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Our Mother's Secret: Totally unputdownable and heartbreaking women's fiction packed with family secrets
When my sister tells me time is running out for her life-saving transplant, tears roll down my cheeks. But she isn’t crying, she’s staring at our mother, who says words that will change my life forever. ‘It’s time for me to tell you the truth…’
When my mother tells me it’s possible the man my sister and I adored might not be our biological father, my heart breaks. With tears in her eyes, she takes my hand in hers. ‘You have to find him, Mairi. He is our last chance to save your sister…’
I will do anything to save her, even though I now have a precious life inside me that I must protect above everything else. But as I search for the man who could be our father, it becomes clear my sister has also hidden a secret that runs deeper than I could have ever imagined.
As my sister’s life hangs in the balance, I have to make an impossible choice. Everything I thought I knew about my family is a lie, but could my baby help us to find a way back to each other? Or will my family’s secrets destroy us forever?
An utterly gripping and heart-wrenching story about a devastating family secret. Perfect for fans of Kate Hewitt, Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain.
Readers love Our Mother’s Secret:
‘Brilliant page-turner… Absolutely beautiful storyline… kept me absolutely hooked throughout!!... Stunningly devastating… it had me on the edge of my seat… Will stay with me for a long time if not forever!!!... Devastatingly, heart-breaking and yet beautiful story.’ Bookworm86, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Had my heart from the beginning… Incredible… I couldn’t stop turning the pages… I knew I wasn’t going to be putting this down any time soon even when I began… Wow… Fantastic… Stunning.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Tugged at my heart and I needed a box of tissues close by… Beautiful… Devastating… My heart was breaking as I turned the pages… Gripping… Heart-wrenching.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Kept me up reading the entire night! I absolutely devoured it! I love the way the story unfolded… Amazing… Gripping!’ bookish_jessx, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Amazing!… Tugs at the heart and is not easy to put down… Be prepared for more than just a few tears… I cried through 50 pages.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘You will not want to put this book down once you pick it up. It pulled me in right away, and I loved all the family secrets and twists along the way.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Heart-wrenching… I have cried bucket loads! To say I was engrossed all the way is an understatement; it was so hard to complete household tasks.’ karen_loves_reading, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Drew me in from the very first page… Fantastic… Addicitve… Incredibly hard to put down.’ Sisterly Serendipity, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘My heart was in my throat the entire time… Devastating… I sobbed… This is family drama at its most raw and real.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘I just loved this book… I could not put this down. There were many twists and turns and surprise ending… You will not be able to put this down.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Gripping from the start and what an emotional read it was. Make sure you have tissues nearby for this wonderful book… Worth more than five stars.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When my mother tells me it’s possible the man my sister and I adored might not be our biological father, my heart breaks. With tears in her eyes, she takes my hand in hers. ‘You have to find him, Mairi. He is our last chance to save your sister…’
I will do anything to save her, even though I now have a precious life inside me that I must protect above everything else. But as I search for the man who could be our father, it becomes clear my sister has also hidden a secret that runs deeper than I could have ever imagined.
As my sister’s life hangs in the balance, I have to make an impossible choice. Everything I thought I knew about my family is a lie, but could my baby help us to find a way back to each other? Or will my family’s secrets destroy us forever?
An utterly gripping and heart-wrenching story about a devastating family secret. Perfect for fans of Kate Hewitt, Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain.
Readers love Our Mother’s Secret:
‘Brilliant page-turner… Absolutely beautiful storyline… kept me absolutely hooked throughout!!... Stunningly devastating… it had me on the edge of my seat… Will stay with me for a long time if not forever!!!... Devastatingly, heart-breaking and yet beautiful story.’ Bookworm86, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Had my heart from the beginning… Incredible… I couldn’t stop turning the pages… I knew I wasn’t going to be putting this down any time soon even when I began… Wow… Fantastic… Stunning.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Tugged at my heart and I needed a box of tissues close by… Beautiful… Devastating… My heart was breaking as I turned the pages… Gripping… Heart-wrenching.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Kept me up reading the entire night! I absolutely devoured it! I love the way the story unfolded… Amazing… Gripping!’ bookish_jessx, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Amazing!… Tugs at the heart and is not easy to put down… Be prepared for more than just a few tears… I cried through 50 pages.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘You will not want to put this book down once you pick it up. It pulled me in right away, and I loved all the family secrets and twists along the way.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Heart-wrenching… I have cried bucket loads! To say I was engrossed all the way is an understatement; it was so hard to complete household tasks.’ karen_loves_reading, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Drew me in from the very first page… Fantastic… Addicitve… Incredibly hard to put down.’ Sisterly Serendipity, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘My heart was in my throat the entire time… Devastating… I sobbed… This is family drama at its most raw and real.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘I just loved this book… I could not put this down. There were many twists and turns and surprise ending… You will not be able to put this down.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Gripping from the start and what an emotional read it was. Make sure you have tissues nearby for this wonderful book… Worth more than five stars.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2026
About the author
Alison Ragsdale
20 books460 followersAlison's Amazon best sellers include: TUESDAY'S SOCKS, THE FATHER-DAUGHTER CLUB, FINDING HEATHER, A LIFE UNEXPECTED, THE ART OF REMEMBERING, DIGNITY AND GRACE, HER LAST CHANCE, SOMEONE ELSE'S CHILD, THE CHILD BETWEEN US, AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE, MY HUSBAND'S CHILD, AND MY SISTER'S ONLY HOPE.
Originally from Edinburgh, Alison now lives in the US with her husband and dogs. Educated in England, she holds an MBA from Leicester University.
For more information: www.alisonragsdale.com.
Originally from Edinburgh, Alison now lives in the US with her husband and dogs. Educated in England, she holds an MBA from Leicester University.
For more information: www.alisonragsdale.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 16, 2026
Ah, there is no one who can write heartfelt family fiction like Alison Ragsdale. Our Mother’s secret has so many layers, so many complex relationships, so many mixed emotions. This story centers on Mairi, her husband Tom, and her twin sister, Fiona, and the hard decisions they all must make. I was completely invested in all of the complications of their relationships, as secrets are revealed, and it truly becomes a matter of life and death. How far will Mairi go to save her sister, at the risk of her marriage? As always, the setting of Scotland adds another layer to the story, and often feels like another character. Grab some tissues, and treasure the warmth and beauty of this novel. I received an advance reader copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A read that kept me page turning, and wondering what was going to happen next.
A set of twins with one having health issues. Can one of the sister's help the other?
One sister is finally pregnant, will she be able to help? Can she donate?
Questions, and a times very hard on relationships, there are some very long held secrets.
Was I surprised when some of these secrets get answered? Oh yes, never expected half of what happens here.
There are some happy moments here, and some very sad ones.
I loved the epilogue!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bookouture, and was not required to give a positive review.
A set of twins with one having health issues. Can one of the sister's help the other?
One sister is finally pregnant, will she be able to help? Can she donate?
Questions, and a times very hard on relationships, there are some very long held secrets.
Was I surprised when some of these secrets get answered? Oh yes, never expected half of what happens here.
There are some happy moments here, and some very sad ones.
I loved the epilogue!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bookouture, and was not required to give a positive review.
September 15, 2026
Our Mother’s Secret is another exceptional book by Alison Ragsdale—and, once again, I needed plenty of tissues!
The first book I read by Alison was The Art of Remembering, which was a five-star read for me. Beyond loving the story, I found a shared medical experience that created a personal connection to Alison’s writing, and I’ve continued to look forward to every book since.
Alison has a gift for writing about difficult and deeply emotional subjects in a way that feels authentic and compelling. The shared experiences I found in Our Mother’s Secret made this story even more meaningful to me. She also has a wonderful talent for bringing settings to life with such vivid and beautiful descriptions that I could easily picture myself there.
If you enjoy emotional stories that pull at your heartstrings and stay with you after you finish reading, I highly recommend Our Mother’s Secret. Just keep the tissues close!
Thank you to Alison Ragsdale, NetGalley, and Bookouture for an ARC of Our Mother’s Secret. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The first book I read by Alison was The Art of Remembering, which was a five-star read for me. Beyond loving the story, I found a shared medical experience that created a personal connection to Alison’s writing, and I’ve continued to look forward to every book since.
Alison has a gift for writing about difficult and deeply emotional subjects in a way that feels authentic and compelling. The shared experiences I found in Our Mother’s Secret made this story even more meaningful to me. She also has a wonderful talent for bringing settings to life with such vivid and beautiful descriptions that I could easily picture myself there.
If you enjoy emotional stories that pull at your heartstrings and stay with you after you finish reading, I highly recommend Our Mother’s Secret. Just keep the tissues close!
Thank you to Alison Ragsdale, NetGalley, and Bookouture for an ARC of Our Mother’s Secret. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 27, 2026
This was a pretty good story about sisters, family, love, a kidney transplant (my sister got a kidney transplant 24 years ago and still doing great). Lots of secrets the mom hid from the sisters throughout the years. Overall, a good story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance copy.
September 17, 2026
Alison tends to write very emotional stories. The kind that make you cry hard. They touch your heart also. Make you take a deep breath and think about life. Sometimes her stories touch your life. Or a part of your life. This story is so sweet and so sad but also uplifting and beautiful.
Mairi and Fiona are twins. Not identical but still twins. They know each other's thoughts. What each are feeling.
Fiona is sick. She needs a kidney. Since she was a wee child she's suffered from this. Inherited from their mother. Now at thirty Fiona is running out of time. If she doesn't get a match she won't survive.
Mairi would do anything for her sister. Anything. She's not a match for the kidney transplant though. And she's pregnant. After suffering a miscarriage her husband Tom tries in every way possible to ensure that Mairi takes it easy and doesn't do anything that could make her lose this baby.
When their mother Helen comes and tells Mairi a big secret things change. Mairi and Helen have always had a tumultuous relationship and this just adds more to than she thought possible. Mairi loved her dad more than anyone. He was her rock. When he died she felt the loss in a way she didn't think anyone would understand. And she knows that Fiona is hiding something from her too.
This book is truly a very emotional one. I loved the characters even when they aggravated me to know end. It made me stop and think of what I would do if Fiona had been my sister and I was pregnant. Would I do all that Mairi did. Would I put the baby at risk? I can't honestly answer that. I believe I would do anything to help my sister if she needed me. But risk my unborn child..... I'm glad I didn't have to make that choice.
Alison writes with a flair. A tendency to want you to be in tears. At least that is my opinion. She loves to through a big fat curve into a story that makes you gasp. Yes I did guess two bit things in this story but still.. It was so good. It had me in tears. Lots of tears. I hope my eyes can withstand all of that.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this arc.
5 big stars...
Mairi and Fiona are twins. Not identical but still twins. They know each other's thoughts. What each are feeling.
Fiona is sick. She needs a kidney. Since she was a wee child she's suffered from this. Inherited from their mother. Now at thirty Fiona is running out of time. If she doesn't get a match she won't survive.
Mairi would do anything for her sister. Anything. She's not a match for the kidney transplant though. And she's pregnant. After suffering a miscarriage her husband Tom tries in every way possible to ensure that Mairi takes it easy and doesn't do anything that could make her lose this baby.
When their mother Helen comes and tells Mairi a big secret things change. Mairi and Helen have always had a tumultuous relationship and this just adds more to than she thought possible. Mairi loved her dad more than anyone. He was her rock. When he died she felt the loss in a way she didn't think anyone would understand. And she knows that Fiona is hiding something from her too.
This book is truly a very emotional one. I loved the characters even when they aggravated me to know end. It made me stop and think of what I would do if Fiona had been my sister and I was pregnant. Would I do all that Mairi did. Would I put the baby at risk? I can't honestly answer that. I believe I would do anything to help my sister if she needed me. But risk my unborn child..... I'm glad I didn't have to make that choice.
Alison writes with a flair. A tendency to want you to be in tears. At least that is my opinion. She loves to through a big fat curve into a story that makes you gasp. Yes I did guess two bit things in this story but still.. It was so good. It had me in tears. Lots of tears. I hope my eyes can withstand all of that.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this arc.
5 big stars...
September 9, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC!
To be honest, this book isn’t one of my usual genres. While browsing NetGalley, I was instantly pulled in by the title and cover. This is my first book by Alison Ragsdale.
I thought this book started off slowly, but I also couldn’t stop reading!
What an interesting premise: Mairie and Fiona are non identical twins. Terribly, Fiona inherited kidney problems from their mother, Helen. She is in immediate need of a kidney donation. Mairie, unfortunately, is only a half match.
Shockingly, Helen reveals to the twins that their deceased father ore than likely wasn’t their biological father.
Fulled by hope, Mairie sets off on a quest to find this mysterious man. Problems soon arise due to her husband’s disapproval, and the fact that she is also pregnant and at risk of miscarriage.
Unable to donate while in utero, will Mairie have to decide between saving her beloved twin sister or her precious unborn child?
This book explores so many types of relationships: sisterly, parental, new found love, long lost love, marital…it was poignant, sad, and beautiful all at the same time.
I also must mention the fantastic setting descriptions that made me want to visit there RIGHT NOW.
This one would make an amazing movie. 4 solid stars!
To be honest, this book isn’t one of my usual genres. While browsing NetGalley, I was instantly pulled in by the title and cover. This is my first book by Alison Ragsdale.
I thought this book started off slowly, but I also couldn’t stop reading!
What an interesting premise: Mairie and Fiona are non identical twins. Terribly, Fiona inherited kidney problems from their mother, Helen. She is in immediate need of a kidney donation. Mairie, unfortunately, is only a half match.
Shockingly, Helen reveals to the twins that their deceased father ore than likely wasn’t their biological father.
Fulled by hope, Mairie sets off on a quest to find this mysterious man. Problems soon arise due to her husband’s disapproval, and the fact that she is also pregnant and at risk of miscarriage.
Unable to donate while in utero, will Mairie have to decide between saving her beloved twin sister or her precious unborn child?
This book explores so many types of relationships: sisterly, parental, new found love, long lost love, marital…it was poignant, sad, and beautiful all at the same time.
I also must mention the fantastic setting descriptions that made me want to visit there RIGHT NOW.
This one would make an amazing movie. 4 solid stars!
September 18, 2026
I’m not quite sure how to start this off because, if you’ve read any of Alison’s books – then you know how great they are. However, if you have not then welcome!
This is the story of two sisters and their mom – a heartbreaking tragedy that will keep you reading well past your bedtime because you want to make sure that goodness prevails. The sisters have always known they were ‘fraternal twins’ and one of the sisters is in kidney failure along with their mom. Time just isn’t on their side though and so the mom tells them the truth – their deceased dad may not be their dad. So, Mairi flies out to meet their potential father and convince him to take a test all the while putting her own self at risk of having a miscarriage. But remember the fraternal twin thing? That may not actually be correct…
This story was soo good! The way that Alison is able to twist the truths and shake things up while making your heart stop beating for a couple of seconds while you’re reading is wild. This story is definitely one that could be read in one sitting because it flows so easily and the characters were so lovely and easy to remember and to love. The storyline was well thought out and planned and I love how even death brought love back around. Five stars for a wonderfully written and tear jerker novel – I truly adored it!
This is the story of two sisters and their mom – a heartbreaking tragedy that will keep you reading well past your bedtime because you want to make sure that goodness prevails. The sisters have always known they were ‘fraternal twins’ and one of the sisters is in kidney failure along with their mom. Time just isn’t on their side though and so the mom tells them the truth – their deceased dad may not be their dad. So, Mairi flies out to meet their potential father and convince him to take a test all the while putting her own self at risk of having a miscarriage. But remember the fraternal twin thing? That may not actually be correct…
This story was soo good! The way that Alison is able to twist the truths and shake things up while making your heart stop beating for a couple of seconds while you’re reading is wild. This story is definitely one that could be read in one sitting because it flows so easily and the characters were so lovely and easy to remember and to love. The storyline was well thought out and planned and I love how even death brought love back around. Five stars for a wonderfully written and tear jerker novel – I truly adored it!
September 3, 2026
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book utterly gutted me. My emotions were ALL over the place. Mairi has always taken care of her twin, Fiona, who has kidney disease. She wants to donate a kidney to her, but she is newly pregnant.
Mairi was stuck with a gut wrenching decision. Does she help her sister or does she choose her husband and unborn child? It was a no win situation.
There were so, so many secrets. My heart was breaking for Mairi because she was in a no win situation. I read this in one sitting because the chapters are short and I HAD to know what happened. I don’t know how I never read a book by Alison Ragsdame before! She now in my “must read” rotation.
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.
#OurMothersSecret #AlisonRagsdaleBookTour #NetGalley #Bookouture #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BookLove #Bookstagram
This book utterly gutted me. My emotions were ALL over the place. Mairi has always taken care of her twin, Fiona, who has kidney disease. She wants to donate a kidney to her, but she is newly pregnant.
Mairi was stuck with a gut wrenching decision. Does she help her sister or does she choose her husband and unborn child? It was a no win situation.
There were so, so many secrets. My heart was breaking for Mairi because she was in a no win situation. I read this in one sitting because the chapters are short and I HAD to know what happened. I don’t know how I never read a book by Alison Ragsdame before! She now in my “must read” rotation.
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.
#OurMothersSecret #AlisonRagsdaleBookTour #NetGalley #Bookouture #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BookLove #Bookstagram
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September 13, 2026A family already facing many issues but the secrets compound the problem.
I thought Mairi had a savior complex and that it was very selfish if her mother to expect her to go on the trip that could save her sisters’s life.
I didn’t care for Helen. She made choices that were unfair and kept secrets from Mairi. Yes, she provides something very important at the end, but it didn’t make up for her actions.
I figured out two of the main plots befriend they happened.
I did feel sorry for Tom because Mairi did push him away when she should have leaned on him.
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
I thought Mairi had a savior complex and that it was very selfish if her mother to expect her to go on the trip that could save her sisters’s life.
I didn’t care for Helen. She made choices that were unfair and kept secrets from Mairi. Yes, she provides something very important at the end, but it didn’t make up for her actions.
I figured out two of the main plots befriend they happened.
I did feel sorry for Tom because Mairi did push him away when she should have leaned on him.
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Alison Ragsdale the Author of “Our Mother’s Secret” has written a heartfelt, memorable, and captivating novel. The Genres for this well written story are: Sister’s Fiction, Women’s Psychological Fiction, Mothers and Children Fiction, and Fiction. The Author vividly describes the landscape, the plot and the dramatic and dark characters. There are secrets, betrayals, twists and turns, and heartbreak. I love the way Alison Ragsdale brings deep emotional issues to her books. Mairi feels helpless, when her sister Fiona needs a Kidney Transplant. Maira is pregnant, and after the last miscarriage has to be careful. Their mother, Helen, also has Kidney disease, and their father has passed away. Helen reveals a secret that the father the girls mourned and loved, might not be the biological father. Mairi is given the task to track the man that might be the father and possibly could provide the transplant.
Mairi sense that there is more than she is being told, but Fiona and Helen have not provided details.When Mairi tells her husband, Tom that she is looking for this person, he gets upset and worried because of the pregnancy. Mairi is concerned about saving her sister’s life. I would highly recommend this intense story
Mairi sense that there is more than she is being told, but Fiona and Helen have not provided details.When Mairi tells her husband, Tom that she is looking for this person, he gets upset and worried because of the pregnancy. Mairi is concerned about saving her sister’s life. I would highly recommend this intense story
September 17, 2026
Our Mother’s Secret is the latest heartwrenching novel by awesome author Alison Ragsdale.
Mairi is devastated when her sister urgently needs a kidney transplant and is just as shocked when their mother shares a secret she's kept for all the girls lives; the person they call dad may not after all, be their birth father. When she implores Mairi to find him, Mairi is conflicted; can she risk everything she's wanted in life to save her sister's?
Once again, Alison has taken me on an emotional journey! I have cried bucket loads! The way she entwines real life medical emergencies into fiction is a work of art! To say I was engrossed all the way would be an understatement; it was so hard to complete household tasks.
Grab your copy asap
Mairi is devastated when her sister urgently needs a kidney transplant and is just as shocked when their mother shares a secret she's kept for all the girls lives; the person they call dad may not after all, be their birth father. When she implores Mairi to find him, Mairi is conflicted; can she risk everything she's wanted in life to save her sister's?
Once again, Alison has taken me on an emotional journey! I have cried bucket loads! The way she entwines real life medical emergencies into fiction is a work of art! To say I was engrossed all the way would be an understatement; it was so hard to complete household tasks.
Grab your copy asap
September 15, 2026
This was quite the emotional read. It’s Mairi, Fiona and their mother against the world. Even though Mairi’s married, it’s her sister that’s her #1 and that definitely causes issues in her marriage. Mairi’s mother has been keeping a secret from her her whole life, and with Fiona in need of a kidney, things start to come to light.
I can’t imagine how much Mairi struggled through this story. Her sister is dying, her mother is keeping secrets, she’s pregnant and her husband is worried about her and the baby and all the stress she’s going through. She’s hyper focused on finding a kidney for her sister, and I think that’s the only reason she’s not breaking down constantly. I know I would need to find something to keep myself from being in tears nonstop.
I don’t want to give too much away, but this is definitely worth the read.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.
I can’t imagine how much Mairi struggled through this story. Her sister is dying, her mother is keeping secrets, she’s pregnant and her husband is worried about her and the baby and all the stress she’s going through. She’s hyper focused on finding a kidney for her sister, and I think that’s the only reason she’s not breaking down constantly. I know I would need to find something to keep myself from being in tears nonstop.
I don’t want to give too much away, but this is definitely worth the read.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.
September 15, 2026
This was such an emotional read.
I really felt for Mairi, especially with everything happening at once. Her twin Fiona desperately needs a transplant, while Mairi is pregnant and trying to protect the future she and Tom have wanted for so long. Then her mother’s revelation turns everything she thought she knew about her family upside down.
What I enjoyed most was the way the secrets were revealed gradually rather than all at once. I kept wondering what else might come to light and how Mairi would deal with it.
I also liked the focus on the relationship between the sisters. Beneath all the revelations, this is really a story about family, loyalty, and how complicated our relationships with the people we love can be.
A lovely choice for readers who enjoy women’s fiction centred around family relationships and secrets.
I really felt for Mairi, especially with everything happening at once. Her twin Fiona desperately needs a transplant, while Mairi is pregnant and trying to protect the future she and Tom have wanted for so long. Then her mother’s revelation turns everything she thought she knew about her family upside down.
What I enjoyed most was the way the secrets were revealed gradually rather than all at once. I kept wondering what else might come to light and how Mairi would deal with it.
I also liked the focus on the relationship between the sisters. Beneath all the revelations, this is really a story about family, loyalty, and how complicated our relationships with the people we love can be.
A lovely choice for readers who enjoy women’s fiction centred around family relationships and secrets.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Our Mother's Secret by Alison Ragsdale is a gripping and emotional family drama that keeps you turning the pages.
The main character, Mairi, is pregnant after years of trying to have a baby. Her life turns upside down when her mother drops a shocking confession that the man Mairi grew up loving as her father might not be her biological father. To make matters worse Mairi’s sister is critically ill, and finding this mystery man might be the only way to save her life. Mairi sets out to find the truth about her family's past, but along the way, she discovers more secrets that force her to rethink everything she thought she knew.
If you enjoy tear-jerker novels filled with unexpected twists and strong family ties this is a fast-paced, heart-touching read that will stay with you long after the final page.
Thank you Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC in return for my honest review. I have truly enjoyed reading books by Alison Ragsdale and I can’t wait to read more books by her.
The main character, Mairi, is pregnant after years of trying to have a baby. Her life turns upside down when her mother drops a shocking confession that the man Mairi grew up loving as her father might not be her biological father. To make matters worse Mairi’s sister is critically ill, and finding this mystery man might be the only way to save her life. Mairi sets out to find the truth about her family's past, but along the way, she discovers more secrets that force her to rethink everything she thought she knew.
If you enjoy tear-jerker novels filled with unexpected twists and strong family ties this is a fast-paced, heart-touching read that will stay with you long after the final page.
Thank you Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC in return for my honest review. I have truly enjoyed reading books by Alison Ragsdale and I can’t wait to read more books by her.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5*
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While Alison Ragsdale’s writing style is solid, I really struggled to connect with any of the characters in this book. The plot hinges on heavy family secrets and extreme medical stakes, but many of the character decisions felt frustrating, unnatural and difficult to root for. The emotional responses across the board lacked realism for me, which made it hard to stay fully invested in the story despite the good writing.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While Alison Ragsdale’s writing style is solid, I really struggled to connect with any of the characters in this book. The plot hinges on heavy family secrets and extreme medical stakes, but many of the character decisions felt frustrating, unnatural and difficult to root for. The emotional responses across the board lacked realism for me, which made it hard to stay fully invested in the story despite the good writing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had a hard time with this novel and almost did not finish it. The reason was that there were too many sad times/tragedies with no real relief between them. It made the story more morose than I personally felt was necessary for the plot. I do not know if that was the intended purpose but comic relief has its value,
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 4, 2026
"Our Mother's Secret" by Alison Ragsdale is a heart-warming story about the relationship dynamics between a mother and her two daughters, that manages to both touch the heart and twist it - sometimes both at the same time. This is the first book of Alison Ragsdale that I have ever read and these are my thoughts about this book and Ragsdale.
This is the story of two sisters Mairi and Fiona who are born minutes apart, and their mother Helen. Helen has a genetic abnormality which can cause a person to get kidney failures and out the two girls, Fiona, unfortunately, inherits the gene and has been struggling with failing kidneys since her childhood. While Fiona's both kidneys are failing, Helen has one good kidney left and hence can't donate to Fiona though she is a prefect match for her.
Mairi as well turns out to be a not perfect match for Fiona and this means rounds of dialysis and many hospital visits for Fiona, Helen and Mairi. As the blurb of the book explains, due to Fiona's deteriorating health, Helen finally confesses that the girl's father might be another man with whom she was together as well, in addition to her then-fiance. Mairi accepts to search for the man and see if he would test for paternity and be willing to donate his kidney, in spite of being in the first trimester of her pregnancy. This creates a friction for Mairi with her husband Tom, who is not competely supportive of Mairi's efforts for Fiona, owing to a previous miscarriage she had had and the concerns he has arising out of his fear.
Thus begins a serious of shocking disclosures, tensions and betrayals that threaten to destroy the foundation of Mairi's close relationship with Fiona and Tom and the not to close relationship she shares with Helen. This is a gripping story which manages to hold the reader from the get-go. I was instantly hooked into these people's lives, their dynamics and was rooting for them all constantly.
Ragsdale's writing manages to sustain the interest created by the intriguing plot- line. The truths and confessions revealed one after the other help a great deal in maintaining the tension and holding the reader's attention. Ragsdale has a distinctive writing style which is as descriptive as it is evocative. The pacing was on point and quite brisk at places, with a fast moving story, and hence a reader never loses interest.
I loved the fact that all these women are normal people with their own positive and negative shades. No one is ever depicted in a singular shade and hence these people seem like real ones we come across regularly in life. That only make the story more real and believable.
I loved the story and the author, would love to read more of her works.
This is the story of two sisters Mairi and Fiona who are born minutes apart, and their mother Helen. Helen has a genetic abnormality which can cause a person to get kidney failures and out the two girls, Fiona, unfortunately, inherits the gene and has been struggling with failing kidneys since her childhood. While Fiona's both kidneys are failing, Helen has one good kidney left and hence can't donate to Fiona though she is a prefect match for her.
Mairi as well turns out to be a not perfect match for Fiona and this means rounds of dialysis and many hospital visits for Fiona, Helen and Mairi. As the blurb of the book explains, due to Fiona's deteriorating health, Helen finally confesses that the girl's father might be another man with whom she was together as well, in addition to her then-fiance. Mairi accepts to search for the man and see if he would test for paternity and be willing to donate his kidney, in spite of being in the first trimester of her pregnancy. This creates a friction for Mairi with her husband Tom, who is not competely supportive of Mairi's efforts for Fiona, owing to a previous miscarriage she had had and the concerns he has arising out of his fear.
Thus begins a serious of shocking disclosures, tensions and betrayals that threaten to destroy the foundation of Mairi's close relationship with Fiona and Tom and the not to close relationship she shares with Helen. This is a gripping story which manages to hold the reader from the get-go. I was instantly hooked into these people's lives, their dynamics and was rooting for them all constantly.
Ragsdale's writing manages to sustain the interest created by the intriguing plot- line. The truths and confessions revealed one after the other help a great deal in maintaining the tension and holding the reader's attention. Ragsdale has a distinctive writing style which is as descriptive as it is evocative. The pacing was on point and quite brisk at places, with a fast moving story, and hence a reader never loses interest.
I loved the fact that all these women are normal people with their own positive and negative shades. No one is ever depicted in a singular shade and hence these people seem like real ones we come across regularly in life. That only make the story more real and believable.
I loved the story and the author, would love to read more of her works.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Alison Ragsdale has written a book that quite possibly should come with a warning: don’t read this one without a box of tissues nearby. This emotional and beautifully layered story focuses on Mairi, her twin sister Fiona, and their mother, Helen. Another very important player in the story is Tom, Mairi’s husband.
Fiona has inherited a serious kidney disease from their mother. Her health is declining rapidly, and without a transplant, she won’t survive. Helen isn’t a possible donor because of her own kidney issues, and sadly, Mairi is only a half-match. To make matters even more complicated, Mairi is still in the early stages of her first trimester. Having already suffered a loss, she simply cannot donate a kidney for several months. Sadly, Fiona doesn’t have months. Her situation is dire.
Then another possibility emerges, and it is one that shocks both Mairi and Fiona. Helen reveals that years ago, she had a brief fling with a man who wasn’t their father. In fact, she tells her daughters that he could possibly be their biological father. If that is the case, he might also be the perfect match for Fiona.
There is just one problem: he lives thousands of miles away in Canada. Helen is hoping that Mairi can locate him and convince him to be tested for compatibility. What follows is a journey filled with difficult questions, painful revelations, and choices that no one should ever have to make.
This is a well-written, multi-layered story about family secrets, the unbreakable bond between two sisters, and the complicated relationship between daughters and their mother. Another important layer is Mairi’s relationship with Tom and the impact that Fiona’s situation has on their marriage and the future they are building together.
Ultimately, this is a story about love, sacrifice, secrets, and impossible choices. Ragsdale does an excellent job of creating characters whose struggles feel deeply personal, making this a story that is certain to pull at the heartstrings.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Fiona has inherited a serious kidney disease from their mother. Her health is declining rapidly, and without a transplant, she won’t survive. Helen isn’t a possible donor because of her own kidney issues, and sadly, Mairi is only a half-match. To make matters even more complicated, Mairi is still in the early stages of her first trimester. Having already suffered a loss, she simply cannot donate a kidney for several months. Sadly, Fiona doesn’t have months. Her situation is dire.
Then another possibility emerges, and it is one that shocks both Mairi and Fiona. Helen reveals that years ago, she had a brief fling with a man who wasn’t their father. In fact, she tells her daughters that he could possibly be their biological father. If that is the case, he might also be the perfect match for Fiona.
There is just one problem: he lives thousands of miles away in Canada. Helen is hoping that Mairi can locate him and convince him to be tested for compatibility. What follows is a journey filled with difficult questions, painful revelations, and choices that no one should ever have to make.
This is a well-written, multi-layered story about family secrets, the unbreakable bond between two sisters, and the complicated relationship between daughters and their mother. Another important layer is Mairi’s relationship with Tom and the impact that Fiona’s situation has on their marriage and the future they are building together.
Ultimately, this is a story about love, sacrifice, secrets, and impossible choices. Ragsdale does an excellent job of creating characters whose struggles feel deeply personal, making this a story that is certain to pull at the heartstrings.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
September 24, 2026
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC.
I’m a little on the fence with this book because, on one hand, I really enjoyed it and couldn’t stop reading, but on the other, there were several parts of the plot that frustrated me.
I loved the premise. Yes, some of it felt quite obvious, but honestly, I didn’t mind that. The relationship between twin sisters Mairi and Fiona was at the heart of the story for me, and I really enjoyed their bond.
Mairi was probably my favourite character. Her absolute commitment to Fiona and her willingness to sacrifice her own happiness for her sister really got to me. At the same time, I also really liked Tom, Mairi’s husband, and I don’t think he gets enough credit. He is caring, constantly worried about his wife and genuinely tries to help her, even when Mairi keeps dismissing him.
Helen’s ultimate sacrifice was something I genuinely didn’t see coming, and it was one of the moments that really worked for me.
Where the book lost me slightly was with some of the other plot choices. The twist involving the girls didn’t quite work for me, and I wasn’t particularly convinced by Alec’s storyline. I also wish the twins’ father had still been in the picture because I think his presence could have added another interesting layer to the family dynamics.
My biggest frustration, though, was Helen and Mairi’s reconciliation. Considering everything that had happened between them, it felt rushed to me. They seemed to move on far too quickly, and I wanted more time for all those emotions and complicated family history to be properly explored.
Once Alec came into the picture, I was also expecting a few more twists and turns. The ingredients were definitely there, but I wanted the story to push them a little further.
Despite those frustrations, this was a strong and incredibly readable book. I couldn’t stop reading, I cared about Mairi and Fiona, and the bond between the twins kept me invested even when I questioned some of the plot decisions.
I’m somewhere between 4 and 4.5 stars with this one.
I’m a little on the fence with this book because, on one hand, I really enjoyed it and couldn’t stop reading, but on the other, there were several parts of the plot that frustrated me.
I loved the premise. Yes, some of it felt quite obvious, but honestly, I didn’t mind that. The relationship between twin sisters Mairi and Fiona was at the heart of the story for me, and I really enjoyed their bond.
Mairi was probably my favourite character. Her absolute commitment to Fiona and her willingness to sacrifice her own happiness for her sister really got to me. At the same time, I also really liked Tom, Mairi’s husband, and I don’t think he gets enough credit. He is caring, constantly worried about his wife and genuinely tries to help her, even when Mairi keeps dismissing him.
Helen’s ultimate sacrifice was something I genuinely didn’t see coming, and it was one of the moments that really worked for me.
Where the book lost me slightly was with some of the other plot choices. The twist involving the girls didn’t quite work for me, and I wasn’t particularly convinced by Alec’s storyline. I also wish the twins’ father had still been in the picture because I think his presence could have added another interesting layer to the family dynamics.
My biggest frustration, though, was Helen and Mairi’s reconciliation. Considering everything that had happened between them, it felt rushed to me. They seemed to move on far too quickly, and I wanted more time for all those emotions and complicated family history to be properly explored.
Once Alec came into the picture, I was also expecting a few more twists and turns. The ingredients were definitely there, but I wanted the story to push them a little further.
Despite those frustrations, this was a strong and incredibly readable book. I couldn’t stop reading, I cared about Mairi and Fiona, and the bond between the twins kept me invested even when I questioned some of the plot decisions.
I’m somewhere between 4 and 4.5 stars with this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Women's fiction is not a genre that I usually gravitate towards but in the end I was happy that I gave Our Mother's Secret a chance. Alison Ragsdale is now on my list of favorite authors to watch out for. Alison Ragsdale did a fantastic job creating realistic characters and family relationship dynamics. I would bet that anyone who decides to pick up Our Mother's Secret will find a character that they can relate to. In the first half of the story, I was frustrated and annoyed with the idea that it was Mairi's job to handle everyone's problems along with her own, but that could be my eldest daughter trauma that the story was triggering in me. The ending of the story is what solidified that Our Mother's Secret is one of my favorite books that I have read this year. I was expecting that everything would work out in the end, but I was shocked at the sudden turn of events that took place to get us there. Our Mother's Secret represents the circle of life: death, birth, and receiving the gift of a new chance at life.
For the majority of the book, the reader watches as Fiona's health deteriorates over time due to being in kidney failure. Take care of your mental health and check content warnings. The subject matter of Our Mother's Secret can get quite heavy, especially if you have personally experienced grief, loss of a loved one or a sick loved one. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this release in exchange for my honest review! Our Mother's Secret is set to be released September 15, 2026.
For the majority of the book, the reader watches as Fiona's health deteriorates over time due to being in kidney failure. Take care of your mental health and check content warnings. The subject matter of Our Mother's Secret can get quite heavy, especially if you have personally experienced grief, loss of a loved one or a sick loved one. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this release in exchange for my honest review! Our Mother's Secret is set to be released September 15, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Alison Ragsdale writes thought-provoking books. Every single time. Family relationships are key. Emotions are high. Situations are unique and critical to the lives of the characters. This story involves twins. Adults. One of them needs a kidney. Should be cut and dried, right? Not necessarily. There are many reasons. Mairi may not be able to give her kidney to her twin sister, Fiona. The reasons why develop throughout the story, and there are many twists and turns to navigate through, none of them predictable. But time is critical, and it’s running out at a rapid pace. That’s why reading this book is such a pleasure. It kept me interested from top to bottom. The characters are well-developed. The story is complicated for all of the parties involved. Each person has their own thoughts about the situation, and each one has an idea of what the solution should be. While there are sad parts given the subject matter, I found this book to be a pleasure to read from top to bottom. Time stood still, and I had to resist the temptation to read ahead to answer the questions that had accumulated in my mind. Reading this story made me think. And it made me feel. And sometimes that’s just what we need. Highly recommend this book. Thank you to Ms. Ragsdale and Bookouture for my early copy. Pub date is September 15, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved Our Mother’s Secret! It was heartfelt, emotional, and one of those books that completely pulled me into the lives of the characters. I was invested right from the beginning and I only became more attached as the story unfolded.
The relationships were what really made this one for me. I loved the bond between the sisters, the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters, and all of the love, hurt, sacrifice, and forgiveness within this family. There are secrets to uncover, but this story was so much more than the mystery. I kept reading because I truly cared about these characters.
There were definitely moments that broke my heart, but I loved how Alison Ragsdale balanced the heavier parts of the story with love and hope. It really made me think about how complicated families can be, how much our history shapes us, and how powerful forgiveness and understanding can be.
This was my first book by Alison Ragsdale and I’m so glad I found it. It was exactly the kind of emotional family story I love, and I’m already looking forward to reading more from her!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Alison Ragsdale, and Bookouture for the ARC of Our Mother’s Secret. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was an easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me. Exactly the type of emotional read that I love!
The relationships were what really made this one for me. I loved the bond between the sisters, the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters, and all of the love, hurt, sacrifice, and forgiveness within this family. There are secrets to uncover, but this story was so much more than the mystery. I kept reading because I truly cared about these characters.
There were definitely moments that broke my heart, but I loved how Alison Ragsdale balanced the heavier parts of the story with love and hope. It really made me think about how complicated families can be, how much our history shapes us, and how powerful forgiveness and understanding can be.
This was my first book by Alison Ragsdale and I’m so glad I found it. It was exactly the kind of emotional family story I love, and I’m already looking forward to reading more from her!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Alison Ragsdale, and Bookouture for the ARC of Our Mother’s Secret. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was an easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me. Exactly the type of emotional read that I love!
September 19, 2026
First, I want to thank Alison Ragsdale, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
Alison Ragsdale is back and better than ever and wants to share Our Mother’s Secret with her readers. Ohh Helen didnt have just one little secret oh no there were multiple ones she was hiding from her family!! One bombshell after the other went off and family secrets were revealed! Reading this book played out like a movie on Hallmark and I loved it! If you like those types of movies you would love this book!
One aspect of this book I loved was how close the two sisters were in this book. So close that they would do anything for eachother through thick and thin.
Putting myself in the each of the girls shoes when learning the secrets was heartbreaking! I felt their pain from every angle of their storyline and wanted to comfort both of them! There are definately some jaw dropping moments that will leave you speachless.
There are multiple surprises that we the readers don’t see coming that shocked the heck out of me. Some amazing surprises that put a big ol smile on my face.
If you love reading emotional stories with a lot of family dynamic drama then you will love this book! Side note you may need a tissue or two. At least I did. But I am a sap and crier!
Alison Ragsdale is back and better than ever and wants to share Our Mother’s Secret with her readers. Ohh Helen didnt have just one little secret oh no there were multiple ones she was hiding from her family!! One bombshell after the other went off and family secrets were revealed! Reading this book played out like a movie on Hallmark and I loved it! If you like those types of movies you would love this book!
One aspect of this book I loved was how close the two sisters were in this book. So close that they would do anything for eachother through thick and thin.
Putting myself in the each of the girls shoes when learning the secrets was heartbreaking! I felt their pain from every angle of their storyline and wanted to comfort both of them! There are definately some jaw dropping moments that will leave you speachless.
There are multiple surprises that we the readers don’t see coming that shocked the heck out of me. Some amazing surprises that put a big ol smile on my face.
If you love reading emotional stories with a lot of family dynamic drama then you will love this book! Side note you may need a tissue or two. At least I did. But I am a sap and crier!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh, the secrets we keep for the ones we love! Our Mother’s Secret pulled me in from the beginning and kept me turning those pages, needing to know just how deeply the secrets in this family went.
Mairi is faced with an impossible situation when her sister desperately needs a transplant. Her mother reveals a secret about their father that changes everything. What follows is an emotional journey filled with family, sacrifice, betrayal, and revelations that I certainly didn’t see coming.
I loved how Alison Ragsdale slowly peeled back the layers of this family. Every revelation brought another question, and just when I thought I had it figured out…think again! There is so much heart woven into this story, reminding us that sometimes the secrets we keep to protect the people we love can cause the deepest hurt.
A gripping and emotional family drama with twists, secrets, and plenty of heart. I was invested in this family and needed to know how their story would end!
Thank you, Alison Ragsdale, for another emotional journey. You always pull at my heartstrings and bring the emotions out. ❤️
✨ I am grateful for the opportunity to read this heart-touching novel. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.
Mairi is faced with an impossible situation when her sister desperately needs a transplant. Her mother reveals a secret about their father that changes everything. What follows is an emotional journey filled with family, sacrifice, betrayal, and revelations that I certainly didn’t see coming.
I loved how Alison Ragsdale slowly peeled back the layers of this family. Every revelation brought another question, and just when I thought I had it figured out…think again! There is so much heart woven into this story, reminding us that sometimes the secrets we keep to protect the people we love can cause the deepest hurt.
A gripping and emotional family drama with twists, secrets, and plenty of heart. I was invested in this family and needed to know how their story would end!
Thank you, Alison Ragsdale, for another emotional journey. You always pull at my heartstrings and bring the emotions out. ❤️
✨ I am grateful for the opportunity to read this heart-touching novel. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**3.5 stars**
The bond between two sisters is incredibly strong, yet it is tested to its limits in this story of hope and despair. The novel explores many complex layers of family relationships and shows how deeply hidden secrets can tear them apart. I was especially drawn to the older sister, Mairi, as she shoulders the weight of the entire family in an attempt to do the right thing. It's an emotional ride filled with big dreams, deep conflict and surprising twists that really pull at your heartstrings.
While the story had an intriguing premise, to be honest, the insufferable husband took away from the experience for me. In my opinion, Tom came across as self-centered, whiny and completely unsupportive. The book would have worked so much better if it had focused more on the sisters and the mystery behind their mother’s secret.
Alison Ragsdale brings to life the heartbreaking realities of a life-threatening medical situation, one that can only be resolved through extraordinary circumstances. Will help arrive before it's too late?
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the Advanced Reader Copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
The bond between two sisters is incredibly strong, yet it is tested to its limits in this story of hope and despair. The novel explores many complex layers of family relationships and shows how deeply hidden secrets can tear them apart. I was especially drawn to the older sister, Mairi, as she shoulders the weight of the entire family in an attempt to do the right thing. It's an emotional ride filled with big dreams, deep conflict and surprising twists that really pull at your heartstrings.
While the story had an intriguing premise, to be honest, the insufferable husband took away from the experience for me. In my opinion, Tom came across as self-centered, whiny and completely unsupportive. The book would have worked so much better if it had focused more on the sisters and the mystery behind their mother’s secret.
Alison Ragsdale brings to life the heartbreaking realities of a life-threatening medical situation, one that can only be resolved through extraordinary circumstances. Will help arrive before it's too late?
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the Advanced Reader Copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s time for me to tell you the truth….’
You will carry me in your heart, little one, as I will always carry you.
When I start a book by Alison Ragsdale I know I won’t want to put it down. Her books keep me turning the pages as I get swept up into the story. This book tugged at my heart and I needed a box of tissues close by.
I felt like I was on the journey with the Fiona and Mairi.
This is a beautiful story of twin sisters who are close. Fiona’s kidney disease is progressively getting worse and she desperately needs a new kidney.
A devastating family secret is disclosed, how will it affect the twins, Mairi’s husband Tom and the relationship between mother and daughters.
Forgiveness and moving forward don’t come easy.
My heart was breaking as I turned the pages in this gripping, emotional read.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this heart wrenching story.
You will carry me in your heart, little one, as I will always carry you.
When I start a book by Alison Ragsdale I know I won’t want to put it down. Her books keep me turning the pages as I get swept up into the story. This book tugged at my heart and I needed a box of tissues close by.
I felt like I was on the journey with the Fiona and Mairi.
This is a beautiful story of twin sisters who are close. Fiona’s kidney disease is progressively getting worse and she desperately needs a new kidney.
A devastating family secret is disclosed, how will it affect the twins, Mairi’s husband Tom and the relationship between mother and daughters.
Forgiveness and moving forward don’t come easy.
My heart was breaking as I turned the pages in this gripping, emotional read.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this heart wrenching story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Compelling, Emotional Family Drama
Like Alison Ragsdale’s other novels, Our Mother’s Secret is a character-driven story filled with complex family dynamics, high emotion, and plenty of drama. Ragsdale writes the kind of deeply personal family stories that draw you into the lives of her characters and make you care about what happens to them.
I was a little slow getting into this one, but at about the twenty-percent mark, the story really began to take off, and from there I was thoroughly engaged. The characters and their relationships felt very believable, even as secrets and difficult choices complicated their lives.
The ending surprised me, but I loved the way everything came together. It was both unexpected and satisfying.
Readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven family dramas should find much to love here. I recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Like Alison Ragsdale’s other novels, Our Mother’s Secret is a character-driven story filled with complex family dynamics, high emotion, and plenty of drama. Ragsdale writes the kind of deeply personal family stories that draw you into the lives of her characters and make you care about what happens to them.
I was a little slow getting into this one, but at about the twenty-percent mark, the story really began to take off, and from there I was thoroughly engaged. The characters and their relationships felt very believable, even as secrets and difficult choices complicated their lives.
The ending surprised me, but I loved the way everything came together. It was both unexpected and satisfying.
Readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven family dramas should find much to love here. I recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I just loved this book. Alison Ragsdale does it again. This is a story about love, sisters, family and secrets. I could not put this down. There were many twists and turns and surprise ending. This story is about sisters Mairi, Fiona, their mother and Tom Mairi's husband. What would you do if you are the only one that can help save your sister. That is how Mairi feels. Fiona is dying from Kidney Failure. Mairi is only a partial match but feels like she is her only chance. So when their mother tells them that another man might be their father and wants Mairi to contact him to see if he would be willing to be tested. What could possibly go wrong. You will not be able to put this down until you find out if Mairi can help her sister.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I can always count on a story by Alison Ragsdale to hit me emotionally. This story was based upon a secret held for years and when it finally came out had the potential to change everything. Mairi and her sister Fiona were as close as sisters can be with Mairi, the older twin taking on the role of protector. Their bond is tested and Mairi struggled with decisions that will affect her marriage and her future. This story of love, secrets, sacrifice and forgiveness was really well done. I felt drawn along in the story, connected to Mairi and what she was experiencing and I struggled right along with her as she had to make tough decisions. I would definitely recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own. Publication date: September 15, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own. Publication date: September 15, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh wow! This book…it tore me up, put me back together, and kept me enthralled with the story from the very first page.
A chance to save your sister’s life or have the baby you have always dreamed of? How can you make that choice? Mairi is struggling with making that choice while her sister Fiona is just trying to stay alive. I felt for Mairi and her husband, Tom. They deserved to live their married life without all the extra drama. Their dreams were coming true with the pregnancy, and they were not able to enjoy it with all that was happening around them.
Our Mother’s Secret is a story of love, secrets, and hard choices. The story will pull at your heartstrings.
Thank you to Bookouture for a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
A chance to save your sister’s life or have the baby you have always dreamed of? How can you make that choice? Mairi is struggling with making that choice while her sister Fiona is just trying to stay alive. I felt for Mairi and her husband, Tom. They deserved to live their married life without all the extra drama. Their dreams were coming true with the pregnancy, and they were not able to enjoy it with all that was happening around them.
Our Mother’s Secret is a story of love, secrets, and hard choices. The story will pull at your heartstrings.
Thank you to Bookouture for a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
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