What do you think?
Rate this book
Deceit & Reclamation
Meet Patricia, she's sixteen and pregnant. It's nineteen-fifty-seven, and she is living in Southern Island.
She has been taken by her parents, to Bessborough House, which sits on the outskirts of Cork city. It is a home for unmarried mothers, and is run by Catholic nuns, who are cruel and vicious in their treatment of the girls who are incarcerated there.
Unable to cope with the shame of their neighbors finding out about their unmarried daughter's pregnancy, Patricia is left there, after being told she can return home once the baby has been adopted. Something she doesn't want.
Life within the walls of Bessborough is a harsh reality. The girls who are sent there, are overworked and undernourished, and many mothers and babies do not survive. Others, who cannot cope are sent to the local Asylum, never to be seen again. This will become Patricia's biggest fear.
Patricia's baby is taken and given up for adoption by the nuns, without her consent. Heartbroken, she is finally allowed home. Go forward thirty years, Patricia is living in England. She is divorced with two grownup daughters, who know nothing about their mothers past.
A letter arrives, and Patricia is forced to relive the pain and devastation of her past, but with unexpected results.
She has been taken by her parents, to Bessborough House, which sits on the outskirts of Cork city. It is a home for unmarried mothers, and is run by Catholic nuns, who are cruel and vicious in their treatment of the girls who are incarcerated there.
Unable to cope with the shame of their neighbors finding out about their unmarried daughter's pregnancy, Patricia is left there, after being told she can return home once the baby has been adopted. Something she doesn't want.
Life within the walls of Bessborough is a harsh reality. The girls who are sent there, are overworked and undernourished, and many mothers and babies do not survive. Others, who cannot cope are sent to the local Asylum, never to be seen again. This will become Patricia's biggest fear.
Patricia's baby is taken and given up for adoption by the nuns, without her consent. Heartbroken, she is finally allowed home. Go forward thirty years, Patricia is living in England. She is divorced with two grownup daughters, who know nothing about their mothers past.
A letter arrives, and Patricia is forced to relive the pain and devastation of her past, but with unexpected results.
323 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2023
2 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 1, 2024
It's an okay story although the evil agents don't receive justice. Happy endings all around, correcting the actions done 30ish years ago.
My great complaint about the book is in its editing, particularly in the punctuation, and even more particularly in the gross overuse of commas. If, you know, what, I mean. Having a good technical editor go over the text could vastly improve its readability.
My great complaint about the book is in its editing, particularly in the punctuation, and even more particularly in the gross overuse of commas. If, you know, what, I mean. Having a good technical editor go over the text could vastly improve its readability.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2023
Deceit and Reclamation by Beverley Latimer is the story of Patricia, a divorced mother of two who never got the memory of her first child out of her mind and her heart.
Patricia was sixteen when she got pregnant in Ireland in the 1950’s. Back then, unmarried girls who became pregnant were shipped off by their families to the infamous mother and baby home that were run by the catholic church.
These were terrible places. The girls, some of them children, many of them raped, were starved, beaten and made to feel that everything that happened to them was their fault. Then their babies were stolen from them and either sold or adopted. They never saw them again.
Beverley Latimer tells us how this happened to Patricia and how she spent her life grieving for the son she had lost.
Then, one day, a letter arrives and old wounds are reopened.
This is an excellent book. It will grip at your heartstrings and transport you back to a time and a place where young women, through no fault of their own, were treated so badly.
It is written with compassion, but it doesn’t pull any punches, and is a recommended read for anyone who enjoys a good family drama that is based on true events.
Patricia was sixteen when she got pregnant in Ireland in the 1950’s. Back then, unmarried girls who became pregnant were shipped off by their families to the infamous mother and baby home that were run by the catholic church.
These were terrible places. The girls, some of them children, many of them raped, were starved, beaten and made to feel that everything that happened to them was their fault. Then their babies were stolen from them and either sold or adopted. They never saw them again.
Beverley Latimer tells us how this happened to Patricia and how she spent her life grieving for the son she had lost.
Then, one day, a letter arrives and old wounds are reopened.
This is an excellent book. It will grip at your heartstrings and transport you back to a time and a place where young women, through no fault of their own, were treated so badly.
It is written with compassion, but it doesn’t pull any punches, and is a recommended read for anyone who enjoys a good family drama that is based on true events.
April 1, 2024
Deceit and Reclamation, by Beverley Latimer.
Southern Ireland 1956. Patricia and Declan had known each other all their lives, and now the young pair were in their mid-teens their affection had developed into something deeper—a yearning to be together, always.
Patricia discovered she was pregnant. Just a mere girl of just sixteen years old and in the family way. Her parents were so disgusted to hear their daughter’s confession, and so to avoid the shame and humiliation from the inevitable gossiping tongues of the locals, packed Patricia off to Bessborough Home to have her baby. A hideous place run by nuns who loved to be cruel to the so-called wicked women with loose morals.
The story moves back and forth through the decades of 1956 to 1987, recounting the life of Patricia as her fortunes changed.
This was a compelling story in every sense of the word, and at every opportunity I would pick it up to continue reading.
A thoroughly enjoyable story, well-written and intriguing. Heartfelt and beautifully crafted.
Recommended.
Southern Ireland 1956. Patricia and Declan had known each other all their lives, and now the young pair were in their mid-teens their affection had developed into something deeper—a yearning to be together, always.
Patricia discovered she was pregnant. Just a mere girl of just sixteen years old and in the family way. Her parents were so disgusted to hear their daughter’s confession, and so to avoid the shame and humiliation from the inevitable gossiping tongues of the locals, packed Patricia off to Bessborough Home to have her baby. A hideous place run by nuns who loved to be cruel to the so-called wicked women with loose morals.
The story moves back and forth through the decades of 1956 to 1987, recounting the life of Patricia as her fortunes changed.
This was a compelling story in every sense of the word, and at every opportunity I would pick it up to continue reading.
A thoroughly enjoyable story, well-written and intriguing. Heartfelt and beautifully crafted.
Recommended.
June 5, 2023
This is an incredibly moving story of a young sixteen-year-old Irish girl who becomes pregnant in 1957. Patricia is taken to Bessborough House by her parents and told she will remain there until she has given birth and had the baby adopted. The author provides an emotional insight into the harsh life led by the inmates of Bessborough, where many of the nuns are unnecessarily cruel, and the inmates are overworked and undernourished. For those who complain too loudly, there is the threat of being locked up in the asylum for the rest of their lives. Patricia’s traumatic story is skilfully and sensitively told, and I strongly recommend this book.
October 22, 2023
Recommended Read!
A heart wrenching and heart warming story in one. Young Declan doesn't know that Patricia has been sent to a home for pregnant girls, where Patricia has been told she'll stay until after her baby is born. After suffering emotional and physical abuse for months, she returns home, and tries to carry on as if nothing had happened. That's the deceit; the heart wrenching.
Decades later, Declan and Patricia meet again, brought together by an unlikely man. That's the reclamation; the heart warming.
A great read. I definitely recommend.
A heart wrenching and heart warming story in one. Young Declan doesn't know that Patricia has been sent to a home for pregnant girls, where Patricia has been told she'll stay until after her baby is born. After suffering emotional and physical abuse for months, she returns home, and tries to carry on as if nothing had happened. That's the deceit; the heart wrenching.
Decades later, Declan and Patricia meet again, brought together by an unlikely man. That's the reclamation; the heart warming.
A great read. I definitely recommend.
June 26, 2023
Deceit and Reclamation by Beverley Latimer is a beautiful and tragic love story, but it has a very satisfying ending. Latimer does a terrific job of showing the horrors that took place in the Catholic unwed mother's homes. The abuse and even torture that the women, some as young as their early teens, some rape victims, had to endure. Then their babies were given away for adoption without the young mothers' permission. The story of one sixteen-year-old girl sent to the home is interwoven with her as a woman with grown daughters. The baby this woman bore as a child wants to meet her. She has always loved that child. Now her dream comes true, but she must tell her daughters about her past. She is torn, yet she wants more than anything to meet her son. Might be some tears shed when you read this book, but it is a lovely story.
Celia Martin
Celia Martin
August 20, 2023
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: DECEIT & RECLAMATION
Subtitle:
Author: Beverley Latimer
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Part of a series? No (or maybe?)
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This book is based on the real-life hardship that many women went through in the fifties and before. Pregnant and unmarried, they were dropped off at a home for unmarried mothers and forced to give their children up for adoption. This story tells us about one of those women. Betrayed by those she loved, abused in the home, but still finding a relatively happy life. But what will happen when the unexpected happens? Can Patricia rebuild her life?
What I liked about the book:
The book is well-written.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The book was enjoyable in its entirety.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the third book I’ve read by this author. I understand she has written a few other books, too, and there may be a sequel to this one. Whether that will tell us what happens to Patricia next or is a different story along the same lines, I’ll have to wait and see.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a contemporary romance.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Possibly
Adult Yes
If you like your books filled with love, life events and challenges, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Meet Patricia, she's sixteen and pregnant. It's nineteen-fifty-seven, and she is living in Southern Island.
Unable to cope with the shame of their neighbors finding out about their unmarried daughter's pregnancy, Patricia is left taken to Bessborough House by her parents.She is told she can return home once the baby has been adopted.
Life within the walls of Bessborough is a harsh reality. The nuns are spiteful and appear to bristle with hatred.
The girls who are sent there, are overworked and undernourished, many mothers and babies do not survive. Others, who cannot cope are sent to the local Asylum, never to be seen again.This will become Patricia's biggest fear.
Patricia's baby is taken and given up for adoption by the nuns, without her consent. Heartbroken, she is finally allowed home.
Go forward thirty years, and Patricia is living in England, where she works as a nurse. She is divorced with two grownup daughters, who know nothing about their mothers past.
A development forces Patricia to relive the pain and devastation of thirty years ago, but with unexpected results...
About the Author:
Basic Details:
Book Title: DECEIT & RECLAMATION
Subtitle:
Author: Beverley Latimer
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Part of a series? No (or maybe?)
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This book is based on the real-life hardship that many women went through in the fifties and before. Pregnant and unmarried, they were dropped off at a home for unmarried mothers and forced to give their children up for adoption. This story tells us about one of those women. Betrayed by those she loved, abused in the home, but still finding a relatively happy life. But what will happen when the unexpected happens? Can Patricia rebuild her life?
What I liked about the book:
The book is well-written.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The book was enjoyable in its entirety.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the third book I’ve read by this author. I understand she has written a few other books, too, and there may be a sequel to this one. Whether that will tell us what happens to Patricia next or is a different story along the same lines, I’ll have to wait and see.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a contemporary romance.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Possibly
Adult Yes
If you like your books filled with love, life events and challenges, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Meet Patricia, she's sixteen and pregnant. It's nineteen-fifty-seven, and she is living in Southern Island.
Unable to cope with the shame of their neighbors finding out about their unmarried daughter's pregnancy, Patricia is left taken to Bessborough House by her parents.She is told she can return home once the baby has been adopted.
Life within the walls of Bessborough is a harsh reality. The nuns are spiteful and appear to bristle with hatred.
The girls who are sent there, are overworked and undernourished, many mothers and babies do not survive. Others, who cannot cope are sent to the local Asylum, never to be seen again.This will become Patricia's biggest fear.
Patricia's baby is taken and given up for adoption by the nuns, without her consent. Heartbroken, she is finally allowed home.
Go forward thirty years, and Patricia is living in England, where she works as a nurse. She is divorced with two grownup daughters, who know nothing about their mothers past.
A development forces Patricia to relive the pain and devastation of thirty years ago, but with unexpected results...
About the Author:
August 3, 2023
A sad truth so well told
In this case, it is very hard to write a book review without letting ones own beliefs and moral compass lead the way.
As a non believer (but brought up in the ways of Catholicism) it is hard to comprehend how a religion can be used to manipulate, control and instill fear in so many for such little gain. Religion can be good but it can also be evil. To me, faith is hope. A belief that, throughout all this badness, good will prevail. Well not for poor, young girls in Ireland who found themselves pregnant. Life really wasn't worth living.
This beautifully written tale reminds us that being innocent is no defence if culture and religion are societies dominant forces. This book is an important reminder of a period of history the Catholic Church would rather forget. It is a testament to the girls who lost their innocence and to the children whose voices were never heard. Sad story. Lovely book.
In this case, it is very hard to write a book review without letting ones own beliefs and moral compass lead the way.
As a non believer (but brought up in the ways of Catholicism) it is hard to comprehend how a religion can be used to manipulate, control and instill fear in so many for such little gain. Religion can be good but it can also be evil. To me, faith is hope. A belief that, throughout all this badness, good will prevail. Well not for poor, young girls in Ireland who found themselves pregnant. Life really wasn't worth living.
This beautifully written tale reminds us that being innocent is no defence if culture and religion are societies dominant forces. This book is an important reminder of a period of history the Catholic Church would rather forget. It is a testament to the girls who lost their innocence and to the children whose voices were never heard. Sad story. Lovely book.
August 6, 2023
Beautiful and heartbreaking
Beverley Latimer has poured her heart and soul into this book. Although it’s a fictional account the background it’s based on is sadly all too real for many women. The scandal of babies ripped from their unwed mothers by an unfeeling church is covered so well in this beautifully written story the reader finds themselves transported into the narrative.
The characters are wonderfully developed and come to life on each page of the book.
I read this in no time at all and was left with the emotional attachments long after I closed the last page.
Beverley Latimer has poured her heart and soul into this book. Although it’s a fictional account the background it’s based on is sadly all too real for many women. The scandal of babies ripped from their unwed mothers by an unfeeling church is covered so well in this beautifully written story the reader finds themselves transported into the narrative.
The characters are wonderfully developed and come to life on each page of the book.
I read this in no time at all and was left with the emotional attachments long after I closed the last page.
June 9, 2023
The now-infamous homes into which unmarried mothers-to-be were forced to go, in mid-twentieth-century Ireland, is at the centre of Patricia's story. The treatment these young women endured, from the families who sent them there and the nuns who controlled them there, is now the stuff of scandalous record, although author Beverley Latimer manages to infuse some positivity into her own particular offering. A proficient rendering.
Q
Q
August 18, 2023
Fantastic
An absolute rollercoaster of emotion. This book will have you weeping with the horrors that poor Patricia had to endure at the hands of the nuns, and indignation that anyone could steal a baby from a woman in such a horrific way. But there is hope and happiness to be found in this novel, and mixed in with the hurt and the pain, is a story of hope and love.
I truly loved this book.
An absolute rollercoaster of emotion. This book will have you weeping with the horrors that poor Patricia had to endure at the hands of the nuns, and indignation that anyone could steal a baby from a woman in such a horrific way. But there is hope and happiness to be found in this novel, and mixed in with the hurt and the pain, is a story of hope and love.
I truly loved this book.
October 7, 2023
Beautiful
I enjoyed this so much. Heartbreaking but beautiful. Restoration in the midst of unimaginable pain pulled my emotions over the edge. So glad I came across this.
I enjoyed this so much. Heartbreaking but beautiful. Restoration in the midst of unimaginable pain pulled my emotions over the edge. So glad I came across this.
January 12, 2024
Harrowing & Heart wrenching
In, Ireland, 1956 when young, 16 year olds, Patricia and Declan share more than a passionate kiss it starts off a harrowing and heart wrenching story that covers three decades. The pair share a passionate couple of days and declare their love for each other and promise to meet each other again, soon, before Declan has to go home to England. But shortly after he has left, Patricia faces a shocking revelation. She’s pregnant. In an age where people are not as open minded her mum and dad are ashamed and fearing what neighbours and family will think they hide their daughter away at a unmarried mothers hime run by cruel and sadistic nuns where they humiliate and abuse her until she gives birth to a son. Just as she is bonding to the baby though the nuns take him away without her consent and give him to an unknown family. Facing unbearable anguish and grief, Patrica goes home but faces more heartbreak when she discovers that Declan has moved on. Although understandably upset and depressed Patricia decides to leave her family and every memory that causes her turmoil behind to take a job in England. Over time, Patricia marries and has kids of her own. She’s living her life until 3 decades later when Sean, the baby she lost comes calling. Old wounds are reopened and painful truths are found and Patricia’s live will never be the same again. This is a truly heart wrenching and emotional story that is likely to stay with me for a long time. You really feel for Patricia’s plight especially at the unimaginable horrors she faces at the unmarried mother’s home. However, and I don’t won’t to give spoilers away, but there is a bittersweet moment at the end.
In, Ireland, 1956 when young, 16 year olds, Patricia and Declan share more than a passionate kiss it starts off a harrowing and heart wrenching story that covers three decades. The pair share a passionate couple of days and declare their love for each other and promise to meet each other again, soon, before Declan has to go home to England. But shortly after he has left, Patricia faces a shocking revelation. She’s pregnant. In an age where people are not as open minded her mum and dad are ashamed and fearing what neighbours and family will think they hide their daughter away at a unmarried mothers hime run by cruel and sadistic nuns where they humiliate and abuse her until she gives birth to a son. Just as she is bonding to the baby though the nuns take him away without her consent and give him to an unknown family. Facing unbearable anguish and grief, Patrica goes home but faces more heartbreak when she discovers that Declan has moved on. Although understandably upset and depressed Patricia decides to leave her family and every memory that causes her turmoil behind to take a job in England. Over time, Patricia marries and has kids of her own. She’s living her life until 3 decades later when Sean, the baby she lost comes calling. Old wounds are reopened and painful truths are found and Patricia’s live will never be the same again. This is a truly heart wrenching and emotional story that is likely to stay with me for a long time. You really feel for Patricia’s plight especially at the unimaginable horrors she faces at the unmarried mother’s home. However, and I don’t won’t to give spoilers away, but there is a bittersweet moment at the end.
June 8, 2023
What will the neighbours say?
The story, told from Patricia’s point of view and Declan, her favourite cousin, whose lives are shaped by their parent’s upbringing and religious persuasion. Young girls were kept ignorant of their bodily functions, because one did not talk about such things, and suffered the consequences when curiosity and their hormones led them astray.
When Patricia becomes pregnant, she is sent to a mother and baby home, run by people to whom compassion was a stranger - the harsh reality of the judgemental attitudes at the time in which she lived.
