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Friday, September 13, 2024

Book Review: A Mother's Betrayal

By Sara Steven

As they sit vigil by their mother’s bedside, the sisters discover that Julia, who has always preached unwavering principles and integrity, has been keeping a terrible secret. A secret that shatters everything they’ve ever believed about their family.

But the twins have each other… or do they? Because Julia is not the only one keeping secrets…

With Julia in a coma and unable to answer their questions, her journals might provide the answers they seek. But Julia’s journals reveal yet another dark secret. One that will make the sisters question every part of the life they’ve lived.

If you can’t trust your mother, who can you trust? And – with their mother’s life in the balance – can the sisters find a way to forgive her, before it’s too late?
(Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

While on a morning walk with my husband, I talked with him about the premise behind A Mother’s Betrayal–how two children (twins) had grown up with their futures practically mapped out for them since birth unbeknownst to them–and he assumed I was talking about a TV show or movie I’d recently seen based on actual real events. He was blown away when I reminded him that it was an actual book I’d just read! 

I also felt blown away while reading about Flo and Ari’s experiences. Both women have a very close-knit relationship with their mother, Julia, despite how distant she can appear at times. There is an element of wanting to do their best for her at all times, and considering she holds herself and them to such high standards, they often feel as though they don’t quite measure up to Julia’s expectations. After Julia is in a coma, secrets that have been held in the family for years slowly unravel, with so many questions and no answers. In order to have that, they have to ask Julia. 

Flo has secrets, too. I think I was as shocked as Ari had been when it all came out, and the feelings both women have after that fallout felt real and true to the experiences they both have. The constant in everything leads back to Julia, who has been pulling strings in everyone’s lives. In the end, I could see everyone’s point of view. Sometimes we think we are doing the best we can for our families, forming tunnel vision in the process. I wondered too if Ari could ever forgive Flo. Or if the twins could ever forgive their mother.

The biggest question lends into what Julia hasn’t been telling her family. Does she really have an alternate life? For most of the book, I wasn’t certain about that at all, which made for a nice, suspenseful experience. I enjoyed the slow build to what ended up becoming a fast-paced, tense-filled reveal, in the end. 

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links:
Amazon US * Amazon UK * Barnes and Noble

Louise Guy, bestselling author of six novels, blends family and friendship themes with unique twists and intrigue. Her characters captivate readers, drawing them deeply into their compelling stories and struggles. Previously published by Lake Union, she lives in Australia. Visit Louise at her website and on Facebook.


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