Another Mother

by Amanda James

Bloodhound Books

Publication Date : April 10, 2018

Synopsis from Publisher:

Adopted at birth, for years Lu has secretly dreamt of finding her birth mother but childhood bullying has left her with a lack of confidence. When a tragic accident changes her life forever it sets her on a mission to get in contact with her birth mother and find out the reasons behind her adoption.

When she tracks down her mother in Cornwall there is an emotional reunion and the pair begin to form a relationship.

But is everything as wonderful as it appears or has Lu walked into a nightmare?

The impact of a loved one’s death can bring out many emotions. Grief, despair, hopelessness, just to name a few. In some cases, death makes those left behind more determined to live life to its fullest and not waste a single day. I have always admired those who choose to seize the day, but I also feel a little concerned. Is the bereaved  in the right state of mind to make decisions? Will someone try to take advantage of their vulnerable state? Another Mother, is the story of a young woman who has chosen to seize the day, after losing her mother. She embarks on a journey full of secrets, betrayals, and danger.

Lucinda has always been comfortable being out of the limelight. In her work and personal relationships, she is happy to be in the background. After losing her mother, Lucinda is ready to break out of her shell and find her place in the world. Lucinda believes to do this, she must find her biological mother. Lucinda departs for Cornwall leaving behind her home, and her father to meet her birth mother. She hopes to get answers but instead discovers many more questions.

As a child Lucinda was subjected to bullying which has left her scarred and introverted. So much so that as an adult, she still has flashbacks of the bullying when she is anxious or stressed. James does a fantastic job illustrating the long terms affects of bullying. While I felt an enormous amount of sympathy for Lucinda, I also admired her self-awareness. Lucinda knows her life could be better, she wants it to be better. She longs for happiness. One of the sadder parts of the story is Lucinda describing a recent New Year’s Eve, where she looked to the sky and wished for a happier more fulfilled year. This made Lucinda very relatable. Readers will cheer for Lucinda when she decides to take control of her life.

The death of Lucinda's mother leaves her father, Steve devastated. He becomes completely withdrawn and barely functions. Luckily Adelaide, their neighbor, steps in and adds some sense of normalcy to Lucinda and Steve's lives.  With nothing but the best of intentions Adelaide provides support, comfort, and sound advice. Adelaide was my favorite character. She is wise and insightful without being overbearing.  In Adelaide, James created the person I wish for everyone who is dealing with the death of a loved one.

Another Mother is a binge worthy read. While a little slow to start, Lucinda's arrival in Cornwall is a turning point in the story and readers will race to the end where a shocking twist unravels. Readers looking for a page turning, spring time binge read, should add Another Mother to thier list of must reads. 

Murder and Moore Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars