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Not My Mother
What if the person you trust most in the world is lying to you?
I’d heard of the Baby Caroline case, of course. When a baby is snatched from her mother’s arms, the whole country knows about it. I knew about the parents left lying by the swimming pool, the open window in the nursery. But I never dreamed it had anything to do with me.
Today, my beautiful daughter turned one. We were unwrapping gifts and blowing out candles when the knock came at the door, and they took my mother away.
The police say she’s not really my mother. That she stole me, thirty years ago.
When I visit her, desperate for answers, she looks me in the eye, and says nothing. I can barely breathe. Is my whole life a lie?
I have to find out, but the more I learn, the more scared I become. And soon I start to wonder, am I losing my grip on reality or is my own daughter in terrible danger?
An absolutely gripping psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, Ruth Ware and Lisa Jewell.
I’d heard of the Baby Caroline case, of course. When a baby is snatched from her mother’s arms, the whole country knows about it. I knew about the parents left lying by the swimming pool, the open window in the nursery. But I never dreamed it had anything to do with me.
Today, my beautiful daughter turned one. We were unwrapping gifts and blowing out candles when the knock came at the door, and they took my mother away.
The police say she’s not really my mother. That she stole me, thirty years ago.
When I visit her, desperate for answers, she looks me in the eye, and says nothing. I can barely breathe. Is my whole life a lie?
I have to find out, but the more I learn, the more scared I become. And soon I start to wonder, am I losing my grip on reality or is my own daughter in terrible danger?
An absolutely gripping psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, Ruth Ware and Lisa Jewell.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2021
2105 people are currently reading
2181 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Smith
14 books314 followersMiranda Smith writes domestic and psychological suspense. She is drawn to stories about ordinary people in extraordinary situations. Her debut novel, SOME DAYS ARE DARK, will be released in March 2020.
Miranda has been a staff writer at a local newspaper and a secondary English teacher. When it comes to fiction, Miranda writes about complicated women, dark impulses and Southern settings.
She lives in East Tennessee with her husband and three children.
Miranda has been a staff writer at a local newspaper and a secondary English teacher. When it comes to fiction, Miranda writes about complicated women, dark impulses and Southern settings.
She lives in East Tennessee with her husband and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
September 23, 2024
Marion is in her 30s, with a child of her own, when her mom, Eileen, is arrested. That's when Marion finds out that she may be Baby Caroline, an infant stolen from a woman named Amelia and her husband Bruce.
But is Marion's beloved mom, her rock and greatest champion, capable of kidnapping and murder?
Told in alternating POVs (Eileen's and Marion's) and jumping between past and present, Not My Mother is a psychological drama about the secrets we hold and the ties that bind us.
I especially loved the strong female friendships portrayed in the book.
What I liked less is
This was an engrossing read that I stayed up way too late to finish.
But is Marion's beloved mom, her rock and greatest champion, capable of kidnapping and murder?
Told in alternating POVs (Eileen's and Marion's) and jumping between past and present, Not My Mother is a psychological drama about the secrets we hold and the ties that bind us.
I especially loved the strong female friendships portrayed in the book.
What I liked less is
This was an engrossing read that I stayed up way too late to finish.
April 7, 2021
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
Being a screw-up is genetic, I think. It is as hereditary as any other trait. I come from a long line of screw-ups, and although I was able to persevere, I had my missteps.
For a moment, Mom appears younger, like she is reverting to her prime, leaving behind the frail woman in her bed fighting to heal. Memories are an elixir in their own way, relieving the hardness of time, transporting a person back to a place, to see that familiar face, inhale that familiar smell.
My Review:
This was a tense one with a smartly conceived plot, family drama, and clever sleight of hand tricks woven into unpredictable storylines that easily lead me astray and tended to unfold ever so slowly with shrewd misdirections and red herrings. Miranda Smith is a wily and cunning trickster and I was totally hoodwinked and fell for her crafty deceptions. I feel like such a rube.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
Being a screw-up is genetic, I think. It is as hereditary as any other trait. I come from a long line of screw-ups, and although I was able to persevere, I had my missteps.
For a moment, Mom appears younger, like she is reverting to her prime, leaving behind the frail woman in her bed fighting to heal. Memories are an elixir in their own way, relieving the hardness of time, transporting a person back to a place, to see that familiar face, inhale that familiar smell.
My Review:
This was a tense one with a smartly conceived plot, family drama, and clever sleight of hand tricks woven into unpredictable storylines that easily lead me astray and tended to unfold ever so slowly with shrewd misdirections and red herrings. Miranda Smith is a wily and cunning trickster and I was totally hoodwinked and fell for her crafty deceptions. I feel like such a rube.
December 27, 2022
This is a book that has you questioning everything you thought you knew from the beginning, the plot twist was certainly one I didn't quite see coming. A good pace to still keep the reader interested and enough background information to give the characters in the story a well-rounded development.
March 29, 2021
Not My Mother is the latest psychological thriller by Miranda Smith and revolves around a mother who has been accused of stealing her daughter three decades earlier. Set in North Bay, a small beach town on the east coast with views out over the Atlantic ocean, the prologue begins in 1987 with Amelia Parker waking up by her family’s backyard pool to find her husband, Bruce, dead at her feet. Laying in a pool of blood, he was completely still and his eyes were closed. The affluent couple from New Hutton had just had a baby 3 months earlier, prompting Amelia to run into the house and straight up the stairs to the nursery to check on Baby Caroline. But it was much too late; she had gone. The infant abduction was all over the news at the time and had been featured on TV intermittently ever since. The narrative then fast forwards to present day where Marion Sams, a thirtysomething mum, is holding a birthday party for her one-year-old baby girl, Ava. The party is hosted at The Shack, a restaurant her mother, Eileen, co-owns with business partner, Des. Marion spots people hovering outside the front of the restaurant. It's the police who are looking for a Sarah Paxton. She informs them that this is a private party and no one by that name is present. But they then ask if Eileen Sams is in attendance and Eileen comes to the door. She is promptly asked to step outside and is both handcuffed and arrested before being placed into one of the squad cars. Marion is left feeling shocked, floored and confused. Why were they first calling her mother Sarah Paxton, and why did they infer she wasn't Marion’s biological mother? Luckily, Marion’s best friend, Carmen Banks, is a prominent defence lawyer.
