The Life She Had by K.L. Armstrong

Seal Books. Paperback. NEW. In this heart-pounding new thriller, penned by the bestselling author of Wherever She Goes and Every Step She Takes, we are introduced to Celeste Turner, a woman who will stop at nothing to protect her home from a mysterious intruder. Celeste finds herself facing a dilemma when she discovers a stranger trespassing in her backyard, skulking in the shadows around her shed. While it is possible that this unexpected visitor is just a harmless backpacker seeking temporary refuge, Celeste's past experiences have taught her to be extra cautious and suspicious. Living as an outsider in a rural region of Florida, Celeste feels the judgmental gazes of the locals, who view her as nothing more than a city girl who swooped in to claim her inheritance. This makes her apprehensive about involving the police, as she does not wish to draw unwanted attention and further alienate herself from the community she now calls home. With her new life hanging in the balance, Celeste realizes that she must confront the intruder on her own. To her surprise, Celeste discovers that the trespasser is a young backpacker named Daisy. Despite Celeste's initial wariness, Daisy proves to be polite, friendly, and simply seeking temporary shelter as she traverses the area. The women quickly form an unlikely friendship, with Celeste reasoning that since Daisy will soon move on, she could provide some much-needed assistance. After all, Celeste cannot deny that she could use the extra help. As they grow closer, it becomes apparent that both Celeste and Daisy have concealed secrets that they are determined to keep buried. However, their delicate balance is shattered when a body is discovered near Celeste's house. Realizing that they must move swiftly to prove their innocence and safeguard the lives they have built, Celeste and Daisy find themselves embroiled in a race against time. As the suspense heightens, the women uncover a web of deceit and betrayal that threatens to unravel their lives. With danger lurking around every corner, they must rely on their wits and inner strength to stay one step ahead of their pursuers. The unexpected alliance between Celeste and Daisy proves to be an invaluable asset as they navigate the treacherous path that lies ahead. With the weight of their individual secrets bearing down on them, Celeste and Daisy are pushed to their limits. As they uncover the truth behind the body discovered near Celeste's home, they realize that their lives are intertwined in ways they could have never imagined. Together, they must face their pasts, confront their demons, and fight tooth and nail to ensure their survival. In this gripping novel, the author takes readers on a thrilling journey through the depths of human nature, exploring themes of friendship, trust, and the lengths individuals are willing to go to protect what is theirs. With each page-turn, readers will be held captive by a story that is as compelling as it is unpredictable. As the plot twists and turns, the tension builds, leaving readers on the edge of their seats until the final, shocking conclusion. Get ready to be immersed in a world where danger lurks in the shadows and secrets have deadly consequences. The question remains: How far would you go to protect your home? For Celeste and Daisy, the answer may mean the difference between life and death.