Three Mothers by Hannah Beckerman

Exploring Grief, Motherhood and Secrets

If you're a fan of emotional, character-driven novels that dive deep into the complexities of motherhood and the weight of untold secrets, Three Mothers by Hannah Beckerman might be just what you're looking for. I recently read this as an e-ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review — and it definitely gave me plenty to think about.

This is a story that doesn’t shy away from grief, guilt, and the raw emotions that come with being a mother, a friend, and a woman trying to protect the people she loves. In this review, I’ll take you through the premise, how well it was executed, the strength of the characters, the writing and pacing, and my final thoughts.

The Premise

Three Mothers opens with the tragic death of seventeen-year-old Isla in a hit-and-run accident. Her mother, Abby, is still grieving the loss of another child, and this second tragedy threatens to unravel her entirely. As she begins to dig into the events surrounding Isla’s death, she uncovers secrets that shake her understanding of her daughter — and her entire life.

We also follow two other women: Nicole, Abby’s best friend, whose own family is dangerously close to being caught in the fallout, and Jenna, a woman trying to keep her past buried before Isla’s death brings it all back to the surface. Their lives become more deeply connected as truths begin to emerge, revealing how far mothers will go to protect their children — and themselves.

The Execution

What I appreciated most about this novel is its quiet strength. While the premise may suggest a mystery or thriller, it’s actually a much more intimate story about grief, fear, and the emotional burdens that often remain hidden behind everyday life.

The narrative doesn’t rush to dramatic reveals — instead, it unfolds slowly, allowing us to sit with each woman’s pain and understand their choices. That slower pace may not work for everyone, but if you enjoy stories that linger on the emotional aftermath of big events, this one delivers.

The Characters

This is where the book shines. The emotional depth and complexity of Abby, Nicole, and Jenna are what kept me reading. Each chapter rotates between their perspectives, and I never found myself wanting to skip ahead — I was genuinely invested in each storyline.

Beckerman writes her characters with honesty. They make mistakes, carry regrets, and aren’t always likable — and that’s exactly what makes them feel real. I especially appreciated that their experiences of motherhood weren’t idealized but shown with all their contradictions and emotional weight.

The Writing and Pacing

Beckerman’s writing is fluid and easy to fall into. The language is accessible, which allows the emotional themes to come through without being weighed down by heavy prose.

The pacing is steady — not particularly fast, but it suits the tone of the book. There are moments when the plot felt a bit predictable, and I did find myself anticipating some of the reveals before they happened. But the emotional strength of the characters kept me engaged, even when the direction of the story became clearer.

Final Thoughts

Three Mothers is a moving exploration of motherhood, friendship, and the hidden truths we carry. While it doesn’t rely on major twists or suspense, it builds a quiet tension through the emotional journeys of its characters.

If you’re looking for a book that dives deep into the emotional lives of women — and does so with nuance and compassion — this one is worth picking up. Despite some predictability, I found the story compelling, thanks to its strong characters and thoughtful writing.

Rating: 4/5

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Release Date: April 10, 2025

Publisher: HarperCollins