Although this novel is a work of fiction, the author has captured the raw truth that many women experience after giving birth. It is a compelling read that invites a deep dive into the impact of trauma when repression, avoidance, and denial are employed as coping mechanisms to avoid painful truths – all in the name of protecting loved ones.

Gemma Sinclair is a successful psychologist in a stable, happy marriage. Having just given birth to her second son, she struggles with the physical and emotional aspects of her recovery and the added dysfunctional dynamics of her extended family only compound her stress. The tipping point in her carefully maintained equilibrium occurs when her newborn son is injured, and she begins a downward spiral into an “inconvenient unraveling.” Despite her professional knowledge, Gemma is in denial of her symptoms of postpartum depression until she is confronted by the potential loss of her marriage, her family, and her career.

This is not an easy read, but one that is well worth the investment of time. I was engaged with the characters from the very beginning and had difficulty putting the book aside. Gemma’s tenuous position in her relationships was painful to observe, but it is a testimony to the author’s skill to craft deeply moving prose. The hopeful conclusion was gratifying and realistic.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

The content of this book was very well written, it may have hit harder if I were a mother myself. The story that unraveled was brought back together in the end and was a truly beautiful ending. I love the healthy relationship and emphasis on a therapist having a therapist was done, this hit home for me as a social worker myself. My only criticism has nothing to do with the writing or the story line, but with the format. With how the book is currently set up, it was hard to catch the breaks in chapters as I was really enjoying this book and reading it so fast that I would have to go back and look to see if I had reached a new chapter. I hope that this is addressed during edits and makes the book more e-reader friendly for those who will read it.

This is a complex book about motherhood and all that goes with it, from newborns to postpartum and more! I devoured this story and thought Morgan crafted a unique take on the demands and seriousness of being a mom in today's world. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Even though I found the protagonist irritating and unlikeable, I thought this book was really good. Yes, it has important messages which it imparts sensitively and without preaching, but the story itself is a massively relatable family drama. The author does a slow reveal on the core issue and does so in a way which explores causes and effects without tying everything up in an implausibly neat bow. Really well structured and paced with strong and believable characters.