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Una buona matrigna
La moglie perfetta. Una famiglia da favola. Non tutto però è come sembra…
Quando Jeanie incontra Matthew, crede che sia davvero l’uomo giusto e nel giro di pochi mesi lo sposa pur consapevole dei problemi che li attendono. Perché entrambi hanno figli da una precedente relazione e unire le due famiglie non sarà affatto semplice. Ma per Jeanie è l’occasione di essere finalmente felice. Così non si arrende quando la figliastra adolescente, Scarlett, la tratta con aperta ostilità. Il suo sogno di una perfetta armonia domestica si incrina definitivamente quando in casa iniziano a verificarsi inspiegabili eventi, che la portano sull’orlo della follia. E allora si rende conto che quella che sembrava una favola si è trasformata in un incubo dove non ci sarà alcun lieto fine.
Quando Jeanie incontra Matthew, crede che sia davvero l’uomo giusto e nel giro di pochi mesi lo sposa pur consapevole dei problemi che li attendono. Perché entrambi hanno figli da una precedente relazione e unire le due famiglie non sarà affatto semplice. Ma per Jeanie è l’occasione di essere finalmente felice. Così non si arrende quando la figliastra adolescente, Scarlett, la tratta con aperta ostilità. Il suo sogno di una perfetta armonia domestica si incrina definitivamente quando in casa iniziano a verificarsi inspiegabili eventi, che la portano sull’orlo della follia. E allora si rende conto che quella che sembrava una favola si è trasformata in un incubo dove non ci sarà alcun lieto fine.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2016
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March 28, 2017
I finished this book (as of writing this) three days ago and I'm still trying to catch my breath. This, my friends, is how you write a psychological thriller! I had seen the fantastic reviews pouring in, so I was hopeful that it would be a great read, but I've read so many great books lately that I figured I would enjoy it and move on easily enough. I was wrong. I am STILL thinking about this book constantly; the characters, the setting, the tension is still knotted up deep in my brain somewhere and refuses to leave. This very well might be one of my top reads of 2016!
"Mirror, Mirror, here I stand
Who is the fairest in the land?"
- Wilhelm Grimm, Grimm's Fairy Tales
I'm a sucker for fairy tales, so when this was the very first phrase found, I knew I'd be a happy camper. The story is loosely based on the tale of Snow White and how maybe our perceptions of the story are off. What if in reality, Snow White wasn't as pure as she was made out to be? What if the Wicked Stepmother was just misunderstood or being manipulated? This is the thought carried throughout as the tale unfolds via two points of view- Jeanie, the stepmother, and Marlena, Jeanie's younger sister. We jump into the story directly following a hasty courtship and marriage between Jeanie and Matthew, and are privy to fly on the wall conversations, as well as Jeanie's private thoughts, that reveal a tiny crack in the fortress of perfection that has been created. You see, Matthew has children from his previous marriage to Kaye, twins named Luke and Scarlett, and Scarlett seems to be holding a grudge toward Jeanie. Jeanie also has a child from a previous relationship; his name is Frankie and he seems to be the only character with a lick of sense.
As we learn a little more with each chapter, we start to realize that Jeanie is holding a dark secret from her past. This secret is the key to everything; it is the basis for all the unexplained offenses against Jeanie. Sure, they start out slow and somewhat explainable, until the tension becomes so great that you want to strangle every character and choke some sense into them (HELLO-MATTHEW?!?!). I won't give away any spoilers, but this was one crazy ride. I thought I was going to have a dag bloomin heart attack by about 80%; it was nearing midnight and I just had to finish because WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?!?! I will say this; the ending did not disappoint and I sure didn't see it coming. To some degree, you have to kind of guess who is involved because there are few people to choose from, but I was completely taken aback by the ending.
Here is where I was really impressed though- the characters. I read the author's book 24 Hours last year, and while I thought it was a great story, I wasn't wowed with the character development. The Stepmother blew me away in a sense of showing how much an author can grow in their writing in such a short amount of time. I found I actually had feelings for these folks; I ranged from intrigued, to engaged, to angry, to proud, to sad, all the way back to "DANG why is it over already?". I can't remember the last time I have felt such a wide range of emotions in a thriller! As I'm writing this, I'm still feeling emotions for this wacky cast of individuals- I can picture (clearly my imagination's version of) the house, the countryside, even the vehicles they drove. Needless to say, if you are on the fence about this one, just go for it. I would give this more than 5 stars if I could! The cover is absolutely breath taking, the characters are so brilliant that you just love to hate them, and the pacing and tension are unbelievable. Well done Claire and Bookouture; you both are clearly on a winning roll this year!
* I received my copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So grateful for the opportunity to read this outstanding novel!
"Mirror, Mirror, here I stand
Who is the fairest in the land?"
- Wilhelm Grimm, Grimm's Fairy Tales
I'm a sucker for fairy tales, so when this was the very first phrase found, I knew I'd be a happy camper. The story is loosely based on the tale of Snow White and how maybe our perceptions of the story are off. What if in reality, Snow White wasn't as pure as she was made out to be? What if the Wicked Stepmother was just misunderstood or being manipulated? This is the thought carried throughout as the tale unfolds via two points of view- Jeanie, the stepmother, and Marlena, Jeanie's younger sister. We jump into the story directly following a hasty courtship and marriage between Jeanie and Matthew, and are privy to fly on the wall conversations, as well as Jeanie's private thoughts, that reveal a tiny crack in the fortress of perfection that has been created. You see, Matthew has children from his previous marriage to Kaye, twins named Luke and Scarlett, and Scarlett seems to be holding a grudge toward Jeanie. Jeanie also has a child from a previous relationship; his name is Frankie and he seems to be the only character with a lick of sense.
As we learn a little more with each chapter, we start to realize that Jeanie is holding a dark secret from her past. This secret is the key to everything; it is the basis for all the unexplained offenses against Jeanie. Sure, they start out slow and somewhat explainable, until the tension becomes so great that you want to strangle every character and choke some sense into them (HELLO-MATTHEW?!?!). I won't give away any spoilers, but this was one crazy ride. I thought I was going to have a dag bloomin heart attack by about 80%; it was nearing midnight and I just had to finish because WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?!?! I will say this; the ending did not disappoint and I sure didn't see it coming. To some degree, you have to kind of guess who is involved because there are few people to choose from, but I was completely taken aback by the ending.
Here is where I was really impressed though- the characters. I read the author's book 24 Hours last year, and while I thought it was a great story, I wasn't wowed with the character development. The Stepmother blew me away in a sense of showing how much an author can grow in their writing in such a short amount of time. I found I actually had feelings for these folks; I ranged from intrigued, to engaged, to angry, to proud, to sad, all the way back to "DANG why is it over already?". I can't remember the last time I have felt such a wide range of emotions in a thriller! As I'm writing this, I'm still feeling emotions for this wacky cast of individuals- I can picture (clearly my imagination's version of) the house, the countryside, even the vehicles they drove. Needless to say, if you are on the fence about this one, just go for it. I would give this more than 5 stars if I could! The cover is absolutely breath taking, the characters are so brilliant that you just love to hate them, and the pacing and tension are unbelievable. Well done Claire and Bookouture; you both are clearly on a winning roll this year!
* I received my copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So grateful for the opportunity to read this outstanding novel!
November 13, 2016
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3.5 Stars
Jeannie and Matthew have had a fairy tale courtship. After years of being let down by so many people, Jeannie has finally found her Prince Charming...
Or has she?
As the book begins we meet Jeannie's sister, Marlena. She is extremely upset, and is urgently trying to find a taxi. She tells us she will not let this wickedness hide, that she will find out the truth...
Jeannie and Matthew are newlyweds. They both have children from previous partners. Jeannie has one son, Frankie and Matthew has teenage twins, Scarlett and Luke. As with any blended family, it can be a trying time getting to know and accept each other. Jeannie has always been very close with her son. She wants things to go smoothly and hopes that they will all get along. So far, her stepson Luke, though quiet seems to be okay with her but she feels like Scarlett just doesn't want her around. When strange things start happening, Jeannie wonders if she's imagining things or if someone is really trying to make her lose her mind. Jeannie also has secrets some secrets of her own that could destroy her new-found happiness.
The story alternates between Marlena and Jeannie's perspective. I liked how the chapters headings were clear as to whose point of view it was. The first part of the book had me a bit annoyed and confused. It seemed like a lot was happening at once and I was having trouble keeping up. I was irritated by the characters, their actions and the things being said. I honestly thought about shutting it down.
But I didn't. And honestly I am glad I kept going. I ended up getting pulled into the story and finished it in record time.
