What do you think?
Rate this book
The Mix-up
What would you do if you found out you'd been raising another couple's child - and they've been raising yours?
Fourteen years ago, Kelsey and Raf Maccioni left hospital with their newborn daughter, Ammy. Days later, Shona and Nathan James welcomed the birth of their son, Zac.
The only thing the two couples have in common is the IVF clinic where their dreams came true. They are strangers to each other – for now.
Fast forward to April 2024 . . . Ammy has grown into a rebellious young woman, and Zac is a kind but introverted teenager.
Life may not be perfect for either family, but like everyone else they are muddling through.
Until Ammy takes a DNA test for a school project. At first the results are puzzling. Then disturbing. Then earth-shattering - when the IVF clinic admits a terrible mistake.
Fourteen years ago, Kelsey and Raf Maccioni left hospital with their newborn daughter, Ammy. Days later, Shona and Nathan James welcomed the birth of their son, Zac.
The only thing the two couples have in common is the IVF clinic where their dreams came true. They are strangers to each other – for now.
Fast forward to April 2024 . . . Ammy has grown into a rebellious young woman, and Zac is a kind but introverted teenager.
Life may not be perfect for either family, but like everyone else they are muddling through.
Until Ammy takes a DNA test for a school project. At first the results are puzzling. Then disturbing. Then earth-shattering - when the IVF clinic admits a terrible mistake.
384 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2025
27 people are currently reading
596 people want to read
About the author
Kylie Ladd
14 books168 followersKylie Ladd is a novelist and freelance writer. Her essays and articles have appeared in The Age, Griffith Review, O Magazine, The Sydney Morning Herald, Good Medicine, Kill Your Darlings, The Hoopla and MamaMia, among others. Kylie's first novel, After the Fall , was published in Australia, the US and Turkey, while her second, Last Summer, was highly commended in the 2011 Federation of Australian Writers Christina Stead Award for fiction. Her previous books are Naked: Confessions of Adultery and Infidelity and Living with Alzheimer's and Other Dementias. Kylie’s third novel, Into My Arms, has been selected as one of Get Reading’s Fifty Books You Can’t Put Down for 2013. She holds a PhD in neuropsychology, and lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband and two children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 1, 2025
An I.V.F mix-up sees two families lives turned upside down!
When Raf Maccioni receives the results of an online DNA test for his 14 year old daughter Ammy’s school science project he is confused and devastated when they reveal that there is no biological match to him, nor to his ex-wife Kelsey.
It is soon revealed that the I.V.F clinic they used made a grave error, and that another couple – Nathan and Shona Jones – are in fact Ammy’s biological parents, and Nathan and Shona’s 14 year old son Zac is their child genetically.
How do these four parents even begin to come to terms with this life-altering news – when they’ve each loved and raised a child they’ve thought was theirs in every way for fourteen years? And what about Ammy and Zac? How will they cope? Plus Nathan and Shona have another child who’ll be affected by the news – 11 year old, Pippa.
The Mix-up was my first read by Australian author Kylie Ladd, and it was a unique take on the whole ‘Switched at Birth’ storyline. This novel was light entertainment crammed to the brim with lifetime movie-style, family drama, but also dealt with the trauma, displacement, and rejection surrounding this situation in a realistic and emotional manner. It was great to hear from all six perspectives with the four parents (Raf, Kelsey, Nathan, Zac) and the two teenagers (Ammy and Zac) all narrating. It was a fast, easy-to-follow read, but wasn’t a 5 star one as at times characters behaviours and reactions felt off to me, and their were some conversations that were either rushed or skipped over that I would’ve liked the novel to focus on.
But for the most part I enjoyed this read very much – the family dynamics and differences between the two families, the fact that every character had unique personalities, hangups, and backstories and were easily distinguishable from one another. I loved the whole found family vibe and the various ways the two families tried to come up with solutions to the issue. And I loved the dogs.
I listened to the audiobook of The Mix-Up and Zoe Trilsbach definitely contributed to this being an easy and engaging listening experience. Kylie Ladd is certainly an author I’ll be reading more of in the future. I highly recommend this novel.
P.S: I love the cover art!
When Raf Maccioni receives the results of an online DNA test for his 14 year old daughter Ammy’s school science project he is confused and devastated when they reveal that there is no biological match to him, nor to his ex-wife Kelsey.
It is soon revealed that the I.V.F clinic they used made a grave error, and that another couple – Nathan and Shona Jones – are in fact Ammy’s biological parents, and Nathan and Shona’s 14 year old son Zac is their child genetically.
How do these four parents even begin to come to terms with this life-altering news – when they’ve each loved and raised a child they’ve thought was theirs in every way for fourteen years? And what about Ammy and Zac? How will they cope? Plus Nathan and Shona have another child who’ll be affected by the news – 11 year old, Pippa.
The Mix-up was my first read by Australian author Kylie Ladd, and it was a unique take on the whole ‘Switched at Birth’ storyline. This novel was light entertainment crammed to the brim with lifetime movie-style, family drama, but also dealt with the trauma, displacement, and rejection surrounding this situation in a realistic and emotional manner. It was great to hear from all six perspectives with the four parents (Raf, Kelsey, Nathan, Zac) and the two teenagers (Ammy and Zac) all narrating. It was a fast, easy-to-follow read, but wasn’t a 5 star one as at times characters behaviours and reactions felt off to me, and their were some conversations that were either rushed or skipped over that I would’ve liked the novel to focus on.
But for the most part I enjoyed this read very much – the family dynamics and differences between the two families, the fact that every character had unique personalities, hangups, and backstories and were easily distinguishable from one another. I loved the whole found family vibe and the various ways the two families tried to come up with solutions to the issue. And I loved the dogs.
I listened to the audiobook of The Mix-Up and Zoe Trilsbach definitely contributed to this being an easy and engaging listening experience. Kylie Ladd is certainly an author I’ll be reading more of in the future. I highly recommend this novel.
P.S: I love the cover art!
December 25, 2025
An emotionally resonant and dramatic, character-driven story exploring family and identity.
When a fourteen-year-old takes a DNA test for a school project. The results are initially puzzling. Then disturbing. Then earth-shattering – when the IVF clinic admits a terrible mistake.
What would you do if you found out you were raising another couple’s child, and they have been raising yours – for the last fourteen years?
The Mix-Up is a thought-provoking and beautifully told narrative exploring such a controversial ethical dilemma.
I am excited to see what Australian author Kylie Ladd writes into the future.
When a fourteen-year-old takes a DNA test for a school project. The results are initially puzzling. Then disturbing. Then earth-shattering – when the IVF clinic admits a terrible mistake.
What would you do if you found out you were raising another couple’s child, and they have been raising yours – for the last fourteen years?
The Mix-Up is a thought-provoking and beautifully told narrative exploring such a controversial ethical dilemma.
I am excited to see what Australian author Kylie Ladd writes into the future.
January 21, 2025
Big thanks to Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Bestselling Aussie author Kylie Ladd is about to unleash a new book to the public and it’s one I can honestly highly recommend.
Two families world’s explode when a mistake from the past enters the now.
A gripping, emotional and controversial story about complicated blood dynamics and the effects an IVF blunder has on family relationships.
Kelsey and Raf and their daughter Ammy are working class.
Shona and Nathan and their son Zac have money.
Polar opposites in life and the only thing in common is the IVF clinic where fourteen year ago miracles happened.
Now the children, completely unlike each other and their families are about to collide and their worlds come tumbling down……
A gripping and inspiring tale that is very hard to put down.
Kylie puts her own stamp on a subject that’s been tackled before.
The writing pulls you into the plot and you’ll find that you can’t turn away.
A solid read that sparks many issues, feelings and concerns.
Thought provoking and one that will create conversation and asks the question “what would you do”………
Bestselling Aussie author Kylie Ladd is about to unleash a new book to the public and it’s one I can honestly highly recommend.
Two families world’s explode when a mistake from the past enters the now.
A gripping, emotional and controversial story about complicated blood dynamics and the effects an IVF blunder has on family relationships.
Kelsey and Raf and their daughter Ammy are working class.
Shona and Nathan and their son Zac have money.
Polar opposites in life and the only thing in common is the IVF clinic where fourteen year ago miracles happened.
Now the children, completely unlike each other and their families are about to collide and their worlds come tumbling down……
A gripping and inspiring tale that is very hard to put down.
Kylie puts her own stamp on a subject that’s been tackled before.
The writing pulls you into the plot and you’ll find that you can’t turn away.
A solid read that sparks many issues, feelings and concerns.
Thought provoking and one that will create conversation and asks the question “what would you do”………
February 19, 2025
The Mix-Up by Kylie Ladd is absolute top shelf contemporary Australian fiction. I've been reading and loving Kylie's books as long as she's been writing them, and while she never fails to deliver, she just keeps on outdoing herself. I loved this novel, and listening to it became something I craved. I couldn't wait to get in the car and continue spending time with these characters. Traffic jam? Bring it on. Every red light and a train as well? Yes, please. Ending credits...what? No! Not yet!!
In a nutshell, the story is about an IVF blunder that puts two families into an absolute state of emotional turmoil. Told in alternating viewpoints of all the major characters, we get to form a pretty solid picture of the inner workings of these two families, and I was quick to form preferences and strong opinions.
This novel is a must-read for book clubs. There's no way it won't generate enough chatter to sustain beyond the pre-dinner drinks. It's controversial, topical, involving, and dramatic. Everything you want in a book! I highly recommend the audio version. Outstanding narration that really pulled me into the story.
In a nutshell, the story is about an IVF blunder that puts two families into an absolute state of emotional turmoil. Told in alternating viewpoints of all the major characters, we get to form a pretty solid picture of the inner workings of these two families, and I was quick to form preferences and strong opinions.
This novel is a must-read for book clubs. There's no way it won't generate enough chatter to sustain beyond the pre-dinner drinks. It's controversial, topical, involving, and dramatic. Everything you want in a book! I highly recommend the audio version. Outstanding narration that really pulled me into the story.
March 3, 2025
SO clever, SO well explored. I wasn’t just thinking about how such a mix up could happen, I was compl invested in how these characters were reacting. I was so engrossed in the story, I loved Zac, Ammy, Kelsey, Raf, Nathan and Piper… this novel gave me so much to think about, but also what a story to get swept up in!! Loved it
June 19, 2025
Kylie Ladd's latest is reminiscent of the latest scandals involving IVF mix-ups. Two Melbourne families whose lives change without warning, causing a great deal of pain and confusion.
Fourteen years ago, Kelsey and Raf Maccioni welcomed their daughter, Ammy. Days later, Shona and Nathan James became first time parents to baby Zac. What they had in common is that their children wouldn't have been possible without the IVF clinic they both went to.
It's April 2024 where we pick up the story. Ammy has grown to be a rebellious teen, giving her separated parents the runaround. Meanwhile, Zac is a sensitive, introverted and kind lad, big brother to Piper.
Life certainly isn't far from perfect for either family, but they muddle through.
Until Ammy takes a DNA test for a science project. At first, the odd results could be passed off as an error. Then the IVF clinic admits that they've made a horrible mistake.
This was a great read, one that's extremely emotional. How would one cope if they were told that their child wasn't their's? How would the child take the news that they have another set of parents? What are the ramifications for siblings and extended family? Kylie Ladd answers these profound questions, creating an eventful solution that benefits everyone involved.
Like her previous novel, Kylie has taken inspiration from ethical and social issues and made it relatable and real. It's a mess as you expect as everyone adjusts but the outcome will leave you extremely satisfied.
4.5 🌟
Fourteen years ago, Kelsey and Raf Maccioni welcomed their daughter, Ammy. Days later, Shona and Nathan James became first time parents to baby Zac. What they had in common is that their children wouldn't have been possible without the IVF clinic they both went to.
It's April 2024 where we pick up the story. Ammy has grown to be a rebellious teen, giving her separated parents the runaround. Meanwhile, Zac is a sensitive, introverted and kind lad, big brother to Piper.
Life certainly isn't far from perfect for either family, but they muddle through.
Until Ammy takes a DNA test for a science project. At first, the odd results could be passed off as an error. Then the IVF clinic admits that they've made a horrible mistake.
This was a great read, one that's extremely emotional. How would one cope if they were told that their child wasn't their's? How would the child take the news that they have another set of parents? What are the ramifications for siblings and extended family? Kylie Ladd answers these profound questions, creating an eventful solution that benefits everyone involved.
Like her previous novel, Kylie has taken inspiration from ethical and social issues and made it relatable and real. It's a mess as you expect as everyone adjusts but the outcome will leave you extremely satisfied.
4.5 🌟
January 22, 2025
This is the third book of Kylie's that I have read and I can say that this is definitely the best one.
Imagine discovering that your children were really not your children! This is the case with two families from Melbourne who discover that their 14 year old children are not their biological children, this is every parent's nightmare and opens a huge can of worms for all involved.
This is based on a true story which occurred in the USA where IVF embryos were implanted in the wrong mothers.
This book had me turning the pages until it was finished and I definitely felt for all involved in this tragic accident. It begs the question of who is a parent? The ones that donate your genes or the ones that look after and nurture you from the time you are born. Its a thought-provoking novel which would be excellent for a book group discussion.
I have no hesitation in giving this book 5* and recommend it to readers who enjoy books with a moral dilemma and womens fiction.
Imagine discovering that your children were really not your children! This is the case with two families from Melbourne who discover that their 14 year old children are not their biological children, this is every parent's nightmare and opens a huge can of worms for all involved.
This is based on a true story which occurred in the USA where IVF embryos were implanted in the wrong mothers.
This book had me turning the pages until it was finished and I definitely felt for all involved in this tragic accident. It begs the question of who is a parent? The ones that donate your genes or the ones that look after and nurture you from the time you are born. Its a thought-provoking novel which would be excellent for a book group discussion.
I have no hesitation in giving this book 5* and recommend it to readers who enjoy books with a moral dilemma and womens fiction.
March 23, 2025
Fourteen years ago, Kelsey and Raf Maccioni left hospital with their newborn daughter, Ammy. Days later, Shona and Nathan James welcomed the birth of their son, Zac. The only thing the two couples have in common is the IVF clinic where their dreams came true. Fast forward to April 2024, Ammy takes a DNA test for a school project. The results are puzzling, disturbing, and then earth-shattering - when the IVF clinic admits a terrible mistake.
I knew I had to read this from the synopsis alone. I was immediately hooked by the premise and the gut-wrenching topic that all parents dreaded: ‘what if there has been a mistake and my kid isn’t my kid?’.
The characters were so real, and none of the dialogues were cliche. Just like her previous book that I really enjoyed, Kylie managed to tell an impactful story via daily, sometimes seemingly-mundane interactions between family members, this time parents and children. Ammy was probably the one character I liked the least in the book, and yet I still understood her struggled and motivations completely.
Nature vs. Nurture again played a big role in this plot, and there was no easy answer. Each character had their own view on things and how they’d solve the ‘problem’, and I appreciated the creativity that Raf, Shona and Nathan had to achieve balance.
I listened to the audiobook, and this was narrated very well. I could ‘hear’ the different character voices portrayed by Zoe Trilsbach, and the performance delivered the story nicely.
This book made me ponder about how complex human beings and their forged connections could be. Another well-written book by Kylie Ladd!
See my bookstagram review.
I knew I had to read this from the synopsis alone. I was immediately hooked by the premise and the gut-wrenching topic that all parents dreaded: ‘what if there has been a mistake and my kid isn’t my kid?’.
The characters were so real, and none of the dialogues were cliche. Just like her previous book that I really enjoyed, Kylie managed to tell an impactful story via daily, sometimes seemingly-mundane interactions between family members, this time parents and children. Ammy was probably the one character I liked the least in the book, and yet I still understood her struggled and motivations completely.
Nature vs. Nurture again played a big role in this plot, and there was no easy answer. Each character had their own view on things and how they’d solve the ‘problem’, and I appreciated the creativity that Raf, Shona and Nathan had to achieve balance.
I listened to the audiobook, and this was narrated very well. I could ‘hear’ the different character voices portrayed by Zoe Trilsbach, and the performance delivered the story nicely.
This book made me ponder about how complex human beings and their forged connections could be. Another well-written book by Kylie Ladd!
See my bookstagram review.
April 24, 2025
It’s rare to come across a novel that feels entirely new—one that grabs you with an original premise and keeps you hooked with its emotional depth. The Mix-Up by Kylie Ladd is exactly that kind of story. It’s fresh, thought-provoking, and brilliantly told.
The novel centres around two families who, after undergoing IVF, discover a shocking truth 15 years later: there was a mix-up with their embryos. This revelation turns their worlds upside down, forcing them to reassess their identities, relationships, and the meaning of family. Kylie masterfully brings these families together, each dealing with the aftermath in very different ways, creating a compelling and emotional narrative.
This is not just a story about science or error, but about love, parenthood, belonging, and the messy, beautiful complications of real life. One of the book’s greatest strengths is its character development. Everyone reacts to the news differently, and it’s in these emotional responses that the book truly shines. As a reader, you’ll find yourself pulled in every direction, empathising one moment and shaking your head the next.
A standout character for me was Ammy—the teenage daughter caught in the middle of the revelation. She frustrated me endlessly with her stubbornness and emotional outbursts, but at the same time, her reaction felt real and raw. She’s a teenager grappling with something utterly destabilising, and Kylie doesn’t shy away from showing those complexities.
The Mix-Up would make a phenomenal book club pick. There is just so much to unpack—from ethical dilemmas and parental rights to emotional resilience. You’ll want to talk (and probably debate) about the choices the characters make, and that’s what makes this novel unforgettable.
In short: Kylie Ladd has done it again. This is a deeply emotional, brilliantly constructed novel that explores an extraordinary situation with compassion, and realism. Highly recommended for readers who love character-driven fiction and stories that stay with you long after the final page.
The novel centres around two families who, after undergoing IVF, discover a shocking truth 15 years later: there was a mix-up with their embryos. This revelation turns their worlds upside down, forcing them to reassess their identities, relationships, and the meaning of family. Kylie masterfully brings these families together, each dealing with the aftermath in very different ways, creating a compelling and emotional narrative.
This is not just a story about science or error, but about love, parenthood, belonging, and the messy, beautiful complications of real life. One of the book’s greatest strengths is its character development. Everyone reacts to the news differently, and it’s in these emotional responses that the book truly shines. As a reader, you’ll find yourself pulled in every direction, empathising one moment and shaking your head the next.
A standout character for me was Ammy—the teenage daughter caught in the middle of the revelation. She frustrated me endlessly with her stubbornness and emotional outbursts, but at the same time, her reaction felt real and raw. She’s a teenager grappling with something utterly destabilising, and Kylie doesn’t shy away from showing those complexities.
The Mix-Up would make a phenomenal book club pick. There is just so much to unpack—from ethical dilemmas and parental rights to emotional resilience. You’ll want to talk (and probably debate) about the choices the characters make, and that’s what makes this novel unforgettable.
In short: Kylie Ladd has done it again. This is a deeply emotional, brilliantly constructed novel that explores an extraordinary situation with compassion, and realism. Highly recommended for readers who love character-driven fiction and stories that stay with you long after the final page.
February 27, 2025
I loved this book! Some characters (Ammy) made me angry and bugged me a lot but the ending was such a wholesome ending and I really enjoyed reading it.
October 15, 2025
3.5-4*
April 21, 2025
I found it a bit slow and repetitive for much of the book.
however, I did have strong feelings about the characters, so that means the author did her job to bring them to life.
tied up a little too neatly at the end
however, I did have strong feelings about the characters, so that means the author did her job to bring them to life.
tied up a little too neatly at the end
November 3, 2025
This book consumed me, I couldn’t put it down! Easily one of the best contemporary fiction books I have read this year. The premise of the book is absolutely intriguing, and I adored the characters. I think my favourite character was Zac, the boy who was “mixed up” during IVF, but I found I related so much to both of the mothers and even one of the fathers. This author beautifully wrote so much emotion into the book and I really felt those fears and joys with the characters. It was beautifully written with characters that were interesting, unique, and who I could easily relate to (except Nathan who was a complete snob 😂). Can’t recommend it enough!
July 15, 2025
Kylie Ladd delivers a deeply affecting and thought‑provoking novel centered on a harrowing IVF clinic error—two families discovering, via a school DNA test, that their children were switched at birth 14 years ago . The story is told through multiple perspectives—both sets of parents and their teenage children, Ammy and Zac—allowing Ladd’s neuro‑psychology background to shine in the nuanced portrayal of identity, belonging, and familial love.
October 19, 2025
I loved this story. A mix-up during IVF turns two families’ lives upside down (4 parents and 3 kids) years down the track. Leading to a heartfelt and emotional journey.
Written by an Aussie author, it’s filled with great references to Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula that make it feel wonderfully familiar. The cast of quirky, relatable characters spans different ages and experiences, from financial struggles to family dynamics. Beautifully crafted and full of emotion.
Written by an Aussie author, it’s filled with great references to Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula that make it feel wonderfully familiar. The cast of quirky, relatable characters spans different ages and experiences, from financial struggles to family dynamics. Beautifully crafted and full of emotion.
October 27, 2025
Oh my goodness..what a story, what a dilemma, how would you deal if this was you? Two children born via IVF were accidentally implanted into the wrong mother and nobody knew until they were 14. This was heartbreaking for the families, reading what they all went through, parents, grandparents, children and siblings, I felt for all of them. For the gorgeous little sister who didn’t get it, to the two mothers who had their hearts broken over and over. Such an amazing book!
April 27, 2025
An interesting concept - two mothers have their embryos swapped and give birth and raise each other’s children - raises questions on how much do genetics influence us, identity, belonging and what does family truly mean. Alternate Povs from each parent and the two children, Ammy (who I found very frustrated with at times) and Zac. An enjoyable read set in Melbourne.
March 17, 2025
What would you do if you found out you were raising someone else's child and they had yours? This is the tragic mix up an IVF clinic made for two families and the fall out after.
This was such an incredibly hard book to read. While it is a fictional story, you can't help but think about what you would do if you were in a similar position. I had such empathy for the characters - they were each maneuvering through their own battles. Well written and engrossing throughout, this was a fantastic read.
This was such an incredibly hard book to read. While it is a fictional story, you can't help but think about what you would do if you were in a similar position. I had such empathy for the characters - they were each maneuvering through their own battles. Well written and engrossing throughout, this was a fantastic read.
May 18, 2025
Loved it. Complex story of an IVF mix up and how all the members of the families navigated their way to finding a new way to live. A beautiful story of acceptance and embracing hard stuff when you don’t want to or don’t know how.
April 19, 2025
A brutal yet heartwarming story that explores what family really means.
July 6, 2025
A riveting story that I just couldn't put down. I ploughed through it in a few days.
I love the character driven scenarios and how each age group was portrayed perfectly
I love the character driven scenarios and how each age group was portrayed perfectly
July 14, 2025
Great read! Interesting concept and interesting take on the concept. Well paced and didn't mind so much that it switched perspective constantly, think it kept it interesting.
September 8, 2025
Just what I needed
October 23, 2025
Excellent book.
October 25, 2025
A really well written book about a sensitive issue. I have told so many people about this book whilst reading it. I found it so easy to read, and get to know and feel for each character. Would highly recommend as a good read.
June 11, 2025
Well here I am with the last 10 pages to go and suddenly the power goes out and I’m plunged into complete darkness! Thanks to my darling man for getting out of our warm bed to find the portable light for me so that I could finish the last few pages of this book that I’ve been eagerly reading whenever possible. The term thought provoking is an understatement, what would I do in this situation? I mean it couldn’t actually happen to me because my three sons are definitely mine but I couldn’t help but feel for the families involved in this scenario which also happens to be playing out right now again in Australia. I absolutely highly recommend this book about a Mix Up impacting two families and how they all feel and deal with the consequences. I was so keen to finish it but now I’m wondering what next?
September 23, 2025
Great, easy read.
Read for bookclub September 2025
Read for bookclub September 2025
March 5, 2025
The premise of this book seemed like an old trope but showed promise early. The new angle of teenagers finding out about a mix up at birth gave the story more depth. But as the narrative progressed it became more and more predictable. Ammy was the most annoying and petulant character who for some reason never seemed to be called out on her awful selfish behavior. The rest of them were so formularized it was hard to feel anything for them. I was keen to wrap this story up in the end.
February 11, 2025
Love this author and was awaiting the release of this book.
Another good one. Interesting themes.
Another good one. Interesting themes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews