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The Break
Can she trust the people she loves? Can she trust herself? A new mother is pushed to the edge in a provocative thriller by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Open House.
After the traumatic birth of her daughter at a New York City hospital, Rowan O’Sullivan returns home to her apartment with her perfect newborn, Lila. At her side are her husband, Gabe, and June, a part-time babysitter hired to help Rowan in any way she can.
But in this time of joy, Rowan can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right. She feels dread. She’s breaking.
Rowan’s growing instability leads her to accuse June of unspeakable things. And when June disappears just days later, Rowan becomes a suspect. The neighbors heard the screaming. But only Rowan knows what really happened. If her mind can be trusted. Since Lila’s birth, her memory has been both unreliable and frightening.
To uncover what happened to June and protect her new baby, Rowan must try to untangle the deep recesses of her mind and face the dark things she’s so desperate to keep buried. When she does, no one is prepared for where the truth leads.
After the traumatic birth of her daughter at a New York City hospital, Rowan O’Sullivan returns home to her apartment with her perfect newborn, Lila. At her side are her husband, Gabe, and June, a part-time babysitter hired to help Rowan in any way she can.
But in this time of joy, Rowan can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right. She feels dread. She’s breaking.
Rowan’s growing instability leads her to accuse June of unspeakable things. And when June disappears just days later, Rowan becomes a suspect. The neighbors heard the screaming. But only Rowan knows what really happened. If her mind can be trusted. Since Lila’s birth, her memory has been both unreliable and frightening.
To uncover what happened to June and protect her new baby, Rowan must try to untangle the deep recesses of her mind and face the dark things she’s so desperate to keep buried. When she does, no one is prepared for where the truth leads.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2022
3790 people are currently reading
7911 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 464 reviews
December 6, 2022
Looking for a multi-layered mystery thriller? This is it.
About the book: “Can she trust the people she loves? Can she trust herself? A new mother is pushed to the edge in a provocative thriller by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Open House.”
Rowan has just given birth to Lila. She and her husband have hired June to babysit part time. Rowan is having a difficult time since the birth. She feels unsettled, and it’s getting worse. She believes June has done some horrible things, and when June turns up missing, Rowan is now the key suspect. Only she knows what really happened, or does she?
The Break is a slow-building, layered mystery, and I immensely enjoyed it. There were twists I never expected, it’s full of emotion, and chilled me to the bone. Overall, I loved Katie Sise’s style, and I want to check out her backlist asap.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
About the book: “Can she trust the people she loves? Can she trust herself? A new mother is pushed to the edge in a provocative thriller by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Open House.”
Rowan has just given birth to Lila. She and her husband have hired June to babysit part time. Rowan is having a difficult time since the birth. She feels unsettled, and it’s getting worse. She believes June has done some horrible things, and when June turns up missing, Rowan is now the key suspect. Only she knows what really happened, or does she?
The Break is a slow-building, layered mystery, and I immensely enjoyed it. There were twists I never expected, it’s full of emotion, and chilled me to the bone. Overall, I loved Katie Sise’s style, and I want to check out her backlist asap.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
October 25, 2022
I am going to let you in on a little secret....
If you love thrillers as much as I do, you need to check out Katie Sise.
Now, we all know there are tons of talented authors out there and when you are an avid book reader, like myself, it is sometimes hard to get to all of them. However, when an author sparkles as much as Katie Sise, does, you make sure to get your hands on one (or all) of her books.
After reading Open House and We Were Mothers, I knew I would be a long time fan of Katie Sise. Both of these books were 5 star reads that kept me up late into the night. So when I saw The Break, pop up on netgalley, I knew I would not stop until I had an ARC (or E-ARC) in my hand.
Beg, borrow, and steal until you get what you want, right?
Well, luckily, I did not have to do any of the above.
