Darling Rose Gold

Bookseller recommendation

“Rose Gold Watts was told that she was sick. She was told she was allergic to everything, that she needed a feeding tube, that she needed a wheelchair. Rather, Rose Gold was a victim at the hands of her own mother. Her mother was sentenced to five years for the abuse Rose Gold suffered. And Rose Gold was the key witness in the trial. But now Patty has served her time. Patty is ready to start again and ready to mend her relationship with Rose Gold. And Rose Gold seems open to healing their relationship as well. But what Patty doesn't know is that Rose Gold has changed. From the moment Rose Gold arrives to pick Patty up from jail, the mother isn't sure where she stands with her daughter. And neither is the reader! The story alternates between Patty's perspective as she's getting out of jail and Rose Gold's perspective beginning when her mother begins serving her sentence. And while I don't want to give too much away, I will say that Rose Gold's evolution is an interesting one. She's been under her mother's control for so long, she's essentially been locked into a permanent childhood. But of course, being raised under questionable circumstances is going to have an impact!I loved the push and pull between Patty and Rose Gold. Patty thinks things are going to go back to normal. She never really does admit she's done anything to Rose Gold, so the normal she expects is basically a daughter who will cow to her and be her best friend again. And Rose Gold herself is a mom now, so Patty not only has to mend her relationship with her daughter, she has a grandson in the mix too. I was able to avoid any spoilers on this one even though ARCs started going out this past fall. I want to make sure I give you the same chance in your reading. Hopefully I've piqued your interest without ruining anything, because this is such a fabulous one to dive into that way! I had the chance to alternate between the physical book and the audio (which gives me a chance to read even when I can't actually read!) and I highly recommend the latter if you're an audiobook listener. Narrators Megan Dodds and Jill Winternitz do a really wonderful job of giving voices to Patty and Rose Gold.”

— Becky • BookBar

Bookseller recommendation

“An excellent audiobook listen. The narrative alternates between Rose Gold and her mother Patty. We learn about how Rose Gold's life unfolds after her mother is placed in prison for child abuse and neglect for causing Rose Gold's life of illness. Her narrative moves toward the present day where she welcomes her mother back into her life after her release from prison. Meanwhile, we hear from Patty and what she is experiencing after her release while she strives to achieve reconciliation with her estranged daughter. Neither character is particularly likeable, and they are filled with suspicion about each other's motives and actions. The tension and pacing increases as the two story lines begin to intersect raising questions about what is really going on. What is reality and when are perceptions being colored by the impact of each woman's childhood scars? Who is the victim and who is the perpetrator? This cat and mouse revenge story will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.”

— Cori • Bright Side Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“The tragic cycle of child abuse twists and turns this disturbing thriller from beginning to end. It’s hard to distinguish the perpetrator from the victim. Told in alternating voices between Rose Gold and her mother, the two narrators kept me riveted.”

— Becky • Rediscovered Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I listened to the audio version and read the ebook as well, that was how un-put-downable this book was. It was so unique and intriguing and suspenseful up until the very end. You never knew who was telling the truth or who wasn't. I highly recommend this title”

— Amy • As the Page Turns

Bookseller recommendation

“Rose Gold’s mother is being released from prison and has asked her daughter for temporary shelter. Despite having been the target of her mother’s abuse, Rose Gold decides to give it a try. Has she really forgiven her mother for past crimes? This is a roller coaster of a story! Loved it!”

— Marcia Vanderford • Vanderford's Books & Office Products

Bookseller recommendation

“For almost two decades, Rose Gold spent her life believing that she was very ill. The diagnosis is never given a name. Her mother, Patti is serving five years in prison for child abuse. The medical term for Patti's deeds is Munchausen by Proxy. When she is released after her jail term, Rose Gold picks her up and offers to take her Mom into her home until Patti figures out a living and work situation. Rose Gold now has an infant son and the father is not in the picture. Meanwhile, Patti settles into her new domestic life by cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her new grandson. The story is told in Rose Gold's voice as well as Patti's. Both characters are entertaining with shadows of biting wit. There are plenty of twists and turns in this rollercoaster of a novel. As a warning, keep your seatbelt fastened because there is a major plot twist in the last pages. Both narrators were very talented and brought color to the story.”

— Melinda • Buttonwood Books and Toys