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Why She Left
When I open the door and see her, my mind starts churning. Why are they here? What do they want? And why did my daughter leave in the first place? Am I finally, after all of these years, going to find out? I take a deep breath and usher them in…
Ruth has spent every day of the last fifteen years wondering why her daughter Isobel left. Walking around the school to which she has given her life, every child she sees reminds her of her family’s bright future which vanished in an instant.
So when Ruth opens the door to find Isobel and a teenage grandson she never knew existed, she feels a rush of relief. Despite the years of hurt she never stopped loving Isobel and wants to help rebuild her life. Enrolling her grandson at the school, Ruth wants to make sure they stay for good.
Isobel has spent her life running from a painful secret. A secret which could have destroyed her family. Now, as she flees a bad relationship, she knows that her childhood home is the only place where she can be safe.
But as Isobel looks at her son in his crisp new uniform, she is taken straight back to the reason she ran all those years ago. Soon it becomes clear that she is not the only one tormented by the past. Someone is prepared to destroy everything Ruth and Isobel hold dear. Can Isobel confront her darkest secret before it is too late?
From the bestselling author of Who We Were Before comes a powerful and emotional page-turner about devastating family secrets. Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, Emily Bleeker and Imogen Clark.
Ruth has spent every day of the last fifteen years wondering why her daughter Isobel left. Walking around the school to which she has given her life, every child she sees reminds her of her family’s bright future which vanished in an instant.
So when Ruth opens the door to find Isobel and a teenage grandson she never knew existed, she feels a rush of relief. Despite the years of hurt she never stopped loving Isobel and wants to help rebuild her life. Enrolling her grandson at the school, Ruth wants to make sure they stay for good.
Isobel has spent her life running from a painful secret. A secret which could have destroyed her family. Now, as she flees a bad relationship, she knows that her childhood home is the only place where she can be safe.
But as Isobel looks at her son in his crisp new uniform, she is taken straight back to the reason she ran all those years ago. Soon it becomes clear that she is not the only one tormented by the past. Someone is prepared to destroy everything Ruth and Isobel hold dear. Can Isobel confront her darkest secret before it is too late?
From the bestselling author of Who We Were Before comes a powerful and emotional page-turner about devastating family secrets. Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, Emily Bleeker and Imogen Clark.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2021
516 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
Leah Mercer
21 books249 followersLeah can't remember a time when she didn't love writing. From creating fake newspapers to writing letters to the editor, scribbling something was always on the agenda. Even the rejections she received after completing her first novel at age 13 didn't dent her enthusiasm.
So it makes sense, then, that she pursued a career in anything but writing. Public relations, teaching, recruitment, editing medical journals -- even a stint painting houses -- until she finally succumbed once more to the lure of the blank page.
When she's not being jumped on by her young son or burning supper while thinking of plot-lines, Leah can be found furiously tapping away on her laptop, trying not to check Twitter or Facebook.
Leah also writes romantic comedies under the name Talli Roland.
So it makes sense, then, that she pursued a career in anything but writing. Public relations, teaching, recruitment, editing medical journals -- even a stint painting houses -- until she finally succumbed once more to the lure of the blank page.
When she's not being jumped on by her young son or burning supper while thinking of plot-lines, Leah can be found furiously tapping away on her laptop, trying not to check Twitter or Facebook.
Leah also writes romantic comedies under the name Talli Roland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
December 22, 2022
When Isobel shows up on her mother’s doorstep with her fifteen-year-old son, Isaac, Ruth is shocked. She has not seen her daughter in fifteen years, she has no idea why she left or what happened in the years in between. Right now, she just feels relief, and welcomes them inside. She quickly makers arrangements for her grandson to go to her school.
Isobel would rather be elsewhere, but she is fleeing an abusive relationship and has nowhere else to turn. Soon Isaac is attending school and she is working there, having reunited with both her mother and sister.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that something bad happened to Isobel at the school. When something bad happens to her son, she won’t stop until she knows what happened to Isaac.
This is a domestic drama which entertained, and I enjoyed the narration. This book has a nice pace and make a good read with its twists and turns. I found this book to be enjoyable, but it failed to completely wow me. Some are enjoying it more than I did, and I encourage you to read their reviews as well.
Thank you to Bookouture audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Isobel would rather be elsewhere, but she is fleeing an abusive relationship and has nowhere else to turn. Soon Isaac is attending school and she is working there, having reunited with both her mother and sister.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that something bad happened to Isobel at the school. When something bad happens to her son, she won’t stop until she knows what happened to Isaac.
This is a domestic drama which entertained, and I enjoyed the narration. This book has a nice pace and make a good read with its twists and turns. I found this book to be enjoyable, but it failed to completely wow me. Some are enjoying it more than I did, and I encourage you to read their reviews as well.
Thank you to Bookouture audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
November 9, 2021
I found this domestic drama to be fairly predictable.
It's the story of Isobel, who left home fifteen years before, and has now returned to her mother Ruth's doorstep with her teen son Isaac in tow, having escaped from an abusive relationship. Ruth, whose lifetime loyalty has been to the school she runs that has been passed through the generations, is thrilled that Isobel has returned and can't wait to bring her back into the fold and get to know her grandson. Ruth has always wondered why Isobel left, and hopes that she will eventually find out. Isobel, on the other hand, went through some awful experiences and isn't ready to deal with them even all of these years later. Told from the alternating perspectives of Ruth and Isobel, we learn what each one is hiding.
It was fairly easy for me to figure out what had happened to Isobel, and while I started off disliking Ruth I pretty much hated her throughout the entire book. There's an attempt to redeem her at the end, but I didn't buy it. There are some twists in the book, a couple that were satisfying that I didn't predict, but taken as a whole the book is just an okay read for me. There wasn't anything very unique or original and there were a couple of days when I set it aside and didn't spend much time listening.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrators did a decent job with voicing Ruth and Isobel. I didn't find that two narrators were necessary because their voices weren't that distinct from each other. Once the book got going I was drawn to listen to it more to find out what was going to happen, but the book is a bit of a slow starter and it took a bit for the action to begin.
Overall, this is a decent read as a domestic drama with a bit of suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
It's the story of Isobel, who left home fifteen years before, and has now returned to her mother Ruth's doorstep with her teen son Isaac in tow, having escaped from an abusive relationship. Ruth, whose lifetime loyalty has been to the school she runs that has been passed through the generations, is thrilled that Isobel has returned and can't wait to bring her back into the fold and get to know her grandson. Ruth has always wondered why Isobel left, and hopes that she will eventually find out. Isobel, on the other hand, went through some awful experiences and isn't ready to deal with them even all of these years later. Told from the alternating perspectives of Ruth and Isobel, we learn what each one is hiding.
