She Has My Child by Emma Robinson

 

The first time I hear the miraculous thud of my baby’s heartbeat, I’m clutching my sister’s hand. I was so happy when she offered to be our surrogate. But then I see the look on her face and I’m flooded with fear. This precious baby girl might be my child, but my sister is carrying her. Will she really be able to give her up?

All I’ve ever wanted is to be a mother. To have a child to take care of, to complete the family Mark and I are so desperate for. But after years of trying, my grandmother’s lovingly restored crib still lies empty. My dream is out of reach and Mark is more distant than ever. Until my impulsive sister Sophia suddenly offers me the greatest gift of all…

Her surrogacy will give me the baby I’ve prayed for. And there are so many painful memories from our broken childhood: could it even bring us closer as sisters? But as Sophia blooms with our miracle baby, Mark’s secretive behaviour has me questioning our marriage. And as I watch my sister’s face when the baby kicks, I wonder… why did she really offer to carry my child?

As Sophia gets closer to the birth, the hurtful secrets that forced us apart all those years ago come to light. And it’s terrifyingly clear that history is going to repeat itself, my innocent baby stuck in the middle. Because despite everything I thought I knew, how far can I really trust my sister with my baby…?

An utterly compelling and totally emotional tale about secrets within families, and how far you can really trust the people closest to you. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Kate Hewitt.

 What did I think?

I have read a few books by this author now and the more I read the more I am enjoying them. So I was really looking forward to reading her new release.

I knew from reading the blurb that this was going to be a gut wrenching and emotional read - and I wasn't wrong.

I won't go into the details of the story - you will need to read it yourself. But I will say that Emma has written a well crafted domestic drama. A story that seems to have it all. A book that made me want to keep turning the pages to see what happens next but at the same time making me fearful for the next chapter or page as I didn't know what would be coming next.

The only negative about the book was the covid element. I and I suspect many others just want to forget all about that horrible period so not really wanting to read about it in my leisure time. Apart from that I found this book a really great read. Looking forrward to whatever Emma writes next. 

Author Bio:

 

Emma Robinson is the author of several women’s fiction novels. She also blogs about the funny side of parenting and has contributed to podcasts such as Funny Women. Whilst her early novels are humorous, her recent work focuses on emotional themes and these novels are both heart-breaking and life affirming. Emma enjoys writing stories which explore the power of family and friendship in the most challenging circumstances.

Emma currently lives in Essex with a husband, two children and a small black dog.

https://motherhoodforslackers.com/

https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodforslackers/

https://www.instagram.com/emmarobinsonuk/

https://twitter.com/emmarobinsonuk

 

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Emma Robinson here: https://www.bookouture.com/emma-robinson

 

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0CQKNXNM6social

 

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

 

 

Please Take My Baby by Emma Robinson

 

As I hand my newborn baby to my mother, I see the softness in her face as she gazes down at the tiny, helpless girl in her arms. And I feel my heart shatter as I say the words that will change all our lives… ‘Please, take my baby.’

I know she will be better off without me. But as I leave her behind that dark night, I wonder, will I ever see my baby again?

Will I have the chance to explain to little Erin why I had to go? Even if I do find the strength to return, what will my mother have told her?

Only one person really knows what happened, and why I had to do what I did.

I know the truth will come out some day. I don’t expect forgiveness. The only thing I hope is that my family can survive the fallout…

A heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting tale about the sacrifices mothers make for their children, this story will make you hold your loved ones tight. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Kate Hewitt.

What did I think?

I had to make the long journey from Scotland to Wales (and back recently) I was driving alone and needed some entertainment for the 12 hour journey. I picked Please Take My Baby for the first leg of the journey.

Emma certainly knows how to write emotional family dramas - and this one kept me gripped from the opening few chapters.

It features 3 generations of one family and slowly family secrets emerge which threaten to derail the family dynamic. I really felt for Erin as she was caught in the middle - her child possibly leaving home whilst dealing with her elderly mother. And it is true - the gap between caring for children and caring for an elderly parent isn't long. I could really empathise as my youngest has just flown the nest whilst at the same time my Mums health was deteiorating fast.

Yes it was an emotional read (or listen as in my case) but it was also uplifting. Really showed just how strong us women need to be.

The narrator was spot on which made for an enjoyable listen. A narrator can really make or break an audion book I think.

Author Bio:

 

Emma Robinson is the author of several women’s fiction novels. She also blogs about the funny side of parenting and has contributed to podcasts such as Funny Women. Whilst her early novels are humorous, her recent work focuses on emotional themes and these novels are both heart-breaking and life affirming. Emma enjoys writing stories which explore the power of family and friendship in the most challenging circumstances.

Emma currently lives in Essex with a husband, two children and a small black dog.

https://motherhoodforslackers.com/

https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodforslackers/

https://www.instagram.com/emmarobinsonuk/

https://twitter.com/emmarobinsonuk

 

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Emma Robinson here: https://www.bookouture.com/emma-robinson

 

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0CC2Z5C21social

 

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

 

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.  

I can't seem to concentrate on reading after my Mum died recently. Hence why I seem to have too many books on the go and I am flitting between them but not making much headway on any!! A couple of audio books listened to on my long drive from Scotland to Wales and back.

What I read last week.

What I'm reading now.

What I'm going to read next.

Audio - Emma Robinson

Bookclub - Maggie Shipstead, Liz Nugent and Dawn O Porter.

Readalong - Helen Fields

Library - Lisa Jewell

My Stepmothers Secret by Emma Robinson

 

It’s in that moment, I realise – I have nowhere to turn. If my precious daughters and I are going to have a roof over our heads, we have to return to my childhood home. The one I’ve not felt welcome in since my father died. The one where the woman who destroyed our family still lives…

Today marks the end of my life as I know it. I have absolutely nowhere to go, no-one to turn to. My husband’s lies have ruined our family and wrecked our marriage. And now he’s disappeared, leaving just a promise to make it all right.

My daughters, Olivia and Alice, need me like never before. I will do whatever it takes to stay strong, to keep them safe and loved. So I turn to the one place I hoped never to return to. When my dad died, he left me his house, with one proviso. His second wife, my stepmother, was to be allowed to live there for as long as she wanted. She hasn’t welcomed me there, or shown a single sign of leaving, since.

But I have no choice. I need to ask for her help.

Little do I know that everything I thought I knew about the woman who destroyed my life when I was a child is about to come crashing down. Living together now, the secrets that have kept us apart for all these years are finally revealing themselves. Will our fragile bond break completely, or could it be the only thing that saves me and my daughters…?

An emotional story about family secrets and lies, and the lengths a parent will go to, to protect their children. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Kate Hewitt.

What did I think?

I have read a few books by this author now and have always been impressed by the writing style and the plots. So was really looking forward to her new release.

This is a domestic drama which is obviously the authors forte. A plot packed full of secrets with the main character having to make some very difficult decisions about her future. 

The book really engages the emotions and I became really invested in the characters and what the outcome to the situations might be. Made me think what would I do given those circumstances. 

Really enjoyed this one.

 

Author Bio:

 

Emma Robinson is the author of several women’s fiction novels. She also blogs about the funny side of parenting and has contributed to podcasts such as Funny Women. Whilst her early novels are humorous, her recent work focuses on emotional themes and these novels are both heart-breaking and life affirming. Emma enjoys writing stories which explore the power of family and friendship in the most challenging circumstances.

Emma currently lives in Essex with a husband, two children and a small black dog.

https://motherhoodforslackers.com/

https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodforslackers/

https://www.instagram.com/emmarobinsonuk/

https://twitter.com/emmarobinsonuk

 

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Emma Robinson here: https://www.bookouture.com/emma-robinson

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0BRQF4B9Qsocial

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

 

 

To Be A Mother by Emma Robinson

 

What if your only chance to be a mother was to give birth to his first wife’s child?

All I’ve ever wanted is to be a mother. And since I married David, it’s gone from being a dream of mine, to a dream of ours. And I want it for him too – it’s the happy-ever-after he deserves after the tragic loss of his first wife, Katherine.

We have tried and we’ve hoped. But today I’ve just found out it’s impossible. That I’m unable to become a mother. My heart breaking into thousands of pieces, I beg the doctor to tell me there’s another way.

But it’s David who speaks. Telling me that just before Katherine died, she had gone through fertility treatment. Now her eggs legally belong to David. To us.

It could be my only chance to be the mother I’ve always longed to be… But can I really carry his first wife’s baby?

With dizzying plot twists and emotional, heart-breaking family drama, this powerfully uplifting story is certain to leave readers sobbing. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and Colleen Hoover.

 

What did I think?

I do like a book that makes me think what would I do in the same situation?? And this book certainly made me think. Would or could you use your husbands first wife frozen eggs in order to have a baby together. What a dilemma.

Quite unusual to read a book which focusses on infertility - many other authors would shy away from the subject, I think. I felt it was dealt with great sensitivity and compassion but oh boy was it an emotional roller coaster of a read. I will admit to needing a tissue or two whilst I was reading.

A very engaging read.

Author Bio:

 

Emma Robinson is the

author of several women’s fiction novels. She also blogs about the funny side

of parenting and has contributed to podcasts such as Funny

Women. Whilst her early novels are humorous, her recent work

focuses on emotional themes and these novels are both heart-breaking and life

affirming. Emma enjoys writing stories which explore the power of family and

friendship in the most challenging circumstances.

 

Emma currently lives in Essex with a

husband, two children and a small black dog.

 

https://motherhoodforslackers.com/

https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodforslackers/

https://www.instagram.com/emmarobinsonuk/

https://twitter.com/emmarobinsonuk

 

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Emma Robinson here: https://www.bookouture.com/emma-robinson  

 

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0B6GN7XYCsocial

 

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

Only For My Daughter by Emma Robinson

 

I look at my lovely girl. The child I always promised to keep safe, the child I know I’d love no matter what. I look at her and in that moment, my heart breaks into pieces. Because right now, I am not sure I know her at all…

Julia’s daughter Grace is her whole world. To Julia, she’ll always be the little girl who would put her tiny hand in hers, who she could heal with the smallest kiss, who would trust her mother with everything.

But Grace has changed since becoming a teenager. She’s fallen out with her childhood best friend and has become quiet and distanced. Julia wants more than anything to find a way reach her only daughter. Even if some days it seems impossible, Julia knows her lovely, sunny girl is still in there.

Until today when Grace came home after school, covered in blood, and she’s refusing to speak, except to acknowledge that her former best friend is lying in a coma in hospital.

Julia is forced to ask herself: what could Grace be hiding? She can’t believe her little girl could have done something terrible. But her instincts tell her that Grace is keeping a secret. And if it’s what Julia fears it might be, she could lose her fragile, gentle daughter forever.

And – as another mother’s daughter fights for her life – Julia will have to ask herself, how far would she go as a mother to protect the child she loves with her whole heart?

This totally unmissable, heartbreaking, grab-your-tissues story is perfect for fans of Kate Hewitt, Diane Chamberlain and Jodi Picoult.

What did I think?

Emma is now one of those authors where I will read her books without reading the blurb or other reviews - I know I am going to have a good read on my hands.

. 

The story felt quite relevant to the times we are living in - how troubled our society seems to be and how that affects the young generation. Also how parents deal with teenagers and the repercussions. I felt that the themes were dealt with sensitively and it was all very believable. It was written with emotion and empathy and it heart wrenching in places.

I found the story very absorbing and could have read the book in one setting - that pesky old work keeps getting in the way.

Emma Robinson is the author of several women’s fiction novels. She also blogs about the funny side of parenting and has contributed to podcasts such as Funny Women. Whilst her early novels are humorous, her recent work focuses on emotional themes and these novels are both heart-breaking and life affirming. Emma enjoys writing stories which explore the power of family and friendship in the most challenging circumstances.

 

Emma currently lives in Essex with a husband, two children and a small black dog.

https://motherhoodforslackers.com/

https://www.instagram.com/emmarobinsonuk/

https://twitter.com/emmarobinsonuk

 

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B09RB6ZZH7social

His First Wife's Secret by Emma Robinson

The tears began to flow. ‘I can’t do this on my own,’ Emily sobbed. ‘I don’t know how.’

When Emily’s husband dies in a terrible accident, she’s not the only wife he leaves behind.

Because, before their whirlwind romance and Emily’s discovery she was pregnant, Pete had been married to Caroline for more than twenty years. A devastating tragedy had torn them apart. But there was a part of Pete that had never fully left his first wife and a secret that would bind them together, forever.

Finding herself lonely, heartbroken, and forced to face life and motherhood alone – Emily is surprised that Caroline offers her support. But Emily knows she needs someone she can trust and rely on. Even if it’s the woman her husband loved before her.

A tentative friendship develops and their lives become entwined. Their bond grows ever stronger as Caroline steps in to help when Emily’s baby arrives unexpectedly early. But it’s not just Caroline hiding a secret. Both of the women who once loved Pete have things they can never admit, without risking a friendship that might be the only thing keeping them both afloat.

When grief begins to takes its toll on Emily, she feels sure that Caroline is the only person who can save her and baby Dylan… But should she trust the woman he loved before her – with her life… Or her child’s?

An utterly devastating, but ultimately uplifting, emotional women’s fiction novel about friendship, motherhood and loss. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Susan Lewis and Jojo Moyes.

What Did I Think?

Straight away I was drawn to this beautiful cover.

Emma Robinson is a familiar authors name to me so I was sure I had read some of her earlier books. On checking Goodreads it transpires that I haven't. How can that be?? On the plus side it now means I have her back catalogue to work my way through. Happy days.

I don't want to give anything away about the story but it is beautifully written - even if it is emotional and heart wrenching in places. Strong characters put into difficult situations. Not sure how I would have coped.

Kept my interest right through the book and I didn't want to put it down - it really got to me. After finishing the book I have learnt that the story relates to a subject that is very personal to the author. Makes the story even more poignant.

I would recommend this book and from other reviews that I have read her earlier books should be a treat too.

PS - you might need some tissues.

Author Bio: 

Emma Robinson is the author of several women’s fiction novels. She also blogs about the funny side of parenting and has contributed to podcasts such as Funny Women. Whilst her early novels are humorous, her recent work focuses on emotional themes and these novels are both heart-breaking and life affirming. Emma enjoys writing stories which explore the power of family and friendship in the most challenging circumstances. 

Emma currently lives in Essex with a husband, two children and a small black dog. 

https://motherhoodforslackers.com/

https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodforslackers

https://twitter.com/emmarobinsonuk

 

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/39SHa8Z

Apple: https://apple.co/3pMlfpW

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3cwnGsC

Google: https://bit.ly/2MPZVkr