Where I Left Her: A Novel

Amber Garza

Aug 2021 · Sold by MIRA

About this eBook

From the author of When I Was You comes a spine-tingling new thriller about a mother’s worst nightmare come true, when her teenage daughter goes to a sleepover and doesn’t come back.

Whitney had some misgivings when she dropped her increasingly moody teenage daughter, Amelia, off at Lauren’s house. She’d never met the parents, and usually she’d go in, but Amelia clearly wasn’t going to let something so humiliating happen, so instead Whitney waved to her daughter before pulling away from the little house with the yellow roses in front.

But when she goes back the next day, an elderly couple answers the door—Amelia and Lauren aren’t there, and this couple swears they never were, that she’s at the wrong house. As Whitney searches for Amelia, she uncovers a trail of lies her daughter has told her—from the Finsta account to rumors of a secret relationship. Does she really even know this girl she’s raised? And Amelia’s not the only one with secrets. Could Whitney’s own demons have something to do with her daughter’s disappearance, and can Whitney find her before it’s too late?

Ratings and reviews

My Review: Wow, wow, wow what an awesome read this was. I loved every minute of it. Amber Garza you are my new favorite author. This was my first book by her and it sure as heck did not disappoint. I can’t wait to read the rest of your books. I want to start off by saying how much I loved this book. What really caught my eye right off the bat was the blurb. I really enjoy books about kids. Whether they are missing or even murdered I love them all. I really think it’s because children are so pure and innocent. This is why I want to know who would want to cause them any kind of harm. I especially love the teenage age group as they are right there on the line between a child and an adult. Their mind and how they think is so interesting to me. The character I loved the most in this book was the mom of the teenage girl that was missing. She was so determined in trying to find her missing daughter at all costs. She crossed so many lines and didn’t care. I know I would be the same way if my son went missing. Now let’s talk about that ending. You know the saying Your Past Will Always Come Back To Haunt You, well that definitely applies to this book. I can’t say too much as I don’t want to spoil it for anyone but this rings so true to this book. I loved how the author went back and forth between past and present. It was the perfect way to let the readers know how the past affected the future. Also, I couldn’t believe the way this book ended. I was shocked to the core. I thought I knew what the real story was and what was happening but I didn’t. I loved that about this book. It kept me guessing the whole time and all the way up to the end. This book had it all and I’m so glad I read it. Thanks Amber Garza for such a great book. Between the plot, characters and all the twists in this book it made it an easy and fast read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Amber Garza is amazing writer. leaving you with an ending you wonder if it is true! sat down and read 2 of her books in one day. "Where I Left Her" had me reading into the night. Can't wait to start another!!

This is a thought-provoking story about mother-daughter relationships, friendships and abuse. Whitney and her daughter Amelia had always been close, but suddenly Amelia seems to be pulling away. Then, one day, when Whitney drops Amelia off at a friend’s house, Amelia disappears. This novel is about the desperate search of a mother for her child and her confrontation with the truth of her past. With two timelines, past and present, and a narrator who is omniscient, I never knew what to expect from one chapter to the next. There is a big reveal close to the end, and I certainly never guessed it! I enjoyed following the clues as I encouraged Whitney not to give up but to keep trying to find her missing daughter. The love between the two of them is evident, but teen rebellion is part of the story, too. I can’t say that the relationship between the two of them was particularly healthy, especially since Whitney seemed to cling to Amelia like a lifeline, but their relationship was symbiotic. I enjoyed the slow peeling back of the hidden facets of the characters and the slow reveal of what was really happening between Whitney and Amelia. Great story told in an original and creative way! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

About the author

Amber Garza has had a passion for the written word since she was a child making books out of notebook paper and staples. Her hobbies include reading and singing. Coffee and wine are her drinks of choice (not necessarily in that order). She writes while blaring music, and talks about her characters like they're real people. She lives with her husband and two kids in Folsom, California, which is also home to another Amber Garza.