You Were Always Mine

This book started out with promise. At first, I liked the characters and I liked the mystery that it began with. I should mention that I listened to the audiobook. I'm not sure if it would have made much of a difference if I'd read it instead. By about half-way through I found I was skipping ahead a lot. I was drowning in the interminable minutiae about Jess's family life, and I was getting tired of all the parenting details, and tired of her misbehaved children. About half-way through I had figured out most of the underlying plot, but then it took forever to get to the reveal, and then even that was drawn out. I was mightily sick of Jess by then as well, as she just didn't seem to make a decision and stick with it, let alone do show more anything or pursue anything to try to find out what happened to her husband. It was so frustrating. And the cops were totally out to lunch throughout. I don't think that in the real world, the police would take things at face value, and not even attempt to try to figure out what actually happened after a crime has been committed. I did finish the book, so I have given it 2 stars. I still think that the premise of the book was a good one. It touched on the world of adoption and it's many pitfalls and uncertainties. That topic is an important one, and in the hands of a better writer, the topic could have had much more of an impact. For me, I was glad to finally get to the end. show less

So many complications in this adoption story---and so cleverly handled by Baart as she leads the reader through all the possible ramifications that can happen with such an unusual mystery mixed into it all. Wonderful book to read about so many issues that can arise in adoption and as Baart explains...she, too, is a mother of adopted children.

This book!! I had high hopes for this one and it did not disappoint! It was my first Nicole Baart and it won’t be my last. I was hooked from the beginning and it was completely engrossing. I love that it focused on the issue of adoption but it was so much more than that. I loved the mystery about Jessica’s husband and it kept me guessing until the very end. The characters were incredibly detailed and I felt like I could totally connect with what they were going though on this journey of what makes a family and who the people around you really are...Thanks to Netgalley and Atria for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A powerful opening that draws the reader right into the story segues into a well done domestic thriller. Jess and her husband, separated for six months, both love their two children, the youngest Gabe adopted. A school teacher, trying to maintain a secure and comfortable home life for her boys, she is devastated when something terrible happens. Now the question is, How well did she know her husband? What was he searching for?

Baarts last book I found too dramatic, but in this one though the situation is dramatic, the writing style is not. As far as domestic thrillers go, this is one of the better ones. Would make a great book discussion, because adoption and the rights of mothers are the main themes here. Also, the black side of adoption show more and the different motives involved. For the longest time I couldn't figure out what was going on, where this was going. Little descriptive entries of women, preceded each chapter. Had no clue what they meant, but they were effective in keeping me engaged.

A mother's love and what they will do for their child. Universal theme that will appeal to many.

ARC from Edelweiss. show less

You Were Always Mine from Nicole Baart is one of those mysteries that keep you turning pages even when you are fairly certain you have most of the mystery solved. It is about the characters and the how of the mystery being solved more than simply solving the mystery.

Jessica, the protagonist in this novel, is a doting mother. Like all of us, she is less than perfect and makes some less than ideal decisions, but her heart is always in the right place. As things begin to unravel after her estranged husband's death a puzzle is presented and the pieces slowly fall into place. Fairly early there are indications of who might be behind it but the storytelling is what makes this a compelling read.

In a book group setting I think there are many show more avenues for discussion. From adoptions and the justice system to finding the ever elusive balance within a domestic setting between family and work and, within the family, between children and spouse.

The characters are well-developed and I felt invested in their well-being. Like any mystery there are a couple of "would that really happen" moments but, without those moments most mysteries would never be written, it is what causes the character's lives to jump tracks. All in all this is a believable and touching story.

Reviewed from a copy made available through Goodreads First Reads. show less

I love Nicole Baart's novels and this is her best one yet! It kept me reading long into the night with characters that I'm still thinking about days after the last page. I highly recommend that you add it to your reading list if you want to read a book that will keep you invested throughout.

Jessica and Evan have two sons - Max at 13 is a typical unreachable teenager and Gabe at 5 who is adopted and a bright and shiny child loved by all. Jessica and Evan have just split up and both are hoping that it isn't permanent as they try to figure out how to share taking care of their children. Gabe was adopted under a closed adoption and there wasn't supposed to be any communication between the birth mother and the adopted family but it appears show more early on that she was communicating with Evan without Jessica knowing about it. A horrific tragedy happens in the family and they struggle to adjust to their new normal. At the same time, outside influences are making life even more difficult for the family. Will they be able to survive as a family and will love win out?

This is a terrific page turner full of intrigue and suspense. It's a fantastic story about the love a mother has for her children and what lengths she will go to keep them safe.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own. show less

What I like about this book is its unpredictability. It's about the dissolution of a marriage due to secrets and unresolved issues. It's about the dark side of adoption and a mother's fierce love for her children. And it's about the friends we keep. With a heart-wrenching yet hopeful ending, this is one of those books that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Thank you to Atria books for my review copy.