Thank you Net Galley for this arc!


I’m so sorry to say that nothing happens in this book. A lot of repetitive inside thoughts from the two main characters and the third mysterious character is not a surprise from the beginning of the book. I kept waiting for something to happen, for it to get thrilling but all I read who women getting put against each other without understanding a man was controlling them both. Then the ending made zero sense.

3.75

This was a riveting read for sure as I've now come to expect form Emily! I really enjoyed the drama that was going on paired with the "on-the-edge" feeling to know what's going to happen next.

I do feel that I'd expected a bit more suspense, but I wasn't really disappointed because I thoroughly enjoyed the plot! The characters are super complex, you just can't decide what to feel for them and that was so damn enjoyable to read!

Here's what you can expect from this story :
🎭Dubious mortality
🎭Alternate timelines
🎭Motherly love, very strong motherly love
🎭Murders
🎭Toxic marriages
🎭"How" and "why" rather than "who"

What Every Mother Needs by Emily Shiner
This book was intense. Every chapter only heightened the plot, and I devoured the words. I loved how this was told and how the story unfolded.

The premise was wild and weirdly realistic. I found the characters well done, although Charlotte and Sophie both had traits that made them likable. They also had many aspects that made them dislikable.

I think there is such a skill in writing characters that won’t be immediate fan favorites. Yet, dedicating the time to bringing them to life and playing their journey out regardless.

I loved the dual perspectives and how they helped bring this story to life. Emily is a talented writer who curated a story filled with twists and turns on every page.

A mother's love knows no bounds. And this book examined that element. Just how far would a mother go for their child? What hurdles would she overcome? Would you kill for your child?

I also love that Emily is donating proceeds from this book (in all forms) to natural disaster survivors. That is next level, and I’ve become a reader forever.

Publication date: May 30, 2025
Publisher: Bookouture

"What Every Mother Needs" written by Emily Shiner is so gripping. I can’t help but share how unputdownable this book is! From the very first page, it had me hooked with its gripping narrative and relatable characters. I found myself completely absorbed, turning pages late into the night—addicted to every twist and turn! And let me tell you about that jaw-dropping ending—it left me in awe! This book isn’t just a story; it’s an emotional journey that resonates deeply. If you're looking for a thrilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommend.

The first half of the book operated very slowly in terms of building up the story and providing background from the characters. In this sense it took me some time to push through this one. The characters of Sophie and Charlotte were a bit naive from the beginning and to some extent the character of "Her" was a bit easy to pick out. So the ending was a bit more predictable.

About half way through it picks up and then you are reading quickly just to know what happens. However I didn't like the ending. I had to read it twice to realize that i hadn't missed something - it infact just ended. Which was a bit disappointing. However I would still read another Emily Shiner book if given the chance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookcouture for the eARC in exchange for an honest review

Oh what a fantastic book, it kept me hooked from the very start. A real page turner which will have you on the edge of your seat. Great style of writing, will be keeping an eye on this author for future books.

Big thanks to Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
What Every Mother Needs is a slow burn, twisty thriller.
Charlotte is distressed and needs some help.
Her six week old baby, Jordan is not sleeping, her husband Lawrence has just died and now she has no idea how she will survive financially.
So she places an advertisement for a helper.
Arriving is Sophie, Lawrence’s estranged sister.
She moves in and connects with Jordan while doing some light housekeeping.
But both women are hiding secrets and now the repercussions could become deadly….
A tension filled thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.
I did get irritated with Charlotte near the beginning, like seriously who lets a stranger move in claiming to be a sister without any proof…..
But in true psychological thriller style there’s an explanation for everything.
Moving on from this little niggle I did end up enjoying the book as a whole.
I wonder what Emily will give this fan next.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I had a hard time putting it down as i constantly tried to figure out the twists and turns throughout this story. I really loved how the story came together at the end and answered all of the questions I found myself asking throughout the book! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a gripping thriller!

This book hooked me from the very first page! What Every Mother Needs is a tense, twisty psychological thriller that had me questioning every character’s motives. It’s the kind of story where you think you know who to trust, only to have the rug pulled out from under you—more than once.

The story alternates between Charlotte, a grieving mother struggling to cope after her husband’s death, and Sophie, a mysterious woman claiming to be her sister-in-law. Their dynamic is unsettling and layered with secrets, lies, and manipulation. Watching Sophie slowly weave herself into Charlotte’s life—and her obsession with baby Jordan—created a chilling sense of dread throughout the book.

What I loved most is how the author kept the tension high without revealing too much too soon. Both women clearly have something to hide, and every chapter adds another layer of doubt. By the time I reached the final twist, I was completely hooked.

I have previously read books by this author and loved them. This one didn't disappoint either. I couldn't put it down to be honest. I loved how I didn't see any of the twists coming. What I love when reading a thriller is the unpredictable ending and yes this one has it. If you love your domestic thrillers, you will love this one.

I’m happy to be part of this thriller of a novel today! This was disturbing and suspenseful, and I honestly was not sure how it was going to turn out. Great for fans of psychological thriller and suspense, What Every Mother Needs is one you’ll find hard to put down!

Here’s the scoop:

Book Description:

She’s what every mother needs. But can you trust her?

Charlotte: Since my husband Lawrence died it’s just me and our sweet baby girl Jordan. It’s so hard raising her alone. Then Sophie shows up at my door. She says she is Lawrence’s sister… and she seems like a blessing in disguise. But with her in my house, looking through my things, it’s going to be difficult to keep the secrets about my marriage hidden…

Sophie: Charlotte didn’t recognize me. That isn’t surprising. She seems frantic, and I know she’s not sleeping. I hear her tossing and turning while I rock her baby to sleep. When Jordan stares up at me with those big blue eyes, my heart melts. Charlotte doesn’t deserve such a gorgeous child. Not after what she did.

It’s clear to anyone that Charlotte isn’t coping. All she needs is a little push to send her over the edge… And then I’ll finally get what I really came for.

Both of these women are liars. One of them is a killer. Who is really in danger in this house?

Perfect for fans of The Housemaid, The Perfect Marriage and The Girl in Seat 2A, this totally addictive psychological thriller will have you up all night!

This was such an interesting read. The twists that this book has definitely keeps you on your toes. I can't imagine what both women went through and decided to do. The ending was honestly the best.

☆ARC REVIEW☆

Uhm wow! I can't remember that last time I read a thriller with both main character being equally deranged! Although Charlotte did come off a tad naive and almost dumb at times, it completely worked for both her character and the storyline!

This was my first Emily Shiner book and most definitely will not be my last.

Thank you NetGalley, the author and Bookouture for an advanced copy in exchange for a review!!

Charlotte is a struggling mother of a young baby, Jordan. Her husband, Lawrence, has been dead for just over a month, and to ease the burden of running the house and raising a baby, she places an ad looking for a housekeeper.

In enters beautiful and glamorous Sophie, who announces she is Lawrence’s long estranged sister. She’s perfect around the house, tidying, cooking, and great with the baby, too.

However, Charlotte has secrets and if Sophie finds out, the consequences can be disastrous…

This is a great psychological thriller!

Both women had secrets. One of Charlotte’s was revealed pretty quickly at the beginning, but the other ones took me by surprise.

I knew I couldn’t trust both women, they were both lying through their teeth. The question was: who was worse? I couldn’t warm to any of the women, but I felt sorry for the baby.

This tense thriller will have you wondering all the way to the end.

Thanks to Bookouture for the Netgalley widget.

Another favorite book from one of my favorites! This book is one I will definitely recommend to others! It had me guessing which way the story was going and who to trust!

Anothe fantastic book from one of my favourite authors. Charlotte's husband has recently died and needing to be able to still work and pay the bills she places an ad for someone to help run the house and look after her little girl while she works. A woman turns up on her doorstep claiming to be her sister and that she will look after her daughter. Can she trust her as she knows nothing about her and her husband never mentioned having a sister.
Great book from start to finish. You won;t want to put it down.

This was my first time reading a book by Emily Shiner!! and wow, what a wild ride! The story is told from both Charlotte and Sophie’s perspectives, which I enjoyed, even though I honestly didn’t fully trust either of them. Let’s just say… neither of them are winning any “most likable character” awards from me 😂

But what really hooked me were the chapters from the mystery character known only as “Her.” I’m a sucker for an unknown narrator, and I was constantly guessing who she might be. I did eventually figure it out!! but the twist? Totally didn’t see it coming. It was one of those reveals that just makes your jaw drop. (Don’t worry, I’ll keep things spoiler-free!)

At times, I felt like my brain was doing gymnastics trying to make sense of what was happening!! but in the best way. I stayed up way too late reading because I just had to know how it would all unfold.

Also, I really connected with the author’s note at the end!! Emily wrote this book during a tough time in her life, and reading that made the story hit a little deeper for me. It also became a bit of an escape for me this past week, which I’m really grateful for.

And can we take a moment to appreciate that Emily’s donating 10% of her earnings from this book to disaster relief efforts? That seriously warmed my heart.

Definitely checking out more of her work soon!!!! Thank you so much NetGalley and Emily Shiner!

WHAT EVERY MOTHER NEEDS - EMILY SHINER

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you Bookouture & Emily Shiner for this read!

Yet another Shiner read that starts out strong and I just couldn't get enough. This book was dark and emotional, twisty and unsettling!

I binged this in just a few short sittings and if it wasn't for my uni right now I would have binged in one go!

I love a book that has mixed POVs and this book has it! Between each view of our protagonists you'll be questioning the actions of some and wanting to yell at another!

Overall another great read by Emily Shiner and I look forward to what is next!

If you're after a new thriller author whose books are totally addictive and has a bit darker content than your usual popcorn thriller - this author is for you!!!

Out now!!

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What Every Mother Needs is a fast-paced, twisty thriller that hooked this reader from page one. The drama unfolds between alternating perspectives of Charlotte and Sophie and the mysterious her. The dialogue creates a chilling unnerving game of cat and mouse. First I was on Charlotte’s side, then wait a minute Sophie is the one I should be pulling for then no… Charlotte. And who is this “her”?! I’m so torn between which her is telling the truth and what they BOTH may be hiding?

After the sudden death of Charlotte’s husband Lawrence, she is left to care for their infant daughter Jordan alone. Overwhelmed, exhausted, and desperate, she places an online ad for help. When Sophie arrives at her door without notice, she lets her in with barely a second thought because she’s so grateful to receive much-needed help thus ignores the warning signs. Sophie, later on tells Charlotte that she is Lawrence’s sister. He had a sister? Still, Charlotte assumes she is there in response to her help wanted ad and doesn’t verify anything before inviting her into their lives. As a mother, I found it pretty unrealistic that Charlotte would allow a total stranger into her home without confirming her identity, no matter how exhausted she was. Well it makes a good story.

Now that Sophie has planted herself firmly into the household, the psychological tension escalates wonderfully. Secrets about Charlotte’s marriage start to surface, and Sophie’s true motives slowly begin to reveal.
The story ended deftly but abruptly leaving me with questions. The biggest one being is this a stand alone or the first in a sequel because I need answers! We shall wait and see.

If you love domestic thrillers and dark twists, this one will have great appeal. . I will absolutely pick up a follow-up if Emily Shiner writes a sequel,

Charlotte is struggling hard. She has a new baby at home and her husband has recently passed away. Charlotte finally decides to put an ad out for help and within hours there is a knock at the door. Sophie arrives, claiming to be Charlotte's husband's sister (Charlotte didn't even know he had a sister)! Talk about a saving grace! However, it doesn't take long for Charlotte to start questioning Sophie's motives, or identity for that matter. Who is this woman and what does she want with Charlotte's family?

This was a good read. The characters were good. I enjoyed how the story went back and forth between Sophie and Charlotte, as well as past and present but it wasn't confusing to follow at all. I love the length of the chapters. The way the story builds is great - there is a smaller twist part way through but if you've ever read Emily Shiner, you know a much bigger twist is coming so hang on!

I would definitely recommend this book. It grips you from the first chapter and keeps you right until the last sentence (which is a doozy, and leaves your jaw on the floor, by the way!!)

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the chance to read this book for free. This was my honest review.