I received a complementary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the author and the publisher.
This is a follow up to The Assistant and Grace is at it again. This book picks up right where the first one left off. Grace is a mother who will do anything for her children and in this book she has set her sights on rebuilding her relationship with Cordelia. This story is written in true Nicole Trope fashion, fast paced, page turning mystery. I would suggest reading The Assistant first to keep on track in this addition.

Thank you net galley and publisher for this ARC. I really enjoyed this story and was very curious to see what was going to happen. There were lots of twists I didn't expect and it was a fun read.

Nicole Trope's 2nd book in the series is a great follow-up to the first. In this book, we get more information about Grace's past and what led to her losses. We are also given a perspective from her estranged daughter. Not only does A Mother Always Know, but we see the lengths that one mother goes to in order to protect her child. If you thought Grace's antics in the first book were wild, hold on to your seat! Find out how Grace inserts herself into her daughter's life. This book kept me hooked, and I needed to know how it all ended!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC! Picking up from the first book, grace is on her way to be in the same city as her daughter who had not spoken to her since the “accidental “fire that killed her father. Something is bothering Grace about her daughters live in boyfriend that she sees in social media. Once in Melbourne Grace watches Cordelia and sees much more unfold then anticipated. Where is Garth? Why is he missing and what involvement does Cordelia have in it? When her daughter finally reaches out, there’s nothing she wouldn’t do to clear her daughter in his disappearance! Another hard to put down book by Nicole Trope!!!!!

I wish I could hold her tight. See if she still wears the same perfume she always wore. But my daughter blames me for her father’s death. She won’t even talk to me… I just know she isn’t really safe with her boyfriend, Garth. I will keep my distance and I will just watch her. For now.

But I tremble with fear when the police knock at her door. Garth has gone missing. And my daughter is accused of his murder.

There’s no evidence that I ever hurt anyone… is there? Do the police know about my past – and what I’ve really been doing?

Only one thing is certain. My beautiful girl is in terrible danger.
. Cordelia and Ava

You really should read the first book “Not a Good Enough Mother” before you pick this one up. This book will introduce you to the characters, and it sets up the scene for what occurs in this book, book two. In the previous book we learn how Grace set the family home on fire killing her husband. Her daughter Cordelia has never been able to come to terms with this and they have not seen each other for six years.

Grace Morton senses her daughter Cordelia is on trouble so travels to Melbourne to try and see what her daughter is up to. After placing on a disguise Grace finds out that she is not keen on the man in Cordelia’s life and has concerns that the large inheritance that is coming her way in less than twelve months may be why Garth is so keen on her daughter. Then there is her other daughter Ava but even Cordelia knows nothing about her, a complete mystery. I am hopeful that there will be a third book as ava is a mystery.

Next, we know Garth goes missing and the police believe that Cordelia has something to do with his disappearance. This is where the story deepens, and I very much enjoyed it. I am not going to say anymore as the rest of the plot is exciting and very well thought out by the author. I suggest you pick up this series as I do not feel you will be disappointed.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.

"A Mother Always Knows Best" is the second book of the series, it can be read as a stand alone but a few references won't make sense which really make the story excel. Grace has finished helping one daughter, Ava, and now she is in Melbourne to check up on her other daughter, Cordelia without her knowing. However Cordelia's life soon unravels to the point where she asks her mother for help, after six years of shutting her out...
This book is a perfect continuation from the previous book, continuing on exactly where the other book left off. It's written in great detail, with lots of twists and emotion, leaving you wanting more after every chapter as it doesn't give much away!

Another great read from Nicole Trope! We pick up where the first book leaves off - though this can be read as a stand-alone without issue. This is a quick read, full of suspense and surprises. Grace Morton is keeping a careful watch on her daughter Cordelia. Estranged from each other, Grace keeps a watchful eye from afar, hoping one day Cordelia will reach out. When Cordelia’s boyfriend goes missing, she reluctantly turns to Grace for help. It’s up to Grace to figure out the truth before her daughter ends up in jail. While I didn’t necessarily care for Cordelia’s behavior, Grace is the star of the book for me and I hope we have more thrilling adventures with her.

“A Mother Always Knows" by Nicole Trope, is a captivating look at the complex bond between a mother and her daughter, set against a backdrop of trauma and loss. The narrative effectively captures the mother’s desperate need to protect her daughter, while also highlighting the daughter’s deep resentment over her father's death. Trope skillfully builds tension, making me question the characters' motives throughout.
The suspense is extreme, especially as the story unfolds and secrets are revealed. The clever twist adds an unexpected layer that challenges the characters, enhancing the overall impact of the story. Trope's writing is engaging, making this a compelling read for anyone who appreciates psychological dramas centered on family dynamics.

I went and read the first book upon starting this one and yallllll….. so so good!! I would recommend Nicole Trope to anyone! ( and I have)!

Thank you NetGalley for the Arc

Just as gripping as the first one - tirs a lot of stuff up and then boom a happy ending! I reckon she could have eeked it out for a 3rd one as a lot goes on!
There is a reason Trope is in my top 5 authors! Do not get it if you haven’t read the first as it will not be as easy to pick up!

Nicole Trope is so good! I had read this first in this series earlier this year, the background is definitely helpful when diving into this second book of the series.

The twists were unexpected and woven together perfectly. A rocky mother-daughter relationship plants doubts. Don’t miss this one!

Thank you to Nicole Trope, NetGalley, and Bookouture for this ARC!

This is a good story! Cordelia’s boyfriend, Garth, is missing. We meet Grace, Cordelia’s mother, who murdered her husband, Cordelia’s father, several years before. The story becomes sinister and twisting, as accusations fly. I have not yet read the first book (I definitely will!) but this can easily be read as a stand-alone. Recommended for a quick read and a page turner!

Thank you so much for this ARC! I absolutely loved Grace in the first book and I was so excited to get early access to this one. Book 1 mentions Cordelia frequently and I was so curious about her! Book 2 brought us into her life - as it was imploding.

Once again, Grace goes undercover as an Assistant, this time at Cordelia's boyfriends law firm, just as he goes missing. I enjoyed Book 2 over the first, it was fast paced and had a much more intriguing mystery. I love Grace as a character - flawed with a seedy past but a mama bear that loves fierce, even if from a distance.

I've now read several Nicole Trope books and they are all five star. Quick reads that appear light at face value but pack some heavy punches. I will be on the lookout for more of her books and fingers crossed for more Grace!

Another smashing book by Nicole Trope. An easy 5 stars, I read the first book and I enjoyed this one just as much. Highly recommended.

2.5 stars

Before I start, I must confess that I haven't read the first book. This showed a lot of promise till the climax and then couldn't just live up to its expectations.

Grace moves to Melbourne to keep a check on her daughter Cordelia who is living with the problematic Gareth. The whole working in disguise was quite fun to read. Cordelia is frantic as she cannot get a hold of breath and unfortunate circumstances get the mother daughter pair meeting up.

The interactions between the pair was realistic but the storyline especially the reveal wasn't anything new. Also the whole stalker part was not required.

On the whole, the book keeps you hooked and it's a good one time read. This was not for me but I am sure there are people who will like it.

I thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the E-Arc and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a good read in the whole. I did struggle to maintain interest at times but I did finish it, not my favourite book.

When does a mother know best? Read this book and find out. Another quick read by Nicole Trope. Very entertaining.

A good read with interesting characters with a good storyline.

I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book in this series but overall it kept me involved in the storyline.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC

I did not realize when I downloaded this book that it was the second installment in the series, so I'm sure there are some missing pieces/some back story that would have been helpful. I love a good murder mystery with a wrongfully accused (or are they?) significant other.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for an early copy of A Mother Always Knows. I always get excited when a new Nicole Trope book comes out and I also LOVED the title. The book wasn't great, I struggled to get through it and that makes me sad. I hope this series is done now with Grace.