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Stolen Child
When Carla Kelly and Robert Gardner marry, they seem destined for happiness. But tragedy strikes when their two-day-old baby, Isobel, is stolen. Distraught and bewildered, they must cope with the media frenzy that follows. As hope of finding her fades, their marriage disintegrates under the strain and they divorce. Robert moves to Australia and Carla, who had been a successful model, becomes reclusive and retreats into anonymity in order to escape the glare of publicity.
Meanwhile, many miles away in a small town, Joy Dowling, miracle baby, is the adored only child of Susanne and David. Her mother is over protective and attempts to rear Joy in isolation, but as a willful and headstrong child, Joy will not be held back and comes into conflict with her mother. Susanne Dowling has her reasons for wanting to keep Joy out of sight but some things can't stay hidden forever.
As the years pass, hopes of finding Isobel fade, but Carla Kelly never gives up her search. Her love for her Stolen Child burns fiercely and soon, secrets long kept will be brought into the light.
Stolen Child is a love story about two families who are torn apart by deception and the consequences of a reckless act that shaped their futures.
Meanwhile, many miles away in a small town, Joy Dowling, miracle baby, is the adored only child of Susanne and David. Her mother is over protective and attempts to rear Joy in isolation, but as a willful and headstrong child, Joy will not be held back and comes into conflict with her mother. Susanne Dowling has her reasons for wanting to keep Joy out of sight but some things can't stay hidden forever.
As the years pass, hopes of finding Isobel fade, but Carla Kelly never gives up her search. Her love for her Stolen Child burns fiercely and soon, secrets long kept will be brought into the light.
Stolen Child is a love story about two families who are torn apart by deception and the consequences of a reckless act that shaped their futures.
500 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2010
680 people are currently reading
1862 people want to read
About the author
Laura Elliot
25 books530 followersBiography
Laura Elliot, is an internationally known writer of psychological thrillers. She has written ten novels, which are published by Bookouture and Sphere in the UK and Ireland, and by Grand Central Publishing in the US.
Her novels have been widely translated and include The Wife Before Me, The Thorn Girl, Guilty and her latest, After the Wedding.
AKA June Considine has written twelve books for children and young adults, and has collaborated on a number of high-profile, non-fiction books. Her short stories for teenage readers have been published in anthologies and broadcast on radio. She has also worked as a journalist and magazine editor.
She lives in Malahide, Co Dublin, Ireland.
Laura Elliot, is an internationally known writer of psychological thrillers. She has written ten novels, which are published by Bookouture and Sphere in the UK and Ireland, and by Grand Central Publishing in the US.
Her novels have been widely translated and include The Wife Before Me, The Thorn Girl, Guilty and her latest, After the Wedding.
AKA June Considine has written twelve books for children and young adults, and has collaborated on a number of high-profile, non-fiction books. Her short stories for teenage readers have been published in anthologies and broadcast on radio. She has also worked as a journalist and magazine editor.
She lives in Malahide, Co Dublin, Ireland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
September 29, 2019
3.5 stars
A Mother's worst nightmare....
I really love a good psychological thriller and this one wasn't quite what I was expecting but I still enjoyed it. It took me a little bit to get into the story. However, once I did I finished it within a couple of days which is usually a sign of a good read.
The novel centers around Suzanne and Carla. Suzanne, after many devastating miscarriages finally has the baby she's always wanted. Carla has just given birth to a healthy baby girl who goes missing at 2 days old. You can't help but feel for all of the characters involved. The multiple point of views and backstory of the many characters involved was easy to follow. However, I felt it was a little drawn out at times. We follow the characters over many years and see how their lives develop and intertwine. There are some good twists in the novel as more is revealed.
A emotional story about grief, guilt, anger, and redemption. Overall a good read if a little unbelievable at times.
A Mother's worst nightmare....
I really love a good psychological thriller and this one wasn't quite what I was expecting but I still enjoyed it. It took me a little bit to get into the story. However, once I did I finished it within a couple of days which is usually a sign of a good read.
The novel centers around Suzanne and Carla. Suzanne, after many devastating miscarriages finally has the baby she's always wanted. Carla has just given birth to a healthy baby girl who goes missing at 2 days old. You can't help but feel for all of the characters involved. The multiple point of views and backstory of the many characters involved was easy to follow. However, I felt it was a little drawn out at times. We follow the characters over many years and see how their lives develop and intertwine. There are some good twists in the novel as more is revealed.
A emotional story about grief, guilt, anger, and redemption. Overall a good read if a little unbelievable at times.
March 21, 2015
An absolutely fabulous book. I could not put this emotional read down. The writing is so wonderful that I will reread this book again just to savour the beautiful turns of phrase. Packed with emotional punch, this is a honest, searing, absolutely engrossing read. Very highly recommended.
March 21, 2015
An absolutely fabulous book. I could not put this emotional read down. The writing is so wonderful that I will reread this book again just to savour the beautiful turns of phrase. Packed with emotional punch, this is a honest, searing, absolutely engrossing read. Very highly recommended.
September 26, 2014
This was an excellent story, although predictable.
This is a story of 2 different families, one of them where someone is unable to conceive.
Yes its about a stolen child which keeps you reading, the bit that kept me interested was the 'what if' aspect of it.
I had read this 2 years ago, the publishers have re-issued this book with a new cover.
It gives you insight to the mind of a tragic emotional person. Giving both sides to the equation rightly or wrongly.
I didn't feel it was the strongest book that Laura Elliot had written, but did keep me reading until the end.
I was given the 2nd edition of this book by HarperCollins UK, Avon as an exclusive which I very much appreciate.
This is a story of 2 different families, one of them where someone is unable to conceive.
Yes its about a stolen child which keeps you reading, the bit that kept me interested was the 'what if' aspect of it.
I had read this 2 years ago, the publishers have re-issued this book with a new cover.
It gives you insight to the mind of a tragic emotional person. Giving both sides to the equation rightly or wrongly.
I didn't feel it was the strongest book that Laura Elliot had written, but did keep me reading until the end.
I was given the 2nd edition of this book by HarperCollins UK, Avon as an exclusive which I very much appreciate.
July 21, 2017
Heart breaking!
Full review will be on my channel soon.
Full review will be on my channel soon.
February 21, 2016
I was mezmerized by this book. A newborn stolen from her crib in he Mother's hospital room and not found for 15 years. The story is so well written that I could believe it to be true. So many emotions evolved. I recommend this to anyone who wants to read a fantastic book. I can not stress enough how great this book is.
June 10, 2015
When I first began Stolen Child, I thought I was going to be reading a Psychological Thriller about a stolen baby and the hunt to find her kidnapper. This book was less a “thriller” and more of a psychological character study of two very different women, their families, and the tragedy that shaped all of their lives. I absolutely loved this book and found it utterly fascinating. As a mother, some parts were really hard for me to read; I kept placing myself in Carla’s shoes, wondering how I would have dealt with the kidnapping of my child. My emotions were running so high at the beginning of this book that a few times I actually slammed my kindle down and yelled (to no one in particular), “Enough! I can’t read this anymore!” Of course, a few minutes later I was stealthily sneaking back towards said kindle - I just had to find out what happened next! I love books that can invoke this type of emotion from me and I can honestly say it doesn’t happen very often!
Stolen Child begins from the viewpoint of Susanne and we quickly learn that her body has failed and betrayed her yet again, she’s just miscarried her fifth baby. I instantly felt for her and connected deeply with her heartache and despair. Laura Elliot, the author, was brilliant in starting the story this way; allowing the reader to both sympathize with and despise Susanne as she plots out her evil plan. Carla on the other hand is initially portrayed as having it all; she’s beautiful, has a loving husband, an easy pregnancy, and is becoming more famous every day. This celebrity like status puts Carla on the outskirts of the “everyday” mom and I actually didn’t connect with her character right away.
Of course, this all changes as the story progresses. Carla’s devastating loss and never-ending determination to find her daughter Isobel made me fall absolutely in love with her! Even when everyone else gives up and believes her daughter is dead she pushes on; starting her own investigation and ultimately choosing to continue in her search rather than saving her marriage. Susanne on the other hand becomes cold and distant as her paranoia of being “found out” eats away at her. At times she even becomes physically and emotionally abusive with not just her daughter Joy, but also her husband and this ultimately destroys their marriage.
I love how Laura Elliot developed Carla and Susanne’s characters; they both took massive U-turns and I was pleasantly surprised. It was this character development that really kept me reading! I also thought the character of Joy/Isobel was wonderful and Elliot captured the emotions of a teenager whose life has been torn to shreds perfectly. Throughout the story we’re introduced to several secondary characters whose relevance is not initially clear. Slowly, these characters and their storylines become intertwined with the main plotline in the most unexpected ways. The author does a fantastic job pulling these interweaving plotlines together and giving the story a very plausible ending that left me thoroughly satisfied!
The Stolen Child would make an excellent choice for any book club and there are reading group questions provided at the back of the book. I will definitely be recommending this to my book club for our May reading selection. Highly recommend and anxiously waiting to read Laura Elliot’s next book!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Bookouture and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review**
Stolen Child begins from the viewpoint of Susanne and we quickly learn that her body has failed and betrayed her yet again, she’s just miscarried her fifth baby. I instantly felt for her and connected deeply with her heartache and despair. Laura Elliot, the author, was brilliant in starting the story this way; allowing the reader to both sympathize with and despise Susanne as she plots out her evil plan. Carla on the other hand is initially portrayed as having it all; she’s beautiful, has a loving husband, an easy pregnancy, and is becoming more famous every day. This celebrity like status puts Carla on the outskirts of the “everyday” mom and I actually didn’t connect with her character right away.
Of course, this all changes as the story progresses. Carla’s devastating loss and never-ending determination to find her daughter Isobel made me fall absolutely in love with her! Even when everyone else gives up and believes her daughter is dead she pushes on; starting her own investigation and ultimately choosing to continue in her search rather than saving her marriage. Susanne on the other hand becomes cold and distant as her paranoia of being “found out” eats away at her. At times she even becomes physically and emotionally abusive with not just her daughter Joy, but also her husband and this ultimately destroys their marriage.
I love how Laura Elliot developed Carla and Susanne’s characters; they both took massive U-turns and I was pleasantly surprised. It was this character development that really kept me reading! I also thought the character of Joy/Isobel was wonderful and Elliot captured the emotions of a teenager whose life has been torn to shreds perfectly. Throughout the story we’re introduced to several secondary characters whose relevance is not initially clear. Slowly, these characters and their storylines become intertwined with the main plotline in the most unexpected ways. The author does a fantastic job pulling these interweaving plotlines together and giving the story a very plausible ending that left me thoroughly satisfied!
The Stolen Child would make an excellent choice for any book club and there are reading group questions provided at the back of the book. I will definitely be recommending this to my book club for our May reading selection. Highly recommend and anxiously waiting to read Laura Elliot’s next book!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Bookouture and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review**
March 31, 2015
Some people have it all. Fame. Beauty. Money. Expensive things. Maybe they deserve it, maybe they don’t but there are some things no one deserves and every parent fears: Their child being stolen. That’s exactly what happens when little Isobel, who the public have followed into the world through her mother’s popular column, is swiped from her cot in the middle of the night.
Her panic-stricken mother, Carla, inevitably uses her celebrity position as the catalyst for a high-profile campaign to find her. However, when the trail goes cold, she must stick with her search for years. With this timeframe, it’s no surprise that Stolen Child by Laura Elliot is a 400-page read but, despite a little sag in the second act, the pace is great.
With such a tragic storyline, one thing is thankfully absent: melodrama. Laura Elliot handles even the highest emotions with adept subtly such as when, as a result of her panic, Carla faints: “Everything was shifting, the floors, the walls, her words meaningless as she pitched forward into blackness.” To maintain this controlled effect, paraphrasing and summary are used frequently and, on occasions, I thought there space for expansion, if only an extra sentence or two to explore reactions more fully. Overall though, Stolen Child is a confident journey through emotional contrasts: tragedy and joy, anger and forgiveness, jealousy and trust, spite and tenderness. These swings from light to shadow and back are incredibly moving. My emotions were in overdrive.
Also well handled are the multiple perspectives and tenses which work together to create both mystery and suspense, beginning with both the true mother and the thief, eventually extending to Isobel as she grows older. Particularly clever is the way the theif’s grief for her five miscarried babies is shown early so as to provoke sympathy for her devastating actions although, as time goes on, she becomes increasingly paranoid and overprotective. This causes a surprising amount of recklessness and resentment. It’s like she’s more in love with the idea of having a child than with the child.
Read the full Literary Lightbox Stolen Child book review here: www.literarylightbox.com/stolen-child...
Her panic-stricken mother, Carla, inevitably uses her celebrity position as the catalyst for a high-profile campaign to find her. However, when the trail goes cold, she must stick with her search for years. With this timeframe, it’s no surprise that Stolen Child by Laura Elliot is a 400-page read but, despite a little sag in the second act, the pace is great.
With such a tragic storyline, one thing is thankfully absent: melodrama. Laura Elliot handles even the highest emotions with adept subtly such as when, as a result of her panic, Carla faints: “Everything was shifting, the floors, the walls, her words meaningless as she pitched forward into blackness.” To maintain this controlled effect, paraphrasing and summary are used frequently and, on occasions, I thought there space for expansion, if only an extra sentence or two to explore reactions more fully. Overall though, Stolen Child is a confident journey through emotional contrasts: tragedy and joy, anger and forgiveness, jealousy and trust, spite and tenderness. These swings from light to shadow and back are incredibly moving. My emotions were in overdrive.
Also well handled are the multiple perspectives and tenses which work together to create both mystery and suspense, beginning with both the true mother and the thief, eventually extending to Isobel as she grows older. Particularly clever is the way the theif’s grief for her five miscarried babies is shown early so as to provoke sympathy for her devastating actions although, as time goes on, she becomes increasingly paranoid and overprotective. This causes a surprising amount of recklessness and resentment. It’s like she’s more in love with the idea of having a child than with the child.
Read the full Literary Lightbox Stolen Child book review here: www.literarylightbox.com/stolen-child...
March 25, 2015
Stolen Child by Laura Elliot is the story of a missing child. The book is set in Ireland. Carla Kelly is a model and the current “face” of Anticipation (a clothing line by her friend, Raine). Carla’s face is everywhere. Carla is married to Robert and undercover copy with the Irish Garda (police force). Carla and Robert are expecting their first child. Their marriage is not perfect, but they are happy.
Carla has her baby and calls her Isobel Gillian. The little girl’s picture is in all the papers. Then, while still in the hospital, the baby is gone. No one saw a thing and Carla was asleep (normal after having a baby). Isobel was taken right out of Carla’s room. The Garda is summoned immediately, but little Isobel is gone.
Sue “Suzanne” Sheehan keeps trying to have a child, but she has suffered several miscarriages. Her husband, David, works on an oil rig and is rarely home. When Suzanne discovers that she is pregnant with a little girl, they are thrilled. Then one day she suffers a miscarriage, but Suzanne does not tell anyone. She keeps pretending that she is pregnant. After seeing Isobel’s picture in the paper, Suzanne feels compelled to get the baby.
The story tells of what happens to both families over the years. Carla cannot get over the loss of her daughter and continues to look for her. Losing a child can take a huge toll on a marriage. Suzanne has a little girl, but she is constantly worried that someone will recognize her. Suzanne’s worries affect “Joy” (Isobel) and her marriage.
Stolen Child sounds really good, but I found it tedious, long, and predictable. I was disappointed in this book. The book alternates in chapters told from Carla’s and Suzanne’s point-of-view. I found Suzanne’s chapters very incoherent and disjointed. I found the first 5% of the book or so to be very confusing. I was just happy when I finished this book. I give Stolen Child 2 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Carla has her baby and calls her Isobel Gillian. The little girl’s picture is in all the papers. Then, while still in the hospital, the baby is gone. No one saw a thing and Carla was asleep (normal after having a baby). Isobel was taken right out of Carla’s room. The Garda is summoned immediately, but little Isobel is gone.
Sue “Suzanne” Sheehan keeps trying to have a child, but she has suffered several miscarriages. Her husband, David, works on an oil rig and is rarely home. When Suzanne discovers that she is pregnant with a little girl, they are thrilled. Then one day she suffers a miscarriage, but Suzanne does not tell anyone. She keeps pretending that she is pregnant. After seeing Isobel’s picture in the paper, Suzanne feels compelled to get the baby.
The story tells of what happens to both families over the years. Carla cannot get over the loss of her daughter and continues to look for her. Losing a child can take a huge toll on a marriage. Suzanne has a little girl, but she is constantly worried that someone will recognize her. Suzanne’s worries affect “Joy” (Isobel) and her marriage.
Stolen Child sounds really good, but I found it tedious, long, and predictable. I was disappointed in this book. The book alternates in chapters told from Carla’s and Suzanne’s point-of-view. I found Suzanne’s chapters very incoherent and disjointed. I found the first 5% of the book or so to be very confusing. I was just happy when I finished this book. I give Stolen Child 2 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2014
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins UK, Avon and NetGalley.)
This was an okay story, but it wasn’t what I was expecting.
I felt a little split over the characters in this, because while I felt sorry for Carla and the way her baby was stolen, I also felt for Susanne and the way her baby died. Losing more than one baby and not having anyone to talk to about it must have been beyond difficult.
The storyline in this was okay, but it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. I expected there to be more of a search for the baby, but instead it took years for Carla to find out what happened to her daughter! I found the pace to be quite slow, and it felt like the book would never end. 515 pages seemed way too long for the number of events that actually happened.
The ending was as much of a ‘happily ever after’ as you could expect in the situation, but I didn’t expect it to take place such a long time after Clara’s baby disappeared.
Overall; okay story, but not quite what I was expecting,
6 out of 10.
This was an okay story, but it wasn’t what I was expecting.
I felt a little split over the characters in this, because while I felt sorry for Carla and the way her baby was stolen, I also felt for Susanne and the way her baby died. Losing more than one baby and not having anyone to talk to about it must have been beyond difficult.
The storyline in this was okay, but it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. I expected there to be more of a search for the baby, but instead it took years for Carla to find out what happened to her daughter! I found the pace to be quite slow, and it felt like the book would never end. 515 pages seemed way too long for the number of events that actually happened.
The ending was as much of a ‘happily ever after’ as you could expect in the situation, but I didn’t expect it to take place such a long time after Clara’s baby disappeared.
Overall; okay story, but not quite what I was expecting,
6 out of 10.
April 30, 2016
I began this book with a strange sense of deja vu. I recognised the writing and the characters, so I can only guess that I began it a few years ago and abandoned it. I hate giving up on books, so I'm glad I gave this a second chance.
Stolen Child is a difficult book to get into (perhaps that is why I gave up on it part way through the first time I read it); the chapters are short (there are over eighty in total!) and the characters are not easily warmed to.
I found some parts of the book entirely readable but not very exciting, and other parts I was quite bored. Just as I felt my attention begin to waver, something happened to perk it up again. It really is a bit of a roller coaster book.
Depending on personal taste, this book is likely to satisfy some readers and send others to utter boredom. I sit on the fence about this book - I didn't love it nor did I hate it, but it was just okay. I would have liked to have had Carla's chapters written from a first person perspective, like Susanne's. It was irritating to keep jumping from third to first party writing at every chapter.
I might read another of the authors books again, but will approach with caution!
Stolen Child is a difficult book to get into (perhaps that is why I gave up on it part way through the first time I read it); the chapters are short (there are over eighty in total!) and the characters are not easily warmed to.
I found some parts of the book entirely readable but not very exciting, and other parts I was quite bored. Just as I felt my attention begin to waver, something happened to perk it up again. It really is a bit of a roller coaster book.
Depending on personal taste, this book is likely to satisfy some readers and send others to utter boredom. I sit on the fence about this book - I didn't love it nor did I hate it, but it was just okay. I would have liked to have had Carla's chapters written from a first person perspective, like Susanne's. It was irritating to keep jumping from third to first party writing at every chapter.
I might read another of the authors books again, but will approach with caution!
April 2, 2015
This is a story alternating between Carla, whose daughter was snatched from her and Susanne, who took her.
Laura Elliot has done a wonderful job with this book, a story alternating between having your world ripped apart and never giving up hope and also a story of having to live with the guilt of what we have done and questioning whether getting what we wish for can really make us happy..
The storyline had me hooked from the start but I would say that the last 20% of the book was just breath taking. My emotions were all over the place and even now writing this my heart is beating ten to the dozen.
I felt empathy for all the characters involved in the book and was drawn to quite a few of them, David and Joy especially.
An absolute must read and will certainly be reading more by this author.
Laura Elliot has done a wonderful job with this book, a story alternating between having your world ripped apart and never giving up hope and also a story of having to live with the guilt of what we have done and questioning whether getting what we wish for can really make us happy..
The storyline had me hooked from the start but I would say that the last 20% of the book was just breath taking. My emotions were all over the place and even now writing this my heart is beating ten to the dozen.
I felt empathy for all the characters involved in the book and was drawn to quite a few of them, David and Joy especially.
An absolute must read and will certainly be reading more by this author.
June 2, 2020
Oh for crying out loud. How many times in one chapter can you use the words "grave miscarriage of justice" - seriously. This has to be the worst book I've read this year. The writing is unimaginative and boring. Too many characters are flung together with very brittle and unbelievable ties to each other. Just bad - don't waste your time reading this.
April 18, 2015
Although this wasn't the Thriller or Mystery I was lead to believe it was an excellent family drama that made me question what I would do in each characters situation. I enjoyed it a lot and just had to keep reading to see how this situation resolved itself. Good one for Jodi Picoult fans I think!
July 22, 2018
This book focuses on every mother's worst nightmare...
Carla Kelly wakes up to find her two-day-old baby daughter's cot empty. Isobel has been taken.
Susanne Dowling has kept a terrible secret following her fifth agonising miscarriage. When at last she welcomes her new baby daughter into her life, she realises they will both be safe as long as Susanne keeps her daughter close, and confesses her lie to no one. Ever.
Honestly I have mixed opinions about this book. The plotline was very intriguing and honestly so terrifying that I just to keep reading and finish the book, desperate to find out how it was all gonna end!. Even though there was few chapters, throughout the book, that were so beautifully-written and truly heartbreaking to read, the rest of it just seemed to go off on an tangent. I found myself very bored reading certain chapters that I felt had nothing to do with the story. Because of this, I didn't enjoy this read as much as I should of done.
This was the first book that I have read from this author and her other books sound so good. So I'm really hoping that going off on a tangent isn't this author's writing style.....
Carla Kelly wakes up to find her two-day-old baby daughter's cot empty. Isobel has been taken.
Susanne Dowling has kept a terrible secret following her fifth agonising miscarriage. When at last she welcomes her new baby daughter into her life, she realises they will both be safe as long as Susanne keeps her daughter close, and confesses her lie to no one. Ever.
Honestly I have mixed opinions about this book. The plotline was very intriguing and honestly so terrifying that I just to keep reading and finish the book, desperate to find out how it was all gonna end!. Even though there was few chapters, throughout the book, that were so beautifully-written and truly heartbreaking to read, the rest of it just seemed to go off on an tangent. I found myself very bored reading certain chapters that I felt had nothing to do with the story. Because of this, I didn't enjoy this read as much as I should of done.
This was the first book that I have read from this author and her other books sound so good. So I'm really hoping that going off on a tangent isn't this author's writing style.....
March 31, 2024
Психологічний трилер про один жахливий вчинок, який покалічив чимало доль.
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Постійний супутник Сюзанни — відчай. Постійний супутник Карли — успіх. Тож Сью відбирає у Каро найдорожче — новонароджену доньку. Та це не приносить жінці щастя, про яке вона так мріяла, а згорьована мати поринає у роки суцільної пітьми і тримається лише за примарну надію.
⠀
Книга доволі меланхолійна і тривожна. Втім читати її було цікаво. Вона не з тих історій, які прочитуються за один вечір. Її прерогатива — дозованість і вдумливість.
⠀
Кожна з героїнь викликала у мене суперечливі відчуття. Часом вони мене бісили, часом я їм співчувала, а іноді лишалася абсолютно байдужою.
⠀
Хто мені дійсно сподобався, так це Джой (дівчинка, яку викрали). Попри усі непорозуміння і перипетії ця дитина зуміла не втратити себе, зберегла здатність пробачати і відпускати й віднайшла у своєму серденьку місце для кожної людини (біологічних родичів і сім'ї, яка її виховала).
⠀
Постійний супутник Сюзанни — відчай. Постійний супутник Карли — успіх. Тож Сью відбирає у Каро найдорожче — новонароджену доньку. Та це не приносить жінці щастя, про яке вона так мріяла, а згорьована мати поринає у роки суцільної пітьми і тримається лише за примарну надію.
⠀
Книга доволі меланхолійна і тривожна. Втім читати її було цікаво. Вона не з тих історій, які прочитуються за один вечір. Її прерогатива — дозованість і вдумливість.
⠀
Кожна з героїнь викликала у мене суперечливі відчуття. Часом вони мене бісили, часом я їм співчувала, а іноді лишалася абсолютно байдужою.
⠀
Хто мені дійсно сподобався, так це Джой (дівчинка, яку викрали). Попри усі непорозуміння і перипетії ця дитина зуміла не втратити себе, зберегла здатність пробачати і відпускати й віднайшла у своєму серденьку місце для кожної людини (біологічних родичів і сім'ї, яка її виховала).
November 9, 2019
I've been debating between 2 and 3 stars for awhile. There are so many 4-5 star reviews for this book, that I kept thinking I missed something. Alas, I give Stolen Child a 2 star based on my overall enjoyment. This book was mediocre at best. The narrative was slow and the large time jumps were a bit confusing. I had sympathies for both Carla and Susanne, though for completely different reasons. However, I never felt a strong emotion connection to either women despite their respective tribulations. Attempting a 'happily ever after' ending after such an emotionally heavy read, it just didn't work for me for several reasons and was overall unsatisfying.
November 25, 2019
This wasn’t quite what I was expecting from the blurb - however in a positive way, as it had more depth than I anticipated, and lots to think about from the point of view of two very different women, and a snap decision made that affected so many forever afterwards.
Enjoyed and worth a read, even if I wasn’t totally enthralled at times.
Enjoyed and worth a read, even if I wasn’t totally enthralled at times.
January 12, 2019
Wow, this was suspenseful and emotional.....
I wavered back and forth supporting each woman at times and thought about the different twists the story could take you. A good read ...
I wavered back and forth supporting each woman at times and thought about the different twists the story could take you. A good read ...
January 17, 2015
As much as a pleasure reviewing books is, i felt a bit bogged under lately with commitments left right and centre and i wanted to read something for me, i had spied this book in a shop a few weeks ago and i consider buying it, to only realise i had previously purchased it on kindle so i must of really wanted to read it at some point.
The narrative is told from multiple POV, we mainly follow Carla & Susanne, however later we are led to see the story through others eyes. Its the longest day of the year when Susanne burys
yet another baby. She doesn't want to have to admit another failure, and as time passes, its easier to not admit and to just convince the world that she is still carrying her little girl. With her husband working away for long periods of time its easier than you would think it would be. As her due date nears, she isnt even sure what will happen, all she knows is the voices are telling her too.
Alternately we meet Carla, famous after been spotted and launched further into the spotlight with a lingere shoot, and then becoming the face of the brand, anticapation - and for her it was all about her anticipation baby. With the smoothest pregnancy she was all set for her dream life. When her waters break one night whilst her husband is celebrating a success with work, he meets at the hospital and they welcome Isobel into the world.
Two days later, after feeding Isobel - Carla falls asleep, she awakens ready to feed her to discover her baby missing, at first convinced one of the nurses have moved her to the nursery she only slighty panics, when she discovers this isnt the case. Her baby is missing. Elsewhere on a stormy night, Susanne gives birth to her daughter Joy.
Two stories, that are meant to be together, can such a tradegey bring everything Carla wants back?
This was such a compelling read that had me hooked from the very first page, i consumed this book every spare second of the day, ad break? time to read, making a brew? time to read. I just had to know. The narrative flowed smoothly despite switiching POV reguarly. The description was flawless, i knew every inch of the gardens around Susannes cottage. It was gripping, it was tense and all consuming, for such a story to span such a large period of time, i thought it would be dragged out - but it wasnt, it was paced perfectly.
The narrative is told from multiple POV, we mainly follow Carla & Susanne, however later we are led to see the story through others eyes. Its the longest day of the year when Susanne burys
yet another baby. She doesn't want to have to admit another failure, and as time passes, its easier to not admit and to just convince the world that she is still carrying her little girl. With her husband working away for long periods of time its easier than you would think it would be. As her due date nears, she isnt even sure what will happen, all she knows is the voices are telling her too.
Alternately we meet Carla, famous after been spotted and launched further into the spotlight with a lingere shoot, and then becoming the face of the brand, anticapation - and for her it was all about her anticipation baby. With the smoothest pregnancy she was all set for her dream life. When her waters break one night whilst her husband is celebrating a success with work, he meets at the hospital and they welcome Isobel into the world.
Two days later, after feeding Isobel - Carla falls asleep, she awakens ready to feed her to discover her baby missing, at first convinced one of the nurses have moved her to the nursery she only slighty panics, when she discovers this isnt the case. Her baby is missing. Elsewhere on a stormy night, Susanne gives birth to her daughter Joy.
Two stories, that are meant to be together, can such a tradegey bring everything Carla wants back?
This was such a compelling read that had me hooked from the very first page, i consumed this book every spare second of the day, ad break? time to read, making a brew? time to read. I just had to know. The narrative flowed smoothly despite switiching POV reguarly. The description was flawless, i knew every inch of the gardens around Susannes cottage. It was gripping, it was tense and all consuming, for such a story to span such a large period of time, i thought it would be dragged out - but it wasnt, it was paced perfectly.
December 19, 2013
Every now and again a book comes along that really captures your mind and hooks you in and you never want to put it down. For me this was a book that did this I absolutely loved it.
This book is about two very different families. Carla Kelly has it all. She is famous, is beautiful, has a loving husband and a lovely house and has a baby on the way. On the other side of the story there is Susanne. She is in a marriage where there is love but not for each other. She cannot carry a child full term and also carries the sadness of this. When Carla has her baby she is almost immediately stolen and this book tells the story of this.
The story is told though short chapters of the various characters. I really like books that do this as you get the story from the different characters perspective. There is the story of what happened before the event, during and also the many years of fall out that happened because of one event.
I liked the character of Carla and really felt so sorry for her. I loved her attitude of never give up no matter what. Joy Dowling was also a lovely character so lovable and she almost had the air about her that she was different.
There were so many twists and turns to this book and I just could not put it down once I had picked it up. Everytime I thought I had guessed what was going to happen the story changed again and I couldnt guess what would happen next. It was written so well and I just could not put the book down.
This was such a brilliant book and while I hadn't really heard of this author before I am definitely going to read more by her because even if they are only half as good as this one they will be brilliant.
I cannot sing this books praises enough I really enjoyed it!
This book is about two very different families. Carla Kelly has it all. She is famous, is beautiful, has a loving husband and a lovely house and has a baby on the way. On the other side of the story there is Susanne. She is in a marriage where there is love but not for each other. She cannot carry a child full term and also carries the sadness of this. When Carla has her baby she is almost immediately stolen and this book tells the story of this.
The story is told though short chapters of the various characters. I really like books that do this as you get the story from the different characters perspective. There is the story of what happened before the event, during and also the many years of fall out that happened because of one event.
I liked the character of Carla and really felt so sorry for her. I loved her attitude of never give up no matter what. Joy Dowling was also a lovely character so lovable and she almost had the air about her that she was different.
There were so many twists and turns to this book and I just could not put it down once I had picked it up. Everytime I thought I had guessed what was going to happen the story changed again and I couldnt guess what would happen next. It was written so well and I just could not put the book down.
This was such a brilliant book and while I hadn't really heard of this author before I am definitely going to read more by her because even if they are only half as good as this one they will be brilliant.
I cannot sing this books praises enough I really enjoyed it!
December 4, 2016
Really gripping book which tells the story of a stolen child from the point of view from the woman who lost her and the one that took her.
At first I felt sympathy for Suzanne, she lost so many babies. It was heartbreaking when she miscarried and buries the child in the garden. I understood why she took Joy from the hospital and I understand why she targeted Carla. Carla is an Irish celebrity model who is flaunting her pregnancy in the media, with a maternity line and articles about being pregnant.
It takes a while to warm to Carla when she is pregnant but your sympathy soon shifts to her once her child has been taken. You might even continue to feel a bit sorry for Suzanne but she wasn't even that nice to Joy, as her fear about being found out keeps them both in isolation. I really started to dislike her.
The nearer the book got to the ending, you know that eventually the secret is going to be uncovered. And you know that it's going to rip apart the lives of everyone who cares about Joy, especially her dad who has no idea. I really felt sorry for him.
Couldn't stop reading this tonight until I had got to the conclusion. It was a happy ending with an amazing ride. Really recommend if you like this sort of thing.
At first I felt sympathy for Suzanne, she lost so many babies. It was heartbreaking when she miscarried and buries the child in the garden. I understood why she took Joy from the hospital and I understand why she targeted Carla. Carla is an Irish celebrity model who is flaunting her pregnancy in the media, with a maternity line and articles about being pregnant.
It takes a while to warm to Carla when she is pregnant but your sympathy soon shifts to her once her child has been taken. You might even continue to feel a bit sorry for Suzanne but she wasn't even that nice to Joy, as her fear about being found out keeps them both in isolation. I really started to dislike her.
The nearer the book got to the ending, you know that eventually the secret is going to be uncovered. And you know that it's going to rip apart the lives of everyone who cares about Joy, especially her dad who has no idea. I really felt sorry for him.
Couldn't stop reading this tonight until I had got to the conclusion. It was a happy ending with an amazing ride. Really recommend if you like this sort of thing.
April 4, 2015
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review
Suzanne had a number miscarriages and couldn't seem to have a live birth. She had been currently pregnant and when she miscarried, she put the infant in some ruins on her property and padded herself to make herself look pregnant as she couldn't face her husband David and mother-in-law Miriam. Suzanne and David had been married 6 years when Joy became theirs.
Carla Kelly was the first celebrity to be interviewed when the subject of pregnancy to be aired. She had a regular column called the Weekend Flair. Carla had a little girl she named Isobel who was taken when she was 2 days old. Robert was an undercover detective. Carla's older brother Leo had been her protector since they were children. After Isobel's kidnapping, he became her adviser and solicitor.
In the beginning I enjoyed the book, but then it kept going on and on and became repetitive. It made the book hard to finish.
Suzanne had a number miscarriages and couldn't seem to have a live birth. She had been currently pregnant and when she miscarried, she put the infant in some ruins on her property and padded herself to make herself look pregnant as she couldn't face her husband David and mother-in-law Miriam. Suzanne and David had been married 6 years when Joy became theirs.
Carla Kelly was the first celebrity to be interviewed when the subject of pregnancy to be aired. She had a regular column called the Weekend Flair. Carla had a little girl she named Isobel who was taken when she was 2 days old. Robert was an undercover detective. Carla's older brother Leo had been her protector since they were children. After Isobel's kidnapping, he became her adviser and solicitor.
In the beginning I enjoyed the book, but then it kept going on and on and became repetitive. It made the book hard to finish.
December 28, 2014
I read Stolen Child through Kindle. From the start it was a captivating book, I read it in two days as I was eager to read the conclusion. A woman wrought by the pain of her own actions, tormented by demons, demons she sees in her herself. The other mother, equally haunted, pushes through life searching for the truth, pushing away everyone she loves. Will the truth ever be found, will she ever find little Isobel?
October 15, 2014
I could not put it down. The author explores the hearts, souls and minds of diverse characters from different backgrounds bringing them together in a story that traces the life of a couple whose baby is stolen, the couple who are bringing up the child as their own, and the child itself.
Compelling reading ..... fantastic read
Compelling reading ..... fantastic read
January 31, 2015
One of the most thought provoking and gripping novels I have read this year. 'Stolen Child' has left me with a longing to read more of Laura Elliot's work.
March 18, 2015
Gorgeous writing. Totally compelling.
not-for-me-wtf
August 30, 2015This was hard to follow and I stopped reading around 155. Might give it another go in a few months.
June 20, 2021
Let me start with just saying I read this through Amazon Kindle, and I've had the book downloaded for a while but just now reading it. So maybe it's been updated since, but the formatting is awful. Paragraphs flow one into the other where there should be a page break. The chapters are broken up properly, it's just the breaks within the chapters. Also at one point it says "Six Years Later" when it means four. Very confusing. Few minor typos as well.
I'd forgive all of that if the story wasn't so DULL. How a child abduction and raising a child that isn't yours this boring, I can't even figure out. I started skimming paragraphs just to get to the end and see if there was any redemption to be had in this book. No. You'll know the ending before you get there. It wraps up just so nice and neat. A fairytail, everyone except the abductor lives happily ever after. The emotion is dry, there's not much excitement. Even the paragraphs about the process of the kidnapping are slow and ponderous. I was so confused!
I have several issues about things in the storyline, such as having so many characters overlap between the two families. I could accept that, because it's a small world after all. And what the heck was the point of Edward Carter? When he's no longer needed, he's just killed off and neatly set aside never to be mentioned again. No, my BIGGEST complaint is that Carla Kelly is at the very least a B list celebrity. Everyone knows her. HER FACE IS EVERYWHERE. Carla doesn't want to be in the spotlight anymore so she cuts her hair and dyes it. No one notices her. No one recognizes this woman that first a model then a news piece because she cut and dyed her hair. Not even speaking to her face to face. I'm serious!! NO ONE RECOGNIZES HER. Even David who sold her an item at a craft fair, who was so touched by her story of losing her child and wrote her a letter, no, he invites her to his house for dinner as she gallivants around under another a pseudonym. The paparazzi that have followed her for over a decade do not recognize her.
And that's where this book really lost me. I got very impatient with this famous face no longer being recognized by ANYONE. If it wasn't for the fact that I was reading this on the Kindle app on my tablet, I probably would have thrown the book at least once. And I don't treat my books like that, no sir!
I could go on but I think this is sufficient.
I'd forgive all of that if the story wasn't so DULL. How a child abduction and raising a child that isn't yours this boring, I can't even figure out. I started skimming paragraphs just to get to the end and see if there was any redemption to be had in this book. No. You'll know the ending before you get there. It wraps up just so nice and neat. A fairytail, everyone except the abductor lives happily ever after. The emotion is dry, there's not much excitement. Even the paragraphs about the process of the kidnapping are slow and ponderous. I was so confused!
I have several issues about things in the storyline, such as having so many characters overlap between the two families. I could accept that, because it's a small world after all. And what the heck was the point of Edward Carter? When he's no longer needed, he's just killed off and neatly set aside never to be mentioned again. No, my BIGGEST complaint is that Carla Kelly is at the very least a B list celebrity. Everyone knows her. HER FACE IS EVERYWHERE. Carla doesn't want to be in the spotlight anymore so she cuts her hair and dyes it. No one notices her. No one recognizes this woman that first a model then a news piece because she cut and dyed her hair. Not even speaking to her face to face. I'm serious!! NO ONE RECOGNIZES HER. Even David who sold her an item at a craft fair, who was so touched by her story of losing her child and wrote her a letter, no, he invites her to his house for dinner as she gallivants around under another a pseudonym. The paparazzi that have followed her for over a decade do not recognize her.
And that's where this book really lost me. I got very impatient with this famous face no longer being recognized by ANYONE. If it wasn't for the fact that I was reading this on the Kindle app on my tablet, I probably would have thrown the book at least once. And I don't treat my books like that, no sir!
I could go on but I think this is sufficient.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2017
Really 3.5 stars because of predictability, satisfaction level, and writing. I had skipped a very large portion of the book because I felt as though I couldn't connect to the characters thus far and it seemed highly predictable. I am glad I skipped the development of the story for that exact reason. There were no surprises for me at all, except for which ending Laura Elliot would give everyone, and guess what: and they lived happily ever after. The End. I was satisfied with the ending because everything was resolved in the end. Laura Elliot wrote the beginning, climax and resolution well, but I think the development could have been shorter, considering I skipped over the entirety of it and understood what happened. I will, however, give her the benefit of the doubt and say that post-theft Susanne was a well-written possessive and over-bearing mother while post-theft Clara was torn to shreds.
/
Would all this have happened if Clara wasn't the face of 'Anticipation'? Absolutely, just not to Clara. Susanne was obsessive and grief stricken by the several miscarriages she's endured over the years. She really wanted a biological child, and she has always miscarried. If she wasn't allowed her own child, she may as well steal and play make-believe, right? And, as a bonus, Clara will finally understand the grief of losing a child. Logical for women in Susanne's position, but morally unacceptable.
/
Would all this have happened if Clara wasn't the face of 'Anticipation'? Absolutely, just not to Clara. Susanne was obsessive and grief stricken by the several miscarriages she's endured over the years. She really wanted a biological child, and she has always miscarried. If she wasn't allowed her own child, she may as well steal and play make-believe, right? And, as a bonus, Clara will finally understand the grief of losing a child. Logical for women in Susanne's position, but morally unacceptable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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