This story is centered around two friends, Cassie Barnwell and Billie West. Although they have been best friends since childhood, they continue to grow more distant as the years pass. Cassie married into a wealthy family, recently gave birth to a baby girl, and is a social media influencer on the rise. Billie, on the other hand, is focused on her career, is playing the dating field and is determined to salvage her friendship with Cassie.

This book is not so much about the abduction of a child, as it is about the years-long rather toxic relationship between two women. And it's not quite the thriller I was expecting, but rather a slow-burn domestic drama. The dual POVs and the shifting timelines really helped to build the story and offer clarity. And the audiobook narration was excellent. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and St. Martin's Press for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was really good. The first chapter sucked me right in. I would definitely recommend this to my friends and my book club!

Billie and Cassie have been friends since childhood. However when high school ends they move in different directions. Billie’s mother was divorced and remarried to a man who spent much of his time grooming Billie. She also has early onset dementia. Her stepfather has threatened to send her mother to a lock down unless Billie cooperated with him. Cassie, who was the daughter of social parents who lost their money after her paternal grandmother refused to back up his failed schemes. She is also planning to attend Harvard so she could meet and ultimately marry a man from wealth. Their final year of high school, Billie’s stepfather dies in a fall. The authorities determine it was an accident. The girls continue their relationship until it is no longer convenient for Cassie. This is the early part of the novel and the plot, told by each woman from her viewpoint, is complex. It is filled with truths, half truths and outright lies and will entice readers who like psychological thrillers. Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC for an honest review.

Bye Baby by Carola Lovering is a wild ride! Through multiple timelines and view points Bye Baby is unputdownable! Part thriller, part toxic friendship story, I loved Bye Baby and will be thinking about it for a long time.

Billie and Cassie have been best friends since they were kids. As they have become adults, they have grown apart, but secrets from their past keep them bound to each other. Now as adults, living in New York on different life paths tragedy strikes and draws Billie and Cassie back together.

Bye Baby is written in Carola’s iconic style filled with toxic friendships and family situations that at some points are hard to read.

I’m a big fan of Carola’s writing style and think Bye Baby is her best yet!

Everyone is going to be talking about Bye Baby when it releases in March 2024!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

The story navigates a labyrinth tale of friendship, employing an unexpected narrative approach that juxtaposes a gripping opening with a slow unraveling of interconnected lives. Initially one anticipates a gripping narrative centered on a kidnapping, only to find it serving as a precursor to a retrospective exploration of the intricate bond between childhood friends, Kassie and Billie. The narrative peels back layers, revealing the dynamic yet convoluted relationship between Kassie and Billie. Despite a shared history, the story showcases their diverging paths, leading to a lack of communication and a seemingly estranged bond. The exploration of their friendship, or lack thereof, takes a methodical and leisurely pace, which might challenge some readers' engagement. What stands out prominently is the palpable disconnection between the characters and their inability to resonate with each other's current lives. Despite the deep-rooted connection from their past, it appears that the only remaining tether between them is their shared history, leaving a void in understanding their present-day dynamics. A notable point of intrigue lies in the social dynamics surrounding Kassie and Billie. The lack of acceptance from Kassie's circles contrasts sharply with Billie's unwavering fixation on Kassie's life, particularly through the lens of social media. This dichotomy adds layers to their relationship, hinting at unspoken tensions and unexplored depths/
While the narrative's deliberate pace allows for introspection, it might deter some readers seeking a more immediate connection or resolution regarding the characters' intricate bond. The complexity of their friendship, compounded by diverging life trajectories, might leave readers questioning the essence of their connection and the motivations underlying their actions.
Overall, Bye Baby, offers a thought-provoking exploration of evolving friendships, the impact of shared history on present relationships, and the enigmatic nature of social ties. However, the narrative's pacing and the nebulous nature of the characters' connection might challenge readers' expectations and understanding of the depth of their bond.

Great Book! I was hooked from the first page. I enjoyed how both of the stories unfolded, the past back story of former BBF's Billie and Cassie and the present day story of Cassie's missing baby. The details, the characters, I loved it all!

Ahhh I really enjoyed this book! I couldn't put it down. I wouldn't classify this as a thriller or even suspense in the typical sense. But this was definitely suspenseful in the "shit is going to hit the fan" kind of way. Overall I think I would classify this as more of a contemporary friendship drama with notes trauma bonding and toxicity (that's totally a genre, right?). This was a bit wild, a bit unhinged, a bit relatable, and bunch of fun. You know, as much fun as all that drama can be. This was my first Lovering read, but I will definitely be checking out some of her others in 2024.

Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for my ARC!

I can’t remember the last time I felt this unsettled about a book. It started out great and I fell into it. I read and listened to this and Helen Laser and Karissa Vacker narrated this crazy thing and they were awesome. Each chapter pulled me further and further into the lies, disbelief and disgust. I’ve seen unhealthy relationships before but this one was especially hard to stomach.
The author did a great job writing a gripping, nail biting story that wasn’t like anything I’ve read. I recommend if you like crazy.
4.5⭐️
Thanks Macmillan Audio and St. Martins Press via NetGalley.

I received an ARC of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback. I loved this book and am giving it my first 5-star rating in a while!

Although there is suspense as you learn more about the characters' pasts, as well as while you wait to see how the consequences of Billie's actions will play out, I would not categorize this as a thriller or even domestic suspense. It is more a story of friendship through the years. But there are also huge themes of motherhood, social media, keeping up with the Joneses.

As a parent of a small child, the motherhood stuff was spot on, particularly the parts about breastfeeding. I am not sure I have read anything previously with such raw and real descriptions of that unique aspect of the mother and baby relationship.

Since Cassie is a rising influencer, there is a lot of talk of Instagram and this also resonated with me a lot. Ms. Lovering absolutely nailed the influencer-speak right down to the brands that are totally realistic for a wealthy NYC mommy.

The author is extremely skilled at characterization. Everyone has a personality. Everyone has a specific relationship. I particularly enjoyed the sections with Billie & Jane (everyone should be so lucky to have this kind of relationship with your boss) as well as Cassie & McKay (mean mommies extraordinaire).

The book is heartbreaking throughout and I was definitely dreading the end as I wasn't sure if we would be left even sadder. But I definitely think Ms. Lovering succeeded with how she chose to end the book.

Friendship, secrets, lies, and one fateful night set the stage for Bye, Baby. I was fully invested in this book from the very beginning. Friendships change, people change, and that can be hard when you were once close to someone, when you spent all your time together, but time and circumstances have created a chasm in our relationship. I found this to be a thought-provoking and well written book. This would make a great book club book as there is a lot to discuss within the pages of this book.

Billie and Cassie were once best friends. They grew up together and experienced so much together. They had the tightest of bonds but one traumatic event in high school saw them slowly drifting apart. Now Cassie is a married woman with a baby, a social media following and a clothing store. She is living in the present and looking forward to her future. She is now a wealthy woman and has a new circle of wealthy friends. Billie is single and feels the loss of her once close friendship with Cassie.

From the book description readers know one thing that is going to happen in this book (Billie taking Cassie's baby) But that is only aspect of the book. I loved reading both women's POV's in this book. Both POV's are insightful and slowly readers will learn about their past, their bond, and the event that changed both of their lives forever. It's a big "AHA" moment that explains a lot about certain issues the characters have. The two timelines and two POV's really worked for me in this book.

I could feel for Billie. It is hard when a relationship changes. Having to mourn that loss and move on. I could feel her longing and sense of loss. Her desire to reconnect with her once best friend and be close again. Cassie, I felt for her as she suffered the heart wrenching pain of not knowing where her baby was and if she would ever see her again. Other than that, I found her to be vapid, self-centered, and cruel. She thrived on the attention she received from her social media followers which had me questioning how happy she was in her life. One thing is certain, both women could benefit from therapy.

This book touches on so many things - friendship, motherhood, secrets, relationships, molestation, Alzheimer's and lies to name a few. Some of these may be triggers for some.


I had the pleasure of having the audiobook and kindle version of this book. It made for a fully enjoyable reading experience. The title of this book was very clever as well.

Well written, gripping, hard to put down, thought provoking and riveting.

I didn’t fall in love with this one like I thought I would. I almost DNF but I did want to see how things would end between Cassie and Billie. I did like the Dual POV of the two friends. Hearing them both talk about their friendship was interesting but so much drama. They were both so unlikeable. Overall this book wasn’t for me. This book was describes as a thriller but I didn’t get that vibe at all.

Read if you enjoy:
▪️Secrets
▪️Dual POV
▪️Friend/Family Drama
▪️Suspense

While I wouldn’t categorize this novel as a thriller, this story about the special bonds of friendship between Billie West and Cassie Barnwell had me totally hooked. We all remember having close ties of sisterhood when we were young that were woven tighter than a French braid and as weather-resistant as a double coat of hairspray. Time can tear us all to shreds as we grow beyond the boundaries of our teenage selves. How much strain can those sisterly bonds truly endure?

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has experienced or appreciates the ups and downs of a long-term friendship.

I'd like to thank NetGalley for an advanced copy of Bye, Baby for my unbiased evaluation.  5 stars

A story of childhood friends growing apart. Well developed characters and the plot was interesting. Will definitely read more books by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance ereader copy of “Bye, Baby” by Carola Lovering in exchange for an honest review.

It took me a little bit to get into this dual timeline novel featuring childhood best friends Billie and Cassie, but once I did I was hooked. Now estranged but bound by a shared secret, they are 30-somethings living in NYC. Billie is a single travel writer and concierge for wealthy clients and Cassie is a wealthy, married influencer with a new baby and a new clothing boutique who goes on the kind of vacations Billie writes about. Usurped by Cassie’s college friend and husband’s cousin McKay, Billie is on the outside looking in, stalking Cassie on Instagram, when one night everything changes.

With themes that include wealth and class, internet influencer culture, mental health and more, this layered novel deserves a read. Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Once I started reading Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering I couldn't put it down. I was similarly drawn to her first novel, Tell Me Lies, an all-time favorite of mine. This novel focuses on the story of two young women, Billie and Cassie, both in their 30's. Alternating between the two characters, the story unfolds in chapters focusing on their past and present. It addresses the strong bonds between friends as well as the jealousies, insecurities and life experiences that shape who we are. The subjects of motherhood, female friendship and trauma are explored in relatable storylines. The suspense will propel you until the very end. Definitely an addictive read and something that would be a fun book club read. Carola Lovering hits it out of the ballpark once again.

Despite Billie and Cassie’s lifelong friendship, once Cassie is married with a new group of high-class friends, Billie finds herself an outsider more and more often, until they almost never see or talk to each other.

That is, until tragedy strikes in Cassie’s family, and the only person Cassie wants to see is Billie. But the reason is not necessarily pure - Cassie is horrified at the thought that someone from her and Billie’s past is closing in on her.


Bye, Baby was a good read. It was told from both Billie and Cassie which kept the storyline interesting. I have mixed feelings on how the ending played out though!

Thank you to @netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

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I liked this book, it was an easy ready. Didn't particularly blow my mind and it felt like there were still some loose-ends/Didn't particularly like the ending. Ft a little lackluster

Bye, Baby
By: Carola Lovering
4 👶👶👶👶

Billie and Cassie have been best friends since they were young. Now as adults Cassie’s baby is taken in the middle of a party.
👶
Cassie and Billie share a secret from their past. Billie did not have the best life. Could the disappearance of Cassie’s baby have anything to do with their past?
👶
Sometimes friendships change over the years as people grow in different directions which is the case with these ladies. Cassie has a privileged life with a child and Billie does not have children and her life is very different.
👶
A heart pounding psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. Available March 5, 2024.

❓ Have you ever lost a friendship that you cherished?
#byebaby, #carolalovering, #stmartinspress, #bookreview, #bookstagram, #stamperlady50, #macmillianaudio, #netgalley

This book did a great job of showing how friendships can evolve over time, even with your closest friend. I loved seeing both best friend’s perspectives and getting to see what happened in previous years of their friendship. I think this would be a great read if you are interested in that dynamic, are a mom, someone who knows they never want to be a mom (me!) or just someone who likes a good amount of suspense. You get answers to several questions all throughout the book but still have a few until the ending. I personally loved the ending and felt that it provided answers to all my questions while still leaving the future up to my own imagination.

Such a good one, with good twists and turns. A perfect beach read, and one I adored as a New Yorker, who lives in Gramercy :)