This book was excellent! The two seemingly unrelated threads of the stories captivated my interest from the first pages. Wren, Sage and Nicolette, all such sympathetic characters! I couldn't wait to find out what would happen with each of them. Almost midway through the book, their stories start to become intertwined, I couldn't imagine what would eventually happen, but I was totally engrossed in their stories and lives! Added to that was finding out the answer to the mystery of what happened to Wren and Sage's mother and sister. A totally enjoyable book; well written, no needless sex or violence. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and thank NeyGallery and the publisher for the chance to review an advanced reader copy.

Wren, Sage, and Evie live in a cabin with their Mama (Maggie) deep in the woods with no electricity or running water. Nicolette and Brant (a famous photographer) live in a house on the edge of these woods in Stillwater Hills, NY. The book goes back and forth from Wren’s story to Nicolette’s story.

I had never read a Minka Kent book and as I read the first three quarters of the book I was really sucked into the story and found it hard to put down. Why were the girls in the woods? How did Nicolette and Brandt play into their story, etc ? And then their separate stories started coming together. And, to me the book became unrealistic and rushed. Hence, the 3 stars!

I would have liked to known more backstory on Maggie and the man she bought supplies from and less about Nicolette and Brandt’s relationship. Their relationship was important but not to the degree it was discussed. I think if other characters would have been developed it would have given the book much more depth. And, without discussing spoilers, I found the conclusion ridiculous and unbelievable.

I was pretty impressed with this book! The suspense at the end of each of the alternating chapters definitely kept me up late to see what was going to happen next, and it had good pacing that was easy to read pretty quickly. I enjoy books that have two alternate story lines where you are trying to piece together how they intersect, and this was a fun one to try to put together. There were some pieces I figured out early on, but for the most part I was surprised by the various reveals.

Thank you to Minka Kent, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review!

From page one, I could not put this book down. I found myself completely caught up in the story. My interest was held throughout the entirety of the book. Not to mention, I felt that the two viewpoints were a wonderful way to tie the story together. Especially since the two viewpoints were so completely different. Sort of a very simple life versus an incredibly luxurious life. Both main characters, as well as supporting characters, really stood out to me. A majority of the characters and their personalities were believable.

The story line was not the most unique, however it was done in a way that was easy to get caught up in. I loved the major differences between Nicolette's and Wren's viewpoints. You could easy tell that they grew up in almost polar opposite worlds. There were a few things that I felt were thrown in there for "shock factor" or to help add a twist that may not have been necessary. That last few surprises definitely had me narrowing my eyes. However, overall, I thought the book was rather well done. After all, I devoured it in less than 24 hours.

This is a solid 3 stars for me. it was fine, i didn't get bored, and i read it rather quickly. I feel like it's a good starter thriller? For someone wanting to get into the genre who doesn't want much danger or suspense. It has an interesting premise, and I thought the cha

The big reveal towards the end was interesting, and built well throught the story, however, without giving anything away, i had a problem with it. It just rubbed me the wrong way. The wrap up was also a little too quick and tidy for me.

*Advance reader copy provided by Netgalley for review

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Two sisters raised in fear are about to find out why in a chilling novel of psychological suspense.
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I am of huge fan of Minka Kent’s other books and I have to say this now my new favourite. I absolutely devoured this. It was well written, fast paced brimming with suspense. The story was filled with characters that were so vividly described that you felt an emotional attachment. The parallel story lines worked really well for keeping a sense of intrigue and excitement. An amazing original story. Highly recommended.

Love books about people living away from the world but this one wasn't great. It was quite short but the story dragged and the final scenes were cringe-worthy.

I love Minka Kent.

This book was so different from her previous work, without the same jaw dropping twists, but it was SO good. The writing style is still amazing, and you get sucked in right away. Just fantastic.

Thank you to Netgalley, the Publisher, and Minka Kent for the ARC of this book.

I have mixed thoughts. The concept is great and the writing is also very good. It grabbed my attention right away and kept me hooked... for the first half. The pacing was perfect at first, but fell off. I really loved the dynamic between the sisters and the themes of survival but I thought the “twist” was a bit of a reach and not quite in keeping with the tone of the story. I think this will be a hit or miss among readers. For me, it was ultimately a miss; but for the auhtor’s sake, I hope my opinion is unpopular.

19-year old Wren, 18-year old Sage, and 9-year old Evie live with their Mamma deep in the Stillwater forest away from civilization and the evils of the world. When Evie becomes gravely ill, Mamma must carry her out of the forest to seek medical attention...sixty-three days later they still haven't returned. Winter is coming, the chickens are dying, and supplies are running low. The girls have been warned about the dangers that lie beyond the forest. Afraid to leave their home, Wren is certain they will perish in the cabin. One night a man comes to the cabin, forcing his way in...He says he is looking for their Mother, a woman he seems to know. Wren devises a plan for her and her sister to escape, even though it means traveling beyond the boundaries they know...but what they discover will change their lives forever.

The Stillwater Girls is a suspense/mystery novel that begins with two young girls left in a cabin in a remote forest. It transitions between the story of Wren and Nicolette, a wealthy heiress and her photographer husband Brant. As the story progresses we soon discover that these two paths will cross and share a common link. I found the first two-thirds of this novel to be very intriguing and really enjoyable. The last third of the book had me questioning why this unlikely scenario was chosen. Another factor that felt a bit redundant was how often Nicolette talks about how hot her husband was and she couldn't believe why he chose her...so she side steps any confrontation with him. I didn't dislike her character at first but as her inability to cope and self-doubt continued on, I began to dread reading her chapters. Despite these purely personal dislikes, the novel was very well written and the majority of the story was very good. This is definitely a quick, casual, read that was enjoyable and entertaining.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #ThomasandMercer for this ARC

There are rumors that speak of the people living deep in the recesses of Stillwater Forest. Most residents of Stillwater Hills laugh at those stories and put them off to local folklore. But when two gaunt, disheveled girls show up on Nicolette Gideon’s porch, wearing threadbare clothes in the middle of winter everyone will discover exactly what has been hidden away for so many years.

Bravo to Minka Kent for elevating the standard in this genre. #TheStillwaterGirls is a nod to suspense writers who take the time to expound upon a plot through distinct, well-crafted characters and a narrative that continues to compel the reader forward. It makes its impact without a steady stream of violence and that high- tension underpinning that most novels of this genre lean towards. It is raw, emotional, and serendipitous with just the right amount of shock value. Highly recommended. 5 Stars.

Thanks Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, this was minding blowing and nothing like what I expected.
I will not give away any spoilers, suffice to say that this is a compulsive unpredictable mystery thriller at its best. Happy reading!

This was a wonderful surprise! I really enjoyed this book and the premise of the story! I Truly thought someone else was the "bad guy" but the book took a nasty twist at the end that I didn't see coming! I would recommend this to anyone! The market is getting flooded with mystery/thrillers but this one surpasses a lot of them. I am going to have to check out other books by this author.

Welcome to Stillwater where children have been known to disappear. Meet Nicolette a lady with money MC who has been longing for a child. Intertwine a husband, a child narrator and lots of money and you will be on a ride of your life!!!

This was compulsively readable with a huge HUH in there. Can't say more without giving it all away but it was totally not what I was expecting in any way and I can't decide if I think it was a plot cop out or not. Regardless it didn't stop me from devouring the book.

Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wren and Sage: two sisters living in the backwoods of Stillwater when their mother takes younger sister, Evie to get medical help. When they haven't returned after two months and a stranger forces his way into their home, Wren and Sage know they must take matters into their own hands.
On the outskirts of town, Nicolette has discovered a secret photo that her husband has been hiding from her. Is he having an affair or is it something even worse?
And how are these two stories interrelated? From the beginning, Kent hooks you in and tension continues to mount as the revelations are uncovered one at a time! It's a fresh and wild story and an even wilder ride! I loved every minute of it!

I was hooked from the very first page. It was almost like it was taken from an M. Night Shamlayn Movie. I thought that the book could have been longer, with a bit more details...but overall the book was perfect!
I enjoyed the mystery of it and it read like a real life whodunit.
Everyone should enjoy and read this great book.

<b> Short Summary:</b>
An emotional roller coaster ride!

<b>My thoughts:</b>
This was a not-so-typical suspense. Filled with characters that were so vividly described, I found myself emotionally attached as I was pulled into their heart-wrenching journey. It was a mix of suspense and just the right amount of heartbreak.

This is my first book by Minka Kent, but I have another waiting in my TBR. Her writing style is so captivating. I loved every minute of this book.

<b>Recommend:</b> Yes! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a quick, emotional and suspenseful read!

<b>My Rating: </b> 4 ⭐️’s

<b>Published:</b> April 9th 2019 by Thomas & Mercer

<b>Pages:</b> 256

<b>Some of my favorite Excerpts/Words: </b>
<blockquote>”And I recognize the look she’s giving him—it’s the very same look I gave him when I was a young butterfly thrilled to be caught in his net.”</blockquote>

Thank you to NetGalley / Thomas & Mercer / Minka Kent for this digital ARC, in exchange for my honest review!
#NetGalley #TheStillwaterGirls

<b>Book Blurb
Ignorant of civilization and cautioned against its evils, nineteen-year-old Wren and her two sisters, Sage and Evie, were raised in off-the-grid isolation in a primitive cabin in upstate New York. When the youngest grows gravely ill, their mother leaves with the child to get help from a nearby town. And they never return.

As months pass, hope vanishes. Supplies are low. Livestock are dying. A brutal winter is bearing down. Then comes the stranger. He claims to be looking for the girls’ mother, and he’s not leaving without them.

To escape, Wren and her sister must break the rule they’ve grown up with: never go beyond the forest.

Past the thicket of dread, they come upon a house on the other side of the pines. This is where Wren and Sage must confront something more chilling than the unknowable. They’ll discover what’s been hidden from them, what they’re running from, and the secrets that have left them in the dark their entire lives.

I pulse pounding thrill from start to finish. The stories intertwined effortlessly and the resolution was shocking!

Cannot wait to recommend to library patrons and book club members!

Have you ever started a book and literally all you do for the rest of the day is read because you can't put the book down? Well plan on taking a whole day to just sit and read because once you start this book you will have to finish. This book was so captivating from the start to the shocking conclusion. Who is Wren and Sage? Why are these two teenagers found alone in a cabin? Was their mother really saving them from someone or was their mother a psycho? Who is Nicolette and Brant and how are they connected to these girls or are they connected to them? I love how the story flips back from Wren to Nicolette it keeps the reader more captivated. I didn't want this book to end so many twists and a totally shocking conclusion. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great thriller. Love this authors book I have enjoyed every single one but this one is definitely my favorite. Read this book it's a book you will be thinking about hours after you finish it!!

I really enjoyed this book, it sounded different to what I normally read and lived up to that.
Finding out what happened to the girls and how it all began was really good. Wasn't expecting a little twist in there that suprised you. Great read.