I've said this before but I often get a bit hung up on plausibility. I sometimes have a hard time just enjoying a book. Instead I can get so caught up in wondering if this or that could have actually happened. There were definitely a few things that had me saying "No Way" but in the end again I just tried to enjoy the escape of the story. Honestly if all of the books I read only had things that could really happen? Then I would probably be complaining that they were boring.
One thing that did really bother me about this book though and may bother other readers is the issue of animal cruelty and death. I understand that it may be used to show a characters depravity, but it just feels like there's been a lot of it in recent books. I don't feel it's necessary in many cases. It's just really upsetting to me.
Although I did have some issues with the story, I ended up enjoying it quite a bit. I really was surprised that the book turned around for me like the way it did. There were a few really good twists and a couple of them I didn't see coming at all. I may have had a few lucky guesses but it was still really interesting reading how it all played out. I was about halfway done and from that point on I read straight through. I just had to know what was going to happen at the end of this twisted fairy tale.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Claire Seeber for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
3.5 Stars
Jeannie and Matthew have had a fairy tale courtship. After years of being let down by so many people, Jeannie has finally found her Prince Charming...
Or has she?
As the book begins we meet Jeannie's sister, Marlena. She is extremely upset, and is urgently trying to find a taxi. She tells us she will not let this wickedness hide, that she will find out the truth...
Jeannie and Matthew are newlyweds. They both have children from previous partners. Jeannie has one son, Frankie and Matthew has teenage twins, Scarlett and Luke. As with any blended family, it can be a trying time getting to know and accept each other. Jeannie has always been very close with her son. She wants things to go smoothly and hopes that they will all get along. So far, her stepson Luke, though quiet seems to be okay with her but she feels like Scarlett just doesn't want her around. When strange things start happening, Jeannie wonders if she's imagining things or if someone is really trying to make her lose her mind. Jeannie also has secrets some secrets of her own that could destroy her new-found happiness.
The story alternates between Marlena and Jeannie's perspective. I liked how the chapters headings were clear as to whose point of view it was. The first part of the book had me a bit annoyed and confused. It seemed like a lot was happening at once and I was having trouble keeping up. I was irritated by the characters, their actions and the things being said. I honestly thought about shutting it down.
But I didn't. And honestly I am glad I kept going. I ended up getting pulled into the story and finished it in record time.
I've said this before but I often get a bit hung up on plausibility. I sometimes have a hard time just enjoying a book. Instead I can get so caught up in wondering if this or that could have actually happened. There were definitely a few things that had me saying "No Way" but in the end again I just tried to enjoy the escape of the story. Honestly if all of the books I read only had things that could really happen? Then I would probably be complaining that they were boring.
One thing that did really bother me about this book though and may bother other readers is the issue of animal cruelty and death. I understand that it may be used to show a characters depravity, but it just feels like there's been a lot of it in recent books. I don't feel it's necessary in many cases. It's just really upsetting to me.
Although I did have some issues with the story, I ended up enjoying it quite a bit. I really was surprised that the book turned around for me like the way it did. There were a few really good twists and a couple of them I didn't see coming at all. I may have had a few lucky guesses but it was still really interesting reading how it all played out. I was about halfway done and from that point on I read straight through. I just had to know what was going to happen at the end of this twisted fairy tale.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Claire Seeber for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 21, 2022
Half "a bloody awful" star !!
Absolute Worst Read of 2018 Award
Sorry Chelsea ....this was just a horrible reading experience for me but I really learned how NOT to write a psychological thriller with this one !!
Recipe for the Stepmother
1. take four cups of really poor writing...in fact some of the poorest writing
2. bastardize a really great fairy tale (Snow White in fact)
3. use some half-assed knowledge of psychopathology and dysfunctional family dynamics
4. consistently use convenient coincidences and pretend your so-called surprises are surprises and then yell out SURPRISE ! what your not surprised then up the ante and yell SURPRISE even louder !!
5. take a pseudo-feminist approach
6. have quick scene switches that make no sense but give you both heartburn and whiplash
Don't mix well, and only half bake and Voila you have the Stepmother.
Really really really awful !!
Tyra what do you think ?
Absolute Worst Read of 2018 Award
Sorry Chelsea ....this was just a horrible reading experience for me but I really learned how NOT to write a psychological thriller with this one !!
Recipe for the Stepmother
1. take four cups of really poor writing...in fact some of the poorest writing
2. bastardize a really great fairy tale (Snow White in fact)
3. use some half-assed knowledge of psychopathology and dysfunctional family dynamics
4. consistently use convenient coincidences and pretend your so-called surprises are surprises and then yell out SURPRISE ! what your not surprised then up the ante and yell SURPRISE even louder !!
5. take a pseudo-feminist approach
6. have quick scene switches that make no sense but give you both heartburn and whiplash
Don't mix well, and only half bake and Voila you have the Stepmother.
Really really really awful !!
Tyra what do you think ?
May 1, 2023
Wow! What an absolutely brilliant journey I've been on with this new novel from Claire Seeber. I started it at midnight and lost lots of sleep as I could not stop reading, it was that good. Devoured it over a few enjoyable hours.
A very modern and creative version of the telling of the tale of Snow White.
The Stepmother tells the story of Jeanie who marries Matthew and begins the journey of blending Matthew's two children with her own teenage son. Scarlett and Luke, her newly acquired stepchildren are twins but polar opposites in personality. Her own son Frankie was one of my favourite characters in the novel.
I'm a Stepmother to 4 boys and have 1 biological son so this book really interested me. Did it capture the challenges of a new stepfamily? It did that then more! Jeanie has walked into a version of hell that will change her forever.
Living in a large home, feeling in the shadow of Matthew's ex-wife and working to feel she belongs and is accepted, Jeanie is trying her hardest to make things work. She is a flawed and damaged character and brings so much to the book as we learn more about her past and present.
Something is wrong, really wrong and before long the book starts to tease the reader with strange events, sinister happenings, unexplained moments and horrible scenarios. All aimed at Jeanie.
The tension and plot is taut and clever and I don't believe many will be able to put this brilliant novel aside. The short chapters and snappy writing style really hooks you in on every level. I was mesmerised with the entire story. Claire Seeber has done a fabulous job at portraying the complexities of a new family blending and how the role of Stepmother is not an easy one. It's always the wicked Stepmother's fault right? She then takes the plot to places you hope in your personal life you never have to go.
We hear from Jeanie and also her sister Marlena in different chapters. Marlena's perspective and the way that weaves into the book is just brilliant! It really adds another dimension to how we view Jeanie.
This is a psychological thriller that will have you guessing and challenged on what the truth is. Why so many secrets in this family? What secret does Jeanie bring with her? Who is wanting to scare her and why? Is she going mad? Imagining things? Who can she trust?
As events unfold and get more sinister, the book just continues to throw up reveals and twists that were fantastic. A lot I didn't see coming my way at all. This is a really cleverly written novel that entertains fully from start to finish.
The beginning, the middle and the end are all equally brilliant, the pace is steady but fast, no room for boredom here and the plot intrigues and entices you to keep reading until before you know it you've reached the end of a great book.
If you love this genre, don't miss this.
A very modern and creative version of the telling of the tale of Snow White.
The Stepmother tells the story of Jeanie who marries Matthew and begins the journey of blending Matthew's two children with her own teenage son. Scarlett and Luke, her newly acquired stepchildren are twins but polar opposites in personality. Her own son Frankie was one of my favourite characters in the novel.
I'm a Stepmother to 4 boys and have 1 biological son so this book really interested me. Did it capture the challenges of a new stepfamily? It did that then more! Jeanie has walked into a version of hell that will change her forever.
Living in a large home, feeling in the shadow of Matthew's ex-wife and working to feel she belongs and is accepted, Jeanie is trying her hardest to make things work. She is a flawed and damaged character and brings so much to the book as we learn more about her past and present.
Something is wrong, really wrong and before long the book starts to tease the reader with strange events, sinister happenings, unexplained moments and horrible scenarios. All aimed at Jeanie.
The tension and plot is taut and clever and I don't believe many will be able to put this brilliant novel aside. The short chapters and snappy writing style really hooks you in on every level. I was mesmerised with the entire story. Claire Seeber has done a fabulous job at portraying the complexities of a new family blending and how the role of Stepmother is not an easy one. It's always the wicked Stepmother's fault right? She then takes the plot to places you hope in your personal life you never have to go.
We hear from Jeanie and also her sister Marlena in different chapters. Marlena's perspective and the way that weaves into the book is just brilliant! It really adds another dimension to how we view Jeanie.
This is a psychological thriller that will have you guessing and challenged on what the truth is. Why so many secrets in this family? What secret does Jeanie bring with her? Who is wanting to scare her and why? Is she going mad? Imagining things? Who can she trust?
As events unfold and get more sinister, the book just continues to throw up reveals and twists that were fantastic. A lot I didn't see coming my way at all. This is a really cleverly written novel that entertains fully from start to finish.
The beginning, the middle and the end are all equally brilliant, the pace is steady but fast, no room for boredom here and the plot intrigues and entices you to keep reading until before you know it you've reached the end of a great book.
If you love this genre, don't miss this.
July 10, 2016
I received a copy of The Stepmother by Claire Seeber through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Bookouture and to Claire Seeber for the opportunity.
"Something wicked this way comes."
And a wicked good read is presented by Claire Seeber. While the fairytale character of Snow White trails across many of these pages, I prefer to see the likes of Hansel and Gretel. Seeber drops the breadcrumbs along the storyline like these two little darlings did. And we like the birds, peck away greedily at them.....random names and random incidents to store away for later.
Jeanie and Matthew have recently married in a whirlwind courtship. Jeanie carries in her belongings into Malum House while dragging in the heavy baggage of her past life. No other eyes will be privy to these secrets sealed and set into the shadows. Perhaps for another day.
Matthew, her beloved, has mega secrets of his own. With her first step over the threshold of this house, Jeanie feels the oppressive weight of the situation. Matthew comes packaged with a set of fourteen year old twins, Luke and Scarlett, and an obnoxious ex-wife, Kaye. Jeanie has a son, Frank, and harbors the remnants of a gone-wrong relationship with Simon. Her sister, Marlena, is constantly on the peripheral and doesn't even come to the wedding. And yet, there is a determination to make this work......until it doesn't.
The ancient house built in the time of Cromwell's Roundheads spills out a history brick by brick. It's not only the house that is deteriorating, but this family as well. Jeanie finds herself in darkened situations in which her word and her integrity are questioned again and again. There is a growing fissure here with an impending collapse. And like those aforementioned breadcrumbs, who will get swallowed up and no longer be?
Claire Seeber creates a sharp-pointed storyline with complicated characters that may not always show their true faces. What is real and what is not? What exactly is the price we are willing to pay to keep secrets in check? And who will pay that hefty price?
The Stepmother will be published on July 15, 2016. My only concern was with the wrap-up at the end. There was a rush in braiding the final loose hairs of subplots that intertwined throughout the story. Despite this, it was a very satisfying read. I know that we will all be looking for the talented name of Claire Seeber on future books cover.
"Something wicked this way comes."
And a wicked good read is presented by Claire Seeber. While the fairytale character of Snow White trails across many of these pages, I prefer to see the likes of Hansel and Gretel. Seeber drops the breadcrumbs along the storyline like these two little darlings did. And we like the birds, peck away greedily at them.....random names and random incidents to store away for later.
Jeanie and Matthew have recently married in a whirlwind courtship. Jeanie carries in her belongings into Malum House while dragging in the heavy baggage of her past life. No other eyes will be privy to these secrets sealed and set into the shadows. Perhaps for another day.
Matthew, her beloved, has mega secrets of his own. With her first step over the threshold of this house, Jeanie feels the oppressive weight of the situation. Matthew comes packaged with a set of fourteen year old twins, Luke and Scarlett, and an obnoxious ex-wife, Kaye. Jeanie has a son, Frank, and harbors the remnants of a gone-wrong relationship with Simon. Her sister, Marlena, is constantly on the peripheral and doesn't even come to the wedding. And yet, there is a determination to make this work......until it doesn't.
The ancient house built in the time of Cromwell's Roundheads spills out a history brick by brick. It's not only the house that is deteriorating, but this family as well. Jeanie finds herself in darkened situations in which her word and her integrity are questioned again and again. There is a growing fissure here with an impending collapse. And like those aforementioned breadcrumbs, who will get swallowed up and no longer be?
Claire Seeber creates a sharp-pointed storyline with complicated characters that may not always show their true faces. What is real and what is not? What exactly is the price we are willing to pay to keep secrets in check? And who will pay that hefty price?
The Stepmother will be published on July 15, 2016. My only concern was with the wrap-up at the end. There was a rush in braiding the final loose hairs of subplots that intertwined throughout the story. Despite this, it was a very satisfying read. I know that we will all be looking for the talented name of Claire Seeber on future books cover.
September 11, 2020
THE STEPMOTHER by Claire Seeber is a dark twisted psychological thriller.
New beginnings, and a second chance at happiness!
Jeanie and her younger sister Marlene had come from a broken home…and looked after each other. Jeanie, a teacher and her sister a journalist, learned to make their own path.
Jeanie Randall marries her prince charming-Matthew King, and thus begins the fairytale family. Jeanie has a son, Frankie from a prior relationship and Matthew has two fourteen –year-old twins, Scarlett and Luke from a former marriage to Kaye. Jeanie is now going to be a stepmum, and she is worried about being a good stepmum, and having everyone accept her. One big blended family!
Jeanie and her son, Frankie had moved from the city of Brighton to an old house in the country suburbs called, “Malum House.”
The New Year’s Eve Bash that was held at the house soon after the wedding, was not her idea but her husband’s idea “to show her off.” The theme for the party was Fairy Tales, as in “Snow White”.
But this blended family business was not going to be easy for Jeanie. Jeanie’s step-daughter Scarlett was hostile to her, but she has to make a way for it to work.
But then STRANGE things begin to happen in this old house…whispers from the walls, voices, shattered wedding photograph and who is” the lady in gray?” Jeanie has hidden things about her past from her husband. But when she tries to find the right opportunity, her attempts to tell Matthew the truth had failed as always because of an interruption.
“She needed to tell Matthew the truth… before anyone discovered she was a fraud!”
“It’s my home-and yet I feel like a fish out of water still, and I fear my days might be numbered if I’m discovered before my confession.”
And this secret could destroy her marriage!
Someone is trying to damage her marriage and sanity.
Will there be a happy ending? And for Who? Read and find out.
This was a fast-paced dark psychological thriller, with short chapters and told from alternating POV’s: Jeanie and her sister, Marlena.
Many thanks to the author, Claire Seeber, Bookouture and Netgalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Definitely one of my top reads of 2016 from my favourite publisher!
New beginnings, and a second chance at happiness!
Jeanie and her younger sister Marlene had come from a broken home…and looked after each other. Jeanie, a teacher and her sister a journalist, learned to make their own path.
Jeanie Randall marries her prince charming-Matthew King, and thus begins the fairytale family. Jeanie has a son, Frankie from a prior relationship and Matthew has two fourteen –year-old twins, Scarlett and Luke from a former marriage to Kaye. Jeanie is now going to be a stepmum, and she is worried about being a good stepmum, and having everyone accept her. One big blended family!
Jeanie and her son, Frankie had moved from the city of Brighton to an old house in the country suburbs called, “Malum House.”
The New Year’s Eve Bash that was held at the house soon after the wedding, was not her idea but her husband’s idea “to show her off.” The theme for the party was Fairy Tales, as in “Snow White”.
But this blended family business was not going to be easy for Jeanie. Jeanie’s step-daughter Scarlett was hostile to her, but she has to make a way for it to work.
But then STRANGE things begin to happen in this old house…whispers from the walls, voices, shattered wedding photograph and who is” the lady in gray?” Jeanie has hidden things about her past from her husband. But when she tries to find the right opportunity, her attempts to tell Matthew the truth had failed as always because of an interruption.
“She needed to tell Matthew the truth… before anyone discovered she was a fraud!”
“It’s my home-and yet I feel like a fish out of water still, and I fear my days might be numbered if I’m discovered before my confession.”
And this secret could destroy her marriage!
Someone is trying to damage her marriage and sanity.
Will there be a happy ending? And for Who? Read and find out.
This was a fast-paced dark psychological thriller, with short chapters and told from alternating POV’s: Jeanie and her sister, Marlena.
Many thanks to the author, Claire Seeber, Bookouture and Netgalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Definitely one of my top reads of 2016 from my favourite publisher!
August 22, 2016
I love love loved this story of family drama, loosely based on Snow White. There are so many secrets and shady characters and twists and turns. I love when a book can keep you guessing, and change your guess multiple times throughout. And can we talk for one second about the amazing female thriller writers that come out of the UK? Another author to add to my list of books to look out for.
Trigger alert: there is some violence toward animals.
Thank you, Netgalley, for a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger alert: there is some violence toward animals.
Thank you, Netgalley, for a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2016
We all know the story of Snow White, don't we? The wicked stepmother who marries the handsome king and jealous of the her lovely stepdaughter orders her huntsman to take her out in the woods and kill her. This is a tale about a stepmother, but maybe she's not the wicked one in this version and maybe she's the one who should be fleeing for her life.
This is a cracker of a pyschological thriller. Jeanie Randall is the stepmother in question, marrying a wealthy handsome businessman, convinced his teenage twin and her student son will form a happy blended family. But of course it's not to be. Right from the start Jeanie feels uncomfortable in the mansion that is her new home. Trying to step into the ex wife's shoes and bond with her step children is hard enough without the addition of strange noises at night and even stranger events that can't be easily explained. And someone knows about her secret and is sending her messages and trying to mess up her life.
The story unfolds at a rapid pace, told in short chapters by Jeanie and occasionally her sister Marlena, who is more of a witness to events as she is a busy journalist too distracted by chasing a big story to be much help to Jeanie. This really was a page-turner, a book I felt compelled to keep reading until the very end. There are twists and turns throughout the book that continue to surprise as the horrible events unfold and Jeanie's life becomes a nightmare. Definitely one of the most enjoyable psychological thrillers I've read this year! More please Ms Seeber!
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Bookouture for a copy of this book to read and review
This is a cracker of a pyschological thriller. Jeanie Randall is the stepmother in question, marrying a wealthy handsome businessman, convinced his teenage twin and her student son will form a happy blended family. But of course it's not to be. Right from the start Jeanie feels uncomfortable in the mansion that is her new home. Trying to step into the ex wife's shoes and bond with her step children is hard enough without the addition of strange noises at night and even stranger events that can't be easily explained. And someone knows about her secret and is sending her messages and trying to mess up her life.
The story unfolds at a rapid pace, told in short chapters by Jeanie and occasionally her sister Marlena, who is more of a witness to events as she is a busy journalist too distracted by chasing a big story to be much help to Jeanie. This really was a page-turner, a book I felt compelled to keep reading until the very end. There are twists and turns throughout the book that continue to surprise as the horrible events unfold and Jeanie's life becomes a nightmare. Definitely one of the most enjoyable psychological thrillers I've read this year! More please Ms Seeber!
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Bookouture for a copy of this book to read and review
February 13, 2017
“But what is nice anyway? Nice is so often only on the surface in my experience. The debris usually lies beneath.”
2.5 / 3 stars
While The Stepmother had some plusses going for it, it failed to fully bewitch me.
It's touted as a fairy tale retelling but it only barely reaches that mark in that it takes the idea of a stepmother struggling in a new family and gives it a few in between chapter musings about Snow White and age-old stories. The writing style and melodramatic struggles of the heroine remind me more of gothic stories from the 60s/70s where the naïve young maiden has been brought into perilous family dynamics and never knows who to fully trust.
Seeber divides the book primarily through the POV of her main, Jeanie, but then splits in a few chapters for the sister Marlene, while again dishing out about five chapters from some omniscient narrator lecturing and warning about stepmothers and fairytales and the tropes with it. Not the standard writing, but not too unusual, it would have worked better if I had as much enthusiasm for Marlene as I did Jeanie. The writing style changed when switched to Marlene, became too toughened and unnatural. I much preferred Jeanie's point of view, which is a good thing since she's the main one on page, although the character herself was annoying sometimes.
Think of timidity sort of like Du Maurier's Rebecca. Jeanie is hesitant to get angry, upset at herself for raising her voice, afraid to protest when her husband is in a bad mood, worried about making him mad all the time, too hesitant with rude guests, a little wimpy in the face of bratty children...she stutters, she hesitates, and spends mucho time worrying over the smallest details. A weak backbone in a heroine can still support a story if IT has a strong backbone, but ultimately the two kind of blend together.
The writing style - again, is kind of gothicky - surreal through an unreliable narrator. Characters are a little stereotypical but not too bad. You have the bitchy ex-wife who is gorgeous, the almost perfect seeming husband who is moody with his strange wife, the one bratty teenage step-daughter, and the loyal biological son who doesn't get along with the new family.
Take care with this one if you're sensitive about animal deaths in books. It's not in detail but it happens. I'm sensitive to it myself, but I get it plays a large role in story later. *shudders*
There are twists in this one but the ending isn't too much of a surprise really. It was what I figured...well, one of at least three guesses. On the plus side, the book is hard to put down once you get into it - even if the main character is annoying and you're waiting for her to get angry and tell everyone off (she doesn't) - it's rewarding to see what little surprise and sabotage will pop up next.
Received from Netgalley in exchange for honest review
2.5 / 3 stars
While The Stepmother had some plusses going for it, it failed to fully bewitch me.
It's touted as a fairy tale retelling but it only barely reaches that mark in that it takes the idea of a stepmother struggling in a new family and gives it a few in between chapter musings about Snow White and age-old stories. The writing style and melodramatic struggles of the heroine remind me more of gothic stories from the 60s/70s where the naïve young maiden has been brought into perilous family dynamics and never knows who to fully trust.
Seeber divides the book primarily through the POV of her main, Jeanie, but then splits in a few chapters for the sister Marlene, while again dishing out about five chapters from some omniscient narrator lecturing and warning about stepmothers and fairytales and the tropes with it. Not the standard writing, but not too unusual, it would have worked better if I had as much enthusiasm for Marlene as I did Jeanie. The writing style changed when switched to Marlene, became too toughened and unnatural. I much preferred Jeanie's point of view, which is a good thing since she's the main one on page, although the character herself was annoying sometimes.
Think of timidity sort of like Du Maurier's Rebecca. Jeanie is hesitant to get angry, upset at herself for raising her voice, afraid to protest when her husband is in a bad mood, worried about making him mad all the time, too hesitant with rude guests, a little wimpy in the face of bratty children...she stutters, she hesitates, and spends mucho time worrying over the smallest details. A weak backbone in a heroine can still support a story if IT has a strong backbone, but ultimately the two kind of blend together.
The writing style - again, is kind of gothicky - surreal through an unreliable narrator. Characters are a little stereotypical but not too bad. You have the bitchy ex-wife who is gorgeous, the almost perfect seeming husband who is moody with his strange wife, the one bratty teenage step-daughter, and the loyal biological son who doesn't get along with the new family.
Take care with this one if you're sensitive about animal deaths in books. It's not in detail but it happens. I'm sensitive to it myself, but I get it plays a large role in story later. *shudders*
There are twists in this one but the ending isn't too much of a surprise really. It was what I figured...well, one of at least three guesses. On the plus side, the book is hard to put down once you get into it - even if the main character is annoying and you're waiting for her to get angry and tell everyone off (she doesn't) - it's rewarding to see what little surprise and sabotage will pop up next.
Received from Netgalley in exchange for honest review
July 13, 2016
Dark and disturbing read that I couldn't put down!
The Stepmother opens with a passage from Snow White, reminding the reader about the Evil Queen's jealousy of her step-daughter, Snow White. The narrative then shifts to Jeanie, a 43 year old single mother, who just married her prince, Matthew. Matthew has two children of his own, Luke and Scarlett. Jeanie naively believes that their families are going to seamlessly merge together, like the Brady Bunch. However, Jeanie's relationship with Scarlett is strained and weird things begin to happen in their house that make Jeanie question her sanity. Is Jeanie the Evil step-mother or is there more going on than we know?
I had a lot of fun reading The Stepmother! My only complaint is that the ending felt rushed. I found this book to be a little creepy and couldn't read late at night.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The Stepmother opens with a passage from Snow White, reminding the reader about the Evil Queen's jealousy of her step-daughter, Snow White. The narrative then shifts to Jeanie, a 43 year old single mother, who just married her prince, Matthew. Matthew has two children of his own, Luke and Scarlett. Jeanie naively believes that their families are going to seamlessly merge together, like the Brady Bunch. However, Jeanie's relationship with Scarlett is strained and weird things begin to happen in their house that make Jeanie question her sanity. Is Jeanie the Evil step-mother or is there more going on than we know?
I had a lot of fun reading The Stepmother! My only complaint is that the ending felt rushed. I found this book to be a little creepy and couldn't read late at night.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2016
I had previously read Claire Seeber's novel '24 hours' which I thoroughly enjoyed so I was looking forward to reading her latest book which I had heard good things about.
This is a very good read, a psychological thriller that had me guessing and guessing again. I found it to be a novel that keeps you wanting to read just one more chapter so much so that I read it two sittings.
The novel focuses on Jeanie who becomes a Stepmother when she marries Matthew and his two children Scarlett and Luke. She is already mother to son Frankie and together the new family settle under the same roof. The children all have different personalities and Jeanie struggles to adjust to her new life.
A well paced story that gets you to question what is really going on in the house and just what is the truth. The more you read the more secrets that are uncovered and the more twists that are not fore-casted. A very good novel that is well worth reading.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of Claire Seeber's novel in exchange for honest review.
