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bookcravings's review against another edition
4.0
This is classic Kaira Rouda, a fun, over-the-top, domestic thriller! The author gives us a host of unlikeable characters to pick through and a couple of ambiguous ones as well. Because of that, we are just waiting to see who the bad guy turns out to be!
Facts:
• Lizzie was unappreciated in her job with the Johnson's.
• Cecelia desperately needed help with her 5 month old, because her back injury prevented her from basic care.
• Cecelia is generous but naive.
• Paul, her husband who is in prison for attempted murder (of her), is a bad guy.
Needs context:
• Lizzie is an excellent nanny.
• Evan (Cecelia's) partner and Peyton's father, loves Peyton and cares about Cecelia.
Even though they are on my TBR, I didn't realize Best Day Ever and The Second Mrs. Strom are book 1 and 2 in the series, respectively, but it didn't matter, because Rouda describes enough background to make this book a standalone.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Books-on-Tour for an advance reader's copy.
Facts:
• Lizzie was unappreciated in her job with the Johnson's.
• Cecelia desperately needed help with her 5 month old, because her back injury prevented her from basic care.
• Cecelia is generous but naive.
• Paul, her husband who is in prison for attempted murder (of her), is a bad guy.
Needs context:
• Lizzie is an excellent nanny.
• Evan (Cecelia's) partner and Peyton's father, loves Peyton and cares about Cecelia.
Even though they are on my TBR, I didn't realize Best Day Ever and The Second Mrs. Strom are book 1 and 2 in the series, respectively, but it didn't matter, because Rouda describes enough background to make this book a standalone.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Books-on-Tour for an advance reader's copy.
aitchfrost's review against another edition
4.0
Tense, gripping and deeply unsettling. This book plays brilliantly on the insecurities of the early stages of motherhood, when you’re sleep deprived, unsure if you’re doing the right things and about your capabilities to care for another helpless human being. This coupled with a traumatised past and domestic abuse to the nth degree (he tried to murder her) it couldn’t get more wobbly if it tried. The knight in shining armour in the shape of a nanny, is definitely not all that she seems, albeit with her own tragic and messed up past and then it just gets more and more terrifying. I could almost feel a big cloud of doom and disaster hovering right over me.
I didn’t actually like any of the characters, too many flaws and selfishness a plenty but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book. I guessed a few of the little twists and turns but, again, that wasn’t a problem. My only (slight) disappointment was that it seemed to wind up in a bit of a hurry and left it feeling a bit unfinished for me. A great psychological thriller nonetheless.
I didn’t actually like any of the characters, too many flaws and selfishness a plenty but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book. I guessed a few of the little twists and turns but, again, that wasn’t a problem. My only (slight) disappointment was that it seemed to wind up in a bit of a hurry and left it feeling a bit unfinished for me. A great psychological thriller nonetheless.
rikimuk's review against another edition
5.0
Another great thriller to read by the beach. Cecilia is still recovering from the events in Paris but has now had a baby girl. The only issue is the scars and pain from her fall is making it impossible to look after the baby and when she bumps into Lizzie she thinks her prayers are answers and hires her as her new nanny whilst kicking out her baby’s daddy. With Paul now released from prison and Cecilia struggling with tiredness is she going mad or is she in real danger from those closest to her. Don’t miss this great read.
msoh's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing this book, with my honest review below.
What the Nanny Saw is the third book in a series following Paul Strom’s universe, which I mention because I had read The Second Mrs. Strom not realizing it was following Best Day Ever (the first book in the series). There is no enjoyment taken away if you have not read other books in the series, but if you have you may be even more interested in picking this up.
What the Nanny Saw follows Cecilia, who is the second Mrs. Strom, as she lives out her best fantasy on the beach, now rich and with a baby from her lover, Evan. When nanny Lizzie enters her life you’d think it would be the cherry on her easy living Sunday, but Evan actually kind of sucks, her husband ex husband Paul is out of jail and wants back with Cecilia, Nanny Lizzie has aspirations to be a Malibu Trad Wife (traditional wife and mom) and is delusional, and Cecilia really wasn’t wired to be a mom. This leads to a perfect storm of a mystery and it could not have happened to a worse person.
I enjoyed the plot turns on this one and really I enjoy bad people getting put through a bit of a wringer of its deserved, not hardcore, and part of an entertaining book, such as What the Nanny Saw. This one will keep you engaged and I enjoyed the hint of more to come!
What the Nanny Saw is the third book in a series following Paul Strom’s universe, which I mention because I had read The Second Mrs. Strom not realizing it was following Best Day Ever (the first book in the series). There is no enjoyment taken away if you have not read other books in the series, but if you have you may be even more interested in picking this up.
What the Nanny Saw follows Cecilia, who is the second Mrs. Strom, as she lives out her best fantasy on the beach, now rich and with a baby from her lover, Evan. When nanny Lizzie enters her life you’d think it would be the cherry on her easy living Sunday, but Evan actually kind of sucks, her husband ex husband Paul is out of jail and wants back with Cecilia, Nanny Lizzie has aspirations to be a Malibu Trad Wife (traditional wife and mom) and is delusional, and Cecilia really wasn’t wired to be a mom. This leads to a perfect storm of a mystery and it could not have happened to a worse person.
I enjoyed the plot turns on this one and really I enjoy bad people getting put through a bit of a wringer of its deserved, not hardcore, and part of an entertaining book, such as What the Nanny Saw. This one will keep you engaged and I enjoyed the hint of more to come!
a_novel_idea11's review against another edition
3.0
Everyone at the Pulse loves Paul Strom! He is an iconic character and I just had to see what shenanigans he was up to this time, so I when I saw a spinoff of his beloved series, I was quick to pick it up. What the Nanny Saw follows Cecelia Strom - Paul's second wife - and her new venture into motherhood.
Motherhood is not for the feint of heart and Cecelia is struggling. I appreciated how authentic her struggles felt, particularly because her partner was so unsupportive and left the childcare burden to Cecelia. It was surprising that for as wealthy as Cecelia was, she didn't have a nanny right away, particularly once she realized just how difficult a newborn can be.
Lizzie was an interesting character. She clearly had a very sordid past and I liked that more and more of it was revealed as the novel went on. It was hard to tell what her motives were but my spidey senses were going from the moment she entered the picture.
For being such a strong and intelligent woman with Paul, it was amazing to see how far Cecelia had fallen. The effects of new motherhood, sleep deprivation, and stress from Paul's release were palpable and my heart went out to her.
There was definitely a need for suspension of belief. Cecelia losing all her money when we were repeatedly told how wealthy she was seemed surprising and the closing of a commercial building in a literal day was also anything but realistic, but if you could disregard these minor grievances, the novel is really unputdownable.
Now if you're reading this because you love (or love to hate Paul), be warned that this is Cecelia's story. He's a minor character for sure, but the story isn't based around him nor is he a primary character.
Fun and not exactly what you would think, I absolutely recommend What the Nanny Saw!
Motherhood is not for the feint of heart and Cecelia is struggling. I appreciated how authentic her struggles felt, particularly because her partner was so unsupportive and left the childcare burden to Cecelia. It was surprising that for as wealthy as Cecelia was, she didn't have a nanny right away, particularly once she realized just how difficult a newborn can be.
Lizzie was an interesting character. She clearly had a very sordid past and I liked that more and more of it was revealed as the novel went on. It was hard to tell what her motives were but my spidey senses were going from the moment she entered the picture.
For being such a strong and intelligent woman with Paul, it was amazing to see how far Cecelia had fallen. The effects of new motherhood, sleep deprivation, and stress from Paul's release were palpable and my heart went out to her.
There was definitely a need for suspension of belief. Cecelia losing all her money when we were repeatedly told how wealthy she was seemed surprising and the closing of a commercial building in a literal day was also anything but realistic, but if you could disregard these minor grievances, the novel is really unputdownable.
Now if you're reading this because you love (or love to hate Paul), be warned that this is Cecelia's story. He's a minor character for sure, but the story isn't based around him nor is he a primary character.
Fun and not exactly what you would think, I absolutely recommend What the Nanny Saw!
jadeariana's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kyreadsthrillers's review against another edition
5.0
Title- What the nanny saw
Rating-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This summer, I had the pleasure of reading Kaira's book “The Second Mrs. Strom" and was captivated by the character Cecelia. Upon learning of Kaira's third installment in the series, which features Cecelia's return, I was thrilled. This latest book held my attention from start to finish. I mean I was GLUED, and couldn’t put it down. Notably, despite being the third in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
Synopsis-
I keep all her secrets. She thinks she can trust me…
Cecilia has it all. The house on the beach. The cute figure. The beautiful baby. But she’s a long way from perfect.
She’s let me into her gorgeous house as her nanny because now she’s on her own, she needs a little help with her baby daughter Peyton. She barely notices me. But I see everything.
While Peyton naps, I rifle through her drawers and discover the dark secrets in her past, the threatening letter from her ex-husband.
It's a shame that Cecilia doesn’t have my powers of observation. If she took some time, she might just recognise me. I’ve been following her for a while, after all.
If she knew who I was then I don’t think I’d be so invisible. And she wouldn’t be so surprised one morning when little Peyton’s cot is found empty…
Rating-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This summer, I had the pleasure of reading Kaira's book “The Second Mrs. Strom" and was captivated by the character Cecelia. Upon learning of Kaira's third installment in the series, which features Cecelia's return, I was thrilled. This latest book held my attention from start to finish. I mean I was GLUED, and couldn’t put it down. Notably, despite being the third in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
Synopsis-
I keep all her secrets. She thinks she can trust me…
Cecilia has it all. The house on the beach. The cute figure. The beautiful baby. But she’s a long way from perfect.
She’s let me into her gorgeous house as her nanny because now she’s on her own, she needs a little help with her baby daughter Peyton. She barely notices me. But I see everything.
While Peyton naps, I rifle through her drawers and discover the dark secrets in her past, the threatening letter from her ex-husband.
It's a shame that Cecilia doesn’t have my powers of observation. If she took some time, she might just recognise me. I’ve been following her for a while, after all.
If she knew who I was then I don’t think I’d be so invisible. And she wouldn’t be so surprised one morning when little Peyton’s cot is found empty…
chaitra_brewedbookworm's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A solid popcorn thriller and a sequel to The Second Mrs. Strom, this book explores the challenges faced by a new mom with a mostly absent partner. The story gives insight into Cecilia’s struggles, though the unreliable nanny trope feels a bit repetitive, and the twists are fairly predictable—I found myself guessing most of them before they were revealed. The chapters alternate between Cecilia and Lizzie’s perspectives in a third-person narration, adding depth but not quite enough shock value. While it may not be gasp-worthy, it’s an easy, quick read with enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages.
cynsfictionaddiction's review against another edition
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ: Traumatized by her childhood, Lizzie wants nothing more than to be a traditional rich housewife/mom, so she devotes herself to being an indispensable nanny in Malibu. Cecilia is in desperate need of Lizzie’s help, but has a haunting past threatening to come back to her present.
ᴍʏ ᴛᴡᴏ ᴄᴇɴᴛs: This thriller was even better than I expected! It was so engaging that I flew through the chapters in just a few days. A little repetitious at times, the dual POV kept my attention as we found out more about Lizzie and Cecilia’s skeletons.
Lizzie’s tragic childhood made her much easier to sympathize and the snippets of letters from Paul interspersed throughout was such a nice touch, though it did help me figure out early on who he was connected to.
Overall, I loved it and if thrillers had “tropes,” I think I definitely love the nanny trope.
ᴍʏ ᴛᴡᴏ ᴄᴇɴᴛs: This thriller was even better than I expected! It was so engaging that I flew through the chapters in just a few days. A little repetitious at times, the dual POV kept my attention as we found out more about Lizzie and Cecilia’s skeletons.
Lizzie’s tragic childhood made her much easier to sympathize and the snippets of letters from Paul interspersed throughout was such a nice touch, though it did help me figure out early on who he was connected to.
Overall, I loved it and if thrillers had “tropes,” I think I definitely love the nanny trope.
13rebecca13's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I didn't realise before I started reading this that it was the third book in a series and I wish I had read those first! I don't feel like I needed to but I always think it's adds more background to the story.
Cecelia is a wealthy woman who has a five month old baby with her partner Evan. She throws him out after having enough of his laziness when it comes to looking after their daughter Peyton and finding out that he is having an affair with someone at work.
Cecelia was previously married to Paul, who is currently imprisoned, and he has now reached out to her via letter. I believe the previous two novels focus more on him so I will definitely be going back and reading those!
Meanwhile, Lizzie is the nanny for the Johnsons who live next door to Cecelia. Their children are teens and preteens and Lizzie is fed up with their spoiled attitudes and how the Johnson parents treat her. She has been watching Cecelia, eager for a nanny job with her and is delighted when Cecelia finally contacts her offering her the role of Peyton's nanny.
I remember reading Favourite Daughter by Kaira Rouda back in 2019 and I loved it. I felt the same reading What The Nanny Saw. Rouda is fantastic at popcorn thrillers, I flew through the pages, gripped from the beginning. I love unreliable narrators and dark female characters, add the amount of tension and you have a great thriller. I would definitely recommend!
Cecelia is a wealthy woman who has a five month old baby with her partner Evan. She throws him out after having enough of his laziness when it comes to looking after their daughter Peyton and finding out that he is having an affair with someone at work.
Cecelia was previously married to Paul, who is currently imprisoned, and he has now reached out to her via letter. I believe the previous two novels focus more on him so I will definitely be going back and reading those!
Meanwhile, Lizzie is the nanny for the Johnsons who live next door to Cecelia. Their children are teens and preteens and Lizzie is fed up with their spoiled attitudes and how the Johnson parents treat her. She has been watching Cecelia, eager for a nanny job with her and is delighted when Cecelia finally contacts her offering her the role of Peyton's nanny.
I remember reading Favourite Daughter by Kaira Rouda back in 2019 and I loved it. I felt the same reading What The Nanny Saw. Rouda is fantastic at popcorn thrillers, I flew through the pages, gripped from the beginning. I love unreliable narrators and dark female characters, add the amount of tension and you have a great thriller. I would definitely recommend!