Our Beautiful Mess is the first book that I've read from Adele Parks, but I had seen so many great reviews, I wanted to give one a try. In this story, Connie is preparing for her daughter to stay over Christmas after being away at University. When Fran arrives with her new boyfriend, Connie is chilled to the bone as Zac is the spitting image of someone from her past she would much rather forget. The situation gets more and more complicated when it turns out that Fran is pregnant and the similarity Connie had feared turns out to be true.

The story seemed quite straightforward to start and I wasn't sure how much scope there would be to develop it from what I assumed the outcome would be. Actually, there was a lot more to the plot than I first thought and it took some unexpected turns, so these twists and secrets made it much more interesting. I think for me personally, this would be classed as more of a family drama with a secondary crime storyline but I've heard that Adele Parks' previous book are more on the side of thriller / psychological thriller which I think I would prefer.

There were two standouts for me in this book though - Firstly, I thought that the characterisation was fantastic, each character was thoroughly developed and totally realistic. They were all quite unique and their personalities really captured me. I found out afterwards that some of these were actually returning characters from other books so I would be really interested to go back and read about them in different situations. Secondly, I thought that the author did an amazing job of creating an underlying tension which ran throughout the entire story. The uneasiness kicked in from the start as the book opens with a tragedy, we know that things don't end well and spend the rest of the book waiting for bad things to happen. All of the layers of secrets also added to this feeling and built up to the explosive final chapters.

After loving First Wife’s Shadow, I was so excited to receive an advance copy of Adele Parks’ latest — Our Beautiful Mess. 🤍

This felt quite different from her usual thrillers — more of an emotional family drama laced with twists and turns (just like the title suggests = A mess!). It was a real page-turner for me, and I finished it in just a few days, I don't want to give anything away but If you’re already a fan of Adele’s books, this one won’t disappoint.

Huge thank you to @hqstories for my copy, and happy publication day to @adele_parks — congrats on your 25th book in 25 years 🎉👏🏼

P.S. How gorgeous is that gold cover?! 😍 Our Beautiful Mess is out now and currently half price on Amazon… what are you waiting for? 📚✨

This story was not what I was expecting at all! Our Beautiful Mess is a story full of family drama, it actually played out like a T.V Show. Expect lots of secrets, lies and betrayal. I was even quite emotional at the end. Great audio listen. Although I found the story drag in places and not a real thriller read like I was expecting, it was an enjoyable read and different. I would definitely recommend.

*Book Review*

Publishing 28-08-2025 (AD/PR)

So I went into this book not having tried this authors work before so I wasn’t sure what to expect and I will be totally honest, after 70 pages I had to DNF. It was just not for me.

I was under the impression that the genre of this book was of the thriller line but I was completely wrong. After reading a bit of it, I looked into it genre and found that it was in fact romance mystery and that is not for me. Anything if the romance line I just avoid.

It was far too people’y and full of drama that I felt could have just been missed out. There was a lot of fluffing and filling out pages and I just kept getting bored.

I found it to be full of clichés which I found all very predictable which just put me off and I couldn’t get passed them.

So was a dnf for me. I was reading this as a buddy read with @katies_cosy_reading_corner and @northyorkshirereader I was not the only one who felt this way about the book and know that Katie has also dnf’d the book also. You can’t win them all and this one was just not for us.

My views of this book may be not the best but don’t let that put you off, I have seen many people love this book. I just don’t think it was the dark gruesome twisty thriller I live for.

Thankyou thought to Harper Collins UK and Adele Parks for giving me this opportunity to read the book and I apologise it wasn’t for me.

Our Beautiful Mess by Adele Parks is a marvellous contemporary suspense that gripped me from the start.
The novel opens with the ending before going backwards eleven days, and then working forwards. The reader knows what is coming and wonders what led up to that point, and how it is all going to end?
I thought the actual ending was superb – it came out of the blue and was serenely beautiful as the love radiated from the pages.
All the characters were well drawn and believable. We see the action through several alternating points of view enabling the reader to get to know the characters intimately.
This is a book about family. Family can be messy and complicated – but family is ultimately about love.
Life is tiring when children are small – but so much harder as they grow. Parents have to give their children wings to fly. “It was up to them to fall and flounder or fly and flourish. She was powerless… all they [parents] could do was stand back and trust that they’d given their kids enough guidance, resilience and basic common sense to get through.” We see that however old our children are, a mother will fiercely protect her offspring. “Her focus was on protecting Fran.”
The action is set in London, in a wealthy suburb. We witness the party culture of the young – which has disastrous consequences. Characters get caught up in situations beyond their control. Parents can only sit, watch and pray.
Parental love is sacrificial – with one paying the ultimate sacrifice.
The novel is set over the period of Christmas and New Year – it is far from peace on earth, but there is the potential for a better new year.
I thoroughly enjoyed Our Beautiful Mess. It was entertaining and full of suspense. Behind suburban closed doors lie secrets and lies – and so, so much love.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Another absolute banger from Adele, everything she writes has this air of sophistication surrounding it, she is the queen of thrillers!
Told from multiple POVs over a short period of time, we infiltrate the lives of the Baker family, learning about the secrets and lies they hold. This intense tale will hook you from the prologue, holding you captive until the very last page. Tied up nicely at the end, providing a level of suspense throughout that will have your palms sweating.
A must read for thriller fans!

I know when I pick up one of Adele’s books that life will get put on hold as I won’t want to put it down, and this is no exception.

Connie is looking forward to having her whole family back for Christmas. She can’t wait to meet her daughter Fran’s new boyfriend Zac for the first time - but when she arrives, the surprises start as Fran reveals she is pregnant, and the surprises keep coming ….. and as for the secrets ….

This is a book that starts at “The End” so we already know things don’t end well and then goes back to the days leading up to it. Told from the points of view of Connie, Fran and Zac, Parks creates very real feeling characters as always and as a reader you quickly become immersed in the world of Connie and her family as the spotlight is shined on the many challenges of parenthood.

Knowing where things are headed but not how, I spent much of the book with my heart in my mouth as the days counted down. Add in the fact I was completely blindsided halfway through - 👏🏼Adele - and from then on the tension didn’t let up.

Adele truly is the queen of twisty family dramas and this one is a rollercoaster of a read - it’s tense, it’s twisty and it’s emotional and it’s another addictive read.

A great thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. Maybe a little unrealistic, but the character and plot development is brilliant. Also didn't see the twist coming which is always a good sign. Would highly recommend!

I openly admit I went into this one blind and missed the genre being "romance mystery." However, even if I knew beforehand, I'd probably still have given it a go because I usually enjoy this author's work.

Parks' work is easy to engage with. It has a nice flow and rhythm. Its highly descriptive, creates great suspense and fuelled with trepidation.
If I were a romance reader, I feel like I would appreciate this book more than I did.
It has a strong plot, with mystery and unreliable characters. You've got the typical tropes to fill your boots with and a focus on conflicting age generations, making it have more of a modern-day relationship focus.
There are long chapters with multiple POVs, providing a deep set for each character.
It builds great tension, which kept me reading for more than 50%, but by this point, I realised skim read, and it was just not my vibe. I did DNF it.

Early on, it's heavy on romantic relationships, family drama, toxic relationships, and in words I often use, "very peopley."

It' rich in characters and a cast driven story. The members of two families brought together by their children's unexpected pregnancy. At the age of 21/22, and in our generation, this is seen as "too young to manage," which brings forward controversial strains.

The content of this story is very domesticated and revolves around people's lives. There are small events which did pique my interest; however, they become a little predictable and coincidental.

There is also a lot of filler that comes with this story, which makes it a little mundane. Details around Christmas dinner, types of drinks, house decorations, and affluent shopping locations. For me, it did become a little too much, and I struggled with interest.

I can't say I wouldn't recommend it because I can imagine it being a very good book for some people, and I know some avid Parks followers will devour this one. What I would say is check the genre type and try it out for yourself!

Twenty Five years ago Adele Parks published her debut novel, Playing Away. I've been a huge fan of this fantastic author ever since, and have read all of her novels to date.

Connie Baker (and friends) were first introduced to us then, and have appeared in various novels since, but this, this is just the most delicious of them all. An absolute triumph that I will struggle to do justice for with this review.

Connie knows she is lucky, she has three fabulous daughters, a husband who she loves with all her heart. Connie couldn't be happier. She also absolutely loves Christmas, the chaotic family get togethers, the petty squabbling, the overindulging, the tackiness, nostalgia and everything in-between.

When her eldest daughter Fran returns from University for the festive season, with her new boyfriend in tow, this should be the icing on the cake. But there is something about Zac that makes Connie uneasy. For a start he bears more than a striking resemblance to John Harding. Connie's ex - of sorts.

John was Connie's one singular catastrophic mistake.

An affair early in her marriage that nearly broke it, and her.

Luke, Connie's husband found the love and strength he needed to forgive her, and their marriage has been practically perfect in the years since. Zac's appearance throws Connie off kilter, but no one else seems to notice her sudden derailment.

After all, there is Christmas to focus on, and some wonderfully happy news that Fran and Zac bring with them. Unfortunately the happiness doesn't last for long. Connie's suspicions of Zac are entirely justified, but even she can't imagine the devastation and danger that is about to come their way.

This is a thriller like no other, one that will appeal to regular Adele Parks fans, and hopefully bring an abundance of new ones.

What a way to celebrate 25 years.

Happy 25th Book Birthday Adele!

Parks presents a family who on the outside, seem to have the perfect life. Successful parents, financially secure, and three daughters who are on the upwards to making their mark in the world. However, it would appear that this family have plenty of secrets and the surprises just keep on coming in this twisty narrative.

Set against the backdrop of Christmas and New Year, I thought this just added to the fragility of the season. Whilst it is associated with love, laughter and plenty of relaxing, this certainly does not happen as Connie gears up to host another perfect Christmas. Instead, the story opens with an ambiguous “end” which is full of tension and surprise. The narrative then reverses a couple of weeks and each day marks the countdown to this moment in time – what on earth happens to this family that means they are at this point of collapse at the “end”?

I felt sorry for Connie’s husband, Luke, who seems to be the innocent victim in this one. So many around him have kept secrets that he is on the backfoot so often. He is the family rock and yet truths seem to have by-passed him. The women in this family are elusive with the truth, even with the youngest daughter, and I was fascinated to see how this would all reach a climax.

Not only that, Fran’s new boyfriend stirs the pot. Meeting his girlfriend’s family for the first time is nerve-wracking enough, let alone it being at Christmas and when Fran has a big surprise for everyone. I was curious about Zac’s character and enjoyed how Parks gradually reveals Zac’s background – how he came to be involved in questionable actions and the impact they have had.

The narrative moves between several characters, giving readers the most honesty. I found I was quite distrustful of John and Zac, having wild theories that I was keen to see if proven correct. The story itself was rather unpredictable and I liked the unexpected revelations that came throughout the narrative: it definitely hooked my interest throughout.

This family drama reinforces the love a parent has, regardless of what their offspring have done. Connie’s relationships are tested in this festive thriller and I could not help but read this book with a strong sense of foreboding, thanks to the opening scene. By the end of the story, I felt emotionally drained: Parks certainly takes readers on a rollercoaster of surprises with this book.

With thanks to HQ and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

✨ OMG: Is Adele the absolute queen of thrilling family drama or what? ✨️

Wow. Our Beautiful Mess is an absolute rollercoaster ride from start to finish - and the title summarises it up rather well. This is the story of Connie, her husband and her three daughters, with much of the plot revolving around her eldest daughter, Fran. Coming home from university for the Christmas break, Fran introduces her new boyfriend, Zac - as well as the fact she's pregnant. A bit of a shock, but Connie can cope with it. What Connie cannot cope with, however, is the fact that Zac's father is John Harding, the man Connie had an affair with some years earlier.

The first half of the book deals with the turmoil of this family drama, with everyone coming to terms with Fran's pregnancy. We get perspective from Fran herself, the difficulty of leaving friends behind as she enters this new phase of life but also the excitement of being a mum. But there's also something niggling at her — and it seems both her and Zac have big secrets that are going to have dire consequences.

The second half of the book? Oh my god, I could not put it down. This GOES PLACES, and to reveal exactly what happens will ruin it for you. You'll have an inkling from the first chapter, because this story opens where it ends - with a terrible incident involving someone getting shot. But exactly how Connie, Fran, Zac and John Harding's stories unfold to get to that point is something you'll have to find out for yourself. But trust me: once you start reading, you won't be able to stop.

I don't think any review I write can do this book justice, especially without revealing any spoilers, but take my word for it: if you enjoy domestic drama and family-based thrills, this is an absolute must-read.

Oh, and Connie and John Harding have featured in Adele Parks' work before: Playing Away and Young Wive's Tales feature them both. I know what I'll be reading soon!

I read the whole book, but to be honest, had I not requested this from the publisher I doubt very much I would have finished it. I didn't enjoy it. My main disappointment was with the characters and the dialogue between them as well. They all grated on me. I think the only character I could raise any empathy for was Zac. I found Connie, her daughter Fran and John to be quite arrogant in their outlook on life which was why I found them difficult to warm to or sympathise with. I also found it very slow, with the only action coming at the end of the book. The ending was tense and absorbing but it took too long getting there.

Wow WHAT an incredible rollercoaster of a thriller this was! A story told over the course of just over a week, from Christmas Eve to just after New Year’s Day, mainly in just one house, Our Beautiful Mess is a captivating and claustrophobic story of a middle class family whose everyday stresses and worries escalate unimaginably with the arrival of their eldest daughter’s new boyfriend.

The story starts with Connie getting the family home ready for Christmas and her two eldest daughters coming home from uni for the holidays. But when Fran turns up with new boyfriend Zac and the news that she is pregnant, things turn cold and difficult. Immediately Connie is on edge as Zac reminds her of someone from her past that she wants desperately to forget.

As Connie’s sense of unease slowly mounds, we flip between her point of view, Fran’s and Zac’s, and the bubbling undercurrent of tension and mystery created by Zac’s arrival grows.

The way Adele is able to get into the minds of both Connie, a mum in her 50s, and the early 20s Fran and Zac, is so brilliant. Their thoughts feel so real and astute. The issues of parenthood - both as a mum of grown/growing women and a soon-to-be first time mum - sit centrally within the story and made me feel very emotionally connected to all 3 of them, particularly Connie as she navigates Fran’s pregnancy, her feelings about Zac and the changes in her 15-years-old daughter Sophie.

Fear is another main theme - both real fear and the constant worry that comes with being a parent that something, the worst things, could happen at any time.

The slow layering of dread and fear gradually builds into a cacophony of suspense over the final few chapters. My heart was in my mouth! It was a brilliantly told story with fabulously realistic characters - all incredibly flawed people who learnt a lot about themselves and what’s truly important - even the mostly unlikeable John went on journey of growth in the end!

This is such an emotional tense read, exactly what we've come to expect from Adele Parks. Without a doubt this had me gripped from the very first page, and didn't let go long after the last. Park's writing is superb and quite frankly addictive, full of tension and twists that come out of nowhere.

No spoilers here but when Connie has all her daughters back home for the holidays, one comes with her new boyfriend too. What should be a holiday full of family and love soon fills Connie with dread and fear and there's more darkness to follow.

A true exploration of family dynamics and what lengths someone will go to.

This is one hell of a read and you will not want to put it down... Or probably even want to breath from one page to the next!

I was thrilled to win an exclusive digital copy of Our Beautiful Mess by Adele Parks ahead of its official release on August 28, 2025 - and what an unforgettable read it turned out to be.

This novel is a masterclass in tension, laced with a web of lies and unrelenting suspense. From the very first pages, I was completely drawn in. Adele Parks has an extraordinary gift for character development, and in this story, that talent shines. I connected deeply with Connie - her role as a mother, her emotional depth, and her fierce instinct to protect felt raw and profoundly real.

At just over the halfway point, a massive twist hit like a bombshell - I was utterly blindsided. My jaw dropped, and from that moment on, the pace didn’t let up. The final chapters were so intense that I was practically holding my breath, racing through the pages with my heart pounding.

Though I've loved Adele Parks’ previous novels, this one has soared to the top of my list. It’s dark, gripping, emotionally charged, and packed with explosive twists. The multiple narratives added rich layers to the story, offering insight into every perspective without ever spoiling the suspense. And those final chapters? Heart-wrenching and unforgettable.

This is a “lock the doors and read in one sitting” kind of book. Deliciously dark, breathtakingly twisty, and emotionally powerful - Our Beautiful Mess is easily one of my favourite reads of the year. Huge thanks to HQ Stories for the chance to read this early.

25 novels in 25 years and Adele Parks smashes it out of the park once again 😍🤯

[ARC received in exchange for my honest review]

4.5 stars

When I got the DM from HQ Stories offering me an early copy of this book, the scream I screamed was definitely not human. Adele is one of my favourite thriller authors and I will eat up anything and everything she produces.

Our Beautiful Mess was no different. Plot twists, family secrets and surprising relationships between the characters galore, this one kept me hooked until way past my bedtime - the only reason it took me three days to read was because my family very rudely made me put it down long enough to speak to them on our holiday.

A huge, huge thank you to the wonderful Adele Parks for your amazing writing and to the lovely folks over at HQ Stories and Netgalley for allowing me to get my hands on this gem so early!

**Book Review: *Our Beautiful Mess* by Adele Parks**

*Our Beautiful Mess* is a gripping and emotional read about family, secrets, and the messiness of real life. Adele Parks draws you in with relatable characters and a tense, slow-burning atmosphere that keeps you turning the pages.

The story follows Connie, a mother hoping for a peaceful family Christmas—but things don’t go to plan. As the holiday unfolds, hidden truths begin to surface, and the tension quietly builds. Parks writes with warmth and insight, capturing the complexities of relationships and the weight of unspoken pasts.

This isn’t just a drama—it’s a thoughtful look at love, trust, and the things we try to hide. If you enjoy emotionally rich stories with a hint of suspense, this one’s for you.

Rating: ★★★★☆

💙𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 ~ 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬💙

📍Release Date: 28th August 2025📍

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

💙 Emotional Domestic Thriller
🩵 Great Character Development
💙 Multiple POV
🩵 Family Ties
💙 Suspenseful
🩵 Page Turner

I was completely honoured to have been approached and offered an advanced readers copy of Our Beautiful Mess as I have been a huge fan of Adele Parks for many years.
Connie is married with three beautiful daughters. She is overjoyed to have her 3 girls back home with her for the Christmas holidays and wants everything to be perfect especially as her daughter Fran, who has been away at Uni is bringing her new boyfriend home for the festivities.
But everything changes when Connie meets Fran’s boyfriend Zac, there is something strangely familiar about him and her mumma bear instincts are in overdrive as Zac reminds her of the biggest mistake of her life that nearly tore her marriage apart. Everything then descends when Fran announces she is pregnant.
This book was filled with tension mixed in a web of lies. The depth in character development was exquisite. My heart connected with Connie most, mother to mother. It is who we are to the core, being a mother is like wearing your heart on the outside. The internal worry and innate need to protect at all costs comes with the job.
There is a massive bombshell dropped just over 50% in that left my jaw on the floor. Blindsided is an understatement. The final chapters were nail biting and I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough.
One Last Secret, Just My Luck and First Wife’s Shadow were favourites of mine but this has got to now be front runner as it physically made me hold my breath right from early doors, contained explosive twists and then left me shedding tears at the final chapters. A knockout book where your past is uncovered and determined to ruin your present.
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐇𝐔𝐆𝐄 𝐡𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫!

I’ll be the first to admit I’m quite hard to please with books at the moment. Especially thrillers because they’re so predictable. But this book… I see you Adele Parks.

This is an ‘in one sitting, lock the doors and get a glass of wine’ kind of book. I actually found myself thinking about it whilst I was out with friends because I couldn’t wait to get back to it. It was so deliciously dark and gripping.

I loved the multiple narratives because I always find it way more interesting seeing all the different aspects to the tales and getting every side of the story without any spoilers being dished out. And don’t get me started on the plot twists.

This has been one of my favourite reads of the year so thank you so much to HQ Stories for allowing me to read this as early as I have. And everyone… do not make any plans for the 28th of August because you need to get ready to dive into your new favourite thriller.

And Adele Parks; prepare to be sick of me because I’m off to buy all of your books to binge read because I’m obsessed.