This was definitely a “Freida McFadden”- esque story audiobook. The narrators were great and kept me interested. It was hard to stop listening because I NEEDED to know more of Amelia’s background. I will definitely read more from this author. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ARC.

Thank your for the ARC. I was not a fan of the narrator or the main character. I found a lot of her inner monologue quite repetitive and found things hard to follow.

Good Bad Mother left me wanting more. I happy with the ending just wished there had been more meat to the story. The book is told from 2 timelines - the past & present and switches POVs.

Lauryn Allman & Penelope Rawlins did an excellent job with the narration.

Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture Audio for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you for Bookouture for the ARC!

Anya Mora’s Good Bad Mother is a haunting psychological thriller that explores the complexities of motherhood, trauma, and the secrets we try to keep buried. With a gripping narrative that alternates between past and present, Mora expertly unravels a chilling mystery that keeps the reader hooked until the very last page.

One of the novel’s standout elements is its seamless dual timeline, which deepens the emotional impact while keeping the mystery alive. The way Mora weaves past trauma with present-day suspense makes for an engrossing read. While one character’s felt slightly unbelievable, the novel’s strong storytelling more than makes up for it.

Such a great read! Having secrets can eat you alive. The book was well paced, but the first half is the main character telling you that she’s hiding something from her husband over & over again. I understood the point & didn’t need the reminder. I still enjoyed the book, and I would recommend to a friend that was just getting into thrillers. I definitely wouldn’t recommend to someone who actively reads thrillers/mystery because of the repetitive nature of it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I devoured this audio book. It was so good! Definitely will be recommending this to everyone.

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and Anya Mora for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Not gonna lie, it took me until near the end of the book to appreciate Amelia Sterling.
For three-fourths of the book, I found Amelia's paranoia irritating. She keeps worrying about how she does not want to give up something she worked so hard to have, which is a difficult argument to swallow when you find out how long she has known her husband but she is also unwilling to come clean about her past to anyone in her present. There were just one too many, "Does he/she know; do they know?" for my tastes. Amelia also worries about being the best mother to her newborn, fitting in with her wealthy in-laws, and who is leaving threatening notes. The woman can never relax; I would have accepted it if she had post-partum depression, but that was not the issue.
The narrators did a pretty good job, though the one doing the younger voices was a bit off-putting. I know it's a thriller and entertainment, but in my opinion, the best thrillers have compelling characters that, if even temporarily, we root for. With Amelia, all I was rooting for was for her to stop whining. I approve of the ending, though.
By the end, Amelia seems to be a different person; she is true to herself and has learned to surround herself with people who support and appreciate her. That is definitely a blessing!

So many secrets! So many things to unravel. I really enjoyed the audiobook. The dual timeline worked really well to paint the full picture. Family drama is always the worst to deal with, but add in an ex-mother-in-law and ex-girlfriend and everything blows up! The characters felt a little hollow, but it worked with their "status" and the message they needed to give across... I hope I was meant to hate them because oh boy, was I ever mad at them throughout! I've only read one other book by Anya Mora and her writing is a palate cleanser for me, I will seek out more of her work :)

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for an advanced audiobook for an honest review.

A tale told through the mouths of 3 people. A dark tale of betrayal and lies.The twist is good but perhaps obvious. An enjoyable read

Amelia Sterling has just married into one of the richest families in America about to have a baby girl. When Timothy appeared in her life, she never expected to marry him, but once she became pregnant, it all happened quickly. Due to Timothy's family being high society there are very high expectations of Amelia and she is worried about her past coming out. What if someone figures out her real name and her past transgressions? Things take a turn for the worst when Amelia check the baby monitor to see that her daughter, Clover, is not in her crib! Who has taken Clover and do they know her secrets?

This book had some great reviews and sounded interesting so I was excited to get the audiobook on NetGalley. The first half of the book was a pretty slow burn and got a bit repetitive. The pace and twists really started to pick up the last third of the book and wrapped up nicely. The narration was well done. A solid 3 star read for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the audiobook for review.

Anya Mora is one of my favorite authors, and I’ve read all of her backlist, so I was thrilled when @bookouture sent me my very first ARC and Audiobook ARC of her latest release.

One of the main reasons I keep coming back to Anya Mora’s books is her ability to make you care deeply for her characters. I always find myself rooting for the protagonist, but what surprises me more is that I occasionally end up empathizing with the antagonists as well. I also love how descriptive her writing is—it always leaves me with a vivid picture of the characters' surroundings.
I’m happy to report that Good Bad Mother is another book by Anya Mora that I thoroughly enjoyed. I really liked the main character, Amelia, and as a mother myself—having gone through some of what she was experiencing—I felt a strong connection to her. Motherhood is such an important part of my life; it’s a terrifying, challenging journey, but also one filled with love, and this was portrayed perfectly in the book.

Good Bad Mother doesn’t have the huge twists and turns that some psychological thrillers have, but I never really knew who to trust. When the reveal came, I was genuinely surprised. In a story full of mistrust and deceit, I experienced a wide range of emotions toward the characters—some were completely infuriating, while others were kind and gentle, which often provided a welcome relief. The writing is beautifully descriptive, and I felt as if I had visited the estate where the story is set and met the people who live there. I’m often critical of endings, but I really enjoyed this one.
I gave the book a slightly lower rating not because I didn’t enjoy it (because I did), or because I couldn’t relate (I could), or because the ending was unsatisfying (it wasn’t), but because at times, I felt there was some unnecessary repetition. The story occasionally felt like it got stuck, not quite sure how to move forward. Another reason for my rating was that I didn’t feel completely gripped by the storyline. While I certainly enjoyed reading it, I was able to put it down and take breaks. The book took me about four hours to read, and I finished it in four sittings.

I also received an audiobook ARC of this novel. The recording was clear and well-directed. I listened to the book at 1.5x speed, as this felt more natural to me. The 1.0x was very slow, though clear and concise, I’m sure there are readers out there that would prefer the original speed.
I had mixed thoughts on the performers, Lauryn Allman and Penelope Rawlins. The main narrator was excellent; I felt her voice suited the characters well, and her male tones were great. I could easily recognize the subtle differences between different characters. Unfortunately, I found the narrator for the younger voices to be quite shrill. I literally couldn’t understand the youngest character without slowing the reading speed down. Luckily, this didn’t affect the overall experience for me, as these younger voices only take up a small percentage of the book.

All in all, I’m glad to say that my enjoyment of Anya Mora’s books continues! I would recommend this to any mums who would like a relatable protagonist (though being a mother isn’t a requirement to enjoy this book) or anyone looking for a short but enjoyable read with simple yet effective writing.

Once again, thank you to @netgalley, @bookouture, and @anyamora for this ARC and audiobook ARC.

Amelia has it all, a beautiful baby girl, a loving husband and a home on an exclusive estate. Life should be perfect, but things start to unravel when she begins to receive letters that reveal someone knows about her past, a past she has kept carefully hidden from everyone.

You immediately feel the terror in the opening chapter of Good Bad Mother by Anya Mora as Amelia wakes to discover her home is on fire and her baby daughter is missing. As she frantically searches we get hints of secrets from the past and the possibility that current events are retribution. The narrative then jumps back eight weeks and we learn of Amelia's affluent lifestyle.

Amelia was living hand-to-mouth when she met her wealthy husband, Timothy. A whirlwind romance followed and an accidental pregnancy. Timothy insisted they marry immediately, something which didn't go down well with his moneyed parents. From that point on Amelia felt as if she was constantly being judged by her husband's family. The birth of her daughter made her even more emotional. Not only dealing with the disapproval of her in-laws she is also struggling as a first-time mother with no family or friends of her own to rely on. The isolation and loneliness are compounded when Timothy's ex-girlfriend returns. Celeste is the woman everyone assumed Timothy would marry and is immediately welcomed back by the family.

It is easy to put yourself in Amelia's position, she's desperate to be accepted but knows she doesn't fit into this well-to-do community. Determined to prove herself she tries to be a perfect mother and wife, refusing to accept any help. All the while her past haunts her, a past that is slowly revealed to the listener.

A younger voice narrates the past and gives us glimpses of tragic events which have moulded Amelia's life. Amelia hasn't revealed her past to her new family, she has re-invented herself in the hope of escaping the things she did wrong. However, when she begins to receive malicious notes she realises that her past has caught up with her. The problem is she doesn't know who is responsible. Could it be her sister-in-law, Celeste, or her ex-boyfriend? As Amelia frantically tries to figure out who is responsible the burden of keeping her past a secret begins to put a strain on her marriage.

Eventually the past and present collide, leading to the events of the opening chapter. As Amelia's secrets are revealed we discover the true nature of the tragic events which have hounded her and shocking twists leave you questioning all your assumptions.

Amelia has the perfect life. Money, a doting husband, an adorable baby. Her in-laws are a bit much, but she knows it comes with the territory. She absolutely hates having her picture taken, but when her husband puts his foot down for a family portrait, she relents. Hopefully no one will recognize her.

This book had my attention. I wanted more from the end, but I was 10000% onboard with the message of how lies can make consequences come full circle. Trying to avoid spoilers here but let's just say....every character has their secrets! Definitely worth the read/listen.

Thank you Anya Mora, Bookouture Audio, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

This book had me on the edge the whole time!


The past always comes back to find you and when you keep things from the people you think you love it only comes back to bite you!

The plot of this book has you in suspense and wanting to get all the answers! Waiting for the tension to be cut!

I loved reading this book! It was a great book to get your brain working! The narrators keep you hooked!

I give this book 4 stars, I can't wait to read more by Anya

Thank you to Netgalley for the copy of this book!

This book was just okay. While it held my attention throughout, I found the ending to be pretty anti-climactic and unbelievable. I didn't particularly enjoy the characters or feel invested. I liked the narrator.

*ARC review*

I absolutely loved this book!
This thriller has it all- secrets, twists, lies, in laws with no boundaries and the past catching up with the main character, Amelia.
I found myself getting lost in the story and wondering where it would go next. It was fast paced and kept my attention. I enjoyed the characters and the different POV, flipping between the past and present.
You don’t want to miss out on reading this book!

This book was interesting. I enjoyed the dual timelines and the switching from adult to child. I hated the family and got really tired of the female protagonist who drones on and on about how much she loves being a mother and her incessant worrying about the same thing. I found it hard to relate to her. The child’s point of view really saved the book, as the voice and the view were disturbing but fascinating. This was a decent thriller. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

A web of secrets, A slow burning unraveling. And a truth so devastating I still don't know who to sympathize with!

😲 I thought I had it all figured out. But every time I did, another layer was pulled back, revealing something even more shocking. When the truth finally came out - WOW. This book left me completely torn between the characters in the best way possible. 💔

🔥 If you love slow - reveal mysteries with a mess of emotions, you need this book. Mark your calendars - RELEASING FEBRUARY 17!!!!

👉 Who is adding this to their TBR?!?! 👀 📖

Not at all what I was expecting...
And the twists...well, jaw dropping! 😮😮

Amelia is a young woman from humble (to say the least) beginnings. Her mother was always drunk, and left her and her big sister alone with the baby when they were little. Things happened then. Bad things. Things that Amelia, no matter how hard she tries, cannot forget...

Fast forward to now, and Amelia is all grown up. She WAS working at a bakery in Seattle when a man walks in and says "I just had to come in and meet you. You are beautiful." And so it begins. And, she comes to find that he is from a very prominent, very well known, very wealthy...(and very snobby) family from a small, elite island called Cutter's Island. They get together, and her life changes...forever.
But... She. Has. Secrets....

AND, the mother in law does NOT like her at all. (No one will ever be good enough for my son, especially not YOU...kind of thing...)
But, the MIL DOES love his ex. The one who currently is living ACROSS the street in her mother's house, AND is working in the same area her husband works in...

And, so, the plot thickens...
And then, just EXPLODES!!!!

This one had my heart racing on numerous occasions, and NOT in a good way.

If you are looking for a bit of a nail biter with continued twists and OMG's throughout, this one is for you!!!

#GoodBadMother by #AnyaMora and narrated nicely by #LaurynAllman and #PenelopeRawlins, who WILL keep you on the edge of your seat!!!

4 Big, Dark, Scary, Nervous ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which is **** due to be released **** in just a few days on FEBRUARY 17, 2025!! So, keep your eyes 👀 open for it!!

Thanks so much for checking out my review!!
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Anya Mora, Good Bad Mother, Bookouture Audio, expected release date February 17, 2025

Anya Mora's *Good Bad Mother* invites readers into the complex world of Amelia, a young mother married into a wealthy family shrouded in secrets and the weight of her past. While the premise is engaging, my reading experience was a mixed bag, primarily due to the pacing and the prolonged reveal of Amelia's hidden truth.

From the outset, we are introduced to a mother navigating the challenges of her life, all while carrying the burden of a concealed history that looms over her. The initial chapters focus heavily on the intricate details of Amelia's day-to-day life and her attempts to maintain her facade. This slow burn, while rich in character development, often felt drawn out. I found myself yearning for the excitement and tension that typically comes with such a narrative, as the suspense surrounding her past seemed to overshadow the potential for dynamic storytelling.

Mora's writing shines in its introspective moments, capturing the essence of motherhood, vulnerability, and the instinctual need to protect one’s family. The emotional depth she weaves into Amelia’s character is commendable, and it’s evident that the author aims to explore the complexities of identity and the lengths to which one will go to shield their loved ones. However, the prolonged buildup to the eventual reveal felt like an obstacle rather than a suspenseful journey.

As the story progresses and Amelia's secrets begin to unravel, the stakes do rise, and I found myself more invested in her plight. Nevertheless, it was a challenge to stay engaged during the initial stretches of the narrative. The anticipation of a big twist was palpable, but at times it felt like the story was more about the waiting than the eventual payoff.

In conclusion, *Good Bad Mother* is a novel that offers a deep dive into the psyche of a mother grappling with her past, but its pacing may leave some readers feeling restless. Anya Mora’s talent for character development is evident, yet the slow reveal of Amelia’s truth detracts from the overall excitement. For those who appreciate a more contemplative approach to storytelling, this book may resonate more, but for readers seeking a quicker pace and immediate intrigue, it might require a bit more patience.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to review this advanced copy.