2 stars! ⭐️⭐️

OUTLIER ALERT! 🏝️

I usually love Caitlin Weaver books, so it pains me to write a two star review for this one.

Dana and Padma are best friends and neighbors. Their daughters are best friends. Dana’s life is in shambles due to the dwindling sales in her gift shop and her marital stress. Padma is a successful ER doctor. When a tragic accident happens to Dana’s daughter while in the care of Padma, their strong bond is tested. Can Dana forgive Padma for a serious mistake that puts her daughter’s life on the line?

I was not a fan of this one. Nothing really happened except a lot of repetition and mostly whiny characters. Dana’s husband was particularly annoying. No twists, no surprises. The ending was extremely lackluster as well.

Maybe I was expecting too much because I’m normally a fan of her books. Despite the low rating for this one, I eagerly await her next and will happily pick it up!

Thank you to NetGalley and Stone Publishing for my advanced copy to read and review.

What an absolutely great book from start to finish. I could not put it down so was reading into the small hours. The author captured the feelings of all of those involved and told the story that had you hooked from the very beginning and kept you guessing all the way through. Throughout the book the more the story was told the more you invested in the characters and what an ending. Great book and I will certainly be looking for more books from this author

It took my a good few chapters to get into this book, but once I did I couldn't put the book down.
I really enjoyed the characters Dana being my favourite, a busy working mum trying to juggle everything in life.
Definitely worth a read

This book has more layers than an onion. Best friends and next door neighbours are beset by a momentary twist of fate that affects all their lives. I loved the different chapters told from different characters’ points of view and I thought the descriptions of both teenage angst and female middle age anxieties was superb. This is a very well written, beautifully paced and nuanced story. Five stars all the way!

On reading the blurb I thought this book sounded really good but unfortunately I found it disappointing. I had no interest in either of the main characters and just skipped through it to find that nothing much happened anyway.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Loved this book. I honestly couldn't put it down. This author has a way with words, and I cared about her characters and what was going to happen to them. The ending is what made the book for me.

This book is truly a masterpiece! Caitlin Weaver lives up to her surname - she has woven together families, friendships and domestic drama, connecting them all to one tragedy. As the story pulls back these layers you find the secrets, the betrayals, the tension and complexity that comes with family and friendship.

The characters are so well developed, I felt I was watching it happen in front of me. I had to ask myself what I would do in their situations, the difficult choices and dilemmas they were facing. Would I find forgiveness in me?

This story was such a tense domestic drama that it truly was an unputdownable read!

Neighbours and friends whose family lives are closely linked until one tragic event. This book is a well written emotional story that makes the reader question what they would do. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.
Many thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest review . Five stars from me

Who We Used To Be delves deep into the relationships between Dana and Padma, who intrisically trust each other with their kids, and who have grown up together as families as they are plunged into a world of horror, uncertainity and blame.
It is easy to be empathetic with Dana as she struggles to save her child but the moments where she questions her choices in persuing justice are so very quietly written that it makes you stop and think jsut as the characters would have to.
Very clever and very well written!

Who We Used To Be is a powerful, emotionally charged novel that explores the fragile boundaries of trust, friendship, and forgiveness. Dana Blair’s journey—from feeling powerless in her own life to facing unimaginable heartbreak—felt raw and deeply relatable. The book doesn’t shy away from messy emotions and moral complexity, making the characters’ struggles feel authentic.

Padma Paulsen’s portrayal as a driven ER doctor adds a compelling contrast, and the unraveling of their friendship under the weight of tragedy is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. The tension between loyalty and justice kept me invested throughout, even when the story took some difficult turns.

While the pacing occasionally slowed, the emotional depth and nuanced character development more than made up for it. The novel asks tough questions about how far we’re willing to go to protect those we love—and at what cost.

Overall, Who We Used To Be is a gripping, thoughtful read that lingers long after the final page.

Who We Used To Be was a great book!! The writing style is easy to read and I enjoyed the uniqueness of the topic!! The theme of this book regarding neighborhood mothers and their children was gripping and I couldn’t put the book down because I needed to know what happened next. The subject of the book is emotional, with Dana’s daughter left in a coma and Padma, their next door neighbor being blamed. It was a well written book by a great author. I like this author and am looking forward to reading her next book!! Thank you to Caitlin Weaver, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book prior to publishing.

whoa!!! cannot wait to read more work from this author! this book totally had me hooked from page 1. could not put this one down!!!

Who We Used To Be by Caitlin Weaver is a deeply compelling and emotionally resonant domestic drama that delves into the complexities of family, friendship, and trust. From the very first pages, Weaver draws you into the intertwined lives of Dana Blair and Padma Paulsen, two women whose bond has been steadfast for over a decade. Dana, who has spent her life accommodating the expectations of others—her husband, her children, and her community—is suddenly faced with a series of events that force her to question everything she has relied upon. Padma, a fiercely independent and dedicated ER doctor, has always been the one person Dana could depend on, but when tragedy strikes, their friendship is put to an unimaginable test.

The story is anchored by the unthinkable: Dana’s daughter, Izzy, suffers a severe injury that leaves her fighting for her life. Padma, who is responsible for her care at the time, becomes the center of Dana’s grief, fear, and anger. Weaver does a masterful job of presenting both perspectives, allowing the reader to empathize with the emotional and moral complexities of each character. Dana’s anguish, protective instincts, and growing mistrust feel raw and authentic, while Padma’s professional dedication, guilt, and internal struggle are equally compelling.

Weaver excels at portraying the ripple effects of trauma on family dynamics. Dana’s marriage to Eric is strained, revealing long-standing cracks and unmet expectations. Her son Ian, struggling with his own challenges, adds another layer of tension, making the family’s turmoil feel realistic and relatable. Each character is carefully drawn, flawed, and human, which makes their decisions, mistakes, and moments of courage all the more impactful.

The pacing of the novel is deliberate and thoughtful, reflecting the emotional weight of the events while maintaining suspense. The author builds tension not through action alone but through the moral and emotional dilemmas the characters face, making the stakes feel incredibly personal. The reader is constantly questioning: how would I respond in Dana’s shoes? Could Padma have acted differently? And can their friendship survive such a catastrophic event?

What sets Who We Used To Be apart is Weaver’s ability to weave social realism with a powerful exploration of human relationships. The story does not shy away from the uncomfortable truths about family, friendship, and accountability, and it captures the emotional fragility of people pushed to their limits. Moments of tenderness and support are interspersed with conflict, making the narrative feel balanced and true to life.

While the story is undeniably intense, it is also thought-provoking. It challenges the reader to consider the impact of secrets, the boundaries of loyalty, and the courage it takes to face harsh realities. The ending is both poignant and reflective, leaving readers contemplating the nature of forgiveness, resilience, and the ties that bind us together.

Overall, Who We Used To Be is an unputdownable, heart-wrenching, and emotionally rich novel. Caitlin Weaver has delivered a story that is not only engaging but also resonates long after the final page. It is a perfect choice for readers who appreciate character-driven drama, complex moral dilemmas, and stories about the enduring power—and fragility—of human connections.

Book: Who We Used To Be
​By: Caitlin Weaver
​Chapter: Forty-Eight, Page 267
​Ian
Fifty-nine days after

🌟🌟🌟🌟

​°•. “Mom,” he said, exasperation softening into reassurance.

“No one here is going to give me drugs. I'm just going to sit with Izzy and try not to fall even further behind in school.”

He held up his backpack, as if it might help convince her. Dr Garcia had agreed that he should take a few days off while his body adjusted to being clean, so long as his parents kept a close eye on him. What Ian couldn't explain to his mom was how much easier it felt to be here - with the hum of the machines and the nurses’ chatter in the hall- than at home in his room, where the silence only made his shame echo louder.

“OK,” she said finally, stepping forward to smooth his hair with her hand.

“I'll be back in a little while.”

Ian nodded, waiting until her footsteps faded down the hall. He had barely sunk into the chair by Izzy's bed when the soft sound of movement behind him made him turn. °•.

​▪︎ Review ▪︎

|:: What would you do if someone hurt your child? No, actually, what would you do if someone's actions hurt your child? And what if the person who hurt them was your friend?

​Dana Blair and Padma Paulson have been best friends for over a decade. Their daughters are also best friends, and they spend almost all their time together, sharing holidays, celebrations, and heartache. So when Dana receives some life-changing news, it is Padma she goes to first.

​But then, the unthinkable happens. Her child has an accident, and since Padma is an ER doctor, she is the very person Dana needs to treat her daughter, Izzy. Padma does so, cutting out waiting time and expense. Izzy is back home in record time and resting.

​However, little did Dana know that this recent trip to the hospital would have devastating consequences for both Dana's family and Padma's. Not only are both women pushed to the breaking point and beyond, but they must also face the reality of life after their families are torn apart and stripped to the very essence of what and who they used to be.

​Now... what is left of them?

​▪︎ My Thoughts ▪︎

​This was an amazing and very thought-provoking book. It had me horrified and truly torn between the two sides. Although my own opinion dominated half of the book, I have to admit I didn't spend a lot of time hating on Dana. Of course, my sympathy blossomed with her rising challenges, but it was hard to watch her decisions without reflecting on what I would have done if put in both ladies' positions.

​I was a little sad at the end, with how it seemed both Maeve and Izzy had cooled off. It was also a little heartbreaking to hear about the sale. You expect a happy ending to be just that -happy- but life doesn't always end up like that. I must give the author credit for the stark realism that shone through her entire book. It was both daunting and a nuisance.

​I couldn't put the book down because I needed to read what happened next. I must say I loved Ian from the start. He and Maeve with their Romeo and Juliet theme going on was beautiful. I also had a real soft spot for Lars. The way he loved Padma despite her choices and actions really hit home. We all need a Lars in our lives!

​It's so refreshing to see a story unfold that really could be taken from today's society, like you're reading about it in a newspaper. As humans, we can be greedy and self-centred and look out for our own best interests. It made me realise that you need people in your life to call you out on your BS, and when they are easily taken away, our decisions become vengeful and easily swayed.

​Eric was a douche, to be fair, and I'm glad that Dana decided to follow her head with the decision she chose in the end. He came across as cruel and almost as if he thought he was better than everyone. He is not someone I would miss! Toby, however, was such a good friend. In hindsight, even though the things Padma went through were totally unfair and world-crashing, she had the best network around her she could have asked for.

​Despite everything, Dana never had anyone, and from the start, I think she knew that, which is why she clung on to Eric as much as she could. She lost the one person who would have done anything and everything for her, all for money, fear, blame-quenching, and manipulation by a man who was only interested in his retainer fee and a work-fee bonus for another win under his belt. ::|

​Title: Who We Used To Be
​Author: Caitlin Weaver
Publish Date: 29/7/25
​Publisher: Storm Publishing
Review Score: 4/5

​A huge thank you to Caitlin Weaver, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and relay my honest feedback.

This book features the points of view of four characters — Dana, Padma, Maeve, and Ian. While there are a lot of very positive reviews, for me this book did not grab or hold my attention. It is an emotional read and is definitely one which would appeal to most fans of women’s fiction. I think the number of characters involved in the story and the roller coaster ride of emotions was something that did not appeal to me at this point in time. If I read it a month later, I could see it being one I would enjoy. Just not at this time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Contemporary
Family
Mystery Thriller

This is such a good book!!! It is a perfect thriller with so many twists and turns. You never really know where the book is going. I think it was full of emotion and great writing! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Having read all of Caitlin Weaver’s work, I can confidently say her writing feels like a warm blanket on a cold day, comforting yet thought-provoking. In this novel, she skillfully explores relationships, family dynamics, the challenges of balancing work and personal life, teenagers experiencing their “firsts,” as well as themes of addiction, mistakes, ethical dilemmas, medical struggles, and self-discovery.

I found myself challenged to reflect on my perspectives while also fully immersed in the story; I couldn’t put it down. Weaver has a rare ability to evoke emotion and gently push readers to examine their belief systems. Even if the endings are not what you might expect or personally choose, the journey is consistently rewarding.

I highly recommend this book, as well as her previous titles, with complete confidence. Her stories linger long after the final page and always spark meaningful conversations.

I devoured this book! Caitlin Weaver can do no wrong, in my eyes and I am always excited to get her ARCs in my mailbox. She writes the best domestic dramas, as they never fail to tug at your heartstrings but at the same time pushes you to think about the grey areas in life and people. I always recommend her books, and will do so again this time. Highly, highly recommend!

Beautifully written. Love this author and this book is just wow! Wonderful. I absolutely adored this one. Do read it. You will not be disappointed.

Caitlin Weaver's Who We Used to Be is a masterfully written domestic drama that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about the people closest to you. The novel explores a chilling premise: what if the person you trust most did something you can't forgive? Weaver's intricate plot and rich character development make this an unputdownable read.

The story is a powerful exploration of betrayal, forgiveness, and the secrets that can tear a family apart. Weaver expertly builds a tense atmosphere, keeping you guessing until the very last page. The characters feel real and complex, and you'll find yourself empathizing with their difficult choices and moral dilemmas. It's a truly powerful and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you've finished reading. Multiple times while reading, I found myself questioning what i would do if it was me.

I absolutely loved the way Weaver peeled back the layers of these seemingly perfect families, revealing the cracks and secrets hidden beneath the surface. The writing is superb, and the pacing is perfect, building up to a great climax. Weaver is one of my favorite authors, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for theARC in exchange for my honest review.