This is a very good read, a psychological thriller that had me guessing and guessing again. I found it to be a novel that keeps you wanting to read just one more chapter so much so that I read it two sittings.
The novel focuses on Jeanie who becomes a Stepmother when she marries Matthew and his two children Scarlett and Luke. She is already mother to son Frankie and together the new family settle under the same roof. The children all have different personalities and Jeanie struggles to adjust to her new life.
A well paced story that gets you to question what is really going on in the house and just what is the truth. The more you read the more secrets that are uncovered and the more twists that are not fore-casted. A very good novel that is well worth reading.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of Claire Seeber's novel in exchange for honest review.
July 5, 2016
This is one of those books that has short chapters and moves a long at a lightening speed. Jeanie and Matthew get married and both have children from previous relationships so are trying to adapt to a new blended family. Soon strange things begin to happen and they are all directed at Jeanie, blood appearing, a ghost in the mirror, dead animals and very strange noises. What secrets does Jeanie hold and why are these events happening? I really enjoyed this book, the characters felt very real and believable and the plot engaging and I was totally taken along for the ride, loved it.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2016
Jeanie knows that when she and Matthew marry it won't be easy blending their two families together. Jeanie has a teenage son and Matthew a son and daughter. Matthew's daughter is somewhat resentful of her new stepmother but Jeanie is determined to make things work between the families.
However, Jeanie also has a secret that in the rush of her and Matthew's relationship she never actually told Matthew the truth of her past. Now that secret is coming back to haunt her as someone is determined to let the truth out.
The Stepmother is somewhat of a retelling of Snow White but even though it's loosely based on that tale this is a dark and twisty version that is completely original. It's easy to say this story is one that will have the pages turning rather quickly as it had me completely engaged in it from start to finish.
There were several different things going on in the plot with this one that had me guessing from start to finish. Jeanie has her secret past that slowly gets revealed plus you have the relationship of the new blended family then on top of all that there are a lot of strange things going on that had me wondering are we turning this into a ghost story? But in the end it all gets a great wrap up after all the twists throughout.
Overall, definitely one I'd recommend. This is the second book I've read from Claire Seeber and I've quite enjoyed them both.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
However, Jeanie also has a secret that in the rush of her and Matthew's relationship she never actually told Matthew the truth of her past. Now that secret is coming back to haunt her as someone is determined to let the truth out.
The Stepmother is somewhat of a retelling of Snow White but even though it's loosely based on that tale this is a dark and twisty version that is completely original. It's easy to say this story is one that will have the pages turning rather quickly as it had me completely engaged in it from start to finish.
There were several different things going on in the plot with this one that had me guessing from start to finish. Jeanie has her secret past that slowly gets revealed plus you have the relationship of the new blended family then on top of all that there are a lot of strange things going on that had me wondering are we turning this into a ghost story? But in the end it all gets a great wrap up after all the twists throughout.
Overall, definitely one I'd recommend. This is the second book I've read from Claire Seeber and I've quite enjoyed them both.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
February 9, 2017
I really wanted to like The Stepmother. I had seen a fair few reviews raving about this book but for me this one fell short.
The book is pretty much a modern take on a fairy story, namely Snow White. Jeanie, a school teacher meets the man of her dreams and embarks on a whirlwind romance that culminates in a marriage all wrapped up in the space of six months. We meet her husband and step children and the narrative moves through Jeanie's story and her sister's point of view which are clearly defined in the chapter headings.
Strange things start to happen when Jeanie moves into her husband's house. Supernatural sightings, mysterious noises with ghost stories of old to ratchet up the tension just adds to Jeanie's woes as the book moves along. The story starts off fairly well and definitely held my attention for a while but then I found as it progressed my interest started to wane. I found parts of the narrative really repetitive and Jeanie as the main protagonist a bit irritating. I mean how hard can it be to pin your husband down and just have a conversation??!!! (Makes sense if you read!).
I know many others have simply loved this and that's fair enough, for me, however, I was relieved that I made it to the end. If you want a modern twist on an old fairytale then give this one a go; chances are you'll enjoy it.
My thanks to author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. Appreciated.
The book is pretty much a modern take on a fairy story, namely Snow White. Jeanie, a school teacher meets the man of her dreams and embarks on a whirlwind romance that culminates in a marriage all wrapped up in the space of six months. We meet her husband and step children and the narrative moves through Jeanie's story and her sister's point of view which are clearly defined in the chapter headings.
Strange things start to happen when Jeanie moves into her husband's house. Supernatural sightings, mysterious noises with ghost stories of old to ratchet up the tension just adds to Jeanie's woes as the book moves along. The story starts off fairly well and definitely held my attention for a while but then I found as it progressed my interest started to wane. I found parts of the narrative really repetitive and Jeanie as the main protagonist a bit irritating. I mean how hard can it be to pin your husband down and just have a conversation??!!! (Makes sense if you read!).
I know many others have simply loved this and that's fair enough, for me, however, I was relieved that I made it to the end. If you want a modern twist on an old fairytale then give this one a go; chances are you'll enjoy it.
My thanks to author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. Appreciated.
August 22, 2016
Really enjoyed The Stepmother – one of those books you read fast so you can find out what the heck is going on, with lots of lovely little twists and turns and some pretty creepy moments too (birds *shiver*) – really hits the spot for an afternoons reading in the sun. Or as we are in the UK the rain. Either way…
So Claire Seeber takes on the cliche of the Evil Stepmother and turns it a little on its head with what is basically a modern day reimagining of Snow White if Snow White was likely slightly tainted, not quite so innocent and her Stepmother might not be so bad after all…or also could possibly be the b**** from hell. Or something. Very clever and very readable and a lot of fun.
Also though there is some real insight to be had here into the difficulties of integrating families post divorce – these days the family you start with might not be the family you end up with and even with the best intentions, human nature and emotion being what it is means that there is often a rocky road ahead and I ain’t talking about the ice cream. Whilst entertaining us with a banging good tale of mothers, daughters, husbands, sons and the witch like neighbour from down the way (no dwarves though I’m afraid) Claire Seeber manages to also weave into the narrative some definitive real life issues that a lot of people will recognise.
Overall it was pretty darn good. I had a good reading time with The Stepmother, it gave pause for thought whilst also being really entertaining and intriguing. Good finish too no disappointment.
Recommended for fans of the psychological thriller and possibly for fans of adult fairtytales with bite.
So Claire Seeber takes on the cliche of the Evil Stepmother and turns it a little on its head with what is basically a modern day reimagining of Snow White if Snow White was likely slightly tainted, not quite so innocent and her Stepmother might not be so bad after all…or also could possibly be the b**** from hell. Or something. Very clever and very readable and a lot of fun.
Also though there is some real insight to be had here into the difficulties of integrating families post divorce – these days the family you start with might not be the family you end up with and even with the best intentions, human nature and emotion being what it is means that there is often a rocky road ahead and I ain’t talking about the ice cream. Whilst entertaining us with a banging good tale of mothers, daughters, husbands, sons and the witch like neighbour from down the way (no dwarves though I’m afraid) Claire Seeber manages to also weave into the narrative some definitive real life issues that a lot of people will recognise.
Overall it was pretty darn good. I had a good reading time with The Stepmother, it gave pause for thought whilst also being really entertaining and intriguing. Good finish too no disappointment.
Recommended for fans of the psychological thriller and possibly for fans of adult fairtytales with bite.
June 30, 2016
This book i have been longing for as I love the last book I read by this author.
This is a snappy fast past short chapters book that just leads you to one chapter, then another then another because its definitely going to keep you awake at night, its going to make you put aside any chores in the day if you read in the day time, you just have to read, no....... need to read this in one sitting.
Step families are hard at the best of times.
This is of no exception in this book.
Jeannie and Matthew are trying to blend a family unit together and they are a solid couple so they can do it.
But, Jeannie has a secret and someone wants to bring it to light and ruin everything she has.
Will her marriage survive if this comes out?
We all like happy endings, but will this end as predicted?
You need to read this to find out.
I definitely recommend this. I was totally hooked.
My thanks to Bookouture via Net Galley for my early copy
September 1, 2016
This is the first book I’ve read by Claire Seeber, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I really enjoyed this.
If you like psychological thrillers and fairy tales, then this may be the book for you. Although, mostly a psychological thriller, there is a hint of fairy tale throughout, as it is loosely based on the story of Snow White, which I love.
At first I was intrigued by this story, then I began to feel uneasy, and by half way I started to feel paranoid. This story definitely gave me an uneasy feeling throughout. Very hard to put down, as I needed to know what happened next, in the hope of reducing my own anxiety.