She vows to look into the charges of custodial interference, kidnapping and murder cited on papers handed over by the police as the reason for the arrest. But the truth is going to be hard to swallow. Eileen/Sarah stands accused of attacking Amelia Parker, brutally slaying her husband and abducting Caroline in the late 1980s. Amelia named Sarah as the perpetrator at the time as she had known her from her employment at a counselling centre where Sarah went due to trauma from domestic abuse during her childhood. As time goes on and Eileen refuses to answer her questions, Marion concedes that this may the reason there were never grandparents around or a father figure and they remained a mystery to her to this day, but maybe things were about to become clearer. Then, now that Sarah/Eileen is out of the way, Amelia decides to pay a visit to Marion and of course, tells her she is her mother and that her real given name was Caroline. She paints a dark and disturbing portrait of Sarah, shocking Marion even more as she had only ever known her ”mother” to be loving and generous. What is the truth? Not Your Mother is a deeply twisted and compelling cross between a domestic and psychological thriller with the bulk of the story surrounding Marion/Caroline’s attempts to come to terms with the idea that her childhood was nothing but a lie and who she thought to be a protective and compassionate mother was a kidnapper on the run from the law. The fight to get the answers that she really deserves is lengthy as Eileen doesn't want to disclose anything likely to hurt her future case/trial. A deftly plotted, emotional and fast-paced page-turner.
She vows to look into the charges of custodial interference, kidnapping and murder cited on papers handed over by the police as the reason for the arrest. But the truth is going to be hard to swallow. Eileen/Sarah stands accused of attacking Amelia Parker, brutally slaying her husband and abducting Caroline in the late 1980s. Amelia named Sarah as the perpetrator at the time as she had known her from her employment at a counselling centre where Sarah went due to trauma from domestic abuse during her childhood. As time goes on and Eileen refuses to answer her questions, Marion concedes that this may the reason there were never grandparents around or a father figure and they remained a mystery to her to this day, but maybe things were about to become clearer. Then, now that Sarah/Eileen is out of the way, Amelia decides to pay a visit to Marion and of course, tells her she is her mother and that her real given name was Caroline. She paints a dark and disturbing portrait of Sarah, shocking Marion even more as she had only ever known her ”mother” to be loving and generous. What is the truth? Not Your Mother is a deeply twisted and compelling cross between a domestic and psychological thriller with the bulk of the story surrounding Marion/Caroline’s attempts to come to terms with the idea that her childhood was nothing but a lie and who she thought to be a protective and compassionate mother was a kidnapper on the run from the law. The fight to get the answers that she really deserves is lengthy as Eileen doesn't want to disclose anything likely to hurt her future case/trial. A deftly plotted, emotional and fast-paced page-turner.
April 20, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. It's almost everyone's worse nightmare coming true. Your mum gets arrested at your child's first birthday party and you find out the reason she was arrested is because she kidnapped you when you were a baby, Marion discovers that she's tbe famous baby Caroline who was kidnapped from her crib.
I just was hooked with this book from day dot. U wanted to find out why Eileen had kidnapped Marion and what the heck is going on .
All my questions were answered and more.
Written in the first person and flipping between time lines it really helped keep me engrossed. I had a theory and had to check if I was right and I was but I missed s few crucial points that made me gasp and sigh in excitement and anticipation. The writing is done so well I even felt for the (mother) it was just gr8!!!
The character development throughout the story was fantastic. The twists and turns as well kept me completely hooked. I even cried a few times.
Totally recommend if you fancy a slow paced psychological thriller which leaves you thinking even after. 5 stars given as I found it easy to connect with each character.
Thank you to netgalley, the author and bookature for the digital advanced copy.
I just was hooked with this book from day dot. U wanted to find out why Eileen had kidnapped Marion and what the heck is going on .
All my questions were answered and more.
Written in the first person and flipping between time lines it really helped keep me engrossed. I had a theory and had to check if I was right and I was but I missed s few crucial points that made me gasp and sigh in excitement and anticipation. The writing is done so well I even felt for the (mother) it was just gr8!!!
The character development throughout the story was fantastic. The twists and turns as well kept me completely hooked. I even cried a few times.
Totally recommend if you fancy a slow paced psychological thriller which leaves you thinking even after. 5 stars given as I found it easy to connect with each character.
Thank you to netgalley, the author and bookature for the digital advanced copy.
March 18, 2021
During Marion's daughter first birthday party celebration, her mother is arrested under accusation of murder and kidnapping.
Can Marion be the missing "baby Caroline", abducted from her legitimate parents 30 years ago when she was just 3 months old?
Can the mother she knows not be her real mother? Can she be this Sarah who committed those awful crimes all those years ago? Is her whole life based on a series of lies?
The premise of the story is a great one, the theme of motherhood is very interesting, the character are well narrated and the plot is intriguing.
Though it's definitely a solid, good read, I've found the twists of the plot a bit predictable, it's not the kind of read that leaves you at the edge of your seat all the time, but still a page turner and very enjoyable, quick and fast paced.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
@bookouture
Can Marion be the missing "baby Caroline", abducted from her legitimate parents 30 years ago when she was just 3 months old?
Can the mother she knows not be her real mother? Can she be this Sarah who committed those awful crimes all those years ago? Is her whole life based on a series of lies?
The premise of the story is a great one, the theme of motherhood is very interesting, the character are well narrated and the plot is intriguing.
Though it's definitely a solid, good read, I've found the twists of the plot a bit predictable, it's not the kind of read that leaves you at the edge of your seat all the time, but still a page turner and very enjoyable, quick and fast paced.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
@bookouture
March 28, 2021
Nope, nope, nope! I really didn’t like this book. It was such a disappointment from such an exciting premise.
At just 20% in I knew this book wasn’t for me but I kept going - just incase I was wrong! The story felt very one dimensional and lack lustre, hugely repetitive too which I detest.
This is a book that would’ve been better as a short story as it is apparently clear that a simple dna test would’ve answered half of the characters worries and inner monologue. Sadly, plot wise this took a month to come to fruition. By which point it wasn’t really a shock.
Twists and turns are all neatly laid out and picked apart over acres of sub text. By which point you already know them and it’s just a case of finding out what the sentencing will be.
It’s an easy page turner and quite possibly for those who just want to read for the sake of reading. But for me it was a no.
Thank you to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
At just 20% in I knew this book wasn’t for me but I kept going - just incase I was wrong! The story felt very one dimensional and lack lustre, hugely repetitive too which I detest.
This is a book that would’ve been better as a short story as it is apparently clear that a simple dna test would’ve answered half of the characters worries and inner monologue. Sadly, plot wise this took a month to come to fruition. By which point it wasn’t really a shock.
Twists and turns are all neatly laid out and picked apart over acres of sub text. By which point you already know them and it’s just a case of finding out what the sentencing will be.
It’s an easy page turner and quite possibly for those who just want to read for the sake of reading. But for me it was a no.
Thank you to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 1, 2022
2,5⭐️
Wszystko do przewidzenia jest w tej książce.
Wszystko do przewidzenia jest w tej książce.
March 25, 2021
★★★★★ 4.5 stars
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Miranda Smith's intriguing domestic drama NOT MY MOTHER.
After the last book by this author, which I found extremely disappointing, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised. NOT MY MOTHER is an intriguing thriller of sorts that keeps you engaged from beginning to end with a few surprising twists along the way.
The story takes place in North Bay, a small beach town on the east coast bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Thirtysomething Marion Sams is holding a first birthday party for her baby girl Ava in the restaurant she co-runs with business partner and friend Des. Her mother Eileen lives in the two bedroom apartment above the restaurant where Marion grew up when she and her mother first came to town three decades ago. The three women have become a family of sorts and now there is baby Ava, whom everyone dotes on.
When there is an unexpected commotion at the front of the restaurant, Marion goes to investigate only to be greeted by police asking for someone named Sarah Paxton. Marion tells them that there is no one here by that name and that they were in the middle of hosting a private party. When Eileen comes looking for her daughter, the police swoop down on her asking if she was Eileen Sams and nodding her ascent, they handcuff and arrest her, placing her in the back of the police car. Marion is shocked. What the hell is going on? Marion's best friend, Carmen Banks, is a defence lawyer and promises to find out just exactly what is happening. But nothing will prepare Marion for the truth. Eileen is suspected of custodial interference, kidnapping and murder.
Over thirty years ago back in the late 80s, baby Caroline was stolen from her parents in New Hutton. A woman broke into the rich couple's home, attacked the mother and killed the father before making off with 3 month old baby Caroline. Amelia Parker, the mother, named Sarah Paxton as the woman who took her child and killed her husband. And now police believe that Eileen is Sarah Paxton and that Marion is the missing baby Caroline.
In a matter of hours, Marion's world is turned upside down as her loving mother who raised her single-handedly sits in a jail cell accused of these unbelievable crimes. Marion cannot correlate those crimes with the mother she knows and loves. But as days pass and Eileen refuses to answer her questions when she visits, Marion begins to question everything she knows. Suddenly the past that was always just that little bit out of reach, the questions never answered, the excursions never allowed, the mysteries never explained...all seemed to make sense. Why she was never allowed to go to New York with school. Why her mother never told her anything about her father or grandparents. Why their lives never really begun until they came to North Bay. And Marion finds herself wondering...could she really be baby Caroline? If so, then her mother is not who she thinks she is.
Then a knock on the door brings Amelia Parker into Marion's life. Claiming to be her mother, she paints a sad - almost sinister - picture of Eileen, whom she calls Sarah. The two women go for coffee, somewhere out of the way where the press can't find them. Or so they think. The next thing Marion knows, she's plastered all over the paper as "Baby Caroline has a baby of her own" and photos of her meeting up with Amelia. Carmen is livid, saying this will not help Eileen's case at all. But Marion is conflicted. She loves Eileen...but if she stole her then she couldn't condone that, surely? And what of Amelia's pain? Three decades of searching for her missing child? And what about her? She's the innocent victim in all of this. As is Ava, who she must protect at all costs.
Starting off with a bang depicting the scene of the initial crime committed in the past, the story immediately reels you in. Told in alternating narratives - Marion's in the present and Eileen's in the past, with the odd narrative by Amelia - NOT MY MOTHER is a domestic drama in which the suspense builds and the tension is palpable as Marion's narrative reveals her inner turmoil and search for the truth. While she loves the woman who raised her and is angered by her secrets, lies and betrayal, she also feels a compassion and empathy for the mother she was torn away from and who had never stopped searching for her.
What we discover through Eileen's narrative is the backstory leading up to the crime, told through a series of letters penned by Eileen in the hope that Marion never has to read them. But written for her in case she must. Through these letters we hear Eileen's voice tell her story as a young, confused and disillusioned girl and the circumstances of her childhood. And then her life changes when she meets to co-workers at the cafe she worked at - Cliff and Jamie. They would become her best friends and from there on in, Eileen's life changed. It's not difficult to feel sympathy for Eileen as her story unfolds. She's not had it easy. But does it extenuate the crime for which she is now being accused?
I love a good kidnapping story and this one is just so different from others I have read in the fact it is an historic case. How a grown woman must then come to terms with that fact and the mother she has always known may not be her biological mother. It's an intriguing tale that pulls you in from the beginning. But...just when you think you have it all figured out, nothing is as it seems and everything turns on its head once more.
NOT MY MOTHER is riddled with secrets, lies, deception and betrayals. There are twists to be had, truths to reveal, lies to uncover and tangled stories to unravel. Can Marion trust anyone in her life again? And then help comes from the past giving her much needed assistance and helping her to move forward.
A thoroughly enjoyable quick read, NOT MY MOTHER is an engaging domestic drama that borders on the thriller genre and is perfect for fans of both genres as well as Lisa Jewell, Ali Mercer, Kim Slater and Shalini Boland.
I would like to thank #MirandaSmith, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #NotMyMother in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Miranda Smith's intriguing domestic drama NOT MY MOTHER.
After the last book by this author, which I found extremely disappointing, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised. NOT MY MOTHER is an intriguing thriller of sorts that keeps you engaged from beginning to end with a few surprising twists along the way.
