"My Husband's Child" is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the intricate web of family dynamics. The novel centers around Cora, a character whose emotional depth and resilience are masterfully portrayed, making her journey both compelling and relatable. Ms. Ragsdale’s compassionate narrative style transcends the pages, reaching into my heart with its authenticity and raw emotion.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to tackle surprising and difficult topics with sensitivity and care. Ms. Ragsdale does not shy away from the complexities of family relationships, particularly the fraught and heart-wrenching dynamic between Cora and her ex husband. Through their interactions, the author delves into themes of betrayal, forgiveness, and the enduring bonds of love.

Ms. Ragsdale's expertise to connect readers with her characters is flawless. Her portrayal of Cora is particularly noteworthy; she is a character who embodies strength and vulnerability in equal measure. The author’s ability to weave Cora’s internal struggles with the external challenges she faces creates a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and heart-touching. Ragsdale’s attention to detail and her vivid descriptions bring the story to life, making it easy for me to visualize the settings and empathize with the characters’ experiences.

"My Husband's Child" is a beautifully written novel that offers a profound exploration of the complexities of love and family. Alison Ragsdale’s compassionate storytelling and her ability to convey deep emotions make this book a memorable read. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the joys and sorrows of familial bonds, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.

I want to sincerely thank Ms. Ragsdale for the honor and privilege of reading the emotional journey I took in this fantastic book. It truly touched my heart. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.

My Husband's Child by Alison Ragsdale is a compelling emotional thriller that explores themes of motherhood, trust, and redemption. The story follows Cora, who, after being left heartbroken by her husband's infidelity, is trying to rebuild her life. Everything changes one night when a little girl and her baby brother show up on Cora's doorstep, claiming that their mother said Cora would take care of them.

What begins as an act of compassion quickly escalates into something much more complicated when Cora realizes that her ex-husband's family has vanished without a trace. As she cares for the children, Cora begins to form a deep bond with them, but her peace is shattered when her ex-husband’s new wife returns with a troubling story that raises more questions than answers.

Ragsdale skillfully builds suspense and tension as Cora navigates her growing attachment to the children while facing conflicting stories from their parents. The emotional depth of Cora’s relationship with the kids is touching, and her internal struggle is portrayed with sensitivity and nuance. The pacing of the story is perfect, with unexpected twists that keep readers guessing about what happened to the children's parents and who can be trusted.

The book highlights the complexities of family dynamics and the difficult choices Cora must make. Her journey of love, guilt, and self-discovery is heart-wrenching, and the emotional stakes are high as she faces the possibility of losing the children she has come to love.

In conclusion, My Husband's Child is a thought-provoking and gripping read. It's a beautifully written story about the power of love and the lengths a person will go to protect those they care about, even when faced with impossible choices. Fans of emotional thrillers will find this a deeply satisfying read.

A very well written family drama, full of emotion and heartbreak. The characters are well developed and authentic. I loved the setting being close to Balmoral.

I can tell you one thing, Alison Ragsdale knows how to deliver a story that will tear your heart out. Her books are so wonderfully heartwarming, but to get to that point you need to feel the anguish the main character is going through first. That is not a bad thing! At some point in the book you begin to see the sun shine through the clouds. Her newest book My Husband’s Child is one of those remarkable stories.

Cora is the main character in this book. She is divorced from her husband and is living in the home that her adoptive parents left to her. She had a rough beginning to her life which gives her the big heart that she has. You must have a big heart to take in your ex-husband’s children. They have been abandoned by both their mother and father. Oh! Did I tell you to have your box of tissues handy? You might want to because this is such an utterly beautiful story.

My emotions were all over the place while I was reading this book. I loved her father in law even though he came off as an opinionated old man. He did have a soft spot in his heart for Cora. This book deals with many topics that are hard to read about. There is abandonment, abuse to name just a couple. The love that shines through in this book more than makes up for the sadness that is felt.

I love a book that will break my heart to pieces and then mend it back together again. I love a book about love and not just the love between partners, but also the love of close friends, family, and home. If you love a good clean story and one that will make you feel things you haven’t felt for awhile then Alison Ragsdale’s My Husband’s Child needs the top spot on your nightstand. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Bookouture, and Netgalley. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

REVIEW

Review for 'My Husband's Child' by Alison Ragsdale.

Well ladies and gents if you are looking for an absolutely emotive, unique and brilliant page tuner then you have definitely come to the right place!!! This book has been beautifully written and it completely drew me in with its vivid descriptions. The storyline and synopsis worked perfect for this book.

Alison Ragsdale does it yet again with an absolutely beautiful storyline that will keep you hooked. This book does contain some topics that I would normally give readers a pre-warning about but unfortunately with this book if I say what these topics are it will give too much away so just be wary when reading, there is not any child or animal death and is more concerned with adults but I really cannot say anything more. What I must do though is congratulate and thank Alison on weaving this particular discussion/topic into this absolutely brilliant storyline. I really do not think that it is written about enough in books when it comes to males so I am very pleased that you have as it really does need more highlighting and awareness about it. I know, I know, I am saying it needs more highlighting whilst not actually highlighting it myself but it really will spoil the storyline if I did so so you will just have to read this book yourself to find out!! I will say that something else that Alison discusses in this book is childhood neglect and being adopted and as that is not giving anything away I am happy to pre-warn readers about that. I normally discuss the storyline a bit more in my reviews than what I am going to in this book and that is because anything outside of what the publisher has already mentioned in the synopsis will give too much away and I refuse to put spoilers in my reviews as I just find them unnecessary as well as annoying for both reader and author!! The storyline itself is stunningly devastating and it had me on the edge of my seat throughout. It is such a powerful storyline that will stay with me for a long time if not forever!!!. It was filled with love, heartbreak, grief, family, neglect, forgiveness, healing, judging others and jut so, so much!! Alison really has put so much emotion and drama into this brilliant book that it kept me absolutely hooked throughout!! I was completely absorbed throughout. If you have ever read any books by Jo Jo Moyes, Nicholas Sparks and/or Jodi Picoult to name a few and enjoyed them then this book is definitely for you!! This book does involve two children who, again as you can read in the synopsis, are left on an ex partner's doorstep and as a Mum myself my heart really went out to those children with all the confusion they felt. I am a mum to three children myself and OMG I could not even begin to imagine what on Earth I would do in one of the character's position and I hope to God that I never have to find out!! However, Alison's powerful, emotive and evocative descriptions really does put you in Cora's place in the book and the emotions that were pouring out of the pages and into myself are unbelievable so make sure you have those tissues by your side ready and the rest of your day cleared!! I was absolutely dragged into this storyline and my heart was in my throat on several occasions and I just HAD to know what the truth was and why poor Evie and Ross were left. Alison really does have such a talented gift in being able to write these absolutely stunning stories that absolutely absorb the reader. Every time I cam to the end of a chapter and thought I could put it down I just couldn't stop thinking about what came next and would just have to pick it back up again. Alison always writes such thought provoking books and always leaves the reader questioning what they would do if they were in that position. Make sure you clear your schedules before turning a single page on this beautifully gorgeous tear jerking page turner!!! This book would make an absolutely stunning movie, as would all of Alison's amazing books and I would definitely be first in the queue to watch them!! An absolutely incredible author who tugs on my heart strings each and every single time I pick up one of her amazing and powerful books!!

An absolute roller coaster ride of emotions, make sure you have the tissues ready because you will need them!!!

The characters were well defined, realistic and strong. I cannot even begin to imagine the pain, shock, suffering, grief and challenges that some of the characters were going through, especially as a Mum myself. I absolutely loved Cora who was such a strong and passionate woman who constantly had Evie and Ross's best interests at heart and was determined to fight for their happiness no matter what it took. I am not sure how many women would do what she did and my heart completely went out to her for taking them in However it wasn't just Cora that was strong but also Evie and Ross themselves who were left at such young ages and already gone through so much in the short space of time the book tells us of. I am s pleased that Cora had her amazing best friend Aisha there to support her who I also absolutely adored as well as her ex father in law James by her side. James and Aisha were also large characters in this book and I just loved getting to know them both as well as Cora, Evie and Ross. Every one of these characters had their own unique individual personalities, flaws, strengths, hopes, wishes and weaknesses and I loved getting to know them all, well mostly all! My heart was completely broken reading their story but where there is rain always look out for the rainbow and watching the bond develop between these strong characters was beautiful to watch. I won't say more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. This book absolutely grabbed my heart and mind and didn't let go while bringing tears to my eyes and I do not cry easily unless it comes to animals. So do make sure you have tissues at the ready!! Although this book brought me to tears I also think that it ended perfectly and would absolutely love to see this made into a film!!! Alison this is why your my go to author for a tear jerker and one of my favourite authors ever!!

Congratulations Alison on yet another gorgeous success and here's to your next one 🥂!!

Overall a devastatingly, heart-breaking and yet beautiful story that will stay in your mind for a long time!

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My Husband's Child by Alison Ragsdale is an emotional and heartwarming story about family not necessarily being your own flesh and blood but rather those you love and those who love you.

Cora has just gotten used to living on her own after her divorce from her husband Fraser. Fraser left Cora for another woman and ended up having two children with her. Cora's life changes when one day she opens the door to two children on her doorstep with no one else around. They are Fraser's children. Where are their parents and why have they been left for Cora to take care of? Unable to turn these kids away she enlists Fraser's father James to help her with the kids. Fast forward a year, Fraser returns wanting his children back. This sparks an ugly custody battle as Cora has loved and cared for these children like her own.

This was such an emotional story. I am an absolute sucker for a found family trope so I loved seeing Cora navigate her way through unexpected motherhood. I definitely felt deeply connected to Cora and loved all the emotions that this book made me feel! Definitely recommend this emotional family drama!

Thank you to NetGalley, Alison Ragsdale, and Bookouture for this ARC. Publication day was March 4th 2025.

I loved the beautiful Scottish setting and the character of Cora. It was an emotional family drama with a lot of heart and a story which I enjoyed.

This is the twelfth book I have read this year, and it is the first 5 star I have given as a review.

The book was a beautifully written story, about a woman who's ex-husband remarried, had children, then left the children on her doorstep one wintry night.

The characters were well established, with their backgrounds being built wonderfully throughout the book, giving glimpses of their upbringing. Empathy is shown throughout the novel, and it really tugs at your heart.

A fantastic book, and I highly recommend it.

My Husband’s Child by Alison Ragsdale is a story about how an ex wife decides to take care of of her husband’s children.. Emotional roller coaster. Good fast read

Cora has been living on her own for years after her divorce from her husband Fraser, who left her for another woman. Then one day she answers the door and finds two children waiting for her, with no one else in sight. They turn out to be Fraser's children, and their parents have vanished. Thrown into motherhood, Cora copes and then flourishes, helped by Fraser's father, James. Then after almost a year, the parents return, and a custody battle begins. And the sides that are lined up are different than one would expect.

This is a novel about surprises and life changes that seem hard at first, but turn out to be the best thing that ever happened. I love stories that emphasize family as those who love you, and not necessarily those who share the same blood, and this is definitely one of those. I enjoyed the growing bond between Cora and the children. I also liked the fact that Cora has hearing challenges, because that is something I experience as well, This is a heartwarming story about finding real family and coping with unexpected events.

I received a free copy of this book from Bookouture. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed it. She writes beautifully and I adored the protagonist of the story Cora. An emotional read that will warm your heart and make you cry in equal measures.

Alison Ragsdale's book grabbed me from the first page and kept me hooked. I cared deeply about the children's well-being and why they were left with Cora. As I read, some questions were answered, but many more arose: Would Cora care for the children? Who was the better parent? Would Cora lose the kids?

My Husband’s Child deeply resonated with me. As a mom, I could sense Cora’s fear of losing the children. She wasn't sure she was ready to be a mom, but she always wanted to be. This was her chance, but would it last? I suspected there was more to why the children were left and hoped that Cora would stay in their lives.

This book is amazing. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys an emotional read. I felt deeply connected to the characters, especially Cora, and experienced a wide range of emotions throughout the story.

My Husband’s Child was a really good family drama that drew me in right from the very beginning. I thought Cora was a wonderful character and she just adored the two children, Ross and Evie. There were some heartbreaking and emotional parts and I did guess what was actually going on but it certainly didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this book. The characters were all really well described and I loved the relationship Cora had with her ex Father in Law James Munro. These two people were determined to do all they could for the young children. This was an emotional read at times and one which will stay with me.

Cora Campbell’s life immediately changed direction when her husband informs her that their marriage was over and he then marries another woman. Nonetheless, Cora has been enjoying her life, especially when it comes to her adventurous spirit. Cora’s busy life completely changes course when two children are left on her doorstep. Her ex-husband’s children.

Cora always had a good relationship with her ex-father-in-law James. Cora at first appeals to him to take the children, but his health concerns would make that quite difficult. So, in most of the ways that counts, Cora has become an instant mother. The children are quite young. A toddler and a pre-schooler, and Cora can’t help but to fall in love.

Whether or not Cora will gain full custody, as well as keeping it is challenged by the sudden reappearance of their mother. Soon after, their father reappears as well. It has been more than a few months now, and unsurprisingly, Cora struggles when it comes to imagining giving the children up. The children know Cora as Mummy and she wants to keep it that way.

Alison Ragsdale’s latest emotional read is praised for its well-developed characterization, particularly of Cora, a woman who became an instant mother and whose life was turned upside down. The book delves into Cora’s tragic past and her coping mechanisms, including her cochlear implant and her determination to keep it from hindering her life. I also really loved James, the children’s grandfather. His significant role in this book provided Cora for the sturdy support she needed at times. Lastly, her best friend Aisha. Definitely friendship goals. A story like this that depends on the relationships between the characters goes a long way to making this story authentic and memorable.

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

My husbands child is quite the emotional rollercoaster. I would never and could never leave my children on someone's doorstep to care for them. And honestly, I can't imagine being put into Cora's shoes. What a strong and phenomenal woman.

This story is both beautiful and heartbreaking. It's definitely worth the read.

I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

A good book will pull and tug at your heart. It’ll know just the right words and terms to make you think you’re reading non-fiction. Alison Ragsdale knows exactly what she’s doing with her writing and I’m here to tell you, I needed tissues for this one! Sigh…I needed them for her last few – she’s perfected her craft and knows the right stories to make her words literally jump off the page at you.

Cora thought she was done with her ex husband until his two children were left on her doorstep one night. His two children by the woman he left Cora for. It seems they both have just up and vanished. Cora, being the amazing and caring woman she is takes them in. She doesn’t just take them in though, she loves and adores them, she becomes their “Mummy Cora” and then that role becomes threatened when both of the children’s parents come back into town.

This story was so well crafted, it was written with love and full of character. Cora’s personality shined bright through each of her interactions. It was as though we were watching this story take place in front of our eyes and I gasped with every climax of the story. Alison took us for a gut wrenching ride where love played its part so brightly and it was a 5️⃣⭐️ trip that I thoroughly enjoyed❗️

My Husband's Child by Alison Ragsdale was another beautifully written book from start to finish. This was a book that took my breath away and I so needed tissues and lots of them. Alison has a way of writing that will have you gripped from the beginning till the very end and you will find it hard to put it down once you start to read it, My Husband's child was a great page turner for me. I just loved this book, All the characters were realistic and I felt for the all,

I would say its a great holiday read. . .. . . . But you will need to hide under a sun parasol and your sunglasses as it will have you in tears. It's an emotional ride. I do recommend it. Another 5 star book

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.

An emotional rollercoaster that is heartbreaking and heartwarming. The characters are so well described that the reader can live through the story with them . A wonderful book that I loved

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

My Husband’s Child by Alison Ragsdale is a heartwrenching, poignant and compelling book and beautifully written. The storyline was so exceptional and addicting that I binged read it til the wee hours into the morning.

My Husband’s Child I feel would be perfect for book clubs and book discussions because there are so many important life lessons and messages in this book that can be discussed. Not only that but the family dynamics of the storyline I feel there could be some heavy discussions within the groups.

In My Husband’s Child the character I most liked the most and could relate to was Cora. She wanted to become a mother but never had the opportunity. Until her ex husband and his wife ups and abandons their two kids and leaves them with Cora. Seriously, who does that?! Turn not only Cora’s life upside down but those two innocent kids that don’t know what is going on.

Needless to say there is a lot of family drama in My Husband’s Child. This is one story that took me on an emotional rollercoaster where I was literally yelling and screaming at my Kindle because some of these characters pissed me off.

There were some very tender and sweet moments between Cora and the kids that just melted my heart.

My Husband’s Child is one of those books that the storyline will stay with you way after you finish reading the book. This has to be on your tbr list for sure.

My Husband's Child is the latest stunning creation by the incredibly talented Alison Ragdale.

The story introduces us to Cora, who's husband left her for another woman,as well as grappling with the loss of her adoptive parents, and reflects on her difficult early childhood. A couple of years later she is stunned to finds two young children left on her doorstep, who turn out to be the offspring of her ex-husband and his new wife. What will she do? Naturally, she'll fall in love with them! But can she ensure their safety?

I was completely engrossed in this novel from start to finish. Alison has crafted wonderful, relatable characters that kept me turning the pages to uncover the larger story. It's truly not what you would expect!

I highly recommend you get your copy soon!