The Surrogate

by Kathryn Mackel

The perfect candidate to carry their child...with the perfect opportunity to destroy their lives.

When Kyle Dolan convinces his wife, Bethany, to hire a surrogate for their last surviving embryo, they allow themselves to hope once again. A med school student, Laurel Bergin seems perfect in every way. Problem is--Laurel Bergin is really Sable Lynde.

As the pregnancy progresses, Sable's dark secrets surface, and her inner demons spill out into the Dolans' lives. In a terrifying encounter, Sable is injured and lapses into a coma. Now the Dolans face psychological and supernatural forces they never knew existed.

Fearing for their sanity, their own lives, and the life of their baby, they confront the surrogate--and the darkness surrounding her--in a heart-stopping climax that will keep you reading late into the night.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Mystery Thriller

320 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 2004

About the author

As a screenwriter (writing as Kathy Mackel), Kathryn Mackel has worked for Disney, Fox, and Showtime. She’s famous with the kids for the Disney movie Can of Worms. She was the credited screenwriter for Frank Peretti's Hangman's Curse (with Stan Foster) and part of the story team for Left Behind: The Movie.

Reviews

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars Good Christian horror/suspense. Couple who can't have a baby hire a surrogate who isn't what she seems.

[Nicole Hurd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite. I thought this would be more eerie and thrilling, but it was a let down in that aspect.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite this book having a Christian slant, I did not find it to be an overt attack of religious belief. The story had strong characters, was fast-paced and was a great read.

[Kristin Hodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I thought this was going to be a horror. Found in the clearance at a second hand book shop. It ended up being a Christian fiction book which I love that genre and hadn’t come across one in this kind of plot! I think the ending lacked closure. I have questions of how some major issues would resolve. But it was such a powerful story of the severe life circumstances we experience and how we begin to doubt God.

This thriller was wild, and idk that I would have been as kind to the surrogate as this couple was after everything she put them thru!

[Michele D. Canty · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read it so you don't have to suffer - it's really bad.

This book has no idea what it wants to be. Is it horror? A religious story of faith? A mystery? What it is is a horrible, disconnected, dull novel that goes on for too long and doesn't satisfy. The author beats you over the head with faith, a couple willing to do and hurt anyone for a baby, and a cast of ridiculous stereotypes that make the book unbearable.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book could potentially scare the bejeebers out of people who are looking for a surrogate. What a roller coaster ride.

[Oni Johnson-whitehead · Rating 2 out of 5]

It had interesting parts but was very hard to follow. I finished the book but that's just because I always try to finish.

[Wyeth Doty · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 to 4 stars, I need to sit with it a little longer before I really know.
I thought the story was very interesting. I've never seen a concept like this before. As weird as it is, I hated Bethany for 90% of the book. She was just too much for me. I kinda thought she was a brat, but by the end, I appreciated her efforts with Sable.
I liked all the different POVs. It was nice seeing several different aspects and hearing all different voices. That kept the book moving at a good pace.
The first half or so was really slow, but it picked up around 55%
I'd definitely read another Kathryn Mackel book.

[Madi · Rating 1 out of 5]

There were times where this book was decent, but the whole god-and-jesus-blah-blah-blah was way too over-the-top for the story to be enjoyable. I finished it strictly because it was easy to read, but I kind of feel the need to throw it in the garbage now that I’m done. Amen.

[Aaliyah Dennis · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book didn't know what it wanted to be. There was too much going on. There was no one solid idea. It seemed like every idea the author came up with she just threw it in the book. It was too much and it just kept going on and on and on and on. I'm so glad it finally ended.

[Troy Lindeman-Wyner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh my, the worst book I have read in a long time.

[Trish · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found this book in a book thriftstore and thought the plot sounded good. It had exciting moments but not an exciting book. Just dull and dragged out

[Corinne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some parts were great and thrilling, but others totally lost my interest.

[Sydney Klingler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entertaining the whole time. Lots of twists and unexpected things happen. Keeps my interest the whole time! One of those books I wish I could read for the first time again! Loved it.

[David Whaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing

[Misty Biesinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of religious talk.

[Vanessa Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book was amazing, big twist at the end

[Hazel McHaffie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title made me buy it but it wasn't my cup of tea. It tells the story of a rich and successful couple who turn to an unknown young woman to incubate their last remaining embryo. Only the girl turns out to be a fraud with a murky history and everyone gets sucked deeper and deeper into the consequences of her past. For me it's an example of an agenda showing through the fine mesh of a story. I didn't find either the storyline or the characters convincing. It's the third novel I've read with the same title! Maybe that should tell me something!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual read, found it at my local library (new e-books) and the plot intrigued me. I couldn't put it down! Very surprising plot. About half way through I thought "but this must be ending soon and here I am only half way through" ?? Great characters too. A little OTT on the religion but that was part of these main characters so I will forgive :)

Thanks for an enjoyable read (and I wont hold my sleepless night against you LOL).

[Tracy M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I dislike books where there is the ominous 'he' (or 'she') as a drab pull over character waiting to be exposed as the imaginary monster left lingering from a past trauma.

While I can emphasize with Bethany's obsession over Sable/Lauren carrying her baby to term as she couldn't herself - I found this book lack luster

[Amy Kidneigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

i am about half way through it right now. The first half has been really good, although the second half is getting a little weird but i shall see how it ends.
well i finished the book last night, part of the ending was a little far fetch for me but it was still a very good read.

[Delaney Reimers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't finish this book. I probably have about 100 pages to go but I just can't bring myself to finish it. Wasn't what it sounded like from the back and I just thought it dragged on. Hopefully others will like it better.

[Tee Mcdaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book lots of twists and turns I really had a hard time putting it down and I have read a lot of good ones lately. I was almost afraid to read the end that evil would triumph over good

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book kept my attention only because I couldn't figure out what the main character's problem was - it was kind of a let down at the end. It wasn't a bad book, just weird!

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a fan of this book

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little "hokey", and kinda "preachy", but an interesting read. Alot of action, esp at the end, almost too much action, like the author was "trying to hard".

[Robin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry Leah but I did not enjoy your mom's book. The main characters were too whiny and there was too much "Why God", etc.

[Michelle]

A thrill-ride of suspense and terror, this novel leads readers to a breathtaking climax. Engaging characters, contemporary issues, and deep questions of faith make this story an unforgettable read.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a hard time not being frustrated with the surrogate the entire book! I just wanted her to be honest with the family and allow them to help her.

[Samantha Colson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. I really enjoyed it. Keep me in suspense the whole time.