My name is Rebecca Winter. Eleven years ago, I was abducted.
Only Daughter by Anna Snoekstra opens with a girl desperate to escape a challenging past and the prospect of a dismal future. When caught stealing she misappropriates the identity of an abduction victim- a risky move that saves her from present danger but sets her on a path that may prove to be much worse than she could ever imagine.
The story alternates between the life of Rebecca a.k.a. Bec prior to the alleged abduction and present time where the counterfeit Bec begins to test the waters of her new life.
She’ll realize my deception the moment she lays eyes on me. It doesn’t matter how much time has passed. Surely a mother would know her only daughter.
Quick thinking and absolute resolve allow the imitation Bec to navigate the tricky reintroduction and required assistance in the attempt to solve the crime that lead to her professed disappearance. Deeply craving the love of a family, our narrator looks past warning signs in the family’s forced facade.
I hesitate for a second in the doorway, waiting for them to move, to notice my presence, but they don’t. They sit together in silence with straight backs but empty eyes and lowered heads. I guess it’s been a tough day for them, too. Still, something feels strange, slightly off, about this sparkling image of family.
However, the strain of the deceit weighs heavily on Bec and she grows paranoid, though not without good reason.
The urge to leave Bec’s life is strong now. Someone is after me. I might be killed. But I can’t run away. I have to stay. I owe Bec that. Just one more day. Even if it means getting caught.
Stories shared by the real Bec in her narrative prior to the incident provide subtle insight into the life and the family faux Bec now finds herself in. As the pace quickens, the plot becomes the thriller it promises to be. The haunting conclusion will leave readers shaken.
Read voraciously.
Thoughts?
Intrigued? Buy the book here:
A review copy of this title was provided by Harlequin via Netgalley.
The Life Between Pages 