This was intriguing but not really my style of really. Some hard hitting topics and I’m sure will tick a lot of people’s boxes. Worth a read

I left this on my shelf for far too long, this is such a good thriller, I was completely hooked, The plot was interesting especially life within the cult. There are so many interesting characters

Thank you for the ARC.
This had a good twisty plot, but something just didn't work for me. It took me 2 attempts to read, but I did get there in the end. Shame as I have loved other books by this author. That is why I can only give 3 stars - would have been 3.5 if I could.

The Good Daughter by Laure van Rensburg starts as a slow burner, challenging the reader to engage with the storyline. However, the narrative takes a captivating turn when Abigail encounters podcaster Summer Washington, transforming into a compelling psychological thriller. The storytelling becomes increasingly powerful, displaying empathy, sympathy, and sensitivity. The novel is praised for its excellent descriptions and vivid imagery portraying life on the Plantation.

The exploration of the New America Baptist Church community unfolds with insightful glimpses into their adherence to the Bible, gender roles, and internal conflicts. The coercive male control and dominance within the group become evident as Abigail navigates the ordained path. The scrutiny of the church from outsiders reveals multiple secrets and a loose relationship with the truth, creating a disturbing and sinister atmosphere.

The novel's emotional depth is complemented by tension, plot twists, and the portrayal of Abigail's character evolution. The relationship between Abigail and Summer is highlighted as catalysts for change, with strong characterizations. The storytelling follows an unpredictable path, building to a compelling and satisfying conclusion.

Set in South Carolina, the juxtaposition between Newhaven Plantation and the modern world is beautifully depicted, creating a clear sense of time and place. The dual timeline, including excerpts from news articles and podcasts, adds depth to the narrative, keeping readers connected to the story.

Overall, The Good Daughter is commended for its well-executed prose, engaging storytelling, and vivid portrayal of complex themes within a unique community.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to review an arc copy

This was okay, but it was nothing special. I found the plot predictable and the pacing was all over the place so I struggled to really connect to it. I loved the characters though and they alone made the book worthwhile. I also really enjoyed the writing. Overall, this wasn’t a bad book and I will consider reading more from the author in the future.

Told from before an event after it this thriller will keep you hooked. It’s a compelling story and one that will stay with you after the event. Excellent characters and a build up to a great ending that I certainly wasn’t expecting.

This was an entertaining read that gives you a different view of a world that few of us know much about, namely cults and cults that form part of a church. I will give another book by this author a try in future.

3.5 stars
Another twisty offering from Van Rensburg and The Good Daughter had me on edge early on and then particularly in the last quarter. This author knows how to build tension.

I'd like to thank NetGalley for approving me for an ARC of this book.

I really enjoyed the narrative of this story and how we switched between the present day and the events leading up to the fire. Abigail's story followed a path that I have often seen depicted in cult stories but the use of mixed media messages and voice recordings gave the story a different edge.

The relationship between Abigail and some of the other characters such as Summer and Jackson were some of my favourite moments. Her willingness to see the good in everyone didn't always help her but ti certainly made her a likeable main character.

I found myself so frustrated with Abigail's mother and the cult. What they had created was dark and disturbing, no one should be subjected to that kind of living.

Overall this was a tense read, filled with lots of twists.

Laure Van Rensburg is one of the best authors of our time. This is an amazing author who has created another masterpiece.

The Good Daughter takes us to the New America Baptist Church. This is a religious community who place emphasis on roles, expectations and their faith. However, along comes Summer who is creating a podcast. Summer quizzes Abigail, who is a dutiful, obedient and “good” daughter.

This is a book that has intrigued me since the title was revealed. I can safely say that Laure has delivered on every level. I adored Laure’s debut but I can now say, this is an author who gets better and better.I was pulled in and unwilling to put this down.

This is perfectly paced and will transport you as a reader. I found this completely fascinating and unpredictable. As events have unfolded, I can safely say I’ve been left speechless. Laure never fails to shock me, which is an element I love about this book.

The community add an element of isolation to this. It’s evident that anyone outside of the religion, isn’t welcome which has really made me question their genuineness.

This is a book which has completely transported me. I have felt as though I have been watching this play out around me. I have found this so addictive, I devoured this in just one sitting.

This is a brilliant book from beginning to end. This is a book worthy of all the praise. I have adored this book and will be recommending this to everyone.

I was keen to read this book after enjoying the author's debut Nobody but Us. And I was not disappointed. Sinister and captivating but a very different storyline which shows the author is not just a one trick wonder. With themes of religion, abuse, control and violence it makes for a gripping book. Enjoy!

An atmospheric and claustrophobic thriller. Laure Van Rensburg's novels are always chilling and eerie and this was no exception. The descriptions, characters and setting where all so atmospheric that I read the book in one sitting. This won't be the last book I read by this author.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.

I found the premise of this really interesting and was enjoying jt very much. Unfortunately the middle got a little overwhelming with the constant change In timelines. There were some amazing twists that I didn't see coming and the character developement was insanely amazing. Overall 4 stars

This story follows Abigail, whose family are part of a religious group in a secluded area. She's a good girl and does all she's told. As the story goes on, you learn more about her and the people she meets and the effects they have on her.
I found it a fascinating read and quickly turned each page, wanting to know what happened next!!. The build up to the conclusion of the story is genius!!! A real curve ball!!! You won't be disappointed!!
#Netgalley, #mjbooks, #laurevanrensburg.

Brutal, dramatic, horrifying and utterly riveting. I couldn't put it down. It was atmospheric and claustrophobic in the very best way

This book has had me struggling to maintain interest. I hate the thought of cults and their repression of women. It felt very claustrophobic to me and I am afraid it did not feel like a thriller. There was too much distrust and lying going on for me to feel,comfortable with the story.. Perhaps it is just my sensitivies but this book was not for me at all.

Ooh, I love a good cult book and this was definitely a good cult book.

Abigail didn't always live with the New America Baptist Church but she only has vague memories of her life before. Now she is a good daughter - she knows her place, she does as she's told, she dresses modestly and she respects her fathers command. Honestly, there is so much of this book that got me MAD, I mean honestly, it's like going back to the dark ages and don'd even get me started on victim blaming. I'd have loved to have burnt that pastor to the ground long ago.

I loved that we got to see Abigails way of thinking and her view of the world, at the start of the book she really does believe that her life is the best way of life, I mean, what woman wouldn't want to stay at home and look after kids and serve their husband like a second rate citizen. What I would like to have seen is how bad things must have been for her mum for her to believe that this was a better life for her - and for her daughter. We are given clues as to their previous life but I would have liked that explored a little more.

However, I loved this book. I had questions and what if moments throughout as well as my annoyance at how women were treated.

I absolutely loved Nobody But Us so when I heard that Laure’s second book The Good Daughter was our Squadpod Bookclub read for August I was so excited. The beginning of the book has a dramatic start in which Abigail is living the aftermath of a huge fire that has killed her parents. Abigail lives in isolated part of South Carolina with her family and other New American Baptist members. They lead a really strict life away from others and following the strict doctrines which see women as the homemakers and their husband is in charge. Abigail has never questioned her life and the rules until one day she meets someone who turns her world upside down.

This is such great read, its dark, tense and claustrophobic. I really became invested in the characters especially Abigail her mother and their relationship.

The book covers some difficult themes abuse, control and violence but they are so relevant to the story. This book will keep you engrossed as it switches between the two timelines of present and flashbacks as Abigail struggles to remember what happened the evening of the fire. I can’t reveal too much but the twists are incredible and you will question everything!

5 stars *****

Things I loved about this one:

✅ cult storyline
✅ interesting social commentary on feminism and religion
✅ a somewhat unreliable narrator whose memory is lost
✅ two timelines, before fire and present day
✅ TWISTY TURNS

This one is quite the read! I love books with cults as a storyline and this one fitted that bill nicely 😍

I am not sure how to describe the writing style do this one. It's a bit different but once I got used to it, I could see it was perfect for this one.

This one is quite descriptive, which was great and really set the scene. However, it was a little too much at times for my tastes. It's also really character driven, which means they are well developed and fuelled my hate fire 🔥 because there are some characters, I HATED in this one, looking at you Pastor John 👀!

I would recommend this to anyone who loves cult storylines and psychological thrillers!

R A T I N G

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The Good Daughter starts with Abigail speechless and confused after the fire that took away her mum and dad. The police want answers but Abigail is unable to provide them as she, herself, can not remember. To discover the truth, we need to go back to the weeks building up to that day.

Having been brought up in a religious cult, Abigail has been taught what is expected from women - to cook, to clean, to be a mother, to obey your husband... etc... you get the gist. At the back of Abigail's mind she knows things aren't right, but what is right? Her daddy is the Pastor at the Newhaven plantation, he wants what's best for her surely?!

Her trips to town for supplies allows her to meet Summer, who is creating a podcast on the New America Baptist Church and whilst at first Abigail reels off the answers her daddy has grilled into her; she begins to stumble on her words...

Fast forward to the present day and the community rallies around Abigail, hiding her from the outside world. Is it for her benefit or do they know something?

With snippets of the recordings for the podcast, news articles and emails from the new Pastor throughout the story, we begin to unravel the truth but even when you feel close to piecing it together, you know Abigail holds that final piece and without her you don't have the answer.

From the contrast of the community to the outside world, the unease as a man enters the room and the vivid detail of everything from the food to the setting, this book came alive in my mind in ultra HD.

The Good Daughter is a plot that oozes with tension from the very beginning to the final page and much like a fire it spits out some absolute scorchers!!