A brilliant and heartwarming story! I couldn’t put it down and fell in love with the characters. It’s beautifully written and made me reach for a box of tissues. I Loved It!

Thank you NetGalley and to the publisher Bookouture for the ARC.

This is a family drama with so much going on behind the scenes. It touches on every possible emotion and so well written,
Mayne thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC in return for an honest review

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I feel like I did not read the book that was described. I went into it expecting a thriller and it was not at all. I really don't understand how the title has anything to do with the storyline. It came across in the description of the book that the mom was hiding some huge dark secrets and I didn't see that at all. It was also too descriptive in parts and I did skim through those. I would say it's more of a family drama if even that.

There was a lot going on in this book and to be honest I liked it but I couldn't say I loved it. I just felt like there was something missing.

A death in the family and a secret that might ruin her daughters life. This is not how she expected to spend her wedding anniversary trip.

This book was well written and interesting to see the inside of a ‘perfect’ family. However, it lacked any real substance for me. The secret wasn’t really all that interesting and I need more drama in my reading. However, I imagine for some readers this will be the perfect pick up. I also don’t really understand the title if I’m honest.

In Just Like Her Mother, Julia Roberts delivers a gripping psychological thriller steeped in generational trauma, family secrets, and the haunting repetition of the past. With her trademark ability to keep readers guessing, Roberts weaves a tense and emotionally charged narrative that explores how deeply rooted patterns can resurface in unexpected and chilling ways.

The story follows a daughter trying to make sense of her identity while grappling with the shadows of a mother she barely knew—or thought she understood. As long-buried truths begin to unravel, the novel asks powerful questions: How much of who we are is shaped by where we come from? And are we destined to repeat the mistakes of those before us?

Roberts excels in creating atmosphere and emotional depth, using subtle foreshadowing and character-driven suspense to build a slow burn that pays off with powerful reveals. Her characters are complex, flawed, and deeply human, and the relationships—especially the fraught mother-daughter dynamic—are rendered with nuance and authenticity.

Pacing is tight, with enough twists to maintain tension while allowing space for emotional reflection. Fans of domestic suspense and psychological fiction will find this novel a compelling and unsettling read that lingers long after the final page.

Verdict:
Just Like Her Mother is a layered and emotionally resonant psychological thriller that delves into inherited pain, buried secrets, and the fear of becoming what we fear most. Julia Roberts has crafted a page-turner with emotional intelligence and chilling precision—perfect for readers of Lisa Jewell, Gillian McAllister, or Shari Lapena.

I really enjoy a good family drama, especially when there are hidden secrets involved. It’s fascinating to see a seemingly perfect family that actually has a lot going on beneath the surface, with each member keeping things from one another. I appreciated getting a glimpse into the mother's perspective and how she deals with the burden of caring for so many people. It was eye-opening to see her realize that some of her worries were unnecessary, especially when others were just concerned about disappointing her. As the story unfolds, you’ll find yourself getting caught up in the characters' emotional turmoil as the tension rises and their secrets come to light.

Thank you @bookouture & @juliagroberts
for including me on this book tour 🫶🏻

Family Secrets and Emotional Truths.

"Just Like Her Mother" by Julia Roberts revolves around Alexis, her husband, Stuart, and their two adult children, Gemma and Callum. Julia Roberts delivers an emotionally charged domestic drama, a compelling exploration of secrets, family dynamics, and the quiet resilience of a woman stretched to her limits.

At the heart of the story is Alexis, a wife, mother, daughter, and professional—juggling it all and barely holding things together. Her long-awaited holiday with husband Stuart is disrupted when his mother falls ill, dragging them back into the day-to-day pressures of caregiving and family tensions. Meanwhile, Alexis harbors a disturbing secret about her daughter Gemma’s new boyfriend, Will, while also dealing with a younger colleague threatening her place at work.

Much like Amanda Prowse’s books, Roberts captures the emotional nuance of everyday life with compassion and clarity. Both authors excel at portraying women navigating complicated roles within the family unit, while managing personal loss, hidden pain, and the weight of unspoken truths. Readers who appreciate Amanda Prowse’s focus on emotional stories and strong, relatable female leads will appreciate "Just Like Her Mother" by Julia Roberts.

Fans of Liane Moriarty too will find much to enjoy here. This is a novel that delves beneath the surface of everyday life to reveal the fractures, fears, and loyalties that define us.

Julia Roberts handles the layered storytelling with nuance, deftly moving between the present and the shadows of Alexis’s past. There’s a quiet, slow-burn suspense that builds as long-buried truths begin to rise to the surface, with a payoff that feels both poignant and satisfying. Just Like Her Mother is a thoughtful, relatable read that reinforces Julia Roberts’ place as a strong voice in contemporary women’s fiction.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Whoa. This book grabbed me by the collar and did not let go. Just Like Her Mother is a twisty, emotional rollercoaster that digs into dark family secrets and the chilling legacy that lies beneath the surface of a mother-daughter bond.

Roberts weaves suspense and heartbreak together with masterful ease. The pacing is sharp, the tension thick, and the reveals? Oh, they hit hard. I found myself second-guessing everyone and everything—and I loved it.

If you're into psychological thrillers with emotional depth and a side of generational mystery, buckle up. This one lingers long after the last page.

This is a relatively new author for me and I am definitely going to look out for more of their books. This was a tear jerking family drama about love and loss and secrets and lies and family dynamics a story that really pulls at your heart strings.

I highly recommend this author if you like family drama and if you like books by other authors such as Emma Robinson and Alison ragsdale.

Just Like Her Mother is the first I've read from Roberts (not that Julia Roberts BTW) and I have to say it was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I can't wait to read more from her!

More of a domestic drama than a thriller it took me on a whole roller-coaster of emotions and threw up the whole 'how far are you willing to go for family' dilemma.

It's an engrossing read replete with twists, turns and the unexpected ending.

The characters of Lexi and Stuart were credible and their family dynamic real and relatable.

Secrets and lies will always out in the end.

Alexis is grappling with the sudden death of her mother-in-law, but her worries don’t end there. Despite her long and successful marriage to her husband, Stuart, Alexis often finds herself wondering if there’s something missing between them. As they navigate life without their matriarch, Alexis, Stuart, and their two adult children, Gemma and Callum, must confront their own challenges.

With the funeral arrangements underway, Alexis is concerned about Gemma’s relationship with her boyfriend, Will. Something feels off, but she’s determined not to break Gemma’s heart by revealing what she feels is wrong. Alexis, meanwhile, works tirelessly to maintain the delicate balance in all their lives, including her demanding job.

Julia Roberts’ latest book weaves a compelling family drama with intense drama for all involved. It’s easy to root for this family as they face their individual struggles and strive to overcome them.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Just Like Her Mother by Julia Roberts is the first book by the author I have read and I look forward to reading more from her. This was a story full of family drama with secrets, surprises and unexpected twists. Lexi and Stuart seem to have the perfect family, but things are not always what they seem. Lexi, the mom, is balancing taking care of her family, her mother-in-law and her mom, all while keeping a secret. As we meet the characters and follow their journey, we are pulled in and are waiting for something we know is coming. But what is the secret and who will get hurt? I liked Lexi and her husband and felt they were relatable. With everything they are going through. Her love for her children is felt throughout the story. Be ready to go on an emotional journey with this family.

Happy reading!

This is my first time to read about Julia Roberts' work, and the way this author builds the relationships is so WELL DONE.

TROPE: Family Drama

Even though they look like a happy family, you can just feel this tense vibe underneath everything. There's this SECRET that the mother knows! As I read the book, I can't help but feel her worry and love she has for her daughter.

Here's what I liked about the book:

1. On the surface, everything looks happy. But you also get these little hints that something else is going on underneath.

2. Dynamics between the siblings and the parents. They are so real! You can just sense the tension as THIS SECRET could ruin everything for them. It makes you wonder who knows what's really going on and how much longer they can pretend everything's okay.

3. The author is really good at making you feel like something bad is about to happen, and you're always trying to figure out the whole story. You'll be so invested in these characters and what happens to them.

My reading experience:

OMG! There were times I was "internally screaming" at the book! It's like you want to jump into the story and HELP THEM, but then you remember, "Oh wait, this isn't real life!"

Yeah, this book has that in spades.

NOW...

Since this book totally delivers on its promise of being a REAL tear-jerker and so emotional you can't put it down, sooooo get ready for a rollercoaster of feelings because it will definitely pull at your heartstrings. TWO reasons:

REASON 1: You can feel HOW HEAVY that secret is and the disaster that might happen when it finally comes out. It's like this thick cloud hanging over everything.

REASON 2: You will absolutely glued to the pages. In my case, I was totally desperate to see how it all ended, even though I had this uncomfortable or you know... nagging feeling it was going to make me sob! You just have to know what happens in the end!

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DISCLAIMER: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this early.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Just Like Her Mother by Julia Roberts. Well that was interesting! The book I read does not sound like the one in the description. This book was indeed a family drama with each character having their own issues to work through. It was a good book and I thoroughly enjoyed it, just not what I was expecting. Not a bad book and I would recommend it if you like reading books about a family saga, secrets, and life problems. I gave it a 3 star rating.

After loving The Dilemma by this author, I couldn't wait to dive in to her latest book.
This was certainly a 'family saga', with several characters having their own individual situation to navigate. This did make it tricky to keep track of, but I felt that the characters were distinctive enough to keep my engagement and attention throughout.
This was an enjoyable read and I enjoyed how the events transpired and connected at the end.

🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you Bookouture for inviting me to be part of the Books on Tour for “Just Like Her Mother“ by Julia Roberts Lexi is mom of two grown children, married to Stuart and checking in on both of their moms. Basically, she is trying to do it all!
Lexi and Stuart are on a much needed vacation when Stuart’s mom falls ill. They rush home and the drama begins. Lexi knows a secret about her daughter’s boyfriend that is hard to keep to herself. Lexi is also having problems at work with a younger colleague. She is navigating all of this while dealing with her mother in law and mother’s health and emotional issues.
I totally related to Lexi. My husband and I are always checking in with our parents. We hurt when our children hurt. Really good read! Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This book is labeled as “a tear-jerking and emotional page-turner”, and all I can say is – that’s true. This is exactly what this book is. This is an emotional family drama, this is emotionally charged, filled to the brim with emotions. There are secrets, there are lies. Well-written, with depth that’s not just emotional, but also with deep, well-developed characters.
Also: short chapters, and a cat.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Just Like Her Mother’ written by Julia Roberts in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Lexi and her husband Stuart are having a much-needed break in the Caribbean. After just one day of enjoying the sun, sea and sand they receive bad news and immediately pack their suitcases and return home

‘Just Like Her Mother’ is the drama of a family, the secrets they keep and the lies they tell. It has a thread that runs throughout of a secret Lexi and her son Callum are keeping from her daughter Jemma about her boyfriend Will and how he makes his money. It’s well-written with an interesting story and short chapters making it easy to read, and good character descriptions that make me feel involved in what’s happening, but if I was expecting thrills and excitement I was disappointed as it was purely about the family and Lexi’s workplace grievances with News24. Despite this, I have enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more by this author.

I loved this book. It's about family, the loss of a mother and grandmother, and all of the emotions that go along with that.