Julia Hudson’s life is shattered by a car accident that leaves her in a coma, and her family is left to uncover the shocking secrets she’s been hiding for decades.
A Mother's Betrayal by Louise Guy
Genres: Contemporary Fiction, Womens Fiction

One woman. Two worlds on the verge of colliding.

When Julia Hudson is involved in a near-fatal accident, the lives of her children – nurse Flo and her twin sister, high-flying lawyer Ari – are sent into freefall.

As they sit vigil by their mother’s bedside, the sisters discover that Julia, who has always preached unwavering principles and integrity, has been keeping a terrible secret. A secret that shatters everything they’ve ever believed about their family.

But the twins have each other… or do they? Because Julia is not the only one keeping secrets…

With Julia in a coma and unable to answer their questions, her journals might provide the answers they seek. But Julia’s journals reveal yet another dark secret. One that will make the sisters question every part of the life they’ve lived.

If you can’t trust your mother, who can you trust? And – with their mother’s life in the balance – can the sisters find a way to forgive her, before it’s too late?

A totally gripping, devastating emotional page turner that readers of Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Kate Hewitt will love.

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I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review

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Julia Hudson is married to Mike, and they share identical twin daughters, Arabella (Ari) and Florence (Flo), as well as a grandson, Kayden. Julia is known for her forceful and blunt personality, and her job with a government bureau has her constantly traveling between Melbourne and Canberra. However, her life takes a devastating turn when she’s involved in a serious car accident, leaving her with brain swelling, a broken leg, and multiple lacerations. While Julia lies in a coma in the ICU, Mike, Ari, Flo, and their grandmother Gigi take shifts at her bedside. During this time, they uncover a shocking secret that Julia has been hiding—a secret that shakes the very foundation of their family, leaving them questioning everything they once believed.

Ari and Flo have always shared a close bond, but it turns out Flo has secrets of her own. When the truth comes out, it drives a wedge between the sisters at a time when they need each other the most. With Julia unconscious, the family begins to unravel. As they discover Julia’s journals, written over the course of 32 years, they hope the pages hold the answers to their questions. But instead, they uncover more secrets and lies, leading them to wonder if Julia has been manipulating them all along.

This book is set against the backdrop of Melbourne’s leafy streets, this gripping novel had me hooked from the first chapter, and the unpredictable twists kept me on edge until the very end. The story delves into the complicated relationships within the Hudson family and raises important questions about trust, betrayal, and forgiveness—especially between a mother and her daughters.

I loved the dynamic mix of characters, which made the story come alive and took me on a roller coaster of emotions. The book tackles a wide range of issues and possibilities, making it a compelling read. Five stars from me! I can’t wait to explore more of Louise Guy’s work.

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