The story takes place in North Bay, a small beach town on the east coast bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Thirtysomething Marion Sams is holding a first birthday party for her baby girl Ava in the restaurant she co-runs with business partner and friend Des. Her mother Eileen lives in the two bedroom apartment above the restaurant where Marion grew up when she and her mother first came to town three decades ago. The three women have become a family of sorts and now there is baby Ava, whom everyone dotes on.
When there is an unexpected commotion at the front of the restaurant, Marion goes to investigate only to be greeted by police asking for someone named Sarah Paxton. Marion tells them that there is no one here by that name and that they were in the middle of hosting a private party. When Eileen comes looking for her daughter, the police swoop down on her asking if she was Eileen Sams and nodding her ascent, they handcuff and arrest her, placing her in the back of the police car. Marion is shocked. What the hell is going on? Marion's best friend, Carmen Banks, is a defence lawyer and promises to find out just exactly what is happening. But nothing will prepare Marion for the truth. Eileen is suspected of custodial interference, kidnapping and murder.
Over thirty years ago back in the late 80s, baby Caroline was stolen from her parents in New Hutton. A woman broke into the rich couple's home, attacked the mother and killed the father before making off with 3 month old baby Caroline. Amelia Parker, the mother, named Sarah Paxton as the woman who took her child and killed her husband. And now police believe that Eileen is Sarah Paxton and that Marion is the missing baby Caroline.
In a matter of hours, Marion's world is turned upside down as her loving mother who raised her single-handedly sits in a jail cell accused of these unbelievable crimes. Marion cannot correlate those crimes with the mother she knows and loves. But as days pass and Eileen refuses to answer her questions when she visits, Marion begins to question everything she knows. Suddenly the past that was always just that little bit out of reach, the questions never answered, the excursions never allowed, the mysteries never explained...all seemed to make sense. Why she was never allowed to go to New York with school. Why her mother never told her anything about her father or grandparents. Why their lives never really begun until they came to North Bay. And Marion finds herself wondering...could she really be baby Caroline? If so, then her mother is not who she thinks she is.
Then a knock on the door brings Amelia Parker into Marion's life. Claiming to be her mother, she paints a sad - almost sinister - picture of Eileen, whom she calls Sarah. The two women go for coffee, somewhere out of the way where the press can't find them. Or so they think. The next thing Marion knows, she's plastered all over the paper as "Baby Caroline has a baby of her own" and photos of her meeting up with Amelia. Carmen is livid, saying this will not help Eileen's case at all. But Marion is conflicted. She loves Eileen...but if she stole her then she couldn't condone that, surely? And what of Amelia's pain? Three decades of searching for her missing child? And what about her? She's the innocent victim in all of this. As is Ava, who she must protect at all costs.
Starting off with a bang depicting the scene of the initial crime committed in the past, the story immediately reels you in. Told in alternating narratives - Marion's in the present and Eileen's in the past, with the odd narrative by Amelia - NOT MY MOTHER is a domestic drama in which the suspense builds and the tension is palpable as Marion's narrative reveals her inner turmoil and search for the truth. While she loves the woman who raised her and is angered by her secrets, lies and betrayal, she also feels a compassion and empathy for the mother she was torn away from and who had never stopped searching for her.
What we discover through Eileen's narrative is the backstory leading up to the crime, told through a series of letters penned by Eileen in the hope that Marion never has to read them. But written for her in case she must. Through these letters we hear Eileen's voice tell her story as a young, confused and disillusioned girl and the circumstances of her childhood. And then her life changes when she meets to co-workers at the cafe she worked at - Cliff and Jamie. They would become her best friends and from there on in, Eileen's life changed. It's not difficult to feel sympathy for Eileen as her story unfolds. She's not had it easy. But does it extenuate the crime for which she is now being accused?
I love a good kidnapping story and this one is just so different from others I have read in the fact it is an historic case. How a grown woman must then come to terms with that fact and the mother she has always known may not be her biological mother. It's an intriguing tale that pulls you in from the beginning. But...just when you think you have it all figured out, nothing is as it seems and everything turns on its head once more.
NOT MY MOTHER is riddled with secrets, lies, deception and betrayals. There are twists to be had, truths to reveal, lies to uncover and tangled stories to unravel. Can Marion trust anyone in her life again? And then help comes from the past giving her much needed assistance and helping her to move forward.
A thoroughly enjoyable quick read, NOT MY MOTHER is an engaging domestic drama that borders on the thriller genre and is perfect for fans of both genres as well as Lisa Jewell, Ali Mercer, Kim Slater and Shalini Boland.
I would like to thank #MirandaSmith, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #NotMyMother in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
January 10, 2022
Wyobraź sobie, że osoba którą kochasz najmocniej na świecie, nie wyobrażasz sobie bez niej życia, jest z Tobą od zawsze i dała Ci jedyne życie jakie znasz - Twoja Matka, okazała się zwykłą oszustką. Co więcej, okazałaby się nie Twoją Matką. Tylko złodziejką dzieci.
Marion podczas przyjęcia urodzinowego swojej córki staje postawiona przed sceną niczym z filmu kryminalnego. Jej matka zostaje aresztowana pod zarzutem zamordowania mężczyzny i uprowadzenia niemowlęcia. Okazuje się, że znana jest pod zupełnie innym nazwiskiem i przez wiele lat była ścigana, lecz skutecznie udawało jej się pozostać w cieniu. Kobieta w końcu trafia do więzienia, a jej córka próbuje dowiedzieć się prawdy o swoim pochodzeniu.
Thriller psychologiczny, który potrafi namieszać w głowie. Choć wydaje się, iż możliwe są tutaj tylko dwa scenariusze, dwa rozwiązania zagadki, autorka skutecznie wodzi za nos i przedstawia ciekawą fabułę, którą z przyjemnością poznajemy ze strony na stronę. Nostalgia i agonia głównych bohaterek jest niemalże namacalna. Przeszłość odkrywana przez nas w formie listu matki do córki przeplata się z wydarzeniami teraźniejszymi, co nadaje akcji dynamizmu. Krótkie rozdziały i narracja pierwszoosobowa, jak zwykle pozwalają wczuć się w emocje narratorek. Ich wewnętrzne rozważania, przemyślenia się udzielają, nasuwają sporo refleksji.
