Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I started & stopped this one a few times. It took me a while to really get going and even once I did I had to push myself to finish it. I never connected with the characters even to feel invested in the story.

I felt like there was a lot of unnecessary details, like a missing boy that ends up having nothing to do with the storyline. I kept waiting for that plot line to be tied in some how, considering how much it was mentioned but it’s not.

The ending was exactly what I thought it would be. I know plenty of people will enjoy this one, I was not one of them.

I don’t know what I would do if a child that I was watching for a friend went missing while under my care. I can’t imagine the thoughts, fears and anger that would course through my body if I was either of the mothers in this book.

Charlotte and Harriet were friends, at least that is what Charlotte thought, but as time moves forward and the police look further into their lives, the depths of their friendship is questioned. So many different things kept drawing me into this story. I was able to read this quickly and it surprised me. Although, this is the first time I’ve heard about or read anything from this author, I doubt it will be my last.

Her One Mistake is a psychological thriller that will hold your attention until the very end. Overall, it was a unique story, with realistic characters, and a plausible ending. This was my first time reading a Heidi Perks story, and it will not be my last.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Every time I thought I knew where this story was going, WHOAH- didn't see that twist coming! Then before I knew it, another startling revelation had me rethinking what was going to happen next. This is a fast-moving thriller that kept my attention throughout. The jumps between characters and times were jarring at times but not enough to detract a lot from the enjoyment of the story.

I confess I did expect something more to happen in the very last few pages - and was surprised when it didn't which left me wondering if it had been better if the book had ended when the most shocking twist took place.

Overall, a very entertaining book and I look forward to future books by this author.

I was pleasntly surprised by Heidi Perks, Her One Mistake. It is a book that draws you in from the first page, but it alao gives you an immediate sense of unease. Something just seems off, although you can't really pinpoint what causes that feeling. As the story continues, things do not progress as you think they will and your sympathies will change many times throughout the reading of the book.

At first glance this might seem like a book that would interest primarily mothers or females in general, but I think anyone of any age or sex could find reading this thriller an enjoyable experience.

A thought-provoking story that begs the question of just how far a parent would go to protect their child, and how many secrets a person can expect a friend to keep. While the storyline did hold my interest, there were a few things that bothered me about this one, leaving me somewhere in the middle with how I felt about it. The timeline jumps back and forth between the now, about two weeks past Alice's disappearance, and the day it happened, plus some glimpses from even further back. That, in itself, wasn't problematic, but the jumps from first person to third person were a little jarring, pulling me out of the story. There were also a few things that just weren't believable, especially the investigators, who were a bit caricature-like for most of the investigation into the abduction. I will add that I felt like the court of public opinion where Charlotte was concerned was done very well, painting an accurate picture of the naysayers and those fair-weather friends who all think they know the circumstances. The story was a mix of too obvious twists and those we can't see coming, but it ended pretty much as I expected it to once the key elements were revealed. In the end, there were things I liked and things I didn't, but it was interesting enough to keep me turning the pages. All in all, Her One Mistake is a promising debut from this author, and I look forward to checking out whatever she does next.

When Charlotte Reynolds, a mother of three agrees to babysit her friend Harriet’s four-year-old daughter Alice while Harriet goes to a bookkeeping class, neither woman realizes how much this favor will test their friendship and alter both of their lives. Harriet was very protective of Alice and had never left her with anyone else until that day and was hesitant about leaving her with Charlotte, even though she was a good friend. Charlotte convinces Harriet that everything will be fine and takes her children and Alice to the school fair for the afternoon. A short time into their fair visit, Charlotte realizes she has lost Alice. In the next few weeks as the fevered search for Alice continues, both women’s limits are tested. Alice must deal with the loss of her daughter and the stress of unanswered questions as the police try to locate her daughter. Charlotte discovers quickly how someone can be vilified by acquaintances and complete strangers for a life-changing mistake. This book will make every parent of young children think twice before taking their eyes off of their children in public, for something as mundane as checking social media on their phones. This novel is a twisty good read which will be hard for readers to put down.

Really good book. I enjoyed reading about Harriet and Charlotte’s relationship. It was written in switched chapters, between the women, as well as past, and present. Even once the twist was revealed, it kept me reading. Well written, edge of seat book. I was lucky enough to get an ARC through Netgalley.

All parents know that it's impossible to keep your children in view all the times, and all parents know it only takes a moment for them to disappear. That's why Her One Mistake is so hugely relatable to so many readers. We know it could happen to us, it could be our child.

Harriet has asked her only friend Charlotte to watch her 4-year-old daughter, Alice, for the day while she attends a bookkeeping class. This is the very first time Harriet has ever been separated from her daughter (odd to say the least) and both mother and daughter are a bit nervous about the separation. However, Charlotte, with three children of her own, is happy to help. It's a beautiful day, one perfect to attend the local summer fair. As the children run around the back of the inflatable jungle house to get in line, Charlotte settles herself down on a nearby bench to wait for them to come through. But Alice doesn't reappear. Charlotte waits a few minutes, thinking she may still be on her way through, but when she still doesn't see Alice, she questions her children as to where she is. They don't know - in fact, they're not even sure she was in line with them.

Charlotte becomes more and more frantic in her search, asking others around her to help. Soon someone calls the police and the search and investigation begin in earnest. It was only seven months ago that a boy disappeared in the local area. He's still missing, so tensions are running very high.

Charlotte is devastated that her friend's child disappeared while under her care. Social media soon reacts to Alice's disappearance, some showing support for Charlotte and sorrow for what Harriet, Harriet's husband Brian, and Charlotte must all be going through. Others are quick to vilify Charlotte, especially when it is discovered that she had checked her phone while waiting for the children to finish the inflatable.

Each of these women have secrets, and the reader is fed bread crumbs until they are fully revealed. There are some delightful twists too. All of the characters in the book are well drawn and believable. (One I found exceptionally easy to dislike right from the start, but I won't say who!)

How much can a friendship bear without splintering? How much can a person forgive?

This is a well-done, entrancing psychological suspense read. I highly recommend it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

<b>One sentence summary</b>
Her One Mistake is a heartbreaking and terrifying look into a mother’s life after her daughter disappears.

<b>My thoughts</b>
How do you continue to function after your child has disappeared? And what do you say to your best friend, who was watching her at the time? Is it worse to lose your own child or someone else’s child?

This novel follows the lives and friendship of two women as they are torn apart over the disappearance of a child. It will make you want to cry and scream at the same time, but you won’t want to stop reading!

Charlotte is watching her best friend’s daughter Alice, when she disappears. The devastating incident has shattered their relationship...and will change the course of their lives.

I can’t imagine being in either woman’s place and I’m not sure which woman I felt more sympathy for. As a mother myself, the thought of losing a child is unimaginable, so my heart instantly went out to the mother—Harriet. At the same time, I can’t imagine the guilt Charlotte feels knowing she’s responsible for her best friend’s anguish. I felt no sympathy for the father—Brian. He was controlling and over-the-top with the doting behavior of his wife, which drove me crazy.

It took a little bit for the book to hook me, but once it did...WOW! Heidi Perks is a new author for me and I loved her writing style...I highly recommend this one! She is now on my list of favorite authors.

<b>My Rating: </b>4.5 ⭐️’s

Thank you to NetGalley / Gallery Books / Heidi Perks for this digital ARC, in exchange for my honest review!
#NetGalley #HerOneMistake

<b>Book Blurb</b>
What should have been a fun-filled, carefree day takes a tragic turn for the worse for one mother when her best friend’s child goes missing in this suspenseful, compulsively readable, and darkly twisted psychological thriller.

It all started at the school fair…

Charlotte was supposed to be looking after the children, and she swears she was. She only took her eyes off of them for one second. But when her three kids are all safe and sound at the school fair, and Alice, her best friend Harriet’s daughter, is nowhere to be found, Charlotte panics. Frantically searching everywhere, Charlotte knows she must find the courage to tell Harriet that her beloved only child is missing. And admit that she has only herself to blame.

Harriet, devastated by this unthinkable, unbearable loss, can no longer bring herself to speak to Charlotte again, much less trust her. Now more isolated than ever and struggling to keep her marriage afloat, Harriet believes nothing and no one. But as the police bear down on both women trying to piece together the puzzle of what happened to this little girl, dark secrets begin to surface—and Harriet discovers that confiding in Charlotte again may be the only thing that will reunite her with her daughter....

