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Mother May I
Even though her husband was a TV evangelist, Nora never prayed unless she knew the cameras were focused on her. But she prayed tonight that they’d make this stupid baby he wanted.
Meet Nora: Flawless. Enigmatic. Conniving. Ruthless.
At seventeen, she escaped the grip of her cold and abusive mama after catching the eye of charismatic Merrell Hodges. His riches and fame became hers. In exchange, she could play the role of doting wife.
But she alone was not enough; he wanted a family.
With the birth of their perfect daughter, Elizabeth, something foreign and unnerving touches Nora: love. She wants to protect and lavish her child. She would show her mama how a real mother should be. But the sins of nature and nurture run deep. There’s a defiance and manipulation in young Elizabeth that’s all-too-familiar and triggering. Nora can’t shake her mama’s prophetic words: You’re going to hate that kid. Just wait.
When Nora’s fortune goes sideways after a tragedy with shocking repercussions, she’s determined to reclaim her relevance. With a cunning plan—and surprising ally—Nora reinvents herself as benevolent icon, good mother, and the powerful, authentic woman she deserves to be.
But seeds of the past still fester, haunting Nora’s victory and explosive, contradictory behavior. Caught in a cycle of fate, she’s both the heroine and villain of her own story. And as Elizabeth grows into an equally stubborn and strongminded young woman, Nora may have finally met her match.
But if there’s one thing never to do, it’s to underestimate Nora
Meet Nora: Flawless. Enigmatic. Conniving. Ruthless.
At seventeen, she escaped the grip of her cold and abusive mama after catching the eye of charismatic Merrell Hodges. His riches and fame became hers. In exchange, she could play the role of doting wife.
But she alone was not enough; he wanted a family.
With the birth of their perfect daughter, Elizabeth, something foreign and unnerving touches Nora: love. She wants to protect and lavish her child. She would show her mama how a real mother should be. But the sins of nature and nurture run deep. There’s a defiance and manipulation in young Elizabeth that’s all-too-familiar and triggering. Nora can’t shake her mama’s prophetic words: You’re going to hate that kid. Just wait.
When Nora’s fortune goes sideways after a tragedy with shocking repercussions, she’s determined to reclaim her relevance. With a cunning plan—and surprising ally—Nora reinvents herself as benevolent icon, good mother, and the powerful, authentic woman she deserves to be.
But seeds of the past still fester, haunting Nora’s victory and explosive, contradictory behavior. Caught in a cycle of fate, she’s both the heroine and villain of her own story. And as Elizabeth grows into an equally stubborn and strongminded young woman, Nora may have finally met her match.
But if there’s one thing never to do, it’s to underestimate Nora
229 pages, ebook
First published May 1, 2021
525 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Green
26 books577 followersS. E. Green is the award-winning and best-selling author of young adult and adult books. She grew up in Tennessee where she dreaded all things reading and writing. She didn’t even read her first book for enjoyment until she was twenty-five. After that, she was hooked! When she’s not writing, she's usually traveling or hanging out with a rogue armadillo that frequents her backyard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
June 5, 2023
Audio and story 2.5 star
July 24, 2021
As readers, we always have a list of authors that as soon as they release a new book, we will always read them - no matter what. They are called our "unicorn authors". These are the authors that you will buy a book just because it is written by them, you often have no idea what the book is about because it isn't a priority to you. The main thing is that it was written by that specific author. One of my "unicorn authors" is S.E Green aka Shannon Greenland. When I was younger about 16-18, I discovered her YA Spy series The Specialists and Killer Instinct and I read both and was hooked. Mother May I? is a tad different than her others as this one is written more for the adult audience rather than her usual YA target. In Mother May I? we meet Nora who is a preacher's wife which was surprising as she isn't the religious type at all. She is a money-hungry cheater. As long as her preacher husband is making money, she is happy. When Nora falls pregnant, her mother tells her she will come to hate her child. Nora doubts this but as her daughter gets older, she starts to notice it and she does start to resent her. When her husband dies, Nora is now left with her daughter who hates her guts but is the heir to her husband's fortune. This was a twisted read as the story goes along and I have to admit that when we did see the ending, I had a bit of a smirk and thought that's karma right there. Mother May I ? was a psychological thriller that looks at the bad side of a mother/daughter relationship and what can occur when the last two surviving resent each other with a passion. If you love YA thrillers and edgy reads, then S.E Green is an author that you must add to your TBR piles, she’s an author you won’t regret reading.
April 20, 2022
I honestly don't see how this book has a 4.35-star rating on Goodreads. The only reason I didn't DNF it was the reviews I read said the main character, Nora, got what she deserved at the end. And so she did, but how many books have you read or movies have you seen where In fact, I just finished binge-watching a TV series where a very similar event occurred.
Most reviewers, like me, couldn't stand Nora. She is meant to be a despicable character. The author makes an attempt to show that Nora occasionally tries to be better, has guilty feelings, etc., but still, Nora remains a cartoonish villain throughout. Her daughter, Elizabeth, seems present only to serve as the target of Nora's abuse. It is only in the Epilogue that Elizabeth is portrayed as anything approaching an actual human being.
I could count this book as a guilty pleasure, but that was spoiled by the many errors I found which should have been caught in editing. Misuse of words, for example: "spill" for "spiel." Frequently letters were dropped, especially from two-letter words like "is" and "at." Did the author write this on her smart phone and run it through autocorrect?
All in all, I feel giving this book two stars is being generous.
Most reviewers, like me, couldn't stand Nora. She is meant to be a despicable character. The author makes an attempt to show that Nora occasionally tries to be better, has guilty feelings, etc., but still, Nora remains a cartoonish villain throughout. Her daughter, Elizabeth, seems present only to serve as the target of Nora's abuse. It is only in the Epilogue that Elizabeth is portrayed as anything approaching an actual human being.
I could count this book as a guilty pleasure, but that was spoiled by the many errors I found which should have been caught in editing. Misuse of words, for example: "spill" for "spiel." Frequently letters were dropped, especially from two-letter words like "is" and "at." Did the author write this on her smart phone and run it through autocorrect?
All in all, I feel giving this book two stars is being generous.
August 30, 2024
Mommy Dearest Knock-off
Ugh. Just watch the actual film. It’s shameful to rip off a plot without at least acknowledging you’re paying homage or something. Written for a fifth grade level reader as well.
Ugh. Just watch the actual film. It’s shameful to rip off a plot without at least acknowledging you’re paying homage or something. Written for a fifth grade level reader as well.
November 2, 2024
I enjoyed the book, but hated the main character Nora! This is truly about a toxic relationship with everything she touches - I did enjoy the ending tho.
May 10, 2025
WOW! This book was a bit disturbing but I loved it. Nora (Mother) got exactly what she deserved!!
May 11, 2021
This novel explores the toxic relationship between Nora - wife of a televangelist - and her daughter, Elizabeth. It follows Nora from her pregnancy until Elizabeth is an adult. The story deals with some difficult material - Nora's ambition and greed, her ambivalent feelings towards her daughter, the cycle of abuse, and so on.
While I found this novel riveting, I also kind of hated myself for it, and I had very strong feelings about Nora (who I found had no redeeming qualities). Having said that, I suspect that my reaction to the perspective from which the story is told is likely what the author intended. Mother-daughter relationships can be fraught at the best of times, but when one party is so narcissistic, things are even more complex.
While I wouldn't say that I enjoyed this book, it was compelling, and I found myself mesmerised by the proverbial train crash. I wouldn't recommend this for all readers - Nora's feelings and actions towards her daughter are extremely disturbing. I also found them to be more realistic than I would have liked in fiction.
I received an ARC via the author.
While I found this novel riveting, I also kind of hated myself for it, and I had very strong feelings about Nora (who I found had no redeeming qualities). Having said that, I suspect that my reaction to the perspective from which the story is told is likely what the author intended. Mother-daughter relationships can be fraught at the best of times, but when one party is so narcissistic, things are even more complex.
While I wouldn't say that I enjoyed this book, it was compelling, and I found myself mesmerised by the proverbial train crash. I wouldn't recommend this for all readers - Nora's feelings and actions towards her daughter are extremely disturbing. I also found them to be more realistic than I would have liked in fiction.
I received an ARC via the author.
April 24, 2021
What a messed up story (in the best way possible). Shannon’s writing is once again phenomenal. These characters put you through the ringer. It’s been a long time since my mother watched “Mommie Dearest” when I was a kid, but I was definitely getting those vibes throughout. Cringe worthy moments have you speeding through the pages. I needed to know the end, see it through and it did not disappoint. Especially the last page! Oh my. If you enjoy a good twisted read, pick up this novel!
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August 14, 2022Wowza! I was not expecting to finish this book in one day, but guess what? I did. I was HOOKED from start to finish.
Why three stars, you ask? I’ll tell you…
I absolutely hated the main character, Nora. She was completely not redeemable one iota. I honestly hated her—which I think that was the author’s plan all along. She was pure evil. Raised from nothing just to manipulate to get everything. There was never a moment in the book that made me think, “oh! Here is some character development!” Nora was always going to be a money-hungry biatch.
