Goodreads|Amazon
Release date: October 25, 2016
Publisher: Rise Press
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Goodreads blurb:
Growing up abandoned by her father and raised by a single mother, Celeste was determined to create the perfect family but even perfect families have secrets. Celeste’s days are filled with a rewarding career, a devoted husband, and her four-year-old daughter. Only Celeste knows the precarious house of cards her family is built upon until the day her daughter falls critically ill. Celeste’s world quickly spirals out of control as her secret threatens to destroy her marriage, family, reputation, and sanity. She’ll go to any lengths to protect her family—take any risk, break any law—anything except tell the truth.
Review:
I knew this one was right up my alley as soon as I read the blurb. A mother with secrets that’s willing to do anything to keep them quiet? I’m in! While I had a few minor issues with this one, overall I was pleased.
Celeste is a wife and mother living a normal life in Los Angeles until her daughter gets seriously ill. It’s apparent right away that there is something off about Celeste and that’s she’s hiding something. Admittedly I figured out the bones of her secret fairly quickly, but there were details that were still surprising. After her secret is revealed, everything starts to crumble for her. At the end of Part One of this book, I was rather shocked. It was reminiscent of My Girl by Jack Jordan, but it didn’t have quite the same gut punch to the twist. It was still unexpected and appreciated though.
Part two went in a direction that I wasn’t anticipating after the twist in part one. Celeste’s true character is shown and it wasn’t pretty. She’s extremely hard to like and she’s unreliable, but I don’t mind that at all. I’ve read plenty of books with unlikable narrators and enjoyed them and the same can be said here. This is a hard one to review because any details I would like to share regarding character development and plot structure would ruin it for everyone.
Yes, I guessed some twists, but I wasn’t very disappointed and I think it’s because I was enjoying the ride so much. This is a read it in one sitting type of book and that’s exactly what I did. Berry’s potential as a writer is very clear and I would definitely pick up anything else she writes in the future. She’s a psychologist herself and I think this provided some fascinating insight and impacted the way she wrote this in a fantastic way.
Overall rating: 4/5
Thanks to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Novelgossip 
Yes for one sit books! And I know exactly what you mean about being able to appreciate unlikable narrators. Love the review as always ❤
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Thanks! It’s kind of fun to love to hate a character
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Totally fun when done right!
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Hmmm I already have a scenario in my head for this book, based on the blurb alone, so I don’t think I’d like it if I were right and I’d already know before reading one page. I really like an unexpected twist. Great review though !
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You’re probably guessing right haha! There were enough small surprises that kept me happy though. Thank you
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Great review Amy!
“Berry’s potential as a writer is very clear and I would definitely pick up anything else she writes in the future. She’s a psychologist herself and I think this provided some fascinating insight and impacted the way she wrote this in a fantastic way.”
Interesting! I wonder if this was inspired by a patient/case?!
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I wondered the same thing!
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I’m really intrigued by the My Girl reference! Never in a book was I so shocked by a plot twist more than in My Girl so It’s super interesting that this has the same type of twist and shock. It sounds really good! You are on a roll with growing my TBR like crazy! Great review as always 🙂
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The twist in my girl was epic, this isn’t quite there but it gave me that same vibe with a huge event at the end of part one. Thanks girl! 😘
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Oh I know, I had to put the book down for a minute to let it all sink in. I’m defiantly going to check this one out though!
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Me too!
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Ooh, it’s like My Girl? Yes! Where do I sign up? My Girl was one of my favorite books all year. I’m definitely intrigued by this one. Nice review! 🙂
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Haha well I was just telling Amanda that it’s not quite as epic as MG but it gave me the same vibe. I’m hesitant in a sense because I guessed most of the big twists but not every aspect so I don’t want anyone to be disappointed. I still liked it though!
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Same vibe is definitely what I’m looking for. 🙌 I can’t wait for Jack Jordan’s next book. I just saw B.A. Paris has another one coming out in 2017. I’m all over that one. I was planning to request that one from the publisher. I guessed some twists with Gone Girl and I still loved it. I know that’s almost a cliche reference at this point, but I really did like that book. It’s the one that got me into thrillers. I’m sure I’d like this book.
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Omg yes BA Paris is an auto buy now! And can’t wait for his new one either every time he posts about writing I’m thinking, write faster hurry up 😂
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And the author is looking for reviews so if you want me to put you guys in touch I totally will!
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Yeah, that would be great. Thanks, Amy! 🙂
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Awesome I’ll email her.
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This one sounds interesting! I have to admit I’m not a huge fan of unlikeable characters but I feel they work so well for thrillers. Although my experience is limited to the two I’ve read and all of the movies I’ve watched since I watch more thrillers than I read lol. Definitely adding this to my TBR! Great review, Amy. 😊
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They do work well especially with psychological thrillers. Which two have you read? I’m just curious they’re probably my favorite genre. And thank you.
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I’ve only ever read Last Seen Leaving and Gone Girl. Which are two you’ve read. Before blogging I didn’t have a huge interest in thrillers but now I’m trying to get to reading more. 😊
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There are soooo many good ones to choose from! If you ever wanna try any new ones out I can send one your way. 😁
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I’ll definitely ask you if I need some recs. Most of the ones on my TBR are actually from reading your reviews. 😊
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Aww so awesome thank you!
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Missing parts… the title is so creepy XD The unlikable narrator, for me it depends. Sometimes it works (The couple next door) and sometimes it doesn’t (Girl on the train)
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Annie I kept thinking that you would’ve had this one all figured out haha!
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Hahaha My twisty mind always suspecting everyone 😂
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😂 exactly! You would’ve totally had this one nailed down.
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Missing Parts has a great title and an intriguing cover. I love thrillers and look forward to reading this one.
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Hope you enjoy it Alison!
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I think I can guess what’s going on as well when it comes to the mystery of the first part XD. But if there’s a juicy plot twist during the second part…who cares, right?! Awesome review Amy!
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That was pretty much my thought as well, thank you Anne!
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