The Family Guest is written by Nelle Lamarr. This is the first time that I have read this author, and it will not be my last. I love books that take you on so many twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat while reading. The author has done a great job writing in descriptions in a lot of detail so that readers will feel like they are watching the scene unfold.

Tanya is an exchange student that have come to stay. She looks like the spitting image of the daughter lost. Paige, their other child is not as convinced as everyone else that Tanya is sweet, caring and polite. I enjoyed this domestic thriller and the lies that unfolded.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.

I really enjoyed this book and read it over a day on holiday. It was an easy compulsive read centering on Tanya, an exchange student from the Uk who is not who she says she is. So what it is Tanya’s motive and why has she chosen this particular family?
A very entertaining read , full of twists and turns and a very unexpected ending!
Than yo to Netgalley and publisher for giving me the chance to read this book.

A book full of secrets and lies and expertly woven to create a gripping, thrilling read. It took me a few chapters to get into it but then I was hooked.

Yeah, no, I'm not gonna invite anyone to my house ever again, oof! This book just proves what I've known all along: that you never should invite anyone over to your house. Like... ever

The synopsis of this one had me invested (but also gave me Then She Was Gone vibes). I do generally enjoy YA books, but this one was a miss for me. The dialogue was a bit too immature for me. I also can't stand selfish parents. Several times I wanted to toss my kindle across the one based on someone's behavior. I think this could be great for the right person, but was not a personal favorite of mine.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was a really good twisty read! The storyline was good and the characters well done. It kept me flipping pages and I finished in 2 settings. Suspenseful and some good twists along the way. Definitely recommend

I read this book awhile ago so it’s hard to remember the details. However, I requested it because it was recommended by Freida McFadden. I remember loving this book as much as Freida McFadden and thinking it was a wonderful debut. There were plenty of twists and turns and the book kept me turning page after page. I finished it in a day or two. Everyone someone asks for other thriller recommendations, I have been recommending this book. Can’t wait to read more by this author!

I was not able to finish the book and therefore do not feel that I can give an unbiased review about the book, its plot, characters, or the author's work. I might revisit this book at a later time and finish it then, but not right now.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! It took a little bit for me to get vested in it but once it got going I didn’t want to put it down. A foreign exchange student comes to lives with a family for a year. The book is told from told two different view points… the mother Natalie and her daughter Paige. It’s very easy to follow and intriguing to see the different views. Both the mother and daughter begin to wonder about the exchange student as time goes on. Why does her British accent come and go? Where is her father? This family has secrets upon secrets…layers and layers that begin to unravel. Highly recommend this book!

"The Family Guest" by Nelle Lamarr is a captivating and emotionally rich novel that delves into the complexities of family, love, and the power of secrets. Lamarr's storytelling prowess shines through in this compelling narrative, drawing readers into a world filled with intrigue, drama, and heartfelt moments of connection.

At the heart of the novel is the enigmatic character of Isabelle, whose arrival at the prestigious Ashwood Manor sets off a chain of events that will forever alter the lives of the residents. Lamarr expertly navigates the dynamics of the Ashwood family, peeling back layers of secrets and lies to reveal the true essence of each character. From the matriarch struggling to maintain control to the rebellious daughter yearning for freedom, every member of the family is brought to life with depth and nuance.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its atmospheric setting. Lamarr paints a vivid picture of Ashwood Manor, with its sprawling grounds, opulent interiors, and dark, brooding secrets. The sense of place is palpable, drawing readers into the luxurious world of the Ashwoods while also hinting at the darkness lurking beneath the surface.

The pacing of "The Family Guest" is masterfully executed, with each chapter building suspense and tension as the story unfolds. Lamarr keeps readers guessing until the very end, expertly weaving together multiple narrative threads to create a tapestry of intrigue and betrayal. The result is a gripping page-turner that will leave readers eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth behind the secrets of the Ashwood family.

The emotional depth of the novel is further enhanced by Lamarr's rich and evocative prose. From the tender moments of love and connection to the heart-wrenching scenes of loss and betrayal, every emotion is conveyed with honesty and authenticity. Lamarr's writing is both lyrical and immersive, drawing readers into the inner lives of the characters and inviting them to experience their joys and sorrows firsthand.

In conclusion, "The Family Guest" by Nelle Lamarr is a compelling and emotionally resonant novel that will captivate readers from beginning to end. With its gripping plot, well-drawn characters, and atmospheric setting, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who delve into its pages. Lamarr's powerful storytelling offers a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds of family and the transformative power of love, making this book a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction.

"The Family Guest," by Nellie Lamarr is written through multiple points of view with twists throughout! Tanya, an exchange student from England, arrives at Natalie and her family's home, setting off a chain of events narrated from both Natalie and her daughter, Paige's perspectives. Natalie's choice of Tanya is driven by her striking resemblance to her late daughter, Anabel. Quickly, Tanya fills the void left by Anabel's absence, becoming the daughter figure Natalie yearns for, yet Paige remains wary of her. As doubts about Tanya's background and demeanor arise, Paige, along with her brother William, embark on a quest to uncover Tanya's true identity and motives. While many characters prove to be unsympathetic, they contribute to the intrigue of the narrative.

The author's plot trajectory is somewhat predictable, the book remains engaging. Essentially, it unfolds as a tale of domestic tension exacerbated by the presence of an enigmatic exchange student. Despite its predictability, the story features enough twists and surprises to sustain interest. Overall, it delivers as a brisk psychological thriller, and the conclusion proves captivating!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Nellie Lamarr for the Advanced Reader Copy, it's truly appreciated!

This is an OK book.

Woth a coffee in hand and a light music to drown our the noise, this is a cozy thriller. Wouldn't say that this deserves a 5 star-rating but it definitely got me out of my reading slump.

Excellent book! Just when you thought you had it figured out there is another twist, even up until the last chapter! This book did not disappoint!

This story follows an exchange student from the U.K. who comes to live with a US family (The Merritt's). After the loss of their daughter Anabel, the mom (Natalie) sees an exchange student who reminds her of her late daughter and invites her into her home to live with them and it feels like a second chance at what she lost. Paige (the Merritt's other daughter) is skeptical of Tanya and develops dark and evil thoughts towards her.

The book is mostly about the exchanges between Tanya and Paige so therefore the first half of the book gives off spoiled rich kids drama vibes which just wasn't for me. Then the book takes a twist and turns more thriller with Tanya threatening the Merritts. (you have to get past the parenting choices and immaturity of the parents).

The story line has multiple POV (Paige and her mum Natalie). Gives off strong YA vibes and style of writing. You will enjoy if you enjoy banter between teens, family drama, and questioning peoples motives.

Read trigger warnings before reading this book for sure.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for a review. Book was released 9/21/23.

This book was awesome. I couldnt put it down. I was constantly thinking about it, and thats a good sign for me. It was unpredictable which is a huge part of my rating.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Full of plot twists and family drama. This is a hard one to put down.

If you need a thriller to kick you back into gear this is the one for you. The build up was great paced and easily followed. I did not guess that ending! Grab your copy!

*Disclaimer: To be fair to the author and other readers, perhaps it was my personal headspace at the time.
I had great hopes for a fast, intense read but was disappointed. I did find it started off strong and captivated my attention, but I waned a third into the book. The story took a quick turn into a very unrealistic storyline and fell flat. Much to my disappointment, I put the book down and did come back to it for some time. I would say the ending was not what I would of liked. I will definitely select another work from the author..

The plot of this one twists all over the place. It starts with a family welcoming an exchange student who bears an uncanny resemblance to their oldest daughter, who died several years earlier. The story is told by Natalie, who seems to see the exchange student as a replacement for her dead daughter, and her teenage daughter, Paige, who is determined to hate Tanya even before meeting her. The two characters have distinct voices, but Paige's chapters felt like I was reading a whiny Reddit post. I couldn't suspend my disbelief enough to enjoy the story.

This family psychological drama has lots of twists and turns and is a fast paced read. Tanya is an exchange student who is welcomed immediately by Natalie who is grieving her daughter Annabel and sees Tanya as a replacement of sorts. Natalie's children Paige and Will are suspicious of Tanya from the get go and do some investigating. Lots of family drama ensues with an ending that was somewhat predictable but still fun to uncover at the end. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. If you like Freida McFadden you will enjoy this author. Thanks to #netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review