Member Reviews
This book is about a little girl who is kidnapped by her “mother” while in her “mother and father’s” care. Who really is the Lola’s mother?
This book had some major twists! I didn’t know for a long time who was the biological mother of this child. It made me want to continue reading to find out their story. I did find it a bit boring and repetitive at times, however, the ending had some epic twists I didn’t expect and I was pleased with the way the main story ended. A decent read.
Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity for an early e-read of this novel.
On their way home from St. Ives, Isobel, her husband, Roly, and their little girl, Lola, stops at a service station.
Working on three-year-old Lola’s independence, Isobel allows Lola to go to her own stall in the restroom. From where she disappears.
With her heart shattered by the fact that her little Lola is not in her arms, Isobel has to navigate the people in her house, not to mention her own secrets.
Struggling with a mother-in-law that does not stand her, a husband with secret phone calls and her little girl missing, Isobel has to keep calm and keep going.
In her mind the carousel of thoughts that possibly every parent would have in the same situation: Are they doing enough? Why aren’t they doing more? What can SHE do?
The author has managed to create a beautiful transition between the mothers’ journeys in this cat and mouse chase.
It is thrilling how the journey progresses and as the pieces of the puzzle finds their places, new twists appear and what a kick it is was when they showed up!
I will definitely check out the previously released books by Lauren North!
This was the first book I read by Lauren North and I LOVED IT.
I felt like this book was well written, and so many great twists throughout the book. There were maybe only two or three things that felt easy-ish to figure out, but 99 percent of the time, I was just hooked by the twists.
All the main players in this book were well developed for the situation they were in. The novel takes place over the course of a couple of days so there isn't like a ton of time for deep personal introspection and change. BUT I feel like North did a great job of weaving in conversations from the past and little flashbacks that help show who the characters are.
Isobel and Roly and an interesting pair. I don't like Roly as a person but I will admit that he was a well written character. I spent the entire novel thinking some truly awful things about Emma, and while she (and Lola, and Isobel) could really probably use some therapy or counseling, I did end up feeling bad for Emma as more things were revealed throughout the book.
All in all if you're a fan of thrillers you will love this book!
Lauren North never fails to deliver and I'm Her Mother is another great read. Two women, both saying they are Lola's mother but who is telling the truth. When Emma, Lola's biological mother takes an opportunity and kidnaps Lola from a service station it leaves the adoptive parents, Isobel and Roly, distraught and frightened as to what Emma is capable of. Emma is being helped by an unknown source, but is also being hunted by an ex gangster who manipulated the adoption.
This book is riveting, hard to put down and is a fantastically thrilling ride with an ending that the reader does not see coming.
While "I'm Her Mother" felt a little slow to start, once it got going, it was *going*. There where multiple times in the story I was sure I had pinned down what was really going on, just to be proven wrong pages later. I also really enjoyed the way Lauren North writes. I could feel the anxiety so strongly. The voices of both mothers were so clear. If you like a twisty mystery, this is definitely one to pick up.
"I'm Her Mother" is a book about a couple, Isobel and Roly, and their daughter Lola. Lola gets abducted which triggers a serious of events which in turn unfolds the truth... The story is very well written, giving nothing away but it does get a bit monotonous at the halfway point, hence the reason for the 4 stars instead of 5. The ending however is so explosive and you really don't see it coming which hooks you right back in! A cracker of a book for anyone who loves a great serious if twists!
A perplexing situation unfolds as two individuals lay claim to Lola, each asserting to be her mother. However, only one can be telling the truth. Who is Lola’s “real” mother? Why are two individuals claiming the same child as her own? Lola, a blonde headed, beautiful 3-year old is kidnapped on her way home from vacation. Supposedly, her mother has her, but how can that be, when I, as her mother for the past 3 years, have reported her as missing?
Two women stake their claim on Lola, harboring undisclosed truths. "I'm Her Mother" presents a complex and intricate psychological thriller, rife with suspense and deception. The narrative skillfully plays with the reader's perceptions, leading them through a maze of uncertainties. The pervasive aura of foreboding, an ever-looming threat, creates a palpable sense of unease, with danger lurking in unforeseen corners. The novel exhibits amazing twists and turns, like all good psychological thrillers. You will be left guessing and pondering this intricate tale. It is all absorbing and impossible to put down until you reach the conclusion.
I highly recommend this novel and author! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.
I devoured this book in just over 24 hours, gripped by the twists and turns, fast pace and countless questions, which were all answered in a satisfying way by the end.
This book made me feel anger at character’s actions, as well as understanding and empathy. Characters I disliked became favourites and plot twists constantly challenged my opinions. Just as the two mothers in this story, I was never quite sure who I should be rooting for or trusting along the way.
Little Lola was an adorable character, and portrayed believably for a three-year-old, especially once everything became clear at the end!
I thought the plot was incredibly clever! Although a few of the more minor twists were quite predictable, I feel as though this may have been intentional, paving the way for larger, shocking twists that I never saw coming.
A few phrases felt a little overused, but made sense for the characters.
Overall, I rated this story 4.5/5 stars, rounded to 5, an enjoyable read that kept me guessing!
At first I thought I knew where this was going and it was all a bit obvious. But I was completely wrong!
Every mother's worst nightmare, your child goes missing. None of the characters were acting in ways you thought were appropriate making you wonder what on earth was going on. Some truly horrible characters here and a very enjoyable thriller/domestic noir. This is a fairly new author to me but I have enjoyed the books of hers I have read so far, I will certainly read more.
I always love this authors books and wow this one did not disappoint. It was a gripping read from start to finish. It was such a tense read I found it difficult to put down had to finish it before going to bed. Two women one daughter who do you believe. I loved how fast paced the story was told from two different perspectives helps built up the suspense within. Once again this author produces a fantastic gripping thriller which I will be recommending to everyone. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my advanced copy of this fantastic book.
This is not the first book i have read by Lauren North, and will def not be the last one. I really enjoyed this and was so engrossed i lost t rack of time.
thank you for the opportunity to review
I’m her mother was a 24hr read. This author creates well-drawn, complex characters, and knows how to build tension and drama that hold readers to the end. With several plot twists it managed to keep me guessing until the end. Even then I was surprised. I’m not easily surprised.
One child….two mothers…
Isobel and her daughter Lola each go into separate stalls in a public bathroom…. But when Isobel comes out Lola is nowhere to be found.
Emma feels Lola is herdaughter and she will do whatever Is necessary to protect her.
But who really is Lola’s mother?
The beginning started off with a bang and I was all in! Loved it. It’s a super easy read I was flying through the pages and kept me guessing from start to finish.
Isabel’s mother in law Margaret wins the award for nastiest MIL ever!🏆 Not sure I’d have the strength or patience to keep myself in check like Isobel did.
My only holdbacks were some of the actions of the mothers didn’t wring true for me. It’s hard to say more without spoilers so I’ll just have to let you read it for yourself and you’ll understand what I mean.
Lauren North is one of my go-to authors. And I’m already watching and looking forward to her next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange of an honest review.
The blurb sounded extremely exciting and I really wanted to read this book. Unfortunately for me the tension wore off relatively quickly. Too many lengths an it just dragged on a bit too much for me. And I knew who the “real” mother was after the first change of perspective. Unfortunately, that ruined the tension a bit for me.
But I thought the change in perspective between the two mothers was very great. That gave you a good insight into the two of them.
Unfortunately it wasn't for me. It was too predictable and had to many length for my taste.
Isobel and Roly’s daughter has been kidnapped by Emma, who is claiming to be her real mother.
It is a dual POV, following Emma while she is on her journey to escape the country with the child and then Isobel, who is worried sick about her daughter but also worried about what secrets may come out from the past.
This was good read. The last part of the book was filled with twists that I wasn’t expecting.
Thank you Net Galley & Bookouture for this ARC.
A tense and exciting thriller that keeps you turning the pages until the shocking ending. Absolutely loved it, some brilliant twists and turns!
A good story just a bit too much as far as overdoing the dropped hints and over complicating details. The question of motherhood is certainly messy and will leave others guessing as they read. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read an advanced copy.
Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. This was a compelling read and North used the dual narrative well. It kept me guessing and I didn't expect the final revelations, although some of it was a bit hard to follow.
Couldnt put this book down! Full of twists and turns. Just when I was sure I knew it changed again! Felt sorry for Emma and I hope there is a follow up!
This was my first book by Lauren North and won’t be my last! This was a fast paced psychological thriller told in a 2 person POV by Isobel and Emma about a little girl abducted from the services on her way home from holiday. There were some moments where I thought it dragged a little but overall it was an excellent read. I was lucky to get an ARC copy from NetGalley which I enjoyed so much!!