The Push by Ashley Audrain

[Ellen]

Blythe Connor grew up in an extremely disfunctional family. Her mother was cold and distant and eventually left her husband and daughter behind without a backward glance. Blythe knew that she would be so much more loving and present when she had her own children and when she and her husband Fox became parents to a beautiful baby girl they named Violet, Blythe was ready to become the perfect nurturer. For some reason Blythe and Violet do not bond and Blythe begins to think there is something wrong with her child. Violet only wants to be with Fox and shuns her mother's affection when it is offered. Blythe is heartbroken that her daughter is rejecting her but cannot seem to change the situation. To make matters worse, Fox always takes Violet's side and tells Blythe the difficulties are all in her head.

Sam. Gorgeous, precious baby boy Sam. Blythe's second child brings her dreams of motherhood to fruition. Violet even seems to love her baby brother. Blythe instantly bonds with her son all the while despairing that she and Violet are constantly at odds. Blythe does not trust her daughter and is suspicious of several incidents at school where children are injured and one child falls to his death from the slide. When tragedy strikes their own family Blythe is even more convinced that there is definitely something wrong with Violet yet Fox insists it is her imagination. Who is right? Is Violet flawed or is Blythe turning Violet's coldness into something much more sinister?

What a debut from this author! I spent the entire book not sure one way or the other about Violet. Well done! I hope Ms. Audrain has another novel on its way.

[Joi]

Yay, I have this on my TBR and your review is the first I've seen by someone here. Super excited to see you giving it 5 stars.