Not Your Child

by Sheila Norton

A heartbreaking story of motherhood and the everlasting bond between mother and daughter - perfect for those who love Jodi Picoult!
I found you because I wanted to tell you. Jack is with someone else. He’s got no intention of sending for you or the kiddie or seeing you ever again. Don’t try to contact him, you’ll never find him.

All it takes is one message for Gemma’s life to fall apart. A confirmation of all she’s feared these last few months. Jack was supposed to be preparing for their new start in Australia, building their home, building their life together. And now this. Gone. Without a trace. Leaving their perfect world – all that their two-year-old daughter, Poppy, knows and cherishes – shattered.

Crystal comes into Gemma’s life at the opportune moment. This new friend, who’s been through it before, who knows how it feels for all of your hopes and dreams to suddenly implode, who wants to help, who will do anything…

Crystal loves Poppy. And Poppy loves Crystal. The minute they meet it’s as if all of the heartbreak over her dad leaving dissipates. Poppy feels whole again. And in a way, so does Gemma.

But what starts as a small kernel of jealousy soon grows into a larger sense of unease. Who is this woman who’s so obsessed with her daughter? And why does it feel like there’s something she’s not telling her?

A powerful and emotional women’s fiction novel about motherhood, friendship and just how far we’re willing to go for the ones we love, perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Emma Robinson and Kate Hewitt.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2024

About the author

Winner of the RoNAs 'Christmas and Winter Seasonal Award' novel, 2022, with 'Winter at Cliff's End Cottage'.

I live in Chelmsford, UK, with my husband Alan. We have three married daughters and six grandchildren. I've been writing ever since I was a little girl, and finally achieved my lifelong ambition to have a novel published, with the acceptance in 2002 of 'The Trouble With Ally'. Prior to this, I'd been having short stories published in women's magazines for about ten years.

My most recent books are stories set in the English county of Devon, and most include pets in the story! They are feel-good contemporary fiction.

I worked for most of my life as a medical secretary. I now write full-time. I like to relax by reading, walking,swimming, and seeing my family and friends.

I am passionate about my writing and love to hear from my readers. I am also happy to give talks to writers' groups and others, and book signings, in my local area.

Reviews

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This compelling tale of motherhood, trust, friendship, and abandonment was pacey, engaging, and well-written.

WHY NOT 5 STARS?
I easily guessed the guessed the "surprise" twist early on.

I listened to the audiobook read by Gemma Lawrence and Helen Keeley.

I almost always enjoy full-cast narrations and both narrators did an outstanding job with the narration.

This was my first Sheila Norton book and look forward to reading future titles by this author.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story about motherhood, friendship and trust, Gemma and her two year old daughter Poppy are awaiting news from Jack her partner and Poppy’s father to send for them to make their move to Australia, when she gets a message on Instagram from Jack’s brother to let her know that would not be happening that he had another partner now and that he will never be found and don’t try and contact me.

This came as a big shock to Gemma who was at work, she immediately makes her way to the bathroom where she has a meltdown, understandably so but there is someone else there and she offers comfort and soon they are becoming fast friends and Crystal loves Poppy, Crystal offers to help out with Poppy and soon Poppy seems to love Crystal as much as she loves her own mother, should Gemma be worried, her parents think so they do not trust Crystal at all.

Is it just jealousy or should Gemma really be worried and when people at the park are thinking that Crystal is Poppy’s mother Gemma is really getting concerned and feeling that Crystal who has become her best friend is holding something back.

This one had me thinking so many different scenarios while reading and I am not sure that I would have been as understanding as Gemma and the twist at the end well that was something I did not expect at all. Recommend for any reader of a good woman’s fiction story, this one has lots of different emotions running through it.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Boldwood Books for my copy to read and revie

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Not Your Child by Sheila Norton. This was a good book that I enjoyed reading. It was fast paced and an easy read. I was able to predict the ending but not until I had read about 80% of the book. The idea of the story was definitely original to me. I have never read anything similar. I would not consider this book to be a thriller. A very unique story, give it a try! I gave it a 4 star rating.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Your Child by Sheila Norton kept me engaged from the very first page. When you meet someone who takes an interest in your child so much, you start to have doubts. Trust your instincts!!! I almost figured out the end but was a little “off” of what I thought would actually happen. But I was close! Lol Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release.

[Laura A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma feels like her personal life is falling apart. She befriends a woman at work who seems to good to be true. I liked this book.

[Read, React, Repeat! Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this started off with a strong potential to be a good story, I felt like it could have moved along a little bit faster. As it is, there were quite a few repetitions, with Gemma making the same naive mistakes over and over again, despite the many warnings and evidence that she kept getting.

