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The Family I Lost
There are two little girls in the photo. I instantly recognise myself as the small, dark-haired child in the purple dress. But who is the girl with the long blonde hair laughing at the camera? And why is the photograph here, in a stranger’s house?
When I find the tattered picture hidden away at the back of a dusty cupboard in Amy’s house my mouth goes dry with shock. Though I haven’t known Amy for very long, I love looking after her young children, in her picture-perfect hilltop house with its sprawling wildflower garden and bright, airy kitchen. After feeling lost for months, reeling from the accident that tore everything apart, I hoped this was my chance to turn my life around.
But I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve been here before. I know this house somehow, the curve of the staircase and the view from the attic window are so familiar. I can feel it in my bones. What isn’t she telling me?
I can’t help noticing things that don’t add up: Amy’s guarded behaviour when I ask questions about her past, the whispered stories I overhear in the village and the locked room downstairs I’m not allowed to enter.
My mother always told me we didn’t have any family, that it was just the two of us against the world. I’ve always been sure she was hiding something. Maybe this house will give me the answers I’ve been searching for…
But am I ready to unlock the secrets of my past? Or should I have stayed well away?
When I find the tattered picture hidden away at the back of a dusty cupboard in Amy’s house my mouth goes dry with shock. Though I haven’t known Amy for very long, I love looking after her young children, in her picture-perfect hilltop house with its sprawling wildflower garden and bright, airy kitchen. After feeling lost for months, reeling from the accident that tore everything apart, I hoped this was my chance to turn my life around.
But I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve been here before. I know this house somehow, the curve of the staircase and the view from the attic window are so familiar. I can feel it in my bones. What isn’t she telling me?
I can’t help noticing things that don’t add up: Amy’s guarded behaviour when I ask questions about her past, the whispered stories I overhear in the village and the locked room downstairs I’m not allowed to enter.
My mother always told me we didn’t have any family, that it was just the two of us against the world. I’ve always been sure she was hiding something. Maybe this house will give me the answers I’ve been searching for…
But am I ready to unlock the secrets of my past? Or should I have stayed well away?
- GenresAdult Fiction
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2022
1554 people are currently reading
298 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 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 11, 2022
This is one of those compelling books that keeps you reading because you need to know the truth! Right away you know there’s something wrong or someone not being honest, but even though you get 3 points of view, the author keeps you in the dark until the ending.
First, there’s a young woman whose father has been imprisoned; she doesn’t know him and she doesn’t know why he’s been imprisoned. Furthermore, when she asks about him, she doesn’t get answers, just more questions. Her mother has recently passed away.
Then, there’s a cousin who isn’t very welcoming until she needs something.
These two girls need each other, they just don’t know WHY yet.
I loved this compelling read. It isn’t until the end that the secrets get revealed and the seemingly knotted and insignificant threads get untangled. I loved having the three perspectives, Julie, Lisa and Amy and eagerly soaked up their tale, desperately wanting answers. Mercer explores the sense of connection that puts us back in touch with our past. In examining two cousins who don’t know each other, Mercer shows how their bond develops, a reliance is made and they end up changing each other’s lives. I do believe in serendipity and I do think that the girls’ connection was a beautiful coincidence. I also believe that if you go digging to get answers, you’d better be prepared to accept what you find. There’s plenty of secrets in this family tree - ripe for the picking!
I was gifted this advance copy by Ali Mercer, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
First, there’s a young woman whose father has been imprisoned; she doesn’t know him and she doesn’t know why he’s been imprisoned. Furthermore, when she asks about him, she doesn’t get answers, just more questions. Her mother has recently passed away.
Then, there’s a cousin who isn’t very welcoming until she needs something.
These two girls need each other, they just don’t know WHY yet.
I loved this compelling read. It isn’t until the end that the secrets get revealed and the seemingly knotted and insignificant threads get untangled. I loved having the three perspectives, Julie, Lisa and Amy and eagerly soaked up their tale, desperately wanting answers. Mercer explores the sense of connection that puts us back in touch with our past. In examining two cousins who don’t know each other, Mercer shows how their bond develops, a reliance is made and they end up changing each other’s lives. I do believe in serendipity and I do think that the girls’ connection was a beautiful coincidence. I also believe that if you go digging to get answers, you’d better be prepared to accept what you find. There’s plenty of secrets in this family tree - ripe for the picking!
I was gifted this advance copy by Ali Mercer, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 11, 2022
Not only has Lisa recently lost her mother, she grew up knowing that her father was imprisoned, but not why. Lisa's mother Julie cut them off from the rest of their family, but at some point Lisa discovers an address of a possible relative. She writes her but gets no response.
At an event a man approaches her and begins talking to her. He tells her that she has the look of of his wife. They talk for awhile and as things turns out, Lisa is indeed related to the man's wife. Eager to meet his wife, Amy, who just might be her cousin, Lisa is hoping to find answers. However, Amy doesn't seem too keen on meeting Lisa and things fizzle out quickly.
Amy's husband heads off to New Zealand for his job, leaving Amy home with their young daughter and newborn son. Amy invites Lisa to visit and even asks Lisa to stay on because she really needs the help. Everything is going swimmingly until their grandmother is planning to come over for a visit. This makes Amy quite nervous and it is at this point that things begin to be revealed in this book. The secrets of the past start to unravel and Lisa and Amy find themselves in a position to deal with past hurts and even lies.
This book is quite evenly paced, with the tension picking up once the grandmother visits. Pieces begin to fall into place, making The Family I Lost a truly compelling read. Ali Mercer always writes in a way to capture the reader's attention and that is exactly what she did in her latest book. I am more than eager to read her next release.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please also enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/cKGFxuAGpOk
At an event a man approaches her and begins talking to her. He tells her that she has the look of of his wife. They talk for awhile and as things turns out, Lisa is indeed related to the man's wife. Eager to meet his wife, Amy, who just might be her cousin, Lisa is hoping to find answers. However, Amy doesn't seem too keen on meeting Lisa and things fizzle out quickly.
Amy's husband heads off to New Zealand for his job, leaving Amy home with their young daughter and newborn son. Amy invites Lisa to visit and even asks Lisa to stay on because she really needs the help. Everything is going swimmingly until their grandmother is planning to come over for a visit. This makes Amy quite nervous and it is at this point that things begin to be revealed in this book. The secrets of the past start to unravel and Lisa and Amy find themselves in a position to deal with past hurts and even lies.
This book is quite evenly paced, with the tension picking up once the grandmother visits. Pieces begin to fall into place, making The Family I Lost a truly compelling read. Ali Mercer always writes in a way to capture the reader's attention and that is exactly what she did in her latest book. I am more than eager to read her next release.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please also enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/cKGFxuAGpOk
May 1, 2022
The Family I Lost by Ali Mercer is a highly recommended mystery within a dysfunctional family.
Lisa has grown up knowing that her father was sent to prison for some crime and that the family of her mother, Julie, completely cut off all ties with them. When Julie passes away Lisa finds an address of someone who may be a relative of hers, Amy, so Lisa writes to her in hopes of some connection. Oddly enough she then meets Amy's husband Joe, and the two realize that Lisa and Amy are cousins. Lisa is invited over and meets Amy, Joe, and their daughter Tilly. Amy is pregnant and due soon, and not especially cordial to Lisa, but when their son is born and Joe's away for the summer Amy reaches out to Lisa to help her.
Lisa does end up helping Amy while Joe is gone. As she helps care for Tilly, she persistently feels as if she has been in their house before. Perhaps the answer to her father's crime and the family secret can be uncovered while she is there. It also becomes abundantly clear that Amy's family and their grandmother have a skewed outlook on events.
Lisa is a sympathetic character as she deals with the dysfunctional family she never knew. Amy is a dislikable character, enough so that readers will wonder why on earth Lisa agreed to help this selfish, self-centered woman. It is imperative that these two women meet and question what they have been told or know about their family history because they have both been keep in the dark about the facts.
While the writing is very good and the plot moves along at an even pace, you have to set your disbelief aside in order to appreciate The Family I Lost, especially regarding Amy calling Lisa after one meeting, asking her to help, and then Lisa agreeing to help for months while Joe is gone. Once you've accepted this rather far-fetched premise, then you can sit back and watch the mystery unfold. 3.5 rounded up.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Bookouture via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2022/0...
Lisa has grown up knowing that her father was sent to prison for some crime and that the family of her mother, Julie, completely cut off all ties with them. When Julie passes away Lisa finds an address of someone who may be a relative of hers, Amy, so Lisa writes to her in hopes of some connection. Oddly enough she then meets Amy's husband Joe, and the two realize that Lisa and Amy are cousins. Lisa is invited over and meets Amy, Joe, and their daughter Tilly. Amy is pregnant and due soon, and not especially cordial to Lisa, but when their son is born and Joe's away for the summer Amy reaches out to Lisa to help her.
Lisa does end up helping Amy while Joe is gone. As she helps care for Tilly, she persistently feels as if she has been in their house before. Perhaps the answer to her father's crime and the family secret can be uncovered while she is there. It also becomes abundantly clear that Amy's family and their grandmother have a skewed outlook on events.
Lisa is a sympathetic character as she deals with the dysfunctional family she never knew. Amy is a dislikable character, enough so that readers will wonder why on earth Lisa agreed to help this selfish, self-centered woman. It is imperative that these two women meet and question what they have been told or know about their family history because they have both been keep in the dark about the facts.
While the writing is very good and the plot moves along at an even pace, you have to set your disbelief aside in order to appreciate The Family I Lost, especially regarding Amy calling Lisa after one meeting, asking her to help, and then Lisa agreeing to help for months while Joe is gone. Once you've accepted this rather far-fetched premise, then you can sit back and watch the mystery unfold. 3.5 rounded up.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Bookouture via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2022/0...
August 14, 2022
Boring and weakly written book, amateurish. I really have to stop reading “free” Kindle books when I’m flying!
May 14, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Family I Lost' by Ali Mercer.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Ali Mercer, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 10th May 2022.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The Marriage Lie' which I would also recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching beaitiful cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I am also a fan of Ali Mercer and if this book is half as good as 'The Marriage Lie' it's bound to be a page turner. The synopsis stated that this book is 'An unputdownable page-turner for fans of Amanda Prowse, Susan Lewis and Kerry Fisher'. I am a huge fan of Kerry Fisher so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. 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 foreword and 38 chapters over five parts. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in England 🏴 , UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited and holidayed in England on several occasions so am looking forward to see if I recognise anywhere.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Lisa, May and Julie. 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.
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.
This book is very well written and the insights into the past let's the reader piece together what is going on. The descriptions are vivid and help to set the scene. The cover and synopsis worked well with the storyline.
This book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and is filled with family, loss, sadness, heartbreak, secrets and lies. It goes to show how one minute can change not one but several life's. I did become confused about half way through when Amy started talking about her sister but all was revealed afterwards. I won't say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. Amy's house had a gothic atmosphere which I enjoyed as it really helped with some of the suspense the storyline created. I was almost in tears at a certain point with the vivid descriptions Ali used during a very emotional scene so I would definitely have the tissues ready!!!
The characters are strong and realistic. My heart really went out to both Julie and Lisa who were excluded from the family through no fault of their own and which put Lisa in the position of having nobody to turn to until she discovers Amy. Lisa was a lovely and kind hearted character and I really become invested in her life and story. Unfortunately I just didn't click with Amy who I felt like screaming at on several occasions and just felt that she was quite selfish. I also felt that she was using Lisa on several occasions and that she definitely didn't deserve her lovely children Tilly and Rowan or even her husband Joe. I couldn't stand Grandma Elsie from the start and found her attitude to Lisa absolutely despicable. I really liked Joe, he was an amazing father and I really felt sorry for him. Whether you love or hate the characters they all work perfectly to make the storyline what it is.
Well done Ali on yet another emotional page turner. Get the tissues ready before you start!
Overall a rollercoaster ride of emotions that will keep you turning the pages.
Genres covered in this book include Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Romance, Women's Literature, Saga, Contemporary Fiction, Psychological Fiction and Domestic Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Amanda Prowse, Susan Lewis and Kerry Fisher.
371 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4 /5 (I enjoyed 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
#TheFamilyILost #Bookouture #AliMercer #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@AliMercer @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 'The Family I Lost' by Ali Mercer.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Ali Mercer, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 10th May 2022.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The Marriage Lie' which I would also recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching beaitiful cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I am also a fan of Ali Mercer and if this book is half as good as 'The Marriage Lie' it's bound to be a page turner. The synopsis stated that this book is 'An unputdownable page-turner for fans of Amanda Prowse, Susan Lewis and Kerry Fisher'. I am a huge fan of Kerry Fisher so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. 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 foreword and 38 chapters over five parts. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in England 🏴 , UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited and holidayed in England on several occasions so am looking forward to see if I recognise anywhere.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Lisa, May and Julie. 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.
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.
This book is very well written and the insights into the past let's the reader piece together what is going on. The descriptions are vivid and help to set the scene. The cover and synopsis worked well with the storyline.
This book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and is filled with family, loss, sadness, heartbreak, secrets and lies. It goes to show how one minute can change not one but several life's. I did become confused about half way through when Amy started talking about her sister but all was revealed afterwards. I won't say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. Amy's house had a gothic atmosphere which I enjoyed as it really helped with some of the suspense the storyline created. I was almost in tears at a certain point with the vivid descriptions Ali used during a very emotional scene so I would definitely have the tissues ready!!!
The characters are strong and realistic. My heart really went out to both Julie and Lisa who were excluded from the family through no fault of their own and which put Lisa in the position of having nobody to turn to until she discovers Amy. Lisa was a lovely and kind hearted character and I really become invested in her life and story. Unfortunately I just didn't click with Amy who I felt like screaming at on several occasions and just felt that she was quite selfish. I also felt that she was using Lisa on several occasions and that she definitely didn't deserve her lovely children Tilly and Rowan or even her husband Joe. I couldn't stand Grandma Elsie from the start and found her attitude to Lisa absolutely despicable. I really liked Joe, he was an amazing father and I really felt sorry for him. Whether you love or hate the characters they all work perfectly to make the storyline what it is.
Well done Ali on yet another emotional page turner. Get the tissues ready before you start!
Overall a rollercoaster ride of emotions that will keep you turning the pages.
Genres covered in this book include Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Romance, Women's Literature, Saga, Contemporary Fiction, Psychological Fiction and Domestic Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Amanda Prowse, Susan Lewis and Kerry Fisher.
