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All I Ever Wanted
As I stare at the ultrasound, my eyes fill with tears. My husband squeezes my hand, thinking they are tears of happiness. How do I tell him they aren’t?
When I meet the love of my life, Mark, I have everything I ever dreamed of. Our lives are perfect, until we find out I can’t give him the one thing he truly wants—a child.
There is a small glimmer of hope. We could use a surrogate. But as the doctor explains that we can’t use my eggs, my heart breaks all over again. Mark kisses my forehead, reassuring me that I will be a fantastic mother, that we can still raise our dream family. So why can’t I see myself in the picture he paints?
When we meet our surrogate, Dani, I try not to feel threatened by this young, beautiful woman, who can give my husband the one thing I never can. As I watch her looking at the sonogram, I’m sure I see love in her eyes. Because after all, this is her child… not mine. Is it right for me to come between a mother and her baby, even if it’s all I’ve ever wanted?
As the months pass and the date circled on the calendar gets closer, I try to ignore the panic beating in my heart. Looking around the beautiful nursery we’ve created, I know I have to make a heartbreaking choice. Can I really separate a mother from her baby? And should I tell my husband that I can’t raise his child and, if I do, will I lose the love of my life forever?
A completely heartbreaking and unputdownable novel about what it means to be a mother, and the power of a mother’s love. Perfect for readers who enjoy emotional fiction, and for fans of Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty and Susan Lewis.
When I meet the love of my life, Mark, I have everything I ever dreamed of. Our lives are perfect, until we find out I can’t give him the one thing he truly wants—a child.
There is a small glimmer of hope. We could use a surrogate. But as the doctor explains that we can’t use my eggs, my heart breaks all over again. Mark kisses my forehead, reassuring me that I will be a fantastic mother, that we can still raise our dream family. So why can’t I see myself in the picture he paints?
When we meet our surrogate, Dani, I try not to feel threatened by this young, beautiful woman, who can give my husband the one thing I never can. As I watch her looking at the sonogram, I’m sure I see love in her eyes. Because after all, this is her child… not mine. Is it right for me to come between a mother and her baby, even if it’s all I’ve ever wanted?
As the months pass and the date circled on the calendar gets closer, I try to ignore the panic beating in my heart. Looking around the beautiful nursery we’ve created, I know I have to make a heartbreaking choice. Can I really separate a mother from her baby? And should I tell my husband that I can’t raise his child and, if I do, will I lose the love of my life forever?
A completely heartbreaking and unputdownable novel about what it means to be a mother, and the power of a mother’s love. Perfect for readers who enjoy emotional fiction, and for fans of Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty and Susan Lewis.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2025
1992 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hewitt
891 books1,721 followersKate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.
Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 24, 2025
Thought provoking, moving, gripping, and hard to put down! Kate Hewitt put me through a range of emotions while reading All I Ever Wanted! This is a book about life choices, doubt, honesty, being a parent, family, motherhood, marriage, fertility, and responsibility. I felt for all the characters. I wanted to hug them, scold them, and found myself frequently wondering while reading, All I Ever Wanted, what would I do in each character's situation.
Ashley and Mark are a married couple who want to have a child. When Ashley learns that she cannot have a child, she and her husband investigate other options. Dani decides to become a surrogate mother to be able to pay for an operation that her younger sister, whom she is raising, needs.
Ashley and Mark decide to use Dani as a traditional surrogate, meaning they will use her egg and Mark's sperm. Whew! This book brings up a lot of issues about fertility, surrogacy, becoming a parent, motherhood, and all the legalities and emotions that come into play. This book also looks at various forms of relationships, communication, and compromise.
Kate Hewitt tells All I Ever Wanted through both Ashley's and Dani's POV's which makes for a moving and riveting reading experience. I felt for both at times and the issues that both women wrestled with.
Wonderfully written, well thought out, gripping, evoking emotion, and thought provoking.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Ashley and Mark are a married couple who want to have a child. When Ashley learns that she cannot have a child, she and her husband investigate other options. Dani decides to become a surrogate mother to be able to pay for an operation that her younger sister, whom she is raising, needs.
Ashley and Mark decide to use Dani as a traditional surrogate, meaning they will use her egg and Mark's sperm. Whew! This book brings up a lot of issues about fertility, surrogacy, becoming a parent, motherhood, and all the legalities and emotions that come into play. This book also looks at various forms of relationships, communication, and compromise.
Kate Hewitt tells All I Ever Wanted through both Ashley's and Dani's POV's which makes for a moving and riveting reading experience. I felt for both at times and the issues that both women wrestled with.
Wonderfully written, well thought out, gripping, evoking emotion, and thought provoking.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
May 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of All I Ever Wanted by Kate Hewitt. This is my second book by this author and she did not disappoint. This book has the reader experience a range of emotions. It was wonderfully written and once again made the reader think! My heart kept breaking along the way. I was undecided as to which way I thought the story should go. It was difficult for all those involved throughout the book. I would definitely recommend this book to others. A 4 star rating from me.
April 27, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4.
Becoming a parent is something many people want more than anything..but this isn't the reality for everyone. Some don't want to have children and others simply can't. The topics of infertility, adoption and surrogacy are at the core of this book so be mindful in case any of those are triggering for you.
The overall premise of this book is great and it definitely made me think, but the delivery was a little flat and the pacing a little slow for me. What I will say though is that this book made me think. A LOT. Some of the questions this book brought up for myself is just how far would I go for those I love? How does surrogacy work? What if people change their minds?!
I personally loved both women in the story, one was putting her life and body on the line for the health of someone she loved. And the other female main character is willing to risk her heart and mind just to give her husband the one thing he wants more than anything.
