3.5 🌟

I found this title a little tricky to get into, while I had huge admiration for what seemed like a selfless deed in being a surrogate for her brother and his wife, I found Dawn hard to like, I found her to be judgmental and a bit harsh on Rebecca who is struggling with becoming a mum. However, I was continually checking myself and trying to relate to Dawn’s feelings. Yet, I just couldn’t. While I appreciated the complexities that the author was highlighting in surrogacy, and the human feelings that come along with that. It just missed the mark for me, somehow.

I did love Archie though, and when Dawn met zookeeper Joel the story started to take a turn that better captured my interest and the way the whole family eventually bonded was uplifting, hence bumping up half a star.

The narration was really nice in this title.

Massive thanks to Bolinda Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

Having read Waiting for You by Catherine Miller, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I anticipated a little more from this. It saddens me to write reviews that are now completely glowing. However, I have to be honest.

I did find the outine of this story absolutely appealing, and it was definitely endearing how the characters were all portrayed. I appreciate that the subject matters are both quite deep in themselves when dealing with surrogacy and autism then add in family dynamics to the mix, so maybe this is why the author did tread a little more lightly.

For me it just felt a little flat albeit I listened from beginning to end and there was as I stated something really endearing and warm about this story at the same time there was something missing so I guess I felt a little conflicted with this review.

It wouldn't put me off listening to more by this author in the future it was well narrated, and I definitely enjoyed the listen from this perspective.

With thanks to Netgalley & Bolinda Audio for this ELC in return for an honest review. Best wishes for publication on 1st March 📚❤️🎧

Dawn has a young son Archie who has intense interests and doesn't always react in the way he is expected to. Dawn volunteers to be a surrogate for her twin brother and his wife and there are some complex emotions involved here. For Archie's whole life Dawn hasn't told anyone who his father is. I thought the narration of this audiobook was really pleasant and I enjoyed the story.