They told me he died, but I never believed them. I’d have known,’ she says, her voice little more than a whisper and her eyes searching mine. ‘A mother would know if her child died, wouldn’t she?’
The phone call comes in the middle of the night, rousing Danni from her safe, warm bed. The police have found her mother Diana wandering miles from her house, confused and lost. Danni races to her mother’s side – and as usual, Diana doesn’t seem to want her there. But when Danni finds out that her mother is seriously ill, she decides to put the past behind her, and care for her mother in the time they have left.
But as some of Diana’s memories are slipping away, others are forcing their way to the surface. One night she breaks down and reveals that before Danni was born, she had another baby who never got to see the world. Faced with her mother’s heartbreak, Danni vows to do everything she can to bring Diana some peace, hoping that it will mend their fractured relationship too.
Yet as Danni investigates the past, tracking down the aunt she’s never met and searching for her lost brother’s resting place, her good intentions have unexpected consequences as more truths emerge. And there’s one shocking revelation which could change Danni’s life forever. Are some secrets best left buried?
A completely heartbreaking and compelling story of families, secrets, and the fierce love between mothers and children. Fans of Amanda Prowse, Ali Mercer and Jodi Picoult will smile through their tears.
My Thoughts
This story revolves around the bond between mother and daughter, a bond that is expected to last a lifetime, yet sometimes can become strained due to people actions, and secrets that undoubtable always come to the surface. Danielle Harper, also known as Danni is a married mother of two, her daughters Jade and Amber. Her husband ben is the perfect partner, he has been her rock throughout the turbulent times she has faced due to the abuse she faced by her mother Diana.
When the family decide to visit the Lincolnshire coast to relax, Danni thinks this is exactly what she needs to calm her mind. However, when they are drifting off to sleep that night, they are woken by the ringing of the landline. When Danni answers the phone she is startled to discover it is the police, asking her to come over to her mothers house. When Danni arrives, she is informed that the police found her mother walking down the middle of a dual carriageway in her slippers and nightdress, following a call from a passing motorist. Danni manages to arrange an emergency appointment with the senior Doctor in their practice, Dr Morton, who refers Diana for more tests. Following various scans and observations, they are finally given the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease.
This diagnosis is obviously something that any family would have difficulties dealing with, but the strain is incredibly difficult on Danni, who finds herself being forced in to the roll of caring for her mother who has caused her nothing but pain and distress throughout her life. Danni makes the difficult decision to put aside all of her past grievances with her mother, and tries her best to make her remaining time with them as comfortable as possible. Diana begins to unveil secrets that will have devastating consequences if they are true, however Danni struggles to distinguish the truth from the confusion her mother now endures.
A heartbreakingly beautiful read that captivated me from beginning to end. The characters were wonderful and unique, and the storyline was brought to life beautifully by the authors brilliant way with words. I adored this story and have no doubt that others will too, it is a definite must read.
You can purchase a copy of this book via the links below:
Buy Links:
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Apple: http://apple.co/3ouYEO7
Kobo: http://bit.ly/3kyyt6T
Google: http://bit.ly/3os5GTX
*Thank you to Sarah Hardy, Bookouture and Julia Roberts for providing me with an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.*
Julia was born in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, and began her career as a professional singer/dancer. This enabled her to travel the world in her late teens storing up experiences she has since included in her writing.
Following roles as a hostess on The Price is Right and a member of the Beadle’s About ‘hit squad’ in the 1980s, she became a TV Presenter and filmed features for Sky Sports before launching the QVC shopping channel in 1993 where she still presents today. Having always wanted to write, she penned her first book, a memoir sold on QVC, in 2013 and has since written seven full length novels, two novellas and several short stories.
Victoria Wilks 