Thank you, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. I read The Perfect Child earlier this year as a Prime First Reads pick, so I jumped at the chance to read another of Lucinda Berry’s books. When She Returned did not disappoint.
For more book reviews, AND even more from Lucinda Berry, be sure to check out my book blog, downthebookjar.com!
- Under Her Care – 2022
- The Secrets of Us – 2021
When She Returned
Kate Bennett was a normal mom and wife. Formerly a reporter, she decided to take a break from reporting after the birth of her daughter, Abbi. Her husband, Scott, was the sole breadwinner. As Abbi grows up, Kate returns to her boss, interested in some work. She gets a lead on an amazing story, interviewing a local “charitable” organization.
Then, Kate just disappears one day. Her car is found in the Target parking lot where she had been shopping, with her purse and keys and everything left behind.
Eleven years later, Kate returns…with an infant daughter. It seems as though she has escaped from the “charitable” organization. Everyone believes she had been abducted. However, Kate is so shell shocked that she’s unable to articulate anything, but the family has to get to the bottom of what happened to her.
The ending of When She Returned completely caught me by surprise, but I definitely don’t want to give you any spoilers. You should just read the book!
My Thoughts
I’ve always been intrigued by the concept of cults (Spoiler alert, but not really.). There are people and organizations out there that convince you to give up everything you have to follow their doctrines and rules. It’s just baffling. I’m sure people in the future will say similar things about our generations, but still. It’s just fascinating.
I don’t understand the psychology behind someone being susceptible to joining a cult, but Kate’s character bothered me. We’re talking about a woman in a happy marriage with a beautiful daughter who just gave up everything for this cult.
Overall, I actually really loved When She Returned. The dual storylines and multiple timelines kept everything moving and I just couldn’t wait to finish it. I would recommend it to a friend for sure.
Happy Pub Day, When She Returned! I can’t wait to see what Lucinda Berry writes next.
Update June 9, 2020: Lucinda Berry has another book coming out later this year, so stay tuned for my review!!
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[…] Lucinda Berry (read anything and everything she has written, she’s a wizard). When I read When She Returned it was the perfect back and forth from present day to flashbacks. It made you feel as if you were […]