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The Family
Nothing’s more important than family...
Leah
When Leah’s daughter, Nyla, unexpectedly appears at her cabin in the Appalachian Mountains, it’s a dream come true. For five years, Leah hasn’t seen or heard from her daughter—ever since Nyla stormed out of the house, determined to go live with her idealized father. Now she’s back. But there’s something different about Nyla. Something…off. And it’s deeper than her unsettling appearance. As Leah struggles to reconnect with Nyla, she has more questions than answers. Where has she been? What happened to her? And more importantly, what is she hiding?
Nyla
Ever since her parents’ divorce, Nyla longed to live with her charismatic father, Paul, who’s the opposite of her frivolous and overbearing mother. So, at eighteen, after yet another argument with her mom, Nyla relocates to her dad’s place in rural Tennessee. She immediately falls in love with the slightly run-down, self-sustaining farmhouse that her father shares with a mixed collective of like-minded individuals. Secluded from society and self-contained, it’s the simple life she’s always wanted. Before long, she’s encompassed in “the family,” where everything is shared and everyone does their part. It’s perfect. Until Paul begins to govern with an ever-expanding list of rules . . . and punishments.
Leah
When Leah’s daughter, Nyla, unexpectedly appears at her cabin in the Appalachian Mountains, it’s a dream come true. For five years, Leah hasn’t seen or heard from her daughter—ever since Nyla stormed out of the house, determined to go live with her idealized father. Now she’s back. But there’s something different about Nyla. Something…off. And it’s deeper than her unsettling appearance. As Leah struggles to reconnect with Nyla, she has more questions than answers. Where has she been? What happened to her? And more importantly, what is she hiding?
Nyla
Ever since her parents’ divorce, Nyla longed to live with her charismatic father, Paul, who’s the opposite of her frivolous and overbearing mother. So, at eighteen, after yet another argument with her mom, Nyla relocates to her dad’s place in rural Tennessee. She immediately falls in love with the slightly run-down, self-sustaining farmhouse that her father shares with a mixed collective of like-minded individuals. Secluded from society and self-contained, it’s the simple life she’s always wanted. Before long, she’s encompassed in “the family,” where everything is shared and everyone does their part. It’s perfect. Until Paul begins to govern with an ever-expanding list of rules . . . and punishments.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2023
About the author
S.E. Green
23 books464 followersS. E. Green is the award-winning and best-selling author of young adult and adult books. She grew up in Tennessee where she dreaded all things reading and writing. She didn’t even read her first book for enjoyment until she was twenty-five. After that, she was hooked! When she’s not writing, she's usually traveling or hanging out with a rogue armadillo that frequents her backyard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
April 29, 2023
This novel by S. E. Green, tells the story of a child of divorced parents who chooses to live with her father and discovers his cult like living situation. It is sad and slightly scary, and one wonders at the choices some exes make and how lucky people can be to escape them. Recommended.
July 14, 2023
⭐️ 4.5
It’s was a very short and easy psychological thriller book about a cult which really had me sucked into it. It was interesting how it switched from first person in the present to third person for the past. I would recommend 😊
It’s was a very short and easy psychological thriller book about a cult which really had me sucked into it. It was interesting how it switched from first person in the present to third person for the past. I would recommend 😊
August 18, 2023
Very quick read but very interesting- love anythjng to do with cults/different societies.
An 18 year old girl goes to live with her dad and ends up in a cult
An 18 year old girl goes to live with her dad and ends up in a cult
April 29, 2023
I really liked this book. It was a great story with a Manson like cult leader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2023
This was a quick read as the book has148 pages.
Though short, it managed to keep my attention and had me so curious as to what was going to happen next.
I couldn't help but feel sorry for the main character Nyla, her journey to find herself kept me hanging on.
Though short, it managed to keep my attention and had me so curious as to what was going to happen next.
I couldn't help but feel sorry for the main character Nyla, her journey to find herself kept me hanging on.
September 18, 2023
Short, fast-paced, I couldn’t wait to finish and find out how it wrapped up. While some details seem implausible, it didn’t bother me, I really enjoyed it.
August 2, 2023
Nyla, the daughter of a divorced couple, leaves her mother’s house to fulfill her long time wish to go live with her absent but idealized father. Five years later, she shows back up at her mother’s house. Nyla looks very unhealthy and her personality has changed.
Great idea for a story but the opportunity was missed. It was written simply. Details and descriptions were sparse. Characters were described physically, but there was no personality development. Both Nyla and her mother’s POV were like reading very tiresome diaries.
The best thing about this was that it was short. This was very bland reading, and although it could happen (I suppose) I just never bought in to it. For a young adult who was 18 when she left home to live with another parent (! ? !!), Nyla seemed more like an impressionable child. Everyone had strange behavior with no motivations. The end was just as unbelievable.
That’s it. I’m done. Two stars.
Great idea for a story but the opportunity was missed. It was written simply. Details and descriptions were sparse. Characters were described physically, but there was no personality development. Both Nyla and her mother’s POV were like reading very tiresome diaries.
The best thing about this was that it was short. This was very bland reading, and although it could happen (I suppose) I just never bought in to it. For a young adult who was 18 when she left home to live with another parent (! ? !!), Nyla seemed more like an impressionable child. Everyone had strange behavior with no motivations. The end was just as unbelievable.
That’s it. I’m done. Two stars.
May 28, 2023
Fun read. Finished it the same day I started.
April 11, 2023
Fast paced and never dull. You can knock this out in a couple hours. For a short book it's very entertaining and I will definitely be reading more from this author.
December 5, 2023
I didn’t finish this book. I am uncomfortable with cults, unbalanced people and females who must live with no doors and all that it implies. Also prefer heterosexual characters. I’m just old-fashioned, I guess.
April 18, 2023
This is the story of Nyla, who reappears at her mother’s home after years of having left. It’s a mystery what happened in that time. From the very beginning we find ourselves with foreshadowing clues, creating a feeling of dread that will follow us throughout the story.
The type of narrative was well chosen. While Leah’s perspective is told in first person, Nyla’s is in third, detaching her from a life that she probably wants to forget.
At times, descriptions are too short, straight to the point, mostly when it came to the delivery of dialogues. It could make the pacing fast, so fast that sometimes it seemed like we were watching a montage instead of feeling the depth of each and every scene.
The characters’ feelings weren’t really dived into, at least not enough to make the readers get those feelings themselves. We just got a glimpse.
I don’t think the mother’s worry was as well portrayed as it should have been. Her daughter came back after so many years and it didn’t look like much changed. Worry didn’t eat her alive like it would have done me.
Sometimes Leah would react aggressively and only regret it later. She didn’t give a lot of thought (mostly in the beginning) about what Nyla had been through and she was quick to react badly.
I don’t think the author intended as such, but I very much disliked Walker. He didn’t ask Leah nor Nyla wether they wanted his support. He assumed that it was best if he left (calling it a business trip) and came back until everything was resolved.
I would’ve wanted to see more of the commune’s ideology. How they came to have those beliefs, how Paul managed to pull everyone in.
The conclusion is satisfying, but way too short.
Overall, it was great to see the evolution of Nyla’s character and her environment. To see how she came to be this fearful but strong person.
This was a story with interesting plot points, but their development left much to be desired.
(Review first posted on Amazon.)
The type of narrative was well chosen. While Leah’s perspective is told in first person, Nyla’s is in third, detaching her from a life that she probably wants to forget.
At times, descriptions are too short, straight to the point, mostly when it came to the delivery of dialogues. It could make the pacing fast, so fast that sometimes it seemed like we were watching a montage instead of feeling the depth of each and every scene.
The characters’ feelings weren’t really dived into, at least not enough to make the readers get those feelings themselves. We just got a glimpse.
I don’t think the mother’s worry was as well portrayed as it should have been. Her daughter came back after so many years and it didn’t look like much changed. Worry didn’t eat her alive like it would have done me.
Sometimes Leah would react aggressively and only regret it later. She didn’t give a lot of thought (mostly in the beginning) about what Nyla had been through and she was quick to react badly.
I don’t think the author intended as such, but I very much disliked Walker. He didn’t ask Leah nor Nyla wether they wanted his support. He assumed that it was best if he left (calling it a business trip) and came back until everything was resolved.
I would’ve wanted to see more of the commune’s ideology. How they came to have those beliefs, how Paul managed to pull everyone in.
The conclusion is satisfying, but way too short.
Overall, it was great to see the evolution of Nyla’s character and her environment. To see how she came to be this fearful but strong person.
This was a story with interesting plot points, but their development left much to be desired.
(Review first posted on Amazon.)
June 13, 2023
What if your young adult daughter returns home after no contact for five years? What if she has a shaved head, is very thin, and is acting strangely? It's not what you might think!
Leah
"When Leah’s daughter, Nyla, unexpectedly appears at her cabin in the Appalachian Mountains, it’s a dream come true. For five years, Leah hasn’t seen or heard from her daughter—ever since Nyla stormed out of the house, determined to go live with her idealized father.Now she’s back. But there’s something different about Nyla. Something…off. And it’s deeper than her unsettling appearance. As Leah struggles to reconnect with Nyla, she has more questions than answers. Where has she been? What happened to her? And more importantly, what is she hiding?
Nyla
Ever since her parents’ divorce, Nyla longed to live with her charismatic father, Paul, who’s the opposite of her frivolous and overbearing mother. So, at eighteen, after yet another argument with her mom, Nyla relocates to her dad’s place in rural Tennessee.
She immediately falls in love with the slightly run-down, self-sustaining farmhouse that her father shares with a mixed collective of likeminded individuals. Secluded from society and self-contained, it’s the simple life she’s always wanted. Before long, she’s encompassed in “the family,” where everything is shared and everyone does their part. It’s perfect." Or is it? synopsis copied
Leah
"When Leah’s daughter, Nyla, unexpectedly appears at her cabin in the Appalachian Mountains, it’s a dream come true. For five years, Leah hasn’t seen or heard from her daughter—ever since Nyla stormed out of the house, determined to go live with her idealized father.Now she’s back. But there’s something different about Nyla. Something…off. And it’s deeper than her unsettling appearance. As Leah struggles to reconnect with Nyla, she has more questions than answers. Where has she been? What happened to her? And more importantly, what is she hiding?
Nyla
Ever since her parents’ divorce, Nyla longed to live with her charismatic father, Paul, who’s the opposite of her frivolous and overbearing mother. So, at eighteen, after yet another argument with her mom, Nyla relocates to her dad’s place in rural Tennessee.
She immediately falls in love with the slightly run-down, self-sustaining farmhouse that her father shares with a mixed collective of likeminded individuals. Secluded from society and self-contained, it’s the simple life she’s always wanted. Before long, she’s encompassed in “the family,” where everything is shared and everyone does their part. It’s perfect." Or is it? synopsis copied
August 4, 2024
In "The Family," we are taken on a journey through the strained relationship between Leah and her daughter, Nyla. This compelling narrative dives deep into the complexities of family dynamics, personal growth, and the haunting shadows of past decisions.
The author masterfully builds suspense, keeping readers on edge as they piece together the mystery of Nyla's past and her transformation. The emotional depth of the characters and their flawed, yet relatable, motivations make this story resonate deeply.
"The Family" is a poignant exploration of the bonds that tie us together and the secrets that can tear us apart. It's a haunting reminder of the lengths we go to for those we love and the strength it takes to confront painful truths. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a story that delves into the heart of family relationships with unflinching honesty and emotional intensity.
The author masterfully builds suspense, keeping readers on edge as they piece together the mystery of Nyla's past and her transformation. The emotional depth of the characters and their flawed, yet relatable, motivations make this story resonate deeply.
"The Family" is a poignant exploration of the bonds that tie us together and the secrets that can tear us apart. It's a haunting reminder of the lengths we go to for those we love and the strength it takes to confront painful truths. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a story that delves into the heart of family relationships with unflinching honesty and emotional intensity.
September 25, 2023
I read this book in a day in part because it is a short novel, but also because I could relate to the characters and their struggle to reunite. It's disturbing that there are evil yet charismatic people who are able to brainwash others into a life of submission and fear. Leah the mother in the story questions how she could have contributed to her daughter's willingness to join a cult. Sadly, cult leaders rarely pay the price for their actions and simply move on to other victims. The story is told from the POV of Nyla, the daughter, and Leah her mother. I was disappointed that Walker, the boyfriend, and Ava the other victim never really developed as characters. I'll be reading more of S.E. Green's books.
June 8, 2023
Gripping Fast Read
As a “Coming of Age Fiction” novel, it grabs your attention from the first page. My only disappointment was that it was only about 150 pages. Nyla was a very relatable character whose yearning to live with her father in a more simple life and wanting to be daddy’s girl is very relatable. Unfortunately her vision of her father being perfect started changing immediately when she arrived and she had to call her dad Paul. She started seeing him for the person he really was. Her courage to free Ava, herself and their children from the cult Paul created was powerful.
As a “Coming of Age Fiction” novel, it grabs your attention from the first page. My only disappointment was that it was only about 150 pages. Nyla was a very relatable character whose yearning to live with her father in a more simple life and wanting to be daddy’s girl is very relatable. Unfortunately her vision of her father being perfect started changing immediately when she arrived and she had to call her dad Paul. She started seeing him for the person he really was. Her courage to free Ava, herself and their children from the cult Paul created was powerful.
July 26, 2023
Disturbing
The book was excellent. The content was disturbing. The fact that it happened in USA and, probably is still happening somewhere, is very sad . It makes one think about how easily people can fall into this situation when they are vulnerable and lonely. People who treat others like in the book are sick and need to be taken out of public circulation. I hope that by reading this, people will learn something about themselves, recognize any similarities and change their behavior to benefit everyone.
The book was excellent. The content was disturbing. The fact that it happened in USA and, probably is still happening somewhere, is very sad . It makes one think about how easily people can fall into this situation when they are vulnerable and lonely. People who treat others like in the book are sick and need to be taken out of public circulation. I hope that by reading this, people will learn something about themselves, recognize any similarities and change their behavior to benefit everyone.
October 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It was an all-in-one-sitting on a Sunday book for me. An interesting spin on the complexity of a mother/daughter relationship, particularly when it comes to a child of divorce and has an idealistic view of the more absent parent. Because that is a very real thing that happens, it made it easy to believe that young, impressionable Nyla could fall into her dad’s orbit and follow his outlandish “lifestyle.” I’ve recently been on a kick where I’m not reading as much horror because, decidedly, humans are far scarier than ghosts and this book solidifies that fact.
April 8, 2023
The Family is a dark thriller, a story about a girl who leaves her overbearing mother to go live on a rural farm with her father. The narrative is told from the alternating perspectives of Leah and her daughter Nyla, detailing the horrific occurrences that Nyla endures and her journey back to her mother five years later. While mysterious and eerie, the story felt clipped or rushed, as well as predictable in places. But overall it was an engaging, shorter read.
May 24, 2023
Jean38no
A real page turner. I couldn’t wait to see if the main character would escape the cult . Her father was the head of the group she had run away from her mother to her father, as she idolized her father . She was 17 . He treated her as if she was just another cult member . Forcing the women in the group to get pregnant. She stayed with him for five years until she could escape. Then the suspense of wondering if the father would find her when she finally got away!
A real page turner. I couldn’t wait to see if the main character would escape the cult . Her father was the head of the group she had run away from her mother to her father, as she idolized her father . She was 17 . He treated her as if she was just another cult member . Forcing the women in the group to get pregnant. She stayed with him for five years until she could escape. Then the suspense of wondering if the father would find her when she finally got away!
July 17, 2023
Unexpected! This book came out of nowhere.
For a shorter novel I wasn’t expecting to be as wrapped up in the story as I was.
The Family highlights the slippery slope of development from a natural commune into a small cult. The short chapters kept everything flowing and interesting. Never a dull moment really. No time for boredom with this book.
My only criticism would be the Pg-13 writing for a R rated storyline. Neat & Clean. Language and all.
For a shorter novel I wasn’t expecting to be as wrapped up in the story as I was.
The Family highlights the slippery slope of development from a natural commune into a small cult. The short chapters kept everything flowing and interesting. Never a dull moment really. No time for boredom with this book.
My only criticism would be the Pg-13 writing for a R rated storyline. Neat & Clean. Language and all.
September 18, 2023
Fast Read!
This book flew by! I read it in one day, as I simply had to keep coming back to it. I rated it four stars instead of five due to the easy, "clean" way it happened; also, there was nothing to suggest what Walker, Leah's "partner," had to say about anything that happened towards the end. For that part to be left out was a disservice to the character of Walker and the plot.
This book flew by! I read it in one day, as I simply had to keep coming back to it. I rated it four stars instead of five due to the easy, "clean" way it happened; also, there was nothing to suggest what Walker, Leah's "partner," had to say about anything that happened towards the end. For that part to be left out was a disservice to the character of Walker and the plot.
August 6, 2024
Was enjoying BUT!
I've read over 1,000 books, mostly on Kindle. I've given some books ⭐. I gave this book ⭐⭐⭐ mainly because I was enjoying the story. Then I think S. E. Green just dropped the ball. Fumble! Loses the game, I mean, she just dropped off at the end. A little more creativity on the ending for the next book. Good part? Three quarters was good. I'm an older woman who doesn't have much else to do but escape in reading.
I've read over 1,000 books, mostly on Kindle. I've given some books ⭐. I gave this book ⭐⭐⭐ mainly because I was enjoying the story. Then I think S. E. Green just dropped the ball. Fumble! Loses the game, I mean, she just dropped off at the end. A little more creativity on the ending for the next book. Good part? Three quarters was good. I'm an older woman who doesn't have much else to do but escape in reading.
March 1, 2023
Overall I thought this was very good! The only complaint I have is that it’s too short. I wish we were given more about what happened after Ava appeared, and that’s pretty much why I gave it a 4 (really a 3.5/3.8). The writing style was really good for the topic, I enjoyed getting both Nyla and Leah’s perspectives. Would recommend to those who watch shows/movies about cults.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2023
Be careful the people you meet, and go to live with.
This is a very suspenseful story. A young woman misses her father when her parents get divorced. She doesn’t get along well with her mother, and one day she disappears to find him. What she thought initially was great turns out to be anything but. This book is not for children. It is a must read and cultism is involved.
This is a very suspenseful story. A young woman misses her father when her parents get divorced. She doesn’t get along well with her mother, and one day she disappears to find him. What she thought initially was great turns out to be anything but. This book is not for children. It is a must read and cultism is involved.
July 12, 2023
Spellbinding!
WOW! What a great book! Really keeps you on the edge! About a young girl who leaves home to live with her father. Enters into a cult/commune ran by her father with a list of twisted sick rules designed to manipulate and use women for procreation. Her escape and trying to fit into normal life after being abused and brainwashed.
WOW! What a great book! Really keeps you on the edge! About a young girl who leaves home to live with her father. Enters into a cult/commune ran by her father with a list of twisted sick rules designed to manipulate and use women for procreation. Her escape and trying to fit into normal life after being abused and brainwashed.
August 2, 2023
This was an emotional, gripping short story.
𝙒𝙖𝙘𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮.
Where a daughter that ran away 5 years ago, suddenly shows back up on her mothers doorstep, after living with her father for 5 years.
Commune. Rules. Trauma. 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺…
I’ve never read anything from @segreen before- and I wanted this on a whim after seeing it scrolling amazon; this was so good!
𝙒𝙖𝙘𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮.
Where a daughter that ran away 5 years ago, suddenly shows back up on her mothers doorstep, after living with her father for 5 years.
Commune. Rules. Trauma. 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺…
I’ve never read anything from @segreen before- and I wanted this on a whim after seeing it scrolling amazon; this was so good!
August 5, 2023
I really liked this book. It caught my attention right away so I didn't want to put it down. It was a quick read which I like after reading 400+ page books. It is about a commune cult like stuff so if you don't like reading about that you won't like it. I don't have particular authors I follow except for a few and I think S.E. Green will be added to that short list!!
December 8, 2023
Interesting read
It was a quick and easy read. It was so surreal that you could feel the emotion behind reading it . i.would recommend this to anyone who has teenagers especially those who are troubled. It brings up thoughts you fear going through for them as they seem to think EVERYONE is a friend
It was a quick and easy read. It was so surreal that you could feel the emotion behind reading it . i.would recommend this to anyone who has teenagers especially those who are troubled. It brings up thoughts you fear going through for them as they seem to think EVERYONE is a friend
December 20, 2023
Eye Opener To The World We Live In
This book leads you into what cults do to the people they supposedly love. There's a lot of story packed into this short book. It sickens me that there are predators out there that take away all that is good in this world and try to reshape it into their own little sick idea of how they think things should be. Good read.😁
This book leads you into what cults do to the people they supposedly love. There's a lot of story packed into this short book. It sickens me that there are predators out there that take away all that is good in this world and try to reshape it into their own little sick idea of how they think things should be. Good read.😁
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews