What do you think?
Rate this book
Long Lost Girl
The little girl you lost is back... but who is she really?
When three-year-old Sara disappeared from their lives, it tore the Turner family apart. Years later, they are still startling at every knock, convinced it is Sara at the door. But the only trace of the cherished little girl is a fading photo in the hall, a single white knitted baby shoe tucked behind the frame.
Then, one day, as they pick at sandwiches in a crowded local café, a beautiful girl approaches, claiming to be Sara. With her wide green eyes and soft, straight hair, could she really be their long-lost girl? But where has she been all this time, and what happened to stop her from coming home?
Soon, Sara is turning up for Sunday lunch, and then moving her things into the little bedroom upstairs. But as Sara makes herself at home, not everyone is happy that she’s back in their lives once more. Long-held secrets are threatening to surface, and someone in this tight-knit family doesn’t want them to be told…
A gripping and emotional read about three generations of family secrets. Fans of Jodi Picoult, Kelly Rimmer and Kerry Fisher won’t be able to put this book down.
When three-year-old Sara disappeared from their lives, it tore the Turner family apart. Years later, they are still startling at every knock, convinced it is Sara at the door. But the only trace of the cherished little girl is a fading photo in the hall, a single white knitted baby shoe tucked behind the frame.
Then, one day, as they pick at sandwiches in a crowded local café, a beautiful girl approaches, claiming to be Sara. With her wide green eyes and soft, straight hair, could she really be their long-lost girl? But where has she been all this time, and what happened to stop her from coming home?
Soon, Sara is turning up for Sunday lunch, and then moving her things into the little bedroom upstairs. But as Sara makes herself at home, not everyone is happy that she’s back in their lives once more. Long-held secrets are threatening to surface, and someone in this tight-knit family doesn’t want them to be told…
A gripping and emotional read about three generations of family secrets. Fans of Jodi Picoult, Kelly Rimmer and Kerry Fisher won’t be able to put this book down.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2022
714 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Jill Childs
18 books189 followersJill has always loved stories - real and imaginary. She's spent 30 years travelling the world as a journalist, living overseas and reporting wherever the news took her. She's now made her home in London with her husband and twin girls who love stories as much as she does.
Although she's covered everything from earthquakes and floods, riots and wars, she's found some of the most extraordinary stories right here at home - in the secrets and lies she imagines behind closed doors on ordinary streets, just like yours.
Although she's covered everything from earthquakes and floods, riots and wars, she's found some of the most extraordinary stories right here at home - in the secrets and lies she imagines behind closed doors on ordinary streets, just like yours.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
June 6, 2022
In a Nutshell: See that appealing cover and read the blurb. Is your mind clear about what to expect from the book? Good. Now junk those expectations in the dustbin because they are all WRONG!
Story Synopsis:
Where the book worked for me:
✔ Ruth was nice. Ruth’s story arc was nice.
✔ The title suits the book in multiple ways, though not in the way the blurb suggests.
✔ It is fast. (At least, it felt like that in the audio version.)
✔ I had the audiobook, so I didn’t have to work too hard to reach the finish line.
Where the book didn’t work for me:
❌ Paula is among the most annoying characters I have ever seen in fiction. A busybody, she loves to interfere in everyone’s lives and pass moral judgement, while she herself indulges in the same activities. Ever heard of the pot calling the kettle black, Paula?
❌ Usually, when there are children in a story, I feel a great connect to them. But enter Hannah, the 8 year old who is eight just in name and in a few convenient scenes. Oh my! I have never read such an irritating child character, nor have I seen such an unrealistic and inconsistent depiction of an eight year old. Aargh!
❌ The rest of the characters are flat and boring.
❌ The blurb suggests the idea that Sara was kidnapped. (Whoever worded that blurb was very cunning!) I thought this would be a “missing girl reunited with family” kind of story. The actual background of “Sara’s disappearance” is so different that the whole genre of the story changes.
❌ The blurb also suggests that Sara’s reappearance creates some kind of havoc in the Turner family. But hardly any chapters, especially in the first half, cover the impact of Sara’s re-entry. Most of the so-called secrets have nothing to do with Sara. It was mere correlation-causation in effect.
❌ Most of the story contains Paula's ramblings about various topics such as the lack of spark in her marriage, her husband's aloofness, her attraction to a new life model in the art studio, her daughter's social issues... Too many subplots, most of them uninteresting.
❌ The ending is over-simplified and too perfect.
The audiobook experience:
The only reason I completed the book is Emma Stansfield, the narrator of this 10 hour long audiobook. She was pitch-perfect for every character and emotion. Had I been reading this book, I either would have skimmed through more than half of it or simply DNFed it.
Well, if you want to look at the face of a reader who succumbed to a cute cover and an intriguing blurb, just peek at my profile pic while I go sulk in the corner. Utterly disappointed with the book and with myself.
2 stars.
My thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of “Long Lost Girl”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook. Sorry this didn’t work out.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Story Synopsis:
Paula, married to a local doctor Will, mother to 8 year old Hannah, volunteer in the local art studio. Her great-grandma Ruth, passionate about helping the homeless. Paula’s brother Adam, devastated after his divorce. All these people have a secret. Now yet another secret has returned from the past. Sara, Adam’s daughter, has reentered their lives. This new appearance leads to many changes in the family situation and lots of revelations.
The story is narrated in the first person perspective of the ladies from three generations: great-grandmother Ruth, grand-daughter Paula and great-granddaughter Sara. Paula gets the major chunk of the narration.
Where the book worked for me:
✔ Ruth was nice. Ruth’s story arc was nice.
✔ The title suits the book in multiple ways, though not in the way the blurb suggests.
✔ It is fast. (At least, it felt like that in the audio version.)
✔ I had the audiobook, so I didn’t have to work too hard to reach the finish line.
Where the book didn’t work for me:
❌ Paula is among the most annoying characters I have ever seen in fiction. A busybody, she loves to interfere in everyone’s lives and pass moral judgement, while she herself indulges in the same activities. Ever heard of the pot calling the kettle black, Paula?
❌ Usually, when there are children in a story, I feel a great connect to them. But enter Hannah, the 8 year old who is eight just in name and in a few convenient scenes. Oh my! I have never read such an irritating child character, nor have I seen such an unrealistic and inconsistent depiction of an eight year old. Aargh!
❌ The rest of the characters are flat and boring.
❌ The blurb suggests the idea that Sara was kidnapped. (Whoever worded that blurb was very cunning!) I thought this would be a “missing girl reunited with family” kind of story. The actual background of “Sara’s disappearance” is so different that the whole genre of the story changes.
❌ The blurb also suggests that Sara’s reappearance creates some kind of havoc in the Turner family. But hardly any chapters, especially in the first half, cover the impact of Sara’s re-entry. Most of the so-called secrets have nothing to do with Sara. It was mere correlation-causation in effect.
❌ Most of the story contains Paula's ramblings about various topics such as the lack of spark in her marriage, her husband's aloofness, her attraction to a new life model in the art studio, her daughter's social issues... Too many subplots, most of them uninteresting.
❌ The ending is over-simplified and too perfect.
The audiobook experience:
The only reason I completed the book is Emma Stansfield, the narrator of this 10 hour long audiobook. She was pitch-perfect for every character and emotion. Had I been reading this book, I either would have skimmed through more than half of it or simply DNFed it.
Well, if you want to look at the face of a reader who succumbed to a cute cover and an intriguing blurb, just peek at my profile pic while I go sulk in the corner. Utterly disappointed with the book and with myself.
2 stars.
My thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of “Long Lost Girl”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook. Sorry this didn’t work out.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
May 17, 2022
This is my first book by Childs, and would certainly encourage me to pick up another of her novels!
I am a little obsessed with missing people novels and I am always on the lookout for another one to recommend!
I think this was marketed as more of a womens/ literary fiction book rather than a thriller, which I think would have suited the plot a little better. It was a mystery and there were lots of secrets revealed, but I think Childs is a much more emotional, character-driven writer, and this came across well. The intrigue was kept throughout, but I do prefer more plot-driven books with premises like this.
I would definitely read more books by Childs on the back of this one.
I am a little obsessed with missing people novels and I am always on the lookout for another one to recommend!
I think this was marketed as more of a womens/ literary fiction book rather than a thriller, which I think would have suited the plot a little better. It was a mystery and there were lots of secrets revealed, but I think Childs is a much more emotional, character-driven writer, and this came across well. The intrigue was kept throughout, but I do prefer more plot-driven books with premises like this.
I would definitely read more books by Childs on the back of this one.
June 6, 2022
It’s hard to know how much I liked this book. My enjoyment was impacted by the narrator. I wasn’t taken with her performance. Her voice was somewhat one note and lacked theatrics. I sometimes zoned out because of it. As a result, I missed chunks of the plot and would have to rewind with hopes of finding my spot. I did like the reveal at the end.
I recommend this book to others but would suggest the written format rather than audio. A gracious thank you to Bookouture Audio and Netgalley for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
I recommend this book to others but would suggest the written format rather than audio. A gracious thank you to Bookouture Audio and Netgalley for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2022
Snickerdoodles! 😳😯🤯🥺😳
I cannot believe how absolutely invested into this story I became! It absolutely sucked me in with no warning and I loved every moment of it. The suspense, the wondering, worries & lies were endless. I fell in love with the characters and my emotions were shaken & stirred like Bond's martini! I absolutely adored this novel!
