Why do I do this to myself, these stories are always so emotionally charged and require tissues, by the lorry load.

The Child Between Us takes us on a heartbreaking journey with Cassie as she comes to terms with losing her twin sister and the realisation that she has a niece who now needs a mother figure.

The characters are three dimensional, real and by the end of the book I could feel an attachment to them. The plot was credible, the story riveting and enjoyable.

A beautifully written story of second chances and unconditional love.

Highly recommended.

Many thanks to Bookouture for my tour spot.

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Oh my word. I have no words to describe this book. Although I'd worked some of it out it didn't distract from my enjoyment. Keep the tissues handy!

Oh my goodness what an emotional story this was. A brilliant read but heart breaking too. I didnt want it to end. Alison Ragsdale knows how to write a gripping story. Highly recommended

Alison Ragsdale truly enjoys bringing us through life experiences that teach us compassion, empathy and how to understand the human condition in a more loving manner.
I feel as though her stories make me a better person. She shares lessons on the importance of family and love, in general. Anything that makes me think about being a better, more understanding or forgiving person is a book that I would always recommend. So, I am highly recommending this story.
At the center of “The Child Between Us” you’ll meet a Mother, sisters and a child.
I don’t know where Alison Ragsdale comes up with these genius scenarios. I’m always left thinking deeply.
Behind the doors of families there is always something going on that isn’t being shared with the world. Alison Ragsdale brings these to light. She makes you stare in the mirror and ask yourself “What would I do?”.
Her tear inducing, soul-stirring, moving stories have you investing in Kleenex tissues.
Don’t miss Alison Ragsdale’s novel that may leave a painful ache in your heart, but will make you appreciate family so much more leaving that ache to warm you up and call a family member of your own.
Alison’s ultimate lesson is always love.

A humongous thank you to Alison and Bookouture for having me on this tour as well as the review copy!! I always, always adore Alison’s book covers. They complete the story and entice you to read!

When Cassie discovers her twin, her other half, has died after being away from her family for so long, she is crushed. She can’t understand how this happened. And then Isla’s lawyer gives her even more news! She has a niece, a precious little girl named Marina. The feelings and emotions are unfathomable. And Isla has left Marina to Cassie, to care for and raise. They’re developing a truly beautiful relationship when life happens and Cassie is diagnosed with every persons worst fear…

The absolute ONE thing that you can always count on with Alison’s writing, she leaves you boohoo crying at midnight. She gets you all in your feelings and won’t let go. She draws you in from the first page and you can’t distinguish between real or fiction. Her stories are so lifelike, you wonder if you’re a fly on the wall of these characters stories and you’re just down for the ride. I absolutely LOVED this story, I loved the beginning, middle and end. I loved that I connected with these beautiful people and that I felt something when things happened. Aside from Alison’s The Art of Remembering, I think this may be her her best novel yet, but you all know me and if you know Alison’s writing, I’ll probably say this about her next one. She’s truly brilliant and these stories are always heartfelt. An absolute five star read! I implore you to get this one and to get your tissues ready!

In this heartbreaking story, Cassie is about to become guardian to her sister Isla's daughter Marina. However, she wasn't even aware that she had a niece. What is more is that Isla had not been in contact with Cassie or their mother in years. Cassie is more than willing to be there for Marina, but she also wants answers about why Isla drew away from the family. More than that, Cassie is also very much concerned about their mother Sadie and the trials she is enduring.

Make sure to have a box of tissues nearby as this story hits hard. Some serious subjects, most notably loss, but also mental illness are factored into this story. However, this is also a story of connection when it comes to what happens to Marina. This is also a story of kindness, compassion and love, even while grief weighs heavily for everyone concerned.

There was no way to read this story without tears falling. While worrying about Marina was only natural while reading this book, readers will no doubt also be completely drawn to Cassie for what she is facing. Alison Ragsdale is gifted when it comes to writing emotional stories where the reader is pulled in to the actions and experiences of the characters. She has proved that she can make the readers think, but especially feel. This utterly compelling story comes highly recommended.

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

Please also enjoy my YouTube video review -

Alison Ragsdale certainly knows how to write a very emotional book. This one had me weeping almost from the start.

This is the story of twins Sadie and Cassie and Sadie's daughter, Marina. Sadie had left almost six years prior and no one had any idea where she was or anything about her. Then Cassie finds out where she is and her life takes a complete turn. Cassie is devastated but also very capable and very much wants to be part of her niece, Marina's life.

