Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book Review: "Like It Never Was" by Faith Gardner - ★★★☆☆
"Like It Never Was" is a psychological thriller that dives deep into the complexities of guilt, trauma, and the lasting impact of past actions.
The story centers around Jolene, a woman haunted by an incident she caused from her senior year involving her ex-friend, whom she believes is now stalking her. The narrative unfolds thirty years later, where Jolene finds herself living next to the very person she fears, forcing her to confront the memories and guilt that have lingered all these years.
One of the standout elements of the book is its unpredictable ending. Gardner skillfully weaves twists into the plot that keep the reader guessing, making for an engaging conclusion that I truly appreciated. The wild turn of events adds a layer of excitement that is often hard to achieve in psychological thrillers.
However, while the premise is intriguing, I found the pacing of the story to be quite slow at times. There were moments where the plot felt dragged out, which detracted from the overall tension I was hoping for. Additionally, some parts of the narrative were a bit confusing, leaving me to sift through the details to fully grasp the storyline.
Overall, "Like It Never Was" offers a compelling exploration of guilt and fear, with an ending that surprises. Although it may not be as fast-paced as some thrillers, those who enjoy psychological depth and complexity may find it worth the read.
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Stepping into the world of 'Like It Never Was' by Faith Gardner was a journey into the intricate corridors of the human mind, particularly when it’s grappling with profound guilt and lingering trauma. As an avid reader of psychological thrillers, I'm always looking for stories that don't just offer jump scares but truly get under your skin, and this book certainly delivered on that front, even if it took its time. The core of the story, centered around Jolene and an incident from her past that she can't escape, is incredibly compelling. Faith Gardner masterfully crafts a narrative that constantly reminds us how our past actions, no matter how distant, can echo through our lives and shape our present. The concept of being haunted by a past incident, only to find yourself living next to the very person you fear, creates an unbearable tension that I found myself completely wrapped up in. It’s like navigating a dark road, constantly anticipating what might emerge from the shadows, much like the eerie imagery on the book's cover. While my initial review noted the slower pacing, I’ve had some time to reflect, and I now see how it actually serves the psychological depth of the novel. Instead of a breakneck plot, Gardner uses this deliberate pace to slowly peel back layers of Jolene's psyche, allowing us to truly feel the weight of her guilt and paranoia. This isn't a book for those who want instant gratification; it's for readers who appreciate a slow burn that builds to an explosive, unexpected ending. The 3-star rating I initially gave feels almost too simple now, given how much the ending made me rethink everything that came before it. It’s rare to find a book that truly delivers a twist that blindsides you, but 'Like It Never Was' does just that, leaving you pondering long after you've turned the final page. For anyone searching for 'Faith Gardner author' and wondering about her style, this book showcases her ability to create complex characters and situations that challenge moral boundaries. She doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of human nature, making her psychological thrillers thought-provoking rather than purely entertaining. If you enjoyed the themes of long-term consequences, psychological torment, and family secrets in books like 'The Woman in Cabin 10' or 'Gone Girl', you might find 'Like It Never Was' a fascinating, albeit sometimes challenging, read. It's a testament to the power of a well-crafted story to keep you guessing and truly surprise you until the very last word.