Wszyscy pragniemy miłości, dążymy do założenia pełnej kochającej się rodziny. Często coś nie wychodzi, ale tylko proza życia jest w stanie pokazać nam, jak daleko bylibyśmy w stanie posunąć się, by chronić najbliższych. Jak wiele dalibyśmy by czuć się kochanymi, by obdarzyć innych miłością. Główne bohaterki, obie z bagażem emocjonalnym, starają się zrobić wszystko by zapewnić miłość swoim dzieciom. Przekonajcie się sami, do czego są zdolne i jak potoczą się ich losy.
Marion podczas przyjęcia urodzinowego swojej córki staje postawiona przed sceną niczym z filmu kryminalnego. Jej matka zostaje aresztowana pod zarzutem zamordowania mężczyzny i uprowadzenia niemowlęcia. Okazuje się, że znana jest pod zupełnie innym nazwiskiem i przez wiele lat była ścigana, lecz skutecznie udawało jej się pozostać w cieniu. Kobieta w końcu trafia do więzienia, a jej córka próbuje dowiedzieć się prawdy o swoim pochodzeniu.
Thriller psychologiczny, który potrafi namieszać w głowie. Choć wydaje się, iż możliwe są tutaj tylko dwa scenariusze, dwa rozwiązania zagadki, autorka skutecznie wodzi za nos i przedstawia ciekawą fabułę, którą z przyjemnością poznajemy ze strony na stronę. Nostalgia i agonia głównych bohaterek jest niemalże namacalna. Przeszłość odkrywana przez nas w formie listu matki do córki przeplata się z wydarzeniami teraźniejszymi, co nadaje akcji dynamizmu. Krótkie rozdziały i narracja pierwszoosobowa, jak zwykle pozwalają wczuć się w emocje narratorek. Ich wewnętrzne rozważania, przemyślenia się udzielają, nasuwają sporo refleksji.
Wszyscy pragniemy miłości, dążymy do założenia pełnej kochającej się rodziny. Często coś nie wychodzi, ale tylko proza życia jest w stanie pokazać nam, jak daleko bylibyśmy w stanie posunąć się, by chronić najbliższych. Jak wiele dalibyśmy by czuć się kochanymi, by obdarzyć innych miłością. Główne bohaterki, obie z bagażem emocjonalnym, starają się zrobić wszystko by zapewnić miłość swoim dzieciom. Przekonajcie się sami, do czego są zdolne i jak potoczą się ich losy.
July 21, 2021
The Baby Caroline case was big news and Marion Sams has heard the stories. One afternoon, Marion is happy to be having her daughter's first birthday party. Imagine her shock when police officers show up. In fact, the police arrive and are asking about a woman named Sarah Paxton. Eileen is handcuffed, taken away and then jailed.
What is going on? The police hand Marion a warrant that explains something rather shocking to her. Eileen is not her mother. In fact, Marion was said to have been kidnapped as a baby and was then known as Caroline. Could this be true? Did Eileen kidnap Marion as a baby? If so, who is her mother?
Quite naturally, Marion is filled with questions. If Eileen is not her mother, then what is her mother's real name? Where is her mother? Why did it take the police this long to come and arrest Eileen?
I love how this story was told. It is written in first person in both Marion's and Eileen's POV. It is an intriguing story that Marion is determined to unravel. This book was an incredible journey and told an amazing story of Marion's past and her connection to Eileen. Another character came into play into this story, thus grabbing my attention all the more. This riveting story was sharp, emotional, compelling and utterly impossible to put down. This is par for the course when it comes to the crafty writing of Miranda Smith.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
What is going on? The police hand Marion a warrant that explains something rather shocking to her. Eileen is not her mother. In fact, Marion was said to have been kidnapped as a baby and was then known as Caroline. Could this be true? Did Eileen kidnap Marion as a baby? If so, who is her mother?
Quite naturally, Marion is filled with questions. If Eileen is not her mother, then what is her mother's real name? Where is her mother? Why did it take the police this long to come and arrest Eileen?
I love how this story was told. It is written in first person in both Marion's and Eileen's POV. It is an intriguing story that Marion is determined to unravel. This book was an incredible journey and told an amazing story of Marion's past and her connection to Eileen. Another character came into play into this story, thus grabbing my attention all the more. This riveting story was sharp, emotional, compelling and utterly impossible to put down. This is par for the course when it comes to the crafty writing of Miranda Smith.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
March 29, 2021
This is one of those books that if it wasn't for real life getting in the way, I could have easily sat and read this book in one sitting. I was so engrossed that I didn't want to put it down until I had uncovered the truth.
I couldn't think of anything worse than realising your whole life has been built on lies. I really felt for Marion whose world is torn apart when her mother is arrested for taking her thirty years ago. How do you overcome something like this or move on? The love you felt for that person just doesn't disappear. I was as desperate for the answers as Marion was in the story and boy do us readers get more than we bargained for!
Not My Mother grabbed hold of me and wouldn't let me go. All I could think about was the storyline and couldn't wait to get back to my Kindle to see where the author would take me next. I fell deeper into the story with every page turned and when those twists come, woah, there was no way I could have prepared myself for some truly shocking revelations. This was such a brilliant psychological thriller and I can't wait to read more of the authors books.
I couldn't think of anything worse than realising your whole life has been built on lies. I really felt for Marion whose world is torn apart when her mother is arrested for taking her thirty years ago. How do you overcome something like this or move on? The love you felt for that person just doesn't disappear. I was as desperate for the answers as Marion was in the story and boy do us readers get more than we bargained for!
Not My Mother grabbed hold of me and wouldn't let me go. All I could think about was the storyline and couldn't wait to get back to my Kindle to see where the author would take me next. I fell deeper into the story with every page turned and when those twists come, woah, there was no way I could have prepared myself for some truly shocking revelations. This was such a brilliant psychological thriller and I can't wait to read more of the authors books.
December 17, 2021
Historia porwania sprzed lat, skrzętnie skrywanych sekretów i prawdy, która ukryta jest głęboko, być może zbyt głęboko, by wydobyć ją nieskalaną po latach.
