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Je leven is niet perfect, maar je bent gelukkig. Je man is je trouw en hij is een goede vader. Je dochter doet je hart sneller kloppen. Maar dan wordt alles anders. Jullie gaan uit elkaar. Ineens is er geen ruimte meer voor jou en moet je vechten voor het recht om je dochter te zien.
Na een ingewikkelde relatiebreuk krijgt Rachels ex de voogdij over hun dochter Becca. Het gewone leven in hun oude huis gaat door: er wordt samen gegeten, sokken raken kwijt in de was en Becca groeit op. Maar Rachel maakt er geen deel meer van uit. Zij mag Becca nog maar eens in de twee weken zien. Terwijl Rachel er alles aan doet om haar band met haar dochter te verstevigen en het meeste uit hun momenten samen te halen, ziet ze als een berg op tegen de feestdagen. De uitnodiging om Kerstmis met andere moeders door te brengen, komt als geroepen. Door haar nieuw verworven vriendinnen leert Rachel weer plezier te hebben in het leven en ontdekt ze een andere kant van zichzelf. En wie weet brengt het haar zelfs dichter bij Becca.
Na een ingewikkelde relatiebreuk krijgt Rachels ex de voogdij over hun dochter Becca. Het gewone leven in hun oude huis gaat door: er wordt samen gegeten, sokken raken kwijt in de was en Becca groeit op. Maar Rachel maakt er geen deel meer van uit. Zij mag Becca nog maar eens in de twee weken zien. Terwijl Rachel er alles aan doet om haar band met haar dochter te verstevigen en het meeste uit hun momenten samen te halen, ziet ze als een berg op tegen de feestdagen. De uitnodiging om Kerstmis met andere moeders door te brengen, komt als geroepen. Door haar nieuw verworven vriendinnen leert Rachel weer plezier te hebben in het leven en ontdekt ze een andere kant van zichzelf. En wie weet brengt het haar zelfs dichter bij Becca.
336 pages, ebook
First published May 14, 2019
1782 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
Ali Mercer
6 books79 followersAli decided she wanted to be a writer early on and wrote her first novel when she was at primary school. She did an English degree and spent her early twenties working in various jobs in journalism, including as a reporter for the showbusiness newspaper The Stage. She started writing fiction in earnest after getting married, moving out of London to the Oxfordshire market town of Abingdon and starting a family. She has two children, a daughter and a son who is autistic and was diagnosed when he was four years old.
Ali is fascinated by families, their myths and secrets, and the forces that hold them together, split them up and (sometimes) bring them back together again. She always travels with tissues and a book and has been known to cry over a good story, but is also a big fan of the hopeful ending.
For updates and pictures, follow Ali on Twitter (@AlisonLMercer) or Instagram (@alimercerwriter), or on her Facebook page (AliMercerwriter).
Ali is fascinated by families, their myths and secrets, and the forces that hold them together, split them up and (sometimes) bring them back together again. She always travels with tissues and a book and has been known to cry over a good story, but is also a big fan of the hopeful ending.
For updates and pictures, follow Ali on Twitter (@AlisonLMercer) or Instagram (@alimercerwriter), or on her Facebook page (AliMercerwriter).
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 92 reviews
September 27, 2021
Rachel is married to Mitch Moran, they have a thirteen year old daughter Becca and on the day of her birthday everything goes wrong. Rachel receives bad news at work, her mother has recently passed away and her husband Mitch is extremely distant. In the heat of the moment she explodes, Mitch asks her to leave Rose Cottage, and Becca wants to live with her father.
Rachel’s living alone, she starts working at fun-to-learn, here she meets Leona Grey, and she invites her to attend a meeting for mothers who don’t live with their children. Rachel feels uncomfortable going to the meeting, but she’s lonely, she meets Viv, an older lady and they become friends.
When Viv needs help, Rachel offers to take her to see her son Aidan every Sunday, he lives in a special needs home, and looks forward to seeing his mum. Slowly, Rachel tries to repair her relationship with Becca, it's hard because she's a teenager and she only sees her once a week. Lost Daughter, looks at relationships, how they can be complicated, how marriages can drift apart, and in Rachel's case her husband Mitch was happy for her to be the one responsible for their family problems, he's proud to be the good parent and he's not perfect.
I received a copy of Lost Daughter in exchange for an honest review, it really makes you think about motherhood, how hard it is and how it's very easy for people to judge mothers, and we all do our best, five stars from me and I look forward to reading other books by Ali Mercer.
Rachel’s living alone, she starts working at fun-to-learn, here she meets Leona Grey, and she invites her to attend a meeting for mothers who don’t live with their children. Rachel feels uncomfortable going to the meeting, but she’s lonely, she meets Viv, an older lady and they become friends.
When Viv needs help, Rachel offers to take her to see her son Aidan every Sunday, he lives in a special needs home, and looks forward to seeing his mum. Slowly, Rachel tries to repair her relationship with Becca, it's hard because she's a teenager and she only sees her once a week. Lost Daughter, looks at relationships, how they can be complicated, how marriages can drift apart, and in Rachel's case her husband Mitch was happy for her to be the one responsible for their family problems, he's proud to be the good parent and he's not perfect.
I received a copy of Lost Daughter in exchange for an honest review, it really makes you think about motherhood, how hard it is and how it's very easy for people to judge mothers, and we all do our best, five stars from me and I look forward to reading other books by Ali Mercer.
April 22, 2019
The book was quite different. It had all what the blurb promised and beyond that too. My first book by Ali Mercer, I went in thinking it was a thriller, but it wasn’t. It was about how a moment of lost control could lead to repercussions.
Rachel was a good mother, she worked hard, looked after the needs of her husband and her daughter Becca and was always working. Her husband was a house husband, but to me, he was quite a slimy character with a holier-than-thou attitude. Oh how I hate such people!
Then Rachel’s mother died and she went into depression, and one rash act caused her to lose custody of her daughter. She herself moved away according to her daughter’s wishes, leaving her home to her husband and living in a shabby place.
Rachel met with women like her, Viv and Leona, who had lost their children due to circumstances, and the book was more about Rachel finding her strength and in the process, getting to know the human psyche.
Ali’s writing had the power to pull me in thoroughly at some places, there was innocence and honesty. The emotions shown by all the characters were controlled. I kept thinking how glorious it would have been if they had let go and said what needed to be said. Then the book would have been at a whole new level.
Overall, the lives of the three women were weaved well, enmeshed into the bonds of the story. This book was not only about lost daughters but also about relationships, old ones and the new. It was about human nature with its strengths and flaws. A good read.
Rachel was a good mother, she worked hard, looked after the needs of her husband and her daughter Becca and was always working. Her husband was a house husband, but to me, he was quite a slimy character with a holier-than-thou attitude. Oh how I hate such people!
Then Rachel’s mother died and she went into depression, and one rash act caused her to lose custody of her daughter. She herself moved away according to her daughter’s wishes, leaving her home to her husband and living in a shabby place.
Rachel met with women like her, Viv and Leona, who had lost their children due to circumstances, and the book was more about Rachel finding her strength and in the process, getting to know the human psyche.
Ali’s writing had the power to pull me in thoroughly at some places, there was innocence and honesty. The emotions shown by all the characters were controlled. I kept thinking how glorious it would have been if they had let go and said what needed to be said. Then the book would have been at a whole new level.
Overall, the lives of the three women were weaved well, enmeshed into the bonds of the story. This book was not only about lost daughters but also about relationships, old ones and the new. It was about human nature with its strengths and flaws. A good read.
May 20, 2019
3.5 Stars - Four days is too long to spend on a book. It wasn't because it didn't turn out to be a decent read, but it was a character driven story and not plot driven, and sometimes it takes me a while to get through those. So here we have Rachel, estranged from her daughter and her husband, because of an act that takes us almost the whole book to learn about. She is trying to rebuild her life and her relationship with her daughter, but is having a tough time forgiving herself. She makes a couple friends and joins their support group (of which they are the only three members) for mothers who are without their children, and we learn all their stories. One is an older lady whose son was born with what I think today would be diagnosed as Autism, but 40+ years ago put him in a sanitarium. The other lady is younger woman who gave (or was forced to) give her daughter up for adoption because of some bad life choices getting involved with drugs. Then we have Rachel, who is still in her barely teenaged daughter's life, but in a very limited way because of something Rachel did that she feels is unforgiveable. Basically this is a story about learning to forgive yourself. Understanding that your choices, while they do have consequences, don't always define who you are, and you can move past them. Most of us are just out there doing the best that we can, with the resources we have, and trying to get through this life being the best people we can be. And mostly that's enough!
May 16, 2019
Lost Daughter is the first book I have ever read by Ali Mercer and and I found the story to be quite captivating right from the start. Mercer weaves the past and the present so skillfully as we delve deeper into Rachel Steele’s life. In the present she is living in a ramshackle apartment after being forced out of her daughter’s life due to an incident a year ago. Only getting to see her daughter once a week is hard for her as a mother knowing she is not always there for her teenage daughter, Becca.
Rachel is now in a new job where she meets Leona. Leona places a flyer up for a support group for mothers who have lost their children in some way and it is here that she meets Viv. Friendships and bonds form between Rachel, Leona and Viv as they all share a heartbreaking story regarding their children. They share in their grief especially when they are at their lowest, but the group also symbolizes a new growth where they each come to accept what happened and learn how to deal with their issues. I really loved the growth aspect of the story and how the group helped Rachel come to terms with what happened and in turn helps her try to put her life back together again including her fragile relationship with her daughter.
Lost Daughter is at times a heartbreaking story and yet at the same time also uplifting especially when it comes to the journey that Rachel makes in order to get her life on the right path. I really enjoyed the friendship between the three women and how they lean on each other when things get tough. It did take me a little while to warm up to Rachel as their were a lot of questions running through my mind especially since her story is told piece by piece, but I could definitely feel her pain and feel how sorry she felt for herself. Viv, on the other hand, really was a standout character for me and I could feel her heartache and regrets over her own son.
Lost Daughter is a compelling and captivating story that I highly enjoyed and would highly recommend if you love an engrossing story that will tug on your heartstrings.
Rachel is now in a new job where she meets Leona. Leona places a flyer up for a support group for mothers who have lost their children in some way and it is here that she meets Viv. Friendships and bonds form between Rachel, Leona and Viv as they all share a heartbreaking story regarding their children. They share in their grief especially when they are at their lowest, but the group also symbolizes a new growth where they each come to accept what happened and learn how to deal with their issues. I really loved the growth aspect of the story and how the group helped Rachel come to terms with what happened and in turn helps her try to put her life back together again including her fragile relationship with her daughter.
Lost Daughter is at times a heartbreaking story and yet at the same time also uplifting especially when it comes to the journey that Rachel makes in order to get her life on the right path. I really enjoyed the friendship between the three women and how they lean on each other when things get tough. It did take me a little while to warm up to Rachel as their were a lot of questions running through my mind especially since her story is told piece by piece, but I could definitely feel her pain and feel how sorry she felt for herself. Viv, on the other hand, really was a standout character for me and I could feel her heartache and regrets over her own son.
Lost Daughter is a compelling and captivating story that I highly enjoyed and would highly recommend if you love an engrossing story that will tug on your heartstrings.
May 20, 2019
My first book by this author and that means you do not really know what to expect. It always add a bit to the exitement. :)
The story takes place now but the author treats us to flashbacks in order to make us understand everything better.
It's not a thriller but that does not mean that there is no suspense in this book. You are eager to know what has lead to the situations the main characters are in at the moment.
Of course we are only human and we are bound to make mistakes. Who does not regret something they have done? But some mistakes have such an impact that the life as you knew it goes down the drain and it will be impossible to ever get it back.
On the other hand sometimes you are just a pawn in the game someone else plays. When they are too ashamed to admit it, it's you who gets the short end of the stick.
Don't forget that what goes up, must come down sooner or later ...
An emotional story about loss, love, friendship, lies and betrayal. 4 stars.
Thank you, Ali Mercer, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
The story takes place now but the author treats us to flashbacks in order to make us understand everything better.
It's not a thriller but that does not mean that there is no suspense in this book. You are eager to know what has lead to the situations the main characters are in at the moment.
Of course we are only human and we are bound to make mistakes. Who does not regret something they have done? But some mistakes have such an impact that the life as you knew it goes down the drain and it will be impossible to ever get it back.
On the other hand sometimes you are just a pawn in the game someone else plays. When they are too ashamed to admit it, it's you who gets the short end of the stick.
Don't forget that what goes up, must come down sooner or later ...
An emotional story about loss, love, friendship, lies and betrayal. 4 stars.
Thank you, Ali Mercer, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
May 21, 2019
Wow. What an emotional roller coaster of a book this is. Although it wasn’t quite what I expected, it was such a powerfully emotional story of loss, grief, regret and self forgiveness that it didn’t matter and I found myself completely wrapped up and invested in the characters and their lives.
The Lost Daughter tells the story of Rachel, recently separated from her husband and thirteen year old daughter and struggling to come to terms with the situation she now finds herself in. When she is invited to join a small support group for mothers estranged from their children, Rachel finds friendship and understanding. But she can’t forgive herself for the thing that happened resulting in her being forced to leave the family home. What did she do that was so bad, and will she ever be able to forgive herself?
My heart really went out to Rachel. Society judges mothers who for whatever reason are unable to be with their children in a way that fathers never are. I could feel Rachel’s shame and guilt, it was written so powerfully it jumped from the pages. The Lost Daughter explores the impact of marriage break-up through Rachel, but through the friends she meets through the support group it also explores adoption and care. I found Viv’s story the most interesting. An older lady who has a secret adult son she visits every week. Born in an era when people with learning disabilities and autism were hidden away, Aidan has spent his life in long term care facilities on the advice of the professionals at the time. Working in this field now, it’s a story I have seen often and really struck a chord with me.
The theme throughout the book is that of guilt, shame and regret and is very strongly portrayed. I wanted all the women to forgive themselves and stop beating themselves up. Ali Mercer writes with astounding compassion and empathy, it was easy to be able to put myself in these women’s shoes, making for an emotional and thought provoking read. I also felt immensely angry towards Rachel’s husband, Mitch, and honestly thought at the end he got off very lightly. I’m not going to type what I really thought of him here!
The Lost daughter is an incredibly raw and emotional story, with believable characters facing real human struggles. It isn’t the most upbeat book around, nor is it a tense thriller. But it will draw you into these characters predicament and give you lots to think about with its honest portrayal of a taboo subject. Well worth a read.
The Lost Daughter tells the story of Rachel, recently separated from her husband and thirteen year old daughter and struggling to come to terms with the situation she now finds herself in. When she is invited to join a small support group for mothers estranged from their children, Rachel finds friendship and understanding. But she can’t forgive herself for the thing that happened resulting in her being forced to leave the family home. What did she do that was so bad, and will she ever be able to forgive herself?
My heart really went out to Rachel. Society judges mothers who for whatever reason are unable to be with their children in a way that fathers never are. I could feel Rachel’s shame and guilt, it was written so powerfully it jumped from the pages. The Lost Daughter explores the impact of marriage break-up through Rachel, but through the friends she meets through the support group it also explores adoption and care. I found Viv’s story the most interesting. An older lady who has a secret adult son she visits every week. Born in an era when people with learning disabilities and autism were hidden away, Aidan has spent his life in long term care facilities on the advice of the professionals at the time. Working in this field now, it’s a story I have seen often and really struck a chord with me.
The theme throughout the book is that of guilt, shame and regret and is very strongly portrayed. I wanted all the women to forgive themselves and stop beating themselves up. Ali Mercer writes with astounding compassion and empathy, it was easy to be able to put myself in these women’s shoes, making for an emotional and thought provoking read. I also felt immensely angry towards Rachel’s husband, Mitch, and honestly thought at the end he got off very lightly. I’m not going to type what I really thought of him here!
The Lost daughter is an incredibly raw and emotional story, with believable characters facing real human struggles. It isn’t the most upbeat book around, nor is it a tense thriller. But it will draw you into these characters predicament and give you lots to think about with its honest portrayal of a taboo subject. Well worth a read.
July 19, 2019
3.25 stars
This is yet again another instance in which I thought I was requesting a thriller only to discover it is women’s fiction. The good news is that I figured this out before I started reading the book based on other reviews so I was prepared....
How do I describe this book? Hmmm. It is kind of a tough one. It is about three women who have each lost a child in different ways. Rachel is living estranged from her husband Mitch and 13-year old daughter, Becca, after a moment of emotional regression that leaves her feeling guilty and ashamed. Viv has an adult son who she sent to live in a care home when he was a young child. Leona has a young daughter she gave up for adoption. The story starts with these three women coming together to support one another with their losses. It focuses on each of their stories and their developing friendships. But then it takes a turn, I will say, I didn’t see coming.
The blurb describes this book as heart wrenching. I’m not sure I completely agree. It was en emotional read but more because of Rachel’s marital situation. A large focus of the book is on Rachel and Mitch’s relationship - what is was, how it is now...There were some despicable characters that made the story angering more than anything else.
I felt like this book had two separate plot lines. One was the story of the lost children. The other was about Rachel and Mitch. And although the author tried to blend the two together, for me it felt a bit clunky and never totally came together. I will give a thumbs up to the last quarter of the book when things get as crazy as a soap opera. In fact that’s what I was thinking as I read the final chapters...it reminded me of one of those old night time soap dramas like Knots Landing or Melrose Place.
For me, this was a so-so read that started off a bit too slow but picks up towards the end. I feel like there was maybe a bit too much tackled in the book which resulted in some of the supporting characters being one note and the plot, as a whole, under developed. There was definitely room for more depth.
ARC received by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.
This is yet again another instance in which I thought I was requesting a thriller only to discover it is women’s fiction. The good news is that I figured this out before I started reading the book based on other reviews so I was prepared....
How do I describe this book? Hmmm. It is kind of a tough one. It is about three women who have each lost a child in different ways. Rachel is living estranged from her husband Mitch and 13-year old daughter, Becca, after a moment of emotional regression that leaves her feeling guilty and ashamed. Viv has an adult son who she sent to live in a care home when he was a young child. Leona has a young daughter she gave up for adoption. The story starts with these three women coming together to support one another with their losses. It focuses on each of their stories and their developing friendships. But then it takes a turn, I will say, I didn’t see coming.
The blurb describes this book as heart wrenching. I’m not sure I completely agree. It was en emotional read but more because of Rachel’s marital situation. A large focus of the book is on Rachel and Mitch’s relationship - what is was, how it is now...There were some despicable characters that made the story angering more than anything else.
I felt like this book had two separate plot lines. One was the story of the lost children. The other was about Rachel and Mitch. And although the author tried to blend the two together, for me it felt a bit clunky and never totally came together. I will give a thumbs up to the last quarter of the book when things get as crazy as a soap opera. In fact that’s what I was thinking as I read the final chapters...it reminded me of one of those old night time soap dramas like Knots Landing or Melrose Place.
For me, this was a so-so read that started off a bit too slow but picks up towards the end. I feel like there was maybe a bit too much tackled in the book which resulted in some of the supporting characters being one note and the plot, as a whole, under developed. There was definitely room for more depth.
ARC received by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2019
*thank you to Netgalley, Ali Mercer and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
4 stars.
Lost Daughter is one of those stories that take you on a journey discovering the characters more than the plot. I don't usually read stories like this but given the synopsis for this story I was intrigued and I had every reason to be as this turned out to be well worth the time. It is not fast paced but the story being told is that interesting that it didn't want to be rushed. It's one that you want to take your time with and get involved in.
I think a lot of people can have an understanding of what the main characters in this are going through. They are not rare emotions and thoughts processes. Which I think just allows this to be able to reach more readers. A lot of the story has a mystery to it. For the most part there is always a question going around as not everything is being answered right away. That did make me somewhat intrigued but also a little bit fustrated. Not much but a bit. There are a number of narrators but it doesn't get confusing to who's who as I said before that this is largely based on character development so you do get to know them all pretty well.
The story is well written and keeps you wanting to read more. I would recommend this.
4 stars.
Lost Daughter is one of those stories that take you on a journey discovering the characters more than the plot. I don't usually read stories like this but given the synopsis for this story I was intrigued and I had every reason to be as this turned out to be well worth the time. It is not fast paced but the story being told is that interesting that it didn't want to be rushed. It's one that you want to take your time with and get involved in.
I think a lot of people can have an understanding of what the main characters in this are going through. They are not rare emotions and thoughts processes. Which I think just allows this to be able to reach more readers. A lot of the story has a mystery to it. For the most part there is always a question going around as not everything is being answered right away. That did make me somewhat intrigued but also a little bit fustrated. Not much but a bit. There are a number of narrators but it doesn't get confusing to who's who as I said before that this is largely based on character development so you do get to know them all pretty well.
The story is well written and keeps you wanting to read more. I would recommend this.
May 14, 2019
Losing your child is every parents’ nightmare, losing your child because of something you did, leaves you with a lethal cocktail of grief and guilt, and makes you wonder if you can carry on.
‘Lost Daughter’, follows Rachel’s tragic tale of being cut out of her teenage daughter’s life, because of one lapse of judgement. Written in a multi-point of view format, with flashbacks to the past, and more recent past, the story follows Rachel, and later Leona and Viv, as they try to live with themselves after being estranged from their children.
All three stories are unique, the women are from different generations, but they share a bond of guilt and loss. Two of the three main female characters in this story, Rachel and Viv are easy to empathise, they do have flaws, but that makes them believable. Leona is the hardest character of the three to empathise, but she does have redeeming features. The story has some surprising twists as the women’s lives’ become woven together.
Complex and poignant the plot engages you. This story is an emotional rollercoaster, you feel anger at the women’s acceptance of their fate, frustrated that they seem in a cycle of despair and guilt, and hopeful that through sheer determination, they are able to move forward and live rather than exist.
As a footnote, the only thing I found hard to believe is Rachel’s forgiving attitude to her self-absorbed, judgemental husband, but clearly, he is an authentic character because I disliked him so much.
I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
‘Lost Daughter’, follows Rachel’s tragic tale of being cut out of her teenage daughter’s life, because of one lapse of judgement. Written in a multi-point of view format, with flashbacks to the past, and more recent past, the story follows Rachel, and later Leona and Viv, as they try to live with themselves after being estranged from their children.
