A beautifully written emotional story that would bring a tear or two to anyone. Emma Robinson definitely writes the type of book that keeps the reader gripped from the first page.

I love all Emma’s previous novels so was excited to read to save my child. This was an exceptional read and I had to wipe tears from my eyes. Gripping and emotional from start to finish. For single mother, Anna, her six-year-old daughter Libby is her whole world. Having escaped a marriage that was threatening to destroy her, Anna’s determined to give them the life they both deserve. Just looking at Libby’s sweet, heart-shaped, innocent face is enough to make her think it’ll all be okay. That she’ll make sure it is. For her daughter, and for them both.

But then Libby gets ill, with a rare disorder that means she needs a transplant from a relative if she’s going to survive. And when Anna discovers she herself isn’t a match, there’s only one person she can turn to if she’s going to save her precious child’s life.

She picks up the phone. And dials a number. The number of the man she once ran from. The man who she once thought would break her. Her daughter’s father. Definitely a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another great read from Emma Robinson who has that unique ability to detail the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child despite the situation they find themselves in. A marriage breakdown, a child with a life limiting illness, lies, deceit and difficult decisions! A situation that any parent would hate to be in made worse by a narcissistic ex, yet out of all this the most beautiful altruistic gift from a virtual stranger who is coming to terms with her own grief and loss, makes for a heartbreakingly poignant read that covers the emotional rollercoaster of organ transplantation and the many complications associated with it, a real tear jerker in places, suspenseful in others and totally engaging throughout!
Thank you netgalley for this early read.

I chose this book based on my past experience reading “My Husband’s Child” (5 Stars) by this author. In this latest offering, the bonds between mother and child and women as friends and family are once again highlighted. However, it did not touch me as deeply as the first book – perhaps because the male antagonist epitomized a classic narcissist, which made the story line a bit clichéd.

Anna Ferguson left her emotionally abusive husband after discovering him in bed with another woman. Now living in her own home with Libby, her six year old daughter, she is finally beginning to feel settled. Then the unthinkable happens: Libby is diagnosed with a chronic health condition that can be managed medically, but ultimately requires an organ transplant to ensure her health. To her dismay, Anna is not a compatible match and after exhausting all family resources to find a donor, she turns in desperation to Ryan, her soon-to-be ex-husband. As Libby’s father, he is likely a good match. Once he realizes he now has leverage over Anna again, Ryan begins a campaign of manipulation and deceit that can only be described as cruel and heartless.

I enjoyed the progression of Anna’s character as she struggles to put her daughter’s best interests above her desire to avoid any and all involvement with Ryan. She recognizes how much she lost her sense of self in the marriage and is determined not to succumb to his Jekyll and Hyde persona. It was painful to observe her attempts to set limits and absorb his insults in order to soothe his ego and ensure his cooperation as a potential donor for Libby. Equally challenging was to witness his callous attitude toward his own daughter. On a more positive note, the female relationships in the story shine through with the strength and love that not only supports, but uplifts Anna.

The element of suspense woven in to the search for a donor kept the pace of this book moving along. It was hard to put down and I finished it quickly. The author has the ability to write deeply evocative prose that reveals the spectrum of emotions, particularly the love between a mother and child. Despite the repulsive nature of Anna’s estranged husband, this is not a male-bashing exercise. There are two very caring and solid adult male characters in the book that provide much-needed balance.

I enjoyed this book and will continue to seek out this author’s future novels. My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

There is this feeling you get when you pick up a book written by Emma Robinson. It is a feeling of excitement, wonder at how she will break your heart this time and strangely comfort.

Comfort in Emma's familiar writing style. Comfort to see her love of fierce female friendships coming through the writing. And comfort in knowing she will ease you down this path of her characters.

In this masterpiece we meet Anna and Libby at a time where everything seems quite simple. But as we edge into the beginnings of this story we quickly realise the truth that their life is very far from okay.

Even if I wasn't sobbing, Emma still managed to make me shed a tear, which is very rare from authors. Which to me signifies a real talent.

When Libby's father enters the picture again after their escape from a life of control to freedom, you quickly choose sides and start rooting for you favourites.

Another stunning novel from Emma Robinson including heart break, tears and pure fear at how real this situation is. As always I will be waiting *patiently* for the next sample of her writing!