This is certainly a very emotional story of deep loss and deep love. It's filled with lots of hope and sadness. But it's told in a way that keeps you turning the pages and rooting for Cassie and someone to end up together. Cassie has Marina and promises to never leave her. They are making a happy life even through some very deep sadness. Marina has so much on her plate as a young five year old but Cassie is determined to keep her feeling safe and loved.

Things take a turn though and there is nothing Cassie can do. Reading this book made me hold my breath in several places. Hoping all would be great. Everyone would be ok. The couple would end up together and Marina would always feel safe and loved. Then I turned the page... I actually had big tears rolling down my face. I was devastated. I felt so sad and horrible for these people.

I'll never understand how authors can write these books and not weep themselves. Or I wonder if these things or something like it happened to them or someone they know. This book is a tearjerker and it's so good too. It has quite a few giggles in it too. You can imagine Marina giggling in places. Also weeping in places. You will love all of the characters in this book with the exception of one. But I also have to say that at least he was honest. That counted.

This book is great. Very sad. But great.

Thank you #NetGalley, #AlisonRagsdale, #Bookouture for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

5 huge stars and I recommend you read it. Have lots of kleenex handy though. You will need them.

Oh my goodness, this book is a definite must read! What a beautiful story,heartbreaking at times but so worth every tissue I used. Very emotional but one of best books I've read this year.

The Child Between Us by Alison Ragsdale is her new heart-wrenching, tear jerking and heart-breaking novel. If you don’t read anything else this year, you must read The Child Between Us. Warning! Before you sit down make sure you have a FULL box of tissues. I have never cried such wracking sobs during and after a book.

Alison has the knack of creating the characters that instantly make you love them. I can only think that these characters actually live in her world and that she is one of the nicest people you could know. The communication I’ve had with her tells me she is a sweet, kind person who values family and is a dog lover. The main Characters are Cassie, Marina, Grant and Sadie. I loved every one of them and wanted to wrap them in my arms especially Marina the 5 year old that comes into Cassie’s life. Sadie is Cassie’s mom and Grant is an ex-fiance. I can’t tell you a lot about this book without giving away the beautiful story so, you are gonna have to read it for yourself.

The synopsis doesn’t give a lot away either and I actually went into this book expecting something different. I will tell you this is one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever read. Alison writes like a dream. I’m caught up in her world while reading and always surprised when I look up and find myself in my own world. Part of me is happy but, part of me carries the heartache with me for a few days. This time it wasn’t something that just went away. It hung in there and shadowed my life. If you ask me, that is a great author!

This book takes place in Scotland. You know my heart yearns for Scotland. I did the dna test and found out I was part Scottish. It used to be the biggest percentage and now it is about thirteen percent. That doesn’t stop me form feeling a real infinity for this country. I don’t know why. Everytime I read a book that takes place there, I feel more and more like it is my homeland. Isn’t that odd?

If you love a good story about life. A story that is clean and one that draws you in and doesn’t let go, then this one is for you. I’ve been a somewhat recent discoverer of Alison Ragsdale and have read a handful of her books. This one by far is the best. You can never go wrong with choosing one of her books to spend a day or two with. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #AlisonRagsdale, #Netgalley, #Bookouture. Opinions expressed in this reveiw are completely my own.

Something happened between Cassie and her twin sister Isla, and Isla left a note that she was leaving. Cassie and her mother tried to find her, but they didn't find her. Five years later, Cassie receives a phone call from a lawyer that her sister had drowned. Cassie was the executor of her estate.
When Cassie arrives, she discovers her sister, has a child, a five-year-old girl, named Marina. Cassie steps in, and she is going to take care of her. Life, often times, doesn't make things go smoothly, and this is the case with Cassie. As her life changes, and things seem to be going in a good direction, Cassie receives some devastating news.
She hopes for the best but prepares for the worst, and she makes some difficult decisions. I know,
The book will grip you, and you won't be able to put it down until the book is read. The story is emotional, with the difficult choices, the losses, and the love that is there. It is also about the strength she has to make the choices, and do what she knows she has to do.
I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley.

Wow - Alison Ragsdale has completely got into my heart again with her latest novel.
The characters grabbed me from the beginning and had me wanting to keep reading, even when there were chores to be done.
The stories will have you tearing up and will definitely tug at your heartstrings more than once.

I always anxiously await the next novel from her and will patiently wait for the next time.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I have to be honest and say I wasn’t happy with this book at all. It’s about Cassie who is twin sister Isola they have been estranged for six years. So when she gets a call saying her sister has passed away and that she is the executor of her sister‘s estate she is totally Godsmack and when she flies to Lewis the island of Scotland where her sister was living she is not only amazed to find out her sister was the sculptor but a famous sculptor and the mother of a five year old. Needless to say she is immediately taken with little more lena and the beach side cabin her sister lived in on Lewis. When she goes back home she just takes for granted that her boyfriend still will pick up where she’s at and be ready to raise this little person but it doesn’t work for stew and right when it looks like he’s trying she comes home to find him packing to move to Denmark with his band. is this the death of her sister and the break up of her relationship wasn’t bad enough a comment from her mom tells her who little Marlena‘s daddy is in come to find out it’s her ex fiancée Grant. A betrayal on top of all this loss and grief and on top of that she has an important jewelry presentation and she thinks it is causing her ulcers to flare up again. There was a lot more that happens in this story but because it isn’t in the summary I won’t write it in my review what I will say is that most books that are said to have something that balances it out and I didn’t find this in the book at all. It was one devastation after another and I don’t feel like there was time to connect with the main character Cassie because it was just like boom problem, boom another problem and although throughout the book you get to know her I didn’t feel connected to her not only that this started like it was going to be a thriller with the sister who’s been gone for five years the unknown eternity of the little girl the secret cottage on this island secluded away from everybody but it wasn’t it was just a story an extremely sad story only written to cause the reader to cry or feel absolutely horrible at the circumstances in Casey’s life not to mention poor Marlena. Also Grant seem too good to be true and the fact that Stu was rubbish to the little girl and basically ignoring her when he was supposed to be watching her case it was willing to put up with that but then gradient a real dad hast to jump through hoops to prove the case he he is worthy of being around his own daughter. I mean he went to medical school for white 12 years soda worry whether he’ll stick around to me seem pointless. I read the whole book hoping for at least a happy ending but either way happy or not I didn’t like the book or maybe I didn’t like the format of the book or the fact it wasn’t consistent I just did a job with the book I guess. It was interesting enough to hold my attention until the end but not enough that I would go tell people they should read it. I mean I am in the minority so maybe you’ll like it try it… I did not. I received this book from net Gally and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

First, I want to thank Alison Ragsdale, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Ohh Alison Ragsdale sure knows how to pull on my heart strings!! Fair warning you will need a box of tissues for her latest The Child Between Us!! It. Will. Give. You. All. The. Feels. And. Then. Some!! Needless to say I loved it and was instantly hooked from the very beginning. It is one that you start and you just can’t put it down! You will definitely want to clear your schedule for this 5 star must read book!

Oh I knew just from seeing this adorable cover and reading Alison’s title of the book that I was going to love it. The graphic artists at Bookouture always do a fantastic job with their book covers!

Alison would like to dedicate this book to her sisters. She says there are none better nor more precious.

When I heard that Alison was coming out with a new book I knew that it was a must read. I have been a fan of hers for a while now as all of her stories capture my heart in one way or another. Once again she did not disappoint.

Oh how my heart ached for Cassie who just found out about the tragic death of her twin sister Isla. Not only that but we are introduced to Isla’s daughter Marina who never met her Aunt Cassie! The two of them are both mourning the loss and sweet Emily can’t understand why she can’t see her Mommy anymore! Oh it just broke my heart in two!!

So many secrets were kept from Carrie about Isla’s life that are just coming to realization now that she is gone! Some that were hard for her to swallow.

This author is a wonderful storyteller, I look forward to books by her. This one was heartwrenching and just so well written. I will be impatiently waiting for her next book!

Alison Ragsdale is an astounding and incredible storyteller and I can always count on her books to take me on a journey I will not forget. The Child Between Us took me to a place my heart felt like it would break. Be prepared to have your heart stretched and shredded to the point of thinking it can't take another page of her books. She builds the story through the emotions of her characters and I can't help but feel what they are feeling. She draws me into her characters so quickly, that I become connected to them and I want to press through with them. There has not been an Alison Ragsdale book that my heart wasn't torn to pieces.

This is the story of Cassie. A character so likable from the beginning pages that she took over my reading life. I couldn't help but want to draw her near and be there with her. Cassie's story tore me apart heart and soul. And this is the story of little Marina. A sweet child whose mother, Cassie's twin sister, is no longer there for her. The connection Cassie and Marina have is one that bonds their hearts together. Throughout the pages my heart was shattered to pieces but Ms. Ragsdale tenderly brings her characters through with the love and support of each other. The bonds of love and compassion take brokeness and bind them to each other.

