Loved this book! The relationship between the sisters was beautiful - the way they were fiercely protective of one another after the growing up the way they did was incredible. I had a few theories of where this book would land and I couldn't have guessed the ending. Couldn't put this book down!

This was a powerful story about the bond these "sisters" made while growing up with Miss. Fairchild. While the child abuse theme was very prevalent in the story, I thought it was done in a respectful way, if that makes sense. Coming from an educational background, I know the power that trauma has on children growing up and how it affects their entire life, with and without help. I enjoyed reading about these sisters individual lives as adults in the present and love that Jess was the mama bear type to the other two girls. The weaving between present day while learning about the past in foster care with Miss Fairchild was done very well. It took me awhile to figure that Holly was the one discussing her past (even though it was a lie) to the doctor throughout the book. And did I see that last page or two coming? Absolutely not. That is the type of thriller/crime book that I like to read. Bravo! Thank you again for the advanced copy!

3 1/2 stars. I really liked the story, it was a fun read with the chapters from different views and a different time. The end twist was a little disapointing but I did enjoy the book.

Darling Girls is my second Sally Hepworth novel, and my response is a mixed bag of grief and dislike. Hepworth creates a sad and frightening image of foster homes and children who exist within the foster system. Her central characters are 3 girls, Jessica, Norah, and Alicia, who bond as a way to escape their brutal foster home and the psychotic Miss Fairchild, who mothers them. These 3 girls become symbiotic sisters, who are connected not by blood but by experience.

The author's note at the end of Darling Girls reveals the research that the author completed before writing this novel. Hepworth is adept at creating a picture of horror and devastation, and as such, the ending is problematic. Throughout Darling Girls, readers experience a childhood marked by misery and abuse. And yet, within less than a year, the epilogue relates how all 3 girls have managed to salvage their lives, having erased the previous 25 years, which are best defined as dysfunctional. The ending for Jessica, Norah, and Alicia is too easy. And as for Miss Fairchild, who can only be described as psychotic, her ending is supposed to both excite and scare readers. Is her ending also a lie? Should readers believe nothing of what they have read? Darling Girls does not need happy endings or a psychotic ending. This novel was too good for easy endings.

I want to thank the author, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I am glad I read this novel, as will other readers, who will likely argue about the ending, as have I.

What a great psychological thriller. It grabs you from the beginning and never lets up. It was hard to put this one down. Three girls, born of different families, become sisters out of necessity. They are foster children in a house owned by a narcissistic, abusive woman. They learn to survive their ordeal but the psychological injuries follow them through adulthood into their own relationships with others. They are summoned back to the home by police when bones are found under the house. As the bones and their identity are unearthed, so are the past experiences and torment they lived through. The idea that “Hurt people, hurt people” is a major undercurrent of the story. But it also isn’t inevitable. With work, you can rise above your past and make a healthy life for yourself. I highly recommend this book.

"Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth is a poignant exploration of sisterhood, secrets, and the enduring bonds that tie us together. Hepworth masterfully crafts characters with depth, making their individual stories compelling and relatable. The intertwining narratives create a sense of mystery and anticipation, though the pacing occasionally felt a bit uneven. Nevertheless, the emotional resonance of the novel and the powerful themes earn it a solid 4 stars. A beautifully written tale that captures the complexities of familial relationships and the strength found in sisterly connections. 📚❤️ #BookReview #DarlingGirls #SallyHepworth #FourStarRead"

This was SO good! Every Sally Hepworth novel is a must read for me, and this one is my absolute favorite of hers. It pulled me in from the very beginning and kept my interest the whole way through. I love a book with a good twist, and this one did not disappoint! A solid 4.5 stars to say the least.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Previously, I have only read a short story by this author and that will change. Darling Girls was so good! Loved the story and the dual timeline helped to get to know all the characters. This book kept me wanting more until the very last page.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the e-ARC.

Publication Date: 4/23/24

Great storyline. It's based around 3 Foster children and bounces from their lives now to their childhoods. As well as the foster mother. Lots of sad sad stuff but also a good story of holding on to what you love and just a longing for having something to love as well. You have the feeling you know what happened the whole time but the journey of the book takes you a bunch of different directions. The characters have flaws that are easy to connect with and develop empathy with, even the evil in them. The choices aren't top notch but have a bit of reality to them to make you understand why they're being made. I say a 4 star for me personally because I did continue reading it deep into the night at least a couple times so it had that I need to know factor even when I thought I knew.

Ooh I liked this book! I liked the characters and the sisters and the fact that I kept thinking I knew what was going to happen but was pleasantly surprised to find out that I was wrong!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book!

This is my third book by Sally Hepworth and sadly my least favorite. It pulled me in immediately and the backstory kept me engrossed in the first half. Half way through the book it felt less like a psychological thriller. It kind of dragged on. Although there are twists and turns but some of them felt forced.

The ending was crazy but it was done poorly. I felt like it was added to give that shock in the end. Also there was no explanation given for her craziness.

Overall it was fast paced and a quick read. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC for my honest review.

Another well-written domestic thriller/mystery by Sally Hepworth! I loved the pacing, the multiple POVs, and the storyline. Also, there was definitely a twist I didn't see coming! Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Excellent book by Sally Hepworth! Now that she has dipped her toe into the thriller genre, she just keeps getting better and better! This one is my favorite so far! I love the mystery between the sisters and their foster mother. Just when you think you solved the puzzle, another clue is added to the mix and you’re back to square one again.

Having enjoyed some of the author's previous books, I was delighted to get the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. I'm very glad to have read it. I found it to be a very suspenseful story with twists and turns that continued until the very end of the book. The plot was unique and intricate, and the characters were well-developed. By the time I got towards the end of the book, I couldn't go to bed before I finished it. Although I'm not crazy about reading about child abuse, the story was told in such a way that it was well worth reading. I highly recommend this book.

I didn't like this one as much as previous Sally Hepworth books. The story of 3 foster girls was a very sad one and makes you think there are no good foster homes. This foster was a little over the top, but I enjoyed the 3 sisters. Jessica's husband was pretty much a non-entity in the story but the other chapters were good.

Thank you for the ARC NetGalley!

Sally Hepworth once again paints an intriguing look at relationships, and keeps one guessing until the very end. Good character development, and a story that kept me engaged. The characters were likeable, and each brought a unique perspective to the story that came full circle at the end. This is the story of sisters- not by blood- who go back to where their childhood first united them in the foster care system, after the discovery of a ghastly secret that's been kept for years.

I loved this fascinating study of foster children, their experiences, their emotional journey, and their coping mechanisms. It carries the suspense to the very end of the novel. It took me on a journey with three foster children who became like sisters in order to survive the challenging situations they experienced in foster care. It got very confusing as the journey unfolded and a death was discovered. It was sad and poignant and devastating. It was a well-written and intricately developed plot that kept me guessing and trying to understand what really happened. Full of lies, obfuscations, and finally the truth after the girls are already sadly damaged. A first-rate author.

First of all, huge thank you to St Martin's Press for the ARC!

Second of all, it needs to be said that I am a HUGE Sally Hepworth fan. I have read most of her books and I always love them. She always pushes the envelope and writes some of the...most insane...characters I've ever read. I thought I've seen some crazy things from her, but they all seem mild compared to this one. Sally may be just a little unhinged LOL

Anyways, I haven't read an ending of a book that good (bad? disturbing?) in a long time.

This book is insanely readable; you won't be able to put it down. I went into this book blind and had no idea what to expect, which I think made things even more shocking. The way that the past and present storylines unfold here show just how truly talented Hepworth is. She kept me curious and locked-in by unraveling clues and twists slowly yet consistently throughout the whole book.

I definitely thought I had everything figured out and still would have enjoyed it even if I was right, but then I got thrown a major curve ball and now I'm doubting everything I've ever known in my entire life. Thanks, Sally.

Have I mentioned that this book is disturbing? Don't say I didn't, say I didn't warn you!

4.5 stars rounded up

Oh boy. This was SUCH a good book. I enjoy Sally Hepworth's work overall, but found myself completely enthralled by Darling Girls. The story of three foster sisters who grew up in a home that looked great on the surface and the lasting trauma they carried was so smart and well-developed that I truly couldn't put it down. Every flashback to their childhood was fraught with tension and I was on the edge of my seat throughout reading this book. Definitely highly recommend!

Excellent book that had me hooked right from the start. We learn of the tragic upbringing of foster sisters Jessica, Norah,and Alicia under the care of Miss Fairchild. The story is told both in past and present and is beautifully woven to keep you guessing until the very end. Sally Hepworth never disappoints. Thank you NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.