Don't Let Her Stay

Author: Nicola Sanders

Genre: Suspense/Thriller/Mystery

Pages: 281

Other books: All the Lies

Star Rating: 4 = Very Good

Newly married, new home and new baby? Sounds like the start to a perfect happily ever after. Joanne and Richard are on a great start to their new marriage and newest member of the family. As Richard wants to have more traditional roles in the household, Joanne is struggling with her new life. As she was a full time worker before her new baby, Sophie, finding herself again is a little difficult.

As she seeks herself, she thinks calling her old job to see if they have any side work she can pick up to pass the time can keep her mind busy. With her old job on board, Joanne is excited to get back into productivity. When her husband hears about her taking on her old job, he seems concerned that his youngest daughter will not be fully taken care of. As that is playing out, we find out that Richard has another daughter, 21, that was from a previous marriage. Chloe, lives on her own and found out that she has a new baby sister. As excited as gaining a new sibling is, Chloe decides to take a trip down to stay with Richard and Joanne. Richard is over joyed to hear that his oldest daughter is coming to stay with them and Joanne can’t wait to meet her step daughter.

Once Chloe is at their house, Joanne starts to feel differently about the decision to have Chloe stay. If Richard is out of the room, Chloe is condescending and short with Joanne. Richard reassures his wife that this is all new and maybe with the help of Chloe she will be able to have more downtime and get some needed rest from baby. And a great idea that Richard proposes is now that Joanne wants to get back to work, Chloe can babysit! A win-win for everyone.

Things are happening so quickly for Joanne and with no sleep from baby, events can get foggy. As Joanne is adjusting with a new guest in house, she starts questioning Chloes intentions. Is Chloe trying to help or is Joanne thinking Chloe has bad intentions? Richard again, reassures his wife that Chloe has only the best thoughts for Sophie and needs not to worry.

Weeks go by with unlikely events happening with Chloe that Joanne take matters in to her own hands. Is Chloe really here to help with her new sister? Has Joanne’s motherly instincts taken over? What is in Richards past that his new wife doesn’t know? Who his daughter Chloe and can she trust her?

Easy read and eventful chapters. Author addresses rightful concerns of a mother and overreactions. Highly enjoyed the realness leading to the turn of events. For example, Joanne as a character being a caring mother and wife to help her now step daughter and father gain that relationship they once lost. As the turn of events did happen, the dialogue and thoughts that Joanne has could have been explained more. Closing a bit rushed. Overall, read in a day, fast chapters but good pace of storyline.