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Purpose
Fans of Nora Roberts and Sandra Brown will enjoy the heart wrenching story of a woman embracing a past trauma in the face of danger in award-winning author Quinn Avery’s newest standalone, In Her Father's Shadow.
Sienna Rivers’s aspirations for a normal childhood came crashing down the night they discovered her father was a serial killer. Once her mother’s illusion of a perfect family is destroyed, Sienna is sent to live with the only other “family” she knows. After a lifetime of living with her mother’s perfection and rules, Sienna (now going by “Rowan”) struggles to find a new kind of normal in the tranquil seaside town of Blue Bay.
Nightmares, paranoia, guilt, and a mistrust in men weigh her down as she navigates her way into adulthood, forging important friendships that will shape who she becomes. Once she takes the first leap toward her dream career, she’ll unknowingly seal a fate that will circle back to her father’s transgressions. When she finally allows herself to form the most important relationship of her life with a man who earns her trust, however, a new level of terror will arise…
(Formerly entitled Purpose)
Sienna Rivers’s aspirations for a normal childhood came crashing down the night they discovered her father was a serial killer. Once her mother’s illusion of a perfect family is destroyed, Sienna is sent to live with the only other “family” she knows. After a lifetime of living with her mother’s perfection and rules, Sienna (now going by “Rowan”) struggles to find a new kind of normal in the tranquil seaside town of Blue Bay.
Nightmares, paranoia, guilt, and a mistrust in men weigh her down as she navigates her way into adulthood, forging important friendships that will shape who she becomes. Once she takes the first leap toward her dream career, she’ll unknowingly seal a fate that will circle back to her father’s transgressions. When she finally allows herself to form the most important relationship of her life with a man who earns her trust, however, a new level of terror will arise…
(Formerly entitled Purpose)
Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2021
166 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Quinn Avery
16 books423 followersWith nearly 50 captivating titles spanning various genres, Quinn Avery honed her talent for crafting intricate puzzles through her smart and quirky Bexley Squires mystery series. Her contemporary suspense thrillers, often set in her beloved locales such as Mankato and Lake Shetek, are nothing short of addictive, leaving readers spellbound with their mind-spinning twists. When Quinn and her husband aren't off on adventures (often with their adult children), they enjoy the tranquility of their Minnesota acreage and lake home.
Quinn also writes romantic suspense as Jennifer Ann and children's picture books as Jennifer Naumann.
Quinn also writes romantic suspense as Jennifer Ann and children's picture books as Jennifer Naumann.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 6, 2022
Rating: 3.5/5.0
"In Her Father's Shadow" is an intriguing mixture of women's fiction, romance, and suspense.
Read full review in the 2022 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
"In Her Father's Shadow" is an intriguing mixture of women's fiction, romance, and suspense.
Read full review in the 2022 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 10, 2021
An amazing novel!
Wow!
Rarely does a title and the cover together catch my interest! But the title was awesome, and when I saw the cover I knew I had to read this book.
I expected something dark, not quite what I expected however, this book is so much more.
Rowan aka Sienna , is an amazing child who grew into a stellar woman.
I do not wish to give any of this book away, I did not read any reviews or even the explanation of the novel. I wanted to be surprised. I most certainly was, I was blown away by this woman.
Throughout the entire novel she continued from childhood to adulthood to bring me to tears, cheer her strength, and most of all,(redundant, I am aware) completely and totally amaze me!
Well written by an author, Quinn Avery, that I am excited to read more of, her words did not allow for me to put this book down from the moment I began. I regret nothing.
Absolutely stellar writing, completely awesome novel.
Highly recommend!
I loved every moment!
Karen
Wow!
Rarely does a title and the cover together catch my interest! But the title was awesome, and when I saw the cover I knew I had to read this book.
I expected something dark, not quite what I expected however, this book is so much more.
Rowan aka Sienna , is an amazing child who grew into a stellar woman.
