What a vivid life-changing plot! Ann has once again provided a story that tosses you into a ring of fiery trials that scorch and break your heart. But she does not leave you sitting in a pile of ashes: rather she offers viable solutions and a worthy road to healing.

The emotion My Only Daughter raises is raw and expected. I don’t think I would be the first to say as a parent, when you give birth to a child in a hospital, your mind can entertain many potential things that could go wrong. Of course, one of the worst fears outside death of an infant, is the worry that the hospital staff might mix up the babies and give you someone else’s. Even though a child is normally tagged at birth, what if something else happens after that, that could cause an error of identity? It is not a perfect system but even more, humans are prone to making mistakes. My Only Daughter is about that very topic and whether you are a parent or not, it will grip your heart as Ann has written this novel so well, you will be instantly drawn into the story and deeply into the forest of fears, regrets, delusions and doubts. But as always, the rough pathway is strewn with sweet flowers: emblems of beauty, friendship, renewal and love.

Two women: one in the United States (Cassie) and the other in Ireland (Margo) gave birth to girls in France. Both women were away from their normal homes of residence. Even though unknown to them at the time, their children (Tilly and Elsa) were switched at birth. Twelve years later, that realisation is about to happen. It’s only when the American lady, Cassie, finds herself in marital discord and separation that she learns of this horrid event. Her husband has left her, and their daughter Tilly, and refuses to pay child support until he is certain the child is his. They must all have a DNA test. This test proves the mother’s worst fears. She is shocked really. Legal advice and proceedings must begin. All babies born that day, or around that time, in this certain French hospital must be tested. And a match is discovered. Margo and her late husband (in Ireland) are the real parents of Cassie’s daughter. Which means Elsa is her birth daughter and that of her estranged husband. Ann presents the questions: what would you do in such a case? Would you fight to get your own blood child back or continue to raise the child you loved and thought your own? Then there are the questions that haunt the mothers. How did they not know they took home a different child? There were some interesting comments about that.

Which leads me to the age old topic of nature vs nurture that is hinted upon in this novel. One might argue a child really is the product of both. Physical resemblances, certain abilities and personality traits certainly can be attributed to a child’s set of genes inherited from birth parents, grandparents, etc. But we may also project our own ideas and characteristics and sometimes see in children what we want to see. Then there is the nurturing, the environmental factors that also shape a child. This story explores all those and more.

I was deeply moved by this novel and there are some incredible twists and turns that will keep you glued to the pages. The ending might surprise many. It is one possible outcome. My heart was squeezed quite tightly for sure but I cannot say anymore or spoil it for others. I will praise Ann for doing a magnificent job on such a difficult topic. She has made the child swap scenario very real through memorable characters, their actions, dialogue and reactions. But this story also proves that out of distress and chaos, new friendships can be forged, hearts can mend and viable solutions can be found. It is true, there’s lots of sadness painted across these pages but there’s heaps of love, too, that cradles and restores the wounded. I certainly recommend My Only Daughter but be prepared for tears and skipped heartbeats. Oh, and keep boxes of tissues close at hand. I dare say you’ll be staying up half the night reading this story, as I did, because it is so compelling and haunting. 5 Heartfelt Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.

A beautiful read. When two women different sides of the world discover that their babies were swapped at birth they’d be forgiven for thinking that life couldn’t get much worse, but it wasn’t finished with them yet.
Through the most appalling things come the most amazing enduring friendships.

This most excellent novel is compulsively, readable and full of believable characters and the supportive community of women. The story reminds me a bit of the American TV show Switched at Birth” except this story has loads more drama.

The only part I didn’t like or understand was the relationship between Cassie and Jack. That felt really forced to me and I couldn’t believe it or make sense of it. I think the story could’ve still totally on its own without that being a love relationship.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

From the moment I saw the title and the outline, I knew I had to read this book. Babies being swapped at birth is a parents worse nightmare but that is what happened to Cassie and Margo.

Twelve years, and an ocean apart, their worlds are torn apart when Cassie's loser of a husband demands a DNA to prove he's the father of their daughter. Pandora's Box is the only word I would use to describe what happens next.

This is a gorgeous, heartfelt and emotional book about two mums who will go to extreme lengths to keep their precious daughters. I loved this book from the moment I picked it up and how could i not when it has the gorgeous Ireland as it back drop? Trust me this is a must read book of 2023 as its full of twists and turns you won't see coming. I fell in love with the characters who just draw you in.

Vivid, expansive and richly imagined….. An absolutely heartbreaking and unforgettable read, perfect for fans of gripping family dramas, and for those who enjoy great storytelling. My only daughter was one of those books I’ll remember for quite some time!

What a fantastic read. When Margo loses her beloved husband she and her daughter Elsa are already struggling but when she meets Cassie and her daughter things get even worse for all of them. A beautiful emotional story but also some humour and healing along the way .Really well written with sensitivity and understanding that flows through the story I really loved it

Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
The story of two mothers raising their daughters with all the love they can give them will touch your heart. One daughter becomes very sick and needs a kidney transplant. Of course the family members are tested to see if they are a match. This is a desperate time and no time to waste. There will be a discovery that will bring these families together and decisions will be made. There are other parts of the storyline in the book of other characters and situations.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

I loved this book ! A gripping page-turner I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. The end it’s bittersweet , like the life.

When you give birth and go home with the baby afterwards, you are convinced that it is your child you are taking home, but what if it isn't yours....?

I would not want to trade places with neither Margo nor Cassie, because this is exactly what happened to them. Learning your child is not your child is one thing, but not knowing where yours is, must be equally devastating. But the child you have been taking care of up till now, is your child in your eyes, because you have been with them every step of the way. The only thing you want is to leave things be and hope with all your heart the other party feels the same...

As if dealing with this life changing event is not enough, life throws you a few more curveballs. 

If I have to pick my favorite character it would be Ida. I admit she sometimes acts like a bull in a china shop, but she has her heart in the right place. I honestly would not do what she did, but she has her reasons. Even then I take my hat of for her.

This is a very beautiful and emotional story with lots of lovely characters. With the support of a few loved ones, you can overcome everything. 5 stars

Thank you