All three stories are unique, the women are from different generations, but they share a bond of guilt and loss. Two of the three main female characters in this story, Rachel and Viv are easy to empathise, they do have flaws, but that makes them believable. Leona is the hardest character of the three to empathise, but she does have redeeming features. The story has some surprising twists as the women’s lives’ become woven together.
Complex and poignant the plot engages you. This story is an emotional rollercoaster, you feel anger at the women’s acceptance of their fate, frustrated that they seem in a cycle of despair and guilt, and hopeful that through sheer determination, they are able to move forward and live rather than exist.
As a footnote, the only thing I found hard to believe is Rachel’s forgiving attitude to her self-absorbed, judgemental husband, but clearly, he is an authentic character because I disliked him so much.
I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 29, 2019
I had been wanting to read this book for a while and I recieved an ARC from the author in exchange for a honest review. Wow, this story was so much more than I could have anticipated from the blurb!
The story centres on three women who have lost a child in one way or another, but ultimately follows the life of Rachel, who I found to be completely relatable and loveable. The writing flowed and I was desperate to unearth the three woman's secrets. The story is told in a mixture of past and present with different POV's, which I actually loved as it built up the anticipation and gave better insight into the characters personalities. There were several themes including grief, loss, domestic abuse, depression and autism. In particular, the author described depression and autism tastefully and very accurately. It was especially great to read the final chapter and get further insight into a particular characters thoughts, which gave closure to such an emotional read.
Once I had reached three quarters of the way through the book, I was literally "strawberry, candle" -ing myself, reading into the early hours of the morning. Lost Daughter is a roller coaster ride of emotions that I thoroughly recommend!
The story centres on three women who have lost a child in one way or another, but ultimately follows the life of Rachel, who I found to be completely relatable and loveable. The writing flowed and I was desperate to unearth the three woman's secrets. The story is told in a mixture of past and present with different POV's, which I actually loved as it built up the anticipation and gave better insight into the characters personalities. There were several themes including grief, loss, domestic abuse, depression and autism. In particular, the author described depression and autism tastefully and very accurately. It was especially great to read the final chapter and get further insight into a particular characters thoughts, which gave closure to such an emotional read.
Once I had reached three quarters of the way through the book, I was literally "strawberry, candle" -ing myself, reading into the early hours of the morning. Lost Daughter is a roller coaster ride of emotions that I thoroughly recommend!
May 17, 2019
Lost daughter by Ali Mercer.
A food read. I liked the story and some of the characters. I liked Rachel but I was surprised with Leonas character. A little slow in places for me. But overall a good read.4*.
A food read. I liked the story and some of the characters. I liked Rachel but I was surprised with Leonas character. A little slow in places for me. But overall a good read.4*.
May 13, 2019
This story was a slow burner for me, and I had no idea what Rachel had done that was so wrong (so wrong as to be asked to leave the house by her husband and daughter!) until two thirds through. When the truth came out, the irony was that she hadn't been the only one at fault. Her husband, Mitch, was not averse to using her own past against her (Rachel's father was abusive too) With all fingers pointing at her, was it any wonder she felt she was going crazy.
The story centred on three women who had each lost a child in one way or another - this wasn't a loss an in death though. The three ladies met as a group to support each other. The group's founder, Leona, had given her daughter up for adoption many years ago. Viv had given birth to a son with special needs at a time when it was common to place such children in an institution. (Viv, however, had maintained contact with her son, but didn't have the relationship with him that she would have wanted) And then there's Rachel, who was asked to leave the house by her husband AND daughter, and with whom her relationships were never the same again.
Few of the characters were actually likeable in this story, with only Viv & her son, Aidan, standing out from the start.
Rachel was hard to like at first because we just didn't get to know her completely, she seemed confused, needy, dramatic but by the end I rooted for her and so wanted her to be happy.
Her husband Mitch was by far NOT the perfect specimen of mankind he seemed to think he was.
Leona came across as nice and genuinely friendly at first, until it seemed she was really only trying to recreate what she had lost all those years ago. While her situation with her child, and her subsequent relationship worked out in the end, I'm not sure I would trust her.
Rachel's daughter, Becca reacted in a way that was the most understandable, reacting to what she knew - or thought she knew. She, like her mother, was misled too.
Viv proved to be a lovely, lovely lady who regretted her actions of the past and did her best to make up for it. Her relationship with Aidan was charming and sweet, motherly and yet fragile. She treated Rachel in much the same way, and was a great friend to her.
This wasn't as thrilling a read as I had initially expected from the blurb, but it was nonetheless fascinating and compelling in an altogether different way. It was more about the consequences of a single action on those involved, and how life can change dramatically in an instant. A thought-provoking read, looking at the fragility of relationships and how one wrong move can last a lifetime.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
The story centred on three women who had each lost a child in one way or another - this wasn't a loss an in death though. The three ladies met as a group to support each other. The group's founder, Leona, had given her daughter up for adoption many years ago. Viv had given birth to a son with special needs at a time when it was common to place such children in an institution. (Viv, however, had maintained contact with her son, but didn't have the relationship with him that she would have wanted) And then there's Rachel, who was asked to leave the house by her husband AND daughter, and with whom her relationships were never the same again.
Few of the characters were actually likeable in this story, with only Viv & her son, Aidan, standing out from the start.
Rachel was hard to like at first because we just didn't get to know her completely, she seemed confused, needy, dramatic but by the end I rooted for her and so wanted her to be happy.
Her husband Mitch was by far NOT the perfect specimen of mankind he seemed to think he was.
Leona came across as nice and genuinely friendly at first, until it seemed she was really only trying to recreate what she had lost all those years ago. While her situation with her child, and her subsequent relationship worked out in the end, I'm not sure I would trust her.
Rachel's daughter, Becca reacted in a way that was the most understandable, reacting to what she knew - or thought she knew. She, like her mother, was misled too.
Viv proved to be a lovely, lovely lady who regretted her actions of the past and did her best to make up for it. Her relationship with Aidan was charming and sweet, motherly and yet fragile. She treated Rachel in much the same way, and was a great friend to her.
This wasn't as thrilling a read as I had initially expected from the blurb, but it was nonetheless fascinating and compelling in an altogether different way. It was more about the consequences of a single action on those involved, and how life can change dramatically in an instant. A thought-provoking read, looking at the fragility of relationships and how one wrong move can last a lifetime.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
May 15, 2019
Ali Mercer delivers a riveting, moving story that immediately captivated me.
Rachel is separated from her husband Mitch – common enough as marriages often dissolve. A kicker here is that Rachel is also forced to be separated from her young daughter Becca, and only allowed to see her once a week on Saturdays.
We are quickly made to understand that this alienation was caused by Rachel in the great, “thing that happened”, which unfolds slowly through the story. It crushes Rachel to be banished from everything she once considered precious - even losing her job. She has to start a new life and this is where we meet her, as she is trying to adjust.
As Rachel begins her new job, she meets co-worker Leona, who senses something different about Rachel. Leona posts a flyer on the workplace community board that catches Rachel’s attention, and she ventures out to the group meeting place. She finds Leona there who introduces her to Viv. Vibrant, kindly widowed Viv, easily shares how she gave up her special needs son Aidan, when he was very young, to the care of a home. Leona confesses how she gave up her baby girl Bluebell for adoption. Their shared commonality – mothers who don’t have their children and the grief and guilt over it, brings them together, but tentatively and bit by bit, friendship binds them.
Rachel accepts the blame for her situation but still resolutely sets out to make amends and salvage her fragile relationship with Becca. As she slowly starts to piece her life back together from the loss, events take a surprisingly twisted turn. I didn’t see these coming and actually looked up from my reading and voiced my shock out loud.
I didn’t think Rachel deserved the total exile she was dealt and was sitting on edge wondering if the forgiveness would ever be granted and if it did, how would it come about? Will Rachel be able to redeem herself in Becca’s eyes and reclaim the love in her daughter’s heart?
Ali Mercer skilfully connects the reader to Rachel’s emotional unravelling and darkest moments of grief and loss. But we also share in the experience of Rachel’s total surrender for the greatest love – that of a parent for their child, and her transformational journey to abounding self-discovery.
A highly recommended, must-read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the read of Ali Mercer’s, Lost Daughter.
Rachel is separated from her husband Mitch – common enough as marriages often dissolve. A kicker here is that Rachel is also forced to be separated from her young daughter Becca, and only allowed to see her once a week on Saturdays.
We are quickly made to understand that this alienation was caused by Rachel in the great, “thing that happened”, which unfolds slowly through the story. It crushes Rachel to be banished from everything she once considered precious - even losing her job. She has to start a new life and this is where we meet her, as she is trying to adjust.
As Rachel begins her new job, she meets co-worker Leona, who senses something different about Rachel. Leona posts a flyer on the workplace community board that catches Rachel’s attention, and she ventures out to the group meeting place. She finds Leona there who introduces her to Viv. Vibrant, kindly widowed Viv, easily shares how she gave up her special needs son Aidan, when he was very young, to the care of a home. Leona confesses how she gave up her baby girl Bluebell for adoption. Their shared commonality – mothers who don’t have their children and the grief and guilt over it, brings them together, but tentatively and bit by bit, friendship binds them.
Rachel accepts the blame for her situation but still resolutely sets out to make amends and salvage her fragile relationship with Becca. As she slowly starts to piece her life back together from the loss, events take a surprisingly twisted turn. I didn’t see these coming and actually looked up from my reading and voiced my shock out loud.
I didn’t think Rachel deserved the total exile she was dealt and was sitting on edge wondering if the forgiveness would ever be granted and if it did, how would it come about? Will Rachel be able to redeem herself in Becca’s eyes and reclaim the love in her daughter’s heart?
Ali Mercer skilfully connects the reader to Rachel’s emotional unravelling and darkest moments of grief and loss. But we also share in the experience of Rachel’s total surrender for the greatest love – that of a parent for their child, and her transformational journey to abounding self-discovery.
A highly recommended, must-read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the read of Ali Mercer’s, Lost Daughter.
August 22, 2019
Dear friends and other interesting creatures,
Lost Daughter is the story of three very different women who join a support group where they are the only members. They are separated from their children for very real and emotional taxing reasons.
The main storyline concentrates on Rachel. Rachel is separated from her artist husband and they have a teenage daughter. There are insinuations that Rachel had done something so horrid that she is trusted to only sees her daughter on a Saturday Her estranged husband appears to make all decisions regarding their child. There are many references to Rachel's mental health and how this influences her ability to care for her child.
The book goes into the lives of the other two woman and I felt those characters could have been more developed for the subplot to be stronger. Enough was revealed to develop a like or dislike for a character but I felt these ladies deserved more contouring to colour in their paths in the plot.
The book has some slow patches. There are flashbacks to the past which at times can make it a bit confusing, especially when listening to the audiobook if the narrator isn't consistent. The cover of the book suggested a more thriller vibe to me, but the book read more as women's fiction.
I enjoyed Rachel finding her voice later in the book and also the way mental health was dealt with. The twist in the horrid affair of what Rachel had done was revealed in a thrilling way and gave me much joy. Although an average read, it is a good read but not one that you are going to remember in months to come.
I wish you enough,
Wenchy
Lost Daughter is the story of three very different women who join a support group where they are the only members. They are separated from their children for very real and emotional taxing reasons.
The main storyline concentrates on Rachel. Rachel is separated from her artist husband and they have a teenage daughter. There are insinuations that Rachel had done something so horrid that she is trusted to only sees her daughter on a Saturday Her estranged husband appears to make all decisions regarding their child. There are many references to Rachel's mental health and how this influences her ability to care for her child.
The book goes into the lives of the other two woman and I felt those characters could have been more developed for the subplot to be stronger. Enough was revealed to develop a like or dislike for a character but I felt these ladies deserved more contouring to colour in their paths in the plot.
The book has some slow patches. There are flashbacks to the past which at times can make it a bit confusing, especially when listening to the audiobook if the narrator isn't consistent. The cover of the book suggested a more thriller vibe to me, but the book read more as women's fiction.
I enjoyed Rachel finding her voice later in the book and also the way mental health was dealt with. The twist in the horrid affair of what Rachel had done was revealed in a thrilling way and gave me much joy. Although an average read, it is a good read but not one that you are going to remember in months to come.
I wish you enough,
Wenchy
May 3, 2019
This is a story of Rachel Moran, nee Steele.
At the very beginning you find out that she has done something majorly wrong, to have become estranged from her painter husband, Mitchell Moran, and their daughter Becca.
She starts afresh with a new job, while on counselling, and meets Leona, a colleague.
Leona introduces her to Viv.
What do these three women have in common? Their children, who are not present in their lives. And that’s what gets these three women together.
Leona had a girl called Bluebell, whilst she was very young, who she gave up for adoption. The question is why? What had happened to make her give away her only child for adoption?
Viv’s first born, Aidan, had infant schizophrenia – and had to put be put away, in a care home. That guilt was something she could not come to terms with, despite having two more daughters. She continues visiting him, without the knowledge of her husband and her daughters.
And Rachel lost Becca, due to some fault of hers.
These women bond through their loss and their grief.
While Rachel gets to visit Becca once a week, so does Viv with Aidan. Leona decides to travel to France to meet Bluebell, who lives there with her adoptive parents.
What happens to these three women is what makes up the premise of the story.
Told between the then and the now, from different viewpoints, this is a book about flawed individuals, their struggles, their decisions and ultimately what that meant for their lives.
It is worth a read.
3.5/5 for me
At the very beginning you find out that she has done something majorly wrong, to have become estranged from her painter husband, Mitchell Moran, and their daughter Becca.
She starts afresh with a new job, while on counselling, and meets Leona, a colleague.
Leona introduces her to Viv.
What do these three women have in common? Their children, who are not present in their lives. And that’s what gets these three women together.
Leona had a girl called Bluebell, whilst she was very young, who she gave up for adoption. The question is why? What had happened to make her give away her only child for adoption?
Viv’s first born, Aidan, had infant schizophrenia – and had to put be put away, in a care home. That guilt was something she could not come to terms with, despite having two more daughters. She continues visiting him, without the knowledge of her husband and her daughters.
And Rachel lost Becca, due to some fault of hers.
These women bond through their loss and their grief.
While Rachel gets to visit Becca once a week, so does Viv with Aidan. Leona decides to travel to France to meet Bluebell, who lives there with her adoptive parents.
What happens to these three women is what makes up the premise of the story.
Told between the then and the now, from different viewpoints, this is a book about flawed individuals, their struggles, their decisions and ultimately what that meant for their lives.
It is worth a read.
3.5/5 for me
May 6, 2019
This is a bit of a tear jerker which didn't actually make me cry but nearly did (and maybe I was being very brave!) It does have a happier ending that it could have been given so maybe the hope, the future and new beginnings are also what stopped this from being too heart-wrenching.
The book follows the lives of 3 very different women, all suffering from being separated from a child. Viv has a middle-aged son in an institution, Leona gave her daughter up for adoption, but not at birth. What on earth did she do that made her feel compelled to let her child go? And Rachel is tortured by living in a different house, only able to see her daughter once a week. She is riddled with guilt and shame. So, just what did SHE do to warrant this punishment?
A beautifully poignant story about the bonds that tie women together, the life that appears after loss and pain and the love that can bloom unexpectedly in other places.
My heartstrings were tugged on, I could palpably feel the anguish of the separations and I felt inspired by each woman who found a different way through what any mother would find so incredibly hard to bear. Viv, Leona and Rachel are very different characters but all 3 make you want to be their friend.
A book about women, for women. And because a lot of women like these reads our collective emotional intelligence just grows!
The book follows the lives of 3 very different women, all suffering from being separated from a child. Viv has a middle-aged son in an institution, Leona gave her daughter up for adoption, but not at birth. What on earth did she do that made her feel compelled to let her child go? And Rachel is tortured by living in a different house, only able to see her daughter once a week. She is riddled with guilt and shame. So, just what did SHE do to warrant this punishment?
A beautifully poignant story about the bonds that tie women together, the life that appears after loss and pain and the love that can bloom unexpectedly in other places.
My heartstrings were tugged on, I could palpably feel the anguish of the separations and I felt inspired by each woman who found a different way through what any mother would find so incredibly hard to bear. Viv, Leona and Rachel are very different characters but all 3 make you want to be their friend.
A book about women, for women. And because a lot of women like these reads our collective emotional intelligence just grows!
April 23, 2019
This is the story of three women and the children who temporarily are not in their lives. The main character, Rachel, is living away from her family after a huge altercation with her husband. She misses her daughter Becca and her new friend Leona misses the daughter she gave up for adoption. Rachel's other new friend Viv had to put her child into a home after he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. All three women feel guilty about the reasons they're apart from their children and offer each other hope and a reason to carry on.
This book was very hard to put down because of the many twists and turns in the story. I especially liked the character Becca, who at 13, seemed wise beyond her years.
I received this book in a Kindle edition from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to read it before its release. I'll watch for more by Ali Mercer.
This book was very hard to put down because of the many twists and turns in the story. I especially liked the character Becca, who at 13, seemed wise beyond her years.
I received this book in a Kindle edition from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to read it before its release. I'll watch for more by Ali Mercer.
August 27, 2019
I was lucky enough to receive a free credit for this book. When I read the title, I assumed (wrongly) that it was going to be a tale of an abducted child, but it was far more than that.
It was about the anguish felt by three women who were separated from their children for different reasons. Their individual stories slowly unravel throughout the book as the women form a bond because of the loss each of them feels.
I enjoyed the book, it was more character than plot driven, but nevertheless I felt myself wanting to know what had happened in the past. There were a few twists and turns as well.
I listened to this as an audiobook. The narrator was great - I didn’t notice she was reading, which to any audiobook fan is a massive plus!
I would certainly read more books by Ali Mercer.
It was about the anguish felt by three women who were separated from their children for different reasons. Their individual stories slowly unravel throughout the book as the women form a bond because of the loss each of them feels.
I enjoyed the book, it was more character than plot driven, but nevertheless I felt myself wanting to know what had happened in the past. There were a few twists and turns as well.
I listened to this as an audiobook. The narrator was great - I didn’t notice she was reading, which to any audiobook fan is a massive plus!
I would certainly read more books by Ali Mercer.
April 18, 2019
A book with multi-layered and emotional stories. While centered around the trials and tribulations of one family breaking apart, it also nicely weaves together three women who have experienced the loss of their children in differing and devastating ways. Ali Mercer is new to me and I look forward to her next book!
October 14, 2019
Very emotional & a bit choppy
A woman has a straightforward series of issues in life. They're presented in fragments & flashbacks. I felt like I needed a program to keep track of the protagonist's entire story.
Mind you, the overall story is good. It's not that the material itself males a bad story, once one unravels it.
It points out the terrible issues with socialized medicine, which IMO is beneficial. The protagonist goes to seek help, has trouble even getting an appointment, & is waitlisted for at least 6 months when she is obviously depressed. I suppose it is cheaper to wait for someone to do away with themselves than to pay for their counseling, & when the crisis occurs she still doesn't get help right away. So the book serves as a warning about how care is rationed with socialized medicine.
The story revolves around a family that is coming apart, largely from the stress of the man insisting on living so far from his wife's work - & from any chance of being recognized for his original artwork - that her long hours & long commute leave him with too much time on his hands...time to criticize, which means she becomes defensive since she supports the family, & even through he forces her to rationalize the long hours away from home, he makes sure she knows he resents her throwing it into his face that she supports them, so to speak. Their 13 year old daughter is caught in the middle. Her dad has been her primary parent, has been the "fun parent," leaving cleaning for his wife on top of everything else.
The wife's childhood plays into how she responds, but it takes an age to get to that knowledge. Plus, the disapproval his parents, esp his mother, show him for wanting to become an artist & not a lawyer, & her because of her station in life & having gone to work right out of school rather than to university, despite her success at what she does, would drive a wedge between them eventually. Though his parents are only minimally blamed while her parents are blamed wholeheartedly the imbalance he once noted he no longer sees.
And so you have a setup thst inevitably will lead to disaster. Once the protagonist leaves her home at the request of her daughter, seeing her only on Saturdays, she does finally get to speak to a counselor. She lives in a rundown neighborhood, sending most of what she makes for the care of her husband & daughter. She meets a couple friends when they try to start a support group for mothers who have, for whatever reason, lost their children. The oldest had an autistic son, back when that was labeled infantile schizophrenia, & was strongly advised to put him in a care home, which she did since she wasn't sure what else to do. The other friend is a young woman whose claim is that she gave up her baby for adoption to give her a better life. The adoption is semiopen... the adoptive parents send a photo once a year & she gets to visit once, & was given the OK to return, so she stops attending the small threesome's meetings.
There is a betrayal, a healing, an adjustment.
I realize that there seems to be a fad in books & media to chop up an account of a character's life into flashbacks or a sudden jerk to the character's memories. To a certain extent, I can understand some of this mode of storytelling. But this is so chopped up that it's nearly unrecognizable & to me, incoherent - like the ramblings of the many alcoholic withdrawal patients who have been in the DTs during the times I cared for them as a nurse. To me, it seems more like the author keeps forgetting the background of the characters about whom they're writing, & uses this mode to excess to cover for not having a coherent story, & forgetting major plot points until the last minute.
Or maybe I'm just too old to "appreciate" my stories being as chopped up as the ingredients for a curry...
A woman has a straightforward series of issues in life. They're presented in fragments & flashbacks. I felt like I needed a program to keep track of the protagonist's entire story.
Mind you, the overall story is good. It's not that the material itself males a bad story, once one unravels it.
It points out the terrible issues with socialized medicine, which IMO is beneficial. The protagonist goes to seek help, has trouble even getting an appointment, & is waitlisted for at least 6 months when she is obviously depressed. I suppose it is cheaper to wait for someone to do away with themselves than to pay for their counseling, & when the crisis occurs she still doesn't get help right away. So the book serves as a warning about how care is rationed with socialized medicine.
The story revolves around a family that is coming apart, largely from the stress of the man insisting on living so far from his wife's work - & from any chance of being recognized for his original artwork - that her long hours & long commute leave him with too much time on his hands...time to criticize, which means she becomes defensive since she supports the family, & even through he forces her to rationalize the long hours away from home, he makes sure she knows he resents her throwing it into his face that she supports them, so to speak. Their 13 year old daughter is caught in the middle. Her dad has been her primary parent, has been the "fun parent," leaving cleaning for his wife on top of everything else.
The wife's childhood plays into how she responds, but it takes an age to get to that knowledge. Plus, the disapproval his parents, esp his mother, show him for wanting to become an artist & not a lawyer, & her because of her station in life & having gone to work right out of school rather than to university, despite her success at what she does, would drive a wedge between them eventually. Though his parents are only minimally blamed while her parents are blamed wholeheartedly the imbalance he once noted he no longer sees.
And so you have a setup thst inevitably will lead to disaster. Once the protagonist leaves her home at the request of her daughter, seeing her only on Saturdays, she does finally get to speak to a counselor. She lives in a rundown neighborhood, sending most of what she makes for the care of her husband & daughter. She meets a couple friends when they try to start a support group for mothers who have, for whatever reason, lost their children. The oldest had an autistic son, back when that was labeled infantile schizophrenia, & was strongly advised to put him in a care home, which she did since she wasn't sure what else to do. The other friend is a young woman whose claim is that she gave up her baby for adoption to give her a better life. The adoption is semiopen... the adoptive parents send a photo once a year & she gets to visit once, & was given the OK to return, so she stops attending the small threesome's meetings.
There is a betrayal, a healing, an adjustment.
I realize that there seems to be a fad in books & media to chop up an account of a character's life into flashbacks or a sudden jerk to the character's memories. To a certain extent, I can understand some of this mode of storytelling. But this is so chopped up that it's nearly unrecognizable & to me, incoherent - like the ramblings of the many alcoholic withdrawal patients who have been in the DTs during the times I cared for them as a nurse. To me, it seems more like the author keeps forgetting the background of the characters about whom they're writing, & uses this mode to excess to cover for not having a coherent story, & forgetting major plot points until the last minute.
Or maybe I'm just too old to "appreciate" my stories being as chopped up as the ingredients for a curry...
May 19, 2019
My first book by this author. It follows the lives of 3 women, Rachel, Leona and Viv. They are all very different women, but all have one thing in common in that they are all separated from a child. The story begins with Rachel and you can see that Rachel has done something bad which makes her (then) husband Mitchell decide it’s for the best if they separate and that he has custody of their daughter, Becca. Following on, she meets Leona and Viv through a counselling group for mothers who are separated from their children, and you get to discover that they are have very different reasons as to why they are separated from them.
The story began well and kept me in suspense throughout the book to discover what Rachel did that was so bad to be separated from her daughter. The story is told from different characters perspectives and their stories were built up well so you really get to know them as the book progresses. I love the friends’ relationships with each other and, whilst Rachel appeared initially hesitant, it was lovely to see her have the support and friendship that she so needed.
Whilst it comes across as a story from the thriller genre, for me it was also a book of self-discovery, friendships and relationships. It does have a good amount of suspense running all the way through it, particularly where Rachel’s husband was concerned! The characters were all likeable in their own way, with the exception of Mitchell who I just couldn’t connect with! The story twists and turns and was the kind of book that when you think you had it all worked out, it all changed again!
It made me sad, it made me angry and it also made me happy – it honestly took me through a rollercoaster of emotions!! Would definitely recommend, and I can’t wait for another book by this author!
The story began well and kept me in suspense throughout the book to discover what Rachel did that was so bad to be separated from her daughter. The story is told from different characters perspectives and their stories were built up well so you really get to know them as the book progresses. I love the friends’ relationships with each other and, whilst Rachel appeared initially hesitant, it was lovely to see her have the support and friendship that she so needed.
Whilst it comes across as a story from the thriller genre, for me it was also a book of self-discovery, friendships and relationships. It does have a good amount of suspense running all the way through it, particularly where Rachel’s husband was concerned! The characters were all likeable in their own way, with the exception of Mitchell who I just couldn’t connect with! The story twists and turns and was the kind of book that when you think you had it all worked out, it all changed again!
It made me sad, it made me angry and it also made me happy – it honestly took me through a rollercoaster of emotions!! Would definitely recommend, and I can’t wait for another book by this author!
June 11, 2019
I quite enjoyed this book and felt it was a well written story about a woman coming to terms with the consequences of her actions that led her to lose custody of her daughter, and how she was rebuilding her life. As the actions that led to her life-altering event become apparent, I couldn't help but feel that she had been very hard-done by and certainly, in my opinion, hadn't done anything nearly bad enough to justify the consequences. So I ended up really annoyed by what a big deal was being made of; 1. what she had done, which under the circumstances was justifiable, it was just unfortunate that an accident occurred because of it; 2. the loss of her daughter, which was made out to be something bigger than what it actually was. I missed the bit about it being tragic.
I didn't feel that I could really relate to the main character, and the number of references to what cars people drove, really made me cringe, but I could relate to some of what she had gone through and in that way, I felt invested in the story, particularly near the end when I really felt that she had been treated unfairly. I was triggered! and I wanted revenge for her!
I didn't feel that I could really relate to the main character, and the number of references to what cars people drove, really made me cringe, but I could relate to some of what she had gone through and in that way, I felt invested in the story, particularly near the end when I really felt that she had been treated unfairly. I was triggered! and I wanted revenge for her!
August 20, 2023
A debut novel from Ali Mercer, that I was kindly gifted, was a great surprise of a character driven story that unravelled like the layers of an onion.
It deals with three women who are brought together as they share a common loss. For different reasons each has lost a child. The emotional pendulum is driven by ego, deception, warmth, guilt and twisted lack of true emotions including the weakness of people who spend a lifetime blaming others for the hurt they inflict.
The book explores the the power of friendship and the value, and reward, that trust can offer. It equally exposes the destruction that is wrought from trusting wrongly.
I loved the lead character. She has a strength and humanity that is admirable.
To delve too deeply into all the main characters would be a spoiler, but suffice it to say that the reader will form love and hate relationships with them all as the eloquent way in which Ali Mercer writes, guides you into their psyches.
The only let down for me, and it’s a personal preference, is I wished for a slightly different ending. There’s nothing wrong with the authors completion of her story, but for me the outcome was not befitting enough.
It’s a very good read and I can honestly say that once the story got going I couldn’t put it down. I had to know ...!
It deals with three women who are brought together as they share a common loss. For different reasons each has lost a child. The emotional pendulum is driven by ego, deception, warmth, guilt and twisted lack of true emotions including the weakness of people who spend a lifetime blaming others for the hurt they inflict.
The book explores the the power of friendship and the value, and reward, that trust can offer. It equally exposes the destruction that is wrought from trusting wrongly.
I loved the lead character. She has a strength and humanity that is admirable.
To delve too deeply into all the main characters would be a spoiler, but suffice it to say that the reader will form love and hate relationships with them all as the eloquent way in which Ali Mercer writes, guides you into their psyches.
The only let down for me, and it’s a personal preference, is I wished for a slightly different ending. There’s nothing wrong with the authors completion of her story, but for me the outcome was not befitting enough.
It’s a very good read and I can honestly say that once the story got going I couldn’t put it down. I had to know ...!
May 14, 2019
When the publishers say this is heart wrenching, they aren’t kidding……oh my heart..
Told from the different points of view of three women and their differing circumstances, but all three have one thing in common, their children are no longer living with them…..
Rachel, did something awful and as a result, husband Mitchell has custody of their daughter, Becca….What could she have done that was so bad?
Viv, has a son who is in an institution and has been since a child…
Leona, had put her child up for adoption, but not as a baby….
The book follows these women’s emotional rollercoaster, their guilt and shame at the things they have done for, what they believed, was the best at the time…it covers emotive issues such as depression, autism and ultimately friendship, hope and love…..heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Wonderful writing by Ali Mercer…..
Thank you to Bookouture for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Told from the different points of view of three women and their differing circumstances, but all three have one thing in common, their children are no longer living with them…..
Rachel, did something awful and as a result, husband Mitchell has custody of their daughter, Becca….What could she have done that was so bad?
Viv, has a son who is in an institution and has been since a child…
Leona, had put her child up for adoption, but not as a baby….
The book follows these women’s emotional rollercoaster, their guilt and shame at the things they have done for, what they believed, was the best at the time…it covers emotive issues such as depression, autism and ultimately friendship, hope and love…..heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Wonderful writing by Ali Mercer…..
Thank you to Bookouture for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
May 17, 2019
Lost Daughter I thought was going to be a thriller....don’t know how I came to that but it’s definitely not a thriller.
The book is centred around three women who become friends whilst at their little group meetings, they are at a lost children club and there are only the three of them in it. Rachel is the main character and she is separated from her 13 year old daughter because of her own behaviour but as we find out further along the book, it’s not all as it seems. The women become good friends and a tight bond is formed helping Rachel to become stronger and believe in herself and look forward to her saturdays with her daughter. Mitch the husband is a character in this book I didn’t like from the beginning and my feelings didn’t move at the end either.
This is an emotional read and although it is a slow burner it is a book I enjoyed and will be looking out for more by Ali Mercer.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
The book is centred around three women who become friends whilst at their little group meetings, they are at a lost children club and there are only the three of them in it. Rachel is the main character and she is separated from her 13 year old daughter because of her own behaviour but as we find out further along the book, it’s not all as it seems. The women become good friends and a tight bond is formed helping Rachel to become stronger and believe in herself and look forward to her saturdays with her daughter. Mitch the husband is a character in this book I didn’t like from the beginning and my feelings didn’t move at the end either.
This is an emotional read and although it is a slow burner it is a book I enjoyed and will be looking out for more by Ali Mercer.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2019
This isn’t the type of book I would usually read but I really enjoyed it. When I ordered this I was expecting a thriller, but it turned out to be a much more emotional read.
Lost Daughter tells the story of three mothers, who, for various reasons, no longer live with their children. Leona gave up her daughter for adoption, Viv’s son has been in an institution for forty years, and Rachel moved out of the family home after an ‘incident’ with her husband.
The story focuses on Rachel, with some chapters telling the story of other characters. Rachel’s story has chapters set in the present, and before the incident, explaining the events that led up to her losing everything.
The author describes the emotions of the different characters beautifully. We get an understanding of the pain and guilt they feel from not being able to look after their childen, and the journey they go through dealing with this.
This book moved me to tears more than once. It was an incredibly captivating story.
Lost Daughter tells the story of three mothers, who, for various reasons, no longer live with their children. Leona gave up her daughter for adoption, Viv’s son has been in an institution for forty years, and Rachel moved out of the family home after an ‘incident’ with her husband.
The story focuses on Rachel, with some chapters telling the story of other characters. Rachel’s story has chapters set in the present, and before the incident, explaining the events that led up to her losing everything.
The author describes the emotions of the different characters beautifully. We get an understanding of the pain and guilt they feel from not being able to look after their childen, and the journey they go through dealing with this.
This book moved me to tears more than once. It was an incredibly captivating story.
June 7, 2019
Wow, what the feel good book of the year! It definitely had all my emotions going. I needed a Kleenex for this one.
This book is about three women mourning the loss of their children. They lose their children not in death but in other ways. Between divorce, sickness and mistakes they all have to come to terms with their loss and keep moving forward and fix what they have lost.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. It was one hell of a rollercoaster ride for my emotions. I really felt all three women’s pain and triumphs throughout the whole book. It felt as though I was living it with them. All the characters were greatly intertwined with each other and that’s what made this book so good. They all complimented each other and none of them seem out of place. The plot was excellent as mourning a loss isn’t bad enough but when it’s your child it’s a whole new ball game. I really love this book.
Between the plot, characters and all the twists in this book it made it an easy and fast read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This book is about three women mourning the loss of their children. They lose their children not in death but in other ways. Between divorce, sickness and mistakes they all have to come to terms with their loss and keep moving forward and fix what they have lost.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. It was one hell of a rollercoaster ride for my emotions. I really felt all three women’s pain and triumphs throughout the whole book. It felt as though I was living it with them. All the characters were greatly intertwined with each other and that’s what made this book so good. They all complimented each other and none of them seem out of place. The plot was excellent as mourning a loss isn’t bad enough but when it’s your child it’s a whole new ball game. I really love this book.
Between the plot, characters and all the twists in this book it made it an easy and fast read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
June 24, 2019
Lost Daughter: An Utterly heartbreaking and unforgettable page-turner is by Ali Mercer. This book is one which compels you to keep reading until you are finished. Mercer draws the reader into the story until she decides to let them go. It is a book that will not easily be forgotten, especially by readers who have lost a parent or a child.
Rachel has lost her mother, her home, her job, her marriage, and her daughter and she has no idea what happened. Her life suddenly came crashing down before she realized something was wrong. Now she has to figure out how to create another personality to cope with this situation. She has had counseling but it seems as if nothing was accomplished. What can she do to at least gain her daughter’s love back? How can she erase that horrible final event from Becca’s mind? Can her new friends Lorena and Viv help?
This book is really excellent and makes you want to read until it is finished and then you want to keep reading about her journey into the future.
Rachel has lost her mother, her home, her job, her marriage, and her daughter and she has no idea what happened. Her life suddenly came crashing down before she realized something was wrong. Now she has to figure out how to create another personality to cope with this situation. She has had counseling but it seems as if nothing was accomplished. What can she do to at least gain her daughter’s love back? How can she erase that horrible final event from Becca’s mind? Can her new friends Lorena and Viv help?
This book is really excellent and makes you want to read until it is finished and then you want to keep reading about her journey into the future.
May 7, 2019
This book is heartbreaking, detailing the loss of a relationship between mother and child following the Mothers depression and mental health issues at the death of her own mother.
From the beginning I didn't like Mitch- he came across as untrustworthy, a bit Teflon coated and really not very supportive of his wife.
As the story unfolds we see Rachel working so hard to regain Becca's trust and love, to be a part of her life, albeit as a "Saturday mum". She also makes two new friends, women who are in the same situation as her, having lost a child.
Rachel really seems to blossom with her friendship with Viv and her son and regains confidence in being with and supporting her own child despite Mitch's sabotaging behaviour.
The book will make you angry with pretty much each character in turn but as the situations resolve towards the end of the book the strength of Viv, Rachel and Becca really shines through.
From the beginning I didn't like Mitch- he came across as untrustworthy, a bit Teflon coated and really not very supportive of his wife.
As the story unfolds we see Rachel working so hard to regain Becca's trust and love, to be a part of her life, albeit as a "Saturday mum". She also makes two new friends, women who are in the same situation as her, having lost a child.
Rachel really seems to blossom with her friendship with Viv and her son and regains confidence in being with and supporting her own child despite Mitch's sabotaging behaviour.
The book will make you angry with pretty much each character in turn but as the situations resolve towards the end of the book the strength of Viv, Rachel and Becca really shines through.
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