Adele Parks writes consistently great books and this is one of her best. When Abi arrives back in Mel’s life after a long absence secrets are revealed and scores are waiting to be settled. The book throws up no great surprises but is still enthralling and I couldn’t wait to find out how it ended. All the characters are convincing and their actions plausible - something which is often lacking in this genre. The family dynamic is realistic too. All in all this was a great read and is thoroughly recommended.

Another fantastic book from Adele. Believable characters and well written.
How easy to fall back Into unhealthy friendships when you have low self esteem and a guilty secret to hide too.
I was willing the main character to wake up to what was going on!
Little twist towards the end finished the book on a high.
Well worth a read

Well. I have never read any of Adele Parks' books before and I took the opportunity from Net Galley to read and review this one. I have now tried to think of a 'blokey' word to describe it as the book starts slowly and builds to a sad, also happy and dramatic end - let's just try 'brilliant'. Every character is well drawn, and we are swept along sometimes supporting Melanie (who invited her in), and then telling her to see through her old friend Abi ( who was invited). Every situation is plausible with wonderful insight into older teenagers. Loved it!

I have only recently started to read Adele Parks novels and are totally drawn into them . This book did not disappoint .
So many twists and turns throughout the story although if I'm being honest the ending was a bit weak and maybe not as much of a surprise .
Good holiday reading .

This is an intriguing story of relationships involving family and long lost friends. It has many unexpected twists as it unfolds and an intriguing but satisfactory end in which everyone gets what they want. Apart from the story,it is very well written and the characters are entirely believable. It is sparked off by a student pregnancy which leads to an adored child but also to sinister revenge. I recommend this book strongly.

I'm not sure what to make of this book. What genre is it? Crime? No. Romance? Definitely not. Psychological thriller? Maybe?

Melanie is happily marred with three children when she receives an email from an old friend, Abigail. Abigail has seemingly made a great success of her life, married to university sweetheart, Rob and with a job in TV in LA. But everything has gone wrong for her and now she is reaching out to Mel after 18 years or so. Mel has always been a bit in thrall to Abigail so she suggests to Abigail that she should come to stay. And come to stay she does! Mel isn't bothered by this even when after several weeks Abigail is still freeloading and showing no signs of moving on. Of course all is not what it seems and Abigail has a definite agenda in mind.

I wasn't enthralled by this novel. It's readable enough but the characters are a bit one dimensional and although things change and there is redemption of sorts it just doesn't ring true. Mel is a pushover, weak and not really appreciating what she has. Abigail is .... well, let's just say I've never met anyone like her and I hope I never will. Mel's husband, Ben is a good man though. It's a shame that Mel doesn't fully appreciate that.

There is nothing in the plot that's surprising. I knew what was going on almost from the first page. So, all in all, a readable but ultimately unexciting novel. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Very inventive and full of adventure. I cannot wait to read more from this author. If you're thinking of giving this a go it'll be worth it.

I think is my favourite Adele Park’s novel yet. A very griping read with chapters narrated by a different character and it all gels together in ways I didn’t expect.
Adele has always written about characters well and the relationships between people and within families and this is no exception.

when you invite someone into your home, someone you know, whose marriage has ended, you’re going to want to comfort and help them right? Adele tells the tale of what can happen when it all goes Pete Tong. And THAT’s an understatement!

When Abi arrived in the family the novel really picked up the pace as the dynamics within the happy family change from the outset. That’s when the novel gets really exciting. Scary as it could potentially be true!

Oh and a nice little nod to the North East in this one. Adele is from Teeside so a nice homage to the homeland.

Let this book into your life, but be careful who you let into your home!