This book had all the makings of a thriller which caused the heart to beat at a strange rhythm especially when I knew that things were reaching a point where secrets had to be revealed.
A child Emily kidnapped from a ride in a theme park on a vacation to Florida, 15 years ahead, the family in London was still ravaged by the loss when Rosie the sister decided to get to the truth. Across the river in Florida, Anna lead a biblical life with a fanatic mother who was obsessed with cleanliness and dirt and germs to the point of cruelty. A routine life that was soon broken by memories….
The story was told in Anna and Rosie’s POV by author Lizzy Barber. It was obvious from the very beginning where the story would go, but the reasons for the decisions were still unknown, and that captured my interest along with Lizzy’s crisp and fast-paced writing.
My niggles had to be remarked on. There were a few subplots linked to a cult-like church which I skimmed over. And the story gave me a sense of deja vu. I have read similar stories before.
Even with a predictable formulaic storyline, the fast pace kept me hooked to the book. Enjoyable.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Random House UK, Cornerstone, and this is my journey into its pages, straight from the heart!!
All my reviews can be found here
Lizzy Barber studied English at Cambridge University and works as the head of brand and marketing for a restaurant group. Her debut novel, My Name is Anna, was the winner of the Daily Mail crime writing competition and she is currently hard at work on her next thriller. Lizzy lives in London with her husband.
Two women – desperate to unlock the truth.
How far will they go to lay the past to rest?
ANNA has been taught that virtue is the path to God. But on her eighteenth birthday she defies her Mamma’s rules and visits Florida’s biggest theme park.
She has never been allowed to go – so why, when she arrives, does everything seem so familiar? And is there a connection to the mysterious letter she receives on the same day?
ROSIE has grown up in the shadow of the missing sister she barely remembers, her family fractured by years of searching without leads. Now, on the fifteenth anniversary of her sister’s disappearance, the media circus resumes in full flow, and Rosie vows to uncover the truth.
But will she find the answer before it tears her family apart?
Publication Date: 10th January 2019
Publisher: Random House UK, Cornerstone
30 Responses
Too bad it wasn’t better for you.
It was quite predictable Jen
Thank you ❤️
Wish I had seen more stars, but every book can’t be perfect. Wonderful review, Shalini!
I know Marialyce… To each his own… This book was well liked by many. I had read a similar book in the recent past hence it was predictable ❤️
Thoughtful review, Shalini. It’s too bad it wasn’t more original. I hope you love your next read with hopefully no niggles! Xo
Hahaha my niggles are famous 😍😂 thank you Jennifer ❤️
One of the hardest things is to write a book that no one else has thought of. Very hard in today’s saturated markets.
I agree… But yet I wanted more 🤔
Oh no I quite understand, a writer needs to make the book their own.
I totally get this, it is annoying that it is predictable, yet you cannot stop as you are still hooked!
Absolutely correct I had to get to the end 😍
I’m glad you managed to enjoy it despite having read similar things 🙂 x
Ah thank you Meggy😍😍
Good review, it’s always harder to review a book that doesn’t quite WOW you. Happy to have found your blog 😀
Aww how sweet 😍😍 Thank you so much for your kind words ❤️
Another wonderful review my friend!
Hey Berit… How are you? Is your flu gone?
Yes it is! Thank goodness! Thank you so much for asking!
I got the flu 😂😂🤣🤣
This does sound very similar to The Girl in the Red Coat by Kate Hamer which I read a couple of years ago. I think I will give it a try though as I have seen a lot of people talking about it.
I hope you like it too… I have read a couple of books with the same ARC hence could guess the plot from the beginning
I’ve always feared to pick up a book that would have the “predictable” element to it. It often disappoints me too much! Great review, Shalini! :)+
Thank you so much… I have high expectations probably
Wow! A spellbinding thriller!
Thank you so much.. How have you been?
Nice review Shalini. That happens every now and again, too familiar. Glad you still found it somewhat enjoyable.
Thanks Carla…. I suppose so.. Soon all books will sound similar
That’s what I’m afraid of.
Nice review Shalini – I keep looking at this one and I still think I need to add it to the “read list.”
It is quite a different read.. I hope you like it 💖