Published: June 17, 2021

Bookouture

I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Karen King is a multi-published bestselling author of fiction for both adults and children. She has also written several short stories for women’s magazines. Currently published by Bookouture and Headline. Karen writes about the light and dark of relationships. Her debut psychological thriller, The Stranger in my Bed, was published by Bookouture in November 2020 and her second one, The Perfect Stepmother, will be published in June 2021. She is also contracted to write three romance novels for Headline, the first one, One Summer in Cornwall, will be published on 29 April 2021.

“YOU DON’T DESERVE TO HAVE A DAUGHTER.”

Lily is reeling from the loss of her mother. She is determined to be as supportive as she possibly can be for her father and little sister, Emma. So when Lily spots her father on a date with the woman who gave her mother beauty treatments and learned they had be seeing each other, Lily is hurt. Lily is angry. Lily is positive there is something wrong with the situation. Maria runs a high-end beauty shop and volunteers her time and talents to women battling cancer. Maria dedicates much of her time to do whatever she can to try and help others. So when Maria and Gareth announce they are getting married after months of dating, Lily is more shocked. This picture-perfect family May just be ripped apart by another tragedy.

This was the first book I’ve read from this author, and overall it was okay. I found the buildup rather slow and slightly repetitive. The character development was pretty good, though predictable.

While entertaining, I figured out the twist halfway through the book. I knew who did what and why, I figured out the big revenge motivation, and I knew how things would end.

I don’t love being right about the ending. I always think I know where a book is going, and when I’m wrong, and the authors surprises me, I love that.

Overall, the book was well done. The plot was full, and the story arc was complete. There was a slow build to a fast spiral as the twists brought the book to a close. It was a decent read, with a pretty well-done twist.