What do you think?
Rate this book
The Mother’s Secret
A dream come true, a nightmare that is just beginning
Eve wanted nothing more than to be a mother. She and her husband, Aidan, planned to have a family, but with each devastating miscarriage her hopes dwindled. When she eventually gave birth to her daughter, Kayla, it should have been the happiest time of her life. Instead, it was a waking nightmare for Eve, and one she was desperate to escape.
Now, Eve has left all that behind. She pretends that she never had a child, and keeps her secrets close. But someone knows the truth. They know that Eve told a lie, and the clock is ticking before her shocking decision is revealed. Once the story comes out, there’ll be no way out for Eve. If people learn about the crime she covered up, they’ll never look at her the same way again. She must get her little girl back, before it’s too late. If she can’t, running away won’t be an option. This time, Eve will face the consequences, and pay the price she should have paid years ago…
A heart-stopping psychological thriller with an ending you won’t see coming from #1 bestseller Kathryn Croft. Perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, C. L. Taylor and K. L. Slater.
Eve wanted nothing more than to be a mother. She and her husband, Aidan, planned to have a family, but with each devastating miscarriage her hopes dwindled. When she eventually gave birth to her daughter, Kayla, it should have been the happiest time of her life. Instead, it was a waking nightmare for Eve, and one she was desperate to escape.
Now, Eve has left all that behind. She pretends that she never had a child, and keeps her secrets close. But someone knows the truth. They know that Eve told a lie, and the clock is ticking before her shocking decision is revealed. Once the story comes out, there’ll be no way out for Eve. If people learn about the crime she covered up, they’ll never look at her the same way again. She must get her little girl back, before it’s too late. If she can’t, running away won’t be an option. This time, Eve will face the consequences, and pay the price she should have paid years ago…
A heart-stopping psychological thriller with an ending you won’t see coming from #1 bestseller Kathryn Croft. Perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, C. L. Taylor and K. L. Slater.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2022
202 people are currently reading
1333 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
April 22, 2022
Eve wanted nothing more than to be a mother. She and her husband, Aidan, planned to have a family, but with each devasting miscarriage, her hopes dwindled. When she eventually gave birth to her daughter Kayla, it should have been the happiest time of her life. Instead it was a waking nightmare for Eve, and one she was desperate to escape. Now, Eve has left all that behind. She pretends that she never had a child, and keeps her secrets close. But someone knows the truth.
This is a thrilling and shocking read. The story has a dual timeline. the past is before Eve has Kayla an the present day, when Eve tries to get back into Kayla's life. There's some really clever twists and a pace that's a bit slow. I couldn't turn the pages quick enough to find out what the secret was. I wasn't disappointed when it was revealed. This is quite an addictive read and it held my attention throughout. Some of the characters that I like at the beginning of the book, I didn't like them by the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Canelo and the author #KathrynCroft for my ARC of #TheMothersSecret in exchange for an honest review.
This is a thrilling and shocking read. The story has a dual timeline. the past is before Eve has Kayla an the present day, when Eve tries to get back into Kayla's life. There's some really clever twists and a pace that's a bit slow. I couldn't turn the pages quick enough to find out what the secret was. I wasn't disappointed when it was revealed. This is quite an addictive read and it held my attention throughout. Some of the characters that I like at the beginning of the book, I didn't like them by the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Canelo and the author #KathrynCroft for my ARC of #TheMothersSecret in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2022
Another exciting standalone psychological thriller from one of my favourite authors Kathryn Croft.
Eve and her husband Alan were desperate to start a family but their hopes diminish time after time with heart-breaking miscarriages. When Eve finally gave birth to daughter, Kayla, what should have been the happiest time of her life became a nightmare she had to escape from.
Eve now pretends that she never had a child and aims to keep it a secret. but someone knows the truth and is going to tell the world. If the truth comes out people will never look at Eve the same again. She decides she wants her daughter back in her life but that is not going to be easy.
This is quite a slow burner but there are twists and turns all the way making it a riveting read. Strong characters and a thought provoking plot make this an addictive read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Eve and her husband Alan were desperate to start a family but their hopes diminish time after time with heart-breaking miscarriages. When Eve finally gave birth to daughter, Kayla, what should have been the happiest time of her life became a nightmare she had to escape from.
Eve now pretends that she never had a child and aims to keep it a secret. but someone knows the truth and is going to tell the world. If the truth comes out people will never look at Eve the same again. She decides she wants her daughter back in her life but that is not going to be easy.
