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The Baby Nurse
After losing her own daughter, NICU nurse Annabelle has devoted her life to caring for newborns. When she witnesses an orphaned patient alone in a car, Annabelle’s split-second decision will have life-changing consequences.
- GenresFiction
268 pages, Paperback
Published July 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 6, 2025
Absolutely loved this book & would highly recommend! A really easy read & lots of twists & turns to keep me turning the pages & wanting to know more. Found the main character relatable after experiencing similar issues myself & liked the ending too 😊.
Huge thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC
Huge thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC
July 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this twisty story of Annabelle and her role as a NICU nurse. Written very well with plenty to keep the pages turning.
October 24, 2025
Wow! This heart breaking, but incredible story made me so angry!
Annabelle has a huge and loving heart for the Preemie babies that she takes care of in the NICU. Unfortunately, she just lost her own baby girl and the ability to ever have another child. Nevertheless, she does not follow through, on seeking the therapy, she so desperately needs.
Belle begins to make human decisions instead of "BY THE BOOK MEDICAL ONES" and loses everything! So unfair!
She ends up under house arrest and then in front of a judge. But when you are good to people, they sometimes show up, just when you really need them!!!!!!
Annabelle has a huge and loving heart for the Preemie babies that she takes care of in the NICU. Unfortunately, she just lost her own baby girl and the ability to ever have another child. Nevertheless, she does not follow through, on seeking the therapy, she so desperately needs.
Belle begins to make human decisions instead of "BY THE BOOK MEDICAL ONES" and loses everything! So unfair!
She ends up under house arrest and then in front of a judge. But when you are good to people, they sometimes show up, just when you really need them!!!!!!
September 6, 2025
[I legit never do this but 2🌟s]
I don’t have a cute quote or anything from this book. I honestly debated giving it 1 star but I was intrigued once during the story, so for that moment of enjoyment I will double the rating.
The moral of the story?, you may ask? Is that, if you kidnap a baby and take good care of her, then you won’t go to jail, won’t lose your nursing license, your husband won’t hate you (and somehow will still retain his healthcare job), you’ll randomly acquire a kitten that somehow secures your freedom from being charged, AND the guardianship of the baby you kidnapped… I wish I were kidding. The entire back half of this book felt and still feels like a weird fever dream. The storyline was so choppy and the pacing was off from start to finish. But I will give credit where it is due, they did have me for a moment. It was when Annabelle was on the run with Olivia. I felt the stress and the tension while I read. I felt the disappointment and discomfort around her decisions. I was looking forward to seeing how this was going to play out. But that was also short lived. Once all these random people started popping up and giving perfect advice while also weirdly not judging the baby-napper(???) is when things went downhill and downhill fast. I am still beyond baffled that this had a happy ending for Annabelle, like the woman needed a grippy sock vacation bad but instead got everything she wanted lowkey. I was expecting something, I don’t know, a little bit more realistic. But, hey to each their own.
I don’t have a cute quote or anything from this book. I honestly debated giving it 1 star but I was intrigued once during the story, so for that moment of enjoyment I will double the rating.
The moral of the story?, you may ask? Is that, if you kidnap a baby and take good care of her, then you won’t go to jail, won’t lose your nursing license, your husband won’t hate you (and somehow will still retain his healthcare job), you’ll randomly acquire a kitten that somehow secures your freedom from being charged, AND the guardianship of the baby you kidnapped… I wish I were kidding. The entire back half of this book felt and still feels like a weird fever dream. The storyline was so choppy and the pacing was off from start to finish. But I will give credit where it is due, they did have me for a moment. It was when Annabelle was on the run with Olivia. I felt the stress and the tension while I read. I felt the disappointment and discomfort around her decisions. I was looking forward to seeing how this was going to play out. But that was also short lived. Once all these random people started popping up and giving perfect advice while also weirdly not judging the baby-napper(???) is when things went downhill and downhill fast. I am still beyond baffled that this had a happy ending for Annabelle, like the woman needed a grippy sock vacation bad but instead got everything she wanted lowkey. I was expecting something, I don’t know, a little bit more realistic. But, hey to each their own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2025
This book is so very good and I really enjoyed getting to read it. "The Baby Nurse" is all about caring for prematurely born infants until the day when their parents can take them home from the hospital. Sometimes it can be weeks or month and sometimes it is never, when the baby does not survive. You take care of this infant for all of that time and grow closer and closer to the baby. It must take a very special nurse to give this kind of loving care and then to just hand the baby to the parents without you ever thinking of the baby again. You have to wonder on a daily basis how the baby is doing.
What would you do if you were a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Lakeview Hospital and months later when you saw one of your babies that you had cared for daily being abused what would you do? Well this is what Annabelle Kaplan did and I probably would have done the same thing that she did. Annabelle had taken care of Olivia from the moment that she had been born and had grown really close to the parents. The parents finally get word that Olivia is ready to come home, but they both died in a freak car accident on the way to pick her up. Olivia's Aunt is now in custody of the baby. She picks her up from the hospital and Annabelle follows her in her car to see what the aunt does. The Aunt goes to a bar and Olivia falls asleep in her car seat, so when she gets to the bar she leaves Olivia in the car sleeping and goes into the bar. Annabelle can not stand by and watch this happen. She finds herself at the car door and tries to soothe a crying Olivia. Who would do this to an innocent baby? It is not safe? So she takes Olivia and runs. She has to protect this precious little one. And now she is in real trouble. The police are going to find her and charge her with kidnapping. So what happens now?
What would you do if you were a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Lakeview Hospital and months later when you saw one of your babies that you had cared for daily being abused what would you do? Well this is what Annabelle Kaplan did and I probably would have done the same thing that she did. Annabelle had taken care of Olivia from the moment that she had been born and had grown really close to the parents. The parents finally get word that Olivia is ready to come home, but they both died in a freak car accident on the way to pick her up. Olivia's Aunt is now in custody of the baby. She picks her up from the hospital and Annabelle follows her in her car to see what the aunt does. The Aunt goes to a bar and Olivia falls asleep in her car seat, so when she gets to the bar she leaves Olivia in the car sleeping and goes into the bar. Annabelle can not stand by and watch this happen. She finds herself at the car door and tries to soothe a crying Olivia. Who would do this to an innocent baby? It is not safe? So she takes Olivia and runs. She has to protect this precious little one. And now she is in real trouble. The police are going to find her and charge her with kidnapping. So what happens now?
August 19, 2025
This book starts out with Annabelle, a NICU nurse, having been reprimanded for inadvertently participating in the naming of baby Olivia. This was considered inappropriate and she was removed from Olivia's care, at least officially. She continues to check up on Olivia and assist in her care however and falls completely in love with the baby girl.
Still mourning her own lost child, when tragedy falls just as Olivia is ready to leave the hospital, Annabelle makes a shocking decision that is destined to change the trajectory of her entire life-and Olivia's as well.
This part of the book proceeds at a fast pace and really held my attention. While I questioned Annabelle's choices several times, I definitely wanted to know what would happen.
The ending however seemed very sugar-coated with every loose end wrapped up skillfully. But many of the final events seemed very improbable and difficult for me to read them with a sense of possibility.
The book is very readable and I enjoyed reading it. Annabelle will for many be a very relatable character.
Thank Bloodhound Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Still mourning her own lost child, when tragedy falls just as Olivia is ready to leave the hospital, Annabelle makes a shocking decision that is destined to change the trajectory of her entire life-and Olivia's as well.
This part of the book proceeds at a fast pace and really held my attention. While I questioned Annabelle's choices several times, I definitely wanted to know what would happen.
The ending however seemed very sugar-coated with every loose end wrapped up skillfully. But many of the final events seemed very improbable and difficult for me to read them with a sense of possibility.
The book is very readable and I enjoyed reading it. Annabelle will for many be a very relatable character.
Thank Bloodhound Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
August 3, 2025
I wasn't sure what to expect from the book but it affected me deeply. It was suspenseful but also touching to me because I too had a baby that went to the NICU and it brought back so many memories. Annabelle was a mother and a special care baby nurse and was dealing with grief from losing her baby. I loved Annabelle because she was a professional but also human and makes mistakes when following her heart. . Her husband Peter was an angel in disguise and it was refreshing to read about a character with compassion. I enjoyed the suspense of what would happen to Annabelle and how things would turn out in the end. Great story and great characters and an exceptional plot that made me wish there was a sequel so we may know how Annabelle's life turns out in the future.
August 24, 2025
Such a good read! I definitely thought this would go down more of a thriller/sick obsession path, but it was moreso a reflection of grief and tragedy’s ability to drive a person to do bizarre things to cope. Naturally, this book piqued my interest as an L&D nurse, but the author did an excellent job of detailing the NICU without excessive medical jargon or being too confusing for a layperson. I think my only critique is that I felt some points really required me to suspend my disbelief (i.e. her husband seemingly calm throughout everything) but I appreciate that the story puts me in a world where nuance is considered, even if I feel it would have never played out like that in the real world.
July 16, 2025
A fantastic read.
Full of twists with an end that was absolutely brilliant.
Definitely one to recommend.
Obviously Annabelle must still be mourning the loss of her own child but she puts on her brave & compassionate face of a dedicated Nicu Nurse and try’s to get on with her job to try to keep at bay the internal fight she is still struggling with.
When she is asked to care for the little precious Olivia it’s clear to see as events unfold that Olivia’s wellbeing means more to Annabelle than her job does but how far is she willing to go in order to save both.
I couldn’t put this book down, Stacey Rubin has crafted a masterpiece.
Full of twists with an end that was absolutely brilliant.
Definitely one to recommend.
Obviously Annabelle must still be mourning the loss of her own child but she puts on her brave & compassionate face of a dedicated Nicu Nurse and try’s to get on with her job to try to keep at bay the internal fight she is still struggling with.
When she is asked to care for the little precious Olivia it’s clear to see as events unfold that Olivia’s wellbeing means more to Annabelle than her job does but how far is she willing to go in order to save both.
I couldn’t put this book down, Stacey Rubin has crafted a masterpiece.
July 24, 2025
An unusual read following Annabelle a NICU nurse who has an unwavering attachment to her patient Olivia. A string of events unravel lending itself to uncertainly of what the future will hold. Annabelle also dealing with her own grief after the loss of her mother and baby, they say grief makes people act out in strange ways. Annabelle only wishes to protect Olivia but causes her life to change in ways she could never imagine.
An interesting read highlighting the lengths people will go when experiencing a loss of their own, and that not all choices are made with the ramifications of our actions in mind.
An interesting read highlighting the lengths people will go when experiencing a loss of their own, and that not all choices are made with the ramifications of our actions in mind.
October 6, 2025
I’m really not sure what I think about this book. There were several times when I thought I might stop reading it, I had those thoughts whilst I turned the next page and carried on reading.
The story has a happy ending… but the reality is it shouldn’t have. There is no way the outcome would have been allowed to happen. The story was flawed in just about every way … but … it was very readable and I looked forward to when I could read another chapter.
So I don’t know … 3 stars because it is unrealistic. But if you put that to one side, it would have been a very strong 4 stars possibly even 5.
Now off to read a book about a lady with dementia .. let’s hope that is more realistic 😊
The story has a happy ending… but the reality is it shouldn’t have. There is no way the outcome would have been allowed to happen. The story was flawed in just about every way … but … it was very readable and I looked forward to when I could read another chapter.
So I don’t know … 3 stars because it is unrealistic. But if you put that to one side, it would have been a very strong 4 stars possibly even 5.
