Gracie's Secret by Jill Childs

My dearest daughter, I will never forget the day I nearly lost you. The day you learned the secrets that would tear our lives apart...

Time stops for Jen when her beloved daughter, Gracie, is involved in a terrible car crash. After the little girl is pronounced dead at the scene, it's a miracle when paramedics manage to then resuscitate her.

The relief Jen feels at Gracie's recovery is matched only by her fury at the driver of the car-her ex-husband's new girlfriend, Ella. Jen has never trusted Ella, and now her worst fears have been confirmed.

But then Gracie begins to tell strange stories about what she heard in the car that day, and what she saw in those moments near death. It's clear that there's something shocking hidden in Ella's past... but exposing it could tear all their lives apart.

An emotional page-turner that will take your breath away. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain, and Kerry Fisher.

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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars
M/F
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

I'm not quite sure how I feel about this story. I read it in an afternoon and while I can say that it was a very fast read, I'm not sure if I liked the story or, if because of all of the moving pieces, I just found it very intriguing.

The story does suck you right in. You're thrust into the horrifying scenario of a mother hearing that her child has been in a car accident. What follows are days of Jen, the mom, standing vigil next to her daughter, Gracie's bedside. In the background, you have Jen and her failing marriage.

It was sometimes difficult to merge the two storylines, because as the reader, you were rooting for the mom and daughter. On the other side, I wanted to see Jen and her husband dialogue more. I felt almost that their storyline was not necessary.

After Gracie recovered, she began stating things that happened while she was in her coma. And while unbelievable, Jen has no choice but to believe her daughter. I also thought that this was somewhat strange, as they describe Gracie as so young, but she speaks as though she's much older.

Finally, you have the sinister plot that's woven in like a snake, waiting in the grass. As soon as there is a love interest for Jen, I knew that it was going to be the main issue. He is just a presence that doesn't sit easy. Despite wanting Jen to find happiness, you know that there is a train wreck on its way, and you can't help but watch it come closer and closer.

Overall, this was intriguing and disturbing all wrapped into a story about how much a mom can love her child. While at times, there was some obsessive behavior with all of the characters, it was a compelling story.

Jill has always loved stories – real and imaginary. She’s spent 30 years traveling the world as a journalist, living overseas and reporting wherever the news took her. She’s now made her home in London with her husband and twin girls who love stories as much as she does.

Although she’s covered everything from earthquakes and floods, riots and wars, she’s found some of the most extraordinary stories right here at home – in the secrets and lies she imagines behind closed doors on ordinary streets, just like yours.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Gracie's Secret by Jill Childs to read and review.