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What We Did
ONE SMALL SCRATCH AND THE SECRETS WILL COME POURING OUT . . .
Jenna has spent the last twenty-five years trying to forget what happened to her as a teenager. Trying to forget what they did.
But it has always been there - the mistake the four friends made.
Now it has taken another life, Jenna has the opportunity to make amends. But if she comes forward now, the truth could shatter her marriage, her family and the friendships she's held onto all these years.
And what if she's about to make the biggest mistake of all?
Jenna has spent the last twenty-five years trying to forget what happened to her as a teenager. Trying to forget what they did.
But it has always been there - the mistake the four friends made.
Now it has taken another life, Jenna has the opportunity to make amends. But if she comes forward now, the truth could shatter her marriage, her family and the friendships she's held onto all these years.
And what if she's about to make the biggest mistake of all?
- GenresThriller
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2023
88 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 1, 2023
3⭐
Publication date ~ May 11, 2023
Page count ~ 365
Audio length ~ 10 hours
POV ~ dual 3rd person
Featuring ~ boarding school, se*ual assault (child & adult), self harm, drug use, excessive alcohol use, off page suicide reference, infidelity, dual timeline ~ now and 25 years ago
The story follows Jenna & Drew who went to boarding school together 25 years ago, along with Ava, Olivia & Seb. Now he is her son's swimming coach and the beloved head at an exclusive public school. She has been having nightmares and is finally coming forward about the abuse she faced while at school.
As the story moves along between the dual timelines the abuse and 'what they did' is slowly revealed. I can't say I was surprised about what they did, but I was surprised~ish about what we learned in the last bit. I was not a fan of a 14 year old using drugs as a coping mechanism or a 39 year old using alcohol as a coping mechanism. None of the characters were particularly likable either. Jenna was not the most attentive mother, which made me feel bad for 13 year old, Lando. And due to the lack of attention he came across as a brat. Husband, Zach, was actually okay. He seemed loving and supportive.
Overall, while this one did not fully grip me I liked it well enough. I was invested enough to want to see how it would all play out.
*Thanks to the author and Headline for the ARC and asking me to be on the blog tour. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Publication date ~ May 11, 2023
Page count ~ 365
Audio length ~ 10 hours
POV ~ dual 3rd person
Featuring ~ boarding school, se*ual assault (child & adult), self harm, drug use, excessive alcohol use, off page suicide reference, infidelity, dual timeline ~ now and 25 years ago
The story follows Jenna & Drew who went to boarding school together 25 years ago, along with Ava, Olivia & Seb. Now he is her son's swimming coach and the beloved head at an exclusive public school. She has been having nightmares and is finally coming forward about the abuse she faced while at school.
As the story moves along between the dual timelines the abuse and 'what they did' is slowly revealed. I can't say I was surprised about what they did, but I was surprised~ish about what we learned in the last bit. I was not a fan of a 14 year old using drugs as a coping mechanism or a 39 year old using alcohol as a coping mechanism. None of the characters were particularly likable either. Jenna was not the most attentive mother, which made me feel bad for 13 year old, Lando. And due to the lack of attention he came across as a brat. Husband, Zach, was actually okay. He seemed loving and supportive.
Overall, while this one did not fully grip me I liked it well enough. I was invested enough to want to see how it would all play out.
*Thanks to the author and Headline for the ARC and asking me to be on the blog tour. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
May 12, 2023
Thank you @nataliechandler a d @netgalley for sending me a copy of this one to read and review!
➡️THOUGHTS:
TW: sexual assault, self harm
Jenna was abused in high school by a male student at her boarding school. He would show up in a mask, so she never saw his face. She remembers his smell, and that he had a very specific ring. The abuse really affected her to the point of turning to drugs, alcohol, and cutting. Then, there is a student who dies on campus, and it puts everyone on edge. Jenna and her friends feel in their gut that something isn’t right about it.
Fast forward to her adult life, Jenna is married. I feel like the author accurately portrayed how the abuse could affect a woman with her husband, and even her own child. Jenna runs into an old friend, and memories start flooding back.
I loved the shocking twist at the end, I had my sites set on a specific character as being the abuser, but I was wrong! This part of the story had me on the edge of my seat wanting to keep reading to fill in the gaps of what I know and don’t know. I really enjoyed the dual timelines, and the single pov story telling didn’t bother me at all (I usually prefer multiple pov.)
➡️THOUGHTS:
TW: sexual assault, self harm
Jenna was abused in high school by a male student at her boarding school. He would show up in a mask, so she never saw his face. She remembers his smell, and that he had a very specific ring. The abuse really affected her to the point of turning to drugs, alcohol, and cutting. Then, there is a student who dies on campus, and it puts everyone on edge. Jenna and her friends feel in their gut that something isn’t right about it.
Fast forward to her adult life, Jenna is married. I feel like the author accurately portrayed how the abuse could affect a woman with her husband, and even her own child. Jenna runs into an old friend, and memories start flooding back.
I loved the shocking twist at the end, I had my sites set on a specific character as being the abuser, but I was wrong! This part of the story had me on the edge of my seat wanting to keep reading to fill in the gaps of what I know and don’t know. I really enjoyed the dual timelines, and the single pov story telling didn’t bother me at all (I usually prefer multiple pov.)
October 18, 2023
I liked this but wasn’t obsessed. Was an easy read & was eager to see what happened but a little predictable and lacked a little something (although not sure what). Got me back into my reading groove so that was fun!
April 6, 2023
This book is lacking a little bit. There isn't a plethora to keep the reader engaged throughout and it was a bit of a chore to pick it up again once I had put it down. Sorry.
February 5, 2024
I hate leaving bad reviews but I simply just didn’t really enjoy this book. I’ve given it 2 stars bc the twist at the beginning was good and one I didn’t see coming and I like the format of reading different character povs and different timelines, however, the twist at the end was entirely predictable and left me disappointed.
December 8, 2024
One of the most unlikable protagonists I've ever had the displeasure of reading about.
November 14, 2024
(2.5/5)
slow, predictable, pass.
HUGE tw for self-harm, can't believe it doesn't say it anywhere on the book honestly.
slow, predictable, pass.
HUGE tw for self-harm, can't believe it doesn't say it anywhere on the book honestly.
May 13, 2023
It took me a while to get into the story, but once I did and it started to flow at a faster pace, I was hooked and couldn't stop reading. I needed to know what was coming next...
What We Did is narrated throughout by Jenna as she tells her story through past and present, leading up to and after the 'main' event that has plagued her mind ever since that fateful day.
The book does contain some sensitive subjects including child abuse, sexual assault, suicide and self harming. It may not be for those of faint heart.
It's well plotted, the characters are perfectly flawed and their stories plausible. Put them altogether and voila, there you have it, the perfect, twisty thriller that will keep you riveted until the very last page is turned.
Many thanks to Headline Books for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What We Did is narrated throughout by Jenna as she tells her story through past and present, leading up to and after the 'main' event that has plagued her mind ever since that fateful day.
The book does contain some sensitive subjects including child abuse, sexual assault, suicide and self harming. It may not be for those of faint heart.
It's well plotted, the characters are perfectly flawed and their stories plausible. Put them altogether and voila, there you have it, the perfect, twisty thriller that will keep you riveted until the very last page is turned.
Many thanks to Headline Books for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 17, 2023
At first I wasn't feeling this one. It has a lot of dialogue and I just didn't get it. But then our girls meets up with an old school friend and things spiral.
In the end this is a great book about incels and "nice guys" and how we need to be on guard.
I loved the social media aspects and the mother/son relationship.
It was beautiful. I am glad I read it.
In the end this is a great book about incels and "nice guys" and how we need to be on guard.
I loved the social media aspects and the mother/son relationship.
It was beautiful. I am glad I read it.
January 24, 2024
An easy read, and I did like it, but it was definitely not a favourite.
Jenna, previously known as Genevieve, had been abused throughout all her teenage years when attending Halewood House boarding school run by “brothers” who were in fact priests. In the after hours of classes, students abused alcohol and drugs, which led to sexual relationships as well as sexual assaults…
25 years later Jenna cannot get rid of the memories, all she can remember is a signet ring of her abuser, and one day she sees Drew merchant, former friend of hers in school, wearing the same one. Jenna accuses him at the police station, but the investigation turns sour when Drew proves his innocence with paperwork showing he marked the ring as missing in 1995, before her abuse occurred.
In a whirlwind of events, Jenna goes to see her best friend Seb, who drugs and rapes her. It is him who actually abused her all those years ago, as he grew up hating his mother and all women as a whole. He wanted revenge on Drew, as Drew and Seb once were together, but he dumped Seb when girls began enrolling in the school. So he stole Drew’s signet ring and raped the only girl Drew fancied back then; Jenna.
Jenna only managed to find this out when one night, she attended Sebs address where she got drugged and then raped by him. A day after her son went missing and she found him with Seb, and in a rage and fight she managed to push him off the cliff and into the Camden river where he had died. Drew and Jenna ended on a more pleasant note with their life back in order.
Jenna, previously known as Genevieve, had been abused throughout all her teenage years when attending Halewood House boarding school run by “brothers” who were in fact priests. In the after hours of classes, students abused alcohol and drugs, which led to sexual relationships as well as sexual assaults…
25 years later Jenna cannot get rid of the memories, all she can remember is a signet ring of her abuser, and one day she sees Drew merchant, former friend of hers in school, wearing the same one. Jenna accuses him at the police station, but the investigation turns sour when Drew proves his innocence with paperwork showing he marked the ring as missing in 1995, before her abuse occurred.
In a whirlwind of events, Jenna goes to see her best friend Seb, who drugs and rapes her. It is him who actually abused her all those years ago, as he grew up hating his mother and all women as a whole. He wanted revenge on Drew, as Drew and Seb once were together, but he dumped Seb when girls began enrolling in the school. So he stole Drew’s signet ring and raped the only girl Drew fancied back then; Jenna.
Jenna only managed to find this out when one night, she attended Sebs address where she got drugged and then raped by him. A day after her son went missing and she found him with Seb, and in a rage and fight she managed to push him off the cliff and into the Camden river where he had died. Drew and Jenna ended on a more pleasant note with their life back in order.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2023
WOW! I was not prepared for what an emotional read this would be. Jenna was traumatized by sexual abuse when she was a teenager. Now, 25 years later she is still effected by it. This book deals with some very disturbing subject matter. TW: Sexual assault, suicide, self harm
The author does an excellent job of showing how this effected her in her relationship with her husband. Also an accurate portrayal from the teenagers perspective and how they turn to drugs, alcohol, self harm...and other ways to try and cope and escape the pain they are feeling. The struggle with Jenna and cutting and having to hide her scars and trying to stop and move forward is hard to read and eye opening at the same time.
Jenna is trying to right the wrongs she did and not feel guilty any more.
The truth of who her abuser was and what they had done if finally revealed in the end. Yikes, I was not expecting that shocking ending. Overall a book that would be great for book club and all the discussions it would open up.
The author does an excellent job of showing how this effected her in her relationship with her husband. Also an accurate portrayal from the teenagers perspective and how they turn to drugs, alcohol, self harm...and other ways to try and cope and escape the pain they are feeling. The struggle with Jenna and cutting and having to hide her scars and trying to stop and move forward is hard to read and eye opening at the same time.
Jenna is trying to right the wrongs she did and not feel guilty any more.
The truth of who her abuser was and what they had done if finally revealed in the end. Yikes, I was not expecting that shocking ending. Overall a book that would be great for book club and all the discussions it would open up.
January 29, 2025
I hated this book.
Jenna is a messed up alcoholic.
All the male characters are interchangeable and I was getting mixed up on who was who. The husband seems the biggest wet wipe going. The most likeable character was the dog.
It took far too long to get interesting, and even when it did hot up a bit, it was still rubbish.
I expected the ‘four friends mistake’ was going to be something really bad, it wasn’t. It really wasn’t. And for a whole book to be based around the actions and consequences of this one event, I’m afraid it just wasn’t enough.
A plot line bordering on unbelievable as soon as Seb’s involvement was revealed. Just stupid.
Really struggled to get underway with this book and then when I finally broke through the awful first third of the book, I only carried on cos I never give up on a book and because I wanted to know what the hell was wrong with Jenna, who - by the way - may be the most annoying fictional character I’ve ever come across.
Will be avoiding this author in the future.
Jenna is a messed up alcoholic.
All the male characters are interchangeable and I was getting mixed up on who was who. The husband seems the biggest wet wipe going. The most likeable character was the dog.
It took far too long to get interesting, and even when it did hot up a bit, it was still rubbish.
I expected the ‘four friends mistake’ was going to be something really bad, it wasn’t. It really wasn’t. And for a whole book to be based around the actions and consequences of this one event, I’m afraid it just wasn’t enough.
A plot line bordering on unbelievable as soon as Seb’s involvement was revealed. Just stupid.
Really struggled to get underway with this book and then when I finally broke through the awful first third of the book, I only carried on cos I never give up on a book and because I wanted to know what the hell was wrong with Jenna, who - by the way - may be the most annoying fictional character I’ve ever come across.
Will be avoiding this author in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2023
WOW! I was not prepared for what an emotional read this would be. Jenna was traumatized by sexual abuse when she was a teenager. Now, 25 years later she is still effected by it. This book deals with some very disturbing subject matter.
The author does an excellent job of showing how this effected her in her relationship with her husband. Also an accurate portrayal from the teenagers perspective and how they turn to drugs, alcohol, self harm...and other ways to try and cope and escape the pain they are feeling. The struggle with Jenna and cutting and having to hide her scars and trying to stop and move forward is hard to read and eye opening at the same time.
Jenna is trying to right the wrongs she did and not feel guilty any more.
The truth of who her abuser was and what they had done if finally revealed in the end. Yikes, I was not expecting that shocking ending. Overall a book that would be great for book club and all the discussions it would open up.
The author does an excellent job of showing how this effected her in her relationship with her husband. Also an accurate portrayal from the teenagers perspective and how they turn to drugs, alcohol, self harm...and other ways to try and cope and escape the pain they are feeling. The struggle with Jenna and cutting and having to hide her scars and trying to stop and move forward is hard to read and eye opening at the same time.
Jenna is trying to right the wrongs she did and not feel guilty any more.
The truth of who her abuser was and what they had done if finally revealed in the end. Yikes, I was not expecting that shocking ending. Overall a book that would be great for book club and all the discussions it would open up.
May 24, 2023
What we did by Natalie Chandler.
Jenna has spent the last twenty-five years trying to forget what happened to her as a teenager. Trying to forget what they did. But it has always been there - the mistake the four friends made. Now it has taken another life, Jenna has the opportunity to make amends. But if she comes forward now, the truth could shatter her marriage, her family and the friendships she's held onto all these years. And what if she's about to make the biggest mistake of all?
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Twisty and chilling. I Devoured this book. I liked Jenna. Wasn't sure about Drew or Seb. I didn't see that coming. 5*.
Jenna has spent the last twenty-five years trying to forget what happened to her as a teenager. Trying to forget what they did. But it has always been there - the mistake the four friends made. Now it has taken another life, Jenna has the opportunity to make amends. But if she comes forward now, the truth could shatter her marriage, her family and the friendships she's held onto all these years. And what if she's about to make the biggest mistake of all?
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Twisty and chilling. I Devoured this book. I liked Jenna. Wasn't sure about Drew or Seb. I didn't see that coming. 5*.
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May 24, 2023What we did by Natalie Chandler.
Jenna has spent the last twenty-five years trying to forget what happened to her as a teenager. Trying to forget what they did. But it has always been there - the mistake the four friends made. Now it has taken another life, Jenna has the opportunity to make amends. But if she comes forward now, the truth could shatter her marriage, her family and the friendships she's held onto all these years. And what if she's about to make the biggest mistake of all?
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Twisty and chilling. I Devoured this book. I liked Jenna. Wasn't sure about Drew or Seb. I didn't see that coming. 5*.
Jenna has spent the last twenty-five years trying to forget what happened to her as a teenager. Trying to forget what they did. But it has always been there - the mistake the four friends made. Now it has taken another life, Jenna has the opportunity to make amends. But if she comes forward now, the truth could shatter her marriage, her family and the friendships she's held onto all these years. And what if she's about to make the biggest mistake of all?
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Twisty and chilling. I Devoured this book. I liked Jenna. Wasn't sure about Drew or Seb. I didn't see that coming. 5*.
July 22, 2023
When I read the first book by Natalie Chandler, Believe Me Not, I was impressed at how good it was for a new author. Often, they can be ropy at best, sometimes just downright terrible, but that one was very well written, so it comes as no surprise that her second book, What We Did, is not just as good, it’s even better!
Building the mystery from the off, you are introduced to characters that feel very real and are slowly told of the history that binds them all together. As the story progresses, you find out more shocking details of their lives, all of which leads to revelations and mysteries that keep you reading to the thrilling conclusion!
A great book and thoroughly recommended!
Building the mystery from the off, you are introduced to characters that feel very real and are slowly told of the history that binds them all together. As the story progresses, you find out more shocking details of their lives, all of which leads to revelations and mysteries that keep you reading to the thrilling conclusion!
A great book and thoroughly recommended!
July 24, 2023
Although "what we did" wasn't that hard to figure out, the who-did-it was unexpected. I think a little bit of foreshadowing might have helped make the ending a little more believable but that is a minor quibble. Generally good character development, well written and interesting. I have already downloaded her first book. (This is her second one)
May 8, 2023
This book started out a little slow for me, and then it picked up and I couldn’t put it down! While the book is told entirely in Jenna’s point of view, we get her point of view in the present and in the past. The chapters are short, and easy to read. While this is a thriller, and Chandler does keep you wondering as to what happened, there is more to this book than just the thriller aspect. It touches on the effects of being sexually assaulted. How a person can hold onto it throughout their life, and how it affects relationships later in life. While I have never been in this situation, I was able to feel empathetic toward Jenna. Moreover, the ending will have you on the edge of your seat. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys thriller books!
May 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I.loved the first book by this author and this one was just as gripping I really wanted to find out what had happened to jenna in the past and if who.she thought has done It was correct. I did not realise who.had done it. It had me gripped till the end.
July 22, 2023
So many twists! Who repeatedly raped Jenna when she was a student at a well-known school, run by Monks? As the story unfolds, it gives a few choices, but in the end, it's surprising. Lives can be ruined very easily and with the help of the internet, rumors can be taken as the truth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2023
Disappointing, bland, forgettable. By far one of the least gripping crime novels I’ve read for many years. Some highly unbelievable plot twists and character traits thrown in to make matters worse. Don’t bother with this author.
December 16, 2023
Didn’t really enjoy this book - centred around abuse at school which was difficult to read. Wanted to hear more about culprit and the backlash against his own family, why they were the way they were etc? An ok read but one I won’t be reading again I’m afraid.
August 20, 2024
Was given this by my sister whilst we were at the caravan as I had run out of books. I thought ’I may as well give it a go.’ I really enjoyed it! I think it was predictable in some parts, but the ending I was really not expecting! Kept me gripped right until the end.
October 10, 2024
Took me quite a while to get through this book, I found it quite slow most of the way through but sped through the final 10ish chapters as it got slightly more interesting! Although it took a while it was an easy read, a little bit predictable but overall enjoyed:)
May 8, 2023
Really enjoyed this. It had me gripped from Start to finish and I did not guess what the ending was going to be. Fab second book by this author
May 13, 2023
Excellent
Excellent follow-up to Believe Me Not. I can't wait for the next book from this very talented author! Please don't make us wait too long!
Excellent follow-up to Believe Me Not. I can't wait for the next book from this very talented author! Please don't make us wait too long!
July 16, 2023
This story reminds me of writing by Jodi Picoult. It was filled with twists and turns, I couldn’t predict what was going to happen next. I would highly recommend this book.
July 29, 2023
A great page turner, a thriller. Highly recommend
August 15, 2023
Such a good book
Finished it in one day and forgot to log it
So so good
Rape from school that she didn’t know who did it-friendship
Murder
Betrayed
It was her best friend all along
Finished it in one day and forgot to log it
So so good
Rape from school that she didn’t know who did it-friendship
Murder
Betrayed
It was her best friend all along
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2023
Really good quick read. Good twist at the end which I wasn't expecting
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews