The Good Mother Test

by

Michael R. French

Storytelling that made time and place disappear.

The Good Mother Test by Michael R. French is an absorbing tale of mothers and daughters, family relationships, and family dynamics played out by truly engaging and sympathetic characters. When Violet was born, Emily made a promise to be the kind of mother she never had, and she followed through on that vow starting right away. Unfortunately, Violet’s father, Doug, sees her devotion as going too far and as a personal rejection, and he breaks up the marriage. Sharing custody is trying under the best of circumstances, but when one parent refuses to honor plans and commitments, it can become doubly difficult. Doug does whatever he wants, whether it is in Violet’s best interests or not, while talking a good game, and when he introduces another woman into the equation, life takes a different turn for both Emily and Violet. 

French crafts some truly great characters for his relatable tale of raising an exceptional child in today’s world. There are so many more things for parents to worry about now, just in raising a healthy, well-adjusted child, but Violet is gifted, and properly supporting her potential adds a whole other layer of considerations to her parents’ plates. I loved the growth that both Emily and Violet undergo, their love for each other, and their natural closeness as mother and daughter. Doug and Amanda provide an alternate, contrasting life for Violet, and a natural conflict arises. Violet’s and Amanda’s final confrontation is riveting, especially considering where the scene plays out. 

I recommend THE GOOD MOTHER TEST to readers who enjoy psychological family dramas, stories of mother-daughter relationships, and blended families. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through WOW! Women On Writing Book Tours.