Now off to read a book about a lady with dementia .. let’s hope that is more realistic 😊
July 29, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I cannot imagine the grief and yearning that the main character, Annabelle, must have felt on losing her baby and the chance of ever giving birth in the future. Working on a new born baby unit must have been heart wrenching for her. The story is narrated in the first person, so the reader empathises with the nurse’s emotions. Her impulsive act leads her into deeper and deeper trouble, and risks losing her friendships, her marriage, her career and her freedom. A gripping storyline, though not always totally credible. Nevertheless, I read it with avid interest.
September 7, 2025
This book produced a mix of baby, medical, and legal aspects. I was drawn in by the unique plot that involved a mourning women, a sick infant, and a decision that impacted all the characters.
While the plot and writing had me eager to keep picking up the book, there were certain aspects that had me uninterested. Mostly around the legal aspect, which was unrealistic and unlikely. It felt unrelatable. With that being said, I enjoyed the book but at times found it hard to fully connect to the characters and their experience.
While the plot and writing had me eager to keep picking up the book, there were certain aspects that had me uninterested. Mostly around the legal aspect, which was unrealistic and unlikely. It felt unrelatable. With that being said, I enjoyed the book but at times found it hard to fully connect to the characters and their experience.
October 22, 2025
This is an emotional story that will tug on your heartstrings. Annabelle, a neonatal nurse, has suffered the loss of her own baby. She has a baby on the neonatal ward who has lost their parents. Annabelle is torn between what is morally right for the baby. This is the catalyst for a decision that Annabelle makes, but is it the right thing?
Wow! my heart broke time and time again while reading this. The author takes the reader on a journey that had me all over the place. I was so immersed, emotionally, and mentally. I couldn't and wouldn't put this book down until I got to the last word!!
Wow! my heart broke time and time again while reading this. The author takes the reader on a journey that had me all over the place. I was so immersed, emotionally, and mentally. I couldn't and wouldn't put this book down until I got to the last word!!
December 18, 2025
Annabelle Kaplan is a twenty six year old NICU nurse. She is devoted to the care of the newborns but the stillbirth of her daughter still haunts her. she forms a strong attachment to one of the babies in the NICU. when the child's parents are killed in a car accident on their way to pickup their daughter Annabelle does something stupid. After finding out that an aunt will be taking the baby she follows her and when the aunt leaves the baby in the car unattended Annabelle takes the baby. Annabelle is risking everything by doing this. Her career, her husband, and possibly her freedom.
July 20, 2025
The Baby Nurse is the story of a NICU nurse who oversteps the boundaries but only with the best of intentions and love. The story is twisty enough to encourage the reader to keep turning the pages. It's a heartbreaking feeling of grief and redemption and the difference between right and wrong. I liked all the characters because they all believe that they are doing the best thing in the interest of baby Olivia. The plot could be a tough read for some but it is told with honesty and integrity.
July 27, 2025
Another book I've really enjoyed reading.
It is told with honesty and is believable. There are enough medical referencs to add to the story withoutlosing the reader's interest.
The characters are well developed and mostly likeable, not sure about Aunt Darlene.
An interestingtelling of professional boundaries being blurred for the right reasons and the consequences. Some of the subject matter could be a trigger but well told.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for my ARC copy of this novel
It is told with honesty and is believable. There are enough medical referencs to add to the story withoutlosing the reader's interest.
The characters are well developed and mostly likeable, not sure about Aunt Darlene.
An interestingtelling of professional boundaries being blurred for the right reasons and the consequences. Some of the subject matter could be a trigger but well told.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for my ARC copy of this novel
August 2, 2025
Annabelle is a nurse looking after the smallest and sickest babies. Not without her own problems as her own baby was stillborn and broke the most basic rule in getting too close to a patient.
This is a brilliant read which follows Annabelle and her surgeon husband as they go through many travails alone and together.
I can't say too much without giving away the story but there is joy, tragedy and everything in between.
Definitely worth reading.
I got this book for free and all views are entirely my own
This is a brilliant read which follows Annabelle and her surgeon husband as they go through many travails alone and together.
I can't say too much without giving away the story but there is joy, tragedy and everything in between.
Definitely worth reading.
I got this book for free and all views are entirely my own
August 11, 2025
This book is Breaking Bad meets Pieces of a Woman. If you love investing in complex characters who end up in more trouble by doing “the right thing” this is a great book to read! A true page turning suspense with elements of court room drama and strong sense of womanhood. This book leaves me questioning if we are ever able to make the right decisions on behalf of others. A must pick for women’s book clubs!
September 24, 2025
This is a tense and unsettling domestic thriller that takes the idea of hiring help for a newborn and twists it into something dark. The story moves quickly, keeping you turning the pages to see what the nurse’s true intentions are. The atmosphere is claustrophobic and the suspense builds steadily.
It’s an easy read but filled with unease, making you question trust and safety in the most vulnerable moments. A good choice for fans of psychological suspense and domestic dramas.
It’s an easy read but filled with unease, making you question trust and safety in the most vulnerable moments. A good choice for fans of psychological suspense and domestic dramas.
July 14, 2025
A heart breaking and at the same time heart warming story of Annabelle and Olivia and how their story is tied together. Can Annabelle be trusted? I loved this book from start to finish. It was very well written. A was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this book and leave this review willingly.
August 10, 2025
Absolutely loved this book, as a former Neonatal nurse, the title grabbed my attention and I couldn't wait to read it after seeing the blurb.
Excellent characterisations, so much so I could feel every emotion within the storyline.
It was an excellent read and I wanted to get to the end but also wanted to savour every chapter.
Highly recommended!
Excellent characterisations, so much so I could feel every emotion within the storyline.
It was an excellent read and I wanted to get to the end but also wanted to savour every chapter.
Highly recommended!
September 1, 2025
I’m a nurse(notNICU) but I can understand how a nurse could get attached to a baby they take care of for a long time. Especially after having a stillborn , bc she felt cheated. I could follow all of Belles logic but I couldn’t understand Peter comes home to find his wife breastfeeding a baby and he decides to take a shower! I did enjoy this book and I liked the ending.
September 12, 2025
The Baby Nurse is a heart wrenching story that sucks you in from the first page. The book is beautifully written; it is as if you are cloaked in all the emotions Annabelle is feeling with every action she takes, and you cannot help but empathise with her decisions.
The real world just had to wait while I got lost in the book, I honestly couldn't put it down!
The real world just had to wait while I got lost in the book, I honestly couldn't put it down!
July 29, 2025
An enjoyable read. Follow Annabelle on a journey of heartache, turned around by her dedication and the words of wisdom that had been passed onto her. Many will relate to a great deal of elements of Annabelle's journey, bringing a rollercoaster of emotions.
August 7, 2025
The Baby Nurse by Stacey Rubin
This book was suspenseful, thrilling and I loved it. I had a hard time putting it down once I started reading it. I am looking forward to reading more from Stacey Rubin.
I received a free copy of this book via Bernard's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was suspenseful, thrilling and I loved it. I had a hard time putting it down once I started reading it. I am looking forward to reading more from Stacey Rubin.
I received a free copy of this book via Bernard's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2025
Wow this is a very good book . Kept me reading all night just couldn’t put it down . Plenty of twists and turns and good relatable characters. What happens when you work as a nurse and one of the babies you treated is being abused so you stand by or do you take action.
Well worth a read.
Well worth a read.
August 24, 2025
loved
As a healthcare worker I am hesitant to read medical books! This books suppresses it all! The ups and down keep you so invested! And the true meaning of love and motherhood is represented so well!! A number one in my book!! LOVED!!
As a healthcare worker I am hesitant to read medical books! This books suppresses it all! The ups and down keep you so invested! And the true meaning of love and motherhood is represented so well!! A number one in my book!! LOVED!!
July 13, 2025
A wonderful story about a baby nurse in NICU, Annabelle oversteps her duties and events unravel in a most unexpected manner. Beautifully told with a lovely ending
August 3, 2025
Getting to navigate the emotional roller coaster with Nurse Annabelle was incredibly humbling.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews