Just Like Mother by Anne Heltzel

Just Like Mother by Anne Heltzel

Escaping a harrowing cult childhood, Maeve builds a seemingly normal life in the bustling city of New York. Years later, the sudden reappearance of her cousin, Andrea, pulls Maeve back into the dark past she desperately tried to leave behind. Andrea's secluded Catskills estate promises sanctuary, yet the whispers and disapproval of Andrea's affluent circle sow seeds of doubt and unease. As Maeve navigates this new world of wealth and privilege, long-buried secrets from their shared trauma begin to surface, threatening to shatter the fragile life Maeve so carefully constructed. Will Maeve succumb to the haunting echoes of the past, or can she finally break free from the nightmare that continues to haunt her?

Why You’ll Love This Book

Heltzel digs into the quiet, smiling horror of biological destiny. This isn't just about escaping a cult in the woods; it is about the modern, sanitized cult of the perfect mother. By trapping Maeve in an environment that feels like a high-end wellness retreat, the story explores the terrifying idea that family expectations can be just as restrictive as a prison. It is a sharp, uncomfortable look at how the people who claim to love you most can be the ones most determined to erase who you actually are.