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kazza27's review
5.0
Thank you to Anne Cater at Random Things tours for my invitation to the tour and to Mantle books for my proof copy in return for a fair and honest review.
Renee does look on the surface to have it all, a loving husband and family. However, when you peel back the façade there is much that is not perfect. Tobias, her husband of over thirty years, who has ill health after a stroke, a missing daughter Irena, and then her grandson Xavier, who she absolutely dotes on disappears when she forgets to collect him from school. Her other daughter Mia is distraught at her son’s disappearance and blames Renee.
This book totally gripped me from the first chapter, the total angst of realising that you have forgotten to collect a child is bad enough but to find out that the child has disappeared is unthinkable. The author really delves deep into family relationships and the flaws that they can have. I really felt for Irena who left home at sixteen and has never returned, her relationship with Tobias was always strained and it must have felt unbearable. It is cleverly plotted as I thought I knew where the story was headed but it threw me many a curve ball that I loved. The secrets in this family have caused such a chasm in the relationships it is hard to believe that they can ever be repaired. The book is written from the perspectives of Renee and Irena which gave a really insightful look at the family and I am not going to give anymore away about this emotional rollercoaster of a read.
This is my first book by Penny Hancock and I will be definitely be seeking out her others, if you like a book that will grip your heart then this is for you !
5 stars *****
Renee does look on the surface to have it all, a loving husband and family. However, when you peel back the façade there is much that is not perfect. Tobias, her husband of over thirty years, who has ill health after a stroke, a missing daughter Irena, and then her grandson Xavier, who she absolutely dotes on disappears when she forgets to collect him from school. Her other daughter Mia is distraught at her son’s disappearance and blames Renee.
This book totally gripped me from the first chapter, the total angst of realising that you have forgotten to collect a child is bad enough but to find out that the child has disappeared is unthinkable. The author really delves deep into family relationships and the flaws that they can have. I really felt for Irena who left home at sixteen and has never returned, her relationship with Tobias was always strained and it must have felt unbearable. It is cleverly plotted as I thought I knew where the story was headed but it threw me many a curve ball that I loved. The secrets in this family have caused such a chasm in the relationships it is hard to believe that they can ever be repaired. The book is written from the perspectives of Renee and Irena which gave a really insightful look at the family and I am not going to give anymore away about this emotional rollercoaster of a read.
This is my first book by Penny Hancock and I will be definitely be seeking out her others, if you like a book that will grip your heart then this is for you !
5 stars *****
zasou_reads's review
3.0
As a therapist, Renee knows that all is not always as perfect as it seems. One day, when she is supposed to pick up her grandson, Xavier, from school, life gets in the way and she forgets. And when she realizes her mistake, Xavier is nowhere to be found.
This domestic drama is told in dual POV. It's raw, thought-provoking, all about choices, actions and consequences, as well as the weight of secrets. I did not vibe with Renee and her dysfunctional family, they way they deal with trauma. If you love a slow pace drama that is character-driven, you will surely appreciate this.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This domestic drama is told in dual POV. It's raw, thought-provoking, all about choices, actions and consequences, as well as the weight of secrets. I did not vibe with Renee and her dysfunctional family, they way they deal with trauma. If you love a slow pace drama that is character-driven, you will surely appreciate this.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
emma_bookaholic's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. It shows how powerful families can be and how an incident changes how family members perceive each other. From a misunderstanding that was covered up for years, heartbreak, arguements, tears follow and the family is broken up but the truth has to come out eventually.
I liked the characters, the story got me hooked and I could see the different sides of the family as I read on. The storyline was gripping and a real page turner. I'm sad to have finished it!
I liked the writing style and liked that each chapter was from a different person's angle. Would recommend this book.
I liked the characters, the story got me hooked and I could see the different sides of the family as I read on. The storyline was gripping and a real page turner. I'm sad to have finished it!
I liked the writing style and liked that each chapter was from a different person's angle. Would recommend this book.
mrsbookburnee's review
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I LOVED this book, who wouldn’t, family drama! Secrets! Horrible characters, forgiveness and good old forgetfulness.
My heart melted for Irena and all she had been through, Tobias was horrid!! The fact he carried on with the original thoughts and put Mia first to protect her.
Mia- where to begin!! If I could punch her in the face, I would do, couldn’t stand her, completely full of herself and nasty
My heart melted for Irena and all she had been through, Tobias was horrid!! The fact he carried on with the original thoughts and put Mia first to protect her.
Mia- where to begin!! If I could punch her in the face, I would do, couldn’t stand her, completely full of herself and nasty
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