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My Only Daughter
‘ I love you, and you are my daughter, no matter what anyone says. Nobody can take you from me.’
In beautiful Rathmoney House nestled by the wild Irish Sea, Margo sits in her black suit, three strings of pearls at her neck, nodding at those offering their condolences. She never thought she would be here without her beloved husband. All she has left is their beautiful daughter Elsa and a house full of memories. Then, she receives a letter that turns everything she thought she knew on its head...
When Margo learns that her daughter was accidentally switched at birth with an American child and Elsa is not in fact her biological daughter, her world shatters. American Cassie and her daughter Tilly are equally shocked to learn about this tragic mistake, and both parents are terrified about the prospect of their daughters being taken away.
Margo and Cassie know that together they must protect their daughters, both biological and not. Cassie and Tilly fly to Ireland, and with the help of the local community they must learn to support each other through the most difficult times.
Will they be able to find a new version of family, or will the shocking revelation force them apart forever?
Previously published as My Mother's Daughter
An absolutely glorious and emotional read that celebrates the power of female friendship. Perfect for fans of Susanne O’Leary, Cathy Kelly and Kathleen McGurl.
What readers are saying about Ann O’
‘I am speechless and emotionally wrung out after reading this incredibly powerful and moving novel… It tapped into my heart and squeezed out every tear I tried to hold onto but the waterfall could not be held back and the tissue box became my constant companion… Exceptional .’ Cindy L Spear ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ Wonderful! Powerful, poignant and emotional , the characters were special and Kilteelagh was definitely a character of its own. A very heartwarming contemporary novel… I recommend highly.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I don’t often use the term “heart-warming” but this book definitely earns it… I was emotionally caught up in the story , and very much enjoyed it. Definitely recommend .’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A wonderful read, both uplifting and heartbreaking .’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In beautiful Rathmoney House nestled by the wild Irish Sea, Margo sits in her black suit, three strings of pearls at her neck, nodding at those offering their condolences. She never thought she would be here without her beloved husband. All she has left is their beautiful daughter Elsa and a house full of memories. Then, she receives a letter that turns everything she thought she knew on its head...
When Margo learns that her daughter was accidentally switched at birth with an American child and Elsa is not in fact her biological daughter, her world shatters. American Cassie and her daughter Tilly are equally shocked to learn about this tragic mistake, and both parents are terrified about the prospect of their daughters being taken away.
Margo and Cassie know that together they must protect their daughters, both biological and not. Cassie and Tilly fly to Ireland, and with the help of the local community they must learn to support each other through the most difficult times.
Will they be able to find a new version of family, or will the shocking revelation force them apart forever?
Previously published as My Mother's Daughter
An absolutely glorious and emotional read that celebrates the power of female friendship. Perfect for fans of Susanne O’Leary, Cathy Kelly and Kathleen McGurl.
What readers are saying about Ann O’
‘I am speechless and emotionally wrung out after reading this incredibly powerful and moving novel… It tapped into my heart and squeezed out every tear I tried to hold onto but the waterfall could not be held back and the tissue box became my constant companion… Exceptional .’ Cindy L Spear ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘ Wonderful! Powerful, poignant and emotional , the characters were special and Kilteelagh was definitely a character of its own. A very heartwarming contemporary novel… I recommend highly.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I don’t often use the term “heart-warming” but this book definitely earns it… I was emotionally caught up in the story , and very much enjoyed it. Definitely recommend .’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A wonderful read, both uplifting and heartbreaking .’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 23, 2023
Is it nature vs. nurture in this devastating case of babies switched at birth? Two mothers, Margo and Cassie, are grieving in their own ways. One is a new widow. The other is newly divorced and is suing for financial support from her ex-husband. They both love their daughters fiercely. Cassie lives in the US and Margo lives in Ireland. Is it any surprise that things cannot stay as they are?
Cassie and Margo each have twelve-year-old daughters who were born on the same day. That is no mere coincidence. What they tragically learn is that their daughters were switched at birth. The way this is learned is when Cassie’s daughter Tilly becomes very ill and through the course of events, a DNA test is run. Basically, both Cassie and Margo gave birth on the same day in a hospital in France.
Shockingly, a grave error was made and the babies were switched. While this becomes a very difficult thing to imagine for both mothers, the fact remains that Tilly is quite ill, and the fact that the girls were switched must be addressed.
What a highly emotional read. The course of events remains heartbreaking throughout and this book is truly thought-provoking. Any mother would wonder what they might do in this situation, and the author handled it quite well, making this book utterly impossible to put down.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Cassie and Margo each have twelve-year-old daughters who were born on the same day. That is no mere coincidence. What they tragically learn is that their daughters were switched at birth. The way this is learned is when Cassie’s daughter Tilly becomes very ill and through the course of events, a DNA test is run. Basically, both Cassie and Margo gave birth on the same day in a hospital in France.
Shockingly, a grave error was made and the babies were switched. While this becomes a very difficult thing to imagine for both mothers, the fact remains that Tilly is quite ill, and the fact that the girls were switched must be addressed.
What a highly emotional read. The course of events remains heartbreaking throughout and this book is truly thought-provoking. Any mother would wonder what they might do in this situation, and the author handled it quite well, making this book utterly impossible to put down.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
June 19, 2023
What a vivid life-changing plot! Ann has once again provided a story that tosses you into a ring of fiery trials that scorch and break your heart. But she does not leave you sitting in a pile of ashes: rather she offers viable solutions and a worthy road to healing.