Miranda Smith od pierwszych zdań wciąga czytelnika w swoją opowieść, powoli wciągając w sidła kłamstw, niedopowiedzeń i dramatycznych zdarzeń. Nie pędzi naprzód, nie musi, w zamian bowiem umiejętnie meandruje w czasie. Przenosi fabułę do przeszłości, rysując historię sprzed lat i tragiczne konsekwencje tych najgorszych możliwych wyborów. Wracając do tu i teraz powoli historia klaryfikuje się, by czasem wszystko stało się jasne. I chociaż rozwiązanie zagadki w pewnym momencie nie powinni nikomu sprawić problemu, to w „Nie moja matka” warto również docenić wszystkie wątki poboczne, dzięki którym pojawia się przed oczami pełny obraz sytuacji.
Wszystko zaczyna się od wielkiego wybuchu emocji, a potem napięcie tylko rośnie ze strony na stronę. Bohaterki mierzą się z głęboko skrywanymi tajemnicami, z bólem przeszłości, która powraca i uderza z impetem. Miranda Smith potrafi zaskoczyć, potrafi zbić z tropu, potrafi wprowadzić czytelnika w ten hipnotyczny stan, kiedy nie można przerwać lektury aż do ostatniej strony. Czyta się z zapartym tchem, z zainteresowaniem, dokładnie tak, jak czytelnicy dobrych thrillerów psychologicznych lubią najbardziej.
Miranda Smith od pierwszych zdań wciąga czytelnika w swoją opowieść, powoli wciągając w sidła kłamstw, niedopowiedzeń i dramatycznych zdarzeń. Nie pędzi naprzód, nie musi, w zamian bowiem umiejętnie meandruje w czasie. Przenosi fabułę do przeszłości, rysując historię sprzed lat i tragiczne konsekwencje tych najgorszych możliwych wyborów. Wracając do tu i teraz powoli historia klaryfikuje się, by czasem wszystko stało się jasne. I chociaż rozwiązanie zagadki w pewnym momencie nie powinni nikomu sprawić problemu, to w „Nie moja matka” warto również docenić wszystkie wątki poboczne, dzięki którym pojawia się przed oczami pełny obraz sytuacji.
Wszystko zaczyna się od wielkiego wybuchu emocji, a potem napięcie tylko rośnie ze strony na stronę. Bohaterki mierzą się z głęboko skrywanymi tajemnicami, z bólem przeszłości, która powraca i uderza z impetem. Miranda Smith potrafi zaskoczyć, potrafi zbić z tropu, potrafi wprowadzić czytelnika w ten hipnotyczny stan, kiedy nie można przerwać lektury aż do ostatniej strony. Czyta się z zapartym tchem, z zainteresowaniem, dokładnie tak, jak czytelnicy dobrych thrillerów psychologicznych lubią najbardziej.
April 1, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Not My Mother' by Miranda Smith.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Miranda Smith, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 30th March 2021.
This is the second book I have read by this author. The first book I read was called 'The One Before' which I loved and would also highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and colouful cover and its captivating synopsis. The synopsis stated that this book is perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell amongst others. I am a huge fan of Lisa's books so am interested to see if it will live up to this statement. I have also previously read another of Miranda's books which I loved and am hoping to enjoy this one just as much. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 52 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium to long in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in the USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in first person perspective with the protagonists being Marion and Eileen. There are also 2 short chapters from Amelia's third person perspective. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on and feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
It is set over multiple timelines (now and then). When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions.
Miranda you have done it again. Well done! Another very well written and addictive novel by a very talented author. The vivid descriptions placed me in the storyline and the cover and blurb fit the storyline perfectly.
The storyline is absolutely addictive and gripping. It is ram packed with deceit, lies, secrets and filled with twists and turns which will knock you sideways. It is fast paced and has big reveals that I was not expecting. I was slightly annoyed at how quickly Marion gave up on her mum but then you never know how people will react until they are in that situation themselves. It does make you question how you would react and where your loyalties would lie. The narration was tense throughout and it had to me on the edge of my seat biting my nails and staying awake late at night to find out what happened next. I really enjoyed the past and present narrative and really felt for Eileen and what happened to her. I thought the ending was perfect.
The characters all had their own strong and unique personalities. As previously mentioned I was a bit annoyed by Marion but throughout she was being told one thing and then another just to have her whole world turn upside down. I really liked Des who is another strong willed female along with Carmen. Evan really wound me up when he stated towards the end that Marion left him and he basically expected to pick up where he left off after HE left and stated it was if she moved on arrrggghhh. Apart from that part with Evan I really liked his character before and he did prove himself worthy at the end and was a good guy overall. What do I think of Amelia? That, I don't think I can answer yet. In some ways I felt sorry for her but then at other times she definitely needed taking down a peg or four.
Another congratulations Miranda on another great novel. It would be very interesting to watch this on the big screen. I'm looking forward to reading more of your books.
Overall a riveting and addictive gripping page turner that will have you hooked and guessing throughout until the big reveals.
Genres covered in this novel include
Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Crime Fiction and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Miranda Smith, Lisa Jewell and anyone looking for an addictive book full of twists.
287 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#NotMyMother #Bookouture #MirandaSmith #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@MirandaSmith @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'Not My Mother' by Miranda Smith.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Miranda Smith, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 30th March 2021.
This is the second book I have read by this author. The first book I read was called 'The One Before' which I loved and would also highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and colouful cover and its captivating synopsis. The synopsis stated that this book is perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell amongst others. I am a huge fan of Lisa's books so am interested to see if it will live up to this statement. I have also previously read another of Miranda's books which I loved and am hoping to enjoy this one just as much. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 52 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium to long in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in the USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in first person perspective with the protagonists being Marion and Eileen. There are also 2 short chapters from Amelia's third person perspective. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on and feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
It is set over multiple timelines (now and then). When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions.
Miranda you have done it again. Well done! Another very well written and addictive novel by a very talented author. The vivid descriptions placed me in the storyline and the cover and blurb fit the storyline perfectly.
The storyline is absolutely addictive and gripping. It is ram packed with deceit, lies, secrets and filled with twists and turns which will knock you sideways. It is fast paced and has big reveals that I was not expecting. I was slightly annoyed at how quickly Marion gave up on her mum but then you never know how people will react until they are in that situation themselves. It does make you question how you would react and where your loyalties would lie. The narration was tense throughout and it had to me on the edge of my seat biting my nails and staying awake late at night to find out what happened next. I really enjoyed the past and present narrative and really felt for Eileen and what happened to her. I thought the ending was perfect.
The characters all had their own strong and unique personalities. As previously mentioned I was a bit annoyed by Marion but throughout she was being told one thing and then another just to have her whole world turn upside down. I really liked Des who is another strong willed female along with Carmen. Evan really wound me up when he stated towards the end that Marion left him and he basically expected to pick up where he left off after HE left and stated it was if she moved on arrrggghhh. Apart from that part with Evan I really liked his character before and he did prove himself worthy at the end and was a good guy overall. What do I think of Amelia? That, I don't think I can answer yet. In some ways I felt sorry for her but then at other times she definitely needed taking down a peg or four.
Another congratulations Miranda on another great novel. It would be very interesting to watch this on the big screen. I'm looking forward to reading more of your books.
Overall a riveting and addictive gripping page turner that will have you hooked and guessing throughout until the big reveals.
Genres covered in this novel include
Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Crime Fiction and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Miranda Smith, Lisa Jewell and anyone looking for an addictive book full of twists.
287 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#NotMyMother #Bookouture #MirandaSmith #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@MirandaSmith @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
January 28, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ bardzo dobra rozrywka! byłam zaangażowana w fabułę i podobał mi się rys psychologiczny postaci- matek.
April 14, 2022
Motyw naprawdę ciekawy, wykonanie spoko, nie powiem, że mnie nie wciągnęła, bo dość szybko ją skończyłam, ale coś nie pykło między nami. Zabrakło mi niezbędnej chemii. Książka ogólnie spoko, ale nie dla mnie. Najmocniejszym punktem bez wątpienia jest końcówka, kiedy wszystko nabiera kształtów i sensu i mroczne sekrety wychodzą na światło dziennie. Ale przyznaję, że raczej nie zostanie ze mną na dłużej, pewnie za miesiąc już nie będę pamiętać, o co w niej chodziło.
March 22, 2021
This story had a very good premise and it was a very easy read. I had to give this book 3 stars because although the story was good, the way it was told was very flat. Even the twists while not predictable, we’re not wrote in a way that made you go “WOW!” Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!
May 10, 2024
3,5/5⭐
Podobała mi się, ale była dość przewidywalna. Posiadała kilka momentów, które mnie zaskoczyły, ale były one rozmieszczone bardziej za połową książki. Na początku troszkę mi się dłużyła.
Podobała mi się, ale była dość przewidywalna. Posiadała kilka momentów, które mnie zaskoczyły, ale były one rozmieszczone bardziej za połową książki. Na początku troszkę mi się dłużyła.
July 19, 2021
NOT MY MOTHER
By Miranda Smith
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’d heard of the Baby Caroline case, of course. When a baby is snatched from her mother’s arms, the whole country knows about it. I knew about the parents left lying by the swimming pool, the open window in the nursery. But I never dreamed it had anything to do with me.
Today, my beautiful daughter turned one. We were unwrapping gifts and blowing out candles when the knock came at the door, and they took my mother away.
The police say she’s not really my mother. That she stole me, thirty years ago.
I had been looking forward to reading this, my first Miranda Smith book, for a few weeks, and it has easily made my Top 5 of the year so far. The tension you feel pouring from every page, the sheer disorientation of not knowing the truth but being spun these webs of deceit, betrayal, love, and pain, made this one of the most compelling thrillers I’ve read in recent years.
I found myself liking Marion very early on. Her devotion to daughter Ava was immediately obvious, and her love for her family and closest friends was heart warming. The helplessness she felt was infectious, as was the sense that she wasn’t going to like the answers to her many questions, as news filtered back to her from her best friend and now her mother’s attorney, Carmen.
Half the time, I didn’t know who to like and who to distrust. The twists came thick and fast, and I was unprepared for the revelations to come. And even then, there were more surprises.
Overall, I think this was the perfect book to introduce me to Miranda Smith. I will definitely read more. I gave Not My Mother five stars.
By Miranda Smith
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’d heard of the Baby Caroline case, of course. When a baby is snatched from her mother’s arms, the whole country knows about it. I knew about the parents left lying by the swimming pool, the open window in the nursery. But I never dreamed it had anything to do with me.
Today, my beautiful daughter turned one. We were unwrapping gifts and blowing out candles when the knock came at the door, and they took my mother away.
The police say she’s not really my mother. That she stole me, thirty years ago.
I had been looking forward to reading this, my first Miranda Smith book, for a few weeks, and it has easily made my Top 5 of the year so far. The tension you feel pouring from every page, the sheer disorientation of not knowing the truth but being spun these webs of deceit, betrayal, love, and pain, made this one of the most compelling thrillers I’ve read in recent years.
I found myself liking Marion very early on. Her devotion to daughter Ava was immediately obvious, and her love for her family and closest friends was heart warming. The helplessness she felt was infectious, as was the sense that she wasn’t going to like the answers to her many questions, as news filtered back to her from her best friend and now her mother’s attorney, Carmen.
Half the time, I didn’t know who to like and who to distrust. The twists came thick and fast, and I was unprepared for the revelations to come. And even then, there were more surprises.
Overall, I think this was the perfect book to introduce me to Miranda Smith. I will definitely read more. I gave Not My Mother five stars.
October 23, 2021
I guess I’m in the minority here.
I found this book to be flat, boring and completely predictable. No real twists and turns because well…so predictable. Yawn.
It felt like I was reading a Hallmark movie.
Couldn’t even give it a 2.5.
I found this book to be flat, boring and completely predictable. No real twists and turns because well…so predictable. Yawn.
It felt like I was reading a Hallmark movie.
Couldn’t even give it a 2.5.
March 30, 2021
This book was something else. Amazing. Thrilling. Absorbing. Packed full of suspense. Twists at every turn. This is one great read. Just wonderful.
March 6, 2025
Bardzo ciekawa historia. Niesamowita więź między matką a córką, uważam, że warto ją przeczytać.
April 3, 2021
Oh my goodness where to start! This book had me all flustered with it’s legacy of secrets and lies. Poor Marion is in the midst of her daughter’s birthday party when the police turn up to arrest her mother but calling her by a different name. Who is Sarah Paxton?
Imagine the person who has raised you and been your only constant is now taken away from you and investigated for murder and kidnapping. Accused of murdering a father and attacking a mother, who has spent the last thirty years desperately trying to find their child and it may be you. Where would your loyalty lie? With the woman who loved and raised you or the woman who didn’t get the chance to do either?
This book starts with the murder then goes back and forth between the two timelines. Filling in past details made me look at the characters and the crime in a different light. As Carmen states “people tend to view crime in black and white, did they do it or didn’t they? I focus on the less obvious question: why?”.
This would make an incredible book club read as it provokes emotions over nature vs nurture and it’s easy to feel empathy for all concerned.
Imagine the person who has raised you and been your only constant is now taken away from you and investigated for murder and kidnapping. Accused of murdering a father and attacking a mother, who has spent the last thirty years desperately trying to find their child and it may be you. Where would your loyalty lie? With the woman who loved and raised you or the woman who didn’t get the chance to do either?
This book starts with the murder then goes back and forth between the two timelines. Filling in past details made me look at the characters and the crime in a different light. As Carmen states “people tend to view crime in black and white, did they do it or didn’t they? I focus on the less obvious question: why?”.
This would make an incredible book club read as it provokes emotions over nature vs nurture and it’s easy to feel empathy for all concerned.
September 13, 2023
Całkiem przyjemna, chociaż mało w niej napięcia i strachu.
December 11, 2025
Nicht schlecht, aber auch nicht besonders fesselnd. Teilweise sehr langatmig.
October 5, 2022
Świetna książka , jedna z lepszych jakie czytałem , naprawdę warta przeczytania . Bardzo wciągająca historia . Polecam
February 28, 2021
An intriguing thriller with brilliant twists that keeps you riveted till the very end.
Single mom Marion Sams' idyllic life is shattered when her mother Eileen is arrested for a murder and kidnapping case that took place over thirty years ago. Marion realises that her whole life, even her own name, has been a lie, concocted by the woman she calls Mom. As she comes to terms with her new reality, more secrets and betrayals are revealed, making her second guess where her loyalties should lie. At the end, she must trust her instincts to protect her own daughter Ava, from the clutches of a deranged woman, desperate to have her own family.
The book starts off with a bang, depicting the scene of the horrific crime committed in the past. This alone was enough to reel me in. The story is revealed in alternating POVs - Marion's in the present and Eileen's in the past. While Eileen's POV builds up the suspense with every page, Marion's POV reveals her inner turmoil - love for the woman who raised her, anger at her betrayal, and compassion and empathy for the mother she was torn away from but never stopped looking for her. While the author maintained a tense narrative from the start, the climax was comparatively tame. I love stories that have women supporting and building up other women and in that respect, this book is a win.
Overall, an engaging read. Thank you Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Single mom Marion Sams' idyllic life is shattered when her mother Eileen is arrested for a murder and kidnapping case that took place over thirty years ago. Marion realises that her whole life, even her own name, has been a lie, concocted by the woman she calls Mom. As she comes to terms with her new reality, more secrets and betrayals are revealed, making her second guess where her loyalties should lie. At the end, she must trust her instincts to protect her own daughter Ava, from the clutches of a deranged woman, desperate to have her own family.
The book starts off with a bang, depicting the scene of the horrific crime committed in the past. This alone was enough to reel me in. The story is revealed in alternating POVs - Marion's in the present and Eileen's in the past. While Eileen's POV builds up the suspense with every page, Marion's POV reveals her inner turmoil - love for the woman who raised her, anger at her betrayal, and compassion and empathy for the mother she was torn away from but never stopped looking for her. While the author maintained a tense narrative from the start, the climax was comparatively tame. I love stories that have women supporting and building up other women and in that respect, this book is a win.
Overall, an engaging read. Thank you Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2021
What a book!! The suspense was gentle to soar, all the same, it was hard hitting. The twists took me by surprise, completely unexpected. I thought I could fore-guess author Miranda Smith, but she delivered the right punch at the right time.
Baby Caroline. The child who was kidnapped years ago. And Marion who was found today. Was her mother not her mother but a kidnapper? Read the book to know the truth. Some of them would knock off your socks.
Told in dual perspectives with Marion in the present times, trying to make sense of the facts that were thrown at her and Eileen and her decisions years ago, the story hit the right pitch in the way the author played me.
The story that initially appeared familiar went on a different roll. Marion was carefully etched; I could feel her pain and frustration during the entire journey and also her need to take charge.
Many secrets, careful reveals at strategic moments, and the final twist made this a perfect breakfast read. At last, got the one book that was the perfect accompaniment to toast and tea.
Baby Caroline. The child who was kidnapped years ago. And Marion who was found today. Was her mother not her mother but a kidnapper? Read the book to know the truth. Some of them would knock off your socks.
Told in dual perspectives with Marion in the present times, trying to make sense of the facts that were thrown at her and Eileen and her decisions years ago, the story hit the right pitch in the way the author played me.
The story that initially appeared familiar went on a different roll. Marion was carefully etched; I could feel her pain and frustration during the entire journey and also her need to take charge.
Many secrets, careful reveals at strategic moments, and the final twist made this a perfect breakfast read. At last, got the one book that was the perfect accompaniment to toast and tea.
July 4, 2021
⭐️ 4 ⭐️
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Miranda Smith for the eARC, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I thoroughly enjoyed Not My Mother.
The plot is intriguing, and had me hooked from the very beginning.
I found it hard to put down and definitely suffered from ‘just-one-more-chapter’ syndrome whilst reading it.
Plenty of suspense and many twists and turns, although some of the twists I had already fathomed.
Overall, an excellent thriller.
I would recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Miranda Smith for the eARC, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I thoroughly enjoyed Not My Mother.
The plot is intriguing, and had me hooked from the very beginning.
I found it hard to put down and definitely suffered from ‘just-one-more-chapter’ syndrome whilst reading it.
Plenty of suspense and many twists and turns, although some of the twists I had already fathomed.
Overall, an excellent thriller.
I would recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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