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nana14's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
theinstabookworm's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
5.0
What a wild ride! I was captivated by this story from the beginning right until the end. I didn't want to put it down and couldn't wait to pick it up again to find out what was in store for these characters. I felt for both Quinn and Nora and thought this was an impossible situation that wouldn't have an outcome that truly satisfied both parties. Although, I was a fan of the ending and how Melissa chose to wrap the story up. Melissa's books are a pleasure to read and I strongly recommend them if you haven't picked up her books yet!
Favourite quote: "People had no idea the pain of it, the heartbreak. It wasn't only the failed cycles and negative pregnancy tests. It was the comments that implied she hadn't prioritized the right things, the assumptions that if she didn't have kids, it was her own fault. It was people judging her, thinking they knew best, acting superior simply because they'd won the fertility lottery."
Favourite quote: "People had no idea the pain of it, the heartbreak. It wasn't only the failed cycles and negative pregnancy tests. It was the comments that implied she hadn't prioritized the right things, the assumptions that if she didn't have kids, it was her own fault. It was people judging her, thinking they knew best, acting superior simply because they'd won the fertility lottery."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Infertility, and Infidelity
katkinney's review against another edition
5.0
This was an outstanding domestic drama about a couple undergoing IVF treatment for infertility who learns their last embryo was accidentally implanted by their fertility clinic in the wrong woman—and she is now raising their 4-year-old biological child.
I love books with a great juicy hook and OUR STOLEN CHILD grabbed me from the start. Quinn and James Marcello have struggled with infertility for years. I really connected with Quinn’s pain and her desperation to have a child. When she finds out that Nora had her biological child and that she is denying them visitation or any access, they decide to sue for custody. This book had juicy drama in SPADES. I liked the scenes with Liam, Nora’s brother, and Quinn. Nora and Quinn were frosty at first, but I liked that with time they grew to see each other’s pain. There were some good twists that came later in the book that I wasn’t expecting! This was heart wrenching, a great book for readers who love legal dramas, and I will definitely be checking out more books by this author!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from Bookouture and NetGalley for review purposes.
I love books with a great juicy hook and OUR STOLEN CHILD grabbed me from the start. Quinn and James Marcello have struggled with infertility for years. I really connected with Quinn’s pain and her desperation to have a child. When she finds out that Nora had her biological child and that she is denying them visitation or any access, they decide to sue for custody. This book had juicy drama in SPADES. I liked the scenes with Liam, Nora’s brother, and Quinn. Nora and Quinn were frosty at first, but I liked that with time they grew to see each other’s pain. There were some good twists that came later in the book that I wasn’t expecting! This was heart wrenching, a great book for readers who love legal dramas, and I will definitely be checking out more books by this author!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from Bookouture and NetGalley for review purposes.
jessicamap's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
4.5
I read the synopsis for OUR STOLEN CHILD and I can honestly say that, lately, I’ve been skeptical of books claiming to be “unputdownable” because I’ve been disappointed by a lot of those. Well, I wad pleasantly surprised when I finished this in almost a day (if only work and responsibilities didn’t get in the way). I also didn’t think I’d be so gripped to the page considering the storyline. Not to say it didn’t intrigue me but as someone that isn’t a mother (and I don’t think dogs count in this case) I’m always curious if the story will hit me the same way it would for actual mothers.
There are all kinds of thrillers out there where a child is kidnapped or stolen but I can’t remember another I’ve read that started at the IVF stage. I haven’t personally dealt with IVF, I know people that have, but wow did Wiesner capture the rollercoaster of emotions Quinn and James go through when they find out their last embryo, their last chance at being parents, was accidentally given to someone else. It feels like you’re right there with them as they deal with these emotions and going through the process of trying to get custody of Emily.
I think the only reason I took off a little from a solid 5 star rating is because I’m not sure how I feel about the twist towards the end. Still an incredible book that was beautifully written and is guaranteed to hit you right in the feels. I know plenty of people that will probably be able to relate and connect to the characters and their struggle better than I could but I will 100% be looking for more from Wiesner in the future!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility
robinlovesreading's review against another edition
5.0
Quinn and James Marcello have gone through their finances in their attempts to have a child. They have also stripped their emotions raw. With one last embryo, making this IVF treatment their very last chance, they are truly hopeful that this time they will have a child. However, when they are about to begin the procedure, they get the most shocking news. Their embryo is missing.
While awaiting news of the location of their embryo, they keep their hopes alive. But, their next bit of news is even more shocking. The embryo had been implanted in another woman's womb several years previously, and there is now a nearly four-year-old child being raised by someone else.
Thi is unbelievably unimaginable to Quinn and James. Their daughter has been here for close to four years and now Quinn will move heaven and earth to involve herself in the child's life. The little girl's name is Emily, and Quinn will not rest until she at least meets her daughter. However, that just is not enough, thus a lawsuit for Emily's custody is set in motion by Quinn, with James simply going along for the ride.
What a different concept for an utterly compelling story. This is not unheard of in real events, as news reports will show. Melissa Wiesner has captured emotions that might truly be felt if such a terrible situation occurred. The ethical question continually raised in this book is whether biology matters. Who has more rights, the gestational parent or the biological parents? Legal rights have to be explored, but hopefully not at the cost of the child's welfare. Also, as Quinn and James has already put their marriage under a considerable amount of stress with IVF treatment after treatment, this impending court case might just be too much weight for their marriage to bear.
It was impossible not to feel for both mothers - for Quinn, but also for Nora, who carried Emily in her womb, and who has been raising Emily these nearly four years. There is also Nora's brother, the father of Emily's little cousin and best friend. The story goes past exploring Quinn and Nora's emotions, but other emotions as well. However, as sad as many moments in this story are, there is a thread of hope carried through, and it is only by reading this book that the reader will find out what happened with Emily, Quinn, Nora and the rest of their families.
Kudos to Melissa Wiesner for writing such an emotionally riveting read. I love it when an author makes the reader feel, especially when it comes to the heartbreak one or both mothers experienced through the pages of this book. I do love how everything turned out and the warm and satisfying conclusion truly touched my heart.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
While awaiting news of the location of their embryo, they keep their hopes alive. But, their next bit of news is even more shocking. The embryo had been implanted in another woman's womb several years previously, and there is now a nearly four-year-old child being raised by someone else.
Thi is unbelievably unimaginable to Quinn and James. Their daughter has been here for close to four years and now Quinn will move heaven and earth to involve herself in the child's life. The little girl's name is Emily, and Quinn will not rest until she at least meets her daughter. However, that just is not enough, thus a lawsuit for Emily's custody is set in motion by Quinn, with James simply going along for the ride.
What a different concept for an utterly compelling story. This is not unheard of in real events, as news reports will show. Melissa Wiesner has captured emotions that might truly be felt if such a terrible situation occurred. The ethical question continually raised in this book is whether biology matters. Who has more rights, the gestational parent or the biological parents? Legal rights have to be explored, but hopefully not at the cost of the child's welfare. Also, as Quinn and James has already put their marriage under a considerable amount of stress with IVF treatment after treatment, this impending court case might just be too much weight for their marriage to bear.
It was impossible not to feel for both mothers - for Quinn, but also for Nora, who carried Emily in her womb, and who has been raising Emily these nearly four years. There is also Nora's brother, the father of Emily's little cousin and best friend. The story goes past exploring Quinn and Nora's emotions, but other emotions as well. However, as sad as many moments in this story are, there is a thread of hope carried through, and it is only by reading this book that the reader will find out what happened with Emily, Quinn, Nora and the rest of their families.
Kudos to Melissa Wiesner for writing such an emotionally riveting read. I love it when an author makes the reader feel, especially when it comes to the heartbreak one or both mothers experienced through the pages of this book. I do love how everything turned out and the warm and satisfying conclusion truly touched my heart.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
bookanonjeff's review against another edition
5.0
Heartfelt And Intriguing Tale That You Still Want To Throw Out The Nearest Window. This is truly a heartfelt and intriguing tale that explores the ethics, legalities, and emotions of both sides of an issue that is close enough to being all-too-real as to be scary. In this era of IVF, frozen eggs/ embryos, surrogate parents, and similar and related concepts, the central premise here of a lab screw up resulting in one couples' embryo being implanted into nd successfully borne by a complete stranger... is truly scarily plausible, at minimum. Wiesner does a truly phenomenal job throughout this tale of showing the very real questions and emotions of such an issue from nearly every (female) angle - emotional, legal, ethical, relational, etc. The male characters... are a bit more one dimensional and lacking. They work well enough for the purposes of this story, but they're never given the thought or care that the female characters are.
And yet, that isn't what actually makes you want to throw this book out the nearest window. *That* comes from just how desperate both of these women are to have kids, that they'll put themselves and everyone around them through such trauma and drama. I understand the perils of the childless, to a point. But as someone who is happily child *free* (yes, there is a difference - the "less" are those such as the women here that can never let go of the desire to have children, the "free" are those who have chosen to not have kids or who have embraced and celebrate that they will never have kids)... I admit that I'll never understand the childless crowd. There is so *much* to be said about being childfree and how satisfying and fulfilling the childfree life can be, and Wiesner's tale here shows just how fraught and horrifying the childless life can be.
But that last paragraph was a bit of a digression. Seriously, Wiesner does a phenomenal job here with the tale she has chosen to tell, to the level that it is abundantly clear that she herself is somewhere in the less/ free space or is *close* to someone who is. Very much recommended.
And yet, that isn't what actually makes you want to throw this book out the nearest window. *That* comes from just how desperate both of these women are to have kids, that they'll put themselves and everyone around them through such trauma and drama. I understand the perils of the childless, to a point. But as someone who is happily child *free* (yes, there is a difference - the "less" are those such as the women here that can never let go of the desire to have children, the "free" are those who have chosen to not have kids or who have embraced and celebrate that they will never have kids)... I admit that I'll never understand the childless crowd. There is so *much* to be said about being childfree and how satisfying and fulfilling the childfree life can be, and Wiesner's tale here shows just how fraught and horrifying the childless life can be.
But that last paragraph was a bit of a digression. Seriously, Wiesner does a phenomenal job here with the tale she has chosen to tell, to the level that it is abundantly clear that she herself is somewhere in the less/ free space or is *close* to someone who is. Very much recommended.
roshreviews's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
In a Nutshell: A family drama that raises many thought-provoking questions. Predictable, especially after the midway mark, but the pacy writing kept me happy. Do check out the trigger warnings though.
Story Synopsis:
Quinn and James Marcello have been trying to conceive via IVF since 5 years. Their last resort is an embryo they had frozen five years back. To their horror, the fertility clinic informs them that their embryo had been successfully implanted in another woman long back and is now a four-year-old girl named Emily. Thus begins the dilemma. Whose daughter is Emily – of her biological parents Quinn & James, or of Nora, the woman who carried her for nine months without knowing of the switched embryo, gave birth to her, and has been her mother since then?
The story comes to us in the third person perspective of Quinn, with the prologue and the epilogue being written in the first person perspective of Nora.
Where the book worked for me:
✔ Extremely quick-paced. It is easy to complete this within 3-4 hours.
✔ Raises interesting questions and makes you think.
✔ Details out the trauma of childless parents and the struggles of IVF.
✔ Some of the challenges of parenting are also brought out well.
✔ Despite knowing what would happen by the end, I stayed invested in the story.
✔ There are two kids in the story, Emily and her cousin Liam, and both are adorable.
✔ The three main characters are complicated. While James’ and Nora’s shortcomings make themselves clear soon, Quinn’s take time to appear, but they are indeed present. I especially liked how she didn’t even realise for a long time that she was being judgemental about frustrated mothers while blaming the whole world for being judgemental about childless women.
✔ Some scenes seem over the top, especially where intrusive strangers asking too many personal questions and passing judgemental remarks. I might have counted this as a negative in some other book but the fact is, I've had almost every single one of those conversations in real life. I liked this touch of reality in an otherwise somewhat farfetched story.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
❌ By narrating the story from Quinn’s perspective and highlighting Nora’s shortcomings repetitively, the story indirectly forces us to choose Quinn’s side. I think this was unfair towards Nora because whatever happened certainly wasn’t Nora’s fault and there was no need to portray her so negatively. I would have been more impressed had there been alternate perspectives of both the women, narrating their struggles with the goof-up made by the fertility clinic.
❌ It tries too hard to settle things well, especially in the way everything is tied together so perfectly by the end. A realistic ending always works better for me. But I suppose most readers do like their HEAs.
❌ Hated James’ character arc. The blurb makes a mention of “a secret from James’ past”. This is so easy to guess from the writing that after a point, you can complete the story by yourself – there are hardly any surprises. I know why this angle was taken, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
❌ I object to one of the points made by Quinn’s lawyer during the legal hearing. I can’t believe how easily everyone was convinced by that silly argument.
All in all, despite the shortcomings, I did like the book. As it focusses on a dilemma that has no easy resolution, we too are kept wondering which decisions will be the best one. A quick and emotional story, better read without overanalysing the shortcomings and ignoring the implausible neat ends. I would have rated it a bit higher had it not been so “perfect” at the end.
3.5 stars.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the DRC of “Our Stolen Child”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Possible Triggers: THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS – PROCEED WITH CAUTION.
IVF-related trauma, childlessness-related trauma, spousal death, single parenting issues, cheating on spouse.
Story Synopsis:
Quinn and James Marcello have been trying to conceive via IVF since 5 years. Their last resort is an embryo they had frozen five years back. To their horror, the fertility clinic informs them that their embryo had been successfully implanted in another woman long back and is now a four-year-old girl named Emily. Thus begins the dilemma. Whose daughter is Emily – of her biological parents Quinn & James, or of Nora, the woman who carried her for nine months without knowing of the switched embryo, gave birth to her, and has been her mother since then?
The story comes to us in the third person perspective of Quinn, with the prologue and the epilogue being written in the first person perspective of Nora.
Where the book worked for me:
✔ Extremely quick-paced. It is easy to complete this within 3-4 hours.
✔ Raises interesting questions and makes you think.
✔ Details out the trauma of childless parents and the struggles of IVF.
✔ Some of the challenges of parenting are also brought out well.
✔ Despite knowing what would happen by the end, I stayed invested in the story.
✔ There are two kids in the story, Emily and her cousin Liam, and both are adorable.
✔ The three main characters are complicated. While James’ and Nora’s shortcomings make themselves clear soon, Quinn’s take time to appear, but they are indeed present. I especially liked how she didn’t even realise for a long time that she was being judgemental about frustrated mothers while blaming the whole world for being judgemental about childless women.
✔ Some scenes seem over the top, especially where intrusive strangers asking too many personal questions and passing judgemental remarks. I might have counted this as a negative in some other book but the fact is, I've had almost every single one of those conversations in real life. I liked this touch of reality in an otherwise somewhat farfetched story.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
❌ By narrating the story from Quinn’s perspective and highlighting Nora’s shortcomings repetitively, the story indirectly forces us to choose Quinn’s side. I think this was unfair towards Nora because whatever happened certainly wasn’t Nora’s fault and there was no need to portray her so negatively. I would have been more impressed had there been alternate perspectives of both the women, narrating their struggles with the goof-up made by the fertility clinic.
❌ It tries too hard to settle things well, especially in the way everything is tied together so perfectly by the end. A realistic ending always works better for me. But I suppose most readers do like their HEAs.
❌ Hated James’ character arc. The blurb makes a mention of “a secret from James’ past”. This is so easy to guess from the writing that after a point, you can complete the story by yourself – there are hardly any surprises. I know why this angle was taken, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
❌ I object to one of the points made by Quinn’s lawyer during the legal hearing. I can’t believe how easily everyone was convinced by that silly argument.
All in all, despite the shortcomings, I did like the book. As it focusses on a dilemma that has no easy resolution, we too are kept wondering which decisions will be the best one. A quick and emotional story, better read without overanalysing the shortcomings and ignoring the implausible neat ends. I would have rated it a bit higher had it not been so “perfect” at the end.
3.5 stars.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the DRC of “Our Stolen Child”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Possible Triggers: THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS – PROCEED WITH CAUTION.
IVF-related trauma, childlessness-related trauma, spousal death, single parenting issues, cheating on spouse.
corinne82's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I love a book that after a few pages you are totally hooked and can’t put it down and this one is definitely one of those books. It’s a storyline you can totally identify with even if it’s something that you haven’t or never will experience yourself. The storyline and pace flowed perfectly and it’s written in such a way you can feel the feels with the characters. I loved Quinn and Liam as characters and I also loved how the story played out. This one definitely hits differently and I really enjoyed it. Such a quick easy read (which is funny to say given the subject) but I had it devoured in a day.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read #OurStolenChild
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