It was fairly easy for me to figure out what had happened to Isobel, and while I started off disliking Ruth I pretty much hated her throughout the entire book. There's an attempt to redeem her at the end, but I didn't buy it. There are some twists in the book, a couple that were satisfying that I didn't predict, but taken as a whole the book is just an okay read for me. There wasn't anything very unique or original and there were a couple of days when I set it aside and didn't spend much time listening.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrators did a decent job with voicing Ruth and Isobel. I didn't find that two narrators were necessary because their voices weren't that distinct from each other. Once the book got going I was drawn to listen to it more to find out what was going to happen, but the book is a bit of a slow starter and it took a bit for the action to begin.
Overall, this is a decent read as a domestic drama with a bit of suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
December 28, 2021
EXCERPT: Isobel slumped in a chair in the corner of the hospital ward, her hand clutching Isaac's. Thankfully, his face had a bit more colour now. He'd even opened the one eye he could for a second, then sunk back to sleep. The doctor had given him an alarming number of painkillers and sedatives, but he'd said Isaac should be all right....despite a potential eye haemorrhage and two broken ribs, all caused by what the medic had termed 'blunt force trauma.' For one heart-stopping moment they thought that his spleen may have ruptured, but scans had shown only a bruised kidney and no internal bleeding. He'd be in pain for weeks, and there could be long term complications that she'd need to watch out for. But in time, he should recover.
She'd finally been able to breathe again until she remembered the paramedics words that this wasn't an accident.....that someone had done this to him. Then anger surged through her so strongly it almost lifted her off the chair.
Who would do this? And why? To beat a boy so badly it had to be someone full of venom. Someone violent. Someone with a reason to target him. Someone....she shivered, her mind flashing back to the man on the corner. To the brick through the window; to the constant feeling she was being watched.
ABOUT 'WHY SHE LEFT': Ruth has spent every day of the last fifteen years wondering why her daughter Isobel left. Walking around the school to which she has given her life, every child she sees reminds her of her family’s bright future which vanished in an instant.
So when Ruth opens the door to find Isobel and a teenage grandson she never knew existed, she feels a rush of relief. Despite the years of hurt she never stopped loving Isobel and wants to help rebuild her life. Enrolling her grandson at the school, Ruth wants to make sure they stay for good.
Isobel has spent her life running from a painful secret. A secret which could have destroyed her family. Now, as she flees a bad relationship, she knows that her childhood home is the only place where she can be safe.
But as Isobel looks at her son in his crisp new uniform, she is taken straight back to the reason she ran all those years ago. Soon it becomes clear that she is not the only one tormented by the past. Someone is prepared to destroy everything Ruth and Isobel hold dear. Can Isobel confront her darkest secret before it is too late?
MY THOUGHTS: I found Why She Left to be quite a depressing read, and I am left feeling underwhelmed and disappointed, something I am not familiar with when reading Leah Mercer's books.
I didn't find the plot at all suspenseful, mainly because it seemed to go over the same ground repeatedly. The characters, with the exception of Isaac, are all self-obsessed, angst fueled individuals, intent on holding on to what they have amassed, perpetrating their various grudges, and concealing their secrets, rather than doing anything constructive about their problems or trying to repair their relationships. And believe me, they do have problems. This is a shattered family, torn apart by the very things that they are trying to hold on to, and yet still they persist. Status and reputation is everything. The characters endless internal thoughts were largely so negative that I was glad to finally close the cover on this.
There are no dramatic revelations, no startling surprises, no unexpected twists, and definitely no levity. Why She Left is a pretty predictable family drama, its only redemption being the ending.
Reading is a personal and subjective experience, and what appeals to one may not please another. So if you enjoyed the excerpt from Why She Left, and the plot outline appeals, please do go ahead, check out some of the more positive reviews, and read it. Just because this wasn't for me, doesn't mean that you won't enjoy it.
⭐⭐.3
#WhySheLeft #NetGalley
I: @leahmercerauthor @bookouture
T: @LeahMercerBooks @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama
THE AUTHOR: Leah can't remember a time when she didn't love writing. From creating fake newspapers to writing letters to the editor, scribbling something was always on the agenda. Even the rejections she received after completing her first novel at age 13 didn't dent her enthusiasm.
So it makes sense, then, that she pursued a career in anything but writing. Public relations, teaching, recruitment, editing medical journals -- even a stint painting houses -- until she finally succumbed once more to the lure of the blank page.
When she's not being jumped on by her young son or burning supper while thinking of plot-lines, Leah can be found furiously tapping away on her laptop. Leah also writes romantic comedies under the name Talli Roland.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing both a digital and audio ARC of Why She Left written by Leah Mercer, narrated by Mira Dovreni, for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
She'd finally been able to breathe again until she remembered the paramedics words that this wasn't an accident.....that someone had done this to him. Then anger surged through her so strongly it almost lifted her off the chair.
Who would do this? And why? To beat a boy so badly it had to be someone full of venom. Someone violent. Someone with a reason to target him. Someone....she shivered, her mind flashing back to the man on the corner. To the brick through the window; to the constant feeling she was being watched.
ABOUT 'WHY SHE LEFT': Ruth has spent every day of the last fifteen years wondering why her daughter Isobel left. Walking around the school to which she has given her life, every child she sees reminds her of her family’s bright future which vanished in an instant.
So when Ruth opens the door to find Isobel and a teenage grandson she never knew existed, she feels a rush of relief. Despite the years of hurt she never stopped loving Isobel and wants to help rebuild her life. Enrolling her grandson at the school, Ruth wants to make sure they stay for good.
Isobel has spent her life running from a painful secret. A secret which could have destroyed her family. Now, as she flees a bad relationship, she knows that her childhood home is the only place where she can be safe.
But as Isobel looks at her son in his crisp new uniform, she is taken straight back to the reason she ran all those years ago. Soon it becomes clear that she is not the only one tormented by the past. Someone is prepared to destroy everything Ruth and Isobel hold dear. Can Isobel confront her darkest secret before it is too late?
MY THOUGHTS: I found Why She Left to be quite a depressing read, and I am left feeling underwhelmed and disappointed, something I am not familiar with when reading Leah Mercer's books.
I didn't find the plot at all suspenseful, mainly because it seemed to go over the same ground repeatedly. The characters, with the exception of Isaac, are all self-obsessed, angst fueled individuals, intent on holding on to what they have amassed, perpetrating their various grudges, and concealing their secrets, rather than doing anything constructive about their problems or trying to repair their relationships. And believe me, they do have problems. This is a shattered family, torn apart by the very things that they are trying to hold on to, and yet still they persist. Status and reputation is everything. The characters endless internal thoughts were largely so negative that I was glad to finally close the cover on this.
There are no dramatic revelations, no startling surprises, no unexpected twists, and definitely no levity. Why She Left is a pretty predictable family drama, its only redemption being the ending.
Reading is a personal and subjective experience, and what appeals to one may not please another. So if you enjoyed the excerpt from Why She Left, and the plot outline appeals, please do go ahead, check out some of the more positive reviews, and read it. Just because this wasn't for me, doesn't mean that you won't enjoy it.
⭐⭐.3
#WhySheLeft #NetGalley
I: @leahmercerauthor @bookouture
T: @LeahMercerBooks @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama
THE AUTHOR: Leah can't remember a time when she didn't love writing. From creating fake newspapers to writing letters to the editor, scribbling something was always on the agenda. Even the rejections she received after completing her first novel at age 13 didn't dent her enthusiasm.
So it makes sense, then, that she pursued a career in anything but writing. Public relations, teaching, recruitment, editing medical journals -- even a stint painting houses -- until she finally succumbed once more to the lure of the blank page.
When she's not being jumped on by her young son or burning supper while thinking of plot-lines, Leah can be found furiously tapping away on her laptop. Leah also writes romantic comedies under the name Talli Roland.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing both a digital and audio ARC of Why She Left written by Leah Mercer, narrated by Mira Dovreni, for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
October 21, 2021
Isobel returns home to Burlington Square with her teenage son Isaac in tow, her past and present on a collision course of quite some magnitude. Why did she leave so suddenly all those years ago? This remains a mystery to her mother Ruth, the headmistress of the prestigious Burlington Square School. She contemplates the possible reasons and reflects on the close relationship they’d shared prior to Isobel leaving so abruptly.
This book gets better and better the deeper you go into the plot. The school is central to the Ruth’s character and actions, it’s at the epicentre of everything as it looms over the square like an imposing and demanding character in its own right. Both Isobel and her older sister Cecily have been shaped by the school, it explains their personalities and actions just as it does with Ruth. The characterisation is good and the fluctuating dynamics between Ruth, Isobel and Cecily are fascinating, it’s often tense but softened by the presence of lovely Isaac. There are a number of unsettling events and it’s interesting watching how things improve or take a step backwards because of them. There’s so much pain that needs expunging as it’s very damaging and a lot of anger and at times this feels as if it’s haunting them. Lurking at the heart of much of what occurs is maternal instinct or lack thereof. There are some shocking secrets that have to be exposed and events in the present force the past to become unlocked and the shackles of trauma broken. The plot becomes almost Machiavellian at times as we witness the lengths and depths that some protagonists will go to in order to save something and get what that want. It builds really well towards the conclusion and we see how seriously messed up some characters are. I like the end, it’s not a perfect solution but it fits well.
Overall, this is an enjoyable easy read especially once it ‘warms up’ which it most certainly does!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
This book gets better and better the deeper you go into the plot. The school is central to the Ruth’s character and actions, it’s at the epicentre of everything as it looms over the square like an imposing and demanding character in its own right. Both Isobel and her older sister Cecily have been shaped by the school, it explains their personalities and actions just as it does with Ruth. The characterisation is good and the fluctuating dynamics between Ruth, Isobel and Cecily are fascinating, it’s often tense but softened by the presence of lovely Isaac. There are a number of unsettling events and it’s interesting watching how things improve or take a step backwards because of them. There’s so much pain that needs expunging as it’s very damaging and a lot of anger and at times this feels as if it’s haunting them. Lurking at the heart of much of what occurs is maternal instinct or lack thereof. There are some shocking secrets that have to be exposed and events in the present force the past to become unlocked and the shackles of trauma broken. The plot becomes almost Machiavellian at times as we witness the lengths and depths that some protagonists will go to in order to save something and get what that want. It builds really well towards the conclusion and we see how seriously messed up some characters are. I like the end, it’s not a perfect solution but it fits well.
Overall, this is an enjoyable easy read especially once it ‘warms up’ which it most certainly does!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
November 20, 2021
This turned out to be a decent read. I didn't find it particularly thrilling or really even surprising, but it was entertaining enough and I was interested in reading to the end to see how it would turn out. Unfortunately, the end fell a little flat for me. There were some unbelievable bits, few characters to wonder about, and a too tidy ending.
I always find average, 3 star books the most difficult to review. It was good, but not great. It probably won't be one that I will jump to recommend to people, but I wouldn't steer them away from it either. I did find the story easy to read and engaging, even if it was a bit predictable, partially due to the lack of characters. I enjoyed it well enough to read more of Mercer's work in the future.
I listened to the audio version narrated by Mira Dovreni and she did an excellent job. I felt that she was able to alter her voice realistically to make each of the characters come alive and her narration added to my immersion in the story. I would recommend the audio version.
#WhySheLeft #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I always find average, 3 star books the most difficult to review. It was good, but not great. It probably won't be one that I will jump to recommend to people, but I wouldn't steer them away from it either. I did find the story easy to read and engaging, even if it was a bit predictable, partially due to the lack of characters. I enjoyed it well enough to read more of Mercer's work in the future.
I listened to the audio version narrated by Mira Dovreni and she did an excellent job. I felt that she was able to alter her voice realistically to make each of the characters come alive and her narration added to my immersion in the story. I would recommend the audio version.
#WhySheLeft #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 10, 2022
Why She Left by Leah Mercer is a mystery/thriller novel. The story in Why She Left is one that is told by changing the point of view between the two main characters in each chapter with a bit of flashing back to past events.
When Isobel was sixteen she left her home with a huge secret weighing her down but she was determined to make a life on her own. Isobel now has no other choice but to return to her mother’s home as she needs to get herself and son to safety from an abusive relationship.
Ruth never knew why her daughter Isobel left her when she was sixteen but when she opens the door to her daughter and a grandson she didn’t know she had she can’t turn them away. Ruth is excited to welcome her family back not only to her home but to the private school her family begun generations ago but she doesn’t know the school is the place in Isobel’s nightmares.
