Thank you Libro.fm / Recorded Books for the ALC and Soho Crime, #partner, for the advanced copy of Her One Regret in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Soho Crime / Recorded Books
Published: November 4, 2025
Summary:
From the author of the book club favorite The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano comes a riveting feminist thriller that tackles an unspeakable taboo: regretting motherhood.
When successful Rhode Island real estate agent Lucy Mendoza vanishes, leaving her baby behind in a grocery store parking lot, the news quickly makes national headlines. Lucy’s best friend, Michelle, is devastated, and terrified that Lucy’s life is at stake. But she knows something that could complicate the police investigation. Lucy had confessed something unspeakable: She regretted becoming a mother so much that she’d fantasized about faking her own kidnapping. If the police and media were to find out, Lucy would become a monster in public opinion. Michelle is sure Lucy would never abandon her daughter. But could she be wrong? Could Lucy have been so desperate she chose to escape her life?
Bestselling author Donna Freitas has drawn from ground-breaking research to bring readers this unforgettable novel. Her One Regret is at once a pulse-pounding feminist thriller, a moving depiction of the realities of motherhood, and a rich exploration of a subject our culture and society have rendered nearly verboten—the possibility that for some women, motherhood is an unfixable mistake.
My thoughts:
There is something oddly intriguing about mommy thrillers and while I didn’t love this one, I do applaud the author for taking on such a taboo topic — that of mommy regret. There is a lot to unpack here, it’s full of social commentary on societal expectations about mothers/women and the like as well as motherhood in general. The author doesn’t shy away from anything — just know that going in. It’s a raw, emotionally hard-hitting read that will make you uncomfortable for sure. The mystery itself — the missing woman — kept me on edge, but it at times felt secondary to all the social commentary.
Audio thoughts:
Victoria Villareal brings emotional depth and nuance to the characters.
Purchasing from the link below supports independent bookstores and my blog!
