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Invisible Girl
A heartbreaking story of family secrets from the USA Today bestselling author of Gracie’s Secret. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain.
I know you. I know you in a way you can’t even imagine. I have been searching for you in the years since you wrote that letter – the letter that told me you were looking for me too. But now that I’ve found you, I don’t know if I can say the terrible truth of what I am. It would ruin your perfect life. It would hurt your beautiful daughter.
So, I hesitate – bide my time, for now. This morning, you’re running late and your little girl, tugged by the hand, scurries to keep up with you. She’s clean but a little scrawny. Maybe that’s because you struggle with the bills; maybe she’s just made that way.
I know what it is to have lost a child. I pray you never learn how that feels. But I can’t wait forever… and when I finally tell you my secret, will it break you like it did me all those years ago?
I know you. I know you in a way you can’t even imagine. I have been searching for you in the years since you wrote that letter – the letter that told me you were looking for me too. But now that I’ve found you, I don’t know if I can say the terrible truth of what I am. It would ruin your perfect life. It would hurt your beautiful daughter.
So, I hesitate – bide my time, for now. This morning, you’re running late and your little girl, tugged by the hand, scurries to keep up with you. She’s clean but a little scrawny. Maybe that’s because you struggle with the bills; maybe she’s just made that way.
I know what it is to have lost a child. I pray you never learn how that feels. But I can’t wait forever… and when I finally tell you my secret, will it break you like it did me all those years ago?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2019
2262 people are currently reading
1242 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 139 reviews
August 23, 2019
EXCERPT: I misjudged her. She's not as stupid as she looks. I wonder how much she knows about me. They've got my name. There can't be many Madeleine Crosbys in England. Maybe just one. I close my eyes and my body starts to shake, not with DTs this time, but with fear. What if they've got records? what if they know what really drew me to London? What if they've found out what I did?
ABOUT THIS BOOK: I know you. I know you in a way you can’t even imagine. I have been searching for you in the years since you wrote that letter – the letter that told me you were looking for me too. But now that I’ve found you, I don’t know if I can say the terrible truth of what I am. It would ruin your perfect life. It would hurt your beautiful daughter.
So, I hesitate – bide my time, for now. This morning, you’re running late and your little girl, tugged by the hand, scurries to keep up with you. She’s clean but a little scrawny. Maybe that’s because you struggle with the bills; maybe she’s just made that way.
I know what it is to have lost a child. I pray you never learn how that feels. But I can’t wait forever… and when I finally tell you my secret, will it break you like it did me all those years ago?
MY THOUGHTS: It is impossible not to like Maddie....but this book challenges a lot of things. Homeless people are becoming more common. Even in our small town, we now have people sleeping in the doorways of shops and under bridges at night. They roam our small main street during the day looking for handouts, begging for money. Like most I have tended to avoid them. But now I will be looking at them in a different light. What brought them to this point? What is their story?
This is Maddie's story. It is not a pretty story. It is the story of a life that spirals out of control, a woman who loses sight of herself, but a woman with a mission.
Jill Childs is excellent at taking issues in our communities and weaving a story around them. Her writing is gentle, but thought provoking. She doesn't set out to shock, or provoke, but to make us think. And she succeeds.
💙💜❤.5
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 Invisible Girl by Jill Childs for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my profile page on Goodreads.com or the about page on my webpage sandysbookaday/wordpess.com This review and others also appear on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: I know you. I know you in a way you can’t even imagine. I have been searching for you in the years since you wrote that letter – the letter that told me you were looking for me too. But now that I’ve found you, I don’t know if I can say the terrible truth of what I am. It would ruin your perfect life. It would hurt your beautiful daughter.
So, I hesitate – bide my time, for now. This morning, you’re running late and your little girl, tugged by the hand, scurries to keep up with you. She’s clean but a little scrawny. Maybe that’s because you struggle with the bills; maybe she’s just made that way.
I know what it is to have lost a child. I pray you never learn how that feels. But I can’t wait forever… and when I finally tell you my secret, will it break you like it did me all those years ago?
MY THOUGHTS: It is impossible not to like Maddie....but this book challenges a lot of things. Homeless people are becoming more common. Even in our small town, we now have people sleeping in the doorways of shops and under bridges at night. They roam our small main street during the day looking for handouts, begging for money. Like most I have tended to avoid them. But now I will be looking at them in a different light. What brought them to this point? What is their story?
This is Maddie's story. It is not a pretty story. It is the story of a life that spirals out of control, a woman who loses sight of herself, but a woman with a mission.
Jill Childs is excellent at taking issues in our communities and weaving a story around them. Her writing is gentle, but thought provoking. She doesn't set out to shock, or provoke, but to make us think. And she succeeds.
💙💜❤.5
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 Invisible Girl by Jill Childs for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my profile page on Goodreads.com or the about page on my webpage sandysbookaday/wordpess.com This review and others also appear on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
December 21, 2021
Madeline Crosby, is a homeless woman and a little girl called Rosie notices her and can’t understand why no one will help her. People either give Maddy a look of pity, some might give her a small amount of money and others simply look away. It’s very hard to be clean living on the streets and sleeping rough and Maddy’s quite aware of the fact she smells.
Rosie doesn’t notice, she’s five and wants her mother Becca to help her new friend. Her teenage brother Alex finds the idea of helping a homeless person revolting, so does Becca’s neighbor and friend Sarah. How could Becca trust a woman who’s being living on the streets, she could be a drug addict or a serial killer?
Maddy's a person who’s made mistakes in her life, things happened that she had no control over and like everyone she has secrets. As the story unfolds, you discover that Becca chose to end her marriage, Sarah became pregnant as a teenager and theirs defiantly serious tension between Maddy and Sarah.
Invisible Girl is a story that slowly reveals information about Madeline’s past, and about not judging someone who’s homeless and everyone's invisible in different ways. When Madeline’s main secret is finally uncovered, it’s a big shock, and I certainly didn't see it coming.
I received a copy of Invisible Girl from NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review, Jill Childs books really makes you think, the stories plot was a pleasant surprise, not what I was expecting at all and five stars from me.
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Rosie doesn’t notice, she’s five and wants her mother Becca to help her new friend. Her teenage brother Alex finds the idea of helping a homeless person revolting, so does Becca’s neighbor and friend Sarah. How could Becca trust a woman who’s being living on the streets, she could be a drug addict or a serial killer?
Maddy's a person who’s made mistakes in her life, things happened that she had no control over and like everyone she has secrets. As the story unfolds, you discover that Becca chose to end her marriage, Sarah became pregnant as a teenager and theirs defiantly serious tension between Maddy and Sarah.
Invisible Girl is a story that slowly reveals information about Madeline’s past, and about not judging someone who’s homeless and everyone's invisible in different ways. When Madeline’s main secret is finally uncovered, it’s a big shock, and I certainly didn't see it coming.
I received a copy of Invisible Girl from NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review, Jill Childs books really makes you think, the stories plot was a pleasant surprise, not what I was expecting at all and five stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
June 5, 2019
Invisible Girl by Jill Childs is quite an emotional read. Although this is the first book I have read by Childs, it certainly will not be my last.
Maddy is a homeless alcoholic living in the streets of London. Maddy’s life has not been an easy one and she blames herself for things that have happened in the past, not sure if she can ever make things right again. Things slowly take a turn for Maddy when five year old Rosie takes a liking to her much to the dismay of her mother Becca. As their lives become entwined in ways Maddy could never have imagined, Maddy starts to become hopeful for a future, but will her secret, once it is revealed, have the power to destroy her?
Jill Childs takes every day issues, such as homelessness, and weaves such a powerful and heartbreaking story. I don’t think most people ever really stop to think or help someone who is homeless. There is such a huge stigma around the homeless where most people believe anyone homeless either has a mental illness or is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. While this may be true for some, it is not true for all. Jill Childs shows both the horror and compassionate side towards the homeless. Becca is at first repulsed by Maddy, not wanting her daughter anywhere near her. Did she feel sympathy? Sure, but she certainly did not go out of her way to help. It takes a five year old girl, Rosie, to open the eyes of those around her and embrace Maddy into her life treating her as a human being.
Becca is a down on her luck mother trying to do right by her daughter. Often times, barely making enough to put food on the table or presents under the Christmas tree. She has recently left her controlling husband and is basically just trying to survive day by day. To say she is one step up from being homeless is an understatement. Becca is friends with Sarah, her neighbor while sarah’s daughter, Ella is best friends with Rosie. Sarah too is keeping secrets. Secrets that could destroy her life if ever revealed. To be honest, Rosie was definitely the star of this story. Even at five years old she shows so much compassion and embraces Maddy with a childlike innocence. While I did like Becca, I think she should have been a bit more understanding towards Maddy because Becca knows what it is like to struggle financially.
Jill Childs writing flows so effortlessly and easily. Her poetic prose gripped me right from the start and I found myself having to stop as the story really impacted me in so many different ways. Childs shows the human side to homelessness. Really hitting home that these are people who have struggles in their life, but they are still people with the same feelings as anyone else. There are a few twists to this story as we try to figure out what is keeping Maddy in London and it is a real tearjerker. Near the end I was so emotional and teary eyed.
Invisible Girl is a riveting and thought provoking story that will stay with you even after the last page is read. A definite must read and one I wholeheartedly give five stars to. Outstanding!
Maddy is a homeless alcoholic living in the streets of London. Maddy’s life has not been an easy one and she blames herself for things that have happened in the past, not sure if she can ever make things right again. Things slowly take a turn for Maddy when five year old Rosie takes a liking to her much to the dismay of her mother Becca. As their lives become entwined in ways Maddy could never have imagined, Maddy starts to become hopeful for a future, but will her secret, once it is revealed, have the power to destroy her?
Jill Childs takes every day issues, such as homelessness, and weaves such a powerful and heartbreaking story. I don’t think most people ever really stop to think or help someone who is homeless. There is such a huge stigma around the homeless where most people believe anyone homeless either has a mental illness or is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. While this may be true for some, it is not true for all. Jill Childs shows both the horror and compassionate side towards the homeless. Becca is at first repulsed by Maddy, not wanting her daughter anywhere near her. Did she feel sympathy? Sure, but she certainly did not go out of her way to help. It takes a five year old girl, Rosie, to open the eyes of those around her and embrace Maddy into her life treating her as a human being.
Becca is a down on her luck mother trying to do right by her daughter. Often times, barely making enough to put food on the table or presents under the Christmas tree. She has recently left her controlling husband and is basically just trying to survive day by day. To say she is one step up from being homeless is an understatement. Becca is friends with Sarah, her neighbor while sarah’s daughter, Ella is best friends with Rosie. Sarah too is keeping secrets. Secrets that could destroy her life if ever revealed. To be honest, Rosie was definitely the star of this story. Even at five years old she shows so much compassion and embraces Maddy with a childlike innocence. While I did like Becca, I think she should have been a bit more understanding towards Maddy because Becca knows what it is like to struggle financially.
Jill Childs writing flows so effortlessly and easily. Her poetic prose gripped me right from the start and I found myself having to stop as the story really impacted me in so many different ways. Childs shows the human side to homelessness. Really hitting home that these are people who have struggles in their life, but they are still people with the same feelings as anyone else. There are a few twists to this story as we try to figure out what is keeping Maddy in London and it is a real tearjerker. Near the end I was so emotional and teary eyed.
Invisible Girl is a riveting and thought provoking story that will stay with you even after the last page is read. A definite must read and one I wholeheartedly give five stars to. Outstanding!
April 21, 2019
This was a tough read in certain parts. A homeless woman Maddy meets Becca and her daughter Rosie who takes a shine to her, soon invites her home for Christmas dinner. Soon Maddy becomes a part of their lives and their neighbors Sarah and daughter Ella's too. But both Maddy and Sarah seem to hiding their secrets.
My third book by Jill Childs, every book had its own charm. This dealt with family and losses in it. How one act can cause a ripple effect and destroy them all. The characters had their own problems, and they dealt with it differently, but they were not mean hearted. Maddy caught my eye, she was ever the English teacher but an alcoholic.
The author has shown the struggles of all the characters well. Their day to day life was well depicted. Then came my niggles, the writing could have been more emotive, and I could guess the secret easily.
Overall, the story told me one important thing - a mother's love for her child was eternal and she would protect her always at any age.
My third book by Jill Childs, every book had its own charm. This dealt with family and losses in it. How one act can cause a ripple effect and destroy them all. The characters had their own problems, and they dealt with it differently, but they were not mean hearted. Maddy caught my eye, she was ever the English teacher but an alcoholic.
The author has shown the struggles of all the characters well. Their day to day life was well depicted. Then came my niggles, the writing could have been more emotive, and I could guess the secret easily.
Overall, the story told me one important thing - a mother's love for her child was eternal and she would protect her always at any age.
July 30, 2019
This one kind of threw me for a loop!
Every family has secrets that they'd rather not see the light of day, tucked back into a closet to stay!
This is my first read by this new to me author.
This book takes you on a roller coaster of emotions with no way to jump off.
Fast paced and absolutely brilliant. I truly didn't see it coming. This book will keep you on your toes!
Pub Date 30 May 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Every family has secrets that they'd rather not see the light of day, tucked back into a closet to stay!
This is my first read by this new to me author.
This book takes you on a roller coaster of emotions with no way to jump off.
Fast paced and absolutely brilliant. I truly didn't see it coming. This book will keep you on your toes!
Pub Date 30 May 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
May 26, 2019
If I could give this book more then 5 stars then I would.
You can not help but fall in love with Maddy. She is such a lovable character who has fell on hard times alot during her life. Throughout the book you are hoping and praying for a happy ending but will she get one?
You can not help but fall in love with Maddy. She is such a lovable character who has fell on hard times alot during her life. Throughout the book you are hoping and praying for a happy ending but will she get one?
June 24, 2019
4.5 tragically beautiful stars! This is truly the story of Maddy - a middle-aged homeless woman. You might think it's about Becca and her children Rosie and Alex. Or even Becca's friend, Sarah, and her daughter Ella. However, the story centers around Maddy, who has been living rough on and off for years. Becca's daughter, Rosie, takes a shine to Maddy on the street one day. There is just some connection between the two, and that starts the journey all these characters take together. I have always been fascinated by stories of homeless people, how they ended up there and how they survive. It hurts my soul very deeply at how they are overlooked, ignored, rarely afforded even the comforts of human interaction - a touch, a hug, comforting words - let alone just the basic comforts we all deserve such as food, shelter, and simply being visible. Yes, I know all the arguments. They choose this life. Most of them aren't even homeless and are running a scam. They should just get a job. Don't give them money as they'll only buy booze or drugs. And it breaks my freaking heart. These are human beings. Not every one of them is scheming. It isn't my job to judge them or determine who or who isn't worthy of help. I just do what I can and let God sort out the rest. But, I digress. As I said, everyone has a story to tell, and the story of Maddy is truly tragic. She ended up where she is because of a mixture of alcoholism, a relationship with a man who had mental illness, and a whole series of events that led her to her current circumstances. And while there is sadness and tragedy and ugliness within these pages, there is also hope and healing and true shining beauty.
May 9, 2019
This book was so amazing. It was thought provoking and wonderfully well written. A little girl finds a homeless woman and strikes up conversation with her to the absolute horror of her mother. As time goes on this relationship builds and secrets are revealed. How far will you go for your children and your family? How do you start life again? How do you find forgiveness if you can’t forgive yourself? This book makes you think and gives you so many feelings. I will spend many days thinking about this book and what I can do! This book is so good!
May 10, 2019
Thank You Bookouture, Net Galley and Jill Childs for the chance to review this book.
Some books renders the heart to pieces. My first book by Jill Childs and she's thoroughly managed to leave me teary eyed with the wonderful tale that encompasses a mother's love, the pain of addiction and the struggle of the homeless.
A perfect book for Mother's Day, Invisible Girl is the story of Madeline or Maddy who is a bag lady living on the streets. We see homeless people all around us and sometimes we are at a loss to make our children understand the difficulties in bringing them home and caring for them. I dearly loved the story for the kindness that seeps through the children, the love that they give without any guile or prejudice. The story is conveyed thru the eyes of Becca, Maddy and Sarah each of them with their own struggles but with underlying strength to fight against all odds and to persevere for their children. Heart Breaking and Beautiful!
Some books renders the heart to pieces. My first book by Jill Childs and she's thoroughly managed to leave me teary eyed with the wonderful tale that encompasses a mother's love, the pain of addiction and the struggle of the homeless.
A perfect book for Mother's Day, Invisible Girl is the story of Madeline or Maddy who is a bag lady living on the streets. We see homeless people all around us and sometimes we are at a loss to make our children understand the difficulties in bringing them home and caring for them. I dearly loved the story for the kindness that seeps through the children, the love that they give without any guile or prejudice. The story is conveyed thru the eyes of Becca, Maddy and Sarah each of them with their own struggles but with underlying strength to fight against all odds and to persevere for their children. Heart Breaking and Beautiful!
May 30, 2019
How to deal with a tragedy? Sadly there is no manual for it to help you cope. Some people are strong enough to pick themselves up after a (short) period of grieve. Others however are completely lost and let themselves go. Nothing can bring them back from the deep tearfilled pit they have fallen in and in the end drastic actions have to be taken.
Suddenly you see a little pinprick of light at the end of the long and dark tunnel. Are you being given a second chance? Are you brave enough to take that step or are you too afraid of failure?
This is a beautiful and emotional story about family, grieve, love and new beginnings. It was a real pleasure seeing the past being unravelled and linked to the present. A very enjoyable read. 4 stars.
Thank you, Jill Childs, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
Suddenly you see a little pinprick of light at the end of the long and dark tunnel. Are you being given a second chance? Are you brave enough to take that step or are you too afraid of failure?
This is a beautiful and emotional story about family, grieve, love and new beginnings. It was a real pleasure seeing the past being unravelled and linked to the present. A very enjoyable read. 4 stars.
Thank you, Jill Childs, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
June 5, 2019
As it says in the blurb this is perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain. I went through a phase of devouring books by these authors and I totally agree.
This story is told through three female points of view...Maddy, Becca and Sarah. Each have their own issues to deal with.
This is a really well written story with relatable characters. I found this to be a story that makes you stop and think about what you’ve got yourself. An ideal book club read. I read this in a day as I didn’t want to put it down. I’m really looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
This story is told through three female points of view...Maddy, Becca and Sarah. Each have their own issues to deal with.
This is a really well written story with relatable characters. I found this to be a story that makes you stop and think about what you’ve got yourself. An ideal book club read. I read this in a day as I didn’t want to put it down. I’m really looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
May 14, 2019
Maddy is homeless and an alcoholic. One day a young girl stops to talk to her and then insists her mother bring her home for a meal. From there an improbable relationship begins between the young girl, her mother, and her mother's friend.
I nearly didn't read this book because the premise is just not believable. As a former teacher of young children, I know how much the smell emanating from a drunk homeless person would prevent any child from initiating such contact. If you've ever seen how children treat any other child with hygiene problems you'll know what I mean.
But I persisted out of curiosity to see where the story might go. Unfortunately it became even more improbable and saccharine sweet in its happy ending,
I nearly didn't read this book because the premise is just not believable. As a former teacher of young children, I know how much the smell emanating from a drunk homeless person would prevent any child from initiating such contact. If you've ever seen how children treat any other child with hygiene problems you'll know what I mean.
But I persisted out of curiosity to see where the story might go. Unfortunately it became even more improbable and saccharine sweet in its happy ending,
May 27, 2019
Invisible Girl tells its story from three different viewpoints, Maddy a homeless woman and friends Becca and Sarah, single parents who live in the same apartment block, whose daughters attend the same school and are best friends. What starts with a random act of kindness ends up bringing changes to all their lives, bringing up secrets from their past and exposing links between them.
How many times have you walked past someone living on the streets or turned the other way pretending you haven’t seen them… well that’s what Becca used to do until her daughter struck up an odd kind of friendship with Maddy. After Maddy does something unexpected Becca offers her a bed for the night much to the disgust of her son Alex. Maddy then kind of becomes an unofficial member of the family, helping out when needed in exchange for somewhere safe to sleep and a decent meal.
Maddy manages to have small periods in time when she is able to stay sober. She really tries hard for Becca and her family as she senses she is needed and also is a way of redeeming her past sins. For most of the book you get the sense there is a dark reason for her drinking but the full story is not revealed for quite some time. You see her struggles to stay away from her demons but those around Becca are not always helpful as they do not trust her or her motives for being around. One of my favourite things about her is the random quotes from books that she will often be heard saying.
I am not sure about Sarah. She is clearly trying her best for her daughter but her constant justification for her shoplifting did grate on me after a while. She knows that its wrong but she just wants to be able to provide for her family. When she starts to drag Becca’s son into the deception it’s the point where I felt enough was enough. She doesn’t trust Maddy but I think that’s more because she is jealous and afraid that Becca will no longer have time for her or need her as much.
Becca frustrated me at times, purely because she seemed to have very little confidence in herself or her abilities. She had a hard time standing up for herself and was easily led into situations and decisions. She seemed to be focused on her daughter and had lost all connections with her son who seemed to resent everything she did. Rather than tacking this and being the parent she seemed to just let him do what he wanted as it was the easy option. It is only when he gets into some trouble that she finally puts her foot down.
This is a story of second chances and trying to find redemption and forgiveness for things in the past. Overall an enjoyable read
How many times have you walked past someone living on the streets or turned the other way pretending you haven’t seen them… well that’s what Becca used to do until her daughter struck up an odd kind of friendship with Maddy. After Maddy does something unexpected Becca offers her a bed for the night much to the disgust of her son Alex. Maddy then kind of becomes an unofficial member of the family, helping out when needed in exchange for somewhere safe to sleep and a decent meal.
Maddy manages to have small periods in time when she is able to stay sober. She really tries hard for Becca and her family as she senses she is needed and also is a way of redeeming her past sins. For most of the book you get the sense there is a dark reason for her drinking but the full story is not revealed for quite some time. You see her struggles to stay away from her demons but those around Becca are not always helpful as they do not trust her or her motives for being around. One of my favourite things about her is the random quotes from books that she will often be heard saying.
I am not sure about Sarah. She is clearly trying her best for her daughter but her constant justification for her shoplifting did grate on me after a while. She knows that its wrong but she just wants to be able to provide for her family. When she starts to drag Becca’s son into the deception it’s the point where I felt enough was enough. She doesn’t trust Maddy but I think that’s more because she is jealous and afraid that Becca will no longer have time for her or need her as much.
Becca frustrated me at times, purely because she seemed to have very little confidence in herself or her abilities. She had a hard time standing up for herself and was easily led into situations and decisions. She seemed to be focused on her daughter and had lost all connections with her son who seemed to resent everything she did. Rather than tacking this and being the parent she seemed to just let him do what he wanted as it was the easy option. It is only when he gets into some trouble that she finally puts her foot down.
This is a story of second chances and trying to find redemption and forgiveness for things in the past. Overall an enjoyable read
May 31, 2019
I’m not going to lie, my initial interest in this book was completely down to the cover. How cute is that child? Seriously, I’m not that much of a kid person – I like my own (most of the time!) and that’s about it. But I’m going through a sort of pre – empty nest syndrome phase at the moment. My youngest is fifteen this year and I’m missing all those things we did together when she was small. So yeah, the cute child captured my heart.
But actually, inside, this book proved it wasn’t just a pretty cover. This is another new to me author (there’s been a few so far this year) and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. What I got was a surprising story of second chances and self forgiveness which I really enjoyed.
The book tells the story of three women, brought together in unusual circumstances. Becca is a newly single mother, carving a life for herself and rebuilding her shattered self esteem after a controlling marriage. Sarah, a single parent neighbour – bitter and mistrusting following a lifetime of feeling rejected. And then there’s Maddy – a middle aged, homeless woman battling alcoholism.
I’m not going to go any further into the details but this is an incredibly touching story that really captured my heart. The characters are written with depth and emotion, coming across as real people with real emotions, flaws and feelings. Maddy in particular is written very, very well – her story is fascinating and sad, as we discover what led her to become “the bag lady” and a reminder that we should never pre-judge people. I actually can’t stop thinking about her since I finished the book. Alcoholism and mental ill health are strong themes within the book and while at times graphically shocking and raw, it is written sensitively and with compassion.
I enjoyed this book, finding the writing easy to become immersed in and investing in the characters. It definitely gave me plenty to think about, reminding me that we can’t always predict how life will turn out and shouldn’t judge or make presumptions about people. If you like emotional human stories, then this is a great read which i’m happy to recommend.
But actually, inside, this book proved it wasn’t just a pretty cover. This is another new to me author (there’s been a few so far this year) and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. What I got was a surprising story of second chances and self forgiveness which I really enjoyed.
The book tells the story of three women, brought together in unusual circumstances. Becca is a newly single mother, carving a life for herself and rebuilding her shattered self esteem after a controlling marriage. Sarah, a single parent neighbour – bitter and mistrusting following a lifetime of feeling rejected. And then there’s Maddy – a middle aged, homeless woman battling alcoholism.
I’m not going to go any further into the details but this is an incredibly touching story that really captured my heart. The characters are written with depth and emotion, coming across as real people with real emotions, flaws and feelings. Maddy in particular is written very, very well – her story is fascinating and sad, as we discover what led her to become “the bag lady” and a reminder that we should never pre-judge people. I actually can’t stop thinking about her since I finished the book. Alcoholism and mental ill health are strong themes within the book and while at times graphically shocking and raw, it is written sensitively and with compassion.
I enjoyed this book, finding the writing easy to become immersed in and investing in the characters. It definitely gave me plenty to think about, reminding me that we can’t always predict how life will turn out and shouldn’t judge or make presumptions about people. If you like emotional human stories, then this is a great read which i’m happy to recommend.
June 6, 2019
Maddy is a bag lady - as she is oft-described in this affecting ready by Jill Childs. More than that, she is a watcher. Just who is she watching and why? She catches the eye of a five-year-old little girl, Rosie.
In the very first chapter, written in first-person, which is in Maddy's voice, it is stated: "I know you. I know you in a way you can't imagine." These two sentences set the tone for the entire book. Quite swiftly, however, we get Becca's and Sarah's chapters. Each chapter is named after one of the three women.
Why is this done? Who are they and how are their lives connected?
As mentioned, Maddy is often described as a bag lady, and this bothered me. But, the author no doubt had specific reason for doing this. In actuality, Maddy was a homeless woman, and one pivotal to this story. Because one of the primary characters was homeless, her story had to be told. It doesn't take long to see how Becca and Sarah are connected; they live in the same apartment building and their little girls are best friends.
If one were to dissect the lives of Maddy, Becci and Sarah, it would be a bit painful. After all, reading about a woman forced to live on the streets, in part due to alcoholism, is difficult, to say the least. Then there is Becca, a divorced woman with little Rosie and a teen son. She is striving to make a living, all while trying to avoid her ex. Lastly with have Sarah, another single mom, and Sarah is struggling too. However, she is struggling with more than making a living. Sarah has a dark secret.
Speaking of secrets, Maddy has one of her own, and boy is it a whopper. Without spoiling this book with this review, it only makes sense that the three women are connected. I struggled through the read while making said connections. Oh, not with the book itself. I struggled because I felt their pain, all three of them. Their lives certainly were not easy and I could only hope that by the end of the book that the secrets would be revealed and resolved.
Invisible Girl is the third book that I have read by Jill Childs and, as before, I was hit right between the eyes. They are all sensitive stories, each and every one of them. I would like to add that there was a specific reason the author wrote this book, and I think she did an excellent job getting the message across. I will forever keep a few dollars in my pocket or wallet to give to the homeless. No doubt many, many of them are in that predicament due to circumstances beyond their control.
I look forward to the next compelling book by this inspiring author.
Many thanks to Bookoture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
In the very first chapter, written in first-person, which is in Maddy's voice, it is stated: "I know you. I know you in a way you can't imagine." These two sentences set the tone for the entire book. Quite swiftly, however, we get Becca's and Sarah's chapters. Each chapter is named after one of the three women.
Why is this done? Who are they and how are their lives connected?
As mentioned, Maddy is often described as a bag lady, and this bothered me. But, the author no doubt had specific reason for doing this. In actuality, Maddy was a homeless woman, and one pivotal to this story. Because one of the primary characters was homeless, her story had to be told. It doesn't take long to see how Becca and Sarah are connected; they live in the same apartment building and their little girls are best friends.
If one were to dissect the lives of Maddy, Becci and Sarah, it would be a bit painful. After all, reading about a woman forced to live on the streets, in part due to alcoholism, is difficult, to say the least. Then there is Becca, a divorced woman with little Rosie and a teen son. She is striving to make a living, all while trying to avoid her ex. Lastly with have Sarah, another single mom, and Sarah is struggling too. However, she is struggling with more than making a living. Sarah has a dark secret.
Speaking of secrets, Maddy has one of her own, and boy is it a whopper. Without spoiling this book with this review, it only makes sense that the three women are connected. I struggled through the read while making said connections. Oh, not with the book itself. I struggled because I felt their pain, all three of them. Their lives certainly were not easy and I could only hope that by the end of the book that the secrets would be revealed and resolved.
Invisible Girl is the third book that I have read by Jill Childs and, as before, I was hit right between the eyes. They are all sensitive stories, each and every one of them. I would like to add that there was a specific reason the author wrote this book, and I think she did an excellent job getting the message across. I will forever keep a few dollars in my pocket or wallet to give to the homeless. No doubt many, many of them are in that predicament due to circumstances beyond their control.
I look forward to the next compelling book by this inspiring author.
Many thanks to Bookoture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 6, 2019
This is an emotional story of a homeless woman who is befriended by a single mother and her young daughter. Maddy is an educated woman who has, because of tragedies in her life, ended up an alcoholic on the streets. One day she meets Rosie, a young girl, who goes to talk to her, much to the horror of her mother, Becca. When Rosie invites Maddy home, Becca and her friend Sarah forge an unlikely friendship with Maddy. As Maddy develops a bond with Rosie and Sarah’s daughter, Ella, the story of Maddy’s background is slowly revealed, bit by bit. The three women realise that they are all hiding secrets of their own from each other.
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by this author, and I knew from the previous books that this was going to be a heart-breaking and emotional story which would tug at the heartstrings and make you thankful for the life that you have. Maddy was an unexpected character – she was an older woman, educated and a Shakespeare reader, but she was also homeless and someone who has experienced grief and loss that many of us couldn’t understand. I liked her character from the beginning, but as the book progresses you begin to feel much more of a connection with her, particularly when her story begins to unfold. Becca and Sarah initially had the opinions which you would expect people to have of homeless people, and didn’t really trust Maddy and certainly didn’t want to invite her into their homes. But thanks to the innocence and trust of their children, Maddy becomes part of their family.
As I expected, this book certainly did bring tears to my eyes. It was a story of family, loss, forgiveness, grieving and new starts. The secrets which the main characters were all keeping are all sensitively revealed as we move through the story and this gives a perfect ending for these three women. This was a really interesting story in the way of seeing how people’s opinions and first impressions can be so wrong, and that sometimes people just need to be given a chance at a new beginning. Would definitely recommend.
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by this author, and I knew from the previous books that this was going to be a heart-breaking and emotional story which would tug at the heartstrings and make you thankful for the life that you have. Maddy was an unexpected character – she was an older woman, educated and a Shakespeare reader, but she was also homeless and someone who has experienced grief and loss that many of us couldn’t understand. I liked her character from the beginning, but as the book progresses you begin to feel much more of a connection with her, particularly when her story begins to unfold. Becca and Sarah initially had the opinions which you would expect people to have of homeless people, and didn’t really trust Maddy and certainly didn’t want to invite her into their homes. But thanks to the innocence and trust of their children, Maddy becomes part of their family.
As I expected, this book certainly did bring tears to my eyes. It was a story of family, loss, forgiveness, grieving and new starts. The secrets which the main characters were all keeping are all sensitively revealed as we move through the story and this gives a perfect ending for these three women. This was a really interesting story in the way of seeing how people’s opinions and first impressions can be so wrong, and that sometimes people just need to be given a chance at a new beginning. Would definitely recommend.
March 16, 2021
I was surprised by the quality of the writing in this book. I wasn't overly flowery like many books of this type. The writing was natural and did a good job setting the scene and invoking feeling. While I can't say the "twist" was a surprise, it was a nice tie-in and fit the story well. I have never been a fan of epilogues or afterwards as I feel they are a cheap way of rushing into an ending. I feel it especially did this story a disservice as a large focus of the book was on homelessness and the transient nature of life, so tying up the story lines in such a tidy way goes against the book itself for the sake of a feel-good ending. Overall a nice story but watered down.
January 2, 2022
This is aboub a bag lady who really is a watcher! About a sweet little girl who befriends her and her mother who is swept up in the story of the bag ladies life and the gal who lives upstars! I like it and got caught up in the whole drama!
November 12, 2025
Definitely NOT a thriller
The ending is so disappointing and lazy. Also, why would she go to every shop and ask for forgiveness for stealing? Why even bother? And in what world would she be forgiven without any consequences?
Urgh
The ending is so disappointing and lazy. Also, why would she go to every shop and ask for forgiveness for stealing? Why even bother? And in what world would she be forgiven without any consequences?
Urgh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2024
An amazing story, I’m so happy I picked this one up🥹
May 15, 2021
3.75. Good quick read. Pretty good story.
August 5, 2019
Poor
I tried very hard but I was unable to connect with this book. I read 20% but couldn't get interested so I have up.
I tried very hard but I was unable to connect with this book. I read 20% but couldn't get interested so I have up.
May 5, 2019
I enjoyed being able to preview this book thanks to NetGalley. The three narrators of this story, while not always likable, are believable. I struggled just a little at first to keep the three characters straight, but it was soon very easy to tell them apart. Becca and Sarah are neighbors who are both single moms. Then there is Maddy, a homeless woman who quotes Shakespeare. It is interesting to see the dynamics develop between the three women as they learn more about each other. Some readers might say they figured things out quickly, but I don't think "figuring it out" takes anything away from the story. It's more about what happens after all is revealed. I hadn't read anything by this author before, but I will check out more of her titles after this one.
April 25, 2019
How much i wanted to enjoy this book....rather disappointed that i didn’t. Sigh. Thats on me though. The writing was good, in my opinion, good enough for me to finish in spite of not really liking the characters or the theme.
Why did i choose this one? Im a fan of several authors that Jill Childs was likened to. I also enjoy good dramatical fiction .... stories about real life. At the same time, i want to gain something from it.... learn about another perspective, a different lifestyle or way of life, appreciate another’s hardship and what they gained from it...or didnt. I didnt get that from this book. It left me feeling depleted, irritated, and frustrated mostly with the characters and their choices. And the ending...just didnt seem plausible in light of the rest of the story. Again, maybe that is my own shortcomings in not being able to understand or empathize enough.
Will i try another Jill Childs book? Yes. As i said it was written well enough that i didn’t abandon it. However, i wont invest as much time “trying” to like the story. If it doesnt resonate with me early on i will likely let it go unfinished.
I received a complimentary copy from netgalley and bookouture. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Why did i choose this one? Im a fan of several authors that Jill Childs was likened to. I also enjoy good dramatical fiction .... stories about real life. At the same time, i want to gain something from it.... learn about another perspective, a different lifestyle or way of life, appreciate another’s hardship and what they gained from it...or didnt. I didnt get that from this book. It left me feeling depleted, irritated, and frustrated mostly with the characters and their choices. And the ending...just didnt seem plausible in light of the rest of the story. Again, maybe that is my own shortcomings in not being able to understand or empathize enough.
Will i try another Jill Childs book? Yes. As i said it was written well enough that i didn’t abandon it. However, i wont invest as much time “trying” to like the story. If it doesnt resonate with me early on i will likely let it go unfinished.
I received a complimentary copy from netgalley and bookouture. All opinions expressed here are my own.
April 25, 2019
Sad story of homeless woman Maddie who has a clear interest in a woman and her daughter who walk and live near where she lives on the streets. The chapters alternate views between the women in the story and initially it is really hard to figure out how they are all connected. The woman, Becca, and her daughter Rosie eventually invite Maddie to their home for Christmas dinner and they become friends, including the neighbors, Sarah and here daughter Ella, as well. It really seems as thought Maddie and Becca are somehow related or something and keeping secrets but really hard to figure out. This is what drove me to keep reading and revealing more and more of the story and how all these women came to be in their current situations facing their daily struggles, sad as they seem. The secets all come out and the love each mother has for her daughter really shines in the end. Quick but emotional read. Thanks so much to NG for the ARC!!
April 19, 2019
Invisible Girl is a sad story of secrets , of lies, of heartbreak of kindness and of hope and renewal.
Jill Childs still draws you in and you want to know what happened to Maddy, what is her secret and then there is also Rosie and Becca and their neighbours Sarah and her daughter Ella.
Will the secret destroy lives? Will she even tell her secret and her story?
You want to find out so the pages turn quickly
Thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read Invisible Girl
Jill Childs still draws you in and you want to know what happened to Maddy, what is her secret and then there is also Rosie and Becca and their neighbours Sarah and her daughter Ella.
Will the secret destroy lives? Will she even tell her secret and her story?
You want to find out so the pages turn quickly
Thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read Invisible Girl
May 25, 2021
Do we judge the outcasts who live on the streets too harshly, believing that it somehow it is their own fault that they are unable to provide for themselves? I do often wonder how they came to find themselves where they are. This is a story of what can happen when one of them is given a chance to live in a home with a roof over her head.
Loved the story, but when I got near the end, which was by the way a perfect ending, I started asking myself, “which one of the females in this book does the title The Invisible Girl refer to?” Certainly not Rosie or Ella, indeed, both of them are girls, but those around them are always aware of their presence and are watchful of their well being. Becca and Sarah are not girls, they are grown women, and neither of them has any problem getting the attention of others when desired. Maddy? I can understand that she could be thought of as invisible, especially in the beginning of the novel when she is living on the street, being ignored by most bypassers. But she is the eldest of the female characters in this book, so it seems wrong to refer to her as a “girl”. Therefore my biggest critique would be the misleading title, particularly when coupled with the adorable photo of the very young child on the cover. In the author’s defense, the photo together with the title did grab my attention.
Becca has taken her two children, Rosie and adolescent-aged Alex and left her husband. She is struggling for her independence. Sarah is a resident in the building where Becca lives. Her daughter, Ella, is the same age as Becca’s Rosie. Sarah is a friend of Becca's and was very helpful in finding her a place to live. Sarah is looking in the wrong places for happiness. Maddy is a middle-aged woman who lost her husband to alcoholism. After he died she was overwrought with grief, lost control of her life and ended up homeless. Childs spins these lives together like magic and keeps the reader wondering if they will all be able to save each other.
Loved the story, but when I got near the end, which was by the way a perfect ending, I started asking myself, “which one of the females in this book does the title The Invisible Girl refer to?” Certainly not Rosie or Ella, indeed, both of them are girls, but those around them are always aware of their presence and are watchful of their well being. Becca and Sarah are not girls, they are grown women, and neither of them has any problem getting the attention of others when desired. Maddy? I can understand that she could be thought of as invisible, especially in the beginning of the novel when she is living on the street, being ignored by most bypassers. But she is the eldest of the female characters in this book, so it seems wrong to refer to her as a “girl”. Therefore my biggest critique would be the misleading title, particularly when coupled with the adorable photo of the very young child on the cover. In the author’s defense, the photo together with the title did grab my attention.
Becca has taken her two children, Rosie and adolescent-aged Alex and left her husband. She is struggling for her independence. Sarah is a resident in the building where Becca lives. Her daughter, Ella, is the same age as Becca’s Rosie. Sarah is a friend of Becca's and was very helpful in finding her a place to live. Sarah is looking in the wrong places for happiness. Maddy is a middle-aged woman who lost her husband to alcoholism. After he died she was overwrought with grief, lost control of her life and ended up homeless. Childs spins these lives together like magic and keeps the reader wondering if they will all be able to save each other.
May 30, 2019
Maddy, the main character in the book, appears to be an intelligent, well educated woman but she is homeless, living on the streets, drinking heavily and with little prospect of a better life. What happened in her past to lead her to this terrible existence is the basis of this engrossing novel about loss, guilt, recrimination and, ultimately, hope. Rosie is a little girl who, whilst out with her mother, spots Maddy on the streets and has an instant bond with this unfortunate soul and sets out to persuade her Mum, Becca, to take the older lady into their home for Christmas. This she does reluctantly but this is only the beginning of a fascinating, heart tugging, emotional roller coaster of a ride. Becca is a single mum struggling to make ends meet as she brings up her daughter and older son, Alex. Her friend and neighbour Sarah and her little girl, Ella, who is the same age as Rosie, are close friends and the two children play together every day. Maddy developes a special bond with Ella and as the story progresses, pieces of Maddy's past slide slowly into place revealing secrets and surprises as the story twists and turns culminating in a further clever twist at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I rarely read a book in the short space of time that I read this one as I galloped through the pages eager to see the outcome for Maddy and the two families with whom she becomes involved. Jill Childs is a magnificant story teller and her stories tend to revolve around children - a subject that she deals with exceedingly well. I loved this book and can't wait for my next book from this author who is right up there with my top five favourite writers. I highly recommend that you read this book and others by Jill. You won't be disappointed. My thanks to Netgalley and Bookoutre for allowing me the opportunity of reading this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
June 9, 2019
This book had me hooked, but in a completely different way to the usual!
We’re introduced to a homeless lady, Maddy, who sits in her sheltered doorway watching the world go by….learning about the people that she sees. But is she there for a reason? And what has she been through to end up where she is today?
We meet Becca, a single Mum who has recently split from her controlling Husband, getting used to a life of tight purse strings and Christmas approaching….
And we meet Sarah, another single Mum living in the same block of flats as Becca. Her and Becca are friends, and their little girls are best friends but is Sarah all she seems….?
We’re taken on a heartbreaking story where these three peoples lives entertwine and the story that unravels is thought provoking and heart wrenching. I guessed a big part of the story early on but I’m sure the book is written this way, so you’re giving little hints and suggestions throughout. However, this did not in anyway stop me from wanting to read the ending. I got to one point and honestly had no idea how it was going to turn out….!
The story of Maddy and Mick really made me think of all those people that are living on the streets….how many people really do pass them by and don’t give them a thought? Why have they ended up there? What’s their story? How do they survive? Although I do try and help when I can, I think this has given me even more reason to really consider each and every person that I pass on the streets, and help them a little bit if I’m able to.
I really like Becca and her daughter Rosie – she’s just trying to do the best for her kids and their new life. Sarah drove me nuts, and I wanted to kick her up the bum quite a lot!!
This really will have you thinking, and you won’t want to put it down….wanting to get to the end to see if it finishes in the way you hope! Another fab book recommended by me.
We’re introduced to a homeless lady, Maddy, who sits in her sheltered doorway watching the world go by….learning about the people that she sees. But is she there for a reason? And what has she been through to end up where she is today?
We meet Becca, a single Mum who has recently split from her controlling Husband, getting used to a life of tight purse strings and Christmas approaching….
And we meet Sarah, another single Mum living in the same block of flats as Becca. Her and Becca are friends, and their little girls are best friends but is Sarah all she seems….?
We’re taken on a heartbreaking story where these three peoples lives entertwine and the story that unravels is thought provoking and heart wrenching. I guessed a big part of the story early on but I’m sure the book is written this way, so you’re giving little hints and suggestions throughout. However, this did not in anyway stop me from wanting to read the ending. I got to one point and honestly had no idea how it was going to turn out….!
The story of Maddy and Mick really made me think of all those people that are living on the streets….how many people really do pass them by and don’t give them a thought? Why have they ended up there? What’s their story? How do they survive? Although I do try and help when I can, I think this has given me even more reason to really consider each and every person that I pass on the streets, and help them a little bit if I’m able to.
I really like Becca and her daughter Rosie – she’s just trying to do the best for her kids and their new life. Sarah drove me nuts, and I wanted to kick her up the bum quite a lot!!
This really will have you thinking, and you won’t want to put it down….wanting to get to the end to see if it finishes in the way you hope! Another fab book recommended by me.
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