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Once You Were Mine
A genealogy search reveals heartrending connections between friends as it brings to light one woman’s traumatic past as a teenage mother in the 1960s.
In a quiet North Carolina town in 1968, a seventeen-year-old girl’s life is forever changed when a summer romance leads to an unplanned pregnancy. She is sent to an abusive “maternity home,” where she is shamed and deceived into signing adoption papers.
In the present day, Allison Garrett volunteers as a “search angel,” using DNA tests to help strangers locate lost relatives. But the family tree she finds most compelling is that of her own mother, who was abandoned as a baby. As Allison puts the pieces together, they reveal much more than her mother’s origins—and threaten to create further divisions in her tight-knit community.
When a family is separated by devastating circumstances, is it possible for them to heal the pain of the past and make up for lost time?
In a quiet North Carolina town in 1968, a seventeen-year-old girl’s life is forever changed when a summer romance leads to an unplanned pregnancy. She is sent to an abusive “maternity home,” where she is shamed and deceived into signing adoption papers.
In the present day, Allison Garrett volunteers as a “search angel,” using DNA tests to help strangers locate lost relatives. But the family tree she finds most compelling is that of her own mother, who was abandoned as a baby. As Allison puts the pieces together, they reveal much more than her mother’s origins—and threaten to create further divisions in her tight-knit community.
When a family is separated by devastating circumstances, is it possible for them to heal the pain of the past and make up for lost time?
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2025
About the author
Elizabeth Langston
16 books200 followersElizabeth Langston lives in North Carolina, midway between the beach and the mountains. When she's not writing stories, she likes to stream mysteries, travel to faraway places, or curl up with a good book and a cup of coffee.
Elizabeth writes historical/ women's fiction and YA magical realism. As Julia Day, she has also written contemporary romance.
Elizabeth writes historical/ women's fiction and YA magical realism. As Julia Day, she has also written contemporary romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
January 17, 2025
I devoured this book! I signed up for ancestry.com when my daughter was an infant and have dabbled in genealogy ever since. I also love that this story had a dual timeline, one of which was in the late 1960's at a maternity home for unwed mothers. After reading 'Looking for Jane', this has become an interest of mine.
Molly had a summer romance and became pregnant at the age of 17. She was sent to an unsavory maternity home where mothers were forced through manipulation and deception to relinquish their babies to adoptive families. The abusive conditions on many levels jives with what I have read in other novels set in these maternity homes.
Langston moved her story along nicely. Often in a dual timeline, I have a stronger connection to one over the other. In this case, it was more balanced for me. I appreciated that Molly was a strong female main character and was a pioneer in her field of study. I also enjoyed reading the conflict between characters who were more traditional in mindset in the 60s and 70s and those who were more progressive as this dichotomy was prevalent during that time period. My favorite 2024 character was Allison whose volunteer gig of locating relatives through DNA tests turned personal. Bree for most of the book was unlikable for me personally, but I appreciate the struggle she and other characters had coming to terms with the past and its impact on them.
This book had me from the description and it did not disappoint...so much so that I read it in one sitting! Thank you to Elizabeth Langston, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Molly had a summer romance and became pregnant at the age of 17. She was sent to an unsavory maternity home where mothers were forced through manipulation and deception to relinquish their babies to adoptive families. The abusive conditions on many levels jives with what I have read in other novels set in these maternity homes.
Langston moved her story along nicely. Often in a dual timeline, I have a stronger connection to one over the other. In this case, it was more balanced for me. I appreciated that Molly was a strong female main character and was a pioneer in her field of study. I also enjoyed reading the conflict between characters who were more traditional in mindset in the 60s and 70s and those who were more progressive as this dichotomy was prevalent during that time period. My favorite 2024 character was Allison whose volunteer gig of locating relatives through DNA tests turned personal. Bree for most of the book was unlikable for me personally, but I appreciate the struggle she and other characters had coming to terms with the past and its impact on them.
This book had me from the description and it did not disappoint...so much so that I read it in one sitting! Thank you to Elizabeth Langston, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2025
ONCE YOU WERE MINE by Elizabeth Langston
Austenne Grey does a fine reading of this story. The voice of Molly really stood out for me. A first time narrator for me and I would like to hear her voice in other audiobooks.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook
A deeply moving family drama using DNA testing that uncovers deep-rooted family secrets.
Told in dual timelines from the 1960s to present day. 1960s North Carolina we meet Molly, a seventeen-year-old, that finds herself pregnant and sent to a home for wayward girls to wait out her pregnancy. Upon the birth she is deceived into signing adoption papers. In present day Allison puts pieces together using DNA that will reveal much more than her mother’s origins. A family is separated by devastating circumstances, and will they be able to heal from the past? Exploring all the heartache, joy, betrayal, and aftermath of long ago choices and secrets.
I enjoyed this book and will definitely read more books by Elizabeth Langston. I thought it was well written and characters were well developed. My only issue was trying to keep all the characters straight in the family lines.
Austenne Grey does a fine reading of this story. The voice of Molly really stood out for me. A first time narrator for me and I would like to hear her voice in other audiobooks.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook
A deeply moving family drama using DNA testing that uncovers deep-rooted family secrets.
Told in dual timelines from the 1960s to present day. 1960s North Carolina we meet Molly, a seventeen-year-old, that finds herself pregnant and sent to a home for wayward girls to wait out her pregnancy. Upon the birth she is deceived into signing adoption papers. In present day Allison puts pieces together using DNA that will reveal much more than her mother’s origins. A family is separated by devastating circumstances, and will they be able to heal from the past? Exploring all the heartache, joy, betrayal, and aftermath of long ago choices and secrets.
I enjoyed this book and will definitely read more books by Elizabeth Langston. I thought it was well written and characters were well developed. My only issue was trying to keep all the characters straight in the family lines.
February 10, 2025
When Molly faces an unplanned pregnancy in 1968, she is sent to an abusive “maternity home” where she is all but forced to sign adoption papers. Fast forward to current day, Allison volunteers as a “search angel” helping strangers locate lost relatives through a DNA search. Allison has found some discoveries about her own mother that hits close to home.
This was such a compelling and heartbreaking story!! You feel for Molly and her heartbreak and are able to see how the story eventually ends years into the future when DNA connects families back together. You will definitely cry with this story and it’s such a heartwarming tale of families and the ties that bind!
This was such a compelling and heartbreaking story!! You feel for Molly and her heartbreak and are able to see how the story eventually ends years into the future when DNA connects families back together. You will definitely cry with this story and it’s such a heartwarming tale of families and the ties that bind!
February 11, 2025
Another fantastic dual timeline story about Molly, an 18 year old who gets pregnant in 1968 and is sent to a maternity home to have her baby. What follows is an adoption story full of family secrets and a moving story of how Molly pivots from tragedy and goes on to lead an inspiring life of a feminist software engineer. Really good on audio and perfect for fans of books like Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 1, 2025
I was intrigued to read the NetGalley Arc of “Once You Were Mine”. I enjoyed this dual timeline, multi-POV story, but I found myself most interested in Molly’s life and wished less time was spent on the other characters. I appreciated how the storyline felt realistic and honest, and at times, heartbreaking. Overall, a good read-one that covers the impact of generational differences, family dynamics and left me thinking about the impact of choices.
September 28, 2024
Excellent story about the trials and tribulations that a young unwed mother faced in the past and the ways it affected the future lives of those involved. It was sad at times and very touching at others. I highly recommend this book. Emotional and gripping.
January 24, 2025
This story was told in a past and present format and, as is typically the case for me, I enjoyed the past much more than I did the present. The characters in the past timeline were far more interesting and sympathetic; Molly and Gwen were fantastic, and I found myself wanting to know more and more about their lives and how they dealt with and moved on from their circumstances. Their storyline pulled me in and held my interest for its historical value. In contrast, the characters in the present storyline were shallow and spoiled; I struggled with how Allison and Bri reacted to the situation, and their stories lacked for emotion or thoughtfulness. I think there was a lot of opportunity to bring emotions into the present timeline, given the circumstances of how the events ultimately unfolded. That opportunity just wasn't executed well. And finally, the ending felt incredibly rushed, like the author realized they had to tie everything up in a big bow and only and a few pages left to do it. The story jumped from tense and messy to happy and clean in a blink of an eye.
Thanks to the publisher and Negally for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the publisher and Negally for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2024
It’s timely and finally this story is told, thanks to Elizabeth Langston. This book should be on everyone’s list.
It’s well written with two timelines: one that is current and the other one back to the late 60s. It focuses on women’s rights with great thanks to DNA reports. This story reminds us of unequal conditions for women with jobs, visa cards, property and in some cases, abusive marriages. Plus, it points out how too often pregnant women who were single were ostracized during this time.
Recently, Kamala Harris said in her 2024 campaign: “We can’t go back.” This is in part what she was talking about. This book is a realistic comparison of what it was like just a few decades ago. A lot of readers may still remember those days with their own stories from those they know. At the end, there are questions for book groups. I can imagine that there could be a lot of stimulating discussions.
My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of February 11, 2025.
It’s well written with two timelines: one that is current and the other one back to the late 60s. It focuses on women’s rights with great thanks to DNA reports. This story reminds us of unequal conditions for women with jobs, visa cards, property and in some cases, abusive marriages. Plus, it points out how too often pregnant women who were single were ostracized during this time.
Recently, Kamala Harris said in her 2024 campaign: “We can’t go back.” This is in part what she was talking about. This book is a realistic comparison of what it was like just a few decades ago. A lot of readers may still remember those days with their own stories from those they know. At the end, there are questions for book groups. I can imagine that there could be a lot of stimulating discussions.
My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of February 11, 2025.
February 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I know all too well what it’s like to discover secrets after taking a DNA test. In the 1960’s Molly is pregnant and sent to an abusive maternity home by her Parents. She is forced to surrender her twins for adoption by her parents and the home. She has Been told that the father doesn’t want to see her again. Allison is a search angel, helping strangers locate relatives through a DNA test. Allison and Molly’s worlds collide and secrets are revealed and long lost relatives are reunited. The story is told in past and present format from alternating points of view. I loved this emotional, gripping tale of Molly looking for her twins. It will take 55 years for closure. Just published February 11! Thank you @netgalley for the ARC
#bestestbookclubever
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#bestestbookclubever
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July 10, 2025
Special thank you to NetGalley, Elizabeth Langston
and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical aspects that were woven into the novel. The story is told from the perspectives of Molly and Allison and it was captivating to read how the story and timelines unfold. Overall 4 star for me.
and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical aspects that were woven into the novel. The story is told from the perspectives of Molly and Allison and it was captivating to read how the story and timelines unfold. Overall 4 star for me.
February 25, 2025
In her latest novel, Elizabeth Langston weaves a tapestry of intergenerational secrets, unexpected connections, and the long shadow cast by the societal treatment of unwed mothers in 1960s America. "Once You Were Mine" skillfully alternates between past and present, drawing readers into a compelling narrative about identity, forgiveness, and the painful truths that DNA testing can uncover. Langston, also the author of "The Measure of Silence," brings her talent for exploring family dynamics to this emotionally resonant story that bridges historical trauma with contemporary consequences.
A Tale of Two Timelines
The novel opens in 1968 North Carolina, where seventeen-year-old Molly Mitchell falls in love with Galen Harper during a summer caring for her grandmother. Their brief romance results in pregnancy, and Molly is promptly sent to a maternity home where unwed mothers are expected to surrender their babies for adoption. Langston's unflinching portrayal of these institutions—euphemistically called "homes for unwed mothers"—lays bare their systematic emotional abuse and coercive practices.
Meanwhile, in 2024, we meet Allison Garrett, a software engineer who volunteers as a "search angel" helping others find biological relatives through DNA testing. When Allison decides to test her own DNA to discover her mother Heather's birth family (despite her mother's reluctance), she uncovers a shocking connection: her best friend Bree Harper is actually her first cousin, and their mothers are twins who were separated at birth.
The parallel storytelling proves remarkably effective, allowing readers to experience both the heartbreaking circumstances of Molly's youth and the ripple effects of those events decades later. As one timeline moves toward separation, the other moves toward reunion, creating a satisfying narrative structure that reinforces the book's themes of loss and reconnection.
The Baby Scoop Era Brought to Life
Where Langston truly excels is in her meticulous and emotionally honest portrayal of what historians now call the "Baby Scoop Era"—the period from the end of World War II through the early 1970s when unwed mothers were routinely pressured to relinquish their babies. Through Molly's experiences, readers witness the casual cruelty of maternity home staff, the psychological manipulation employed by social workers, and the complicity of families who prioritized appearances over supporting their daughters.
One particularly powerful scene occurs when Molly gives birth to twins and discovers the home's director has already arranged for her son to be adopted by one family while planning to place her daughter with another.
The casual dismissal of Molly's maternal rights is both historically accurate and emotionally devastating. These moments highlight Langston's skill at making readers feel the institutional callousness that characterized the era without descending into melodrama.
Complex Characters Facing Impossible Choices
The novel's greatest strength lies in its nuanced characterization. Rather than creating simplistic heroes and villains, Langston presents flawed individuals who make difficult choices within the constraints of their time and circumstances.
Molly emerges as the heart of the story—a young woman forced to navigate impossible choices without support. Her journey from scared teenager to accomplished software pioneer and minister's wife showcases remarkable resilience. Yet Langston doesn't paint her as a perfect victim; Molly makes questionable decisions and harbors understandable resentments.
Similarly, Galen Harper—the boy who fathered Molly's twins—is neither demonized nor excused. His inability to stand up to his parents has lasting consequences, yet his regret and eventual attempts at reconciliation feel authentic rather than contrived.
In the present-day timeline, Allison and Bree must reckon with how this newly discovered history affects their lifelong friendship. Heather's reluctance to engage with her birth family creates tension, while Everett struggles to reconcile his identity as both son and grandson to the people who raised him.
Langston excels at depicting how family secrets become complicated emotional tangles that resist easy solutions. There are no perfect reunions here, just messy human beings trying to create new connections while honoring old ones.
Historical Context and Feminist Undercurrents
"Once You Were Mine" subtly examines the changing social expectations for women across generations. Molly's limited options in the 1960s stand in stark contrast to the choices available to her granddaughters in 2024. Throughout her life trajectory, we witness the transformation of American society's attitudes toward unwed mothers, women in the workplace, and family structures.
Langston particularly shines when illustrating the misogyny encoded in adoption practices of the era. Girls were punished for sexual activity while boys faced few consequences; mothers were deemed unfit simply because they weren't married; and the trauma inflicted on birth mothers was dismissed as necessary sacrifice for the "greater good" of conventional family structures.
The novel's feminist perspective extends to Molly's professional journey as well. Her career in software engineering during the 1970s and 80s places her among the pioneering women in technology—another historically accurate detail that adds dimension to her character. As Langston writes in her author's note, Molly's fictional consulting firm was inspired by real companies founded by female programmers Elsie Shutt and Stephanie "Steve" Shirley in the mid-twentieth century.
Narrative Structure and Pacing
The dual-timeline structure generally serves the story well, though occasionally the present-day conflicts feel less compelling than the historical sections. Some readers may find themselves more invested in Molly's journey than in the somewhat predictable DNA discovery plot. The contemporary timeline occasionally suffers from exposition-heavy dialogue as characters explain genealogical concepts or adoption history to each other.
The novel's pacing is uneven in places. The first third of the book moves at a measured pace, immersing readers in Molly's experiences at the maternity home. The middle section, covering Molly's life from the 1970s through the 1990s, feels somewhat rushed by comparison. The final third, focused on the family reunion, regains momentum and delivers an emotionally satisfying, if somewhat idealized, resolution.
Stylistic Considerations
Langston's prose is clear and accessible, prioritizing emotional resonance over stylistic flourishes. While this straightforward approach suits the subject matter, there are moments when more lyrical language might have elevated key emotional beats. The dialogue is generally naturalistic, though occasionally characters deliver information in ways that serve the reader more than the scene.
The novel's greatest stylistic strength is its ability to shift tone between timelines while maintaining thematic coherence. Chapters set in the maternity home carry appropriate weight and darkness, while present-day scenes balance serious subject matter with moments of warmth and humor.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What Works Well:
- Historical accuracy: Langston's meticulous research into maternity homes, adoption practices, and women in early computing adds authenticity and depth.
- Character development: Major characters evolve convincingly throughout the narrative.
- Emotional impact: The novel tackles difficult subject matter with sensitivity and honesty.
- Intergenerational perspective: By showing how past decisions reverberate through multiple generations, the book offers nuanced insights into family dynamics.
Where It Falls Short:
- Secondary character development: Some side characters, particularly in the present-day timeline, remain somewhat one-dimensional.
- Conflict resolution: A few interpersonal conflicts are resolved too neatly, particularly Heather's eventual acceptance of her birth family.
- Structural balance: The contemporary timeline occasionally lacks the emotional heft of the historical sections.
- Ending: While emotionally satisfying, the epilogue wraps things up a bit too tidily for a story that had previously acknowledged the messiness of human relationships.
The Power of Research in Historical Fiction
In her author's note, Langston acknowledges her reliance on Ann Fessler's groundbreaking work "The Girls Who Went Away" and the documentary "Girls Like Us," which collected firsthand accounts from women who experienced maternity homes. This research foundation strengthens the novel's authenticity and honors the real experiences that inspired Molly's fictional journey.
The author's personal connection to the subject matter—her husband works as a search angel—adds another layer of credibility to the DNA discovery aspects of the plot. Rather than using genetic genealogy merely as a plot device, Langston demonstrates a nuanced understanding of how DNA testing is changing our concept of family in the twenty-first century.
Final Assessment
"Once You Were Mine" is a moving exploration of motherhood, identity, and the long shadow cast by institutional injustice. Elizabeth Langston has crafted a novel that functions both as engaging women's fiction and as a window into a troubling period of American history when young women were systematically separated from their babies under the guise of morality.
The novel's strength lies in its compassionate portrayal of characters across generations struggling to make peace with painful truths. Though occasionally hampered by structural imbalances and too-neat resolutions, the emotional core of the story remains powerful and authentic.
For readers interested in historical fiction that illuminates women's experiences, "Once You Were Mine" offers a compelling blend of personal drama and social history. It reminds us that family secrets don't stay buried forever, and that healing begins with acknowledging painful truths.
A Tale of Two Timelines
The novel opens in 1968 North Carolina, where seventeen-year-old Molly Mitchell falls in love with Galen Harper during a summer caring for her grandmother. Their brief romance results in pregnancy, and Molly is promptly sent to a maternity home where unwed mothers are expected to surrender their babies for adoption. Langston's unflinching portrayal of these institutions—euphemistically called "homes for unwed mothers"—lays bare their systematic emotional abuse and coercive practices.
Meanwhile, in 2024, we meet Allison Garrett, a software engineer who volunteers as a "search angel" helping others find biological relatives through DNA testing. When Allison decides to test her own DNA to discover her mother Heather's birth family (despite her mother's reluctance), she uncovers a shocking connection: her best friend Bree Harper is actually her first cousin, and their mothers are twins who were separated at birth.
The parallel storytelling proves remarkably effective, allowing readers to experience both the heartbreaking circumstances of Molly's youth and the ripple effects of those events decades later. As one timeline moves toward separation, the other moves toward reunion, creating a satisfying narrative structure that reinforces the book's themes of loss and reconnection.
The Baby Scoop Era Brought to Life
Where Langston truly excels is in her meticulous and emotionally honest portrayal of what historians now call the "Baby Scoop Era"—the period from the end of World War II through the early 1970s when unwed mothers were routinely pressured to relinquish their babies. Through Molly's experiences, readers witness the casual cruelty of maternity home staff, the psychological manipulation employed by social workers, and the complicity of families who prioritized appearances over supporting their daughters.
One particularly powerful scene occurs when Molly gives birth to twins and discovers the home's director has already arranged for her son to be adopted by one family while planning to place her daughter with another.
The casual dismissal of Molly's maternal rights is both historically accurate and emotionally devastating. These moments highlight Langston's skill at making readers feel the institutional callousness that characterized the era without descending into melodrama.
Complex Characters Facing Impossible Choices
The novel's greatest strength lies in its nuanced characterization. Rather than creating simplistic heroes and villains, Langston presents flawed individuals who make difficult choices within the constraints of their time and circumstances.
Molly emerges as the heart of the story—a young woman forced to navigate impossible choices without support. Her journey from scared teenager to accomplished software pioneer and minister's wife showcases remarkable resilience. Yet Langston doesn't paint her as a perfect victim; Molly makes questionable decisions and harbors understandable resentments.
Similarly, Galen Harper—the boy who fathered Molly's twins—is neither demonized nor excused. His inability to stand up to his parents has lasting consequences, yet his regret and eventual attempts at reconciliation feel authentic rather than contrived.
In the present-day timeline, Allison and Bree must reckon with how this newly discovered history affects their lifelong friendship. Heather's reluctance to engage with her birth family creates tension, while Everett struggles to reconcile his identity as both son and grandson to the people who raised him.
Langston excels at depicting how family secrets become complicated emotional tangles that resist easy solutions. There are no perfect reunions here, just messy human beings trying to create new connections while honoring old ones.
Historical Context and Feminist Undercurrents
"Once You Were Mine" subtly examines the changing social expectations for women across generations. Molly's limited options in the 1960s stand in stark contrast to the choices available to her granddaughters in 2024. Throughout her life trajectory, we witness the transformation of American society's attitudes toward unwed mothers, women in the workplace, and family structures.
Langston particularly shines when illustrating the misogyny encoded in adoption practices of the era. Girls were punished for sexual activity while boys faced few consequences; mothers were deemed unfit simply because they weren't married; and the trauma inflicted on birth mothers was dismissed as necessary sacrifice for the "greater good" of conventional family structures.
The novel's feminist perspective extends to Molly's professional journey as well. Her career in software engineering during the 1970s and 80s places her among the pioneering women in technology—another historically accurate detail that adds dimension to her character. As Langston writes in her author's note, Molly's fictional consulting firm was inspired by real companies founded by female programmers Elsie Shutt and Stephanie "Steve" Shirley in the mid-twentieth century.
Narrative Structure and Pacing
The dual-timeline structure generally serves the story well, though occasionally the present-day conflicts feel less compelling than the historical sections. Some readers may find themselves more invested in Molly's journey than in the somewhat predictable DNA discovery plot. The contemporary timeline occasionally suffers from exposition-heavy dialogue as characters explain genealogical concepts or adoption history to each other.
The novel's pacing is uneven in places. The first third of the book moves at a measured pace, immersing readers in Molly's experiences at the maternity home. The middle section, covering Molly's life from the 1970s through the 1990s, feels somewhat rushed by comparison. The final third, focused on the family reunion, regains momentum and delivers an emotionally satisfying, if somewhat idealized, resolution.
Stylistic Considerations
Langston's prose is clear and accessible, prioritizing emotional resonance over stylistic flourishes. While this straightforward approach suits the subject matter, there are moments when more lyrical language might have elevated key emotional beats. The dialogue is generally naturalistic, though occasionally characters deliver information in ways that serve the reader more than the scene.
The novel's greatest stylistic strength is its ability to shift tone between timelines while maintaining thematic coherence. Chapters set in the maternity home carry appropriate weight and darkness, while present-day scenes balance serious subject matter with moments of warmth and humor.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What Works Well:
- Historical accuracy: Langston's meticulous research into maternity homes, adoption practices, and women in early computing adds authenticity and depth.
- Character development: Major characters evolve convincingly throughout the narrative.
- Emotional impact: The novel tackles difficult subject matter with sensitivity and honesty.
- Intergenerational perspective: By showing how past decisions reverberate through multiple generations, the book offers nuanced insights into family dynamics.
Where It Falls Short:
- Secondary character development: Some side characters, particularly in the present-day timeline, remain somewhat one-dimensional.
- Conflict resolution: A few interpersonal conflicts are resolved too neatly, particularly Heather's eventual acceptance of her birth family.
- Structural balance: The contemporary timeline occasionally lacks the emotional heft of the historical sections.
- Ending: While emotionally satisfying, the epilogue wraps things up a bit too tidily for a story that had previously acknowledged the messiness of human relationships.
The Power of Research in Historical Fiction
In her author's note, Langston acknowledges her reliance on Ann Fessler's groundbreaking work "The Girls Who Went Away" and the documentary "Girls Like Us," which collected firsthand accounts from women who experienced maternity homes. This research foundation strengthens the novel's authenticity and honors the real experiences that inspired Molly's fictional journey.
The author's personal connection to the subject matter—her husband works as a search angel—adds another layer of credibility to the DNA discovery aspects of the plot. Rather than using genetic genealogy merely as a plot device, Langston demonstrates a nuanced understanding of how DNA testing is changing our concept of family in the twenty-first century.
Final Assessment
"Once You Were Mine" is a moving exploration of motherhood, identity, and the long shadow cast by institutional injustice. Elizabeth Langston has crafted a novel that functions both as engaging women's fiction and as a window into a troubling period of American history when young women were systematically separated from their babies under the guise of morality.
The novel's strength lies in its compassionate portrayal of characters across generations struggling to make peace with painful truths. Though occasionally hampered by structural imbalances and too-neat resolutions, the emotional core of the story remains powerful and authentic.
For readers interested in historical fiction that illuminates women's experiences, "Once You Were Mine" offers a compelling blend of personal drama and social history. It reminds us that family secrets don't stay buried forever, and that healing begins with acknowledging painful truths.
March 12, 2025
4.5 stars.
I am SO glad I stuck it out with this book. I was a little bored at the beginning, but then again, for some reason, I thought this was a thriller? I have no idea why, maybe the cover, but this is definitely not a thriller. What it was was a pleasant surprise.
As stated above, this book was not what I thought it was going to be, but it was so so so much more than I could have hoped for. Molly is a pioneer for women. She paved the way for women to have jobs in tech/codong. She was an impressive woman. But would she have become this impressive woman had she not been forced to give her babies up for adoption? It's a hard thing to think about, but it's the harsh reality that this book left me pondering.
I am SO glad I stuck it out with this book. I was a little bored at the beginning, but then again, for some reason, I thought this was a thriller? I have no idea why, maybe the cover, but this is definitely not a thriller. What it was was a pleasant surprise.
As stated above, this book was not what I thought it was going to be, but it was so so so much more than I could have hoped for. Molly is a pioneer for women. She paved the way for women to have jobs in tech/codong. She was an impressive woman. But would she have become this impressive woman had she not been forced to give her babies up for adoption? It's a hard thing to think about, but it's the harsh reality that this book left me pondering.
January 30, 2025
What an interesting book on family: perceived family, found family, blended family. And DNA! It illustrates the results of successfully searching your ancestry. Very often, things are not as they seem.
I always thought that people who discover lost or unknown family members (through DNA searches) would be thrilled. I did not realize how much hurt and confusion revealed secrets can cause. Existing relationships can be threatened. Coming together does not happen in an instant.
The root of the story is about a young woman, age 18, who is sent to a maternity home for unwed mothers. It's hard to believe that as late as 1969, these homes could be such horrible places. Decisions were forced on these young ladies that impacted them forever. It was still not acceptable to keep a baby born out of wedlock.
I was fascinated by how much many things have changed for women in my lifetime. We've come a long way in 50+ years. I think that sometimes we don't realize it until it is spelled out for us. Mind you, there are still changes that need to be made.
The book is well written. Usually, when there are two timelines, I tend to like one better than the other. But, in this case, both timelines were interesting and they flowed together well. There is a fairly large cast of characters. Just like in real life, I liked some of them. Others, not so much. But, I cared to see how everything would play out. And, it played out realistically, as it should.
The only problem I had with the story was that I found it difficult to keep the different members of each branch of the family straight. Regardless, it did not distract me for long.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
I always thought that people who discover lost or unknown family members (through DNA searches) would be thrilled. I did not realize how much hurt and confusion revealed secrets can cause. Existing relationships can be threatened. Coming together does not happen in an instant.
The root of the story is about a young woman, age 18, who is sent to a maternity home for unwed mothers. It's hard to believe that as late as 1969, these homes could be such horrible places. Decisions were forced on these young ladies that impacted them forever. It was still not acceptable to keep a baby born out of wedlock.
I was fascinated by how much many things have changed for women in my lifetime. We've come a long way in 50+ years. I think that sometimes we don't realize it until it is spelled out for us. Mind you, there are still changes that need to be made.
The book is well written. Usually, when there are two timelines, I tend to like one better than the other. But, in this case, both timelines were interesting and they flowed together well. There is a fairly large cast of characters. Just like in real life, I liked some of them. Others, not so much. But, I cared to see how everything would play out. And, it played out realistically, as it should.
The only problem I had with the story was that I found it difficult to keep the different members of each branch of the family straight. Regardless, it did not distract me for long.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
February 15, 2025
when molly falls pregnant as a teenager her parents send her away to a maternity home. in this home the girls are mistreated and forced to give their babies up. following a dual timeline we follow bree- who is trying to find out more about her biological family and where she comes from. after getting a hit from her DNA she is sent on a mission to find this family member.
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
February 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
February 11, 2025
A great story which gripped me, made me cry, made me angry and made me smile. It starts off in 1968 when a young girl has a romantic fling which leads to pregnancy. Her family sends her to an abusive maternity home. She is treated very badly and practically forced to sign and relinquish her twins. Fast forward several years and a geneology report reveals secrets and threatens to upend several families. At the same time, several families could be brought together. I really loved this story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 2, 2025
This story was just okay for me. This is a dual timeline story about adoption and how the impact of that reverberates through generations. In 1968 17 year old Molly Mitchell finds herself pregnant after a summer romance. Her parents send her to a home for unwed mothers where she is expected to give up her child for adoption. She goes on to have a very successful life both personally and professionally. In the present day best friends Bree Harper and Allison Garrett send their DNA off to a genealogical site and the results reveal many family secrets. I have read several excellent books both fiction and nonfiction about adoption and homes for unwed mothers in the 1960s. I just didn’t feel this book had anything new or fresh to add to this genre. As I was reading I keep thinking I have read all this before. It didn’t help that the author had a very straightforward and factual style. She just listed one event after another without really evoking the emotions of the situations. These characters just never really came alive for me. Instead what we got was a lot of information about the characters’s jobs and the difficulties they faced in their jobs. There was a lot of information about women in business from the 1970s to the 2020s. That was okay but that really was not what I was looking for here.
The story did limp toward an eventual conclusion of sorts in the present day. The whole story surrounding Heather’s adoption seemed unbelievable to me. We don’t even know if Heather’s adoptive parents are still living in the present day. Apparently not, since they are never mentioned. I had high hopes for this but it just left me unsatisfied.
The story did limp toward an eventual conclusion of sorts in the present day. The whole story surrounding Heather’s adoption seemed unbelievable to me. We don’t even know if Heather’s adoptive parents are still living in the present day. Apparently not, since they are never mentioned. I had high hopes for this but it just left me unsatisfied.
March 31, 2025
I was on the fence what to rate this. It was a great book and a subject that I haven’t read before. Ancestry.com And the good and bad that can result from looking into this. The main thing that I had a big problem with was it was very hard for me to keep all the characters straight. I found myself constantly going back and forth trying to remember who the characters were. There were 2 main stories, and I enjoyed the older story over the current one, but in my opinion there were too many sub stories with each side. I did enjoy the book but not the character confusion. I am glad i read it and found some parts interesting.
January 10, 2026
Such an interesting premise but unfortunately the book fell short for me. The past, Molly and Gwen’s stories specifically, were the most compelling and fleshed out and I did enjoy them though I wish there was more about the maternity home and the aftermath of their stay. The present was just garbage. None of the characters were likable, the dialogue was weird and not how people actually talk to each other, and the ending was stupid af. I kept hoping the book would get better but I wish I had dnf’d before I got too far into it, because the writing and the plot got worse and worse as it went on. It read like a bad romance without any romance.
May 15, 2025
Once You Were Mine by Elizabeth Langston is a historical fiction.
Once You Were Mine is a historical fiction novel that is told from different perspectives and in the past and present. When Molly goes to help her ailing grandmother, she meets Garrett, and their relationship leads to an unexpected pregnancy. Unwed mothers were still ostracized in the 1960s, and like many unwed women, Molly was sent to a home for unwed mothers, where she is made to sign relinquishing papers. Part of the book follows her life, and her search for her baby.
Allison Garrett has used ancestry and dna to help families reunite with their birth families. When she does her DNA with her best friend, she never anticipates the information that will come out. The book is well written.
This story definitely hits home for me. My mother was forced to go to an unwed mother’s home in the 70s where she was made to relinquish my brother. Her story in some ways parallels portions of this story. The author did a great job bringing this story to life. I liked the realism of Allison and the way she uses her skills as a search angel. The book evokes questions, making you think what would you do? And the author brings real feelings and concerns to life. My mother created a group for people looking for their birth families and this book hits many of the topics and concerns expressed by both sides.
Once You Were Mine is a historical fiction novel that is told from different perspectives and in the past and present. When Molly goes to help her ailing grandmother, she meets Garrett, and their relationship leads to an unexpected pregnancy. Unwed mothers were still ostracized in the 1960s, and like many unwed women, Molly was sent to a home for unwed mothers, where she is made to sign relinquishing papers. Part of the book follows her life, and her search for her baby.
Allison Garrett has used ancestry and dna to help families reunite with their birth families. When she does her DNA with her best friend, she never anticipates the information that will come out. The book is well written.
This story definitely hits home for me. My mother was forced to go to an unwed mother’s home in the 70s where she was made to relinquish my brother. Her story in some ways parallels portions of this story. The author did a great job bringing this story to life. I liked the realism of Allison and the way she uses her skills as a search angel. The book evokes questions, making you think what would you do? And the author brings real feelings and concerns to life. My mother created a group for people looking for their birth families and this book hits many of the topics and concerns expressed by both sides.
June 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I thought this was written really well and the story was nicely told. This is a work of historical fiction, Molly becomes pregnant and is sent away where she is horribly treated. She then is told she’s unable to be a good mother so she signs her parental rights away. But nothing could’ve prepared me for the end of this books.
Once You Were Mine is a historical fiction novel that is told from different perspectives and in the past and present.
When Molly goes to help her ailing grandmother, she meets Garrett, and their relationship leads to an unexpected pregnancy. Unwed mothers were still ostracized in the 1960s, and like many unwed women, Molly was sent to a home for unwed mothers, where she is made to sign relinquishing papers. Part of the book follows her life, and her search for her baby.
Allison Garrett uses ancestry and dna to help families reunite with their birth families. When she does her DNA with her best friend, she never anticipates the information that will come out.
I thought this was written really well and the story was nicely told. This is a work of historical fiction, Molly becomes pregnant and is sent away where she is horribly treated. She then is told she’s unable to be a good mother so she signs her parental rights away. But nothing could’ve prepared me for the end of this books.
Once You Were Mine is a historical fiction novel that is told from different perspectives and in the past and present.
When Molly goes to help her ailing grandmother, she meets Garrett, and their relationship leads to an unexpected pregnancy. Unwed mothers were still ostracized in the 1960s, and like many unwed women, Molly was sent to a home for unwed mothers, where she is made to sign relinquishing papers. Part of the book follows her life, and her search for her baby.
Allison Garrett uses ancestry and dna to help families reunite with their birth families. When she does her DNA with her best friend, she never anticipates the information that will come out.
December 22, 2024
To start, special thanks to the author and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy of "Once You Were Mine".
The book is a thoughtful, well-written story of a young girl who finds herself in "the family way" back in the late 60's. For fear of being ostracized from their community, her parents admit her to a maternity home, a very common practice at that time. Without her consent, she is to spend the remainder of her pregnancy under the auspices of a mean spirited and deceptive head mistress and a staff of equally mean attendants. The story continues telling her story of woe intermittently throughout the book.
Fast forward to the present day, as a result of DNA testing and family research, a woman from the same town finds out that she is related to family members in different ways from what she has believed all of her life. This research leads her to find the woman who, all those years ago, had an unwanted pregnancy. No spoilers here, though, so I'll leave "the rest of the story" to your reading.
This is a very interesting story, moving between two time frames and exploring what could actually be exposed when people submit their samples for DNA testing. Expect the unexpected!
The book is a thoughtful, well-written story of a young girl who finds herself in "the family way" back in the late 60's. For fear of being ostracized from their community, her parents admit her to a maternity home, a very common practice at that time. Without her consent, she is to spend the remainder of her pregnancy under the auspices of a mean spirited and deceptive head mistress and a staff of equally mean attendants. The story continues telling her story of woe intermittently throughout the book.
Fast forward to the present day, as a result of DNA testing and family research, a woman from the same town finds out that she is related to family members in different ways from what she has believed all of her life. This research leads her to find the woman who, all those years ago, had an unwanted pregnancy. No spoilers here, though, so I'll leave "the rest of the story" to your reading.
This is a very interesting story, moving between two time frames and exploring what could actually be exposed when people submit their samples for DNA testing. Expect the unexpected!
January 17, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy. Once You Were Mine alternates between different perspectives and times. In the present day, we are introduced to Allison Garrett as she uncovers the history of her family. We are also introduced to Molly, whose life changed when she got pregnant in 1968. I enjoyed the different perspectives, especially Molly’s struggles. It’s awful how it was back then if you were unwed and pregnant. I do feel like the story moved fast. It felt rushed in some aspects, and a few of the time jumps confused me.
May 22, 2025
A story about adoption and the life long impact of not knowing lineage. A DNA search and the surprises that come with results creating intense emotions for those impacted...
This was a good story, but it took me a long time to finish - partly because of my mood, but also because it felt it took a little too long to get to the point, perhaps a little over drawn.. but a relevant story for sure.
This was a good story, but it took me a long time to finish - partly because of my mood, but also because it felt it took a little too long to get to the point, perhaps a little over drawn.. but a relevant story for sure.
May 24, 2025
More than once, I wished I could climb into the book and shake some sense into the characters. Molly didn't have a choice or a say on what happened to her babies. Her pain felt so real that I cried with her. If Allison didn't do DNA testing, no one would have known anything 😢😢 I'm glad it worked out in the end, but the pain that Molly went through will sit with me for a few days.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2025
Interesting story of a young woman in the 1960’s who was pregnant and felt adoption was the only option for her. The book goes back and forth in time between then and present day, but it’s very easy to follow. Lots of little twists and turns that keep me engaged!
March 14, 2026
This was so interesting!! Family history and a dual timeline love it
May 26, 2026
A surprise ‘free for Prime members’ book. A great read that I looked forward to finding time to get back to.
October 14, 2024
This book went beyond my expectations. I would like to start my thanking NetGalley and Lake Union publishing for this ARC.
If you are looking for a book that will pull at your heart strings this is the book. Taking place in a few POVs and during different decades it takes you on an emotional journey of what unwed women went through when becoming pregnant. It is crazy to think of how different things were in some places just 55 years ago. Women still have so far to go to overcome in today’s society but it’s better than it was 5 decades ago and this book is a little reminder of that.
Despite the different POVs and decades the story flows seamlessly and naturally. Some parts may have been a little too in depth when it didn’t need to be but it didn’t really take away from the story that much.
Adoption and the aftermaths of it and finding out decades old secrets could be a tough read for people that have been there before or it can be nice to read that others share the same fears and curiosities you felt.
Overall I am privileged to have gotten to read this story.
If you are looking for a book that will pull at your heart strings this is the book. Taking place in a few POVs and during different decades it takes you on an emotional journey of what unwed women went through when becoming pregnant. It is crazy to think of how different things were in some places just 55 years ago. Women still have so far to go to overcome in today’s society but it’s better than it was 5 decades ago and this book is a little reminder of that.
Despite the different POVs and decades the story flows seamlessly and naturally. Some parts may have been a little too in depth when it didn’t need to be but it didn’t really take away from the story that much.
Adoption and the aftermaths of it and finding out decades old secrets could be a tough read for people that have been there before or it can be nice to read that others share the same fears and curiosities you felt.
Overall I am privileged to have gotten to read this story.
October 2, 2024
This novel explores complex and complicated relationships as it reveals changing social mores and contemporary issues related to genealogy. It is a deeply emotional read that is both heart-wrenching and heart-affirming.
In 1968 Molly Mitchell, a seventeen-year-old girl, discovers she is pregnant, and is shipped off to a “maternity home” where she endures abuse and coercion to relinquish her child. The long-lasting effects of her trauma are chronicled as she slowly pieces together a life vastly different from her adolescent dream. Her resilience is inspiring and her story a compelling condemnation of the attitudes and behaviors prevalent in that period.
In a second timeline, Allison is a “search angel,” supporting others in their quest to understand their family trees. Her mother, who was adopted, is bitter over her abandonment and has no desire to seek out her birth mother. When Allison submits her own DNA for testing, she discovers unknown familial links between herself and her best friend. The deeper she goes as she pursues her research the more secrets are revealed that unravel relationships that eventually lead to back to Molly and the opportunity to correct misperceptions and heal old wounds.
The writing is well-paced and kept me engaged with the characters between the alternating timelines. My only issue was the sheer number of characters became a bit confusing as the two timelines converged in the present. Overall, the book was illuminating and informative about the benefits and pitfalls of genealogical research. It was interesting to discover that “Search Angels” is an actual organization.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
In 1968 Molly Mitchell, a seventeen-year-old girl, discovers she is pregnant, and is shipped off to a “maternity home” where she endures abuse and coercion to relinquish her child. The long-lasting effects of her trauma are chronicled as she slowly pieces together a life vastly different from her adolescent dream. Her resilience is inspiring and her story a compelling condemnation of the attitudes and behaviors prevalent in that period.
In a second timeline, Allison is a “search angel,” supporting others in their quest to understand their family trees. Her mother, who was adopted, is bitter over her abandonment and has no desire to seek out her birth mother. When Allison submits her own DNA for testing, she discovers unknown familial links between herself and her best friend. The deeper she goes as she pursues her research the more secrets are revealed that unravel relationships that eventually lead to back to Molly and the opportunity to correct misperceptions and heal old wounds.
The writing is well-paced and kept me engaged with the characters between the alternating timelines. My only issue was the sheer number of characters became a bit confusing as the two timelines converged in the present. Overall, the book was illuminating and informative about the benefits and pitfalls of genealogical research. It was interesting to discover that “Search Angels” is an actual organization.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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