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howifeelaboutbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Julie was kidnapped from her house when she was 13, but the circumstances were very suspicious. She was never found, but suddenly appeared on her parents’ doorstep eight years later. Except several people don’t believe that this is the real Julie, and they have evidence.
andipants124's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This book started off well and I thought it was going to be great. But quickly, the plot became a confusing mess. The characters were awful. And the ending was weirdly rushed and vilified mentally ill people. What? Not to mention how disturbing a lot of the abuse was that one of the characters endured. Ugh. Hard pass.
lilysouthgate's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hollyschnicke's review against another edition
5.0
I found this book on a “best thrillers” list and boy, did it not disappoint. I love how the two stories were weaves together between past and present-a really interesting way to tell such a complicated story. Despite my best guesses, I had no idea what to expect in the end.
sarahevonne's review against another edition
2.0
SPOILERS
The author seems to have a limited understanding of the way mainstream Christian churches and pastors function. Creating a horrific abuser that has traits of Elizabeth Smart’s kidnapper AND then pastors a thinly veiled Joel Osteen church (set in the Astrodome, no less!) just doesn’t make for a cohesive story. (That’s not to say Megachurch pastors can’t be criminals, but the trajectory of this character arc makes no sense.)
I really did want to like this book, but please do more research next time on the strange and bizarre nuances of American Christian movements/sects.
The author seems to have a limited understanding of the way mainstream Christian churches and pastors function. Creating a horrific abuser that has traits of Elizabeth Smart’s kidnapper AND then pastors a thinly veiled Joel Osteen church (set in the Astrodome, no less!) just doesn’t make for a cohesive story. (That’s not to say Megachurch pastors can’t be criminals, but the trajectory of this character arc makes no sense.)
I really did want to like this book, but please do more research next time on the strange and bizarre nuances of American Christian movements/sects.
rkcoates's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hobbiesofstefs's review against another edition
3.0
Good but ...
I really liked the story. It allowed me to guess the end a couple of times but I did see it if just a little bit.
Although I liked the story the reason it got 3 starts was because at times I got lost on who was talking and who they were talking to. I enjoy multiple perspectives stories but this book did not clearly mark when POV changes.
I really liked the story. It allowed me to guess the end a couple of times but I did see it if just a little bit.
Although I liked the story the reason it got 3 starts was because at times I got lost on who was talking and who they were talking to. I enjoy multiple perspectives stories but this book did not clearly mark when POV changes.