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She Was Never Yours to Take: A totally gripping and addictive page-turner full of emotional family secrets
“Heartbreaking… Completely captivated me… A must-read. I can’t recommend it enough! So addictive and I devoured it in one day!… Jaw-dropping and absolutely mind-blowing!” Arcreviews_by_m, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My hand clasps the tiny baby’s fingers tightly as I turn to my sister, heart in my mouth. “You can’t take her. She’s mine.”
As I hold my newborn daughter to my chest, my mother takes my hand in hers, tears in her eyes. My breath catches because I know she is going to ask me to give my baby to my older sister. She thinks I’m too young to raise her myself, and that this is my sister’s only chance to be a mother. I only want the best for my baby, and maybe that means letting her go.
Over the years, my heart aches as I watch my sister care for Carley, tucking her into bed with a kiss and holding her when she has bad dreams. All I want to do is cry I am her mother .
Sixteen years later I am pregnant again, this time with my adoring husband Reid, who is bursting with excitement at becoming a parent. But my husband doesn’t know this isn’t my first baby, and telling him might ruin everything we have built together.
But now I have new life growing inside me, I keep remembering the feel of my first baby’s hand in mine. My chest tightens as I think of all the moments I missed… I know I have an impossible choice to make. Do I tell Carley the truth and give her the chance to know me as her birth mother? Or will telling her destroy my marriage and my relationship with my sister forever?
An unforgettable and completely emotional story about family and what it means to be a mother. Perfect for fans of Diane Chamberlain, Jodi Picoult and Emma Robinson.
Readers love She Was Never Yours to Take:
“DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!!!!… I absolutely LOVED.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I could not put this book down. It gripped me. Haunted me and made me feel EVERYTHING throughout… Wow wow wow did I love it… Just superb.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“An emotional and compelling story that pulled me in from the very first page… Powerful and deeply moving… Unforgettable.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I was gripped from the first page… I could not put this down, fantastic read, 5 stars from me.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A page turner… I didn't put it down… I was up until 1:20am to finish it!” Netgalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“So many emotions wrapped into this book… So emotional and gut wrenching.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A heartbreaking story that had me on a roller coaster of emotions!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“So utterly heartbreaking…
My hand clasps the tiny baby’s fingers tightly as I turn to my sister, heart in my mouth. “You can’t take her. She’s mine.”
As I hold my newborn daughter to my chest, my mother takes my hand in hers, tears in her eyes. My breath catches because I know she is going to ask me to give my baby to my older sister. She thinks I’m too young to raise her myself, and that this is my sister’s only chance to be a mother. I only want the best for my baby, and maybe that means letting her go.
Over the years, my heart aches as I watch my sister care for Carley, tucking her into bed with a kiss and holding her when she has bad dreams. All I want to do is cry I am her mother .
Sixteen years later I am pregnant again, this time with my adoring husband Reid, who is bursting with excitement at becoming a parent. But my husband doesn’t know this isn’t my first baby, and telling him might ruin everything we have built together.
But now I have new life growing inside me, I keep remembering the feel of my first baby’s hand in mine. My chest tightens as I think of all the moments I missed… I know I have an impossible choice to make. Do I tell Carley the truth and give her the chance to know me as her birth mother? Or will telling her destroy my marriage and my relationship with my sister forever?
An unforgettable and completely emotional story about family and what it means to be a mother. Perfect for fans of Diane Chamberlain, Jodi Picoult and Emma Robinson.
Readers love She Was Never Yours to Take:
“DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!!!!… I absolutely LOVED.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I could not put this book down. It gripped me. Haunted me and made me feel EVERYTHING throughout… Wow wow wow did I love it… Just superb.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“An emotional and compelling story that pulled me in from the very first page… Powerful and deeply moving… Unforgettable.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I was gripped from the first page… I could not put this down, fantastic read, 5 stars from me.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A page turner… I didn't put it down… I was up until 1:20am to finish it!” Netgalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“So many emotions wrapped into this book… So emotional and gut wrenching.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A heartbreaking story that had me on a roller coaster of emotions!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“So utterly heartbreaking…
- GenresWomens Fiction
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2025
846 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Jen Craven
11 books129 followersJen Craven is the author of upmarket women's fiction, where one decision changes everything. The author of two historical fiction novels, "Best Years of your Life" is her debut contemporary work. She writes from northwestern Pennsylvania, where she lives with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 7, 2025
I received a free copy of, She Was Never Yours to Take, by Jen Craven, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Violet has a secret, she gave up a baby as a teenager, it was raised by her sister, now she is pregnant with her husbands Reid child, and she has a lot of feelings and emotions going on, does she tell, or keep it to herself. This book has some twists and tuns i did not see coming, such an amazing read.
September 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of She Was Never Yours to Take by Jen Craven. This was my second book by this author and she did not disappoint. There were lots of secrets and lies in this one. It grabbed me from the start and I was hooked. It’s well worth taking a chance on the book. I gave it a 4 star rating. #Bookouture #Jencraven
September 2, 2025
She Was Never Yours to Take by Jen Craven was a fantastic read! This was my first book by her, and I was hooked by her engaging writing style. The story pulled me in, and I’m already excited to dive into more of her work! Lies, secrets, deception … a little bit of everything that I could not put the book down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published September 15, 2025.