The Break was a power house novel. I will say it does start out a bit slow but it only helped in the build up to what was going on. I don't mind the slow burn as it gives you time to absorb the characters and the plot. The twist was absolutely wild and had my jaw on the ground. As always, Katie Sise, spoke straight to my thriller loving heart and gave me exactly what I had wanted.... A Five Star read.
I am eager to see what Sise comes out with next!
It was an honor to read and review The Break in exchange for an honest review before the big publication day!
If you love thrillers as much as I do, you need to check out Katie Sise.
Now, we all know there are tons of talented authors out there and when you are an avid book reader, like myself, it is sometimes hard to get to all of them. However, when an author sparkles as much as Katie Sise, does, you make sure to get your hands on one (or all) of her books.
After reading Open House and We Were Mothers, I knew I would be a long time fan of Katie Sise. Both of these books were 5 star reads that kept me up late into the night. So when I saw The Break, pop up on netgalley, I knew I would not stop until I had an ARC (or E-ARC) in my hand.
Beg, borrow, and steal until you get what you want, right?
Well, luckily, I did not have to do any of the above.
The Break was a power house novel. I will say it does start out a bit slow but it only helped in the build up to what was going on. I don't mind the slow burn as it gives you time to absorb the characters and the plot. The twist was absolutely wild and had my jaw on the ground. As always, Katie Sise, spoke straight to my thriller loving heart and gave me exactly what I had wanted.... A Five Star read.
I am eager to see what Sise comes out with next!
It was an honor to read and review The Break in exchange for an honest review before the big publication day!
October 31, 2022
THE BREAK by Katie Sise is a slow-burning suspense mystery of intrigue for fans of The Push.
Rowan and Gabe celebrate their new baby girl, Lila, but Rowan remembers almost nothing about her hospital stay and birth. It was very traumatic.
Set in New York, their friend and talent agent Harrison Russell, and June has big ambitions. June begins working at Harrison’s agency, signs on to babysit for Rowan and Gabe, and the trio becomes a quartet.
Rowan nearly dies in childbirth and suffers serious complications. She becomes paranoid and suspicious.
A young mother pushed to the edge. Something is not right.
June, their babysitter, takes some time off after being frightened by something that happened, and Rowan is in therapy for PTSD.
How are all of these things connected? Can Rowan trust anyone or herself?
She thinks something is wrong and accuses June of things. Then June disappears, and she is a suspect. She must dive keep to discover the truth.
Alternating between narrators, the pieces of the puzzle finally come together. Emotional, chilling, dark, and immersive.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins |#JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Nov 1, 2022
Nov 2022 Must-Read Books
Rowan and Gabe celebrate their new baby girl, Lila, but Rowan remembers almost nothing about her hospital stay and birth. It was very traumatic.
Set in New York, their friend and talent agent Harrison Russell, and June has big ambitions. June begins working at Harrison’s agency, signs on to babysit for Rowan and Gabe, and the trio becomes a quartet.
Rowan nearly dies in childbirth and suffers serious complications. She becomes paranoid and suspicious.
A young mother pushed to the edge. Something is not right.
June, their babysitter, takes some time off after being frightened by something that happened, and Rowan is in therapy for PTSD.
How are all of these things connected? Can Rowan trust anyone or herself?
She thinks something is wrong and accuses June of things. Then June disappears, and she is a suspect. She must dive keep to discover the truth.
Alternating between narrators, the pieces of the puzzle finally come together. Emotional, chilling, dark, and immersive.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins |#JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Nov 1, 2022
Nov 2022 Must-Read Books
February 18, 2023
Audiobook rating: 4/5
I have been meaning to read a book by Katie Sise for quite some time now, so when I saw a bunch of rave reviews for The Break on #bookstagram, I knew it would be my first. This is a Kindle Unlimited title that comes with the audiobook via Audible, so I listened to the audio while following along in a physical copy from the library. I am definitely considering purchasing a copy for myself now just because I loved it so. It is a slower-burn domestic suspense novel that does have a mystery element, and I really had no idea what happened to June. Sise had some great red herrings that threw me off the trail even though I did ultimately wonder about some things. I never would have guessed what was going on with Rowan though, and the answer was absolutely heartbreaking.
The Break is told in alternating viewpoints from both Rowan's and June's perspectives, and there was a different narrator for each on the audio. Between Samara Naeymi and Sarah Naughton, I'm honestly not sure who narrated which character, but whoever narrated Rowan was a bit off at times. She had oddly long pauses, sometimes in the middle of a paragraph, and it would just completely throw me off. That being said, I still really enjoyed the narration of the book, and the rest of it was fantastic! I also thought both women were spot on as far as their voices went, and even with the unnaturally long pauses I would definitely listen to this again. The end was what really blew me away and I definitely shed some tears. If you are worried about triggers, I would check out the dedication at the front of the book, but the author is extremely sensitive to the topics she brings up. The Break made me an immediate fan of Sise, and I absolutely cannot WAIT to read more of her books.
I have been meaning to read a book by Katie Sise for quite some time now, so when I saw a bunch of rave reviews for The Break on #bookstagram, I knew it would be my first. This is a Kindle Unlimited title that comes with the audiobook via Audible, so I listened to the audio while following along in a physical copy from the library. I am definitely considering purchasing a copy for myself now just because I loved it so. It is a slower-burn domestic suspense novel that does have a mystery element, and I really had no idea what happened to June. Sise had some great red herrings that threw me off the trail even though I did ultimately wonder about some things. I never would have guessed what was going on with Rowan though, and the answer was absolutely heartbreaking.
The Break is told in alternating viewpoints from both Rowan's and June's perspectives, and there was a different narrator for each on the audio. Between Samara Naeymi and Sarah Naughton, I'm honestly not sure who narrated which character, but whoever narrated Rowan was a bit off at times. She had oddly long pauses, sometimes in the middle of a paragraph, and it would just completely throw me off. That being said, I still really enjoyed the narration of the book, and the rest of it was fantastic! I also thought both women were spot on as far as their voices went, and even with the unnaturally long pauses I would definitely listen to this again. The end was what really blew me away and I definitely shed some tears. If you are worried about triggers, I would check out the dedication at the front of the book, but the author is extremely sensitive to the topics she brings up. The Break made me an immediate fan of Sise, and I absolutely cannot WAIT to read more of her books.
October 10, 2022
I went back and forth on the rating for this one because the writing, dialogue, characters, and atmosphere were all really terrific. However, the plot really fell flat for me.
There wasn't much of a plot until about 1/2 way through. Lots of superfluous details and plot lines that didnt go anywhere/serve a purpose. Also a really oddly-timed jump forward. Lots of loose ends for me.
Honestly, it often felt like the author was winging the plot and seeing where it took her versus writing with real intention.
I did zoom through the book, so the pacing was good. Also the themes were really clear. I really want to rate this higher because I feel like the writing is 5-star, but the plot itself was just a miss for me.
There wasn't much of a plot until about 1/2 way through. Lots of superfluous details and plot lines that didnt go anywhere/serve a purpose. Also a really oddly-timed jump forward. Lots of loose ends for me.
Honestly, it often felt like the author was winging the plot and seeing where it took her versus writing with real intention.
I did zoom through the book, so the pacing was good. Also the themes were really clear. I really want to rate this higher because I feel like the writing is 5-star, but the plot itself was just a miss for me.
February 1, 2023
3.5 stars
For every woman who has experienced a traumatic birth.
For anyone whose path to creating a family has been marked with loss.
For every woman who has battled postpartum mental illness.
My goodness, this suspense novel broke me into little pieces. Not for the mystery part of the story, but the human side of the story. I cannot recall reading a book of this genre that decides to also delve into the topic of motherhood and post-partum trauma while also dealing with the case of a missing person. Author Katie Sise manages to write with such compassion and empathy that I felt my heart would never recover from the levels of emotion it provoked in me. I have no idea why since my miscarriage in the fall of 2022 I keep stumbling upon storylines in my reading and watching leisure time but it sure is helping me deal with the stages of grief.
The main protagonist, Rowan O'Sullivan is on the verge of a mental breakdown, receiving therapy sessions to help her work through what she is having difficulty remembering- the details of her labor with her daughter. As the story opens, the reader learns that Rowan attacked her daughter's babysitter, June. June shortly afterward is listed as missing and the police begin their investigation. Who would want to hurt this vibrant and goal-driven young woman? Was it June's creepy roommate? Her boyfriend? Or is it the very person that Rowan trusts the most- her husband? Rowan is driven to find out what happens even if the truth hurts.
I enjoyed the story. Yes, I admit that there were places where I had to suspend belief BUT this is fiction and overall I was invested.
This was one of my Amazon pics in November and I would highly recommend it to my reading buddies.
Goodreads review published 01/02/23
For every woman who has experienced a traumatic birth.
For anyone whose path to creating a family has been marked with loss.
For every woman who has battled postpartum mental illness.
My goodness, this suspense novel broke me into little pieces. Not for the mystery part of the story, but the human side of the story. I cannot recall reading a book of this genre that decides to also delve into the topic of motherhood and post-partum trauma while also dealing with the case of a missing person. Author Katie Sise manages to write with such compassion and empathy that I felt my heart would never recover from the levels of emotion it provoked in me. I have no idea why since my miscarriage in the fall of 2022 I keep stumbling upon storylines in my reading and watching leisure time but it sure is helping me deal with the stages of grief.
The main protagonist, Rowan O'Sullivan is on the verge of a mental breakdown, receiving therapy sessions to help her work through what she is having difficulty remembering- the details of her labor with her daughter. As the story opens, the reader learns that Rowan attacked her daughter's babysitter, June. June shortly afterward is listed as missing and the police begin their investigation. Who would want to hurt this vibrant and goal-driven young woman? Was it June's creepy roommate? Her boyfriend? Or is it the very person that Rowan trusts the most- her husband? Rowan is driven to find out what happens even if the truth hurts.
I enjoyed the story. Yes, I admit that there were places where I had to suspend belief BUT this is fiction and overall I was invested.
This was one of my Amazon pics in November and I would highly recommend it to my reading buddies.
Goodreads review published 01/02/23
October 28, 2022
If you like mysteries with several different layers to them this was a super solid read. The author explores some heavy topics, mostly pertaining to motherhood and more specifically the postpartum experience and I thought she did such a good job at capturing those feelings that come right after having a baby. Rowan having to push through her traumatic birth experience to remember what exactly happened was just the tip of the iceberg in this tangled story. You also have her missing babysitter, June and in alternating chapters both women get a voice. This was a slow burn with some clever twists along the way that propelled things forward and in the end I liked how everything came together. My first from the author and now I’m excited to read her previous books, have you read any of hers before?
October 3, 2022
Disappointed
June & Rowan were hardly likable. Both suffering & throughout the book it was curious, who suffered more. Sylvie was awful. Horrible way to represent trauma support from a therapist. Gabe, Harrison & Sean, also long suffering & hard to relate to these characters as well.
Skip this free read...
June & Rowan were hardly likable. Both suffering & throughout the book it was curious, who suffered more. Sylvie was awful. Horrible way to represent trauma support from a therapist. Gabe, Harrison & Sean, also long suffering & hard to relate to these characters as well.
Skip this free read...
October 10, 2022
This was such a fascinating novel! Rowan and Gabe are celebrating their new baby girl but Rowan remembers almost nothing about her hospital stay and birth. June, their babysitter takes some time off after being frightened by something that happened and Rowan is in therapy for PTSD. How are all of these things connected? It's a marvelously twisted and crazy story that had me gasping often as it moves at break-neck speed! Now I can't wait to check out Sise's other novels!
July 4, 2023
This book is raw look at what happens when a mother goes through a traumatic birth, postpartum depression and anxiety. When this happens, it makes you question everything you do for your child. The look into the life of Rowan, draws you in with a ending you never see coming, there is murder, love loss and the power of what is right in front of you.
Rowan doesn't remember what happened the day her daughter came into the world. However, she does have flashes of memory of is how she almost her hurt her friend and her daughter's babysitter. As she starts to put the pieces together, things come to light then her friend is found dead, and she was the last one to see her. Is she going crazy or is someone trying to hurt her and her child??
This book will leave you on the edge of your seat till the end, gripping page turner.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little A for copy of this book for my honest review.
Rowan doesn't remember what happened the day her daughter came into the world. However, she does have flashes of memory of is how she almost her hurt her friend and her daughter's babysitter. As she starts to put the pieces together, things come to light then her friend is found dead, and she was the last one to see her. Is she going crazy or is someone trying to hurt her and her child??
This book will leave you on the edge of your seat till the end, gripping page turner.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little A for copy of this book for my honest review.
November 9, 2022
The birth of a child is supposed to be a celebration and sense of joy. For Rowan, it was traumatic. She doesn't quite remember everything about it but she has now become quite paranoid about her newborn, Lila. Everyone is tip-toeing around her and her marriage with her husband is suffering. What's a new mother to do?!
THE BREAK is a very somber slow burn of a thriller. It takes a bit to get into the whole thing but then once you're hooked, you're hooked! With my attention span, I'm surprised I made it through the halfway (or a bit more) point as that's when it truly gets interesting. I'm just glad I stuck with it because I stayed up to finish it last night as I just HAD to know how this was going to end. Not a single ending I expected happened!
This story is chock full of red herrings. I'm not sure I completely bought some parts towards the end, but I also didn't (entirely) care because I was happy to have been surprised several times over the course of a few chapters. I was slightly more intrigued with June's story over Rowan's for some reason. In any case, I had some FEELINGS when I turned the last page. I am so flippin' happy I stuck with the story so for those of you who may struggle through the slow burn part... I implore you to stick with it. Eat those herrings, they're yummy.
THE BREAK is a very somber slow burn of a thriller. It takes a bit to get into the whole thing but then once you're hooked, you're hooked! With my attention span, I'm surprised I made it through the halfway (or a bit more) point as that's when it truly gets interesting. I'm just glad I stuck with it because I stayed up to finish it last night as I just HAD to know how this was going to end. Not a single ending I expected happened!
This story is chock full of red herrings. I'm not sure I completely bought some parts towards the end, but I also didn't (entirely) care because I was happy to have been surprised several times over the course of a few chapters. I was slightly more intrigued with June's story over Rowan's for some reason. In any case, I had some FEELINGS when I turned the last page. I am so flippin' happy I stuck with the story so for those of you who may struggle through the slow burn part... I implore you to stick with it. Eat those herrings, they're yummy.
December 19, 2022
I loved this mystery and loved the characters! This was an entirely character-driven story and it started off quite slow but then I was invested. This story broke my heart. So many heavy things at play throughout the book, but motherhood and female friendship took center stage in my opinion, and it was really touching to me. Also, I couldn't ignore the vulnerability of a young woman alone in a big city.
Available now with Kindle Unlimited, ebook and audio. The narration is great.
Available now with Kindle Unlimited, ebook and audio. The narration is great.
March 13, 2024
A poignant portrayal of the struggles of new mothers.
4.5 Stars - rouding up
The cover of this Kindle Unlimited book is as enticing as the description, and I was happy to know that the audiobook version is included with the KU membership. I comprehend more if I read along as I listen to the audiobook, so I love this feature of KU!
The story is told from alternating viewpoints, and it revolves around Rowan, a new mother who experiences a severe mental break after the traumatic birth of her daughter. This book might be distressing to read if you're pregnant or considering becoming pregnant. It's a poignant portrayal of the struggles that new mothers can face, and it's an eye-opener for those who haven't experienced it themselves.
When Rowan needs help with the baby, June is the young woman Rowan and her husband hire. But one night, Rowan becomes confused and lashes out at June. It's a loud altercation, which the neighbors hear, and June goes missing soon after. It's a heart-wrenching situation, and my heart went out to Rowan and June.
The author has plenty of red herrings to send readers on wild goose chases. Several times, I was sure I had the culprit narrowed down, only to change my mind when the author tossed breadcrumbs in another direction. It's a testament to the author's writing skills that she can keep us guessing until the end!
I love when I come across twisted and unpredictable books like this, especially when I can take advantage of my Kindle Unlimited membership! I highly recommend this one, but please be aware that it deals with sensitive issues, so it may not be suitable for everyone. I am looking forward to the author's new book coming out this year!
#TheBreak #KatieSise #Audible #AmazonPub #KindleUnlimited #honestreview #thriller #bookreviewer #brillianceaudio #LittleAPublishing #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMeTeam #lovetoread #bookworm #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer #booktok #booktoker
4.5 Stars - rouding up
The cover of this Kindle Unlimited book is as enticing as the description, and I was happy to know that the audiobook version is included with the KU membership. I comprehend more if I read along as I listen to the audiobook, so I love this feature of KU!
The story is told from alternating viewpoints, and it revolves around Rowan, a new mother who experiences a severe mental break after the traumatic birth of her daughter. This book might be distressing to read if you're pregnant or considering becoming pregnant. It's a poignant portrayal of the struggles that new mothers can face, and it's an eye-opener for those who haven't experienced it themselves.
When Rowan needs help with the baby, June is the young woman Rowan and her husband hire. But one night, Rowan becomes confused and lashes out at June. It's a loud altercation, which the neighbors hear, and June goes missing soon after. It's a heart-wrenching situation, and my heart went out to Rowan and June.
The author has plenty of red herrings to send readers on wild goose chases. Several times, I was sure I had the culprit narrowed down, only to change my mind when the author tossed breadcrumbs in another direction. It's a testament to the author's writing skills that she can keep us guessing until the end!
I love when I come across twisted and unpredictable books like this, especially when I can take advantage of my Kindle Unlimited membership! I highly recommend this one, but please be aware that it deals with sensitive issues, so it may not be suitable for everyone. I am looking forward to the author's new book coming out this year!
#TheBreak #KatieSise #Audible #AmazonPub #KindleUnlimited #honestreview #thriller #bookreviewer #brillianceaudio #LittleAPublishing #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMeTeam #lovetoread #bookworm #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer #booktok #booktoker
February 4, 2023
4.5 Rating No bad language is a plus for me. Really liked this one.
November 10, 2022
Yet another installment in the ever increasing saga of "Did I Reall Read the Same Book as Everyone Else???" This was a free Amazon first reads from October and again, it was worth every penny I paid -absolutely awful. I have no idea how it has so many good reviews. I can't even motivate myself to put the time into trying to explain how bad it was. Characters were terrible, just a big mess of nonsense.
October 11, 2022
This was ok. A lot of drama and a whole lot of everything going on for a pretty underwhelming ending.
October 29, 2022
TITLE: THE BREAK
AUTHOR: Katie Sise
PUB DATE: 11.01.2022 Now Available
Slow Burn
Psychological Suspense
Thrilling Read
Rowan O’Sullivan and her husband Gabe just had their first baby girl Lia, and their baby is absolutely perfect. Plus, they have June, hired to help take care of the baby.
So what could go wrong?
In nursing school we learned about postpartum post traumatic stress disorder bas a time of psychological vulnerability, and I thought author Sise really captured the essence of this disorder.
I found the read immersive and exciting. As the foundation of the story is laid out, the addition of unexpected twists made this read quite enjoyable for me.
AUTHOR: Katie Sise
PUB DATE: 11.01.2022 Now Available
Slow Burn
Psychological Suspense
Thrilling Read
Rowan O’Sullivan and her husband Gabe just had their first baby girl Lia, and their baby is absolutely perfect. Plus, they have June, hired to help take care of the baby.
So what could go wrong?
In nursing school we learned about postpartum post traumatic stress disorder bas a time of psychological vulnerability, and I thought author Sise really captured the essence of this disorder.
I found the read immersive and exciting. As the foundation of the story is laid out, the addition of unexpected twists made this read quite enjoyable for me.
May 26, 2023
Really enjoyed it!
October 25, 2022
This book was way too slow starting and focused a lot on issues that really didn’t have anything to do with the ending at all. I couldn’t get hooked into any of the characters . This book did not do it for me unfortunately.
December 11, 2022
I was a underwhelmed by this one. It was fast paced, but I had hoped for more shocking moments and bigger twists. Overall it fell short of my hopes.
January 8, 2023
This is the second book I have read by this author and it was excellent. This book was dark and suspenseful, a very fast paced story. I read the whole book in just 2 sittings. The main character was suffering from postpartum issues and PTSD so it created another layer to her story. The story was told through various perspectives and each added to the story. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
February 22, 2023
This was a slow paced read but I was immediately hooked into the narratives of both Rowan and June from the beginning. I didn't know where the plot was headed but was obsessed with reaching the resolution to the puzzle. This was a nicely structured book even with two timelines which all too often has been a frustrating and confusing experience for me. Very good and unexpected twists at the end. I have not read this author before but will definitely follow her in the future.
December 30, 2022
Rowan is a writer and new mother suffering from postpartum PTSD and has apparently verbally or physically attacked (not clear to me which) the baby’s nanny, June. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Rowan who is desperate to make amends with the nanny and of June who is struggling with relationships while trying to become an actor.
Unfortunately, I found this book to be really disjointed. Rowan and June seemed to be on different planets until the author provided the answers about the missing pieces close to the end of the book. But even then, the women’s actions just didn’t make sense. The book turned into a twisty thriller but the twists were just too fast and outlandish. I’m rounding up to 3 stars just because the book was an easy read and not boring.
Unfortunately, I found this book to be really disjointed. Rowan and June seemed to be on different planets until the author provided the answers about the missing pieces close to the end of the book. But even then, the women’s actions just didn’t make sense. The book turned into a twisty thriller but the twists were just too fast and outlandish. I’m rounding up to 3 stars just because the book was an easy read and not boring.
February 14, 2023
This has every aspect that a thriller needs , layer upon layer of mysteries with multiple reveals and dramatic ending!
Told from the pov of Rowan (new mum, author) and June (babysitter, actress) and told over two timelines. It is the story of postpartum depression, tragedy, loss and murder.
Without spoilers it’s hard to say too much on this one but it really is worth a read, it’s a slow burn with lots of mini twists and I will definitely be checking out more by this author.
Told from the pov of Rowan (new mum, author) and June (babysitter, actress) and told over two timelines. It is the story of postpartum depression, tragedy, loss and murder.
Without spoilers it’s hard to say too much on this one but it really is worth a read, it’s a slow burn with lots of mini twists and I will definitely be checking out more by this author.
October 11, 2022
At first, I wasn't sure I wanted to read about a woman suffering with postpartum depression and anxiety and headed for a mental breakdown. Boy am I glad I decided to read this story. New mother, Rowan O'Sullivan returns home with her baby, but cannot stop thinking that something is wrong, something she cannot recall from the birthing process. The story becomes a complete mystery when Rowan's babysitter goes missing. I found myself engaged in the story; anxious to find out how things would end. Good character development and a good plot. The story brought to light just how fragile our minds are. - Donna Lattanzio, Author "An Accident Waiting to Happen"
November 10, 2022
A slow start and difficult to get into. Characters were overly developed it seemed at times. Not sure why I chose this book other than the subject was interesting.