I do not wish to give any of this book away, I did not read any reviews or even the explanation of the novel. I wanted to be surprised. I most certainly was, I was blown away by this woman.
Throughout the entire novel she continued from childhood to adulthood to bring me to tears, cheer her strength, and most of all,(redundant, I am aware) completely and totally amaze me!
Well written by an author, Quinn Avery, that I am excited to read more of, her words did not allow for me to put this book down from the moment I began. I regret nothing.
Absolutely stellar writing, completely awesome novel.
Highly recommend!
I loved every moment!
Karen
November 27, 2021
Have you downloaded this book yet?? It's still free on Kindle!
I just finished reading it and have a total book hangover. I wasn't ready for it to end. I need time to recover before I can write this review, but I can already proclaim it as a 5-star read.
Sienna discovers that her father is a serial killer at the age of 11. Her life becomes defined by her father's actions, no matter how hard she tries to run from her past. Now a successful adult, she is still plagued by her memories and nightmares. With her father's case up for appeal, someone is sending her spider lilies--her father's crime scene signature--to taunt her. No matter how far she travels, she can't escape her father's shadow. When fate throws her and her soulmate together time and again, their complicated lives might just keep them apart.
Download this book right now. And while you're at it, Quinn Avery's book The Dead Girl's Stilettos is also currently free!
In Her Father's Shadow
The Dead Girl's Stilettos (Bexley Squires, #1)
#affiliatelink
I just finished reading it and have a total book hangover. I wasn't ready for it to end. I need time to recover before I can write this review, but I can already proclaim it as a 5-star read.
Sienna discovers that her father is a serial killer at the age of 11. Her life becomes defined by her father's actions, no matter how hard she tries to run from her past. Now a successful adult, she is still plagued by her memories and nightmares. With her father's case up for appeal, someone is sending her spider lilies--her father's crime scene signature--to taunt her. No matter how far she travels, she can't escape her father's shadow. When fate throws her and her soulmate together time and again, their complicated lives might just keep them apart.
Download this book right now. And while you're at it, Quinn Avery's book The Dead Girl's Stilettos is also currently free!
In Her Father's Shadow
The Dead Girl's Stilettos (Bexley Squires, #1)
#affiliatelink
November 19, 2021
Fantastic
I literally could not stop reading this book. Completed it on the same day I began reading it. It gripped me and held my attention from beginning to end. Actually, I was a bit distressed when I realized that I had read the last page. I want more!!! Well done Quinn Avery.
I literally could not stop reading this book. Completed it on the same day I began reading it. It gripped me and held my attention from beginning to end. Actually, I was a bit distressed when I realized that I had read the last page. I want more!!! Well done Quinn Avery.
January 21, 2024
Starting from the point of Sienna realizing her father is a serial killer and ending once she finds true happiness, this book follows her life as she adjusts to life as a serial killers daughter.
December 17, 2021
I've just finished reading In Her Father's Shadow and I can't stop thinking about it. It's the type of book that stays with the reader long after it's finished for all the right reasons! So what's it about?
Sienna Rivers leads a charmed (if somewhat restricted life) until one fateful evening when she learns that her father is a serial killer and her life is changed forever. The book follows Sienna as she assumes a new identity as Rowan Brooks and begins to build a new life for herself. But someone is waiting in the shadows and they're intent on destroying her happiness . . .
In Her Father's Shadow is unlike anything I've ever read and I couldn't put it down. It was a fascinating character study of Rowan/Sienna and how her tragic past shaped her personality and fuelled her insecurities. Rowan is a complex character. Having been deceived by her father, abandoned by her mother and raised as a pageant queen to hide her true feelings behind a calm and cheerful facade, she struggles to trust anyone and battles with depression and her body image. Despite this, her strength of character is admirable as she manages to build a new life, graduate school and college and forge meaningful relationships with her inner circle.
