This review is going to be hard to write, as the synopsis tells about all that can be said. The rest is twist after twist and spoiler after spoiler! My jaw dropped quite a few times during this one…and my heartstrings were pulled a bit, too… Wow!!! This book is fantastically written and had me hook, line and sinker from beginning to end. The descriptions were so in depth and vivid that the hair on my arms was standing on the ends and my heart was pounding throughout. The synopsis, title and cover were perfect for the storyline. Hannah hasn't always had the life she now has with partner Rob and the lights of her life, her two daughters Belle and Amber. She has never revealed her past or its secrets to anyone and would be quite happy if she never had to think of those dark days ever again. However, she carries the reminders with her daily from which she can never really escape whilst at the same time, they also went some way to give her life she has today. Intrigued? I certainly was and this, mixed with the great cover and a new-to-me author, had me excited to uncover the truth. I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of 'Gone Girl', Shari Lapena, 'Housemaid', 'Gone Girl' and 'The Girl on the Train', Rachel Abbot and anyone who loves an explosive ending!!!

The book had its strength and weaknesses. I decided on three stars as a way of balancing it out. First what I liked: The last chapters really hit the mark. I NEEDED to read on, the suspense was killing me. The twist was also a big and positive surprise that made completely sense, and the author masterfully disguised it until it suddenly became very clear. What I didn’t like was how slowly the book developed. The past was so painstakingly described that I felt my eyelids droop from boredom. The author could have gotten to the action much faster. We didn’t need all the details. The now was slightly more exciting, but here too I found myself wishing more would happen and for some reason I wasn’t too invested. The characters felt a bit bland and didn’t stand out for me. Genres covered in this book include Women's Psychological Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Fiction, Crime Fiction and Psychological Thriller amongst others. There’s someone I want you to meet," Belle says, as a man draws up to her side. He’s tall with dark hair and stubble on his square jaw. He’s not exactly smiling, but the corner of his mouth curls upwards as he slides his hand around my daughter’s waist. The characters were well developed with depth, mystery, secretive, and very creatively built. The author’s writing style was complex, multifaceted, twisty, suspenseful, thought provoking, and kept me engaged the entire story. The author does a brilliant job at building and developing the characters, developing the plots is various twists, while some are predictable, the ending I did not see coming and it was a fantastic ending!Hannah had a rough start at life (to say the least) but she now has a wonderful partner, Rob, a beautiful daughter named Belle, and her own successful business. She has never told anyone about her past, as she has secrets to keep (and they aren’t your typical thriller character secrets - this gets pretty deep).

This novel consists of a prologue, 50 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case! 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. Welcome to my top author Club Samantha and your book is one of the best psychological thrillers I have EVER READ!! Bring on the next one!!! I cannot wait!!! Here's to the next success 🥂 This is my first introduction to Samantha Hayes’ writing. I loved her ability to surprise me, keep me on the edge of my seat, appeal to my emotions, and wow me with her wonderful character development. Most of all, she left me with plenty to think about…making this a book I won’t forget for some time.

Other books by Samantha Hayes

I enjoyed the multiple POVs & different timelines. I didn’t feel super connected to the characters until the end of the story.