A Mother Always Knows is the second book in the Grace Moreton series, following Grace as she tackles a new and emotionally charged challenge: helping her estranged daughter, Cordelia, clear her name after her boyfriend, Garth, mysteriously disappears and the police suspect foul play. As Grace takes a position at the law firm where Garth worked, she once again hides her true identity to investigate the truth from the inside.

In the first book, I wasn’t particularly fond of Grace, likely because her motives felt unclear and her character seemed to hold back. However, in this second instalment, I found myself warming to her. Her narration is more transparent, and the depth of her devotion to her daughter shines through. It’s clear that she is a woman driven by love and loyalty, even if it means going to great lengths to find the truth.

One of the things I enjoyed about this book is its faster pace compared to the first one. The action moves quickly, and the setting shift from Sydney to Melbourne brought a refreshing change of scenery. The dual narrative, alternating between Grace and Cordelia’s perspectives, was interesting, offering readers insight into both characters' emotional journeys. That said, I did miss the dual timeline structure from the first book, which I felt added an extra layer of suspense that was lacking here.

The central mystery surrounding Garth’s disappearance kept me hooked, though some of the twists were a bit predictable. That said, there was one major reveal that completely caught me off guard, which was a highlight of the story and added a lot of excitement.

Overall, A Mother Always Knows is a solid domestic thriller and an excellent follow-up for readers who enjoyed the first book. It’s also perfect for fans of family dramas with a suspenseful edge. Grace’s evolving journey makes for an engaging and satisfying read, and I’m definitely curious to see where her story goes next. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for providing this ARC.

A MOTHER ALWAYS KNOWS, psychological thriller, is book 2 in the Grace Morton Series by bestselling author Nicole Trope. I was anxious to start book 2 in this series, as I really enjoyed book 1, as well as her standalone novels. While I think that this novel works fine as a stand-alone, I recommend starting with book 1 for clarity and content.

Grace Morton Series Includes:
1. Not a Good Enough Mother (2024)
aka The Assistant
2. A Mother Always Knows (2024)

This is my review of A Mother Always Knows.

This is the story of the love a mother has for her children and the lengths she will go to protect them.

Cordella Morton blames her mother Grace for her father’s death, when their house burned down in Sydney, Australia. Five years ago, Grace Morton was declared not responsible for his death, and ended up in a criminal psychiatric facility until recently. Grace then worked as an assistant for a successful business woman, Ava Green, to help her manage both family life with her husband and two young daughters.

Grace’s twenty-four-year-old daughter, Cordella Morton is living in Melbourne, Australia with her older boyfriend, Garth in his apartment…but she is not happy as she suspects he is cheating on her.

Cordelia started a job at a graphic design firm, while Garth is a partner in a law office.

Cordelia, Grace’s daughter has a trust fund that she will inherit when she turns twenty-five.

But Grace senses all is not right in paradise…and her daughter is not happy, so Grace leaves her job and moves to Melbourne to try to help Cordelia, even though Cordelia wants nothing to do with her mother. Grace knows that Cordelia isn’t really safe with her boyfriend, Garth. Grace decides to watch her and him. She has a plan.

Then Garth is missing and a bloodied knife is found in Cordelia’s car. And immediately Cordelia is accused of his murder.

Grace must step in and save her daughter from this nightmare.

This was an excellent novel, and I found myself flipping the pages to uncover the truth. An amazing read!

Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.

Where do I even begin. This was a twisty thriller. When you think you have everything figured out, you are wrong. I can't wait to read more by this author.

I didnt read the 1st book but I will definitely be picking it up after seeing how amazing this book was! Really well written, nothing too complex or confusing. It's well told and cleverly plotted out. There's no waffle and although the characters are annoying, they are well written and brought to life to be that annoying. Loved the twists and highly enjoyed the book

A Mother Always Knows is an entertaining read about a mother who takes protecting her daughter to extremes! This was a twisty book with subplots and it made it very easy to binge read through. I didn't realize this was a series, so I hadn't read the first book, which I am assuming details the mother, Grace, in what brought her to this point. There are enough references to Grace's past that I felt like I had a good handle on what had happened to her, which actually was impactful to this story.

My only problem with the book was the daughter Cordelia. At 24, she seems totally clueless and may I say, stupid. I realize that this is reality to many young people, but it made me not care for her character. But to be fair, if everyone in books behaved beautifully, there wouldn't be much of a story!

This is what I would call a popcorn thriller. There is lots of action, but it's not too violent, and there are many twists and turns. It did take me a while to become vested in the book's outcome, but once I got there I sped through the remainder of the book. This was probably a 3.75 read for me, but rounding up.

Thank you to NetGalley, Nicole Trope, and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Bookouture for a copy of this via NetGalley in exchange for my thoughts.

This is the sequel to Not a Good Enough Mother, which I have not read. Although A Mother Knows Best can be read as a standalone I feel like my reading experience would definitely have been enhanced if I had read book one.

This is my first Nicole Trope book and I really enjoyed her fast paced, twisty writing. I would recommend this domestic thriller but advise that you read book one first.

Wow, where do I even begin with "A Mother Always Knows" by Nicole Trope? This book completely captivated me from the first page! The emotional depth and relatable characters made it impossible to put down. I found myself laughing, crying, and holding my breath as the story unfolded. Trope masterfully explores the bonds of motherhood and the tough choices we all face. Every twist and turn kept me on my toes, and by the end, I felt a profound connection to the characters' struggles and triumphs. If you’re looking for a heartfelt read that will stay with you long after you finish, this is it! Highly recommend!

Thank you Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Mother Always Knows is the devilish sequel to Not A Good Enough Mother.
We return to see what happens with the next chapter of Grace Morton’s life.
I suggest you read the first book before this one as you get more insight into plot and characters.
Cordelia has been estranged from her mother, Grace for many years after a tragic event in the past.
Watching her daughter from afar, a mother knows when she is needed.
When Cordelia is the number one suspect in the disappearance of her older possessive boyfriend Garth, Grace is not far away.
Then Cordelia contacts her and Grace is instantly there to help.
And a mother will do anything to protect their child……
Nicole consistently gives her readers enthralling and interesting reads.
I found the character of Grace in both books fascinating.
A heart pounding, domestic suspense that easily read in a sitting.
I don’t think we have seen the last of Grace Morton…..

Just wow! Love this author and absolutely adore every book she writes. And this one was just amazing. So nuanced and well written. Highly recommend to all.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am a big fan of Nicole Trope. I have read all her books.
This is another great read, very similar to the last book in the series. I must admit, though, I did prefer the original title.

This is book number 2 in the Grace Morton series. I believe that you can read this as a standalone. I love the way this one had me guessing. I found it to be realistic and quite enjoyed it.

@nicoletropeauthor is an auto-read author for me and this book didn’t disappoint. Grace moves to Melbourne in hopes of reconciling her relationship with her daughter, Cordelia. She also wants to watch Cordelia’s boyfriend, Garth, who she has a bad feeling about. I had no idea where the story was going or how it would end! I can’t wait for her next one! Recommended for readers who love twisty plots and domestic drama.

Thanks for allowing me to read in advance! I’ll recommend at publication.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of A Mother Always Knows (Grace Morton Book 2) by Nicole Trope. I was quite excited to read this book after finishing Not a Good Enough Mother (Grace Morton #1). It did not disappoint! It was a great read and kept me totally engaged. It was fast paced and twisty. I enjoyed this one more than the first one but I would recommend reading them in order. I have read a few books by Nicole Trope now and have enjoyed them all. Looking for a good read, try this one. A 5 star rating from me.

A Mother Always Knows is book 2 in the Grace Morton series. I read the first book Not A Good Enough Mother (previously named The Assistant).

Book two picks up where book one ended. There are some reminders throughout about what happened in the first book, but I would advise to read them in order.

Grace will do anything to protect her daughter even though they are estranged.

Just as intriguing and twisty as the first. A delight to see what Grace was up to now.

Thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for the arc.

Grace Morton is a mother on a mission. She only wants what is best for her daughters. Too bad she has to do it from afar. Cordelia, Grace's daughter with her late husband Robert, is now living in Melbourne with her boyfriend of 4 years. Grace, wanting to observe her daughter from afar (as they are estranged) gets a job in Cordelia's boyfriend's office (Garth). Within a day things happen and Garth goes missing. Cordelia is the #1 suspect and who does she call? Her mom.

This book was enjoyable and fast paced but not as twisted as the first book. It felt a tad convenient and unbelievable. It was still an easy read. I enjoyed the main characters but felt more depth was needed. In book 2 I wanted more from Grace and Cordelia. I also wish the author had played up the relationship between the sisters...but perhaps that where book 3 goes?

I definitely should have re-read the first book because I remembered almost nothing from it. However, many reviewers said this could be read as a standalone. I didn't find that to be true, and while the story was engaging and enjoyable, I feel I would have been more invested if I had refreshed my memory on the events from the first book before reading.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc of A Mother Always Knows. I've read other books by this author. One I read was The Truth About the Accident and The Family Across the Street. All three books were really good. If you like suspense and thrillers, I'd recommend reading anything from this author. She is an auto buy author for me. I gave this 5 stars.

I loved rejoining Grace in this second book of the series, as she flies across Australia to check on her estranged daughter in her new life, although from a distance. Following her motherly instincts Grace, was particularly keen to investigate the ‘maybe unsuitable’ boyfriend.

As in the first book, I enjoyed the lengths Grace went to, to remain hidden. The connections to book 1 and previous events, are revisited to keep a new reader informed.

The plot of this book is definitely both intriguing and intricate. I was reading long into the night to follow the fast-paced action, with a few ‘hold your breath’ moments, when I thought events could go horribly wrong! I was kept fascinated and in the dark, trying to solve the case, until really close to the end of the book.

I particularly liked the authentic and difficult, emotional reactions between Cordelia and her mother, Grace. As a mother I could totally empathise with the protective instincts Grace displayed, like a lion trying to protect her cub!

This book, set mostly between a high profile law firms offices and Cordelia’s apartment was described so vividly that I felt I was ‘watching’ the story unfold. I also found that I really cared about the characters and wanted them to succeed in their search for truth.

I love books by Nicole Trope and especially the chance to read a follow up book to a previously loved read. Her books are always great reads, full of plot twists and this one certainly did just that! I would totally recommend this.

What a fantastic read. Loved this one even more than the first one! This is the second book in the series. Both following the same mother daughter relationship theme.

Grace was recently released from a psychiatric facility, and is determined to reconnect with her estranged daughter, Cordelia. Grace decides to watch her daughter from a distance, and she becomes increasingly concerned about Cordelia’s controlling boyfriend, Garth. Next thing you know, Garth disappears. Cordellia ends up being the main suspect in Garth disappearance, but Grace knows this is not like her daughter and will protect her at all costs.

What I love about Nicole Tropes books is that you always think you have them figured out, but then the end hits and it’s never what you thought!

Quick thriller read. I was immediately engaged in the story and wanted to know how it would all unfold.

This is book #2 in a series. I read it as a standalone book but I actually think it would maybe have worked better if I had read book #1. The story fell a bit flat for me and I think that might be because I was missing the connections from the previous story.

Overall, if you like thrillers and especially if you like series then this book is worth a read.