A Mother Never Lies

by Sarah Clarke

SOME TRUTHS CAN’T BE TOLD.

I had the perfect life – a nice house, a loving husband, a beautiful little boy.

But in one devastating night, they were all ripped from me.

It's been fourteen years, and I’m finally ready to face the past.

I’m taking my son back.

He just can’t know who I am…or why we were torn apart.

A nail-biting thriller packed with shocking twists, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Shalini Boland.

Genres: Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Adult, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 27, 2021

About the author

Sarah Clarke worked as a copywriter for 20 years before joining the Faber Academy Writing a Novel course and starting her first psychological thriller.

Sarah was signed by HarperCollins HQ Digital in March 2021. Her debut novel A Mother Never Lies published later that year, and she has since published three more thrillers - Every Little Secret, My Perfect Friend and The Ski Trip. Sarah's next book - The Night She Dies - will be published in July 2024 and Sarah has recently signed with HQ Digital for two more thrillers - coming in 2025.

Sarah lives in London with her husband, two children and super-energetic cockapoo. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her losing a tennis match, or planning her next ski holiday.

Twitter: @SCWwriter
Instagram: @sarahclarkewriter
Facebook: @sarahclarkewriter

Reviews

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.

It’s November 2019 and Phoebe Taylor has returned to London after a fourteen year absence. She’s living with her parents in shabby decay in a once grand house. She’s struggling especially with the adoption years ago of her son Charlie who is now nearly eighteen. She once had it all, what went wrong? The storyline goes from May 1998 to 2019 and is told by Phoebe and by Charlie who is now called Ben Moreton.

First of all, this is an extremely promising debut. The characterisation is very good with the portrayal of Phoebe being particularly strong. You feel conflicted about her, swinging between sympathy, then dislike and then wanting to yell at her for a number of reasons and ask her what she thinks she’s doing?? Ben’s conflicted teenage emotions are also worth mentioning as he tries to make sense of his world and find a place in it. The relationships and accompanying emotions are effectively done too. There are some taut moments of tension and suspense which are good with all the betrayal, guilt, fears and some hatred coming to the fore. The ending has drama and some resolution.

However, at times it’s over wordy and detailed and thus the pace drops off which is a pity as I lose some concentration at this point.

Overall though, the positives heavily outweigh the negatives and I look forward to reading what Sarah Clarke comes up with next.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Mother Never Lies by Sarah Clarke is a thriller read. The story in this one is told in different timelines dating between 1998 and a present time. This thriller is also told from different points of view involved in the story.

The story begins with Phoebe Taylor who is just returning to her parents home in London after being away for fourteen years. Phoebe’s only focus now is the urge to find the son she was forced to abandon all those years ago. The laws are not on Phoebe’s side however when it comes to an adopted child, the child could find out about a birth mother but Phoebe isn’t allowed to search herself.

After meeting Phoebe in the story readers are taken on a journey back to 1998 and her first meeting her son’s father. And then the story builds in the timeline beginning in 2019 while also continuing to look back at the past to eventually let readers in on what happened in 2005 that tore Phoebe and the child she loved dearly apart for the fourteen years until her return.

Now the first thing I will admit about A Mother Never Lies is I never truly cared for the protagonist in the story. As I followed her actions in the present timeline as she made one move after another that I questioned and to be honest wanted to toss the book at her during those moments I didn’t sympathize with her as one might be expected to. However, while she sort of drove me nuts with her actions I couldn’t help but also be compelled by what was driving her that had happened in the past and the urge to find out what would happen now. So despite it all when reading this story it really was gripping and kept the pages turning until the final reveal so I did end up enjoying this one.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not easy reading. The trauma in it was hard to ingest and it affected me. Tough as it was, I think it accurately portrayed its effect. It also illustrated denial and how that can lead to disaster. So if you like a thriller that gets the emotions right, combined with impressive prose, this is a good choice.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Except, in this case she does
Her whole life is a lie
And when she is able, 14 years on, after a horrendous incident,she wants to reclaim her life and what she see’s as rightly hers
With devastating consequences
A story of adoption, the child ( now 17 ) and their life, the parents and family who adopted him and the natural Mum who had no choice but to give him up
Character wise there is little to like in any of them tbh, a few strands of pity for them here and there but they are all so angry and tbh in the main not justifiably
There is a good end game to be reached and it was worth all the ‘woe is me’ from all sides to get there and the book ended well, surprisingly well after all the angst that came before
My sympathy for the natural Mum was non existent until the last quarter of the book, when still not warming to her and her divisiveness at least there was reason seen to understand it more
There is a character called Flora who is wonderfully written, she bought ( unintentional? ) humour into the book even though she herself was tragic in every way
Not a light hearted read and am not sure if the subject matter had me defensive before I gave it chance but will be interested in the authors second book, mixed feelings on this one

6/10
3 Stars

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the perfect life - a nice house, a loving husband, a beautiful little boy. But in one devastating night, they were all ripped from me. It's been fourteen years and I'm finally ready to face the past.

This is one of those books where you're better off going into it blindly. There's a few unexpected twists along the way. It's both thought provoking and intriguing. Phoebe has lots of secrets and we are drip fed information bit by bit. The chapters are set in different timelines. This is a quick and engrossing read.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #SarahClarke for my ARC of #AMotherNeverLies in exchange for an honest review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly good book I must admit. A mother never lies was very different from what I expected. I really loved Phoebe Morgan's character but it wasn't immediate love. With every chapter, every story I warmed up to her till I found she's going to go down as one of my favorite book characters this year. This book was filled with drama & yes suspense too. Every chapter was a page turner in this book. Every chapter peels back the layers of Phoebe's character, all I can say is that this was a very well written book for a well thought plot. Stories that are heavy on drama are not usually my type but there's just something about this book, its characters that clicked! There are a few surprising twists but there isn't much I can without spoilers. I definitely recommend reading this book!

Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Clarke, HQ Digital for this arc!

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe Taylor, 47, has returned to London after a fourteen-year absence. She’s living with her parents, Flora and Paul in their once-grand house. Her son Charlie, who now goes by the name of Ben Moreton, was adopted by Greg and Lucy, and their daughter Rosie completes their family unit. Phoebe has reached a point in her life when she feels the pull to find her son, despite knowing that the authorities, Charlie's social worker, Clare Morris, in particular, are against it.

Set in Wandsworth, London the storyline moves between May 1998, when Phoebe first meets her husband, to 2005 and 2019 and is told by Phoebe and by Charlie/Ben. Sarah Clarkeportrays these characters and their inner turmoil admirably well. The timeline switches are seamless and ably managed and I really wanted to keep turning the pages. The big reveal was a surprise and overall I was immensely impressed with this stunning début thriller.

A special thank you to HQ, Sarah Clarke, NetGalley and Pigeonhole for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my unbiased opinion.

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by NetGalley for an Honest Review
This was a very wild and crazy read. To me it read more like a mystery than a thriller. The book is told via timeline shifts intermingled with alternate character POVs. As the story goes on little tidbits of information are shared for readers to try and decipher. While I was able to predict some of the what happened in the book, I think the climax was very well done and had me on the edge of my seat. I didn’t exactly love how things played out in the end though, it just felt too much like the wrap up in a made for tv film.

Much of the book is told via the heroines POV and so it’s hard to not feel like you’re on her side even though you have more questions than you do answers. We learn the heroine is just returning home after quite a few years away and has one thing on her mind and one thing only. Insinuations are laid out about how she lived through something traumatic years ago which inevitably cost her the lives of her family. However, out in the world somewhere does life the only living reminder of once her happier, shinier life from 14 years ago. She’s desperate to seek out her long lost son, only everything and everyone keep standing in her way including the promise she’d stay away during his adoption all those years ago. The book was full of so much intrigue I really was literally chock full of questions as it went on. All in all a pretty decent read.

[Fay Flude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely realistic, heartbreakingly sad and full of gritty trauma, A Mother Never Lies, is a force of creativity designed to shock, upset and have the reader empathising and biting nails!
A 17 year old boy, adopted into a wealthy and well meaning family with just a few months between him and his non biological sister Rosie, is struggling to do well at school and stay on the right side of his parents. He leaves his home in the middle of the night on many occasions to seek the thrill of tagging unapproachable places with his graffiti art. Troubled by anger and odd feelings he doesn't understand you just hope that this young man is going to be ok.
In a completely different life, many years ago, Ben's name was Charlie. He had a biological mum and dad living together and life seemed safe and secure until one fateful event tore the family apart.
This debut psychological drama dissects the relationship Phoebe has with a son she never wanted to lose. She is not the person she once was and she goes against all advice to follow her heart.
My own heart ached and my tears leaked for the emotional pain mother and son endure. Without revealing anything more, this was an incredible read, hard to put down and one of those stories which become a part of you as you read along. I love an emotionally intelligent read and A Mother Never Lies is no exception.
Brilliantly written this book is a MUST read.
Huge thanks to the host, reading platform Pigeonhole, for a stunning and taut drama.

[Pheadra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to commence by saying that this is not a psychological thriller as described in its blurb. It is foremost a sad story about family dysfunctionality. Phoebe and her son Charlie/Ben are at the heart of this story. Without disclosing spoilers this tale is a good example of characterization surrounding a crime, guilt, panic attacks and adoption. The relationship dynamics between Ben, his sister Rosie, his adoptive parents Lucy and Greg and his birth mother Phoebe are well described. Phoebe's interactions with her own parents are also plausible and raise the question can we uplift ourselves and overcome the mistakes we've made to pay it forward? I understand that this is a debut novel and congratulate the author for keeping things real. 4 Stars.

[Sue Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with Pigeonhole over 10 days and it was tense and emotional and had me wanting to read on. What a beautifully written book! Love the positive ending, which draws everything together and shows how trauma can be overcome. Brilliant! Thanks Pigeon and Sarah!

[RK_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

'𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆; 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒑, 𝒂 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆.'

For a debut novel, this was quite an intense read.

Following a fourteen year incarceration, 47-year old Phoebe resumes life in the outside world with just one aim - to find the son that she gave up for adoption. Once upon a time her whole world revolved around her child, until a violent twist of fate tore them apart. But when she does find him, he is no longer her sweet boy, but a troubled teenager who is clearly suffering from PTSD. The plot follows the journey of the mother and son as they reconnect and address the trauma that separated them.

While the book has been termed a thriller, I feel this is a misnomer as it was more drama and emotions than mystery. The characters of Phoebe and Ben/Charlie, and the inner turmoil they face are beautifully portrayed. Both are shown to be flawed, with shades of grey colouring their thoughts and actions. However, I felt that the ending was too neat and tidy, in an attempt to wind up the plot on a high note.

Overall, an interesting read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read.
It’s a hard one to review as I don’t want to include any spoilers.
Phoebe wants to find her son and with him now being seventeen, she knows he’s allowed to find out about her soon.
She starts looking for him but her Mum advises her against it and soon Phoebe finds herself lying to her mum.
It’s clear something happened to Phoebe for her to be apart from her son but you don’t find out exactly what happened until later in the book.
I liked Phoebe and really wanted her to be honest but I guess it wouldn’t make a good story if it was all plain sailing.
This is a great read that definitely had me hooked.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phoebe gives up her three year old son Charlie up for adoption. Fourteen years later she returns determined to find her son. Unfortunately he has no clue who she is and Phoebe cannot reveal her true identity so she goes on to weigh her options. She has come to realize how precious time is and will consider her actions carefully.

Told in alternating points of view from Phoebe and her son between 1998 and the present, you will contemplate yourself whether we can learn from our mistakes and if we can ever truly right our wrongs.

I enjoyed this thriller. The pacing was a bit slow but overall a good read!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

[Brad]

What a good read! It had a very happily ever after ending, which was really nice because these character really went through it!

[Tammy Doan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phoebe was forced to give up her son, Charlie, up for adoption when he was 3 years old. Now that Charlie is almost an adult, Phoebe is back in town determined to build a relationship with him. Unfortunately, Charlie now has a new name (now Ben) and a new life and he does not remember anything about the woman who gave birth to him. She needs to find Charlie and by a stroke of luck, she sees a newspaper clipping and she knows that’s her son. Because she can’t tell Ben her true identity, she begins plotting on how to insert herself in his life.
.
.
The pace of the book was a bit slow and very drawn out. There were not a lot many twists and turns like most thrillers.
Story is based on dual POVs, Ben and Phoebe, going back and forth from 1998 to present. Phoebe was a hard character to like because of all the complex decisions she made leading up to the reason why she had to give her son up. It was hard to find any sympathy for her. The ending was a huge surprise for me but again, took too long to get there.

Thank you #NetGalley for the advanced digital copy of #AMotherNeverLies

[Cherihy808 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Looks like I’m in the minority when it comes to star ratings for this one. Let me start with saying that the beginning was really good. In fact, the first half was a solid 4-4.5 star for me but at about the halfway point I felt like it was starting to drag alittle and as much as I hate to say it like this, I feel like some of it was just dumb. I didn’t like the storyline of Phoebe pretending to be someone else to get close to her son. It just seemed odd to me at times, the way it was written. This 17 year old all of a sudden has this weird friendship with an older woman (of course he doesn’t realize she’s his biological mother). And the way some of it was written just kinda bored me. The author did do a good job when she threw in some dramatic parts and the ending wasn’t really disappointing, but it just wasn’t enough for me to be totally wowed by it. Overall, I didn’t love it, didn’t hate it and probably would not recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poignant

[Kayl_may · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to on audio. Really enjoyed this. Told on a dual timeline of present day and 14 years earlier. I found it engaging throughout and was intrigued to find out what had happened 14 years ago to result in Phoebe’s current situation.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love discovering new authors and Sarah Clarke is a new author for me. ‘A Mother Never Lies’ is Sarah’s debut novel and what a debut novel it is. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Mother Never Lies’ but more about that in a bit.
It didn’t take me long to get into ‘A Mother Never Lies’. I was intrigued by the synopsis and by the characters. I had my own theories as to what was going to happen so I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I wandered down the wrong path. The pages turned over increasingly quickly as I worked my way through the story. In fact they were turning so quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and the page numbers became a blur. All too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to say farewell to the characters. I found ‘A Mother Never Lies’ to be a gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘A Mother Never Lies’ is extremely well written. In fact I had trouble believing that it was a debut novel as the writing style seems to confident and polished. Sarah has one of those writing styles that is easy to take to and easy to get along with. She certainly knows how to grab your attention and draw you into what proves to be one hell of a story. The story is written using two different timelines. One timeline describes events as they happened in the past and the other timeline deals with the story in the present. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. Reading ‘A Mother Never Lies’ was a bit like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way.
In short, I really did enjoy reading ‘A Mother Never Lies’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I look forward to reading much more of Sarah’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

For her first opportunity to make an impact on the publishing industry, Sarah Clarke has undoubtedly garnished worthy attention! “A Mother Never Lies” is a remarkable debut novel that forces us to discover the truth behind Phoebe’s actions and why she was compelled to give three year old Charlie up for adoption.

After a 14-year absence, Phoebe is back in town and has tracked down her son. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been told about her and Phoebe can’t reveal who she really is, so she’s got to carefully consider her actions. After all, she knows only too well how one minute she can have it all and the next, it can all be taken away from her. Clarke has successfully portrayed the emotional trauma her protagonist has experienced; readers are ever aware of Phoebe’s anguish many years later

There are wording and pacing issues that you’d expect from a debut novel, but Clarke was able to maintain my interest and surprised me with a big reveal at the finish. Told from alternating POV, Phoebe and her son, between 1998 to present, you’ll be forced to consider how we can learn from our mistakes, whether we can right the wrong and how, if possible, we can search for and elicit forgiveness.

You’ll need to read to find out for yourself if Phoebe is deserving of sympathy, if she’s unable to put the welfare of her child first, or if it’s a bit of both.

I look forward to Clarke's next psychological thriller featuring Grace and Marcus in February 2022, and her third novel, featuring Annie and her daughter Sasha, in 2023.

Publishes August 27, 2021
I was gifted this advance copy by Sarah Clarke, HQ Digital and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Kelly (aka jsybookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well what a debut novel!! I’m so happy I read this.

14 years ago, Phoebe had no choice but to let her son, Charlie, be adopted but now she is back in London and ready to find him and be reunited. She is determined that nothing will get in her way but will Charlie (who is now known as Ben) want to reunite with his mother considering he doesn’t even remember her and can’t fully remember the events of that tragic night.

As I said above this is an excellent debut from Sarah Clarke. I really enjoyed the two separate timelines and found as soon as we were back in the present, I wanted to go back to the past to find out the next piece of the story. A few reviewers have mentioned pacing issues, but I didn’t feel this, I thought the story flowed very well. I was extremely conflicted by Phoebe (well done Sarah Clarke), I had sympathy with her and so, at times, liked her and then at other times I disliked her. There were definitely a few places in the story where I wanted to say “What are you doing??!!” (without trying to spoil things I’ll just say bittersweet job and Christmas day). All in all I thought this was an excellent book and I’m actually really sad to finish it. I am very much looking forward to reading more of Sarah Clarkes books.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins publishers and Sarah Clarke for my advanced reading copy. Due out 27th August 2021.