371 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4 /5 (I enjoyed 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
#TheFamilyILost #Bookouture #AliMercer #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@AliMercer @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
April 12, 2022
This novel started off slowly for me, but then picked up and held my attention captive until all the threads were sorted out and the truth was revealed.
Lisa has recently lost her mother, an alcoholic who fell and subsequently died in the hospital. Despite her mother’s shortcomings in the nurturing department, Lisa acutely feels the loss of her only family. Her father had been imprisoned when she was three and her mother was estranged from the extended family composed of a sister and parents. As Lisa sorts through her mother’s effects, she discovers the name of a cousin in an old address book and, with some trepidation, sends off a letter.
Amy is the long-lost cousin who initially ignores Lisa’s overture, but eventually the two connect. When Amy realizes she is overwhelmed by her responsibilities for her 7 year old daughter and infant son, she asks Lisa to help her by moving into her home for the summer. Lisa is eager to discover more information about her “lost” family, while Amy is reluctant to share any details. As the summer progresses, Lisa is more and more puzzled by the things she uncovers – vague memories related to the house and garden as well as clues to the strained relationships within the family. Ultimately, a whole raft of secrets – both past and present - are revealed as well as a family history shrouded in deceit.
The characters are a mixed bag. Lisa is certainly a sympathetic protagonist as she tries to understand the convoluted relationships within the family and a rather bizarre annual tradition. Amy, on the other hand, is rather unlikeable – self-centered and manipulative. However, once her childhood back story is revealed, it shows her behavior reflects her attempts to cope with the emotional wounding wrought by this dysfunctional family.
Overall, the twists and turns of the storyline kept me guessing and made this a compelling read once the two women meet and begin to forge a tenuous bond.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Lisa has recently lost her mother, an alcoholic who fell and subsequently died in the hospital. Despite her mother’s shortcomings in the nurturing department, Lisa acutely feels the loss of her only family. Her father had been imprisoned when she was three and her mother was estranged from the extended family composed of a sister and parents. As Lisa sorts through her mother’s effects, she discovers the name of a cousin in an old address book and, with some trepidation, sends off a letter.
Amy is the long-lost cousin who initially ignores Lisa’s overture, but eventually the two connect. When Amy realizes she is overwhelmed by her responsibilities for her 7 year old daughter and infant son, she asks Lisa to help her by moving into her home for the summer. Lisa is eager to discover more information about her “lost” family, while Amy is reluctant to share any details. As the summer progresses, Lisa is more and more puzzled by the things she uncovers – vague memories related to the house and garden as well as clues to the strained relationships within the family. Ultimately, a whole raft of secrets – both past and present - are revealed as well as a family history shrouded in deceit.
The characters are a mixed bag. Lisa is certainly a sympathetic protagonist as she tries to understand the convoluted relationships within the family and a rather bizarre annual tradition. Amy, on the other hand, is rather unlikeable – self-centered and manipulative. However, once her childhood back story is revealed, it shows her behavior reflects her attempts to cope with the emotional wounding wrought by this dysfunctional family.
Overall, the twists and turns of the storyline kept me guessing and made this a compelling read once the two women meet and begin to forge a tenuous bond.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 9, 2023
“With all family secrets, there is some destruction.”
This book is told through 3 main characters – Julie, Lisa, and Amy. Julie is a divorced parent who raised her daughter Lisa in isolation from her family throughout her life. When Julie died, Lisa sought out options to discover more about her family of origin. Happening upon a listing in her mother’s address book for Amy Power, Lisa sends a note of introduction hoping to get a response. Amy happens to be Lisa’s cousin. There is mystery surrounding Lisa’s father and a rumored situation of manslaughter leading to incarceration. Amy is married to Joe and mother to Tilly, a 7-year-old girl and Rowan, a baby boy. She is having trouble managing her interactions with Tilly and being tired all the time. In response to Lisa’s letter, she asks her to come for a visit, but remain a bit aloof in her interactions. When Amy warms to Lisa’s presence, she proposes that Lisa spend the summer with she and the children while her husband’s away on work. In order to make this plot topic work, the reader is asked to believe Lisa would readily agree to such an arrangement after only one visit. What becomes apparent is that the grandmother of both women has banned Lisa’s side of the family from contacting them as the result of a schism that developed around a catastrophic accident to her future son-in-law Elliott while interacting with Mike, Julie’s husband and Lisa’s father. And a misconception about this issue has led the family to splinter. Lisa pursues more information to understand more clearly about what occurred and why she has been ostracized, along with her mother, from the family.
It is heartbreaking to find out some of the details that have happened in the family and how the separation has been perpetuated for so long. The reader also wants to find out what secrets there are as well.
This book is told through 3 main characters – Julie, Lisa, and Amy. Julie is a divorced parent who raised her daughter Lisa in isolation from her family throughout her life. When Julie died, Lisa sought out options to discover more about her family of origin. Happening upon a listing in her mother’s address book for Amy Power, Lisa sends a note of introduction hoping to get a response. Amy happens to be Lisa’s cousin. There is mystery surrounding Lisa’s father and a rumored situation of manslaughter leading to incarceration. Amy is married to Joe and mother to Tilly, a 7-year-old girl and Rowan, a baby boy. She is having trouble managing her interactions with Tilly and being tired all the time. In response to Lisa’s letter, she asks her to come for a visit, but remain a bit aloof in her interactions. When Amy warms to Lisa’s presence, she proposes that Lisa spend the summer with she and the children while her husband’s away on work. In order to make this plot topic work, the reader is asked to believe Lisa would readily agree to such an arrangement after only one visit. What becomes apparent is that the grandmother of both women has banned Lisa’s side of the family from contacting them as the result of a schism that developed around a catastrophic accident to her future son-in-law Elliott while interacting with Mike, Julie’s husband and Lisa’s father. And a misconception about this issue has led the family to splinter. Lisa pursues more information to understand more clearly about what occurred and why she has been ostracized, along with her mother, from the family.
It is heartbreaking to find out some of the details that have happened in the family and how the separation has been perpetuated for so long. The reader also wants to find out what secrets there are as well.
June 8, 2022
Lisa's mother has recently passed away, while cleaning out her mother's place, she discovers the name and address for an Amy Power. Power was her mother's maiden name, but her mother has been estranged from her family for years. They wanted nothing to do with her or Lisa after a tragedy that somehow involved Lisa's father, who she also doesn't know. She only knows that he was sent to prison and whatever he has done is the reason her mother's family had shunned them.
With her mother gone, Lisa feels extremely lonely and decides to reach out to Amy and hopefully get to know this long lost family. She's not sure how much she can trust Amy, but she enjoys helping out with Amy's daughter, Tilly. Lisa feels as if she's been to the home Amy lives in, and what is the big secret behind the red curtain beneath the stairs?
First off, the synopsis of this book was a bit off from the actual story, as far as how Lisa and Amy meet and are related. Secondly, the first half of this book was very slow, it really didn't get interesting until almost the end. I didn't really care for any of the characters, they were all a bit dull. I did appreciate the ending and felt there was good closure, I'm glad I stuck with it to the end. Overall it was an interesting story about deeply buried family secrets and lies.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
With her mother gone, Lisa feels extremely lonely and decides to reach out to Amy and hopefully get to know this long lost family. She's not sure how much she can trust Amy, but she enjoys helping out with Amy's daughter, Tilly. Lisa feels as if she's been to the home Amy lives in, and what is the big secret behind the red curtain beneath the stairs?
First off, the synopsis of this book was a bit off from the actual story, as far as how Lisa and Amy meet and are related. Secondly, the first half of this book was very slow, it really didn't get interesting until almost the end. I didn't really care for any of the characters, they were all a bit dull. I did appreciate the ending and felt there was good closure, I'm glad I stuck with it to the end. Overall it was an interesting story about deeply buried family secrets and lies.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 6, 2022
Lisa has had a tough life, she has only lived alone with her mom growing up. Her dad was sent to prison and she doesn't know why. Lisa has very little memory of her father. Her mom, Julie, has now passed away and Lisa has no family at all, that is until she comes across an old address book in the house and discovers she has a cousin named Amy. She reaches out to Amy for answers about her past and why her mom was so secretive about her father. Amy is married and has a 7 year old daughter, Tilly, and she is expecting a new son to be born any day now. She is not very nice to Lisa until Amy’s husband, Joe, is away for work and she needs help with her children, especially her daughter Tilly. While Lisa is so nice to help Amy, she learns the truth about her broken family and the secrets of the past she was never told.
THE FAMILY LOST was a powerful, gripping story. I could not stop reading until the secrets were fully exposed. Ali Mercer captivated me with this family drama. I loved the past and present timelines and the overall flow of the story. The ending was nice and I was glad to see things tie together. If your are looking for a quick and easy book to get lost in, this is the one for you!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
THE FAMILY LOST was a powerful, gripping story. I could not stop reading until the secrets were fully exposed. Ali Mercer captivated me with this family drama. I loved the past and present timelines and the overall flow of the story. The ending was nice and I was glad to see things tie together. If your are looking for a quick and easy book to get lost in, this is the one for you!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
May 16, 2022
A gripping and emotional novel about a dark family secret and the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters. An unputdownable page-turner for fans of Amanda Prowse, Susan Lewis and Kerry Fisher.
I love books about family, especially dysfunctional ones or ones with psychological issues. That being said, I knew from reading the summary of The Family I Lost that this would be a book that I would be very interested in and captivated by. The summary also hinted at eeriness and mystery, which added to my intrigue.
I quickly and easily became immersed within the pages and didn’t want to stop reading. Though I got slightly confused a few times, it all worked itself out and left me feeling surprised and delighted. This was such a talented and creative story, and I loved the uniqueness of it. Every time I thought I had everything figured out, something changed, leaving me on my toes guessing yet again.
There are several family issues presented, as well as many secrets and revelations, creating a book that leaves the reader on the edge of their seat, hanging in the rollercoaster ride with all kinds of twists and turns. Though I couldn’t relate with some of the characters or their actions, I still loved reading about them. This was truly an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
I love books about family, especially dysfunctional ones or ones with psychological issues. That being said, I knew from reading the summary of The Family I Lost that this would be a book that I would be very interested in and captivated by. The summary also hinted at eeriness and mystery, which added to my intrigue.
I quickly and easily became immersed within the pages and didn’t want to stop reading. Though I got slightly confused a few times, it all worked itself out and left me feeling surprised and delighted. This was such a talented and creative story, and I loved the uniqueness of it. Every time I thought I had everything figured out, something changed, leaving me on my toes guessing yet again.
There are several family issues presented, as well as many secrets and revelations, creating a book that leaves the reader on the edge of their seat, hanging in the rollercoaster ride with all kinds of twists and turns. Though I couldn’t relate with some of the characters or their actions, I still loved reading about them. This was truly an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
May 7, 2022
First, I want to thank Ali Mercer, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
WOW!!! Ali Mercer always writes a good story that pulls hard on my heart string! The Family I Lost was no exception. However, she wrote a very deep, dark, intense, suspenseful and tragic storyline on many different levels this time around. You will find yourself quickly addicted to the story and not able to put it down! This definitely a book you will want to add to your TBR list as it is a 5 star book!
The graphic artists did a beautiful job with the cover. Between the cover, my love for the author, and the description of the book I knew I just had to read it. After reading it and looking at the cover it gave me goosebumps! The cover was just so spot on!
Ali takes us on a winding roller coaster ride of emotions in The Family I Lost. For a good portion of it I was on the edge of my seat biting my already short nails dying to know how it was going to unfold. So many secrets and totally heart wrenching revelations!
My heart just broke for Lisa who lost more than she knew she ever had! So many times I wanted to jump in and give her a big hug.
WOW!!! Ali Mercer always writes a good story that pulls hard on my heart string! The Family I Lost was no exception. However, she wrote a very deep, dark, intense, suspenseful and tragic storyline on many different levels this time around. You will find yourself quickly addicted to the story and not able to put it down! This definitely a book you will want to add to your TBR list as it is a 5 star book!
The graphic artists did a beautiful job with the cover. Between the cover, my love for the author, and the description of the book I knew I just had to read it. After reading it and looking at the cover it gave me goosebumps! The cover was just so spot on!
Ali takes us on a winding roller coaster ride of emotions in The Family I Lost. For a good portion of it I was on the edge of my seat biting my already short nails dying to know how it was going to unfold. So many secrets and totally heart wrenching revelations!
My heart just broke for Lisa who lost more than she knew she ever had! So many times I wanted to jump in and give her a big hug.
May 10, 2022
Family… Isn’t that a beautiful word? The love they feel for each other, the time they spend together… Oh happy days.
Live is not one big party though. Devastating things happen and strong families will stick together during the hard times. Some will not see eye to eye and cracks will appear. They grow bigger and bigger until finally the link is broken and families are ripped apart.
You feel like you are better off without them than with them if they cannot stand by you. The pain you feel in your heart is so strong and you hope with all you have in you that your child will not remember anything about what went on. You are most determined to not ever talk about it as long as you live.
Coincidences do not exist? I think they do and sometimes it’s a good thing. They can take you where you want to go: on the road to discover some secrets.
The story is told through the eyes of Lisa, Amy and Julie. Join them on their journey and believe me it’s a very emotional and heart breaking one.
The liar says they were lied to too. At present I cannot shake the feeling they were still not being honest or am I too suspicious?
I loved it. 5 stars
Thank you
Live is not one big party though. Devastating things happen and strong families will stick together during the hard times. Some will not see eye to eye and cracks will appear. They grow bigger and bigger until finally the link is broken and families are ripped apart.
You feel like you are better off without them than with them if they cannot stand by you. The pain you feel in your heart is so strong and you hope with all you have in you that your child will not remember anything about what went on. You are most determined to not ever talk about it as long as you live.
Coincidences do not exist? I think they do and sometimes it’s a good thing. They can take you where you want to go: on the road to discover some secrets.
The story is told through the eyes of Lisa, Amy and Julie. Join them on their journey and believe me it’s a very emotional and heart breaking one.
The liar says they were lied to too. At present I cannot shake the feeling they were still not being honest or am I too suspicious?
I loved it. 5 stars
Thank you
May 1, 2022
Ali Mercer’s family drama stories are heartfelt and show the complicated nature of relationships. The Family I Lost has all of that in spades. The story is told in five parts that alternate between three women’s points of view. It is not complicated, providing you pay attention the chapter headings and the timeframes the author provides at the beginning of each “part.” There is a lot of family drama that unfolds over 30 years and even when we reach the “present time,” there are still more revelations to come. It is complex and well-balanced, even as the first two parts drag a little. The end more than makes up for it. For more details, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. This review was written based on a digital copy of the book from Bookouture.
May 11, 2022
Am absolutely cracking family drama full of secrets and lies.
It does start slowly, but it's definitely worth persevering with, as it turns into an unputdownable fast paced read when everything comes to light.
Told in five parts and narrated from three women's POV, with a well written plotline, I found The Family I Lost a highly enjoyable read, it's compelling, Intriguing and highly emotional.
The two main protagonists were both heavily flawed, but I empathised with Lisa so much, but Amy was one of those characters that deserved all she got, as she didn't give two hoots about anyone but herself.
Looking forward to reading more of Mercer's books in the future.
Many thanks to Bookouture for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It does start slowly, but it's definitely worth persevering with, as it turns into an unputdownable fast paced read when everything comes to light.
Told in five parts and narrated from three women's POV, with a well written plotline, I found The Family I Lost a highly enjoyable read, it's compelling, Intriguing and highly emotional.
The two main protagonists were both heavily flawed, but I empathised with Lisa so much, but Amy was one of those characters that deserved all she got, as she didn't give two hoots about anyone but herself.
Looking forward to reading more of Mercer's books in the future.
Many thanks to Bookouture for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 19, 2022
I enjoyed this story and thought that the main character Lisa was very likeable. The story was easy to follow, keeping up a fast pace that had me finish it in about 3 days, easy to get lost in. I felt in parts you could tell where it was going but then there were a few things that happened that caught me by surprise. Captivating throughout. Ali Mercer really showed the bond that being family can help make, even if fate brought them together.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good family-based story with lots of mystery.
This is my first book I have read by Ali Mercer and would definitely pick up another.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good family-based story with lots of mystery.
This is my first book I have read by Ali Mercer and would definitely pick up another.
May 2, 2022
Ali Mercer just has a way with family drama! This one stared off a little scattered for me; jumping back and forth between past and present and five main characters. I kept reading because I've always been a fan of hers and I'm so thankful I did. Her character development is always deep and varied. You'll love some and detest others! I was swept away by this quick read. The story is deep and at times difficult. My only complaint; as deeply constructed as this story was, I felt like the ending was cut off and I was left wanting more.
Many Thanks to NetGalley for my advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review
Many Thanks to NetGalley for my advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review
May 9, 2022
I absolutely loved the last book I read by this author so as soon as this became available I just had to read it. Again, Ali has created a gripping and emotional story that I was absorbed in from start to finish.
This story is tense, mysterious but also heart warming as we see a family come together after tragic circumstances. The relationship between Amy and Lisa did not go how I expected it to and I really warmed to Lisa and the way she handled it all.
This was my second book by Ali Mercer and it definitely won't be my last. It is one of those books that you can't put down because you need to know the truth as much as the characters do!
This story is tense, mysterious but also heart warming as we see a family come together after tragic circumstances. The relationship between Amy and Lisa did not go how I expected it to and I really warmed to Lisa and the way she handled it all.
This was my second book by Ali Mercer and it definitely won't be my last. It is one of those books that you can't put down because you need to know the truth as much as the characters do!
May 29, 2022
I appreciate a book that motivates me to read, and this was one! It was advertised on FaceBook and looked interesting, so I checked it out on Amazon and was intrigued by the plot. A family is torn apart by a death of one sister's husband caused by the husband of the other sister, so granddaughter Lisa, who was only 3 at the time, has no idea she has more family than her mother and divorced dad serving time in prison.
I don't like to give away any more of the story than necessary, so I'll just say that this entails details and secrets learned by Lisa as she pries into her mother's belongings.
As far as I remember, it is fairly clean with no offensive language or graphic sex.
I don't like to give away any more of the story than necessary, so I'll just say that this entails details and secrets learned by Lisa as she pries into her mother's belongings.
As far as I remember, it is fairly clean with no offensive language or graphic sex.
June 15, 2022
WoW.........and breathe! The Family I Lost by Ali Mercer was an amazing and beautifully written book. and written from her heart. This had me drawn in from the very beginning and I did not want this latest book by Ali to end.
I am finding it hard to write this review without giving anything away. However, The Family I lost played with my emotions and I could not put it down. I loved it. I enjoyed reading and learning all about Lisa's life and I had to grab for some tissues!
I highly recommend all of Ali Mercer's books. They are all a fantastic read from start to finish.
Big thank you to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
I am finding it hard to write this review without giving anything away. However, The Family I lost played with my emotions and I could not put it down. I loved it. I enjoyed reading and learning all about Lisa's life and I had to grab for some tissues!
I highly recommend all of Ali Mercer's books. They are all a fantastic read from start to finish.
Big thank you to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
April 9, 2022
A story full of secrets that got distorted, Amy and Lisa are long lost cousins that eventually meet for the first time and the story takes off from there. Amy isn’t the most pleasant of people and keeps Lisa at a distance despite needing her help with the kids. It’s not until Amy’s life begins to unravel that she faces the realities of her actions and finally discovers part of her childhood has been a huge lie. I enjoyed reading this and would like to thank the publishers and Netgalley for letting me have the book to read.
May 24, 2022
Secrets, lies, and misdirection--I thought at one point the author had made an error, attributing a child to the wrong family, but that turned out to be an unreliable narrator, repeating the lies she'd been told. Lisa is caught up in a search for the truth her mother had withheld, and finds more and more complications along the way. In spite of the manipulations of the cruel and vindictive grandmother, bit by bit the lies are peeled back, making room for healing. The search for family, with all its complications, is fascinating, with some really heart-stopping moments.
April 27, 2022
I didn’t care much for this book. It started off very slow and got a little better but not a lot. I was going to make it a DNF about 40% but it picked up some there. The characters were not likable and rather boring. Some of the plot seemed slightly unrealistic. Some may like this book but I can’t recommend it. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 28, 2022
A long lost cousin and family mysteries. This book was thoroughly enjoyable. At times, the going switch in time frames and reference points could get confusing but the author told a wonderful story about a family with a complicated past and how it has changed the future of two women. This is a very easy and enjoyable read with some unexpected turns. Perfect for a weekend or beach read!
I received an advanced copy for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2022
Every family has secrets. Some have very few, innocuous even. Others have great secrets that cover up many lies and exceptions. Such is the case with The Family I Lost. Two cousins, separated due to a family fracture and abundant lies. Lisa is a good soul who stumbles across her cousin, Amy. I didn’t care for Amy at all. I felt the sorriest for Joe, who has been deceived from the beginning.
Sometimes secrets are nest left undisturbed.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance read.
Sometimes secrets are nest left undisturbed.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance read.
January 13, 2023
The Family I Lost. by Ali Mercer.
It is not a bad story … at times a bit confusing but worth a read …
Lisa and Amy are related, cousins but neither were too sure of the others existence … a family feud from long ago has prevented them from knowing each other …. But all that changes now they are grown women …. Very tentative they find out about each other … to form some kind of friendship which will take a lot of twists and turns in such a short time.
It is not a bad story … at times a bit confusing but worth a read …
Lisa and Amy are related, cousins but neither were too sure of the others existence … a family feud from long ago has prevented them from knowing each other …. But all that changes now they are grown women …. Very tentative they find out about each other … to form some kind of friendship which will take a lot of twists and turns in such a short time.
March 5, 2023
mixed feelings
Not the best I have ever read
But mostly enjoyable.
The ending latter part of the book
Too far fetched.
Explanation of family separation
Was too much and once again too
Far fetched.
It could have been much better
And still shown dysfunctional and
Flawed people and family strife.
The most difficult and unrealistic
Change of character was Amy’s
Former employer
Not the best I have ever read
But mostly enjoyable.
The ending latter part of the book
Too far fetched.
Explanation of family separation
Was too much and once again too
Far fetched.
It could have been much better
And still shown dysfunctional and
Flawed people and family strife.
The most difficult and unrealistic
Change of character was Amy’s
Former employer
July 30, 2023
Could not put down
How I tell a book is worth it. For in hand books I read the back or inside cover and if he gives me a feeling I buy it or pick it up. On kindle unlimited I read the reviews and about the book. I was curious when I read what is about. Starts off happy and goes to sad, then you stay curious how it will end as it unfolds. Great author and can't wait to read another!
How I tell a book is worth it. For in hand books I read the back or inside cover and if he gives me a feeling I buy it or pick it up. On kindle unlimited I read the reviews and about the book. I was curious when I read what is about. Starts off happy and goes to sad, then you stay curious how it will end as it unfolds. Great author and can't wait to read another!
May 7, 2022
I have read some books by Ali Mercer in the past and have really enjoyed them. This one was no different. It was an emotionally gripping story full of family drama and secrets. It was both heart-warming and heart-breaking at the same time. Reading it had me frustrated, wanting to yell at my kindle, smiling and crying in places.
Definitely an emotional read.
Definitely an emotional read.
May 10, 2022
If you want a really good family drama, then this is the book for you! Secrets, lots of blame and little forgiveness go a long way in telling the story of this family and its entanglements. It takes a bit in the beginning to figure out who's who but once you do, this one takes off like a rocket! Devilishly twisted!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
November 9, 2022
Family Secrets
Every family has its secrets and a history that is remembered differently by various members. In this case, it's sad that the secrets tore apart the family and Lisa and her mother had been ostracized. Despite this, Lisa grew up to be a very caring and loving young woman.
Every family has its secrets and a history that is remembered differently by various members. In this case, it's sad that the secrets tore apart the family and Lisa and her mother had been ostracized. Despite this, Lisa grew up to be a very caring and loving young woman.
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