It is Marion’s daughter Ava’s first birthday and shockingly police turn up and arrests her mother, Eileen, claiming she is actually called Sarah and she is wanted for the kidnap of baby Caroline and the murder of her father thirty years ago.
Everyone had heard about the kidnapping of baby Caroline, it was notorious at the time and no one was ever found. But is Marion really Caroline? She starts to think that it is highly possible, the way her mother shielded her and she wants to talk to Amelia who is claiming to be her mother. Going to visit her in secret.
As the story progresses we find out more about what happened thirty years ago from Eileen’s point of view. It is quite sad what Eileen went through.
This is really fast-paced, with secrets from all sides, betrayals and twists and turns but the suspense of who, what, when and why was so utterly gripping I could not read it quick enough.
I was pleased with how this ended and it tied up any loose ends.
Miranda Smith writes in a way that will grip you from the first page and it doesn’t let you go. She is such a great author.

Marion’s mom Eileen is arrested at her daughter’s first birthday. They say she stole Amelia Parker’s baby thirty years ago and murdered her husband. Could Marion be that baby? She remembers her mother being very over protective of her growing up, never allowing her to do class trips. Her mother isn’t talking. Then Amelia comes wanting to get to know her daughter.

This was a solid read. I enjoyed it and I loved the plot. It was a little slow for me and not as action packed as this author’s other books, which I loved. But I loved the twist and still couldn’t put the book down.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my advanced copy!!

This story had a very good premise and it was a very easy read. I had to give this book 3 stars because although the story was good, the way it was told was very flat. Even the twists while not predictable, it wasn’t written in a way that made you go “WOW!” Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I’m a big fan of this author and even though this was more my favorite genre in t thrillers, missing kids involved, I still loved it! Well written, chilling, unputdownable, and fast paced! Miranda Smith does character development flawlessly, which really makes you get emotionally invested in the book! One that will make you flip like a madman, needing it to finish, but also upset knowing it’s about to end! Lots of thrills, chills, twisty turns, and shocks! Highly, highly recommended!

During Marion's daughter first birthday party celebration, her mother is arrested under accusation of murder and kidnapping.
Can Marion be the missing "baby Caroline", abducted from her legitimate parents 30 years ago when she was just 3 months old?
Can the mother she knows not be her real mother? Can she be this Sarah who committed those awful crimes all those years ago? Is her whole life based on a series of lies?
The premise of the story is a great one, the theme of motherhood is very interesting, the character are well narrated and the plot is intriguing.
Though it's definitely a solid, good read, I've found the twists of the plot a bit predictable, it's not the kind of read that leaves you at the edge of your seat all the time, but still a page turner and very enjoyable, quick and fast paced.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

@bookouture

I didn't even think twice before giving this book 5 stars. Hell, it's that good! Thriller lovers, buckle up for this amazing book which delivers a perfect story with an even more perfect plot.
This story is sharp, gritting and mysterious. It will leave you full and empty at the same time. You won't be able to put this down.

I just couldn't stop reading it! Everytime I wanted to stop, my inner self screamed " One more chapter pleaseee"! But I'm so glad I finished it quickly because now I'm contented with the ending :) hehe
This book has it all: suspense, secrets, twists, a brilliant ending and much more. I loved the female characters who were portrayed so powerfully.
And ohhh, the story has an amazing mother-daughter relationship which will leave you on the verge of tears. Their companionship and commitment towards each other is so empowering.
This book is a must read for thriller fans. You'll love it!

Miranda Smith has written a truly engaging thriller that had so many unexpected twists and turns. I found myself constantly gasping in disbelief that yet another fact I thought to be true was instead twisted by context. I didn't want to put this down but also really didn't want it to end because I grew so attached to the characters.

As Marion is throwing a birthday party for her daughter, her mother is arrested for a crime that she supposedly committed over 30 years ago, which she never told Marion about. As Marion struggles to uncover what happened all those years ago, she grows closer to the woman who seemingly has the answers she's been looking for. This was told from multiple points of view which gave so much context behind the series of events and how they played out from each perspective. I found it so hard to trust anyone because it seemed like every time I accepted the new set of facts, they were then twisted to reveal an entirely different story. This has my brain reeling the entire time trying to figure out the truth.

The ending was so perfectly written that I felt like I was there with them. I really enjoyed this thriller and it definitely kept me on my toes. Thanks to Miranda Smith, NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance review copy of Not My Mother. Publication date is March 30th 2021.

My Review:

What a quick, easy, and wonderful read this was. I love when books just come together like this. Each chapter leaves you wanting more and you can’t put it down until you finish. This was my first read by this author and I loved it.

This book was about a daughter that was at odds about who her mother really was. Was she this evil person that supposedly kidnapped her so long ago? Or was she the loving mother that she’s always known that looked out for her and took care of her all her life? As the story progresses you find out who the real villain is.

I want to start off by saying how much I loved this book. It was such an enjoyable book and I can’t wait to read more from this author. Let’s talk characters. I really enjoyed Eileens character the most. Yes she was accused of a crime I find repulsive in so many ways but there was definitely a back story behind the crime. I loved Eileen’s story and I think anyone who reads the book will. I really felt for her. There was also another character that I felt for who will remain nameless since I feel really guilty for feeling this way about her. She had been the cause of all the problems these characters had in the book. On to the story. There are a few subjects that I really take to and kidnapping is one of them. I love a good kidnapping story and this one checked all the boxes. Now on to that roller coaster ride of an ending. It all started half way through the book. We got to find out a single test result that put in motion everything that happened in the second half of the book. As each chapter revealed more and more we finally got to that shocker of an ending that’s going to haunt me for a long time. What I concluded is that people can have a dark, evil side to them that will come out given the perfect storm.

Between the plot, characters and all the twists in this book it made it an easy and fast read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Very gripping story! It was hard to put down. I pieced some answers together early, but most of the time I figured it out just about the time the author wanted me to.
Carmen was my favorite character. I liked her confidence, loyalty and spunk.
Marion’s questions and thoughts were somewhat repetitive, but I liked her strength and independence.
Evan was great but seemed like a convenient prop. There needs to be more storyline around him.
Amelia was a very well developed and interesting character.
Beautiful cover!!!
Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.

Not My Mother by Miranda Smith is a twisty, psychological read. I really enjoy books with multiple POV’s and timelines. This one did not disappoint. The plot is engaging, and the characters become real. This book draws you in to these people’s lives and the reader becomes very invested in the outcome. Highly recommend.

***** I received an ARC from NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my honest review. *****

Wow! This book was so compelling that I literally have a burn on my arm from my straightener because I couldn’t even put it down to do my hair! The kind of book that sucks you in from the beginning and the plot twists just keep coming. Such an interesting storyline with just as many heartfelt moments as there was suspense. I wouldn’t expect any less from Miranda Smith and highly recommend this one to any psychological thriller addicts!

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy.

I had a hard time putting this book down. Though some parts I did predict, it was an excellent read. I loved that the chapters were short and the two different timelines.

Wow, I really really enjoyed this book. I honestly found myself becoming very anxious at times, which actually is such a great compliment to Miranda as her writing is just so gripping and I felt so absorbed by the story.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Not My Mother' by Miranda Smith.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Miranda Smith, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 30th March 2021.

This is the second book I have read by this author. The first book I read was called 'The One Before' which I loved and would also highly recommend.

I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and colouful cover and its captivating synopsis. The synopsis stated that this book is perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell amongst others. I am a huge fan of Lisa's books so am interested to see if it will live up to this statement. I have also previously read another of Miranda's books which I loved and am hoping to enjoy this one just as much. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of a prologue, 52 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium to long in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in the USA 🇺🇸.

This book is written in first person perspective with the protagonists being Marion and Eileen. There are also 2 short chapters from Amelia's third person perspective. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on and feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.

It is set over multiple timelines (now and then). When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions.

Miranda you have done it again. Well done! Another very well written and addictive novel by a very talented author. The vivid descriptions placed me in the storyline and the cover and blurb fit the storyline perfectly.

The storyline is absolutely addictive and gripping. It is ram packed with deceit, lies, secrets and filled with twists and turns which will knock you sideways. It is fast paced and has big reveals that I was not expecting. I was slightly annoyed at how quickly Marion gave up on her mum but then you never know how people will react until they are in that situation themselves. It does make you question how you would react and where your loyalties would lie. The narration was tense throughout and it had to me on the edge of my seat biting my nails and staying awake late at night to find out what happened next. I really enjoyed the past and present narrative and really felt for Eileen and what happened to her. I thought the ending was perfect.

The characters all had their own strong and unique personalities. As previously mentioned I was a bit annoyed by Marion but throughout she was being told one thing and then another just to have her whole world turn upside down. I really liked Des who is another strong willed female along with Carmen. Evan really wound me up when he stated towards the end that Marion left him and he basically expected to pick up where he left off after HE left and stated it was if she moved on arrrggghhh. Apart from that part with Evan I really liked his character before and he did prove himself worthy at the end and was a good guy overall. What do I think of Amelia? That, I don't think I can answer yet. In some ways I felt sorry for her but then at other times she definitely needed taking down a peg or four.

Another congratulations Miranda on another great novel. It would be very interesting to watch this on the big screen. I'm looking forward to reading more of your books.

Overall a riveting and addictive gripping page turner that will have you hooked and guessing throughout until the big reveals.

Genres covered in this novel include
Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Crime Fiction and Psychological Fiction amongst others.

I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Miranda Smith, Lisa Jewell and anyone looking for an addictive book full of twists.

287 pages.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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This book will mess with your head and your emotions all at the same time! It’s so well done and such a great story you do not want to put it down.

A thriller with criminal elements of suspense. Kidnapping, characters who you feel like you know— or want to! Kept me on the edge of my seat. I’m going to suggest this one as a book club read as soon as it’s released.

Do you ever read a book where you get to know the characters so well you really love them and want to befriend them? That’s how this book feels. Not Your Mother is a psychological thriller with some predictable twists, down to earth characters, and a really moving story line. The characters are passionate and real - the issues they face are tough and you really feel for them. The book is quick paced with various perspectives to keep you drawn in. Although many of the twists felt like I saw them coming, part of that is you WANT the twists and cross your fingers hoping you are right. I couldn’t put this down until I knew the truth about Marion, her family, and her future. Well written & beautiful work.

Thanks Bookouture & Miranda Smith for the e-read in exchange for an honest review.

Celebrating her one year old daughter Ava’s birthday is interrupted by the police looking for Sarah Paxton. Marion is in a state of shock when they then ask for Eileen Sams. What is going on? Why are the police after her mom? They are saying Sarah Paxton kidnapped a child and killed someone. Is Sarah Paxton her mom name from a prior life?
Marion struggles to understand what she knows of her past and of her years with her mother. Could she be Baby Caroline stolen from her parents?
This is a story with many unexpected changes that keeps you wondering what is the truth about Marion?
Thanks to Netgalley for complimentary copy. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Not My Mother by Miranda Smith is another cleverly devised read from an author most deserving of being added to your TBR immediately. If you have not previously experienced the writing of Ms Smith, you are in for a treat.

Marion has a close relationship with her mother Eileen, although that has not always been the case. Eileen has been overprotective of her only daughter, much to Marion's consternation as she was growing up. Together to celebrate the first birthday of Marion's daughter Ava, the party is interrupted by a knock at the door. It is the police, and they are looking for the woman they believe to be connected to the well-known Baby Caroline case of thirty years ago. Suddenly, Marion finds herself questioning everything about the woman she thought she knew.

This is a compulsive read that will keep you guessing through a labyrinth of twists and turns. I look forward to reading much more from the talented Ms Smith.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.

This book was absolutely amazing! It's twisty and shocking, it really kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

I've loved all of the Miranda Smith books I've read so far, and I can't wait to read more of them.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this ebook to review via Netgalley.