Title: Two Mothers

Author: Kathryn Croft

Publication Date: July 5, 2024

Genre: Thriller

My Rating: 4.25 out of 5

In Two Mothers by Kathryn Croft, we follow two points of view - Rachel and Holly.

Rachel and Holly are mothers and best friends. Rachel lost her daughter Evie in a tragic accident. Holly's daughter Luna goes missing.

Did Rachel kidnap Luna?

Is Rachel's grief such that she would chance losing her son?

Two Mothers has so many twists and turns that you will get emotional whiplash. I will not go into too much detail because this is a book that you need to experience all the things for yourself. I definitely recommend Two Mothers by Kathryn Croft if you enjoy twists and turns, friendship drama, a web of lies, and so many interconnected parts and pieces that all come together in the end. WHEW! The journey you are about to go on if you pick up this book!!!

Content warning: child loss, mention of rape, domestic abuse

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Two Mothers by Kathryn Croft. 

Title: In the Blink of an Eye

Author: Kate Hewitt

Publication Date: July 1, 2024

Genre: Fiction

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Quote: "Maybe every friendship has its course to run, I reflect, no matter how long or short, how straight or twisted."

In the Blink of an Eye by Kate Hewitt is told from three points of view:

Natalie - mother of Freya

Eleanor - mother of Bella & Lizzy

Joanna - mother of Kieran

Natalie and Eleanor are best friends. As are Freya and Bella. We begin with Eleanor wanting to throw a class birthday party for Bella. However, there's one problem, she doesn't want to invite Kieran. Kieran is considered to be the troubled new kid in town. Natalie tells her that she cannot exclude one kid. Eleanor reluctantly agrees to invite Kieran.

Fast forward to the day of the birthday party. So much happens before, during, and after the party. During the party, right before the cake, tragedy strikes. Something terrible happens involving Bella, Freya and Kieran. Who's to blame?

In In the Blink of an Eye, friendships will be stretched to the limit. Marriages will be put to the test. Parents will question how well they know their children. 

Will marriages survive?

Will friendships stay intact?

Is Kieran really the monster some think he is?

What really happened at the birthday party?

Quote: "Some secrets are worth keeping."

I definitely recommend In the Blink of an Eye by Kate Hewitt. Especially, if you enjoy family drama, friendship drama, parenting struggles, and small-town drama. Also, if you like clean books with no to very little foul language, this is a good book for that. I don't recall any foul language. As a reader, I really appreciate that.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review In the Blink of an Eye by Kate Hewitt.

Title: The Taken Child

Author: Maria Frankland

Publication Date: June 25, 2024

Genre: Thriller

My Rating: 3 out of 5

The Taken Child is a camping trip turned tragic. There are so many characters and points of view within the pages of this book. All of them revolve around one person . . . David.

David is a divorced teacher who has custody of his son Toby. Toby's mother Kristy, now sober, lost custody of him because of her love for the bottle.

There's also Catherine, Leonie, Jeanette, Mia - all of which are connected to David in one way or another.

The detectives come into play when there is a murder at the camp, cutting the camping trip short. During all of this, Toby goes missing. Where is Toby? Who has Toby? Did David plan this to keep Toby away from Kristy? Does David really hate Kristy that much?

As always, I don't go into much detail when it comes to thriller reviews. I really couldn't connect with any of the characters in The Taken Child. However, if you like multiple points of view and trying to connect them all together or if you need to check that box off your reading checklist, definitely give this book a go.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Taken Child by Maria Frankland.

Title:  Those We Do Not See

Author:  Angie Gallion

Publication Date:  June 11, 2024

Genre:  Fiction

My Rating:  3 out of 5

Quote:  "You can't be here."

Those We Do Not See by Angie Gallion starts out on July 8th, with a terrible car accident.  An accident Britany Adams caused.  Jason, who is married to someone else is in the car with her.  Brit has an abusive boyfriend by the name of Zack.  Brit and Jason used to date in high school and their long-distance paths lead them away from each other.  When Brit comes to her senses, she makes Jason leave the scene of the accident.  He cannot be there when she calls Zack or when the police arrive.

Meanwhile, in the other car, the driver is dying.  Dee had the day off from work.  Little did she know that on July 8th, her life would be over.  According to the police, the impact wouldn't have killed her.  However, her recalled faulty airbag did. 

From July 8th forward, Brit's life spirals out of control.  She goes from having a steady job, a home, and a boyfriend to having nothing.  We meet several people throughout the days and most of them are just absolutely no good for Brit.  We take a journey right alongside Brit through it all.

This book was a 3-star read for me mainly because of all the unnecessary foul language.  Without that, it would have easily been a 4.5.  If that does not bother you, definitely give Those We Do Not See by Angie Gallion a read.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Those We Do Not See. 

Title:  Saving Rebecca

Author:  Alex Amit

Publication Date:  June 14, 2024

Genre:  Historical Fiction

My Rating:  5 out of 5

Saving Rebecca by Alex Amit starts out in 1941.  It is told through Sarah Bloch.  Sarah is trying to get out of Paris with her daughter Rebecca.  Sarah's husband has gone away to Spain on business.  He had planned for Sarah and Rebecca to join him in a month.  However, Nazi soldiers took over Paris leaving them separated. 

Will Sarah find a way to keep her daughter safe?  What lengths will she go to in order to make sure that happens?  Will she be able to defend against the Nazis who hate her and Rebecca just because they are Jews?

If you like WW2 historical fiction, then I would definitely recommend Saving Rebecca by Alex Amit.  This book had me feeling all the feels.  I'm not going to say much else because you just need to read this book and experience it for yourself.  Saving Rebecca is such an amazing story about a mother's love, hope, unity, and freedom.  Sometimes you just might find a good thing among the wreckage.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Saving Rebecca. 

Title:  Irreplaceable

Author:  Nolon King with Laure Street

Publication Date:  June 4, 2024

Genre: Thriller

My Rating:  3 out of 5

Quote: "Her new home seemed to hold its breath, with secrets on the lip of revelation."

Irreplaceable by Nolon King begins with Will and Nina travelling to North Dakota to celebrate their recent engagement.  They have been together for six months and had fallen for one another immediately.  Little did Nina know that they were going to see Nina's dream house.  The dream house that Will had purchased - unbeknownst to Nina - as a wedding gift.  Did I mention they have only been together for six months? Engaged for only a week? What could possibly go wrong? Not to mention, a dead girlfriend that Nina is unknowingly competing with.

If you like creepy houses and domestic thrillers, then I say give Irreplaceable by Nolon King a go.

Thank you NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for the opportunity to read and review this book.