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If I Lost You
A heartbreaking read about the bonds between a mother and her child, and how we will do everything to save them... Must-read for fans of Jodi Picoult, Emma Robinson and Kate Hewitt! My son George is everything to me, but he’s slipping away, and no one can tell me why.
Every test comes back inconclusive, every doctor leaves me with more questions than answers. I’m terrified – each day brings new fears, and my heart aches knowing how much he’s suffering.
Then Barbara appears – my biological mother, a stranger for most of my life. She’s in poor health, struggling with the weight of her past, and her sudden arrival stirs a mix of emotions in me. Part of me wants to believe she’s here to help, but there’s a wall between us, and I can’t shake the feeling there’s something very wrong.
As George’s condition worsens, I find myself wrestling with doubt. Can I truly rely on Barbara? Will she bring comfort or complicate an already fragile situation? All I want is to protect my son and give him the love and support he deserves. I only hope that I can be the mother he needs before it’s too late. Will I find a way to save him?
A heartbreaking and emotional novel about a mother’s love that you won't be able to put down!
Praise for Sheila 'A well-crafted and brilliantly suspenseful novel that kept me guessing until the end.' Jo Bartlett
‘Loved this book!!!!!… Addictive. There was no way I was putting it down, I literally started reading the book around 10am and couldn't put it down until around 4am. Hahaha I'm so glad it was the weekend!!!!… I definitely recommend it!!!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
‘A breathtaking novel about motherhood… I felt angst, tension, compassion, empathy, surprise and suspicion…. Do not miss this novel, especially if you enjoy reading about families and their realistic struggles and moments of joy…. Grabbed my heart… Phenomenally emotive.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
‘A masterpiece story of a family finding their way… Hit all the feels for me and I was invested in the story from the beginning to the brilliant end. My emotions ran wild throughout this story and I would love to see this become a Netflix hit.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
‘A remarkable tale depicting a family's journey through the complexities of emotional challenges. Norton's storytelling kept engrossed me from start to finish, leaving a lasting impact… Truly captivating.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
Every test comes back inconclusive, every doctor leaves me with more questions than answers. I’m terrified – each day brings new fears, and my heart aches knowing how much he’s suffering.
Then Barbara appears – my biological mother, a stranger for most of my life. She’s in poor health, struggling with the weight of her past, and her sudden arrival stirs a mix of emotions in me. Part of me wants to believe she’s here to help, but there’s a wall between us, and I can’t shake the feeling there’s something very wrong.
As George’s condition worsens, I find myself wrestling with doubt. Can I truly rely on Barbara? Will she bring comfort or complicate an already fragile situation? All I want is to protect my son and give him the love and support he deserves. I only hope that I can be the mother he needs before it’s too late. Will I find a way to save him?
A heartbreaking and emotional novel about a mother’s love that you won't be able to put down!
Praise for Sheila 'A well-crafted and brilliantly suspenseful novel that kept me guessing until the end.' Jo Bartlett
‘Loved this book!!!!!… Addictive. There was no way I was putting it down, I literally started reading the book around 10am and couldn't put it down until around 4am. Hahaha I'm so glad it was the weekend!!!!… I definitely recommend it!!!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
‘A breathtaking novel about motherhood… I felt angst, tension, compassion, empathy, surprise and suspicion…. Do not miss this novel, especially if you enjoy reading about families and their realistic struggles and moments of joy…. Grabbed my heart… Phenomenally emotive.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
‘A masterpiece story of a family finding their way… Hit all the feels for me and I was invested in the story from the beginning to the brilliant end. My emotions ran wild throughout this story and I would love to see this become a Netflix hit.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
‘A remarkable tale depicting a family's journey through the complexities of emotional challenges. Norton's storytelling kept engrossed me from start to finish, leaving a lasting impact… Truly captivating.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
- GenresAudiobook
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2025
587 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Norton
61 books159 followersWinner 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 22, 2025
Jo and Ben have two children, George age 5, and Molly age 7. George has been diagnosed with a severe case of asthma and it's only getting worse.
With the book title, along with part of the synopsis, and the bold quote "MY SON GEORGE IS EVERYTHING TO ME, BUT HE'S SLIPPING AWAY NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHY".
I was under the impression this story would be focusing on many doctor visits along with many tests ran, different meds, etc. to determine what was wrong with George. There were different meds, however we have three doctor visits, three!
The rest of the book is a soap opera!!! Drama after drama after drama!
The rest is my thoughts on the story, I don't think it has spoilers.
Sadly with George's condition Jo works a dead end job with a dead beat boss.
Ben, a teacher, who is concerned about George, but isn't putting much effort into the matter and expects Jo to handle more than her fair share. This is leading into constant arguing and putting a strain on their marriage.
Liz, Jo's mum, doesn't believe George's asthma is all that bad leading Jo to think her own mother thinks she's blowing it out of proportion for attention.
Barbara, Jo's biological mother, suddenly pops into the picture decades later and becomes Jo's "knight and shinning armor". Barbara isn't exactly being fair to the family by giving George 99% of her attention. It's getting to everybody, especially Molly with George loving it and teasing her it and other situations occur,
I'm obviously an odd man out with this book. But this book is repetitive and it makes it drag at times. Also Jo is naive!!! She would constantly tell herself the decision she was about to make was completely wrong, but she would do "it" anyway, time and time again!!!
The only character I liked in here was Harry, Jo's dad. Molly was somewhat liked, but those were times that her behavior was brought on by others.
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
With the book title, along with part of the synopsis, and the bold quote "MY SON GEORGE IS EVERYTHING TO ME, BUT HE'S SLIPPING AWAY NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHY".
I was under the impression this story would be focusing on many doctor visits along with many tests ran, different meds, etc. to determine what was wrong with George. There were different meds, however we have three doctor visits, three!
The rest of the book is a soap opera!!! Drama after drama after drama!
The rest is my thoughts on the story, I don't think it has spoilers.
Sadly with George's condition Jo works a dead end job with a dead beat boss.
Ben, a teacher, who is concerned about George, but isn't putting much effort into the matter and expects Jo to handle more than her fair share. This is leading into constant arguing and putting a strain on their marriage.
Liz, Jo's mum, doesn't believe George's asthma is all that bad leading Jo to think her own mother thinks she's blowing it out of proportion for attention.
Barbara, Jo's biological mother, suddenly pops into the picture decades later and becomes Jo's "knight and shinning armor". Barbara isn't exactly being fair to the family by giving George 99% of her attention. It's getting to everybody, especially Molly with George loving it and teasing her it and other situations occur,
I'm obviously an odd man out with this book. But this book is repetitive and it makes it drag at times. Also Jo is naive!!! She would constantly tell herself the decision she was about to make was completely wrong, but she would do "it" anyway, time and time again!!!
The only character I liked in here was Harry, Jo's dad. Molly was somewhat liked, but those were times that her behavior was brought on by others.
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
March 6, 2025
**TRIGGER WARNING: Complex medical issues. searching for diagnoses, difficult family relationships, adoption, economic difficulty, difficult living situations, housing difficulty**
Jo and Ben have two children. Molly and George. When George has a cough that won’t go away and really struggles to catch his breath, Jo assumes it’s asthma, which he already has. I was really concerned for George.
Molly and George are realistically portrayed. They're only 7 and 5, and this is a lot for them to have to deal with. They are strong-willed, cute, fun, and caring. I think they are wise beyond their years. This made me feel for them more. Their relationship with their different grandmothers and how they get along with them or not is authentic.
I do think Jo is a very committed mother to them both, and that’s great to witness. Ben’s a good father. Jo was adopted. This is a theme in the story. I enjoyed how her birth mother, Barbara fit into the story. I felt for her because of her backstory. Further on in the story, I was shocked by her. I felt shocked by Jo, her adoptive mother, and Ben at various points throughout the story. I felt they all said some cruel things now and then. That was pretty true-to-life given the hard situations in the book.
There’s happiness, sadness, efforts to start over, and the mystery of George’s asthma diagnosis as well as his new diagnosis. I think Sheila Norton deals with that well, and keeps up the mystery and tension surrounding the family's struggle to find out why he's so unwell. She creates good awareness of them throughout the story. I felt curious as to what his final diagnosis might be, and she kept me guessing. I really like awareness of medical conditions being raised, as I think it helps us learn more about them.
There are some realistic moments related to frustration, sadness and life’s challenges for all the characters.
If I Lost You is relatable, raw, gripping and emotional. It shows the importance of family and how a health situation can affect a whole family, and not just the person who is diagnosed with it.
I think the title is perfect. I was searching for a deeper meaning to the title, and I found it. The novel isn’t just about George’s situation, it’s about the fear Jo has for her relationships with her adoptive, and birth, mothers. She’s a real fighter for the most part, but does have some moments of insecurity like we all do in life.
The question is, how far can she fight to help George while trying to keep every other aspect of her life together? There are many times I feared it would affect everything she has in life. The medical side of the plot, both for George and Barbara, is dealt with realistically. I felt the part about patient confidentiality was dealt with really well by her. I would have reacted in the same way, and actually have done in real life.
I felt hers, Ben’s, and Barbara’s, frustration with the NHS and the debate between public and private healthcare is so relevant and realistic. It was a good addition to the story. I identified with this, as well as with all the hospital visits and stays and with having complex medical issues.
Sheila does a great job of showing how each character is affected by George’s health situation, and of raising awareness of the condition itself. The doctors are realisticaly created.
Another heartwrenching novel by Sheila Norton I loved it. It's one of my favorite books of this year so far. I found myself getting emotional more than once and it made me cry now and then, but also smile and root for the characters.
5 stars but it deserves more.It's an outstanding and memorable book, and, for me, is another hit title from one of my favorite authors. Sheila Norton excels at heartwrenching, raw plots and realistic characters, as well as the portrayal of sensitive subjects in a gripping way.
Thanks to Sheila Norton and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
Jo and Ben have two children. Molly and George. When George has a cough that won’t go away and really struggles to catch his breath, Jo assumes it’s asthma, which he already has. I was really concerned for George.
Molly and George are realistically portrayed. They're only 7 and 5, and this is a lot for them to have to deal with. They are strong-willed, cute, fun, and caring. I think they are wise beyond their years. This made me feel for them more. Their relationship with their different grandmothers and how they get along with them or not is authentic.
I do think Jo is a very committed mother to them both, and that’s great to witness. Ben’s a good father. Jo was adopted. This is a theme in the story. I enjoyed how her birth mother, Barbara fit into the story. I felt for her because of her backstory. Further on in the story, I was shocked by her. I felt shocked by Jo, her adoptive mother, and Ben at various points throughout the story. I felt they all said some cruel things now and then. That was pretty true-to-life given the hard situations in the book.
There’s happiness, sadness, efforts to start over, and the mystery of George’s asthma diagnosis as well as his new diagnosis. I think Sheila Norton deals with that well, and keeps up the mystery and tension surrounding the family's struggle to find out why he's so unwell. She creates good awareness of them throughout the story. I felt curious as to what his final diagnosis might be, and she kept me guessing. I really like awareness of medical conditions being raised, as I think it helps us learn more about them.
There are some realistic moments related to frustration, sadness and life’s challenges for all the characters.
If I Lost You is relatable, raw, gripping and emotional. It shows the importance of family and how a health situation can affect a whole family, and not just the person who is diagnosed with it.
I think the title is perfect. I was searching for a deeper meaning to the title, and I found it. The novel isn’t just about George’s situation, it’s about the fear Jo has for her relationships with her adoptive, and birth, mothers. She’s a real fighter for the most part, but does have some moments of insecurity like we all do in life.
The question is, how far can she fight to help George while trying to keep every other aspect of her life together? There are many times I feared it would affect everything she has in life. The medical side of the plot, both for George and Barbara, is dealt with realistically. I felt the part about patient confidentiality was dealt with really well by her. I would have reacted in the same way, and actually have done in real life.
I felt hers, Ben’s, and Barbara’s, frustration with the NHS and the debate between public and private healthcare is so relevant and realistic. It was a good addition to the story. I identified with this, as well as with all the hospital visits and stays and with having complex medical issues.
Sheila does a great job of showing how each character is affected by George’s health situation, and of raising awareness of the condition itself. The doctors are realisticaly created.
Another heartwrenching novel by Sheila Norton I loved it. It's one of my favorite books of this year so far. I found myself getting emotional more than once and it made me cry now and then, but also smile and root for the characters.
5 stars but it deserves more.It's an outstanding and memorable book, and, for me, is another hit title from one of my favorite authors. Sheila Norton excels at heartwrenching, raw plots and realistic characters, as well as the portrayal of sensitive subjects in a gripping way.
Thanks to Sheila Norton and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
March 5, 2025
3.5
This was a story that engaged me immediately and I read it in one day. The premise was interesting. I was especially interested in the health issues of one of the characters - though it ended up being less a focus of the story than originally thought.
This was one of those stories where I was interested in the outcome even though I didn’t like any of the characters. I thought everyone behaved very badly. I couldn’t quite understand the behavior of anyone - except maybe the children.
The main female character in particular seemed so naive and I didn’t love her victim mentality even though many times the people around her were being reasonable and even when they were not a simple conversation could have solved some things. I do think I would have enjoyed the story even more if I had been able to connect with her a bit.
Overall, this is a quick sometimes tense story about a family on the edge of the breaking point. If you enjoy women’s fiction then you will enjoy this one. This is my second book by this author and I look forward to reading more of her work.
This was a story that engaged me immediately and I read it in one day. The premise was interesting. I was especially interested in the health issues of one of the characters - though it ended up being less a focus of the story than originally thought.
This was one of those stories where I was interested in the outcome even though I didn’t like any of the characters. I thought everyone behaved very badly. I couldn’t quite understand the behavior of anyone - except maybe the children.
The main female character in particular seemed so naive and I didn’t love her victim mentality even though many times the people around her were being reasonable and even when they were not a simple conversation could have solved some things. I do think I would have enjoyed the story even more if I had been able to connect with her a bit.
Overall, this is a quick sometimes tense story about a family on the edge of the breaking point. If you enjoy women’s fiction then you will enjoy this one. This is my second book by this author and I look forward to reading more of her work.
March 23, 2025
This book has so many emotions attached the storyline.
As a mum you are always ensuring that your child is healthy. But when a child suddenly isn’t, your instincts kick in and you want to make them better. But when your biological mum turns up, things change and you are more than willing to let her close even when your family is giving warning signals to you.
When a situation occurs the mums instinct kicks in again to ensure that your child comes back to you.
A twisting story that makes you keep your emotions in check.
As a mum you are always ensuring that your child is healthy. But when a child suddenly isn’t, your instincts kick in and you want to make them better. But when your biological mum turns up, things change and you are more than willing to let her close even when your family is giving warning signals to you.
When a situation occurs the mums instinct kicks in again to ensure that your child comes back to you.
A twisting story that makes you keep your emotions in check.
January 28, 2025
Heart wrenching, emotional, gripping page turner!
"If I Lost You" is about Jo, Ben and their 2 kids. Jo was adopted at a young age and finally meets her birth mother, but what are her intentions? George, Jo and Ben's son, has asthma but is it really just asthma or is Jo over thinking things? No one seems to believe her worries except for her birth mother, but does her birth mother have an ulterior motive?
I couldn't put this book down, it had from the first chapter and the ending is phenomenal.
"If I Lost You" is about Jo, Ben and their 2 kids. Jo was adopted at a young age and finally meets her birth mother, but what are her intentions? George, Jo and Ben's son, has asthma but is it really just asthma or is Jo over thinking things? No one seems to believe her worries except for her birth mother, but does her birth mother have an ulterior motive?
I couldn't put this book down, it had from the first chapter and the ending is phenomenal.
June 28, 2025
3.5★
This one will pull at your heartstrings and the more you read the more you will get attached to the characters. It’s only took me a few chapters and I was hooked and I didn’t want to put it down as I eager to know how it was going to end. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
This one will pull at your heartstrings and the more you read the more you will get attached to the characters. It’s only took me a few chapters and I was hooked and I didn’t want to put it down as I eager to know how it was going to end. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
March 5, 2025
Another heart-wrenching, emotional read! Wow! I knew this one was going to be hard based on the synopsis, but there were so many more layers to the journey that this poor family had to take than I anticipated! Sometimes tragic stories depict a world where everyone is there for each other, and time stands still as the family figures out how to move forward. This story, however, is raw and real, and I loved it for that!
Actually, at first, I didn’t think I was going to like it at all. Every chapter was filled with infuriating relationship dynamics and poor decision making that made me want to scream – but then I realized it was because I was so connected to the mother and her children that I felt this way. The struggle of having a child with a condition that others belittle, scoff at, or use against you is sadly a situation that I have found myself in. I related to this mother’s story immediately. Every time someone didn’t believe her, I felt myself growing angry on her behalf as well as my own. When finally her biological mother came out of the woodwork and fully supported her and believed that her child really was sick, I wanted so badly to lean into that and trust this woman just as our main character longed to, even though all the red flags pointed toward her being completely untrustworthy.
There were gasp worthy moments, (The husband!!! When you read it, you’ll know!) there were tear streaming moments, and there were moments of justice and strength. If you’re ready for an emotional roller-coaster journey between mother, son, and those around them, then definitely read this book!
Actually, at first, I didn’t think I was going to like it at all. Every chapter was filled with infuriating relationship dynamics and poor decision making that made me want to scream – but then I realized it was because I was so connected to the mother and her children that I felt this way. The struggle of having a child with a condition that others belittle, scoff at, or use against you is sadly a situation that I have found myself in. I related to this mother’s story immediately. Every time someone didn’t believe her, I felt myself growing angry on her behalf as well as my own. When finally her biological mother came out of the woodwork and fully supported her and believed that her child really was sick, I wanted so badly to lean into that and trust this woman just as our main character longed to, even though all the red flags pointed toward her being completely untrustworthy.
There were gasp worthy moments, (The husband!!! When you read it, you’ll know!) there were tear streaming moments, and there were moments of justice and strength. If you’re ready for an emotional roller-coaster journey between mother, son, and those around them, then definitely read this book!
February 15, 2025
Jo is becoming overwhelmed, as her young son, who is diagnosed with asthma, isn't getting better. Jo's daughter is having problems when she begins to feel left out, Jo is also overwhelmed because she has to take time off from work, to take her son to appointments and her boss is mkaing it so difficult for her. Her husband and she are fighting, and she doesn't think anyone has her back. Then she discovers her biological mother wants to meet.
As I read the story, it felt like the author, Sheila Norton, was watching what would be happening after this, and it kept me reading. There were mistakes, there didn't seem to be much hope, but they kept on trying. I wondered if with all that was going on, the hurt, the not communicating, made me wonder if they would survive. I thought the story was about a mother who was trying to save her son, but it was so much more than that. I can't tell you anymore because I don't want to give anything away, but if you like books that you can feel the emotions, the despair, the feeling of being lost, and still trying not giving up to figure out how to make life turn itself around and get better, this book is for you.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley.
As I read the story, it felt like the author, Sheila Norton, was watching what would be happening after this, and it kept me reading. There were mistakes, there didn't seem to be much hope, but they kept on trying. I wondered if with all that was going on, the hurt, the not communicating, made me wonder if they would survive. I thought the story was about a mother who was trying to save her son, but it was so much more than that. I can't tell you anymore because I don't want to give anything away, but if you like books that you can feel the emotions, the despair, the feeling of being lost, and still trying not giving up to figure out how to make life turn itself around and get better, this book is for you.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley.
March 8, 2025
First, I want to thank Sheila Norton, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
WOW!! Sheila Norton wasted no time pulling on my heartstrings in her latest emotionally filled book If I Lost You! I just knew from the heart warming cover and the title that it was going to be a book I needed tissues for and well I was correct in that! If I Lost You captured my full attention in one sitting and loved every minute of it.
Sheila addresses some very important topics in her latest books that many of her readers may be able to relate to like adoption, meeting your birth mom, and the effects of how childhood asthma can affect the family dynamics.
I could totally relate to the George and Molly situation as I was in the same boat as they were growing up. Being in and out of Toronto Sick Kids Hospital due to my Hemidystrophy I was always taken out of school for the day to see the Orthopedist. I would get the attention because I was “special” and my other sisters didn’t at the time. So, I can understand where Molly was coming from in this story as I was the George in the storyline.
WOW!! Sheila Norton wasted no time pulling on my heartstrings in her latest emotionally filled book If I Lost You! I just knew from the heart warming cover and the title that it was going to be a book I needed tissues for and well I was correct in that! If I Lost You captured my full attention in one sitting and loved every minute of it.
Sheila addresses some very important topics in her latest books that many of her readers may be able to relate to like adoption, meeting your birth mom, and the effects of how childhood asthma can affect the family dynamics.
I could totally relate to the George and Molly situation as I was in the same boat as they were growing up. Being in and out of Toronto Sick Kids Hospital due to my Hemidystrophy I was always taken out of school for the day to see the Orthopedist. I would get the attention because I was “special” and my other sisters didn’t at the time. So, I can understand where Molly was coming from in this story as I was the George in the storyline.
January 23, 2025
Wow! What an intriguing book. Jo and Ben have 2 young children. George is suffering from asthma, and Molly is jealous of the attention he gets. Jo works at a terrible job where the boss is nasty about her need to care for George, and her co-workers look to get her in trouble. Jo knows that she was adopted and finally is able to make contact with her birth mother Barbara. She is very helpful, staying with the kids when needed, but also makes demands that Jo take her to the market and doctor's appointments. When her dad has a heart attack, Jo walks out of her job but keeps it a secret. George is diagnosed with a serious illness and Barbara is there to help. But things go out of control when Barbara shows her true self. I was given an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest review. Get your copy now.
January 30, 2025
If I Lost You by Sheila Norton
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
✨ARC Review✨
At first, I was not sure where this one might be taking me. There were so many possibilities with where the plot was taking me and I just wasn’t sure where some of the details were leading to but it surprised me, gripped me, and sometimes drove me crazy (characters be like that sometimes 😅). I cried, I rolled my eyes, wanted to throw something, cried again, held my breath, silently cheered, and ended the story with so much gratitude for the beautiful growth of every single character and the arc of the narrative. What a story. What a journey. I can’t wait to read another @sheilaann.norton novel.
If you want to read this one for yourself, keep your eyes peeled as it will be releasing soon. 📆
Themes: Adoption, Reunification, illness, marital struggles, abuse, trauma, manipulation, deception, forgiveness
- Kristy 📚🧶
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
✨ARC Review✨
At first, I was not sure where this one might be taking me. There were so many possibilities with where the plot was taking me and I just wasn’t sure where some of the details were leading to but it surprised me, gripped me, and sometimes drove me crazy (characters be like that sometimes 😅). I cried, I rolled my eyes, wanted to throw something, cried again, held my breath, silently cheered, and ended the story with so much gratitude for the beautiful growth of every single character and the arc of the narrative. What a story. What a journey. I can’t wait to read another @sheilaann.norton novel.
If you want to read this one for yourself, keep your eyes peeled as it will be releasing soon. 📆
Themes: Adoption, Reunification, illness, marital struggles, abuse, trauma, manipulation, deception, forgiveness
- Kristy 📚🧶
June 19, 2025
It was a quick read. Jo is a young(ish) mother of two children, one of which has a serious medical condition so rare that they have no idea what to do. She and her husband are struggling through their marriage over a multitude of things, but this is only exacerbated by the fact that Jo's birth mother suddenly shows up in her life for the first time since she was adopted at the age of two, wanting to get to know her and her family. The story takes you on a whirlwind of medical diagnoses, an adoption story that you think is a great thing (and it is, for the adoptive parents and adoptee), but ends up being a complete lie and dealing with Jo initially being a completely horrid person, to her husband her children, when she tries to make decisions only for her own benefit. But in the end, you will end up loving the story and its ending.
April 6, 2025
If I lost you by Sheila Norton is an emotional story between a mother and her son.
The main character has a lot going on. She's a mom to two kids, one who is sick. Has a boss that doesn't support her, and a biological mom who has recently resurfaced. The dr.'s claim it's asthma but the mom knows something is just not quite right about that.
At risk of losing her job due to taking too many days off, she relies on her her recently resurfaced biological mom Barbara to watch him. But can she trust her with an already fragile son?
This is a fantastic read! Can't wait to read more from this author! Thank you Sheila for partnering with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
The main character has a lot going on. She's a mom to two kids, one who is sick. Has a boss that doesn't support her, and a biological mom who has recently resurfaced. The dr.'s claim it's asthma but the mom knows something is just not quite right about that.
At risk of losing her job due to taking too many days off, she relies on her her recently resurfaced biological mom Barbara to watch him. But can she trust her with an already fragile son?
This is a fantastic read! Can't wait to read more from this author! Thank you Sheila for partnering with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
February 20, 2025
I couldn't put this down. I ended up reading this entire thing in a single day. There was so much going on in the family's life that I wasnt sure how the mom was going to get through everything. The mom was a highly relatable character and I really felt for her, even during her biggest mistakes. The whole story was a roller coaster ride that kept going higher and higher and higher before finally letting the reader breathe. Overall, it was fantastic. It wasn't perfect, but it certainly was engaging and captivating. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to the author and Rachel's Random Resources for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author and Rachel's Random Resources for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2025
Jo is a mother with a sick little boy and a little girl who is feeling left out. I was captivated by the realistic storytelling and I felt so much emotion put into the words that it blew my mind. I enjoyed the drama plotted and was constantly surprised by twists. It's a thought provoking story that played on my mind and I would love to see it made into a movie as I believe it is so powerful that it has that potential. I could feel the characters frustration not just the parents but also the childrens because it is a hard enough situation for adults to cope with let alone a child. I feel satisfied with the ending but I love the book so much I would appreciate a sequel.
February 9, 2025
This was an emotional and heart wrenching read that captured my attention from the very first page and read it in practically one sitting. It covered a lot of sensitive issues in a very well thought out and realistic way and the book has a variety of themes running through it. Loved how it also took sone twists and turns along the way giving it a psychological thriller feel mixed in with the domestic drama genre.
Look forward to reading what this author writes next and feel privileged to have found another new author.
Look forward to reading what this author writes next and feel privileged to have found another new author.
August 30, 2025
This is another excellent novel by Sheila Norton.
This is based on the family of jo,Ben and there two children.
When Jo finds her birth mother , she is taken in by what she longs to hear ,which as it turns out is a pack of lies, and which she nearly loses her family family .
Well written and the characters were true to life you can. Really relate to them all
This is based on the family of jo,Ben and there two children.
When Jo finds her birth mother , she is taken in by what she longs to hear ,which as it turns out is a pack of lies, and which she nearly loses her family family .
Well written and the characters were true to life you can. Really relate to them all
February 9, 2025
A story of deception and manipulation that is designed to draw you in and make you feel with Jo. The problem is that it is difficult to relate to Jo. Neither her opinion about her very reasonable husband nor her willingness to believe whatever Barbara says are really understandable.
February 17, 2025
When your family is everything why would you want more? The story is about a mum whose son is unwell. She juggles her work, her friends and family and is challenged by the arrival of her birth mother. A well written fast paced story about love, deception and manipulation.
July 12, 2025
Just Loved This.
Lots of drama, deceit and lies and a family breaking apart with a child’s diagnosis of an incurable illness adding more stress. Sheila Norton writes with empathy and emotional intelligence and delivers a cracking story.
Lots of drama, deceit and lies and a family breaking apart with a child’s diagnosis of an incurable illness adding more stress. Sheila Norton writes with empathy and emotional intelligence and delivers a cracking story.
October 2, 2025
Not for me
Unfortunately one story I wish I hadn’t persisted with. It may have been an ok book to read but the audio version was terrible. The narrator made the characters sound really whiny and annoying.
Unfortunately one story I wish I hadn’t persisted with. It may have been an ok book to read but the audio version was terrible. The narrator made the characters sound really whiny and annoying.
February 4, 2025
A brilliant read from the beginning until the end, storytelling at its best which I can thoroughly recommend.
Read
February 10, 2025ARC - will post review and rating after publication
March 16, 2025
Another one that had me hocked, very surprised with the twists with this one
August 5, 2025
A definite tearjerker of a story. Will make you think about the choices that you might have to face. Will recommend to others.
August 3, 2025
Jo is overwhelmed as her young son’s asthma worsens, her daughter feels neglected, and work pressures mount due to unsympathetic management. Struggling with marital tensions and feeling alone, she’s further shaken when her biological mother reaches out.
Sheila Norton’s storytelling kept me engaged, making me feel like I was watching events unfold in real time. The characters made mistakes, hope seemed distant, but they kept pushing forward. The novel isn’t just about a mother fighting for her son—it’s about resilience, family, and finding strength through hardship.
I won’t reveal more, but if you enjoy deeply emotional stories filled with struggle, despair, and perseverance, this book is a must-read.
Sheila Norton’s storytelling kept me engaged, making me feel like I was watching events unfold in real time. The characters made mistakes, hope seemed distant, but they kept pushing forward. The novel isn’t just about a mother fighting for her son—it’s about resilience, family, and finding strength through hardship.
I won’t reveal more, but if you enjoy deeply emotional stories filled with struggle, despair, and perseverance, this book is a must-read.
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