'Uncle Orange'. 🤷
This book is not just a story of a missing girl. It's the story of friendships and how Harper, TJ and Harpers ex bf Reggie (a cop) pull together In the hope of finding Mays parents. There relationships are so lovely and how they care for May is so sweet, they really grow to love her.
There is lots of twists and turns, it kept me guessing throughout and I honestly couldn't put this book down. It was really well written and I really enjoyed it! It's a great thriller with some light humour in the book which I loved 🥰
Thanks @netgalley, the author @alex_hart_author and the author for a copy of this book in return for an honest review ❤️
This book is not just a story of a missing girl. It's the story of friendships and how Harper, TJ and Harpers ex bf Reggie (a cop) pull together In the hope of finding Mays parents. There relationships are so lovely and how they care for May is so sweet, they really grow to love her.
There is lots of twists and turns, it kept me guessing throughout and I honestly couldn't put this book down. It was really well written and I really enjoyed it! It's a great thriller with some light humour in the book which I loved 🥰
Thanks @netgalley, the author @alex_hart_author and the author for a copy of this book in return for an honest review ❤️
September 25, 2020
This is one of those books that needs half stars.
Harper, a struggling photographer, comes across a young girl in a clothing store who appears to be abandoned, and comes to realize that nobody is looking for her. She enlists the help of her retired cop friend and her ex-boyfriend, a current cop, to locate the girl’s parents. But naturally, their search turns out to be far more involved and treacherous than they bargained for.
The things I liked - the story was pretty fast-paced and compelling enough to want to find out how this little girl ended up on her own, over a thousand miles away from her home. Also, the protagonists weren’t always able to outsmart or overpower the “bad guys”, nor solve everything with clues pulled out of thin air. I definitely appreciate realistic characters.
Why I didn’t rate it four stars - there were a couple of storylines that were given way more space than they warranted and made the book seem a little bogged down. Also, there were a handful of grammatical errors that just bugged, like using “I” were it should have been “me”. That’s such a pet peeve. All in all, though, pretty enjoyable.
Thanks to #netgalley and #orionpublishing for this ARC of #takemehome in exchange for an honest opinion.
Harper, a struggling photographer, comes across a young girl in a clothing store who appears to be abandoned, and comes to realize that nobody is looking for her. She enlists the help of her retired cop friend and her ex-boyfriend, a current cop, to locate the girl’s parents. But naturally, their search turns out to be far more involved and treacherous than they bargained for.
The things I liked - the story was pretty fast-paced and compelling enough to want to find out how this little girl ended up on her own, over a thousand miles away from her home. Also, the protagonists weren’t always able to outsmart or overpower the “bad guys”, nor solve everything with clues pulled out of thin air. I definitely appreciate realistic characters.
Why I didn’t rate it four stars - there were a couple of storylines that were given way more space than they warranted and made the book seem a little bogged down. Also, there were a handful of grammatical errors that just bugged, like using “I” were it should have been “me”. That’s such a pet peeve. All in all, though, pretty enjoyable.
Thanks to #netgalley and #orionpublishing for this ARC of #takemehome in exchange for an honest opinion.
April 29, 2020
With the lockdown seeming to stretch endlessly before us, I was going to ration my reading time to a couple of hours a day and make myself do at least some chores for the rest of the time. But that didn't account for the gripping nature of Take Me Home by Alex Hart. Once started, I binge-read it in two days - and to hell with the chores! A 'critical' reader by nature, I was more than satisfied with the descriptions and back-stories of journalist Harper, herself once a troubled child; her mentor and father figure TJ, a retired cop, and serving cop Reggie, her solid and dependable ex-boyfriend. In true thriller style, the author weaves a colourful story that takes the three of them - and abandoned four-year-old May - from New York to Florida, to find May's parents, encountering a number of criminals and fraudsters along the way. But - to my huge satisfaction - the good guys ultimately come out on top! Also satisfying was the way there were no loose ends left in May's story by the final page. But with question marks remaining over TJ's health and Harper and Reggie's relationship, Alex Hart leaves the way clear for a follow-up. I can't wait!
May 4, 2020
Alex Hart is a new writer to me so I had no expectations, but I was attracted by the cover design and the initial set-up of an abandoned child who no-one is looking for, sitting patiently in a New York store quietly waiting. The opening pages didn’t disappoint, from the very first lines which fizz with energy: ‘The signs were there. I simply ignored them. It’s kind of my forte.’ Harper, our narrator, is one of those characters who jumps out from every page, sharp, streetwise, funny and disruptive. She’s someone I loved spending time with, and very quickly, Harper’s world and the people in it drew me in. Harper’s lifelong friend, TJ and her ex, Reggie are warm, engaging characters and the relationships between all three of them are thoughtful and intriguing, as is the developing connection to May, the abandoned child. Their journey to discover May’s secret opens up unexpected new worlds – I won’t give them away. This is a story which races along at speed, full of surprises, shifts, and switchbacks, and I read it in one greedy gulp. It is witty, ironic, thoughtful - and often very moving. I shall definitely be looking out for Alex Hart’s next novel.
August 6, 2020
TAKE ME HOME Alex Hart,
Publication date October 2020 by Orion Publishishing Group
Pub Date 01 Oct 2020
The author,Alex Hart, writes with with insight making the reader feel a part of characters life. The book moves quickly, Harper find a lost girl that apparently abandoned, Harper connects to May's hoping to discover her past. their search takes many twists. Hart characters are believable and the story is descriptive with many areas that seem like loose ends until Hart weaves these into a surprising conclusion. I enjoyed the book the plot moved at a fast pace keeping the reader turning pages to find out what happen. I gave this book 5 stars because this book had such a real feel to the characters and atmosphere. This is not only a great book to read but, Take Me Home, would make a great movie.
Publication date October 2020 by Orion Publishishing Group
Pub Date 01 Oct 2020
The author,Alex Hart, writes with with insight making the reader feel a part of characters life. The book moves quickly, Harper find a lost girl that apparently abandoned, Harper connects to May's hoping to discover her past. their search takes many twists. Hart characters are believable and the story is descriptive with many areas that seem like loose ends until Hart weaves these into a surprising conclusion. I enjoyed the book the plot moved at a fast pace keeping the reader turning pages to find out what happen. I gave this book 5 stars because this book had such a real feel to the characters and atmosphere. This is not only a great book to read but, Take Me Home, would make a great movie.
October 28, 2020
This was nothing at all like I expected. It's very hard to categorise, as it has adventure, romance, and espionage, along with elements of police procedural novels and more traditional thrillers. It has very short chapters, and the characters are constantly on the go, but it also has quite dense conversation, so the tone and pacing were a bit hard to define too.
Personally, I wasn't really a fan, as I thought the plot was quite far fetched, and I never really connected with any of the characters. However, this book does have rave reviews, so clearly I'm in the minority! I wouldn't say it's a bad book, but it just wasn't one that I connected with.
Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to be provided with an advance reading copy of this book by NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.
Personally, I wasn't really a fan, as I thought the plot was quite far fetched, and I never really connected with any of the characters. However, this book does have rave reviews, so clearly I'm in the minority! I wouldn't say it's a bad book, but it just wasn't one that I connected with.
Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to be provided with an advance reading copy of this book by NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.
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