Why She Left is the first book I’ve read by Leah Mercer and I was glad to find that her writing flowed well between the characters and gained my interest. The story is a solid mystery/thriller plot but being a reader of so many books the twists and turns weren’t not a surprise and dare I say a bit predictable to me. Despite figuring out the whos and whys I did find this one a decent read that I would rate at three and a half stars and be interested in reading this author again.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
When Isobel was sixteen she left her home with a huge secret weighing her down but she was determined to make a life on her own. Isobel now has no other choice but to return to her mother’s home as she needs to get herself and son to safety from an abusive relationship.
Ruth never knew why her daughter Isobel left her when she was sixteen but when she opens the door to her daughter and a grandson she didn’t know she had she can’t turn them away. Ruth is excited to welcome her family back not only to her home but to the private school her family begun generations ago but she doesn’t know the school is the place in Isobel’s nightmares.
Why She Left is the first book I’ve read by Leah Mercer and I was glad to find that her writing flowed well between the characters and gained my interest. The story is a solid mystery/thriller plot but being a reader of so many books the twists and turns weren’t not a surprise and dare I say a bit predictable to me. Despite figuring out the whos and whys I did find this one a decent read that I would rate at three and a half stars and be interested in reading this author again.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 5, 2021
Honestly, I don’t know what to feel about this book. The premise is interesting, I was really excited to be introduced to the characters and to know more about the conflicted relationship between Ruth and Isobel. I wanted to know why Isobel left her home, her mother, everything, only to come back 15 years later.
But, no matter how intriguing the plot or how superb the writing is — I wasn’t into it. I felt too far away from the heart of the story. The revelations were obvious and underwhelming. It failed to reach my certain amount of satisfaction. Like, I was only 60 pages in and I wanted it to end already. I’ll read more books from this author, hopefully, I’ll find her other works more delightful than this one.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
But, no matter how intriguing the plot or how superb the writing is — I wasn’t into it. I felt too far away from the heart of the story. The revelations were obvious and underwhelming. It failed to reach my certain amount of satisfaction. Like, I was only 60 pages in and I wanted it to end already. I’ll read more books from this author, hopefully, I’ll find her other works more delightful than this one.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
December 7, 2021
Ruth has spent every day of the last fifteen years wondering why her daughter Isobel left. Walking around the school to which she has given her life, every child she sees reminds her of her family's bright future which vanished in an instant. So when Ruth opens the door to find Isobel and a teenage grandson she never knew existed, she feels a rush of relief. Despite the years of hurt she never stopped loving Isobel and wants to help rebuild her life. Enrolling her grandson at the school, Ruth wants to make sure they stay for good.
Isobel left home when she discovered she was pregnant. Now she has returned with her teenage son Isaac. Ruth runs an upper class, prestigious school which has a good reputation. She's enrolled Isaac into school and soon disaster strikes.
this is more a family drama than a mystery. The premise showed so much potential but unfortunately it didn't quite meet expectations. The story is told from Isobel and Ruth's perspectives. I as pulled in at the beginning, then it got a bit repetitive and predictable. The ending had some good twists.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #LeahMercer for my ARC of #WhySheLeft in exchange for an honest review.
Isobel left home when she discovered she was pregnant. Now she has returned with her teenage son Isaac. Ruth runs an upper class, prestigious school which has a good reputation. She's enrolled Isaac into school and soon disaster strikes.
this is more a family drama than a mystery. The premise showed so much potential but unfortunately it didn't quite meet expectations. The story is told from Isobel and Ruth's perspectives. I as pulled in at the beginning, then it got a bit repetitive and predictable. The ending had some good twists.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #LeahMercer for my ARC of #WhySheLeft in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2021
When Ruth's estranged daughter, Isobel, turns up on her doorstep with a son Ruth never knew about, she jumps at the opportunity to mend the relationship. She genuinely wants to heal her broken family and will do anything to keep them together with her . . . well . . . maybe not absolutely anything. Ruth must balance what she believes is good for the private school she has spent her life building.
Isobel fled the school and her mother as a teenager without ever telling her mother why. Now she must face her fears head-on to do what is best for her son.
There were plenty of twists to keep me interested and I found the novel an enjoyable, light read. I thought the main characters had some depth to them but could have had more. Isobel carries a lot of guilt and pain but I didn't see as much inner turmoil from her as I would have expected and her son isn't well-developed at all. For such a prominent character, I know very little about him. The book is more plot-driven but I feel like the subject matter lent itself to a character-driven book more.
With those caveats, I did like the book and will try some more novels by this author.
Isobel fled the school and her mother as a teenager without ever telling her mother why. Now she must face her fears head-on to do what is best for her son.
There were plenty of twists to keep me interested and I found the novel an enjoyable, light read. I thought the main characters had some depth to them but could have had more. Isobel carries a lot of guilt and pain but I didn't see as much inner turmoil from her as I would have expected and her son isn't well-developed at all. For such a prominent character, I know very little about him. The book is more plot-driven but I feel like the subject matter lent itself to a character-driven book more.
With those caveats, I did like the book and will try some more novels by this author.
November 16, 2021
3.5 ⭐️
This was about a family and they had a mystery swirled in with selfishness and greed. For me the biggest problem with this was that no one every had a proper conversation. Why doesn’t anyone try to figure out what’s going on? And I thought the characters were unlikable. I didn’t want to hang out with them or really find out anything else. I just wanted to give up on the whole big giant mess.
It reminded me of some of Lisa Jewels books that also had yucky characters. But having said that, I was grateful it had a decent ending and there was indeed a mystery.
I chose to listen to this book on audio and Mira Dovreni and she was great.
Thanks Bookouture via Netgalley.
This was about a family and they had a mystery swirled in with selfishness and greed. For me the biggest problem with this was that no one every had a proper conversation. Why doesn’t anyone try to figure out what’s going on? And I thought the characters were unlikable. I didn’t want to hang out with them or really find out anything else. I just wanted to give up on the whole big giant mess.
It reminded me of some of Lisa Jewels books that also had yucky characters. But having said that, I was grateful it had a decent ending and there was indeed a mystery.
I chose to listen to this book on audio and Mira Dovreni and she was great.
Thanks Bookouture via Netgalley.
December 6, 2021
There was an ominous tone throughout this thriller that seemed to emanate from the audio performance. The narrator’s voice portrayed a serious and dramatic telling of this story that didn’t quite fit the plot. It was, at times, hard to take the plot seriously as a result.
The story itself was slower paced and a little repetitive, focusing on the same dilemma over and over again. I also thought that there were some loose threads needing more explanation, development and depth. For example, the man Isobel was initially fleeing seemed like an afterthought than a real threat.
Despite the shortcomings, I was intrigued to know what exactly happened to Isobel when she was younger and how Alex fit into the drama. The ending was a satisfying wrap up that made sense and provided some surprise.