I’m also glad it’s not just me who can set fire to jacket potatoes in the microwave, even if it was a fictional character, ha ha.
I would like to thank the publisher, Bookouture for allowing me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you like psychological thrillers and fairy tales, then this may be the book for you. Although, mostly a psychological thriller, there is a hint of fairy tale throughout, as it is loosely based on the story of Snow White, which I love.
At first I was intrigued by this story, then I began to feel uneasy, and by half way I started to feel paranoid. This story definitely gave me an uneasy feeling throughout. Very hard to put down, as I needed to know what happened next, in the hope of reducing my own anxiety.
I’m also glad it’s not just me who can set fire to jacket potatoes in the microwave, even if it was a fictional character, ha ha.
I would like to thank the publisher, Bookouture for allowing me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2016
There are few of us who don’t know the story of Snow White and the wicked stepmother who married the handsome prince and was so jealous of her stepdaughter, ordered her killed.
In this story Jeanie King marries her prince …. Matthew King. Jeanie has a son from a prior relationship and Matthew has two children from a former marriage. Jeanie is hopeful that she can win over the stepchildren and blend the family into one.
Jeanie already feels out of her depth, but then ‘things’ begin to happen. Someone knows the terrible secret that she has hidden and not shared with her husband. Walls begin to whisper to her …. Voices come from nowhere …. And who is the lady in gray?
Not everyone gets their happy ending, at least not while Jeanie is keeping secrets from her new husband. And not while her husband is keeping secrets from her.
This is a terrifyingly twisted psychological thriller.
Fast paced, the story is told in short chapters in Jeanie’s voice, alternating at times with her sister, Marlena. It’s a compelling read leading to a sleepless night and strange dreams for the reader. It continues to surprise as every page brings to light something different and you witness the coming undone of Jeanie.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
In this story Jeanie King marries her prince …. Matthew King. Jeanie has a son from a prior relationship and Matthew has two children from a former marriage. Jeanie is hopeful that she can win over the stepchildren and blend the family into one.
Jeanie already feels out of her depth, but then ‘things’ begin to happen. Someone knows the terrible secret that she has hidden and not shared with her husband. Walls begin to whisper to her …. Voices come from nowhere …. And who is the lady in gray?
Not everyone gets their happy ending, at least not while Jeanie is keeping secrets from her new husband. And not while her husband is keeping secrets from her.
This is a terrifyingly twisted psychological thriller.
Fast paced, the story is told in short chapters in Jeanie’s voice, alternating at times with her sister, Marlena. It’s a compelling read leading to a sleepless night and strange dreams for the reader. It continues to surprise as every page brings to light something different and you witness the coming undone of Jeanie.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
September 1, 2016
A special thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Nice cover! 4.5 Stars
Claire Seeber delivers a nightmare of a fairy tale, THE STEPMOTHER A gripping domestic and twisty psychological suspense, with more red herrings than you can imagine.
A perfect read for Halloween.
Is the stepmother as bad as you think, or is someone making her appear to be?
With a devilish twist of Snow White, Cinderella, old houses and creepy—join the disturbing stepfamily to learn which one is really evil.
From violence, rage, jealousy - a psychopath. Inflicting pain on the helpless. The horror of the Malum House.
Jeanie believed in fairy tales. She subscribed to the myth. However, the fantasy life crumbled. The beautiful idyllic stuff fell away. Shiny and unreal. She always looked for the best in people. An optimistic. Jeanie marries Matthew. They have a blended family.
"Why do you think little Snow White’s stepmother struggled with her? Was it merely because the girl was young and youth is always to be coveted? Was it because the girl was the queen’s daughter, who was first recipient of the king’s great love? Was it perhaps because the king love her- his little Snow White, firstborn- more than he could ever love the stepmother? Or was it because Snow White was a spoiled, little cow, used to getting her own way all the time?"
Mothers and daughters can be tricky. Teenage children from former relationships. A blended family.
Jeanie has a past. A terrible secret. Someone is playing a frightening game. It seeks to destroy.
From Jeanie to Marlena, two sisters; things are not as they seem. Can things be put away in the past, tidied and boxed up?
Jeanie Randall marries her prince charming, Matthew King. Jeanie has a son, Frankie from a prior relationship, and Matthew has two fourteen–year-old twins, Scarlett and Luke from a former marriage to Kaye.
Jeanie is now a stepmother. She wants to be accepted and wants everyone to be one big happy fairy tale family. However, someone does not feel the same.
Strange, weird things-begin happening. Driving someone to the brink of insanity. A family imploding. Step families are hard work. However, who can be trusted? Someone has a secret and it threatens to destroy.
Dark and compelling, wickedly evil! Plenty of twists and surprises to keep you guessing. A fairy tale family turns deadly. A game which threatens to drive someone nuts.
Seeber sends her reader into a labyrinth of creepy twists and grotesque turns. The secrets of the past refuse to keep quiet in this disquieting, taut thriller.
Razor-sharp and intense THE STEPMOTHER hooks, grips, and draws you into the web of deceit - impossible to put down. Wow, an author to follow!
JDCMustReadBooks
Claire Seeber delivers a nightmare of a fairy tale, THE STEPMOTHER A gripping domestic and twisty psychological suspense, with more red herrings than you can imagine.
A perfect read for Halloween.
Is the stepmother as bad as you think, or is someone making her appear to be?
With a devilish twist of Snow White, Cinderella, old houses and creepy—join the disturbing stepfamily to learn which one is really evil.
From violence, rage, jealousy - a psychopath. Inflicting pain on the helpless. The horror of the Malum House.
Jeanie believed in fairy tales. She subscribed to the myth. However, the fantasy life crumbled. The beautiful idyllic stuff fell away. Shiny and unreal. She always looked for the best in people. An optimistic. Jeanie marries Matthew. They have a blended family.
"Why do you think little Snow White’s stepmother struggled with her? Was it merely because the girl was young and youth is always to be coveted? Was it because the girl was the queen’s daughter, who was first recipient of the king’s great love? Was it perhaps because the king love her- his little Snow White, firstborn- more than he could ever love the stepmother? Or was it because Snow White was a spoiled, little cow, used to getting her own way all the time?"
Mothers and daughters can be tricky. Teenage children from former relationships. A blended family.
Jeanie has a past. A terrible secret. Someone is playing a frightening game. It seeks to destroy.
From Jeanie to Marlena, two sisters; things are not as they seem. Can things be put away in the past, tidied and boxed up?
Jeanie Randall marries her prince charming, Matthew King. Jeanie has a son, Frankie from a prior relationship, and Matthew has two fourteen–year-old twins, Scarlett and Luke from a former marriage to Kaye.
Jeanie is now a stepmother. She wants to be accepted and wants everyone to be one big happy fairy tale family. However, someone does not feel the same.
Strange, weird things-begin happening. Driving someone to the brink of insanity. A family imploding. Step families are hard work. However, who can be trusted? Someone has a secret and it threatens to destroy.
Dark and compelling, wickedly evil! Plenty of twists and surprises to keep you guessing. A fairy tale family turns deadly. A game which threatens to drive someone nuts.
Seeber sends her reader into a labyrinth of creepy twists and grotesque turns. The secrets of the past refuse to keep quiet in this disquieting, taut thriller.
Razor-sharp and intense THE STEPMOTHER hooks, grips, and draws you into the web of deceit - impossible to put down. Wow, an author to follow!
JDCMustReadBooks
January 7, 2018
Bookouture are just so darn reliable! I have enjoyed pretty much every book that they have published! This was a great psychological thriller that I just gobbled up like chocolate!
Jeanie moves to her new home, with her new husband and new step children. Things moved quite quickly when she met Matthew, and settling into the role of step mother is proving a bit more difficult than anticipated. Add to that the seemingly haunted house, strange happenings, and the fact that Jeanie has a few secrets that she hasn't shared with her besotted new husband...
Loved the suspenseful writing in this one! It was gripping and I had a difficult time putting it down! The writing was frustratingly vague on certain details, it was so cleverly put together. You HAD to keep reading!
Loved the characters, the book is told by Jeanie and her little sister, chapter by chapter it goes from one character to another. I really enjoyed the layout. A little bit of info here, neglecting a bit of info there. So at the end it all weaved together. I didn't see the twist until about 85% of the way through, which is strange for me because I generally guess from much earlier on. And the eerie tone of the book! SO GOOD!
Did I mention I loved the writing??
I want to talk more about the plot and characters but I just keep going back to the writing!
Yet, it was still a 4 star read for me. Solid, but there was just something missing that I can't put my finger on. I just didn't enjoy it enough to put it at the top of my list. But it was still a great reliably enjoyable read and I wouldn't hesitate to check out the authors other work!
Would I recommend The Stepmother?
Yes any psychological thriller fans will enjoy this one with its eerie atmosphere, great story, characters, and did I mention the writing was awesome!?
Big thanks to the author Claire Seeber and Bookouture via Netgalley for a copy of this book to review.
Jeanie moves to her new home, with her new husband and new step children. Things moved quite quickly when she met Matthew, and settling into the role of step mother is proving a bit more difficult than anticipated. Add to that the seemingly haunted house, strange happenings, and the fact that Jeanie has a few secrets that she hasn't shared with her besotted new husband...
Loved the suspenseful writing in this one! It was gripping and I had a difficult time putting it down! The writing was frustratingly vague on certain details, it was so cleverly put together. You HAD to keep reading!
Loved the characters, the book is told by Jeanie and her little sister, chapter by chapter it goes from one character to another. I really enjoyed the layout. A little bit of info here, neglecting a bit of info there. So at the end it all weaved together. I didn't see the twist until about 85% of the way through, which is strange for me because I generally guess from much earlier on. And the eerie tone of the book! SO GOOD!
Did I mention I loved the writing??
I want to talk more about the plot and characters but I just keep going back to the writing!
Yet, it was still a 4 star read for me. Solid, but there was just something missing that I can't put my finger on. I just didn't enjoy it enough to put it at the top of my list. But it was still a great reliably enjoyable read and I wouldn't hesitate to check out the authors other work!
Would I recommend The Stepmother?
Yes any psychological thriller fans will enjoy this one with its eerie atmosphere, great story, characters, and did I mention the writing was awesome!?
Big thanks to the author Claire Seeber and Bookouture via Netgalley for a copy of this book to review.
August 2, 2016
What a painful and dreadful book. It was just one big hot mess. Please do not bother, in all seriousness, The Stepmother is one of the worst books I've finished. Save yourselves and find another book, I wish I had.
July 5, 2016
After a whirlwind romance, Jeanie marries handsome, charming and well-off Matthew. She is determined to be a good stepmother to teenage twins Luke and Scarlett and wants her son Frankie to feel secure and happy in their new patchwork family. But it soon becomes apparent that Jeanie and Matthew don't know each other well enough, and then there's the ex-wife, Kaye, of course, who still seems to have a significant presence in their lives. When everybody has secrets, when manipulations and lies are daily occurrences, putting the patchwork together successfully is a rather delicate process and can be scary stuff.
This book made me doubt everyone. I kept changing my mind in nearly every chapter about who I thought was trustworthy. Was Jeanie simply losing her mind? Was Scarlett a purely evil stepdaughter? And what was Matthew all about?
Having Marlena's, Jeanie's sister's, perspective included gave an extra layer to my perception of Jeanie and made the story even more mysterious and intriguing.
With its short chapters and easy style, this was a fast-paced and very enjoyable read.
However, I'm not really sure what the point of Marlena's journalistic investigation was. While it didn't distract from the story, it didn't really add anything either. This had plenty of good twists and turns and was quite intense, but the last 10% or 20% felt a bit anti-climatic. I also feel the Simon subplot needed some more development. But overall, this was an exciting and compelling psychological thriller.
Many thanks to Bookouture for my ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book made me doubt everyone. I kept changing my mind in nearly every chapter about who I thought was trustworthy. Was Jeanie simply losing her mind? Was Scarlett a purely evil stepdaughter? And what was Matthew all about?
Having Marlena's, Jeanie's sister's, perspective included gave an extra layer to my perception of Jeanie and made the story even more mysterious and intriguing.
With its short chapters and easy style, this was a fast-paced and very enjoyable read.
However, I'm not really sure what the point of Marlena's journalistic investigation was. While it didn't distract from the story, it didn't really add anything either. This had plenty of good twists and turns and was quite intense, but the last 10% or 20% felt a bit anti-climatic. I also feel the Simon subplot needed some more development. But overall, this was an exciting and compelling psychological thriller.
Many thanks to Bookouture for my ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2016
The perfect wife a fairytale family DON'T BELIEVE YOUR EYES!!
Jeanie & Matthew are couple who both have teenage children from previous relationships. no one said it would be easy to raise a family of stepchildren but Jeanie & Matthew are strong & want to make it work.
& while Jeannie's daughter Scarlett rejects her Jeanie tries hard to win her over, but Jeanie has a past she wants to keep secret she wants buried & now its coming to the surface she receives a box with the words RIP inside she panics & does not know who could send such a package.
She starts hearing voices in the walls & noises from the house she starts to panic paranoia sets in one thing for sure Matthew is no help he thinks nothing of it but he must not be trusted.Scarlett has her own demons to contend with luke is the unstable one who plays Jeanie.
what happens from here is a chain of events that will keep you spell bound its Snow white the lovable mother who has to deal with the EVIL stepchildren.
I enjoyed the concept of the plot & a lot of the fairytale stuff worked for me a good read 3 1/2 stars
Jeanie & Matthew are couple who both have teenage children from previous relationships. no one said it would be easy to raise a family of stepchildren but Jeanie & Matthew are strong & want to make it work.
& while Jeannie's daughter Scarlett rejects her Jeanie tries hard to win her over, but Jeanie has a past she wants to keep secret she wants buried & now its coming to the surface she receives a box with the words RIP inside she panics & does not know who could send such a package.
She starts hearing voices in the walls & noises from the house she starts to panic paranoia sets in one thing for sure Matthew is no help he thinks nothing of it but he must not be trusted.Scarlett has her own demons to contend with luke is the unstable one who plays Jeanie.
what happens from here is a chain of events that will keep you spell bound its Snow white the lovable mother who has to deal with the EVIL stepchildren.
I enjoyed the concept of the plot & a lot of the fairytale stuff worked for me a good read 3 1/2 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2016
4+ stars
Fast-paced, dark, intense, and suspenseful!
This is a psychological roller coaster ride of manipulation, lies, secrets, jealousy, and revenge.
The main character, Jeanie, is kind-hearted, confused, and naive. And the supporting characters are selfish, troubled, unscrupulous and in most cases loathsome.
The writing is clear and impactful. And the plot is filled with lots of tension, mysterious incidents, and numerous twists and turns.
This is definitely not your usual fairy tale and you won’t be humming the Brady Bunch theme song, but if you love page-turning thrillers you can’t go wrong with this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, especially Bookouture, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This review can also be found at www.whatsbetterthanbooks.com
Fast-paced, dark, intense, and suspenseful!
This is a psychological roller coaster ride of manipulation, lies, secrets, jealousy, and revenge.
The main character, Jeanie, is kind-hearted, confused, and naive. And the supporting characters are selfish, troubled, unscrupulous and in most cases loathsome.
The writing is clear and impactful. And the plot is filled with lots of tension, mysterious incidents, and numerous twists and turns.
This is definitely not your usual fairy tale and you won’t be humming the Brady Bunch theme song, but if you love page-turning thrillers you can’t go wrong with this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, especially Bookouture, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This review can also be found at www.whatsbetterthanbooks.com
July 27, 2016
This book caught my eye because I am a stepmother and know how difficult blended families can be. This book was about so much more. It's about families keeping secrets and how they can rise up to destroy you at a moment's notice.
Naïve Jeanie meets her Prince Charming, Matthew, and after a whirlwind romance of 6 months they get married. Jeanie brings her young adult son, Frankie, with her and Matthew has teen-age twins, Luke and Scarlett, who live with their mother but visit often. They move into Matthew's big gothic house that seems to have secrets oozing from the walls and even a ghost.
Jeanie can not seem to get settled. She has secrets from her past that she must share with Matthew but can't seem to work up the courage to do so. She has trouble establishing a relationship with Scarlett. Frankie and Matthew don't seem to bond. Unexpected accidents and dead animals turn up around the house.
What is going on? There are lots of red herrings thrown out before the final resolution is revealed. It's a humdinger. I didn't see it coming at all and isn't that what you want with a good mystery? The chapters are short and it is a real page turner.
I really liked this book and found it perfect for a hot summer read. I recommend it highly.
Thanks to Net Galley for providing the book in exchange for a honest review.
Naïve Jeanie meets her Prince Charming, Matthew, and after a whirlwind romance of 6 months they get married. Jeanie brings her young adult son, Frankie, with her and Matthew has teen-age twins, Luke and Scarlett, who live with their mother but visit often. They move into Matthew's big gothic house that seems to have secrets oozing from the walls and even a ghost.
Jeanie can not seem to get settled. She has secrets from her past that she must share with Matthew but can't seem to work up the courage to do so. She has trouble establishing a relationship with Scarlett. Frankie and Matthew don't seem to bond. Unexpected accidents and dead animals turn up around the house.