I didn't care much for the husband through most of the book. I know he wanted a child but he had blinders on when it came to the impact it was having on his wife. I can't really say I would or could handle the situation better because I've never lived it, but jeez man! Don't get me wrong his motivations made sense but my heart still hurt for her.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Becoming a parent is something many people want more than anything..but this isn't the reality for everyone. Some don't want to have children and others simply can't. The topics of infertility, adoption and surrogacy are at the core of this book so be mindful in case any of those are triggering for you.
The overall premise of this book is great and it definitely made me think, but the delivery was a little flat and the pacing a little slow for me. What I will say though is that this book made me think. A LOT. Some of the questions this book brought up for myself is just how far would I go for those I love? How does surrogacy work? What if people change their minds?!
I personally loved both women in the story, one was putting her life and body on the line for the health of someone she loved. And the other female main character is willing to risk her heart and mind just to give her husband the one thing he wants more than anything.
I didn't care much for the husband through most of the book. I know he wanted a child but he had blinders on when it came to the impact it was having on his wife. I can't really say I would or could handle the situation better because I've never lived it, but jeez man! Don't get me wrong his motivations made sense but my heart still hurt for her.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2025
Hewitt digs in deep with the book.
It delivered a wallop of emotions, it is a fraught filled read.
Every emotion is believable and also crushing.
I waffled back and forth about what I thought should happen until the end.
I think the ending was very unfair to one of the parents and I didn’t agree with it.
I’ve been fascinated with surrogacy since I saw Baby M back in the 1980s. So many variables and and a messy story but entirely relatable.
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance copy.
It delivered a wallop of emotions, it is a fraught filled read.
Every emotion is believable and also crushing.
I waffled back and forth about what I thought should happen until the end.
I think the ending was very unfair to one of the parents and I didn’t agree with it.
I’ve been fascinated with surrogacy since I saw Baby M back in the 1980s. So many variables and and a messy story but entirely relatable.
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance copy.
April 25, 2025
Ashley is a 38-year-old woman who’s been married to Mark for nine months. The couple have been trying for a baby as soon as they were married, but recently Ashley received a diagnosis of premature menopause, meaning she will never be able to have a baby of her own.
This comes as a devastating shock to the couple, especially to Mark, who’s always wanted a biological child. Mark was adopted as a child, and because it was a closed adoption, he will never know the identity of his biological parents.
Mark suggests that they pay a surrogate to carry the baby for them. Ashley was raised by a single mother, who worked two jobs to keep food on the table, and was always told not to make a fuss. Therefore, Ashley goes along with Mark’s proposal, despite feeling unsure and wary of the whole thing.
Dani is a 28-year-old microbiology PhD student living with her 16-year-old sister, Callie. For the last three years, she’s been raising Callie, as their mother left them following their father’s death. Callie needs a back surgery, but Dani’s health insurance won’t pay for it, so Dani starts looking into becoming a surrogate to raise the funds.
Mark and Ashley find Dani, and they opt for traditional surrogacy, meaning Dani will donate her eggs and will carry the baby to term. This also means she will be the baby’s biological mother with parental rights.
Can Mark and Ashley have their happily ever after?
This was such a heartbreaking read. I was trying to see the situation from both points of view; however, at times, I was mad at Mark, as he was the one who was really pushing the baby agenda. It was apparent that he wanted the baby more than Ashley did.
Both Dani and Ashley had strained relationships with their mothers, but that changed for the better as the book went on.
This book raises a quite complicated issue of surrogacy, parental rights, and, more importantly, what it means to be a mother.
I was hooked from the beginning all the way to the end. I definitely recommend it.
This comes as a devastating shock to the couple, especially to Mark, who’s always wanted a biological child. Mark was adopted as a child, and because it was a closed adoption, he will never know the identity of his biological parents.
Mark suggests that they pay a surrogate to carry the baby for them. Ashley was raised by a single mother, who worked two jobs to keep food on the table, and was always told not to make a fuss. Therefore, Ashley goes along with Mark’s proposal, despite feeling unsure and wary of the whole thing.
Dani is a 28-year-old microbiology PhD student living with her 16-year-old sister, Callie. For the last three years, she’s been raising Callie, as their mother left them following their father’s death. Callie needs a back surgery, but Dani’s health insurance won’t pay for it, so Dani starts looking into becoming a surrogate to raise the funds.
Mark and Ashley find Dani, and they opt for traditional surrogacy, meaning Dani will donate her eggs and will carry the baby to term. This also means she will be the baby’s biological mother with parental rights.
Can Mark and Ashley have their happily ever after?
This was such a heartbreaking read. I was trying to see the situation from both points of view; however, at times, I was mad at Mark, as he was the one who was really pushing the baby agenda. It was apparent that he wanted the baby more than Ashley did.
Both Dani and Ashley had strained relationships with their mothers, but that changed for the better as the book went on.
This book raises a quite complicated issue of surrogacy, parental rights, and, more importantly, what it means to be a mother.
I was hooked from the beginning all the way to the end. I definitely recommend it.
May 2, 2025
*paperback
Thanks so much to Bookouture for my #gifted copy of 𝘼𝙇𝙇 𝙄 𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙍 𝙒𝘼𝙉𝙏𝙀𝘿 in exchange for an honest review.
The concept of this book had me thinking it was going to be a thriller. While it actually wasn’t a thriller, it was a suspenseful ethical dilemma book exploring themes of infertility, adoption, family and spousal relations and a heavy theme of motherhood, as well as acceptance and resilience in the hardest of times. Don’t worry, we still get good Hallmark vibes at the end…that ending looks different for everyone but left me contented.
