Lauren North can always be relied upon to deliver an interesting story, so I was really excited to receive this ARC!

The story centres around a little girl who is taken, and the state of her distraught parents and grandmother. We are privy to the POV of the mother of the kidnapped child, as well as being told what is happening from the perspective of the kidnapper.

The only problem is, both of the women claim to be the child's mother. So who is telling the truth?

The first part of the book would benefit from some editing, as there is unnecessary repetition around both women asserting their roles as the child's mother, as well as references to some dark secret in the past.

But the book really comes into its own in the final third when events proceed at breakneck pace, with twist after twist piling on thick and fast, and a very unexpected denouement. Worth a read.

This book was about a little girl called Lola
And she was taken away from her mother at the holidays
But then it goes on about she has two mothers
And one of them is telling the truth
I had an ARC

I really loved the premise and thought I'd be completely hooked once I started reading it but for me it was a but of a slow burn. After the initial drama, it all kinda dragged a bit! It does get back 9n track and everything starts to move along as the story progresses however and I did end up really enjoying it. I loved the alternating perspectives, the secrets and lies all being slowly uncovered. I went into it assuming I knew how it was all going to unfold but I was so far off the mark! An overall really enjoyable read, once you get past the slow start

As always an engaging read from Lauren North.
A complex storyline with well written characters.
Just when you think you know what's going on you are proved wrong.
I was up late into the night finishing this one.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

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

This is a seriously good read! So well written, the plot is relentless and drags you along at speed. My heart was pounding At times! A fabulous thriller from start to finish!

This is my first book by Lauren North and it won't be my last. I'm Her Mother is a fast paced psychological thriller that goes back and fourth between Emma's and Isobel's points of view. This is a well written book that does a great job of talking about both of the main characters backstories. This book is so unpredictable and even though you think you know what is going on, think again.

I'm Her Mother by Lauren North is another fabulous read from this not to be missed author.

Isobel has her worst fear realized when her three year old daughter, Lola, is abducted from a roadside services while the family is returning home from a holiday. Her daughter is her world, and she cannot forgive herself for being so careless. Emma, meanwhile, has snatched the child, never wavering in her claim that Lola is her child and should by all rights be with her. Emma's intentions seem good as she purports to be saving the little girl from some very dangerous people. Which of the two women is to be believed?

Told from the alternating perspectives of Isobel and Emma, secrets are slowly revealed and red herrings flourish and multiply. You will not want to stop turning the pages as you attempt, and likely fail, to work it all out. If you have not read the brilliant Lauren North, do yourself a favour and add this one to your TBR immediately.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.

A twisty and thrilling narrative that is a breathless reading experience. I was so invested that I couldn't sleep until I knew what would happen to Lola and who her real mother was.

And although I thought I had it all sussed out - I was wrong. The meticulous plotting combined with authentic characterisations and accomplished writing led to an exciting climactic reveal that I did not see coming.

A fabulous psychological thriller taut with emotion and fear and the unspeakable horror of having your child taken. Highly recommended.

⭐️ rating: 8/10

read if you like:
🏡 family dramas
🕵🏻 kidnappings
❌ double crossing
🏃 people on the run

summary:
This book tells the story of Isobel, mother to three year old Lola, who is taken from her and her husband on their way home from vacation. The kidnapper, Emma, believes that Lola is hers, and goes on the run to keep from being found.

The book goes back and forth between Isobel and Emma’s point of view, and builds out both women’s characters deeply. I found myself having empathy for both Isobel AND Emma, even though on the surface, Emma was the criminal. The writer also does a good job of going deep into both characters backstories early on, rather than dragging out unnecessary reveals, letting you focus on the kidnapping itself. The plot moves quickly, and is hardly predictable — I thought I had read enough child kidnapping books to know how this story would progress, but I was completely wrong! Everyone in this book has their own agenda and secrets — from the two women, to Roly, Isobel’s husband, and his mother, Margaret. There are several twists throughout it, and the complexity is easy to follow but SO GOOD! In the end, it’s hard to know who to feel more sorry for — Isobel or Emma, but its unique for a book to keep you both on the edge of your seat AND pull on your heartstrings!

Isabel and Roly's three year old daughter is stolen from them on their way back from holiday.
Roly is associated with a man with questionable morals, and the abduction cannot be made public, and his mother will not allow their family name be dragged across the media.

Lola has been taken by Emma, who claims to be her mother, and is on a wild cross country journey to leave Britain and start a new life with her child. Emma has mental health problems. Who will believe that she is Lola's mother?

While this story is twisty and has a convoluted plot, it drags on a little, in my opinion.
I really did not know what to believe, both Isabel and Emma seem to be convincing characters.

Not my favourite book by this author, it just seemed drawn out and a little repetitive.


Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.

This talented author has written a page turner. Secrets and red herrings…family and friends…who is guilty? Two women claiming to be the mother. A husband who might be dishonest…a quick read. Intrigue…thanks Netgalley.

In my review I wrote yesterday for another book, I spoke about a web, a spider and an insect. Now I felt like I was the insect entangled in the sticky threads of a cobweb. 

I fell from one surprise into the other and my head was spinning, but I loved every minute of it.

When you think, now I really know it all, brace yourself, because you ain't see nothing yet. :)

This is one complex story and oh so well written and thought through. I could easily compare it to a game of pass the parcel. Every layer is meticulously peeled away until the veil is completely lifted and everybody"s true colors are shown.

I love this kind of books and I had a lot of fun reading it. 5 stars

Thank you

Lauren's best book by far! Lola is kidnapped from a gas station bathroom on her way home from vacation with her mom and dad. Emma kidnaps her because she believes she is Lola's mom. But Isobel believes she is Lola's mom. I Literally spent the entire book going back and forth to who the real mother must be. So many dark secrets and relationships "under cover" I did not see coming. The suspense is great. The ending was great. This was a great thriller!

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me a chance to read this book. The book centers around Lola a 3 year old child and two women are claiming to be her mother. Which one is telling the truth. Plenty of twists and turns and a surprise ending. A real page turner.