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I Let Him In
Last night I dreamt about the past for the first time in years. I thought I was over it. I thought I’d finally learned to block it out. But I’m right back there, all over again, inside the house, and I’m afraid...
When Louise Taylor is hit by a car as she cycles home in the rain following a fight with her boyfriend, she’s left hurt, confused, and housebound in her cramped apartment while she recovers. And worse, something tells her it wasn’t an accident.
Desperate to keep busy and distract herself from the flashbacks to her childhood that are beginning to resurface, she hires Edward – a friend of a friend – to repaint her shabby living room and, hopefully, keep the past at bay.
But when Edward arrives – quiet, considerate and handsome – Lou instantly feels like they’ve met before, that she can trust him. Tired of carrying the guilt alone after all these years, Lou tells Edward her secret. And to her surprise, he doesn’t pull away. He doesn’t gasp, or grimace or preach about what she did. And Lou is so relieved to finally be free of this burden at last.
Until she learns that Edward has a secret of his own. One he’s been waiting a very, very long time to tell...
A gripping domestic drama from a USA Today bestselling author full of twists and turns, and with a very unexpected ending. Fans of Amanda Prowse, Kerry Fisher and Jodi Picoult won’t be able to stop turning the pages.
When Louise Taylor is hit by a car as she cycles home in the rain following a fight with her boyfriend, she’s left hurt, confused, and housebound in her cramped apartment while she recovers. And worse, something tells her it wasn’t an accident.
Desperate to keep busy and distract herself from the flashbacks to her childhood that are beginning to resurface, she hires Edward – a friend of a friend – to repaint her shabby living room and, hopefully, keep the past at bay.
But when Edward arrives – quiet, considerate and handsome – Lou instantly feels like they’ve met before, that she can trust him. Tired of carrying the guilt alone after all these years, Lou tells Edward her secret. And to her surprise, he doesn’t pull away. He doesn’t gasp, or grimace or preach about what she did. And Lou is so relieved to finally be free of this burden at last.
Until she learns that Edward has a secret of his own. One he’s been waiting a very, very long time to tell...
A gripping domestic drama from a USA Today bestselling author full of twists and turns, and with a very unexpected ending. Fans of Amanda Prowse, Kerry Fisher and Jodi Picoult won’t be able to stop turning the pages.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2021
About the author
Jill Childs
13 books172 followersJill has always loved stories - real and imaginary. She's spent 30 years travelling the world as a journalist, living overseas and reporting wherever the news took her. She's now made her home in London with her husband and twin girls who love stories as much as she does.
Although she's covered everything from earthquakes and floods, riots and wars, she's found some of the most extraordinary stories right here at home - in the secrets and lies she imagines behind closed doors on ordinary streets, just like yours.
Although she's covered everything from earthquakes and floods, riots and wars, she's found some of the most extraordinary stories right here at home - in the secrets and lies she imagines behind closed doors on ordinary streets, just like yours.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
September 4, 2021
A 5* read for me as it ticked all my suspense boxes.
So Louise gets hit by a car while she’s cycling home. She’s had an argument with her boyfriend so isn’t in the best frame of mind.
Her leg is hurt. Whose this person who could just leave her there after hitting her and driving past?
She’s got concussion and a broken leg.
So she’s in her small apartment with plenty of time on her hand. The Police have no clues as of yet.
Her sister suggests she get a painter in to cheer up the place, a nice colour on the walls should do it wonders!
Here arrives Edward, a friend of a friend.
The twist in this story is just not obvious at all. I ended up suspecting anyone and everything.
The suspense of finding out just what was what and will we ever find out…..kept me reading way beyond my bedtime.
The characters were so real whether I liked them or not. Isn’t that like life though, you can’t like everyone.
It flowed so well between time, events, people, nothing to me was unclear.
A superb read with such good suspense.
So Louise gets hit by a car while she’s cycling home. She’s had an argument with her boyfriend so isn’t in the best frame of mind.
Her leg is hurt. Whose this person who could just leave her there after hitting her and driving past?
She’s got concussion and a broken leg.
So she’s in her small apartment with plenty of time on her hand. The Police have no clues as of yet.
Her sister suggests she get a painter in to cheer up the place, a nice colour on the walls should do it wonders!
Here arrives Edward, a friend of a friend.
The twist in this story is just not obvious at all. I ended up suspecting anyone and everything.
The suspense of finding out just what was what and will we ever find out…..kept me reading way beyond my bedtime.
The characters were so real whether I liked them or not. Isn’t that like life though, you can’t like everyone.
It flowed so well between time, events, people, nothing to me was unclear.
A superb read with such good suspense.
July 4, 2021
Lou was involved in a hit and run while riding her bike coming home from her ex-boyfriends house. She needs some repairs done on her house so her friend introduces her to this guy, Ed. Lou has a long lost secret that she has not told anyone from 20 years ago only to find out Ed also has a long lost too secret or does he? Then the SHOCKING twist at the end that I never saw coming … wow! I literally gasped out loud! ONE OF MY FAVORITES OF 2021!! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published August 2021.
July 30, 2021
At thirty six, Louise is happy enough with her cramped apartment, a job that has her travelling twenty five weeks a year and a string of not-too-serious relationships. When her latest boyfriend proposes and she breaks it off, older sister Jo worries Lou will never settle down. Loy stays silent - she wants nothing more than to be loved, but with the secret she is carrying, letting someone go is safer than letting them in.
Louise is struck by a hit-and-run driver whilst she was riding her bike. Now she's stuck at home recovering from her injuries. Louise Hires Ed to do some decorating and it's not long before the pair strike up a friendship.
The pace is slow. As we learn more about Louise and Ed's pasts and more about the day of the accident, the story does get more interesting, it just takes a while to get there. The characters are well developed and believable. I wasn't expecting the book to end that way.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #JillChilds for my ARC of #ILetHimIn in exchange for an honest review.
Louise is struck by a hit-and-run driver whilst she was riding her bike. Now she's stuck at home recovering from her injuries. Louise Hires Ed to do some decorating and it's not long before the pair strike up a friendship.
The pace is slow. As we learn more about Louise and Ed's pasts and more about the day of the accident, the story does get more interesting, it just takes a while to get there. The characters are well developed and believable. I wasn't expecting the book to end that way.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #JillChilds for my ARC of #ILetHimIn in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2021
Louise Taylor is a travel writer, about to embark on a trip to Chile with fellow journalists. Her trip is waylaid when she is struck in a hit-and-run accident and finds herself homebound while recovering from a broken leg. Eager for something to keep her occupied, her sister Jo encourages her to go ahead and get her apartment repainted, something Louise simply has not had time to do. When a victim support officer comes to talk to her after her accident, Louise casually mentions her idea of decorating. The officer, Tanya, recommends a family friend named Edward.
Slowly, Louise and Edward begin to get to know one another during his long days of working in her apartment. One thing disturbs Louise about Edward. She gets the uncanny feeling that they have met before. Before long, Louise feels comfortable enough to share a long-buried secret with Edward. He indicates that he has a secret of his own. Are they kindred spirits?
I was completely drawn into this emotionally riveting story by Jill Childs. Then there was one of the most shocking twists I have ever come across. This story of second chances is one I'll not soon forget. In fact, it is my favorite of her books thus far, and one my favorite of this month and one of my top books for 2021. I cried more than once while reading this story and there are no words to say how moved I was by the emotionally-riveting conclusion.
Many thanks to and to NetGalley for this ARC for review.This is my honest opinion.
Slowly, Louise and Edward begin to get to know one another during his long days of working in her apartment. One thing disturbs Louise about Edward. She gets the uncanny feeling that they have met before. Before long, Louise feels comfortable enough to share a long-buried secret with Edward. He indicates that he has a secret of his own. Are they kindred spirits?
I was completely drawn into this emotionally riveting story by Jill Childs. Then there was one of the most shocking twists I have ever come across. This story of second chances is one I'll not soon forget. In fact, it is my favorite of her books thus far, and one my favorite of this month and one of my top books for 2021. I cried more than once while reading this story and there are no words to say how moved I was by the emotionally-riveting conclusion.
Many thanks to and to NetGalley for this ARC for review.This is my honest opinion.
December 5, 2023
Review coming soon.
August 16, 2021
A very different read, courtesy of Bookouture and NetGalley!
What did I honestly think of it - read on to see . . . .
An argument finishing with her boyfriends is the start
To this very different story filled with drama and heart.
She’s hit by a car are she cycles alone
The driver leaves without helping despite her moan.
With a broken leg and concussion, too,
Louise’s plans are in need of urgent review.
Instead of adventure she’s having to stay
Until she’s healed there’s no going away.
Her sister convinces her to have someone in
To decorate and give her company would be a win.
Victim support comes to check up on Lou
And recommends a friend to do the decorating, too!
So Edward arrives to help sort her decor out.
He’s quiet, kind and handsome and makes her doubt
How can she feel she already knows him yet
They both know the two have only just met?
As the two get closer, secrets are shared,
But I have to warn you that you need to be prepared.
This story has a twist, I certainly didn’t foresee
One that makes it a story as different as can be.
This is a gentle read with surprises in store
One in which time and love change life more and more.
It is a tale of sacrifice and love that is true
I hope you get to read it and enjoy it, too.
What did I honestly think of it - read on to see . . . .
An argument finishing with her boyfriends is the start
To this very different story filled with drama and heart.
She’s hit by a car are she cycles alone
The driver leaves without helping despite her moan.
With a broken leg and concussion, too,
Louise’s plans are in need of urgent review.
Instead of adventure she’s having to stay
Until she’s healed there’s no going away.
Her sister convinces her to have someone in
To decorate and give her company would be a win.
Victim support comes to check up on Lou
And recommends a friend to do the decorating, too!
So Edward arrives to help sort her decor out.
He’s quiet, kind and handsome and makes her doubt
How can she feel she already knows him yet
They both know the two have only just met?
As the two get closer, secrets are shared,
But I have to warn you that you need to be prepared.
This story has a twist, I certainly didn’t foresee
One that makes it a story as different as can be.
This is a gentle read with surprises in store
One in which time and love change life more and more.
It is a tale of sacrifice and love that is true
I hope you get to read it and enjoy it, too.
August 14, 2021
Louise is hit by a car riding her bike home from her ex-boyfriend's house. She ends up with a broken leg and a concussion. Once she is back home and stuck there for quite some time, she hires Ed who comes highly recommended to paint and fix up her apartment. Ed is very nice and she feels like they have met before. They have a connection quickly because both of them have deep secrets from their past that they are holding.
I was sucked into this novel from the beginning. It was fast-paced and very well written. I will say, the ending I did not see coming at all and I was quite shocked that my prediction was off.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) on August 16, 2021.
I was sucked into this novel from the beginning. It was fast-paced and very well written. I will say, the ending I did not see coming at all and I was quite shocked that my prediction was off.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) on August 16, 2021.
August 16, 2021
In I Let Him In, travel journalist Lou Taylor is involved in a nasty accident one day when she is knocked off her bicycle in a hit-and-run. She is housebound whilst she recovers and tries to keep busy but suffers from flashbacks. Deciding to have her apartment partially repainted a friend recommends Edward to her, who served in Afghanistan. Lou feels that her injury might not have been an accident, and confides in Ed, as the two of them become close and Ed also has his secrets...
Written with style and flair, Jill Childs wowed me with this classy psychological thriller. The plot execution was tremendous, as was the characterisation, and the pacing was comfortable. There were no disappointments and I was completely gripped from the outset, loving the twists. The story was told from the perspectives of Lou and Ed and included themes of guilt and forgiveness. These two characters were the highlight of the novel and although both were easy to like, there was always a nagging feeling of mistrust within me surrounding them. As reveals were disclosed, the fantastic formula of Jill Childs kept me on my toes. I Let Him In was everything I wanted in what was a tip-top, moderately paced thriller, and I enjoyed reading how things played out in the spectacular finale. This was my third read by Jill Childs and I will be looking out for more from this talented author.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Written with style and flair, Jill Childs wowed me with this classy psychological thriller. The plot execution was tremendous, as was the characterisation, and the pacing was comfortable. There were no disappointments and I was completely gripped from the outset, loving the twists. The story was told from the perspectives of Lou and Ed and included themes of guilt and forgiveness. These two characters were the highlight of the novel and although both were easy to like, there was always a nagging feeling of mistrust within me surrounding them. As reveals were disclosed, the fantastic formula of Jill Childs kept me on my toes. I Let Him In was everything I wanted in what was a tip-top, moderately paced thriller, and I enjoyed reading how things played out in the spectacular finale. This was my third read by Jill Childs and I will be looking out for more from this talented author.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
July 26, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my advanced copy of I Let Him In in exchange for a review.
This book very quickly sucked me in, and I raced through it! We start by meeting Lou, who is going through a break-up and gets involved in an accident which leaves her house-bound and forces her to take a break from her job.
Lou is dealing with a traumatic incident in her past, which she has never shared with anyone before and which constantly hangs over her life, making it hard for her to form long-lasting relationships.
After her accident, her sister recommends she gets someone in to redecorate her London flat. When she gets a recommendation, she decides to go for it and books painter Ed. But all is not as it seems with Ed - there is something oddly familiar about him, and there is a connection that brings them both together in a way they've never experienced before.
As we learn more about the pasts of both Lou and Ed, and more about what really happened that day of the accident, the story gets more and more gripping and tense. I couldn't wait for all the pieces to fit together.
But then.. the end! Arh what can I say without spoiling!? I'm afraid I didn't like it at all. It just didn't make any sense. I absolutely loved the book until that final reveal. And whilst I did sort of enjoy some of how it all wrapped up, what we were being told happened just didn't make sense, and there was no attempt to even try and make it make sense! I felt a bit cheated to be honest! I mean fair enough if that's the way the book is going to go... but I think there needed to be some attempt at explaining how and why.
This book very quickly sucked me in, and I raced through it! We start by meeting Lou, who is going through a break-up and gets involved in an accident which leaves her house-bound and forces her to take a break from her job.
Lou is dealing with a traumatic incident in her past, which she has never shared with anyone before and which constantly hangs over her life, making it hard for her to form long-lasting relationships.
After her accident, her sister recommends she gets someone in to redecorate her London flat. When she gets a recommendation, she decides to go for it and books painter Ed. But all is not as it seems with Ed - there is something oddly familiar about him, and there is a connection that brings them both together in a way they've never experienced before.
As we learn more about the pasts of both Lou and Ed, and more about what really happened that day of the accident, the story gets more and more gripping and tense. I couldn't wait for all the pieces to fit together.
But then.. the end! Arh what can I say without spoiling!? I'm afraid I didn't like it at all. It just didn't make any sense. I absolutely loved the book until that final reveal. And whilst I did sort of enjoy some of how it all wrapped up, what we were being told happened just didn't make sense, and there was no attempt to even try and make it make sense! I felt a bit cheated to be honest! I mean fair enough if that's the way the book is going to go... but I think there needed to be some attempt at explaining how and why.
May 11, 2023
It was a very good read! Certainly wasn't expecting the ending!
August 19, 2021
4++
Louise Taylor is biking home after breaking up with her boyfriend Troy and is in an accident. Was her hit-n-run an accident? It appears someone wants her dead!!
She has been recovering for months, during which time she has flashbacks of something that happened in her childhood.
Louise (Lou) is thirty-six and happy with her life. Her boyfriend proposes but Lou breaks off the relationship. Lou’s sister Jo is disappointed and worries that Lou will never settle down and get married.
Lou has a secret and is fearful about getting too serious with anyone ~ she is not willing to let someone she loves get too close.
Now Lou is attracted to Edward a friend of a friend she hired to paint her living room thinking a fresh coat of paint can erase memories she is feeling in this house.
Jo who has been so concern about Lou settling down has concerns about Edward.
Lou believes she needs to share her secret’.
At this point the story was okay and I was curious so kept reading. I just loved Lou’s seven year old niece Mia playing detective.
Then. . . . Wait Wait . . . what’s happening?
Wow! I loved the twist in the story.
In the author’s “Letter from Jill” Author, Jill Childs tells us of her inspiration for this story and also says she hopes we loved it!
Yep! She sure got that right!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for my professional opinion.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 17, 2021.
Louise Taylor is biking home after breaking up with her boyfriend Troy and is in an accident. Was her hit-n-run an accident? It appears someone wants her dead!!
She has been recovering for months, during which time she has flashbacks of something that happened in her childhood.
Louise (Lou) is thirty-six and happy with her life. Her boyfriend proposes but Lou breaks off the relationship. Lou’s sister Jo is disappointed and worries that Lou will never settle down and get married.
Lou has a secret and is fearful about getting too serious with anyone ~ she is not willing to let someone she loves get too close.
Now Lou is attracted to Edward a friend of a friend she hired to paint her living room thinking a fresh coat of paint can erase memories she is feeling in this house.
Jo who has been so concern about Lou settling down has concerns about Edward.
Lou believes she needs to share her secret’.
At this point the story was okay and I was curious so kept reading. I just loved Lou’s seven year old niece Mia playing detective.
Then. . . . Wait Wait . . . what’s happening?
Wow! I loved the twist in the story.
In the author’s “Letter from Jill” Author, Jill Childs tells us of her inspiration for this story and also says she hopes we loved it!
Yep! She sure got that right!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for my professional opinion.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 17, 2021.
June 26, 2021
Lou is cycling back from her ex-boyfriends Toby’s place after trying to talk to him and them having a row. It's windy and raining and the next thing she knows she has been hit from behind by an unknown vehicle. When the paramedics arrive she is heard to say “ Am I going to jail”. She recovers and is allowed home on crutches due to a broken leg. Her sister Jo suggests that she get some decorating done- it will brighten the place up and also give her some company. The lady from victim support has a contact and so appears Ed on the scene who Lou instantly gets on with. Both have secrets from their past and without saying very much soon find that they relate to each other's situation. I quickly became engrossed in this. There's a tension without really knowing why along with an air of mystery about both Lou and Ed. Lou tells her secret but Ed has always said that he will never speak of his. This is cleverly written to engage the reader and as you find out a snippet there's more to come. Wow! I didn't see that ending coming! My head spun for a while and then it all made sense. Wowsers! Most certainly one to remember.
September 11, 2021
Compelling, engaging and heart-wrenching, this book grabbed me from the very first page and wouldn't let go.
Would you sacrifice yourself to right the wrongs of your past? I Let Him In by Jill Childs is a story of love and forgiveness that will break your heart.
When Louise breaks her leg and is left house bound from a hit and run accident, she hires Edward to repaint her house and the two share an unexpected deep connection. As a sequence of events unfold, Louise reveals her secrets of her haunting past, only to realise that Edward has a terrible secret of his own.
A slow burn, mystery thriller, filled with twists and turns and an ending you don't see coming.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boookouture for the ARC of this book.
Would you sacrifice yourself to right the wrongs of your past? I Let Him In by Jill Childs is a story of love and forgiveness that will break your heart.
When Louise breaks her leg and is left house bound from a hit and run accident, she hires Edward to repaint her house and the two share an unexpected deep connection. As a sequence of events unfold, Louise reveals her secrets of her haunting past, only to realise that Edward has a terrible secret of his own.
A slow burn, mystery thriller, filled with twists and turns and an ending you don't see coming.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boookouture for the ARC of this book.
August 24, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'I Let Him In' by Jill Childs.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Jill Childs, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 17th August 2021.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The Mistress' which which I also recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of Amanda Prowse, Kerry Fisher and Jodi Picoult won’t be able to stop turning the pages.' I am a huge fan of Jodi Picoult and Kerry Fisher so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Leslie Wolfe and if this is half as good as 'The Mistress' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 70 chapters. The chapters are short in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in London, 🏴, UK 🇬🇧.
The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.
This book is written in first person perspective with the main protagonists being Louise Taylor and Edward Spencer. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on.
'I Let Him In' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Jill discusses/includes war and death of a child.
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
OMG!!!! WHAT DID I JUST READ!?!?! MIND BLOWN!!!!
Another fantastic book from Jill with vivid descriptions which put you right in the picture. It really felt like Louise and Ed were talking directly to me from across the table over a cup of tea. The synopsis and cover suit the book perfectly.
The storyline is absolutely addictive and had me sucked in from the first page until the explosive ending. It is a heartbreaking story about regret, what ifs and second chances. I couldn't stop turning the pages until early hours of the morning so if you pick this up I seriously advice you to clear your schedules and also have the tissues at the ready. It is filled with heartbreak, hope, love, friendship and a few humongous twits that I did not see coming. A huge well done to Jill on that bombshell!!! I would have never guessed either of the twists in a million years. Very rarely I am shocked by books having read so many but this absolutely had me a cracker and completely blew my mind. If you are fed up of guessing the ending by 50% then this one is for you!!! There were moments of laughter and others of sadness that really caught in my throat. Whilst I loved the ending it was also heartbreaking for Louise at the same time but also a massive relief for her and life changing. It is so hard to talk about it without giving anything away so I will just say if you want a book with a twist you will NEVER see coming this one is for you!!!
I absolutely adored both Louise and Ed. They were both strong realistic characters and I was completely invested in them both. It was heart wrenching reading their stories but beautiful to watch them come together in their grief. I wasn't a huge fan of Louise's sister Jo and she niggles at me several times with her attitude but then I suppose she was just being the protective big sister. I wasn't sure what to make of Tanya but at the same time you have got to consider what you would do in that position. Again, I can't say more than that without giving away too much. Needless to say the characters were perfect for this absolutely fantastic storyline.
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Jill on one of the most shocking twists I have ever read and an absolutely addictive book!!
Overall an addictive, page turning, heartbreaking story with bombshells you will never see coming!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Suspense and Thriller amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Jodi Picoult, Kerry Fisher, Nicholas Sparks, Kerry Wilkinson and anyone looking for a book that will shock you.
298 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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Review for 'I Let Him In' by Jill Childs.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Jill Childs, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 17th August 2021.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The Mistress' which which I also recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of Amanda Prowse, Kerry Fisher and Jodi Picoult won’t be able to stop turning the pages.' I am a huge fan of Jodi Picoult and Kerry Fisher so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Leslie Wolfe and if this is half as good as 'The Mistress' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 70 chapters. The chapters are short in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in London, 🏴, UK 🇬🇧.
The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.
This book is written in first person perspective with the main protagonists being Louise Taylor and Edward Spencer. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on.
'I Let Him In' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Jill discusses/includes war and death of a child.
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
OMG!!!! WHAT DID I JUST READ!?!?! MIND BLOWN!!!!
Another fantastic book from Jill with vivid descriptions which put you right in the picture. It really felt like Louise and Ed were talking directly to me from across the table over a cup of tea. The synopsis and cover suit the book perfectly.
The storyline is absolutely addictive and had me sucked in from the first page until the explosive ending. It is a heartbreaking story about regret, what ifs and second chances. I couldn't stop turning the pages until early hours of the morning so if you pick this up I seriously advice you to clear your schedules and also have the tissues at the ready. It is filled with heartbreak, hope, love, friendship and a few humongous twits that I did not see coming. A huge well done to Jill on that bombshell!!! I would have never guessed either of the twists in a million years. Very rarely I am shocked by books having read so many but this absolutely had me a cracker and completely blew my mind. If you are fed up of guessing the ending by 50% then this one is for you!!! There were moments of laughter and others of sadness that really caught in my throat. Whilst I loved the ending it was also heartbreaking for Louise at the same time but also a massive relief for her and life changing. It is so hard to talk about it without giving anything away so I will just say if you want a book with a twist you will NEVER see coming this one is for you!!!
I absolutely adored both Louise and Ed. They were both strong realistic characters and I was completely invested in them both. It was heart wrenching reading their stories but beautiful to watch them come together in their grief. I wasn't a huge fan of Louise's sister Jo and she niggles at me several times with her attitude but then I suppose she was just being the protective big sister. I wasn't sure what to make of Tanya but at the same time you have got to consider what you would do in that position. Again, I can't say more than that without giving away too much. Needless to say the characters were perfect for this absolutely fantastic storyline.
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Jill on one of the most shocking twists I have ever read and an absolutely addictive book!!
Overall an addictive, page turning, heartbreaking story with bombshells you will never see coming!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Suspense and Thriller amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Jodi Picoult, Kerry Fisher, Nicholas Sparks, Kerry Wilkinson and anyone looking for a book that will shock you.
298 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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August 13, 2021
Louise Taylor is hit by a car, while cycling home, at night. It came from behind her so she didn't see the car or who was driving. She woke up in a hospital bed with a broken leg and her head hurt. Her sister takes her to her apartment to recover. she is the type of person always on the move and is a journalist who always lives dangerously so she has a hard time being layed up. She had just broken up with her boyfriend also, to the dismay of her sister.
She meets Ed , who is going to paint her apartment and they spend a lot of time with each other. They are also keeping a secret from years ago. During their exchange we do find out each other's secret. Neither one thinks they deserve to be happy or be in a relationship.
Just when you think they can be together then something happens to tear them apart. Then bam we are hit with something new going on which leads to a twist that I never saw coming.
This book is my favorite for this year. I could not put it down and read it in 1 sitting.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC to review.
She meets Ed , who is going to paint her apartment and they spend a lot of time with each other. They are also keeping a secret from years ago. During their exchange we do find out each other's secret. Neither one thinks they deserve to be happy or be in a relationship.
Just when you think they can be together then something happens to tear them apart. Then bam we are hit with something new going on which leads to a twist that I never saw coming.