This story was also fairly triggering. I’m not a fan of parents hating their children just because they were born. Nora never wanted Elizabeth. She only had her to keep Merrel happy. When push comes to shove, Nora would always choose herself in the end. I think that if you don’t want children—that’s perfectly okay. But what’s not okay is bringing a baby into the world knowing you aren’t going to love them. The book is being marketed as a toxic mother/daughter story and I disagree to some extent. Yes, we saw how horribly Nora treated Elizabeth. But the story wasn’t just about the mother/daughter relationship. It was mostly about how toxic and selfish/greedy a person Nora was overall.
Anywho, I did enjoy the story. It was very complex and interesting. I’d give it a try if it sounds like something you’d like to read!
Why three stars, you ask? I’ll tell you…
I absolutely hated the main character, Nora. She was completely not redeemable one iota. I honestly hated her—which I think that was the author’s plan all along. She was pure evil. Raised from nothing just to manipulate to get everything. There was never a moment in the book that made me think, “oh! Here is some character development!” Nora was always going to be a money-hungry biatch.
This story was also fairly triggering. I’m not a fan of parents hating their children just because they were born. Nora never wanted Elizabeth. She only had her to keep Merrel happy. When push comes to shove, Nora would always choose herself in the end. I think that if you don’t want children—that’s perfectly okay. But what’s not okay is bringing a baby into the world knowing you aren’t going to love them. The book is being marketed as a toxic mother/daughter story and I disagree to some extent. Yes, we saw how horribly Nora treated Elizabeth. But the story wasn’t just about the mother/daughter relationship. It was mostly about how toxic and selfish/greedy a person Nora was overall.
Anywho, I did enjoy the story. It was very complex and interesting. I’d give it a try if it sounds like something you’d like to read!
February 24, 2025
This was a quick read! Could have finished in one sitting but needed to get to bed! :)
The mother was evil, pure evil, but look how she grew up and the mother she had herself. If her own mother hated her so much, why wouldn’t she just give her up? Maybe the cycle wouldn’t have continued. I chuckled in disbelief and horror over the things Nora said and did, as well as her own mother. I can’t believe Elizabeth turned out so well, but that was probably due to Raina’s love and care of her. Definitely a book that could have a sequel.
The mother was evil, pure evil, but look how she grew up and the mother she had herself. If her own mother hated her so much, why wouldn’t she just give her up? Maybe the cycle wouldn’t have continued. I chuckled in disbelief and horror over the things Nora said and did, as well as her own mother. I can’t believe Elizabeth turned out so well, but that was probably due to Raina’s love and care of her. Definitely a book that could have a sequel.
January 5, 2024
Having literally just watched Mommy Dearest over Christmas break, this was painful to read. Are GR reviewers too young to know this cult-classic!? I've never read anything so blatantly ripped from something else.
June 5, 2021
Combination of "springer show" and evangelical tent revival. Sad, yet plowed through it shamefully.
August 10, 2024
mommy dearest
Looks like the author read mommy dearest too many times! So many similarities!right down to you he axe lol shame on you
Looks like the author read mommy dearest too many times! So many similarities!right down to you he axe lol shame on you
May 10, 2021
Nora, nasty nasty Nora!! What a book. So nasty in so many ways but you just can't stop reading. Nora is married to Merrell, an evangelist who along with Nora establishes a church and they become quite famous. Nora is adored by Merrell, but he wants a family. Nora grudgingly complies and has Elizabeth. She surprisingly feels a mother's love for her child and lavishes her with everything. Unfortunately Elizabeth is more drawn to her father which makes Nora insanely jealous. Nora was raised by an abusive, often married mother who made Nora's childhood very painful. And so the cycle continues. The story moves along quickly and is populated with unlikeable characters. Merrell is no prize and neither is Hudson or Cooper! Raina is probably the nicest character of all. Really great book! You gotta read it!
November 1, 2021
What a book, with a mother as the main character very hard to like and a daughter trying to please her mother this book will make you cringe, because the author wants you to (this is how good the writing is).
Nature versus nurture: Is Nora's behaviour and personality her true self of is she behaving this way because this is all she knows from her mother? Either way her manipulations and machinations makes her a true villain and that's why whatever happens at the end of the book is so fitting and gratifying.
The author is a new one for me but I'm sure this book won't be the last one i read from her.
I can't recommend this book enough, you won'y be disappointed if you decide to read it.
Nature versus nurture: Is Nora's behaviour and personality her true self of is she behaving this way because this is all she knows from her mother? Either way her manipulations and machinations makes her a true villain and that's why whatever happens at the end of the book is so fitting and gratifying.
The author is a new one for me but I'm sure this book won't be the last one i read from her.
I can't recommend this book enough, you won'y be disappointed if you decide to read it.
May 7, 2021
From the very first sentence it is clear that Nora is not a good woman, she's not misunderstood, she doesn't have a sweet side, she is just plain awful. I couldn't stop reading about this horrible woman and all the terrible things she did to the people around her. Background is given and one can analyze and ponder over nurture, nature, evil and good, but there is no doubt she is a terrible human that only cares for herself. Is she mentally disturbed, did her childhood cause her to be so cruel and selfish, or was she just born this way? Puzzle it out or don't but it is intriguing from beginning to end, either way.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 22, 2021
The mother you’ll love to hate.
Mother May I is a rags to riches story with a whole lot of narcissism and a huge dose of sociopathy. I disliked the main character so much I wasn't sure I would enjoy the book. But as Nora's manipulation grows, so does the bad karma. I found myself rooting for her daughter Elizabeth to find a way out of her mother's claws and was so happy the housekeeper Raina was so protective of her. Parts of this book were not easy to read, but it was fast paced, and the ending will leave you satisfied.
Thanks to Hidden Gems Books for a review copy.
Mother May I is a rags to riches story with a whole lot of narcissism and a huge dose of sociopathy. I disliked the main character so much I wasn't sure I would enjoy the book. But as Nora's manipulation grows, so does the bad karma. I found myself rooting for her daughter Elizabeth to find a way out of her mother's claws and was so happy the housekeeper Raina was so protective of her. Parts of this book were not easy to read, but it was fast paced, and the ending will leave you satisfied.
Thanks to Hidden Gems Books for a review copy.
September 23, 2022
what a story!
I can’t really decide if I liked this book or not. It’s hard to decide how this story made me feel. It brought very little joy. There was sorrow, anger, amazement, pity. I certainly hope there are no children out there living the life of Elizabeth. But, being realistic, I’d have to guess there are even more than I can imagine. With mothers like Nora around, no wonder the world is in the mess it is. When people make comments like, “What’s wrong with kids today?” I ask myself, “ what’s wrong with parents?” Read this book for one example of WRONG!
I can’t really decide if I liked this book or not. It’s hard to decide how this story made me feel. It brought very little joy. There was sorrow, anger, amazement, pity. I certainly hope there are no children out there living the life of Elizabeth. But, being realistic, I’d have to guess there are even more than I can imagine. With mothers like Nora around, no wonder the world is in the mess it is. When people make comments like, “What’s wrong with kids today?” I ask myself, “ what’s wrong with parents?” Read this book for one example of WRONG!
October 9, 2022
There's something about Green's writing that captivates me. It's easy to read, yet has plenty of character and world building. If Tammy Faye and Mother Dearest mated, the main character in this story would be their love child. The physical abuse of the daughter is very mild, but the emotional abuse is sickening. This is basically a book about a woman corrupt with greed and alcoholism yet living a very public Christian life. It makes you wonder. You never know what's happening behind closed doors
May 7, 2021
I loved this incredible story. Nora was an abused child who married well and swore she would never be like her mother. She has a beautiful little girl whom she dotes on until Elizabeth defies her. This story deals with some triggers that may affect some. It is a gritty tale about relationships, family, forgiveness and lies. I would highly recommend it. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
May 10, 2021
Whoa!
This is some book! Disturbing with a satisfying ending. Nora is the mother from hell with a beautiful angelic daughter, Elizabeth that she terrorized and humiliated. Essentially a Mommy Dearest. I was concerned I would be disappointed by the end, but not to worry! The more I read Green, the more her words make me uncomfortable, in the most wonderful way, and the more I look forward to her next cringe worthy book. 😉
This is some book! Disturbing with a satisfying ending. Nora is the mother from hell with a beautiful angelic daughter, Elizabeth that she terrorized and humiliated. Essentially a Mommy Dearest. I was concerned I would be disappointed by the end, but not to worry! The more I read Green, the more her words make me uncomfortable, in the most wonderful way, and the more I look forward to her next cringe worthy book. 😉
May 14, 2021
Mother may I? Yes you may.
Anyone remember the game mother may I? Well, this is a mother of a great read. If you even slightly question your mothering skill , this mom will ease your mind. I don't think I read any books by this author before but I know I will be reading more. Disturbing but deliciously so. Kept me turning pages late into the night. Good ending too. Highly recommend.
Anyone remember the game mother may I? Well, this is a mother of a great read. If you even slightly question your mothering skill , this mom will ease your mind. I don't think I read any books by this author before but I know I will be reading more. Disturbing but deliciously so. Kept me turning pages late into the night. Good ending too. Highly recommend.
May 17, 2021
Nora is an extremely awful person. I couldn’t find one single redeemable quality in her. I wanted to have some compassion for her, but just couldn’t find it in myself to do so. This book was so twisted that I just could not stop reading. And the ending!! I’m not sure Elizabeth deserves that!! If you like a very entertaining thriller, this is it. *I received a complimentary copy of this book via HiddenGems and this is my honest review*
August 13, 2021
Does history repeat itself? Do we become what our parents are or what they make us?
A little more subtlety would have done this book good. From the beginning on it's all too clear that Nora is a narcissist and that she's going to hate her daughter. Her manipulations are too obvious. The reader can't really understand why she seems to be loved by (nearly) everybody.
In the end the end is not as surprising as I had hoped.
A little more subtlety would have done this book good. From the beginning on it's all too clear that Nora is a narcissist and that she's going to hate her daughter. Her manipulations are too obvious. The reader can't really understand why she seems to be loved by (nearly) everybody.
In the end the end is not as surprising as I had hoped.
January 24, 2022
Girl just stop!
Don't stop. Please please please keep writing these fast paced page turners!
This was such a good drama. It played like a movie in my mind from start to finish.
Strong plot line with great twists and turns.
Who knew a pastor's wife could get more evil? Never fails to shock me. Nora is the protagonist here. She oozes evil and outright hatred towards everyone she's supposed to love. Disgustingly narcissistic. Sociopath and a psychopath!
Don't stop. Please please please keep writing these fast paced page turners!
This was such a good drama. It played like a movie in my mind from start to finish.
Strong plot line with great twists and turns.
Who knew a pastor's wife could get more evil? Never fails to shock me. Nora is the protagonist here. She oozes evil and outright hatred towards everyone she's supposed to love. Disgustingly narcissistic. Sociopath and a psychopath!
June 9, 2022
Really interesting story
This story explores the relationships between mothers and daughters and the lives around them. For those of us who are moms, and daughters, we know how much we can hurt one another, even if we try not to. What we pass on of ourselves, light and dark. The walls we erect, when we should be loving, even if we can't seem to help it. A thoughtful, well written tale.
This story explores the relationships between mothers and daughters and the lives around them. For those of us who are moms, and daughters, we know how much we can hurt one another, even if we try not to. What we pass on of ourselves, light and dark. The walls we erect, when we should be loving, even if we can't seem to help it. A thoughtful, well written tale.
February 15, 2023
Gripping!! A story that pulls the reader in deeply!
This is the second book I've read from this author in two days!
The author is skillful at setting a hook and reeling you into her drama. There are a few errors in the timeline, and the extravagance is overdone. However, I wanted to just keep delving into the story rather than cooking, cleaning, napping!! I hope there are more stories from this author!!
This is the second book I've read from this author in two days!
The author is skillful at setting a hook and reeling you into her drama. There are a few errors in the timeline, and the extravagance is overdone. However, I wanted to just keep delving into the story rather than cooking, cleaning, napping!! I hope there are more stories from this author!!
July 8, 2023
Jean38no
I couldn’t put it down. I just read it straight through . It seemed as if some of it reminded me of “Mommy Dearest” supposedly about Joan Crawford and her adopted daughter. It appears mommy got her just dessert in the end. So it keeps you on the edge of the seat. You wonder will the maid make it through? Will the lawyer in charge of the estate? Will the ex lover? Will the child? A good read!
I couldn’t put it down. I just read it straight through . It seemed as if some of it reminded me of “Mommy Dearest” supposedly about Joan Crawford and her adopted daughter. It appears mommy got her just dessert in the end. So it keeps you on the edge of the seat. You wonder will the maid make it through? Will the lawyer in charge of the estate? Will the ex lover? Will the child? A good read!
January 16, 2024
This book follows a self centered, narcissistic, & manipulative woman by the name of Nora. Nora marries a a well known & wealthy man that is a huge leader in the church. He decides their life will be complete with a baby and Nora obliges him although she clearly doesn’t want to be a mother. Nora is an under cover alcoholic, a cheater, & terrible mother to their daughter Elizabeth. This crazy story reminded me so much of the movie Mommy Dearest & was a real page turner, I finished it in no time.
May 26, 2021
This was a well written book. I loved plot and the storyline flowed fairly smoothly. There were some points about half way through the book that was slow. Nora is a character you love to hate. Lots of twist and turns you never saw coming.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews