Lisa Jewell's "Then She Was Gone"

Ten years after her teenage daughter disappears, a woman crosses paths with a charming single father whose young child feels eerily familiar, in this evocative, suspenseful drama from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell—perfect for fans of Paula Hawkins and Liane Moriarty.

Ellie Mack was the perfect daughter. She was fifteen, the youngest of three. She was beloved by her parents, friends, and teachers. She and her boyfriend made a teenaged golden couple. She was days away from an idyllic post-exams summer vacation, with her whole life ahead of her.

And then she was gone.

Now, her mother Laurel Mack is trying to put her life back together. It’s been ten years since her daughter disappeared, seven years since her marriage ended, and only months since the last clue in Ellie’s case was unearthed. So when she meets an unexpectedly charming man in a café, no one is more surprised than Laurel at how quickly their flirtation develops into something deeper. Before she knows it, she’s meeting Floyd’s daughters—and his youngest, Poppy, takes Laurel’s breath away.

Because looking at Poppy is like looking at Ellie. And now, the unanswered questions she’s tried so hard to put to rest begin to haunt Laurel anew. Where did Ellie go? Did she really run away from home, as the police have long suspected, or was there a more sinister reason for her disappearance? Who is Floyd, really? And why does his daughter remind Laurel so viscerally of her own missing girl? ~taken from Amazon

It's no secret that Lisa Jewell is one of my favorite authors. She has a way of writing that draws me in, keeps me hooked, and leaves me breathless at the end. I was almost in tears when I was approved to read the egalley of her latest novel, Then She Was Gone available on Amazon now for pre-order and due to be released on April 24, 2018 here in the U.S.

This book was cleverly plotted. When we first meet each character I wondered how exactly they would fit into this story. By the book's end, they had blended seamlessly. Each character was unique in their own way. Some started off lovable and by the end I hated them. Others visa versa. Each was relatable in their own little way. 

This story was a non-stop page turner. I can't remember the last time I wanted to finish a book so fast, yet didn't want it to end. I knew, somewhat, where the story was going but couldn't figure out how it all played out. The ending was a surprise and absolutely satisfying. 

I don't think it's a shock that I give this book a 5 star rating. I look forward to the next book by Lisa Jewell, as she always finds a way to keep readers on their toes. She is on my short list of authors I adore. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for allowing me the egalley to read and give my honest review. 

Happy Reading!

"Little Broken Things" by Nicole Baart

An engrossing and suspenseful novel for fans of Liane Moriarty and Amy Hatvany about an affluent suburban family whose carefully constructed facade starts to come apart with the unexpected arrival of an endangered young girl.

I have something for you. When Quinn Cruz receives that cryptic text message from her older sister Nora, she doesn’t think much of it. They haven’t seen each other in nearly a year and thanks to Nora’s fierce aloofness, their relationship consists mostly of infrequent phone calls and an occasional email or text. But when a haunted Nora shows up at the lake near Quinn's house just hours later, a chain reaction is set into motion that will change both of their lives forever.

Nora’s “something” is more shocking than Quinn could have ever imagined: a little girl, cowering, wide-eyed, and tight-lipped. Nora hands her over to Quinn with instructions to keep her safe, and not to utter a word about the child to anyone, especially not their buttoned-up mother who seems determined to pretend everything is perfect. But before Quinn can ask even one of the million questions swirling around her head, Nora disappears, and Quinn finds herself the unlikely caretaker of a girl introduced simply as Lucy.

While Quinn struggles to honor her sister’s desperate request and care for the lost, scared Lucy, she fears that Nora may have gotten involved in something way over her head—something that will threaten them all. But Quinn’s worries are nothing compared to the firestorm that Nora is facing. It’s a matter of life and death, of family and freedom, and ultimately, about the lengths a woman will go to protect the ones she loves. ~taken from Amazon

"I have something for you" is the text message Quinn receives from her older sister, Nora, who she rarely talks to and hasn't seen in quite some time. She thinks nothing of it, until Nora wants to meet, and delivers a wide-eye, scared little girl and asks Quinn to keep her safe and tell no one. 

No Quinn and her husband must care for this strange girl, all while trying to figure out why.

I have to say it was an enjoyable, quick read. I loved the small town setting and the characters were mostly believable. 

The first 2/3 of the book kept my attention, however the last 1/3 seemed to drag on and I just wanted the story to hurry up and end. The conclusion was something I suspected, I just wasn't sure how it would come full circle. 

Little Broken Things  is the story of a troubled family with strained relationships and secrets. It was worth reading, though it wasn't a stand out novel in my eyes. 

3.5 out of 5 star read for me! 

Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for allowing me the egalley to read and give my honest review. This novel is due to be released in the U.S. on November 21, 2017. Add it to your TBR list by pre-ordering it now!

Happy Reading!