A review by itsmeelliet
If I Lose Her by Brianne Sommerville

5.0

After the birth of her daughter Addison, Joanna begins experiencing unexplainable lapses in her memory which threaten her daughter’s safety and her ability to be a parent after a tip is made to Child Services.

Desperate to prove herself not only to Child Services but also her concerned husband, sisters and in-laws, Joanna examines everyone and everything in her life to try and make sense of how things have become so out of control. Is she suffering from postpartum depression? Is she just exhausted from having a newborn? Or is someone playing tricks on her?

The book alternates between flashbacks of Joanna’s abusive childhood at the hands of a neglectful, emotionally unstable mother and present day where she attempts to discern whether she is going crazy or if something much more sinister is underway.

This novel dives into new parenthood and the toll that trying to be the “perfect mother” can have on women. I couldn’t believe that this was the author’s first book - it was quite well written and kept me guessing about what was happening. I enjoyed the first person narration, especially because each time I thought I had someone nailed down, Jo would question herself and I would follow suit in doubting the characters all over again. This was a fast read and I was invested until the very end.

I look forward to following Brianne Sommerville’s future works and highly recommend picking up a copy of If I Lose Her if you love a good psychological thriller. It’s out TODAY!

Thanks to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for this digital ARC. All opinions and this review are my own.

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5!