This book is my favorite for this year. I could not put it down and read it in 1 sitting.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC to review.
August 18, 2021
Lou cycles home after a stressful evening with her ex-boyfriend. She is struck from behind and left. Upon waking, Lou finds herself in pain and a cast. As a traveling freelance journalist, Louise had planned an exciting trip to Chile - which she now needs to cancel.
Forced to remain in her flat to recover, Lou books a painter based on a reference from her Victim Services representative.
Ed provides Lou with social interaction in between her sister and niece, Jo and Mia's visits.
He also comes with his own horror story. We all have those moments in time - our lives balance on one decision. "If only" haunts Ed and Lou.
The relationship and trust between Ed and Lou allows them both to not only heal but hope, real hope for the first time in years.
I enjoyed this story - very relatable, realistic characters. The ending caught me off guard - very poetic.
Forced to remain in her flat to recover, Lou books a painter based on a reference from her Victim Services representative.
Ed provides Lou with social interaction in between her sister and niece, Jo and Mia's visits.
He also comes with his own horror story. We all have those moments in time - our lives balance on one decision. "If only" haunts Ed and Lou.
The relationship and trust between Ed and Lou allows them both to not only heal but hope, real hope for the first time in years.
I enjoyed this story - very relatable, realistic characters. The ending caught me off guard - very poetic.
October 14, 2021
This book certainly wasn't what I expected. A wonderful story of love and mystery. I really can't explain but I felt much like Louise ....meeting Ed and feeling that special connection. My own experience with love and war seemed to draw me back into that time long ago.Love has many layers and I think this story could well be an experience I have had myself.
June 26, 2021
36 year old Louise is happy with her life, living in her little apartment and getting the opportunity to go on trips around the world with her job. However she carries a dark secret and because of this she won't let anyone get close to her. Anytime a man tries to commit with her, she leaves... Then one day, she is involved in a hit and run and is left with a concussion and broken leg. She finds herself housebound and unable to go travelling. She decides to get a painter to improve her flat, and calls in Ed, who comes recommended. Louise quickly fids herself drawn to Ed and it seems they share a similar history of dark secrets...
A brilliant, unique story that left me in awe. A well written plot full of shocks, twists and turns, this book kept me turning the pages until the end. You would never guess how it pans out. Recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest feedback.
A brilliant, unique story that left me in awe. A well written plot full of shocks, twists and turns, this book kept me turning the pages until the end. You would never guess how it pans out. Recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest feedback.
August 23, 2021
Thrilling. Tense. Packed with twists. What a book. One that kept me guessing. Wow this author is just amazing and this book is incredible. In a crowded genre this book stands out.
July 13, 2021
There's something really beautiful about this book. It starts out as a story about how two somewhat broken people find each other. And there's a twist at the end that's entirely unexpected, but it puts this book a notch up on my scale.
After Louise is badly injured in a bicycle accident, Edward comes in to re-paint her apartment as she's healing. They begin to fall for each other, wary because each have parts of their lives they don't want to share.
As the novel progresses, you instinctively start rooting for them, hoping they can get past their own pain.
And when they do, you won't see it coming. Not at all what I expected, but I loved how this ended. Highly recommended!
After Louise is badly injured in a bicycle accident, Edward comes in to re-paint her apartment as she's healing. They begin to fall for each other, wary because each have parts of their lives they don't want to share.
As the novel progresses, you instinctively start rooting for them, hoping they can get past their own pain.
And when they do, you won't see it coming. Not at all what I expected, but I loved how this ended. Highly recommended!
July 11, 2021
Louise has had a row with her boyfriend Toby. Cycling back to her flat she is involved in a hit and run accident. With a bad leg break she finds herself at housebound for six weeks. A suggestion from her sister that maybe the flat could do with brightening up leads to another conversation with her Victim Support Officer. She knows a painter and decorator who might be able to help. Enter Ed. He has a cancellation and can start immediately. Louise now has the prospect of a brighter environment and someone to keep her company for a while. But Ed soon becomes more than simply and workman who can keep her company while he works. Gradually they become friends, then their relationship moves onto a more personal level. They are both holding onto dark secrets and now Louise wants to confess to Ed. She feels safe with him; in fact, she feels she’s known him forever.
Totally pulled into this story, and wondering how it would finish. I did not see the ending coming. It took me completely by surprise. What a twist!
My thanks to Jill Childs, Bookouture and Netgalley for an ARC of I Let Him in in exchange for an honest review.
Totally pulled into this story, and wondering how it would finish. I did not see the ending coming. It took me completely by surprise. What a twist!
My thanks to Jill Childs, Bookouture and Netgalley for an ARC of I Let Him in in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2022
Excitement ebbed and flowed as some parts were more interesting than the others.
The twist in the book was quite unexpected and was the only place that evoked a reaction in me. The characters were developed well as if they were waiting for me to read them.
Slower than the pace I was used to, the book became more gripping in the latter half as their pasts were unfurled. An okay read
The twist in the book was quite unexpected and was the only place that evoked a reaction in me. The characters were developed well as if they were waiting for me to read them.
Slower than the pace I was used to, the book became more gripping in the latter half as their pasts were unfurled. An okay read
August 30, 2021
Recovering from a nasty hit and run, Louise hires decorator Ed to spruce up her apartment. The two are immediately drawn to one another, something they try to resist, but the connection proves too strong. But what is it that bonds them? Could it be the dark, shameful secrets that they both never speak of? Or something even more sinister...
Intriguing, tense and atmospheric, I Let Him In is an entertaining read. A sense of mystery and dread lingers over the pages as the story is told by Louise in the present day, with flashbacks to Ed’s time serving in the Army in Afghanistan. I liked this as it helps Ed remain an enigma, someone whose true self and motivations you really don’t know, his story slowly unfolding. It keeps suspicions high and tension tight, particularly as the two of them get closer.
The suspense increases when Louise’s memories of the accident descend into flashbacks of a night twenty years ago when she did something terrible, something she can never take back and doesn’t speak of, and we learn that Ed is hiding his own shameful secret. What are they hiding? Are they who they appear to be or someone completely different? I loved this unpredictability and how we don’t know who to trust, especially with Louise’s ex Toby lingering in the background trying to win her back in all the wrong ways.
The only qualm I have with this story is the sudden shift it takes at the end. I am still not sure what I think of it, whether it is a stroke of genius or too much of a bolt from the blue. I think it’s a twist that many will love and personally one I just need to sit with for a while. It makes the book a bit of a thinker, and one that definitely sticks in your mind.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Fast paced, tense and mysterious, it keeps you on your toes right until the final pages.
Intriguing, tense and atmospheric, I Let Him In is an entertaining read. A sense of mystery and dread lingers over the pages as the story is told by Louise in the present day, with flashbacks to Ed’s time serving in the Army in Afghanistan. I liked this as it helps Ed remain an enigma, someone whose true self and motivations you really don’t know, his story slowly unfolding. It keeps suspicions high and tension tight, particularly as the two of them get closer.
The suspense increases when Louise’s memories of the accident descend into flashbacks of a night twenty years ago when she did something terrible, something she can never take back and doesn’t speak of, and we learn that Ed is hiding his own shameful secret. What are they hiding? Are they who they appear to be or someone completely different? I loved this unpredictability and how we don’t know who to trust, especially with Louise’s ex Toby lingering in the background trying to win her back in all the wrong ways.
The only qualm I have with this story is the sudden shift it takes at the end. I am still not sure what I think of it, whether it is a stroke of genius or too much of a bolt from the blue. I think it’s a twist that many will love and personally one I just need to sit with for a while. It makes the book a bit of a thinker, and one that definitely sticks in your mind.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Fast paced, tense and mysterious, it keeps you on your toes right until the final pages.
October 11, 2021
A gripping domestic drama with an unexpected ending and gasping twist.
Louise Taylor is a freelance travel writer who is in a hit and run accident one night cycling home after a fight with her boyfriend.
Now housebound she decides it’s time to do some redecorating.
A friend of a friend recommends Ed Spencer, a painter with a big heart but hiding a terrible secret.
And Louise is harbouring a secret too, one from her past, one that makes her feel guilty every single day.
An attraction brews and soon they are both opening up to each other.
What happens next will change Louise and Ed’s lives forever.
A mystery thriller with a clever storyline and a solid hooking plot.
The concept is very interesting and the twist will have you thinking.
You will get drawn into the pages, wondering how it’s going to finish and when you get there it will be a complete surprise.
A fast paced quick read that’s well worth the hours of reading.
Louise Taylor is a freelance travel writer who is in a hit and run accident one night cycling home after a fight with her boyfriend.
Now housebound she decides it’s time to do some redecorating.
A friend of a friend recommends Ed Spencer, a painter with a big heart but hiding a terrible secret.
And Louise is harbouring a secret too, one from her past, one that makes her feel guilty every single day.
An attraction brews and soon they are both opening up to each other.
What happens next will change Louise and Ed’s lives forever.
A mystery thriller with a clever storyline and a solid hooking plot.
The concept is very interesting and the twist will have you thinking.
You will get drawn into the pages, wondering how it’s going to finish and when you get there it will be a complete surprise.
A fast paced quick read that’s well worth the hours of reading.
November 3, 2021
Following a hit and run accident, Louisa is left nursing a broken leg and the prospect of being stuck at home alone. Whilst the police try to investigate who was driving the car, Tanya, a victim support worker, visits Louisa at home. It transpires that Tanya has a good friend Ed, who is a painter and decorator and Louisa accepts the recommendation and invites him to decorate for her whilst she is off.
The pair soon find a connection when it emerges they both have secrets hidden from their past. They begin to open up to each other but a spanner is thrown into the works when Louisa attends the court hearing of the person charged with the hit and run incident, resulting in a prison sentence.
I loved this book for the first 85%- great suspense with twists along the way. However the final 15% really was not my cup of tea and left me very disappounted.
The pair soon find a connection when it emerges they both have secrets hidden from their past. They begin to open up to each other but a spanner is thrown into the works when Louisa attends the court hearing of the person charged with the hit and run incident, resulting in a prison sentence.
I loved this book for the first 85%- great suspense with twists along the way. However the final 15% really was not my cup of tea and left me very disappounted.
Read
July 20, 2021When Louise, a very active journalist, is injured in a hit and run accident her sister suggests she gets someone in to decorate her apartment. Ed is recommended to her and from the moment they meet Louise feels a connection. But they have never met before. Both of them have secrets from their past and slowly they feel comfortable enough with each other to share these secrets. But is all as it seems, can we really trust anyone?
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
August 29, 2021
I shouldn't complain about a book that kept me occupied for a day and a half and only cost me $1.80 but... Here we go anyway!
I would just like to put a question to you:
What genre is this book?
The name I let him in has a bit of a creepy vibe to it, right? It implies regret, maybe a violation of trust? She let him in, and he was capable of all that?? So maybe a Thriller.
Secondly the tagline: I can't forget what I saw that day. Ok, for sure that's got some creep factor points. This must be a thriller.
The...second tagline thing at the bottom (why are there 2?) says A gripping and emotional page turner with an unexpected twist.
OK, maybe that one was on me, bit 'gripping' and 'page-turner' are both terms I associate with a psychological thriller/ mystery when put together that way, but emotional is in there, so maybe I made assumptions.
Regardless, I felt that I had picked up a creepy stalker kind of book, a bit of mystery and suspense, but what I got was very far from it.
I don't know what genre "domestic drama" is, or who it's appealing to, but if this is a solid representation of it, count me out.
The tagline "I can't forget what I saw that day", as far as I can tell after having just finished the whole thing, has absolutely no relevance to the story at all? What is the referring to? It doesn't even make any sense.
The name is misleading at best.
This book was just a mess. It not only featured limp attempts at suspense, it also had an off-puttingly dull romance, and the unexpected twist was only unexpected because it broke all the rules of the universe it was built in and was like, well, fuck it, how about magic??
No explanation, no fucking rhyme or reason, just, straight up, rule-free, inexplicable magic.
Everyone was insufferably stupid and my guesses at the twist were all better than what actually happened IMO.
But, I guess I'm not the one getting paid $1.80 for my books, I'm the one paying, so what would I know?
I would just like to put a question to you:
What genre is this book?
The name I let him in has a bit of a creepy vibe to it, right? It implies regret, maybe a violation of trust? She let him in, and he was capable of all that?? So maybe a Thriller.
Secondly the tagline: I can't forget what I saw that day. Ok, for sure that's got some creep factor points. This must be a thriller.
The...second tagline thing at the bottom (why are there 2?) says A gripping and emotional page turner with an unexpected twist.
OK, maybe that one was on me, bit 'gripping' and 'page-turner' are both terms I associate with a psychological thriller/ mystery when put together that way, but emotional is in there, so maybe I made assumptions.
Regardless, I felt that I had picked up a creepy stalker kind of book, a bit of mystery and suspense, but what I got was very far from it.
I don't know what genre "domestic drama" is, or who it's appealing to, but if this is a solid representation of it, count me out.
The tagline "I can't forget what I saw that day", as far as I can tell after having just finished the whole thing, has absolutely no relevance to the story at all? What is the referring to? It doesn't even make any sense.
The name is misleading at best.
This book was just a mess. It not only featured limp attempts at suspense, it also had an off-puttingly dull romance, and the unexpected twist was only unexpected because it broke all the rules of the universe it was built in and was like, well, fuck it, how about magic??
No explanation, no fucking rhyme or reason, just, straight up, rule-free, inexplicable magic.
Everyone was insufferably stupid and my guesses at the twist were all better than what actually happened IMO.
But, I guess I'm not the one getting paid $1.80 for my books, I'm the one paying, so what would I know?
August 17, 2021
This is a unique story that had me hooked from the start and led me up a totally different path to how I thought it would end. Cleverly written with relatable characters who both had skeletons in their cupboards, it opened up a realm of possibilities then ended with an unexpected, amazing twist.
September 13, 2021
So many twists!
I randomly chose this book, I am so glad I did. Such a page turner. I felt as though you really saw this story through the characters eyes, every time Lou experienced an emotion so did I. Definitely a heart wrenching story, about how different things may be if we could may right our wrongs.
I randomly chose this book, I am so glad I did. Such a page turner. I felt as though you really saw this story through the characters eyes, every time Lou experienced an emotion so did I. Definitely a heart wrenching story, about how different things may be if we could may right our wrongs.
August 23, 2021
Not what I was expecting…
I thought this was going to be a thriller, but it was more of a psychological drama (I’m not even sure how to label this book).
While this book started off super strong and suspenseful, the ending fell totally flat for me and I’m wondering what just happened?!
On a positive note, I totally resonated with Lou’s character. Like Lou, I suffered multiple leg injuries- so I can understand fully how she felt and what she went through with her broken leg.
All in all, this was decent read but I was expecting something totally different with all the rave reviews about the amazing “twist” at the end. The twist just didn’t cut it for me.
I thought this was going to be a thriller, but it was more of a psychological drama (I’m not even sure how to label this book).
While this book started off super strong and suspenseful, the ending fell totally flat for me and I’m wondering what just happened?!
On a positive note, I totally resonated with Lou’s character. Like Lou, I suffered multiple leg injuries- so I can understand fully how she felt and what she went through with her broken leg.
All in all, this was decent read but I was expecting something totally different with all the rave reviews about the amazing “twist” at the end. The twist just didn’t cut it for me.
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