An interesting story that I would have liked to have continued. Are sociopaths born or made? Or could it be some of both? This book didn't really answer that question but it did show what some (most) mothers would do to protect their children.

Sadly, after I finished reading this novella, I thought to myself that I would have rather the story not have a sequel at all. This did nothing to enhance the story previously told in The Perfect Child. In fact, in some ways, it contradicts parts of The Perfect Child. It also includes a character that was not very present in the first story, and makes that character extremely important in this story, but to a detriment. I finished this feeling disappointed and with more questions than I had from The Perfect Child.

This short novella is a sequel to Lucinda Berry’s The Perfect Child and i was so excited for it. Needless to say, it left me disappointed. I felt it was too short and rushed. I thought it was missing details. And it was predictable. I still love Lucinda’s books and will recommend her to anyone.

Such a fast paced novella that can be read in one sitting. Definitely expanded from The Perfect Child but still think it left unanswered questions to the ending of the story. Auto Buy author for sure though, such a great thriller writer

This was perfection! It was everything I needed for an update and conclusion of Janie and the Bauer's stories. The Perfect Child is one of my favorite books. A Welcome Reunion was no disappointment. It delivered everything you can expect from Lucinda Berry. If you haven't checked out the rest of her books, what are you waiting for?

A WELCOME REUNION by Lucinda Berry. I’ve read everything Lucinda has written and she never disappoints. I LOVED the Perfect Child and when I heard this mini sequel was coming, it was a no brainer that I had to read it. It was such a thrill. I always wondered what happened afterwards and now we get a peek into the post drama. Of course I do wish it was a full length book because I loved the story so much, but it was a nice way to end it. Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Lucinda Berry is so good at psychological thrillers. Their books are so thought provoking and really pull you in. Every time I pick up a new book it has me questioning everyone and everything around me.

Wow! This short story is disturbing, dark, and intense. It's all-absorbing from start to finish with a conclusion that was completely unexpected. This is a sequel to The Perfect Child, but you don't have to have read that to enjoy this thriller. It is perfect as a stand-alone. This novella is a page-turner that will stay with me for a long time. Thank you, NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for my copy.

4 stars

This was a super quick novella that reallllllly didn't need to be written.

I read The Perfect Child, and while it was a great book that left a lot unanswered, we didn't really need this sequel. Especially since it left you with more questions at the end.

I don't know... felt like a super rushed book and totally unnecessary.

For a short story, this packed a lot in! This was my first by this author and I'm curious to read her full length book featuring the "whole story" that this was based on, since you can't flesh out characters too much in just 82 pages. That having been said, I was drawn in instantly to a complicated plot: how does each member of a family deal with the return of a person who came into their lives and forever changed them...for the worse!

There isn't too much I can say about the plot without giving things away. As a short story, it was necessarily fast-paced and you get thrown right into the thick of the conflict. I was left itching to know more about these characters...and what lead them to the events that start off this short story. So it had the psychological thriller edge and the family drama boxes quickly checked. And it's a great way to get me to pickup the book, too!

This was a really intriguing short read and having not read The Perfect Child, I still kept up with and followed the drama in the book. I really enjoyed this.

Readers familiar with American former psychologist and childhood trauma researcher, Lucinda Berry’s chilling psychological thriller, The Perfect Child might be wondering “what next” for Hannah and Christopher Bauer and their sociopathic adopted daughter, Janie. They will certainly appreciate the resolution that this post-script provides. It describes what happens when Janie is released from juvenile detention at eighteen years of age.

A name change, a best-selling memoir, a TV interview and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes manipulation that has Hannah utterly terrified for the welfare of her seventeen-year-old son, Cole. Social worker Piper has kept a close eye on Janie, and shares what she has discovered. When Hannah learns the awful truth of it, what will she do? A spoiler alert might have been wise as this one gives away much of the plot of The Perfect Child, but it can be read as a stand-alone. Also very chilling.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories.

First of all, Ms. Berry never disappoints. I wish it wasn't a novella, because the aftermath of this could go in so many directions. I'm going to need more.

Enjoyed this one!! Such a great story and really wish it was longer!! The ending has once again left me questioning though.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc. This was a fun quick read. I didn't realize this was a pro-log to The Perfect Child but will defiantly be reading that here soon. I feel like there should have been maybe one more chapter or epilogue as I felt it ended with no real conclusion. Overall 3.5

This was really bad. Way too far fetched and outlandish and the main characters were still unlivable. Would’ve been better as a full fleshed out novel with all of the loose ends wrapped up.

This was a great novella! The perfect sequel to the original I read this is one setting. The perfect way to pass a slow day.

Book Review: "A Welcome Reunion" by Lucinda Berry

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 stars)

A Welcome Reunion by Lucinda Berry, a short thriller that follows the events after *The Perfect Child*, offers a gripping and intense exploration of a couple's harrowing encounter with a girl they once considered their own. With its rapid pacing and unrelenting tension, this novella delivers a satisfying continuation of the narrative, delving into the aftermath of trauma and the intricacies of redemption.

Plot Summary:
Janie, a figure haunted by her past actions, reemerges in the lives of Hannah and Christopher Bauer—a couple who had once adopted her. After years of separation, Janie is no longer the fragile child they remember. She's returned, determined to promote her tell-all memoir that recounts the disturbing details of her tumultuous journey. Despite her claims of reform, the Bauers are hesitant to embrace her return. However, as Janie takes drastic steps to confront them, they are forced to confront the unsettling truths she brings with her.

What I Liked:

The novella provides a welcome continuation of the story from *The Perfect Child*, granting readers insight into the lives of the characters following the previous events. It's a seamless transition that both satisfies and intrigues.

The narrative offers a more conclusive resolution, providing closure to lingering questions from the previous book. The story addresses loose ends, delivering a more satisfying sense of closure.

The pacing of the novella is remarkable, capturing attention from the first page and maintaining the momentum throughout. This fast-paced approach heightens the suspense and makes for an engaging reading experience.

What I Didn’t Like:

One aspect I wished for was Janie's point of view. While the story effectively portrays the Bauers' perspective, glimpsing Janie's thoughts and motivations could have added depth to her character and further enriched the narrative.

Final Thoughts:

"A Welcome Reunion" is a riveting thriller that skillfully carries the story forward while offering a tighter resolution to the events set in motion by *The Perfect Child*. With its swift pacing, intriguing characters, and lingering suspense, this novella is a must-read for fans of Lucinda Berry's work. While the absence of Janie's perspective is notable, the novella's strengths lie in its ability to delve into the complexities of the human psyche and the aftermath of traumatic events.

Lucinda Berry delivers a compelling tale that navigates the boundaries of trust, redemption, and the haunting grip of the past. "A Welcome Reunion" successfully maintains the chilling atmosphere and psychological intrigue that readers have come to expect from the author.

*Note: This review reflects personal opinions and impressions, and individual reader experiences may vary.*

Holy cow! What a thrilling short story this is! I did not see that ending at all! Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Lucinda Berry did it again. I never tire of her story telling, and this book is no exception. I loved The Perfect Child, and A Welcome Reunion was a great follow-up. My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer.