“Taut, clever, compelling, and guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.” –Paula Hawkins, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Girl on the Train and Into the Water From the bestselling author of Anatomy of a Scandal–soon to be a Netflix series–a new thought-provoking novel exploring the complexity of motherhood and all that connects and disconnects us. You think you know her…b connects and disconnects us.
You think you know her…but look a little closer.
She is a stay-at-home mother-of-three with boundless reserves of patience, energy, and love. After being friends for a decade, this is how Liz sees Jess.
Then one moment changes everything.
Dark thoughts and carefully guarded secrets surface–and Liz is left questioning everything she thought she knew about her friend, and about herself. The truth can’t come soon enough.
With Sarah Vaughan’s signature “clever and compelling” (Claire Douglas, author of Last Seen Alive) prose, Little Disasters is a tightly-wound and evocative page-turner that will haunt you long after you finish the last page.
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Little Disasters by Sarah Vaughan is an amazing family drama and women’s fiction book, that is thought provoking, about the nuances and complexities of motherhood. The novel explores the sacrifices and lengths a mother will go, to protect our children at all cost.
The writing was well researched. From the roles of physicians, the pediatric residents, social workers and the intricate details of the process of when a suspected abuse is reported, Vaughan wrote it well.
The story was told in the multiple point of views with flashbacks from the past, when the main characters first met when they were both just starting out with their families. This was a heavy read and at times found myself needing a break from reading this subject matter.
I find that the writing was incredibly realistic and so well done. I enjoyed reading this and recommend it.
Little Disasters is an easy book to fly through, but it’s not an easy book to read. You won’t want to put it down because you’ll really want to know the truth. The subject matter is hard to handle at times though. Reading about possible child abuse and neglect is always hard. I appreciate how the author addressed mental health issues. I thought she did a great job portraying the fragility of friendships. This is a hard book to review without spoiling it, and I hate spoilers! Like I said, you won’t want to put this book down. I can’t give it 5 stars because though it’s well written with several well developed characters, I felt as if I knew nothing substantial about others. I would have gladly read a longer book had the characters with missing personalities been better developed. I recommend it to those of you who enjoy psychological mystery books.
Wow, what a book to be reading for Mother’s Day!? Without spoiling any of the details…
Jess appears to be the perfect stay at home mom. A beautiful person, with a beautiful home, unlimited patience with her children … the “perfect life.” Until one moment changes it all. Suddenly nothing she does or says makes sense make any even the people closest to her and left without knowing what to think.
Incredibly tragic and heartbreaking. This one pulled at every motherly string in my and left me gasping for breath. A book I won’t soon forget and I’ll surely be back for more!!
Little Disasters certainly had a lot going on in the storyline. There were quite a few different twists and turns, and I was totally wrong about how it would end. I did find it to be a slow moving read especially in the beginning. Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others.
I received a ARC from NetGalley and the publisher Atria, and was under no obligation to give a favorable review, all opinions expressed here are my own.
This book started out strong and seemed to be one that I was going to really enjoy. Though it is not a thriller in any sense of the word, it is a mystery/women’s fiction. The writing is very well developed and the characters are all pretty likable. My problem is that it started dragging and didn’t pick back up until close to the end. This book could have been cut down and really been so good. It has great promise but way to much detail. I don’t usually say anything negative about a book but this one in my opinion needs it. It’s really a good story but just way to much detail. I understand you have to know all the characters and their background stories, but this one went a bit to far. It took away from this story. It’s a good story but needs to be a bit less. Sometimes less is more.
This story starts out with a woman losing her mind because her newborn baby won’t stop crying. She’s tried everything and nothing seems to work. It then goes right into the story of four women. One, Liz, works at the hospital in the UK as a Pediatrician doctor. The setting is 2018 and it’s a cold January night. She’s called to the ER to check on a baby girl who was brought in. When Liz finds out who the baby is she is a bit concerned. Jess is a wonderful mother who dotes on her children. She’s a good person and would never do anything to harm her children. She has two boys and this baby girl, Betsey. After checking Betsey Liz concludes that there is trauma to the back of her skull and wants more tests. She questions Jess about it by Jess is very vague in her answers. After finding that Betsey has a fractured skull she tries to get Jess to tell her something. Anything to explain how this happened. She finally has no choice but to call children’s services.
Jess is a wonderful mother but also one who needs sleep. With a baby and two older boys she is running on fumes. When her husband, Ed, finds Betsey in her crib crying and sees she has vomited he becomes very concerned. He insists Jess take her to the ER right away. Jess is very afraid of what is going to happen. Is her baby girl going to be ok or is something terribly wrong. She’s having thoughts that scare her also. Like what if she hurts her baby. She is suffering with postpartum depression and doesn’t know it. No one does. She keeps her feelings in, afraid to tell anyone the sinister thoughts that come to her mind.
There are several characters in this book and none see that Jess has any problems. Not even her best friend, Liz. Either they are not paying much attention or Jess is able to hide her postpartum from them all. Even her husband. Everyone thinks she is the perfect mother. Until she takes Betsey to the hospital. Then it seems they all have something to say. Typical of a group of women I believe. Instead of standing up for their friend they think the worst.
While this is going on there is another side story going on. It’s about Liz’s mother and another baby girl. It’s easy to follow but to me unnecessary to this story. It’s interesting but still I could have done without it. It didn’t seem to attribute to the story except to shed some light on Liz’s life, though I still don’t understand what the baby had to do with it. Just another story of a baby I guess. It would be a good start to another book. I’m sorry but it just didn’t help me at all.
The friends could have been there for Jess during this awful time. Most thought she was a great mom but when asked they sure loves putting their two cents worth in about things. Even Liz seemed a bit evasive about Liz. She was very close to the mom and baby so she had to step back but still… I did love who Liz finally got to the root of what happened and then another twist is thrown in that to me was just unbelievable. I can’t believe any child would do what the main on in this story did or said. When afraid most children do whatever it takes to make things better. That is my opinion and I didn’t believe how things played out about what really did happen. It was just to out there. Like it was thrown in to keep the story going.
Thank you #NetGalley, #SarahVaugh, #Atriabooks for this ARC. This is my own feelings and review.
I gave it 3/5 stars and say read if for yourself. You may see something I didn’t and may love it. It’s a good story, just to much about each character for me.
Dr. Liz Trenchard is a senior doctor in pediatrics at a busy hospital in London. She usually works the night shift and finds herself exhausted most of the time. She and her colleagues are all very busy facing constant drama.
One night, her good friend, Jess, brings in her 6-month-old daughter, Betsey to the ER. Liz is called in because the doctor on duty is not sure what is wrong with her. After a thorough examination, it appears she has a skull fracture. Liz is shocked and wonders how she got this because it would have taken quite a force for her skull to have fractured. Jess has two other sons and has always been a good mother.
Liz, Jess, and a number of other mothers met when they were in birthing class together and have maintained their friendship. So, Liz is worried that Jess may have hurt Betsey even when she says the child just fell when she was pulling herself up to the refrigerator.
The head of pediatrics is a crusty old doctor who calls in child welfare who then insist that Jess not be left alone with her child in hospital. Jess is a nervous wreck but appears to be hiding secrets. What really happened to little Betsey?
This book is, at times, hard to read because there are some troubling things revealed that some new mothers go through. Postpartum depression is very common and hits some mothers in different ways. It’s only been in recent years that doctors are realizing how real this is. Jess’s extreme stress is well hidden because she is trying to be the perfect mother. What is the “perfect” mother? All babies are different and this book shows how these differences can challenge each mother. There are some truly dark and hard to read parts in this book, it is told in a way that makes us all want to lend a hand (or two) to a new mother. Well done, Sarah Vaughan.
Copy provided by NetGalley and in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This is an emotional book. If you look closely behind closed doors you find out not everything is as it seems. Liz really does take everything personal and I think that has a lot to do with her childhood. All lives are affected by what happens. You think you know what happens but more secrets come out until you learn the truth. I was surprised with part of the ending. I think I’m surprised on how a person reacted to a situation than anything. Cleverly written with a lot of emotion.
*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion*
Interesting story of three mothers who all meet at their first Lamaze class. They carry that friendship forward a decade. Then one of them has her infant admitted for a head injury and questions arise as to the cause. Cue the next mother who also happens to be a pediatrician and the police and social services are called. It takes until the very ending to get to the whole truth of what happened. It is also a good reminder that we never really know what is going on with another and we should strive to be kinder.
Little Disasters by Sarah Vaughan is a suspenseful thriller about families, friends and what it means to be a mother and how important that is but also how it is not always credited as such sometimes. Jess is struggling. After the birth of her daughter, she feels overwhelmed. She wants to be a good mother but it can also be draining. Now her daughter is in the ER and questions are being asked. What happened and why? Told in Jess and her friend, Liz, a pediatrician, point of views, we see a story unfold about choices and past experiences affecting who we are now.
I found Little Disasters by Sarah Vaughan to be an honest and raw story about motherhood, postnatal depression and friendships with an edge of your seat aspect!
Happy reading!
Little Disasters is a dark and emotional story about the never-ending and sometimes all consuming challenges of motherhood, the pressures women place on themselves (and, unfortunately, each other), the need for support and understanding, and the tragedies that can occur when that need is not met.
Jess, Liz, Charlotte and Mel have been friends since they attended pre-natal classes together as each prepared to give birth to their first child. Now, ten years later, they still get together, but are not as close as they once were. Liz, a pediatrician, is working her fourth night shift in the ER when Jess arrives with her infant daughter, Betsey. Liz calls in another doctor to handle the case because of her friendship with Jess. Examination shows Betsey has a head injury which could not have been caused by what Jess has told them. Child Protective Services is called in, and an investigation begins.
There are multiple POVs used to advance the story, with the primary ones being Jess and Liz. What follows is an examination of past events leading up to this point and the impacts of the investigation on each of the women and their families.
Ms. Vaughn handles a dark subject with compassion and clarity. This book serves as a reminder that no matter how we see ourselves or others, in truth, we are more alike than the differences we tend to focus on.
I rate this 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
My thanks to NetGalley, Sarah Vaughn, and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
This is a new author to me, but one for my to read list. Sarah Vaughn writes a very dramatic story of how the responsibilities of parenting can overwhelm even the most stable of women, especially when they pretty much shoulder the experience with little help.
Jess is the mother of 3 young children, with an infant that requires more attention than her two boys had. Her husband is supportive but not always available. A trip to the ER with the baby, raises suspicions, and so begins the questions of childhood abuse and trauma.
A Story of lifelong friends that never really know what goes on when the doors close behind them and what secrets they live with, that can inevitably shape their lives and their relationships and parenting. This one took several twist that left me reeling. A must read for those who like drama and suspense.
My thanks to Net Galley and Edelweiss Publishing for this fascinating read which I received as an ARC. All opinions are my own.
“Is parenthood meant to be this bleak?”
Little Disasters is a fast-paced domestic drama about a group of women (Jess, Liz, Mel and Charlotte) who meet in a pre-natal class and become friends as they ago through the trials of birth and motherhood together. A decade later, Jess’s young daughter, Betsey, ends up in the hospital with a suspicious skull fracture and Liz is the on-call pediatrician who treats her at the ER. When troubling details about the injury emerge, Liz starts to question everything she knows not only about her friend but also herself, and the truth of what really happened could either save or ruin them both.
“This is what being a mother is all about… Letting your children take little steps until they abandon you completely and you are left quite alone.”
The mystery of what happened to baby Betsy kept me guessing and there are a few twists along the way I didn’t see coming but what I liked most about this book was the way Vaughan depicts motherhood. All of the characters struggle in some way with what being a mother means, whether it’s balancing work and home, being a stay-at-home mom who’s expected to get everything right or dealing with infertility, postpartum depression, marriage issues or special needs kids. Their challenges and frustrations are depicted honestly and I felt for these women as they tried to navigate being true to themselves while doing the best by their kids because let’s be honest – it’s a conflict most moms (myself included!) can relate to.
“I want to remind us all to cherish this. These highs of motherhood that sustain us; that buoy us up when we’re exhausted, or anxious, or it all feels like a bit of a struggle; these perfect, necessary moments.”
If you’re looking for a page-turner with well-developed characters and a different kind of mystery, Little Disasters is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books and the author for an advanced ecopy of this book to review.
Liz Trenchard works long and tiring hours as a pediatrician. When she is called into the ER to attend to a ten month old baby, Liz wasn’t expecting to discover her friend Jess waiting in the room with her daughter Betsey.
After examining Betsey, Liz is concerned that Betsey has suffered some sort of head trauma. Liz speaks with Jess about what happened, but what Jess is telling her is not adding up and Liz has no choice other than to contact family services.
Little Disasters is a fast paced, heart wrenching book that covers many topics such as parenting, friendship and postnatal depression. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who is looking for their next read.
With thanks to the publishers for my ARC copy of this book to read and review.
An honest, raw and tragic portrayal of motherhood and post-partum depression.
On the surface, Jess is one of those perfectly-organized mom’s that can do it all….and make the rest of us feel inadequat. Her house is spotless, her children are always clean and fed. Her family life is structure…serving dinner on time to her working husband, who is seldom home to offer assistance.
But underneath, Jess is an overwhelmed and sleep-deprived mother, trying to do everything perfectly and hold it together. Bets is her 6-month old daughter who is more needy, or grizzly as she calls it, than her two older boys were.
This wasn’t the thriller I expected, with an exciting plot to keep me engaged. Although realistic, well written and implemented, this book wasn’t for me. I’m sure it’s timing and my mindset at this time, and no fault of the author.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Vaughan and Atria, for this free digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
Another incredible group read with No Rules – Just Thrills!
My Rating: 3.5 ’s (rounding up)
Published: August 18th 2020 by Atria/Emily Bestler Books
Pages: 432
Recommend: Yes, if you’re in the mood for an honest and tragic read.
@SVaughanAuthor @AtriaBooks @NetGalley
#NoRulesJustThrills #Realistic #PostPartumDepression
#LittleDisasters
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Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/takemeaway21
BN.com, BookBub
More on the author:
http://www.sarahvaughanauthor.com/
I will say I went into this thinking it might be scary or suspenseful. It wasn’t really that kind of book, though it did give me that uncomfortable, unsettled feeling. I mean, near the end a bit, but yeah mostly for me this was a story about a mother struggling, and her friends and family trying to do what’s right without all the answers.
The pages are filled with suspicion, little hints, flashbacks, and different points of view. There’s also the story of one of the friends’ struggle with her own mother. Even though it wasn’t what I was expecting, the story was interesting, and I was invested in the outcome. I also thought I figured everything out by the end but I was wrong.
How far would you go to help a friend? This is the dilemma Liz is facing with her friend Jess. In Liz’s eyes, Jess is the perfect mother while Liz feels like she’s trying to hold it all together what with being a mom and an emergency room doctor. There’s always the guilt when Liz is away and she feels subpar sometimes with Jess. However, one night, Jess brings her baby, Betsey into the ER when Liz is working. Betsey has been sick during the evening but Liz notices an injury to the back of Betsey’s head. Jess claims that Betsey fell when Jess wasn’t looking but Liz has a bad feeling. Could her friend have done something to her baby? Could Jess’ husband?
This is a book about really not knowing what someone is going through and the lengths people will go to get what they want and to protect what they love. it’s also a book about paying attention and reaching out to those in need when they are in trouble.
I really enjoyed this book. It caught me off guard in a few places and that’s hard to do in this day and age. I was invested in what happened and in the characters. This was my first Sarah Vaughan book but it won’t be my last. Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher
This is a fast paced story. The chapters alternate between years and characters. I found this a bit confusing at times.
You can’t help but feel for Liz and Jess as you read through the book. I was kinda surprised at the twist at the end.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
Little Disasters is a book that has so many aspects to it.
It’s a book about friendship, about motherhood, about postpartum depression, about relationships and its part mystery but more drama.
Anyone that is or has raised children from the newborn stage and upwards knows how exhausting motherhood can be.
Its a book about 4 friends that had their children around the same time. One of their babies gets hurt at home and Liz one of the group has to call Social Services.
The characters all have their own story, they tell it well as you hope and pray for Betsy as she lies in intensive care.
Secrets can shatter families, relationships but will the truth strengthen them.
Little Disasters is well worth the read and I know this book will stay with me for quite awhile.
Thanks to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Canada, Atria /Emily Bestler books for a thought provoking read .
Received this book from NetGalley.
This book tells the story of four friends – but really revolves around Liz and Jess. Liz is a doctor and Jess is a stay-at-home mom of 3. Liz is working one night when Jess brings her infant daughter, Betsey, in because she just won’t stop crying. Betsey is diagnosed with a skull fracture and admitted to the hospital. Social services is called in and the police investigate. Jess is insistent Betsey fell from trying to pull herself up. Jess does not (cannot) tell anyone that she imagines ways that Betsey could be harmed, even by Jess’s own doing.
As the story progresses, we learn that Liz had a baby sister that died from SIDS. Liz had a troubled childhood and her mom was not very attentive, including when Liz’s brother, Mattie, was severely burned and needed multiple surgeries.
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley and am providing my honest opinion.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author but it will not be the last! This book hooked me from the first chapter. The twists and turns in this book kept me guessing until the end. With a light hand, the author was able to address a socially prevalent issue while keeping the story flowing.
Liz and Jess were multi-dimensional characters that we compelling and flawed. Liz was torn between being a good friend and doing what is morally right. As Liz struggled with what to do, Jess struggles with her thoughts and secrets. With each character narrating the chapters, it felt like they were talking directly to me as I read the book.
This books is definitely worthy of more than 5 stars!