This is quite a slow burner but there are twists and turns all the way making it a riveting read. Strong characters and a thought provoking plot make this an addictive read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2022
Eve and Aidan endured the devastating heartbreak of infertility for years before their rainbow baby Kayla was born. But instead of being overjoyed, Eve walked away from her marriage and infant daughter without explanation. Two years later, she is desperate to get her little girl back, but someone is just as determined to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Fans of slow-burn suspense will enjoy this one, but it was a little too slow for my taste. The early part of the story is a bit repetitive and takes a while to gain momentum. Eve’s internal dialogue makes some of the suspense feel manufactured instead of allowing it grow organically as the story develops. Once the plot got going, the story was intriguing and twisty, and I ended up enjoying it. I didn’t see the end coming (always a bonus!) but it took a little while to get there.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for providing me an advance copy of this book.
Fans of slow-burn suspense will enjoy this one, but it was a little too slow for my taste. The early part of the story is a bit repetitive and takes a while to gain momentum. Eve’s internal dialogue makes some of the suspense feel manufactured instead of allowing it grow organically as the story develops. Once the plot got going, the story was intriguing and twisty, and I ended up enjoying it. I didn’t see the end coming (always a bonus!) but it took a little while to get there.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for providing me an advance copy of this book.
April 3, 2022
After 4 miscarriages, Eve and Aiden Conway had resigned themselves to being childless. You can imagine their excitement when Eve discovered she was pregnant. When Kayla Rose was born, it should have been the happiest days of their lives. Unfortunately, for Eve, it was a nightmare and she was desperate to escape.
One day, Eve decides to walk away from it all. She doesn’t tell her bestie, Sophie, nor the staff at the school she teaches at, nor her mother, nor Aiden. She just walks away and leaves him to raise their 3 month old daughter. Sadly, Eve lost more than her family when she left. Returning will mean she’ll have to pay the price she escaped paying this time.
As suddenly as she leaves Kayla Rose’s life, she wants back in it again. By this time, Kayla is 2.5 years old and Aiden is happy to have the support of Nicole Richardson to raise his daughter. Can she find a way back to Aiden and Kayla? What about Nicole? Oh, and then there’s Jamie. Can she unravel their complicated history and create an opportunity to be part of her daughter’s life?
Author Kathryn Croft explores the emotional trauma of miscarriages and adoption, as well as the effects of postnatal depression. In addition to showcasing manipulation and control, she reveals the ripple effects of our choices and highlights the strength of a mother’s love.
Although this starts a little slow, it ramps up to an intriguing mystery. I liked not knowing who to trust and the twists surprised me - especially the epilogue.
I was gifted this advance copy by Kathryn Croft, Canelo, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
One day, Eve decides to walk away from it all. She doesn’t tell her bestie, Sophie, nor the staff at the school she teaches at, nor her mother, nor Aiden. She just walks away and leaves him to raise their 3 month old daughter. Sadly, Eve lost more than her family when she left. Returning will mean she’ll have to pay the price she escaped paying this time.
As suddenly as she leaves Kayla Rose’s life, she wants back in it again. By this time, Kayla is 2.5 years old and Aiden is happy to have the support of Nicole Richardson to raise his daughter. Can she find a way back to Aiden and Kayla? What about Nicole? Oh, and then there’s Jamie. Can she unravel their complicated history and create an opportunity to be part of her daughter’s life?
Author Kathryn Croft explores the emotional trauma of miscarriages and adoption, as well as the effects of postnatal depression. In addition to showcasing manipulation and control, she reveals the ripple effects of our choices and highlights the strength of a mother’s love.
Although this starts a little slow, it ramps up to an intriguing mystery. I liked not knowing who to trust and the twists surprised me - especially the epilogue.
I was gifted this advance copy by Kathryn Croft, Canelo, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 23, 2024
3.5⭐️
September 20, 2022
Ideally I’d have given this 3.5/5 but in the absence of half stars I plumped with a 3/5. Good, easy read
April 13, 2022
Floofin' Fluffin' Puffin Stuffin'! 😳😯😳😯😯
Whoa, double whoa! Holy Cannoli! I can't even... what did I just devour?! That was an insane ride that kept on delivering hits! The endless twists & turns and deceit in this novel were abundant as I've ever read. I will admit I had no idea about the ending and even when I suspected, it definitely was NOTHING like I expected. I was thoroughly impressed with the execution of this psychological thriller! Craft knows how to gas light with this novel she wrote.
