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The Wrong Mother
Faye is 39 and single. She's terrified that she may never have the one thing she always wanted: a child of her own.
Then she hears about an online co-parenting app. For men and women who want to have a baby, but don't want to do it alone. When the app matches her with smooth-talking, wealthy Louis, it feels as though the fates have aligned.
But just one year later, Faye's dream has turned into a nightmare. She's on the run from Louis, with baby Jake in tow.
In desperate need of a new place to live, she responds to an advert from an older lady, Rachel, who's renting out a room in her cottage in a remote Norfolk village. It's all Faye can afford - and surely she'll be safe from Louis there?
But is Rachel the benevolent landlady she pretends to be? Or does she have a secret of her own?
Then she hears about an online co-parenting app. For men and women who want to have a baby, but don't want to do it alone. When the app matches her with smooth-talking, wealthy Louis, it feels as though the fates have aligned.
But just one year later, Faye's dream has turned into a nightmare. She's on the run from Louis, with baby Jake in tow.
In desperate need of a new place to live, she responds to an advert from an older lady, Rachel, who's renting out a room in her cottage in a remote Norfolk village. It's all Faye can afford - and surely she'll be safe from Louis there?
But is Rachel the benevolent landlady she pretends to be? Or does she have a secret of her own?
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2022
113 people are currently reading
954 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Duckworth
7 books267 followersCharlotte Duckworth is the USA Today bestselling author of The Rival, Unfollow Me, The Perfect Father, The Sanctuary and The Wrong Mother.
Connie, her sixth psychological suspense, will be published by Quercus in January 2026.
She started her career working as an interiors and lifestyle journalist, writing for a wide range of consumer magazines and websites.
She also writes contemporary bookclub fiction under the pen name Charlotte Rixon. The One That Got Away was published in the UK & the US in 2023. Translation rights sold to Brazil, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Israel, Serbia and Russia. The film rights have been optioned by a major US producer.
Charlotte lives in Surrey, UK, with her partner and their daughter.
Connie, her sixth psychological suspense, will be published by Quercus in January 2026.
She started her career working as an interiors and lifestyle journalist, writing for a wide range of consumer magazines and websites.
She also writes contemporary bookclub fiction under the pen name Charlotte Rixon. The One That Got Away was published in the UK & the US in 2023. Translation rights sold to Brazil, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Israel, Serbia and Russia. The film rights have been optioned by a major US producer.
Charlotte lives in Surrey, UK, with her partner and their daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
April 8, 2023
Something really was wrong as the title implied. In my opinion, everything in this book was wrong. The main character was hopelessly naive. I kept pulling my hair in frustration, wanting her to just listen to the people around her and not be so easily duped. I have started to dislike characters like these intensely, which probably says more about me than them, but the fact is I didn’t enjoy the book at all.
September 28, 2022
Forty year Faye is struggling with crying baby Jake, she’s on the run from his father wealthy Louis. The two meet via an app (‘Acorn’) which matches those who want co-parenting without a romantic relationship.
Sixty four year old retired teacher Rachel advertises her double bedroom for rent in the Norfolk countryside. Is relatively cheap room the godsend Faye thinks or is Rachel not what she seems? The story is told via their alternating points of view and backtracks to Faye wanting a baby. As the storyline unfolds you wonder who exactly is the wrong mother???
Well, I should know having read Charlotte Duckworth before it’s a case of fool me once and then fool me twice! The surprising twists and turns are very entertaining and keep you eagerly reading on. In places it’s very chilling with great big resounding bells clanging a warning around some characters with additional oddities to ponder on and a load of lies to navigate. I really enjoy the way your opinions of characters keeps changing as each new revelation socks you between the eyes.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoy this novel. I like the straightforward style it’s written in as there are no unnecessary frills or details to get in the way of the plot and it’s told at a quick pace and confounds your expectations. What more can you ask for?
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Quercus for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Sixty four year old retired teacher Rachel advertises her double bedroom for rent in the Norfolk countryside. Is relatively cheap room the godsend Faye thinks or is Rachel not what she seems? The story is told via their alternating points of view and backtracks to Faye wanting a baby. As the storyline unfolds you wonder who exactly is the wrong mother???
Well, I should know having read Charlotte Duckworth before it’s a case of fool me once and then fool me twice! The surprising twists and turns are very entertaining and keep you eagerly reading on. In places it’s very chilling with great big resounding bells clanging a warning around some characters with additional oddities to ponder on and a load of lies to navigate. I really enjoy the way your opinions of characters keeps changing as each new revelation socks you between the eyes.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoy this novel. I like the straightforward style it’s written in as there are no unnecessary frills or details to get in the way of the plot and it’s told at a quick pace and confounds your expectations. What more can you ask for?
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Quercus for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
February 27, 2023
Faye is 39 years old and still single. She longs to have a child of her own but with out any prospects on the horizon it appears her wish for motherhood may never come true. That is until she stumbles upon a mating app. That's right, not a dating app, a mating app where other single people that want children can meet other likeminded people and can co-parent together.
Here she meets Louis who seems like the perfect man. Well to do, well spoken, well dressed, kind, caring, and better yet he seems to be interested in Faye. Faye hopes that as the process and pregnancy wears on that Louis will fall in love with her and they will become a proper family.
Many red flags are apparent but Faye is blinded by her ownidiocy naivete to see them.
Then Faye finds herself on the run with her baby. She must get away from Louis. She finds an ad to share a cottage in a remote Norfolk village with Rachel. The price is right and it should be far enough away that Louis won't be able to find her. What Faye doesn't realize is that Rachels last tenant disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
Soon she'll find out who the real threat is.
Compulsively readable as are all of Charlotte Duckworth's books though this is my least favorite I have read. Faye was a difficult character to root for because she is just too dumb to be believed. If she were 19 or even 29 I may have been a little more forgiving but she is 39 years old!!! Her mind is like a romantic fantasy land that is not reflective of reality at all. Never once does this guy give her any reason to believe that he wants a romantic relationship with her yet every comment and gesture he makes she misconstrues as his love for her. She was so pathetic that it was cringeworthy. Did I mention that Faye's a slob too? Maybe she'd have a little more self esteem if she took care of herself and her surroundings. I've no patience for those that live in filth when they are more than capable of picking up after themselves.
Rachel was much more interesting than Faye and I was all in on wanting to learn her secrets.
I thought the ending wrapped up the story perfectly. I may not have been completely wowed but I was definitely entertained. 3 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Books for my complimentary copy.
Here she meets Louis who seems like the perfect man. Well to do, well spoken, well dressed, kind, caring, and better yet he seems to be interested in Faye. Faye hopes that as the process and pregnancy wears on that Louis will fall in love with her and they will become a proper family.
Many red flags are apparent but Faye is blinded by her own
Then Faye finds herself on the run with her baby. She must get away from Louis. She finds an ad to share a cottage in a remote Norfolk village with Rachel. The price is right and it should be far enough away that Louis won't be able to find her. What Faye doesn't realize is that Rachels last tenant disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
Soon she'll find out who the real threat is.
Compulsively readable as are all of Charlotte Duckworth's books though this is my least favorite I have read. Faye was a difficult character to root for because she is just too dumb to be believed. If she were 19 or even 29 I may have been a little more forgiving but she is 39 years old!!! Her mind is like a romantic fantasy land that is not reflective of reality at all. Never once does this guy give her any reason to believe that he wants a romantic relationship with her yet every comment and gesture he makes she misconstrues as his love for her. She was so pathetic that it was cringeworthy. Did I mention that Faye's a slob too? Maybe she'd have a little more self esteem if she took care of herself and her surroundings. I've no patience for those that live in filth when they are more than capable of picking up after themselves.
Rachel was much more interesting than Faye and I was all in on wanting to learn her secrets.
I thought the ending wrapped up the story perfectly. I may not have been completely wowed but I was definitely entertained. 3 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Books for my complimentary copy.
December 29, 2022
Faye is thirty=nine and single. She's terrified that she may never have the one thing she's always wanted: a child of her own. Then she hears about an on-line co-parenting app for men and women who want to have a baby, but don't want to do it alone. When the app matches her with smooth-talking, wealthy Louis, it feels as though the fates have aligned. But just one year later, Faye's dream has turned into a nightmare. She's on the run from Louis, with baby Jake in tow.
This story has a dual timeline, the past - when Faye first meets Louis, and the present day. It's told from Faye and Rachel's perspectives. I like the authors style in writing this book. Faye is desperate to have a baby, and when she discovers a co-parenting app, (Acorn) she thinks she has found the ideal solution. But one year later, Faye's on the run with baby Jake. So much happens in this book, and the story unfolds in a way that I was not expecting. This is a well written and cleverly crafted story. The twists, tension and suspense keep you turning the pages.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #QuercusBooks and the author #CharlotteDuckworth for my ARC of #TheWrongMother in exchange for an honest review.
This story has a dual timeline, the past - when Faye first meets Louis, and the present day. It's told from Faye and Rachel's perspectives. I like the authors style in writing this book. Faye is desperate to have a baby, and when she discovers a co-parenting app, (Acorn) she thinks she has found the ideal solution. But one year later, Faye's on the run with baby Jake. So much happens in this book, and the story unfolds in a way that I was not expecting. This is a well written and cleverly crafted story. The twists, tension and suspense keep you turning the pages.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #QuercusBooks and the author #CharlotteDuckworth for my ARC of #TheWrongMother in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2022
You always know picking up a Charlotte Duckworth book that you are in for a wild ride..You may think you know what is going on but think again. Always a fun read.
A new mother on the run with her newborn baby. A landlady with plenty of secrets. A rich and power father. What could possibly go wrong? Faye had always wanted to be a mother and when she turns 39 she decides to do something about it. She finds a co-parenting app and meets the perfect man. He is rich, he wants a baby and he likes her. The next thing we know is that she has taken baby Jake and is hiding out in Rachel’s spare room. Rachel feels sorry for her and wants to help her.
Told is dual timelines, we learn what happened before and after Faye runs away. It is not what you would expect and that is what I love about this authors books.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on December 14th.
A new mother on the run with her newborn baby. A landlady with plenty of secrets. A rich and power father. What could possibly go wrong? Faye had always wanted to be a mother and when she turns 39 she decides to do something about it. She finds a co-parenting app and meets the perfect man. He is rich, he wants a baby and he likes her. The next thing we know is that she has taken baby Jake and is hiding out in Rachel’s spare room. Rachel feels sorry for her and wants to help her.
Told is dual timelines, we learn what happened before and after Faye runs away. It is not what you would expect and that is what I love about this authors books.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on December 14th.
November 3, 2022
Ten Things I Loved About This Book
1. The setting of a lot of the book in Helston in Norfolk, and how the village was preparing for its annual Bonfire Night celebrations that were known County wide
2. The Characters, from unassuming to loud and voracious, Rachel being my favourite, I cant say why but she was an outstanding person to have in your minds eye when reading a story
3. The use of the word ‘Rambunctious’, always a winner
4. The really stark emotions shown by one character who wants a baby so so much, brilliantly written
5. The story having characters who love the piano, not overly gone on about in the book but when it was it was magical and inspiring
6. The descriptions of the lengths some people will go to to deceive we’re chilling and again so well written
7. The way all the sub stories that had been carefully planted in the readers mind came together to make a powerful conclusion
8. The way the ending wasn’t quite as I had thought right up to the last page
9. The dry humour of Louis at times although he was bad bad man and
10. Finally just the writing and the story which together made a superb read
😎❤️
1. The setting of a lot of the book in Helston in Norfolk, and how the village was preparing for its annual Bonfire Night celebrations that were known County wide
2. The Characters, from unassuming to loud and voracious, Rachel being my favourite, I cant say why but she was an outstanding person to have in your minds eye when reading a story
3. The use of the word ‘Rambunctious’, always a winner
4. The really stark emotions shown by one character who wants a baby so so much, brilliantly written
5. The story having characters who love the piano, not overly gone on about in the book but when it was it was magical and inspiring
6. The descriptions of the lengths some people will go to to deceive we’re chilling and again so well written
7. The way all the sub stories that had been carefully planted in the readers mind came together to make a powerful conclusion
8. The way the ending wasn’t quite as I had thought right up to the last page
9. The dry humour of Louis at times although he was bad bad man and
10. Finally just the writing and the story which together made a superb read
😎❤️
May 15, 2023
3.0 / 5
This was a boring book, I was sold on the blurb and reviews from others but it didnt cut it for me.
The premise of the book is unique, the book is split between the past and present. The start is confusing because you're trying to make sense of the situation unfolding for Faye, its unclear on whats happening and you're glued reading it. But as you read, little breadcrumbs of information is revealed and you start to get the bigger picture of things. As thats happening the harder it is for me to get into the book. I think the actual premise of the book is stupid - its not really a realistic thing. I'm not aware if something like it exists and if so its illegal??, but I found it hard to wrap my brain around the concept of a 'Mating' app.
I found Rachel annoying, the premise of her irritated me, reminding me of my university with housemates that are too nosey, rude and unhelpful. But also Faye herself, her character looked and sounded unrealistic - her choices and actions remind me of a teenager. I know age shouldn't be a defining factor to how someone behaves but there is no way Faye would react like that in todays world. I found it hard to feel sympathy for Faye because ultimately in the end its her poor choices which could have been avoided. I wasn't a fan of how the ending was like 'pop', the truth comes out and the ending is minor and its finished. The ending felt rushed for such a heavy build up to it.
Overall I didn't like the plot, it was too bland and almost too obvious that things between Louis and Faye were never going to be easy. Maybe its the fact that this book is not for me - targeted more towards first time mums which I am not and I don't plan to be. Although the plot I might remember due to how ridiculous it is and how much I hate it - I wouldn't recommend this book if you aren't a fan of characters actively making poor choices and ruining their life over them.
This was a boring book, I was sold on the blurb and reviews from others but it didnt cut it for me.
The premise of the book is unique, the book is split between the past and present. The start is confusing because you're trying to make sense of the situation unfolding for Faye, its unclear on whats happening and you're glued reading it. But as you read, little breadcrumbs of information is revealed and you start to get the bigger picture of things. As thats happening the harder it is for me to get into the book. I think the actual premise of the book is stupid - its not really a realistic thing. I'm not aware if something like it exists and if so its illegal??, but I found it hard to wrap my brain around the concept of a 'Mating' app.
I found Rachel annoying, the premise of her irritated me, reminding me of my university with housemates that are too nosey, rude and unhelpful. But also Faye herself, her character looked and sounded unrealistic - her choices and actions remind me of a teenager. I know age shouldn't be a defining factor to how someone behaves but there is no way Faye would react like that in todays world. I found it hard to feel sympathy for Faye because ultimately in the end its her poor choices which could have been avoided. I wasn't a fan of how the ending was like 'pop', the truth comes out and the ending is minor and its finished. The ending felt rushed for such a heavy build up to it.
Overall I didn't like the plot, it was too bland and almost too obvious that things between Louis and Faye were never going to be easy. Maybe its the fact that this book is not for me - targeted more towards first time mums which I am not and I don't plan to be. Although the plot I might remember due to how ridiculous it is and how much I hate it - I wouldn't recommend this book if you aren't a fan of characters actively making poor choices and ruining their life over them.
December 30, 2022
I thought I had read Charlotte Duckworth before as the name is familiar but according to Goodreads, I've not marked any of her books off as read. Hmm...so maybe not. But I could have sworn... Anyway, this thriller is a little bit of a slow burn to start with but enough to keep you engaged particularly as it was the premise that had me intrigued to begin with.
Faye is 39 and her biological clock is ticking...or so she thinks. All her life she has desperately wanted a baby but she has failed to find the perfect man with which to make that dream become a reality. Until her best friend Jonas suggested she go online to meet someone. Which is exactly what she does, albeit reluctantly. What she finds stuns her. Amidst all the usual dating sites and apps, she comes across "Acorn" - a "mating" app, for those who want to co-parent without becoming romantically involved. Faye thinks this is just perfect. Exactly what what she wants. A baby, without the strings attached.
She is surprisingly inundated with messages from men (and one woman) who wish to have a baby with her. But one stands out from them all. Louis. They arrange to meet and after a few dates it isn't long before Faye feels that the stars have aligned to bring them together. Faye is falling in love with the smooth-talking Louis and she feels sure from the signals she is getting from him that he feels the same. Maybe they will be one of the couples that make it real.
But a year later, Faye's dream has turned into a nightmare. She's on the run from Louis with baby Jake in tow, ditching her damp pokey flat and her beloved piano, in search of somewhere safe to hide. And then she sees an advertisement for a room to rent...
Sixty four year returned teacher old Rachel lives in Helston village in rural Norfolk. She is lonely and has been since her mother died many years before. Which is why she's always taken in lodgers. But for some reason, none of them seem to work out. After her last lodger left under a cloud, Rachel advertises her spare double bedroom for rent once again. And Faye answers the ad under the name Fiona and Rachel assures her that having a newborn baby won't be a problem. Well, it isn't for Rachel but it soon turns out that it is for Faye.
As a new mother with a crying newborn, it seems Faye isn't coping and Rachel wants to help but will Faye let her? And what of Rachel? Is she all that she seems? Or is there something darker lurking beneath the surface? And why won't she let her cat roam outside? And what of the overgrown backyard with tendrils creeping under the door and into the house? And Faye? What exactly is she running from? Was Louis abusive? Are her and baby Jake in danger? And amidst all of this is she suffering post natal depression?
There are so many questions to this thriller that will keep you guessing right up to the end. It was an engaging tale with some surprising twists (and some not so surprising) but an entertaining read all the same. I loved the village setting and along with the giant bonfire and Guy being constructed on the village green gave an air of Midsomer about it, making it very atmospheric.
There are some chilling aspects to this story that will resound with great big warning bells going off letting you know that something definitely is not right with these two women...but figuring out what is half the fun!
THE WRONG MOTHER is written in a dual timeline format rewinding back to a year before as Faye embarks on her journey to become a mother to the present day where she is on the run and meets Rachel. The story unfolds through Faye and Rachel's narratives lending something of an interesting curve to the story. It is cleverly crafted and I quite enjoyed it with plenty of twists and tension to keep you guessing and turning the pages.
Overall, THE WRONG MOTHER is an entertaining and somewhat chilling read that is page-turning, twisty and fast paced.
I would like to thank #CharlotteDuckworth, #NetGalley and #QuercusBooks for an ARC of #TheWrongMother in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Faye is 39 and her biological clock is ticking...or so she thinks. All her life she has desperately wanted a baby but she has failed to find the perfect man with which to make that dream become a reality. Until her best friend Jonas suggested she go online to meet someone. Which is exactly what she does, albeit reluctantly. What she finds stuns her. Amidst all the usual dating sites and apps, she comes across "Acorn" - a "mating" app, for those who want to co-parent without becoming romantically involved. Faye thinks this is just perfect. Exactly what what she wants. A baby, without the strings attached.
She is surprisingly inundated with messages from men (and one woman) who wish to have a baby with her. But one stands out from them all. Louis. They arrange to meet and after a few dates it isn't long before Faye feels that the stars have aligned to bring them together. Faye is falling in love with the smooth-talking Louis and she feels sure from the signals she is getting from him that he feels the same. Maybe they will be one of the couples that make it real.
But a year later, Faye's dream has turned into a nightmare. She's on the run from Louis with baby Jake in tow, ditching her damp pokey flat and her beloved piano, in search of somewhere safe to hide. And then she sees an advertisement for a room to rent...
Sixty four year returned teacher old Rachel lives in Helston village in rural Norfolk. She is lonely and has been since her mother died many years before. Which is why she's always taken in lodgers. But for some reason, none of them seem to work out. After her last lodger left under a cloud, Rachel advertises her spare double bedroom for rent once again. And Faye answers the ad under the name Fiona and Rachel assures her that having a newborn baby won't be a problem. Well, it isn't for Rachel but it soon turns out that it is for Faye.
As a new mother with a crying newborn, it seems Faye isn't coping and Rachel wants to help but will Faye let her? And what of Rachel? Is she all that she seems? Or is there something darker lurking beneath the surface? And why won't she let her cat roam outside? And what of the overgrown backyard with tendrils creeping under the door and into the house? And Faye? What exactly is she running from? Was Louis abusive? Are her and baby Jake in danger? And amidst all of this is she suffering post natal depression?
There are so many questions to this thriller that will keep you guessing right up to the end. It was an engaging tale with some surprising twists (and some not so surprising) but an entertaining read all the same. I loved the village setting and along with the giant bonfire and Guy being constructed on the village green gave an air of Midsomer about it, making it very atmospheric.
There are some chilling aspects to this story that will resound with great big warning bells going off letting you know that something definitely is not right with these two women...but figuring out what is half the fun!
THE WRONG MOTHER is written in a dual timeline format rewinding back to a year before as Faye embarks on her journey to become a mother to the present day where she is on the run and meets Rachel. The story unfolds through Faye and Rachel's narratives lending something of an interesting curve to the story. It is cleverly crafted and I quite enjoyed it with plenty of twists and tension to keep you guessing and turning the pages.
Overall, THE WRONG MOTHER is an entertaining and somewhat chilling read that is page-turning, twisty and fast paced.
I would like to thank #CharlotteDuckworth, #NetGalley and #QuercusBooks for an ARC of #TheWrongMother in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
December 30, 2023
Summary
The Wrong Mother is a psychological thriller that follows Faye, a single woman who wants a child, and Rachel, a lonely widow who rents out a room in her cottage. Faye meets Louis through a co-parenting app, and gives birth to their son, Jake. But Louis turns out to be a different man than she expected, and Faye has to flee with Jake to escape his wrath. She finds shelter in Rachel’s cottage, but Rachel has a secret that links her to Faye’s past, and a plan that threatens Faye and Jake’s lives.
Strengths
The novel is dynamic and engaging, with a back and forth timeline that keeps the reader on edge. The characters have complex and tragic family backgrounds that add depth to the story, and make them somewhat sympathetic, even the antagonist. The novel has a surprising twist that reveals the truth about Faye and Louis’s relationship, and the motive behind Rachel’s actions.
Weaknesses
The novel has a major “irk” in its protagonist, Faye, who is blindly in love with Louis, a snobbish and indifferent man, despite all the warning signs. Her lack of judgment and common sense frustrates me and makes me root for the antagonist. The novel relies on clichés and stereotypes, such as the naive and gullible heroine, the “bad” boyfriend, and the “psychotic” widow.
Recommendation
The novel is a compelling and disturbing exploration of the themes of motherhood, love, family, and revenge. One might enjoy this book if they are looking for a quick and easy read to pass the time or relax. One might hate this book if they can’t tolerate a protagonist who is too trusting and foolish.
The Wrong Mother is a psychological thriller that follows Faye, a single woman who wants a child, and Rachel, a lonely widow who rents out a room in her cottage. Faye meets Louis through a co-parenting app, and gives birth to their son, Jake. But Louis turns out to be a different man than she expected, and Faye has to flee with Jake to escape his wrath. She finds shelter in Rachel’s cottage, but Rachel has a secret that links her to Faye’s past, and a plan that threatens Faye and Jake’s lives.
Strengths
The novel is dynamic and engaging, with a back and forth timeline that keeps the reader on edge. The characters have complex and tragic family backgrounds that add depth to the story, and make them somewhat sympathetic, even the antagonist. The novel has a surprising twist that reveals the truth about Faye and Louis’s relationship, and the motive behind Rachel’s actions.
Weaknesses
The novel has a major “irk” in its protagonist, Faye, who is blindly in love with Louis, a snobbish and indifferent man, despite all the warning signs. Her lack of judgment and common sense frustrates me and makes me root for the antagonist. The novel relies on clichés and stereotypes, such as the naive and gullible heroine, the “bad” boyfriend, and the “psychotic” widow.
Recommendation
The novel is a compelling and disturbing exploration of the themes of motherhood, love, family, and revenge. One might enjoy this book if they are looking for a quick and easy read to pass the time or relax. One might hate this book if they can’t tolerate a protagonist who is too trusting and foolish.
April 20, 2023
This thriller had a really strong premise with plenty of suspense and intrigue to keep me hooked.
The notion of a 'dating' app with a difference really helps make this book stand out.
39 year old Faye discovers a co-parenting app called Acorn that facilitates both men and women who are desperate to have children but don't want to do it alone.
Our main protagonist is a perfect candidate as she feels that time is running out to become a parent.
The book opens a year after Faye started using Acorn app, she's currently the run with baby Jake, desperately trying to hide from Louis.
Instantly grabbing the reader as to what led to this situation.
The narrative nicely flashes back to her first encounter with Louis, whilst during the present day she had found sanctuary with Rachel in a remote cottage in Norfolk.
It's clear that Rachel also holds some secrets of her own, which adds to the tension in this well crafted thriller.
The notion of a 'dating' app with a difference really helps make this book stand out.
39 year old Faye discovers a co-parenting app called Acorn that facilitates both men and women who are desperate to have children but don't want to do it alone.
Our main protagonist is a perfect candidate as she feels that time is running out to become a parent.
The book opens a year after Faye started using Acorn app, she's currently the run with baby Jake, desperately trying to hide from Louis.
Instantly grabbing the reader as to what led to this situation.
The narrative nicely flashes back to her first encounter with Louis, whilst during the present day she had found sanctuary with Rachel in a remote cottage in Norfolk.
It's clear that Rachel also holds some secrets of her own, which adds to the tension in this well crafted thriller.
February 26, 2023
The book summary is a lot like the first half of the story: vague with not much info to get a good idea about the characters and/or storyline, which has me asking myself, “what made me choose to read this book?”
Unfortunately, at least for me, I’m one of those kinds of readers who needs to like at least one of the MC(s) in order to enjoy the story. None of the MC’s in this story are likeable characters or reliable ones either. In other words, the way that Duckworth tries to present them is dubious and I didn’t believe anything she tried to “tell” me about the MC’s. Furthermore, because she refused to “show” me much (at least in the first half) about the characters that would confirm and/or support the characterization she’s trying to push, I just felt bored by the story she was telling. After about a handful of times it was stated that “Louis is a very bad man.”, I’m thinking, “Alright already! Louis is a BAD MAN! Are you ever going to show us WHY?”
The story flips back and forth between Faye/Fiona and Rachel as well as between present day and a year ago. Pretty early in the story, I began to develop my own suspicions about Faye/Fiona as well as Louis. I don’t know if this is because I have just read too many of these types of stories or if it’s a sign of a weak story and/or plot or just plain poor characterization.
Shortly into the second half of the story, I actually set aside the book for a few days and read something else. Once I picked it back up, I was determined to finish it as fast as I could so that I could move onto something else. Thank goodness for dreary and rainy Saturday afternoons, I guess. Duckworth finally “shows” a little more info about Louis. A bad man??? Yeah, ok, but what I found more annoying was how incredibly naïve and stupid Faye was. Good grief!!! Louis’s red flags were flapping in her face from day one. As reader whose fave MC’s are smart, savvy, bad@$$ women, Faye is the absolute antithesis of my fave MC’s. I have absolutely no sympathy for her.
Finally, I reached the point where the timelines and storylines began to merge, and my earlier suspicions about the demise and status of the relationship between Louis and Faye were pretty spot on. The final 10% or so was a bit of a hot mess and the finale was just plain weird. This story was a solid 2star rating, for me. Under normal circumstances, I would have DNFed this book at around the halfway mark. However, since I received a free eARC from the publisher, I was compelled to finish the book.
I want to thank NetGalley and Quercus Books, for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
@NetGalley @Quercus Books @TheWrongMother
Unfortunately, at least for me, I’m one of those kinds of readers who needs to like at least one of the MC(s) in order to enjoy the story. None of the MC’s in this story are likeable characters or reliable ones either. In other words, the way that Duckworth tries to present them is dubious and I didn’t believe anything she tried to “tell” me about the MC’s. Furthermore, because she refused to “show” me much (at least in the first half) about the characters that would confirm and/or support the characterization she’s trying to push, I just felt bored by the story she was telling. After about a handful of times it was stated that “Louis is a very bad man.”, I’m thinking, “Alright already! Louis is a BAD MAN! Are you ever going to show us WHY?”
The story flips back and forth between Faye/Fiona and Rachel as well as between present day and a year ago. Pretty early in the story, I began to develop my own suspicions about Faye/Fiona as well as Louis. I don’t know if this is because I have just read too many of these types of stories or if it’s a sign of a weak story and/or plot or just plain poor characterization.
Shortly into the second half of the story, I actually set aside the book for a few days and read something else. Once I picked it back up, I was determined to finish it as fast as I could so that I could move onto something else. Thank goodness for dreary and rainy Saturday afternoons, I guess. Duckworth finally “shows” a little more info about Louis. A bad man??? Yeah, ok, but what I found more annoying was how incredibly naïve and stupid Faye was. Good grief!!! Louis’s red flags were flapping in her face from day one. As reader whose fave MC’s are smart, savvy, bad@$$ women, Faye is the absolute antithesis of my fave MC’s. I have absolutely no sympathy for her.
Finally, I reached the point where the timelines and storylines began to merge, and my earlier suspicions about the demise and status of the relationship between Louis and Faye were pretty spot on. The final 10% or so was a bit of a hot mess and the finale was just plain weird. This story was a solid 2star rating, for me. Under normal circumstances, I would have DNFed this book at around the halfway mark. However, since I received a free eARC from the publisher, I was compelled to finish the book.
I want to thank NetGalley and Quercus Books, for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
@NetGalley @Quercus Books @TheWrongMother
March 20, 2023
I found this a fun and captivating read!
Definitely happy I picked this up. And I devoured it in about a day and a half.
The story is portrayed from 2 perspectives and in 2 timelines. The ladies, both with a little questionable and unaddressed mental health issues, a rich heir, a baby, a runaway and a small village? What could possibly go wrong?
I enjoyed the book, even though it was a little unbelievable, it was still entertaining and not too heavy for a twisty thriller if that makes sense. All and all, a solid holiday/poolside read for me!
I will definitely be looking out for more books from this author.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Thank you for the ARC, NetGalley!
Definitely happy I picked this up. And I devoured it in about a day and a half.
The story is portrayed from 2 perspectives and in 2 timelines. The ladies, both with a little questionable and unaddressed mental health issues, a rich heir, a baby, a runaway and a small village? What could possibly go wrong?
I enjoyed the book, even though it was a little unbelievable, it was still entertaining and not too heavy for a twisty thriller if that makes sense. All and all, a solid holiday/poolside read for me!
I will definitely be looking out for more books from this author.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Thank you for the ARC, NetGalley!
May 9, 2023
This was okay, but I hated everybody lol. Yep, everybody.
The mystery of things was interesting, but there are red herrings strewn throughout that just didn't work. No spoilers exactly - I'll just say that everything is very... prosaic and benign for the most part.
I did finish the book and was interested enough to keep going, but it's also one that simply won't stay with me for long.
An okay read.
The mystery of things was interesting, but there are red herrings strewn throughout that just didn't work. No spoilers exactly - I'll just say that everything is very... prosaic and benign for the most part.
I did finish the book and was interested enough to keep going, but it's also one that simply won't stay with me for long.
An okay read.
December 1, 2022
Another real page turner from this author. Full of misdirection and packed to the rafters with tension and suspense. A new mother on the run with her new born, a landlady with plenty of secrets and this is only the beginning. Devoured in one sitting, constantly holding my breath. Chilling in places and definitely not what I was expecting it was so much more.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
January 12, 2023
Charlotte Duckworth has done it yet again with The Wrong Mother. Ms Duckworth has become an automatic read for me, and I simply devoured this latest page-turner.
Faye is thirty-nine, single, and desperate to have a child of her own. Meeting Louis through an app that promises to connect individuals who are interested in co-parenting seems the ideal solution. But a year on, Faye is on the run with newborn Jake and renting a room from the mysterious and unsettling Rachel, an older woman who clearly has some secrets of her own.
This is a compulsively readable tale, full of intrigue and suspense, and I could not turn the pages quickly enough.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for an ARC.
Faye is thirty-nine, single, and desperate to have a child of her own. Meeting Louis through an app that promises to connect individuals who are interested in co-parenting seems the ideal solution. But a year on, Faye is on the run with newborn Jake and renting a room from the mysterious and unsettling Rachel, an older woman who clearly has some secrets of her own.
This is a compulsively readable tale, full of intrigue and suspense, and I could not turn the pages quickly enough.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for an ARC.
June 11, 2023
This was an ok read, with super unlikable characters but an engaging story. It centers on Faye who is in the run with a newborn baby, and Rachel who rents a room in her house to Faye. Both characters have things to hide and while there is no major twist, there is suspense throughout.
If I had pick a character to back, I’d pick Rachel. She was annoying and meddling but also lonely and her intentions were good. I felt like Faye clearly had some kind of mental illness and was frustrated that no one close to her ever managed to figure this out. She was extremely unlikable but I also felt sorry for her. There really wasn’t a lot of surprise in this book but it was action packed enough to be an overall quick read. The ending was somewhat satisfying for me.
Overall, decent read but I really had trouble getting behind Faye’s character. Was still a fast paced book, and the writing was sound. I’d give it 3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If I had pick a character to back, I’d pick Rachel. She was annoying and meddling but also lonely and her intentions were good. I felt like Faye clearly had some kind of mental illness and was frustrated that no one close to her ever managed to figure this out. She was extremely unlikable but I also felt sorry for her. There really wasn’t a lot of surprise in this book but it was action packed enough to be an overall quick read. The ending was somewhat satisfying for me.
Overall, decent read but I really had trouble getting behind Faye’s character. Was still a fast paced book, and the writing was sound. I’d give it 3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2023
NetGalley Read
There are 2 female MCs Faye, who is on the run from her ex with her newborn baby, and Rachel, who is renting out a room in her family house that has plenty of secrets.
Both characters have a lot to hide and we really aren’t sure who is the person with the most to hide. Book was well written, and the plot was pretty good. Maybe a little bit predictable. I love a good crazy main character..
There are 2 female MCs Faye, who is on the run from her ex with her newborn baby, and Rachel, who is renting out a room in her family house that has plenty of secrets.
Both characters have a lot to hide and we really aren’t sure who is the person with the most to hide. Book was well written, and the plot was pretty good. Maybe a little bit predictable. I love a good crazy main character..
June 2, 2023
Thank you to Hachette Book Group and NetGalley for providing me with the ARC!
I had a little bit of trouble getting into this book at the start. I was automatically suspicious of both Faye and Rachel's characters, and I didn't like either of them for most of the book. Up until the end, there weren't any characters that I was rooting for, and I didn't feel any attachment to either of them.
That being said, this book was packed full of suspense and fun little twists throughout. Even though I didn't really care about the characters, I had to see what happened next and stayed up late to finish this book. All of the questions I had been gathering as I was reading were answered in the end, and everything added up well and was well executed.
Overall, this was a fun thriller, but I think it would've been better if there was a character to root for from the start.
I had a little bit of trouble getting into this book at the start. I was automatically suspicious of both Faye and Rachel's characters, and I didn't like either of them for most of the book. Up until the end, there weren't any characters that I was rooting for, and I didn't feel any attachment to either of them.
That being said, this book was packed full of suspense and fun little twists throughout. Even though I didn't really care about the characters, I had to see what happened next and stayed up late to finish this book. All of the questions I had been gathering as I was reading were answered in the end, and everything added up well and was well executed.
Overall, this was a fun thriller, but I think it would've been better if there was a character to root for from the start.
February 19, 2023
Faye desperately wants a baby, so she gets on an app for people who also want to be parents and co-parent. She meets Louis. They have baby Jake together. Fast forward a year and Faye is on the run with Jake to get away from Louis.
This was my first book by Duckworth but it will not be my last. So much suspense and great twists. I was glued from page one. Excellent writing and characters. I devoured this.
This was my first book by Duckworth but it will not be my last. So much suspense and great twists. I was glued from page one. Excellent writing and characters. I devoured this.
August 10, 2024
I only finished this because I didn’t want to waste another dnf on my good reads challenge this year. Didn’t enjoy it at all. The characters are really annoying, literally all of them in their own way, it was quite frustrating to read. I personally would not recommend this book, I definitely think there are far more gripping thrillers out there and thrillers for me should be page-turners, not where you can put the book down for weeks at a time. I’m sure the author is lovely and I can see she has potential to be a great writer, maybe her other books are different, but this one wasn’t for me. I might be in the minority with this review and I’m not generally one to rate low, but I mean it took me 2 months to read so that says it all!
March 14, 2023
THE WRONG MOTHER is a really captivating mystery that follows Faye, a 39 year old woman who is desperate to have a child, so desperate that she joins a co-parenting app to find someone to have a baby with. She does find who seems like the perfect person to have a baby with, but as you can imagine it’s not a simple happily ever after. This story is told in two different timelines, a year earlier when Faye joins the app and then in the present when Faye is on the run with baby Jake, lodging with a mysterious woman called Rachel who has her own secrets…
This was a really great mystery that kept me hooked the whole way through. It switches between the perspectives of Faye and Rachel and we get an insight into both of these complicated woman’s lives and secrets and it’s hard to know who to trust. There were a few twists that weren’t particularly surprising but that didn’t take away from the story at all and I couldn’t put it down! I’d definitely recommend this to mystery lovers, this was fantastic!
Thank you so much to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really great mystery that kept me hooked the whole way through. It switches between the perspectives of Faye and Rachel and we get an insight into both of these complicated woman’s lives and secrets and it’s hard to know who to trust. There were a few twists that weren’t particularly surprising but that didn’t take away from the story at all and I couldn’t put it down! I’d definitely recommend this to mystery lovers, this was fantastic!
Thank you so much to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2023
This took me a lot longer to get through than expected. The writing style seemed all over the place but it also worked for this book too.
Faye is a 39 year old who is essentially running out of time to have a baby, so she looks into it in a not so common way. After this situation doesn't unfold like she would like, she takes matters into her own hands to have the child she has always wanted.
I didn't see the twists coming at all expect for the housekeeper so although it did take me awhile to get through, i enjoyed how much of a rollercoaster this was.
I didn't care much for Rachel or the twists that came from her perspective. There was so much to the beginning and middle of the story but the end felt rushed to me. Overall, I did enjoy the book.
Thank you to #Netgalley, #Quercusbooks and #CharlotteDuckworth for the ARC copy!
Faye is a 39 year old who is essentially running out of time to have a baby, so she looks into it in a not so common way. After this situation doesn't unfold like she would like, she takes matters into her own hands to have the child she has always wanted.
I didn't see the twists coming at all expect for the housekeeper so although it did take me awhile to get through, i enjoyed how much of a rollercoaster this was.
I didn't care much for Rachel or the twists that came from her perspective. There was so much to the beginning and middle of the story but the end felt rushed to me. Overall, I did enjoy the book.
Thank you to #Netgalley, #Quercusbooks and #CharlotteDuckworth for the ARC copy!
February 27, 2024
‘The Wrong Mother’ follows the lives of two women, Faye Miller and Rachel Morris.
Faye is a 39-year-old piano teacher from London who lives a relatively insulated life after being windowed at a very young age. Her life quietly revolves around her students, her friend Jonas and her half-sister Hannah. Faye grew up with a father who neglected and emotionally manipulated her, leading to self-esteem issues and a naivety that permeates her decision-making abilities.
Is this what other people really think? Have I been naïve? That word again, haunting me my whole life. Faye’s incredibly talented, but she’s very trusting. Faye could go far, but her naivety means she’s at risk of being taken advantage of.
Faye longs for a family and children of her own, believing that with them, she will finally find the happiness and love she has craved her whole life. Not wanting to be a single parent, she discovers a co-parenting app, ‘Acorn’, created for men and women to meet and connect over their shared desire to become parents.
‘We’re a mating app. Not a dating app.’
In drunken desperation, Faye signs up for the app and finds herself connected with Louis Horton-Jones. A very handsome, wealthy and eligible businessman who, at 41 years old, is ready to have a baby to secure his family's legacy. Louis quickly charms Faye, and as they get to know each other and meet their families, Faye falls in love with him. Realising that just because they met through a desire to co-parent doesn’t mean they couldn’t develop a last relationship, Faye begins to look forward to the future with happiness and excitement. However, she realises that Louis’s desire for a child may not be without an ulterior motive.
‘He was callous and determined. He had picked me precisely because I was vulnerable and isolated, someone he could easily manipulate.’
A year later, Faye flees from Louis along with her 5-week-old son, Jake. Faye has no plan for her escape except to get as far away from Louis as possible. Randomly deciding on a small village in Norfolk, where she once visited her great aunt as a child, Faye rents a room from Rachel.
Rachel is a 64-year-old retired school teacher who suddenly finds herself with a vacancy after her last lodger leaves abruptly. Though Rachel is known to be difficult and opinionated, she has a soft spot for children. After receiving an email from Faye regarding the room and hearing that she would be bringing Jake, Rachel agrees to have them stay with her. However, the secrets that both women are hiding quickly begin to erode any trust between them, escalating the tension and threatening to destroy both their lives.
The book is told from the perspective of Faye and Rachel, with interspersed sections from Faye’s point of view from a year ago as she begins her relationship with Louis. Faye and Rachel are not trustworthy narrators, and they react to events based on their troubled childhoods.
Faye is a 39-year-old piano teacher from London who lives a relatively insulated life after being windowed at a very young age. Her life quietly revolves around her students, her friend Jonas and her half-sister Hannah. Faye grew up with a father who neglected and emotionally manipulated her, leading to self-esteem issues and a naivety that permeates her decision-making abilities.
Is this what other people really think? Have I been naïve? That word again, haunting me my whole life. Faye’s incredibly talented, but she’s very trusting. Faye could go far, but her naivety means she’s at risk of being taken advantage of.
Faye longs for a family and children of her own, believing that with them, she will finally find the happiness and love she has craved her whole life. Not wanting to be a single parent, she discovers a co-parenting app, ‘Acorn’, created for men and women to meet and connect over their shared desire to become parents.
‘We’re a mating app. Not a dating app.’
In drunken desperation, Faye signs up for the app and finds herself connected with Louis Horton-Jones. A very handsome, wealthy and eligible businessman who, at 41 years old, is ready to have a baby to secure his family's legacy. Louis quickly charms Faye, and as they get to know each other and meet their families, Faye falls in love with him. Realising that just because they met through a desire to co-parent doesn’t mean they couldn’t develop a last relationship, Faye begins to look forward to the future with happiness and excitement. However, she realises that Louis’s desire for a child may not be without an ulterior motive.
‘He was callous and determined. He had picked me precisely because I was vulnerable and isolated, someone he could easily manipulate.’
A year later, Faye flees from Louis along with her 5-week-old son, Jake. Faye has no plan for her escape except to get as far away from Louis as possible. Randomly deciding on a small village in Norfolk, where she once visited her great aunt as a child, Faye rents a room from Rachel.
Rachel is a 64-year-old retired school teacher who suddenly finds herself with a vacancy after her last lodger leaves abruptly. Though Rachel is known to be difficult and opinionated, she has a soft spot for children. After receiving an email from Faye regarding the room and hearing that she would be bringing Jake, Rachel agrees to have them stay with her. However, the secrets that both women are hiding quickly begin to erode any trust between them, escalating the tension and threatening to destroy both their lives.
The book is told from the perspective of Faye and Rachel, with interspersed sections from Faye’s point of view from a year ago as she begins her relationship with Louis. Faye and Rachel are not trustworthy narrators, and they react to events based on their troubled childhoods.
March 21, 2023
The Wrong Mother is about Faye, who runs away with her baby Jake from Louis, a wealthy man and the baby's father. Hiding in a village, Faye rents Rachel's guest room, a woman with secrets of her own.
I thought I figured out the story but it ended differently which I loved. Sometimes I couldn't get over the fact that Faye was still so naive at forty, she definitely read much younger. All in all, it was a four star read and I will check out Charlotte Duckworth's other books.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus!
I thought I figured out the story but it ended differently which I loved. Sometimes I couldn't get over the fact that Faye was still so naive at forty, she definitely read much younger. All in all, it was a four star read and I will check out Charlotte Duckworth's other books.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus!
May 1, 2023
QOTD: What is your least favorite trope?
Faye is almost 40 and terrified that she may never have a child of her own. When she discovers an app that pairs like-minded adults, she jumps aboard. She soon meets Louis. He seems great except when she wants love, he wants only a child and treats this as a transaction. Desperate for a child, Faye agrees. Now Faye a year later, and with a baby in tow, she’s on the run. She runs right into the open house of Rachel, an older woman with a room for rent in her small cottage. However, it isn’t long before things don’t seem as perfect with Rachel as Faye thought. Is she hiding something? Is she safe?
This is a very straightforward and no fuss thriller. There are no unnecessary items or twists to get caught up on. I really appreciated this after reading a super twisty and messy book the other day. The pacing of this one was fantastic, and it kept me engaged throughout. I didn’t quite realize what I was getting into when I selected this one. I am not usually a huge fan of the whole “I need a child to be fulfilled”
trope, and that was the whole premise of this book. Thankfully I was able to get over it and enjoyed the fun take that this book had on this whole trope. Overall, this was a classic thriller, and it was a nice change of pace for me. It took me back to the style of thrillers that got me hooked.
If you are looking for a no-frills thriller, then check this one out June 6th.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Hachette Book Group – Mobius, and Netgalley, @netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Faye is almost 40 and terrified that she may never have a child of her own. When she discovers an app that pairs like-minded adults, she jumps aboard. She soon meets Louis. He seems great except when she wants love, he wants only a child and treats this as a transaction. Desperate for a child, Faye agrees. Now Faye a year later, and with a baby in tow, she’s on the run. She runs right into the open house of Rachel, an older woman with a room for rent in her small cottage. However, it isn’t long before things don’t seem as perfect with Rachel as Faye thought. Is she hiding something? Is she safe?
This is a very straightforward and no fuss thriller. There are no unnecessary items or twists to get caught up on. I really appreciated this after reading a super twisty and messy book the other day. The pacing of this one was fantastic, and it kept me engaged throughout. I didn’t quite realize what I was getting into when I selected this one. I am not usually a huge fan of the whole “I need a child to be fulfilled”
trope, and that was the whole premise of this book. Thankfully I was able to get over it and enjoyed the fun take that this book had on this whole trope. Overall, this was a classic thriller, and it was a nice change of pace for me. It took me back to the style of thrillers that got me hooked.
If you are looking for a no-frills thriller, then check this one out June 6th.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Hachette Book Group – Mobius, and Netgalley, @netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2023
received this as an arc and tbh that is the only reason I didn’t DNF it.
The plot had potential to be really good, but the execution just didn’t match.
The first 80% was just so slow and consisted of a bunch of filler chapters that didn’t push the plot along.
Then around the 90% the author essentially gives you a word vomit of information and “plot twist” from characters that weren’t previously mentioned, so it had no impact as far as twist go.
The book was filled with characters that didn’t give you anything but a reason to dislike them, so when something did happen to them you couldn’t even PRETEND to feel bad.
The plot had potential to be really good, but the execution just didn’t match.
The first 80% was just so slow and consisted of a bunch of filler chapters that didn’t push the plot along.
Then around the 90% the author essentially gives you a word vomit of information and “plot twist” from characters that weren’t previously mentioned, so it had no impact as far as twist go.
The book was filled with characters that didn’t give you anything but a reason to dislike them, so when something did happen to them you couldn’t even PRETEND to feel bad.
April 2, 2024
‘The Wrong Mother’ by Charlotte Duckworth was my first introduction to this author, and wow, what an absolutely page-turning read. The twists and turns never stop coming in this masterfully crafted psychological thriller with secrets layered with lies wrapped in a mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. As the narrative unfolds, you question everything you know about what is happening as the deception carefully woven throughout the narrative gets exposed. Unlike some other books, where there's only one big reveal, ‘The Wrong Mother’ continues to challenge your perception of the truth until the last chapter. It's a rollercoaster of a ride, and it has made me an instant fan of Ms Duckworth. I can't wait to read more of her works in the future.
‘The Wrong Mother’ follows the lives of two women, Faye Miller and Rachel Morris.
Faye is a 39-year-old piano teacher from London who lives a relatively insulated life after being windowed at a very young age. Her life quietly revolves around her students, her friend Jonas and her half-sister Hannah. Faye grew up with a father who neglected and emotionally manipulated her, leading to self-esteem issues and a naivety that permeates her decision-making abilities.
‘Is this what other people really think? Have I been naïve? That word again, haunting me my whole life. Faye’s incredibly talented, but she’s very trusting. Faye could go far, but her naivety means she’s at risk of being taken advantage of…’
Faye longs for a family and children of her own, believing that with them, she will finally find the happiness and love she has craved her whole life. Not wanting to be a single parent, she discovers a co-parenting app, ‘Acorn’, created for men and women to meet and connect over their shared desire to become parents.
‘We’re a mating app. Not a dating app.’
In drunken desperation, Faye signs up for the app and finds herself connected with Louis Horton-Jones. A very handsome, wealthy and eligible businessman who, at 41 years old, is ready to have a baby to secure his family's legacy. Louis quickly charms Faye, and as they get to know each other and meet their families, Faye falls in love with him. Realising that just because they met through a desire to co-parent doesn’t mean they couldn’t develop a last relationship, Faye begins to look forward to the future with happiness and excitement. However, she realises that Louis’s desire for a child may not be without an ulterior motive.
‘He was callous and determined. He had picked me precisely because I was vulnerable and isolated, someone he could easily manipulate.’
A year later, Faye flees from Louis along with her 5-week-old son, Jake. Faye has no plan for her escape except to get as far away from Louis as possible. Randomly deciding on a small village in Norfolk, where she once visited her great aunt as a child, Faye rents a room from Rachel.
Rachel is a 64-year-old retired school teacher who suddenly finds herself with a vacancy after her last lodger leaves abruptly. Though Rachel is known to be difficult and opinionated, she has a soft spot for children. After receiving an email from Faye regarding the room and hearing that she would be bringing Jake, Rachel agrees to have them stay with her. However, the secrets that both women are hiding quickly begin to erode any trust between them, escalating the tension and threatening to destroy both their lives.
The book is told from the perspective of Faye and Rachel, with interspersed sections from Faye’s point of view from a year ago as she begins her relationship with Louis. By not giving us all the backstory at once, Ms Duckworth gradually builds up the stakes for Faye, Rachel, and baby Jake. Faye and Rachel are not trustworthy narrators, and they react to events based on their troubled childhoods. The reader never gets all the details of what occurred to Faye and Rachel; instead, it is subtly alluded to so you can make your own inferences.
The character and plot building are incredible, and I still don’t understand how I could be sympathetic with a character while being wholly frustrated and horrified by them. These complex emotions make the story so much more intense, and I cared about what happened to Faye and Rachel, wishing I could slip between the pages to either shake some sense into them or hug them. As for the plot, well, it kept me guessing the whole way through, with assumptions I had from the very beginning being undone, even in the last chapter. Were there elements I had figured out beforehand? Yes, but there were more than enough surprises to keep me unbalanced throughout the book.
Overall, ‘The Wrong Mother’ by Charlotte Duckworth is a must-read for flawlessly crafted psychological thrillers fans. Whilst I don’t want to risk going into too many details of the characters and plot, potentially ruining things for any readers, I will say, don’t trust anything you think you know in this book. Also, don’t be like me and start it late at night, or you may find yourself at 4am wondering if 2 hours is enough sleep before work.
Highly recommended for fans of deliciously twisty psychological thrillers.
4.5 out of 5 stars! Rounded up to 5 stars.
DISCLAIMER: Thank you to Quercus Books and Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC for review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I have subsequently purchased this book for my collection as I enjoyed it so much.
‘The Wrong Mother’ follows the lives of two women, Faye Miller and Rachel Morris.
Faye is a 39-year-old piano teacher from London who lives a relatively insulated life after being windowed at a very young age. Her life quietly revolves around her students, her friend Jonas and her half-sister Hannah. Faye grew up with a father who neglected and emotionally manipulated her, leading to self-esteem issues and a naivety that permeates her decision-making abilities.
‘Is this what other people really think? Have I been naïve? That word again, haunting me my whole life. Faye’s incredibly talented, but she’s very trusting. Faye could go far, but her naivety means she’s at risk of being taken advantage of…’
Faye longs for a family and children of her own, believing that with them, she will finally find the happiness and love she has craved her whole life. Not wanting to be a single parent, she discovers a co-parenting app, ‘Acorn’, created for men and women to meet and connect over their shared desire to become parents.
‘We’re a mating app. Not a dating app.’
In drunken desperation, Faye signs up for the app and finds herself connected with Louis Horton-Jones. A very handsome, wealthy and eligible businessman who, at 41 years old, is ready to have a baby to secure his family's legacy. Louis quickly charms Faye, and as they get to know each other and meet their families, Faye falls in love with him. Realising that just because they met through a desire to co-parent doesn’t mean they couldn’t develop a last relationship, Faye begins to look forward to the future with happiness and excitement. However, she realises that Louis’s desire for a child may not be without an ulterior motive.
‘He was callous and determined. He had picked me precisely because I was vulnerable and isolated, someone he could easily manipulate.’
A year later, Faye flees from Louis along with her 5-week-old son, Jake. Faye has no plan for her escape except to get as far away from Louis as possible. Randomly deciding on a small village in Norfolk, where she once visited her great aunt as a child, Faye rents a room from Rachel.
Rachel is a 64-year-old retired school teacher who suddenly finds herself with a vacancy after her last lodger leaves abruptly. Though Rachel is known to be difficult and opinionated, she has a soft spot for children. After receiving an email from Faye regarding the room and hearing that she would be bringing Jake, Rachel agrees to have them stay with her. However, the secrets that both women are hiding quickly begin to erode any trust between them, escalating the tension and threatening to destroy both their lives.
The book is told from the perspective of Faye and Rachel, with interspersed sections from Faye’s point of view from a year ago as she begins her relationship with Louis. By not giving us all the backstory at once, Ms Duckworth gradually builds up the stakes for Faye, Rachel, and baby Jake. Faye and Rachel are not trustworthy narrators, and they react to events based on their troubled childhoods. The reader never gets all the details of what occurred to Faye and Rachel; instead, it is subtly alluded to so you can make your own inferences.
The character and plot building are incredible, and I still don’t understand how I could be sympathetic with a character while being wholly frustrated and horrified by them. These complex emotions make the story so much more intense, and I cared about what happened to Faye and Rachel, wishing I could slip between the pages to either shake some sense into them or hug them. As for the plot, well, it kept me guessing the whole way through, with assumptions I had from the very beginning being undone, even in the last chapter. Were there elements I had figured out beforehand? Yes, but there were more than enough surprises to keep me unbalanced throughout the book.
Overall, ‘The Wrong Mother’ by Charlotte Duckworth is a must-read for flawlessly crafted psychological thrillers fans. Whilst I don’t want to risk going into too many details of the characters and plot, potentially ruining things for any readers, I will say, don’t trust anything you think you know in this book. Also, don’t be like me and start it late at night, or you may find yourself at 4am wondering if 2 hours is enough sleep before work.
Highly recommended for fans of deliciously twisty psychological thrillers.
4.5 out of 5 stars! Rounded up to 5 stars.
DISCLAIMER: Thank you to Quercus Books and Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC for review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I have subsequently purchased this book for my collection as I enjoyed it so much.
June 20, 2023
I read this book thanks to Netgalley! Faye has been desperate to be a mother and now that she has Jake, she's ready to start fresh. Lucky for her, Rachel has a room for rent that's perfect for her. Unfortunately both ladies secrets start to come out. I was almost halfway through and was ready to not finish, but face it just a little more and that was a real turning point! I loved the overall story, especially Faye's story, but I did not like the layout of the book. I think the flashback style and changing point of view did more harm then good on this book. I don't think Rachel's side was necessary and her story could have been told without her point of view. I did enjoy the twists and turns but thought a few surprises needed a little more elaboration (I was left with a few too many questions) but the conclusion was absolute perfection! I think others will definitely enjoy this read, just be warned it does have a slow start.
January 13, 2023
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
In many ways this was cleverly written: both Faye and Rachel were unreliable narrators of their own stories, at least to each other; and the way the narrative moved between present day and one year ago, gradually revealing more of Faye's past, was effective. I found Rachel's backstory more compelling than that of Faye, but I didn't warm to either character, which made for a less enjoyable read. It felt quite repetitive too - Faye rehashed the same feelings and emotions over and over again, and was so wilfully naive and deluded that I struggled to sympathize with her. There were quite a lot of 'shocking revelations', and you had to take a few things (that such an app would exist, that this was Louis' best solution to his childlessness etc) as givens.
The conclusion was good, although the final detail about Louis' business dealings came out of nowhere and didn't add anything. I was glad to get to the end.
In many ways this was cleverly written: both Faye and Rachel were unreliable narrators of their own stories, at least to each other; and the way the narrative moved between present day and one year ago, gradually revealing more of Faye's past, was effective. I found Rachel's backstory more compelling than that of Faye, but I didn't warm to either character, which made for a less enjoyable read. It felt quite repetitive too - Faye rehashed the same feelings and emotions over and over again, and was so wilfully naive and deluded that I struggled to sympathize with her. There were quite a lot of 'shocking revelations', and you had to take a few things (that such an app would exist, that this was Louis' best solution to his childlessness etc) as givens.
The conclusion was good, although the final detail about Louis' business dealings came out of nowhere and didn't add anything. I was glad to get to the end.
December 19, 2022
I’d been waiting all year for this book and it didn’t disappoint.
I struggled a bit at the beginning with Faye’s POV but the more unhinged she became, the more I was hooked. And the last chapters and epilogue only solidified that. As for Rachel, she definitely creeped me out at times, but ultimately she was not who I thought she was. Louis got what he deserved. It was all very satisfying and thrilling to read.
Another 5 ⭐️ read from Charlotte Duckworth. Really glad I ended the year with this one.
I struggled a bit at the beginning with Faye’s POV but the more unhinged she became, the more I was hooked. And the last chapters and epilogue only solidified that. As for Rachel, she definitely creeped me out at times, but ultimately she was not who I thought she was. Louis got what he deserved. It was all very satisfying and thrilling to read.
Another 5 ⭐️ read from Charlotte Duckworth. Really glad I ended the year with this one.
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