Every friendship has its shadow...
On a brisk fall night in a New York apartment, 35-year-old Billie West hears terrified screams. It's her lifelong best friend Cassie Barnwell, one floor above, and she's just realized her infant daughter has gone missing. Billie is shaken as she looks down into her own arms to see the baby, remembering―with a jolt of fear―that she is responsible for the kidnapping that has instantly shattered Cassie’s world.
Once fiercely bonded by their secrets, Cassie and Billie have drifted apart in adulthood, no longer the inseparable pair they used to be in their small Hudson Valley hometown. Cassie is married to a wealthy man, has recently become a mother, and is building a following as a lifestyle influencer. She is desperate to leave her past behind―including Billie, who is single and childless, and no longer fits into her world. But Billie knows the worst thing Cassie has ever done, and she will do whatever it takes to restore their friendship… ~taken from Amazon
Carola Lovering's latest novel is a lot of things, but a suspense, mystery, or thriller is not one of them. I have read two other books from this author, Too Good To Be True and Can't Look Away and enjoyed them both. This book was no different, it was a very satisfying read, though I just wanted it to be clear that if you are looking for a mystery/thriller/suspense, like this book is presented as, then you might look elsewhere.
On a brisk fall night in a New York apartment, 35-year-old Billie West hears terrified screams. It's her lifelong best friend Cassie Barnwell, one floor above, and she's just realized her infant daughter has gone missing. Billie is shaken as she looks down into her own arms to see the baby, remembering―with a jolt of fear―that she is responsible for the kidnapping that has instantly shattered Cassie’s world.
Once fiercely bonded by their secrets, Cassie and Billie have drifted apart in adulthood, no longer the inseparable pair they used to be in their small Hudson Valley hometown. Cassie is married to a wealthy man, has recently become a mother, and is building a following as a lifestyle influencer. She is desperate to leave her past behind―including Billie, who is single and childless, and no longer fits into her world. But Billie knows the worst thing Cassie has ever done, and she will do whatever it takes to restore their friendship… ~taken from Amazon
Carola Lovering's latest novel is a lot of things, but a suspense, mystery, or thriller is not one of them. I have read two other books from this author, Too Good To Be True and Can't Look Away and enjoyed them both. This book was no different, it was a very satisfying read, though I just wanted it to be clear that if you are looking for a mystery/thriller/suspense, like this book is presented as, then you might look elsewhere.
There are trigger warnings that should come with this book including sexual abuse, severe end stage Alzheimer's, and toxic relationships.
This is told in alternating perspectives and we are also given glimpses into Billie and Cassie's past relationship. It was interesting to see the stark difference of how Cassie and Billie barely speak to one another in modern day compared to how they once were each other's everything.
There are parts of this story that are VERY unbelievable. Instances that honestly barely worked but had to or the plot wouldn't move along like it was supposed to. There are many characters introduced and I can honestly say that I didn't actually like a single one, including the main characters. Despite not liking the characters I really did like the book. My disdain for the characters is what kept me reading.
The plot was a bit slow at first and I was wondering, at times, where it planned to go. There seemed to be so many side stories to fill the pages. Too many topics to cover- sexual abuse, Alzheimer's, friendships, social media influencers, motherhood, and more. The little side topics were an annoying distraction from the big, main incident.
The ending I did enjoy and it was satisfying.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me an advanced e-copy to read and give my honest review.
Bye, Baby is set to be released on March 5, 2024 in the U.S. so pre-order now! It was a 4 star read for me!
Happy Reading!
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