The author also did a nice job in creating distinctive and authentic characters and you can relate to on some level or another.
I really enjoyed the story from start to finish. I’ve seen this book compared to those by Jodi Picoult and I totally agree with that but Kate Hewitt absolutely has her own unique style which is really liked.
Only thing I thought was odd was the girl’s baby shoes on the cover.
I would for sure read more by this author and recommend you check this out.
Thanks so much to Bookouture for my #gifted copy of 𝘼𝙇𝙇 𝙄 𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙍 𝙒𝘼𝙉𝙏𝙀𝘿 in exchange for an honest review.
The concept of this book had me thinking it was going to be a thriller. While it actually wasn’t a thriller, it was a suspenseful ethical dilemma book exploring themes of infertility, adoption, family and spousal relations and a heavy theme of motherhood, as well as acceptance and resilience in the hardest of times. Don’t worry, we still get good Hallmark vibes at the end…that ending looks different for everyone but left me contented.
The author also did a nice job in creating distinctive and authentic characters and you can relate to on some level or another.
I really enjoyed the story from start to finish. I’ve seen this book compared to those by Jodi Picoult and I totally agree with that but Kate Hewitt absolutely has her own unique style which is really liked.
Only thing I thought was odd was the girl’s baby shoes on the cover.
I would for sure read more by this author and recommend you check this out.
April 23, 2025
Mark and Ashley are married and decide to start trying to start their family. Mark was adopted as a child and longs for a family of his own. When it turns out that Ashley can't have children due to early onset menopause, they decide to go the surrogate route and choose Dani as their biological surrogate. This of course, leads to complicated feelings for all involved and the story is written from both of the women's perspectives.
Dani is doing the surrogacy as a means to pay for an expensive surgery that her sister needs that insurance is barely covering-but Dani also has some skeletons in her closet that come to light as we go through the the process and how she feels about surrogacy seems to change with each of her chapters, but then again, I think surrogacy has to invoke complicated emotions. I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like
It's an emotional story of family, sacrifice and motherhood and while it was predictable, it didn't take away from my experience.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
Dani is doing the surrogacy as a means to pay for an expensive surgery that her sister needs that insurance is barely covering-but Dani also has some skeletons in her closet that come to light as we go through the the process and how she feels about surrogacy seems to change with each of her chapters, but then again, I think surrogacy has to invoke complicated emotions. I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like
It's an emotional story of family, sacrifice and motherhood and while it was predictable, it didn't take away from my experience.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
April 5, 2025
**CONTAINS SMALL SPOILERS **
"All I Ever Wanted" is a story about Mark, Ashley and Dani. Mark was adopted as a child and longs for his own biological child, which Ashley can't give him due to early onset menopause. They go the surrogate route and choose Dani as they're surrogate. Dani will biologically be the mother so how will this all end for everyone involved?
I loved this book, just as I do all of Kate Hewitt's books. It both broke my heart and mended it again as it's written with so much emotion and from both women's perspectives. This is a book I will certainly read again and cannot recommend it enough!
"All I Ever Wanted" is a story about Mark, Ashley and Dani. Mark was adopted as a child and longs for his own biological child, which Ashley can't give him due to early onset menopause. They go the surrogate route and choose Dani as they're surrogate. Dani will biologically be the mother so how will this all end for everyone involved?
I loved this book, just as I do all of Kate Hewitt's books. It both broke my heart and mended it again as it's written with so much emotion and from both women's perspectives. This is a book I will certainly read again and cannot recommend it enough!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2025
being a surrogate for a family who can’t have children is something that me personally could never do .this book really tells the story of how hard it can be for surrogate, to give up a child that’s growing inside of them. It was very emotional read . I really enjoyed reading this book.
April 25, 2025
Mark and Ashley talked about having children before they even got married. Mark had been adopted and really wants a biological child so he has a blood relation in the world. When she didn't get pregnant, she went for tests only to find out that she had early onset menopause and would not be able to get pregnant, nor probably carry a child if they went through IVF. They decide to go the route of a surrogate, but just as life is not always predictable, neither is this venture. Dani, is a Phd student who has been raising her 16 year old sister for the last three years. She has a spinal injury that could be corrected with surgery, so Dani applies to be a surrogate to raise the money she needs for a down payment for her sister's surgery. When she is selected as the surrogate, she is excited to be able to help her sister.
This is one extremely emotional book. Dealing with infertility is always a tough subject. I haven't really thought about this from a male point of view, like this book does. The book deals with infertility, health insurance and cost of surgery, teenage pregnancy, adoption, abandonment by parents, grief, families, parenting and more. I liked all the characters in the book, Mark probably the least, and I wanted them all to get what they wanted, but that isn't the way of life. Each one of them had to make major decisions and how it would affect others had to come into play. Dealing with parents and mending relationships was also an important theme. It sounds like there is a lot going on, but it flows together so well. This is a well written and plotted story, that had my emotions all over the place. I wasn't sure how this would all end, but was extremely happy with how it all came together. I'm not sure if that is how it would work in real life, but I wish it was. I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy a well written family drama.
This is one extremely emotional book. Dealing with infertility is always a tough subject. I haven't really thought about this from a male point of view, like this book does. The book deals with infertility, health insurance and cost of surgery, teenage pregnancy, adoption, abandonment by parents, grief, families, parenting and more. I liked all the characters in the book, Mark probably the least, and I wanted them all to get what they wanted, but that isn't the way of life. Each one of them had to make major decisions and how it would affect others had to come into play. Dealing with parents and mending relationships was also an important theme. It sounds like there is a lot going on, but it flows together so well. This is a well written and plotted story, that had my emotions all over the place. I wasn't sure how this would all end, but was extremely happy with how it all came together. I'm not sure if that is how it would work in real life, but I wish it was. I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy a well written family drama.
April 25, 2025
First, I wanted to thank Kate Hewitt, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
Kate Hewitt is back with another emotional read in All I Ever Wanted. This time Kate addresses surrogacy which can be a very personal and emotional topic for some readers. She does a great job tapping to the emotions with both those involved in the storyline. Instantly, Kate wasted no time and jumped right into the story hooking me into the storyline. Love when authors do this. In this instance though my heart broke for her as this is not the news she was hoping for.
I enjoyed hearing about how Mark and Ashley met. How blunt and up front how personal of a topic they brought up on a first date I was surprised.
My heart broke for Callie who has pediatric spondylosis and seems to be getting worse.
I loved and appreciated how Kate educated her readers on what was medically what was going on with this couple, how Callie had pediatric spondylosis, and how they were trying to find a way for them to find a way for insurance to pay for it.
Kate Hewitt is back with another emotional read in All I Ever Wanted. This time Kate addresses surrogacy which can be a very personal and emotional topic for some readers. She does a great job tapping to the emotions with both those involved in the storyline. Instantly, Kate wasted no time and jumped right into the story hooking me into the storyline. Love when authors do this. In this instance though my heart broke for her as this is not the news she was hoping for.
I enjoyed hearing about how Mark and Ashley met. How blunt and up front how personal of a topic they brought up on a first date I was surprised.
My heart broke for Callie who has pediatric spondylosis and seems to be getting worse.
I loved and appreciated how Kate educated her readers on what was medically what was going on with this couple, how Callie had pediatric spondylosis, and how they were trying to find a way for them to find a way for insurance to pay for it.
April 26, 2025
I love books that teach me something new and open a new world to me. All I Ever Wanted did just that with surrogacy. I knew of surrogacy of course, but learned so much more about the process and different types through this novel. It was well researched and I loved that it explored the emotional journey that both the surrogate and the family utilizing a surrogate may go through.
This novel is told through two lenses - the surrogate who is also the biological mother to the baby and the (to be adoptive) mother of the baby who is unable to have children of her own or even provide the eggs for the surrogate to carry for her. This added so much emotional depth and complexity to the story. We also learned of their histories, inner fears, and their struggles. It was emotionally gripping and I really couldn’t fathom being in such a complex story.
There is some suspension of belief with some of the plot and I felt that the pretty bow at the end didn’t feel entirely realistic, but all in all, this is one I highly recommend.
Thank you to Bookouture for including me on their book tour for this great read!
This novel is told through two lenses - the surrogate who is also the biological mother to the baby and the (to be adoptive) mother of the baby who is unable to have children of her own or even provide the eggs for the surrogate to carry for her. This added so much emotional depth and complexity to the story. We also learned of their histories, inner fears, and their struggles. It was emotionally gripping and I really couldn’t fathom being in such a complex story.
There is some suspension of belief with some of the plot and I felt that the pretty bow at the end didn’t feel entirely realistic, but all in all, this is one I highly recommend.
Thank you to Bookouture for including me on their book tour for this great read!
March 22, 2025
Ashley and Mark want a baby, but Ashley isn't able to conceive. Dani is desperate to earn money to help pay for her sister's medical care.
The book alternates between Ashley's point of view and Dani's point of view. The author spends a significant amount of time describing how each character truly feels about surrogacy. At times, I wanted to scream, "Just get to the point already!!!" I didn't feel at all like a thriller to me, and I kept waiting for the ball to drop.
I don't know as though I would classify this as a "psychological thriller." One minute, Ashley agrees with surrogacy, and the next minute, she doesn't. One minute Dani wants to keep the baby and the next minute she doesn't. Just so much back and forth with their thoughts that I found it to be annoying.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
The book alternates between Ashley's point of view and Dani's point of view. The author spends a significant amount of time describing how each character truly feels about surrogacy. At times, I wanted to scream, "Just get to the point already!!!" I didn't feel at all like a thriller to me, and I kept waiting for the ball to drop.
I don't know as though I would classify this as a "psychological thriller." One minute, Ashley agrees with surrogacy, and the next minute, she doesn't. One minute Dani wants to keep the baby and the next minute she doesn't. Just so much back and forth with their thoughts that I found it to be annoying.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
April 18, 2025
I received the ARC through NetGalley. This is such an intense book, chronicling the emotional roller coaster of a couple’s desire to complete their family with a baby. Mark and Ashley choose surrogacy, which weaves their lives with Dani’s. Written from the POVs of Dani and Ashley, the story is a hopeful and heartfelt look at how we don’t truly know how life will be until we take the steps that scare us.
October 27, 2025
Kate Hewitt is an author I discovered through NetGalley. I found her historical fiction books to be wonderful. The contemporary books, while good, haven’t thrilled me in the same way. In the case of All I Ever Wanted, I don’t think I would have finished it if I didn’t have to write a review. It’s a good thing I did because it ended much better than I was expecting, but I had a lot of problems with it.
Ashley and Mark are two professionals living in Connecticut. Ashley has worked for a major pharmeceutical company for years as a secretary while Mark is a lawyer. They are about a year into their marriage when Ashley learns she’s in early menopause and isn’t able to have children. For Mark, who was adopted as a baby, it’s always been his dream to have a biological connection to the world. He loved his parents who raised him (they are deceased) but longs for that connection.
Mark is so focused on that biological connection that he discounts pursuing any other avenue other than a surrogate. Surrogacy is quite complicated, but since he’s already 41, he’s in a hurry and presses Ashley to agree, not just to a surrogate, but to one who will also be the biological mother of the child.
Dani lives in San Diego with her sister Callie. Since their father died a few years before, she’s also been Callie’s parent in every way that counts as her mother left them to go live in a convent in Arizona. Callie has a condition with her spine that requires surgery or she will be in pain and possibly not walk later in her life. The insurance that covers her is denying the surgery. Dani tosses around different ideas until she comes up with surrogacy. She will get $65,000 to carry someone else’s child for nine months, after which the baby will be theirs.
Being adopted myself, I anticipated problems with this book, and I was right. Neither Mark nor Ashley were particularly likeable to start with. Ashley grew on me later in the book, but Mark was, well, a jerk. He keeps talking about his feelings and his needs but doesn’t seem to take into account that Ashley or anyone else might feel differently. It is he who forces through the idea of traditional surrogacy where the surrogate is also the biological mother because it’s faster and easier, rather than getting a donor egg so the baby would not be related to her.
To read my complete review, please go to All I Ever Wanted by Kate Hewitt – Exploring Surrogacy and Family
Ashley and Mark are two professionals living in Connecticut. Ashley has worked for a major pharmeceutical company for years as a secretary while Mark is a lawyer. They are about a year into their marriage when Ashley learns she’s in early menopause and isn’t able to have children. For Mark, who was adopted as a baby, it’s always been his dream to have a biological connection to the world. He loved his parents who raised him (they are deceased) but longs for that connection.
Mark is so focused on that biological connection that he discounts pursuing any other avenue other than a surrogate. Surrogacy is quite complicated, but since he’s already 41, he’s in a hurry and presses Ashley to agree, not just to a surrogate, but to one who will also be the biological mother of the child.
Dani lives in San Diego with her sister Callie. Since their father died a few years before, she’s also been Callie’s parent in every way that counts as her mother left them to go live in a convent in Arizona. Callie has a condition with her spine that requires surgery or she will be in pain and possibly not walk later in her life. The insurance that covers her is denying the surgery. Dani tosses around different ideas until she comes up with surrogacy. She will get $65,000 to carry someone else’s child for nine months, after which the baby will be theirs.
Being adopted myself, I anticipated problems with this book, and I was right. Neither Mark nor Ashley were particularly likeable to start with. Ashley grew on me later in the book, but Mark was, well, a jerk. He keeps talking about his feelings and his needs but doesn’t seem to take into account that Ashley or anyone else might feel differently. It is he who forces through the idea of traditional surrogacy where the surrogate is also the biological mother because it’s faster and easier, rather than getting a donor egg so the baby would not be related to her.
To read my complete review, please go to All I Ever Wanted by Kate Hewitt – Exploring Surrogacy and Family
April 25, 2025
All I Ever Wanted by Kate Hewitt is a story told from two perspectives. It is about a surrogacy. One viewpoint is mostly the adoptive mother, who has no genes in play, and the other is the surrogate who will be carrying her own child, inseminated by another woman’s husband. It gets complicated. Ashley has just discovered that she is in early menopause and will not be able to carry a child. There is a hint of relief in her but she knows how badly her husband, Mark, wants a baby. They had met through a dating app and he had laid it out on the first date. He is forty-one and she is thirty-eight, so time is running out. He was adopted and feels the lack of any blood relative keenly. As anticipated. He was not happy, but went to work immediately researching other options. They selected the type of surrogacy where the surrogate’s egg would be used as it was less expensive and more likely to be successful. They were able to pick the surrogate and speak with her. Dani was the surrogate and was doing this to pay for her sister’s spinal surgery. She thought she could.
This got complicated really quickly. Hewitt tried to show everyone’s point of view from the beginning as well as turning up flaws in relationships, not just romantic ones. The idea of surrogacy is a good one, but it comes fraught with all kinds of emotional baggage for everyone and Hewitt tried to give us that as well. It was hard to read at points, because the reader could kind of empathize with everyone. There was no clear-cut right or wrong. It is a weighty topic and this book handled it well, with well-rounded characters and realistic relationships, although there were maybe more mom/daughter fraught relationships that might normally be found. It was emotional. The characters are good. The topic is timely. The book is interesting and easy to follow.
Good book.
I was invited to read All I Ever Wanted by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #KateHewitt #AllIEverWanted
This got complicated really quickly. Hewitt tried to show everyone’s point of view from the beginning as well as turning up flaws in relationships, not just romantic ones. The idea of surrogacy is a good one, but it comes fraught with all kinds of emotional baggage for everyone and Hewitt tried to give us that as well. It was hard to read at points, because the reader could kind of empathize with everyone. There was no clear-cut right or wrong. It is a weighty topic and this book handled it well, with well-rounded characters and realistic relationships, although there were maybe more mom/daughter fraught relationships that might normally be found. It was emotional. The characters are good. The topic is timely. The book is interesting and easy to follow.
Good book.
I was invited to read All I Ever Wanted by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #KateHewitt #AllIEverWanted
May 4, 2025
Kate Hewitt has an ability to take her readers on a journey during which they feel happiness, joy, surprise,hope, anger, disengagement, frustration, despair, deep and dark despair, back to hope, joy and finally contentment. And through it all, you feel the love. At some points during this story, I wondered: "how will we navigate our way out of this? how will we find love and how will we find our way back to our love for each other?" Because of course it's "we", since I've become a part of the characters, feeling their emotions as if they were as real as I am. It's such a skill she has. We, her readers, place our trust in her as we follow her characters through challenging and difficult situations. And at the end? We feel the same contentment as her characters.
Ashley and Mark are married and, knowing Mark has always wanted a family, they begin the process of trying to conceive. When they meet with the fertility doctor, they discover that Ashley's eggs can't be used and she would not be able to carry a baby to term. Ashley feels relief initially at this result, but she knows that Mark won't stop. She is willing and wants to consider adoption but Mark is staying focused on the need to have a child that is his, his biological baby.
After they finally agree to surrogacy and the mother gets pregnant, Ashley feels less and less a part of the process and feels excluded at times. And when they go for the ultrasound, everything is throw into turmoil.
This is such a complicated situation that Hewitt writes with such delicacy, care and love. I wondered how we would ever make it through this heartwrenching situation, and then I remembered to place my trust in the author, and once again she brought us through!💖
Ashley and Mark are married and, knowing Mark has always wanted a family, they begin the process of trying to conceive. When they meet with the fertility doctor, they discover that Ashley's eggs can't be used and she would not be able to carry a baby to term. Ashley feels relief initially at this result, but she knows that Mark won't stop. She is willing and wants to consider adoption but Mark is staying focused on the need to have a child that is his, his biological baby.
After they finally agree to surrogacy and the mother gets pregnant, Ashley feels less and less a part of the process and feels excluded at times. And when they go for the ultrasound, everything is throw into turmoil.
This is such a complicated situation that Hewitt writes with such delicacy, care and love. I wondered how we would ever make it through this heartwrenching situation, and then I remembered to place my trust in the author, and once again she brought us through!💖
March 18, 2025
read if you like:
🏡 family dramas
👶🏻 adoption stories
👯♀️ dual women POV’s
summary:
Kate Hewitt is an automatic read for me always, and this book did not disappoint. It follows two women — Dani, a 28 year old PhD student trying to support herself and her sister, and Ashley, a 38 year old wife whose husband desperately wants a child after being adopted himself. After Ashley finds out she cannot have a child naturally, her and her husband, Mark, begin to explore surrogacy. At the same time, Dani finds herself looking for ways to make money when her younger sister, Callie, needs back surgery that her insurance won’t cover. Ashley selects Dani from a surrogacy agency website, and with hesitation, agrees to use Dani’s eggs for her baby. What happens next is both predictable and heartbreaking, questioning what it means to be a mother.
As with all of Hewitt’s books, I sobbed. While the storyline itself is somewhat predictable, her writing takes you on twists and turns you won’t see coming. Both Ashley and Dani are deeply relatable, and their nerves and hesitation around the journey feels so similar to other moms. Mark is a pretty unattractive character personality-wise, and while he does redeem himself at this end, this book is a much better highlight of female strength and courage. Hewitt’s books ask tough questions and make you wonder — what would you do if faced with the same situation? I binged this book in a day, and can’t wait for her next book.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley as always for the advanced copy, and make sure you check this book out on Kindle Unlimited when it releases on April 24!
🏡 family dramas
👶🏻 adoption stories
👯♀️ dual women POV’s
summary:
Kate Hewitt is an automatic read for me always, and this book did not disappoint. It follows two women — Dani, a 28 year old PhD student trying to support herself and her sister, and Ashley, a 38 year old wife whose husband desperately wants a child after being adopted himself. After Ashley finds out she cannot have a child naturally, her and her husband, Mark, begin to explore surrogacy. At the same time, Dani finds herself looking for ways to make money when her younger sister, Callie, needs back surgery that her insurance won’t cover. Ashley selects Dani from a surrogacy agency website, and with hesitation, agrees to use Dani’s eggs for her baby. What happens next is both predictable and heartbreaking, questioning what it means to be a mother.
As with all of Hewitt’s books, I sobbed. While the storyline itself is somewhat predictable, her writing takes you on twists and turns you won’t see coming. Both Ashley and Dani are deeply relatable, and their nerves and hesitation around the journey feels so similar to other moms. Mark is a pretty unattractive character personality-wise, and while he does redeem himself at this end, this book is a much better highlight of female strength and courage. Hewitt’s books ask tough questions and make you wonder — what would you do if faced with the same situation? I binged this book in a day, and can’t wait for her next book.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley as always for the advanced copy, and make sure you check this book out on Kindle Unlimited when it releases on April 24!
March 22, 2025
After Mark and Ashley discover they are not able to have biological children on their own, they decide to seek a surrogate. The decision is a difficult one for both them and the surrogate, Dani, with lifelong considerations. There are others in the picture as well, including Dani's young sister Callie who suffers from a chronic illness and the motivation behind Dani's surrogacy decision. Like underground tree roots, consequences spread further and deeper. It is interesting to see the meaning of family to each character, individually different, yet the need for security and love is the same.
Callie and Dani's predicament and worry about the future is very real. I live with chronic illness as well and each day is riddled with unknowns. I appreciate the author's sensitive portrayal.
The gorgeous writing is thoughtful and every word has its place. Nuanced subtleties got me in the heart and I felt apprehension, anticipation, disappointment, and joy. The novel feels intimate with contemplative moments, undercurrents of the past, indecision, and fear and hope for the future. It is more a family drama than a thriller but still incredibly gripping. It is also proof there is no need for graphic language and adult situations in novels. Refreshing, really. I like that the list of characters isn't long and the ending wrapped up beautifully. Simply put, this is well worth reading!
Callie and Dani's predicament and worry about the future is very real. I live with chronic illness as well and each day is riddled with unknowns. I appreciate the author's sensitive portrayal.
The gorgeous writing is thoughtful and every word has its place. Nuanced subtleties got me in the heart and I felt apprehension, anticipation, disappointment, and joy. The novel feels intimate with contemplative moments, undercurrents of the past, indecision, and fear and hope for the future. It is more a family drama than a thriller but still incredibly gripping. It is also proof there is no need for graphic language and adult situations in novels. Refreshing, really. I like that the list of characters isn't long and the ending wrapped up beautifully. Simply put, this is well worth reading!
March 13, 2025
When you come across true love, starting a family is a logical step for many. But Mother Nature does not always go along with these plans, unfortunately.
First of all, you have to give yourself and your partner time to process this news and then plans can be made ... together ...
Do you let yourself get carried away in what the other wants or do you go for what seems best to you?
This is a very emotional story. Everyone wants to sacrifice certain things for love. The only question is: how far should you go? And if you suddenly realize that this may not be quite what you want, what can it mean for your marriage?
The story is beautifully written and filled with raw and gripping emotions throughout.
Some relationships can be broken and it seems like they can never be restored. Sometimes, however, something drastic has to happen to bring people closer together again. This book is a textbook example of this.
The author does a superb job of exploring the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding surrogacy.
If you like emotionally charged domestic dramas, this is a must-read. 5stars
Thank you
First of all, you have to give yourself and your partner time to process this news and then plans can be made ... together ...
Do you let yourself get carried away in what the other wants or do you go for what seems best to you?
This is a very emotional story. Everyone wants to sacrifice certain things for love. The only question is: how far should you go? And if you suddenly realize that this may not be quite what you want, what can it mean for your marriage?
The story is beautifully written and filled with raw and gripping emotions throughout.
Some relationships can be broken and it seems like they can never be restored. Sometimes, however, something drastic has to happen to bring people closer together again. This book is a textbook example of this.
The author does a superb job of exploring the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding surrogacy.
If you like emotionally charged domestic dramas, this is a must-read. 5stars
Thank you
March 30, 2025
TRIGGER WARNINGS BELOW
The story starts with a girl called Dani who has a younger sister called Callie who has spinal problems serious enough for surgery to be considered. Unfortunately this procedure is not covered by insurance so Dani needs to find a way to make £50,000+ to make this happen, her first option is ONLY FANS but then she finds out about surrogacy and how much that pays.
Dani decides to go for the surrogacy and gets matched with a couple in another state who seem like a lovely couple ( Mark was adopted through a closed adoption and his wife unfortunately can’t have children) things start off as they should with boundaries and responsibilities being agreed but as the physical process begins some cracks start to appear and all is not as it seems, Mark seems to have been the ‘‘driving force’ with regards to the surrogacy situation and is very excited with the prospect of having a relative with his DNA soon in his arms - but will he? Let the 9 months of unease begin…
The story starts with a girl called Dani who has a younger sister called Callie who has spinal problems serious enough for surgery to be considered. Unfortunately this procedure is not covered by insurance so Dani needs to find a way to make £50,000+ to make this happen, her first option is ONLY FANS but then she finds out about surrogacy and how much that pays.
Dani decides to go for the surrogacy and gets matched with a couple in another state who seem like a lovely couple ( Mark was adopted through a closed adoption and his wife unfortunately can’t have children) things start off as they should with boundaries and responsibilities being agreed but as the physical process begins some cracks start to appear and all is not as it seems, Mark seems to have been the ‘‘driving force’ with regards to the surrogacy situation and is very excited with the prospect of having a relative with his DNA soon in his arms - but will he? Let the 9 months of unease begin…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2025
Three and a half stars for me with this book. I did enjoy it and it was quite an emotional rollercoaster for all parties involved but it did drag a bit to start with. It was a difficult subject of surrogacy showing the points of view of the surrogate, the would be Mum and the biological father. All the people involved have a lot of things going on in their lives before the added complications of surrogacy. Ashley finds out she’s going through early menopause and her husband Mark is desperate for a blood relative after being adopted as a child. Dani has her ill sister to look after who needs an operation that her medical insurance will not cover. It seems like the ideal situation that Dani has a baby for Mark and Ashley and the money they pay her covers her sister’s operation. But things in life don’t always go to plan. It definitely picks up once you get into the story and is worth reading. You end up feeling for each of them as they all put their side of it across.
April 23, 2025
All I Ever Wanted is the latest offering from uber talented author, Kate Hewitt.
We meet newlyweds, Ashley and Mark. Ashley has just found out she can't have children but wants to do all she can for hubby Mark to have his own biological child including surrogacy. Dani is embarking on a surrogacy journey of her own - for reasons you will discover, she wants to help others have a baby. Told from both women’s perspectives, we go on an emotional roller coaster.
Having read several novels by Kate, I am consistently impressed by her work. She has a remarkable ability to pull me into the story every time. I truly empathised with each character, as they all had relatable and realistic motivations for the paths they chose.
I must warn you: keep tissues handy, and be sure to grab your copy as soon as possible!
We meet newlyweds, Ashley and Mark. Ashley has just found out she can't have children but wants to do all she can for hubby Mark to have his own biological child including surrogacy. Dani is embarking on a surrogacy journey of her own - for reasons you will discover, she wants to help others have a baby. Told from both women’s perspectives, we go on an emotional roller coaster.
Having read several novels by Kate, I am consistently impressed by her work. She has a remarkable ability to pull me into the story every time. I truly empathised with each character, as they all had relatable and realistic motivations for the paths they chose.
I must warn you: keep tissues handy, and be sure to grab your copy as soon as possible!
April 24, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
When I see a book by Kate Hewitt, I know two things. One, I know that I will love it. And two, it will rip my heart out and put it back together. And that’s exactly what happened to me. I read it in two days
Ashley and Mark are unable to have a child of their own. Mark insists they use a surrogate. They pick Dani, who is doing it to help her younger sister.
The story really digs deep into the emotional aspect of surrogacy, adoption and complex parental relationships. I don't want to give too much away, but this is a book that will stay with you.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#AllIEverWanted #KateHewitt #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksAboutSurrogacy #TheBookMadeMeCry
When I see a book by Kate Hewitt, I know two things. One, I know that I will love it. And two, it will rip my heart out and put it back together. And that’s exactly what happened to me. I read it in two days
Ashley and Mark are unable to have a child of their own. Mark insists they use a surrogate. They pick Dani, who is doing it to help her younger sister.
The story really digs deep into the emotional aspect of surrogacy, adoption and complex parental relationships. I don't want to give too much away, but this is a book that will stay with you.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#AllIEverWanted #KateHewitt #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksAboutSurrogacy #TheBookMadeMeCry
April 24, 2025
ALL I EVER WANTED by KATE HEWITT is a well written, emotional read that I hghly recommend for the brilliant character analysis and interesting story about surrogacy and how it affects the families concerned.
Ashley Weir feels like a failure when she cannot give her husband Mark a child. Mark was adopted and never knew his biogical parents. He is almost frenetic about having a biological child and gives Dani Bryson, the surrogate, a really hard time at the start of her pregnancy, and makes Ashley feel left out of the proceedings.
Dani agrees to be the surrogate mother of the Weir’s child in order to make enough money for her sister’s surgery.
When somethng unforseen happens, decisions need to be made before things blow up.
The family dynamics are well portrayed.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are competely my own.
Ashley Weir feels like a failure when she cannot give her husband Mark a child. Mark was adopted and never knew his biogical parents. He is almost frenetic about having a biological child and gives Dani Bryson, the surrogate, a really hard time at the start of her pregnancy, and makes Ashley feel left out of the proceedings.
Dani agrees to be the surrogate mother of the Weir’s child in order to make enough money for her sister’s surgery.
When somethng unforseen happens, decisions need to be made before things blow up.
The family dynamics are well portrayed.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are competely my own.
April 20, 2025
Mixed feelings about this book. An interesting storyline which raised some dilemmas which made me think about surrogacy. A subject which I didn’t know much about how it worked or the options available in the US.
Well written characters but quite a bit of backwards and forwards for the woman who was unable to have her own baby and the surrogate mother which was a bit tiresome. The first part of the book lagged for me but the second half the pace picked up as the story developed. No spoilers here though.
This made it more emotional for me and I felt for all the parties involved.
3.5 stars overall
Well written characters but quite a bit of backwards and forwards for the woman who was unable to have her own baby and the surrogate mother which was a bit tiresome. The first part of the book lagged for me but the second half the pace picked up as the story developed. No spoilers here though.
This made it more emotional for me and I felt for all the parties involved.
3.5 stars overall
May 8, 2025
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of All I Ever Wanted by Kate Hewitt, published by Bookouture
I enjoyed this novel told from two of the main characters perspectives, Dani and Ashley.
The story deals with pregnancy, not being able to conceive and the options that parents have to choose from, this novel focuses of surrogacy. I liked the plot and most of the characters, I found Ashley's husband a little irritating, but there has to be one of those characters in every novel. I was surprised by the outcome of the story but always like a happy ending.
This is the first novel I've read by this author and will happily read more
I enjoyed this novel told from two of the main characters perspectives, Dani and Ashley.
The story deals with pregnancy, not being able to conceive and the options that parents have to choose from, this novel focuses of surrogacy. I liked the plot and most of the characters, I found Ashley's husband a little irritating, but there has to be one of those characters in every novel. I was surprised by the outcome of the story but always like a happy ending.
This is the first novel I've read by this author and will happily read more
March 26, 2025
This is an emotional, sensitive story about a couple who desperately want to be parents.
They decide to go the surrogacy route when realizing that Ashley is unable to have children.
They find the perfect young woman to carry their future child; or so they think.
It is a heartbreaking, poignant journey of two families who want the very best for this baby!
If you love tender family stories then this is truly one to get and devour! It is good!
Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Bookouture for this ARC to read and review.
Well done.
They decide to go the surrogacy route when realizing that Ashley is unable to have children.
They find the perfect young woman to carry their future child; or so they think.
It is a heartbreaking, poignant journey of two families who want the very best for this baby!
If you love tender family stories then this is truly one to get and devour! It is good!
Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Bookouture for this ARC to read and review.
Well done.
April 12, 2025
This is a beautiful, honest and raw story. Mark and Ashley have discovered that they are unable to have their own biological children. So they have decided to go for a surrogate. That surrogate is Dani who is trying to raise the funds needed to cover a medical operation that her sister needs. When the surrogacy begins is when things get complicated because of emotions from all parties. The story is deeply layered with emotional upheaval and I didn't know if I wanted to laugh, scream or cry. It has impossible choices with a powerful storyline.
April 24, 2025
Ashley and Mark want a child but she can’t have a natural child and they decide to use a surrogate Dani. Dani has gone to a lot and now she needs money for her sister. It sounds not that difficult but emotions gives everything a new level. What impact will it all have on all the characters?
What a great story, I just had to read this faster than normally. At the end a satisfying ending for everyone.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this story, this review is my own opinion.
What a great story, I just had to read this faster than normally. At the end a satisfying ending for everyone.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this story, this review is my own opinion.
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