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The Foster Family
In their holiday home, a stone’s throw from the beach, Elizabeth dials the police with trembling hands. ‘My little boy, he’s missing.’
Elizabeth is Joe’s foster mother, but she loves him like her own. The five-year-old, who adores superheroes and watching the birds outside, is the child she has dreamed of. As she looks into the garden, where he was playing just moments ago, her heart feels like it has been ripped from her chest.
She was meant to save Joe from his birth mother who almost harmed his chances at life. The woman who has been trying to desperately get him back.
She was meant to protect Joe from her husband. The man who, right now, lies to the police, saying he was making breakfast when Joe disappeared. Who squeezes her shoulder, ordering her to be quiet.
She was meant to look after Joe. They are just footsteps from the ocean, and little Joe can’t swim.
Then Joe’s tiny blue sandal is found in the water. If the worst has happened – the unimaginable – Elizabeth will never forgive herself. Because what if the secret she has been keeping for years, the guilt eating her alive, has somehow hurt her little boy?
It’s time to tell the truth – even if it means losing the child who is her whole world. Even if it could be the death of her.
Elizabeth is Joe’s foster mother, but she loves him like her own. The five-year-old, who adores superheroes and watching the birds outside, is the child she has dreamed of. As she looks into the garden, where he was playing just moments ago, her heart feels like it has been ripped from her chest.
She was meant to save Joe from his birth mother who almost harmed his chances at life. The woman who has been trying to desperately get him back.
She was meant to protect Joe from her husband. The man who, right now, lies to the police, saying he was making breakfast when Joe disappeared. Who squeezes her shoulder, ordering her to be quiet.
She was meant to look after Joe. They are just footsteps from the ocean, and little Joe can’t swim.
Then Joe’s tiny blue sandal is found in the water. If the worst has happened – the unimaginable – Elizabeth will never forgive herself. Because what if the secret she has been keeping for years, the guilt eating her alive, has somehow hurt her little boy?
It’s time to tell the truth – even if it means losing the child who is her whole world. Even if it could be the death of her.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2022
About the author
Nicole Trope
29 books1,432 followersNicole Trope went to university to study Law but realised the error of her ways when she did very badly on her first law essay because-as her professor pointed out- ‘It’s not meant to be a story.’ She studied teaching instead and used her holidays to work on her writing career and complete a Masters’ degree in Children’s Literature. After the birth of her first child she stayed home full time to write and raise children, renovate houses and build a business with her husband.
The idea for her first published novel, The Boy under the Table, was so scary that it took a year for her to find the courage to write the emotional story.
She is now published by Bookouture and is an Amazon top 100 bestseller in the USA, UK, AUS and CAN.
She lives in Sydney with her husband and three children
The idea for her first published novel, The Boy under the Table, was so scary that it took a year for her to find the courage to write the emotional story.
She is now published by Bookouture and is an Amazon top 100 bestseller in the USA, UK, AUS and CAN.
She lives in Sydney with her husband and three children
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 367 reviews
May 26, 2023
3.5★s
Elizabeth and Howard were unable to have children so decided to become foster parents. They'd been married for twenty years and although Howard wasn't that nice now and then, Elizabeth always forgave him. Now they had five year old Joe, and already Elizabeth loved him. Howard's moods went from sullen and abusive, to sweet and apologetic. But he wouldn't hurt Joe would he?
Gordon lived next door to the holiday home Elizabeth, Howard and Joe were staying in for a month, and Gordon was a friendly old man. His son, Malcolm, lived in the city but would ring and visit his elderly dad as often as he could. Gordon was distressed to see Howard verbally abuse Joe, but when he rang the police, they didn't believe him. And when Joe went missing one day, Gordon and Elizabeth were distraught. Howard's despair was false, only for the eyes of the police. Would they find Joe before the nearby beach took him away?
The Foster Family is another domestic thriller by Aussie author Nicole Trope but I found this one an uncomfortable read. Filled with domestic violence, child abuse and dementia, all topics which are frequently in the news, I was actually glad to finish this one. Although I generally enjoy this author's work, this one was a little hard to "enjoy"...
Elizabeth and Howard were unable to have children so decided to become foster parents. They'd been married for twenty years and although Howard wasn't that nice now and then, Elizabeth always forgave him. Now they had five year old Joe, and already Elizabeth loved him. Howard's moods went from sullen and abusive, to sweet and apologetic. But he wouldn't hurt Joe would he?
Gordon lived next door to the holiday home Elizabeth, Howard and Joe were staying in for a month, and Gordon was a friendly old man. His son, Malcolm, lived in the city but would ring and visit his elderly dad as often as he could. Gordon was distressed to see Howard verbally abuse Joe, but when he rang the police, they didn't believe him. And when Joe went missing one day, Gordon and Elizabeth were distraught. Howard's despair was false, only for the eyes of the police. Would they find Joe before the nearby beach took him away?
The Foster Family is another domestic thriller by Aussie author Nicole Trope but I found this one an uncomfortable read. Filled with domestic violence, child abuse and dementia, all topics which are frequently in the news, I was actually glad to finish this one. Although I generally enjoy this author's work, this one was a little hard to "enjoy"...
October 2, 2022
I see a lot of recommendations for Nicole Trope's thrillers, so was excited for this one.
This is a fast paced thriller which also highlights some major themes and issues. Some scenes were brutal to read, and made for very uncomfortable reading.
The setup of the book took a little adjustment, with the different POVs, but the timeline is easy to follow.
I was frustrated with Howard- what a horrible character. My anger towards him just adds further weight to Trope's writing skills.
An enjoyable first outing with this author and I look forward to the next.
This is a fast paced thriller which also highlights some major themes and issues. Some scenes were brutal to read, and made for very uncomfortable reading.
The setup of the book took a little adjustment, with the different POVs, but the timeline is easy to follow.
I was frustrated with Howard- what a horrible character. My anger towards him just adds further weight to Trope's writing skills.
An enjoyable first outing with this author and I look forward to the next.
October 4, 2022
⚠️ TW: Child abuse, violence, emotional trauma, aged abuse, domestic abuse
🔸 Elizabeth & Howard Ealy have taken in their shelter 5 year old Joe and are serving as his foster parents. They are yearning to adopt a child since decades and Joe seems to be the perfect choice. However, what seems to be a perfect family to the world from outside is not what Ealy’s really are. There is a lot that they are hiding. Until one day when they move out to Gilmore beach for staycation and meet Gordon, the neighbor who stays opposite their rented house. Gordon is a very curious octogenarian who is worried about Joe’s safety after having 1 or 2 passing visits from Ealy’s. He is in a dilemma and calls police to share his concern. But police dismiss it off soon, knowing that Gordon has memory lapses and is not coherent. Amidst this Joe goes missing one fine morning. Will Gordon be able to unearth the truth? What is it that Ealy’s are hiding? How will Gordon who is 80 years old help a 5 yo Joe? All of this mystery unfolds when you read The Foster Family.
