Reviews tagging 'Child abuse'

When She Returned by Lucinda Berry

5 reviews

keriseabby's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

4.25

 

An unforeseen turn of events transpires as a mother and wife inexplicably disappears, only to resurface 11 years later in a startling condition, accompanied by a mysterious infant. This unexpected development plunges the family into disarray as they endeavor to reconstruct her distressing odyssey. Concurrently, the involvement of the FBI adds a layer of protection and scrutiny, unearthing a labyrinth of concealed truths. Narrated through alternating timelines, this captivating narrative sustains suspense until its stunning conclusion, ensuring a riveting and unforgettable experience for the audience.
A thoroughly enjoyable read, highly recommended. I will definitely be exploring more books by Lucina Berry! 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cultural appropriation, Violence, Torture, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse

Minor: Child abuse and Sexual content

shyleek's review

dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Lucinda Berry writes unexpected plot twists with the best of them! I was mad at the wrong person the whole way through this story. 

Abby, the teenage daughter of a missing woman turns out to be a much more complex character than expected. Her character development is perfection. Same for the stepmother, Meredith. 

When Abby's mother returns after going missing 11 years ago they all must adjust to a new normal. The secrets her mother keeps turn out to be more damaging than you might have guessed. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Murder, Torture, Death, Kidnapping, and Abandonment

Moderate: Child abuse

Minor: Trafficking and Pregnancy

crimsonreadlips's review against another edition

dark 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

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Kidnapping, Violence, and Domestic abuse

Moderate: Death

Minor: Child abuse

beckyremillard's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Kate went missing over a decade ago. Her keys were left in her car and her husband and young daughter had no clues as to where she went. 

Now, Kate has returned with an infant and very few details on where she had been for the past eleven years. 

This book was fine and held my attention, but there was nothing unpredictable about it. It was interesting that the perspectives included Kate in the past, and the  daughter and the husband’s new wife in the present. 

The cult stuff was interesting but between that and nobody believing Meredith even when she had evidence, I was getting frustrated while reading.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Murder, Child abuse, Death, Torture, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, and Pregnancy

Moderate: Gun violence

Minor: Self harm

Cult

julietmeiling's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Gun violence and Child abuse