Love Mom book Iliana Xander is a psychological thriller novel that follows the story of a young woman named Mackenzie. Mackenzie tragically lost her best-selling author mother in an accident. The funeral services had many fans and paparazzi pay their respects. Mackenzie receives a letter after the service that appears to be signed by her mother. Who is sending these letters? What message are they trying to portray?
If you love a fast paced thriller book that keeps you guessing until the end, you will love this novel.
Are you looking for book talk regarding your favorite thriller novel? Are you looking for a place to share all your thoughts since your friends are sick of you obsessing? You have come to the right place. Book talk is somewhere you could share your book thoughts (good or bad).
Book Summary
Mackenzie tragically lost her best-selling author mother in an accident. The funeral services had many fans and paparazzi pay their respects. It was difficult for Mackenzie since her and her mother did not have the greatest relationship. They had what some might call a strained and difficult relationship throughout the years. However, it is still her mother at the end of the day, and Mackenzie will pay her respects.
Mackenzie receives a letter after the service that appears to be signed by her mother. Confused, yet intrigued, Mackenzie and her best friend begin digging into her mother’s past. Who is sending these letters? What are they trying to show Mackenzie? Mackenzie begins to visit people of her mothers past that she never met or heard of. As Mackenzie is digging into her mother’s past, she discovers many family secrets that some want to stay buried. What is Mackenzie’s mother trying to communicate to her? Is this person that is sending the letters out for Mackenzie’s best interest? There are so many unanswered questioned. Mackenzie knows she must discover the truth for herself.
Looking for your next unputdownable book? This gripping thriller novel has it all. Murder, secrets, a dark past, and a storyline that will keep you on your toes. If you are looking for your next psychological thriller novel, this one will not disappoint. Add this to your To Be Read pile and enjoy!
SPOILERS: Disclaimer- There may be spoilers about the book below and this part of the post is meant to be read after reading this thriller book (or as a refresher).
The below questions make for great book club discussion! 🙂
- Do you think the ending of the book left it open to a sequel?
The book wrapped up all the loose ends perfectly. There were no questions left unanswered. The only suggestion for a sequel would be how Mackenzie is navigating everyday life after discovering who her parents really are. The sequel could also speak to how prison life is going for the father and grandma. However, this is an amazing standalone thriller novel on it’s own.
A prequel would be amazing for this thriller novel. It would great to see life before Mackenzie. While the book did an awesome job regarding the letters, hearing from various POV’s would make for a great prequel. It seems there were a lot of affairs going on so hearing from John, Ben, Evelyn, and Lizzy would make a gripping thriller. Whenever a book is amazing, there could always be more. Prequel, sequel, readers cannot get enough.
- Did any plot twist not shock you?
I did think a little about the father. I was wondering why Mackenzie’s biological mothers friend was mentioned so much in the novel. However, I did not predict that the professor was the same person. It made me wonder if this is a small town? If that was a coincidence or if the professor was staying close for a reason. This entire book was filled with twists and turns on every page.
I would not change anything in this book. Everything tied together nicely and the ending was perfect. Always love a happy ending in any book. Also, it is always perfect when the bad guys get what is coming to them. Tough when you read a book and the bad guy gets away with it. Unless you are reading a psychological thriller with an unreliable narrator. 😛 In that case, you might have been rooting for the bad guy without knowing it.
Favorite Moments
This book was filled with jaw dropping and heartwarming moments. There were so many moments sprinkled in throughout. The ending of the book added a lot of those moments.
- Mackenzie realizes who her biological father is: This moment is beyond touching since it would tragic for Mack to lose her father and mother all at once. While she did complain about the woman that raised her, at the end of the day it was a loss in her eyes. Mack and John seemed to hit it off which made this discovery even more special. Any time an author brings family together in the most unusual circumstances, it can tug at the heart strings.
- The truth about Tonya: Don’t you love when the plot keeps thickening in a thriller book? That truly makes for the best thriller novels. When the entire truth is revealed involving the stolen identity and who the truth sociopath is, everything makes sense. It is a relief for Mack once again to find out that she did not come from someone so evil.
- The Letters/Journal: While the letters are a major component of the book, the concept is endearing. Someone wanted Mack to find out the truth. They felt that she deserved to find out the truth and get justice. Justice is always the sweetest revenge.
Movie Adaptation
- Do you think this would do well as a limited series or movie adaptation?
Yes!! This thriller book is beautifully written. Love, Mom would be an amazing limited series. When you could literally picture the characters because of the author’s writing style, it makes for a great adaptation. Additionally, the characters are relatable. When the audience can connect with the characters, it also makes for a perfect adaptation. Fingers crossed for something in the future!
4. Who would be your perfect cast for each character?
This is such a tough question!! There are so many great options. I want to hear your thoughts, drop some comments on suggestions. For Tonya/Elizabeth, someone that could play evil but is stunning would be a perfect fit. Additionally, an actress that knows how to play a trophy wife role is a great fit. The interesting part would be portraying the characters at a younger age. However, this might be easier since the actors would all change. This would allow for the audience to not guess the plot twist.
5. Do you believe in nature vs. nurture?
Yes and no. I know not a great answer 😛 However, there are people that grow up in the same household, by the same parents, and grow up extremely differently. At some point, an individuals personality comes into play. Additionally, everyone has choices in life. A person that has a rough upbringing, can choose to be good person. On the other hand, a person that grew up in a rough household may say that they had no choice but to a terrible person. At the end of the day, we are individuals are responsible for our actions and how we choose to live our lives. We can seek help to work through trauma, or choose to live in the past.
Thriller Author Recommendations
6. I love this book, what other authors/books would you recommend?
There are a lot of great thriller authors out there, especially psychological thriller authors. Psychological thriller books mess with the readers mind in a way that cannot be described. Just when you think you figured everything out, you are hit with another plot twist. Those are the best books though, right?! If you loved this author, she has another book out (at the time of this post) titled, All Eyes on Him. Be sure to check this out! Other authors that will have that wow thriller factor include, Freida McFadden, Alice Feeney, Jennifer Hillier, Natalie Barelli, and John Marrs. That is to name a few. On Amazon, there are always new authors trending or on the top charts for the week/month. Be sure to be on the look out. There are some amazing authors out there!
Psychological thriller books keep the readers guessing until the end. An unreliable narrator, family secrets, and a dark past make for a great thriller novel. Love, Mom book is a psychological thriller book that will have you on the edge of your couch while reading. If you are looking for your next gripping novel, check this book out.