Reviews

Little Disasters by Sarah Vaughan

katelynjaynexx's review against another edition

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3.0

Little Disasters focuses mainly on Liz and Jess two mums that have met each other in a parenting class. When Jess presents to ER with her baby with some unexplainable injuries it’s up to Liz to seek out some answers.

This book deals with some pretty significant and heavy topics regarding PND and abuse so be aware of that before you dive in.

I ended up giving this one 3.75

bookishwithwine's review against another edition

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3.0

Jess is perfect in everyone's eyes. She is beautiful inside and out, her house is clean and she is an amazing cook. She also handles her three kids like a boss. That's what people see on the outside, and we always say that people see what they want to see. If they looked closer they would see that Jess is struggling after having baby #3, Betsey.
When Betsy is acting out of sorts Jess takes her to the hospital. Her friend Liz works in pediatrics who she met years ago in a birthing class. As soon as Liz begins to examine Betsey, she notices that Jess's story about what happened doesn't add up. If Betsey fell down like Jess said she did then she wouldn't have a skull fracture.
Told from multiple points of views you yourself will begin to wonder if Jess harmed her baby on purpose. There is a mystery to solve on what really happened that day Betsey was brought into the hospital. Was it Jess? Her husband? One of their older kids? The author does a good job of keeping you guessing until the very end when the truth comes out. I didn't see it coming!

emma_jade91's review against another edition

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mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

readsalattethrillers73's review against another edition

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4.0

Little Disasters by Sarah Vaughan is a story about motherhood and shares the joys of parenting in contrast with the less talked about subject of post-partum depression. The story begins when Betsy, the baby daughter of Jess, is brought to the hospital for a well-check. Liz, a friend and pediatric doctor, discovers that Betsy is not just I’ll, but suffering from a severe skull fracture. Unable to accurately recall how her baby might have suffered such an injury, Liz is forced to rely on her medical instincts and sadly, suspects that her friend is hiding something. Could Jess really be responsible for Betsy’s injuries? Meanwhile, Jess’s husband is feeling the guilt of being an absent father and beginS to suspect that Jess has been suffering alone in silence.. Faced with her friend’s situation, Liz reflects on her own childhood and later discovers her childhood memories mean much more than originally thought. She confronts her own mother and receives a deathbed confession that never seemed possible.

This book is about motherhood at every stage and a reminder that while people may appear to “have it all”, you never know how deeply they may be suffering. As a mother, daughter, and friend, I would definitely recommend reading this book. Now, more than ever, this book is a reminder check on friends, family members and reach out for help if you’re feeling down.

someonetookit's review against another edition

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4.0

Hooked me at the start but then it got a little meh. Didnt click as to what had happened until around half way.

Liked that its a book discussing PND. Loved that its from the mother and a doctors POV.

Didnt like that ALL the husbands except for Liz's were absent douchenozzles. I understand rich and whatnot but dont laugh off that youre wife is struggling and that youre only there for 'the fun stuff'.

Mostly enjoyed and would definitely recommend to lovers of Pretty Little Lies as it isnt a regular fiction but its also not crime

brittnirochele's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

booksandshan's review against another edition

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4.0

4 out of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

TW: Child Abuse

Little Disasters is a story of motherhood, friendship and secrets we all hold.

I can't explain how well this was written. To me, as someone with no childern, I wasn't expecting to understand any of the mother day to day concerns but it's so well done you can clearly see the troubles a mother can go through even after multiple children. I have seen that mothers with multiple children are expected to be 'professionals' but that obviously is not the case. It doesn't always get easier.

All characters in this had a purpose and were layered. Featuring more than one mother in this was also a great decision. Having the comparison between the extremes of motherhood was perfect to help the reader understand how different mothers can cope.

The only thing that's keeping this from being a 5 star for me is towards the end things felt rushed. I felt myself flying through the book prior to the ending even though there was so much happening. After around chapter 40 things would happen so suddenly and then it would move on quickly to something else which is very differnt to the rest of the book.

I have seen people mention a 'twist'. To me there wasn't anything shocking in terms of exactly how things happened. They were hinted at just before half way but maybe I just caught them where others didn't.

Wow this was so good. I will be picking up more of Sarah Vaughans work in the future! Highly recommend.

jenwilder's review

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5.0

Could not put this book down. Read it in a few sittings and been thinking about it since.
Sarah Vaughn writes
Jess is a mom struggling with post party depression, anxiety and OCD. Being a mom that struggled with PPD I felt for her, related to her thoughts and didn’t think she was “crazy” as some people in the book thought or would in every day life because I know how it can consume you. The rest of the characters were easy to like because though they had their faults they were relatable. I found myself wanting to be in this group of friends. Be there to offer advice and have their shoulder to cry on.
The tension in the book continues to the very end with an unexpected twist that also created a very satisfying ending.
This is a great book that focuses on struggles that many women are dealing with today and are still not talked about enough. It shows how we all face our own demons and a support network is necessary. I think this is a great
Read for all especially for those moms who think they are alone in the battle.
Thank you netgalley for the advance copy.

andintothetrees's review against another edition

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DNF. Read about half of it, then switched to reading a kindle book as I was going camping. Realised I didn't want to come back to it as I just didn't care what happened.

lmorgan1106's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0