My review

I picked up this book as the cover was extremely enticing. A mother’s intense love for her child was the core root of this story.

The story started with a phone call asking the mother Jen to come to the hospital where her 3 year old Gracie was admitted after the vehicular accident. This scene itself would put a shiver down any mother’s spine. Gracie did recover from the head injury and coma, but she started describing certain events which were a bit eerie and something like an out-of-body experience.

In the hospital 2 things happened, Jen learnt that the car at that time was driven by her husband’s girlfriend Ella, who was on the phone, distracted while driving; Jen was awash with anger, but the police did not take her accusations seriously. (no idea why, I thought driving and talking on the cell phone was a crime, especially if there is an accident). And she met Matt, a kind and courteous paediatrician and love blossomed.

Jill Childs’ debut was interesting. It made way for the possibilities of life enveloped in spiritual and mysterious occurrences. A mother’s love for her child, especially after such an life changing event was well described by the author.

Though Gracie’s visions were pivotal to the story, it took a suspenseful direction in the mid half of the story. Narrated from Jen and Ella’s POV, the book had its moments. I didn’t like any of the characters Jen was a bit weird, Ella indifferent, and Gracie was too mature for a 3 year old (her dialog suited a 5 or 6 year old).

Though different, the book did keep me occupied for the whole afternoon.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Bookouture, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating : 3.5 stars

Book blurb

Time stops for Jen when her beloved daughter, Gracie, is involved in a terrible car crash. Pronounced dead at the scene, it’s a miracle when paramedics manage to then resuscitate the little girl.

The relief Jen feels at Gracie’s recovery is matched only by her fury at the driver of the car – her ex-husband’s new girlfriend Ella. Jen has never trusted Ella, and now her worst fears have been confirmed.

But then Gracie begins to tell strange stories about what she heard in the car that day, and what she saw in those moments near death. It’s clear that there’s something shocking hidden in Ella’s past… but exposing it could tear all their lives apart.

Product Details

Publication date : 15th June, 2018

Publisher : Bookouture

A mystery filled with love