ABOUT THE BOOK
USA Today bestselling author Emilie Richards returns with a fan-favorite story.
Teenage Savannah's father passed away recently and she has been rebelling against her stepmother, Cassie, since. When she happens upon a pouch filled with cash in a parking lot with some new friends she's trying to impress, she decides to keep it in an act of defiance. When Cassie learns of her crime after Savannah has already spent the money, and learns that the money belonged to a woman, Amber, who has since been evicted along with her teenage son Will because they couldn't pay the rent after losing the pouch of money, she invites Amber and Will to move in with them. As they become involved in each other's lives, the teenagers develop a friendship while the mothers do the same. But while Cassie is trying to figure out what happened to her husband in the months before he passed away - why he was becoming distant and draining the funds in their bank accounts, leaving them destitute upon his death - Amber is clearly trying to outrun something dark in her own past.
My Review
Cassie Costas has her hands full since her husband’s shocking death. Her teenage step-daughter, Savannah, hates her and blames her for her father’s death. Cassie is determined to find out the truth behind her husband’s death but dealing with her rebellious step-daughter is getting in the way.
Savannah’s latest stunt leaves a single mother, Amber Blair, and her teenage son, Will, penniless as well as homeless. Cassie invites them to stay in their home until they get back on their feet. It’s not long before Cassie realizes Amber has some secrets of her own and may endanger all their lives.
This book is rich in family drama. Amber and Cassie both are desperately keeping their secrets from each other and their children. I was totally captivated and engaged in trying to figure out what was going on with these women.
The story moved at a nice, steady pace. I found it quite intriguing how Cassie invited two strangers into her home and how close they all became. It shows how family isn’t necessarily made from blood.
Although these are two separate stories, they fit together so well. Every character in this book is well developed and well written. There is character growth which is so satisfying for this reader. I won’t get too specific because I don’t want to ruin things.
I really enjoyed the supporting characters as well, especially Cassie’s family. So many lively and personable characters.
I found myself completely engrossed in this storyline. I couldn’t wait to see how it all wrapped up. At the same time, I hated to see it end.
For reading challenges:
NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2021
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Oh my, that is quite the drama-filled story! I'm adding The House Guests to my ever-growing TBR :) Thanks so much for the recommendation!
ReplyDelete-Megan Bookstacks & Golden Moms
That sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds good! I really enjoyed Richards' suspense title from a year or two to ago so I think I'd like this one.
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