[Sonal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Phoebe is back in London after 14 years, after a horrific event. She is living with her parents in a dilapidated house. Apparently she had lost custody of her son all those years ago and she is trying to find him and reenter his life.
Ben/Charlie has no memory of his past. He lives with his adoptive parents and sister. He is a typically rebellious teen and has bad nightmares sometimes.
This book was so slow until more than halfway through, then we start to find out what actually happened. I did feel bad for Phoebe, but the whole story just dragged so much that I found myself skimming most of it. I didn't really care about any of the characters, the most interesting part, was finding out what actually happened all those years ago. I honestly empathized with Ben/Charlie, everyone failed him, which I suppose was the point of the story. I just wasn't enthralled with the book. This wasn't really a thriller, it was just a sad story that tried to redeem itself in the end.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Lorraine Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was bobbling along and then all of a sudden I was hooked, I couldn’t stopped reading and devoured the remaining book in one evening.

The book is from the perspective of Phoebe and her son. The chapters take you from the past when you are drip fed that something awful has happened in the past and Her son has been taken away. You feel sorry for Phoebe as she tracks down her son and becomes part of his life unknown to Ben. Ben is a trouble teen who takes solace in an older lady who listens and doesn’t judge.

But the rollercoaster ride comes when you start discovery what’s happened and where Phoebe has been for the past 14 years.

Even after discovering what’s happened I still felt for Fiona, the characters are likeable and I wanted to spend time with them. Im glad the ending finished as it did. I highly recommend this book.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley, HQ & Sarah Clark for this ARC.


This story kept me late at night reading... couldnt wait to see what was coming next.

Some might not Sympathize for the mother. I cant say that I did or didn't. I understand how someone can loose control in the heat of the moment. But to never see their own child again must be hard. Im sure if she could do it all over again she would do it differently.

Realistic, dramatic, emotional, suspensful ...
If it would of had more twist in this story I would of giving it a 5 star.
There was some range of Suspense and at the least it had a happy ending! Still very enjoyable even though it was more of a drama then a mystery-thriller.

#SarahClarke
#AMotherNeverLies
#NetGalley
#Goodreads

[Kay Cugini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be very, very good read, extremely well written and so gut wrenching!
I couldn't exactly like Phoebe, I wasn't too keen on Ben either, and Flora you could strangle! but the storyline is so well written and so heartbreaking you can't help but feel for them all and understand why they behave as they do.
I wont give any spoilers, but the ending is really cool, and unexpected!
I enjoyed this book very much.

[Nicola Mackenzie-Smaller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite a thriller, but a gripping and horrifying tale about a birth parent tracking down her child, removed from her care as a toddler and later adopted. We aren’t sure why, and there’s a lot of tension in the writing as the two strands of the story reach their climax.
This is a really accomplished debut. I enjoyed it a lot.
Read with The Pigeonhole.

[Jayasree B · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting plot, with a lot of angst and woe. Perhaps not the best book to pick if you want a thriller. Somehow, even after all the to and fro through the years, and all that angst, the book ended rather well.

[Tamsynsbookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author: Sarah Clarke
Page Count: 301 Pages
Published Date: 27th August 2021
Genre: Thriller
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Synopsis:
SOME TRUTHS CAN’T BE TOLD. I had the perfect life – a nice house, a loving husband, a beautiful little boy. But in one devastating night, they were all ripped from me. It's been fourteen years, and I’m finally ready to face the past. I’m taking my son back. He just can’t know who I am…or why we were torn apart.
My Thoughts:
First of all I want to say check the trigger warning before reading this book. I really enjoyed this book, I liked all the characters and their personalities. I liked the storyline and I felt bad for the mother but I was hooked all the way through this book. I did think this story was going to go a different way where the son ends up falling in love with his mum but obviously he didn't know it was his mum at the time. Although this was a really good read I felt that a little something was missing for me. I have rated this book 4 out of 5 stars an amazing read.

[Krystal Ayers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but it did take me a while to read it because it wasn't as thrilling as I thought it would be. What the mother went through was definitely traumatic. While the husband didn't deserve to die, I do see why she snapped that way. It was a shame that Ben never got the true help he needed, but it seemed to work out in the end. I liked the bit of mystery the book had. I did figure out she killed the husband before the reveal, but the way she killed him was pretty shocking. The author did a good job of showing Ben's mental illness (though that wasn't revealed until the very end), and his trauma. I think the adoptive parents should have done more to help Ben, woken up earlier and just seen how much he was going through. I'm glad they shaped up in the end but it is a shame that it took Ben almost dying for them to see. I'm so glad, even though she was a murderer, that things slowly worked out, in the end.