From the blurb of My Mother’s Silence, I expected a mystery full of lies and secrets. To a large extent, this is what I got, but the novel is so much more than that. Westwood’s writing is absolutely amazing and I was able to feel all the emotions of a family and community who have not been able to grieve for their sister, daughter and friend.

My Mother’s Silence is set in a small village in the Scottish Highlands, and it is easy to see that the landscape is beautiful. Westwood’s descriptions drew me into the environment in which Skye and her family lived. I also enjoyed the sense of community in the village and the way that although gossip spreads quickly, and this can often be stifling, everyone ultimately cares for each other.

From the outset, I felt sympathy for Skye and was immediately drawn into her story. The element of mystery in the novel, which grew more and more as the secrets and lies surrounding Ginny’s death unravelled, kept me reading, as I really wanted to know what happened to Ginny and who knew more about her death than they were letting on. I was hooked, and I am left with a poignant feeling that will stay with me for some time to come.

Favorite Quotes:

‘What you got in there, lass?’ the driver says, bowing under the weight of my wheelie case… He sets my case on the pavement. ‘In my day, all we needed was a toothbrush and a change of knickers.’

I shut my eyes until the irrational sense of despair ebbs away. Regroup, start again. I’m good at making new starts. Not so good at making them last.

Somewhere in that deep, ever-changing water, there is a part of my sister: the atoms of her body, the life force that was Ginny.

She was like the child captured by fairies. There was a part of her that none of us could reach.

First rule of policing… ‘No one wants to talk and everyone lies.


My Review:

This book was a stellar read! My Mother’s Silence was expertly plotted, shrewdly paced, and cunningly crafted from the first person POV of Skye, the sister who lived as opposed to her twin Ginny, who did not. The storylines were varied yet engaging and kept my interest keenly honed. I was immediately pulled into Skye’s vortex where I remained, absorbed, transfixed, and riveted to Ms. Westwood’s powerful and evocative arrangements of words. The writing was moody, swirling with atmosphere, lushly detailed, and densely packed with insightful observations and emotive inner musings. I was taut with tension with my shoulders near my ears and suspected each secondary character at some point in reading. I was unwilling to put my Kindle down and deeply resented any interruption to my perusal. Lauren Westwood has strong word voodoo and a lifelong fan… unless she starts writing about zombies – I just can’t do zombies.

Skye hasn’t been home for 15 years. Fifteen years of ‘what if’s’, fifteen years of silence and blame shrouded in mystery. While unraveling the events of her sister Ginny’s death and desperately trying to reconnect with her mom by finally learning the truth Skye stumbles upon second chances, love, and closure. Things are not always as they seem.

The Scottish setting is the perfect atmosphere for this haunting tale of betrayal, love, and forgiveness. I was drawn in from the very beginning and thoroughly enjoyed this terrifying riveting read. This was my first book by Lauren Westwood but most definitely will not be my last.

I’d like to thank Lauren Westwood, Bookouture, and NetGalley for proving me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

🌊Slow start but compelling and suspenseful family drama set in Scotland👍

👭💔 After a slow start, I really took to this novel and its painful tale of a young life abruptly cut off with a grieving family still struggling to cope many years later It's told from the perspective of the dead girl's twin sister Skye, who returns to the family homestead after fifteen years in self-imposed exile, and stirs up emotions and questions long buried as she tried to reconnect with her frail mother.

I had never read a previous work by this author and must admit that she really did a superb job in building a moody, isolated atmosphere set along the 🌊rugged coast of the Scottish Highlands. The landscape is such a key part of the drama; it's almost a character all its own. The second half of the story builds momentum as more and more secrets come to light and the dead girl's true plight emerges. And Skye's relationship with her mother's lodger Nick added some romance and hope to an otherwise sad story. Very emotional and thought-provoking, well-written and, ultimately, cathartic for the characters. I enjoyed it, though I did have some initial doubts, particularly when Skye frightens everyone with some dangerous, impulsive behavior soon after her arrival. 😲

Thanks to publisher Bookouture and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

This book really gets into the depths of human emotion. I enjoyed this immensely, as I felt that the author did a great job of portraying the loyalty that caused the actions of each character. Sometimes authors overemphasize or underestimate why characters make the choices they make, but this author got it right. It was an enjoyable read from start to finish.

Thank you netgalley. This book shows how a small community village covered up things that could've solved alot of heartache and despair. Well written,got me gripped to the end. I didn't know who was telling fact from lie.

First, I want to thank Lauren Westwood, Bookouture, and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Immediately after reading My Mother’s Silence by Lauren Westwood I needed to call both of my sisters!. It is definitely a must read book! Needless to say this book pulled hard on my heartstrings from the very beginning and didn’t let go. Lauren’s book is one that will stick with you well after you finish reading it.

This is one of the most graceful and beautiful book covers that I have seen on a Bookouture Book. Kudos to the graphic designer who created such a masterpiece that captured my eye.

Music was a main element in this book that I really loved. Skye and her twin Ginny would write music lyrics and sing them together. They both were very talented with beautiful voices. Lauren seemed very passionate about the musical storyline as it played a big part of the story.

There is no doubt about it that this book has a lot to do with family. A terrible family tragedy happened that tore a family apart. There were family secrets kept, shocking revelations, and so much heartache. So many times I wanted to hug Skye and her Mom for what they had been through over the years.

There were so many unique character names that Lauren used in this book. I just loved the name Skye, Ginny, Byron, Mackie, etc. I love when authors think outside of the box for names and storylines. Shows how creative and passionate they are about their writing.
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My Mother’s Silence would make an awesome movie as a Netflix Original or even on the big screen. It would definitely be a blockbuster of a hit. That is how good I thought this book was.

This book was very special for the author. She loves Scotland and Celtic music and always wanted to write a book to express her feelings on that subject. She grew up listening to the music on a radio show on NPR. I had to laugh when she mentions that when she listens to her Scottish CD’s in the car her children have to cover their ears. If you are interested in learning more about this music she has a playlist listed on her website.

I really enjoyed this book and the setting where it took place. Going home and uncovering secrets and lies kept me turning the pages and wanting more.

Fifteen years ago, Skye left Scotland to live in America after th tragic death of her twin sister, Ginnys death. But she returns to the remote Eilean Shiel when she learns that her other was ill. She needed to find out the truth behind Ginnys death. Skye has no memory of the accident.

This tragic story is full of lies and secrets. Its ot onlynthe place that she used to call home that has changed, the story behind Ginnys death has also changed. Sykes mother seems to be holding something back. This is a beautifully written and emotional read. The characters are well rounded and true to life. A story of the love between family members. How you will try and spare your child further pain unknowing that you might e causing more. Loved this page turning story.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Lauren Westwood for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Skye's level of guilt after her twin sister Ginny died was so overwhelming that she left home and didn't return for years. She has returned home and is now facing her mother, and cannot believe how much her mother has changed. What is more is the fact that her mother then - and now - blamed Skye for Ginny's death.

With an unpacked bag, Skye tries to work through the past and tries to find answers. Their teenage bedroom is pretty much a shrine to Ginny, but Skye wants the past buried once and for all. Finding old journals is key to her efforts. Meanwhile, her brother and family visit, and Skye's mother rather hopes this is enough to bring the family together again. But, not for Skye. She wants answers, and digs deep.

What an excellent book by Lauren Westwood! I was drawn into the the drama of the past, the secrets, lies and family connections. I couldn't put this book down. Equally emotional and cathartic. It truly was a riveting read.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

What would you do when your sister died and you feel like you are to blame? Would you stay or would you go?

And if you went, would you stay away or would you come back and face the ghosts from the past? 

Was the blame on you or were people lying? Was it because they had something to do with it and they wanted to protect themselves or did they lie for another reason?

Do you really know the persons closest to you or do they pretend? 

It seems there is more than one secret that has been hidden for a very long time. Maybe it's time to put an end to all the mystery and to finally find a way to be able to move on.

A moving story about a family torn apart by a terrible event. Can they find the way back to each other? 4 stars

Thank you, Lauren Westwood and Bookouture

Skye and Ginny can't wait to leave their hometown and try for a musical career..
Tragedy strikes and Ginny is lost to the ocean by a rogue wave. Skye leaves home weeks after the death of her twin hoping to find a future that is not so devastating.
Fifteen years later she returns home. She discovers that the death of her sister is shrouded in secrets and lies.
Great storyline, strong characters. Love the Scottish details!

Skye Turner has returned to her Scottish home of Eilean Shiel after an absence of fifteen years. She believes her mother has asked for her and these were the words she has been longing to hear. Fifteen years ago Skye's twin sister Ginny died and an overheard conversation from her mother Mary, convinces Skye that she blames her. Skye was the old soul, Ginny, the free spirit - 'unruly and untameable'. Circumstances surrounding her sister's death have always troubled Skye and she begins to piece together the events of that fateful night. Was Ginny's death a terrible accident, or was it an intentional act of self-harm? Skye had a car accident the night of her sister's death, and her memory is a blank. But as she returns to the rocks where her sister fell, she experiences some vague recollections. More than anything, Skye wants to heal her fractured relationship with her mother, and give her the closure she so desperately needs. A retired policeman staying in her mother's holiday cottage becomes the confidant and friend Skye needs, and piece by piece they build a true picture of what happened.

The writing was so evocative in this novel and the Scottish highland scenery almost became another character. You become drawn in and invested in finding out the truth. A thoroughly enjoyable read with a wholly satisfying and beautifully hoping ending.

I enjoyed reading this domestic thriller. The characters were very well drawn and the author did a great job o describing the scenery and the weather. It is a story of love and loss and triumph over dispair. I look forward to reading more by this author,she is really that good. I highly recommend this book.
Thanks to Net Galley for allowing me to read this amazing book.

A really good thriller about the lies and secrets in one small community. This is a really well written story which gradually builds pace. It is a compelling read. I loved the descriptions of the scenery and the weather. I could imagine myself there and almost taste the salt from the sea.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

I agree with several other reviewers that this is a very well-written story, full of interesting characters, a great atmosphere and some unexpected twists and turns. Personally, I thought it would be more of a psychological thriller or mystery. It is all there but the main thing here is the love between family members, and how to restore this love if things go awfully wrong.
It took Skye fifteen years to come back but once she starts feeling something is wrong, she really wants to solve the mystery. Of course there are some suspects, and some handsome men, but Westwood is not overdoing it and thus all characters have their own voice.
This was the first book I read from Lauren Westwood but I'd love to read more of her work.

An atmospheric mystery that kept me in suspense. It slowly built the tension and kept me reading on.

My Mother's Silence will reel you in and before you know it you are quickly turning the pages to see if Skye's twin Ginny's death years ago was accidental or not.

Skye has returned home to her small village after being gone since her sister's death.

Years later, there is innuendo, secrets, half truths. Who can you believe.

Skye doesn't know she has blocked out the tragedy but her Mother seems to be hiding something.

My Mother's Silence is a good read, the characters are strong and you just have to know what happened !

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read Her Mother's Silence.

Really enjoyed this domestic thriller. It hit every emotion and then some! How tangled our lies and lives can become. The devastation of secrets and deception. All woven together perfectly. Loved the character development in this book. Highly recommend!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

After a thoughtfully slow buildup this novel sizzles with suspicion, silence and style. Losing her teenage twin sister in a tragic accident devastates Skye and she leaves the remote seaside area for America abandoning her mother and her conscience. Not discussing the accident does not make the guilt go away. Coming home to finally face her mother Skye realizes that there is much more to the story than she knows. A tragedy made worse by avoidance, did her sister commit suicide, or simply fall or was it ....... A well developed story with superior writing.