After a little scheduling error on my end, I’m very excited to share this new thriller with everyone! So please ignore the dates not matching on the banner.
Thanks to Bookouture for the gifted ebook in exchange for my honest review
OUR STOLEN CHILD – Melissa Wiesner (Released September 13th, 2022)
Book Description:
I grip my husband’s hand tight. The doctor is frowning. “Mr and Mrs Marcello… I’m so sorry.” She tells us there’s been a terrible mistake. Our last embryo—our last chance—was accidentally given to someone else. The child we made four years ago calls another woman “Mommy.”
Quinn cries silent tears as she folds a tiny knitted cardigan, bought in a moment of hope, and packs it away. All she’s ever wanted is to be a mother. Although her husband James brings her comfort, the knowledge they have no embryos left, and that their child is out there being raised by another family, is tearing them both apart.
When the lawyers tell them there’s a chance to get custody, James is unsure. But Quinn knows she has to take it: if only to look her little girl in the eyes, just once. Meeting Emily and the woman who raised her, Quinn’s heart cracks wide open. Emily looks just like Quinn, right down to her curly hair. And when the little girl flings her arms around Quinn’s waist, she can’t shake the feeling this is where Emily is meant to be.
As the two families reckon with an unimaginable decision, a secret from James’ past surfaces… one that forces Quinn to question everything she thought she wanted. But how will they decide what’s right for the little girl they all love so dearly? And where does Emily truly belong?
An absolutely unputdownable, heart-wrenching read about two families torn apart by one terrible mistake. Anyone who loves Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper, Diane Chamberlain and Catherine Ryan Hyde won’t be able to put this down.
My Thoughts: 4.5/5 stars
I read the synopsis for OUR STOLEN CHILD and I can honestly say that, lately, I’ve been skeptical of books claiming to be “unputdownable” because I’ve been disappointed by a lot of those. Well, I wad pleasantly surprised when I finished this in almost a day (if only work and responsibilities didn’t get in the way). I also didn’t think I’d be so gripped to the page considering the storyline. Not to say it didn’t intrigue me but as someone that isn’t a mother (and I don’t think dogs count in this case) I’m always curious if the story will hit me the same way it would for actual mothers.
There are all kinds of thrillers out there where a child is kidnapped or stolen but I can’t remember another I’ve read that started at the IVF stage. I haven’t personally dealt with IVF, I know people that have, but wow did Wiesner capture the rollercoaster of emotions Quinn and James go through when they find out their last embryo, their last chance at being parents, was accidentally given to someone else. It feels like you’re right there with them as they deal with these emotions and going through the process of trying to get custody of Emily.
I think the only reason I took off a little from a solid 5 star rating is because I’m not sure how I feel about the twist towards the end. Still an incredible book that was beautifully written and is guaranteed to hit you right in the feels. I know plenty of people that will probably be able to relate and connect to the characters and their struggle better than I could but I will 100% be looking for more from Wiesner in the future!
Jessicamap Reviews 