What do you think?
Rate this book
The Day I Lost You
‘I need to report a crime. My baby has been stolen.’
All Lauren wants is a new life in Spain. She’s suffered an unimaginable loss, but at last she has found a home in the pretty seaside town of Mantilla de Mar. Everyone deserves a new start, and Lauren needs to put her past firmly behind her.
Hope has an interesting career as a therapist, an attractive husband, a dream home in the countryside - and, finally, the baby she always longed for. Sam. Her beautiful boy.
But Sam has gone missing.
So when the police tell her that a woman has been found in Spain with a child matching Sam’s description, Hope thinks that her nightmare might be coming to an end.
But Lauren is insisting Sam is her baby. She even has his passport and birth certificate to prove it.
So what really happened to Baby Sam? And who still has secrets to hide?
One child. Two mothers. And a past that won’t let them go.
All Lauren wants is a new life in Spain. She’s suffered an unimaginable loss, but at last she has found a home in the pretty seaside town of Mantilla de Mar. Everyone deserves a new start, and Lauren needs to put her past firmly behind her.
Hope has an interesting career as a therapist, an attractive husband, a dream home in the countryside - and, finally, the baby she always longed for. Sam. Her beautiful boy.
But Sam has gone missing.
So when the police tell her that a woman has been found in Spain with a child matching Sam’s description, Hope thinks that her nightmare might be coming to an end.
But Lauren is insisting Sam is her baby. She even has his passport and birth certificate to prove it.
So what really happened to Baby Sam? And who still has secrets to hide?
One child. Two mothers. And a past that won’t let them go.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published December 2, 2025
135 people are currently reading
17169 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Mancini
8 books464 followersRuth Mancini is an author and criminal defence lawyer. Her background as a solicitor adds authenticity to her crime and psychological fiction. She has spent two decades representing those accused of crimes, navigating courtrooms and police stations. Her storytelling prowess and legal background combine to create thrilling reads that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Ruth was born in London and now lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two children.
Her fifth novel, THE WOMAN ON THE LEDGE was published by Penguin (UK) and HarperCollins (US) in January 2024.
She'd love to connect with you on FB https://www.facebook.com/ruth.mancini... or Twitter https://twitter.com/RuthMancini1
Ruth was born in London and now lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two children.
Her fifth novel, THE WOMAN ON THE LEDGE was published by Penguin (UK) and HarperCollins (US) in January 2024.
She'd love to connect with you on FB https://www.facebook.com/ruth.mancini... or Twitter https://twitter.com/RuthMancini1
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 366 reviews
December 2, 2025
The Day I lost You by Ruth Mancini
Narrated by a full cast which included Ruth Mancini, Rebecca Mancini, George Blagdon, Olivia Poulet, Louise Brealey and Roy McMillan
7 hours 55 minutes at 1x speed or 5 hours 17 minutes at 1.5 x
NOW AVAILABLE!
SO MANY LIES-
TO EVERYONE and FROM EVERYONE??
This story was INTRIGUING from the very FIRST page.
Lauren and her infant son, Sam were looking for a fresh start in the Seaside town of Mantilla de Mar in Spain. She was just starting to feel happy again when the Police show up, accusing her of abducting another woman’s baby. She has her baby’s birth certificate and passport-how can this be happening?
Hope and Drew are the couple in the UK making the accusation.
TWO MOTHERS claiming to be baby Sam’s mother-only ONE can be telling the truth.
Thankfully, the synopsis for this psychological suspense story was vague-so I will be vague as well so you can be just as surprised as I was! The story opens in the Present Day, and then moves backwards in time until we have ENOUGH of the story to return to where we started. Each chapter tells you whose POV we will listening to, and alternates between those of Lauren, Hope and Drew.
I was kept on my toes the whole time, because the characters kept on changing their stories. WHO is reliable if anyone? I certainly couldn’t tell!
Each character is voiced by his/her own narrator which helps because with the changes in time and narrators, it took a bit to get my footing with this one. I was glad to also have a written copy which I could refer to which was shared with me by my friend Maren (MarenReads) allowing me to enjoy an immersive read❣️
I discovered this author’s work last year when I read the fantastic “Woman on a Ledge”.
See Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I am thrilled to report that this one was nearly just as good and cements the author as a new AUTO READ author for me!
This was a FUN 🤩 buddy read with Marilyn! We tossed around SO many theories and only came close with a couple. Be sure to watch for her review as well!
Thank You to Harper Perennial Audiobooks for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley Shelf. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
Narrated by a full cast which included Ruth Mancini, Rebecca Mancini, George Blagdon, Olivia Poulet, Louise Brealey and Roy McMillan
7 hours 55 minutes at 1x speed or 5 hours 17 minutes at 1.5 x
NOW AVAILABLE!
SO MANY LIES-
TO EVERYONE and FROM EVERYONE??
This story was INTRIGUING from the very FIRST page.
Lauren and her infant son, Sam were looking for a fresh start in the Seaside town of Mantilla de Mar in Spain. She was just starting to feel happy again when the Police show up, accusing her of abducting another woman’s baby. She has her baby’s birth certificate and passport-how can this be happening?
Hope and Drew are the couple in the UK making the accusation.
TWO MOTHERS claiming to be baby Sam’s mother-only ONE can be telling the truth.
Thankfully, the synopsis for this psychological suspense story was vague-so I will be vague as well so you can be just as surprised as I was! The story opens in the Present Day, and then moves backwards in time until we have ENOUGH of the story to return to where we started. Each chapter tells you whose POV we will listening to, and alternates between those of Lauren, Hope and Drew.
I was kept on my toes the whole time, because the characters kept on changing their stories. WHO is reliable if anyone? I certainly couldn’t tell!
Each character is voiced by his/her own narrator which helps because with the changes in time and narrators, it took a bit to get my footing with this one. I was glad to also have a written copy which I could refer to which was shared with me by my friend Maren (MarenReads) allowing me to enjoy an immersive read❣️
I discovered this author’s work last year when I read the fantastic “Woman on a Ledge”.
See Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I am thrilled to report that this one was nearly just as good and cements the author as a new AUTO READ author for me!
This was a FUN 🤩 buddy read with Marilyn! We tossed around SO many theories and only came close with a couple. Be sure to watch for her review as well!
Thank You to Harper Perennial Audiobooks for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley Shelf. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
August 11, 2025
Mancini, you break my heart. But in a wonderful way, where I feel there really were some people I cared about. It was an emotional read and it didn’t let up for one second. Brilliant.
December 8, 2025
Meh. A thriller that isn't thrilling. 🤷🏻♀️
January 9, 2026
A spellbinding read that will keep you guessing until the very end.
From the moment I read Ruth Mancini’s previous book, The Woman on the Ledge, she became an instant auto-buy author for me. So it comes as no surprise that I had to read this book the second I got my hands on it. And just like her last, this book DID NOT DISAPPOINT.
I was completely hooked from start to finish, as Mancini takes us back and forth between past and present and between the perspectives of two heartbroken mothers, and mostly in reverse time order (something I think takes a lot of talent especially to do well). While this is very much a psychological thriller, the heavier themes and family dynamics make it lush with emotional turbulence. And what I loved most, even as we near the conclusion, I still had very little idea what had happened. Every time I thought I had it figured out, I was quickly proven wrong. And while I did manage to come up with a portion of the mystery earlier on, the writing is just so good, I was convinced I had it all wrong.
Because this is the type of book where the synopsis gives quite a bit away, and it is much more fun the less you know about the story, I am intentionally not including any sort of plot points. Just know that this is a fantastic read that is easy to binge, but hard to forget.
Read if you like:
▪️thought provoking stories
▪️genre mashups
▪️thriller x family drama
▪️dual timelines/perspectives
▪️books that keep you guessing
▪️morally grey characters
▪️thrillers to binge
CW: Very heavy triggers. Please research or DM prior to reading it if you are sensitive to certain topics.
Thank you Harper Perennial for the advanced copy.
From the moment I read Ruth Mancini’s previous book, The Woman on the Ledge, she became an instant auto-buy author for me. So it comes as no surprise that I had to read this book the second I got my hands on it. And just like her last, this book DID NOT DISAPPOINT.
I was completely hooked from start to finish, as Mancini takes us back and forth between past and present and between the perspectives of two heartbroken mothers, and mostly in reverse time order (something I think takes a lot of talent especially to do well). While this is very much a psychological thriller, the heavier themes and family dynamics make it lush with emotional turbulence. And what I loved most, even as we near the conclusion, I still had very little idea what had happened. Every time I thought I had it figured out, I was quickly proven wrong. And while I did manage to come up with a portion of the mystery earlier on, the writing is just so good, I was convinced I had it all wrong.
Because this is the type of book where the synopsis gives quite a bit away, and it is much more fun the less you know about the story, I am intentionally not including any sort of plot points. Just know that this is a fantastic read that is easy to binge, but hard to forget.
Read if you like:
▪️thought provoking stories
▪️genre mashups
▪️thriller x family drama
▪️dual timelines/perspectives
▪️books that keep you guessing
▪️morally grey characters
▪️thrillers to binge
CW: Very heavy triggers. Please research or DM prior to reading it if you are sensitive to certain topics.
Thank you Harper Perennial for the advanced copy.
March 7, 2025
The foreword by the author who is a solicitor and criminal defence lawyer, is well worth reading as it sets the scene for her latest novel. Her background adds layers of authenticity to the storytelling and supports the old adage of truth being stranger than fiction.
What has really happened to baby Sam? There’s Lauren Hopwood in Spain, there for a quiet life with Sam and she has a birth certificate and a passport to prove he is hers. However, in England Hope and Drew Dunsmore-Faris claim their son, also called Sam, has gone missing and the story they tell is far from a straightforward one. Is it a case of one child and two mothers? How is that even possible? One thing is certain, this is a complex situation to try to unpick. Can a way be found through the Everest scale of secrets and lies that lurk at the heart of this? The story is told from several perspectives which works well as readers try to sift through the enigmatic puzzle to figure the mystery out.
I really enjoy much of this Hampton Court maze of aread, which takes you up blind alleys and back again, as it’s fair to say everyone involved is behaving very suspiciously making it hard for those Spidey senses to focus in the right direction. Who is delusional and who is truthful becomes the million dollar question.
The first half is very strong as there’s everything from strange obsessive behaviour or at the very least behaviour that is odd or off kilter. At times, it’s puzzling and even creepy with some behaviours making me cringe with embarrassment. The characters, who are all well portrayed, tell so many lies they almost trip themselves up their situation is so desperate. I like the way it plays out and there’s a justice of sorts.
However, there are a few lulls in the storytelling and because it’s told in a backwards way on, it does get a bit convoluted which is perhaps unsurprising given what the characters are doing. On the other hand, it is probably the only way the author could possibly tell this tale as there’d be no element of surprise. So, it’s a case of go with the flow.
Overall, despite the head spinning with all the lies, it’s a good intelligent novel with a definite need to pay attention which is no bad thing!
With thanks to Nick Galley and especially to Random House UK, Cornerstone for the early reader copy in return for an honest review.
What has really happened to baby Sam? There’s Lauren Hopwood in Spain, there for a quiet life with Sam and she has a birth certificate and a passport to prove he is hers. However, in England Hope and Drew Dunsmore-Faris claim their son, also called Sam, has gone missing and the story they tell is far from a straightforward one. Is it a case of one child and two mothers? How is that even possible? One thing is certain, this is a complex situation to try to unpick. Can a way be found through the Everest scale of secrets and lies that lurk at the heart of this? The story is told from several perspectives which works well as readers try to sift through the enigmatic puzzle to figure the mystery out.
I really enjoy much of this Hampton Court maze of aread, which takes you up blind alleys and back again, as it’s fair to say everyone involved is behaving very suspiciously making it hard for those Spidey senses to focus in the right direction. Who is delusional and who is truthful becomes the million dollar question.
The first half is very strong as there’s everything from strange obsessive behaviour or at the very least behaviour that is odd or off kilter. At times, it’s puzzling and even creepy with some behaviours making me cringe with embarrassment. The characters, who are all well portrayed, tell so many lies they almost trip themselves up their situation is so desperate. I like the way it plays out and there’s a justice of sorts.
However, there are a few lulls in the storytelling and because it’s told in a backwards way on, it does get a bit convoluted which is perhaps unsurprising given what the characters are doing. On the other hand, it is probably the only way the author could possibly tell this tale as there’d be no element of surprise. So, it’s a case of go with the flow.
Overall, despite the head spinning with all the lies, it’s a good intelligent novel with a definite need to pay attention which is no bad thing!
With thanks to Nick Galley and especially to Random House UK, Cornerstone for the early reader copy in return for an honest review.
November 19, 2025
Two women…one child. Who is the real mother?
Oh, if only it was that simple💁🏻♀️
Lauren has made a quiet, comfortable life for herself and son in Spain. All the while, staying under the radar. Until now…
Hope has always desperately wanted to be a mother. And after multiple miscarriages, she finally has the son she always dreamed of. That is until he vanishes.
This book unfolds from multiple perspectives and timelines.
Unfortunately, the longer it went on the more confused I got. (Just a me thing)🤦🏻♀️
I applaud the author for her creativity in placing an abundance of red herrings along the way. (Which usually I love) But I felt I was hanging on by my fingertips for most of the book.
✍️ Ruth Mancini
📄 352 pages
🗓️ Dec 2 2025
📈 3.5./5🌟🌟🌟💫
👉 Thriller
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks
Oh, if only it was that simple💁🏻♀️
Lauren has made a quiet, comfortable life for herself and son in Spain. All the while, staying under the radar. Until now…
Hope has always desperately wanted to be a mother. And after multiple miscarriages, she finally has the son she always dreamed of. That is until he vanishes.
This book unfolds from multiple perspectives and timelines.
Unfortunately, the longer it went on the more confused I got. (Just a me thing)🤦🏻♀️
I applaud the author for her creativity in placing an abundance of red herrings along the way. (Which usually I love) But I felt I was hanging on by my fingertips for most of the book.
✍️ Ruth Mancini
📄 352 pages
🗓️ Dec 2 2025
📈 3.5./5🌟🌟🌟💫
👉 Thriller
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks
February 5, 2026
A complex tale of psychological suspense, The Day I Lost You had my unwavering attention from the very first page. You see, the plotting of this novel was beyond clever. An onion-like storyline told in reverse, the multiple distinct POVs kept me guessing throughout as each one of them tried peddling their lies. Hiding dark secrets and even darker traumas from each of their pasts, it was clear from the get-go that they were all connected somehow. Despite my skillfully applied armchair sleuthing, however, I couldn’t put the pieces together in time. Don’t get me wrong, I had a few inklings along the way, but it wasn’t until the dual plot lines were linked that it all slotted into place. Twisty, deceptive, and brilliant, it was another home run by the author of The Woman on the Ledge, which easily topped the list of my favorite thrillers published last year.
All said and done, despite a slow-boiling pace, I had a blast riding shotgun alongside of this small cast of characters. Considering how they were all equally compelling, I was blown away by their unreliable narrator-ish ways as they tried to deceive almost everyone with their layers of lies. Shrouded by a cloud of secrets, it was hard to put my thumb on what was really going on. That aspect—along with the reverse-timeline plotting—was what made this book sing. Causing me to switch allegiances over and over, the taut storyline kept me firmly in suspense from start to finish. Beginning as a clear-cut abduction, it quickly became apparent that there was far more going on. Just know that the shockers came fast and furious towards the end with a conclusion that was as thought-provoking as it was heartbreakingly poignant. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
All Lauren wants is a new life in Spain. She’s suffered an unimaginable loss, but at last she has found a home in the pretty seaside town of Mantilla de Mar. Everyone deserves a new start, and Lauren needs to put her past firmly behind her.
Hope has everything: an interesting career as a therapist, an attractive husband, a dream home in the countryside - and, finally, the baby she always longed for. Sam. Her beautiful boy. But Sam has gone missing.
So when the police tell her that a woman has been found in Spain with a child matching Sam’s description, Hope thinks that her nightmare might be coming to an end.
But Lauren is insisting Sam is her baby. She even has his passport and birth certificate to prove it.
So what really happened to Baby Sam? And who still has secrets to hide?
Thank you Ruth Mancini, Harper Perennial, and NetGalley for my complimentary copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: December 2, 2025
Content warning: child abduction, infidelity, infertility, pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-term labor, mention of: fatal car accident
All said and done, despite a slow-boiling pace, I had a blast riding shotgun alongside of this small cast of characters. Considering how they were all equally compelling, I was blown away by their unreliable narrator-ish ways as they tried to deceive almost everyone with their layers of lies. Shrouded by a cloud of secrets, it was hard to put my thumb on what was really going on. That aspect—along with the reverse-timeline plotting—was what made this book sing. Causing me to switch allegiances over and over, the taut storyline kept me firmly in suspense from start to finish. Beginning as a clear-cut abduction, it quickly became apparent that there was far more going on. Just know that the shockers came fast and furious towards the end with a conclusion that was as thought-provoking as it was heartbreakingly poignant. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
All Lauren wants is a new life in Spain. She’s suffered an unimaginable loss, but at last she has found a home in the pretty seaside town of Mantilla de Mar. Everyone deserves a new start, and Lauren needs to put her past firmly behind her.
Hope has everything: an interesting career as a therapist, an attractive husband, a dream home in the countryside - and, finally, the baby she always longed for. Sam. Her beautiful boy. But Sam has gone missing.
So when the police tell her that a woman has been found in Spain with a child matching Sam’s description, Hope thinks that her nightmare might be coming to an end.
But Lauren is insisting Sam is her baby. She even has his passport and birth certificate to prove it.
So what really happened to Baby Sam? And who still has secrets to hide?
Thank you Ruth Mancini, Harper Perennial, and NetGalley for my complimentary copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: December 2, 2025
Content warning: child abduction, infidelity, infertility, pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-term labor, mention of: fatal car accident
September 6, 2025
Color me confused. That is how I felt for most of this book. I thought this book would be a slam dunk 5 star read for me as I enjoyed the author's previous book, The Woman on the Ledge. This book goes back and forth in time to tell the story of two women who both have a son named Sam. Lauren has a two-year-old son, named Sam. She has been living in Spain with him and is approached by police who question if she is Sam's real mother. They state a woman has reported her son, also named Sam, has gone missing from her home. But Lauren has a birth certificate and passport for her Sam....
Hope and Drew had a son named Sam who went missing from their home. The police inform them that they may have found their son but wonder why it took so long for Hope to report that her son is missing...
As I mentioned this book goes back and forth in time and gives readers the POV of several characters. I wasn't the biggest fan of the back and forth in time. I found it to be a little confusing. But I was intrigued enough to keep reading and found myself feeling for both Lauren and Hope. I kept thinking of how I would feel in each of their shoes. My biggest source of confusion was who is Sam's mother?
The premise of this book was intriguing, but the back and forth in time didn't quite work for me. I don't typically get confused with books which go back and forth in time, but this one was a bit confusing. There are a few twists and turns along the way which kept me engaged and wanting to know more. I wanted to get to the bottom of things and then BAM there is one shocker of a reveal at the end which had me going 'aha' now I get it but that couldn't fully save this book for me.
3.5 stars
*A Witches Words buddy read with Brenda and Mary Beth. Please read their reviews as well to see their thoughts on The Day I Lost You.
Thank you to Harper Perennial and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Hope and Drew had a son named Sam who went missing from their home. The police inform them that they may have found their son but wonder why it took so long for Hope to report that her son is missing...
As I mentioned this book goes back and forth in time and gives readers the POV of several characters. I wasn't the biggest fan of the back and forth in time. I found it to be a little confusing. But I was intrigued enough to keep reading and found myself feeling for both Lauren and Hope. I kept thinking of how I would feel in each of their shoes. My biggest source of confusion was who is Sam's mother?
The premise of this book was intriguing, but the back and forth in time didn't quite work for me. I don't typically get confused with books which go back and forth in time, but this one was a bit confusing. There are a few twists and turns along the way which kept me engaged and wanting to know more. I wanted to get to the bottom of things and then BAM there is one shocker of a reveal at the end which had me going 'aha' now I get it but that couldn't fully save this book for me.
3.5 stars
*A Witches Words buddy read with Brenda and Mary Beth. Please read their reviews as well to see their thoughts on The Day I Lost You.
Thank you to Harper Perennial and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
December 5, 2025
Meet my first 2-star Ruth Mancini book.
Yes, this "Lost" book "lost" me in sooo many ways.
😭😭😭😭
The book's premise was intriguing:
One missing child. Two emotionally fractured possible mothers of this child, whose tangled history unravels through a series of accusations and revelations.
Although the book was well-written and engaging, its execution was deeply flawed.
The book's non-linear, backward-running narrative, told through the eyes of multiple, unreliable narrators, was convoluted and jumped erratically between timelines.
Instead of building tension, this created confusion, making it difficult to stay grounded in the narrative.
As a result, the pacing suffered, with several plot points feeling underdeveloped, unresolved, and contradictory.
Gaining clarity was a challenge and, quite frankly, I am still not sure how this book ended.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Rebecca Mancini, George Blagdon, Olivia Poulet,
Louise Brealey, and Roy McMillan.
Full-cast narrations are always a treat, but even this talented cast of narrators could not save this book.
Perhaps audio was not the way to go with this dizzying format.
TWs: Miscarriage, pregnancy loss, mentions of infant deaths, and a fatal car accident.
Ruth Mancini is one of my go-to authors, and I was very disappointed when my request for an ARC in exchange for an honest review was declined by NetGalley and the publisher.
Special thanks to Libby for always granting my requests.
Read
May 4, 2025Taut, tense and thought provoking, The Day I Lost You is a propulsive, emotional thriller about love and loss and the lengths people will go to protect themselves, or others. I flew through it, changing my mind every few pages about whose side I was on, whilst concocting theories as to what had happened. It was a hugely satisfying read.
September 6, 2025
I love the way Ruth Mancini always deceives the reader! This is one twisty psychological thriller that is tough to put down. While the story is a slower burn it is still a fast read and I read it in less than 24 hours. What appears to be a straight forward story in the beginning quickly becomes more and more convoluted as you read.
Each chapter ending leaves you with more questions than answers, making you just need to keep going. It is a tense mystery with some not so reliable narrators, told over multiple timelines and perspectives. It is surprising and emotional and I was hooked.
Thank you so much to Harper Perennial for my advanced copy to read. Publication date is December 2nd and needs a place on your TBR.
Each chapter ending leaves you with more questions than answers, making you just need to keep going. It is a tense mystery with some not so reliable narrators, told over multiple timelines and perspectives. It is surprising and emotional and I was hooked.
Thank you so much to Harper Perennial for my advanced copy to read. Publication date is December 2nd and needs a place on your TBR.
November 26, 2025
"As a therapist, I've learned that we don't have to follow our 'life script' -- as we call it in my profession -- the one we create for ourselves in childhood..."
This little gem gripped me immediately and had a steady pace of intrigue and mystery throughout. Two women, Lauren and Hope, both claim that THEY are baby Sam's mother. How can they BOTH be his mother? Who gave birth to him? Was he adopted? Was there a surrogate? What is REALLY going on?
The story is heavily character driven and is uniquely told in reverse order, starting with the present day and working backward. It's clear that both women are harboring a secret but what is it? I always love multiple POVs and having the perspective of both women definitely kept the mystery and intrigue going. I had multiple suspicions and was able to figure most things out but was uncertain how it would all end. The main theme is family, the desire to be a mother and fierce maternal love. While motherhood stories aren't my favorite, Ruth Mancini also deftly weaves in the complexities of generational trauma. I was completely immersed in the dilemma of each woman and felt my heart strings get tugged. The conclusion was satisfying on multiple levels and brought everything full circle!
The audiobook is a fabulous option to pair with the physical book or just to listen to on its own. All the narrators are fantastic and bring the characters to life! There are subtle nuances of emotion that come through in each performance.
Ruth Mancini is a wonderful storyteller and knows how to build emotional investment along with increasing tension. THE DAY I LOST YOU is a gripping family drama full of secrets and lies with a driving need to discover the truth. This would make an amazing limited television series and I'd LOVE to see it adapted to film. Definitely grab this one for a captivating mystery with impactful and poignant moments!
____
Narrators:
Rebecca Mancini; George Blagdon; Olivia Poulet; Louise Brealey; Roy McMillan
Thank you Harper Perennial and Harper Collins Audio for my gifted copies. All opinions are my own.
This little gem gripped me immediately and had a steady pace of intrigue and mystery throughout. Two women, Lauren and Hope, both claim that THEY are baby Sam's mother. How can they BOTH be his mother? Who gave birth to him? Was he adopted? Was there a surrogate? What is REALLY going on?
The story is heavily character driven and is uniquely told in reverse order, starting with the present day and working backward. It's clear that both women are harboring a secret but what is it? I always love multiple POVs and having the perspective of both women definitely kept the mystery and intrigue going. I had multiple suspicions and was able to figure most things out but was uncertain how it would all end. The main theme is family, the desire to be a mother and fierce maternal love. While motherhood stories aren't my favorite, Ruth Mancini also deftly weaves in the complexities of generational trauma. I was completely immersed in the dilemma of each woman and felt my heart strings get tugged. The conclusion was satisfying on multiple levels and brought everything full circle!
The audiobook is a fabulous option to pair with the physical book or just to listen to on its own. All the narrators are fantastic and bring the characters to life! There are subtle nuances of emotion that come through in each performance.
Ruth Mancini is a wonderful storyteller and knows how to build emotional investment along with increasing tension. THE DAY I LOST YOU is a gripping family drama full of secrets and lies with a driving need to discover the truth. This would make an amazing limited television series and I'd LOVE to see it adapted to film. Definitely grab this one for a captivating mystery with impactful and poignant moments!
____
Narrators:
Rebecca Mancini; George Blagdon; Olivia Poulet; Louise Brealey; Roy McMillan
Thank you Harper Perennial and Harper Collins Audio for my gifted copies. All opinions are my own.
December 17, 2025
3.75 stars
Thank you Harper Perennial for sending me a free advance copy!
I enjoyed this domestic thriller and that uneasy feeling I had while reading. It always makes for a good read when you know there’s something off with the situation and characters but can’t pinpoint what is truly going on. So you rely on the author to steer you in the right direction and eventually all will be revealed.
Lauren is living in Spain when the police come knocking on her door. Hope and Drew have a child, Sam, who went missing and the authorities believe Lauren’s kid matches Sam’s description. Lauren insists she’s the mother. One child and two women claiming to be his mom. Seems to be a major problem.
I like how the author chose to tell the story as you find out the issue first and then you get this complex backstory, bit by bit. While there are things you can call a mile away, there were also some legitimate surprises. I wasn’t expecting to get a little emotional while reading but there were some moments that tugged on the heartstrings. It’s a good story provided you don’t analyze everything to death and just roll with it.
Thank you Harper Perennial for sending me a free advance copy!
I enjoyed this domestic thriller and that uneasy feeling I had while reading. It always makes for a good read when you know there’s something off with the situation and characters but can’t pinpoint what is truly going on. So you rely on the author to steer you in the right direction and eventually all will be revealed.
Lauren is living in Spain when the police come knocking on her door. Hope and Drew have a child, Sam, who went missing and the authorities believe Lauren’s kid matches Sam’s description. Lauren insists she’s the mother. One child and two women claiming to be his mom. Seems to be a major problem.
I like how the author chose to tell the story as you find out the issue first and then you get this complex backstory, bit by bit. While there are things you can call a mile away, there were also some legitimate surprises. I wasn’t expecting to get a little emotional while reading but there were some moments that tugged on the heartstrings. It’s a good story provided you don’t analyze everything to death and just roll with it.
February 21, 2026
This was a great audiobook. I loved the full cast, including some mixed media passages. The story was fast-paced and gripping. I enjoyed the time shifts as all the puzzle pieces fell into place.
I did find certain aspects predictable, but I didn't feel like the ultimate outcome really was. I really enjoy Mancini's concepts and writing style. I'm looking forward to more from her.
Full review to come...stay tuned!!!
Original:
ARC received! Thank you, Harper Perennial!!
I did find certain aspects predictable, but I didn't feel like the ultimate outcome really was. I really enjoy Mancini's concepts and writing style. I'm looking forward to more from her.
Full review to come...stay tuned!!!
Original:
ARC received! Thank you, Harper Perennial!!
August 1, 2025
An enjoyable book told from multiple points of view and timelines. A lot of the plot is told backwards. The three main adult characters are not particularly likeable, so it's hard to be invested initially, however its worth persevering as it speeds up and yiu get really involved. It revolves around baby Sam and a dilemma between which one of the two women is the mother. With the father having an affair. Both women have given birth between months of each other. It's really twisty and unexpected, which leaves you guessing, which I really enjoyed. It's fascinating to know that this book is based on criminal proceedings that the author was aware of when she was a solicitor in the criminal courts. It's a great read with gaspable moments.
July 9, 2025
So, just on the description alone, the reader is led to believe that this story is about a kidnapping but it is so much more than that. Upon first meeting Lauren, the reader understands quickly that she has taken this child and left the country but the why is so convoluted and twisty that it took me until nearly the end of the book before everything came together. Readers who enjoy slow burning plots will rub their hands together in anticipatory glee.
The biggest challenge for me was who I was going to give my empathy to in this story. I felt that Lauren had a lot of emotional and possibly mental illness issues and though I did feel sorry for her and never cast her in the role of villain, I did not condone her actions. The author leads the reader, perhaps purposely, into believing there is a relationship between Lauren and the parents, Hope and Drew. A surrogate agreement gone bad or an affair. I spent a lot of time asking myself just who are the baby’s real parents? I also felt sorry for Hope and Drew. Having their child taken would be a nightmare in living color and the agony these two go through was heartbreaking to see.
The author skillfully throws in some major twists in the story taking the reader into the past to give the reader a better understanding of who these characters are. As the story begins to wind down, the author throws in more twists that shocked me to the core.
After these major revelations, I felt let down with the ending. Even though the author wraps up the story efficiently, the ending was extremely anticlimactic for me. I kept swiping on my Kindle thinking there had to be more. This was my first time reading this author. I have a couple more of her titles waiting to be read that I am looking forward to.
My Final Verdict: Even though I was anticipating an explosive ending, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and was riveted with tension dreading the worst and hoping for the best. Readers of domestic thrillers, mysteries and suspense novels will love the nail-biting anxiety they will likely feel as they read this intense but heartbreaking story of loss and redemption.
Thank you to the publisher, Random House UK, Cornerstone, who provided an advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley.
The biggest challenge for me was who I was going to give my empathy to in this story. I felt that Lauren had a lot of emotional and possibly mental illness issues and though I did feel sorry for her and never cast her in the role of villain, I did not condone her actions. The author leads the reader, perhaps purposely, into believing there is a relationship between Lauren and the parents, Hope and Drew. A surrogate agreement gone bad or an affair. I spent a lot of time asking myself just who are the baby’s real parents? I also felt sorry for Hope and Drew. Having their child taken would be a nightmare in living color and the agony these two go through was heartbreaking to see.
The author skillfully throws in some major twists in the story taking the reader into the past to give the reader a better understanding of who these characters are. As the story begins to wind down, the author throws in more twists that shocked me to the core.
After these major revelations, I felt let down with the ending. Even though the author wraps up the story efficiently, the ending was extremely anticlimactic for me. I kept swiping on my Kindle thinking there had to be more. This was my first time reading this author. I have a couple more of her titles waiting to be read that I am looking forward to.
My Final Verdict: Even though I was anticipating an explosive ending, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and was riveted with tension dreading the worst and hoping for the best. Readers of domestic thrillers, mysteries and suspense novels will love the nail-biting anxiety they will likely feel as they read this intense but heartbreaking story of loss and redemption.
Thank you to the publisher, Random House UK, Cornerstone, who provided an advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley.
December 7, 2025
Thank you @harperperennial #oliveinfluencer for the gorgeous physical gifted copy!! 🥰Thank you @harperaudio for the free audiobook!! ❤️
Pub date is 12/2/25! 🥳
This started out with a bang! Detectives at your door demanding your baby’s birth certificate?! 😳 It just got crazier from there.
Two POV’s… that definitely kept me guessing. Who is telling the truth?? Is ANYONE telling the truth? 😂 Who does baby Sam really belong to?? What is going on? I had SO many questions… SO many theories. 🤨…ALL of them.. WRONG.😆🤷♀️
Needless to say this kept me on my toes! I started off with the physical book and the jumped into the audiobook… so I was able to listen 🎧 to it instead of putting it down. NOW I just need to read The Woman On The Ledge!
Pub date is 12/2/25! 🥳
This started out with a bang! Detectives at your door demanding your baby’s birth certificate?! 😳 It just got crazier from there.
Two POV’s… that definitely kept me guessing. Who is telling the truth?? Is ANYONE telling the truth? 😂 Who does baby Sam really belong to?? What is going on? I had SO many questions… SO many theories. 🤨…ALL of them.. WRONG.😆🤷♀️
Needless to say this kept me on my toes! I started off with the physical book and the jumped into the audiobook… so I was able to listen 🎧 to it instead of putting it down. NOW I just need to read The Woman On The Ledge!
November 13, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Dec.2, 2025
“The Day I Lost You” by psychological crime writer Ruth Mancini delivers a spellbinding tale of two mothers who would do anything for their son, even if it means putting their own freedom at risk. I was introduced to Mancini with her most recent novel, “The Woman on the Ledge”, but she has a plethora of novels before this that have made their way onto my TBR list. I love Mancini’s well-researched, carefully thought-out plot twists, her superbly crafted storylines and realistically human characters, and “Lost” definitely fits the bill.
After devastating miscarriages, Hope finally has her perfect baby boy, Sam, and she and her husband, Drew, are over the moon. But then- Sam goes missing and although both Hope and Drew are devastated, they seem to know more about Sam’s disappearance than they’re willing to tell.
Lauren has started her life over in Spain with her son, since fleeing London after a devastating loss. Lauren is just starting to make friends and form a sense of community with her baby boy when the police come to her door claiming that Lauren’s son belongs to another couple in London. But Lauren has the identification papers that prove her son is her own. So why do the police think that Lauren is responsible for the missing boy?
“Lost” is a reverse-timeline story, narrated by both women. The novel starts the day Sam goes missing and works backwards through time, as Mancini slowly unveils the secret connection between the two women which was fantastically unexpected. There was so much speculation on my end throughout the novel as I tried to figure out who Hope and Lauren really were, how they were connected, and what had happened to baby Sam and I still wasn’t able to figure it all out until the very end. Mancini crafted a multi-layered plot, added labyrinthine twists and turns and still managed to connect it all seamlessly.
Readers will instantly connect with the protagonists as both Lauren and Hope are likable and relatable. They have both suffered incredible heartbreak, in different ways, and their bravery and resilience are admirable. Hope’s husband, Drew, is suspicious and smarmy right from the start, but I wasn’t able to figure out his exact role until Mancini revealed it herself.
Clever, taut and suspenseful, “Lost” is another stellar release from Ruth Mancini and I look forward to reading more from her.
Expected publication date: Dec.2, 2025
“The Day I Lost You” by psychological crime writer Ruth Mancini delivers a spellbinding tale of two mothers who would do anything for their son, even if it means putting their own freedom at risk. I was introduced to Mancini with her most recent novel, “The Woman on the Ledge”, but she has a plethora of novels before this that have made their way onto my TBR list. I love Mancini’s well-researched, carefully thought-out plot twists, her superbly crafted storylines and realistically human characters, and “Lost” definitely fits the bill.
After devastating miscarriages, Hope finally has her perfect baby boy, Sam, and she and her husband, Drew, are over the moon. But then- Sam goes missing and although both Hope and Drew are devastated, they seem to know more about Sam’s disappearance than they’re willing to tell.
Lauren has started her life over in Spain with her son, since fleeing London after a devastating loss. Lauren is just starting to make friends and form a sense of community with her baby boy when the police come to her door claiming that Lauren’s son belongs to another couple in London. But Lauren has the identification papers that prove her son is her own. So why do the police think that Lauren is responsible for the missing boy?
“Lost” is a reverse-timeline story, narrated by both women. The novel starts the day Sam goes missing and works backwards through time, as Mancini slowly unveils the secret connection between the two women which was fantastically unexpected. There was so much speculation on my end throughout the novel as I tried to figure out who Hope and Lauren really were, how they were connected, and what had happened to baby Sam and I still wasn’t able to figure it all out until the very end. Mancini crafted a multi-layered plot, added labyrinthine twists and turns and still managed to connect it all seamlessly.
Readers will instantly connect with the protagonists as both Lauren and Hope are likable and relatable. They have both suffered incredible heartbreak, in different ways, and their bravery and resilience are admirable. Hope’s husband, Drew, is suspicious and smarmy right from the start, but I wasn’t able to figure out his exact role until Mancini revealed it herself.
Clever, taut and suspenseful, “Lost” is another stellar release from Ruth Mancini and I look forward to reading more from her.
December 7, 2025
4 stars & GR sux
December 22, 2025
3.0 / 5.0
I found this book confusing and foggy to start off with, because essentially as readers you don’t know the full story and as you read along the book, the trickle of information is slowly realised, strategically done so to make this as confusing as possible. Add this in with the book split into parts of the plot, at different time events which made the whole reading experience confusing. The only thing which made the time scales somewhat understandable was the pregnancy times which is what kept me into the book. But holy moly I really did not enjoy my experience reading this book. There’s enough information to suggest one thing but in reality it’s the complete opposite. Maybe it’s the character of Drew which I disliked massively which dampened my experience reading this book. Overall, I really did not like this book.
The book centres around three main characters, liars. Who wants a new life in Spain who suffered an unimaginable loss, she is trying to put her life behind her. Hope on the overhand has everything you would want, she’s a therapist she has an attractive husband Drew and her baby, Sam. But Sam has gone missing and when the police tell her that a woman has been found in Spain with a child matching Sams description hope thinks this is an end to her nightmare. But this is only just the start.
It’s a meh book. Not really my cup of tea.
I found this book confusing and foggy to start off with, because essentially as readers you don’t know the full story and as you read along the book, the trickle of information is slowly realised, strategically done so to make this as confusing as possible. Add this in with the book split into parts of the plot, at different time events which made the whole reading experience confusing. The only thing which made the time scales somewhat understandable was the pregnancy times which is what kept me into the book. But holy moly I really did not enjoy my experience reading this book. There’s enough information to suggest one thing but in reality it’s the complete opposite. Maybe it’s the character of Drew which I disliked massively which dampened my experience reading this book. Overall, I really did not like this book.
The book centres around three main characters, liars. Who wants a new life in Spain who suffered an unimaginable loss, she is trying to put her life behind her. Hope on the overhand has everything you would want, she’s a therapist she has an attractive husband Drew and her baby, Sam. But Sam has gone missing and when the police tell her that a woman has been found in Spain with a child matching Sams description hope thinks this is an end to her nightmare. But this is only just the start.
It’s a meh book. Not really my cup of tea.
December 30, 2025
Don’t EVER lie to the police!
Young Sam has gone missing. When he is found in Spain with a woman named Lauren, both women claim that Sam is their son. Has Sam been stolen? What happened to Sam? Everyone is hiding secrets!
Told mostly in reverse order, this twisty thriller filled with red herrings will have you guessing until the very end. I thought I had figured it out, but I was wrong! I couldn’t believe that this scenario could actually happen, but Mancini explains in the acknowledgements that she consulted a team of attorneys about the complicated legal aspects of this book while writing it. I was also pleasantly surprised that criminal defense lawyer Sarah Kellerman makes another appearance in this book. While she is not the main character, she does play a vital role in creatively cracking the case.
I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by a large cast of readers. I highly recommend this format.
3.5/5 stars rounded up
Trigger Warning: Kidnapping
Thank you to Harper Audio for the ARC of The Day I Lost You in exchange for an honest review.
Young Sam has gone missing. When he is found in Spain with a woman named Lauren, both women claim that Sam is their son. Has Sam been stolen? What happened to Sam? Everyone is hiding secrets!
Told mostly in reverse order, this twisty thriller filled with red herrings will have you guessing until the very end. I thought I had figured it out, but I was wrong! I couldn’t believe that this scenario could actually happen, but Mancini explains in the acknowledgements that she consulted a team of attorneys about the complicated legal aspects of this book while writing it. I was also pleasantly surprised that criminal defense lawyer Sarah Kellerman makes another appearance in this book. While she is not the main character, she does play a vital role in creatively cracking the case.
I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by a large cast of readers. I highly recommend this format.
3.5/5 stars rounded up
Trigger Warning: Kidnapping
Thank you to Harper Audio for the ARC of The Day I Lost You in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2025
I was completely drawn into The Day I Lost You from the very first page. Ruth Mancini’s writing is emotionally sharp, character-driven, and layered with psychological tension. She blends traditional narrative with transcripts and reports, crafting a slow-burning, immersive mystery that feels both authentic and deeply moving.
The Day I Lost You concentrated on Lauren, a woman who relocated to a seaside town in Spain with her young son Sam, in search for a fresh start after her traumatic past. But her life unraveled when the police arrived, questioning whether Sam was truly her child and accused her of potential identity deception. In fear of losing her son, Lauren fled with him. Meanwhile in England, Hope and Drew, a couple who lived what seemed like the perfect life with their newly born son, also named Sam, happiness was shattered when Sam went missing. When Hope heard that a child matching her son’s description had been found in Spain, she dared to hope—but the woman who claimed to be the mother insisted she was the real parent, armed with Sam’s passport and birth certificate.
I really enjoyed the way this story unfolded through the alternating perspectives of Lauren, Hope, and Drew. I also appreciated how it moved back and forth in time, which added depth and intrigue. The inclusion of police reports, transcripts, and court documents enriched the main storyline, weaving together a suspenseful and multi-layered mystery. The nonlinear structure heightened the psychological tension and kept me constantly second-guessing who to believe.
The Day I Lost You was a tense and emotionally layered thriller that kept me questioning everyone’s truth. With its shifting timelines, unreliable narrators, and a haunting exploration of what it means to be a mother, the story slowly unraveled in a way that’s both heartbreaking and gripping. The unique format, blending legal transcripts with personal perspectives, added realism and depth. A slow burn, but worth the read!
Thank you Net Galley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for a complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
The Day I Lost You concentrated on Lauren, a woman who relocated to a seaside town in Spain with her young son Sam, in search for a fresh start after her traumatic past. But her life unraveled when the police arrived, questioning whether Sam was truly her child and accused her of potential identity deception. In fear of losing her son, Lauren fled with him. Meanwhile in England, Hope and Drew, a couple who lived what seemed like the perfect life with their newly born son, also named Sam, happiness was shattered when Sam went missing. When Hope heard that a child matching her son’s description had been found in Spain, she dared to hope—but the woman who claimed to be the mother insisted she was the real parent, armed with Sam’s passport and birth certificate.
I really enjoyed the way this story unfolded through the alternating perspectives of Lauren, Hope, and Drew. I also appreciated how it moved back and forth in time, which added depth and intrigue. The inclusion of police reports, transcripts, and court documents enriched the main storyline, weaving together a suspenseful and multi-layered mystery. The nonlinear structure heightened the psychological tension and kept me constantly second-guessing who to believe.
The Day I Lost You was a tense and emotionally layered thriller that kept me questioning everyone’s truth. With its shifting timelines, unreliable narrators, and a haunting exploration of what it means to be a mother, the story slowly unraveled in a way that’s both heartbreaking and gripping. The unique format, blending legal transcripts with personal perspectives, added realism and depth. A slow burn, but worth the read!
Thank you Net Galley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for a complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
April 3, 2025
Ruth Mancini’s The Day I Lost You is a suspense filled psychological thriller that delivers both tension and an emotional punch. When Lauren moves to Spain with her son, Sam, her world unravels after she’s accused of abducting him. As secrets surface, she’s forced to question everything. Inspired by a true case, the novel delves into moral dilemmas, the complexities of the legal system, and the devastating consequences of split-second decisions.
Defence lawyer Sarah Kellerman, navigates justice’s grey areas, making readers question guilt, innocence, and whether justice is ever truly served. Mancini’s taut writing keeps the tension high, and while the novel explores familiar thriller themes, they’re executed with precision. Though the shifting timelines can be disorienting, they ultimately heighten the suspense.
With sharp prose and a plot that ebbs and flows, Mancini masterfully blends psychological depth with legal drama. A thought-provoking and intriguing read perfect for thriller fans.
You can follow my reviews at
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
Defence lawyer Sarah Kellerman, navigates justice’s grey areas, making readers question guilt, innocence, and whether justice is ever truly served. Mancini’s taut writing keeps the tension high, and while the novel explores familiar thriller themes, they’re executed with precision. Though the shifting timelines can be disorienting, they ultimately heighten the suspense.
With sharp prose and a plot that ebbs and flows, Mancini masterfully blends psychological depth with legal drama. A thought-provoking and intriguing read perfect for thriller fans.
You can follow my reviews at
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
November 26, 2025
OK. So have any of you ever read something where the more you read, the less you are able to predict what’s going to happen next? No? Well, me either! So, if this intrigues you, KEEP YOUR EYES 👀 OPEN FOR THIS BOOK RELEASE!!
We open up with a woman who’s talking about her everyday life and routines… just ordinary day to day stuff.
Until she walks into the baby’s room…and finds an empty crib!
But how could that be???
Her husband was home!! 😮
Hope is married. She a psychotherapist. Her husband has a good job as well. And then there’s their infant son, Sam.
Lauren is a Mom as well. The love of her life is Charlie. And of course, her infant son, Sam.
What starts off as what I believed to be a baby snatching, turns into an international story that will leave you with your Mouth. Hanging. Open!!!
With police in two countries involved…as well as lawyers, etc. The paths taken. The regrets. The choices. The stories.
But in the end, your mouth will be once again…Hanging… Wide…. Open!!
If someone paid me a million dollars to figure out an ending for this story, I could NEVER have come up with ANYTHING close to this!!
Beware, this is a true roller coaster 🎢 ride…and then some!!!!!
5 Huge, Crazy, Shining, Out-of-left-field stars for me!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#TheDayILostYou by @RuthMancini and narrated beautifully by @RebeccaMancini; @GeorgeBlagdon; @OliviaPoulet; @LouiseBrealey and @RoyMcMillan.
*** This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, please look 👀 for it in a few days on 12/02/25!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #HarperAdultAudio and #HarperPerennial for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
We open up with a woman who’s talking about her everyday life and routines… just ordinary day to day stuff.
Until she walks into the baby’s room…and finds an empty crib!
But how could that be???
Her husband was home!! 😮
Hope is married. She a psychotherapist. Her husband has a good job as well. And then there’s their infant son, Sam.
Lauren is a Mom as well. The love of her life is Charlie. And of course, her infant son, Sam.
What starts off as what I believed to be a baby snatching, turns into an international story that will leave you with your Mouth. Hanging. Open!!!
With police in two countries involved…as well as lawyers, etc. The paths taken. The regrets. The choices. The stories.
But in the end, your mouth will be once again…Hanging… Wide…. Open!!
If someone paid me a million dollars to figure out an ending for this story, I could NEVER have come up with ANYTHING close to this!!
Beware, this is a true roller coaster 🎢 ride…and then some!!!!!
5 Huge, Crazy, Shining, Out-of-left-field stars for me!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#TheDayILostYou by @RuthMancini and narrated beautifully by @RebeccaMancini; @GeorgeBlagdon; @OliviaPoulet; @LouiseBrealey and @RoyMcMillan.
*** This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, please look 👀 for it in a few days on 12/02/25!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #HarperAdultAudio and #HarperPerennial for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
December 2, 2025
Thank you to @ruth.mancini.author and @harperennial #oliveinfluencer for the #gifted book.
This book completely absorbed me from the very first chapter. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, I was skillfully led in a new direction.
Initially, I found myself disliking Lauren, viewing her as a stalker, but as the true story unfolded, my heart broke for her. The emotional depth portrayed by these two mothers, Lauren and Hope, was exceptionally well-crafted.
The narrative unfolds in the present while utilizing flashbacks that gradually unveil the intertwined lives of Lauren, Hope, and Drew. Each character contributes a unique piece of the puzzle, which brilliantly comes together in the final chapters.
I thoroughly enjoyed the author's writing style and the myriad of plot twists. Each chapter left me with more questions than answers, compelling me to keep turning the pages. It’s a gripping mystery populated by unreliable narrators, artfully told through multiple timelines and perspectives.
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, this is the book for you. Exceptional work, Ruth! This book is available now, and it's a must-read.
This book completely absorbed me from the very first chapter. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, I was skillfully led in a new direction.
Initially, I found myself disliking Lauren, viewing her as a stalker, but as the true story unfolded, my heart broke for her. The emotional depth portrayed by these two mothers, Lauren and Hope, was exceptionally well-crafted.
The narrative unfolds in the present while utilizing flashbacks that gradually unveil the intertwined lives of Lauren, Hope, and Drew. Each character contributes a unique piece of the puzzle, which brilliantly comes together in the final chapters.
I thoroughly enjoyed the author's writing style and the myriad of plot twists. Each chapter left me with more questions than answers, compelling me to keep turning the pages. It’s a gripping mystery populated by unreliable narrators, artfully told through multiple timelines and perspectives.
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, this is the book for you. Exceptional work, Ruth! This book is available now, and it's a must-read.
November 20, 2025
*Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Audio for early copy for review*
3.5 rated up
The production for this audiobook book was so great with multiple narrators. If you want to read this ,and you can get access to it, then please choose the audiobook.
I loved the way this story was told backwards. Starting towards the end and going a few months back each time was so interesting.my rating would be higher if not for the conclusion of the story. While the ending is enjoyable what actually happened was not as interesting the red herrings being presented. I still would recommend as an entertaining thriller, bur not one that will stick with me.
3.5 rated up
The production for this audiobook book was so great with multiple narrators. If you want to read this ,and you can get access to it, then please choose the audiobook.
I loved the way this story was told backwards. Starting towards the end and going a few months back each time was so interesting.my rating would be higher if not for the conclusion of the story. While the ending is enjoyable what actually happened was not as interesting the red herrings being presented. I still would recommend as an entertaining thriller, bur not one that will stick with me.
November 24, 2025
Holy unreliable narrators! Everyone here has motives and secrets. They are all a bit unlikable, which I find interesting. Unless you are a genius (clearly, I am not), the ending will surprise you. There are timeline shifts and multiple characters telling the story, so I definitely had to pay attention. This is an entertaining and engaging story which is beautifully performed on audiobook by a talented multicast of voice actors. I’d recommend reading the novel in either format, but reading and listening at the same time is my personal favorite.
November 24, 2025
Thank you @harperperennial for my advance copy. What a pretty cover! I love the colors…but I digress. This is my second novel by Mancini. I was curious to see where I fell with this one.
The story begins with multiple POVs and timelines. It continues this way going back in time until the later part of the novel. I will say for the first half of the novel, I was somewhat confused and not in a good way. I kept thinking maybe I was too tired while reading and missed some key elements. Although creative, it took away from the story for me.
Mancini does a good job with giving out red herrings throughout the novel so eventually I could see where it was going. All and all this was just okay for me. I wished the structure was different and maybe I would have liked it more.
The story begins with multiple POVs and timelines. It continues this way going back in time until the later part of the novel. I will say for the first half of the novel, I was somewhat confused and not in a good way. I kept thinking maybe I was too tired while reading and missed some key elements. Although creative, it took away from the story for me.
Mancini does a good job with giving out red herrings throughout the novel so eventually I could see where it was going. All and all this was just okay for me. I wished the structure was different and maybe I would have liked it more.
April 15, 2025
Memories play a crucial role in shaping the characters in "The Day I Lost You." The protagonist's memories of the lost loved one are both a source of comfort and pain. The memories help them to remember the good times they shared, but they also bring back the pain of the loss. The author uses these memories to show how the past can continue to influence the present.
For example, the character might experience flashbacks of their time with the lost loved one, or they might find themselves constantly thinking about what they could have done differently. These memories help to shape the character's actions and their overall outlook on life.
It's also possible that the book explores how memories can be distorted by grief, or how they can be used to cope with the pain of loss. The author might use these distorted memories to create suspense or to highlight the character's emotional state.
Overall, the use of memories in "The Day I Lost You" is likely a key element in exploring the themes of grief, loss, and the power of memory.
For example, the character might experience flashbacks of their time with the lost loved one, or they might find themselves constantly thinking about what they could have done differently. These memories help to shape the character's actions and their overall outlook on life.
It's also possible that the book explores how memories can be distorted by grief, or how they can be used to cope with the pain of loss. The author might use these distorted memories to create suspense or to highlight the character's emotional state.
Overall, the use of memories in "The Day I Lost You" is likely a key element in exploring the themes of grief, loss, and the power of memory.
November 25, 2025
The Day I Lost You by Ruth Mancini. Thanks to @harperperennial for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️
Two women, one baby, and both are claiming a right to him.
I loved The Woman on the Ledge but this one just wasn’t for me unfortunately. There were a lot of twists, but they did not flow well for me and felt like fake me outs. I ended the book just really confused. I think I got disgruntled and then that I missed something. Try this one out but make sure you pay attention.
“But the life we have been living has barely resembled a normal life, and maybe it never will again.”
The Day I Lost You comes out 12/2.
Two women, one baby, and both are claiming a right to him.
I loved The Woman on the Ledge but this one just wasn’t for me unfortunately. There were a lot of twists, but they did not flow well for me and felt like fake me outs. I ended the book just really confused. I think I got disgruntled and then that I missed something. Try this one out but make sure you pay attention.
“But the life we have been living has barely resembled a normal life, and maybe it never will again.”
The Day I Lost You comes out 12/2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 366 reviews