Eve and Aiden had been trying consistently to have a child of their own, yet hope dwindling after every miscarriage. Finally a glimmer of hope when Eve falls pregnant and they end up with a baby girl, Kayla. It should have been the happiest and best time of Eve's life. Unfortunately it was anything but. One evening she ups and leaves without a trace - never to speak about her child she had. Two years later she needs to be part of Kayla's life again - because someone knows her secret and it could be a matter of life and death.
Absolutely a thriller of a novel with suspense and endless questions and doubts. The ending was definitely satisfying and well executed! I'm still gobsmacked by some of the revelations. You won't see it coming!
Thank you to NetGalley & Canelo for this DARC.
Release Date: May 12, 2022
I give this a strong 4 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
Whoa, double whoa! Holy Cannoli! I can't even... what did I just devour?! That was an insane ride that kept on delivering hits! The endless twists & turns and deceit in this novel were abundant as I've ever read. I will admit I had no idea about the ending and even when I suspected, it definitely was NOTHING like I expected. I was thoroughly impressed with the execution of this psychological thriller! Craft knows how to gas light with this novel she wrote.
Eve and Aiden had been trying consistently to have a child of their own, yet hope dwindling after every miscarriage. Finally a glimmer of hope when Eve falls pregnant and they end up with a baby girl, Kayla. It should have been the happiest and best time of Eve's life. Unfortunately it was anything but. One evening she ups and leaves without a trace - never to speak about her child she had. Two years later she needs to be part of Kayla's life again - because someone knows her secret and it could be a matter of life and death.
Absolutely a thriller of a novel with suspense and endless questions and doubts. The ending was definitely satisfying and well executed! I'm still gobsmacked by some of the revelations. You won't see it coming!
Thank you to NetGalley & Canelo for this DARC.
Release Date: May 12, 2022
I give this a strong 4 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
May 21, 2023
An ok storyline but poorly written. I guessed the ‘twist’ very early on and alot of the book dragged.
June 23, 2023
I changed my mind about 3 times as to who I thought the culprit was but was completely wrong and the twist at the end I didn’t see coming at all. Couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend.
November 25, 2022
This is a GREAT mystery book - a real page-turner, I absolutely could not guess where this was going. I enjoyed it at face-value as a fun 'whodunnit'. Eve is an interesting character, and we really get into her thoughts, including the nastier, more judgemental thoughts that we never tell anyone (and often chastise ourselves for), which made it quite hard to like her initially. We do love an anti-hero. I enjoyed the unreliable narrator, it made for an interesting change of pace.
That said, this book also deals with 4 major issues:
1) Dementia. This was really well done in my opinion. My grandmother had dementia, and it's something both my mum and aunt have lived in fear of for as long as I can remember. I can't imagine how hard it was for them, and can't imagine this happening to my own mum - it absolutely breaks my heart, and I felt for Eve having to deal with that alone.
2) Post-natal depression. I've never dealt with this, so can't speak on how well the author deals with it, but it seems a bit... iffy in parts. Eve considers herself a "monster... a woman capable of the worst acts given the chance". We've all had that Freudian urge to just throw ourselves off the bridge, drive into that car, jump into that train track. The thoughts alone don't make us bad people, but how we respond to them. Eve has these thoughts, but never acts on them in any meaningful way, and I found that hard to reconcile with her constant self-flagellation. Which brings me to her choice to simply leave: this would a) make her a good person, for recognising these thoughts and removing herself from the situation, but b) left me wondering why she thought this was the best choice, rather than confiding in her husband or health-care professionals how she felt. Post-natal depression is a well-known issue, and I never really did understand why she felt unable to tell anyone despite despising herself so much.
3) Abortion. The big one. Oh boy. I thought this was dealt with terribly, and too much of the author's own bias slipped through here. I would absolutely not recommend this book to anyone thinking of having an abortion.
First off, Eve does try and push away from having an abortion, even if she does seem to believe she remained impartial. I could write this off with Eve's own longing for her child, if it wasn't for the latter half of the book:
I hated the anti-abortion, 'I regret it and think about it often, me and the sperm donor are linked for life, I always look at other babies and it's all I constantly think about, I've wrecked my entire life because of the guilt'-rhetoric. This is absolutely not the case for most people, and wasn't the case for me. I was young and stupid, it was not the right point in my life for children and I stand by that with absolutely no regrets. It's not something I ever think about unless the topic comes up, and my ex and I are no longer in contact - very far from 'linked for life', although we didn't end on bad terms and have no ill will towards one another. Of course, some people regret it, but an Absolutely not. It's not a huge, life-shattering deal for many thousands of people and it's disingenuous to suggest that people should feel this way.
I also detested, DETESTED the comparisons between abortion and Eve's choice to walk away from her own existing child. These are not comparable at all, and this is where I believe the author's bias shows most unfortunately. A foetus is not a child. There is a huge difference between killing / walking away from a living, breathing child, and doing the same to a foetus - one is a crime, for a start, the other little more than an induced period. I found this absolutely ridiculous. This whole sub-plot could probably have been removed in all honesty.
4) I won't comment on this as it's a large spoiler, but it probably does need a TW as it comes out of nowhere, and I'm also not the biggest fan of as a plot device but that's just me personally. Could probably also use one for miscarriages, endometriosis, and infertility. It's a tough read, this book.
Another minor complaint is with a couple of spelling and grammatical issues, which I don't love to see in a printed book that has presumably gone through a team of editors. Not the hugest deal, but can we stop calling Eve 'miss' with a lower case? She may not like the title, but it is an honorific nonetheless.
TLDR; issues dealt with are hit-and-miss, but super enjoyable just as a mystery-thriller. I love wondering where a book is going and not being able to guess an outcome. Everything rounded out in a very fun (if slightly distressing) way!
That said, this book also deals with 4 major issues:
1) Dementia. This was really well done in my opinion. My grandmother had dementia, and it's something both my mum and aunt have lived in fear of for as long as I can remember. I can't imagine how hard it was for them, and can't imagine this happening to my own mum - it absolutely breaks my heart, and I felt for Eve having to deal with that alone.
2) Post-natal depression. I've never dealt with this, so can't speak on how well the author deals with it, but it seems a bit... iffy in parts. Eve considers herself a "monster... a woman capable of the worst acts given the chance". We've all had that Freudian urge to just throw ourselves off the bridge, drive into that car, jump into that train track. The thoughts alone don't make us bad people, but how we respond to them. Eve has these thoughts, but never acts on them in any meaningful way, and I found that hard to reconcile with her constant self-flagellation. Which brings me to her choice to simply leave: this would a) make her a good person, for recognising these thoughts and removing herself from the situation, but b) left me wondering why she thought this was the best choice, rather than confiding in her husband or health-care professionals how she felt. Post-natal depression is a well-known issue, and I never really did understand why she felt unable to tell anyone despite despising herself so much.
3) Abortion. The big one. Oh boy. I thought this was dealt with terribly, and too much of the author's own bias slipped through here. I would absolutely not recommend this book to anyone thinking of having an abortion.
First off, Eve does try and push away from having an abortion, even if she does seem to believe she remained impartial. I could write this off with Eve's own longing for her child, if it wasn't for the latter half of the book:
I hated the anti-abortion, 'I regret it and think about it often, me and the sperm donor are linked for life, I always look at other babies and it's all I constantly think about, I've wrecked my entire life because of the guilt'-rhetoric. This is absolutely not the case for most people, and wasn't the case for me. I was young and stupid, it was not the right point in my life for children and I stand by that with absolutely no regrets. It's not something I ever think about unless the topic comes up, and my ex and I are no longer in contact - very far from 'linked for life', although we didn't end on bad terms and have no ill will towards one another. Of course, some people regret it, but an Absolutely not. It's not a huge, life-shattering deal for many thousands of people and it's disingenuous to suggest that people should feel this way.
I also detested, DETESTED the comparisons between abortion and Eve's choice to walk away from her own existing child. These are not comparable at all, and this is where I believe the author's bias shows most unfortunately. A foetus is not a child. There is a huge difference between killing / walking away from a living, breathing child, and doing the same to a foetus - one is a crime, for a start, the other little more than an induced period. I found this absolutely ridiculous. This whole sub-plot could probably have been removed in all honesty.
4) I won't comment on this as it's a large spoiler, but it probably does need a TW as it comes out of nowhere, and I'm also not the biggest fan of as a plot device but that's just me personally. Could probably also use one for miscarriages, endometriosis, and infertility. It's a tough read, this book.
Another minor complaint is with a couple of spelling and grammatical issues, which I don't love to see in a printed book that has presumably gone through a team of editors. Not the hugest deal, but can we stop calling Eve 'miss' with a lower case? She may not like the title, but it is an honorific nonetheless.
TLDR; issues dealt with are hit-and-miss, but super enjoyable just as a mystery-thriller. I love wondering where a book is going and not being able to guess an outcome. Everything rounded out in a very fun (if slightly distressing) way!
June 9, 2022
Disappointed…did not consider this to be a psychological thriller. Eve tries to reconnect with her daughter, didn’t enjoy characters or plot. Would not recommend.
November 16, 2023
Dreadful book! It was only right at the end that there was a story line! It was silly and far fetched and totally unbelievable!
Definitely not a psychological thriller!
Definitely not a psychological thriller!
April 4, 2022
My Review:
Wow, wow, wow!!!!! I couldn’t put this one down. I already loved this author for many years but after reading this book I love her more if that’s even possible. This was by far the best book I have read by her yet. I do want to warn you that this book tackled some hard subjects but that this author handled them with such grace and dignity. I don’t know where to start with this one. This book starts off with a mother leaving her child and starting a new life without her. Despicable, right? We come to find out this mother had her reasons for leaving and now wants back into her daughters life. Now this is when the problems really began and where the story takes off. Let’s talk about the characters. Some of the characters that you find despicable in the very beginning you’re going to love them in the end and some that are likable from the jump start you’re going to hate them in the end. I loved that about this book. This book also kept me guessing the whole way through. I knew something big was going to be revealed the whole book but wow was it huge. It really made the book come full circle and made me love the ending. Endings for me is what makes a book great and this ending was speechless. In fact, the whole book was a roller coaster ride full of emotions. I can’t wait for this author to write her next book. Hopefully I won’t be waiting too long.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Wow, wow, wow!!!!! I couldn’t put this one down. I already loved this author for many years but after reading this book I love her more if that’s even possible. This was by far the best book I have read by her yet. I do want to warn you that this book tackled some hard subjects but that this author handled them with such grace and dignity. I don’t know where to start with this one. This book starts off with a mother leaving her child and starting a new life without her. Despicable, right? We come to find out this mother had her reasons for leaving and now wants back into her daughters life. Now this is when the problems really began and where the story takes off. Let’s talk about the characters. Some of the characters that you find despicable in the very beginning you’re going to love them in the end and some that are likable from the jump start you’re going to hate them in the end. I loved that about this book. This book also kept me guessing the whole way through. I knew something big was going to be revealed the whole book but wow was it huge. It really made the book come full circle and made me love the ending. Endings for me is what makes a book great and this ending was speechless. In fact, the whole book was a roller coaster ride full of emotions. I can’t wait for this author to write her next book. Hopefully I won’t be waiting too long.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
May 13, 2022
Wow this is a fantastic book that I highly recommend. It tells the story of Eve who struggles for years with losing babies early in pregnancy, but then she suddenly becomes pregnant and she should be happy, but she's not. The story starts with Eve returning after two and a half years away, wanting her daughter Kayla back. Mysterious messages saying they know she lied.
So initially we know Eve walked away from her 3 month old baby, but why? It's clear she is hiding some pretty major secrets. It's hard to like Eve in the beginning, knowing what she did, but eventually as you read further, the past is revealed and I started to really like Eve and I wanted her to get her daughter back. I was so eager to find out what happened to make her walk away though.
There are so many twisty little plots happening throughout, who is out to hurt Eve? The list is actually quite long! The second part of the book takes an unexpected twist and reveals peoples dark sides. I truly didn't want to put the book down until I was finished.
The ending was ok, though would have been nicer to see it tied up a bit more.
Oh and just putting it out there, I hated Sophie and still did at the end!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So initially we know Eve walked away from her 3 month old baby, but why? It's clear she is hiding some pretty major secrets. It's hard to like Eve in the beginning, knowing what she did, but eventually as you read further, the past is revealed and I started to really like Eve and I wanted her to get her daughter back. I was so eager to find out what happened to make her walk away though.
There are so many twisty little plots happening throughout, who is out to hurt Eve? The list is actually quite long! The second part of the book takes an unexpected twist and reveals peoples dark sides. I truly didn't want to put the book down until I was finished.
The ending was ok, though would have been nicer to see it tied up a bit more.
Oh and just putting it out there, I hated Sophie and still did at the end!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2023
Slow Start, Fast Finish
Aiden & Eve have an apparent loving marriage but Eve’s inability to go full term with her pregnancies puts a strain on their marriage. Eve finally goes full term and they have a baby girl, Kayla. Aiden is thrilled but Eve simply can’t bond with Kayla. When Kayla is around 3 months old Eve walks out. She simply disappears from Aiden & Kayla’s life. What made Eve just walk out on her husband and daughter?
Two years down the track Eve decides she wants to be part of Kayla’s life. Aiden has moved on and is living with his girlfriend Nicole, who has taken on the mother figure to Kayla. Aiden doesn’t want anything to do with Eve, but Nicole seems sympathetic and even tries to convince Aiden to let Eve into Kayla’s life. Then Kayla disappears, presumably with with Nicole, who has also disappeared, and the mystery intensifies.
The story alternates between “Before” which relates to the period prior to Eve’s disappearance, and “Now” which is the efforts of Eve to connect with Kayla, and then try to locate Kayla.
There are some twists and turns as the author takes the reader on the journey to find Kayla and Nicole, and also to finally reveal why Eve just walked out on her family.
The book was quite slow at the start and I was wondering where it was taking me but it eventually heated up to the point that I didn’t want to put it down. The theme of novels covering two or more periods seems to be the thing with lots of authors these days and sometimes it works, others it doesn’t. This one was a little frustrating at times.
Aiden & Eve have an apparent loving marriage but Eve’s inability to go full term with her pregnancies puts a strain on their marriage. Eve finally goes full term and they have a baby girl, Kayla. Aiden is thrilled but Eve simply can’t bond with Kayla. When Kayla is around 3 months old Eve walks out. She simply disappears from Aiden & Kayla’s life. What made Eve just walk out on her husband and daughter?
Two years down the track Eve decides she wants to be part of Kayla’s life. Aiden has moved on and is living with his girlfriend Nicole, who has taken on the mother figure to Kayla. Aiden doesn’t want anything to do with Eve, but Nicole seems sympathetic and even tries to convince Aiden to let Eve into Kayla’s life. Then Kayla disappears, presumably with with Nicole, who has also disappeared, and the mystery intensifies.
The story alternates between “Before” which relates to the period prior to Eve’s disappearance, and “Now” which is the efforts of Eve to connect with Kayla, and then try to locate Kayla.
There are some twists and turns as the author takes the reader on the journey to find Kayla and Nicole, and also to finally reveal why Eve just walked out on her family.
The book was quite slow at the start and I was wondering where it was taking me but it eventually heated up to the point that I didn’t want to put it down. The theme of novels covering two or more periods seems to be the thing with lots of authors these days and sometimes it works, others it doesn’t. This one was a little frustrating at times.
April 3, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Eve left her 3 month old daughter and husband 2 and a half years ago. Now she has returned, wanting to be a part of her daughter's life but her husband has moved on with another woman and doesn't want her around.
4.5 stars.
This was a quick read and I definitely wanted to know what was going on. You know Eve had post natal depression when she left but she keeps eluding to the fact that there was more to the story and it was too awful to speak about. I found the constant references to these secrets to be really annoying but at that same time I really wanted to know what these secrets were. I really had no idea how this one was going to play out or what the secrets were and when I found out, I wasn't disappointed. Overall a really good read. Minus half a star for constantly referencing the secret early on.
Eve left her 3 month old daughter and husband 2 and a half years ago. Now she has returned, wanting to be a part of her daughter's life but her husband has moved on with another woman and doesn't want her around.
4.5 stars.
This was a quick read and I definitely wanted to know what was going on. You know Eve had post natal depression when she left but she keeps eluding to the fact that there was more to the story and it was too awful to speak about. I found the constant references to these secrets to be really annoying but at that same time I really wanted to know what these secrets were. I really had no idea how this one was going to play out or what the secrets were and when I found out, I wasn't disappointed. Overall a really good read. Minus half a star for constantly referencing the secret early on.
May 18, 2024
Eve and Aiden were desperate to be parents and create a perfect family of their own, after suffering through multiple heartbreaking miscarriages, Eve and Aiden finally welcome a baby girl into the world - so why does Eve leave it all behind?
This book is good, it was engaging and honestly had me wanting to keep turning the page. Although this never gave me the 5 star feels I do think it fell ever so slightly flat at the end for me. I feel I still have some questions left without answers, a turn I wasn’t expecting yet wasn’t entirely welcomed by it either? The book was seemingly quite strong until the ending, ultimately making this a mid book for me.
This book is good, it was engaging and honestly had me wanting to keep turning the page. Although this never gave me the 5 star feels I do think it fell ever so slightly flat at the end for me. I feel I still have some questions left without answers, a turn I wasn’t expecting yet wasn’t entirely welcomed by it either? The book was seemingly quite strong until the ending, ultimately making this a mid book for me.
August 28, 2022
Brilliant book. The author builds up the suspense perfectly, leaving you on edge searching for answers as to what exactly was the mothers secret. Thoroughly enjoyed the way the book moved from introducing the mystery right up until the end. It did take a couple of chapters to start settling in and enjoying the book as the pace was a little slow at the start albeit perhaps necessary in order to build up the storyline. Once the pace picked up, the book was hard to put down! The last few chapters were excellent and a great plot twist!
November 24, 2023
I thought this was going to be good at the start but it got worse the more I read until I couldn’t wait for it to be over. Too much clunky writing, over-egged dialogue and extreme plot twists that aren’t really believable for me.
May 27, 2022
Excellent read! Kept me hooked right to the end!
July 19, 2022
This book kept me gripped all the way through! Loved it!
January 12, 2023
This was an enjoyable read. This book kept my interest, some good twists in the story. Very easy read
March 30, 2024
Absolutely brilliant!
May 3, 2024
Lots of twists in this never expected the ending to turn out how it did.
January 25, 2023
Way to long to get to the action and reason for Eve's strange behavior!!! The story was good but needed to get to the reason a lot sooner or at least give some clues.
October 30, 2022
I'd be no good at solving crimes because I got this totally wrong too. Thanks to Laura Booth for the book.
May 1, 2022
Oh my gawd, what did I sign up for! This novel was too good I finished it over the weekend, even though it was 300+ pages long.
The @authorkathryncroft deserves all credits for keeping her readers invested fully until the very last word — and it is incredible writing and editing that had fused in well to deliver such an impactful thriller.
Coming to the story — Eve abandons her three-month-old child Kayla with her husband Aiden and vanishes one fine day.
Before Kayla came into her life, she had four miscarriages, and she felt sorry for her husband every time she had to lose their baby, as Aiden was really wanting and longing to have a child of his own and be a proud biological father as he was adopted.
Now Eve is back after two long years to have her child back because she's receiving some threatening emails that involves her secrets and past lies. And she decides this is the right time to protect her girl.
However, Eve knows nothing is same and everything has changed between her and her husband and her close friend and fellow teacher Sophie, the people who mattered in her life, she had to fight this battle for her kid.
To complicate matters, Aiden now has Nicole in his life, even though Eve and Aiden are not yet divorced legally. And to make matters worse, Kayla calls Nicole as her "mommy".
When Eve approaches Aiden and Sophie, asking for a second chance, they are very much uncomfortable with her — you can see hatred in their eyes after what she had done to her own child. Nobody wants Eve in Kayla's life.
After a few further talks, Nicole agrees to have her see Kayla, but informs her later to get divorced from Aiden and move on with her life, sans Kayla.
Meanwhile, the threatening mails involving her past creeps up her inbox, her car windows are shattered, and Eve is made to feel unsafe.
These acts lead to the dreaded call from Aiden — that Nicole has taken Kayla and has gone for good.
So why did Nicole take Kayla? Is this a ploy by Aiden to keep Kayla away from Eve? And what's the bloody secret that made Eve to leave her child and run away? Who is sending these emails? Did she find her Kayla?
These questions and more secrets are answered/revealed through lots of red herrings and side stories and characters that will keep you in toes and hooked till the very end.
A slow-burn yet gripping psychological thriller that will keep you do second-guessing until the truth reaches the light of the day. And I highly recommend that you give this novel a read if you love good, smart thrilling novels with right amount of mystery and suspense.
The @authorkathryncroft deserves all credits for keeping her readers invested fully until the very last word — and it is incredible writing and editing that had fused in well to deliver such an impactful thriller.
Coming to the story — Eve abandons her three-month-old child Kayla with her husband Aiden and vanishes one fine day.
Before Kayla came into her life, she had four miscarriages, and she felt sorry for her husband every time she had to lose their baby, as Aiden was really wanting and longing to have a child of his own and be a proud biological father as he was adopted.
Now Eve is back after two long years to have her child back because she's receiving some threatening emails that involves her secrets and past lies. And she decides this is the right time to protect her girl.
However, Eve knows nothing is same and everything has changed between her and her husband and her close friend and fellow teacher Sophie, the people who mattered in her life, she had to fight this battle for her kid.
To complicate matters, Aiden now has Nicole in his life, even though Eve and Aiden are not yet divorced legally. And to make matters worse, Kayla calls Nicole as her "mommy".
When Eve approaches Aiden and Sophie, asking for a second chance, they are very much uncomfortable with her — you can see hatred in their eyes after what she had done to her own child. Nobody wants Eve in Kayla's life.
After a few further talks, Nicole agrees to have her see Kayla, but informs her later to get divorced from Aiden and move on with her life, sans Kayla.
Meanwhile, the threatening mails involving her past creeps up her inbox, her car windows are shattered, and Eve is made to feel unsafe.
These acts lead to the dreaded call from Aiden — that Nicole has taken Kayla and has gone for good.
So why did Nicole take Kayla? Is this a ploy by Aiden to keep Kayla away from Eve? And what's the bloody secret that made Eve to leave her child and run away? Who is sending these emails? Did she find her Kayla?
These questions and more secrets are answered/revealed through lots of red herrings and side stories and characters that will keep you in toes and hooked till the very end.
A slow-burn yet gripping psychological thriller that will keep you do second-guessing until the truth reaches the light of the day. And I highly recommend that you give this novel a read if you love good, smart thrilling novels with right amount of mystery and suspense.
April 3, 2023
Eve longs to be a mother and make her life with her husband Aiden complete, but every time she becomes pregnant, a miscarriage soon follows. With every disappointment, Eve's belief that she will ever be a mother starts to wane, but Aiden believes they shouldn't give up and if it's meant to happen it will. So when they finally become parents to Kayla, Aiden is over the moon, but Eve can't bring herself to enjoy what she's wanted for so long and eventually walks away from her life.
Pretending that her previous life doesn't exist, Eve carves out a new story for herself, one that doesn't involve her husband or baby, but when someone starts to let her know that they know her secret, she realises that as much as she wants to, she can't leave everything in the past and she must re-connect with her daughter before her lies are exposed.
Not only must Eve do all she can to try and reconcile with a life she left in the past, she must also confront a truth that she has long buried and kept secret for so long before everything she has worked so hard for, starts to crumble in front of her.
To be honest, although I read this book in 2 days, it didn't grip me at first. I'd hoped with the promise of a mystery, from reading the blurb on the back of the book, that I would be gripped and wouldn't be able to put the book down, but I found that the mystery was too well covered up to really get my juices flowing and it was only about half way through that I began to care about finishing it.
Although I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped I would, I am intrigued to look up the other books that the author has written.
Pretending that her previous life doesn't exist, Eve carves out a new story for herself, one that doesn't involve her husband or baby, but when someone starts to let her know that they know her secret, she realises that as much as she wants to, she can't leave everything in the past and she must re-connect with her daughter before her lies are exposed.
Not only must Eve do all she can to try and reconcile with a life she left in the past, she must also confront a truth that she has long buried and kept secret for so long before everything she has worked so hard for, starts to crumble in front of her.
To be honest, although I read this book in 2 days, it didn't grip me at first. I'd hoped with the promise of a mystery, from reading the blurb on the back of the book, that I would be gripped and wouldn't be able to put the book down, but I found that the mystery was too well covered up to really get my juices flowing and it was only about half way through that I began to care about finishing it.
Although I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped I would, I am intrigued to look up the other books that the author has written.
April 11, 2022
Thank you, NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So, the thing with this book is, that there are huge pacing and plot issues. I wasn't actually hooked to keep reading to figure out the "mystery" because it wasn't very compelling (it wasn't a big of a mystery to keep reading). Still, I read the entire thing because I felt like it was the right thing to do to provide a review for this ARC. The twist comes in after 90% of the book and there's a twist in the Epilogue as well. They were great twists though. I did not guess them beforehand! Still, the plot wasn't "thrilling" enough to get to the twist.
The written style/language is okay, very mediocre. It's written in a single POV and it jumps from the present to the past alternatively which is a common trend these days. Nothing extraordinary.
I would actually read some other work from her just because the twists were great. Maybe they'll be better and I can't judge the author from just this book. And she has great potential and I wish her all the best!
So, the thing with this book is, that there are huge pacing and plot issues. I wasn't actually hooked to keep reading to figure out the "mystery" because it wasn't very compelling (it wasn't a big of a mystery to keep reading). Still, I read the entire thing because I felt like it was the right thing to do to provide a review for this ARC. The twist comes in after 90% of the book and there's a twist in the Epilogue as well. They were great twists though. I did not guess them beforehand! Still, the plot wasn't "thrilling" enough to get to the twist.
The written style/language is okay, very mediocre. It's written in a single POV and it jumps from the present to the past alternatively which is a common trend these days. Nothing extraordinary.
I would actually read some other work from her just because the twists were great. Maybe they'll be better and I can't judge the author from just this book. And she has great potential and I wish her all the best!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews