Thank you St. Martin’s Press for a e-galley of Not Her Daughter in exchange for an honest review.

Not Her Daughter is a complicated story to explain. Sarah is a successful entrepreneur who just broke up with her boyfriend of many years. Amy is the mother of two children, she is unhappy and takes it out on her beautiful daughter Emma. When Sarah sees Emma ignored by her father and mistreated by her father in an airport, the episode haunts her. What can you do when you see an unhappy child? But when Sarah sees Emma again, unhappy again, a plan forms. Sarah kidnaps Emma to save her from an unhappy childhood and an unloving mother.
This is where Not Her Daughter gets complicated, especially for a mother. We are constantly judged and shamed for little moments out in public. Is that moment of exhaustion and impatience a judgement on our love for our child, or what we are like in the privacy of our own homes? That being said, I really enjoyed the story and the way it was unveiled and written. My loyalties wavered between the two women a few times. I felt bad for Amy, I fell in love with little Emma, and was surprised by Sarah. Is Emma better off with the woman who chose her and wants her or with the woman who gave birth to her and gave up her entire life to raise her?
Not Her Daughter is a suspenseful drama with a lot of emotions and complicated issues. I love the writing style with multiple points of view and time frames of before, during, and after to keep the reader’s loyalties in flex and attention fully into these characters. Great for a binge read and highly recommended. Publishing August 21, 2018.

By chance, Sarah crosses paths with lonely and mistreated 5 year-old Emma at the airport. Sarah is upset by how the girls parents treat her but doesn’t know what she can do to help. It isn’t until she sees Emma by coincidence a few weeks later that she impulsively decides to save her from her parents. As Sarah runs with Emma, Emma’s mother, Amy, struggles with whether she even really wants her daughter back.


I had never truly considered what I would do when faced with an abused child until reading Not Her Daughter by Rea Frey. Obviously, I would not kidnap them, but would I walk away? Call child services? Sarah’s gut reaction felt relatable, and her ability to pull off be kidnapping actually seemed plausible for the most part. The action moved quickly, and I loved getting to know Sarah and Emma. I felt that Amy, though, was very one-note. I would’ve liked to feel a little internal conflict as to whether she deserved to raise her daughter; instead I just felt disgusted by her chapters. There were also a few elements that were a little unbelievable as Sarah ran away, but the story was compelling enough that it didn’t pull me out of the narrative.


Not her Daughter was a fun suspense novel. Fans of Liane Moriarty will enjoy this one.

If you saw someone abusing a child, what would you do? Would you contact the police? Social service? Or would you kidnap the abused child? Sarah reacted without thinking and little Emma is in her possession. Sarah's life was one of work and friends. She had a boy friend she thought she would marry but when he walked out her world was turned upside down and then she takes Emma. This story is told from both Sarah's point of view and Amy, Emma's mother. It goes back and forth between then and between the past and present. This story starts out a little slow but before I knew it I couldn't put it down. Amy admits to herself that she never wanted children, She and Emma are like oil and water. They know how to push each other buttons. The Amber Alert goes out for a missing child. The parents are brought in and Amy is the prime suspect in the missing child case. Sarah is almost caught a couple of times with Emma. But Emma blossoms in her care. Who will Emma end up with. There is a surprise ending.

Not Her Daughter by Rea Frey is about every mother's worst nightmare or maybe not for Emma's mother, Amy. Emma has gone missing and Amy doesn't know where she is or who has her. Emma is safe with Sarah who believes she can be a better mother to Emma. Sarah and Emma travel the US as they attempt to avoid detection. Lots of plot twists in this novel. The suspense is well built for the conclusion. Read and enjoy!

I could not put this down. The twists and turns. I didn't know if I was rooting for the right team. The story of a child and her struggle to be loved. I like the realism of this book, I felt as though this could totally be something happening in today's world. What a great story I will recommend to others.

This book takes a situation where an upstanding businesswoman turns herself into a kidnapper and pulls it off. Brilliantly done, Rhea Frey. You told Sarah's story and Amy's story side by side giving us two distinct voices and showed us something about the damage that a mother's rejection can do for many years afterward. Would give much fodder for book group discussion -- with questions included to facilitate. Highly recommended!

A big thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this book.

This book was so enjoyable.... I could relate to so many of the characters! I was surprised at the ending, but overall, a really good read!

Sarah’s mother resented her existence, never failing to make her aware of the obstacle she is in life of a woman who believes she gave up fame to be a mother. So she may have been primed for kidnapping a little girl whose mother treated her in a similar manner. After a month on the run with the child, with all that entails—lying to friends and family, shifting work priorities, constant fear—Sarah’s conscience shifts. Coincidentally, her own mother contacts her after a lifetime of absenteeism.

As though laying out with tweezers the contents of her life, Frey carefully portrays a mother who never wanted to be a mother in a way that even the most hardhearted reader can squeeze out a bit of sympathy for her. Confused, overwrought, overweight (the character focuses on this fact about herself excessively), she’s suspected of murdering her own child on circumstantial evidence she can’t refute. The fact that the mother wishes to improve herself redeems her, if only just. The child, however, seems way too well-adjusted and mentally healthy for the childhood she was enduring when she was taken. There was no groundwork laid to show her easy ability to make friends or readily accept changes not easily understood by small children. Even severely abused children cry for their mothers, and this one reached for hers after the mother’s hateful words of not loving her, so that completely assimilating into a new life, even a more positive one, so quickly seems to be less than credible. Furthermore, after the surprising turn of events at the climax, the father’s character inexplicably fades away.

This novel raises the question of who we really are to ourselves, as Sarah repeatedly states that she is not a kidnapper, though that is exactly what she is. It also points out the challenges of a legal system that cannot, for practical purposes, factor in emotional abuse of children in removing them from the home, though this seems irrelevant here. It seems unlikely that Montessori school officials would not have notified authorities regarding the bruises that covered the child’s arms and legs. Such obvious signs of physical abuse countered Sarah’s sense of morality. Without that aspect of the mother’s bad parenting, this story would have made more sense.

I was fortunate to receive an early copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

An interesting and captivating story, I find myself enjoying it a lot!I enjoyed reading the POV chapters of both Sarah and Amy. We learn their thoughts and emotions during the "before", "during" and "after" sections of the book.Both characters are so relatable.It was an emotional read!

I feel like warning the next reader that this is one really heavy book. And I only read the Kindle version.

You don't have to be a parent to feel the growing knot in your groin. This is not an easy topic to take on, to question what's better the "bad-biological-mother" or the "good-kidnaper-mother."

I can see why the media will devour this idea as this leads to some rather important issues that need to be addressed. But nevertheless, this isn't some light and easy beach read.

First, I kind of had an ongoing problem with how this "unfit" mother was being portrayed. And because the entire big plot unravels based only on those few observations made at a crowded airport, I had to ask myself what really defined "unfit" when it comes to parenthood in the eyes of those who are NOT parents.

Spanking your kids IS NOT OK. But many parents do it. I even Googled the subject. Especially spontaneously. No physical harm intended. What looks like a harsh punishment in passerby's eyes might just be some light clapping on one's bum. I'm not saying that was the case in this book. But what I am saying is that I am a mother and I have traveled with my little one and being in that position you of course always end up next to other parents. And those with multiple children are often in great distress. Because while I can always hold my one little hand, imagine a crowded foreign space having too many kids to look after...and they're tired, having eaten only airport or airplane junk food and cranky and misbehaving...

This is the place where most moms I know would roll their eyes and say a loud OF COURSE agreeing that you'd have to be nearly autistic to be standing still and listening to your mother at this point.

And yet Rea Frey bases a harsh thriller on this one premise. That some non-mother woman witnesses from afar, through a bathroom door, mind you, etc.

You see my growing problem here?

Second, I must say, her writing is great, it's perfect actually. And this would totally be a 5 star book had Sarah kidnapped her friend's neighbor's kid or someone else we really could believe she knew was an "unfit" mother.

I also devoured the time lapse structure of this compelling read.

If not for my moral problems with this story, the twists and guessing and delivery all screamed 5 BIG BRIGHT STARS!

I will certainly look out for her next book.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

So many good feels with this one. I don’t know if there had ever been a book or situation where I want the kidnapper to somehow “win.” Sarah and this book were the exceptions.

The book: a beautiful little girl, Emma, is take from home (or does she leave?). Is there such thing as a good kidnapping? You can argue this point. This occurs after yet another altercation between Emma and her mom. You will likely argue with yourself throughout the book. Where does Emma really belong? I really didn’t know how this would end or the road it would take to get there but I loved it all. The story is told from points of view of both Sarah, “the kidnapper,” and Emma’s mom, Amy. The story alternates between characters’ pasts and present story. The chain of events that cause someone to take a child will make you side with the kidnapper yet feel for the child’s family. My heart was torn back and forth for most of the book. I felt there is no way I will like this ending, but the author ended it perfectly.

Thank you netgalley!!!!
Wow this book keeps has you gripped from the very beginning! It kept me up for many hours when I should have been sleeping!
This book is full of feelings! Suspense, wonder, anger, love, guilt!
I will be certain to refer this to any one who asks what the next great read will be!

What a heart wrenching yet broken beautiful story of Mothers and daughters, lost and found. This isn’t easy, I felt so conflicted at times . Feelings and memories of her past have Sarah choosing a path that alters her life and that of Madison and her daughter Emma. She has made this choice and as we are with her we follow along. What is right ,what is wrong? Emotionally, I knew where I stood. Now the choices that are made along the way. Questions you have to ask involving everyone, families are involved. This is where I loved the power of this story . The decisions aren't legal however,I understood. I felt the pain but also the happiness. The direction this took was surprising . I would highly suggest this to everyone what an excellent read . arc provided by NetGalley for review

5 Hold On To The Seat of Your Pants, Just Wow Stars!!!!!!!!! 

I am so mixed on how to write this review. Not because of bad writing or a stale storyline. On the contrary, both were incredible. I don't know if I've ever read a book where I actually was rooting for the bad guy. And in this case, the "bad guy"'is a kidnapper, which as a parent is my absolute worst nightmare. 

Have you ever been out in public and witnessed a parent disciplining or responding to their child in a manner you felt was inappropriate, even bordered on abuse? How would you handle that situation, do you get involved on behalf of the child or do you turn away? This is the predicament Sarah finds herself in. And the decision she makes will grab hold of you and not let you go until the last page, it will take your breathe away, it will scare you and maybe even have you cheering "Go Girl!" at times. 

This book is going to make you think. What is really the "right" thing to do - in the eyes of the law, in the life of a child, in hopes of humanity, in terms of what someone deserves? Was Emma kidnapped or was she rescued? Did Sarah have the right to do what she did? Was she helping or making an already bad situation worse? Is it possible for Emma to have a happy ending? Do parents get a second chance to right a wrong they have made? 

I stayed up till the odd hours of the morning because I had to finish this book, I had to know how it ended, I had to know what was going to happen. And then I couldn't go to sleep just thinking about that ending!!!!! I'm not going to share any spoilers in my review, I will say I don't think that ending was what I thought was going to happen. I was......shocked!!! Reading a book, especially a new author that's a great outcome. I will definitely be looking for her next book. But also shocked in a way that I don't know how I feel about the ending, I'm conflicted, again not giving away any spoilers, I stayed up musing whether this was a good thing or a bad thing the way it ended. And as a parent, how could that happen.... Also all good outcomes for a book - you want the book to resonate with your readers. You want your book to be memorable and one they will recommend others to read, not just the day after they read it, but months after they read it. This book does that and more. I will be talking about this book for awhile. I will highly recommend this book to others to read. And you don't need to be a parent to be able to relate to this book. 

Just a side note, after reading about Emma's story (and I know this isn't a true story, but it felt like it could be....), I hugged my son a little tighter, I praised him more than I already do and made sure he knows how much I love him and how proud of him I am. Because every child deserves to be brought up in a loving and encouraging environment. (Probably not the side note you were expecting, huh?) 

Pick up this book to read. It's not your ordinary suspenseful cookie cutter kidnapping story. You will be pleasantly surprised with this storyline. 

