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noelnoie's review against another edition
3.0
This book very much reminded me of "The First Day of Spring" by Nancy Tucker. In both books the main characters are women troubled by the demons of their past. Both deemed monsters, societal throw-a-ways not deserving of a second chance. The ruminating question for me was about both Nature vs. Nurture and that of forgiveness. This was a lightly suspenseful enjoyable read.
nickyskene's review against another edition
5.0
My first book by this author. At first I thought this was just a story about a mother - Lisa - and her daughter - Ava - and the relationship between the two. Something happened in Lisa’s earlier life which made her run away and take her daughter with her - something she wanted to keep secret. I had no idea what the secret was until I progressed through the book. The twists and turns were completely unexpected. Heartbreaking and surprising all in one. Absolutely fantastic read!
cam356's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.0
jessethereader's review against another edition
I read this for a bookish video experiment which will HOPEFULLY be on my channel soon. I honestly don't know what to fully think of this book. I haven't read many mystery thrillers, but this one seemed kind of all over the place. There was also something in this that was SO UNREALISTIC. It's like ????? y'all really didn't question this certain thing that was happening??
cmbarowsky's review against another edition
3.0
Rating: 3/5 Stars
“Someone can do a terrible, an unforgivable thing, and yet you forgive them if you love them. The heart is such a strange thing.”
Cross Her Heart takes an ordinary mother and daughter and threads dark twists throughout their lives. Lisa has worked many years to protect her daughter, Ava, from her checkered past. She only wants the best for Ava and herself. When she meets a man by the name of Simon, she thinks she might be able to finally move on with her life. But when a young boy falls into a river and Ava saves him, Lisa’s past comes back to haunt her.
Sarah Pinborough possesses a talent for weaving a dark tale. She slowly builds complex characters, and carefully constructs a strong visual and palpable setting for the foundation of her story. Twists and turns are found throughout the novel, with no guess as to where the story will lead.
I really wanted to enjoy this book. I loved Behind Her Eyes and 13 Minutes. However, this book just didn’t do it for me. It took me about 100 pages to get into the story because the development was sluggish, and the characters were unlikeable. I felt like Ava’s teenage angst was a little too over-the-top and annoying. By Part Two the story had picked up, but the twists thrown in felt unnecessary and often confusing. Two hundred pages in, I contemplated not finishing the book. I am glad I held on until the end, though, for the ending was the only solid, enjoyable part of this story.
I didn’t personally love this book. However, I still love Sarah Pinborough’s writing. If you love twists and unlikeable characters, maybe this book is for you.
“Someone can do a terrible, an unforgivable thing, and yet you forgive them if you love them. The heart is such a strange thing.”
Cross Her Heart takes an ordinary mother and daughter and threads dark twists throughout their lives. Lisa has worked many years to protect her daughter, Ava, from her checkered past. She only wants the best for Ava and herself. When she meets a man by the name of Simon, she thinks she might be able to finally move on with her life. But when a young boy falls into a river and Ava saves him, Lisa’s past comes back to haunt her.
Sarah Pinborough possesses a talent for weaving a dark tale. She slowly builds complex characters, and carefully constructs a strong visual and palpable setting for the foundation of her story. Twists and turns are found throughout the novel, with no guess as to where the story will lead.
I really wanted to enjoy this book. I loved Behind Her Eyes and 13 Minutes. However, this book just didn’t do it for me. It took me about 100 pages to get into the story because the development was sluggish, and the characters were unlikeable. I felt like Ava’s teenage angst was a little too over-the-top and annoying. By Part Two the story had picked up, but the twists thrown in felt unnecessary and often confusing. Two hundred pages in, I contemplated not finishing the book. I am glad I held on until the end, though, for the ending was the only solid, enjoyable part of this story.
I didn’t personally love this book. However, I still love Sarah Pinborough’s writing. If you love twists and unlikeable characters, maybe this book is for you.
rmarcin's review against another edition
2.0
This was a slog to get through. So many parts of the book were innuendos - making you wonder. I didn't like any of the characters.
Ava is a 16 year old teenager and Lisa is a single mom trying to be protective of Ava, while giving her space. But, Lisa is hiding something from Ava. When it all comes out, it threatens to destroy their relationship.
There were too many strange things going on in this book, and I didn't enjoy it. It was not as bizarre as Pinborough's first book (Behind Her Eyes), but it was still very odd.
#SarahPinborough #CrossHerHeart
Ava is a 16 year old teenager and Lisa is a single mom trying to be protective of Ava, while giving her space. But, Lisa is hiding something from Ava. When it all comes out, it threatens to destroy their relationship.
There were too many strange things going on in this book, and I didn't enjoy it. It was not as bizarre as Pinborough's first book (Behind Her Eyes), but it was still very odd.
#SarahPinborough #CrossHerHeart