First there was Ellen Mackinnon and her best friend Karina Barton. Then the Monkton family moved into the big house on the corner and seemed to live the glamorous life they dreamed about. Olivia and Tony Monkton, their two sons, Daniel and Nicholas and their ward Sasha North became their obsession. They changed the dynamics between Ellen and Karina as they yearned for acceptance until one night a tragic event uprooted everything. Spring forward ten years and Sasha suddenly turns up missing with Ellen doggedly trying to find out where she’s gone and if it was voluntary. As she looks for answers, she finds herself wading through lies, deceptions and evasions.
The story shifts between past and present and is told through Ellen and Olivia’s narratives. As I got deeper into the story, it became clear that I might emerge not liking or caring about the outcome as everyone’s behavior ten years earlier left quite a lot to be desired. Though Ellen had the steadier voice, her neediness often had her making questionable choices. It was obvious from the onset that no one seemed to be capable of being truthful and straightforward, making it difficult to even figure out exactly what happened ten years prior.
I liked the story and normally am a fan of shifting timelines but it wasn’t working for me here. There were too many characters, relationships and secrets that became convoluted. It took me quite some time to finish because I had to work too hard to determine even one of the truths. It wasn’t a bombshell ending but I really liked how things were resolved and the discovery of the three lies that weren’t that little. I’m glad I read it but it was a more difficult read than I’d anticipated.
Book Info
- Release Date: September 4, 2018
- Page Numbers: 363
- Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
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(Thanks to NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
Fab review! Respect for finishing I would have DNF’d 😂
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Thanks, Nicki💜 As a rule, I don’t quit on a book. Came awfully close here.
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Wow I quite very easily didn’t used to though.
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Wish I could…my curiosity gets the better of me.
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Aww, what a shame this one turned out to be a bit of a let down. Like, Niki, I get the impression I may have DNFd this one.
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Oh, Alexandra, I was tempted but I struggle doing DNFs (only one to date). I’m glad I finished as the ending was interesting but it took me two weeks!!!
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Great review, a shame that the shifting timelines didn’t quite work thou. x
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Thanks, Jules💜 I normally like that device, too.
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How disappointing. Like the others, I might have DNFed. I’ve gotten more willing to give up on books the older I get. Why waste my time?
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Bea, I wish I could. I’ve only ever quit on one book. It’s the fear that it might get better and I’ll miss that. Thankfully, this ending was pretty good.
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Nice, honest review Jonetta. Too bad this one didn’t work for you. Kudos for finishing.
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Thanks, Carla💜
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Thanks for your honest review! Hoping your next read is easier and more enjoyable! Kudos for finishing…it sounds like one I might have bailed on!
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Oh, the one I’m reading now is the complete opposite! Loving it.
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Wonderful review! A shame this one wasn’t as good as you hoped. xx
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