💖 This is a fast paced mystery that had its thrill moments. Since I love multiple POVs, the format worked best for me since the same timeline is narrated from Elizabeth and then Gordon’s POV. It is very easy to gel into the story from beginning itself and understand what is going on. There is also a parallel story that goes on with the main storyline and eventually fuses into it at the end which worked wonders to the wholesomeness of the book. While it was a tensed & emotional read, I learnt a bit about how foster case system works.
💔 This book is not for weak hearted and do read the trigger warnings before you pick it up. It was not easy to go through the child abuse bits since there it was quite gut wrenching to read it.
💫 The premise of the story is very simple and singular. It’s the execution of the scenes and emotions which play a huge part in the book. If you are ready to pick up a tensed emotional fast paced read, you would enjoy this.
Thank you @bookouture @netgalley for sharing the eARC in exchange of honest review.
🔸 Elizabeth & Howard Ealy have taken in their shelter 5 year old Joe and are serving as his foster parents. They are yearning to adopt a child since decades and Joe seems to be the perfect choice. However, what seems to be a perfect family to the world from outside is not what Ealy’s really are. There is a lot that they are hiding. Until one day when they move out to Gilmore beach for staycation and meet Gordon, the neighbor who stays opposite their rented house. Gordon is a very curious octogenarian who is worried about Joe’s safety after having 1 or 2 passing visits from Ealy’s. He is in a dilemma and calls police to share his concern. But police dismiss it off soon, knowing that Gordon has memory lapses and is not coherent. Amidst this Joe goes missing one fine morning. Will Gordon be able to unearth the truth? What is it that Ealy’s are hiding? How will Gordon who is 80 years old help a 5 yo Joe? All of this mystery unfolds when you read The Foster Family.
💖 This is a fast paced mystery that had its thrill moments. Since I love multiple POVs, the format worked best for me since the same timeline is narrated from Elizabeth and then Gordon’s POV. It is very easy to gel into the story from beginning itself and understand what is going on. There is also a parallel story that goes on with the main storyline and eventually fuses into it at the end which worked wonders to the wholesomeness of the book. While it was a tensed & emotional read, I learnt a bit about how foster case system works.
💔 This book is not for weak hearted and do read the trigger warnings before you pick it up. It was not easy to go through the child abuse bits since there it was quite gut wrenching to read it.
💫 The premise of the story is very simple and singular. It’s the execution of the scenes and emotions which play a huge part in the book. If you are ready to pick up a tensed emotional fast paced read, you would enjoy this.
Thank you @bookouture @netgalley for sharing the eARC in exchange of honest review.
September 12, 2022
In their holiday home a stone's throw from the beach, Elizabeth dials the police with trembling hands. "My little boy is missing." Elizabeth is Joe's foster mother, but she loves him like her own. The five-year-old, who adores superhero's and watching the birds outside, is the child she has dreamed of. As she looks into the garden, where he was playing just moments ago, her heart feels like it's been ripped from her chest. She never meant to save Joe from his birth mother who almost harmed his chances at life. The woman who has been trying desperately to get him back.
We follow two separate stories at the beginning - Elizabeth and Howard with their foster son Joe on holiday. And a man who found a young girl on a bench who had been hurt. Tension builds throughout this story. The characters are well developed and relatable. This is another gripping, well written story from the author. The story is told from Elizabeth and Gordon's perspectives. The first quarter of the book the pace is slower, but it soon ramps itself up. The story does cover domestic violence and child abuse. The two storylines come together seamlessly. I loved how this story ended.
I would like to thank #Netgalley #Bookouture and the author #NicoleTrope for my ARC of #TheFosterFamily in exchange for an honest review.
We follow two separate stories at the beginning - Elizabeth and Howard with their foster son Joe on holiday. And a man who found a young girl on a bench who had been hurt. Tension builds throughout this story. The characters are well developed and relatable. This is another gripping, well written story from the author. The story is told from Elizabeth and Gordon's perspectives. The first quarter of the book the pace is slower, but it soon ramps itself up. The story does cover domestic violence and child abuse. The two storylines come together seamlessly. I loved how this story ended.
I would like to thank #Netgalley #Bookouture and the author #NicoleTrope for my ARC of #TheFosterFamily in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Nicole Trope for letting me read “The Foster Family” in exchange for an honest review!
That was an interesting read! Definitely has it pros and cons, but as far as being a story, it was a good one!
The beginning leaves us already puzzled, when a man finds a young girl in bad shape. She begs him not to call for help. He takes her home and helps her get better.
In the meanwhile we meet Elizabeth and Howard. A couple in their forties. Due to not being able to have kids of their own, they foster.
The family rents a vacation home in the town of Gilmore, Australia. The perfect time to relax with their young foster boy, Joe. Joe has been in an out of foster care, his mother being quite the tragic case. In and out of drugs, desperate for money.
Across the road lives Gordon, an elderly man in the early stages of dementia.
Then Joe disappeared while being outside. Police gets involved, everyone desperate to find the young boy.
Gordon witnesses the abusive nature of Howard towards his family. But nobody takes him seriously because he does not always remember things correctly anymore.
The story jumps back and forth between now and then and flashbacks to the young girl from the beginning. It jumps a bit too much for my taste, from one characters timeline to another ones. I am not sure anymore if it was chronological at all or if I just got confused by it.
Howard is clearly a despicable being. Elizabeth is unable to stop the abuse and bring herself and the boy to safety. It was hard to read and not seeing her do anything.
So what happened to Joe? Did he wander off? Did his biological mother come for him? Is Howard involved!? How is the mystery girl involved? At some point the different storylines melt together and it’s all explained.
I couldn’t really warm up to Elizabeth. I am glad she got her happy ending and stood up for herself. The best one was definitely Gordon, the elderly man and little Joe.
The story was solid and the writing fluent and interesting. I would have given it five stars, but I found the timelines done a bit too confusing, at least for me. Otherwise it was a solid story which I enjoyed!
That was an interesting read! Definitely has it pros and cons, but as far as being a story, it was a good one!
The beginning leaves us already puzzled, when a man finds a young girl in bad shape. She begs him not to call for help. He takes her home and helps her get better.
In the meanwhile we meet Elizabeth and Howard. A couple in their forties. Due to not being able to have kids of their own, they foster.
The family rents a vacation home in the town of Gilmore, Australia. The perfect time to relax with their young foster boy, Joe. Joe has been in an out of foster care, his mother being quite the tragic case. In and out of drugs, desperate for money.
Across the road lives Gordon, an elderly man in the early stages of dementia.
Then Joe disappeared while being outside. Police gets involved, everyone desperate to find the young boy.
Gordon witnesses the abusive nature of Howard towards his family. But nobody takes him seriously because he does not always remember things correctly anymore.
The story jumps back and forth between now and then and flashbacks to the young girl from the beginning. It jumps a bit too much for my taste, from one characters timeline to another ones. I am not sure anymore if it was chronological at all or if I just got confused by it.
Howard is clearly a despicable being. Elizabeth is unable to stop the abuse and bring herself and the boy to safety. It was hard to read and not seeing her do anything.
So what happened to Joe? Did he wander off? Did his biological mother come for him? Is Howard involved!? How is the mystery girl involved? At some point the different storylines melt together and it’s all explained.
I couldn’t really warm up to Elizabeth. I am glad she got her happy ending and stood up for herself. The best one was definitely Gordon, the elderly man and little Joe.
The story was solid and the writing fluent and interesting. I would have given it five stars, but I found the timelines done a bit too confusing, at least for me. Otherwise it was a solid story which I enjoyed!
August 13, 2022
Nicole Trope's book The Foster Family is a domestic thriller with an interesting plot. As a fan of Nicole Trope, I have enjoyed several of the author's books.
Synopsis:
Elizabeth is five-year-old Joe's foster mom. She loves him as if he is her own son and hopes to adopt him soon. When Joe is discovered missing, Elizabeth is devastated. They are staying in a rented vacation home near the beach and Joe can't swim. There are dark secrets, lies and deception being hidden by Elizabeth and her husband. Will the truth come out?
The Foster Family has a complex plot with many characters. Keeping up with all the timeline changes is a bit challenging. Once you are acquainted with the multiple characters, the book flows quickly. While I can't say this is my favorite of the author's work, there are some satisfying plot twists. Nicole Trope is a very talented writer and I look forward to reading more from her.
The Foster Family by Nicole Trope is available on September 21st.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for sharing this e-book with me. I appreciate your kindness.
Synopsis:
Elizabeth is five-year-old Joe's foster mom. She loves him as if he is her own son and hopes to adopt him soon. When Joe is discovered missing, Elizabeth is devastated. They are staying in a rented vacation home near the beach and Joe can't swim. There are dark secrets, lies and deception being hidden by Elizabeth and her husband. Will the truth come out?
The Foster Family has a complex plot with many characters. Keeping up with all the timeline changes is a bit challenging. Once you are acquainted with the multiple characters, the book flows quickly. While I can't say this is my favorite of the author's work, there are some satisfying plot twists. Nicole Trope is a very talented writer and I look forward to reading more from her.
The Foster Family by Nicole Trope is available on September 21st.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for sharing this e-book with me. I appreciate your kindness.
July 22, 2024
Ta powieść opowiada o przemocy domowej. Najbliżej jej do dramatu, bo do thrillera psychologicznego ciężko ją zakwalifikować. Mimo bardzo dobrej kreacji bohaterów książka nie wyróżnia się niczym szczególnym. Jest monotonna i stosunkowo nużąca. Finał nie dostarcza zwrotu akcji.
August 29, 2022
This was a quick and twisty read focused on a missing 5 year old boy. The story centers on Elizabeth and Howard, who take their foster son Joe on holiday near the beach when the little boy goes missing. There is also a substantial part of the story narrated by elderly neighbor Gordon.
The whole thing was a little hard to read for me, as poor Gordon was slipping into dementia and no one took him seriously, and Howard was just awful overall. That being said, I felt for (most of) the characters and thought that the suspense was well done.
The ending was tied up just a little too cleanly and caused me to suspend my disbelief a bit, but it was also satisfying.
Overall, engaging and quick read where I really wasn’t sure how it was all going to turn out. I have liked some other books by this author and this one didn’t disappoint. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The whole thing was a little hard to read for me, as poor Gordon was slipping into dementia and no one took him seriously, and Howard was just awful overall. That being said, I felt for (most of) the characters and thought that the suspense was well done.
The ending was tied up just a little too cleanly and caused me to suspend my disbelief a bit, but it was also satisfying.
Overall, engaging and quick read where I really wasn’t sure how it was all going to turn out. I have liked some other books by this author and this one didn’t disappoint. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2022
Howard and Elizabeth are foster parents of 5 year old Joe. They take a getaway vacation and stay in a nice house near the water for 2 weeks. Their neighbor across the street, Gordon, becomes friendly with Elizabeth and Joe and has them over to see his birds. Howard is not as friendly. When Joe goes missing they blame Gordon. Gordon does have memory issues, but is he to blame?
I have read many books by Nicole Trope and this was an interesting story. I will give a trigger warning of physical abuse here. There were a few surprises and I did like the ending to this story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
I have read many books by Nicole Trope and this was an interesting story. I will give a trigger warning of physical abuse here. There were a few surprises and I did like the ending to this story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
September 25, 2022
I have read several other books by this author, Nicole Trope and so I was delighted to be able to enjoy The Foster Family. Elizabeth and her husband of twenty years, Howard are not able to have children of their own and decide to become foster parents in the hope that they will go on to adopt a child. They foster 5yo Joe. They all go to the seaside, Gilmore for a holiday for a month. Gordon, who lost his wife two years ago lives across the road from the holiday let. An absorbing, heartbreaking read with good misdirection.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
September 7, 2022
The Foster Family
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.2
Genre: Thriller
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 9/21/22
Author: Nicole Trope
Publisher: Bookouture
Pages: 305
GR: 4.30
TW ⚠️: Child and domestic abuse
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Bookouture and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: In their holiday home, a stone’s throw from the beach, Elizabeth dials the police with trembling hands. ‘My little boy, he’s missing.’ Elizabeth is Joe’s foster mother, but she loves him like her own. She was meant to save Joe from his birth mother who almost harmed his chances at life, who has been trying to get him back. Then Joe’s tiny blue sandal is found in the water. If the worst has happened – the unimaginable – Elizabeth will never forgive herself. Because what if the secret she has been keeping for years, the guilt eating her alive, has somehow hurt her little boy?
My Thoughts: The story is narrated in an alternating timeline from then and now. Sometimes this can get confusing, but I had no issues following along and a little puzzle in a story is a good thing. It opens up with a puzzle that does not appear to make sense, but later in the book, the pieces start to fit together. The plot is delivered in several twists, the storyline is emotional, and the ending is picture perfect. The characters are well flushed out, developed well, have multifaceted depth, mysterious, and creatively written. Not all characters are likable, but relatable. The author’s writing style was complex, heartbreaking, suspenseful, intriguing, and kept me engaged. This book releases later this month and I highly suggest either preordering or ordering as soon as it is released.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.2
Genre: Thriller
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 9/21/22
Author: Nicole Trope
Publisher: Bookouture
Pages: 305
GR: 4.30
TW ⚠️: Child and domestic abuse
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Bookouture and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: In their holiday home, a stone’s throw from the beach, Elizabeth dials the police with trembling hands. ‘My little boy, he’s missing.’ Elizabeth is Joe’s foster mother, but she loves him like her own. She was meant to save Joe from his birth mother who almost harmed his chances at life, who has been trying to get him back. Then Joe’s tiny blue sandal is found in the water. If the worst has happened – the unimaginable – Elizabeth will never forgive herself. Because what if the secret she has been keeping for years, the guilt eating her alive, has somehow hurt her little boy?
My Thoughts: The story is narrated in an alternating timeline from then and now. Sometimes this can get confusing, but I had no issues following along and a little puzzle in a story is a good thing. It opens up with a puzzle that does not appear to make sense, but later in the book, the pieces start to fit together. The plot is delivered in several twists, the storyline is emotional, and the ending is picture perfect. The characters are well flushed out, developed well, have multifaceted depth, mysterious, and creatively written. Not all characters are likable, but relatable. The author’s writing style was complex, heartbreaking, suspenseful, intriguing, and kept me engaged. This book releases later this month and I highly suggest either preordering or ordering as soon as it is released.