October 13, 2022
DNF @ 29%. The way it was described on First Reads, I was expecting more… baby swapping, sci-fi kind of thing. Not… this.
March 1, 2023
Well I stayed up way too late finishing this book. SO so good! Finally something I didn’t see coming until it was unfolding. My favorite writing style of going back and forth between characters, past and present, made this a fast-paced book but also reading this post-partum myself added a nice layer of relatability for me. I don’t want to give anything away but this was a nice twist on the typical “crazed nanny” type books.
January 2, 2023
I enjoyed the first half of this book and it would have been a four star except it seemed to be missing information in the second half and some things didn't quite make sense. This is a thriller about two women; Rowan a well known mystery author and mother of a new baby and June, a young woman who just moved to New York and is trying to become an actress. There are several stories going on here and while the author answers most of the questions in the end, it might have worked better focusing on just one of the main characters.
Rowan and her husband Gabe are writers living in New York. Rowan had a traumatic birth where she passed out on the street and is having memory problems and constant anxiety. She loves her new baby Lila but Gabe and his mother are watching her every move because she seems to have some sort of undiagnosed PTSD and they are in constant fear of her actions. We find out June was her nanny/babysitter and she did something awful to June, but we don't know exactly what she did. June's story is the typical young woman who comes to NY to pursue acting and in this case June gets a job as an assistant to a well known acting agent, Louisa. I liked Louisa and she was one of my favorite characters in this book. June also starts dating a much older agent named Harrison who is friends with Gabe and Rowan.
It is never explained how June who is very busy with her job and auditioning for acting roles suddenly becomes a nanny for Rowan. She also apparently needs to take time off of her job and is planning on going home to visit her parents but this doesn't jibe with her just getting an acting gig and loving her busy job. There is a murder towards the end of the book and some of the story comes together but not all. I really disliked the trauma doctor who seemed rude and sarcastic and what kind of doctor forbids a patient from seeing her friends? Rowan was treated terribly by everyone. i do like books set in New York and set in the literary world and liked a lot about this book but felt more information was needed as the story seemed kind of disjointed.
Rowan and her husband Gabe are writers living in New York. Rowan had a traumatic birth where she passed out on the street and is having memory problems and constant anxiety. She loves her new baby Lila but Gabe and his mother are watching her every move because she seems to have some sort of undiagnosed PTSD and they are in constant fear of her actions. We find out June was her nanny/babysitter and she did something awful to June, but we don't know exactly what she did. June's story is the typical young woman who comes to NY to pursue acting and in this case June gets a job as an assistant to a well known acting agent, Louisa. I liked Louisa and she was one of my favorite characters in this book. June also starts dating a much older agent named Harrison who is friends with Gabe and Rowan.
It is never explained how June who is very busy with her job and auditioning for acting roles suddenly becomes a nanny for Rowan. She also apparently needs to take time off of her job and is planning on going home to visit her parents but this doesn't jibe with her just getting an acting gig and loving her busy job. There is a murder towards the end of the book and some of the story comes together but not all. I really disliked the trauma doctor who seemed rude and sarcastic and what kind of doctor forbids a patient from seeing her friends? Rowan was treated terribly by everyone. i do like books set in New York and set in the literary world and liked a lot about this book but felt more information was needed as the story seemed kind of disjointed.
January 22, 2023
I really liked this one. I will warn that it was definitely a sensitive read, with topics like PPA, birth trauma, miscarriage, mental illness, and others. But I think the author handles them really gently and gives insight into the burdens women sometimes have to carry, in so many ways. I could not figure out who the bad guy was & was shocked at the end… but was pleasantly surprised with how it turned out.
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