You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very slow to start, but the last 100 pages made it worth it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
This tense, emotionally charged thriller explores the dark side of longing and regret. Billie Campbell, an adoption specialist struggling with infertility, becomes dangerously fixated on her pregnant client’s baby—just as her husband Tyler begins receiving disturbing anonymous messages. Meanwhile, Anne, haunted by a child she gave up decades ago, seeks redemption.
When the baby is abducted and Billie disappears, the suspense kicks into high gear. Twists and emotional depth keep the pages turning, though a few plot points feel slightly over-the-top.
Still, this is a fast-paced, compelling read that dives deep into the messy truths of family and desire.
Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the chance to read this early.
When the baby is abducted and Billie disappears, the suspense kicks into high gear. Twists and emotional depth keep the pages turning, though a few plot points feel slightly over-the-top.
Still, this is a fast-paced, compelling read that dives deep into the messy truths of family and desire.
Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the chance to read this early.
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This story dives into family, secrets, and the risks that come with longing and loss pertaining to one's own children. The author did a great job at bouncing between characters as well as managing different timelines. This book touches on alot of triggers; including: infertility, mental health, sexual assault, adoption, and some twisted thoughts. Secrets, a missing baby and the ache to love a child will have you turning pages quickly. Though I felt like the situation was a bit orchestrated and forced, but I guess it works for the story and for people who need a happy ending.(shrug)
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Zelly Ruskin’s debut novel is one I couldn’t put down! This was an emotional roller coaster of a read…I was crying on one page and then utterly shocked the next. Ruskin did a fantastic job of creating an absolutely realistic story with a plot line that was terrific! I wasn’t sure what twist and turn would end up happening and didn’t anticipate what happened in the least bit. This was a terrific read!
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not Yours to Keep by Zelly Ruskin
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 8 October 2024
Billie Campbell, an adoption specialist in Massachusetts, yearns to adopt a child while struggling with infertility. Her desire intensifies when she meets a pregnant client, pushing her ethical boundaries. Meanwhile, her husband Tyler harbours doubts about fatherhood and receives disturbing anonymous messages, adding strain to their relationship.
Across town, Anne, haunted by her past, fixates on reuniting with the child she gave up for adoption two decades ago and rekindling a lost romance. Her obsession sets her on a collision course with Billie's world.
The situation explodes when Billie's client's newborn vanishes, casting suspicion on Billie herself. As the investigation unfolds, Tyler discovers a shocking connection between his tormentor and the kidnapping. But before he can act, Billie disappears too.
With time running out, the search for Billie and the infant becomes a frantic race against the clock. Will they be found before it's too late, and what dark secrets will come to light in the process?
"Not Yours to Keep" is a remarkable debut that delves deep into the essence of family, exploring its complexities with compassion and profound insight. Ruskin's narrative skilfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and the intricate bonds that define our closest relationships. Through her captivating prose, readers are drawn into a world where the definition of family is constantly challenged and redefined.
The novel's gripping plot is a testament to Ruskin's storytelling prowess. As the characters navigate through adversity and unexpected turns, readers find themselves fully invested in their journeys. The author's ability to create multi-dimensional characters allows us to empathise with their struggles, hopes, and fears. This emotional connection keeps the pages turning as we root for their triumphs and feel the weight of their setbacks.
At its core, "Not Yours to Keep" is an exploration of hope's resilience in the face of life's most daunting challenges. Ruskin portrays how individuals cling to hope, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. This theme resonates throughout the narrative, offering readers a poignant reminder of the human spirit's strength.
The novel's pacing is masterful, building tension and suspense that propels the story towards its surprising conclusion. Ruskin demonstrates a remarkable talent for balancing edge-of-your-seat suspense with moments of quiet introspection and emotional depth. This equilibrium creates a rich, multifaceted reading experience that satisfies on multiple levels.
"Not Yours to Keep" appeals to a broad audience, offering something for those who appreciate both thrilling narratives and thoughtful explorations of human relationships. The book's ability to seamlessly blend genres – part family drama, part suspense thriller – showcases Ruskin's versatility as a writer.
Engrossing from start to finish, the novel combines elements of mystery, drama, and psychological insight. Ruskin's attention to detail in character development and plot construction results in a story that feels both authentic and compelling. The author's exploration of ethical dilemmas adds depth to the narrative, prompting readers to consider complex moral questions long after they've finished the book.
In conclusion, "Not Yours to Keep" stands out as a compelling and rewarding read. Ruskin's debut marks the arrival of a promising new voice in fiction, one that skilfully balances entertainment with thoughtful commentary on the human condition. This novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers, establishing Ruskin as an author to watch in the coming years.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, She Writes Press, and the author, Zelly Ruskin, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 8 October 2024
Billie Campbell, an adoption specialist in Massachusetts, yearns to adopt a child while struggling with infertility. Her desire intensifies when she meets a pregnant client, pushing her ethical boundaries. Meanwhile, her husband Tyler harbours doubts about fatherhood and receives disturbing anonymous messages, adding strain to their relationship.
Across town, Anne, haunted by her past, fixates on reuniting with the child she gave up for adoption two decades ago and rekindling a lost romance. Her obsession sets her on a collision course with Billie's world.
The situation explodes when Billie's client's newborn vanishes, casting suspicion on Billie herself. As the investigation unfolds, Tyler discovers a shocking connection between his tormentor and the kidnapping. But before he can act, Billie disappears too.
With time running out, the search for Billie and the infant becomes a frantic race against the clock. Will they be found before it's too late, and what dark secrets will come to light in the process?
"Not Yours to Keep" is a remarkable debut that delves deep into the essence of family, exploring its complexities with compassion and profound insight. Ruskin's narrative skilfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and the intricate bonds that define our closest relationships. Through her captivating prose, readers are drawn into a world where the definition of family is constantly challenged and redefined.
The novel's gripping plot is a testament to Ruskin's storytelling prowess. As the characters navigate through adversity and unexpected turns, readers find themselves fully invested in their journeys. The author's ability to create multi-dimensional characters allows us to empathise with their struggles, hopes, and fears. This emotional connection keeps the pages turning as we root for their triumphs and feel the weight of their setbacks.
At its core, "Not Yours to Keep" is an exploration of hope's resilience in the face of life's most daunting challenges. Ruskin portrays how individuals cling to hope, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. This theme resonates throughout the narrative, offering readers a poignant reminder of the human spirit's strength.
The novel's pacing is masterful, building tension and suspense that propels the story towards its surprising conclusion. Ruskin demonstrates a remarkable talent for balancing edge-of-your-seat suspense with moments of quiet introspection and emotional depth. This equilibrium creates a rich, multifaceted reading experience that satisfies on multiple levels.
"Not Yours to Keep" appeals to a broad audience, offering something for those who appreciate both thrilling narratives and thoughtful explorations of human relationships. The book's ability to seamlessly blend genres – part family drama, part suspense thriller – showcases Ruskin's versatility as a writer.
Engrossing from start to finish, the novel combines elements of mystery, drama, and psychological insight. Ruskin's attention to detail in character development and plot construction results in a story that feels both authentic and compelling. The author's exploration of ethical dilemmas adds depth to the narrative, prompting readers to consider complex moral questions long after they've finished the book.
In conclusion, "Not Yours to Keep" stands out as a compelling and rewarding read. Ruskin's debut marks the arrival of a promising new voice in fiction, one that skilfully balances entertainment with thoughtful commentary on the human condition. This novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers, establishing Ruskin as an author to watch in the coming years.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, She Writes Press, and the author, Zelly Ruskin, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
This book is a fast-paced, twisty thriller with multiple perspectives and timelines that keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s about Billie Campbell, an adoption specialist struggling with infertility, who becomes obsessed with adopting her pregnant client’s baby. Meanwhile, her husband Tyler is dealing with his own secrets and unsettling anonymous messages.
On the other side of town, Anne, who gave up her child years ago, is desperate to reconnect with her lost baby and the man she once loved. Everything unravels when the client’s baby is abducted, and Billie becomes a prime suspect. As Tyler uncovers shocking connections, Billie disappears, and the search for both her and the baby is on. This story dives into family, secrets, and the risks that come with longing and loss.
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
First of all: Billie and Tyler are insufferable. Two of the most non-communicating-est, avoidant, non-perceptive people in the world. The world could be on fire around the two of them and they'd still be caught up in whether or not they remembered to unplug the iron before they left for work because it felt like every time something crazy happened they were worried about the least important thing. Billie was very passive and dare I say a doormat. If I had a husband who rarely answered my phone calls and worked constantly and did a full 180 from wanting kids and making me feel like I only ever wanted kids by myself he would be my husband no longer. Instead, Billie is just like "awwww, he's so busy, poor thing." Huh?!
Anne was a complete nut, but she was also someone who was suffering due to untreated mental illness. And I would even venture to say that she was perhaps still experiencing trickle down effects of postpartum depression and PTSD from childhood SA. But Ruskin did not explore these themes in a way I felt was responsible or sympathetic. Instead it's crazy lady, bad, bad lady, scary.
Zelly Ruskin has some pretty disturbing commentary surrounding fat people/fat bodies/fatness. Every single person who is fat in this book (and it's more than a couple) is written about like they are circus freaks who lack self control and are also physically terrifying due to their fatness and big bodied-ness. That narrative got old VERY fast and is so 2004-coded it was shocking this came out in 2024.
SO many parts of this book felt aged simply because the commentary/general feelings have changed. Overall, Ruskin is not a bad author in terms of grammar and syntax; this was a fair debut. However, I don't think I'll be reading more from her because her perspective and opinions in this body of work are not aligned with mine.
3 ⭐️s
Thank you to She Writes Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC!
Anne was a complete nut, but she was also someone who was suffering due to untreated mental illness. And I would even venture to say that she was perhaps still experiencing trickle down effects of postpartum depression and PTSD from childhood SA. But Ruskin did not explore these themes in a way I felt was responsible or sympathetic. Instead it's crazy lady, bad, bad lady, scary.
Zelly Ruskin has some pretty disturbing commentary surrounding fat people/fat bodies/fatness. Every single person who is fat in this book (and it's more than a couple) is written about like they are circus freaks who lack self control and are also physically terrifying due to their fatness and big bodied-ness. That narrative got old VERY fast and is so 2004-coded it was shocking this came out in 2024.
SO many parts of this book felt aged simply because the commentary/general feelings have changed. Overall, Ruskin is not a bad author in terms of grammar and syntax; this was a fair debut. However, I don't think I'll be reading more from her because her perspective and opinions in this body of work are not aligned with mine.
3 ⭐️s
Thank you to She Writes Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC!