This was an interesting story. It gives you a bit of an inside look from an outsider's perspective. Showing how hard it can be to fit in when you've never been part of the group before.

Frances is trying to do what's right for her son. Sending him to Forrester Academy may be a financial strain, but her and her husband believe that's the best place for their son.

Despite a rocky start Frances is still yearning to be in the inner circles. Then she meets Kate. Calm, cool and witty, she captivates Frances from the start. All the while leaving Frances wondering what she wants with a frumpy woman like herself.

Frances soon discovers that looks can be deceiving and that Kate isn't the person she has made herself out to be. In fact she harbors a horrible secret. A secret that the world already knows. What Kate doesn't know is that Frances is holding tightly to a secret of her own.

A thought provoking read about the inner workings of friendships when secrets are being held between the parties. The author did a wonderful job of describing and conveying how these relationships operate and what happens when all is exposed.

This is an amazing book, so full of nuance, deception and manipulation that the story races at warp speed, and you're hanging on for the ride. It's an especially wicked tale because you truly do like BOTH characters at the outset, so the feeling of betrayal you ultimately get is particularly gut-wrenching. This is not typically my genre, but reading the synopsis piqued my curiosity and I had to give it a try. So glad I did! Very highly recommended.

Holy smokes! I could not put this book down!
The story is told from the perspective of a few different people.
Frances - a wife and mother of a son with ADHD and behavioral problems who doesn't think very highly of herself, is an outcast in the community, and has a devastating secret.
Daisy - a 15 year old girl, who's mother Kate (also Frances's BFF, and with a secret of her own) shows her no affection, so she seeks it out in a random man who she discovers is following her, although she doesn't quite know why.
DJ- A young boy who's sister has just been brutally murdered and his family has fallen apart over it.

Kate and Frances become friends because Kate sticks up for Frances. She is the perfect best friend. Not only is she beautiful, but she has a well off older husband and two beautiful children. One of which, Kate's young son Charlie, is her son Marcus's only best friend; ever since Marcus was shunned by other students for peeing in another student's water bottle. Kate has been good for not only Frances but her son. They've never been happier and are like one big family. However, Frances holds a secret that she can never tell her best friend. She hasn't even told her husband. Frances has done something terrible. Something she can never forgive herself for. Little does she know, her BFF Kate is also holding a shocking secret. One that will tear everyone's perfect worlds apart. This story has you asking yourself if you truly know the people you choose to surround yourself with and let in you and your family's lives. And how far would you go to cover up the secrets you keep?

This book is so good! It picks up pretty quickly exactly halfway in and it's a roller coaster ride the whole way to the end.

5 Stars + Bestselling author Robyn Harding returns following The Party with her latest movie-worthy thriller —HER PRETTY FACE —A spine-chilling and riveting domestic suspense of two different mothers, both with dark hidden secrets. My Top Books of 2018. LOVED IT!

Everyone is hiding something. Nothing is as it appears.

Many questions will surface while reading.

How someone with no conscience, no moral compass, can be a friend, a wife, and a mother. From sociopath to suburban mom. Do you really know your friends— The parents of your children’s friends from school?

For fans of true-crime. Real women and moms like Caylee Marie Anthony and Karla Homolka. Should murderers be allowed to be a part of society? Can they be a friend? After serving their time, do they change?

In Seattle, Washington suburb —Frances Metcalfe is a stay-at-home, overweight mom married with an 11-year-old son, Marcus. They finally have him in an upscale school, Forrester Academy. Marcus peed in a mean girl’s water bottle (after being bullied), and now Frances is shunned by the other moms and Marcus has no friends. He is a little different than most with ADHD.

When the beautiful Kate Randolph, befriends Frances, she is over the moon! This woman has invited her out for coffee and genuinely likes her. In addition, because she is now friends with her— she has some credibility with the other moms. Her dream come true.

As icing on the cake Kate’s son is now Marcus best friend. Frances is overjoyed at this newfound social status and friendship. Plus the couples even meet and socialize with dinner parties.

However, both women are hiding secrets. Both women have a past. Is being young, naïve, and easily influenced, a viable excuse? The question is: Which sin is the worst?

One mother is a murderer, disguising herself under a new name, a new family. Her real name is Amber Kunik.

Bound by dark secrets, how will the truth be revealed? Lies, deception, and betrayal. When the truth is revealed, it will destroy not only the two women’s friendships but their children’s as well.

Told from different POVs —Then and now. Daisy (Kate’s daughter), DJ (we do not know his identity until later. His sister is missing), and Frances. At the opening of the book, we learn about a crime in Arizona. A missing girl, Courtney Carey.

Can sociopaths be capable of love? Can they forgive themselves?

WOW! This is one unputdownable thriller! From the first page to the ending, Harding grabs you and never let’s go. As a reader, you are dying to know how all the pieces of the puzzle will fit together. How do they connect?

The author masterfully sets the stage with just the right timing and unveiling with superb character development. A haunting tale of friendship and loyalty, secrets, and betrayal. When you finish you will begin to doubt everyone in your life!

This was my first book by talented Robyn Harding and a few chapters into the book, immediately purchased the audiobook The Party. I am a huge fan of the audio narrator, Cassandra Campbell (currently listening). BTW, I really enjoyed the book HER PRETTY FACE; however, highly recommend the audiobook as well (AMAZING) also narrated by Cassandra Campbell with Rebekkah Ross, and Kirby Heyborne. Listen to Audio Clip

The novel proposes many questions and an ideal choice for Book Clubs. Reading Guide

Can these women and mothers be trusted as a friend and fit to be around children? How many times can they change their names or hide? What if you did not know until a friendship was formed? Can you get inside the head of a sociopath? Do they change? Should you forgive?

Interview with the Author.

These true-killers are inspiring writers today to take a closer inside look at what if? A woman with a past is placed in an everyday situation in suburbia —blending the truth with fiction. A reimagining. (loving them).

For fans of Paula Treick DeBoard’s The Drowning Girls, Jennifer Hillier’s Jar of Hearts (Karla Homolka), Hank Phillippi Ryan’s Trust Me (Caylee Anthony), Charlie Donlea’s Don’t Believe It, and Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies.

On a side note which makes this novel even more chilling:

You may see a close relation to a group of Montreal parents outraged after learning one of Canada’s most notorious killers had been volunteering at their children’s school. Karla Homolka served 12 years in prison after taking part in the rapes and murders of two schoolgirls with her then-husband, Paul Bernardo (convicted serial killer). If you followed the news this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Crown’s “deal with the devil” and the beginning of a trial that stunned Canadians. Watch the documentary video

A special thank you to Gallery Books and #NetGalley for an advanced reading copy.

#JDCMustReadBooks

This book kept me guessing until the very last page. I totally did not understand how some of these characters were going to be connected -- but when you finally figure it out -- it is worth the ride Robyn takes you on!!

Her Pretty Face was the first book i have read by Robyn Harding. I really liked it. To me it was a lot like a Joy Fielding novel. I liked that it kept you wanting to find out what happened next so that made it hard to put down. I also like that the main character, Frances, was easy to identify with because she was like a "real" woman, meaning that she wasn't all perfect and flawless. I am looking forward to reading more by Robyn Harding.

This book was very hard for me to rate. Robyn Harding is a very good story teller, I like how she wrote a chapter for each character so you knew what each person was thinking. "Her Pretty Face" will keep you interested to find out what is going to happen and what did happen. You can't put the book down.

Where my issue came in, without spoiling the book, the murder that takes place is a true crime that happened in Canada. They happened between 1991 - 1992. It happened to 3 girls from Ontario, one from Burlington, Leslie Mahaffy, the other from St. Catherines, Kristen French and the 3rd was the killer's sister, Tammy Homolka. What Robyn Harding has done was taken those 3 crimes and written about them for the victim in the story that is murdered. The character Amber Kunik's was really Karla Homolka and Shane Neilson her boyfriend was really Paul Bernardo. I was very disappointed that the author used this story and never mentioned anything about these murders in the book. The books genre should also be Historical Fiction. From the way they lurid the girls and tortured the victims, how the victim in the story is murdered and that Shane Neilson is a serial rapist is all true of Paul Bernardo. I felt like I was reading the newspaper articles again. If the parents of these girls ever read this book I think they would be heartbroken. If you know nothing about these crimes they you may like the store.

I gave a two star rating because of the above reason. I would have given a lot higher rating if the true crime was mentioned.

Kate Randolph seems like Frances Metcalfe's savior. Ostracized by the other school moms for an incident involving her son, unhappy with her looks, and feeling deeply lonely, Frances has always yearned for a friend like Kate. Kate brings Frances and her son out of their shells, and Frances helps Kate's daughter feel comfortable in her own skin.

But within this seemingly perfect friendship, something is terribly wrong. One of these women is Amber Kunik. One of these women is a murderer.

This was a really clever, suspenseful take on female friendships, culpability, and family. I kept thinking I knew who was who and what was going on, but I was always wrong, and I really enjoyed being constantly surprised.

I was disappointed in this book and struggled to read the whole thing. Amateurish writing, unrealistic situations and dialog, and predicable plot.

I'm going to go with a high 3 stars almost 4 on this one. I had really high hopes based on what I had heard from others. While it didn't live up to the massive amount of hype, I still really enjoyed it and think my expectations were too high going in.

I enjoyed that the story was told from three different points of view, and found it intriguing trying to figure out how the three characters were possibly connected to one another. I felt for Frances and the blame she put on herself throughout the story. I just wanted to reach out and shake her to knock some sense into her. My heart also broke for DJ as he lived through the downfall of his entire family.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Her Pretty Face by Robyn Harding was quite an enjoyable story, if a little grim and dark at times. This is a neighborhood/domestic mystery that appears to be a popular format lately. Even with that though, the writing and pace was enough for me to whip through this book in just a few days, so it was gripping. The author does a great job of creating and expanding her characters, in particular Frances, who thinks of herself as the frumpy mom on the outside of the social circle at her son Marcus' private school. Her longing to fit in is in sharp contrast to Daisy, who is the daughter of Frances' friend Kate, and Daisy doesn't care if she acclimates to school at all. This is an interesting juxtaposition, and the reasons for this play out well in the story. This is a twisted tale of murder, secrets, keeping up appearances, and the meaning of friendship. Pretty compelling writing wrapped up neatly at the end, maybe too neatly, but overall a good story.

If you are looking for a book with pages that seem to turn on their own, then you need to read Her Pretty Face, the new release from the author of last summer's hit, The Party.



This novel tells the story of a stay-at-home mom named Francis who is really struggling to fit in with the other moms at her son's new uppity private school. But, then, she meets fellow school mom, Kate. The two women instantly click and embark on a whirlwind friendship. They practically become besties overnight.



However, Francis begins to slowly notice that Kate is a little wilder than her beautiful, classy look suggests. For example, she convinces Francis to take off her wedding ring to flirt with some men they meet at an impromptu during-the-school-day wine lunch, and she later seems to put the moves on Francis's husband.



But, the big turning point is when Francis discovers Kate is not really Kate at all. Instead, she is someone else completely - new name, new identity. And, the person she left behind in the past is notorious for a gruesome crime.



Once Francis finds out Kate's secret, it then turns to a question of whether or not she can (or should) trust her new BFF or if she should end the friendship and protect her family. As Francis has no other friends, this is a bigger decision for her than it would be for others.



In addition to a fast-paced, intriguing plot that left me guessing, I liked how the novel was told from three different viewpoints. And, I like how one of the viewpoints surprised me. I also like how Harding has a teenage daughter thrown into the mix. Like her previous novel, the plot seems outlandish, but the questions she poses are important (such as what is she hiding behind HER PRETTY FACE? dun-dun-dun).



Thanks to Netgalley and the author for providing me with a copy to read and review!

I loved this book!
Not many books can keep me guessing right until the end, but this one definitely did.
It is told from three perspectives, Frances, Daisy, and Dj. It takes awhile for you to figure out how all of these characters stories interconnect and how they each will impact each other's lives, but once you think you have it figured out think again.
I just cannot say enough good things about this book and cannot wait to read more from this author.

A twisty and surprising read, perfect for anyone who loves thoughtful suspense. You'll never see the ending coming.

This book was just as good as all the early press said it would be. Take the typical suburban private school mommies and turn up the heat all the way. Yes, some of those moms can be horrible, but it goes a little far to call one a psychopath. Or does it? Kate and Frances become fast friends, but they are both hiding secrets. One of them is just a little bit worse. The pacing was excellent, the characterization spot-on, and the additional perspective of Kate's teenage daughter the icing on the cake. Some plot twists I did not see coming. Have the movie rights been sold yet?

Frances Metcalfe isn’t fond of parties but knows that she must participate in fund-raisers for Forrester Academy in Seattle. The elite, private school’s tuition is $30,000 per year and they demand parental participation. Knowing she cannot afford to donate what other wealthy parents can, she feels like an outsider and doesn’t feel accepted. Her husband, Jason, is a handsome, outgoing man and women love him. Frances, on the other hand, is chubby and shy. Her son, Marcus, is entering middle school with a diagnosis of ADHD. Jason is working hard to make the money they need to get Marcus in a better school hoping it will help him. Frances’s work with him has helped him immensely. But Frances’s work with him was cut short when a young girl started bullying him. His retaliation, while not truly bad, nearly got him expelled. But the Academy gave him a second chance.

Frances soon meets Kate Randolph who is beautiful, slim, and doesn’t take any nonsense off some of the snide mothers. When Kate stands up for Frances against a mother trying to put Marcus down for what he did, Frances knows she has found a good friend. Kate’s son, Charles, and Marcus get along very well and having a good friend for her son makes Frances very happy.

Kate and her husband, Robert, have another child, Daisy, age 14. But. Daisy doesn’t get much attention from her mother and is left to do as she pleases. Kate and Robert have moved every few years saying it’s for his work. But as Kate and Frances get to know one another better, they find they each have a dark side.

As their friendship progresses, Frances learns that Kate’s real name is Amber and when she was young, she and another person were responsible for the kidnapping, torture and death of a young girl. Who is this person that Frances has befriended? How can she be the same person she calls her friend?

How do you know if someone has truly repented and changed after doing something horrible? Some readers might feel that she has changed and others might not. I was on the fence about it especially due to the gerbil incident. I’m curious to see what other readers think about this story.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Stay-at-home mom Frances doesn’t really fit in with the other Seattle private school mothers. To say her son doesn’t either is the understatement of the year. So when the fabulous Kate decides to take Frances under her wing, she’s absolutely delighted . . . . . until the past starts potentially catching up to the present and long-held secrets threaten to be revealed.

Now I’m not saying you need to have a vagina to enjoy this book, but I am saying it probably helps if you’ve been faced with the accusation of watching too many Lifetime movies before.

I requested this simply for the cover and title. I don’t think many avid readers of mystery/thrillers will be surprised by the reveals contained and there certainly were no "GASPY' sorts of moments, good news there weren't a whole lot of moments where I had to convince myself to throw all reality out the door either.

The three narrators and wibbly-wobbly timeline worked for me and even though there was not a lot of shock and awe in figuring out the goings on, I couldn’t stop turning pages. And really? Give me characters with internal dialogue like this . . . .

“She’d offered him her virginity, and he’d thrown it back in her face like . . . tickets to a Nickelback concert.”

And I’m all like . . . . . HOT DIGGITY!

3.5 Stars

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!

After enjoying The Party last summer, I was excited to dig in to Robyn Harding's latest. Once I picked it up, I found it difficult to put down and was taken for a wild ride!

I found it easy to connect with all three narrators in this story: Frances, a stay-at-home mother who is rejected by the other mothers at her son's private school after he gets revenge on a bully; Daisy, the teenage daughter of Frances' new best friend, Kate; and DJ, the brother of the girl who was murdered by Amber Kunik about 20 years ago. Robyn leads her readers down two different paths to find out who Amber Kunik really is in the present time.

I found it interesting that Robyn didn't share Kate's narrative and instead let the reader see her through Frances and Daisy's eyes. I was able to figure out some aspects of the story, but there were still some surprises in store. There is a trigger warning for victims of sexual assault (and even parents of teenage girls). The ending felt a bit anticlimactic since Amber's identity was revealed earlier in the story, but it was also nice to see what happens for the characters further down the road.

Overall, it was a great story. I enjoyed it even more than The Party and I can't wait to see what Robyn comes up with next!

Movie casting ideas:
Frances: Lauren Ambrose
Kate: Ali Larter
Daisy: Taylor Ann Thompson
Jason: James Marsden
Robert: Neal McDonough
David: Colton Haynes

This is my kind of thriller. One that focuses more on characters and the secrets they hold.

The story is told through three different characters: Daisy, Frances and DJ. Each of those characters is also broken up between then and now. It sounds confusing, but it’s not, it all works.

Frances would probably be considered the main character. She has moved to a new town and is trying to get her difficult son to succeed at a new prestigous school. Unfortunately, he doesn’t fit in and neither does Frances, who feels positively frumpy surrounded by all the perfect moms.

Frances is surprised and pleased when another mom, Kate decides to befriend her. Kate is gorgeous and Frances doesn’t know why she wants to be friends with her. Daisy, the other character who is telling the story, is Kate’s daughter.

DJ is the brother of a teenage girl who was murdered many years ago.

Throughout the story we get hints that not everyone is as they seem. It seems that everyone is carrying a secret around and it’s not till towards the end that we find out just how big those secrets are.

Her Pretty Face held my interest, had plenty of twists and turns.

I received an ARC of the book.

I didn't feel that this was exactly a psychological thriller as it's being called, but it was intriguing and kept me turning the pages. I wondered which one of the women had the horrible past - until one of them disclosed hers (I'm trying very hard not to give spoilers!!)

The characters are interesting; one is sympathetic, one is anything but. The story is suspenseful enough to hook the reader and there are several surprises near the end. I felt the story really ended a few chapters before the end of the book and kept wondering 'is there more?'

An entertaining and interesting book.