By: Jen Craven
Many thanks to Bookouture for the ARC of this book and the stop on the book tour!
About the Book
When my teenage son Miles and his best friend Isaac ask to have a party at our house, I immediately agree—as a single mom, I’m used to making the decisions and they need to let off steam. But later that night when I’m woken by the blare of sirens and see blue lights streaking across the sky, I realize I am living every parent’s worst nightmare.
They said they would stay in the garage. So why aren’t they there? Sprinting over to the lake at the bottom of the garden, my heart pounding all I can think is, where is my son? Is he hurt? Then in horror, I watch as Isaac is pulled onto a stretcher.
Guilt crashes over me in waves as I struggle to breathe. I never meant for any of this to happen, but I know this is all my fault. I should never have left them. Beth trusted me to look after her son and I already know that she’ll never forgive me.
As Isaac’s life hangs in the balance, I feel a rising sense of panic. What if he never wakes up? And if he does, will he tell everyone what really happened that night and tear our families apart forever?
My Review
This book is a heart-wrenching read. It’s so hard not to feel many different emotions while reading. You worry about Isaac and whether he’s going to be okay, you’re angry at CiCi for multiple reasons, but then you’re also a little sympathetic to Cici because she thought this was a better choice. It’s hard to grapple with wanting to see her be charged and knowing that she’s a single mom – what would happen to her kids?
This book really makes one aware that situations are never just black and white. A lot of times they are very gray, and various shades of gray. Putting myself into Cici’s shoes, I can see where she was coming from. I’m a parent, and while my choices are different, I can’t exactly fault her for her choices.
This is a fast read. The writing is easy and it flows well. I will say this, I wanted more from the ending. It sort of felt like it was left hanging a little bit. As a reader, I have some unanswered questions.
So if you like an emotional read, check this book out!
Publish Date: March 12, 2026
Find the book here.
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