The emotion My Only Daughter raises is raw and expected. I don’t think I would be the first to say as a parent, when you give birth to a child in a hospital, your mind can entertain many potential things that could go wrong. Of course, one of the worst fears outside death of an infant, is the worry that the hospital staff might mix up the babies and give you someone else’s. Even though a child is normally tagged at birth, what if something else happens after that, that could cause an error of identity? It is not a perfect system but even more, humans are prone to making mistakes. My Only Daughter is about that very topic and whether you are a parent or not, it will grip your heart as Ann has written this novel so well, you will be instantly drawn into the story and deeply into the forest of fears, regrets, delusions and doubts. But as always, the rough pathway is strewn with sweet flowers: emblems of beauty, friendship, renewal and love.
Two women: one in the United States (Cassie) and the other in Ireland (Margo) gave birth to girls in France. Both women were away from their normal homes of residence. Even though unknown to them at the time, their children (Tilly and Elsa) were switched at birth. Twelve years later, that realisation is about to happen. It’s only when the American lady, Cassie, finds herself in marital discord and separation that she learns of this horrid event. Her husband has left her, and their daughter Tilly, and refuses to pay child support until he is certain the child is his. They must all have a DNA test. This test proves the mother’s worst fears. She is shocked really. Legal advice and proceedings must begin. All babies born that day, or around that time, in this certain French hospital must be tested. And a match is discovered. Margo and her late husband (in Ireland) are the real parents of Cassie’s daughter. Which means Elsa is her birth daughter and that of her estranged husband. Ann presents the questions: what would you do in such a case? Would you fight to get your own blood child back or continue to raise the child you loved and thought your own? Then there are the questions that haunt the mothers. How did they not know they took home a different child? There were some interesting comments about that.
Which leads me to the age old topic of nature vs nurture that is hinted upon in this novel. One might argue a child really is the product of both. Physical resemblances, certain abilities and personality traits certainly can be attributed to a child’s set of genes inherited from birth parents, grandparents, etc. But we may also project our own ideas and characteristics and sometimes see in children what we want to see. Then there is the nurturing, the environmental factors that also shape a child. This story explores all those and more.
I was deeply moved by this novel and there are some incredible twists and turns that will keep you glued to the pages. The ending might surprise many. It is one possible outcome. My heart was squeezed quite tightly for sure but I cannot say anymore or spoil it for others. I will praise Ann for doing a magnificent job on such a difficult topic. She has made the child swap scenario very real through memorable characters, their actions, dialogue and reactions. But this story also proves that out of distress and chaos, new friendships can be forged, hearts can mend and viable solutions can be found. It is true, there’s lots of sadness painted across these pages but there’s heaps of love, too, that cradles and restores the wounded. I certainly recommend My Only Daughter but be prepared for tears and skipped heartbeats. Oh, and keep boxes of tissues close at hand. I dare say you’ll be staying up half the night reading this story, as I did, because it is so compelling and haunting. 5 Heartfelt Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.
The emotion My Only Daughter raises is raw and expected. I don’t think I would be the first to say as a parent, when you give birth to a child in a hospital, your mind can entertain many potential things that could go wrong. Of course, one of the worst fears outside death of an infant, is the worry that the hospital staff might mix up the babies and give you someone else’s. Even though a child is normally tagged at birth, what if something else happens after that, that could cause an error of identity? It is not a perfect system but even more, humans are prone to making mistakes. My Only Daughter is about that very topic and whether you are a parent or not, it will grip your heart as Ann has written this novel so well, you will be instantly drawn into the story and deeply into the forest of fears, regrets, delusions and doubts. But as always, the rough pathway is strewn with sweet flowers: emblems of beauty, friendship, renewal and love.
Two women: one in the United States (Cassie) and the other in Ireland (Margo) gave birth to girls in France. Both women were away from their normal homes of residence. Even though unknown to them at the time, their children (Tilly and Elsa) were switched at birth. Twelve years later, that realisation is about to happen. It’s only when the American lady, Cassie, finds herself in marital discord and separation that she learns of this horrid event. Her husband has left her, and their daughter Tilly, and refuses to pay child support until he is certain the child is his. They must all have a DNA test. This test proves the mother’s worst fears. She is shocked really. Legal advice and proceedings must begin. All babies born that day, or around that time, in this certain French hospital must be tested. And a match is discovered. Margo and her late husband (in Ireland) are the real parents of Cassie’s daughter. Which means Elsa is her birth daughter and that of her estranged husband. Ann presents the questions: what would you do in such a case? Would you fight to get your own blood child back or continue to raise the child you loved and thought your own? Then there are the questions that haunt the mothers. How did they not know they took home a different child? There were some interesting comments about that.
Which leads me to the age old topic of nature vs nurture that is hinted upon in this novel. One might argue a child really is the product of both. Physical resemblances, certain abilities and personality traits certainly can be attributed to a child’s set of genes inherited from birth parents, grandparents, etc. But we may also project our own ideas and characteristics and sometimes see in children what we want to see. Then there is the nurturing, the environmental factors that also shape a child. This story explores all those and more.
I was deeply moved by this novel and there are some incredible twists and turns that will keep you glued to the pages. The ending might surprise many. It is one possible outcome. My heart was squeezed quite tightly for sure but I cannot say anymore or spoil it for others. I will praise Ann for doing a magnificent job on such a difficult topic. She has made the child swap scenario very real through memorable characters, their actions, dialogue and reactions. But this story also proves that out of distress and chaos, new friendships can be forged, hearts can mend and viable solutions can be found. It is true, there’s lots of sadness painted across these pages but there’s heaps of love, too, that cradles and restores the wounded. I certainly recommend My Only Daughter but be prepared for tears and skipped heartbeats. Oh, and keep boxes of tissues close at hand. I dare say you’ll be staying up half the night reading this story, as I did, because it is so compelling and haunting. 5 Heartfelt Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.
June 22, 2023
O’Laughlin packs many subplots stemming from one main theme—mix up.
Two families are already in chaos from loss when another huge hurdle is unearthed. I’ve always been fascinated by stories where babies were switched, how heart wrenching.
So many emotions and decisions. Just when I thought certainly there can’t be more, there was.
One character is very vile and repulsive in the story. I thought Ida was very pushy and aggressive.
It’s a carousel of emotions.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the early read.
Two families are already in chaos from loss when another huge hurdle is unearthed. I’ve always been fascinated by stories where babies were switched, how heart wrenching.
So many emotions and decisions. Just when I thought certainly there can’t be more, there was.
One character is very vile and repulsive in the story. I thought Ida was very pushy and aggressive.
It’s a carousel of emotions.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the early read.
June 25, 2023
Ann O’Loughlin’s new book, My Only Daughter, presents the reader with a conundrum right within the first few chapters that has you constantly questioning - what would you do? - as you read through the story. Told from the perspective of two women - Margo and Cassie - this story is a heart-breaking read which shows how one incident can have a rippling and long-lasting affect that perhaps can never be remedied. The story is divided into three distinct sections and the chapters alternate between the two women providing the reader with a broad and well balanced viewpoint in order for them to make up their own mind as to what they might do if they were faced with the same decisions and choices. Not that any decision made will be an easy one and the manner in which the women cope with the fallout was fascinating to read as it not only affected them but so many other people too.
Margo lives in Rathmoney House in County Wicklow with her 12-year-old daughter Elsa. She is experiencing such pain, loneliness and loss as her husband Conor has just recently been buried following a battle with cancer. With Conor gone her hopes, dreams and aspirations for their continued life in Wicklow have gone with him or so it seems to Margo. Life for Margo and Elsa has changed drastically, and she doesn’t know how she can continue on. I thought this quote summed up perfectly how Margo was feeling about Conor’s death and the words used are fitting for us all when we experience loss. ‘Death was peculiar, she thought.It visited with such drama but exited quietly leaving nothing behind, only garlands of loss’. These garlands are ensnaring Margo and she would rather just curl up and let the world pass her by but she has a daughter to look after and with the help of her neighbours, husband and wife, Jack and Ida perhaps she can fulfil Conor’s wish of turning Rathmoney House into an upmarket B n’ B.
Ida was a fantastic character. Perhaps the best in the book even though I know Margo and Cassie and their daughters take centre stage and for very good reason. Yet, there was just something about Ida that I was completely drawn too. She was bossy and forthright, but she needed to be. She was like a busy bee always on the move helping and supporting in any way be it in some small action or some powerful words that needed to be said. She was a prop for Margo and became almost a mother to her. Someone Margo could confide in but also when a few home truths were needed Ida had no qualms about getting things off her chest. She said things as they were and was never afraid to shy away from the realities of the situation that developed. Underneath, her exterior she had a heart of gold and one angle of the story that developed concerning her well I really wasn’t happy with it at all and it felt contrived and that it happened so randomly and in my mind it took away from the main theme/plot of the story. But Ida is strong and resolute and she passes these qualities to Margo and the book wouldn’t have been the same without her and I just wanted more and more from her.
Cassie lives in Ohio with her 12-year-old daughter Tilly. When we first encounter her she is filled with rage as her husband Charles is seeking a divorce after he upped and left her. Charles is claiming that Tilly isn’t his and that he will not pay child support. I loved Cassie when she got her revenge on Charles when she went to his place of work. It really put the term a woman scorned into action and it brought a smile to my eye that Cassie was a fighter and would defend her daughter no matter what. Boy, would she need this characteristic the more the story developed especially when a DNA test is done and in fact Charles is correct and Tilly is not his. In fact Tilly is not Cassie’s biological child either.
So sets in motion the main plot of the book as it’s soon discovered that a mistake occurred in the French hospital where Tilly and Elsa were born and Margo and Cassie ended up bringing home the wrong babies all those years ago. This is just a horrific situation to find oneself in and numerous questions and worries go through both women’s minds. ’What about love? What about all the years, our history, our future?’ The reader doesn’t want to place themselves in the same situation even if this is only fiction as the whole thing is just so difficult and painful to comprehend and even more so when Cassie discovers her precious daughter needs urgent surgery to ensure she continues with a good and happy life? Needless to say, a very difficult situation presents itself and it was interesting to see how thigs would unfold once Cassie and Tilly reached Rathmoney House.
I will say, initially, I would have thought that there would have been more of a struggle per say as to whether Cassie and Margo would want their biological daughters back with them. Well, that was my gut reaction, of course they should do the right thing but then as the chapters pass by and you see the dynamics develop and the thought process’ of both Margo and Cassie you come to see that things are not clear cut at all. As Margo says they were ‘good people caught up in a series of events’. Even more events and twists and turns start to make themselves known. One I had growing suspicions about but really I didn’t think things would unfold the way they did and given the whole situation had no clear answer the ending and the final few chapters were fitting and well thought out and on reflection it couldn’t have turned out any other way. There are so many life changing events that occur for each of the characters and numerous twists and turns, some that in my mind that were far fetched yet others fitted perfectly well with the friendships and family connections that were developing.
Where do your loyalties lie? That’s one big question that arises time and time again the more you become engrossed in Margo and Cassie’s story and to be honest I still don’t know the answer and am thankful I was not the one faced with the decisions they had to make. My Only Daughter was an interesting and gripping read, in fact I read it in only two sittings as I found myself flying through the chapters wanting to know how things would pan out. It is a heart-breaking journey to friendship which shows women supporting each other in the most difficult of times. Without doubt, it’s an emotional read that reminds me slightly of the early Jodi Picoult books where there is an enigma at it’s centre that gets everyone talking.
Margo lives in Rathmoney House in County Wicklow with her 12-year-old daughter Elsa. She is experiencing such pain, loneliness and loss as her husband Conor has just recently been buried following a battle with cancer. With Conor gone her hopes, dreams and aspirations for their continued life in Wicklow have gone with him or so it seems to Margo. Life for Margo and Elsa has changed drastically, and she doesn’t know how she can continue on. I thought this quote summed up perfectly how Margo was feeling about Conor’s death and the words used are fitting for us all when we experience loss. ‘Death was peculiar, she thought.It visited with such drama but exited quietly leaving nothing behind, only garlands of loss’. These garlands are ensnaring Margo and she would rather just curl up and let the world pass her by but she has a daughter to look after and with the help of her neighbours, husband and wife, Jack and Ida perhaps she can fulfil Conor’s wish of turning Rathmoney House into an upmarket B n’ B.
Ida was a fantastic character. Perhaps the best in the book even though I know Margo and Cassie and their daughters take centre stage and for very good reason. Yet, there was just something about Ida that I was completely drawn too. She was bossy and forthright, but she needed to be. She was like a busy bee always on the move helping and supporting in any way be it in some small action or some powerful words that needed to be said. She was a prop for Margo and became almost a mother to her. Someone Margo could confide in but also when a few home truths were needed Ida had no qualms about getting things off her chest. She said things as they were and was never afraid to shy away from the realities of the situation that developed. Underneath, her exterior she had a heart of gold and one angle of the story that developed concerning her well I really wasn’t happy with it at all and it felt contrived and that it happened so randomly and in my mind it took away from the main theme/plot of the story. But Ida is strong and resolute and she passes these qualities to Margo and the book wouldn’t have been the same without her and I just wanted more and more from her.
Cassie lives in Ohio with her 12-year-old daughter Tilly. When we first encounter her she is filled with rage as her husband Charles is seeking a divorce after he upped and left her. Charles is claiming that Tilly isn’t his and that he will not pay child support. I loved Cassie when she got her revenge on Charles when she went to his place of work. It really put the term a woman scorned into action and it brought a smile to my eye that Cassie was a fighter and would defend her daughter no matter what. Boy, would she need this characteristic the more the story developed especially when a DNA test is done and in fact Charles is correct and Tilly is not his. In fact Tilly is not Cassie’s biological child either.
So sets in motion the main plot of the book as it’s soon discovered that a mistake occurred in the French hospital where Tilly and Elsa were born and Margo and Cassie ended up bringing home the wrong babies all those years ago. This is just a horrific situation to find oneself in and numerous questions and worries go through both women’s minds. ’What about love? What about all the years, our history, our future?’ The reader doesn’t want to place themselves in the same situation even if this is only fiction as the whole thing is just so difficult and painful to comprehend and even more so when Cassie discovers her precious daughter needs urgent surgery to ensure she continues with a good and happy life? Needless to say, a very difficult situation presents itself and it was interesting to see how thigs would unfold once Cassie and Tilly reached Rathmoney House.
I will say, initially, I would have thought that there would have been more of a struggle per say as to whether Cassie and Margo would want their biological daughters back with them. Well, that was my gut reaction, of course they should do the right thing but then as the chapters pass by and you see the dynamics develop and the thought process’ of both Margo and Cassie you come to see that things are not clear cut at all. As Margo says they were ‘good people caught up in a series of events’. Even more events and twists and turns start to make themselves known. One I had growing suspicions about but really I didn’t think things would unfold the way they did and given the whole situation had no clear answer the ending and the final few chapters were fitting and well thought out and on reflection it couldn’t have turned out any other way. There are so many life changing events that occur for each of the characters and numerous twists and turns, some that in my mind that were far fetched yet others fitted perfectly well with the friendships and family connections that were developing.
Where do your loyalties lie? That’s one big question that arises time and time again the more you become engrossed in Margo and Cassie’s story and to be honest I still don’t know the answer and am thankful I was not the one faced with the decisions they had to make. My Only Daughter was an interesting and gripping read, in fact I read it in only two sittings as I found myself flying through the chapters wanting to know how things would pan out. It is a heart-breaking journey to friendship which shows women supporting each other in the most difficult of times. Without doubt, it’s an emotional read that reminds me slightly of the early Jodi Picoult books where there is an enigma at it’s centre that gets everyone talking.
July 8, 2023
I loved this book. I have never read a book quite like it. I have no words to really describe my feelings. I could not put it down waiting to see what was going to happen and honestly was surprised at the end. Any mother or woman with a heart will love it.
June 23, 2023
Imagine it. Out of the blue, you receive a letter telling you that the child you’ve raised and loved was switched at birth with another.
What do you do?
This is the conundrum that Margo and Cassie face. Margo and her daughter Elsa live in a small village in Ireland. Cassie and her daughter Tilly live in the United States. Both women gave birth in France, and due to a hospital employee’s negligent actions, they both went home with the wrong babies.
Margo and Cassie must face this difficult situation alone – Margo because of her husband’s death, Cassie due to divorce and the fact that when her soon-to-be-ex learned Tilly wasn’t his biological daughter, he pretty much dropped her like a hot potato. Lawyers on both sides advise against contact. But both women know that only they know what is best for their daughters, and they’ll have to sort this situation out themselves. So Cassie and Tilly make the journey to Ireland to meet Margo and Elsa.
This story, y’all. It really stuck with me. I was adopted as a baby, and the concept of nature versus nurture has always fascinated me. Here, we see two mothers meeting their biological daughters for the first time as preteens. Do they see themselves, their husbands, in the features and gestures of a child raised by another family? What has shaped the daughters they raised, their upbringing or their genetics? Or maybe it’s both.
I’m an attorney by education, and I couldn’t just take off my attorney hat while I read. It boggled the mind a little, the extent to which both women just disregarded legal advice after no doubt investing a lot of time and money into hiring their respective legal counsel. But Ann O’Loughlin packs a lot of emotion in this book. That really carried the story for me and made this a compelling read. It isn’t just the switched girls. It’s all of the other things they’re dealing with that draw the two women closer together – death of a loved one, the struggles of divorce, illness. And I did love how Margo’s friends eventually expanded their circle to include and support Cassie and Tilly, too.
Family doesn’t come in one form. (I know that better than some – adopted, birth family, two sets of in-laws along the way. My family tree is a family flow chart!) Ann O’Loughlin illustrates that beautifully here, and that is the heart of this story – family found, sustaining each other even through the most challenging circumstances. An excellent read!
What do you do?
This is the conundrum that Margo and Cassie face. Margo and her daughter Elsa live in a small village in Ireland. Cassie and her daughter Tilly live in the United States. Both women gave birth in France, and due to a hospital employee’s negligent actions, they both went home with the wrong babies.
Margo and Cassie must face this difficult situation alone – Margo because of her husband’s death, Cassie due to divorce and the fact that when her soon-to-be-ex learned Tilly wasn’t his biological daughter, he pretty much dropped her like a hot potato. Lawyers on both sides advise against contact. But both women know that only they know what is best for their daughters, and they’ll have to sort this situation out themselves. So Cassie and Tilly make the journey to Ireland to meet Margo and Elsa.
This story, y’all. It really stuck with me. I was adopted as a baby, and the concept of nature versus nurture has always fascinated me. Here, we see two mothers meeting their biological daughters for the first time as preteens. Do they see themselves, their husbands, in the features and gestures of a child raised by another family? What has shaped the daughters they raised, their upbringing or their genetics? Or maybe it’s both.
I’m an attorney by education, and I couldn’t just take off my attorney hat while I read. It boggled the mind a little, the extent to which both women just disregarded legal advice after no doubt investing a lot of time and money into hiring their respective legal counsel. But Ann O’Loughlin packs a lot of emotion in this book. That really carried the story for me and made this a compelling read. It isn’t just the switched girls. It’s all of the other things they’re dealing with that draw the two women closer together – death of a loved one, the struggles of divorce, illness. And I did love how Margo’s friends eventually expanded their circle to include and support Cassie and Tilly, too.
Family doesn’t come in one form. (I know that better than some – adopted, birth family, two sets of in-laws along the way. My family tree is a family flow chart!) Ann O’Loughlin illustrates that beautifully here, and that is the heart of this story – family found, sustaining each other even through the most challenging circumstances. An excellent read!
June 26, 2023
Loved it!! I recently read The Irish House, so I couldn't wait to read this and it definitely didn't disappoint. Margo loses her husband and finds out her daughter was switched at birth all with in a few days of each other. Luckily, she has Ida and Jack to get her through everything. If it wasn't for Cassie's ex-husband refusing to pay child support, no one would have known about the babies being switched. The DNA test probably saved Tilly's life. From the start, Cassie and Margo only wanted to know the child that they each raised. I kept wondering why they weren't interested to even meet their biological child. Weren't they curious? Cassie was my least favorite character. She took a lot more than she gave. Her relationship with Jack was ridiculous and completely inappropriate. I'm not sure how she was able to look at Ida without feeling guilty. She was completely disrespectful. Ida loved Tilly and was a friend to Cassie, all the while Cassie wanted something more from Jack. I definitely need an Ida in my life. Ida knew how to get things done, was the perfect grandma to Tilly and Elsa and truly loved Jack. She allowed him to spend time with another woman. I really don't think I would have been able to do that. Charles got what he deserved. What type of man wants nothing to do with a child he raised for twelve years? Without Charles being a horrible man/father, Cassie and Margo would have never found each other. Not sure how I feel about the ending, with regards to Cassie's letters.
Definitely recommend the book. The story was an emotional rollercoaster and it was hard not to cry at times. Rathmoney House sounded like a beautiful place to live. Loved the characters, writing style and story. I loved it from the first chapter until the very end. Look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Definitely recommend the book. The story was an emotional rollercoaster and it was hard not to cry at times. Rathmoney House sounded like a beautiful place to live. Loved the characters, writing style and story. I loved it from the first chapter until the very end. Look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 9, 2023
All I can really say about this book is that I couldn’t put it down! I went away this weekend with friends, and I still made sure that I spent time reading it! I even read it while I was in a parade because I truly couldn’t wait to see how everything played out. I was mesmerized by this book and you will be too!
Margo feels lost as she buries her beloved husband, wondering what is next. Her neighbors are a great help as they work to get the beautiful Rathmoney House ready for guests, which is what Margo’s husband wanted. Margo and Connor bought the home to use as an inn, until Connor’s illness and death took over any other plans that they had.
Luckily for Margo, she still has her daughter, Elsa, who needs her more than ever as she mourns the loss of her father. Together, they can get through anything, until Margo receives a letter that changes everything!
Across the pond, American Cassie’s life is changing drastically as her husband leaves her and requests a paternity test for their daughter Tilly. Cassie thinks that it is a waste of time, but the results can change everything!
Both mothers learn that their daughters had been switched at birth when they were in the hospital. Unsure about the future, the women decide to stick together to ensure that both daughters are safe and cared for. Going against their lawyers’ advice, the two work together to do whatever they can for both of their daughters.
Margo feels lost as she buries her beloved husband, wondering what is next. Her neighbors are a great help as they work to get the beautiful Rathmoney House ready for guests, which is what Margo’s husband wanted. Margo and Connor bought the home to use as an inn, until Connor’s illness and death took over any other plans that they had.
Luckily for Margo, she still has her daughter, Elsa, who needs her more than ever as she mourns the loss of her father. Together, they can get through anything, until Margo receives a letter that changes everything!
Across the pond, American Cassie’s life is changing drastically as her husband leaves her and requests a paternity test for their daughter Tilly. Cassie thinks that it is a waste of time, but the results can change everything!
Both mothers learn that their daughters had been switched at birth when they were in the hospital. Unsure about the future, the women decide to stick together to ensure that both daughters are safe and cared for. Going against their lawyers’ advice, the two work together to do whatever they can for both of their daughters.
February 26, 2024
Not horrible. Also, obvious factual inaccuracies.
The writing is mediocre, but not so awful that I didn't stop reading it. It was an acceptable 3 star until about 2/3's in, which is where the author wrote about something about which she apparently had little or no knowledge. (SPOILER ALERT follows:)
I'm trying to reveal as little as possible, to avoid spoiling for those going on to finish it, so I'll just say this: As a cancer survivor myself, as well as having given heart-wrenching witness to my husband's fatal battle against cancer at a young age, the author writing about apparent cancer effects, apparently without any knowledge of such, was/is almost insulting. This is where the rating dropped to 2 stars. She insinuated that "the person," who apparently refused chemotherapy (and any other life-saving attempts, though none mentioned), lost their hair (facial, on head, etc.) as a result of [just] having cancer. Had she accepted the chemo (ill-advised due to stage, magnitude & time left), she probably would've lost her hair, hence the aforementioned wigs and drawing on of eyebrows. I lived and experienced cancer and chemo, and researched ad nauseam: cancer, in and of itself, doesn't cause your hair to fall out. We lost our hair once chemo commenced, and, having experienced that degradation, yeah, I'm annoyed someone didn't do a little research on it.
The writing is mediocre, but not so awful that I didn't stop reading it. It was an acceptable 3 star until about 2/3's in, which is where the author wrote about something about which she apparently had little or no knowledge. (SPOILER ALERT follows:)
I'm trying to reveal as little as possible, to avoid spoiling for those going on to finish it, so I'll just say this: As a cancer survivor myself, as well as having given heart-wrenching witness to my husband's fatal battle against cancer at a young age, the author writing about apparent cancer effects, apparently without any knowledge of such, was/is almost insulting. This is where the rating dropped to 2 stars. She insinuated that "the person," who apparently refused chemotherapy (and any other life-saving attempts, though none mentioned), lost their hair (facial, on head, etc.) as a result of [just] having cancer. Had she accepted the chemo (ill-advised due to stage, magnitude & time left), she probably would've lost her hair, hence the aforementioned wigs and drawing on of eyebrows. I lived and experienced cancer and chemo, and researched ad nauseam: cancer, in and of itself, doesn't cause your hair to fall out. We lost our hair once chemo commenced, and, having experienced that degradation, yeah, I'm annoyed someone didn't do a little research on it.
June 21, 2023
My Only Daughter- Ann O’Loughlin.
Ann O’Loughlin is a relatively new author on my radar. But the more I read, the more I’m loving the work of this talented lady.
#MyOnlyDaughterquite honestly blew me away. I didn't just read this book, I felt it in my gut and my heart. It gripped at me and my every emotion.
Cassie and Margo both find themselves facing massive change in their lives. As bad as things are, neither of them is expecting what comes next. The bottom is about to be pulled out of their worlds.
I loved the characters in this book. Margo, Cassie, Elsa and Tilly are thrown together and have to find a way forward through the most heartbreaking circumstances.
As I said, #MyOnlyDaughter blew me away. What would any of us do in a situation where there are no easy answers and there is no right or wrong?
Ann O’Loughin shares this tale so beautifully. She writes with incredible warmth and such raw emotion.
I don’t often cry at a book, but hells bells, this one had be sobbing uncontrollably.
Emotional, thought provoking, moving, raw, touching and unforgettable.
Just remember to keep the tissues to hand.
This is a book that has found it’s place in my heart and a story that I will never forget.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ann O’Loughlin is a relatively new author on my radar. But the more I read, the more I’m loving the work of this talented lady.
#MyOnlyDaughterquite honestly blew me away. I didn't just read this book, I felt it in my gut and my heart. It gripped at me and my every emotion.
Cassie and Margo both find themselves facing massive change in their lives. As bad as things are, neither of them is expecting what comes next. The bottom is about to be pulled out of their worlds.
I loved the characters in this book. Margo, Cassie, Elsa and Tilly are thrown together and have to find a way forward through the most heartbreaking circumstances.
As I said, #MyOnlyDaughter blew me away. What would any of us do in a situation where there are no easy answers and there is no right or wrong?
Ann O’Loughin shares this tale so beautifully. She writes with incredible warmth and such raw emotion.
I don’t often cry at a book, but hells bells, this one had be sobbing uncontrollably.
Emotional, thought provoking, moving, raw, touching and unforgettable.
Just remember to keep the tissues to hand.
This is a book that has found it’s place in my heart and a story that I will never forget.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 19, 2023
When you give birth and go home with the baby afterwards, you are convinced that it is your child you are taking home, but what if it isn't yours....?
I would not want to trade places with neither Margo nor Cassie, because this is exactly what happened to them. Learning your child is not your child is one thing, but not knowing where yours is, must be equally devastating. But the child you have been taking care of up till now, is your child in your eyes, because you have been with them every step of the way. The only thing you want is to leave things be and hope with all your heart the other party feels the same...
As if dealing with this life changing event is not enough, life throws you a few more curveballs.
If I have to pick my favorite character it would be Ida. I admit she sometimes acts like a bull in a china shop, but she has her heart in the right place. I honestly would not do what she did, but she has her reasons. Even then I take my hat of for her.
This is a very beautiful and emotional story with lots of lovely characters. With the support of a few loved ones, you can overcome everything. 5 stars
Thank you
I would not want to trade places with neither Margo nor Cassie, because this is exactly what happened to them. Learning your child is not your child is one thing, but not knowing where yours is, must be equally devastating. But the child you have been taking care of up till now, is your child in your eyes, because you have been with them every step of the way. The only thing you want is to leave things be and hope with all your heart the other party feels the same...
As if dealing with this life changing event is not enough, life throws you a few more curveballs.
If I have to pick my favorite character it would be Ida. I admit she sometimes acts like a bull in a china shop, but she has her heart in the right place. I honestly would not do what she did, but she has her reasons. Even then I take my hat of for her.
This is a very beautiful and emotional story with lots of lovely characters. With the support of a few loved ones, you can overcome everything. 5 stars
Thank you
June 25, 2023
Two women, Margo and Cassie living in different countries, the US and the UK don’t know each other or have any reason to, but they soon will. See these women raised each other’s biological daughter but don’t know this yet.
One is newly widowed, the other divorced with a husband that didn’t have time for his daughter. Both girls were born on the same day in the same hospital but one of the couples moves out of the country shortly after their daughter’s birth.
When a letter is delivered one day it changes the life of the woman who receives it when a dna test proves that not only is her ex-husband not the father, but she is not the mother.
This story follows the lives of the women, their daughters, family and friends as the women meet to save one of the girls’ lives.
There are so many ups and downs, my emotions could not keep up. I needed the Kleenex multiple times. I don’t want to give anything more away, but this is so heartwarming you’ll not want to put it down. Celebrating such strong female bonds that will last a lifetime. An absolute must read!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
One is newly widowed, the other divorced with a husband that didn’t have time for his daughter. Both girls were born on the same day in the same hospital but one of the couples moves out of the country shortly after their daughter’s birth.
When a letter is delivered one day it changes the life of the woman who receives it when a dna test proves that not only is her ex-husband not the father, but she is not the mother.
This story follows the lives of the women, their daughters, family and friends as the women meet to save one of the girls’ lives.
There are so many ups and downs, my emotions could not keep up. I needed the Kleenex multiple times. I don’t want to give anything more away, but this is so heartwarming you’ll not want to put it down. Celebrating such strong female bonds that will last a lifetime. An absolute must read!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
June 19, 2023
First, I want to thank Ann O’Loughlin, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
Ohh My Only Daughter by Ann O’Loughlin will pull on your heart strings BIG TIME! Ann’s story is every parent’s worst nightmare come to life on so many levels. It is a beautifully written story that will have you on the edge of your seat awaiting the outcome! This is a book that readers will be talking about way after you finish the book. Not to mention hold your loved ones a little closer.
Bookouture’s graphic artists yet again created a breathtaking cover! They totally embraced the concept of the book.
Even though I am not a parent I had sheer empathy for everything that Cassie was going through. I couldn’t imagine the pain and heartbreak when she heard the news! Actually, it is like something ripped from the headlines.
Tilly’s character pulled hard on my heart strings badly as she was dealt with very adult situations at such a young age.
Ohh My Only Daughter by Ann O’Loughlin will pull on your heart strings BIG TIME! Ann’s story is every parent’s worst nightmare come to life on so many levels. It is a beautifully written story that will have you on the edge of your seat awaiting the outcome! This is a book that readers will be talking about way after you finish the book. Not to mention hold your loved ones a little closer.
Bookouture’s graphic artists yet again created a breathtaking cover! They totally embraced the concept of the book.
Even though I am not a parent I had sheer empathy for everything that Cassie was going through. I couldn’t imagine the pain and heartbreak when she heard the news! Actually, it is like something ripped from the headlines.
Tilly’s character pulled hard on my heart strings badly as she was dealt with very adult situations at such a young age.
June 22, 2023
Set mostly at Rathmoney House by the sea in County Wicklow. Margo’s husband Conor has just died. As Margo and her twelve year old daughter Elsa grieve for Conor a letter arrives informing Margo that Elsa may have been switched at birth with another baby girl.
Meanwhile in Ohio Cassie is heartbroken, her husband Charles wants a divorce and to get out of paying child support for his daughter Tilly he demands a paternity test. The results show that Tilly has different parents which follows with a search for Tilly’s real parents.
Cassie and Margo struggle with decisions and do not know what they should do.
This story will make you think about what you would do in a similar situation.
Full of grief and tragedy, some touching and unforgettable moments about family relationships, friendships, grief and identity.
Meanwhile in Ohio Cassie is heartbroken, her husband Charles wants a divorce and to get out of paying child support for his daughter Tilly he demands a paternity test. The results show that Tilly has different parents which follows with a search for Tilly’s real parents.
Cassie and Margo struggle with decisions and do not know what they should do.
This story will make you think about what you would do in a similar situation.
Full of grief and tragedy, some touching and unforgettable moments about family relationships, friendships, grief and identity.
June 25, 2023
Two new born babies, accidentally exchanged
Raised by the other's parents, what should be arranged?
When one husband, divorcing, demands a DNA test
He's no idea he's triggering so much drama and unrest.
News of the drama reaches the other mother by letter
Just as her husband succumbs and won't ever be better.
With tragedy already, she can't lose the child she's raised, too,
She's unsure what is going to ensure.
A moving story told from the Mum's points of view,
Where tragedy, illness, and lots to go through.
The two girls who were swapped are central, too,
Making the Mum's unsure what the other will do.
Such an emotional read, full of tragedy and hope
Where female friendships help them all to cope.
For my complementary copy, I say a huge thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Raised by the other's parents, what should be arranged?
When one husband, divorcing, demands a DNA test
He's no idea he's triggering so much drama and unrest.
News of the drama reaches the other mother by letter
Just as her husband succumbs and won't ever be better.
With tragedy already, she can't lose the child she's raised, too,
She's unsure what is going to ensure.
A moving story told from the Mum's points of view,
Where tragedy, illness, and lots to go through.
The two girls who were swapped are central, too,
Making the Mum's unsure what the other will do.
Such an emotional read, full of tragedy and hope
Where female friendships help them all to cope.
For my complementary copy, I say a huge thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
July 2, 2023
Well the title seems to be inappropriate as two daughters were the focus on this book. The book had a lot of events that made the ending just a tad too perfect. All the characters that may have caused the ending to be not so perfect were conveniently eliminated. Ida was a great character but I am not sure I would have been so obliging to allow her husband relationship with Cassie. So many events in this book just seemed too contrived with the necklace, the money so available for the medical procedure , the rainstorm , how easy the legal dealings occurred. The story itself showed the love mothers have for their children and how they sacrifice for their health and well being.
February 8, 2024
This was not it
Spoilers below!
This book had an interesting premise,and then it got all messed up.
The romance between Cassie and Jack made no sense, added nothing to the story, and made Cassie and Jack unlikable.
Tilly's illness and Cassie's death were so predictable.
Margo not telling the girls didn't make sense.... how will she explain how Tilly ends up with a million euros in three years?
Also, the dialogue sounded like AI wrote it.
Can someone recommend a book with a similar premise that is better?
Spoilers below!
This book had an interesting premise,and then it got all messed up.
The romance between Cassie and Jack made no sense, added nothing to the story, and made Cassie and Jack unlikable.
Tilly's illness and Cassie's death were so predictable.
Margo not telling the girls didn't make sense.... how will she explain how Tilly ends up with a million euros in three years?
Also, the dialogue sounded like AI wrote it.
Can someone recommend a book with a similar premise that is better?
March 14, 2024
A truly engaging story about two families that are destined to become intertwined after it is revealed that their twelve year old daughters were switched at birth.
Cassie and Tilly live in America and Margo and Elsa are in Ireland. Both mothers are each facing loss. One by divorce and one by death of her husband. The storyline takes you through the trials and tribulations they face as they try to solve the issues around the girls birth. Their approach to this difficult situation is unique but in many ways predictable.
Cassie and Tilly live in America and Margo and Elsa are in Ireland. Both mothers are each facing loss. One by divorce and one by death of her husband. The storyline takes you through the trials and tribulations they face as they try to solve the issues around the girls birth. Their approach to this difficult situation is unique but in many ways predictable.
October 23, 2023
I totally enjoyed reading this book. The author makes sure that you stay on the edge of your seat with each page you turn. She developed the characters so that I felt like I knew them and could relate to each one of them. I cried, laughed, was happy and sad at times while reading this amazing story.
February 22, 2024
Beautiful story
I found myself staying up late to finish reading this story .It is full of family and friends relationships .
Books that explain the characters making one feel as if they are people one already knows are my favorite kind. Which is like this one.
Thank you.I look forward to reading any others of yours that I find.
I found myself staying up late to finish reading this story .It is full of family and friends relationships .
Books that explain the characters making one feel as if they are people one already knows are my favorite kind. Which is like this one.
Thank you.I look forward to reading any others of yours that I find.
October 8, 2024
Five stars
Oh my gosh, heartbreaking and tear jerking, this is the kind of story one finds impossible to put down! I am a fairly new fan of this author. She kind of knocks your socks off with beautiful yet tragic tales. I will definitely follow her books in the future. Kudos! Top recommendation!
Oh my gosh, heartbreaking and tear jerking, this is the kind of story one finds impossible to put down! I am a fairly new fan of this author. She kind of knocks your socks off with beautiful yet tragic tales. I will definitely follow her books in the future. Kudos! Top recommendation!
June 18, 2023
A beautiful read. When two women different sides of the world discover that their babies were swapped at birth they’d be forgiven for thinking that life couldn’t get much worse, but it wasn’t finished with them yet.
Through the most appalling things come the most amazing enduring friendships.
Through the most appalling things come the most amazing enduring friendships.
April 21, 2024
Family
My Only Daughter is a fantastic book about two baby girls who were switched at birth. No one would have never known except for some strange circumstances. I liked this book very much! It's the first book I've read by Ann O'Loughlin,
My Only Daughter is a fantastic book about two baby girls who were switched at birth. No one would have never known except for some strange circumstances. I liked this book very much! It's the first book I've read by Ann O'Loughlin,
January 16, 2025
My Only Daughter...
I loved this book, was so engaged. Just couldn't put it down, until the very end. I couldn't believe it. Shocked and dismayed at the way it ended. The ending in a book is everything. It was a 5*, the ending brought it down to a 3*.
I loved this book, was so engaged. Just couldn't put it down, until the very end. I couldn't believe it. Shocked and dismayed at the way it ended. The ending in a book is everything. It was a 5*, the ending brought it down to a 3*.
October 13, 2025
Beautiful story of friendship in unexpected circumstances
The story is beautifully written. I felt every emotion reading this.
Cassie was a character but you couldn't help but like.
I am now a fab of Ann O'Loughlin and can't wait to read her next book.
The story is beautifully written. I felt every emotion reading this.
Cassie was a character but you couldn't help but like.
I am now a fab of Ann O'Loughlin and can't wait to read her next book.
Currently Reading
June 29, 2023Bookouture Deal 99
October 11, 2023
PLEASE NOTE THIS WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AS 'MY MOTHER'S DAUGHTER'. IF YOU'VE ALREADY READ THAT BOOK DO NOT BUY!
October 12, 2023
Oh, how I cried! A very beautiful story! ❤
January 30, 2024
Incredibly moving story that has strung out my heart and taken all my tears. You feel so emotional, yet through this you see the power of female friendship.
February 1, 2024
Loved this book.
This was a really good book about girls switched at birth. One was in Ireland and the other in the USA. It has some interesting twists.
This was a really good book about girls switched at birth. One was in Ireland and the other in the USA. It has some interesting twists.
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