This was one of my Kindle FirstReads picks for January, but I'd had this on my TBR ever since I first heard the author announce it on Twitter. I love psychological thrillers, and this was set in Hawaii AND featured an Asian protagonist. Sounded like a win-win to me.

The story is of Annie Lin, who suffered losing her mother, dog, and job all in the same year. So, to start over, she moves with her husband and their son down to Hawaii for a fresh start. But when things from her past start appearing, she wonders if she's going crazy. But the major plot point is when a strange woman appears at her doorstep during a storm, seeking shelter. The women bond, and Annie soon finds out that she and the woman are more connected than she thought, and she could lose everything dear to her.

The writing wasn't sophisticated, Annie was really likeable (though I did relate to her and her Chinese family very much!), and some things required a big suspension of disbelief, I honestly couldn't put this down. The author is great at maintaining tension and keeping you wondering, and just when one twist happens, another is soon revealed. I was about to give this four stars until the ending - without spoiling anything, THAT I did not expect!

And did I mention how pretty that cover is? Would definitely read another work by this author. ( )

The premise of this novel ended up being the only factor in my choice. In my opinion, this wasn't much of a thriller, but I believe that has to do with the way the story is narrated. I'm not sure which was worse: the narration or the story. The primary character, Annie, didn't seem to me to be very credible, the main objective of the plot wasn't immediately achieved; instead, it dragged on.

Not for me. ( )

Decent storyline with no likeable characters. ( )

Annie Lin’s life crumbles. Her dance studio goes bankrupt. Her mother and beloved dog are gone the same year. Then a terrible accident leaves her young son traumatized. It’s time for a change. Palm trees, mai tais, peace and quiet―Annie should be at ease, safe in her new Kauai home with her husband and son. She hopes proximity to her family can provide them all with a sense of belonging and calm. But soon items from her past start turning up―her dog’s collar, a bracelet that disappeared years ago―and she has the unnerving sensation she’s being watched. Reality begins to fracture, and Annie’s panic attacks return. When, during a brewing storm, a woman appears on her doorstep looking for shelter, Annie is relieved to have the company and feels an unexplainable bond with her visitor. As the night progresses, Annie realizes the woman is no stranger. Their lives are inextricably intertwined―and Annie might just lose everything.

Atmospheric and Hitchcockian. Both of these descriptions of the book are accurate. I couldn't put the book down and was extremely interested in figuring out what was happening. I couldn't believe that Annie let Serena into her home and knew that Serena was going to be the villain. However, some of the red flags that Annie ignored were unbelievable. While Annie knew what was happening was questionable she continued to let it happen. Annie should have trusted her instincts and made her leave. Of course, we wouldn't have a great story if she had and this is a fantastic story. It's always amazing to me when an author's debut novel is so good. I expect nothing but suspenseful stories from her in the future. She has two more novels ready to be published in the next year. Check this book out. ( )

I didn't finish the book or even really start it. After about 25 pages I was really disappointed in the writing style and I couldn't go any further. It seemed awkward and forced.