Every time I think I’m all cried out, Kate Hewitt creates another heartwarming story that has me reaching for the Kleenex all over again! The Child I Never Had is a tearjerker that will stay with you long after you finish the book. Kate Hewitt brought out my ugly tears with The Child I Never Had and brilliantly pieced my heart back together through the love shared between the remarkable women.
Thank you Kate Hewitt, Bookouture and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of reading the Child I Never Had.

Loved this book. This is a Page turner. keeps you on edge. definitely recommend. Will look into other books by this author.

I love all books by Kate Hewitt, and I liked this one so much that I also purchased it for someone else.

It was an emotional read, and really hit on all aspects of adoption and what families can go through. The emotional wording throughout the book really kept my interest, and this author really knows her genre.

Can't wait for the next one!

This novel is about open adoption. When Mia has Daisy she is unable to keep Her so has an open adoption with Suzanne. Over the years Mia loses the relationship with Daisy. Daisy then turns up when she is a teenager and must face difficult questions. A great novel

The Child I Never Had by Kate Hewitt is a domestic drama that deals with the emotional fallout of an open adoption. I have always enjoyed Ms Hewitt's novels, and this latest is no exception.

Suzanne and her husband adopted Daisy as a newborn. Her birth mother, Mia, had a one night stand in college and was pressured by her family to give her child up in order to move forward with her life. Both parties agree to an open adoption, and Mia initially maintains contact with Daisy, though it becomes less and less as she marries and has more children. After an argument with Suzanne, Daisy seeks out Mia with whom she hopes to share her secrets. But Mia has secrets of her own, and Suzanne will make a discovery that will change everything.

Told from the alternating perspectives of Suzanne and Mia, the strength of a mother's love and devotion to their child is sure to resonate in this emotionally charged domestic drama.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Kate Hewitt’s The Child I Never Had is a complex, compelling and thought-provoking domestic drama that is absolutely heart-breaking.

When Mia opened her front door and found a teenage girl standing on her doorstep, she immediately knew that she was looking at the child she had given up for adoption almost eighteen years ago. Daisy has tracked her down and come to her in desperate need of her help because something terrible has happened and her daughter has nobody else she can turn to. Mia cannot help but be shocked by this. When Daisy was born, she had thought that Suzanne would be the perfect adoptive mother for her baby. Kind, caring and capable of giving her child so much love, Suzanne seemed to tick all the right boxes. The two of them had promised to keep in touch and to remain in each other’s lives, but that was a promise that could never be fulfilled. Yet, Daisy has tracked her down and Mia vows to do whatever she can for her daughter.

Daisy is angry, reserved and broken. She also has a terrible secret which she daren’t reveal to anyone – not even to the woman who had brought her up. Could Mia help her when she needs her the most? Will she be able to build a relationship with her biological mother? Or will her secret end up putting paid to any possible hope the two of them have of being in one another’s lives?

Mia has her own demons to contend with. She has many a skeleton in her closet and she intends to keep her cards very close to her chest. Suzanne and Daisy cannot possibly find out what she is hiding. But with the stakes having never been higher and with her daughter desperate for her help, will Mia manage to overcome her past and work with Suzanne to be there for the girl they both call daughter? Or is it already far too late?

Kate Hewitt’s books should come with a warning: only read if you’ve plenty of boxes of tissues in the house because tears will be shed and heart-strings will be severed. The Child I Never Had is an intensely emotional tale that explores a mother’s love, the lengths parents go to for their children and the power of forgiveness. As always with a Kate Hewitt book, the writing is superb and the drama is subtle and affecting, leaving readers completely and utterly mesmerized from beginning to end.

A fantastic read from a hugely talented writer, The Child I Never Had is another brilliant novel by Kate Hewitt.

Kate Hewitt has done an excellent job of exploring some of the joys and pitfalls of open adoptions. Mia, an NYU college student, gives up her daughter Daisy to Suzanne and her husband at birth. Over the years, Mia marries, moves, and has three more daughters. Suzanne and her husband Mark raise Daisy in NYC. Mia’s contact with Daisy is erratic and infrequent but just prior to her senior year, Daisy flees NYC and wants to live with Mia’s family. Hewitt unveils the secrets that each woman is hiding but using multiple POVs and timelines in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this and highly recommend it. I thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I’m a big fan of this author and I really enjoyed this book.

There are some books that feel more like a glimpse into someone else’s life, rather than a story, and this is one of them.

The characters are all fallible and all have their insecurities, which makes them so authentic.

I took a while to warm to Mia, but as more of her back story is revealed I got to understand her better.

Suzanne I liked, and felt that she was in a difficult position.

At the centre of it all is Daisy, dealing with life as a teenager whilst going through such complicated family relationships.

The open adoption leads to some very complex relationships for everyone, and no-one really seems to feel secure in the family structure.

This poignant and beautifully written novel completely drew me in and held me captivated.

Very much recommended for anyone who loves a good book with real and relatable human stories.

