If I Lose Her

If I Lose Her is the debut novel of Canadian author Brianne Sommerville. It is a domestic thriller with twists and tension that also explores important themes of new motherhood - the exhausting demands, the absolute joy, and the impact of postpartum depression.

The story is told in alternating timelines. In the present Jo is a new mom and loves her adorable four-month-old daughter but is finding motherhood challenging and often overwhelming. Her stress compounds when an anonymous caller makes a complaint to Children's Aid saying they saw Jo's daughter left outside alone in the heat of summer. Did Jo leave her outside? Are other instances Jo's fault? Readers will question whether Jo's mental state is to blame or if there's something else going on. 

The second timeline takes readers into Jo's childhood with her two sisters and their abusive mother. The verbal abuse against Jo was tough to read but gives readers a clear understanding of how those early relationships have impacted Jo's life and her view of motherhood.

While slow to start, the secrets, lies and building tension will pull readers in and the short chapters will keep them reading 'just one more chapter'. I guessed the big twist early on, but Sommerville's red herrings made me question my initial assumption and I found the ending to be satisfying.

Twisted, dark and tense, this was an impressive debut that also brings to light the struggles some women face postpartum and will encourage great book club discussion. I eagerly look forward to reading more from Brianne Sommerville in the future!

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Rising Action Publishing for the complimentary digital advanced copy which was provided in exchange for my honest review.

Author Event: I had the pleasure of attending Brianne's book launch in Toronto last night. It is also such a joy to see this new author being supported by fellow authors, readers, and the book community. The cute cookies decorated like her book (see the picture at the top of this review) were the icing on the proverbial cake, er ... cookie.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy of this title which was provided in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Brianne Sommerville

Genre: Domestic Suspense, Thriller, Canadian

Type and Source: ebook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Rising Action Publishing

First Published: March 5, 2024

Book Description from GoodReads: Who can you trust when you can’t trust yourself?

The pregnancy podcasts warned Joanna Baker about the baby blues, but when a near-fatal mistake places the first-time mom under the watchful eye of Child Protective Services, she receives a serious diagnosis.

Postpartum depression. Jo hears the words, yet they don’t make sense. Nothing does. Her blackouts are increasing, and she can’t recall events she’s been accused of.

As she fights to keep her daughter, she discovers cracks in her neighborhood, family, and her own home. With the support of her sisters, she attempts to piece together her traumatic past and uncover who is truly in control.

Jo must battle her faltering mind to save what’s most important—her daughter.