Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the copy of The Stepmother. The start was really slow, and for the first half I was wondering why there were so many five star reviews. Then the book got interesting! The slow buildup kind of made sense, but I wish it had been interspersed with some interesting elements. I liked the complex story and how we slowly learned more about what Sienna and Sam were doing that night. This is a good thriller, and the parts about how families evolve was a nice addition. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

"The Stepmother" is a thrilling suspense novel that revolves around the character of Libby, a woman who marries a widower named Nathan with two young children. As Libby tries to adjust to her new life as a stepmother, she discovers a dark and disturbing past that her new family has been keeping hidden.

The tension in the story builds as Libby tries to unravel the truth about what happened to a missing girl while grappling with the possibility that her own family may be involved.

The authors expertly weave a complex and suspenseful plot with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end. With well-developed characters and a thrilling storyline, "The Stepmother" is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to review this book.

Libby had never envisioned herself as a mother, until she fell in love with a man who already had two children. Surprisingly, she found immense joy in nurturing and raising them. However, as the story unfolds, an air of uncertainty begins to seep in. Secrets and misleading clues abound, leaving me in a constant state of anticipation and speculation. The ending is far from predictable, as these skilled authors have woven a tale of enigma and suspense that keeps you on your toes. It's a swift read that leaves you yearning for more. My gratitude goes to NetGalley for this opportunity.

Libby did not want children. Until she married a man with two. She enjoyed raising those kids. Until...what is happening? Secrets and red herrings kept me guessing. Do not try to discern the ending easily. These talented authors have written a story of intrigue and mystery. Quick read. Thanks to Netgalley.

A story one will remember long after reading, a stepmother doing what she
needed to do when she said "I do".
A chilling story of stepchildren, she loved them, but who were they really.
Was there a side she didn't know of these two children of Nathan's or of him.
Ten years Libby's life was ideal,.then a nightmare began for her.
The plot unfolds of secrets from childhood that were locked away.
A tension filled story of a stepmother's love and hope she knew them
as if they were her own children, to a surprising ending.
Given arc by Net Galley and Boldwood for my voluntary review