With an exciting premise, No Child Of Mine tells the story of a creepy house, forbidden love, deception, and splitting storylines. If you're a fan of domestic thrillers this book may be a good fit. where this book loses me is the multiple povs that shift the story into unique storylines. one thing I will add, the central conflict of the book feels subdued and almost unrealistic at times but watching the chemistry between Essie and Sanjay dissolve was pretty interesting. I also feel like Essie was the only fully fleshed-out character in the book which is awkward given the many faces present throughout the latter 3 quarters of the book. this book isn't perfect, but it is good if you're a fan of Lisa Jewell or Ruth Ware's writing styles. I however am not the biggest fan.

🔍ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ
«𝔻𝕒𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕕𝕖 𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕚𝕣 𝕞𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕤, 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕚𝕣 𝕓𝕠𝕕𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕜𝕟𝕚𝕥 𝕥𝕠𝕘𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕡𝕚𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕝𝕖𝕟»
⭐⭐💫 / 5⭐
𝙉𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚/ 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝙂𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙨
𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙨𝙪𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚
𝘽𝙡𝙪𝙧𝙗: 𝙀𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙚 has defined herself by her ambitions, a woman whose only soft spot is her husband, 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙟𝙖𝙮. They just moved to their new 🏠 when she found out she is🤰being a mother was never a part of the plan, specially since her grandma won't stop talking about a curse that has haunted her family for generations. Her husband spends the nights pacing in the attic, acting like a complete stranger, and the 🏠 noises begins to sounds more like a whisper.

This was an Arc in exchange for an honest review (book will be out on september) I was really intrigued by the premise and I really was enjoying the dual timeline, totally courious about what was behind 𝘼𝙣𝙖 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄𝙨𝙖𝙗𝙚𝙡 story but it was really above the surface. As I went on reading, the 📗 started to drag alot revolving constantly and unbearably too much around 𝙀𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙚 morning sickness 🤢 and other discomfort of her pregnancy, she being specially annoying about it, as she had not a choice or say in the matter and this was a burden impossed where nothing happen really for most of the half of the book. There is not much of suspense on the story, the house events could have been way to more interesting or shocking to be the majorly focus of the story. The ending was not worth the waiting
it felt rushed and too easy. It started good and could be an amazing story if it was more focused on the paranormal factor.

Thank you to NetGalley, The Poisoned Pen Press and the author for this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly loved this book. It was not exactly what I was expecting, but it sure did not disappoint. I enjoyed the dual POVs. This story had an ominous sense of foreboding over the whole story. I loved the chapters with Isabelle and Ana and the letters they wrote to each other. A well done and kept me turning pages. 4 star!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this title.

I had high hopes for this one, but it was a long haul for not much story. It was wildly implausible, not just in the fantasy elements, but in many of the every day interactions, and was just an okay read for me.

I was so excited to be given the opportunity to read and review this uncorrected proof, “No child of mine” by Nichelle Giraldes! A special thank you to NetGalley, The Poisoned Pen Press and the author for this book, in exchange for an honest review.

This book kept me up at night! The setting, a creepy old house that starts to whisper to its inhabitants, set the stage for this ghostly story. The main character, Essie, whose life plans are put on hold when her unexpected pregnancy becomes complicated by medical issues and non stop morning sickness leaves her a captive prisoner in this house. All the while, her high school sweetheart, Sanjay starts to change in disturbing ways. The sub story of Ana and Isabella added an additional mystery as to how they were connected to the whole story & it all ties up nicely in the end. Good reveal, good creep factor, good suspense and a sweet family drama all rolled into one package.

I was expecting something different but this was a good read none the less. The MC Essie become unexpectedly pregnant which isn't part of her plan. It upsets the delicate balance she has created in her marriage and sets a chain of events in motion. The story is told from two points of view in two separate times. Isabel is the other MC from an earlier point in time. She has a connection to Essie that is revealed later. Definitely a tamer ghost story with more thriller than scare vibes.

Essie has defined herself as a fiercely independent ambitious woman. Shortly after moving into a new home with her husband, she finds herself pregnant. While Essie finds herself plagued with a difficult pregnancy, her husband also has difficulties and paces the attic. As the pregnancy continues, Essie finds her life wrapped up in a curse. Seems there is something lurking in the corners of the house. Will Essie be able to figure it out before her baby is born?

I loved the part of this book where Essie’s husband is praised as being a loving husband – for simply showing up! Here Essie finds herself in the throws of a difficult pregnancy and in the hospital – and he just drove her. Its infuriating to me that we live in a society where men simply get praised for existing. Not only is it not fair to women everywhere, but for men who actually do pull their own weight and contribute.
I really enjoyed this story. It was a fun generational curse story. The story was beautifully written, and the author did a great job. I didn’t enjoy that the storylines of Anna and Isabel came together until the very end of the book – I would have preferred to hear how they connected earlier on. However, overall this was a great read and I am thankful to have read it.
May sure to check this one out this fall – September 12th!

Thank you so much to Poised Pen Press, @Poisedpenpress, and Netgalley, @netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

The headstrong Essie Kaur is in the process of finally getting her law degree after delaying it for a few years for her husband, Sanjay. However, she gets the shock of her life during a visit to the doctor when she discovers she is pregnant.

Pregnancy wasn’t part of the plan; she had so much she wanted to do. It was not such a pleasant thought for Essie but she decides to continue the pregnancy.

Indeed, pregnancy is a delicate time and often women are expected to make more sacrifices than men when it comes to pregnancy and raising a child while men are celebrated for doing the bare minimum. Imagine striving hard for your dreams only to find out that you are carrying a child and would have to change all your plans and delay getting your degree again for a few years.

Initially, I was wondering if there was any connection between Isabel, Anna and Essie. Later on, it is revealed that the three women are connected by a generational curse that sees their husbands stolen from them.
Told between different POVS and timelines, this story is perfect for women who have gone through pregnancy, and those who like spooky reads and fast-paced stories.

Thank you to the publishers at Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for this e-ARC of No Child of Mine.

#nochildofmine #NetGalley

When Essie learns she's pregnant, Essie and her husband Sanjay are in for a much bigger surprise than just their unexpected parenthood. The story spans generations and despite the gothic flavour and spookiness scattered all around, draws you in once you realize the background behind the familial curse. The book does not let us down in the creepiness factor - whispering voices, jump scares, lurking shadows, and recurring nightmares, all add to the horror element. Giraldes handles the characterization well, and deftly presents a multi-person narration quite well, and the book has good pacing. This was a lovely read. I am thankful to Giraldes, and the publishers Poisoned Pen Press, for gifting me with a copy of this book.

This book kept me hooked! Half the time I wasn't sure what was going on and I was so intrigued! But it all came to climax in the end in a very cool, amazing ending!
Family curses, a threatened marriage, a desperate mother, a bit of a supernatural element...this book was a great read!

I love a good thriller and a ghost story too? Oh yeah!
I was eager to start this one and got into it very quickly. The story flowed well, character development was good, on the whole an easy read.
However I’d like to have had more of the creep factor. More from the ghost story side. The ending was a bit anticlimactic considering the story, but overall, I’m happy to have read it.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for the arc.

I generally enjoy books that have ghost stories and this one originally did not disappoint. I really liked the alternating timelines and felt the character development was fantastic, specifically with Isabelle and Ana. However, the ending was too abrupt. I was looking at the page count and could not believe that the book was going to be done within 10-15 pages. This book would have easily been a four or five star if the ending would have been more drawn out; however, it felt almost wasteful to read an entire book and have it end so quickly.

Thank you to Netgalley and Poison Pen Press for the ARC for an honest review.

Thank you so much Netgalley for letting me read and review No Child of Mine by Michelle Giraldes.
I really enjoyed this book. I had a tough time putting it down. I wanted to find out what was going to happen next to Essie & Sanjay as well as Ana and Isabel. Essie's story really grabbed my attention and would not let go. And the whispers gave me the heebie jeebies!!! Eeek!! I really enjoyed Ms. Giraldes writing style, it was well written and it kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing until the end. I definitely highly recommend this one!!

Essies story definitely caught my attention early on, I was intrigued to figure out where this curse started. I find that her husband plays a huge role in adding to the thriller of this read. This was an average thriller I give it a three, it could have been more creepy as for the haunted house and more details about the characters would have been a wonderful add. I don't regret reading it I enjoyed it.

A picture-perfect family you see at the beginning of every horror film. In a new house with old wall paints and creaking attic floors, Essie and Sanjay's married life is starting from scratch. While adjusting to the new home and studying for her bar exams, Essie's becoming a mother is not a welcome celebration she did not see coming.

With a loving husband like Sanjay, such a thing would be the greatest development that could happen, but Essie fears that their generational curse would continue the crumbs that left her father in misery.

The story was split into two alternate perspectives: a new married journey with Essie and Sanjay, and the story of two women who love each other secretly through letters. I love that we get to see these tales in one book. Their love has a lot of risks and sacrifices that will make you connect with them deeper. 

The eagerness to know about that generational curse and the connections between these two timelines kept me going so fast that it was hard to put down most of the time. Although it was marketed as horror, it didn't scare me as much. But Essie's struggle with becoming a mother put fear in me as a woman. That's the real horror for me—that your life and dreams are slipping away because another little human being is inside you. 

Perfect to read if you love the books Nightbitch and The Push! This is out on September, so I feel honored to have the opportunity to read it before it's out to the world.

I received this book from Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This statement is always true. I’m not given compensation to discuss a book and I’m not told how to rate a book. I am given a book in exchange for my opinions on it, and I am truthful in all my reviews whether I loved them or not.

4.5 stars. This book starts out on the slow side. After reading the book, it ended up making sense why. As the events unfold, it continues to get creepier and creepier.

Essie and Sanjay are a happily-in-love-couple with dreams to be successful. Essie had never wanted children, but finds herself pregnant right in the middle of finishing her college degree. Sanjay dotes over Essie and her pregnancy, but things start to get strange.

Isabell and Ana are strangers from the past, however, they cross paths with Essie and Sanjay. Sanjay starts to slop away from Essie and having a complicated pregnancy, Essie is stranded by herself to try to safe the man that she once loved, not the man that he is becoming.

Murder, fear, curses, and a secret past that has been hidden for generations. Will Essie be able to save the family that has been haunted for generations or is this the end for her? The ending fell somewhat short of what I was expecting. A last chapter that glimpses into the future by 20 to 25 years would have made the book a true 5 star rating.

This book will make your skin crawl. The characters are well defined in the book. Giraldes takes her time forming and developing the characters individually. Describing each one's dreams and aspirations, she doesn't miss a beat. I felt like I was in the book, vividly imagining the scenes. Very in depth descriptions, but not overbearing.

This book I would definitely read again. Sometimes it got so intense, I found myself wanting to get to the end as quickly as possible. Overall, I would recommend this book to people who love suspense, thriller, horror and paranormal stories.

Thank you @Poisoned Pen Press and @NetGalley for the opportunity to read and rate this ARC. #NoChildOfMine

I requested this one because it might be an upcoming title I would like to review on my Youtube Channel. However, after reading the first several chapters I have determined that this book does not suit my tastes. So I decided to DNF this one.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #poisonedpenpress for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The premise for this book had me excited! Haunted house, family curse…yes please! For most of the book, it was 4 stars, then the ending wrapped things up way to quickly and easily. The curse was great however, what was the dark? Where did it come from? I would’ve liked more about the origin of the dark. So, bottom line, I liked it, but the quick wrap up fell a little flat for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for allowing me to read this book. I was very intrigued by the book's description and was super excited when my request was approved. Which, unfortunately, makes this negative review even harder to write.

The book was slow, repetitive and anticlimactic. The main character was painful and it felt like a lot of the story could be solved if she just spoke to her husband about her concerns, especially when it told us how incredibly close they apparently are over and over again. The dual timeline with the letters was kind of interesting but the constant switching between first and third tense was off putting.
There was so much repetition, especially in the first three quarters of the book. Pregnancy sucks and you're sacrificing your career, I get it. The house makes noise and is scary, I get it. Your husband is looking and acting different, I get it. Some strong editing would have been beneficial.
The book's name, cover and blurb all build it up to be a scary horror story but it just want. The descriptions of the house and the dreams weren't scary and the husband's decent was another missed opportunity to add a scary element to the story. The ending was anticlimactic and could have been a strong, engaging scene but it was slow and meh. I was disappointed that I read the whole book for someone to just light a match and for the bad guy to be gone. Also, the book's title doesn't even make sense. It doesn't really reflect the events of the story and I'm struggling to see how it fits.
Again, thank you for allowing me to read and review this book. I hate how negative my review is but it is honest.

This book was hard to put down. I loved both stories and how they blended together. The author paints pictures so well you feel like you are there. I was so nervous for the ending but - wow! Highly recommend!