Brady Mason has been living in foster homes since she was one. Her birth mother gave her up for adoption, and when her adopted parents died, she was left to be in the system. Brady has learned the hard way how to survive. She knows what to say to the authorities to get by. She has learned things the hard way.


When the housemates in the current home notice that she looks like a famous mavin, they think it would be funny to post pictures of how much alike they appear. But, that’s how they find out she really is the long lost daughter of Elen Lavigne, and Brady leaves everything behind, including her friends at the home, to live with her long-lost mother.


This might sound like a feel-good story, but much like Oliver Twist, Brady knows she doesn’t quite fit in this new home. She worries that she will be sent back, something she sort of wants, and doesn’t at the same time.


And Elena has no idea how to be a mother, thinking throwing money at Brady will be enough. She gives her everything she could ever want, except for her time.


Very heartfelt, as the story is told solely from 12-year-old Brady’s point of view. And, of course, there is a lack of communication, and Brady thinks she isn’t wanted.


I stayed up late to finish this one. I got so involved in the story. By the end, I was crying big tears. I had no idea how this book was going to end, and had to find out.


All the stars, for both making me stay up until 2am, and making me cry. Highly recommended.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published the 13th of January 2026.