If I Were You by Helen Matthews

 

DESCRIPTION

(From Goodreads)

Tessa, a former career woman with long Covid and depression, lives a reclusive life in a London suburb. When her long estranged younger sister Maddie suddenly turns up with a baby, events spiral. Maddie claims she’s fled a controlling partner who is threatening to take the child. Overwhelmed at first, Tessa wants to help—both her sister and, by acting, herself.

But the situation grows murkier. Maddie speaks of a man named Zak, the baby’s father, who isolated and manipulated her. Her story has gaps and contradictions. Flashbacks and Maddie’s behavior plant doubts. Is she really just a victim? As Tessa gets pulled deeper into Maddie’s account, she begins to question her own reality.

Between old loyalty and new mistrust, the sisters’ relationship frays. When Maddie suddenly disappears and leaves the baby with Tessa, Tessa faces a Should she believe Maddie’s warnings? Or is she caught in a game she can’t control?

MY TWO CENTS:

This ended up being a big disappointment for me. The first half of the book was so slow that I was getting discouraged and debated not finishing. When Stanley entered the scene, it became better, and honestly, he was the best part of the whole thing in my opinion.

I know we are supposed to have sympathy for Maddie, but I cannot stand when characters are written to be martyrish. Whining as an adult how her sister, Tessa, was "perfect" was grating. Any grown up knows that nobody is perfect and shouldn't still be simpering about what their parents thought of their siblings, especially when they were younger. Furhtermore, Maddie ticked me off crying victim when she put herself in SEVERAL bad situations and then didn't really want to take responsibility for that either. She just continued with her woe is me act. There is a flash of hope at the end that she may end up stepping up and taking responsiblity for her life, but it ended so the reader didn't get to find out.

I kept waiting for a twist, but it didn't show up. I appreciate the opportunity from NetGalley. No review was required. As always, this is just my opinion and I hope the author does well with the book.

A Perfectly Nice Family by Nicole Trope

 

Thanks to Netgalley, I received an advanced copy of A Perfectly Nice Family by Nicole Trope.  The story is about Stephanie and her two kids, Avery and Luke who are adjusting to life after Stephanie's divorce from their father, who has moved on with a new girlfriend. He is still involved in Avery and Luke's life, but Stephanie feels she always has to beg him each month for the child support he owes. She's struggling as a single mom and just needs a break. 

When Stephanie's friend, Gail, says she knows a family in need, Stephanie rents out a tiny house that sits in the backyard for extra income. What can possibly go wrong? Turns out, a lot. 

Now for my two cents.  This book moved very quickly, which I like every now and then.  The one thing I didn't like ( and never do) is when the reader knows things that the main character doesn't yet. I know that sounds crazy, but I want to be taken along with the characters.  That being said, there was one pretty good twist so that made up for it. 

I enjoyed this book because it was fast paced and not weighed down with a lot of description. It releases  March 6, 2026. If you get it, I hope you enjoy it, too! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher. 

The House on Sunflower Lane by Gwenna McAllis

 

Wow! This was really good and, as I mentioned to the author on Instagram, has a major creep factor!  

I tend to leave the description of the book out since you can read that anywhere, but in a nutshell, Shannon and her husband Marc are in what should be an idyllic time in their lives. They just bought their first home and have welcomed their first baby, Hazel.

However, this new home holds a deep, dark history. Generations have dealt with an evil presence there and as it starts to show itself to the new owners, we are taken on a scary ride along with Shannon as she does everything she can to protect Hazel and tries to learn about why the house is the way it is. 

This book releases on March 3, 2026 and I was so happy to have the opportunity to get an advance copy.  I really enjoyed it and I wish the author all the luck with it! Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher. 

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