Patricia survives by clinging to the idea that her parents would not knowingly inflict this on her, and she will return home when the baby is born, but betrayal awaits her due to lies told by those she trusted to be honest. The knowledge that her baby was sent for adoption almost destroys her. Worse still, the boy she loved has abandoned her. Declan’s side of the story has many similarities. Years pass and they make new lives for themselves until the day when Patricia receives a letter, which is when the story really starts...
Beverley Latimer writes of difficult subjects in a way to touch the heartstrings. I wept at the treatment inflicted on young women and girls at their most vulnerable, which had parallels in other areas. Society is more accepting of illegitimacy now, but the scars inflicted in earlier times run deep.
The story, told from Patricia’s point of view and Declan, her favourite cousin, whose lives are shaped by their parent’s upbringing and religious persuasion. Young girls were kept ignorant of their bodily functions, because one did not talk about such things, and suffered the consequences when curiosity and their hormones led them astray.
When Patricia becomes pregnant, she is sent to a mother and baby home, run by people to whom compassion was a stranger - the harsh reality of the judgemental attitudes at the time in which she lived.
Patricia survives by clinging to the idea that her parents would not knowingly inflict this on her, and she will return home when the baby is born, but betrayal awaits her due to lies told by those she trusted to be honest. The knowledge that her baby was sent for adoption almost destroys her. Worse still, the boy she loved has abandoned her. Declan’s side of the story has many similarities. Years pass and they make new lives for themselves until the day when Patricia receives a letter, which is when the story really starts...
Beverley Latimer writes of difficult subjects in a way to touch the heartstrings. I wept at the treatment inflicted on young women and girls at their most vulnerable, which had parallels in other areas. Society is more accepting of illegitimacy now, but the scars inflicted in earlier times run deep.
May 31, 2025
Beverley Latimer's Deceit & Reclamation is gut-wrenching, appalling, infuriating and a must read. Set in Ireland, the story smoothly toggles back and forth from 1957 to 1987. Patricia, a teenage girl with no experience, let alone understanding of sex, is impregnated by an equally innocent teenage boy, Declan. Fearing shame in the village above all other concerns, Patricia is taken away by her parents to a home for "sinning" girls until her baby is born. She and the other girls are humiliated, abused, and exploited by sadistic nuns and an all-powerful Church. Soon after the baby is born, he is whisked away (sold?) with not so much as a farewell caress for the mother. Patricia is told by her parents that Declan has jilted her for another girl. Declan's parents tell him the same lie, all to save face.
Like those in Latimer's The Winemakers Son, the characters in Deceit & Reclamation are finely-drawn. Not just the star-crossed lovers, whom we meet again in 1987, but also the co-conspirator parents and even some of the nuns are presented in flesh and blood, not cardboard.
An ugly story can be told artfully, with grace and humanity. Deceit & Reclamation is one. 'Tis grand, it is.
ps: for a cinematic portrayal of the same topic, see Small Things Like These with Cillian Murphy.
Like those in Latimer's The Winemakers Son, the characters in Deceit & Reclamation are finely-drawn. Not just the star-crossed lovers, whom we meet again in 1987, but also the co-conspirator parents and even some of the nuns are presented in flesh and blood, not cardboard.
An ugly story can be told artfully, with grace and humanity. Deceit & Reclamation is one. 'Tis grand, it is.
ps: for a cinematic portrayal of the same topic, see Small Things Like These with Cillian Murphy.
July 22, 2023
A beautifully written tear-jerker that will have you as heartbroken as Patricia, the heroine. It’s so true that families are often more concerned with how they are perceived by their neighbours and friends rather than the welfare of their family members. This is what happened to Patricia.
Living as she did in strait-laced Ireland when she became pregnant at sixteen, her parents sent her to a home for unmarried mothers to have the child. They wanted no part in their grandchild’s life as they were more concerned with their standing in the community. Cruelly treated at the home, Patricia prayed they would reconsider and come to fetch her. When they didn’t, and her newborn was stolen away and sold at four weeks old, she was heartbroken. Things were made worse for her when on top of losing her baby son, the love of her life rejected her even though he’d promised to marry her. She was unable to forgive her parents for abandoning her in her time of need and set off to England to create a new life.
I won’t add any more about the story for fear of giving spoilers, so I’ll just say what a lovely read this was despite the heartache. It had me in tears several times, but then Beverley Latimer’s books always reduce me to tears, they evoke so many emotions. A well-earned 5 stars.
Living as she did in strait-laced Ireland when she became pregnant at sixteen, her parents sent her to a home for unmarried mothers to have the child. They wanted no part in their grandchild’s life as they were more concerned with their standing in the community. Cruelly treated at the home, Patricia prayed they would reconsider and come to fetch her. When they didn’t, and her newborn was stolen away and sold at four weeks old, she was heartbroken. Things were made worse for her when on top of losing her baby son, the love of her life rejected her even though he’d promised to marry her. She was unable to forgive her parents for abandoning her in her time of need and set off to England to create a new life.
I won’t add any more about the story for fear of giving spoilers, so I’ll just say what a lovely read this was despite the heartache. It had me in tears several times, but then Beverley Latimer’s books always reduce me to tears, they evoke so many emotions. A well-earned 5 stars.
December 13, 2024
Wondrous writing!!
Deceit and Reclamation by Beverley Latimer is an absolute triumph of storytelling. From the very first page, I was captivated by its rich, layered plot and the deeply human characters that drive it forward. Latimer masterfully balances suspense, mystery, and emotional depth, creating a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and exhilarating.
The protagonist's journey of self-discovery and the themes of betrayal, resilience, and redemption are explored with nuance and authenticity. The pacing is perfect, with just the right amount of twists to keep you on edge while still allowing moments of quiet reflection. Every scene feels purposeful, every line of dialogue sharp and meaningful.
Latimer’s writing style is elegant and immersive, pulling readers deep into a world that feels as real as our own. Her ability to evoke emotion and provoke thought is unmatched. I found myself questioning motives, doubting characters, and rooting for justice right up until the final page.
If you’re looking for a gripping story with heart, tension, and unforgettable characters, Deceit and Reclamation is a must-read. Beverley Latimer has solidified herself as a storyteller to watch, and I eagerly anticipate whatever she writes next. Highly recommended!
Deceit and Reclamation by Beverley Latimer is an absolute triumph of storytelling. From the very first page, I was captivated by its rich, layered plot and the deeply human characters that drive it forward. Latimer masterfully balances suspense, mystery, and emotional depth, creating a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and exhilarating.
The protagonist's journey of self-discovery and the themes of betrayal, resilience, and redemption are explored with nuance and authenticity. The pacing is perfect, with just the right amount of twists to keep you on edge while still allowing moments of quiet reflection. Every scene feels purposeful, every line of dialogue sharp and meaningful.
Latimer’s writing style is elegant and immersive, pulling readers deep into a world that feels as real as our own. Her ability to evoke emotion and provoke thought is unmatched. I found myself questioning motives, doubting characters, and rooting for justice right up until the final page.
If you’re looking for a gripping story with heart, tension, and unforgettable characters, Deceit and Reclamation is a must-read. Beverley Latimer has solidified herself as a storyteller to watch, and I eagerly anticipate whatever she writes next. Highly recommended!
November 5, 2023
A poignant story about Patricia, a young, unwed pregnant girl sent to Bessborough House in Ireland to hide the shame of her pregnancy in 1957, Deceit & Reclamation grabs you by the heart and doesn't let go.
Within the Bessborough House walls, Patricia faces a cruel and abusive reality, where the nuns show no mercy, and the odds of survival are stacked against the young mums and their babies.
Beverley Latimer's laser-sharp writing highlights one of Ireland's darkest, most shameful chapters, as she masterfully depicts the societal stigma and harsh judgment unwed pregnant girls faced during that era. She portrays the emotional pain, trauma, and physical abuse these girls endured through her protagonist, Patricia, with heartbreaking authenticity.
A testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength found in unexpected places, D&R takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, from Patricia's initial despair to her eventual reclamation and healing.
Latimer's exceptional storytelling makes this book a must-read for anyone seeking an emotionally charged read that leaves a lasting impact. It's an outstanding tale!
Within the Bessborough House walls, Patricia faces a cruel and abusive reality, where the nuns show no mercy, and the odds of survival are stacked against the young mums and their babies.
Beverley Latimer's laser-sharp writing highlights one of Ireland's darkest, most shameful chapters, as she masterfully depicts the societal stigma and harsh judgment unwed pregnant girls faced during that era. She portrays the emotional pain, trauma, and physical abuse these girls endured through her protagonist, Patricia, with heartbreaking authenticity.
A testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength found in unexpected places, D&R takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, from Patricia's initial despair to her eventual reclamation and healing.
Latimer's exceptional storytelling makes this book a must-read for anyone seeking an emotionally charged read that leaves a lasting impact. It's an outstanding tale!
May 13, 2023
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last. She’s hit on a clever idea of taking some of the most harrowing real historical events and weaving a character-driven fictional story around them—and the results are spectacular.
This story deals with the very real mother and baby homes, run by nuns in Ireland. Remarkably, the last of these horrendous institutions didn’t close until 1998. Ms Latimer gets right in there to the core of the pain and she twists—until you feel it.
A beautiful story of kids doing what kids do as much as we try to discourage them, and the consequences that last a lifetime.
It’s heady, innocent love, that is sullied–and then cleansed—but not until many years of guilt and heartache have passed.
Real, raw –and just as it happened to many, many unfortunate young girls.
A life ruined—a child stolen—and love that never fades.
Read this book. It’s beautiful.
This story deals with the very real mother and baby homes, run by nuns in Ireland. Remarkably, the last of these horrendous institutions didn’t close until 1998. Ms Latimer gets right in there to the core of the pain and she twists—until you feel it.
A beautiful story of kids doing what kids do as much as we try to discourage them, and the consequences that last a lifetime.
It’s heady, innocent love, that is sullied–and then cleansed—but not until many years of guilt and heartache have passed.
Real, raw –and just as it happened to many, many unfortunate young girls.
A life ruined—a child stolen—and love that never fades.
Read this book. It’s beautiful.
October 6, 2023
The heartbreaking tale of Patricia, pregnant at sixteen in 1957 and left by her parents at Bessborough House in Ireland, a home for unwed girls is only part of the story. The head nun and all but two others are abusive and cruel toward the girls, some of whom have been raped. Patricia, who doesn't know her parents have agreed to sell her baby to adoptive parents, dreams of a life with the baby's father while slaving in the home. One day she looks for her baby boy, Sean in the nursery to breastfeed him and he's gone! Patricia's inconsolable and ruminates for the rest of her adult life over the loss of Sean. Why did her parents do this to her? Because of what the neighbors would think.
After Patricia's divorced, she receives a letter that changes her life. Patricia's life begins again for the better. Sometimes there is no forgiveness, just getting on with it.
I loved reading this book. In fact, I couldn't put it down and read it in 1 day. Highest recommendation.
After Patricia's divorced, she receives a letter that changes her life. Patricia's life begins again for the better. Sometimes there is no forgiveness, just getting on with it.
I loved reading this book. In fact, I couldn't put it down and read it in 1 day. Highest recommendation.
November 20, 2023
I was recounting my late father's stories of his experiences at the hands of Catholic priests in Ireland during his childhood. So I was intrigued by Beverley Lattimer's harrowing story beautifully written with realistic characters that seem so familiar.
This is Patricia's tale, spanning a period of thirty years starting with, her unplanned teenage pregnancy back in the fifties and the mind-boggling cruelty shown to her and others by, the people entrusted to protect them.
The story is even more shocking because, of course, these things did actually happen.
But above all the hardship, this is a story of bravery, hope, resilience, unconditional love, the power of forgiveness, and Patricia's strong family unit-the ties that bind.
This is the first book I've read by this author, and it certainly won't be the last. I highly recommend this compelling read.
This is Patricia's tale, spanning a period of thirty years starting with, her unplanned teenage pregnancy back in the fifties and the mind-boggling cruelty shown to her and others by, the people entrusted to protect them.
The story is even more shocking because, of course, these things did actually happen.
But above all the hardship, this is a story of bravery, hope, resilience, unconditional love, the power of forgiveness, and Patricia's strong family unit-the ties that bind.
This is the first book I've read by this author, and it certainly won't be the last. I highly recommend this compelling read.
February 3, 2024
Wow! What a roller coaster of an emotional book.
I’ve watched programmes about the places pregnant, unmarried girls and women were sent to in Ireland in the 1950s and quite frankly, the stories beggars belief. This book has been well-researched, and you are immersed in this terrible world where spiteful nuns act in the name of God in a very ungodly manner. We follow Patricia as we flip between the 1980s and the 1950s, piecing together what happened to her in one of the homes for unmarried Catholic women. It’s a harrowing tale, but when, after thirty years, the son she’d thought lost forever contacts her, she has to decide which way her life will turn. I can’t say anything more for fear of spoilers, but I was wiping away the tears at the end. A brilliant, heart breaking and uplifting story from Beverley Latimer. Get your hankies out. You’ll need them.
I’ve watched programmes about the places pregnant, unmarried girls and women were sent to in Ireland in the 1950s and quite frankly, the stories beggars belief. This book has been well-researched, and you are immersed in this terrible world where spiteful nuns act in the name of God in a very ungodly manner. We follow Patricia as we flip between the 1980s and the 1950s, piecing together what happened to her in one of the homes for unmarried Catholic women. It’s a harrowing tale, but when, after thirty years, the son she’d thought lost forever contacts her, she has to decide which way her life will turn. I can’t say anything more for fear of spoilers, but I was wiping away the tears at the end. A brilliant, heart breaking and uplifting story from Beverley Latimer. Get your hankies out. You’ll need them.
June 15, 2024
Deceit & Reclamation is a heart-wrenching story of a teenager in love but forced into an unwed mother’s home to endure the hardships and abuses rampant in the home run by nuns. Then the unspeakable happens when her newborn is sold in an adoption without her knowledge or consent, and the lovers’ parents conspire to keep the young lovers separated forever.
This is a story that tugs at the heart strings, and it was such an amazing and emotional read that I could not put it down. Author Beverley Latimer has a winner novel and I highly recommend this read. You will not be disappointed, but you should be prepared to be emotionally touched with the ending. I would love to see this book made into a TV mini-series. It is THAT GOOD.
This is a story that tugs at the heart strings, and it was such an amazing and emotional read that I could not put it down. Author Beverley Latimer has a winner novel and I highly recommend this read. You will not be disappointed, but you should be prepared to be emotionally touched with the ending. I would love to see this book made into a TV mini-series. It is THAT GOOD.
August 19, 2025
Compelling and Heartbreaking
This is a story that had to be told, and the author beautifully captures the cruelty of it with humanity and compassion. The vivid characters and compelling historical context of this book drew me in and kept me intrigued throughout. The abject horror of how young, unwed mothers were treated will enrage you and break your heart. The main character’s strength and courage will lift you up and call your heart to soar as the story comes to a full circle of healing and hope. This is a must read for the injustices of the past that must be recognized and the indelible triumph of the human heart that saves us all. A beautifully written and important book. Bravo!
This is a story that had to be told, and the author beautifully captures the cruelty of it with humanity and compassion. The vivid characters and compelling historical context of this book drew me in and kept me intrigued throughout. The abject horror of how young, unwed mothers were treated will enrage you and break your heart. The main character’s strength and courage will lift you up and call your heart to soar as the story comes to a full circle of healing and hope. This is a must read for the injustices of the past that must be recognized and the indelible triumph of the human heart that saves us all. A beautifully written and important book. Bravo!
May 24, 2023
Loved it!
Deceit and Reclamation is set in the 1950s and takes the reader on an emotional journey through to the late 1980s. It tells the story of a young unmarried mother and the horrors she faced before, during, and after childbirth.
I love how Beverley can take a harrowing time in history and create a story with so much passion, it’s hard to tear yourself away from it. We’re also given a beautiful love story in the mix.
A thoroughly enjoyable read with great characters that you can connect with straight away. Highly recommended!
Deceit and Reclamation is set in the 1950s and takes the reader on an emotional journey through to the late 1980s. It tells the story of a young unmarried mother and the horrors she faced before, during, and after childbirth.
I love how Beverley can take a harrowing time in history and create a story with so much passion, it’s hard to tear yourself away from it. We’re also given a beautiful love story in the mix.
A thoroughly enjoyable read with great characters that you can connect with straight away. Highly recommended!
June 11, 2023
A heartfelt and harrowing telling of a young unmarried mother, Patricia, who was sent by her parents to Beesborough house, a home for young women to stay until they have their babies. Latimer writes so beautifully and connects you to the characters. You feel deeply for Patricia, and I found it hard to read at times with the terrible treatment of the poor young women by the cruel and unforgiving nuns, but it was hard to put the book down. This is my first book by this author, and I feel I will have to indulge in more. Well done
July 17, 2023
Wow! What a harsh glance into the past, yet without these flashbacks into the past, I think humanity would have nothing to learn from. I am so glad that the ugly business was shut down, but sad that it took too long. I was hoping to hear how Sean's sister took the news about her adoption and whether she was reunited with her birth parents, but that's a topic for different book, I am hoping:) All in all, it's a beautiful story of a family reunited against all odds and you will love traveling from page to page just as I did
May 25, 2023
A heartbreaking story of life for catholic girls in the 1950s who are sent to unmarried mother's homes in Ireland. It follows the life of Patricia and her trials and tribulations in the home and beyond. Through deceit by parents on both sides of the short relationship, Patricia loses her one true love for thirty years. Well told and realistic to what happened to hundreds of young girls at that time.
Well worth the read.
Well worth the read.
June 19, 2023
A heart-wrenching story centered around the harsh judgemental attitudes towards unmarried pregnant girls in the 1950s and the dreadful, mostly nun-run, homes they were forced into, in order to hide their shame. Beverley Latimer's skillfully written tale, Deceit & Reclamation, will break your heart and piece it back together again with a long-in-coming, happy-ever-after conclusion. I highly recommend this book. Well done, Beverley Latimer. Very well done. Marlene Cheng-author.
Read
September 22, 2023In this story each has family trying to keep them apart, and it works. The cruel nuns take the heroine's baby and treat her very poorly. She is strong and survives it, and makes a life for herself, and finally, the son comes and finds her. I like how the son plays a role besides just showing up. Patricia is a relatable character because she's not perfect. But we can see how she develops her hatred for nuns and Catholicism. Some favor they were doing her!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews