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Jessica's Promise
Teresa’s heart stops when she enters her daughter’s bedroom to find that her sweet, trusting little girl is gone. Teresa can’t bear to think who would take a terrified three-year-old from her mother in the middle of the night, but all the signs point to someone close to home. Hasn’t Jessica’s stepfather been acting a little oddly? Or is it, as Teresa is beginning to fear, something to do with Angie, her daughter’s babysitter who lives next door...?
Gentle, retired Angie – she must be lonely, with only her memories to keep her company in that big, old house. And she’s always had a special connection with Jessica... was trusting Angie with her precious daughter the biggest mistake of Teresa’s life?
What do we really know about those who watch our children?
Gentle, retired Angie – she must be lonely, with only her memories to keep her company in that big, old house. And she’s always had a special connection with Jessica... was trusting Angie with her precious daughter the biggest mistake of Teresa’s life?
What do we really know about those who watch our children?
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2018
1828 people are currently reading
984 people want to read
About the author
Jill Childs
17 books185 followersJill has always loved stories - real and imaginary. She's spent 30 years travelling the world as a journalist, living overseas and reporting wherever the news took her. She's now made her home in London with her husband and twin girls who love stories as much as she does.
Although she's covered everything from earthquakes and floods, riots and wars, she's found some of the most extraordinary stories right here at home - in the secrets and lies she imagines behind closed doors on ordinary streets, just like yours.
Although she's covered everything from earthquakes and floods, riots and wars, she's found some of the most extraordinary stories right here at home - in the secrets and lies she imagines behind closed doors on ordinary streets, just like yours.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 136 reviews
July 28, 2019
"It never ceases to amaze me that people will spend weeks researching a new car or a new oven but hand over their child to a minder on nothing more than a few endorsements that I've written myself."
"Jessica's Promise" is a gripping thriller that sees harried mum Teresa hand over her 3yo daughter Jessica into her neighbour Angie's care when Teresa starts her new job as a salon manager. She wonders if she's done the right thing as she barely knows Angie, but Jessica and her 11yo stepdaughter Fran both seem to like Angie, and she's so busy that she never gives it another thought. We soon learn that Angie has something dark in her past, but what is it?
It's a troubling time at the new salon though, not everyone sees eye to eye, and one employees absenteeism and rudeness seem to be escalating. Then some of the days takings go missing...
Life on the home front is no better. Teresa and Jessica often have screaming matches and Teresa struggles to control her young daughter. She wonders how on earth Angie seems to have no problems with Jessica's behaviour. Fran just seems to lock herself in her room with her earphones on all the time. In the meantime Teresa's partner Craig is coming home later and later at night, smelling of alcohol, even though her says he's been working. Then she finds incriminating messages on his phone. Just when Teresa thinks that life can't get any worse Jessica goes missing...
I really enjoyed this book, staying up late into the night to finish it in one sitting. All the characters are clearly hiding something, and the suspense builds slowly through the first part of the book, then catches you like a tidal wave in the latter parts. I truly couldn't work out where Jessica was. There were clear suspects and you could make a case for any of them, but nothing was straightforward. This is how I like psychological thrillers to be, gripping and twisty and with an ending you don't see coming. This is the first of Jill Childs books I have read, but it definitely wont be the last. I recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense thrillers.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"Jessica's Promise" is a gripping thriller that sees harried mum Teresa hand over her 3yo daughter Jessica into her neighbour Angie's care when Teresa starts her new job as a salon manager. She wonders if she's done the right thing as she barely knows Angie, but Jessica and her 11yo stepdaughter Fran both seem to like Angie, and she's so busy that she never gives it another thought. We soon learn that Angie has something dark in her past, but what is it?
It's a troubling time at the new salon though, not everyone sees eye to eye, and one employees absenteeism and rudeness seem to be escalating. Then some of the days takings go missing...
Life on the home front is no better. Teresa and Jessica often have screaming matches and Teresa struggles to control her young daughter. She wonders how on earth Angie seems to have no problems with Jessica's behaviour. Fran just seems to lock herself in her room with her earphones on all the time. In the meantime Teresa's partner Craig is coming home later and later at night, smelling of alcohol, even though her says he's been working. Then she finds incriminating messages on his phone. Just when Teresa thinks that life can't get any worse Jessica goes missing...
I really enjoyed this book, staying up late into the night to finish it in one sitting. All the characters are clearly hiding something, and the suspense builds slowly through the first part of the book, then catches you like a tidal wave in the latter parts. I truly couldn't work out where Jessica was. There were clear suspects and you could make a case for any of them, but nothing was straightforward. This is how I like psychological thrillers to be, gripping and twisty and with an ending you don't see coming. This is the first of Jill Childs books I have read, but it definitely wont be the last. I recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense thrillers.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2018
Riveting! Troubling! Emotional!
This was a brilliant fast-paced domestic drama! I love these emotional domestic thrillers full of twists and turns and secrets.... the kind of book that keeps you turning those pages and leaves you in tears in the middle of the night... this book did all these things and so much more! This is a book that will make you check on your kids a few times while reading, so make sure they are home... A book that also will make you question, who is watching my kids? Thankfully my kids are of an age where they are no longer being babysat, but I think I’d have a hard time dropping my kids off at the babysitter after reading this one!
Theresa along with her three-year-old daughter Jessica, 11-year-old stepdaughter Fran and her husband Craig move to a new house... there new next-door neighbor Angie seems a bit eccentric, but the girls take to her right away, especially Jessica... when Theresa goes back to work as a salon manager she chooses to have Angie watch the kids.... but how well does she know Angie? Soon enough we find out Angie has a dark secret, but what is it? And why is it that Theresa struggles with her daughter Jessica‘s behavior and Angie handles it like a champ? And what is Craig up to after work? Theresa’s life seems to be spiraling out of control and then Jessica goes missing! Who took Jessica? And why?
With a neighborhood of suspects, this book made me suspicious of everybody... you knew the culprit was someone close, but why did they take Jessica and where was she? The chapters from the point of view of the culprit were downright chilling! Both Theresa and Angie were well developed characters and I had sympathy for both of them... although I do have to admit I was suspicious of both of them at some point during the book...
A compelling story full of all the twists and turns you love in a thriller... with an ending that I never thought of, but it made complete sense.... The short chapters in this book made it a quick satisfying read... strongly encourage you to pick this one up if you are a fan of emotional domestic thrillers with a plethora of suspects...
*** many thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
This was a brilliant fast-paced domestic drama! I love these emotional domestic thrillers full of twists and turns and secrets.... the kind of book that keeps you turning those pages and leaves you in tears in the middle of the night... this book did all these things and so much more! This is a book that will make you check on your kids a few times while reading, so make sure they are home... A book that also will make you question, who is watching my kids? Thankfully my kids are of an age where they are no longer being babysat, but I think I’d have a hard time dropping my kids off at the babysitter after reading this one!
Theresa along with her three-year-old daughter Jessica, 11-year-old stepdaughter Fran and her husband Craig move to a new house... there new next-door neighbor Angie seems a bit eccentric, but the girls take to her right away, especially Jessica... when Theresa goes back to work as a salon manager she chooses to have Angie watch the kids.... but how well does she know Angie? Soon enough we find out Angie has a dark secret, but what is it? And why is it that Theresa struggles with her daughter Jessica‘s behavior and Angie handles it like a champ? And what is Craig up to after work? Theresa’s life seems to be spiraling out of control and then Jessica goes missing! Who took Jessica? And why?
With a neighborhood of suspects, this book made me suspicious of everybody... you knew the culprit was someone close, but why did they take Jessica and where was she? The chapters from the point of view of the culprit were downright chilling! Both Theresa and Angie were well developed characters and I had sympathy for both of them... although I do have to admit I was suspicious of both of them at some point during the book...
A compelling story full of all the twists and turns you love in a thriller... with an ending that I never thought of, but it made complete sense.... The short chapters in this book made it a quick satisfying read... strongly encourage you to pick this one up if you are a fan of emotional domestic thrillers with a plethora of suspects...
*** many thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
October 26, 2018
EXCERPT: I sink into a chair and burst into tears and start to sob. I don't know any more if that's suspicious or hysterical or even normal and I don't care, I can't take any more, it's gone on and on and on and a new day is beginning and still my baby's gone and what chance is there now after all this time, hour after hour passing, of seeing her again, of taking her in my arms and holding her, of knowing she's alive.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Teresa’s heart stops when she enters her daughter’s bedroom to find that her sweet, trusting little girl is gone.
Teresa can’t bear to think who would snatch a terrified three-year-old from her mother in the middle of the night, but all the signs point to someone close to home. Hasn’t Jessica’s stepfather been acting a little oddly? Or is it, as Teresa is beginning to fear, something to do with Angie, her daughter’s babysitter who lives next door...?
Gentle, retired Angie – she must be lonely, with only her memories to keep her company in that big, old house. And she’s always had a special connection with Jessica... was trusting Angie with her precious daughter the biggest mistake of Teresa’s life?
MY THOUGHTS: I loved this book. Childs has done a magnificent job in creating her diverse cast of characters. She has written about ordinary people, which I love. Teresa is a hairdresser, Craig sells funeral plans, and Angie a child minder. They are not rich, or famous, they don’t holiday on the French Riviera. They struggle with all the normal things, juggling child care with jobs, trying to climb the employment ladder to bring in just a little more money to make life a little easier, clutching at straws when things start to fall apart. Afraid to fail. . .
Second relationships are fraught with peril, even more so when there are children involved, and Childs has depicted this situation brilliantly. Add into this situation a rivalry at work, a husband who suddenly starts staying out late into the night, a mischievous imp of a child, and a sullen almost teenager and you have the recipe for a cracker of a read. And that's without factoring in the slightly odd and reclusive child minder next door whom, strangely, both children adore.
I loved every word of this book. Childs had me suspecting everyone in turn and I really did not know who had taken Jessica until all was revealed at the end. I have just been and bought her first book, Gracie's Secret, to read. I have found a new author to follow.
😍😍😍😍😍
THE AUTHOR: Jill has always loved stories - real and imaginary. She's spent 30 years travelling the world as a journalist, living overseas and reporting wherever the news took her. She's now made her home in London with her husband and twin girls who love stories as much as she does.
Although she's covered everything from earthquakes and floods, riots and wars, she's found some of the most extraordinary stories right here at home - in the secrets and lies she imagines behind closed doors on ordinary streets, just like yours.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Jessica’sPromise by Jill Childs for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Teresa’s heart stops when she enters her daughter’s bedroom to find that her sweet, trusting little girl is gone.
Teresa can’t bear to think who would snatch a terrified three-year-old from her mother in the middle of the night, but all the signs point to someone close to home. Hasn’t Jessica’s stepfather been acting a little oddly? Or is it, as Teresa is beginning to fear, something to do with Angie, her daughter’s babysitter who lives next door...?
Gentle, retired Angie – she must be lonely, with only her memories to keep her company in that big, old house. And she’s always had a special connection with Jessica... was trusting Angie with her precious daughter the biggest mistake of Teresa’s life?
MY THOUGHTS: I loved this book. Childs has done a magnificent job in creating her diverse cast of characters. She has written about ordinary people, which I love. Teresa is a hairdresser, Craig sells funeral plans, and Angie a child minder. They are not rich, or famous, they don’t holiday on the French Riviera. They struggle with all the normal things, juggling child care with jobs, trying to climb the employment ladder to bring in just a little more money to make life a little easier, clutching at straws when things start to fall apart. Afraid to fail. . .
Second relationships are fraught with peril, even more so when there are children involved, and Childs has depicted this situation brilliantly. Add into this situation a rivalry at work, a husband who suddenly starts staying out late into the night, a mischievous imp of a child, and a sullen almost teenager and you have the recipe for a cracker of a read. And that's without factoring in the slightly odd and reclusive child minder next door whom, strangely, both children adore.
I loved every word of this book. Childs had me suspecting everyone in turn and I really did not know who had taken Jessica until all was revealed at the end. I have just been and bought her first book, Gracie's Secret, to read. I have found a new author to follow.
😍😍😍😍😍
THE AUTHOR: Jill has always loved stories - real and imaginary. She's spent 30 years travelling the world as a journalist, living overseas and reporting wherever the news took her. She's now made her home in London with her husband and twin girls who love stories as much as she does.
Although she's covered everything from earthquakes and floods, riots and wars, she's found some of the most extraordinary stories right here at home - in the secrets and lies she imagines behind closed doors on ordinary streets, just like yours.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Jessica’sPromise by Jill Childs for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
September 11, 2018
Depending one where you look this one up Jessica’s Promise by Jill Childs is being listed as a psychological thriller or a domestic drama, I would lean more towards the drama or perhaps a bit of contemporary suspense. No matter how you want to classify it though the missing child element is definitely one that easily compels a reader.
Angie is retired and has had plenty of time to watch the work going on in the house next to her over the months and now it seems she will be getting new neighbors. As Angie introduces herself to her new neighbors she is blown away by how much little three year old Jessica reminds her of her own daughter at that age.
Teresa and her new husband have moved their blended family into the house next to Angie. When things get hectic with her new job Teresa turns to Angie for help watching the children while she’s at work. Both girls seem to enjoy spending time at Angie’s and things seem to be going well when Jessica turns up missing one morning.
Jessica’s Promise being a story of a missing child was sure to grab my attention but I also enjoyed the way the author took time to build the characters and all of their flaws before the investigation began. The story is one that will keep a reader guessing as all the layers of secrets are exposed and surprise surprise, I did not guess the end. With an ease to the flow of the story and plenty of twists I do believe this one will be one most readers enjoy.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Angie is retired and has had plenty of time to watch the work going on in the house next to her over the months and now it seems she will be getting new neighbors. As Angie introduces herself to her new neighbors she is blown away by how much little three year old Jessica reminds her of her own daughter at that age.
Teresa and her new husband have moved their blended family into the house next to Angie. When things get hectic with her new job Teresa turns to Angie for help watching the children while she’s at work. Both girls seem to enjoy spending time at Angie’s and things seem to be going well when Jessica turns up missing one morning.
Jessica’s Promise being a story of a missing child was sure to grab my attention but I also enjoyed the way the author took time to build the characters and all of their flaws before the investigation began. The story is one that will keep a reader guessing as all the layers of secrets are exposed and surprise surprise, I did not guess the end. With an ease to the flow of the story and plenty of twists I do believe this one will be one most readers enjoy.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
September 8, 2018
When Angie Dodd hears voices in the back garden next door, she knows there is the possibility of a new chapter for her. Teresa and Craig have just moved in with their daughters, Fran, aged 11 and Jessica, aged 3. Quite quickly the neighbour's come to an arrangement were Angie will look the children whilst their parents go out to work.
Angie and Jessica form a loving bond whilst Teresa and Craig's relationship takes a nose dive. Then tradegy strikes and Jessica goes missing, bringing to the forefront the hidden secrets of the group of neighbour's. Who has Jessica?
I found this book riveting. It keeps you guessing from the start.
Angie and Jessica form a loving bond whilst Teresa and Craig's relationship takes a nose dive. Then tradegy strikes and Jessica goes missing, bringing to the forefront the hidden secrets of the group of neighbour's. Who has Jessica?
I found this book riveting. It keeps you guessing from the start.
September 12, 2018
Absolutely brilliant! A poignant, touching and thrilling take from an amazing writer. Tense and pacy, and yet written with heart. A truly stunning tale.
September 4, 2018
4 main characters all disjointed, all broken, some getting broken everyday, some breaking others.
2 adults: mother Teresa, neighbor/childminder Angie
2 children: Teresa’s daughter Jessica, her step-daughter Fran.
They are bound in secrets, they are cloaked in secrets. They want secrets hidden, they want secrets deleted. But life shows them a drastic truth, when 3 year old Jessica disappears suddenly one night from her bed..
Can open, worms everywhere. Cops are called investigation starts and the story rolls.
My second book by Jill Childs, and I enjoyed it just the same. The missing child arc never failed to capture my interest. In every book, I kept hope that the treatment of the story was different. This book appeared as a thriller with the writing and hints of truth. But it was actually a domestic story where each character was either frustrated or scared and took it out on the other.
In this story, I liked, hated, pitied Teresa. She had everything and yet had nothing. She stole something, yet had nothing. Her husband (I forgot that spineless fellow’s name) provided the hint of suspense and suspicion. Angie a 60-year old woman, had her own tragic past and her interest in Jessica raised my doubts.
These made the book an exciting read, yet something just niggled me, I kept thinking as I kept reading. Till I reached the end, I got it – I didn’t like any if those characters, they felt too disconnected to each other, didn’t like any of their reasonings. But since I realized this at the end, it was a time well spent. Enjoyable!!
2 adults: mother Teresa, neighbor/childminder Angie
2 children: Teresa’s daughter Jessica, her step-daughter Fran.
They are bound in secrets, they are cloaked in secrets. They want secrets hidden, they want secrets deleted. But life shows them a drastic truth, when 3 year old Jessica disappears suddenly one night from her bed..
Can open, worms everywhere. Cops are called investigation starts and the story rolls.
My second book by Jill Childs, and I enjoyed it just the same. The missing child arc never failed to capture my interest. In every book, I kept hope that the treatment of the story was different. This book appeared as a thriller with the writing and hints of truth. But it was actually a domestic story where each character was either frustrated or scared and took it out on the other.
In this story, I liked, hated, pitied Teresa. She had everything and yet had nothing. She stole something, yet had nothing. Her husband (I forgot that spineless fellow’s name) provided the hint of suspense and suspicion. Angie a 60-year old woman, had her own tragic past and her interest in Jessica raised my doubts.
These made the book an exciting read, yet something just niggled me, I kept thinking as I kept reading. Till I reached the end, I got it – I didn’t like any if those characters, they felt too disconnected to each other, didn’t like any of their reasonings. But since I realized this at the end, it was a time well spent. Enjoyable!!
July 26, 2022
finished it almost in one day it was very easy to read and enjoyable. i figured the main plot pretty easily but still got surprised with some parts but the plot was really well written and all
September 1, 2018
Children should always come first ...
I don't how to start. There were so many thoughts fighting for a space in my mind while reading this book.
The author wrote the story in a way you did not know who to trust and who kept which secret. Everybody seemed suspicious.
The main part of the story is told by 2 narrators, but 2 chapters give the reader an insight in the perpetrator's mind, but who is it?
One aspect of Angie's life I guessed pretty early on, but that did not reduce the reading pleasure at all. The author kept me more than enough in the dark about all the rest. When the culprit was finally revealed and all secrets were in the open, I could not believe my eyes. Not even in my wildest dream I could have guessed that!
The book is fluently written and fast paced, partly due to the short chapters, but mostly due to the fabulous and emotional content.
Thank you, Jill Childs, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
I don't how to start. There were so many thoughts fighting for a space in my mind while reading this book.
The author wrote the story in a way you did not know who to trust and who kept which secret. Everybody seemed suspicious.
The main part of the story is told by 2 narrators, but 2 chapters give the reader an insight in the perpetrator's mind, but who is it?
One aspect of Angie's life I guessed pretty early on, but that did not reduce the reading pleasure at all. The author kept me more than enough in the dark about all the rest. When the culprit was finally revealed and all secrets were in the open, I could not believe my eyes. Not even in my wildest dream I could have guessed that!
The book is fluently written and fast paced, partly due to the short chapters, but mostly due to the fabulous and emotional content.
Thank you, Jill Childs, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
January 20, 2025
Good book. A bit of a twist towards the end
November 26, 2018
Even though this was a self published book it was a pretty good one. The story was good it felt a little bit rushed at the end. There was a hand full of editing issues. But I enjoyed the story.
October 8, 2018
Jessica’s Promise by Jill Child’s is narrated through Angie and Teresa’s POVs. Angie is retired and she loves looking after kids. She was delighted when her new neighbor, Teresa, asked her to look after her two girls, Fran and Jessica. Angie’s babysitting seems a little unorthodox though. Her make believe room and rules that include secrecy all had me a little concerned. On the other hand, Teresa is a working mom who is trying to excel at her new job at the salon. She doesn’t seem to have a great connection with the two girls.
The story moves at a slow, steady pace as readers are introduced to the characters. There were hints about Angie having secrets and this made me curious to find out what these secrets were. There were also secrets in Teresa’s life and especially her marriage. At the same time, there was drama at her workplace that made me eager to know how everything would work out. The pace started moving faster when Jessica went missing. The secrets started coming out fast. There was a mysterious narrator who I just couldn’t figure out until the end. This helped in upping the suspense in the story.
I do like missing persons’ mysteries and that is what I was expecting when I picked up this book. I guess the pace felt a little slower for me because it took quite a while, almost half the book, before anyone went missing. In addition, I didn’t like any of the adults in this story. Fran and Jessica were adorable but I couldn’t relate much with Teresa or Angie thought I felt sorry for them at some point. Fans of character-driven domestic noirs are likely to enjoy this one more.
The story moves at a slow, steady pace as readers are introduced to the characters. There were hints about Angie having secrets and this made me curious to find out what these secrets were. There were also secrets in Teresa’s life and especially her marriage. At the same time, there was drama at her workplace that made me eager to know how everything would work out. The pace started moving faster when Jessica went missing. The secrets started coming out fast. There was a mysterious narrator who I just couldn’t figure out until the end. This helped in upping the suspense in the story.
I do like missing persons’ mysteries and that is what I was expecting when I picked up this book. I guess the pace felt a little slower for me because it took quite a while, almost half the book, before anyone went missing. In addition, I didn’t like any of the adults in this story. Fran and Jessica were adorable but I couldn’t relate much with Teresa or Angie thought I felt sorry for them at some point. Fans of character-driven domestic noirs are likely to enjoy this one more.
June 19, 2022
really slow, the kid doesn't even go missing until half way through. Pretty much figured everything out. Still finished since it was only 270 pages and I was on a trip so didn't have a lot of other options
January 3, 2019
Started out slow but then could not put down. Keeps you going right to the end.
January 23, 2019
This is a must read, couldn't put it down. The author has you hooked right from the start, she has your emotions on high alert from beginning to the end.
October 5, 2018
This tense story is a pacy domestic drama with a psychological thriller twist.
When new neighbours move into the recently renovated house next to Angie she becomes excited that there are two children, 3year old Jessica and her step sister 11 year old Fran. The woman of the house is Teresa who is desperate to be the perfect Mum whilst juggling a full time job as a manageress at a local hair salon. With child care an issue Teresa quickly enlists the help of Angie, a stranger whom she doesn’t know anything about or indeed her dark secret. This arrangement soon adds to her stress as it appears the girls adore Angie and are complete angels when in her care. Also Teresa’s husband Craig starts staying out late and acting oddly, is he having an affair?
I loved both characters of Angie and Teresa and empathised with them both even though I must admit I did suspect them amongst others when little Jessica disappears from her bed in the middle of the night. The investigation into tracing Jessica’s whereabouts uncovers more secrets and no one escapes suspicion.
The short chapter’s kept me wanting more in this tense emotional read. Many thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for the digital copy, these are my own opinions of Jessica’s Promise.
When new neighbours move into the recently renovated house next to Angie she becomes excited that there are two children, 3year old Jessica and her step sister 11 year old Fran. The woman of the house is Teresa who is desperate to be the perfect Mum whilst juggling a full time job as a manageress at a local hair salon. With child care an issue Teresa quickly enlists the help of Angie, a stranger whom she doesn’t know anything about or indeed her dark secret. This arrangement soon adds to her stress as it appears the girls adore Angie and are complete angels when in her care. Also Teresa’s husband Craig starts staying out late and acting oddly, is he having an affair?
I loved both characters of Angie and Teresa and empathised with them both even though I must admit I did suspect them amongst others when little Jessica disappears from her bed in the middle of the night. The investigation into tracing Jessica’s whereabouts uncovers more secrets and no one escapes suspicion.
The short chapter’s kept me wanting more in this tense emotional read. Many thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for the digital copy, these are my own opinions of Jessica’s Promise.
July 27, 2022
Great book .the storyline was sad for mothers but has lessons to learn. The writer is good cause it keeps your interst with some twists
May 31, 2023
This sounded promising but I found it boring and it took too long to really get started. By the time Jessica went missing I didn’t care anymore.
September 20, 2018
Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.blogspot.com.
When Teresa and Craig move into a new house, they get a new sitter, someone to care for their daughters. Teresa is the mother of three-year-old Jessica, and Craig is the father of eleven-year-old Fran. This blended family started off rocky and things just never quite balanced. When Teresa finds a new job managing a salon, she is blessed to find this sitter, Angie. Or is she? Right away there is cause for concern. Angie is a lonely woman who has spent years caring for other people's children. Teresa takes this at face value and blindly hands the children over to Angie.
I am struggling to determine how I feel about this book. Let's start off by saying that it is indeed a much like a terrific psychological thriller. The emotions and suspense are there, on the line, throughout every page. So, I was definitely caught up in the story. Why am I uncertain then? It is about the characters. Let's start with Angie. It is revealed from the very beginning that she has a past, which makes her unreliable to me. She also says and does things very early in the story that caused me to raise my eyebrows. Then there is Theresa, a bad mother, simply said. Craig was almost a nonentity, but had his own secrets.
Were there characters that I could connect with? Of course, Jessica and Fran. Who couldn't love a delicate young child? Fran was more of a challenge, but her motivations are explored rather well. So there is a balance here.
I needed things to work out between Jessica, her parents, and even Angie. But, and this is without adding spoilers of any sort, I was very interested in the goings on in this story and was really hopeful for a good ending. The conclusion left me a bit dry, a bit concerned even for some of the characters, but we see a resolution of sort for at least one character.
When I think of Jill Childs' previous book, Gracie's Secret, I can clearly remember how I felt. I did wonder if, due to her excellent writing skills, if similar feelings would have been rekindled. I would say, yes, Jill Childs is a very effective writer. Perhaps she wanted us readers to develop certain feelings as we read the story. If so, then she has done a fine job. She indeed snatched me up, front and center, and made me pay attention. Even so, I never would have guessed who the responsible party was in this story regarding the twist that occurred. Well done. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
When Teresa and Craig move into a new house, they get a new sitter, someone to care for their daughters. Teresa is the mother of three-year-old Jessica, and Craig is the father of eleven-year-old Fran. This blended family started off rocky and things just never quite balanced. When Teresa finds a new job managing a salon, she is blessed to find this sitter, Angie. Or is she? Right away there is cause for concern. Angie is a lonely woman who has spent years caring for other people's children. Teresa takes this at face value and blindly hands the children over to Angie.
I am struggling to determine how I feel about this book. Let's start off by saying that it is indeed a much like a terrific psychological thriller. The emotions and suspense are there, on the line, throughout every page. So, I was definitely caught up in the story. Why am I uncertain then? It is about the characters. Let's start with Angie. It is revealed from the very beginning that she has a past, which makes her unreliable to me. She also says and does things very early in the story that caused me to raise my eyebrows. Then there is Theresa, a bad mother, simply said. Craig was almost a nonentity, but had his own secrets.
Were there characters that I could connect with? Of course, Jessica and Fran. Who couldn't love a delicate young child? Fran was more of a challenge, but her motivations are explored rather well. So there is a balance here.
I needed things to work out between Jessica, her parents, and even Angie. But, and this is without adding spoilers of any sort, I was very interested in the goings on in this story and was really hopeful for a good ending. The conclusion left me a bit dry, a bit concerned even for some of the characters, but we see a resolution of sort for at least one character.
When I think of Jill Childs' previous book, Gracie's Secret, I can clearly remember how I felt. I did wonder if, due to her excellent writing skills, if similar feelings would have been rekindled. I would say, yes, Jill Childs is a very effective writer. Perhaps she wanted us readers to develop certain feelings as we read the story. If so, then she has done a fine job. She indeed snatched me up, front and center, and made me pay attention. Even so, I never would have guessed who the responsible party was in this story regarding the twist that occurred. Well done. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 27, 2019
My 5* review for Jessica's Promise by Jill Childs.
"Teresa’s heart stops when she enters her daughter’s bedroom to find that her sweet, trusting little girl is gone. She can’t bear to think who would take a terrified three-year-old from her mother in the middle of the night, but all the signs point to someone close to home. Hasn’t Jessica’s stepfather been acting a little oddly? Or is it, as Teresa is beginning to fear, something to do with Angie, her daughter’s babysitter who lives next door...? Gentle, retired Angie – she must be lonely, with only her memories to keep her company in that big, old house. And she’s always had a special connection with Jessica... was trusting Angie with her precious daughter the biggest mistake of Teresa’s life?
What do we really know about those who watch our children? "
A brilliant psychological thriller that gets you thinking, keeps you guessing then hits you at the end with a final couple of twists and turns. I really enjoyed the way the book was told from the points of view of both Teresa, who is doing her best as a stressed out mum/step mum with a new relationship, new job and new house to contend with all at once, and Angie, the frumpy middle aged lovely kind lady who lives next door and offers to help with childminding to ease Teresa's load but also ease her own loneliness.
But of course things are not all they seem behind closed doors and we are drip fed hints of what could have happened to Jessica that night, by the events leading up to her going missing. I guessed the ending eventually but it was well disguised and the gentle unravelling of relationships was really well done and I did feel sorry the main characters by the end, after all they were just doing what they thought was the best for Jessica and the family.
Maybe left open for a sequel?
"Teresa’s heart stops when she enters her daughter’s bedroom to find that her sweet, trusting little girl is gone. She can’t bear to think who would take a terrified three-year-old from her mother in the middle of the night, but all the signs point to someone close to home. Hasn’t Jessica’s stepfather been acting a little oddly? Or is it, as Teresa is beginning to fear, something to do with Angie, her daughter’s babysitter who lives next door...? Gentle, retired Angie – she must be lonely, with only her memories to keep her company in that big, old house. And she’s always had a special connection with Jessica... was trusting Angie with her precious daughter the biggest mistake of Teresa’s life?
What do we really know about those who watch our children? "
A brilliant psychological thriller that gets you thinking, keeps you guessing then hits you at the end with a final couple of twists and turns. I really enjoyed the way the book was told from the points of view of both Teresa, who is doing her best as a stressed out mum/step mum with a new relationship, new job and new house to contend with all at once, and Angie, the frumpy middle aged lovely kind lady who lives next door and offers to help with childminding to ease Teresa's load but also ease her own loneliness.
But of course things are not all they seem behind closed doors and we are drip fed hints of what could have happened to Jessica that night, by the events leading up to her going missing. I guessed the ending eventually but it was well disguised and the gentle unravelling of relationships was really well done and I did feel sorry the main characters by the end, after all they were just doing what they thought was the best for Jessica and the family.
Maybe left open for a sequel?
October 9, 2021
Kniha sa mi od začiatku až do konca čítala naozaj veľmi dobre. Písaná bola ľahko, rýchlo a dobre. Je pravda, že som od knihy veľké očakávania nemala, a aj keď to nebola úplne kniha, ktorú by som priradila medzi top knihy, tak nebola až tak zlá. Napätia tam bolo veľmi málo, ale bez ohľadu na to, kniha bola písaná naozaj pútavo, že budete hltať stránku za stránkou, pokiaľ nebudete vedieť rozuzlenie celej knihy. Čo ma zamrzelo najviac z celej knihy, že určite nečakajte veľmi dlhú dobu pointu tej knihy. Od začiatku až do skoro polky knihy sa rieši vlastne to isté, aj keď to nie je to isté. Ja sama som sa cítila akoby som bola v jednom a tom istom kruhu. Keď som sa dostala nakoniec, tak som zostala úprimné sklamaná. Nič pod týmto thrillerom veľkého nečakajte.
Čo sa týka postáv, tak tam sa mi páčilo to, ako to autorka dokázala tak dobre napísať, že vám je podozrivá aj okoloidúca mačka. Nemala som vôbec potuchy, kto to môže byť. Hlavná hrdinka Teresa pracujúca vo svojom vlastnom salóne kaderníctva, tak tá bola veľmi divná.. Zahľadená do svojej práce, skoro nič a nikto ju nezaujíma a až chorobné divná, paranoidná a hlúpa. Takto by som ju opísala ja, mojimi očami. Craig aj keď sa tam objavoval veľmi zriedkavo, bol veľmi ale veľmi záhadný. Fran a Jessica boli úžasné ️ Fran už bola začínajúca pubertiačka, ktorá má svoj svet, a Jessica mi prišla na to, že mala len 3 roky, veľmi zlatá a inteligentná.. No a naša opatrovateľka Angie, tak tá bola povahou síce veľké zlatíčko, ale mala svoje muchy, nad ktorými som aj ja sama musela pretáčať očami, či má aj ona všetkých pohromade a taktiež bola neskutočne záhadná s veľa veľa tajomstvami.
Ak máte chuť na taký priemerný thriller, pod ktorým naozaj nič wow neočakávajte, tak si ju prečítajte. Ja som rada, že som ju mala možnosť prečítať, ale len raz a stačilo mi.
Čo sa týka postáv, tak tam sa mi páčilo to, ako to autorka dokázala tak dobre napísať, že vám je podozrivá aj okoloidúca mačka. Nemala som vôbec potuchy, kto to môže byť. Hlavná hrdinka Teresa pracujúca vo svojom vlastnom salóne kaderníctva, tak tá bola veľmi divná.. Zahľadená do svojej práce, skoro nič a nikto ju nezaujíma a až chorobné divná, paranoidná a hlúpa. Takto by som ju opísala ja, mojimi očami. Craig aj keď sa tam objavoval veľmi zriedkavo, bol veľmi ale veľmi záhadný. Fran a Jessica boli úžasné ️ Fran už bola začínajúca pubertiačka, ktorá má svoj svet, a Jessica mi prišla na to, že mala len 3 roky, veľmi zlatá a inteligentná.. No a naša opatrovateľka Angie, tak tá bola povahou síce veľké zlatíčko, ale mala svoje muchy, nad ktorými som aj ja sama musela pretáčať očami, či má aj ona všetkých pohromade a taktiež bola neskutočne záhadná s veľa veľa tajomstvami.
Ak máte chuť na taký priemerný thriller, pod ktorým naozaj nič wow neočakávajte, tak si ju prečítajte. Ja som rada, že som ju mala možnosť prečítať, ale len raz a stačilo mi.
September 12, 2018
I came across this author by accident. I just loved the cover of her previous book "Gracie's Secret". I know you Shouldn't judge a book by its cover But this one I did and I am so glad I did, as it's not something I read.
So when Jill Childs latest book "Jessica's Promise" became available I had to request it to read.
WoW, what another beautiful cover and tells so many stories. But this book was just beautifully written throughout and had you gripped from the first few pages.
Teresa and Craig move into a newly refurbished house with their 2 daughters; Fran who is 11 years old from Craigs previous marriage and Jessica who is 3 years old who is Teresa's daughter. This house belonged to a old lady called Mrs. Matthews. Angie their new neighbour introduces herself to them over the garden fence and tells them she is a childminder and is here to help if they need help with the childcare. Theresa and Craig is in Full time jobs and are juggling childcare. Angie becomes Fra's and Jessica's childminder.
I loved all the Characters within this book especially Angie, who has the kindest heart ever and wants to help out her new neighbours but is hiding a tragic secret.
This book is a easy read and will keep you guessing right till the end. I just loved this book and the last few chapters will keep on your toes.
However, I didn't get the title of this book. or how it related to the story?.........."Jessica's Promise?" I think the title this book could of been called something else.
Big Thank you to Jill Childs the Author, Bookouture and Netgalley for a ARC for a honest review.
Another 5 Star read from me.........
So when Jill Childs latest book "Jessica's Promise" became available I had to request it to read.
WoW, what another beautiful cover and tells so many stories. But this book was just beautifully written throughout and had you gripped from the first few pages.
Teresa and Craig move into a newly refurbished house with their 2 daughters; Fran who is 11 years old from Craigs previous marriage and Jessica who is 3 years old who is Teresa's daughter. This house belonged to a old lady called Mrs. Matthews. Angie their new neighbour introduces herself to them over the garden fence and tells them she is a childminder and is here to help if they need help with the childcare. Theresa and Craig is in Full time jobs and are juggling childcare. Angie becomes Fra's and Jessica's childminder.
I loved all the Characters within this book especially Angie, who has the kindest heart ever and wants to help out her new neighbours but is hiding a tragic secret.
This book is a easy read and will keep you guessing right till the end. I just loved this book and the last few chapters will keep on your toes.
However, I didn't get the title of this book. or how it related to the story?.........."Jessica's Promise?" I think the title this book could of been called something else.
Big Thank you to Jill Childs the Author, Bookouture and Netgalley for a ARC for a honest review.
Another 5 Star read from me.........
September 16, 2018
Jessica’s Promise is by Jill Childs. This is a heartbreaking, gripping, and emotional book. The suspense starts at the first page and continues through the book. You know from the beginning that Angie has a secret; but you never know for sure if you have found it.
Angie lives alone in the house she, her Mother, and daughter lived in. Everyone has gone but Angie stays. She is a little weird; but children love her. She also has a secret which she doesn’t want to be uncovered. She minds children occasionally, though she is not certified, at a price low income parents can afford. When Craig and Teresa move in next door with their daughters, Fran (11) and Jessica (4), Angie is elated. She had watched the renovation of the house and loved the idea of children in the house. Eventually, when she was in a bind, Teresa asked her to watch Jessica. Though Jessica didn’t say much, she loved being with Angie. Angie believed in magic and had few rules to follow. Eventually, Fran started staying after school as well.
Craig was working very long hours and Teresa started managing a hair salon and started working longer hours. Teresa was having problems with a hair stylist and she began suspecting Craig was having an affair. She and Jessica seemed to always be at odds and Fran, who was Craig’s daughter, was sullen and stayed in her room. Then the unthinkable happened, Jessica disappeared from her bedroom! Who took Jessica? Where did they have her hidden? Was she already dead? Everyone she possibly had contact with was under suspicion. Can they find her before anything bad happens to her?
Angie lives alone in the house she, her Mother, and daughter lived in. Everyone has gone but Angie stays. She is a little weird; but children love her. She also has a secret which she doesn’t want to be uncovered. She minds children occasionally, though she is not certified, at a price low income parents can afford. When Craig and Teresa move in next door with their daughters, Fran (11) and Jessica (4), Angie is elated. She had watched the renovation of the house and loved the idea of children in the house. Eventually, when she was in a bind, Teresa asked her to watch Jessica. Though Jessica didn’t say much, she loved being with Angie. Angie believed in magic and had few rules to follow. Eventually, Fran started staying after school as well.
Craig was working very long hours and Teresa started managing a hair salon and started working longer hours. Teresa was having problems with a hair stylist and she began suspecting Craig was having an affair. She and Jessica seemed to always be at odds and Fran, who was Craig’s daughter, was sullen and stayed in her room. Then the unthinkable happened, Jessica disappeared from her bedroom! Who took Jessica? Where did they have her hidden? Was she already dead? Everyone she possibly had contact with was under suspicion. Can they find her before anything bad happens to her?
September 19, 2018
Retired Angie is very lonely in her house following her mother’s death. She discovers one day that she has new neighbours and introduces herself to them. Teresa and Craig have moved in with Teresa’s young daughter, Jessica and Craig’s teenage daughter, Fran. Teresa, a salon manager, finds herself relying on Angie to look after the children, particularly Jessica, when she finds herself busier at work. This becomes more of a regular occurrence, and Angie seems to develop a special connection with Jessica. Was letting Angie into their lives the biggest mistake that Teresa could have made?
This was my second book by this author. The story began well with the introduction to Angie. Angie is retired and comes across as a gentle and kind woman. She is obviously very lonely and lives in the house that she used to share with her mother. As the story moves on you get the impression that all is not what it seems with Angie and as little bits and pieces are revealed about her, I began to (wrong or rightly) dislike her! Teresa and Craig have their own separate story with a lot of history as to how their relationship began. Craig is a busy salesman but appears to be living a double life, coming home late and getting mysterious phone calls. Teresa is the new manager of a local salon, and straight away finds there are problems with the staff at the salon. Just when you think that nothing else can happen, Jessica goes missing and this brings the slowing simmering story to boiling point.
To be perfectly honest I didn’t like any of the characters. It seemed that everyone had something to hide in one way or another and I really didn’t feel I could trust any of them. The story is told mainly from either Angie’s or Teresa’s perspective, and initially I did feel for Angie who was obviously a very lonely woman. As the story moves on, the whole scenario shifts and I began to dislike Angie, and then it all moves again and I felt sorry for her again…..by this point I honestly didn’t know what to think about any of the characters!
I know this sounds like I didn’t like the book, but in fact it was the complete opposite. I disliked the characters in a good way, if you see what I mean! This book is written to make you not like or trust them. By having so many secrets, mistrust and a general feeling of ‘what is going on’ gives this book such a dark and chilling feel. I won’t go any further in to the later part of the story as I wouldn’t want to give anything away, but it’s safe to say this is a book filled with suspense and tension. The biggest question of this book is would you trust someone you hardly know to look after your children? If you do, then you suffer the consequences!
A really enjoyable read which I would definitely recommend.
This was my second book by this author. The story began well with the introduction to Angie. Angie is retired and comes across as a gentle and kind woman. She is obviously very lonely and lives in the house that she used to share with her mother. As the story moves on you get the impression that all is not what it seems with Angie and as little bits and pieces are revealed about her, I began to (wrong or rightly) dislike her! Teresa and Craig have their own separate story with a lot of history as to how their relationship began. Craig is a busy salesman but appears to be living a double life, coming home late and getting mysterious phone calls. Teresa is the new manager of a local salon, and straight away finds there are problems with the staff at the salon. Just when you think that nothing else can happen, Jessica goes missing and this brings the slowing simmering story to boiling point.
To be perfectly honest I didn’t like any of the characters. It seemed that everyone had something to hide in one way or another and I really didn’t feel I could trust any of them. The story is told mainly from either Angie’s or Teresa’s perspective, and initially I did feel for Angie who was obviously a very lonely woman. As the story moves on, the whole scenario shifts and I began to dislike Angie, and then it all moves again and I felt sorry for her again…..by this point I honestly didn’t know what to think about any of the characters!
I know this sounds like I didn’t like the book, but in fact it was the complete opposite. I disliked the characters in a good way, if you see what I mean! This book is written to make you not like or trust them. By having so many secrets, mistrust and a general feeling of ‘what is going on’ gives this book such a dark and chilling feel. I won’t go any further in to the later part of the story as I wouldn’t want to give anything away, but it’s safe to say this is a book filled with suspense and tension. The biggest question of this book is would you trust someone you hardly know to look after your children? If you do, then you suffer the consequences!
A really enjoyable read which I would definitely recommend.
September 14, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Imagine looking into your child’s room to find them gone…
You can’t really, can you? Well, not that you ‘can’t’, you ‘won’t’. It’s not something I would like to think about either, so I can’t even begin to imagine what went through Teresa’s mind when she was faced with the situation no other parent would want to face. Her daughter was gone.
Where? Why? Who?
Teresa is at her wit’s end trying to work out who would want to take her daughter, trying to tick off names in her head who she might consider to be the ‘suspect’. I tried not to be judgemental of a decision which Teresa made as it cost her dearly as I know that everyone makes mistakes. Personally though, I can’t quite understand why she didn’t give the decision more thought but, like I say, who am I to judge, especially as that soon became irrelevant.
Jill Childs never fails to play bat and ball with my emotions and my nerves, telling a story which kept my on the edge of my seat and gripped from the very beginning. I loved how multi-layered all of the characters in this book were – it was very clear that this author had taken great care with the theme of the book, creating characters that were able to showcase the domestic, highly suspenseful parts of the book in all their glory.
‘Jessica’s Promise’ is an extremely intense read which is guaranteed to grip your emotions tightly until the very last page.
Imagine looking into your child’s room to find them gone…
You can’t really, can you? Well, not that you ‘can’t’, you ‘won’t’. It’s not something I would like to think about either, so I can’t even begin to imagine what went through Teresa’s mind when she was faced with the situation no other parent would want to face. Her daughter was gone.
Where? Why? Who?
Teresa is at her wit’s end trying to work out who would want to take her daughter, trying to tick off names in her head who she might consider to be the ‘suspect’. I tried not to be judgemental of a decision which Teresa made as it cost her dearly as I know that everyone makes mistakes. Personally though, I can’t quite understand why she didn’t give the decision more thought but, like I say, who am I to judge, especially as that soon became irrelevant.
Jill Childs never fails to play bat and ball with my emotions and my nerves, telling a story which kept my on the edge of my seat and gripped from the very beginning. I loved how multi-layered all of the characters in this book were – it was very clear that this author had taken great care with the theme of the book, creating characters that were able to showcase the domestic, highly suspenseful parts of the book in all their glory.
‘Jessica’s Promise’ is an extremely intense read which is guaranteed to grip your emotions tightly until the very last page.
July 7, 2025
⚡️
I read this book in only two days. There were three surprises, two of those I did predict quite spot on. I did wonder, when it came to the “child minder” (the babysitter) if the character of Angie was created by the author as satire, or perhaps a memorable way for people to be careful who they leave their children with. When I say “satire” - I mean I’m not sure I’ve ever read the internal dialogue of a character so endlessly critical as Angie, while outwardly appearing to be almost sappy with her mask of acceptance. Reading Angie’s thoughts was an annoying process for me, mainly because I see so many people acting just like her, particularly on social media. Satirical, in the sense that I suspect mental illness in people who behave as she did, alongside a deep underlying current of guilt and insecurity regarding their own past inadequacies. Never measuring up, they make sure they won’t approve of a thing another mother does for her child, and make sure that mother doesn’t get to measure up either. It’s really a sad phenomenon, and I appreciate the author for bringing it to light through this character. I like how the author addressed some other common social and relational problems as well, and that the story flowed quickly. It was interesting and I enjoyed reading it. This is my third Jill Child’s book in only two weeks or so and I’ve loved them all! Perhaps I’ve found a new favorite author.
I read this book in only two days. There were three surprises, two of those I did predict quite spot on. I did wonder, when it came to the “child minder” (the babysitter) if the character of Angie was created by the author as satire, or perhaps a memorable way for people to be careful who they leave their children with. When I say “satire” - I mean I’m not sure I’ve ever read the internal dialogue of a character so endlessly critical as Angie, while outwardly appearing to be almost sappy with her mask of acceptance. Reading Angie’s thoughts was an annoying process for me, mainly because I see so many people acting just like her, particularly on social media. Satirical, in the sense that I suspect mental illness in people who behave as she did, alongside a deep underlying current of guilt and insecurity regarding their own past inadequacies. Never measuring up, they make sure they won’t approve of a thing another mother does for her child, and make sure that mother doesn’t get to measure up either. It’s really a sad phenomenon, and I appreciate the author for bringing it to light through this character. I like how the author addressed some other common social and relational problems as well, and that the story flowed quickly. It was interesting and I enjoyed reading it. This is my third Jill Child’s book in only two weeks or so and I’ve loved them all! Perhaps I’ve found a new favorite author.
September 2, 2018
Angie senses there is something not right about the family next door. She is the baby-minder of three-year-old Jessica and the other daughter Fran who joins her after school while their mother, Theresa works at a salon. There is something odd about Angie too and as you speculate you know something bad happened in her past - that she is hiding something, but you are kept hanging. Given the circumstances, I would have expected Angie to keep a lower profile than she did. Rightly or wrongly I formed the impression that Theresa was all about Theresa. A false, superficial creature. She spends so little time with the girls or thinking about them. This supposition was because of Jessica's behaviour. Jessica is difficult and behaves badly in her mother's presence as if trying to achieve quality attention. Fran is surly and insecure. The bond between them all is blurred, and Theresa is so exhausted and stressed by her responsibilities and a partner she doesn't trust that her patience is thin on the ground. I thought that Craig was a weak-kneed creep. I'm not sure a man who was unfaithful to his first wife can be trusted. An incident changes the dynamics. This story kept me guessing. It is well written with a finely sculptured plot that it involves you immediately. I had reservations about the ending and the decision Theresa made over Craig. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
January 23, 2020
Who do you trust with your precious children? That's the central premise of this well-written domestic drama. This story alternates points of view between Jessica's mother Teresa and the childminder, Angie. Teresa hires Angie to watch Jessica with scarcely a thought, not even checking references. Angie is depicted as secretive or slightly off almost from the moment she appears, making her an unreliable narrator. Teresa has her own challenges - struggling to parent her young child, a new home, a new job with back-stabbing coworkers - but she's cold and it's hard to feel sympathy for her even when Jessica goes missing.
Jill Childs does an excellent job of weaving the various storylines together and keeping the reader guessing as to who could have taken Jessica and why. There are obviously some suspense elements to this story, but it's really more of a domestic drama, exploring the two women's stories and motivations.
Childs still struggles to accurately voice a small child - Jessica reads several years older than your average three year old - but it wasn't nearly as glaring or distracting as it was in Gracie's Secret. I almost didn't read this book because I so intensely disliked Gracie's Secret (I was nearly alone in this opinion), but I'm glad I gave Childs another chance, because this novel is very well done and well worth reading.
Jill Childs does an excellent job of weaving the various storylines together and keeping the reader guessing as to who could have taken Jessica and why. There are obviously some suspense elements to this story, but it's really more of a domestic drama, exploring the two women's stories and motivations.
Childs still struggles to accurately voice a small child - Jessica reads several years older than your average three year old - but it wasn't nearly as glaring or distracting as it was in Gracie's Secret. I almost didn't read this book because I so intensely disliked Gracie's Secret (I was nearly alone in this opinion), but I'm glad I gave Childs another chance, because this novel is very well done and well worth reading.
September 22, 2018
This book was really good. Its all about our main character Theresa and her
three year old daughter Jessica. Theresa and her family move into a new home only to find
that their neighbour is a little weird thankfully though she takes to the girls instantly.
When Theresa goes back to work who better to watch her daughter and step daughter Fran, then
the kind neighbour Angie. The girls love her, but why does this stranger have it so easy
looking after then when their own mother is having so many problems? Theresa is stressed about
work, the new baby sitter, then fact that her husband is having an affair, and spiralling when
all of a sudden Jessica goes missing. I really liked the characters in this story while they
were all very different you could really see what they were dealing with and I found them all
easy to relate to. I also really enjoyed the mystery behind this book every page
had me guessing what happened and every chapter had me changing my mind on what I thought I
knew. Great mystery. This book is on that shouldn't be missed if you like thrillers with lots
of drama in them.
three year old daughter Jessica. Theresa and her family move into a new home only to find
that their neighbour is a little weird thankfully though she takes to the girls instantly.
When Theresa goes back to work who better to watch her daughter and step daughter Fran, then
the kind neighbour Angie. The girls love her, but why does this stranger have it so easy
looking after then when their own mother is having so many problems? Theresa is stressed about
work, the new baby sitter, then fact that her husband is having an affair, and spiralling when
all of a sudden Jessica goes missing. I really liked the characters in this story while they
were all very different you could really see what they were dealing with and I found them all
easy to relate to. I also really enjoyed the mystery behind this book every page
had me guessing what happened and every chapter had me changing my mind on what I thought I
knew. Great mystery. This book is on that shouldn't be missed if you like thrillers with lots
of drama in them.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 136 reviews