My thanks to Netgalley, Rea Frey and St. Martin's Griffin publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, I really enjoyed this book, as it wasn't as cut and dry as I assumed it would be. We are introduced to Sarah, the kidnapper, a character I disliked but couldn't help but feel some empathy for. We also meet Amy, the mother of the kidnapped girl, who I also disliked, but also felt was portrayed realistically and I felt for her as well. This book made me think of the many layers that people are made up of, and although we are 100% responsible for the things we do and don't do, I can understand how some people end up the way they do.

This isn't a kidnapping story where there's an obvious bad guy/good guy dynamic, although you realize Sarah is out of her mind to do what she did. Rea Frey does a good job making both women real examples of their realities, and I could relate to that. We are all flawed, and sometimes the most heart-wrenching decisions come from a place of fear and desperation, in addition to love and regret. The ending, although I didn't love it, did a good job wrapping everything up.

@reafrey #notherdaughter #bookreview ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️📕📚📖 “””I could be arrested. I could go to jail for the rest of my life. What the fuck am I doing? What have I actually done?””” If you’re a parent, this book will haunt you, it certainly does me!!! I could not put this down. We’ve all seen mistreated children, but what should we do. Should we judge? Act on it?? Is someone just having a bad day as a parent or is some poor child destined for a bad life if someone doesn’t intervene. Was it kidnapping or a rescue?? Read this book!!!!!......and let me know what you you think. Release date 8/21/18. I got about 95% of the way thru this book and seriously thought.....how will this end? How can the author wrap this storyline up without leaving me hanging.....but she did and I loved the ending!!! Thank you @netgalley & @stmartinspress for the #kindle #arc #readeverydamnday #treatyoself #mustread #chillers #makesyouthink #wwyd #bookstagram #bookadict #bookhangover

#Not Her Daughter#NetGalley#StMartin’sPress
Not Her Daughter by Rea Frey leaves you happy and sad at the same time.
Did you ever see a parent badly mistreating a child and wish you could do something about it. And then you could!
Meet Sarah. She’s a young woman with a very successful business developing teaching tools for children.
Meet Amy. She has two children.but cannot get along with her little girl. And then, one day, Emma disappears!
The book reinforces how your growing up can have a permanent effect on your life.
The novel alternates chapters very well between characters and also periods of time.
Couldn’t put this book down!
And never expected the ending!

Not Her Daughter by Rea Frey explores the question of whether a mother should have her child, when she is not sure she wants her.

Emma Townsend is a difficult child by any standard, but to her mother Amy, she is not the child she expected when she envisioned motherhood. Nor is motherhood what she expected. After a particularly horrid fight, she locks Emma out of the house and Emma disappears.

Sarah Walker grew up without a mother, her mother had walked out when she was young. Sarah could see that Emma was very unhappy and on an impulse, took Sarah and started on a cross country adventure that she couldn't quite see as kidnapping, at least not at first

Once she realizes what she's done, on the run, using various disguises Sarah keeps Emma moving and takes care of some unfinished business in her life, which Emma sees as a grand adventure. But will Sarah finally return Emma to her home?

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the pre-release copy of this heart wrenching novel, in exchange for my unbiased review.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I kept seeing people talking about this book on Facebook, so I was very curious to see if it lived up to the hype. It absolutely did! I tore through this in two days, counting down the minutes until I could pick it up again (life gets in the way sometimes!). Rea Frey does an amazing job of examining the relationships between mothers and daughters, as well as diving into the complexity of being a mother. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read her next novel!

A perfect debut novel.

I LOVED IT!
Okay… so I start reading and I can tell within the first few chapters that this may just be my cup of tea. By the first third, I become totally hooked and half way through this damn book it has become a major distraction in my life.

......................
A 5-year-old little girl, her mother and her 'kidnapper' at the center of the story, Emma, Amy and Sarah, are as vivid as any real-life people. The story is told from Sarah and Amy’s perspective and alternates between before, during, and after. This technique not only allows for a full portrait of both characters but draws out suspense very nicely.
......................

The writing is incredible, and I was instantly and completely drawn in. It’s the kind of book where you are desperately flipping pages, but at the same time, want to read slowly and savour it all. The mystery aspect is intriguing and the story is mesmerising, and I was madly developing theories.

If you want to read something that isn’t light and fluffy then stop everything and read this book.


***I'd like to thank St. Martin’s Griffin for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.