A Mother's Heart

by Carmel Harrington

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Pub Date May 26 2022 | Archive Date May 26 2022

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General Fiction (Adult) | Women's Fiction

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Description

“Do you know lots of people believe that when you die, you become a star? I think so too. And that your mammy and daddy are now stars in the sky, shining their light on us all.” Rachel pulled her two stepchildren into her arms. “And they know you’re safe down here with me.”

When Rachel met handsome Irish widower Lorcan it was a whirlwind romance. Her family back in New Zealand thought it would never last. But it did, and they were so happy. Bringing up two children hadn’t been in her life plan, but it had become her joy, and she was as proud of them as if they were her own.

She’d say to them “even though you didn’t grow in my tummy, you grew in my heart”, and they’d all laugh, knowing they were loved. Their little family wasn’t quite the same as everyone else’s, but it was beautiful, it was happy, it was home.

Until now. Because when Lorcan’s life is taken in a tragic accident, it feels like Rachel’s world has died with him. She knows in her heart that she wants to take the children back to the country she grew up in. Where she’d have support, because they’d be surrounded by her family. Where she could grieve and heal; and the children could have a new start.

However, she doesn’t count on the children’s own grandparents. Their blood relations, who say Rachel isn’t their real mother, and so can’t take them away from Ireland. Who say they won’t let her.

As Rachel finds herself fighting against the only people who might love the children as much she does, everyone will have to ask – what makes a parent? What makes a home? And with whom do the children of her heart have a future?

An utterly unmissable and powerful story about families, love and heartbreak, perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Maeve Binchy and Jodi Picoult.

A Note From the Publisher

*** THIS IS AN UNCORRECTED ADVANCE REVIEW COPY ***

Advance Praise

Readers absolutely love Carmel Harrington:

“This book. There are no words and five stars seems such a low bar when this book is as shockingly good as it is. I even found myself screaming NO WAY and almost woke my baby just because the twists and turns had me that shocked. I read this late into the night simply because I had to know how it ended.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“It’s FULL of heart and I’m warning you, it’ll SMASH yours – but put it back together again just before the end.” USA Today bestselling author Catherine Ryan Howard

“Absolutely wonderful… Draws you in to the story as soon as you open the cover and holds you until the end… The emotional plot twist and turns will have you flying through the pages, unable to stop reading… Sure to pull at your heartstrings… I was swept away. I loved this book so much.” Page Turners, 5 stars

“Wow, where do I start… A completely addictive heartfelt story peppered with Carmel’s trademark warmth… this gorgeous read truly was the perfect escape from day to day life.” No.1 bestselling author Melissa Hill

“Beautiful in every way. You just want to curl up with it and keep reading. It made me cry, laugh and want to hug my best friends… A very beautiful summer read!” Jasminegalsreadinglog

“Unashamedly full of heart… an unputdownable journey… about family and identity, about legacy and secrets, and is ultimately a touching love letter to Ireland… She delivers heartache and laughter, and plenty of surprises along the way.” New York Times bestselling author Hazel Gaynor

“I can’t remember the last time I got so engrossed in a story—this book has everything—nostalgia, twists, turns, drama, laughter, tears… 10 out of 10 big bright shiny stars from me! Absolutely loved it!” Caroline Grace-Cassidy

Readers absolutely love Carmel Harrington:

“This book. There are no words and five stars seems such a low bar when this book is as shockingly good as it is. I even found myself screaming NO WAY and...