New Release Review: The Secret Mother by Shalini Boland

The Secret Mother was a great summer read. Fast paced and engaging, I had the book started and finished all in one afternoon. Tessa suffered the tragic loss of not one, but two of her children. As any mother would, she struggled with the pain of these losses. So when a child mysteriously shows up in her kitchen one day, the people around her believe this grieving mother has had a mental break and done something serious and irrational. I liked Tessa, and never once thought she was guilty of any wrongdoing. I was rooting for her to find all the answers she needed to clear her name. Ben was a great side character, and just the support Tessa needed when everyone else turned their back on her. Tessa's estranged husband, Scott, was completely awful. He had zero empathy or compassion, and was so quick to think the worst of her. Tessa worked to find the truth and as the mystery of what really happened began to unfold, it became obvious to me early on what the outcome would be. Surprisingly, even with the predictable plot direction, I was still entertained and happily continued reading. The Secret Mother was the first book I have read by Shalini Boland. I enjoyed the writing style and I'd be very interested in reading more of her work in the future. If you're in the mood for a quick thriller, check it out.

**Complimentary copy for review provided by Hachette Book Group Canada and Grand Central Publishing. All opinions expressed here are honest and entirely my own.**

The Secret Mother is available today online and in stores. Take a look at the blurb below and if you're interested, click here to visit the authors site for other info.

B L U R B :

As found on Goodreads

Are you my mommy? Tessa Markham returns home to find a child in her kitchen. He thinks she is his mother. But Tessa doesn't have any children. Not anymore. She doesn't know who the little boy is or how he got there. After contacting the police, Tessa is suspected of kidnapping the mystery child. Her whole life is turned upside down. And then her husband reveals a secret of his own... Tessa isn't sure what to believe or whom to trust. Because someone is lying. To find out who, she must first confront her painful past. But is the truth more dangerous than Tessa realizes? The Secret Mother is an intense psychological thriller with a twist that will make you wonder if you can ever trust anyone again.