Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Such a Beautiful Family in exchange for an honest review!

This book stressed me out. I felt frustrated the entire time, but to be honest I couldn't tell if that was because of underdeveloped characters or because that was the purpose of the book. While the plot itself was predictable, it was still interesting and compelling. What was a harder sell to me was certain characters' reactions to events as they unfolded. I kept wanting to scream at the characters as they ignored red flags so glaring it became irritating to witness, and as certain characters wised up, the others seemed to grow even blinder. I know that's how you're supposed to feel with books like this, but it felt just a little too unbelievable and caused me to be genuinely annoyed at points. This all being said, I was hooked the entire time and finished it very quickly just to make sure it resolved.

Overall it was interesting, despite being predictable, and made me incredibly invested despite my frustration.

I really enjoyed this book. It kept you in suspense of what she would pull off next. The writing was good. Looking forward to reading more books of this author.

T.R. Ragan’s Such a Beautiful Family just wasn’t, for me, a hit. Whilst the prologue drew me in, from there things just never coalesced into an enjoyable read.

The story begins with a teenage girl receiving a phone call from her best friend—Allina. Allina is panicked and needs a ride home from a party-gone-bad. The friend races to help, though the results of her efforts lead to catastrophic consequences. When the first chapter begins, that fateful evening is long passed, and the identity of the driver, as well as her fate and that of Allina, remain a mystery. We are, however, introduced to Nora and her family. Nora has recently been offered a new job, and though the woman extending that offer, Jane, is sending out “hell-no” vibes, Nora reluctantly accepts the position. Jane wastes no time insinuating herself into every aspect of Nora’s life, befriending Nora’s daughter and flirting shamelessly with Nora’s husband. As Jane devolves into even more of a nuisance and becomes a threat, Nora is forced to face the fact that she should never have accepted the job that now threatens to cost her her career, her family and perhaps even her life.

So the prologue connection is, I’m assuming, initially intentionally vague. The transition from it to the first chapter is so abrupt, however, that it is disorienting. I found myself turning back pages to make sure I hadn’t missed something. I then struggled through the next few chapters trying desperately to identify the thread that surely stitched the two storylines together. That intersection, however, takes FOREVER to emerge, and when it does, it’s so far-fetched that I resented having tried to make sense of it.

As for the writing itself, it struck me as far too informal and formulaic. Chapter 10 begins with “Nora sat”; 11 with “Nora sat”; 13 “Nora stood”; 18 “ Nora walked”; and the list goes on. This simplistic formula for a narrative was made worse by the repeated use of the word “look”, as it appears no less than 243 times. I desperately wanted to send Ragan a thesaurus.

Overall, this was clearly not one I’d be comfortable recommending without a total revamp. As publication isn’t set until December of 2022, Ragan still has a small window of opportunity through which to fix the deficits.

Thanks to Net Galley and Thomas and Mercer Publishing for providing me an ARC copy for review.

A well written thriller by T.R Ragan and a great reminder if something seems too good to be true, it usually is! Although it was a bit predictable, I still really enjoyed the story and flew through it!

Such A Beautiful Family was a well written thriller that follows Nora, as she befriends her new boss, then grows creeped out at how quickly Jane becomes entwined with Nora’s family. There are few surprises in the novel but it is interesting and gripping all the same. Really enjoyed this novel.

Wow another home run. I could not put this down. The storyline was predictable but that did not change the constant fear and suspense. Waiting with bated breath to see what twist was hiding on the next page. The past catches up with the present in this one and you can feel the discomfort and fear of the character mounting with each page turned. Characters that are likeable characters that you have to hate. Well written, well thought out. You can not put this one down. A rollercoaster of page turning till the epic finale

Holy crap I really enjoyed this book! After the first few chapters, it really picked up and I enjoyed it a lot.

I was disappointed with this book, which sounded like a winner from the description. I found it formulaic, trite, predictable, and it used language that was awkward and not at all like people speak.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

This was a thrilling ride from page one! Nora is in a car accident that changes the course of her life! She grows up and has everything she has ever dreamed of. She has a beautiful family. One day she is approached with a job offer that seems too good to be true. Is she lucky or is it too good to be true? It seems someone knows her secrets or is she just paranoid. Be careful of this book it will have you reading instead of what you should be doing!

A great novel! Unique to a lot on the market. I would love to read more from this author! I will definitely recommend!

Thanks to Theresa and NetGalley for allowing me to read Such a Beautiful Family before the publication date.

Nora Harman is married to David, with 15 year old Hailey and 13 year old Trevor, and a successful if not fulfilling career.
When she is headhunted by the beautiful Jane Bell, CEO of IMPACT, Nora is won over by the opportunities and lucrative benefits which the job will bring.

Soon Jane is invading Nora’s private life, arriving uninvited to her home.
Unease creeps in as Nora starts to feel that Jane has invaded her home and taking her family from her.
David and Hailey are taken in by Jane, but Trevor and the dog are not so easily won over.

By this stage, it seemed that Jane was a cuckoo in the Harman’s home.
It was interesting to note that at various points in the book, she was described as a hawk, graceful and predatory as well as a fearless honey badger…..what a combination.

Throughout the book, Theresa has created an underlying tension, a feeling that something dreadful is about to happen whilst Nora is helpless to defend herself and her family against the onslaught.
It is an intriguing tale in which secrets and lies will be revealed.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Thomas & Mercer and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Intriguing, suspenseful and captivating.

I am blown away by what I read! This book is so riveting and an incredible read, let me tell you. I enjoyed everything about Such A Beautiful Family. The plot and characters were believable and memorable. The novel read like watching a Lifetime movie, which gives all the thriller elements I love.

The book kept me engaged from the first page to the end, trying to figure out the antagonist's true motive. And the antagonist's motive was jaw-dropping! Readers, please give this book a try.

Mrs. Ragan, you have found a new fan!

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer Publishing for allowing me to read the ARC.

Nora Harmon has a lot to be thankful for: two great kids, a stable marriage, and now, a dream career. Software consultant Jane Bell wants Nora on her team. She’s offering a fantastic salary, flexible hours, and a chance to travel the world. It sounds too good to be true, but Jane won’t take no for an answer. And she goes to great lengths to make sure she doesn't hear the word no. I love this author. She writes a variety of stories and this one has it all....murder, mayhem, intrigue, thrills and tons of suspense. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.

Wow - talk about a psychopathic boss! This book brings new meaning to the concept of toxic work environments. I really enjoyed the fast pace and the way the author built the relationships and world of the protagonist, giving life and depth to her character and the reader’s ability to feel truly engaged in her world.

Great book! What a thriller! This book had suspense, intrigue, action, and so many crazy plot twists! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my kindle! I will definitely recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

A quick, psychological thriller for a relaxing afternoon.
“Such a Beautiful Family” was my first book by T.R. Ragan. Although somewhat predictable, I was still intrigued to know the repercussions of Nora’s accident when she was younger and find out how it would all come together in the end. Jane was well-written as the psycho woman who slowly, but confidently, inserts herself into Nora and David’s family dynamic. It’s a fast read and has a good balance of supporting characters/storylines to keep you interested until the end.
:Spoiler: I always appreciate when authors don’t kill family pets. Go, Tank!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for
giving me the chance to preview this in exchange for my honest review.

Oh Yeah!! I anxiously await and look forward to reading every new release of Ragan's and Such a Beautiful Family did not disappoint! This is the author's second stand-alone novel, a suspenseful, psychological thriller that will draw you in and not let you up for air. It will have you turning the pages so fast that you're at the end before you know it. The plot was a little predictable and I found myself shaking my head at some of the stupid decisions made throughout, but it did not take away from the thrill or enjoyment of the story. Definitely a solid, domestic mystery / PSYCHO thriller!!

Nora Harmon couldn't ask for more. She has an adoring husband, two great kids and a hard-earned career...until she meets Jane Bell. When Jane propositions Nora to come work for her company, the offer seems too good to be true. Nora feels that it would be stupid to pass on this wonderful opportunity, so she accepts. (BIGGEST MISTAKE OF HER LIFE!!) Little by little, Jane begins to insert herself more into Nora's personal life causing a whirlwind of chaos for her and her family. Is Jane really just the lonely, beautiful woman looking for the love of a family or is she the evil, twisted psycho trying to steal that love away from Nora? I'll let you decide....

While I really enjoyed this novel and Count to Three (her stand-alones), I am an even bigger fan of her series: Lizzy Gardner, Faith McMann, Jessie Cole and Sawyer Brooks. I highly recommend all of her books!! If you haven't read them, what are you waiting for?!?! Start reading these now!! T.R. Ragan is a hidden gem that needs to be celebrated! Can't wait to read what's next!

Thank you to the author, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for allowing me to preview this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Ragan knows how to spin a tale! Tense domestic mystery and suspense - you may think you've figured it out, but no, you haven't! Always hidden twists and dynamic sub-plots between characters - a must for mystery buffs.

Nora is initially thrilled when sig time software consultant, Jane Bell wants to recruit her. An extremely generous salary and the opportunity to travel the world make the decision a no brainer. Jane is more of a friend than a boss, becoming involved in Nora’s personal life. At first it seems to be a dream come true, but then Jane’s preoccupation with Nora’s daughter and husband begin to worry Nora. Is her new boss just being friendly, or is she after something more, like Nora’s family. And you thought your boss was bad!!