What is going on? There are lots of red herrings thrown out before the final resolution is revealed. It's a humdinger. I didn't see it coming at all and isn't that what you want with a good mystery? The chapters are short and it is a real page turner.
I really liked this book and found it perfect for a hot summer read. I recommend it highly.
Thanks to Net Galley for providing the book in exchange for a honest review.
August 1, 2016
Review to come.
July 19, 2016
I think this book has made my blood pressure rise more than any other book that I have read this year! Honestly, I am quite a patient person normally but by about 70% into this book I was on high level anxiety and screaming “PLEASE PLEASE TELL ME WHATS GOING ON!!!!” I absolutely hate it when I have no idea where the story is going as I am normally Mrs “I KNEW that was going to happen” and so this book is definitely going to be one of my 5* reads for 2016! I just loved it!
I’m a big fan of the adult fairy tale, taking a child’s story and giving it that creepy adult twist that it probably had when first written anyway. And here, Claire gives us a well written twist on the story of Snow White and her wicked stepmother. I felt so helpless throughout this tale of Jeanie and the blended family that she finds herself in after marrying Matthew King. She struggles to bond with either of Matthews twins but especially with Scarlett, who is at that awkward stage of being a teenager, on the cusp of womanhood but still deep down a little girl. I really felt for Jeanie, she was one of life’s people pleasers, always putting others before herself. But believing the best in everyone leaves her vulnerable and someone is really messing with her head. Nowadays, most families have some experience of the blended family unit so this book really plays on those fears of what could happen when it becomes a battleground but The Stepmother really does take it to the extreme!
There were so many red herrings here that I suspected everything and everyone of being involved in what was happening to Jeanie. There were twists and turns galore and every time I thought I knew what was going on, another spanner was thrown in the works and I was back to square one. I was emotionally drained by the time I got to the end!
I really enjoyed Claire’s last book 24 Hours which was a real adrenaline fuelled rollercoaster ride, but this was much more my cup of tea, full of twisty surprises with a cast of unlikable characters and a woman hiding secrets. This definitely deserves its “gripping psychological thriller” tagline and as for that twist…well, my lips are sealed!! So for a “can’t put it down” suspense for your summer read I can highly recommend The Stepmother!
I’m a big fan of the adult fairy tale, taking a child’s story and giving it that creepy adult twist that it probably had when first written anyway. And here, Claire gives us a well written twist on the story of Snow White and her wicked stepmother. I felt so helpless throughout this tale of Jeanie and the blended family that she finds herself in after marrying Matthew King. She struggles to bond with either of Matthews twins but especially with Scarlett, who is at that awkward stage of being a teenager, on the cusp of womanhood but still deep down a little girl. I really felt for Jeanie, she was one of life’s people pleasers, always putting others before herself. But believing the best in everyone leaves her vulnerable and someone is really messing with her head. Nowadays, most families have some experience of the blended family unit so this book really plays on those fears of what could happen when it becomes a battleground but The Stepmother really does take it to the extreme!
There were so many red herrings here that I suspected everything and everyone of being involved in what was happening to Jeanie. There were twists and turns galore and every time I thought I knew what was going on, another spanner was thrown in the works and I was back to square one. I was emotionally drained by the time I got to the end!
I really enjoyed Claire’s last book 24 Hours which was a real adrenaline fuelled rollercoaster ride, but this was much more my cup of tea, full of twisty surprises with a cast of unlikable characters and a woman hiding secrets. This definitely deserves its “gripping psychological thriller” tagline and as for that twist…well, my lips are sealed!! So for a “can’t put it down” suspense for your summer read I can highly recommend The Stepmother!
July 9, 2016
This is the first book I read by Claire Seeber and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Loosely based on the fairy tale of Snow White it has a lots of twists and turns to keep you completely engrossed.
Jeanie has had a rough childhood and after being in a disastrous relationship and a terrible scandal that ended a career, she meets Prince Charming Mathew King. He is rich, handsome and sweeps Jeanie off her feet. They get married and Jeanie is determined to be a good stepmother to his teenage twins Luke and Scarlett and to make her son Frankie feel part of this blended family.
But this fairy-tale might not have a happy ending. Scarlett is hostile to Jeanie and the seemingly perfect ex-wife Kaye, keeps popping up at all times. Somebody is trying to expose Jeanie’s secrets and threatening to destroy her marriage. Jeanie, herself is not very reliable as she starts seeing strange things like blood appearing, a ghost in the mirror, dead animals and walls whispering to her at night. Someone is playing a terrifying game and Jeanie must put a stop to it once and for all before she loses her mind or more.
This book was narrated by Jeanie and her sisters Marlena’s perspective. Marlena is a high flying journalist who is following an important story and does not have time for her sister. This book is written is short chapters and overall it was an easy, enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it to people who love reading psychological thrillers
Many thanks to the publisher & NetGalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
Jeanie has had a rough childhood and after being in a disastrous relationship and a terrible scandal that ended a career, she meets Prince Charming Mathew King. He is rich, handsome and sweeps Jeanie off her feet. They get married and Jeanie is determined to be a good stepmother to his teenage twins Luke and Scarlett and to make her son Frankie feel part of this blended family.
But this fairy-tale might not have a happy ending. Scarlett is hostile to Jeanie and the seemingly perfect ex-wife Kaye, keeps popping up at all times. Somebody is trying to expose Jeanie’s secrets and threatening to destroy her marriage. Jeanie, herself is not very reliable as she starts seeing strange things like blood appearing, a ghost in the mirror, dead animals and walls whispering to her at night. Someone is playing a terrifying game and Jeanie must put a stop to it once and for all before she loses her mind or more.
This book was narrated by Jeanie and her sisters Marlena’s perspective. Marlena is a high flying journalist who is following an important story and does not have time for her sister. This book is written is short chapters and overall it was an easy, enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it to people who love reading psychological thrillers
Many thanks to the publisher & NetGalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
July 28, 2016
Man, this one was a deception of the year. And not in a good way... I was soooo looking forward to reading this book. Reviews were great, average star rating awesome, and the plot sounded so great. I am a stepmother myself, so I felt immediate connection to the main character. Unfortunately, the execution of the book just didn't work for me. Writing style wasn't my cup of tea and main character was very annoying, meek little mouse, which I strongly dislike in females. For me this book sounded very false and a very far fetched. Sorry but this one is a no no for me.
July 31, 2016
4 Nothing Is Quite As It Seems Stars
Jeanie hasn't had the best start in life, unstable upbringing, left to look after her mother and younger sister. Her love life isn't much better but she has a loving teenage son who is the one bright thing in her life.
Then things start to look up when she meets Matthew, a fairy tale romance and now his Queen....and a Stepmother to his two teenage twins, Scarlett and Luke.
At last a happy family.....
But someone doesn't want them to be happy.....
My thoughts
I had, sort of lost my mojo for reading lately but what a fantastic book to come back to.
Nail biting and addictive. I just love a plot that keeps me guessing.
I'm a stepmum to two teenagers so I'm well aware of the challenges that life can throw at you.
For Jeanie though who is quiet and reserved, being a stepmother is not going to be plain sailing, but she works hard to win the twins over.
Marlena her sister.... is a journalist, always busy on her latest story to find the time to support Jeanie.
Kaye the twins mother, beautiful and makes Jeanie feel out of her depth.
A family of secrets but maybe...... Jeanie has her own.
When strange things start to happen in the house, Jeanie is unsure what is real anymore.
This was a very good psychological thriller and I look forward to reading more from this author.
***ARC provided by Netgalley via Bookouture in return for an honest review***
Jeanie hasn't had the best start in life, unstable upbringing, left to look after her mother and younger sister. Her love life isn't much better but she has a loving teenage son who is the one bright thing in her life.
Then things start to look up when she meets Matthew, a fairy tale romance and now his Queen....and a Stepmother to his two teenage twins, Scarlett and Luke.
But someone doesn't want them to be happy.....
My thoughts
I had, sort of lost my mojo for reading lately but what a fantastic book to come back to.
Nail biting and addictive. I just love a plot that keeps me guessing.
I'm a stepmum to two teenagers so I'm well aware of the challenges that life can throw at you.
For Jeanie though who is quiet and reserved, being a stepmother is not going to be plain sailing, but she works hard to win the twins over.
Marlena her sister.... is a journalist, always busy on her latest story to find the time to support Jeanie.
Kaye the twins mother, beautiful and makes Jeanie feel out of her depth.
A family of secrets but maybe...... Jeanie has her own.
When strange things start to happen in the house, Jeanie is unsure what is real anymore.
This was a very good psychological thriller and I look forward to reading more from this author.
***ARC provided by Netgalley via Bookouture in return for an honest review***
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