It wasn’t the best psychological thriller I’ve ever read but it was far from the worst. A quick easy listen that fit the bill. I received an advanced audio copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story itself was slower paced and a little repetitive, focusing on the same dilemma over and over again. I also thought that there were some loose threads needing more explanation, development and depth. For example, the man Isobel was initially fleeing seemed like an afterthought than a real threat.
Despite the shortcomings, I was intrigued to know what exactly happened to Isobel when she was younger and how Alex fit into the drama. The ending was a satisfying wrap up that made sense and provided some surprise.
It wasn’t the best psychological thriller I’ve ever read but it was far from the worst. A quick easy listen that fit the bill. I received an advanced audio copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2021
It takes a lot for a plot twist to surprise me, but this author managed to do it over and over again. Every time I thought I had it all worked out, she proved me wrong. And in a good way. There were clues all along, I just didn't put them together in the right order. Mostly because the author was strongly steering me in the wrong direction, but even if I had predicted the ultimate outcome, I still would have immensely enjoyed this book.
The characters were unique, all struggling with their own demons. Everyone seemed to think they were doing what was "best" for those that they loved, but they did it in a haughty "I know what's best for you" kind of way, and they never asked their loved ones what they truly needed. This trait was most evident in the mother, Ruth, but it trickled down to her daughters in that way that is often common in families. And then the daughters found themselves repeating the mother's mistakes, all culminating in one big event that ultimately changed the course of their family legacy.
I won't go further because I don't want to spoil the fun of reading this book, but it truly was a wonderful read.
The characters were unique, all struggling with their own demons. Everyone seemed to think they were doing what was "best" for those that they loved, but they did it in a haughty "I know what's best for you" kind of way, and they never asked their loved ones what they truly needed. This trait was most evident in the mother, Ruth, but it trickled down to her daughters in that way that is often common in families. And then the daughters found themselves repeating the mother's mistakes, all culminating in one big event that ultimately changed the course of their family legacy.
I won't go further because I don't want to spoil the fun of reading this book, but it truly was a wonderful read.
April 16, 2022
I would put this in the Suspense genre. Not that suspenseful though as it was quite predictable.
Well narrated however, I don’t think it needed two narrators seeing as they’re voices weren’t very distinctive.
We get the gist of the story from the blurb and there isn’t much to add from that. To be honest I thought this was going to give me tingles and keep me spurred on to keep reading however because I could guess without a shadow of a doubt what was what it took the enjoyment out of it for me for the second half.
Leah Mercer previous book is a book I enjoyed and I was hoping to enjoy this one too.
I’ll still read her next book though to see how that goes.
Well narrated however, I don’t think it needed two narrators seeing as they’re voices weren’t very distinctive.
We get the gist of the story from the blurb and there isn’t much to add from that. To be honest I thought this was going to give me tingles and keep me spurred on to keep reading however because I could guess without a shadow of a doubt what was what it took the enjoyment out of it for me for the second half.
Leah Mercer previous book is a book I enjoyed and I was hoping to enjoy this one too.
I’ll still read her next book though to see how that goes.
November 7, 2021
I might be the outlier on this one but this book just wasn't for me. It was listed under the mystery & thriller category, but it was more like a family drama with a bit of mystery.
I struggled with the pacing, the characters, the plot, and the narration in the audio book. It was difficult to connect with any of the characters, especially Ruth. I detested everything about her (and the narrator's portray of her). I struggled to get through her chapters and I was very tired of hearing about "the school" over and over again.
The mystery wasn't that mysterious and it was extremely slow moving until about 30-40%.
Fans of this genre may enjoy this book more than I did, but for me this was a 2 star read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a free digital copy in exchange for a fair and honest review
I struggled with the pacing, the characters, the plot, and the narration in the audio book. It was difficult to connect with any of the characters, especially Ruth. I detested everything about her (and the narrator's portray of her). I struggled to get through her chapters and I was very tired of hearing about "the school" over and over again.
The mystery wasn't that mysterious and it was extremely slow moving until about 30-40%.
Fans of this genre may enjoy this book more than I did, but for me this was a 2 star read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a free digital copy in exchange for a fair and honest review
December 3, 2021
A bunch of secrets come to life in this family ran school, known as the square. Ruth is a hard person who defends her school’s reputation. However, she has no clue she will play an instrumental role in her own decline. Cecily, I feel, gets the short end of the stick in her career aspirations and personal life. Isobel, the prodigal daughter, returns, but brings more trouble with her. I don’t really care for any of the main characters and the school gave off a superficial vibe. Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the early read.
November 28, 2021
This wasn't quite the gripping thriller I had hoped for.
It was pretty predictable from early on.
While the writing is good the overall plot is a little disappointing.
This wasn't for me unfortunately.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It was pretty predictable from early on.
While the writing is good the overall plot is a little disappointing.
This wasn't for me unfortunately.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 26, 2021
SNICKER-DOODLE!! 😳🤯
This book was fab, Fab. FAABB!! It started a bit slow for me but 1/3 of the way through, holy macaroni salad, did it get good fast! I soaked it up fast! A daughter who comes back with her son to a school her mother runs, to get away from one evil to return to another? Unbelievable ending! Who can you trust? Nothing is what it seems. The secrets everyone holds. Absolutely terrific!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
Release date: December 12, 2021
I give this 4 / 5 snowflakes! ❄️
This book was fab, Fab. FAABB!! It started a bit slow for me but 1/3 of the way through, holy macaroni salad, did it get good fast! I soaked it up fast! A daughter who comes back with her son to a school her mother runs, to get away from one evil to return to another? Unbelievable ending! Who can you trust? Nothing is what it seems. The secrets everyone holds. Absolutely terrific!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
Release date: December 12, 2021
I give this 4 / 5 snowflakes! ❄️
November 14, 2021
I am not always great at keeping my mind on fiction audiobooks but this one sounded so good I had to give it a try and I'm so glad I did! The narrator was so perfect and the story was so engrossing I couldn't wait to turn it back on. I had to find ways to make time for it, that's how much I wanted to know what was happening. Initially, I couldn't quite understand Isabel's hatred of all things related to the school that belonged to her family but as the story unfolds you get a good idea of what drove her away and ultimately, how she and her mother were able to come together again. Thank you to the publisher and author for letting me have a chance to change my mind about audiobooks!
October 30, 2021
i enjoyed this book but thought quite sad ,Isobel has got nowhere to go she fled with her son Isaac from her violent partner and there only one place she can go back to her mother in London ,Burlington Square School . but Isobel left without telling her mum when she was young and never had contact with her ,Ruth Isobel s mum is shocked to see her after all this time and got a grandson but there is only one thing ruth cares about the school , and Isobel s sister came back to and deputy head teacher but Cecily is as bad as Ruth with the school . this story is about lies deceit and getting what you want
January 2, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Why She Left' by Leah Mercer.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Leah Mercer, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 13th December 2021.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'A Mother's Lie' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, Jodi Picoult and Imogen Clark.' I am a huge fan of Jodi Picoult so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Leah and if this is half as good as 'A Mother's Lie' it is sure to be a page turning read. 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 43 chapters. The chapters are short to medium 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 London, England 🏴 , UK 🇬🇧 . The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have recently visited London so will be interested to see if there are any places I visited mentioned.
This book is written in a mix of third and first person perspective and the protagonists are Isobel and Ruth. 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. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything. To have the benefit of both first and third person perspective ensures you don't miss out on anything.
'Why She Left' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Leah discusses/includes sexual assault.
OMG!!! JUST WOW!!! WELL DONE LEAH YET AGAIN ON AN ABSOLUTE PAGE TURNER!!
his book is extremely well written with fantastic descriptions that really set the scene and put you in the storyline. The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly!!
This book is absolutely addictive, I just could not put it down. The storyline isn't just one plot but has many layers that peel apart as you read it and each one is more shocking than the last. The book just keeps getting better and better as you go on. It is based around the school which, to me, had a dark and gothic feeling to it which suited the plot perfectly. The storyline is filled with lies, secrets, abuse, twists, turns, red herrings, suspense, tension and everything you could want in a psychological domestic fiction. I thought I knew what was going on until BOOM!!! I was completely thrown sideways by the revelations which I was not expecting so a huge CONGRATULATIONS to Leah. There is nothing worse than working out what is going on within 50% and actually being right about it. However, to think you knoe what is going on just to be thrown into a blender of bombshells and emotions I'd most definitely something I love in a book!! The atmosphere was perfect for the storyline and it brought up the serious and sadly still hidden subject of abuse from people in trusted positions. Thank you Leah for including this in your book as I am very much the type of person who believes the more something is talked about the more that people come to realise it does go on and victims realise it is not OK and speak out. An absolutely riveting, page turning and addictive read that I would love to see turned into a movie.
The characters were all well written, realistic and strong. The lead characters were female and I found Isobel to be a string female. I'm always pleased to see strong female leads being female myself. They all made the storyline believable and worked well with each other. I was shocked by a certain characters actions and disgusted also. However, I also did have sympathy to them after putting their life on hold. I won't say more than that as I don't want to ruin the book for future readers.
Congratulations again Leah on yet another riveting page turner!! This is exactly why you are one of my favourite authors and here's to your next success 🥂
Overall an addictive page turning domestic, psychological fiction with a deep meaning that will keep you up late at night.
Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Jodi Picoult and anyone looking for an addictive, meaningful page turning psychological domestic fiction.
272 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
#WhySheLeft #Bookouture #LeahMercer #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@LeahMercer @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'Why She Left' by Leah Mercer.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Leah Mercer, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 13th December 2021.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'A Mother's Lie' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, Jodi Picoult and Imogen Clark.' I am a huge fan of Jodi Picoult so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Leah and if this is half as good as 'A Mother's Lie' it is sure to be a page turning read. 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 43 chapters. The chapters are short to medium 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 London, England 🏴 , UK 🇬🇧 . The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have recently visited London so will be interested to see if there are any places I visited mentioned.
This book is written in a mix of third and first person perspective and the protagonists are Isobel and Ruth. 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. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything. To have the benefit of both first and third person perspective ensures you don't miss out on anything.
'Why She Left' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Leah discusses/includes sexual assault.
OMG!!! JUST WOW!!! WELL DONE LEAH YET AGAIN ON AN ABSOLUTE PAGE TURNER!!
his book is extremely well written with fantastic descriptions that really set the scene and put you in the storyline. The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly!!
This book is absolutely addictive, I just could not put it down. The storyline isn't just one plot but has many layers that peel apart as you read it and each one is more shocking than the last. The book just keeps getting better and better as you go on. It is based around the school which, to me, had a dark and gothic feeling to it which suited the plot perfectly. The storyline is filled with lies, secrets, abuse, twists, turns, red herrings, suspense, tension and everything you could want in a psychological domestic fiction. I thought I knew what was going on until BOOM!!! I was completely thrown sideways by the revelations which I was not expecting so a huge CONGRATULATIONS to Leah. There is nothing worse than working out what is going on within 50% and actually being right about it. However, to think you knoe what is going on just to be thrown into a blender of bombshells and emotions I'd most definitely something I love in a book!! The atmosphere was perfect for the storyline and it brought up the serious and sadly still hidden subject of abuse from people in trusted positions. Thank you Leah for including this in your book as I am very much the type of person who believes the more something is talked about the more that people come to realise it does go on and victims realise it is not OK and speak out. An absolutely riveting, page turning and addictive read that I would love to see turned into a movie.
The characters were all well written, realistic and strong. The lead characters were female and I found Isobel to be a string female. I'm always pleased to see strong female leads being female myself. They all made the storyline believable and worked well with each other. I was shocked by a certain characters actions and disgusted also. However, I also did have sympathy to them after putting their life on hold. I won't say more than that as I don't want to ruin the book for future readers.
Congratulations again Leah on yet another riveting page turner!! This is exactly why you are one of my favourite authors and here's to your next success 🥂
Overall an addictive page turning domestic, psychological fiction with a deep meaning that will keep you up late at night.
Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Jodi Picoult and anyone looking for an addictive, meaningful page turning psychological domestic fiction.
272 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
#WhySheLeft #Bookouture #LeahMercer #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@LeahMercer @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
December 13, 2021
Ruth's estranged daughter, Isobel, turns up on her doorstep with a son Ruth never knew about. Isobel left school and her home as a teenager and Ruth never knew why or where she was. She had always thought Isobel would take over the private school her family started and ran, but when this didn't happen, her other daughter returned home to help. Ruth now sees this as her second chance with Isobel as well as grooming her grandson, Isaac, she never knew about. As well, Ruth will always do what she thinks is best for the prestigious Burlington Square School she has spent her life building.
Why She Left is a domestic drama with some suspense thrown in. There is a lot of family drama in this one. I have to say that I disliked Ruth, a lot. This was a woman who put the family's school above everything else. She was a bit high and mighty and when the mighty fall, they fall hard. The school is it's own character in this story. It’s the center of everything as it looms over the square and their lives. Both Isobel and her older sister Cecily have been shaped by the school, it explains their personalities and actions just as it does with Ruth. The interactions between the three women can be harsh, but Isaac seems to be a buffer between them. There are flashbacks in the story so we can see how the past has effected the present, but I quickly figured out why Isobel left home. There is a lot of emotion in this one, especially pain and anger that must be dealt with for them to move forward. There is a huge twist near the end that had me shaking my head. I enjoyed this story of a damaged family, characters who needed to heal, some revenge, and feelings of pain that will lead characters to act in certain ways. Not a thriller, which was what I had been expecting, but a good story nonetheless. Mira Dovreni narrates the audiobook and did a good job with this story. Her voices, expression and emotion made this a pleasant listening experience. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
Why She Left is a domestic drama with some suspense thrown in. There is a lot of family drama in this one. I have to say that I disliked Ruth, a lot. This was a woman who put the family's school above everything else. She was a bit high and mighty and when the mighty fall, they fall hard. The school is it's own character in this story. It’s the center of everything as it looms over the square and their lives. Both Isobel and her older sister Cecily have been shaped by the school, it explains their personalities and actions just as it does with Ruth. The interactions between the three women can be harsh, but Isaac seems to be a buffer between them. There are flashbacks in the story so we can see how the past has effected the present, but I quickly figured out why Isobel left home. There is a lot of emotion in this one, especially pain and anger that must be dealt with for them to move forward. There is a huge twist near the end that had me shaking my head. I enjoyed this story of a damaged family, characters who needed to heal, some revenge, and feelings of pain that will lead characters to act in certain ways. Not a thriller, which was what I had been expecting, but a good story nonetheless. Mira Dovreni narrates the audiobook and did a good job with this story. Her voices, expression and emotion made this a pleasant listening experience. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
December 15, 2021
Isobel is back. With a fifteen-year-old son in tow. Ruth is not sure why her daughter left, but now that she is back, she will do anything to get them to stay.
The private school where Ruth serves as headmistress is her family’s legacy. The very first thing that was does is to install her grandson Isaac at the school. Isobel is none too happy. For years she struggled to raise her son and give him all the things that she should could provide and the two have always been very close. She had a reason for leaving in the first place, and it was easy to know that it was connected to her time as a student at the school. Now Isaac is already growing close to his grandmother and Isobel feels like she’s losing a piece of him.
As I was listening to this audiobook it was very clear to me that Isobel had a very difficult past with the school and with the turn of events it was interesting to see how she could resolve those things and move forward for herself and Isaac. However, this is one of those books where you listen to both sides of the story from Isobel and Ruth and realize that you don’t like either of them. This only made this dramatic story even more intriguing because there was Isaac and his future to consider.
Family drama and a bit of mystery in this story of family secrets had a few surprising twists and kept my attention throughout as I couldn’t wait to see how things would resolve.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
The private school where Ruth serves as headmistress is her family’s legacy. The very first thing that was does is to install her grandson Isaac at the school. Isobel is none too happy. For years she struggled to raise her son and give him all the things that she should could provide and the two have always been very close. She had a reason for leaving in the first place, and it was easy to know that it was connected to her time as a student at the school. Now Isaac is already growing close to his grandmother and Isobel feels like she’s losing a piece of him.
As I was listening to this audiobook it was very clear to me that Isobel had a very difficult past with the school and with the turn of events it was interesting to see how she could resolve those things and move forward for herself and Isaac. However, this is one of those books where you listen to both sides of the story from Isobel and Ruth and realize that you don’t like either of them. This only made this dramatic story even more intriguing because there was Isaac and his future to consider.
Family drama and a bit of mystery in this story of family secrets had a few surprising twists and kept my attention throughout as I couldn’t wait to see how things would resolve.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
November 7, 2021
Family Secrets
An emotional book about a family wracked by secrets and family members that put their business and their reputation before their family. Twists and turns and so many secrets. This book will keep you guessing and keep you reading.
Isobel and her teenage son are running from an abusive relationship. They have nowhere to go so she goes home to her mother's home that she left fifteen years ago. Now her mother is surprised to open her door and find her missing daughter with a grandson in tow.
It is not until Isobel see's her son Isaac in a school uniform that she is horrified. She hates the school , it is the reason she left. She relents and allows her son to attend the school, but someone isn't happy with that and will do anything to destroy everything. Her very secret threatens her and her son as well.
She thought she would be safe here, but is she? Has her abusive boyfriend found her? Is someone else plotting against her? She will do anything to protect her son and someone else will do anything to protect their legacy.
The story was riveting, the narrator was very good, and I enjoyed the book. I would recommend it.
Thanks to Leah Mercer for writing a good book, for Mira Dovreni for narrating it and for Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a copy of the audio book for my review.
An emotional book about a family wracked by secrets and family members that put their business and their reputation before their family. Twists and turns and so many secrets. This book will keep you guessing and keep you reading.
Isobel and her teenage son are running from an abusive relationship. They have nowhere to go so she goes home to her mother's home that she left fifteen years ago. Now her mother is surprised to open her door and find her missing daughter with a grandson in tow.
It is not until Isobel see's her son Isaac in a school uniform that she is horrified. She hates the school , it is the reason she left. She relents and allows her son to attend the school, but someone isn't happy with that and will do anything to destroy everything. Her very secret threatens her and her son as well.
She thought she would be safe here, but is she? Has her abusive boyfriend found her? Is someone else plotting against her? She will do anything to protect her son and someone else will do anything to protect their legacy.
The story was riveting, the narrator was very good, and I enjoyed the book. I would recommend it.
Thanks to Leah Mercer for writing a good book, for Mira Dovreni for narrating it and for Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a copy of the audio book for my review.
November 10, 2021
Years ago Isobel left the family house never to be heard from again, 16 years later she turns up with a teenage son at her Mother Ruth's doorstep. Ruth quickly enfolds Isobel and her son Isaac back into the life she left at the prestigious school her Great Grandfather founded. The school is Ruth's entire life but also the reason Isobel left. When strange things start happening and an attack on Issac leaves him in hospital Isobel wonders will she have to leave again. The book alternates chapters told by Isobel and Ruth
This book is a domestic thriller full of family secrets and recrimination from the past. Sadly I couldn't empathise with Isobel or Ruth. Neither woman was a particularly likeable character. I would have liked Issac to have his own chapters as he was the only person I felt for.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
This book is a domestic thriller full of family secrets and recrimination from the past. Sadly I couldn't empathise with Isobel or Ruth. Neither woman was a particularly likeable character. I would have liked Issac to have his own chapters as he was the only person I felt for.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
November 8, 2021
2.5 stars for me
Isobel shows up at her mom's door after she was gone for over 10 years with her son. She is in a bad spot and needs help. Although she doesn't want to turn to Ruth, her mom, she has limited to no options left. They settle in nicely but Isobel is haunted by past memories. She lives in a constant fear that her ex partner will find her. The surprising part is that her mom and her son are bonding quite fast and they start building a solid relationship.
The story is told from Isobel and Ruth's perspective. Ruth is equally puzzled by her departure and by her return.
The story is interesting at first. At times it gets a bit repetitive and the some parts are a predictable.
The ending has a few interesting twists.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to read this book!
Isobel shows up at her mom's door after she was gone for over 10 years with her son. She is in a bad spot and needs help. Although she doesn't want to turn to Ruth, her mom, she has limited to no options left. They settle in nicely but Isobel is haunted by past memories. She lives in a constant fear that her ex partner will find her. The surprising part is that her mom and her son are bonding quite fast and they start building a solid relationship.
The story is told from Isobel and Ruth's perspective. Ruth is equally puzzled by her departure and by her return.
The story is interesting at first. At times it gets a bit repetitive and the some parts are a predictable.
The ending has a few interesting twists.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to read this book!
November 6, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for advanced copy of this audiobook!
⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️
Please be aware that there are some trigger warnings with this book. However, they go along with plot twists so I will not mention them. If you are curious I will gladly share!
With that said, this book took me by surprise. I wasn’t sure at the beginning but as the story continued I was invested.
This is a dual POV story and it fit so perfectly. The story is split between Isobel, the daughter who ran away 15 years ago and returns home and Ruth, her mother who is left with the question of why her daughter left.
As the story unfolds we slowly get the answer to “Why She Left”. The plot twists were so well written into the story that you are left with a satisfying ending.
⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️
Please be aware that there are some trigger warnings with this book. However, they go along with plot twists so I will not mention them. If you are curious I will gladly share!
With that said, this book took me by surprise. I wasn’t sure at the beginning but as the story continued I was invested.
This is a dual POV story and it fit so perfectly. The story is split between Isobel, the daughter who ran away 15 years ago and returns home and Ruth, her mother who is left with the question of why her daughter left.
As the story unfolds we slowly get the answer to “Why She Left”. The plot twists were so well written into the story that you are left with a satisfying ending.
December 10, 2021
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Copy provided by Bookouture.
Ruth has wondered for the past fifteen years wondering why her daughter Isobel left. So when Ruth opens the door to find Isobel and a teenage grandson she never knew existed, she feels a rush of relief. Despite the years of hurt she never stopped loving Isobel and wants to help rebuild her life. However, Isobel has spent her life running from a painful secret. A secret which could have destroyed her family. Now, as she flees a bad relationship, she knows that her childhood home is the only place where she can be safe. It becomes clear that she is not the only one ormented by the past. Someone is prepared to destroy everything Ruth and Isobel hold dear. Can Isobel confront her darkest secret before it is too late?
This was such a hard read for me to get through. Although, it was a thriller, nothing about the book was thrilling. It was too predictable with no surprises. While the writing was good, the plot is a little disappointing. It was a miss for me, although I really wanted to like the book after reading the summary.
Ruth has wondered for the past fifteen years wondering why her daughter Isobel left. So when Ruth opens the door to find Isobel and a teenage grandson she never knew existed, she feels a rush of relief. Despite the years of hurt she never stopped loving Isobel and wants to help rebuild her life. However, Isobel has spent her life running from a painful secret. A secret which could have destroyed her family. Now, as she flees a bad relationship, she knows that her childhood home is the only place where she can be safe. It becomes clear that she is not the only one ormented by the past. Someone is prepared to destroy everything Ruth and Isobel hold dear. Can Isobel confront her darkest secret before it is too late?
This was such a hard read for me to get through. Although, it was a thriller, nothing about the book was thrilling. It was too predictable with no surprises. While the writing was good, the plot is a little disappointing. It was a miss for me, although I really wanted to like the book after reading the summary.
December 25, 2021
This was more of a family drama than a domestic thriller, and I had a hard time getting into it. It centers on Isobel, who leaves home as teenager and returns 15 years later with her own teenager in tow. You also get alternating chapters from Isobel’s mother, Ruth, whose life revolves around being the headmistress at a prestigious school.
I had trouble connecting with these characters, who were not very likable or deep. I had a really hard time getting behind the fact that Isobel and Ruth were SO CLOSE yet Isobel runs away without even talking to her mother and Ruth doesn’t try all that hard to find her.
The book itself moves a fairly slow pace and rehashes many of the same sentiments and activities throughout. The story is fairly predictable but did get a little more action-packed towards the end. The loose ends were all tied up nicely.
Overall, just an ok read for me. Not really much of a mystery and characters with whom I didn’t connect. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had trouble connecting with these characters, who were not very likable or deep. I had a really hard time getting behind the fact that Isobel and Ruth were SO CLOSE yet Isobel runs away without even talking to her mother and Ruth doesn’t try all that hard to find her.
The book itself moves a fairly slow pace and rehashes many of the same sentiments and activities throughout. The story is fairly predictable but did get a little more action-packed towards the end. The loose ends were all tied up nicely.
Overall, just an ok read for me. Not really much of a mystery and characters with whom I didn’t connect. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2021
Why She Left is a very good read, which caught my interest right from the start.
I loved the story, a domestic drama about misunderstandings and family relationships, with an unexpected twist as an added bonus.
The narrator did a very good job, that added to the enjoyment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the story, a domestic drama about misunderstandings and family relationships, with an unexpected twist as an added bonus.
The narrator did a very good job, that added to the enjoyment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2021
I really enjoyed the Slow burn of this book.
I want to thank NetGalley, Bookouture Audio and the author Leah Mercer for this Advanced Audio Copy.
I didnt prefer the narrator only because I couldn't disguinish between the mom, son or grandmother. I probably would of preferred to read the book instead.
Besides that it was a good book with a nice twist at the end.
#netgalley #leahmercer #whysheleft #goodreads
I want to thank NetGalley, Bookouture Audio and the author Leah Mercer for this Advanced Audio Copy.
I didnt prefer the narrator only because I couldn't disguinish between the mom, son or grandmother. I probably would of preferred to read the book instead.
Besides that it was a good book with a nice twist at the end.
#netgalley #leahmercer #whysheleft #goodreads
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