I am a huge fan of Kate Hewitt. This is a wonderful story of Mia who was a adopted by a couple who could not have children. Mia does not seem to bond with her birth parents so when she turns 17 she takes off to see her birth parents and move in with them.

I truly enjoyed this book and loved the emotion Hewitt put into this book.

I've read a few of this author's books in the past and enjoyed them but this one didn't do it for me. At 25% I gave up with it. I didn't feel connected to the characters and felt the story line forced.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC

This book could not keep my attention, the writing was lackluster, and the story felt forced. I didn't feel connected to the characters and I didn't feel a sense of place. I really wanted to like it from the description

Another fantastic book by Kate, such a heartwarming read, the characters really grow on you apart from Suzanne I didn't feel she was very maternal! I really enjoyed reading this one.

Suzanne and Mark were not able to have a child of their own, so decided to adopt. They are selected by twenty-year-old Mia, to adopt her child. Suzanne was there when Mia gave birth to a little girl they called Daisy. Mia suggested an open adoption to Suzanne and Mark, which meant Mia would always be in Daisy’s life, even though her legal parents were Suzanne and Mark. When Daisy was young they saw each other often, but when Mia married and moved to North Carolina, those visits were less and less. Not only did she no longer see MIa, but her relationship with her mother, Suzanne is also falling apart. Something happens when Daisy turns seventeen and she tells her mom she wants to go live with Mia and her family for her senior high school year. Mia is not sure if she wants Daisy to stay as she has secrets of her own.

The Child I Never Had is told from three different POVs: Mia,Suzanne, and Daisy. It is also told in two timelines, the present and flashbacks from 2004 when Daisy was born and up until her 16th birthday. We get to know these three women and see their relationships. I felt bad for Mia and Suzanne trying to share a daughter. Daisy had a lot of issues. She was hurt, confused and felt that no one really cared for her and used aggression, anger and attitude to cover for feelings. It was interesting to see how adoption can affect both the child and the parent. Of course secrets always come out eventually and their are repercussions along the way. Kate Hewitt has penned a contemporary family drama that is emotional, poignant, heartbreaking, full of secrets and surprises. If you enjoy family stories, then I recommend this one to you.

This is a story about an open adoption that allows the birth mother to have contact with her child as she grows up. This is hard for everyone when Daisy decides she wants to live with Mia her birth mother. Things are different for Mia. She is married and has additional children. How will Daisy fit in with her family? How will Mia answer the questions Daisy asks about her biological dad?
Will Mia let Daisy stay with her?
Thank you to Netgalley for complimentary copy.

A book about family and adoption and secrets that all of us had.
The strength of the author’s writing kept all the characters emotive. The lives of all the characters were linked seamlessly.
Suzanne was the one who caught my eye as she felt to be the anchor that kept the book balanced between the other two women.
The twists in the story kept the pace fast where the subplots pulled me in.

The Bad
The ending felt slightly rushed as all parts needed to be tied together. But that wa just a minor thing.

The Conclusion
Emotions and secrets kept this book a rocking drama set in a social issue that had its own heart rending moments.

The Child I Never Had by Kate Hewitt this is another amazing emotional story by Kate and you will need tissues and lots of them. Kate has a way of writing her books that are so beautifully and with so much love detail you will always enjoy reading her books from start to finish. Her latest book covers very complicated factors that will involved in adoption on all sides, for birth parents, adoptive families, and for adoptees. However, I did find this book a hard read as I can't have children But I am glad I read it......it did take me a while though.

I highly recommend this book. But be warned You will need time and a lot of tissues.

Big thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Kate Hewitt has done it again, what a compelling emotional story of a teenage girl, her adoptive mother and biological mother. Guaranteed to pull at your heartstrings this book is full of emotion, great characters and plenty of secrets and lies to uncover. Definitely a book you won't want to put down

The Child I Never Had is a heartbreaking story, but is also filled with lies and secrets. In the beginning, you're left wondering what happened to Daisy to make her want to desperately leave her adopted mother/family in New York, to be with her biological mother in North Carolina, whom she hasn't seen in years (other than the seldom phone calls, video chats and greeting cards). What goes on makes it seem like Daisy was sexually abused or pregnant.

The biggest thing I had a problem with was how Suzanne doesn't seem caring or even parental. Sure, she was concerned that Daisy left and was wondering why, but she didn't do anything! She's her mother- she could've put her foot down and said no to Daisy wanting to see and live with Mia, she could've chased after her, she could've called or text her and not worry or care how Daisy would react. She could've done a lot of things to show that she was being a parent, but she just dropped the ball for me.

As a mother, I could understand why Mia chose to have the adoption as an open adoption. She was young and knew she couldn't give Daisy a good life, but she still wanted to be a part of her life. It would be hard letting go, so I get that she had to do it. I think her visits to Daisy and Suzanne were reasonable in the beginning, even as she decreased the amount of time she saw her. She should have shared with Suzanne why she had to let go though.

The secrets Suzanne uncovered explained things about her. I guess you could say it was shocking. I believe Mia's secrets were more shocking, but also somewhat impossible. I think this story lacked in some areas, however, I think other people would enjoy this emotional read.

Mia and Suzanne share the same daughter Daisy. Sort of. Mia got pregnant while she was a sophomore in college and was pressured by her parents to put her baby up for adoption. She chooses Suzanne and Mark and they agree on an open adoption, thus Mia will be in Daisy's life.

Now Daisy is 18 years of age and she makes the decision to go live with Mia and Mia's husband Tom and their three daughters. Suzanne is beside herself as to why Daisy has made this decision. Meanwhile, Mia is not so sure she wants her family life changed as much as it just might by having Daisy move in.

Meanwhile, Suzanne and Mark are now divorced, and Suzanne is raising Daisy alone. What fractured in her relationship with Daisy that Daisy wants to move out? Meanwhile, Mia must adjust, all while she has a secret she is keeping.

What an incredibly emotional story. It was so hard not to feel for both Mia and Suzanne as mothers who loved the same child. Any mother wants the best for their child, no matter how they became parents. In this case exploration of feelings was handled so well by Kate Hewitt.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Child ai Never Had' by Kate Hewitt.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Kate Hewitt, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 10th February 2022.

This is the second book I have read by this author. I have also read 'My Daughter's Mistake' which I would highly recommend.

I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Diane Chamberlain.' I am a fan of all three of these authors so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a HUGE fan of Kate Hewitt and if this is half as good as 'My Daughter's Mistake' it is bound to be an addictive read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of a prologue, 33 chapters, and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in North Caroline and New York USA 🇺🇸.

This book is written in a mix of third and first person perspective and the protagonists are Suzanne, Mia and Daisy. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything. To have the benefit of both first and third person perspective ensures you don't miss out on anything.


WOW!!!! What can I say?!?! One thing I have got to say before getting into my review is clear your schedules and grab the tissues as you will need them!!!

This book is beautifully written with vivid descriptions setting the picture perfectly in the readers mind. The title, description and cover works perfectly with the storyline.

This book is devastatingly heartbreaking and beautiful. It is an absolute rollercoaster ride of emotions filled with heartbreak, family, love, loss, secrets, friendship, forgiveness and so much more. It is a mother's absolute worse nightmare whether you are looking through Suzanne or Mia's eyes. Reading this book really does make you feel that you are standing with them and going through their pain and suffering. While you are reading this you are going through a journey of love and loss, heartbreak, secrets and forgiveness. It brings to light how every different person feel when it comes to an adoption, especially an open one. Kate has clearly done her research on adoptions and how open ones work and this shines through in this story. Well done Kate as there's nothing much worse that reading a novel filled with silly errors as the author hasn't done any research. The storyline is quite unique and I haven't read one like it before, it definitely gives you something to think about and shows you how much emotion and strength is involved from both the birth family and adoptive family. I was completely shocked by the twists which I was not expecting at all. It is getting harder and harder to surprise me so congratulations again Kate!!! You need to clear your schedules and get the tissues at the ready because you will not be able to put this book down and it had me in tears by the end and I do not cry easily!!!

It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.

The characters are strong, realistic and I became completely invested in both Suzanne and Mia, as well as Daisy. I felt each of their pain, anger, sorrow and joy. My heart broke for each of them who went through so much. Although it was mainly through Suzanne and Mia's eyes that the story unfolds there are so many other characters that I bonded with and who was affected by everything going on. My heart went out to Daisy who was clearly struggling with everything that was going on and the shocking secrets that were discovered which she was struggling with along with being at the tender age of seventeen. Although I did feel for her I also felt like screaming at her on many occasions and wish she would just understand what her mum was going through. I felt Mark and X was tough in occasions but I also felt for him as it can't be easy being a Dad in this situation. I've said X as I don't want to spoil the twist for future readers. I also felt for Ella, Avery and Sophie who had so much going on at such young ages and were caught in the middle. Onto Daisy and her family. It was beautiful to be able to watch the transformation in Daisy from wanting to lash out at anyone and everyone to the person she became at the end. I also really felt for Suzanne who went through so much with her own mum and then to have that bombshell dropped on her when she was going through so much anyway. Kate also clearly either did her research on or has been through what it was like to have family with Alzheimers and Dementia. My Nan suffered with this and "watching" Suzanne's mum I could definitely see my Nan in her so well done Kate for portraying such a horrible illness so perfectly. Although heartbreaking it was lovely to see how all characters had grown from beginning to end.

Congratulations Kate on an absolutely gorgeous, heartbreaking beautiful book!!! I am looking forward to reading more of your previous and future books. I would absolutely love to see this turned into a movie!!! This is why you are on my favourite author list and here's to your next success 🥂


Overall an absolutely unputdownable, addictive and compelling devastatingly beautiful heartbreaking book!!!


Genres covered in this book include Literary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Coming-Of-Age Story and Domestic Fiction amongst others.


I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes, Debbie Macomber, Nicholas Sparks, Diane Chamberlain and anyone who loves a tear jerker.


390 pages.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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