Carola Lovering is a true storyteller. In the last three years, she has become one of my favorite writers of women’s fiction. Her stories are thought-provoking and multidimensional. I never know quite what to expect from her - that’s a compliment. She writes complex female characters. This book is no different, and it is another five-star read for me.

Check for trigger warnings before reading.

Billie and Cassie have been friends since they were teenagers. They both have very different relationships with their families that will inform every decision and relationship they have as they grow up. They are best friends. This story tells their story from the perspective of both women, and flashes back and forth between the past and present.

I truly enjoyed the dual point of views - I read a digital copy and listened to the audiobook. Both narrators were incredible. At times, I was angry with both women, felt empathy for them, and heartbroken too. They are very complex women. This story is a true reflection on the choices that we make and who we become. There were also moments of true mystery, and there were also times this story was a thriller. Carola Lovering weaves a tale that will leave you shocked, angry, sympathetic, and empathetic around every twist and turn.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, St.Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for the digital and audiobook copies of this book. I loved this author’s previous books, and this is another winner. It is out in March 5th - I highly recommended that you pick this one up!

Carola Lovering's "Bye, Baby" is a captivating exploration of the intricacies of female friendship, as experienced by the characters Cassie and Billie. The novel skillfully weaves between the past and present, revealing the evolution of their relationship and the profound impact of a life-altering event.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its structure, with chapters alternating between Billie's and Cassie's perspectives in both the past and present. This narrative choice adds depth to the storytelling and provides readers with a nuanced understanding of the characters' backgrounds. Witnessing the growth and evolution of Cassie and Billie's friendship is both engaging and emotionally resonant.

The character development in "Bye, Baby" is commendable, breathing life into the protagonists and making them relatable. Exploring their journeys and shared experiences adds depth to their personalities, making them more than mere conduits for the plot. Lovering excels in creating characters with depth, enabling readers to connect with them on a personal level.

The author's ability to seamlessly transport readers between periods is praiseworthy and enhances the overall reading experience. The clever use of past and present perspectives not only adds suspense but also sheds light on the complexities of the characters' relationships. As the layers of the story unfold, readers are treated to a rich tapestry of emotions, making the narrative both compelling and thought-provoking.

While "Bye, Baby" is undoubtedly a gripping read, there were moments where certain aspects felt a bit far-fetched. These instances, however, do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. The novel's fast-paced nature contributes to its status as a fun and quick read, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

In conclusion, Carola Lovering's "Bye, Baby" is a four-star journey through the ebbs and flows of female friendship, skillfully navigating between the past and present. The character development, coupled with the dynamic narrative structure, creates an engaging reading experience. Despite minor moments of disbelief, the novel stands as a testament to Lovering's storytelling prowess, making it a worthwhile addition to the literary landscape.

I enjoyed this book. I would say it’s more drama than physiological thriller. Toxic friendship. Secrets. & a twist that personally I don’t see coming.

It’s heavy because irl friendships change; especially the friendships you have as a child. It’s sad really. I know a lot say this book has a lot going on. But I didn’t think so.

Very character driven.

Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering is about two friends who have grown apart as adults and one of them is not happy about it.

" Billie and Cassie have a shared secret in their past - one that could send them both to jail. Cassie has moved into the life she dreamed of - wealth, motherhood and a large Instagram following. Billie wants to go back to having Cassie as her best friend. She can't stop obsessing about Cassie's online life. An event with Cassie's new baby brings them back together but Billie is having difficulty not telling Cassie the truth."

This is not a thriller (even with the dual timelines) It's Fiction/Women's Fiction. It's hard to care about either of the main characters. Billie struggles to move on from a long time friendship. She obsesses over Cassie's IG photos and insta-stories. You do empathize with Billie when you find out the horror of what she went through as a teen. I couldn't generate any sympathy or feeling for Cassie. She is shallow and snobbish and self-centered. She really believes that random strangers care about what bag she has or shoes she wears.

Helen Laser and Karissa Vacker are fabulous as the narrators. Laser captures Billie's insecurity and Vacker is perfect as a shallow Cassie.

The ending was not what I expected or wanted for this story. It just kind of ends.

If you're looking for drama between old friends, you might enjoy this one.

"Bye, Baby" offers a gripping narrative that, while marketed as a thriller, pleasantly surprised me with its engaging domestic drama elements. Despite the initial expectation of a fast-paced thriller, the book's focus on interpersonal relationships and domestic intricacies added a unique flavor to the storyline.

The narrative, at times, might be considered slow-paced, but it provided a rich backdrop for character development and a nuanced exploration of the complexities within social dynamics. The author skillfully weaves together a tale that, while not adhering strictly to thriller conventions, manages to captivate readers with its intriguing blend of mystery and domestic suspense.

The strength of the novel lies in its character portrayals and the subtle exploration of psychological nuances. The author excels in creating a sense of tension and uncertainty within the domestic setting, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the intricacies of the characters' lives.

While the pacing may not suit those expecting a traditional thriller, readers who appreciate a well-crafted domestic drama will find "Bye, Baby" to be an entertaining and thought-provoking read. The author's ability to balance suspense and emotional depth, coupled with moments of unexpected twists, contributes to an overall enjoyable experience.

In conclusion, despite a departure from the expected thriller genre, "Bye, Baby" stands out as a compelling domestic drama that warrants a solid 4/5 stars. The book's slower moments are offset by its character-driven narrative, offering a satisfying read for those who appreciate the complexities of friendship relationships interwoven with a touch of mystery.

BYE BABY review

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

💞Talk about a bingeable book! I flew through this one in less than 24 hours! I needed to know how it would wrap up and resolve itself and couldn’t put the book down until I got answers. Unfortunately the back half of this one fell a bit flat for me.

💞Here’s a summary of the plot:👇
Billie and Cassie have been best friends since childhood and became even closer after a horrific night that bound them to forever be in each others lives. Now in their mid 30s, their lives seem so different. Cassie is a lifestyle influencer and new mom who has a hard time relating to Billie who is perpetually single and always traveling to a different country. When Cassie’s baby is kidnapped, the only person she wants to comfort her is Billie. But Billie is the very reason Cassie’s baby is missing…

💞This book started off with a bang! I was hooked immediately and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen. It felt like the story was building to a jaw dropping twist at the end. Unfortunately that twist never came. I kept waiting for some hidden secret to be revealed but before I knew it the book was over and no final twist was there. I enjoyed this one overall and liked the themes of motherhood and friendship. While the backhalf did fall a bit flat, I’d still recommend picking it up if you want a quick, bingeable suspense read! Also perfect for people who want to get into thrillers but don’t want anything too scary!

💞BYE BABY publishes Tuesday, March 5th. Thanks @macmillan.audio and @stmartinspress for my advanced copies!

Ok I should have known better, again, but the cover and title mislead me to think this was going to be more thriller-esk but in true Carola Lovering fashion, it ends up being more of a suspenseful drama.

Now that aside, I still really enjoyed it! I found it incredibly engrossing and was completely sucked into this story about the complexities of female friendships and the dark side of them with toxicity and obsession.

It’s totally a character driven plot and Lovering truly excelled with her intriguing characterization. All around an engrossing read for sure!

I like the way that the story unfolded. The writing between the timelines and the characters flowed very well. It was easy to keep up with what was happening, and who was narrating. However, the storyline just feels too far fetched and contrite.
The stereotypical friend groups, combined with some cringy aspects of the main character friendship, made this a three star read for me
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars*

This book was very entertaining, but let me just say, this was not a mystery/thriller. Don’t get me wrong there are shocking moments that happen in this book. However, a lot of the most shocking elements are said in the synopsis.

I would say this book is a slightly tense, contemporary novel about a toxic friendship and the hardships of motherhood. It also deals with subjects like sexual abuse, classism, social media, alzheimer’s, and the choice to not have children.

In this book we are following two friends, Billie and Cassie. They have been best friends since they were children and this book flashes back and forth between when they were younger and when they’re in their 30s. Cassie is married, recently became a mother, and is becoming a big influencer on Instagram. Meanwhile, Billie is unmarried and childless as she is desperately trying to hold onto her one-sided relationship with her best friend, Cassie.

I really liked this book and I would definitely recommend it. It’s definitely a character-driven story and I found it so interesting to follow these two women. However, I think it is probably best to go into this book pretty blindly, as the synopsis gives away the craziest plot point of the book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me an early copy of the audiobook! These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Friends or Enemies?

Struggling with a reading slump, Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering proved to be the perfect remedy, catapulting me out of my literary lull. From the gripping opening scene where Billie finds herself holding her friend Cassie's missing infant daughter, the story gripped me tightly, beckoning me to unravel its mysteries.

The bond between Billie and Cassie, forged in childhood trauma, evolves over the years into a complex friendship that spans decades. Yet, as they navigate adulthood and diverging paths, their once unbreakable bond begins to fracture. Cassie's transformation into a social media influencer with a new family and affluent lifestyle drives a wedge between them, leaving Billie to grapple with feelings of abandonment and betrayal.

Lovering expertly navigates the intricacies of this toxic friendship, weaving together dual perspectives and alternating timelines to unravel the layers of their relationship. Through Cassie and Billie's voices, the narrative delves deep into the complexities of female friendships, the enduring scars of past trauma, and the societal pressures surrounding motherhood.

Narrated with skill and precision by Helen Laser and Karissa Vacker, the audiobook brings the characters to life with vivid clarity, enhancing the immersive experience. Their performances seamlessly capture the essence of Cassie and Billie, adding depth and authenticity to their respective journeys.

While Bye, Baby may be classified as a mystery or thriller by some, its true essence lies in its exploration of domestic drama and suspense. It's a tale of friendship, betrayal, and self-discovery, resonating with those who appreciate nuanced character-driven narratives.

In conclusion, Bye, Baby is a binge-worthy read that will keep you hooked until the very end. I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of domestic drama, awarding it four stars without hesitation. Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Scheduled for publication on March 5, 2024, mark your calendars for this captivating tale.

This is a story about two women who at one time called each other best friends Billie West and Cassie Barnwell. They grew up together in the Hudson Valley are of New York, and at one time were inseparable and seemed to depend on one another for emotional support. What happens when one of them Cassie has dreams of being a social climber and only dating men with money. Billie is the opposite a lover of travel, and has concerns of dealing with her mother’s sickness and her disgusting step father Wade.
In Bye, baby we find that Cassie who is now married to a wealthy husband who financially supports her clothing store and her aspirations of being a social media influencer now has a baby girl named Ella. Cassie has a new a group of high society friends, and no longer has time for Billie. In fact she is embarrassed of Billie, and rarely returns her calls and text messages.
One day Cassie’s baby Ella is missing, and Ella cries out for Billie.s for help. Billie has taken Ella’s baby.
This story is told in alternating perspectives of Billie and Cassie. Why is Billie so desperate for Cassie’s attention even though she could care less about her? Are all friendships meant to last even if there are secrets that hold them together?
I did enjoy this story, and I was immersed in Billie and Cassie’s world. I must admit that a good professional therapist is definitely needed for both women. Both their personalities will drive you crazy at times, but I enjoyed it.
I would call this book more of a suspense rather that thriller.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan audio for the opportunity to review this arc book.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to audibly read and review Bye, Baby on NetGalley.

Published: 03/05/24

Narrators: Helen Laser; Karissa Vacker

Stars: 4.5

Thoroughly enjoyed. I was in hook, line and sinker. While I didn't like all the characters, I understood their position in the story. The synopsis is available. All I will say is I loved the hat.

I felt bad for the main character and I could relate to some of her choices. I was cheering for her when I probably shouldn't have. As for some of the other characters -- you reap what you sow.

As for the ending, I liked it.

As for the narrators, they both did a good job.

This is tricky I don't want to say too much, it will ruin the story.

This is a steady moving mystery.

I absolutely loved Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering. It's billed more like a psychological thriller, but it's not really a perfect fit for that genre. It reminded me a bit of When We Were Innocent in that it's about complex female friendships with a hint of mystery/thriller. One of my favorite reads of the year so far!

Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC and the chance to review it honestly.

I loved this book so much! I will not give anything away but I am kicking myself for not choosing this for my March BOTM box. I listened to this book every chance I got until I was finished. The whole time I felt bad for Billie, even if she made some reaallll poor choices. She actually ended up being my favorite character! I was completely entranced by this story and all of the drama! The female friendships are ridiculously relatable and I think readers and listeners will connect with this book on some level. Plus!! Anything Karissa Vacker narrates, I will 100% listen to. Both Karissa Vacker and Helen Laser did a fantastic job bringing this story to life. Bye, Baby is out 3/5/24. You’ll want to get your hands on this one!

Happy reading

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC of "Bye, Baby" by Carole Lovering. This was my first reading of work by this author. I went into the story blind, without any pre-read looks. I liked the dual timelines and multiple narrators. I struggled with the second half of the story, after the plot twist, partly because we knew it was coming from the very beginning and the first half seemed to be just waiting for it to happen, and then the second half was just waiting for her to be found out. I liked the mystery of the tweet from the hometown to spook things up. It was a good read but not something that will stick with me. I wish the timestamps would have been read/written differently. When listening to it, the year was always last and it took me a minute to reorient myself to the correct timeperiod. Wasn't an issue with reading it, because you could see that right away.

This was so good and so stressful! The book opens up with a prologue that immediately hooks you. One of our main characters, Billie, is hearing her best friend screaming from the apartment above because her baby has been taken and Billie is the one that has the baby. Then we go back in time and learn about Billie and Cassie's friendship as teenagers and more recently. I don't want to say much about the plot, but the whole time I was wondering if Billie will get caught and if other secrets from the past would come out. The plot isn't super fast moving, but we learn the twisted dynamics of these women's friendship and I was there for it throughout. The discussion of trauma and influencer culture was so on point and Cassie's reaction to her child being taken felt very relatable. This isn't an all time favorite, but I can't think of anything I didn't like about it, so 5 stars it is!

Billie and Cassie were besties growing up. Then college rolls around. Cassie heads to Harvard where she meets a whole new group of friends who really don't get the relationship she has with Billie. Cassie also finds herself a wealthy husband there, which only distances her more from Billie.

Cassie is now an influencer and a new mom to baby, Ella. Long periods of time go by where Billie has no communication with Cassie, and she feels lost without here. Thankfully Billie has met a new man and thing seem to be going well, so that helps ease the pain of her Cassie situation.

Cassie has a party to celebrate her birthday, all of it playing out on social media. Billie realizes she is isn't invited and is so hurt.

That night, Ella, Cassie's baby, goes missing, and all Cassie wants is Billie.

Where is Ella? Who took her? Will she be returned? It's a wild ride to find out!

Many thanks to NetGalley, MacMillan Audio and St. Martin's Press for an ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for a copy of this e-arc and audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I think that the first issue with this book is that it's marketed as a mystery or thriller and it is not that. There is suspense, but no big twist or surprise. It's more of a story of toxic friendships and family drama. The book follows Billie and Cassie who have been best friends since their traumatic childhood. As they've grown older, their friendship has drifted apart much to the disappointment of Billie. She is willing to do just about anything to get their friendship back together, even if it means risking it all.

I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrators, Helen Laser and Karissa Vacker. They did such a good job with each of the characters. I love listening to Karissa Vacker, especially.

While I wouldn't recommend this to mystery lovers, I think it's a good read as long as the readers are aware of the genre of the book.

I'll start by saying I did really enjoy this book. However, it was not as good as I was expecting it to be from reading the summary, nor was it as good as her previous books. Throughout the story, I found myself getting extremely annoyed with both the main characters. Cassie is a stuck up princess who gets everything handed to her on a silver platter. Meanwhile, her "oldest friend", Billie (who she now treats like scum on her shoe by the way) is just annoying and clingy and whiny. I said it.

The whole premise of the book relies on Cassie's baby going missing during a party (because she wasn't paying any attention to it because #DoItForTheGram) and surprise, guess who has the baby? (This isn't a spoiler -- It happens super early on and it's also in the summary) You'd think with that kind of lead in, it would be super interesting and twisty and a thriller. Nah. It got pretty boring after that. It was still a 4 star read, but definitely not as exciting as you'd think.

Could not stop listening to this one - the story draws you in and keeps your attention the entire time! Narrator was excellent. Story was unique for part one, but dragged a bit in the second half.