This story took me to the highest of hopes and to the lowest of despair. Just as Ms. Ragsdale is so great at doing in her stories. Her books are so deeply emotional and written with such intricate attention to details. The story is never rushed but every word is built upon the ones before to create a passionately moving narrative. Not only are the characters so well written, so are the settings. Her attention to those details create a world I find myself immersed in and experiencing with the characters.

I have read other books by Ms. Ragsdale and each one has touched me in ways I never knew a book would. The Child Between Us has done this again. She has the ability to trancend words on a page and craft a story that I become completely immersed in. This book has everything written in it that will take the reader on a journey they will think about for a long time. At lease for me it has.

I love Ms. Ragsdale's books and I always know I'm going to have an "experience" when I read her works. I want to sincerely thank Ms. Ragsdale for the honor and privilege of reading the emotional journey I took in this heartwrenching book. It truly touched my soul. It's an exceptional read and has all things in it Ms. Ragsdale is superior at writing. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.

A beautiful poignant story of love, tragedy, pain and forgiveness. Isla disappeared 6 years ago when Cassie needed her most,just when she had her heart broken by Grant when he called of her engagement Cassie thought her life would never be the same again. The loss of her twin and her fiancée is more than she could bear. Isla is never far from her thoughts
She now has a successful business and is trying hard to move on. When she receives a call from a solicitor her world is rocked again and Isla comes back to haunt her .before you start reading this one have the tissues at the ready , I had tears flowing at one . A beautiful tale which I am starting to learn you can expect from Alison , an amazing storyteller. One to read. Characters were amazing and I wanted to know each and everyone of them personally, especially the twins and little Marina.

WOW, WOW, WOW, what an emotional rollercoaster The Child Between Us is. I was glued to it all Sunday evening, with tears pouring and my bin full of tissues. Alison really knows how to pull at your heartstrings.

Linda Zagon's review Sep 22, 2022 · edit
it was amazing

WOW!! Alison Ragsdale, the author of “The Child Between Us” has written a memorable, emotional, and heartfelt novel. The genres of this novel are Sisters’ Fiction and Women’s Literary Fiction. The author vividly describes her colorful and dramatic characters as complex, and complicated. Alison Ragsdale is an amazing writer, who can write both heartbreaking and hopeful topics with dignity, significance, and emotional compassion. As a reader, and a reviewer, I am enticed and captivated by the author’s words.

Twins, who were once so close have been estranged, and it is a big surprise to Cassie when she gets a call that her sister has passed away. Cassie is surprised to find the home that her sister had lived in is nothing at all like she thought it would be. There are some other surprises as well. Cassie is introduced to a young child, Marina, who is her sister’s child. Now, it is Cassie’s obligation to bring Megan up. The father is not known.

Cassie is determined to find the answers to questions about her sister that are tormenting her. Sadie, her mother has been dealing with other losses, and Cassie is protective of her. As Cassie starts to piece parts of the puzzle, she realizes that she has been betrayed by her sister. For Cassie to move forward she has to learn to forgive. When Cassie looks at Marina, she is often a reminder of the past, as well as the present and future.

I appreciate that the author discusses important topics such as mental illness, communication, and honesty. The author also mentions the importance of family, sisters, mothers, forgiveness, second chances, love, and hope. I would highly recommend this poignant and emotional novel to others. I would also recommend having plenty of Kleenex on hand.

In a few days this book is due to be released. When you purchase it, also buy some tissues. Such a heart warming story of love, forgiveness, caring and hope. The story centers around Cassie whose twin sister disappears and 6 years later we find out not only is her sister gone, but she left her young daughter, Marina in her care.

Cassie is now faced with so many challenges in front of her, and also has to deal with her past and some hurtful truths. This story is heartwrenching and sad, but also uplifting when we find all about what family means. And while sometimes we have to put our feelings aside in order to do what is right.

Release date: September 28, 2022....make sure you place it on your TBR list. Thank you #netgalley for this ARC.....

Cassie has lost contact with her twin Isla until one day she receives a call no one wants. Isla has died and Cassie is the executor of her will. In a daze Cassie travels to the island where Isla lived and starts to learn about her twin, who she has not seen or heard from in five years. Cassie is not only shocked by Isla’s skills as an artist but that she has a daughter and Cassie is now her guardian. While the book has a slightly predictable storyline, it does not make it any less enjoyable to read. I say enjoyable with a grain of salt because it has a lot of grief and regret that are sad. The book is enjoyable because of the writing and how the author brings the characters to life. You feel with them and want a happy ending.