This is the epitome of book club fiction. Hot topics with lots to discuss. Switched eggs during IVF procedures, issues of race and class, who is the rightful mother - there really is so much to discuss here. While our discussion was lively none of felt the characters were super engaging.

This book grabbed me right from the beginning. I loved that each chapter was written from the perspective of Theresa and Tess, the two main female characters in the story. The sensitive topic of embryos being switched during infertility treatment was handled with such care. Based on the book's subject, I knew I had to be prepared for an emotional read. I liked that the characters were diverse and that this was included as a plot point in the book. About halfway through the book, there is quite a surprising bombshell that is discovered, I did not see that coming. I liked almost all the characters, and while I wanted to feel sympathetic towards Tess, she was quite a trainwreck. I listened to this book on audio and the narrator did a decent job, but I wish she tried to give the characters different voices. The story's pace kept me wanting to binge-read this book! I didn’t want to put it down. Check for any content warnings since infertility treatment is the primary subject of the book.

An interesting take on a switched at birth type scenario, this book had a few twists and turns throughout, mixed with a lot of empathy for all the characters.

First, I would like to say that if there is anyone reeling from a miscarriage, going through infertility concerns, etc. it would be best to not read this book. I have not faced these pains, but this book made me very emotional because of them. Imagine after years of trying and years of IVF you have a wonderful baby girl, but you feel doubt that she is yours. Then imagine those doubts and worst fears are true. Katherine gives birth to Rose and after she is almost 1 year old learns that Rose is not biologically hers. Her eggs were switched with another woman named Tess, who had recently miscarried. The novel follows the alternating viewpoints of the woman as they grabble with this new reality, court proceedings for custody, and what being a mom truly is. Throughout, they learn that to look beyond themselves, to grow, and to figure out what is the best for Rose. There are so many complications thrown in, that I struggled on what I wanted the outcome to be. I wanted to root for Katherine who had always done her best to be the best mom. But I also wanted to root for Tess because she deserved to know her child as well. At least once she came to terms that she had a lot of growing up and healing to do. I really liked the resolution of the novel and wish there could have been multiple epilogues to know how they all ended up. Thank you to NetGalley for my copy. This took me a long time to review because I started and stopped many times, putting the book in the proverbial freezer whenever it got too tough. I am glad that I finished it and feel great hope for all characters. I would also like to point out that I thought the viewpoints were very unique. When I have seen this topic in TV shows, it always focuses on the children, especially if said donor passed on disease. It was very interesting reading through the viewpoints of the mothers. That would have been another good epilogue chapter, one narrated from Rose once she is old enough to understand. 5 stars for so many reasons.

I didn't like this book. I didn't find any of the characters likeworthy and it was kind of obvious which side the reader is supposed to take. There were to many twists and a lot of them unnecessary to the story. The writing was good though and the topic is important. I just find it could have been done in a better way.

Charlene Carr's new novel Hold My Girl is one of those stories that would make a great book club pick because it is bound to spur a lot of discussion and debate. This controversial tale centers on an IVF egg switch where the swap isn't discovered until after the child is born, raising the question of who is best suited to raise the child - the biological or birth mother?

This thought-provoking book is sure to stir up a lot of emotions and opinions within the reader. It is absolutely one of those books that fuels a need to discuss and hash out the series of events, making it perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult's issue-oriented novels. The story unfolds across the pages, bringing to light the triumphs and struggles of both mothers and their families. As their suitability for child-rearing is brought into question, secrets about their pasts are revealed, subjecting these women to both the literal court and the court of public opinion, all due to a situation that they never should have been put into in the first place. How many of us would pass the motherhood test ourselves if our dirty laundry was aired out for all to see? You can't help but feel for these women as they both fight for custody of one innocent little girl.

While I personally sided with the biological mother, Tess, others are sure to feel differently, which is why Hold My Girl makes for such a great buddy read! Find yourself a friend with a strong opinion and a penchant for issue-oriented literature, and get ready to dive into the absorbing and heartfelt Hold My Girl.

what a powerful story with intense themes that was written very well! i couldn't put this one down, the emotional journey I went on was well worth it. i highly recommend this one.

This book is full of sorrow and betrayal. Betrayal of your own body, to not give you what, as a woman, you should innately be entitled to. Betrayal of a family who should be unconditionally supportive, and the nurse who decided to 'play God'. Betrayal of a society that can be deaf to the heartache some women go through in order to fulfill a primal yearning. The hurt that results from all of this is aching. The ethical questions unleashed in trying to derive the answer to this dilemma are wide and deep. Just what makes you a mother?

This novel surprised me in so many ways! To me it's always a sign of a great book when it raises thought-provoking questions, makes me contemplate, and generates interesting discussion - each of which is done exceptionally well here. The one complain I did have is how it seemed to want to cover a little too much. There was one 'twist' I didn't think was necessary at all and actually left me rolling my eyes.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.

I chose this book because of the fascinating premise - two IVF mothers find out their eggs have been switched. Fertility, pregnancy and motherhood are large parts of my life and that of people in my social circle. Despite an occurrence like this being outlandish, I could relate to many of the stories shared here. While I enjoyed the plot and the possibilities it explored, the writing and exposition took me out of the story quite a bit. I found myself skimming through text that I thought could have been cut down, especially as things were retold from one point of view to another. Aside from the switch, some of the character's actions were not believable to me. Ultimately, it was just ok for me.

After years of trying to conceive, Katherine gives birth to Rose via IVF. But, Rose's pale skin doesn't match her own complexion and doubt begins to grow. Tess underwent IVF at the same clinic, but her daughter was born stillborn. The women receive a call from the fertility clinic. Their eggs were switched. Who deserves to be Rose's mother?

Wow! What a powerful read. Every emotion is thrown at the reader: disbelief, outrage, disgust, sympathy, and understanding.
I’ve long been fascinated with. Oder reproductive practices ever since the Baby M made for TV movie back in the 1980s.
This book is a messy, complicated snarl of science, relationships, ethnicity, and boundaries.
My jaw dropped in several places by the many turns the story took and other spots were predictable.
Katherine had my greatest sympathy and despite all of her angst, she had conducted herself with the most composure.
I thought Tess was her own worst enemy and quite unstable.
I was outraged that the main culprit got off Scott free.
It’s a contemporary modern story.

"Hold My Girl” is a captivating domestic drama that tackles an impossible situation involving two women, two eggs, & a life-changing switch. The author skillfully weaves a narrative that delves into challenging yet plausible scenarios, including alcoholism, infidelity, & rape, making this book a compelling & hard-to-put-down read.

Charlene Carr demonstrates a mastery of character portrayal & handles intense subject matter with finesse. The story is well-written, flowing beautifully from start to finish. For fans of domestic drama, this book is a must-read; you won't be disappointed.

I extend my gratitude to #NetGalley, Charlene Carr, and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing the ARC. My review is entirely voluntary, & I must say it was a pleasure to delve into this thought-provoking narrative. I eagerly anticipate more works from this talented author in the future.

4.5/5 stars

Devastating contemporary fiction. After years of trying, Katherine and her husband finally conceive with the help of IVF. As their daughter's first birthday nears, their lives seem perfect. Then Katherine gets a call from her fertility clinic and discovers the unimaginable... Rose isn't her biological daughter. Tess' life is much less rosy. She made the tough decision to proceed with IVF, despite her husband leaving her. Shortly after, she suffers the loss of her baby, and of any future chance to have another. Heartbreaking. Then a ray of sunshine: she gets the call that her eggs were switched with Katherine's. She has a daughter, and obviously she wants to be a part of Rose's life. Just as obviously, Katherine doesn't want to give up her daughter, the one she gave birth to. There's no easy answer to this situation. Both Katherine and Tess have rights, and it comes down to a custody battle to determine their futures. And in this case, all secrets will be revealed.

I was utterly engrossed by this heartbreaking and, honestly, nightmarish story. I completely connected with both mothers' points of view; there is no right and wrong here. I cannot imagine how it would feel to finally succeed after years of trying to conceive, only to discover that someone else has a claim to your child. Or how it would feel to lose your child, and then to discover that you actually have one, out in the world, being raised by someone else. Such an emotional read. I would definitely recommend. Just read with caution if you feel that the subject matter might be harmful to your own wellbeing. My heart goes out to any woman who has experienced similar struggles.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved Hold My Girl and think it would make a great bookclub read. There are so many rich themes here—questions about family, identity, etc. The novel follows two mothers who have undergone IVF and discover the ultimate nightmare—their eggs have been switched. The rest of the book follows Tess & Katherine as they try to unravel questions about who the baby really belongs to, and about their own identity as women and mothers. It was well-written, emotional, and a real page turner. I will definitely read the author’s next book!

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an early copy of this book.

Two women, practically polar opposite but with the same dreams of motherhood, find themselves in an excruciating situation when they learn their eggs were switched at their fertility clinic. Katherine is a happily married Black woman whom prides herself on her perfectionism and Tess is single after a heartbreaking end to her marriage, estranged from her family, and prone to making destructive decisions. Both adore Rose, the one child they share between them due to the fertility clinic’s egregious mistake and a devastating miscarriage. Carr is a good writer and does a wonderful job delving into the complicated emotions that come along with infertility and motherhood, and she offers an interesting story. Problem is, I just wasn’t engaged. There was nothing compelling me to come back to the book over and over to finish it. The characters were distinct and the plot believable, just didn’t care all that much. It’s wasn’t a waste of a read, it just wasn’t one that will stick with me. My thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

#bibiliophile#stephsalwaysreading#tbrlist#netgalley#bookstagram#bookstagrammer#whatshouldireadbexf

This story will break your heart and have you wiping away the tears. It's tense and ever so emotional. Imagine bringing up a child thinking it's yours and then to be told it is not years later. The plot is one that is unfortunately possible. It's beautifully written and one of my favourite ever books.

Whew. This book!! Five traumatic stars. This was insane, horrifying and painful to read. I simultaneously could not put it down and also needed to take a break because I could not handle what was happening. It is fast paced and reads like a thriller, my heart was pounding the entire time. The whole situation goes from awful to unfathomable to just completely nightmarish. I am grateful for some conclusion by the end but I don’t even know how any of the characters go on from here. Wowowowow I won’t stop thinking about this book for a while. MAJOR TW for infertility.

Thanks for Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my very own.

Thank you @netgalley and @sourcebooks for the ARC of "Hold My Girl" by Charlene Carr.  The novel is the story about embryo's switched at implantation which while makes for an intriguing story seems quite implausible that it would later be found out.  At any rate, it was an enjoyable story and took the reader through the emotional twists and turns of learning their new reality and how they will proceed forth.  There was exploration of many aspects of what makes a mom a mother and also reveals biases related to POC and wealth/lack of wealth. I really enjoyed the humanity that Carr added to the characters by allowing them to emotionally feel for the other one and not remain totally wrapped up in their own anguish.  Overall an enjoyable but emotional read.

I loved this book! Katherine and Tess were fully fleshed characters and it really informed their actions and reactions. You could clearly understand both of their perspectives and why they would fight for custudy of their daughter. This is a fascinating look at IVF and the struggles many women face in order to conceive. I also loved the novel's in-depth look at generational trauma, mental health, alcoholism, infidelity, and racism, which were all well done and deftly woven into the story. This is a complex story expertly told with an unpredictable but satisfying ending.