Her Daughter by Jen Craven
AD | book tour – a second book review in as many days! This time I was taken on an exploration of family dynamics, long-term friendships, and secrets and damage that those secrets and lies can do with Jen Craven’s new book Her Daughter which was released last week on March 1st.
THE BLURB
When my best friend’s teenage daughter comes to see me, I know something is wrong. With tear-filled eyes, she says she’s pregnant and begs me not to tell her mother. I know I’m betraying my best friend but as I look at Chloe’s terrified expression, I don’t know how I will find the strength to say no…
No matter what life throws at me, I have always been able to depend on my best friend Rachel. In nineteen years of friendship, we’ve never argued or fallen out. So, I’m wracked by guilt over my decision to keep her daughter Chloe’s pregnancy a secret. I don’t want to break Chloe’s trust but, if I don’t say anything, it could destroy my relationship with Rachel.
I hoped Chloe would find the confidence to tell her mom, but days have passed, and the guilt is eating me alive. As much as I want to support Chloe, I don’t know how much longer l can lie to my best friend. I spend every day completely gripped by a panic that sends my heart racing.
The pressure only worsens when I discover that Chloe has one more thing that she’s been hiding. Something that could destroy the perfect life I’ve worked so hard to build—the family I love so much and the career I’m so passionate about.
And then I realize that Chloe isn’t the only one with secrets. Rachel has been lying to us all…
The three of us are more entwined than ever but when the truth comes out, what will be left of our friendship and our families?
WHAT I THOUGHT
Although Her Daughter doesn’t have the fastest pace, nor does a huge amount happen in the storyline, it is a really interesting look behind the scenes of a long friendship filled with history.
It is a fascinating exploration of Rachel and Monica’s relationship that is already decades long and seems perfect; build on love and support. However, it doesn’t take long for the cracks to appear with assumptions, resentment and jealousy all playing a part in a rift that climaxes when everyone’s secrets are exposed.
I can’t say I loved all the characters and the decisions they made, but I have to admit that it really did make me think and wonder what I would do in both Rachel and Monica’s position and I’m not sure that I have the answer to that though.
I can say though that it made me appreciate what I have and I am pleased to say that I have plans with my best friend this week and will try to never take her for granted!
DISCLOSURE: I was provided with an electronic copy of Her Daughter for the purposes of this review. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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