August 15, 2022
The Foster Family by Nicole Trope is a emotionally taxing read, but one that I was unable to put down. Ms Trope can always be relied upon to spin a domestic tale of intrigue that will quickly get under your skin, and this latest certainly delivers.
Elizabeth, Howard, and their young foster son Joe arrive at a holiday cottage. To elderly neighbour Gordon, they initially look like any other family ready to enjoy some time at the seaside, but the more closely he looks he soon realizes that all is not as it seems. Is his mind playing tricks on him, or is something off in this idyllic family tableau? When Joe goes missing, Gordon knows that he must tell the police everything he thinks he knows, while at the same time battling his own deteriorating mind.
This is an engaging, though heartbreaking, read that kept me glued to the pages. The multiple POVs serve to fully flesh out the narrative in a seamless and altogether satisfying way. Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
Elizabeth, Howard, and their young foster son Joe arrive at a holiday cottage. To elderly neighbour Gordon, they initially look like any other family ready to enjoy some time at the seaside, but the more closely he looks he soon realizes that all is not as it seems. Is his mind playing tricks on him, or is something off in this idyllic family tableau? When Joe goes missing, Gordon knows that he must tell the police everything he thinks he knows, while at the same time battling his own deteriorating mind.
This is an engaging, though heartbreaking, read that kept me glued to the pages. The multiple POVs serve to fully flesh out the narrative in a seamless and altogether satisfying way. Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
January 27, 2024
The year has started well. I am reading authors whom I have not read before, and so far it has been very good.
The Foster Family is a difficult read (description of child and domestic abuse). I just fell in love with the characters, Gordon, Malcom, little Joe, and the young girl/lady (not using the name here). The parallel story lines - ageing Gordon and his struggles, Elizabeth, Joe and Howard, and the third story line, which is another surprise.
The interwoven stories, unravel slowly and by the end I just felt good at how it ended.
The Foster Family is a difficult read (description of child and domestic abuse). I just fell in love with the characters, Gordon, Malcom, little Joe, and the young girl/lady (not using the name here). The parallel story lines - ageing Gordon and his struggles, Elizabeth, Joe and Howard, and the third story line, which is another surprise.
The interwoven stories, unravel slowly and by the end I just felt good at how it ended.
September 23, 2022
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Nicole Trope's tense domestic tale THE FOSTER FAMILY.
Nicole Trope has done it again! I love her books and am always excited when she has another coming out. Each story is emotive and filled with tension, drama and even a little bit of mystery and THE FOSTER FAMILY is no different. She has the innate ability to draw you in from the very first page and keep you invested throughout the journey. And it is a journey she takes you on. Her skillful prose and the way in which she entwines the past and present into one can only speak of her proficiency in both her writing and the genre with which she floods. She can always be relied upon to spin us a tale of intrigue and tension that will get under your skin.
On the beautiful south coast, a couple of hours from Sydney, Elizabeth, husband Howard and their 5 year old foster son Joe arrive at their holiday home for the next month leading up to Christmas. The weather is warm, the sun hot and the sandy beach offers plenty of recreational enjoyment for the family. Elizabeth wants nothing more than to give Joe all that his heart desires but Howard rules the home with an iron fist - both figuratively and literally. He has a list of rules that are far too many for such a young child and yet there will be consequences should Joe fail to follow them.
Across the road, watching from his window is 80 year old Gordon. He enjoyed the idea of a young family on the quiet street again and is eager to introduce himself. But something stops him. A cross word, a frowned expression and a pointed finger that was oblivious to his watchful eye and Gordon realises that all is not as it seems. What should he do?
One morning he goes out to fill his bird feeder when he sees little Joe laying on the bench outside with a blanket over him. It might be summer but the mornings can still be chilly on the coast. So why would a child be sleeping outside when he should be safely tucked up in bed?
The more Gordon watches, the more he realises that something is amiss with the family across the street. But when he phones his son Malcolm and shares his concerns, he tells him to keep out of it. But Gordon isn't so sure.
And then one morning as he returns from his walk, he is shocked to find police cars outside the house. It seems Joe has gone missing. And Gordon can't help but think if only he had called the police and shared his concerns earlier, maybe he could have prevented this from happening. But he isn't sure himself of what he saw in the fogginess his deteriorating mind has become.
Across the street, Elizabeth is frantic and Howard is angry. He has pointed the finger at "the old guy across the street" accusing him of showing a perverted interest in Joe. But Elizabeth knows that not to be true. He is just a nice old guy that is a bit forgetful sharing his love of birds. But can she speak out against her husband and live with the consequences? Or should she just keep quiet? What if Joe's biological mother has come looking for them? What if she's found him and taken him? The authorities have denied her any access whatsoever after she was caught trying to sell him for $50,000.
And then there are the intermittent chapters of an unnamed man who stops to help a horrifically injured young girl. Who are they? And where do they fit into the story?
But what's most important is finding Joe. Where could he be? Did he run off? Did Howard hurt him? Has Gordon taken him? Or has the biological mother returned to claim him, albeit illegally? The possibilities are endless.
The story unfolds primarily through the alternating perspectives of Elizabeth and Joe both leading up to the disappearance and on the day of. While interspersed are those of the aforementioned unnamed man. The plot is complex with a wealth of characters that each play a part. The beginning may be a little confusing to start with, especially as the unnamed chapters have no timeline on them so we have no idea of when it takes place. Is it present or sometime in the past? But it soon falls into a steady rhythm that flows quickly as the pace quickens.
The characters are expertly drawn though it was hard to warm to Elizabeth and definitely not to Howard. The winner of the story, for me, was Gordon who wanted so much to help but was battling with his own deteriorating mind. Nicole expertly gave us a window into the mind of someone in the early to mid stages of dementia...and it is both eye-opening and heartrendering. It is something close to my heart just now.
As always, Nicole's writing is solid and skillful as the story seamlessly flows between perspectives, timelines and events. While the ending did require a little suspension of belief, it was a rather happy ending for all and that in itself is satisfying, whether it was believable or not.
Overall, THE FOSTER FAMILY is an emotive yet tense read that while not really a thriller, is still fast paced tale of domestic suspense. I cannot speak highly enough of Nicole Trope's work and I have loved everything of hers I have read. Worth every star.
I would like to thank #NicoleTrope, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheFosterFamily in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Nicole Trope has done it again! I love her books and am always excited when she has another coming out. Each story is emotive and filled with tension, drama and even a little bit of mystery and THE FOSTER FAMILY is no different. She has the innate ability to draw you in from the very first page and keep you invested throughout the journey. And it is a journey she takes you on. Her skillful prose and the way in which she entwines the past and present into one can only speak of her proficiency in both her writing and the genre with which she floods. She can always be relied upon to spin us a tale of intrigue and tension that will get under your skin.
On the beautiful south coast, a couple of hours from Sydney, Elizabeth, husband Howard and their 5 year old foster son Joe arrive at their holiday home for the next month leading up to Christmas. The weather is warm, the sun hot and the sandy beach offers plenty of recreational enjoyment for the family. Elizabeth wants nothing more than to give Joe all that his heart desires but Howard rules the home with an iron fist - both figuratively and literally. He has a list of rules that are far too many for such a young child and yet there will be consequences should Joe fail to follow them.
Across the road, watching from his window is 80 year old Gordon. He enjoyed the idea of a young family on the quiet street again and is eager to introduce himself. But something stops him. A cross word, a frowned expression and a pointed finger that was oblivious to his watchful eye and Gordon realises that all is not as it seems. What should he do?
One morning he goes out to fill his bird feeder when he sees little Joe laying on the bench outside with a blanket over him. It might be summer but the mornings can still be chilly on the coast. So why would a child be sleeping outside when he should be safely tucked up in bed?
The more Gordon watches, the more he realises that something is amiss with the family across the street. But when he phones his son Malcolm and shares his concerns, he tells him to keep out of it. But Gordon isn't so sure.
And then one morning as he returns from his walk, he is shocked to find police cars outside the house. It seems Joe has gone missing. And Gordon can't help but think if only he had called the police and shared his concerns earlier, maybe he could have prevented this from happening. But he isn't sure himself of what he saw in the fogginess his deteriorating mind has become.
Across the street, Elizabeth is frantic and Howard is angry. He has pointed the finger at "the old guy across the street" accusing him of showing a perverted interest in Joe. But Elizabeth knows that not to be true. He is just a nice old guy that is a bit forgetful sharing his love of birds. But can she speak out against her husband and live with the consequences? Or should she just keep quiet? What if Joe's biological mother has come looking for them? What if she's found him and taken him? The authorities have denied her any access whatsoever after she was caught trying to sell him for $50,000.
And then there are the intermittent chapters of an unnamed man who stops to help a horrifically injured young girl. Who are they? And where do they fit into the story?
But what's most important is finding Joe. Where could he be? Did he run off? Did Howard hurt him? Has Gordon taken him? Or has the biological mother returned to claim him, albeit illegally? The possibilities are endless.
The story unfolds primarily through the alternating perspectives of Elizabeth and Joe both leading up to the disappearance and on the day of. While interspersed are those of the aforementioned unnamed man. The plot is complex with a wealth of characters that each play a part. The beginning may be a little confusing to start with, especially as the unnamed chapters have no timeline on them so we have no idea of when it takes place. Is it present or sometime in the past? But it soon falls into a steady rhythm that flows quickly as the pace quickens.
The characters are expertly drawn though it was hard to warm to Elizabeth and definitely not to Howard. The winner of the story, for me, was Gordon who wanted so much to help but was battling with his own deteriorating mind. Nicole expertly gave us a window into the mind of someone in the early to mid stages of dementia...and it is both eye-opening and heartrendering. It is something close to my heart just now.
As always, Nicole's writing is solid and skillful as the story seamlessly flows between perspectives, timelines and events. While the ending did require a little suspension of belief, it was a rather happy ending for all and that in itself is satisfying, whether it was believable or not.
Overall, THE FOSTER FAMILY is an emotive yet tense read that while not really a thriller, is still fast paced tale of domestic suspense. I cannot speak highly enough of Nicole Trope's work and I have loved everything of hers I have read. Worth every star.
I would like to thank #NicoleTrope, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheFosterFamily in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
July 28, 2024
Do dzisiaj pamiętam pierwsze spotkanie z twórczością Nicole Trope. Rzadko zdarza się, by autorka, czy autor, stworzyli tak intrygujący i pełen emocji thriller, który pozostawia po sobie ślad w pamięci czytelnika na bardzo długi czas. A takie właśnie historie tworzy Nicole Trope. Thrillery jej autorstwa są dla mnie gwarancją dobrej lektury, która dostarcza mnóstwo emocji i na koniec pozostawia mnie z chwilą zadumy i refleksji.
Elisabeth i Howard po wielu latach starań o dziecko, postanowili zostać rodziną zastępczą. Dzisiaj pod ich opieką jest Joe, pięcioletni chłopiec, który uwielbia superbohaterów. Biologiczna matka prawie zniszczyła jego szanse na normalne życie, dlatego Elisabeth ma nadzieję wynagrodzić chłopcu wszystkie złe chwile.
Howard postanawia wynająć dom letniskowy, by wspólnie z Elisabeth i Joe spędzić miesiąc wakacji z dala od miejskiego zgiełku. Pewnego dnia dochodzi do tragedii. Pozostawiony przed domem Joe nagle znika bez śladu. Elisabeth jest zrozpaczona, a mężczyzna, przed którym miała chronić Joego, okłamuje policję i nakazuje jej milczenie. Czy Elisabeth odważy się wyjawić prawdę, którą skrywa od lat?
W swojej najnowszej powieści Nicole Trope ponownie serwuje czytelnikom historię pełną bólu i cierpienia, historie, która wzbudza najgłębiej skrywane emocje. „Rodzina zastępcza” to doskonałe skrojony thriller w stylu domestic noir, taki, w którym czytelnik się zatraca i choć fabuła nie należy do łatwych, to nie sposób jest oderwać się od lektury. Autorka umiejętnie buduje napięcie, a my wspólnie z bohaterami odkrywamy kolejne mroczne tajemnice, dzielimy ich troski, ból, cierpienie, odczuwamy emocje, które im towarzyszą.
„Rodzina zastępcza” to thriller, który jest kolejnym dowodem na to, że Nicole Trope ma niebywały talent do tworzenia historii nietuzinkowych, poruszających, trudnych. Historii, które często pozostawiają czytelnika z pękniętym sercem, zranioną duszą i oczami pełnymi łez. Historia Joe i Elisabeth wciągnęła mnie od pierwszych stron, czytałam ją z zapartym tchem, a z każdym kolejnym rozdziałem wzrastała moja złość, jak i wzruszenie nad losem bohaterów.
„Rodzina zastępcza” to doskonały thriller, w którym dostałam wszystko to, czego oczekuję od tego gatunku. Nicole Trope kolejny raz udowodniła mi, że jest mistrzynią w tym, co robi i wiem, że w momencie kiedy sięgnę po kolejną jej książkę, będę w pełni usatysfakcjonowana. Polecam!
Elisabeth i Howard po wielu latach starań o dziecko, postanowili zostać rodziną zastępczą. Dzisiaj pod ich opieką jest Joe, pięcioletni chłopiec, który uwielbia superbohaterów. Biologiczna matka prawie zniszczyła jego szanse na normalne życie, dlatego Elisabeth ma nadzieję wynagrodzić chłopcu wszystkie złe chwile.
Howard postanawia wynająć dom letniskowy, by wspólnie z Elisabeth i Joe spędzić miesiąc wakacji z dala od miejskiego zgiełku. Pewnego dnia dochodzi do tragedii. Pozostawiony przed domem Joe nagle znika bez śladu. Elisabeth jest zrozpaczona, a mężczyzna, przed którym miała chronić Joego, okłamuje policję i nakazuje jej milczenie. Czy Elisabeth odważy się wyjawić prawdę, którą skrywa od lat?
W swojej najnowszej powieści Nicole Trope ponownie serwuje czytelnikom historię pełną bólu i cierpienia, historie, która wzbudza najgłębiej skrywane emocje. „Rodzina zastępcza” to doskonałe skrojony thriller w stylu domestic noir, taki, w którym czytelnik się zatraca i choć fabuła nie należy do łatwych, to nie sposób jest oderwać się od lektury. Autorka umiejętnie buduje napięcie, a my wspólnie z bohaterami odkrywamy kolejne mroczne tajemnice, dzielimy ich troski, ból, cierpienie, odczuwamy emocje, które im towarzyszą.
„Rodzina zastępcza” to thriller, który jest kolejnym dowodem na to, że Nicole Trope ma niebywały talent do tworzenia historii nietuzinkowych, poruszających, trudnych. Historii, które często pozostawiają czytelnika z pękniętym sercem, zranioną duszą i oczami pełnymi łez. Historia Joe i Elisabeth wciągnęła mnie od pierwszych stron, czytałam ją z zapartym tchem, a z każdym kolejnym rozdziałem wzrastała moja złość, jak i wzruszenie nad losem bohaterów.
„Rodzina zastępcza” to doskonały thriller, w którym dostałam wszystko to, czego oczekuję od tego gatunku. Nicole Trope kolejny raz udowodniła mi, że jest mistrzynią w tym, co robi i wiem, że w momencie kiedy sięgnę po kolejną jej książkę, będę w pełni usatysfakcjonowana. Polecam!
September 9, 2022
This one was a bit much for me. I'm sensitive to children and abuse and it didn't hold back. It was a really sad story. I wasn't expecting it to be so intense.
Elizabeth and Howard come to stay in a rental house for vacation with their foster son, Joe. We know from the start that Joe goes missing and that Howard is pointing fingers at Gordon, the old man across the street but we don't know why, because he seems like a nice old fellow, if a bit forgetful. We know that something has been put in motion that cannot be undone.
Over on Gordon's side of the road, we see that Howard is a bag of trash that abuses his family. This failing of the foster system is difficult to hear especially right now. The birth mom wants access but she can't and they say she tried to sell him. It's something else.
But what's most important is finding little Joe. Did he run off? Is Gordon a bad guy? Did Howard hurt him? Maybe the birth parents? I mean, the possibilities are endless and it's a pretty wild ride.
The format was a bit confusing. We switch mostly between Gordon and Elizabeth but at different times and there's an unnamed guy and girl in chapters that aren't timed or dated, so that could be a bit frustrating.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review.
Elizabeth and Howard come to stay in a rental house for vacation with their foster son, Joe. We know from the start that Joe goes missing and that Howard is pointing fingers at Gordon, the old man across the street but we don't know why, because he seems like a nice old fellow, if a bit forgetful. We know that something has been put in motion that cannot be undone.
Over on Gordon's side of the road, we see that Howard is a bag of trash that abuses his family. This failing of the foster system is difficult to hear especially right now. The birth mom wants access but she can't and they say she tried to sell him. It's something else.
But what's most important is finding little Joe. Did he run off? Is Gordon a bad guy? Did Howard hurt him? Maybe the birth parents? I mean, the possibilities are endless and it's a pretty wild ride.
The format was a bit confusing. We switch mostly between Gordon and Elizabeth but at different times and there's an unnamed guy and girl in chapters that aren't timed or dated, so that could be a bit frustrating.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review.
August 23, 2022
Elizabeth is Joe's foster mum and is meant to protect him from his birth mother who came close to harming him. Now, at a holiday home with Joe and her husband, she calls the police, as Joe is missing. One moment he is playing in the garden, the next he is gone. As the story goes on, we see the search for Joe unfold. The supporting characters are introduced and suspicion is cast upon each of them. Elizabeth and her husband both lied about where they were when Joe went missing, so what else are they lying about?
This was a suspenseful story and eerily similar to a real case here in Australia, initially, but as the story went on, the mystery began to unfold and I had my own suspicions (some were right). The plot and characters and the twist really had me immersed. Another enjoyable novel by the author.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Bookouture for this gifted review copy.
This was a suspenseful story and eerily similar to a real case here in Australia, initially, but as the story went on, the mystery began to unfold and I had my own suspicions (some were right). The plot and characters and the twist really had me immersed. Another enjoyable novel by the author.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Bookouture for this gifted review copy.
August 23, 2022
Nicole Trope, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways:
1) Breathtaking domestic suspense – check
2) Multiple narrators/timelines that keep you constantly guessing – check
3) Complex, relatable, well-developed characters – check
4) Emotional and compelling storylines – check
I could go on, but you get the idea. I stumbled across Nicole Trope’s novels about a year ago and she’s since become an auto-buy author for me. Her newest book, “The Foster Family”, is a perfect example of everything that makes her books so unputdownable.
Foster parents Elizabeth and Howard are on vacation when a parent’s worst nightmare becomes a reality: their 5-year-old foster son Joe goes missing. A neighbor, Gordon, thinks he has noticed some troubling things happening across the street, but he can’t be sure of what he’s seen. In the desperation to find Joe, many secrets and lies will be revealed, leading to potentially deadly consequences.
This propulsive suspense novel grabs you by the heartstrings in the very first chapter and holds on tight until the very last page. The terror of a missing child, the horror of domestic abuse, the shocking twists – they’re all here in spades. Told from multiple viewpoints including Elizabeth, Gordon, and a man whose identity we don’t know (but ends up tying in in a very satisfying way), this story is complex and nuanced. I wouldn’t call it action-packed, but the plot flows quickly and there is a constant undercurrent of dread running through the narrative as the story plays out.
This story is far more than a run-of-the-mill thriller. Although the suspense is very well done, the depth of the characters and their interactions is what makes Nicole Trope a cut above the rest in this genre. The characterization is brilliant – nurturing but beaten-down Elizabeth, eager to please but wary Joe, the truly vile Howard, and my favorite character, Gordon. Gordon is an elderly widower in the early stages of dementia, and his wonderful humanity and his frustration at his memory loss are depicted with such compassion. His chapters were my favorite!
Highly recommended – you don’t want to miss this book! And then you’ll want to read everything else from this author too. Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me an advance copy of this book.
1) Breathtaking domestic suspense – check
2) Multiple narrators/timelines that keep you constantly guessing – check
3) Complex, relatable, well-developed characters – check
4) Emotional and compelling storylines – check
I could go on, but you get the idea. I stumbled across Nicole Trope’s novels about a year ago and she’s since become an auto-buy author for me. Her newest book, “The Foster Family”, is a perfect example of everything that makes her books so unputdownable.
Foster parents Elizabeth and Howard are on vacation when a parent’s worst nightmare becomes a reality: their 5-year-old foster son Joe goes missing. A neighbor, Gordon, thinks he has noticed some troubling things happening across the street, but he can’t be sure of what he’s seen. In the desperation to find Joe, many secrets and lies will be revealed, leading to potentially deadly consequences.
This propulsive suspense novel grabs you by the heartstrings in the very first chapter and holds on tight until the very last page. The terror of a missing child, the horror of domestic abuse, the shocking twists – they’re all here in spades. Told from multiple viewpoints including Elizabeth, Gordon, and a man whose identity we don’t know (but ends up tying in in a very satisfying way), this story is complex and nuanced. I wouldn’t call it action-packed, but the plot flows quickly and there is a constant undercurrent of dread running through the narrative as the story plays out.
This story is far more than a run-of-the-mill thriller. Although the suspense is very well done, the depth of the characters and their interactions is what makes Nicole Trope a cut above the rest in this genre. The characterization is brilliant – nurturing but beaten-down Elizabeth, eager to please but wary Joe, the truly vile Howard, and my favorite character, Gordon. Gordon is an elderly widower in the early stages of dementia, and his wonderful humanity and his frustration at his memory loss are depicted with such compassion. His chapters were my favorite!
Highly recommended – you don’t want to miss this book! And then you’ll want to read everything else from this author too. Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me an advance copy of this book.
July 25, 2024
Frustrująca historia o przemocy w rodzinie oraz mrocznych tajemnicach, od której trudno się oderwać.
Myślę, że daleko tej historii do thrillera, bliżej do dramatu obyczajowego/psychologicznego, który rozkłada na części trudy przywiązania do toksycznego partnera. Bolesna przeprawa, ściskająca coś w piersi.
Myślę, że daleko tej historii do thrillera, bliżej do dramatu obyczajowego/psychologicznego, który rozkłada na części trudy przywiązania do toksycznego partnera. Bolesna przeprawa, ściskająca coś w piersi.
September 22, 2022
The Foster Family by Nicole Trope is a very highly recommended domestic psychological thriller.
Elizabeth and Howard are foster parents for five-year-old Joe when he disappears from their front yard. The police are called in and the search begins. It becomes clear almost immediately to readers that Howard is not who he is trying to portray and Elizabeth as well as Joe are totally scared of him and under his control. Joe is a sweet little boy who just wants to watch the birds across the street from their summer rental at Gordon's house. Howard, however, governs them with and iron fist. He controls both Elizabeth and Joe. He doesn't accept anyone questioning his authority.
Gordon is a good hearted elderly man living across the street. He knows there is something wrong and Joe could be in trouble, but his memory isn't as good as it used to be. In an alternate story line we follow a man who found a brutally beaten young woman sitting on a bench when a man finds her and wants to call for help. She begs him not to, but agrees to allow him to take her home to recover.
The characters are all well-developed. They have and have depth and are portrayed as realistic individuals. This is what will pull you in and completely engulf you in the plot and the characters.
The writing is excellent and, admittedly, Trope will control your emotions like a virtuoso throughout. This is one of those novels that completely dominates you. You'll switch between being upset, emotional, angry, and crying quite quickly between chapters. I was also thoroughly aware that Trope was playing with my emotions and controlling them. Yeah, I accepted it and went with the flow. Chapters switch between different points-of-view. Most of the story is from Elizabeth's and Gordon's point-of-view.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Bookouture via NetGa
Elizabeth and Howard are foster parents for five-year-old Joe when he disappears from their front yard. The police are called in and the search begins. It becomes clear almost immediately to readers that Howard is not who he is trying to portray and Elizabeth as well as Joe are totally scared of him and under his control. Joe is a sweet little boy who just wants to watch the birds across the street from their summer rental at Gordon's house. Howard, however, governs them with and iron fist. He controls both Elizabeth and Joe. He doesn't accept anyone questioning his authority.
Gordon is a good hearted elderly man living across the street. He knows there is something wrong and Joe could be in trouble, but his memory isn't as good as it used to be. In an alternate story line we follow a man who found a brutally beaten young woman sitting on a bench when a man finds her and wants to call for help. She begs him not to, but agrees to allow him to take her home to recover.
The characters are all well-developed. They have and have depth and are portrayed as realistic individuals. This is what will pull you in and completely engulf you in the plot and the characters.
The writing is excellent and, admittedly, Trope will control your emotions like a virtuoso throughout. This is one of those novels that completely dominates you. You'll switch between being upset, emotional, angry, and crying quite quickly between chapters. I was also thoroughly aware that Trope was playing with my emotions and controlling them. Yeah, I accepted it and went with the flow. Chapters switch between different points-of-view. Most of the story is from Elizabeth's and Gordon's point-of-view.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Bookouture via NetGa
March 13, 2023
The Foster Family
The Foster Family was the best book I have read in a long time . It reminded me of an old saying " You never know what goes on behind closed doors".
The Foster Family was the best book I have read in a long time . It reminded me of an old saying " You never know what goes on behind closed doors".
June 7, 2023
Nicole Trope has easily climbed her way to the top and I am so honored to have been there since day one with, The Boy Under the Table, If you have not read this one yet, you must.
No matter the content or what idea Trope has concocted, she delivers. Time and time again, she comes out with another sensational 5 star read.
The Foster Family, is gripping!
This is the type of book you pick up and can never put down. Your bladder will be full, the dog will go unwalked, and your poor husband will go to bed hungry and that's ok! This book is totally worth it.
From start to finish I felt as though I was in a trance, I could not get to the next page fast enough. There was no lulls, there was no skipping ahead.. I read every last word and loved every minute of it
Here is a little teaser :
In their holiday home, a stone’s throw from the beach, Elizabeth dials the police with trembling hands. ‘My little boy, he’s missing.’
Elizabeth is Joe’s foster mother, but she loves him like her own. The five-year-old, who adores superheroes and watching the birds outside, is the child she has dreamed of. As she looks into the garden, where he was playing just moments ago, her heart feels like it has been ripped from her chest.
She was meant to save Joe from his birth mother who almost harmed his chances at life. The woman who has been trying to desperately get him back.
She was meant to protect Joe from her husband. The man who, right now, lies to the police, saying he was making breakfast when Joe disappeared. Who squeezes her shoulder, ordering her to be quiet.
She was meant to look after Joe. They are just footsteps from the ocean, and little Joe can’t swim.
Then Joe’s tiny blue sandal is found in the water. If the worst has happened – the unimaginable – Elizabeth will never forgive herself. Because what if the secret she has been keeping for years, the guilt eating her alive, has somehow hurt her little boy?
It’s time to tell the truth – even if it means losing the child who is her whole world. Even if it could be the death of her.
No matter the content or what idea Trope has concocted, she delivers. Time and time again, she comes out with another sensational 5 star read.
The Foster Family, is gripping!
This is the type of book you pick up and can never put down. Your bladder will be full, the dog will go unwalked, and your poor husband will go to bed hungry and that's ok! This book is totally worth it.
From start to finish I felt as though I was in a trance, I could not get to the next page fast enough. There was no lulls, there was no skipping ahead.. I read every last word and loved every minute of it
Here is a little teaser :
In their holiday home, a stone’s throw from the beach, Elizabeth dials the police with trembling hands. ‘My little boy, he’s missing.’
Elizabeth is Joe’s foster mother, but she loves him like her own. The five-year-old, who adores superheroes and watching the birds outside, is the child she has dreamed of. As she looks into the garden, where he was playing just moments ago, her heart feels like it has been ripped from her chest.
She was meant to save Joe from his birth mother who almost harmed his chances at life. The woman who has been trying to desperately get him back.
She was meant to protect Joe from her husband. The man who, right now, lies to the police, saying he was making breakfast when Joe disappeared. Who squeezes her shoulder, ordering her to be quiet.
She was meant to look after Joe. They are just footsteps from the ocean, and little Joe can’t swim.
Then Joe’s tiny blue sandal is found in the water. If the worst has happened – the unimaginable – Elizabeth will never forgive herself. Because what if the secret she has been keeping for years, the guilt eating her alive, has somehow hurt her little boy?
It’s time to tell the truth – even if it means losing the child who is her whole world. Even if it could be the death of her.
September 16, 2022
Elizabeth and Howard are foster parents to five-year-old Joe. For years they always wanted children, and now they have this adorable little boy. For Howard, this will at least keep Elizabeth happy. For Elizabeth, she loves Joe with every fiber of her body. The little family goes away on vacation but before long Joe turns up missing.
Before Joe becomes missing, both Joe and Elizabeth met their elderly neighbor Gordon. Gordon is a very kind man and one of his hobbies is birds, and viewing the birds makes little Joe happy. Gordon is in the early stages of dementia but there is a side of him that notices things are not quite right with Joe and his family. However, just when Gordon wonders if he will say anything about his concerns, his memory fails him, even causing him to doubt whether or not he actually had any suspicions at all.
Regarding Elizabeth's marriage to Howard. They are far from being a happy couple. In fact, Howard is controlling and abusive, sadly including explosive episodes of physical violence. For their twenty-year marriage, Elizabeth has experienced cycle after cycle of Howard's abusive treatment. Sadly, with Joe entering into the picture, Howard's violence is often directed to the precious little boy. In fact, it go without saying that this book comes with trigger warnings of domestic and child abuse.
There are alternating points of view in this emotional read by Nicole Trope. Also, there are two more characters that come into play in this riveting read. With intense drama, a sharp emotional edge and a satisfying conclusion, Nicole Trope has written another winner.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Before Joe becomes missing, both Joe and Elizabeth met their elderly neighbor Gordon. Gordon is a very kind man and one of his hobbies is birds, and viewing the birds makes little Joe happy. Gordon is in the early stages of dementia but there is a side of him that notices things are not quite right with Joe and his family. However, just when Gordon wonders if he will say anything about his concerns, his memory fails him, even causing him to doubt whether or not he actually had any suspicions at all.
Regarding Elizabeth's marriage to Howard. They are far from being a happy couple. In fact, Howard is controlling and abusive, sadly including explosive episodes of physical violence. For their twenty-year marriage, Elizabeth has experienced cycle after cycle of Howard's abusive treatment. Sadly, with Joe entering into the picture, Howard's violence is often directed to the precious little boy. In fact, it go without saying that this book comes with trigger warnings of domestic and child abuse.
There are alternating points of view in this emotional read by Nicole Trope. Also, there are two more characters that come into play in this riveting read. With intense drama, a sharp emotional edge and a satisfying conclusion, Nicole Trope has written another winner.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
October 1, 2022
A new fast paced thriller is the latest offering from the Aussie author.
Elizabeth and Howard are the perfect foster parents to Joe, a five year old boy.
Holidaying down near the beach in a rental property for a month.
When Joe goes missing everyone turns into a suspect.
Howard points the finger at Gordon, an elderly neighbour with dementia.
But Gordon sees trouble from afar with his own eyes.
Elizabeth blames herself as she was supposed to be protecting Joe.
Soon Joe’s shoe is found in the water.
Who is telling lies?
Who is keeping secrets?
All is not perfect behind closed doors……
Until all is revealed.
Nicole Trope is a go to author when a new book is released.
A smart plot, flawed characters, an inviting setting and the cunning reveal and ending.
The short chapters keep things moving at a quick pace, giving the reader much to think about and digest.
Tense, intriguing, emotional and a story that holds your attention.
Look forward to whatever’s next!
Elizabeth and Howard are the perfect foster parents to Joe, a five year old boy.
Holidaying down near the beach in a rental property for a month.
When Joe goes missing everyone turns into a suspect.
Howard points the finger at Gordon, an elderly neighbour with dementia.
But Gordon sees trouble from afar with his own eyes.
Elizabeth blames herself as she was supposed to be protecting Joe.
Soon Joe’s shoe is found in the water.
Who is telling lies?
Who is keeping secrets?
All is not perfect behind closed doors……
Until all is revealed.
Nicole Trope is a go to author when a new book is released.
A smart plot, flawed characters, an inviting setting and the cunning reveal and ending.
The short chapters keep things moving at a quick pace, giving the reader much to think about and digest.
Tense, intriguing, emotional and a story that holds your attention.
Look forward to whatever’s next!
September 2, 2022
I a,ways know I’m in for a great read with any Nicole Trope novel. This latest domestic noir thriller centers around a little boy I fell in love with, Joe, who has bounced around foster care and a drugged out biological mother still at the tender age of five. Noe he’s placed in the perfect home and family and as we suspect immediately, looks are deceiving and people are monsters. A sweet old man, Gordon, lives opposite the vacation home they have taken for a month. Elizabeth snd her husband Howard have fostered before. This is a heartbreaking and ultimately satisfying story of the system, abusive men and the women who love them. Recommended.
December 13, 2022
Wow this book! I love Nicole Trope always but this one was extra amazing. A domestic thriller that tugs at your heartstrings and makes you feel all the feels. Parts were honestly hard to read but it was eye opening to a very harsh reality that should be talked about more. The characters were so well developed, I loved them so much. I couldn't put it down and I cried at the end. Would give more than 5 stars if I could!
August 30, 2022
It seems you can count on Nicole Trope for a weird domestic thriller.. it was unputdownable [is this even a word lol] I devoured it in a day.
The story flips back and fourth between two storyline that if you're not careful could be confusing but eventually towards the end it all merges and we see how both stories are linked.
It was sick, twisty, engaging and a super quick read. Absolutely superb.
Thank you to Netgalley, Nicole Trope and bookouture for the ARC in exchange for a review .
The story flips back and fourth between two storyline that if you're not careful could be confusing but eventually towards the end it all merges and we see how both stories are linked.
It was sick, twisty, engaging and a super quick read. Absolutely superb.
Thank you to Netgalley, Nicole Trope and bookouture for the ARC in exchange for a review .
September 16, 2022
Thank you to net galley and Bookouture for providing me an ARC of a thriller. I was excited to read this book I have read Nicole Tropes books before and she does not disappoint. This is an another who keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to read more. This book had alot of characters and sometimes I had to go back to reread to keep the characters straight.
January 31, 2023
Addicted
I'm addicted to these sorts of psychological thrillers and some, like this one, just have something more in the storyline. Fantastic reading
I'm addicted to these sorts of psychological thrillers and some, like this one, just have something more in the storyline. Fantastic reading
February 26, 2023
A can’t put down book!
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