The author does a brilliant job of handling these topics sensitively and Rowan is a compassionate, relatable character that I really felt for. Rowan's love interest Riggs was everything! He was supportive, charming, funny and the emotional rock that Rowan needed. He always looked after her, even when battling his own demons and he saw straight through her facade to the girl beneath.
Woven throughout the story is a chilling and twisty sub plot that comes to a nail biting climax at the end of the book. I'll admit that this kept me guessing and I didn't see the twist coming.
In Her Father's Shadow is a beautiful tale of second chances, friendship and finding love when you least expect it. I'd recommend it to all romance fans.
Sienna Rivers leads a charmed (if somewhat restricted life) until one fateful evening when she learns that her father is a serial killer and her life is changed forever. The book follows Sienna as she assumes a new identity as Rowan Brooks and begins to build a new life for herself. But someone is waiting in the shadows and they're intent on destroying her happiness . . .
In Her Father's Shadow is unlike anything I've ever read and I couldn't put it down. It was a fascinating character study of Rowan/Sienna and how her tragic past shaped her personality and fuelled her insecurities. Rowan is a complex character. Having been deceived by her father, abandoned by her mother and raised as a pageant queen to hide her true feelings behind a calm and cheerful facade, she struggles to trust anyone and battles with depression and her body image. Despite this, her strength of character is admirable as she manages to build a new life, graduate school and college and forge meaningful relationships with her inner circle.
The author does a brilliant job of handling these topics sensitively and Rowan is a compassionate, relatable character that I really felt for. Rowan's love interest Riggs was everything! He was supportive, charming, funny and the emotional rock that Rowan needed. He always looked after her, even when battling his own demons and he saw straight through her facade to the girl beneath.
Woven throughout the story is a chilling and twisty sub plot that comes to a nail biting climax at the end of the book. I'll admit that this kept me guessing and I didn't see the twist coming.
In Her Father's Shadow is a beautiful tale of second chances, friendship and finding love when you least expect it. I'd recommend it to all romance fans.
November 13, 2021
Nothing happens!
I really did not like this book. I rarely leave reviews, and almost never negative ones, but I just finished it and I’m… annoyed. Perhaps it’s because it was presented as a suspense novel, but really it’s a drawn-out romance novel with an annoying "heroine" and some very minor threats in the form of flowers, at which point our stalwart heroine nearly faints, falls apart, and starves herself. Again. And again.
I very nearly put it down, something I rarely do, but for whatever reason kept going, probably in the mistaken belief that surely SOMETHING must eventually happen. Aside from the near total lack of any credible threats that would’ve created suspense and tension, there were plot points that didn’t make any sense. The incredibly handsome, smart, and rich hero is engaged to a woman he doesn’t love, but he can’t leave her because of pre-pre-nuptial agreement (that covers before the wedding) HE wrote, and he loses ALL his money if he breaks the engagement? Yeah, yeah, there’s a bit about a paragraph her father added, but have you ever heard of a wealthy man signing a prenuptial agreement that not only bankrupts him, but that HE initiated?
To me it was just very weak tea, without any sense of danger or a feeling of building threat, that left me annoyed I’d waded through a rather pedestrian romance with a simpering heroine to get to a 3 or 4 page confrontation with the bad guy.
I really did not like this book. I rarely leave reviews, and almost never negative ones, but I just finished it and I’m… annoyed. Perhaps it’s because it was presented as a suspense novel, but really it’s a drawn-out romance novel with an annoying "heroine" and some very minor threats in the form of flowers, at which point our stalwart heroine nearly faints, falls apart, and starves herself. Again. And again.
I very nearly put it down, something I rarely do, but for whatever reason kept going, probably in the mistaken belief that surely SOMETHING must eventually happen. Aside from the near total lack of any credible threats that would’ve created suspense and tension, there were plot points that didn’t make any sense. The incredibly handsome, smart, and rich hero is engaged to a woman he doesn’t love, but he can’t leave her because of pre-pre-nuptial agreement (that covers before the wedding) HE wrote, and he loses ALL his money if he breaks the engagement? Yeah, yeah, there’s a bit about a paragraph her father added, but have you ever heard of a wealthy man signing a prenuptial agreement that not only bankrupts him, but that HE initiated?
To me it was just very weak tea, without any sense of danger or a feeling of building threat, that left me annoyed I’d waded through a rather pedestrian romance with a simpering heroine to get to a 3 or 4 page confrontation with the bad guy.
December 4, 2021
Sienna Rivers grew up never wanting for anything. She adores her father and tolerates her controlling mother. One night her father comes home bleeding, and the world as she knows it explodes. It's Sienna who calls 911 when her parents are fighting, and who hands the police the man they were hunting that night. After that she moves away to live with her "aunt," changes her name to Rowan and starts a new life. Unfortunately she can't run from her previous life, but she has the right people surrounding her to help. However someone is sending Sienna a message, and even though she has changed her name and looks they know who she is, and they want her to pay for her fathers sins.
This book! Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down! It's 446 pages, but such a quick read. Obviously the fact that Sienna's father is a serial killer caught my attention, but even more so is her story as the daughter. The struggle is real, especially with men. I thought I had figured out who was tormenting her, but I was wrong. This book had me turning the pages so fast that I finished it in less than 8 hours! It's that good!
If you're looking for a quick, suspenseful read then look no further because it's available now! Thank you Author Quinn Avery for sending this one my way!
Book Rating: 4.5/5
Wine Pairing: Ménage à Trois Silk
This book! Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down! It's 446 pages, but such a quick read. Obviously the fact that Sienna's father is a serial killer caught my attention, but even more so is her story as the daughter. The struggle is real, especially with men. I thought I had figured out who was tormenting her, but I was wrong. This book had me turning the pages so fast that I finished it in less than 8 hours! It's that good!
If you're looking for a quick, suspenseful read then look no further because it's available now! Thank you Author Quinn Avery for sending this one my way!
Book Rating: 4.5/5
Wine Pairing: Ménage à Trois Silk
November 26, 2021
Serial killer’s daughter
Sienna is 11, a lovely, petted little pageant queen, the night her father comes home with a bullet in him. What she overhears scares her and makes her call the police. Her mother breaks down completely and Sienna ends up with the woman she calls Aunt Taylor, living with her through her teen years. She changes her name to Rowan Brooks, dyes her hair brown, and does all she can to erase her pst as the daughter of a man that she has learned is a serial killer of women. When she is in college, a mistaken submission of her account of her early life instead of the paper she meant to submit in a creative writing class leads to her eventually writing a novel based on her experiences. Then someone begins sending her red spider lilies, the very flowers her father left on his victims. Who is doing this, and what does it mean?
This is a good story and held my interest. I wish the writer had done more character development, though. Taylor, Rowan/Sienna, and especially Riggs deserve to be more than two-dimensional. Richer characterization would have earned this book five stars. As it is, I’m left wondering who the characters really are.
Sienna is 11, a lovely, petted little pageant queen, the night her father comes home with a bullet in him. What she overhears scares her and makes her call the police. Her mother breaks down completely and Sienna ends up with the woman she calls Aunt Taylor, living with her through her teen years. She changes her name to Rowan Brooks, dyes her hair brown, and does all she can to erase her pst as the daughter of a man that she has learned is a serial killer of women. When she is in college, a mistaken submission of her account of her early life instead of the paper she meant to submit in a creative writing class leads to her eventually writing a novel based on her experiences. Then someone begins sending her red spider lilies, the very flowers her father left on his victims. Who is doing this, and what does it mean?
This is a good story and held my interest. I wish the writer had done more character development, though. Taylor, Rowan/Sienna, and especially Riggs deserve to be more than two-dimensional. Richer characterization would have earned this book five stars. As it is, I’m left wondering who the characters really are.