I get that she was in a vulnerable point in her life, but her poor decisions could have potentially had graver repercussions, for Poppy, most of all. Despite the nature of this story, I found it difficult to become emotionally invested in it and it was fairly easy to figure out the reason for the secret visits Crystal was hiding.

But...the final plot twist pulled it right back from the brink! In all honesty, I pretty much suspected what would happen, but that didn't diminish the satisfaction of it when it did. The emotions kicked in at this point, and overall, this ended up being a great read.

[Maryann Forbes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author Sheila Norton for the opportunity to read an ARC of the soon to released (9/24/24) Not Your Child. This review reflects my honest opinion. Gemma is the mom of the lively and lovely 2 year old Poppy. Her life was upended when Poppy's father simply left them with no warning. His brother sent her a notice that Jack was living in Australia and would not be seeing her or Poppy anymore; said brother then "unfriended " Gemma. Gemma was crying in the restroom at work where a very vivacious woman, Crystal, tried to comfort her. They went to lunch, and a fast friendship formed. The story is told from the perspective of Gemma and Crystal. I found both women to be childish, and it was clear from the beginning of their friendship that Crystal was preoccupied with Poppy. Although I found Not Your Child slow and somewhat predictable, it is all in all a satisfying novel 3 stars.

[Layla Penfold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woah, this was powerful. This read definitely got to me, as a mother of three, I could totally empathise with Gemma. I couldn’t imagine anything more devastating than this scenario.
It is crazy how fate works really, poor Gemma hit rock bottom, then this breath of fresh air suddenly appears Crystal. Yeah, I did have a feeling there was more to her, I started to get dodgy vibes from her.
I really enjoyed this book, occasionally I wanted to jump in and shake Gemma, but understandably she was very vulnerable.
The author definitely kept me interested, I had to know what the hell is going on.

[Branita J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me going back and forth on what the secret could be. Needless to say, it kept me guessing all the way to the end, which is a good thing. I love books that I can't figure out the ending. It's my first Sheila Norton book. It won't be the last.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
I read this book in one day.
I found this a quick read. Gemma was having a breakdown at work which led to her friendship with Chrystal.
Both women were likeable enough and I definitely wanted to know how the story unfolded. Parts of the first half were repetitive as it foreshadowed the story.
I did not predict the ending.
I did not have a strong emotional reaction to the story though I believe the author was going for that.
I’m not sure I’d describe this as a thriller or women’s fiction but either way I found it a quick, engaging read.

[That dorky lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent one. Could've been shorter. Needed a bit more editing but okie for an easy read.. One can listen to the audio without needing to give too much attention. People are "bereft" repeatedly throughout the story;don't know if it's something like the word of the book for the author (iykyk).

[Layla-Mai Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a concept I don’t think I’ve read before or definitely not done in this way. I was questioning all the way through and I’m normally someone who guesses the twist really early but I really didn’t see this coming until right before we were told. I found both Gemma and crystal likeable and kept asking myself should I like her or not? It made me able to sympathise with some of Gemma’s internal battle. I’d definitely recommend this book.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma meets Crystal as she is having a breakdown in the bathroom at work. They become fast friends. Crystal inserts herself in Gemma’s life by helping her out with her three year old daughter, Poppy.

It was a fast paced read and the twist made it very interesting. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for the arc copy.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, I didn't have a clue how it was going to end and that just added to the addiction to the story.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good, you had me going from page one until the last page. I highly recommend this book to all of mystery and thriller fans. You are going to love it, I sure did. I would never have expected the ending to end like it did. What a surprise!

Gemma is living with a man and they have a little girl Poppy she is two years old and she is a real pistol. Jack her partner went to Australia to find a job and housing for all of them and then Gemma and Poppy are going to join him. She waits for weeks just to hear from him and finally his brother contacts her and tells her not to look for Jack. That he has left her and involved with another woman. Needless to say Gemma is devastated. She gets this news at work and has to leave her desk for a good cry. She goes to the bathroom and another lady is in there and they start talking after Gemma is done crying. The same thing has happened to Crystal and they become friends. Crystal works in the marketing department and Gemma in accounting so they work on different floors, it was just lucky they ran into each other. They start having lunch together and soon Crystal wants to meet Poppy. They seem to love each other almost right away. Crystal is Gemma's good friend and she helps her out by watching Poppy while she works. Soon Gemma finds out that everyone thinks Crystal is Poppy's mother and Crystal is not correcting them.
Crystal meets Gemma's mother and her mother does not trust Crystal and soon her dad is not liking her either. Once a month Crystal disappears for the weekend and is very mysterious about it. Maybe it is time to separate Crystal and Poppy and possibly end her friendship with Crystal as well. For Christmas she bought Poppy an outfit just like hers from the "mother and daughter" shop and that was the end. Crystal had gone too far and this friendship is over or is it?

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Your Child by Sheila Norton, After waiting months to here from the love of her life Gemma learns at work that not only is he in Australia but has found someone new and doesn’t want to be contacted by her for any reason not even their three-year-old daughter Poppy. When she breaks down in the ladies room thinking she is alone she hears a comforting voice and this is how she meets Crystal. Gemma is a single mom who works part time at the company Crystal works for and part-time at home building websites she couldn’t be happier to have a new friend especially when her new friend seems to like taking poppy to the park for walks ET see but soon she starts hearing things that don’t sit well with her like Crystal is acting as if she is her sister or even worse that she is poppies mom. Gemma‘s parents tell her to stop letting Crystal take poppy but when she wakes up one morning and poppy is gone she knows she should’ve listened. Crystal has secrets and is doing her best to hold on tightly not only to the secrets but seemingly her sanity but when she does come clean Gemma will have answers to questions she didn’t even know she wanted to ask. I thought the second half of this book was more interesting than the first but but I am glad I continue to read it and love the happy ending. There were many times in the book I felt is if Jimma was showing a lack of common sense but then other times when talking to her mom she seem so sensible either way I still liked her and felt bad for Crystal then dislike Crystal then felt bad for her again. I definitely recommend this book and it’s just another example of why you should never give up on a book. #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks, #SheilaNorton, #NotYourChild,

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

All it takes is one message for Gemma's life to fall apart. A confirmation of all she feared these last few months. Jack was supposed to be preparing for their new start in Australia, building their home, building their life together. And now this. Gone. Without a trace. Leaving their perfect world - all that their two-year-old daughter Poppy knows and cherishes - shattered. Crystal comes into Gemma's life at the opportune moment. This new friend, who's been through it before, who knows how it feels for all your hopes and dreams to suddenly implode, who wants to help, and who will do anything.

When someone seems too good to be true, trust your gut feeling. That's what Gemma should have done when she met Crystal. But Gemma wasn't in the right frame of mind, she was having a breakdown at work. The pace is fast, and the more you read, the more interesting the book becomes. It's not long before Crystal is taking over Gemma and her daughter Poppy's lives. Everything was explained and tied up by the end. The ending was a surprise.

Published 23rd September 2024

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #SheilaNorton for my ARC of #NotYourChild in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenny McClinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.

This emotional read follows Gemma, who has just found out that she will now be a single mum as her partner has moved away with no way of contacting him.

Whilst trying to come to terms with her new situation she meets a colleague Crystal, who knowing how she feels tries to comfort her.

Soon Crystal starts to become a large part of Gemma’s home life, with her daughter also loving having Crystal around in their lives. When jealousy starts to hit Gemma, with Crystal’s relationship with her daughter she starts to wonder if Crystal has something to hide.

Is Crystal hiding a secret? Has Gemma got a reason to worry?

This read is very emotional throughout as you get to hear from both women as they try to come to terms with distressing times in their lives.

There is a slight edge of mystery to the storyline, as you wait to find out if or what Crystal could be hiding, and this adds to the intrigue of what will happen next.

The main theme is friendship and family, but also with the added drama of when someone can overstep the boundaries of what is usually expected by friendship.

Overall, an emotional read where a colleague helps Gemma through a tough time, but is she hiding a secret?

[Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I want to thank Sheila Norton, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.

Ohh I just knew I was going to fall in love with Sheila Norton’s Not Your Child! The cover of the book instantly caught my eye, the book title, and the description captured my attention. Most of all when the publisher compares the book to one of your favorite author Emma Robinson’s books you know you need to read it. Now I didn’t ugly cry like I do with Emma’s but there were parts that pulled on my heart strings.

Instantly, I was sucked into the story and was going through all the emotions that Gemma was going through when she got the news. My heart went out to her during this time.

Poppy was my favorite character in the whole book. She was the absolute cutest and sweetest little girl that tugged on my heartstrings.

Family and Friendships were two big themes in this book.

I really loved how Sheila thought outside of the box when she created the characters' names. Names like Gemma and Poppy are not popular in my neck of the woods.

Not Your Child was filled with so many wicked twists and turns leading up to Crystal’s shocking confession that blew my mind.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A psychological thriller is what I think the author was going for in this novel. I did enjoy the story; I went back and forth from liking the two main characters. Two women who work for the same company, meet when Gemma has just been delivered an awful blow by text. She's sobbing in the bathrooms, and Crystal hears her. She sticks around to see if she can help and it's the start of a friendship between the two women. As we move through the story, Crystal seems to develop a weird and unusual attachment to Gemma's daughter. Gemma's parents warn her that something isn't quite right with the situation, but Gemma wants to believe the best in Crystal and her intentions. The story does have some twists and turns.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sheila Norton and Boldwood Books for allowing me this eversion arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Dani (piggindani_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling. I was drawn in from the blurb and it didn’t disappoint.
It’s one of those books that you can easily devour in one sitting.
The writing is engaging and every chapter has you constantly trying to piece together what’s going to happen and how it all connects.

I must admit, I thought there was going to be a sinister twist at the end but I was pleasantly surprised. My heart ached.
My favourite chapters were those told from Crystals POV. These were short but they kept giving those little snippets into who she really was, her motives and slowly unraveling the truth.

Gemma was, at times, infuriating but I kinda related to her in the sense of always wanting to see the best in someone even when the red flags are blindingly obvious! 🚩

This is an emotional & suspenseful story that I really enjoyed.

Thank you, Boldwood Books, for the eArc.
I love Sheila’s writing and can’t wait to check out more.

Official rating 4.5 ⭐️♥️

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The twists are brilliant and not what you expected.
Gemma is at work when she gets a message from her partner`s brother to say that he has left her and not coming back when she thought she would be joining him in Australia with her three year old daughter Poppy.
Crystal from another department at work comforts her as her partner had also left her and they become more involved, but she seems to be more interested in Poppy than Gemma and Gemma`s parents are not happy with this and are suspicious of Crystal.
You wonder if Crystal has an ulterior motive, and I totally guessed wrong, all Gemma and Crystal are both likeable characters.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

When Gemma's partner leaves her for another woman, she becomes a single mother to her little girl, Poppy. Shortly afterwards, she meets Crystal, and the two women develop a close friendship.

The perspective switches between Gemma and Crystal, and I found that I didn't really identify with either of them, but I was interested in them. There was an element of suspense that drew me in, and I had to keep reading. I had the feeling that not everything was quite as it seemed. This was a page turner with some surprising twists, and Poppy was adorable too.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma is having a tough time and when she meets Crystal at work they become fast friends. It isn't long before Crystal has inserted herself into every aspect of Gemma's life including Gemma's young daughter. I had no idea where the author was going with this story so I was super enthusiastic to keep reading too find out. The twist is so shocking and you really don't see it until the second before it happens. I had suspicions about the characters making it hard for me to like or trust them but in the end I just felt regret and heartbreak. A unique and different story that I became obsessed with!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Your Child by Sheila Norton was a heartbreaking story of motherhood and the everlasting bond between mother and daughter and covers friendship and trust. You will need lots of tissues and some time alone. However, overall I really enjoyed reading this book especially as it gripped me from the first few pictures and it drew me in. Sheila wrote her latest book fro her heart and it will pull at yours so be warned.........You will have read eyes when you read it. It was fast paced and an easy read which is a great read for your holiday......But You will need to hide behind your sunglasses! lol

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC

[Nethanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Gemma breaks down at work after receiving a devastating message Crystal finds her and tries to comfort her. They become friends very fast and when Crystal meets Poppy, Gemma’s little daughter, they had a connection right away. But something isn’t totally right….
I enjoyed the first part and the last part but the middle part was a little too long, much of the same, for me. The conclusion of the story was good but I was hoping for an epilogue. I’v read a couple of books by this author but I liked this one a little less.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma was way too trusting and gullible. While I thought her parents were hovering and treated her like a child they did have a right to be suspicious of Crystal.
I got creepy vibes off Crystal. I wondered how many more times she would confess to lying to Gemma and get away with it.
I suspected the link between the two and I was right.
The story ended on an upbeat note but if i had been Gemma I would not have been so forgiving or welcoming.
Important lessons about setting boundaries and keeping them are in this book.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the early copy.

[Amy Timmins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book stressed me the hell out, and I did not, repeat, did not see the twist at the end coming. Oooooo this book led me on, in a good way. But make sure you watch or read something happy and with comedy in between chapters to relieve you from the stress and tension. There were times a shouted at this book, and exclaimed “why!?” and “what the hell?!” But I loved it. The book was fast paced, swapping between characters and full of drama, suspicion, tension and much more. This book would make such a good tv drama and I recommend giving it a read.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Crystal comes into Gemma’s life, I knew there were things that wasn't being said. Crystal showed up when Gemma was having a breakdown at work. The more I read, the more I had to read because I couldn't figure out what Crystal was up to. I read the book in one day, and it captured my attention, both in reading and where my mind was going. When it was finally revealed, it wasn't what I thought, which made it a much better read. I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley.

[Sven · Rating 3 out of 5]

A psychological thriller, with a lot of twists and turns, made more so thrilling because of little Poppy in between 2 women, Gemma and Crystal.

When Gemmas life falls apart after her boyfriend abandons her, Crystal offers support. But soon, it seems like Crystal is overtaking Gemmas life as mother in Poppy's life.

Well written, fast-paced, with a short but surprise ending.

#netgalley #NotYourChild