This debut novel is about a new mother struggling with the challenges motherhood brings on. She’s suffering with postpartum and memory loss.
It’s a fast past psychological thriller, and I really enjoyed it. I also loved the talk about postpartum, as it’s not something that we see being talked about enough.

The slow burn of this novel is what made me give it a three-star rating. However, once it picked up it was a good read. The characters especially the main character made me break for her because of the trauma she went through. even though I don't have children as of yet, I know for a fact I would need the support of family and good friends to have my back.

Wow - as a first-time parent who is only recently out of the newborn trenches, this one hit close to home. To start, Sommerville hit the nail on the head about what it's like living with PPD...I think the content advisories are warranted, but I appreciate how authentic her depiction was. All of that being said, I couldn't put this one down! I love Jo's character and was on her side the entire way...not only because I could empathize, but also because she was a strong, well-written, and developed character. I thought I had this one figured out, but the ending sure threw me for a loop! I'm glad I have a new author to check out - thank you for the ARC!

Wow, I loved If I Lose Her! It’s so relatable for every mother, the exhaustion that comes with having a newborn/infant and I was hooked the entire way through. While I suspect the culprit, I kept having my doubts. I truly gasped at the end and could not believe what I was reading. The last chapter was completely mind blowing 🤯 and added the gigantic cherry on top! I can’t wait for more books by Sommerville. I was just engrossed in her writing style and I couldn’t put the book down! This is the type of book that every psychological thrill loving fan wants to read!

Do you self a favor and add this psychological thriller to your TBR because you are in for a treat!

****Many thanks to Rising Action Publishing, Brianne Sommerville, and NetGalley for a gifted copy in turn for an honest review.

Rating 4.5 stars rounding up to 5 stars on Goodreads.
Review will be posted on Instagram (thriller_book_sisters) closer to pub date.

New mom Jo is overwhelmed and after a terrible mistake, she finds herself being investigated by Child Protective Services. Jo did not have an easy childhood, as her own mother was not very loving to her and died when she was young. As a result, Jo has suffered with her own mental health. But nothing could prepare her for the postpartum depression that hits when her baby girl is a few months old. Nothing makes sense anymore, and Jo can’t remember events that her husband and sisters tell her happened. Feeling exhausted and out of control, Jo must piece together what's happening around her. But how do you know who to trust when you can’t even trust yourself?

I am always drawn to books focusing on new motherhood and having gone through postpartum depression myself, a lot of what Jo went through was relatable for me. Thankfully though, in my own experience, I had a great support system and didn’t get to the point that Jo did. The author did a very respectful job at portraying what goes through the mind of a new mother who is sleep deprived and suffering from postpartum depression as well. I was quickly drawn into Jo’s story and remembered those early days of motherhood, where sleep is elusive and you question everything. Though I had an inkling about halfway through what the major twist was going to be, that didn’t stop me from enjoying this book in the least. In fact, I couldn’t put it down; it was everything a fast-paced psychological thriller should be and had me glued to the pages. I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next!

Thank you to Thriller Lover Promotions, Brianna Somerville and Rising Ation Publishing for the ARC! “If I Lose Her” will be released March 5, 2024.

This review will be shared to my instagram bog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly.

Fair warning, this book touches on many challenging topics; postpartum depression, childhood abuse, gaslighting, motherhood, death, etc. I feel like the author did a great job capturing the haze and struggles of those early days after childbirth.
I love an unreliable narrator, and this book definitely delivers. I found the plot to be more of a slow burn overall but there were definitely moments that kept me on my toes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This debut thriller kept me up turning the pages. It has red herrings, lies, secrets, twists and short, easy to read chapters. Although a thriller, it does deal with serious subject matter, including postpartum depression (PPD), emotional abuse and trauma. The descriptions of PPD are realistic and well done (I experienced this with both of my kids). I guessed parts of the ending but it was still well executed and didn’t take away from my enjoyment. Recommended for psychological thriller lovers. I’ll be looking out for this author’s next novel!

Thanks to Thriller Book Lovers P,romotions, Rising Action Publishing and Netgalley for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book (it was my first one)! I love reading thrillers so I was excited when I saw this one available as an ARC. The book hits on many topics surrounding postpartum depression, childhood abuse, gaslighting, motherhood, etc. I found the plot to be more of a slow burn overall but there were definitely moments that kept me interested and guessing what would happen next. The book made me think about how past abuse can potentially affect the decisions we make when entering parenthood, whether or not they’re for the better. Overall I enjoyed the book!

If I lose You is a combination of things that don’t usually work for me. Unreliable narrator and children (a baby) in stories... Especially in thrillers!

I also usually run hot or cold on thrillers.

This one started slow, but once it gets going it will really have you questioning and guessing what will happen next. Sommerville’s writing style flowed seamlessly with the flashbacks, and for a debt thriller novel, which is no easy thing to nail, I think Sommerville did a great job!

Also this cover is stunning!

Giving this a 3.5

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Sometimes what you really need is a book that is unrelenting and is, realistically, just a straight thriller with all the twists and turns you could want. This book is exactly that. I ended up devouring it it in a single sitting with no breaks - I just wanted to find out what happened.

While I did have a feeling about the ending, I will say that there were some strategically placed red herrings which worked really well. They were certainly more than enough to keep readers guessing, and the plot twists are definitely heavy ones that were written really well.

I also really appreciated the focus on postpartum depression and how well it was described and examined. I don't know how reliable our narrator was in the end, and that's okay - it did come across really well, and it keeps you guessing as it goes. It was definitely done really well.

I do think that there could have been a little more looked at with some of the relationships in the book, but all in all this was a solid four star thriller.

This being the debut book for this author I truly look forward to reading more of what she has to come!
Joanna is a new Mother to her daughter, Addy, and like all new mothers you question every move you make, little decision, and detail throughout your day. Jo has heard of the baby blues, but when an unfortunate accident happens, she is accused of leaving her baby outside on an incredibly hot day occurs, and CPS gets involved, the baby blues turns into a Postpartum depression diagnosis and “blackout memories”. I was immediately sucked in and didn’t know if I believed Jo, was someone messing with her, was she truly spiraling out of control… my brain was going in circles!
Throughout this book you get throwback chapters into Jo’s past that help piece some things together. However I was so turned around I even found myself questioning those. Along with her sisters and husbands family in the mix. Well let’s also not forget her husband, who does travel a lot for work and they aren’t on the best terms.
As the book comes to an end I wasn’t entirely surprised, however with all the twists and turns I still needed a moment to let it all sink in.
This book had good pacing, twists, turns, and most importantly honest, real, and raw truths about mental illness and Postpartum depression. The author did an impeccable job writing about the experiences people with this diagnosis go through… it’s not pretty and people don’t always want to hear the truth, but I was beyond impressed by how eloquently this author wrote about it! In doing this it made me love the Author and book even more !

Thank you to the Author, Netgalley, and Rising Action Publishing Company for the ARC!

Joanna is a new mom struggling with postpartum depression, blackouts, and lack of sleep. She’s accused of neglectfully leaving her baby outside on a swelteringly hot day. She can’t remember doing it, but it must be true because now CPS is involved. Her husband JP works long hours and is out of town frequently, and things have been a little rocky in their marriage. Fortunately, Jo’s sisters are there to support her and her mother-in-law is helpful… maybe a little too helpful. Who can Jo trust when she can’t even trust herself?

This impressive debut novel is not just suspenseful but also deeply emotional. The author’s portrayal of PPD and new motherhood is nuanced and sympathetic, and very relatable to someone who has been there before. The isolation, the days blurring together, and the brain fog are all captured perfectly. Jo’s character is fascinating; as much as I felt protective of her, I also didn’t trust her because she’s such an unreliable narrator. There are plenty of twists and I just had to know if Jo was harming her baby girl (accidentally or intentionally) or if someone else had it out for Jo and why. Perfect for fans of The New Mother by Nora Murphy!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Rising Action Publishing Co., and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for providing me an advance copy of this book.

Even though it's labeled as a thriller, this book takes on some serious stuff like postpartum depression, the struggles of being a mom, family drama, and mental health. So, heads up, check those trigger warnings before diving in – it's more of a domestic suspense vibe.

Now, let me tell you, the twists in this story? Solid and totally caught me off guard. I was like, "Wait, what?" It's one of those reads that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. Jo's journey through new motherhood hit close to home, making her story all the more gripping.

Overall, this book was a knockout for me. I couldn't put it down, and I seriously didn't want it to end. Sommerville's debut is seriously impressive, and I'm already itching to get my hands on whatever else she writes. The pacing keeps you hooked, diving into Jo's life, drama, and family gossip. And the flashbacks to Jo's earlier years add a cool layer, filling in the blanks about her past and struggles as a new mom. With her sisters by her side, Jo pieces together the chaos in her life – it's a wild ride, let me tell you.

This is a fast paced thriller that deals with a mom who is suffering from postpartum and memory loss. I loved this debut and am already anticipating what this author will do next

This book has been more of a domestic suspense rather than a thriller, but it was still a compelling read. Joanna has been feeling lost since the birth of her baby, experiencing blackouts and time loss, and dealing with the stress of Child Protective Services being called to her home. She's also facing a troubled past and issues with her husband. Fortunately, her sister's step in to offer support, bringing her relief. The flashbacks to Joanna's past with her mother were particularly engaging and relatable, providing insight into her adult thoughts and especially her perspective on motherhood. The story's well-crafted and believable twists took me by surprise. Overall, this debut was very enjoyable, and I'm grateful to NetGalley, Thriller Book Lovers Promotions, and Rising Action Publishing for the early copy. This book is set to publish on March 5, 2024.

If I Lose Her
By: Brianne Sommerville
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was blown away that this novel is a debut. Sommerville will be one to watch out for!!!

I loved the main characters were named after Little Women, which is one of my all time favorite novels.

Jo and her husband JP are going through a rough patch with a new marriage and their baby Addy. JP works long hours and Jo is having a hard time adjusting with their recent move.

Jo is a new mother who is suffering from depression. She has fought this her most of her life and her mother died when she was younger. Her sisters Meg and Amy are there to dot on their niece Addy.

This novels chapters alternates Jo’s life as a teen and as a new mom. This helps explain Jo’s depression and relationship with her sisters.

Thank you Thriller Book Lover Promotions and Brianne Sommerville for this advanced copy. This one is available March 5, 2024. I will be looking for her next one.

#ifiloseher, #thrillerbookloverpromotions, #briannesommerville, #riseactionpublishing, #netgalley, #kindle, #booksconnectus, #bookreview, #bookstagram, #stamperlady50

“When I was a kid, I used to be terrified of mirrors. I was convinced that the me I saw in the mirror was a separate entity, tricking me into believing I was the one in control.”

Joanna is a first time mother experiencing postpartum depression. She made a potentially serious mistake that has her in the crosshairs of Child Protective Services which adds to her growing anxiety. Joanna doesn’t remember what happened. She didn’t do what they’re saying she did. Did she?

If I Lose Her sucked me in right away. What is going on with poor Jo? Is someone messing with her? Is she just sleep deprived or is she c R a Z y? I want to believe her, I really do, but she’s unreliable! The best kind of narrator. I loved the little glimpses of Jo’s past at different ages that are woven in via flashbacks. Has Jo always had psychological issues? As the anniversary of her mother’s mysterious death approaches, Jo can’t help but wonder, will she have a better relationship with her daughter than she had with her mother?

Brianne Sommerville does a pitch perfect job of making you FEEL Jo’s fears. The tension, self doubt and worry was palpable and dripped off the pages. I’m not a mother but I was ready to have a panic attack being inside Jo’s head! I know if I WAS a new mom I’d be just like her. Her running stream of consciousness made perfect sense to me.

There’s a lot of family and neighborhood drama and dynamics at play. I felt like I was in a dark episode of Desperate Housewives and I need to dish the dirt! (IYKYK) I was able to figure out what was going on but it was a HUGE guessing game getting there. The complexities of relationships and what you will and won’t do for someone you love is beautifully encased in this page turner. I’ll be on the lookout for Brianne’s next novel!
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Thank you Brianne Sommerville, Rising Action Publishing Co and Thriller Book Lover Promotions for my gifted copy.
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Scroll down for potential spoiler trigger warnings.
















⚠️Potential triggers: self harm, postpartum depression, affairs, death

My inner devious child peeked out this week and I got a bit jealous ! Whoa! I would love to say that is unlike me but who am I kidding. I can be a jealous brat 🤗

So, I saw “If I Lose Her”, literally break bookstagram this week and of course I didn’t want to feel left out so I requested it on Netgalley .

Cue the little magic ding ding in my inbox and I see my big ole eyes get wide as I stare at my approval ! Yay ! I’m still a cool kid !

This is a book with character you will really attach yourself to. Filled with twists and turns at every corner the amount of suspense kept me on edge the entire time ! I flippin’ loved this book!

So, what did I do ? I pre-ordered copies for my besties so we can chat about it . This little firecracker of an author sure does know how to write one hell of a suspenseful thriller .

Five Stars, duh ! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Teaser :

Who can you trust when you can't trust yourself?

The pregnancy podcasts warned Joanna Baker about the baby blues, but when a near-fatal mistake places the first-time mom under the watchful eye of Child Protective Services, she receives a serious diagnosis.

Postpartum depression. Jo hears the words, yet they don't make sense. Nothing does. Her blackouts are increasing, and she can't recall events she's been accused of.

As she fights to keep her daughter, she discovers cracks in her neighborhood, family, and her own home. With the support of her sisters, she attempts to piece together her traumatic past and uncover who is truly in control.

Jo must battle her faltering mind to save what's most important -- her daughter.

A very well done debut novel from Brianne Sommerville!
Although this is categorized as a thriller, this story did touch on a lot of heavy topics such as postpartum depression, struggles of motherhood, familial issues, & mental health - so I would advise people to look at the trigger warnings before reading.
Overall, I had a fun time reading this book. The start/first quarter of the book was quite slow but once the plot and suspense picked up it was full throttle until the end which I loved. This was perfect to get me out of my reading slump!
3.75/5 ⭐️

𝑯𝒆'𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒖𝒑 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒈𝒏𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌...𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕-𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒎 𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕-𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒓-𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉-𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒚𝒂𝒓𝒅.

I found this book to be more of a domestic suspense than a thriller, but it was still an enjoyable read. Joanna has been lost since the birth of her baby, having blackouts, losing time, and worst of all, signaling Child Protective Services to her home after an anonymous call accusing her of leaving her infant daughter alone in the yard. She is battling a traumatic past and some problems with her husband, so when her sisters step up to help her, she's relieved.

The most enjoyable parts of the book for me for the flashbacks to Joanna's past with her mother. Those parts were very easy for me to relate to, and they really explain Joanna's thoughts and feelings as an adult, especially her view of herself as a mother.

The twists in this story were very well written and believable, and I couldn't believe I didn't see it coming! A very enjoyable debut, and I thank NetGalley, Thriller Book Lovers Promotions, and Rising Action Publishing for the early copy. This book will publish March 5, 2024.