It is always so hard for a mother to let go. To set your children free, or simply allowing them the freedom they long for. Safe At Home looks at one mother’s struggle and the horrific consequences when things go wrong. After reading this book I do not think I will be able to leave my girls alone for a while. Be warned, you are not going to be able to put this book down. It’s a gripping read guaranteed to leave your jaw on the floor as the truth of one horrible night is revealed.

Lauren North is another “new to me” author and she has won me over with this book. I found myself completely engrossed, snapping at my family to leave me alone as I raced from page to page, eagerly wanting to know what happened to Harrie. The author tells this story beautifully keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. I cannot wait to get my hand on more of her books. (Oh boy, there goes my TBR again.)

Anna is convinced by her husband and her children that it would be okay to leave Harrie home along while she drives to pick up Elise from gymnastics. It’s only a twenty-minute drive. What could possibly go wrong? Driving home, a car accident happens right in front of Anna, she and the girls are fine, but Harrie is home alone, and she is stuck on the side of the road. While waiting for emergency services to clear the road, Anna tries to call home. When Harrie doesn’t answer the phone Anna’s anxiety gets the better of her. She is convinced something is wrong.

When she finally manages to get home, Harrie is fast asleep in her bed. However, the next morning Harrie is not herself. Something is clearing bugging her. Harrie’s strange mood, mud on the kitchen floor and an unlocked back door send Anna into overdrive. The harder she pushes Harrie to tell her the truth, the further Harrie pulls away. Something is very wrong, and Anna has no idea how bad it really is. A mother never gives up, and Anna is determined to find out the truth. But is Anna ready to deal with what she is about to discover?

Mothers be warned, you will be chewing your nails in anticipation as you read this one. I simply could not drag myself away. The more I discovered, the more my heart broke for this little girl. This child was put in an impossible situation and still, her only concern was for her family. I loved this character.

The author created an interesting group of characters. I loved the village gossips, they may have been a little extreme, but we all know a group of moms who must know everyone’s business and then loves twisting the truth just a little before spreading the gossip. The author did a wonderful job with this group. I loved the different personalities.

June, the neighbour, was the sweetest old lady, I wish I had such an awesome neighbour. But the star in this story was Harrie. The author created the perfect moody pre-teen. I loved how she captured this character. Harrie’s emotions simply dripped off the page. I could picture this child standing in front of me, wanting to hug her one minute and punish her the next.

This is one of my five-star reads for 2021. I loved every minute of this book. The story was gripping and well-told with just enough suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat as I raced through the story as fast as I could.

Thriller and crime fans can expect a treat when they reach for this title. It will have you hooked from start to finish as you escape into Anna’s world trying to get at the truth. Safe At Home is a brilliant read that will not leave you disappointed, however, you might be left watching your kids just a little more closely.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough, go ahead, get a copy and let me know what you think.