Excellent characterisation.

It is so telling (in a good way) that the name of the main character has already slipped from my memory. What I actually enjoyed about this novel was not so much the storyline but the way it was crafted. In short: I like the way the author writes. Her characters are authentic. The narration was excellent, especially the portrayal of Marlene. I thoroughly recommend this audio book.

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2 people found this helpful

Promised so much, but..

A real slow burner this book. Took forever to get anywhere. Almost gave up, but I did persevere. Found myself a little bored sadly. All the details in the last chapters. By which time I didn’t really care.
Performance on audible it’s only saving grace. Don’t waste a credit!

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Where is this Killer Twist?

I enjoyed the Narration. Some good characters and it was slightly spooky which made me look forward to the ending but when we got there I was sadly disappointed.

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Good read from stepmother view

Written as story of the new stepmother not a bad but messed up girl who found her dream marriage not a fairy tale
Sad after her dreadful childhood
Recommended as good read

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1 person found this helpful

Fast paced, thriller, dark, eerie & addictive!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would happily recommend this based on the intensity of the story. Begin with a basic fairy tale 'Snow White' and sink rapidly into unhappiness, lack of trust, so many secrets, jealousy, fear and confusion. When all Jeanie wanted was to live happily ever after with her beau, she didn't realise how difficult it would be to blend the families with so many external influences. Step-Mother's tend to get a bad name but sometimes it's not as simple as that. There were so many twists and turns to endure, it felt like a dead-end and then would ramp into another moment of tension. There were a few 'sick' incidents so if you have a *trigger* for animal harm beware.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I would like to think Jeanie would be my favourite but at times she was just too nice or weak, her character came across as downtrodden and wishy washy, maybe she was simply worn out with all the events. In which case her sister Marlena probably grabbed my attention the most. She was harsher, abrupt, not an overly likeable person but she does show a softer more dependant side and actually has a pretty big secret of her own! On that basis she added some fire to the story. Scarlett came a lose second, the spoiled little 'princess' daughter. Again a slight *trigger* for self-harming.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Karina Fernandez?

Personally the answer to that would be no. Her voice grated on my nerves when she was reading Jeanie's character. I think I might have perceived Jeanie slightly differently had I 'read' the book instead of listened. The majority of the audio was ok but the narration certainly knocked the overall score of the book down for me which is rather unfair to the author because she did a fabulous job with the story.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It didn't cause a laugh or cry reaction but it was certainly very tense in places. I found myself saying just one more chapter and so it would go on, I never quite got to a point where I wanted to take a break because I was desperate to find out what would be revealed next. So a level of high enjoyment was definitely achieved.

Any additional comments?

As with any story there are always a few niggles .. my major gripe with this one is Jeanie managed to marry Matthew without disclosing her BIG secret. Has she not heard of social media and the story getting out! Also as a mother it didn't ring too true with me when Jeanie's son Frankie was accused of something by Matthew and she didn't stand up for him. Nevertheless it was a brilliantly written story and I enjoyed Claire's easy style. Put aside a few hours and savour this one.
Many thanks to Kim at Bookouture for the audio version in exchange for my honest opinion.

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3 people found this helpful

A must read!

Had me gripped from start to finish. Really hard to put down. Great characters. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

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Wow! Seriously unputdownable!

Which character – as performed by Karina Fernandez – was your favourite?

The narration was first class.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I don't often get emotional at books, but this one did bring tears to my eyes at one point. I feel sure this must be because the characters are so well drawn that I was thoroughly engaged with them.

Any additional comments?

This is a great book. Well written, excellent, well drawn characters and interestingly story that certainly kept me gripped. I couldn't put it down.

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3 people found this helpful

Good story

Bit hard to get into, you need to concentrate on it but once you get going it’s a good story.

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unexpected enemies

Would you listen to The Stepmother again? Why?

Yes. It was gripping and well read. I was kept guessing to the end.

What other book might you compare The Stepmother to, and why?

Not sure

What does Karina Fernandez bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I liked her voice.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No I like to listen over time.

Any additional comments?

No

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1 person found this helpful

Great listen really enjoyed it

This is narrated well and the characters are believable. A great listen that is full of surprises

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