Just Like Mother

Maeve has built a normal life in New York City, but when her cousin Andrea reappears, she regains the only true friend she's ever had. She spends more time at Andrea's remote Catskills estate than in her own apartment, but her long-buried memories flood to the surface. Confronting her childhood memories may be the only way for Maeve to transcend the nightmare still to come.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2023
Publisher: Oldcastle Books Ltd

The night Maeve escaped the cult they were raised in was the last time she saw her cousin. For the past two decades, Maeve has worked hard to build a normal life in New York City, where she keeps everything - and everyone - at a safe distance. When her cousin Andrea suddenly reappears, Maeve regains the only true friend she's ever had. Soon, she's spending more time at Andrea's remote Catskills estate than in her own cramped apartment. Maeve doesn't even mind that her cousin's wealthy work friends clearly disapprove of her single lifestyle. After all, Andrea has made her fortune in the fertility industry - baby fever comes with the territory.

What worries Maeve is that the more she immerses herself in Andrea's world, the more her long-buried memories flood to the surface. But confronting the terrors of her childhood may be the only way for Maeve to transcend the nightmare still to come.

As Maeve spends more time with Andrea, she begins to unravel the dark secrets of their family's past. She discovers that their parents were members of a cult that practiced extreme religious rituals and that Andrea was forced to participate in them from a young age. Maeve is horrified by the things she learns and struggles to come to terms with the fact that her cousin has been living a lie all these years.

Despite the growing tension between them, Maeve cannot resist the pull of Andrea's world. She finds herself drawn deeper into the cult's practices, hoping to find some kind of closure or understanding. But as she gets closer to the truth, Maeve realizes that she may be putting herself in danger.

One night, Maeve sneaks into the cult's secret temple and witnesses a ceremony that is unlike anything she has ever seen before. She sees her cousin Andrea standing at the center of the room, surrounded by members of the cult who are chanting and praying in a language she doesn't understand. Maeve is terrified by the power and intensity of the ceremony and knows that she must leave immediately.

But as she tries to escape, Maeve is confronted by one of the cult's leaders, who threatens to harm her if she doesn't stay and participate in the ceremony. Maeve is trapped and feels like she has no way out. But then, something unexpected happens. Andrea appears and confronts the cult leader, telling him that Maeve is not part of their cult and that she must be allowed to leave.

The cult leader is shocked by Andrea's bravery and agrees to let Maeve go. Maeve is relieved and grateful to her cousin for saving her life. As she leaves the temple, Maeve knows that she has been through a traumatic experience but also that she has gained a newfound sense of strength and courage.

Maeve returns to New York City, determined to put her past behind her and build a new life. She starts to distance herself from Andrea, knowing that their relationship is no longer safe. But even as she tries to move on, Maeve can't shake the feeling that something is still lurking in the shadows, waiting for her to come back.

Years pass, and Maeve becomes a successful writer and public speaker, using her experiences to help others who have been affected by cults. She never forgets the lessons she learned from her cousin Andrea and the dangers of falling into the trap of extreme religion.

One day, Maeve receives a call from Andrea, who is in trouble. She has been kidnapped by members of the cult who want to force her to participate in another ceremony. Maeve knows that she must act quickly to save her cousin.

Maeve travels to the Catskills, where she finds Andrea being held captive in a remote cabin. She confronts the cult members and fights them off, using her skills and knowledge to outsmart them. In the end, Maeve is able to rescue Andrea and bring her back to New York City.

As they reunite, Maeve and Andrea are filled with a sense of gratitude and relief. They know that they have been through a lot together but that their bond is stronger than ever. They promise to always be there for each other, no matter what challenges they may face in the future.

In conclusion, Maeve's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of confronting one's past. She has been through a traumatic experience but has emerged stronger and more empowered than ever before. Her relationship with Andrea is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for redemption and forgiveness.

Weight: 220g
Dimension: 197 x 127 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857308436