September 18, 2025
“It will be like nothing ever happened.”
Jen Craven pulls at the heartstrings in this sensitive and emotional read. Pregnant at 16, Violet’s mother makes a decision that takes things completely out of Violet’s hands. With no regard for Violet’s feelings, she literally took the baby from Violet when it was born and gave it to her sister Corinne. So, Corinne and her husband Jonah raise the baby as their own. Violet has to watch her child grow up calling someone else, her sister, Mom.
In this utterly heartbreaking read, it is very easy to see that Violet is completely broken. From the moment her daughter Carley was born it was love at first sight. She has played the role of the doting aunt for 16 years, but things are about to change. As I read, my emotions were in turmoil, unable to help but empathize with Violet at both pivotal moments in her life—losing Carley at birth and the revelation that her husband Reid believes she is pregnant with her first child.
It is clear that Violet always wanted to be Carley’s mother. She is Carley’s mother. This family is built against the backdrop of lies and this devastating secret, and might appear to be tight-knit. But, one thing is clear. Lois rules the family with an iron fist. The reader will no doubt find her as horrid and insensitive as I did, as she left a very bad taste in my mouth.
Perhaps things could have been different for both Violet and Carley, but according to Lois, appearances are everything, and a 16-year-old with a baby could tarnish their ‘precious reputation’. Will this family—will Violet—reach a happy conclusion, or will Violet’s present feelings rock the apparently stable family to its core, especially when Corinne’s feelings are explored? This story is definitely a roller coaster, one to keep the reader invested from beginning to end.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Jen Craven pulls at the heartstrings in this sensitive and emotional read. Pregnant at 16, Violet’s mother makes a decision that takes things completely out of Violet’s hands. With no regard for Violet’s feelings, she literally took the baby from Violet when it was born and gave it to her sister Corinne. So, Corinne and her husband Jonah raise the baby as their own. Violet has to watch her child grow up calling someone else, her sister, Mom.
In this utterly heartbreaking read, it is very easy to see that Violet is completely broken. From the moment her daughter Carley was born it was love at first sight. She has played the role of the doting aunt for 16 years, but things are about to change. As I read, my emotions were in turmoil, unable to help but empathize with Violet at both pivotal moments in her life—losing Carley at birth and the revelation that her husband Reid believes she is pregnant with her first child.
It is clear that Violet always wanted to be Carley’s mother. She is Carley’s mother. This family is built against the backdrop of lies and this devastating secret, and might appear to be tight-knit. But, one thing is clear. Lois rules the family with an iron fist. The reader will no doubt find her as horrid and insensitive as I did, as she left a very bad taste in my mouth.
Perhaps things could have been different for both Violet and Carley, but according to Lois, appearances are everything, and a 16-year-old with a baby could tarnish their ‘precious reputation’. Will this family—will Violet—reach a happy conclusion, or will Violet’s present feelings rock the apparently stable family to its core, especially when Corinne’s feelings are explored? This story is definitely a roller coaster, one to keep the reader invested from beginning to end.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
August 14, 2025
When you become pregnant at sixteen, your world is most likely turned upside down. It’s a fact that it’s very young, but there are plenty of teenage mothers who, with the right support, can make it work. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what Violet cannot count on when she finds herself in this situation.
Her manipulative mother, Lois, clearly the mater familias, has a completely different plan in mind, and everyone has to go along with it—whether they want to or not.
We jump sixteen years ahead in the story and pick up where Violet is pregnant again, and her raging hormones are dragging up the past, threatening to turn the lives of many people upside down.
Will Lois once again pull all the strings, or will she meet resistance this time?
I found it heartbreaking to read how Violet’s voice wasn’t heard and how she was pushed into a situation she didn’t agree with, yet could do nothing about at the time.
However, I found the adult Violet less sympathetic. Wanting to push through without considering how it might affect others is not a solution. It only drives people apart instead of bringing them together.
In her defense, she was still under Lois’s pressure, and it’s not always easy to break free from someone’s control.
There were emotional parts in the story, but it perhaps touched me less than I had expected. I think that’s partly because of the people who raised Violet’s baby and partly because of Violet’s passivity.
Lois’s behavior leaves much to be desired, but Violet’s approach isn’t the best either.
Good story, smoothly written, but for me, it could have been more emotional. 4 stars.
Thank you
Her manipulative mother, Lois, clearly the mater familias, has a completely different plan in mind, and everyone has to go along with it—whether they want to or not.
We jump sixteen years ahead in the story and pick up where Violet is pregnant again, and her raging hormones are dragging up the past, threatening to turn the lives of many people upside down.
Will Lois once again pull all the strings, or will she meet resistance this time?
I found it heartbreaking to read how Violet’s voice wasn’t heard and how she was pushed into a situation she didn’t agree with, yet could do nothing about at the time.
However, I found the adult Violet less sympathetic. Wanting to push through without considering how it might affect others is not a solution. It only drives people apart instead of bringing them together.
In her defense, she was still under Lois’s pressure, and it’s not always easy to break free from someone’s control.
There were emotional parts in the story, but it perhaps touched me less than I had expected. I think that’s partly because of the people who raised Violet’s baby and partly because of Violet’s passivity.
Lois’s behavior leaves much to be desired, but Violet’s approach isn’t the best either.
Good story, smoothly written, but for me, it could have been more emotional. 4 stars.
Thank you
August 16, 2025
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy of She Was Never Yours to Take in exchange for my honest review.
This story explores themes of grief, regret, and family secrets in a thoughtful way. While the cover and blurb initially led me to expect a thriller, the book is more accurately a family drama. I appreciated the dual POV structure, which gave depth to both main characters and allowed me to empathize with, as well as be frustrated by, their choices. Overall, this was a compelling and worthwhile read, though I felt the ending could have been stronger to leave a more lasting impression.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy of She Was Never Yours to Take in exchange for my honest review.
This story explores themes of grief, regret, and family secrets in a thoughtful way. While the cover and blurb initially led me to expect a thriller, the book is more accurately a family drama. I appreciated the dual POV structure, which gave depth to both main characters and allowed me to empathize with, as well as be frustrated by, their choices. Overall, this was a compelling and worthwhile read, though I felt the ending could have been stronger to leave a more lasting impression.
September 16, 2025
interesting family drama
I was engaged from the beginning and was curious to see how the secrets would come out and what the impact would be on the characters.
This isn’t a fast moving novel but more a story based on character development.
There were a few twists along the way that helped to move the story along.
I enjoy this writer’s style and will read other things written by her.
I was engaged from the beginning and was curious to see how the secrets would come out and what the impact would be on the characters.
This isn’t a fast moving novel but more a story based on character development.
There were a few twists along the way that helped to move the story along.
I enjoy this writer’s style and will read other things written by her.
September 18, 2025
First, I need to thank Jen Craven, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
WOW!!! Jen Craven you really pulled hard on my heart strings on She Was Never Yours To Take!!! I absolutely LOVED this book and was up til the wee hours of the night binge reading it!! It was fast paced, edge of your seat addicting, incredibly emotional, and at times I found myself yelling at the characters! This is one of the books that played in my head like a Netflix series. It was so good! Jen Craven deserves more than 5 stars.
This book was an incredibly emotional read for me as I have a sister who I love with all my heart and would do anything for! However, put in this situation that Corrine put Violet in well that is a whole other story!! Needless to say I was team Violet all the way!
Let’s not forget about Carley! She is the most affected by Corrine and Violet’s decision many years ago!! My heart ached for Carley when secrets of all secrets just blew up and were revealed!! Then things became real and messy between everyone in the family! Cue the drama!
Incorporated in the storyline are some important issues like infertility, talks about abortion, adoption, etc.
She Was Never Yours To Take is a beautifully written story told with a lot of heart and compassion. It would be a great book for book club discussion groups.
WOW!!! Jen Craven you really pulled hard on my heart strings on She Was Never Yours To Take!!! I absolutely LOVED this book and was up til the wee hours of the night binge reading it!! It was fast paced, edge of your seat addicting, incredibly emotional, and at times I found myself yelling at the characters! This is one of the books that played in my head like a Netflix series. It was so good! Jen Craven deserves more than 5 stars.
This book was an incredibly emotional read for me as I have a sister who I love with all my heart and would do anything for! However, put in this situation that Corrine put Violet in well that is a whole other story!! Needless to say I was team Violet all the way!
Let’s not forget about Carley! She is the most affected by Corrine and Violet’s decision many years ago!! My heart ached for Carley when secrets of all secrets just blew up and were revealed!! Then things became real and messy between everyone in the family! Cue the drama!
Incorporated in the storyline are some important issues like infertility, talks about abortion, adoption, etc.
She Was Never Yours To Take is a beautifully written story told with a lot of heart and compassion. It would be a great book for book club discussion groups.
September 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of She Was Never Yours to Take.
This was a good read. It was a story of a family with secrets that can explode when revealed. Consequences of choices made and how they can uproot everyone involved when exposed. How truth can weigh out lies and wrong doings no matter what happens in the aftermath.
This was a good read. It was a story of a family with secrets that can explode when revealed. Consequences of choices made and how they can uproot everyone involved when exposed. How truth can weigh out lies and wrong doings no matter what happens in the aftermath.
September 17, 2025
It has been a while since I’ve picked up a domestic suspense novel, and when I stumbled across, She Was Never Yours to Take, I knew I had to dive straight in. The blurb had me hooked instantly: forbidden secrets, tangled family dynamics, and a gut-punch premise that made me itch to know how it all unravelled. That hunger to peel back layers of lies and unspoken truths is exactly what propelled me to pick this book up—and I wasn’t disappointed. If you’re looking for a gripping story to binge over a weekend, this is one that will grab you and not let go.
Read my full review over on
hundredacreofbooks.com
https://hundredacreofbooks.com/index....
Read my full review over on
hundredacreofbooks.com
https://hundredacreofbooks.com/index....
October 5, 2025
This was my first read by this author but I could already tell from the front cover image and tags, that I was going to be sucked right in and love every second.
This story deals with some tough topics and could be difficult to read, so do check the blurb or content warnings before reading.
Although I've never been in this situation myself, this was still an emotional read for me as it pulled at my heartstrings and got me thinking about my own children.
When she found herself pregnant at 16, Violet hoped that the family would be understanding and help her out.
Well, Lois definitely had some motherly advice and it was definitely not coming from a place of love and support!
We follow the story over a dual timeline as we hear from Violet in present day as she and her husband prepare for their new arrival.
But we also flashback 16 years to hear of her experience the first time around and the consequences she was forced to bear.
Although a tough situation, I'm not sure I agree with some of Violet's decisions and actions in the present day - but I totally get the emotional strain, the hormones and of course the familial pressure she was still enduring which may have been the motivation for this.
I liked the characters on the whole - not necessarily liked them, but they all played their parts really well and to that extent, I hated Lois and the way she treated her family.
This was a really well written story that kept me engaged and turning those pages - I cared about the characters and really wanted to know that the ending would turn out well for all parties.
This was a great first read and I'd love to read more from this author in the future.
This story deals with some tough topics and could be difficult to read, so do check the blurb or content warnings before reading.
Although I've never been in this situation myself, this was still an emotional read for me as it pulled at my heartstrings and got me thinking about my own children.
When she found herself pregnant at 16, Violet hoped that the family would be understanding and help her out.
Well, Lois definitely had some motherly advice and it was definitely not coming from a place of love and support!
We follow the story over a dual timeline as we hear from Violet in present day as she and her husband prepare for their new arrival.
But we also flashback 16 years to hear of her experience the first time around and the consequences she was forced to bear.
Although a tough situation, I'm not sure I agree with some of Violet's decisions and actions in the present day - but I totally get the emotional strain, the hormones and of course the familial pressure she was still enduring which may have been the motivation for this.
I liked the characters on the whole - not necessarily liked them, but they all played their parts really well and to that extent, I hated Lois and the way she treated her family.
This was a really well written story that kept me engaged and turning those pages - I cared about the characters and really wanted to know that the ending would turn out well for all parties.
This was a great first read and I'd love to read more from this author in the future.
August 26, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read an early copy of this book! It was really good, hooked me right from the start. It felt a bit slow and repetitive in the middle, but it picked right back up with a business twist. But the ending was great!
October 21, 2025
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖Title: She Was Never Yours to Take
Author: 📝 Jen Craven
📚Book 98/144 done🎉
Genre: Family Fiction/Drama
What happens when the truth you’ve hidden for years could either bring healing or completely shatter the people you love?
The story follows a woman who, as a teenager, was forced to give up her baby to her older sister. Now, years later, pregnant again and preparing to start her own family, she can no longer silence the truth. The premise is powerful and instantly pulls at the heartstrings. The questions it raises about identity, family bonds, and the pain of choices made too young make this a thought-provoking read.
Perfect if you enjoy stories that make you wrestle with impossible choices and moral gray areas.
📖Title: She Was Never Yours to Take
Author: 📝 Jen Craven
📚Book 98/144 done🎉
Genre: Family Fiction/Drama
What happens when the truth you’ve hidden for years could either bring healing or completely shatter the people you love?
The story follows a woman who, as a teenager, was forced to give up her baby to her older sister. Now, years later, pregnant again and preparing to start her own family, she can no longer silence the truth. The premise is powerful and instantly pulls at the heartstrings. The questions it raises about identity, family bonds, and the pain of choices made too young make this a thought-provoking read.
Perfect if you enjoy stories that make you wrestle with impossible choices and moral gray areas.
September 19, 2025
Maybe 2.5 stars
Crazy scenario of selfish women
But we all live happily ever after
Crazy scenario of selfish women
But we all live happily ever after
October 17, 2025
Not a thriller but ok story
September 6, 2025
Bestselling author Jen Craven captivates readers once again with her poignant novel, SHE WAS NEVER YOURS TO TAKE.
This heart-wrenching and compelling tale delves into the complexities of motherhood through the eyes of a young mother who was tragically compelled to surrender her baby. Now, years later, she grapples with the lingering shadows of her past, as the truth she has kept hidden threatens to unravel the delicate fabric of her family.
As emotions collide and memories resurface, she faces the harrowing choice of revealing the truth that has haunted her for so long, risking everything she has built in the pursuit of redemption and healing.
About...
At the tender age of sixteen, Violet finds herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, feeling the weight of an unexpected pregnancy bearing down on her youthful shoulders. Young and filled with trepidation, she grapples with a future that suddenly seems daunting and uncertain. Her mother, keen on preserving the family’s reputation and desperate to avoid any scandal, forces a life-altering decision on Violet: to relinquish her newborn to her elder sister, Corrine. For years, Corrine has faced the heartache of infertility, her dreams of motherhood slipping further away with each passing year.
Now, sixteen years later, Violet stands on the brink of her own journey into motherhood, blissfully married and expecting a child of her own. Yet, the burden of silence weighs heavily on her heart. As she watches Corrine lovingly raise her daughter, Carley, Violet realizes that the truth must be unveiled. The secret she has harbored all these years is a chasm between her and the family she loves.
Compelled by a mixture of anxiety and resolve, Violet knows she must sit down with her daughter, Carley, and share the profound truth of her origins, no matter the potential fallout. With courage swelling within her, she prepares to dismantle the facade that has sheltered them all.
What will unfold when the truth finally surfaces, and how will it redefine the tapestry of their family connections?
My thoughts...
Jen Craven masterfully navigates the intricate maze of challenging family struggles and tough decisions, approaching each situation with a deep sense of compassion and sensitivity.
SHE WAS NEVER YOURS TO TAKE is a poignant yet captivating blend of coming-of-age themes, rich family dynamics, the intricacies of motherhood, the bonds between sisters, and an undercurrent of domestic suspense.
Readers will find themselves utterly engrossed, eager to unravel the complexities of this emotional tapestry and discover how these intertwined lives will ultimately find resolution for a satisfying conclusion.
This novel weaves a complex narrative that delves into the depths of human relationships and motherhood, exploring themes of love, loss, and the moral dilemmas that bind us. It's a compelling journey that promises to resonate with anyone who appreciates thought-provoking fiction laden with rich character development and poignant twists.
Recs...
SHE WAS NEVER YOURS TO TAKE is a captivating read crafted for devoted fans of the author, as well as those who are drawn to the intricacies of emotional storytelling found in the works of Diane Chamberlain, Emma Robinson, and Jodi Picoult.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing a digital advanced review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Sept 15, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
Sept 2025 Must-Read Books
Sept Newsletter
This heart-wrenching and compelling tale delves into the complexities of motherhood through the eyes of a young mother who was tragically compelled to surrender her baby. Now, years later, she grapples with the lingering shadows of her past, as the truth she has kept hidden threatens to unravel the delicate fabric of her family.
As emotions collide and memories resurface, she faces the harrowing choice of revealing the truth that has haunted her for so long, risking everything she has built in the pursuit of redemption and healing.
About...
At the tender age of sixteen, Violet finds herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, feeling the weight of an unexpected pregnancy bearing down on her youthful shoulders. Young and filled with trepidation, she grapples with a future that suddenly seems daunting and uncertain. Her mother, keen on preserving the family’s reputation and desperate to avoid any scandal, forces a life-altering decision on Violet: to relinquish her newborn to her elder sister, Corrine. For years, Corrine has faced the heartache of infertility, her dreams of motherhood slipping further away with each passing year.
Now, sixteen years later, Violet stands on the brink of her own journey into motherhood, blissfully married and expecting a child of her own. Yet, the burden of silence weighs heavily on her heart. As she watches Corrine lovingly raise her daughter, Carley, Violet realizes that the truth must be unveiled. The secret she has harbored all these years is a chasm between her and the family she loves.
Compelled by a mixture of anxiety and resolve, Violet knows she must sit down with her daughter, Carley, and share the profound truth of her origins, no matter the potential fallout. With courage swelling within her, she prepares to dismantle the facade that has sheltered them all.
What will unfold when the truth finally surfaces, and how will it redefine the tapestry of their family connections?
My thoughts...
Jen Craven masterfully navigates the intricate maze of challenging family struggles and tough decisions, approaching each situation with a deep sense of compassion and sensitivity.
SHE WAS NEVER YOURS TO TAKE is a poignant yet captivating blend of coming-of-age themes, rich family dynamics, the intricacies of motherhood, the bonds between sisters, and an undercurrent of domestic suspense.
Readers will find themselves utterly engrossed, eager to unravel the complexities of this emotional tapestry and discover how these intertwined lives will ultimately find resolution for a satisfying conclusion.
This novel weaves a complex narrative that delves into the depths of human relationships and motherhood, exploring themes of love, loss, and the moral dilemmas that bind us. It's a compelling journey that promises to resonate with anyone who appreciates thought-provoking fiction laden with rich character development and poignant twists.
Recs...
SHE WAS NEVER YOURS TO TAKE is a captivating read crafted for devoted fans of the author, as well as those who are drawn to the intricacies of emotional storytelling found in the works of Diane Chamberlain, Emma Robinson, and Jodi Picoult.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing a digital advanced review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Sept 15, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
Sept 2025 Must-Read Books
Sept Newsletter
September 8, 2025
"She Was Never Yours to Take" by Jen Craven is a deeply emotional and heart-wrenching family drama centred around a gripping secret. This story revolves around impossible choices, where someone will inevitably be hurt, regardless of the outcome.
The narrative explores the complex dynamics of motherhood and sisterhood, highlighting the devastating impact of lies. The emotional tension is a crucial aspect of the reading experience, as you feel the burden of Violet's secret and the pain it has caused. It truly is a "page-turner" that evokes strong feelings, particularly regarding the character of Lois, who exerts control over everything without considering anyone's feelings or emotions; for her, appearances are all that matter.
When 16-year-old Violet becomes pregnant, her mother, Lois, believes that a teenage pregnancy would tarnish the family's reputation. As a result, Violet is compelled to give her baby girl to her sister Corinne, who will raise her as if she were her own.
Years later, Violet and her husband, Reid, are expecting a baby. Instead of happiness, Violet finds herself grappling with her emotions surrounding her daughter, Carley, who lives next door. Violet wants to tell Carley the truth, but Corinne is against it. This disagreement strains the relationship between the two sisters. How can Violet decide what is the best course of action when it seems that, no matter what she chooses, someone’s emotions and feelings will be hurt?
I loved how the author introduces both sisters, allowing us to understand them from a deeply emotional perspective. As a result, you empathise with both of them, making it impossible to decide what you would do if you were in this situation.
The narrative explores the complex dynamics of motherhood and sisterhood, highlighting the devastating impact of lies. The emotional tension is a crucial aspect of the reading experience, as you feel the burden of Violet's secret and the pain it has caused. It truly is a "page-turner" that evokes strong feelings, particularly regarding the character of Lois, who exerts control over everything without considering anyone's feelings or emotions; for her, appearances are all that matter.
When 16-year-old Violet becomes pregnant, her mother, Lois, believes that a teenage pregnancy would tarnish the family's reputation. As a result, Violet is compelled to give her baby girl to her sister Corinne, who will raise her as if she were her own.
Years later, Violet and her husband, Reid, are expecting a baby. Instead of happiness, Violet finds herself grappling with her emotions surrounding her daughter, Carley, who lives next door. Violet wants to tell Carley the truth, but Corinne is against it. This disagreement strains the relationship between the two sisters. How can Violet decide what is the best course of action when it seems that, no matter what she chooses, someone’s emotions and feelings will be hurt?
I loved how the author introduces both sisters, allowing us to understand them from a deeply emotional perspective. As a result, you empathise with both of them, making it impossible to decide what you would do if you were in this situation.
September 25, 2025
This book had me hooked at the start (thanks NetGalley for the e-ARC). I really liked the mix of family drama, motherhood, sisterhood, and the little bit of suspense running through it. The dual POVs worked well and made it easy to see both sides of the story, even when the characters frustrated me. The twist near the end also gave it a nice boost.
It was definitely slow in the middle and got a bit repetitive, so I skimmed at times. The cover and blurb made me expect more of a thriller, but this is really a family drama at its core. Still, if you’re into emotional, character-driven stories with plenty of family secrets, this one’s worth a read.
A. Family Dynamics & Relationships
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Nuanced, believable, and emotionally layered relationships that capture the complexity of family life.
B. Emotional Impact
⭐⭐⭐: Moments of resonance, but not lasting or powerful.
C. Character Development
⭐⭐⭐: Clear arcs, but not particularly memorable.
D. Themes & Realism
⭐⭐⭐: Recognizable themes but predictable or surface-level.
E. Writing & Pacing
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Good writing but occasional pacing issues.
It was definitely slow in the middle and got a bit repetitive, so I skimmed at times. The cover and blurb made me expect more of a thriller, but this is really a family drama at its core. Still, if you’re into emotional, character-driven stories with plenty of family secrets, this one’s worth a read.
A. Family Dynamics & Relationships
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Nuanced, believable, and emotionally layered relationships that capture the complexity of family life.
B. Emotional Impact
⭐⭐⭐: Moments of resonance, but not lasting or powerful.
C. Character Development
⭐⭐⭐: Clear arcs, but not particularly memorable.
D. Themes & Realism
⭐⭐⭐: Recognizable themes but predictable or surface-level.
E. Writing & Pacing
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Good writing but occasional pacing issues.
September 3, 2025
Even though Violet has been married to Reid for seven years, she is hiding a huge secret from him.
Now she is pregnant with their first child, Violet is struggling to keep her secret. This isn’t her first pregnancy, when she was only sixteen-years-old, Violet gave birth to a baby girl. The baby girl has been brought up by her sister and her husband, as they couldn’t have children. Violet’s mother dealt with everything, she is not someone to be messed with.
As Violet’s pregnancy progresses, she’s finding it harder to keep quiet. She’s not thinking of the possible fallout from all sides.
Can this family survive the many secrets spilled?
My goodness, this is a story that hits, and hits hard! It is a tale of secrets and lies, those who should be there for you and protecting you, whose thoughts are only for themselves.
Being a sixteen-year-old child is tough enough, without the added pressure of finding out you’re pregnant. The author writes sensitively and protectively of Violet.
I felt so strongly for Violet, but also for her sister and Violet’s “niece.” I felt for Reid too, to be married and find out years later that you’ve been kept in the dark, is awful.
The story tugged at my heart, and I spent the whole book rooting for Violet. She is a strong but sensitive character, who needed a voice.
This is my first book by the author, and it exceeded all my expectations.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Now she is pregnant with their first child, Violet is struggling to keep her secret. This isn’t her first pregnancy, when she was only sixteen-years-old, Violet gave birth to a baby girl. The baby girl has been brought up by her sister and her husband, as they couldn’t have children. Violet’s mother dealt with everything, she is not someone to be messed with.
As Violet’s pregnancy progresses, she’s finding it harder to keep quiet. She’s not thinking of the possible fallout from all sides.
Can this family survive the many secrets spilled?
My goodness, this is a story that hits, and hits hard! It is a tale of secrets and lies, those who should be there for you and protecting you, whose thoughts are only for themselves.
Being a sixteen-year-old child is tough enough, without the added pressure of finding out you’re pregnant. The author writes sensitively and protectively of Violet.
I felt so strongly for Violet, but also for her sister and Violet’s “niece.” I felt for Reid too, to be married and find out years later that you’ve been kept in the dark, is awful.
The story tugged at my heart, and I spent the whole book rooting for Violet. She is a strong but sensitive character, who needed a voice.
This is my first book by the author, and it exceeded all my expectations.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
September 15, 2025
When Viotet was 16 she got pregnant and was forced by her parents m especially her mother m to give her baby to her older sister who and been trying for years to get pregnant. and told to forget about it and go on as if nothing had happened Except all their lives, she is close to her "niece" but can't shake the feeling that she wants her back. Now it's 16 years later and she is married pregnant again and the feeling is even stronger now and despite all the secrecy in hor family she is ready to open it all up even if it means tearing her family apart and losing everything if she gets her daughter back. But in doing so, some other family secrets come to light and help her understand where her mother was coming from. it doesnt justify it by any means, but it makes Violet (and the reader) comprehend why the mother was 5e way she was-al least to some degree
This is marked as a thatter but u would say it's more a family drama. It definitely keeps you turning the pages to see how it sall tum out
Thanks ta Bookouture and NetGally for this eArc in exchange for my review
This is marked as a thatter but u would say it's more a family drama. It definitely keeps you turning the pages to see how it sall tum out
Thanks ta Bookouture and NetGally for this eArc in exchange for my review
September 12, 2025
This was a very gripping family drama, with my only relatively minor criticism being that a couple of the characters were a little flat, particularly the "matriarch" who was portrayed a bit more evil than she needed to be. Essentially, one sister became pregnant young and the other sister had trouble bearing trouble, so the mother engineered for the baby to be given to the older sister. This was an obvious recipe for disaster, the trouble taking place so many years later that time just made the situation even worse. The mother was also made out to be really awful in other ways and I think it would have made for more complexity if she wasn't quite so dreadful. It turned out that there was reason for why she acted the way she did but that was revealed so close to the end that it did not really do much to redeem her. In addition, that reason was not necessarily so believable, to me. Nonetheless, it was a good fast read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
October 17, 2025
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book caught me off guard in the best way. From the very first chapter, Jen Craven builds this quiet tension that never really lets up. It’s not just about what happens it’s about why people make the choices they do, and how far someone will go when they feel justified.
The writing is sharp but emotional, and the pacing kept me turning pages even when the characters made me uncomfortable (in that good, believable way). I loved how Craven explored guilt, motherhood, and control it all felt so grounded and real.
There were a few moments that felt a little too neat toward the end, but overall this story had me thinking long after I closed the book. Complex characters, strong emotion, and a moral gray area that really makes you question what you’d do in their place.
A really solid, emotional read and one I’d easily recommend to anyone who loves domestic dramas with depth.
✨ shaye.readss
This book caught me off guard in the best way. From the very first chapter, Jen Craven builds this quiet tension that never really lets up. It’s not just about what happens it’s about why people make the choices they do, and how far someone will go when they feel justified.
The writing is sharp but emotional, and the pacing kept me turning pages even when the characters made me uncomfortable (in that good, believable way). I loved how Craven explored guilt, motherhood, and control it all felt so grounded and real.
There were a few moments that felt a little too neat toward the end, but overall this story had me thinking long after I closed the book. Complex characters, strong emotion, and a moral gray area that really makes you question what you’d do in their place.
A really solid, emotional read and one I’d easily recommend to anyone who loves domestic dramas with depth.
✨ shaye.readss
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2026
📆 single timeline.
👀 dual POV
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
💬 "Maybe everything has to break before it can be put back together"
Wow, what a complex and complicated story! I can't imagine how i would feel if my parents made me give my baby to my sister. I also can't imagine being the parent of a pregnant 16 year old and just trying to do what I think is best for everyone. Of course, there's more to it than that, but as always my reviews are spoiler free.
I really loved the recognition of how it must feel for a woman giving birth having previously given a baby up fpr adoption. I can only imagine how confusing that could be and how the feelings from the previous birth would surface.
I thought the plot was brilliant, with lots of family secrets coming to the surface, forcing the characters and the reader to think about the cost of dishonesty. The pacing was great and the writing was genuine. All in all, a brilliant, thought provoking read.
👀 dual POV
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
💬 "Maybe everything has to break before it can be put back together"
Wow, what a complex and complicated story! I can't imagine how i would feel if my parents made me give my baby to my sister. I also can't imagine being the parent of a pregnant 16 year old and just trying to do what I think is best for everyone. Of course, there's more to it than that, but as always my reviews are spoiler free.
I really loved the recognition of how it must feel for a woman giving birth having previously given a baby up fpr adoption. I can only imagine how confusing that could be and how the feelings from the previous birth would surface.
I thought the plot was brilliant, with lots of family secrets coming to the surface, forcing the characters and the reader to think about the cost of dishonesty. The pacing was great and the writing was genuine. All in all, a brilliant, thought provoking read.
August 27, 2025
Emotional Rollercoaster! Wow, from just the title alone, you can sense the feels of this story.
At 16, Violet finds herself pregnant. She's young, afraid, unsure of what to do or how to feel. She only has her family to rely on for help. Her mother calls all of the shots. Because of course mother knows best!
Corrine, Violets older sister, has struggled for years with conceiving a child. So, naturally, the best thing to do to avoid a scandal in their well-respected family is to give the baby to Corrine and her husband to raise.
Fast forward 16 years, and Violet is expecting a child with her husband. With hormones raging and 16 years of pain building up, Violet has decided it's time to tell Carley her neice/ daughter the truth.
But what will happen when the truth comes out? Who's life will be shattered to pieces?
At 16, Violet finds herself pregnant. She's young, afraid, unsure of what to do or how to feel. She only has her family to rely on for help. Her mother calls all of the shots. Because of course mother knows best!
Corrine, Violets older sister, has struggled for years with conceiving a child. So, naturally, the best thing to do to avoid a scandal in their well-respected family is to give the baby to Corrine and her husband to raise.
Fast forward 16 years, and Violet is expecting a child with her husband. With hormones raging and 16 years of pain building up, Violet has decided it's time to tell Carley her neice/ daughter the truth.
But what will happen when the truth comes out? Who's life will be shattered to pieces?
September 19, 2025
Sixteen year old Violet was pregnant and her mother forced her to give her baby to her elder sister, Corrine. Another sixteen years later, Violet is expecting another baby and cannot stop thinking about her first child.
This was explosive, emotional and interesting with a rather unusual plot. The short chapters made for a speedy read and the sisters’ point of view provided perspective to their side of the story.
This explores motherhood, sisterhood, family dynamics, infertility, teen pregnancy, adoption. The author treated the issues with compassion and grace. The characters were relatable and delivered exactly what was expected of them.
If you are looking for an emotional story that will tug at your heart strings then you should read this. I received an advanced copy and the review is mine and voluntary.
This was explosive, emotional and interesting with a rather unusual plot. The short chapters made for a speedy read and the sisters’ point of view provided perspective to their side of the story.
This explores motherhood, sisterhood, family dynamics, infertility, teen pregnancy, adoption. The author treated the issues with compassion and grace. The characters were relatable and delivered exactly what was expected of them.
If you are looking for an emotional story that will tug at your heart strings then you should read this. I received an advanced copy and the review is mine and voluntary.
July 31, 2025
Wow what a heartbreaking read about a family secret that has been kept for 16 years. When Violet was 16 years old she got pregnant and her parents persuaded her that she should give the baby up to her elder sister Corinne to raise. Now 16 years later Violet is pregnant again and feels the time is right to tell Carley the truth only problem is that she doesn’t consider anyone else in this idea and ends up blowing up the lives of everyone in her family. As they all come to terms with what has happened no one will ever be the same and is the damage too much to ever fix. Will she regain her daughter or has she lost everyone for good. There are no winners or losers in this story and I felt for everyone involved but also when would have been the right time to tell the truth. A great read!
August 1, 2025
When Violet became pregnant at the age of 16, she knew she wanted her baby. But her mother had different plans and Violet was bullied into giving up her daughter and allowing her older sister to raise her as her own. That moment in Violet’s life all came crashing down on her 16 years later when she was pregnant again. She needed to make some choices, open up to her husband, and decide which direction she wanted her life to go. People would be hurt, others would be angry, but Violet could no longer remain silent.
This book is heartbreaking, it’s compelling, and it’s beautifully written. I could not put it down. I highly recommend this one.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced reader copy of this 5-star book.
This book is heartbreaking, it’s compelling, and it’s beautifully written. I could not put it down. I highly recommend this one.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced reader copy of this 5-star book.
September 22, 2025
She Was Never Yours to Take by Jen Craven was another excellent book by this author, once I opened my kindle and read a few pages I was hooked especially as It was full of twists and turns which made it a rocky ride. It was a great page turner and I could not turn the pages over quick enough to find out what happens next. She was never yours was full of family secrets and you know what happens to secrets, we all think we have hidden deep, they have a way of coming to the surface. One by one they are slowly coming to the surface. This book was so good I could not put my kindle down. I just love the way Jen writes and she writes from her heart, all her books have been a 5 ⭐️ read and this one was no different.
I highly recommend this book. 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I highly recommend this book. 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
August 5, 2025
So utterly heartbreaking feeling and it is such a difficult situation. Violet is just sixteen years old when her family basically forces her to give up her baby to her older sister Corrine. Corrine raises and cares for Carley for sixteen years when Violet falls pregnant again and wants to tell Carley the truth. As a mother this story will tug hard on your heart and it's unimaginable but it takes a few surprising turns and I felt for both Corrine and Violet. Once the plot took a turn for the worse and I burst into tears but by the end of the book I was happily smiling again. It has a addictive edge that will have you mesmerised.
August 14, 2025
So many emotions wrapped into this book.
4.3/5 ⭐️
Wasn’t expecting this book to be so emotional and gut wrenching. I felt the emotions from all characters. I could honestly see this being a movie in the future.
Caught my attention from the beginning and held on the hold ride!
Intense, dark, twisty, full of secrets and family drama. Everything you could ask for.
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this arc in exchange of my honest review.
Definitely interested in reading more books by Jen Craven
4.3/5 ⭐️
Wasn’t expecting this book to be so emotional and gut wrenching. I felt the emotions from all characters. I could honestly see this being a movie in the future.
Caught my attention from the beginning and held on the hold ride!
Intense, dark, twisty, full of secrets and family drama. Everything you could ask for.
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this arc in exchange of my honest review.
Definitely interested in reading more books by Jen Craven
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