Rachel sat at the kitchen table, trying to take everything in. She still couldn't believe what her father had done. Clutching a faded photograph and a necklace in her hands, all she knew was that in her mother's final days, she would do anything to protect her.



The call came on a seemingly ordinary day. But as soon as Rachel heard the pain in her sister's voice, she had to face the fact that life as she knew it was about to be shattered: "It's mum. She's not well. She doesn't have much time."



Though her heart breaks to leave her husband and children behind, Rachel knows the right thing is to return home to care for her mother Janet. Their relationship has been strained for years. This may be the last chance for them both to heal.



Walking up to the front gate of her childhood home, Rachel is overwhelmed with memories: of hazy summers playing with her sister, of laughter ringing through the house, of the accident which cost their father his life. After that day, Rachel's relationship with her mother changed forever.



Rachel has never forgiven herself for what happened and it is clear Janet hasn't either. Determined to make amends, Rachel begins to get her mother's house in order. But hidden in the cellar, Rachel unearths a devastating secret. A faded photograph and a tarnished necklace are the only clues to unravelling a secret that should have remained hidden.



Can Rachel unravel the mystery when it has the power to destroy her family? And when she finally discovers the truth, will it destroy everything she has ever known?



A completely addictive and heartwrenching story about deception and the secrets that lie behind a seemingly ordinary family, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, Barbara O'Neal and The Silent Daughter.



What readers are saying about Leah Mercer:



'Wow!!! Just absolutely wow!!!... Clear your schedules before you start this and get the tissues ready!... I was absolutely hooked... in tears by the end! Welcome to my top authors list!' Bookworm86,



'This story had me glued to my chair! You will not believe the twists and turns as you devour the pages! It has secrets, fear, strength, mystery and suspense!... Do yourself a favor and put aside a day to read this novel. It is so good!' Goodreads reviewer,



'I'm famished and sleepless from staying awake through the night! Very addictive, I swallowed the book whole.' @swatz2809



'A stunning read-heartbreaking and gripping in equal measure, this family drama had everything I needed... I was hooked from the very first page... I love it when a book evokes such strong emotions...Highly recommended by me!' Mychestnutreadingtree,