Sara was three years old when her and her mother up and left Alan, her husband, & his family; sister Paula, his mom and dad and gran. Gran never seemed to get over the upbrupt leaving of her great-granddaughter. Many years later, While Paula takes out her Gran and daughter Hannah for lunch, Sara approaches them telling them she's Sara and she's back. Very shortly after, Gran has Sara moved in absolutely besotted with her finally being back. But Paula is a little more weary & cautious. But someone isn't as thrilled she's back and will do anything to keep long held secrets in the past.
Unbelievably heart wrenching & heart breaking at times. The family drama, the lies, it was endless and so unbelievably well done. The ending was satisfying & I assure you there are gasps and shocks galore. Things you don't see coming & you were thinking something else. Childs always does a fab job & this one is no exception. I need to recharge now with an iced coffee! Whew!
Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for this ARC.
Release Date: May 17, 2022
I give this 4 / 5 Lily's! 🪷
I cannot believe how absolutely invested into this story I became! It absolutely sucked me in with no warning and I loved every moment of it. The suspense, the wondering, worries & lies were endless. I fell in love with the characters and my emotions were shaken & stirred like Bond's martini! I absolutely adored this novel!
Sara was three years old when her and her mother up and left Alan, her husband, & his family; sister Paula, his mom and dad and gran. Gran never seemed to get over the upbrupt leaving of her great-granddaughter. Many years later, While Paula takes out her Gran and daughter Hannah for lunch, Sara approaches them telling them she's Sara and she's back. Very shortly after, Gran has Sara moved in absolutely besotted with her finally being back. But Paula is a little more weary & cautious. But someone isn't as thrilled she's back and will do anything to keep long held secrets in the past.
Unbelievably heart wrenching & heart breaking at times. The family drama, the lies, it was endless and so unbelievably well done. The ending was satisfying & I assure you there are gasps and shocks galore. Things you don't see coming & you were thinking something else. Childs always does a fab job & this one is no exception. I need to recharge now with an iced coffee! Whew!
Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for this ARC.
Release Date: May 17, 2022
I give this 4 / 5 Lily's! 🪷
May 14, 2022
I was intrigued by the premise of this and excited to listen to it on audio. The narrator was excellent and the audio part was exceptional but I did not care for the lackluster plot. The characters were unremarkable and the story didn't hold my attention too well. I was also confused by the relationships of all the different characters and had trouble keeping track of them and how they related to one another. The end did produce a few surprises, so that was plus. Overall, though, not my favorite.
May 17, 2022
Sara was only three years old when she disappeared from the Turner family. The family has never recovered, hoping day after day, year after year that Sara would return. Out at lunch one day, the family is approached by someone and she claims to be their missing Sara. She has the same looks, the green eyes and the straight hair.
Her father Alan is beside himself, yet distant. Her aunt Paula is skeptical. Her Gran is more than happy and so very glad her granddaughter has returned. When her mother took her away at the tender age of three, the family thought they might never see her again. Now that she is back, the question begs itself, where was she all of this time and why didn’t she come back sooner?
Sara carefully wedges her way in, starting with lunch with the family, but then she quickly moves in after that. It’s as if she never missed a beat. However, there are secrets and the secrets are starting to unravel and this creates tension on a huge level as well as the fact that there is someone who may or may not be telling the truth about everything.
Sara gets along quite well with Hannah, Paula’s daughter, and this rubs her the wrong way. Paula want answers. Sara fits in too well but not with enough of a clear vision as to what went on during the years that she was gone. With twists and turns in this book, revelations are revealed, thus everyone is at sixes and sevens. With her signature style, Jill Childs writes a compelling read from the intriguing beginning to the shocking ending, all while layering this book with deep emotional moments.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/wLfsMGXV0io
Her father Alan is beside himself, yet distant. Her aunt Paula is skeptical. Her Gran is more than happy and so very glad her granddaughter has returned. When her mother took her away at the tender age of three, the family thought they might never see her again. Now that she is back, the question begs itself, where was she all of this time and why didn’t she come back sooner?
Sara carefully wedges her way in, starting with lunch with the family, but then she quickly moves in after that. It’s as if she never missed a beat. However, there are secrets and the secrets are starting to unravel and this creates tension on a huge level as well as the fact that there is someone who may or may not be telling the truth about everything.
Sara gets along quite well with Hannah, Paula’s daughter, and this rubs her the wrong way. Paula want answers. Sara fits in too well but not with enough of a clear vision as to what went on during the years that she was gone. With twists and turns in this book, revelations are revealed, thus everyone is at sixes and sevens. With her signature style, Jill Childs writes a compelling read from the intriguing beginning to the shocking ending, all while layering this book with deep emotional moments.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/wLfsMGXV0io
May 25, 2022
4.5⭐️
Jill Childs can write! I had no idea this was going to have all these twists and turns. I felt everything during the duration of this novel. I was scared, mad and shocked. I thought it was well done and highly recommend it.
I chose to listen to this book on audio and the narrator was Emma Stansfield and she did a great job.
Thanks Bookouture via NetGalley.
Jill Childs can write! I had no idea this was going to have all these twists and turns. I felt everything during the duration of this novel. I was scared, mad and shocked. I thought it was well done and highly recommend it.
I chose to listen to this book on audio and the narrator was Emma Stansfield and she did a great job.
Thanks Bookouture via NetGalley.
June 4, 2022
Sara's Return
Sometimes marriages do not work out. when Alan's wife left and took their young daughter Sara with her he was devastated as was his mother Sara's grandmother. She constantly waits in hopes that someday Sara will return.
One day while eating in a food court Sara does return and introduces herself to her grandmother. Alan's sister is not convinced that she is the real deal even when her daughter Hannah is infatuated with her. When things in her grandmother's home go missing she goes on a mission to discover who this girl really is. Be careful what you wish for. A DNA test done could tear the family apart.
This was a good story, a bit slow in the beginning but worked into a great mystery and a lot of suspense. The secrets were not all on one side, the grandmother had secrets of her own.
I enjoyed the audio book. The narrator did a fantastic job, easy to understand and pleasant voice.
You will enjoy this mystery as it keeps you guessing until the end.
Thanks to Jill Childs for writing a great mystery, to Emma Stansfield for a great narration of the story , to Bookouture Audio for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.
Sometimes marriages do not work out. when Alan's wife left and took their young daughter Sara with her he was devastated as was his mother Sara's grandmother. She constantly waits in hopes that someday Sara will return.
One day while eating in a food court Sara does return and introduces herself to her grandmother. Alan's sister is not convinced that she is the real deal even when her daughter Hannah is infatuated with her. When things in her grandmother's home go missing she goes on a mission to discover who this girl really is. Be careful what you wish for. A DNA test done could tear the family apart.
This was a good story, a bit slow in the beginning but worked into a great mystery and a lot of suspense. The secrets were not all on one side, the grandmother had secrets of her own.
I enjoyed the audio book. The narrator did a fantastic job, easy to understand and pleasant voice.
You will enjoy this mystery as it keeps you guessing until the end.
Thanks to Jill Childs for writing a great mystery, to Emma Stansfield for a great narration of the story , to Bookouture Audio for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.
May 6, 2022
Three year old Sarah goes missing with her mom. She shows up years later or is it really her? Lots of family secrets surface and it had a twist at the end. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
April 22, 2022
My Review:
Wow!!!!! Tissues are a must for this one. In fact you might as well keep a whole box next to you for the entire read. This was such an emotional roller coaster ride for me. I definitely felt every emotion from every character. This was not my typical murder read I usually do but sometimes we all just need a good heart felt book to warm our soul. This book did come with a little mystery to be solved. At first you didn’t know who to trust or what to believe. You did get the answers in the end and I was blown away. They were hidden for so long and I wondered how they weren’t exposed sooner. I have read this author before and have loved every book I read by her. I definitely will be reading more by this author.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Wow!!!!! Tissues are a must for this one. In fact you might as well keep a whole box next to you for the entire read. This was such an emotional roller coaster ride for me. I definitely felt every emotion from every character. This was not my typical murder read I usually do but sometimes we all just need a good heart felt book to warm our soul. This book did come with a little mystery to be solved. At first you didn’t know who to trust or what to believe. You did get the answers in the end and I was blown away. They were hidden for so long and I wondered how they weren’t exposed sooner. I have read this author before and have loved every book I read by her. I definitely will be reading more by this author.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
April 21, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the copy of Long Lost Girl. This is the first book I have read by this author so I wasn’t sure what to expect from it. I was pleasantly surprised that this wasn’t the standard “ lost kid returns as adult but are they who they say they are” story, it was much more layered, complex and surprising. I didn’t like any of the characters and the only one I could really relate to was Hannah. She was well-written and a sympathetic character for the whole book. The writing never really grabbed me, but I was so curious about how it would end I kept reading. This was a quick read and the perfect beach book but not amazing for me. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
August 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, which is about a girl called Sara who comes back to her family after being away from them for years. But is she really who she says she is? I loved all of the book, and I was quite surprised by the ending, which uncovered many secrets.
The audiobook narrator was well suited to the book, and she did a good job. This is a great read, which I highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, the narrator and the publisher for this book.
The audiobook narrator was well suited to the book, and she did a good job. This is a great read, which I highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, the narrator and the publisher for this book.
April 30, 2022
Long Lost Girl by Jill Childs
When Sara was three years old her mum Rachel divorced her dad Alan and took her far away but Alan’s gran, Ruth and sister, Paula, have never forgotten her and not a day goes by that Gran is not hopeful that Sara will return to them even if almost twenty years have passed. One day Paula, her eight-year-old daughter, Hannah, and gran are at a café when a girl claiming to be Sara just walks up to them and tells them she has returned. Gran is overjoyed and welcomes Sara with open arms and even lets her move in but Paula is sceptical. Is this really her long lost niece? How can she just find them out and about having lunch after all these years?
I loved this book, I had to reach for the tissues many times.
The book is written from three points of view, Paula, Sara and Gran/Ruth.
This is the second book I have read by Jill Childs and I have loved them both. Jill Childs writes beautiful books that tug at your heart.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
When Sara was three years old her mum Rachel divorced her dad Alan and took her far away but Alan’s gran, Ruth and sister, Paula, have never forgotten her and not a day goes by that Gran is not hopeful that Sara will return to them even if almost twenty years have passed. One day Paula, her eight-year-old daughter, Hannah, and gran are at a café when a girl claiming to be Sara just walks up to them and tells them she has returned. Gran is overjoyed and welcomes Sara with open arms and even lets her move in but Paula is sceptical. Is this really her long lost niece? How can she just find them out and about having lunch after all these years?
I loved this book, I had to reach for the tissues many times.
The book is written from three points of view, Paula, Sara and Gran/Ruth.
This is the second book I have read by Jill Childs and I have loved them both. Jill Childs writes beautiful books that tug at your heart.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
August 15, 2022
Beautifully written.Fast paced. Packed with twists. An absolutely brilliant,suspenseful, roller coaster of a read. Loved it.
July 1, 2023
A lost girl named Sarah was back in their life... but who was she, was mysterious to Paula.. was she real Sarah or a fake personality in her house. Paula discovered new things about Sarah, and that fell Sarah into suspicious.
I didn't like the ending of the book .. I was expecting bombarding suspense, but I was disappointed 😞
Read it if you like melodramatic suspense.
I didn't like the ending of the book .. I was expecting bombarding suspense, but I was disappointed 😞
Read it if you like melodramatic suspense.
May 18, 2022
I can't help feeling like I have been slightly mislead by the cover and blurb for this book - I was expecting this to be more of a missing girl mystery with potential duplicitous behaviour, but it's really a character lead women's fiction read. The story felt a little unremarkable and really nothing much happened until the 60% mark; and even that was a subplot. In fact, there are a host of needless subplots, some of which are mysterious, but which do detract from the main plot - including sale of the family silver, homeless people interactions, life drawing classes, Hugo, applying for a job, online gaming, Hannah going missing, the secondary timeline with Ruth. It all felt like needless padding. It's an OK read but not very compelling. Thanks anyway to NetGallery and Bookouture Audio for allowing me to get a copy of the book, which in all honesty I would not have finished had I not felt obliged to do so.
May 22, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Long Lost Girl' by Jill Childs.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Jill Childs, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 17th May 2022.
This is the third book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The Mistress' and 'I Let Him In' which I also recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of Jodi Picoult, Kelly Rimmer and Kerry Fisher won’t be able to put this book down.' I am a huge fan of Jodi Picoult and Kerry Fisher so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Jill Childs and if this is half as good as 'The Mistress' and 'I Let Him In' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 71 chapters. The chapters are short in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in London, 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.
This book is written in a mix of third and first person perspective and the protagonists are Paula Turner, Sara Turner and Ruth. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything. To have the benefit of both first and third person perspective ensures you don't miss out on anything.
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
OMG!!!! WHAT DID I JUST READ!?!?! MIND BLOWN!!!!
Another fantastic book from Jill with vivid descriptions which put you right in the picture. It really felt like Paula and Rute were talking directly to me from across the table over a cup of tea. The synopsis and cover suit the book perfectly.
The storyline is absolutely addictive and had me sucked in from the first page until the explosive ending. It is a heartbreaking story about regret, family, secrets, what ifs, deceit, twists and much more. I couldn't stop turning the pages until early hours of the morning so if you pick this up I seriously advice you to clear your schedules and also have the tissues at the ready. It is filled with heartbreak, hope, love, loss, secrets, family and a few humongous twists that I did not see coming. A huge well done to Jill on not just one but several bombshell!!! I would have never guessed either of the twists in a million years. Very rarely I am shocked by books having read so many but this absolutely had me a cracker and completely blew my mind. If you are fed up of guessing the ending by 50% then this one is for you!!! There were moments of tension, suspense and others of sadness that really caught in my throat. Whilst I loved the ending it was also heartbreaking for Ruth for never getting something she so desperately wanted at the same time but also life changer for Paula. It is so hard to talk about it without giving anything away so I will just say if you want a book with twists you will NEVER see coming this one is for you!!! This is definitely a book that will leave you thinking about trust, assumptions and Kindess.
Do not start this until you have cleared your schedules as you won't be able to put it down!!
I absolutely adored both Paula and Ruth. They were both strong realistic characters and I was completely invested in them both. It was heart wrenching reading their stories but beautiful to watch them come together in their grief. I wasn't a huge fan of Sara and struggled to click with her as I didn't trust her. Again, I can't even say how I felt at the end of the book as it will give too much away so I will leave it at that. My heart really did go out to Ruth along with the many women who would have been in the same position, I'd like to say many years ago but sadly I wouldn't be surprised if similar situations still continue. Although I liked Paula, I did find her to be a bit judgemental at times but at the same time, considering the circumstances it is hard to know if I would react in some of the situations. Needless to say whether you loved or hated them, the characters were perfect for this absolutely fantastic storyline.
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Jill on one of the most shocking twists I have ever read and an absolutely addictive book!!
Overall an addictive, page turning, heartbreaking story with bombshells you will never see coming!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Women's Saga, Women's Psychological Fiction, Women's Literary Fiction, Suspense and Thriller amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Jodi Picoult, Kerry Fisher, Kelly Rimmer, Nicholas Sparks, Kerry Wilkinson and anyone looking for a book that will shock you.
351 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#LongLostGirl #Bookouture #JillChilds #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@JillChilds @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
Review for 'Long Lost Girl' by Jill Childs.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Jill Childs, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 17th May 2022.
This is the third book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The Mistress' and 'I Let Him In' which I also recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of Jodi Picoult, Kelly Rimmer and Kerry Fisher won’t be able to put this book down.' I am a huge fan of Jodi Picoult and Kerry Fisher so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Jill Childs and if this is half as good as 'The Mistress' and 'I Let Him In' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 71 chapters. The chapters are short in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in London, 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.
This book is written in a mix of third and first person perspective and the protagonists are Paula Turner, Sara Turner and Ruth. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything. To have the benefit of both first and third person perspective ensures you don't miss out on anything.
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
OMG!!!! WHAT DID I JUST READ!?!?! MIND BLOWN!!!!
Another fantastic book from Jill with vivid descriptions which put you right in the picture. It really felt like Paula and Rute were talking directly to me from across the table over a cup of tea. The synopsis and cover suit the book perfectly.
The storyline is absolutely addictive and had me sucked in from the first page until the explosive ending. It is a heartbreaking story about regret, family, secrets, what ifs, deceit, twists and much more. I couldn't stop turning the pages until early hours of the morning so if you pick this up I seriously advice you to clear your schedules and also have the tissues at the ready. It is filled with heartbreak, hope, love, loss, secrets, family and a few humongous twists that I did not see coming. A huge well done to Jill on not just one but several bombshell!!! I would have never guessed either of the twists in a million years. Very rarely I am shocked by books having read so many but this absolutely had me a cracker and completely blew my mind. If you are fed up of guessing the ending by 50% then this one is for you!!! There were moments of tension, suspense and others of sadness that really caught in my throat. Whilst I loved the ending it was also heartbreaking for Ruth for never getting something she so desperately wanted at the same time but also life changer for Paula. It is so hard to talk about it without giving anything away so I will just say if you want a book with twists you will NEVER see coming this one is for you!!! This is definitely a book that will leave you thinking about trust, assumptions and Kindess.
Do not start this until you have cleared your schedules as you won't be able to put it down!!
I absolutely adored both Paula and Ruth. They were both strong realistic characters and I was completely invested in them both. It was heart wrenching reading their stories but beautiful to watch them come together in their grief. I wasn't a huge fan of Sara and struggled to click with her as I didn't trust her. Again, I can't even say how I felt at the end of the book as it will give too much away so I will leave it at that. My heart really did go out to Ruth along with the many women who would have been in the same position, I'd like to say many years ago but sadly I wouldn't be surprised if similar situations still continue. Although I liked Paula, I did find her to be a bit judgemental at times but at the same time, considering the circumstances it is hard to know if I would react in some of the situations. Needless to say whether you loved or hated them, the characters were perfect for this absolutely fantastic storyline.
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Jill on one of the most shocking twists I have ever read and an absolutely addictive book!!
Overall an addictive, page turning, heartbreaking story with bombshells you will never see coming!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Women's Saga, Women's Psychological Fiction, Women's Literary Fiction, Suspense and Thriller amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Jodi Picoult, Kerry Fisher, Kelly Rimmer, Nicholas Sparks, Kerry Wilkinson and anyone looking for a book that will shock you.
351 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#LongLostGirl #Bookouture #JillChilds #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@JillChilds @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
May 17, 2022
Seeing a member of your family regularly is wonderful but what if suddenly you are forced to cut all ties with that person? You will never stop loving them even though you are not sure you will ever see them again. They are on your mind 24/7 and you keep your hopes up. One day they might come and knock on your door…
I don’t know what I would do when that knock comes. Would I believe what that person says, because I am so happy I would swallow everything? Or would I be more cautious and watch that person with hawk eyes before I would open my arms and welcome them back?
It’s not necessarily bad to want to be careful. The only thing you have to ware of is that when you put two and two together you come up with four and not with five…
Not everything is what it seems and you have to make sure you have got hold of the right end of the stick before you jump to conclusions.
This is a beautiful and emotional story about a family and their secrets. I found it very hard to put down because I was very intrigued. Me and Paula could have been sisters, because I followed her train of thought. 😊 Did we hit bull’s eye or did we completely miss the boat?
I loved this book. 5 stars
Thank you, Jill Childs and Bookouture
I don’t know what I would do when that knock comes. Would I believe what that person says, because I am so happy I would swallow everything? Or would I be more cautious and watch that person with hawk eyes before I would open my arms and welcome them back?
It’s not necessarily bad to want to be careful. The only thing you have to ware of is that when you put two and two together you come up with four and not with five…
Not everything is what it seems and you have to make sure you have got hold of the right end of the stick before you jump to conclusions.
This is a beautiful and emotional story about a family and their secrets. I found it very hard to put down because I was very intrigued. Me and Paula could have been sisters, because I followed her train of thought. 😊 Did we hit bull’s eye or did we completely miss the boat?
I loved this book. 5 stars
Thank you, Jill Childs and Bookouture
August 8, 2022
It isn’t often that a book gets me hooked and keeps me hooked from the get-go. I stayed up long into the night to find out what happened! It definitely had my attention. I will say the story between Gran, Sara and Paula were great. As usual, the ending could have had a tiny bit better, but overall was well done, IMO.
For once, the unputdownable trope was pretty darn true for me! It sucked me right in. This is a 4.5 star read for me. Debating between 4 and 5 since I can’t do 4.5 like I want! Please try this book out.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. Now I’m off to see what others she has and get one or more to try!
For once, the unputdownable trope was pretty darn true for me! It sucked me right in. This is a 4.5 star read for me. Debating between 4 and 5 since I can’t do 4.5 like I want! Please try this book out.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. Now I’m off to see what others she has and get one or more to try!
May 16, 2022
A relationship falling apart
Leaves the whole family with a broken heart.
Gran is convinced Sara will be back
Decades pass but her faith doesn't slack.
When someone approaches and claims to be
Sara, returning at last to their family.
Is she really Sara or will they find
It is someone else being unkind?
With three generations of secrets concealed
What happens to the family when they're revealed?
This is a story filled with twists and surprises
As slowly the truth everyone realises.
Will the truth help them heal or tear them apart?
Will it help moving on or mean a fresh start?
A family drama with many a turn
To find the truth it makes you yearn!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
Such an intriguing read and this is my honest review.
Leaves the whole family with a broken heart.
Gran is convinced Sara will be back
Decades pass but her faith doesn't slack.
When someone approaches and claims to be
Sara, returning at last to their family.
Is she really Sara or will they find
It is someone else being unkind?
With three generations of secrets concealed
What happens to the family when they're revealed?
This is a story filled with twists and surprises
As slowly the truth everyone realises.
Will the truth help them heal or tear them apart?
Will it help moving on or mean a fresh start?
A family drama with many a turn
To find the truth it makes you yearn!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
Such an intriguing read and this is my honest review.
May 17, 2022
An intriguing and emotional read about the effect a family breakup can have on the entire family not just the couple involved, intertwined with a long-held secret. This kept me hooked to my Kindle as I eagerly swiped the pages wondering who to trust. Was Sara who she said she was? Was Paula right not to trust her? The twist at the end came as a big surprise. I loved Ruth, such a compassionate character. Definitely a five star for me.
May 14, 2022
When I read a book published by Bookouture, I know it is going to be intense, surprises, secrets, the journey that the people are on is going to be unpredictable. This book had it all, and I was pulled right into the drama taking place. When I finished the book, the sentence said if the book left you speechless, and all I could think was yes it sure did.
I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley.
I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley.
April 12, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I will definitely be reading more. Long Lost Girl is an emotional and gripping domestic drama. There is much more going on in this book than the return many years later of the child who,was taken from her family when she was only three years old. It’s full of secrets and it really kept my attention throughout.
May 6, 2022
Thank you Net Galley for an audio ARC of Long Lost Girl by Jill Childs. I loved this while story. But that twist! I haven't read a twist that good in so long! Bravo to author and narrator!
May 3, 2022
An emotional domestic/family story of love, loss and rebirth. Jill Childs can always be counted on for an all-encompassing tale!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
April 28, 2022
Wow I am absolutely speechless what have I just read? such an emotional and brilliant read. Jill Childs has been one of my favourite authors since her very first book and I have read every one. I think this is her best yet.
I loved every page from the very beginning, what a great well written book this is, every chapter is so good and I just loved how they related to the different people in the story line. Such a brilliant end to a fantastic book, all loose ends tied up.
I can definitely recommend this book.
I loved every page from the very beginning, what a great well written book this is, every chapter is so good and I just loved how they related to the different people in the story line. Such a brilliant end to a fantastic book, all loose ends tied up.
I can definitely recommend this book.
May 8, 2022
I couldn't stop listening to this terrific audiobook. I pretty much had it done during two long days of gardening!
I'm going to highly recommend it (without spoilers!) as one to grab as soon as you can.
The story is fast paced and gripping, the narration is fantastic and God, that ending was one that I definitely didn't see coming.
Thanks so much to the author, Bookouture Audio and Netgalley for the review copy.
I'm going to highly recommend it (without spoilers!) as one to grab as soon as you can.
The story is fast paced and gripping, the narration is fantastic and God, that ending was one that I definitely didn't see coming.
Thanks so much to the author, Bookouture Audio and Netgalley for the review copy.
May 23, 2022
I had the ARC audio of this book. I was led to believe this was a story of a missing child but it isn’t really. Sara’s mum moves away with her when she is 3. Years later a woman turns up claiming to be Sara.
The story is told via three generations; great grandmother, Ruth, granddaughter Paula and great granddaughter Sara. It isn’t always easy to tell which person the story is about at first. I preferred the Great Grand Mothers chapters.
The granddaughter, Paula was quite annoying and assumed anyone homeless or trying to make a living by door selling are evil and out to steal and molest and murder. Her tedious paranoia over her husband added nothing to the story, nor did Hugo and their conversations. The ‘twist’ of what her husband was doing was something I saw coming very early on.
I think Paula forgave her husband too easily which just added to the mediocre story.
I would have preferred the whole story on Ruth, the great grandmother.
The story is told via three generations; great grandmother, Ruth, granddaughter Paula and great granddaughter Sara. It isn’t always easy to tell which person the story is about at first. I preferred the Great Grand Mothers chapters.
The granddaughter, Paula was quite annoying and assumed anyone homeless or trying to make a living by door selling are evil and out to steal and molest and murder. Her tedious paranoia over her husband added nothing to the story, nor did Hugo and their conversations. The ‘twist’ of what her husband was doing was something I saw coming very early on.
I think Paula forgave her husband too easily which just added to the mediocre story.
I would have preferred the whole story on Ruth, the great grandmother.
May 22, 2022
The Turner family has never been the same since 3 year old Sara disappeared. Years later a beautiful young woman approaches the family and claims to be long lost Sara. Everyone is thrilled to have her back, but is she really Sara? What secrets is she hiding, and is she the only one with secrets?
I am always intrigued by missing person stories so I was excited for this. It was nothing like I expected and I ended up so disappointed. The "shocking secret" was a bit farfetched and there were so many other things going on that were never resolved. So many extra little story lines that had no place in the book and were useless. A lot happens in this book and yet nothing really happens at the end.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
I am always intrigued by missing person stories so I was excited for this. It was nothing like I expected and I ended up so disappointed. The "shocking secret" was a bit farfetched and there were so many other things going on that were never resolved. So many extra little story lines that had no place in the book and were useless. A lot happens in this book and yet nothing really happens at the end.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 2, 2025
I thought this book was going to be about a little girl who was kidnapped and finally made it home. Wrong... It was about Sara whose mother left with her when she was a child and took her away from her father's family.. so to speak. But anyways there wasn't any real shockers or thrilling parts. It was an ok read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews