Shiner does a basic retelling of the traditional story of two mothers fighting over the same child. Except there is only one real mother.
I knew right away the truth behind who Sophie really was.
I thought Charlotte was crazy ti allow a perfect stranger in her house with only an infant!! I did yell are you serious???
I would have made Lawrence disappear if he hadn’t already been taken care of because he was a jerk.
I enjoyed this game of wits and deception between two determined women over one baby.
Let the best mother win!

My 4th book by Emily Shiner and wow this one packed a real punch. Very deserved 5 star rating!!!

Life for Charlotte isn’t exactly how she planned, being a widow after her husband, Lawrence, died and left her with their 6 week old newborn girl, Jordan. She knows she needs help, especially now she needs to return to work and so places an ad for help. The ad has barely been up 24 hours when a woman arrives on her doorstep, Sophie, who says she’s seen the ad and wants to help, she then drops the bombshell of being Lawrence’s estranged sister. Charlotte is desperate and so invites Sophie in. With her calm and efficient manner, she is just what Charlotte and Jordan need and soon enough the house and their lives are out of chaos and into order and Charlotte is happy knowing Sophie is family and that you can trust family, despite Lawrence never once mentioning her or even mentioning that he had a sister! However, Charlotte puts this down to the estrangement between them. Soon though Charlotte starts to feel that Sophie is overstepping her boundaries, especially with Jordan. When Charlotte comes home one day to Sophie in her bedroom and a canvas portrait of Charlotte and Lawrence defaced, she starts to question herself about Sophie and how well she really knows her and decides that she wants her out of her and her daughter’s life. Sophie doesn’t take this well but despite this Charlotte stands her ground and Sophie leaves. Soon after Charlotte has an accident and has no choice but to let Sophie back into her and Jordan’s lives as she needs the help once again. However, both Charlotte and Sophie have big secrets that could ruin both their lives and Jordan’s in turn. Will they manage to keep them, or will the lies and secrets get exposed and the truth about both women come out?!

Well, what a read this was!! I really liked the dual POV’s hearing the story from both Charlotte and Sophie, but I have to admit I thought both women were bad apples. I loved the chapters written by the mystery character “her”, I love a mystery character, and my mind was working overtime trying to figure out who she was, I did figure out who it was in the end but not what actually happened. It was something so shocking I would have never thought of it myself (which was great writing), I must apologise for how cryptic this sounds but my reviews are always spoiler free. I did feel my brain was in knots trying to figure out what had happened and what was going to happen, I was so baffled but at the same time extremely intrigued and I absolutely stayed up way too late at night not wanting to put this book down. I also really resonated with the letter at the end of the book by Emily Shiner, saying how writing this book was an escape for her whilst experiencing a very difficult local natural disaster. I found reading this book over the past week a really much needed escape from my real life so thank you Emily. Plus, I love the fact that Emily Shiner is giving 10% of everything she gets paid from this book into relief efforts for victims of natural disasters, what a lovely thing to do!

Ultimately Emily Shiner smashed it out of the park again with another fantastic 5 star read which I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers. I can’t wait to read what she writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Shiner and Bookouture for my advanced reading copy. Out now.

This was my first book by Emily Shiner, and I was completely drawn in by the suspense and the clever premise. It kept me guessing the whole way through, with twists that definitely caught me off guard. I flew through it!

While I had a few lingering questions by the end, the journey was gripping and thoroughly entertaining. A great psychological thriller that I’m glad I picked up!

Secrets lies and lots of twists in this book. I did guess one of the twists but that didnt spoil it at all. Gripping story that is well worth a read.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest review

Charlotte is a new mum, and recently widowed. While struggling with everything that entails, she realises she needs help, so puts an AD in the local paper. Pretty soon, a woman arrives on her doorstep, claiming to be her deceased husbands sister, Sophie. But Sophie isn't all she seems to be. She's sure Charlotte is hiding something, and Charlotte is sure Sophie has nefarious intentions. The two wage a silent war against the other, whilst trying to keep the other from finding out.

This was a pretty quick read, filled with lots of twists, although I did feel like a lot of the twists were very obvious. None of them particularly shocked me.
I enjoyed the writing, as it looked into different kinds of grief. Having been going through something that briefly touched on a subject in this book myself at the moment, it hit very close to home and made for a very emotional read.

WHAT DID I JUST READ?!?!?! Oh my goodness!! About 3/4 through this book…🤯. Everything I thought I knew was completely blown out of the water! Loved everything about this book! Definitely recommend and will absolutely be adding this author to my TBR list.

Charlotte, recently widowed, is trying to hold it together as a new mother with financial uncertainties following her husband Lawrence’s death. Forced to return to work, Charlotte advertises the need for home help, but is stunned when Sophie arrives on her doorstep, suitcases in tow. Sophie claims to be Lawrence’s estranged sister – a sister Charlotte never knew existed.

Quite rapidly, Sophie displays a talent Charlotte appears to lack with her young daughter, and she manages to introduce order into Charlotte’s chaotic life. But can Charlotte trust her? Both women are hiding something. Secrets and lies emerge as the story progresses. A fast-paced, twisty tale.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'What Every Mother Needs' by Emily Shiner.

Emily does it yet again!! I genuinely don't think she can make a book that I don't love!! Love, love, loved this book!!!! Absolutely gripping edge of your seat page turner!!! I mean just HOW HOW HOW can an author make each and every one of her AMAZING books EVEN BETTER each and every time???!?!?

The storyline was captivating and addictive from the first page until the last and I was completely invested in it. It was absolutely rammed full of lies, secrets, family, tension, drama, twists, suspense and everything you could ask for in a page turning psychological thriller. I just could not stop reading this absolutely addictive book from the first word to the last. Emily's extremely talented and evocative skills really brought the book to life and I was completely absorbed throughout. I lost count of the amount of times I promised myself one more chapter but that one finished in a way I just HAD to know what would happen next so I said just more and this went on and on until I ended up finishing it in one sitting!!! The location and atmosphere was absolutely perfect for this gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I absolutely love Emily's books and am guaranteed to be shocked every time I pick one up which is not an easy feat considering how many books I read a year so a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS Emily!!! One of the things I love about her books is that they can also be quite thought provoking and always end with MASSIVE BOMBSHELLS that I absolutely love and never do see coming. Emily's evocative writing drags you deep into the storyline from the first sentence to the very last and will keep you up until the very last word! THAT ladies and gentleman is a true sign of an absolute must read. I absolutely loved the ending which was definitely an unexpected twist which is just one of the reasons I love Emily's books, she manages to get me every single time!! I've said it before about Emily's books and I shall say it again!! I would absolutely LOVE to see this turned into a movie and would wait up all night to get tickets to watch it!!

I hope your busy writing your next book Emily as I just cannot wait to see what bombshell twist and explosive storyline you have up your sleeve for us next!!!!

Do not start this book until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!

The characters were all realistic and strong and I was completely invested in them throughout. I love the fact that we got to see what was happening from the points of view from not just Charlotte the Mum of Jordan but also from Sophie who answers Charlottes advert and as with all her amazing books Emily weaves all of the chapters together with perfect timing until it all comes together with an explosive BANG!! It also explains absolutely everything which leaves no question unanswered at the end which is a pet hate of mine!! It also leaves you questioning what is really going on and gets you thinking more and more the deeper you delve into the storyline. Emily's multiple person perspective also really helps the reader understand the characters more making them more realistic to the reader. I was completely invested in all of the characters throughout and Emily's evocative descriptions really makes them jump out of the book and come to life in front of the readers eyes. All of the characters were multi layered with complex personalities which definitely made them all the more interesting to read about!!! Unfortunately, I really can not say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. I had no idea what to think of the different characters, what was really going on or where it was all leading which just goes to show what a talented author Emily is and I cannot wait to get hooked into her next psychological thriller which is guaranteed to be another page turner!! Regardless of what I thought about who, each character worked perfectly to make this page turning psychological thriller!!!

Congratulations Emily on yet ANOTHER huge success. This is the exact reason why you are in my favourite 5 authors list!! Here's to your next guaranteed success 🥂!!

Overall another absolutely unputdownable, action packed, intriguing psychological thriller that will keep you up at night on the edge of your seat with a pounding heart from onw of the best psychological thriller authors EVER!!

#WhatEveryMotherNeeds #EmilyShiner #authoremilyshiner #authoreshiner #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous

@EmilyShiner @authoremilyshiner @authoreshiner @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous

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What Every Mother Needs by Emily Shiner is a fast-paced, twisty domestic thriller that hooked me from the first page. When new mom Charlotte, reeling from her husband’s death, hires help to care for her newborn, she’s stunned when a woman claiming to be her late husband’s sister shows up—someone Charlotte never knew existed. Is Sophie really there to help, or does she have a darker motive?

Tense, and full of twists some predictable some not , this is classic Emily Shiner: layered characters, sharp pacing, and a plot that keeps you second-guessing everyone. A throughly entertaining read for domestic thriller fans

I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest psychological thriller by Emily Shiner and including me on the book tour! All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Charlotte is alone with baby Jordan after her husband, Lawrence, died. She's struggling on her own, so when Sophie shows up at her door saying she's Lawrence's sister and there to help, Charlotte is so grateful. But then Charlotte finds Sophie going through her things and is worried about what she will find. She wants her out of the house. But Sophie is not going to go easily without getting what she came for..

Told from the POV of both Charlotte and Sophie, this book will have your head spinning, wondering which unreliable narrator you can trust! We also hear from a third narrator, Her, giving us background information about Lawrence. And Lawrence's behavior will definitely have you thinking that it's a good thing he's dead. You may think you'll know what's going to happen in this one, but you'll be surprised at all the twists and turns. As always, Emily Shiner has written a gripping, tense thriller!

What Every Mother Needs by Emily Shiner

This book is something that you should read. The crazy twist and ride just mind-blowing. I finished the book in a day. The gripping ending was the one that totally deserved a five-star rating.

The storyplot was mainly related to the widow Charlotte and Sophie who claimed she’s the sister-in-law, and she came here to help Charlotte to take care of her newborn Jordan.

But could you trust Sophie?

The crazy and exciting ride throughout the book always worried me for the ending. But for Emily Shiner’s book, it’s a promise that never let you down.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my copy.

Pub date: May 30, 2025

This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that really set the scene and put you in the storyline.
The storyline was captivating and addictive from the first page until the last and I was completely invested in it.
Overall an absolutely page turning, addictive, gripping and explosive must read that will keep you addicted from the very start.

Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Since Charlotte’s husband’s death, it’s just been her and her baby Jordan. Things have been difficult as a suddenly single mother and Charlotte is struggling to raise Jordan alone.

When Sophie arrives at Charlotte’s door claiming to be Lawrence’s sister, it seems like a blessing in disguise. But disguises have a way of unravelling and both Charlotte and Sophie have more secrets than they can keep hidden.

But who will crack under the pressure?

I really enjoyed this one. It was my first book by Emily Shiner and I found it to be quite fun despite the topics that it raises. There are definitely dark themes in this one including domestic violence and loss of a child but the book is still light and a fairly easy read.

There are some great twists along the way, and while some are quite predictable there’s definitely enough to keep you guessing the whole way through.

Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley and the author for my copy of this book in exchange for a review

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

What Every Mother Needs by Emily Shiner is a page-turning, twisty and suspenseful domestic thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Like with every book Emily writes you can expect a gripping plot, crazy twists, and a cast of characters that are fully developed and just a little unhinged!

Charlotte is struggling. Between the death of her husband Lawrence and taking care of her six week old daughter Jordan, Charlotte is exhausted and just needs a little help. Putting out an ad looking for someone to come to the house a couple of times a week to help with Jordan, Charlotte is stunned when the very next day a woman shows up saying she's there to help. What's even more shocking is this woman is claiming to be Lawrence's sister Sophie. Not even knowing she existed, Charlotte is taken aback. Sophie says she's there to help but is she hiding something sinister?

Emily Shiner is an auto buy author for me! All of her books are top-notch thrillers and they usually delve deep into human relationships and have twists that will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew. With short, punchy chapters and multiple POVs, this clever cat and mouse story has everything you like in domestic thrillers. Overall What Every Mother Needs is a fast-paced, twisty and suspenseful book that you are not going to want to miss!

Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Shiner, and Bookouture for this ARC! Publication date May 30th 2025.

Well, doesn’t this one just have it all! A widow with a new baby, just trying to get by. Along comes her husbands estranged sister to help out! Just what she needed, or is it? What a wild twisted ride. The ending, oh my. You are going to love this one!

Every Emily Shiner books is an automatic 5 star for me! This book took me on a wild ride! I love the characters and the pace. I just couldn't put it down. Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc!

What Every Mother Needs didn’t ease me into the story—it yanked me in by the wrist and whispered, “Trust no one,” before slamming the door behind me. This is domestic suspense at its most deliciously unhinged.

From page one, I was side-eyeing everyone. Charlotte is hanging on by a thread, grieving, exhausted, and trying to keep her head above water while raising her baby girl alone. Enter Sophie, with her soft voice, helpful hands, and a smile that practically screams red flag. She says she’s family—but is she the kind that shows up with casseroles… or chaos?

Let me tell you: the tension in this book is so thick you could cut it with a baby monitor. Emily Shiner writes like she’s planting landmines on every page. Just when you think you’ve figured out who to trust, BOOM—another twist, another secret, another moment that makes you want to yell, “GIRL, DON’T GO IN THERE.”

Both women are liars, and one of them is dangerous—but good luck figuring out which is which. The dual POV adds serious psychological depth, and watching the unraveling from both sides? Chilling. It’s like watching a game of emotional chess where someone’s definitely going to bleed.

If you love thrillers where the stakes are personal, the villain is hiding in plain sight, and motherhood is both weapon and weakness—this one’s for you. Twisted, tense, and totally addictive.

Thank you to Bookouture for providing this advance copy via NetGalley for my honest, voluntary review. #WhatEveryMotherNeeds #NetGalley

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read What Every Mother Needs in exchange for my honest review.

💫💫💫💫💫
Definitely a 5 star read for me!

Charlotte's a recently widowed new mother of a 6 week old baby girl named Jordan. She is trying to balance the responsibilities of a house and baby Jordy the best she can on her own but she has decided to place a help wanted AD since she will need to head back to work soon. A knock at the door and a seemingly perfect woman is forcing herself into Charlotte's home to be the answer to all her prayers.

Sophie is Charlotte's late husband's sister that she never knew even existed, but she is here now saying she's wants to help with her niece and keeping house and be supportive during this difficult time.

You get POV from Sophie, Charlotte and "Her" and you learn that late hubby Lawrence wasn't such a good guy at all.

Both women have secrets and you are constantly wondering and flip flopping about who is the real threat.

This is a twisty tale that keeps you turning the pages and fills you with anxiety and intrigue.

🖤 short chapters
🖤 twists on twists
🖤 page turner
👑 Emily Shiner

Emily Shiner has become an automatic choice for me. I will jump blindly into any book of hers!

Two ladies have ended up under the same roof, both of which are liars. The further I read, the more I started to wonder what else these two deceivers are a capable of.

Sophie and Charlotte have one common thread and that is a predator named Lawrence. As the mind games begin, you will also question who is the cat and who is the mouse?

This twisty thriller will keep you on your toes and up late at night frantically reading all while trying to decide who you like best in this fight. I changed my mind several times. Emily Shiner knows how to play mind games.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

What Every Mother Needs by Emily Shiner is a fast-paced, twisty thriller that hooks you right away and keeps the tension high. The alternating perspectives of Charlotte and Sophie create a chilling unnerving dynamic of cat and mouse where you're never quite sure who’s telling the truth — or what they’re hiding. The tension is palpable, especially as secrets unravel and the atmosphere in Charlotte's home grows increasingly claustrophobic.

From the beginning, it’s clear these women have secrets — and no one’s telling the truth. After the sudden death of her husband Lawrence, Charlotte is left to care for their infant daughter Jordan alone. Overwhelmed, exhausted, and desperate, she’s eager for help—so when Sophie arrives at her door, she lets her in with barely a second thought grateful to receive some much-needed help. Sophie claims later on to be Lawrence’s sister, but Charlotte just assumes she is there in response to her help wanted ad and doesn’t verify anything before inviting her into their lives. This decision becomes the novel’s turning point, but it's also one of its weakest and is what kept this from being a full five-star read for me. As a mother, I found it incredibly unrealistic that Charlotte would allow a total stranger into her home without confirming her identity, no matter how exhausted she was. Just no. I get being sleep-deprived and desperate for help, but I don’t care how tired I am — I’m not letting a random woman in off the street around my baby. The decision felt dangerously naïve and way too far-fetched when your child’s safety is at stake.

Still, once Sophie is in the house, the psychological tension escalates beautifully. Secrets about Charlotte’s marriage start to surface, and Sophie’s true motives slowly come to light. This back-and-forth is what really drives this book. You’re constantly second-guessing who to believe, which makes it a super fun, edge-of-your-seat read.

The other major issue for me was the ending. Without spoiling anything, it felt abrupt, like it just...stopped rather than concluded. I turned the last page expecting more, only to realize that was it. No real sense of closure, no big reveal that ties everything up. If there’s a sequel coming, then I’m all in — because I need to know what happens next. But if this is meant to be a standalone, the abrupt conclusion may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied and like they wanted more.

Despite these flaws, this was a fast-paced, wild ride with some great suspense and seriously tense moments. If you love domestic thrillers and dark twists, this one’s worth picking up and is an entertaining read. I’d absolutely pick up a follow-up if one is released.