Watch Over Me by Jane Renshaw

A terrifying thriller set in Scotland.

After an horrific tragedy as a child, Flora is finally happy with her husband. They're planning to adopt, and as soon as they see Beckie, they know she's meant to be their daughter. But Beckie's birth family consider her stolen, and they're not giving her up without a fight.

This was a fantastic read. I suspected a certain character shortly after they appeared, but I didn't guess the way they were involved. I really enjoyed following along and figuring it out.

The Scottish dialect gave me pause in some spots. There's a glossary included at the back, but flicking back and forth in an ebook is difficult. However, I figured everything out from context. 'Neb' and 'chib' gave me the most trouble, but I guessed them after a bit. ('nose' and 'knife', if you're curious.)

I also thought the final confrontation was over very quickly. However, I loved the fact that it had a lasting impact on Beckie and the others.

This is an excellent read and I thoroughly recommend it to any thriller fans.

Flora always dreamed of the day she’d become a mother. But some dreams turn into nightmares.

Flora and Neil are happily married, but they can’t have children so decide to adopt. And when Flora meets little Beckie it’s love at first sight. Deep in her heart, she knows they’re meant for each other, destined to be mother and daughter.

When Flora officially becomes Beckie’s mum, it’s like a part of her that’s always been missing is finally in place. She is complete, every day filled with purpose and joy.

There’s only one problem. Beckie was taken from her birth family, the Johnsons, because they have a history of violence and criminal behaviour and so are judged to be unfit to care for a child.

But the Johnsons don’t agree. As far as they’re concerned, Flora has stolen their little girl and they are determined to get her back. They’re very smart, utterly ruthless – and they have a plan. One that will turn Flora’s life into a living hell and push her to the very edge of insanity.