Reviews tagging 'Physical abuse'

When She Returned by Lucinda Berry

15 reviews

kdevine's review against another edition

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

2.75


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keriseabby's review against another edition

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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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faithsbookreads's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

This book was extremely predictable & had a lot of plot holes. When I finished the book, I was actually surprised because I felt like the ending was just so off??? it felt unfinished. 

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mmarquis1158's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Wow. I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I had guessed just about every scenario for the plot twist except for the actual plot twist! I was shocked. Finished in 3 sittings which is very fast for me. Such a good read

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midnightrose_reads's review

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

When She Returned by Lucinda Berry is a taut psychological thriller about a woman named Kate, who returns after being missing for 11 years; and who may or may not have been in a cult. Told in alternating timelines and with different POV’s from Kate’s husband Scott, from their daughter together Abby, Scott’s new wife Meredith, and Kate herself in a past timeline. A wild ride!

Narrated by: Coleen Marlo, Lauren Ezzo, and Amy McFadden.

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mrb123's review against another edition

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

3.5


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toxxicwasste's review against another edition

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

3.0


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snapeygan's review against another edition

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

4.0


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killmoore_'s review against another edition

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

4.0

Okay. I almost didn't finish this.. with only 20ish pages left. I was infuriated. Was the book amazing? Yes, and beautifully written despite being absolutely devastating and incredibly frustrating at times. A quick, tense read that I thought I had figured out (and was mad), made me think something amazing was about to happen (I literally hollered), then pissed me off all over again. 

Check your trigger warnings. Be prepared to be livid. Meredith is one of the most despicable fictional characters ever. 

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thatbookmarkbabe's review against another edition

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dark sad tense fast-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

3.5

I was wrestling between a 3 and 4 star rating for this one, as I literally tore through it in a day. After reflecting more on it, I think that the book could have benefitted from some more pages that would have better justified and explained some of the characters' actions throughout, and wrapped up the narrative better in the end. So much is kind of left hanging and the book had so much action in the last 10% that could have been resolved better. I also think coming right off of The Last Housewife, which I really loved, made this one a bit less impactful for me.

I would say if you are looking for a short book with an interesting premise, you should give this one a try.

Spoilers ahead:

-I felt like Meredith's character served no real purpose (aside from maybe a voice of reason? But this could have been anyone really, even Dean) and would have rather heard from Scott
-I really wish Kate's indoctrination was more fleshed out. I felt like it went from "i'm writing this story" to "i'm leaving everything behind for you" real fast
-Kate's "then" narrative doesn't really seem to line up with her actions later in the book (kidnapping Abbi and getting back in contact with Ray/Abner). You could see her start to become disillusioned with him after Willow, Beckah and Sam died, as well as encouraging Margo to leave with her and the babies.... and then goes back? I mean I get its probably complicated, but it just didn't match and was pretty jarring 
-Also she was so mad at Ray for killing people and tricking her... but slept with him willingly which I was confused about 
-Scott alludes to hiding something and I thought it was going to be some big twist and then ended up being kind of inconsequential (as with the online forums, like who left the death threat?)
-A few glaring issues of pure stupidity as others have mentioned: not looking into a sketchy "religious organization" that Kate was getting more and more involved with when she disappeared, letting her stay in the house instead of trying to help her adjust and be evaluated mentally in a safe place, Scott letting Abbi go with Kate
-I wish we got to find out more about what happened to other members, what happens to Kate, Shiloh & Ray, etc
-I was pissed that Dean actually let Abbi get kidnapped

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