December 6, 2021
Intense and gripping
I thought this was an intense subject, where the daughter discovers her father is a serial killer. I usually avoid such subjects but picked it up for whatever reason. I must say I did find it gripping and could not put it down until I finished it later in the night!
I noted a few mistakes in the plot - the author mentions the heroines age differently at different places. Initially it’s described that her father was arrested when she was 11. Later the author mentions her thinking about how she was just an year older than an 8 year old boy, when her fathers true colour became known. Also, the fact that Rohan was allowed to go cross country all by herself, to visit her fathers victims graves was quite unbelievable. Which guardian agrees to it, when she could easily be ambushed?? About Riggs prenup - it was a little silly, where he would lose everything if his engagement is broken!
But I just ignored these minor things and went ahead reading. Overall I would say it’s a good book and recommend it!
I thought this was an intense subject, where the daughter discovers her father is a serial killer. I usually avoid such subjects but picked it up for whatever reason. I must say I did find it gripping and could not put it down until I finished it later in the night!
I noted a few mistakes in the plot - the author mentions the heroines age differently at different places. Initially it’s described that her father was arrested when she was 11. Later the author mentions her thinking about how she was just an year older than an 8 year old boy, when her fathers true colour became known. Also, the fact that Rohan was allowed to go cross country all by herself, to visit her fathers victims graves was quite unbelievable. Which guardian agrees to it, when she could easily be ambushed?? About Riggs prenup - it was a little silly, where he would lose everything if his engagement is broken!
But I just ignored these minor things and went ahead reading. Overall I would say it’s a good book and recommend it!
December 3, 2021
Plot of how becoming rich
An 11 year old girl whose father is a serial killer grew up as rich and happy as one can imagine. No doubt the girl has suffered mentally after witnessing her father’s arrest. But this book constructed as how the girl was cared for by her loved ones, no hard daily chores. There is a roof covering her head. There is food on the table. She has close friends protecting her. She didn’t being bullied at school. Every month her rich grand parent sent money. When she reached college age, the rich grand parent paid her tuition. She met this rich young man and happily after. What story did she have to write a book about being a killer’s daughter? After all most people around her is rich with money. If anyone who is truly suffered is her mother and “Koby”.
An 11 year old girl whose father is a serial killer grew up as rich and happy as one can imagine. No doubt the girl has suffered mentally after witnessing her father’s arrest. But this book constructed as how the girl was cared for by her loved ones, no hard daily chores. There is a roof covering her head. There is food on the table. She has close friends protecting her. She didn’t being bullied at school. Every month her rich grand parent sent money. When she reached college age, the rich grand parent paid her tuition. She met this rich young man and happily after. What story did she have to write a book about being a killer’s daughter? After all most people around her is rich with money. If anyone who is truly suffered is her mother and “Koby”.
November 14, 2021
A really interesting story. The author draws you in and plants you right in the middle of the story. Can't imagine what it would feel like to find out your Dad is not the person you thought he was. The story is tense, real emotions, survival and yes romance. I especially liked the "special" gift Riggs gives her at the end-PERFECT.
It's so true to life, makes you wonder if the author knows someone who lived through this horror.
My 1st book with this author, but not my last. Very well written.
It's so true to life, makes you wonder if the author knows someone who lived through this horror.
My 1st book with this author, but not my last. Very well written.
November 6, 2021
Author Quinn Avery's best yet! Siena's world crumbles when she essentially loses both parents at a young age. The secret she keeps to protect herself includes an identity change and she must carefully select the friends who, with her precious aunt, Taylor, help to keep her safe from the serial killer who most certainly has her on his short list for next victim. Author Quinn Avery's writing on par with the best and this book is hard to set down!
November 12, 2023
This book was absolutely wonderful. I cannot wait to read more of Avery's books. Her character development is great, especially with this story starting with the main character as an 11 year old and following the story as she becomes an adult.
I met the author at a book fair, and she told me she writes thriller romance, and I was like "what the heck is that?" I love thrillers, but am not big into romance, but this was great
I met the author at a book fair, and she told me she writes thriller romance, and I was like "what the heck is that?" I love thrillers, but am not big into romance, but this was great
November 7, 2021
Quinn Avery took my love of serial killers and romance and made a beautiful baby!! Rowan is an amazing character and you fall in love with her right away. Riggs is a gentle, sexy hero and the chemistry is off the hook when these two get together. An awesome roller coaster ride that you will love!!
November 11, 2021
In her father's shadow.
Wow, what an awesome book. This is the first time I've read a book by Quinn Avery. I couldn't put it down. It's a great thriller. Now, I'm on to the next book
Wow, what an awesome book. This is the first time I've read a book by Quinn Avery. I couldn't put it down. It's a great thriller. Now, I'm on to the next book
November 16, 2021
Murder, Mystery and Romance at its Best!
Wow! Avery writes real life like people and scenes with twists and turns few, if any, fellow readers could possibly predict! One of the most attention gripping books I've ever read!
Wow! Avery writes real life like people and scenes with twists and turns few, if any, fellow readers could possibly predict! One of the most attention gripping books I've ever read!
December 1, 2021
Yes ma'am
Yes ma'am that was a good book and storyline. I really needed something to shavings up a little bit due to the last few books I had started to read being a little lackluster I am hoping for many great things from the series and this author.
Yes ma'am that was a good book and storyline. I really needed something to shavings up a little bit due to the last few books I had started to read being a little lackluster I am hoping for many great things from the series and this author.
December 12, 2021
The first sentence of this book is what made me start reading it.
“Sienna Rivers was eleven when both her hopes for a normal childhood and her fathers career as a serial killer came to an abrupt end.”
I had to read it to find out what happened! It has a little bit of romance in it, well developed characters, and some fun surprises. It was hard to put down!
“Sienna Rivers was eleven when both her hopes for a normal childhood and her fathers career as a serial killer came to an abrupt end.”
I had to read it to find out what happened! It has a little bit of romance in it, well developed characters, and some fun surprises. It was hard to put down!
Want to read
November 12, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/12/2021)! 🎁
December 1, 2021
Excellent new to me author. Wow. You just never think about it from the other end Excellent story telling.
Read
December 2, 2021Well written. The storyline was nicely pulled together.
December 26, 2021
3.5 stars
January 8, 2022
Great crime drama
A great read. Well written story! Great characters! Loved Rowan and Riggs! Plot moved at a nice pace. Will definitely read more from this author!
A great read. Well written story! Great characters! Loved Rowan and Riggs! Plot moved at a nice pace. Will definitely read more from this author!
February 18, 2022
Loved it
It is a great read! Kept me reading hard to put down. Enough suspense trying to figure out who was the villain.
It is a great read! Kept me reading hard to put down. Enough suspense trying to figure out who was the villain.
September 6, 2022
This was a really good book. I loved how Rowan was able to find someone who reminded her there are still good men in the world. She was put through so much but she overcame it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2022
Good rrad
This was a pretty good book. I had a hard time putting it down once I started. Just typing enough words noe to be allowed to submit post
This was a pretty good book. I had a hard time putting it down once I started. Just typing enough words noe to be allowed to submit post
May 19, 2023
2.5⭐️
November 19, 2023
Great love story
This story kept you engaged until the end. Lots of drama and intrigue. Loved the unconditional love between Riggs and Rowan. A great read!
This story kept you engaged until the end. Lots of drama and intrigue. Loved the unconditional love between Riggs and Rowan. A great read!
November 22, 2023
We’ll written, takes main character through unbelievable drama, trauma, and her struggle to find her purpose and strength to create a life for hers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews