A fast-paced thriller about returning to your hometown and confronting the dark truths buried there. Twisty, emotional, and satisfying.

A commune story that felt a bit familiar? Invited by an old friend, Rhiannon, Lenna packs up in the middle of the night with her infant son to see what this women's community was all about with hopes to repair their friendship. However, upon arriving, things seem a bit strange. Like the disposal diapers she packed are missing from her luggage and now she's being told she can't communicate with her husband, Daniel, while she's at the community. Finally - someone else she knows from her past is also at the commune and things definitely are not what they seemed.

This book has multiple POVs and timelines. Most of the plot is driven from what took place a few years prior the commune. As that truth starts to unravel, it does feel a bit farfetched. Never the less, I did like the book and thought it was entertaining.

Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for the ARC that I put off reading until now.

Nowhere Like Home has a compelling premise that immediately drew me in, and the story kept me guessing with its unusual twists and turns. Sara Shepard does a great job maintaining suspense throughout. While it didn’t end up being one of my favorite reads, I appreciated the mystery and the unpredictability that kept me turning the pages.

Really loved reading Sara Shepard's books as a teenage, so I jumped into this one blind. It wasn't for me. Definitely a heavy read with strong female friendships. Each woman at the "mommune" is running from something.

Normally love her books this one idk I couldn’t get in to didn’t hold my attentions like it could. Maybe I’ll try again but no thank you

I was so excited to see a new adult release from the author behind Pretty Little Liars and knew I had to read it. Nowhere Like Home follows a group of mothers living off the grid in a “mommune”. Each of these women has run away from something and was invited to join this group of women supporting each other through raising their children. But the community is filled with rules and complicated relationships, and as newcomer Leena quickly realizes, everyone there was invited for a reason. I love a good cult story, and this one started strong. The multiple, very unreliable points of view has me wondering what was happening from the beginning. The ending was packed with twist and turns and so much action. However, this book lost me a bit with its slow pace in the middle.
Thanks to Dutton Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Loved this one. Kept me on my toes and I didn’t want to stop reading. I hope Sara Shepherd continues to write for adults!

Nowhere Like Home by Sara Shepard dives deep into the complexities of toxic friendships with her signature twist-filled storytelling. The novel follows Lenna, whose past friendships with Rhiannon and Gillian are starkly different, but both are shrouded in mystery. As Lenna hides key information from the reader, her relationships with the two women unfold in a way that keeps you guessing—who’s to blame for the unraveling of their bond? Interspersed with social media posts from Gillian, the book keeps the suspense high and the twists unpredictable, leading to a final reveal that ties everything together. Fans of Shepard’s Pretty Little Liars and The Lying Game will find her knack for suspense and unreliable characters on full display here. Twisted and so engaging!

I expected more from Sara Shepard, this book wasn't that great. Thanks for allowing me to read it, hopefully her next one will be better.

I really enjoyed this book. As a "Pretty Little Liars" reader, I appreciated having the opportunity to read another of Sara Shepard's creations.

"Nowhere Like Home" is an extremely well written thriller novel that will pull the reader in and keep you in a chokehold. There are a few themes that carry over from the PLL series, such as deception, a haunting past, and unhealthy friendships. But for me, I found this to be a comforting connection. Given the multiple POVs, I found the characters to be very easy to relate to.

I would absolutely recommend this read to a friend.

This book was a ride I hate doing reviews for thrillers because I dont know how to review without spoiling but lets just say this book kept me on my toes!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of Nowhere Like Home by Sara Shepard in exchange for my honest review and feedback. This book will not disappoint - let's just start there! I found this to be a very fast paced read with so many crazy twists and turns that will keep you engrossed until the very last page. I seriously loved this book and will be recommending it to everyone who will listen!

This book was very interesting! I felt like it's different from the author's other books. I really enjoyed it though. The twists kept me guessing. I really hated some of the characters but it was meant to be that way. I liked it!

Cult thrillers are really hit or miss. I knew Shepard from Pretty Little Liars and was delighted to grab this one! Things go wrong fairly quickly, there’s too many characters and definitely unlikeable characters which makes it hard to stay invested. Lots of drama and plot twists that you don’t see coming so definitely 3 ✨ it will keep you entertained but it’s hard when you don’t care for the characters.

I know Sara Shepard from Pretty Little Liars, but this is her first adult novel I have read.

This story has plenty of twists and turns along the way, particularly in the past storyline (which I personally found more interesting for most of the book). Lenna is not honest with us in the present day with what exactly happened with her friendships with Rhiannon and with Gillian. This made me sometimes question Lenna and how reliable her narration is. She’s keeping a secret and eventually we learn what that secret is and how it influences everything that is happening.

I was fascinated by Gillian. She is a very different character and her social media posts enticed me. They sometimes seemed at odds with the person in Lenna’s past. The characters in the present timeline are all struggling with the fallout of whatever happened to fracture their relationships, and this was an enticing premise. It is human nature to wonder what would happen if we could replay a moment and make a different choice. Would we always end up in the same place, or would it change everything?

L O V E sara! but this one disappointed me. I felt like this was a lot longer than it needed to be. so much wasted information. it was over the top dramatic and unbelievable. i just felt like the whole thing was poorly put together.

Full review to come on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a review copy.

Incredible! I loved every second of this book! I love a good cult thriller! The plot twists were incredible! I will definitely be recommending this book!

This book really just took me for a ride. I loved the build up, the character development, and the writing. I would definitely read more from this author!

"Nowhere Like Home" by Sara Shepard is a compelling novel that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of family relationships. Known for her ability to craft engaging stories, Shepard presents a narrative that resonates with readers, inviting them to delve into the intricacies of what it means to call a place home and the connections that tie us to our past.

The story follows a young woman who returns to her small hometown after being away for several years. She seeks to reconnect with her roots and confront unresolved issues from her childhood. Shepard's portrayal of the protagonist's internal struggles is both relatable and moving, capturing the universal desire to find one's place in the world. As she navigates the familiar yet changed landscape of her hometown, readers are drawn into her emotional journey of self-discovery.

One of the novel's strengths is its rich character development. Shepard creates a cast of multi-dimensional characters, each with their complexities and stories. The protagonist's interactions with family members, old friends, and new acquaintances reveal the profound impact that relationships can have on our sense of self. These dynamics are authentic and nuanced, reflecting the challenges of balancing familial expectations with personal desires.

The setting plays a crucial role in the narrative, with the quaint hometown acting almost as a character itself. Shepard's vivid descriptions bring the town to life, evoking a sense of nostalgia that resonates with readers. The exploration of the protagonist's memories and experiences in this familiar environment adds depth to the story, highlighting how our past shapes our present.

The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, allowing for moments of introspection alongside engaging plot developments. Shepard effectively builds tension as the protagonist confronts her past, leading to revelations and emotional milestones that drive the narrative forward. The story is interspersed with moments of humor and warmth, creating a well-rounded reading experience that balances heavy themes with lightheartedness.

Themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the importance of home are woven throughout the narrative. Shepard emphasizes that home is not just a physical place, but also a sense of belonging found in relationships and personal growth. The protagonist's journey toward self-acceptance and understanding serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

"Nowhere Like Home" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that showcases Sara Shepard's talent for storytelling. With its relatable characters, evocative setting, and heartfelt exploration of identity and family, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a thoughtful and engaging narrative. Shepard has crafted a story that lingers in the mind and heart, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and the meaning of home. This novel is a testament to the enduring power of love and connection, making it a truly rewarding reading experience.