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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Unlike lots here, I didn't mind the cult angle, and although I was sucked into the book, I thought the "intelligent reporter who's slightly unhappy at home but immediately falls into a cult" was absolutely ridiculous. I stayed til the end, but the ending made no sense based on how and why she left. The dialogue seemed quite childish at times (lots of times) but the storyline was interesting enough to make me want to keep trying. In the end, I wouldn't recommend it, and I wouldn't read it again for sure but I finished it so...
Ah!!! This was such a fun little thriller.
The story is about a mom that disappeared and then returned 13 years later with a baby.
This was so fast paced and kept you wanting to read. Definitely had the crack writing that everyone talks about!
There was so many times I wanted to smack the mom. Then smack the dad. Then smack the daughter. Then I’d feel so heartbroken for all of them.
This does deal with a cult and how someone can fall into that. I usually avoid cult thrillers but this book makes me want to read more!! I
I did listen to the audiobook via KU at 2.25x. This book had three narrators for each POV in the story. Two of them were really great, but the narrator for daughter wasn’t the best with male voices.
The story is about a mom that disappeared and then returned 13 years later with a baby.
This was so fast paced and kept you wanting to read. Definitely had the crack writing that everyone talks about!
There was so many times I wanted to smack the mom. Then smack the dad. Then smack the daughter. Then I’d feel so heartbroken for all of them.
This does deal with a cult and how someone can fall into that. I usually avoid cult thrillers but this book makes me want to read more!! I
I did listen to the audiobook via KU at 2.25x. This book had three narrators for each POV in the story. Two of them were really great, but the narrator for daughter wasn’t the best with male voices.
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 ⭐️
I have never read a book like this! I just love Lucinda Berry’s writing. The story kept me hooked and I really enjoyed it. I was so immersed in the storyline and I’ve never read a book about a cult, which was fascinating tbh. A great read!
I have never read a book like this! I just love Lucinda Berry’s writing. The story kept me hooked and I really enjoyed it. I was so immersed in the storyline and I’ve never read a book about a cult, which was fascinating tbh. A great read!
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It was good but felt like it kinda fell off towards the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry
Really solid story and a great pace. I didn’t think it was as predictable as it could have been and I enjoyed the ending. I could have even read a few more chapters. I haven’t come across all that many cult-based reads, it was unique among the books I’ve read, and the characters were well developed.
The whole cult concept has always been interesting to me so that’s what pulled me in. However, I wish there was more of a “Now” perspective from Kate. The “Then” flashbacks is really the only reason why I kept reading. I didn’t really care about Abbi’s perspective. Meredith just needed to mind her own business. She irritated me. Scott was a little too naive for me. The twist shocked me a little bit because I didn’t see it coming until it was happening. Overall, it was well-written, entertaining and I enjoyed it!
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I usually don’t gravitate toward family dramas, especially ones where children play a central role, but When She Returned kept my attention thanks to its unique and compelling subject matter.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is how it delves into the psychological impact of trauma, manipulation, and cult dynamics. That element set it apart from typical domestic dramas and made it much more intriguing. The pacing was solid, and the alternating viewpoints helped maintain a sense of suspense throughout.
That said, Scott’s character was insufferable. He was completely obsessed with Kate, to the point of blindness, and the way both Meredith and Abbi fawned over him was frustrating. Meredith, especially, would have been so much better off without him. His presence made for an interesting dynamic, but as a character, he was a total douchebag.
Overall, while this isn’t the type of book I’d normally reach for, I was pleasantly surprised. The cult aspect added a layer of mystery that kept me engaged, and the psychological exploration made for a gripping read. If you like domestic thrillers with a dark twist, this one is worth checking out.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is how it delves into the psychological impact of trauma, manipulation, and cult dynamics. That element set it apart from typical domestic dramas and made it much more intriguing. The pacing was solid, and the alternating viewpoints helped maintain a sense of suspense throughout.
That said, Scott’s character was insufferable. He was completely obsessed with Kate, to the point of blindness, and the way both Meredith and Abbi fawned over him was frustrating. Meredith, especially, would have been so much better off without him. His presence made for an interesting dynamic, but as a character, he was a total douchebag.
Overall, while this isn’t the type of book I’d normally reach for, I was pleasantly surprised. The cult aspect added a layer of mystery that kept me engaged, and the psychological exploration made for a gripping read. If you like domestic thrillers with a dark twist, this one is worth checking out.