This breathless and fast-paced debut—perfect for fans of Big Little Lies and The Couple Next Door—takes you on a chilling journey that will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Every so often a book comes along that is so incredibly thought provoking. It grabs you, shakes you and never lets go. This is a shocking story of one parent losing another parent's child. The story was a smartly structured riveting thriller that keeps you enthralled.

A must read

4.5 stars

If this is the author’s debut book, then I can’t wait to see what she will produce as a seasoned writer!

Charlotte faces every mother’s nightmare: a missing child. However, in this case, the child belongs to her best friend Harriet. Throw in accusations from people Charlotte thought were her friends and a manipulative husband, and you have the recipe for a gripping story.

The story is told from dual perspectives (Charlotte and Harriet), as well as from the past and present. This gives a well-rounded look at the story unfolding. Numerous twists and turns, as well as a fast pace, will keep the reader guessing throughout. Just when you think you have it all figured out, you may discover that you weren’t even close to correct … which I really enjoy with a psychological thrillers!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Maybe I'm just too tired of Gone Girl type stories but this book didn't do anything for me. It's well written and interesting but it doesn't cover any new ground. It's ok for what it is, but there is nothing new here.

As a mother of three myself, the premise of this book terrified me. Even just imagining the scenario playing out in my real life: watching my friend's child for her and then losing the child- was difficult. This book is about Charlotte, a working mom of three, who seems to have it all to her friend, Harriet. Harriet is married to Brian and has one daughter, named Alice. Charlotte is Harriet's only friend, so when Harriet reluctantly agrees to let Charlotte watch Alice so Harriet can take some classes to help get a career, Charlotte is thrilled. I don't think it gives anything away to say that things go awry and Alice disappears while Charlotte is watching her. The police and the public are quick to blame Charlotte, and of course, she blames herself. But what if there is more to this story?

Everyone has secrets in this book, and not everyone is who they seem to be, especially in public. There were some good twists in this book, as well as some that were more predictable. I really liked Charlotte, and found myself relating to her, especially as a working mom myself. Despite appearing to have the perfect life, she had recently separated from her husband and had to adjust to taking care of her kids on her own. After the incident, she realizes that she wasn't as good a friend to Harriet as she thought. Their relationship was actually more one-sided than she ever realized. The Harriet character was a little less realistic, given some of the things that happen and choices that she makes. Overall, this was a solid thriller that reminded me of The Couple Next Door.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review!*

** 3 1/2 STARS**
I dare you to put this down, I dare you. This is a mind gripping, page turning, suspenseful read. A fun filled day at a school fair turns into every parents worst nightmare as a child turns up missing, even worse, a child in the care of a friend. Charlotte has convinced Harriet to leave her daughter for the first time, and now she has to tell her that she is gone, when all of Charlotte's children are safe.

This is a FAST paced thrill of a read with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. Some of them come from no where, and could benefit from a little bit of a build up in my eyes, but overall the story line was enjoyable, and the can't-put-down factor was excellent. It is hard to not like a book when you are drawn to it!

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced reading copy, in exchange for an honest review. Her One Mistake releases on January 8, 2019!
Simon and Schuster

In this book we go back and forth between Charlotte and Harriett's POV "before" and "after" the fair. Most of the chapters are labeled "before" or "Charlotte", and then some are not labeled at all... so that can get a little bit confusing - however it is easy to figure out where you are within the first 4 sentences usually. I will say that Perks does a great job at differentiating between her two main characters and their feelings on the opposing sides of this situation. You really feel for both of the women in this story, of course the mother that lost her child, but also the mother that lost someone else's child. The feelings and reactions were relatable and I didn't catch myself rolling my eyes or questioning a characters mourning/grief responses.

The plot/twists - obviously with this genre I can't delve too deep here.. but I will say, I could pretty much see everything coming.. that being said, I still turned the pages like they were on fire, and I still enjoyed the read. There were other ways things could have gone as well, so it isn't like there was only one outcome and it was open and close - I just so happened to guess correctly... I really think that the twists could have had a bit more of a build to them... things were really getting really intense and then all of a sudden this GIANT turning point in the story was delivered very.... flatly..

All in all, the only reason I couldn't give this 4 full stars was only because of some of the confusion and how it felt rushed a bit towards the middle - but I loved the plot and I loved the characters, and I for sure would recommend to someone looking for a "popcorn" read, as Abby at Crime By The Book would call it 🤓

This has been compared to The Perfect Mother - and for the record - ITS WAY BETTER!!!!

Just finished this beauty, which only took a couple of days because it was sooo good and kept me on the edge of my seat!
A huge thank you to #Gallerybooks and #NetGalley for the #arc of this amazing read!! I enjoyed every word that was easily read in this thriller!
Who dunnit and why they did it, that's the question and just because there's no physical abuse doesn't mean, there's no abuse. Always remember that and remember to stick up for yourself! Be proactive is the name of the game!
This felt like a great #beachread as it flowed so fast and freely. There wasn't anything too difficult to understand, it was just a truly great story. I'm grateful for these delectable tales that can keep you up past your bedtime, these are the reasons books are one of my favorite things.
Thanks again to the publisher and netgalley for the gift of reading books before they're published!!

Thank you NetGalley for the Arc of ‘Her One Mistake’ by Heidi Perks.

This book focuses on a parent’s worst nightmare of their child going missing while in the care of a friend. Harriet has allowed her daughter Alice to attend a school fair with her best friend Charlotte and her children. Alice disappears while Charlotte is distracted for a moment. The story is told from both Charlotte’s and Harriet’s perspectives and the agony that each of them endures after Alice's disappearance. This is quite well done but I found myself wanting a bit more depth to each of their struggles. All in all, this was a solid, well written book that kept my attention to the end.

What should have been a fun afternoon out at the school carnival ends in every parents worst nightmare. Hazel has never trusted anyone to watch her precious four year old daughter Alice, until her best friend Charlotte offers to take her to the school carnival with her own three children. Did Charlotte taking her attention away from the kids to check her phone contribute to the disappearance of Alice or were there other factors at work? Gripping emotional thriller that will have you guessing the whole time.

Her One Mistake is a suspense/thriller about what happens when Alice, daughter of Harriet and Brian, who is being watched by Harriet's friend Charlotte, goes missing during a school fair.

It's very standard stuff--Charlotte feels guilty that Alice disappeared while she was watching her, Harriet is devastated, and Brian skulks about.

You can guess what's coming. The real surprise for me wasn't how uninterested I was in the "mystery" (it's not even remotely mysterious nor is it thrilling) but how I wanted to know more about Charlotte. I know I was meant to care about Harriet but I wanted more about what Charlotte was going through.

The biggest problem I had with Her One Mistake was the ending. I think it's meant to be both a little open ended and mysterious but it just felt flat. Harriet was still Harriet but although it's clear that Charlotte has changed, there was so little given about it that I found myself not thinking "Wow!" or even "Hmmm...." but just "Blah."

Which really sums up the book as a whole for me. It's just blah, with an ending that lacks any oomph, as if the word count or page number was met and that was it.

Readable but not even remotely compelling.

Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

A solid 4.75 star rating from me!

Charlotte's longtime friend Harriet has always been overly protective of her 4 year old daughter Alice. So protective she seems to never allow Alice out of her site. So when Harriet approaches Charlotte to ask her to watch after Alice and take her to a school faire so that Harriet attend a bookkeeping course Charlotte is honored to be asked. It seems like an easy task, after all she has been planning to take her three children to the faire anyway. What could go wrong? It turns out a lot actually. As Charlotte waits outside a bouncy run with her littlest daughter for her son,eldest daughter and Alice to finish it ends up only her children come out. Alice is nowhere to be found.

As Harriet begins to live through the worse nightmare a parent can live through and things are not much easier for Charlotte. None of Charlotte's friends seem to trust her anymore, rumours begin to spread about her and how she had lost track of her own sons years ago.


"Her One Mistake" is the kind of thriller I really enjoy. One of my favorite genres is British thrillers and this was written very well. I do believe that you will be able to figure out the twists but I would be shocked if it ruined your enjoyment of the novel.