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Perfect Gift: This uplifting novel of mothers and daughters
This beautiful, moving novel of mothers and daughters and the secrets they share will fill hearts with love and light this Mother's Day. If you love Patricia Scanlan and Cathy Kelly's warm novels, you will adore Emma Hannigan's The Perfect Gift. 'A wonderful storyteller' Cathy KellyHappy Birthday, darling girl...Ever since she can remember, Roisin has received a birthday card in the post. Signed with love from the birth mother she has never met.Brought up by her adoptive parents, Keeley and Doug, Roisin has wanted for nothing. But on her thirtieth birthday a letter comes that shakes her world.For Keeley, who's raised Roisin as her own, the letter reminds her of a guilty secret she's been hiding for thirty years.And for Nell, keeping watch in the lighthouse, the past is a place she dare not go. Until a young runaway arrives seeking shelter, and unwraps the gift of hope for them all...
- GenresFiction
496 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2016
74 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Emma Hannigan
24 books164 followersEmma Hannigan was an Irish author and blogger, best known for writing about her experience of suffering from cancer.
With a family history of breast and ovarian cancer, Hannigan's mother and maternal aunt tested positive for the responsible gene, BRCA1. She also received a 'positive' result in August 2005, which carries an 85% risk of developing breast cancer and a 50% risk of ovarian cancer. In 2006, Hannigan underwent a bi-lateral mastectomy (or both breasts removed) and a bi-lateral oopherectomy (or both ovaries removed) to reduce the risk of cancer developing to 5%. However, breast cancer soon developed, "in the neck, shoulder and under my arm", in 2007. After repeated treatment, a tumor always reappeared. She died at age 45 after her tenth battle with cancer.
With a family history of breast and ovarian cancer, Hannigan's mother and maternal aunt tested positive for the responsible gene, BRCA1. She also received a 'positive' result in August 2005, which carries an 85% risk of developing breast cancer and a 50% risk of ovarian cancer. In 2006, Hannigan underwent a bi-lateral mastectomy (or both breasts removed) and a bi-lateral oopherectomy (or both ovaries removed) to reduce the risk of cancer developing to 5%. However, breast cancer soon developed, "in the neck, shoulder and under my arm", in 2007. After repeated treatment, a tumor always reappeared. She died at age 45 after her tenth battle with cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
July 22, 2016
Firstly, I have to say that there parts of this book that I really liked. It’s no secret that I love Irish fiction with characters that are warm and colourful who live in small cosy communities where the pace of life is just that a little bit slower even though there is a lot going on in everyone’s lives. This book captured the essence of all of that in a lot of ways and was an easy to read story that did keep my interest.
There are a number of characters and view points in the read but the main two are Roisin and Nell. Roisin is just turned 30 and she has always known that she was adopted but has felt complete in her adoptive family. Her birth mother died shortly after she was born and the only contact she has with her birth family is a card or letter that is delivered every year on her birthday.
Nell has lived and worked in the local lighthouse for many a year. A reclusive character, she keeps herself to herself until now, when she finds a young waif and stray “Mouse” on her doorstep and takes her in. She has a secret which the reader will cotton onto very early on in the read and will just be waiting for the secret to come out and all the characters to “connect”.
This is one of those books that I was glued to and raced through and as I clicked the Kindle off I thought “I really enjoyed that”. However, then I started thinking about it and the more I thought the more uncomfortable I felt.
Going back many years, my brother was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 18 months. He is now in his forties and I remember at the time the doctors commented how unusual it was for someone so young to have diabetes. It is something that has always been in our family and we have always been aware of it. I was quite shocked at the way diabetes is treated here. If you look after your condition you should be fine, so I was surprised that a very young person who monitored their diabetes, ate properly and had regular check ups should suffer every single complication of this disease all at the same time. It just didn’t feel right. Having said that, I don’t have any medical training whatsoever, so feel free to jump on me on that point.
Secondly, young Mouse who cannot read or write managed to learn to do just that, get a job, learn to drive and pass her driving test all within the matter of a few weeks (certainly less than four months) which is just not feasible.
Finally though, and without going into detail – would any loving mother really have done what Nell did? I just cannot believe that anyone would under any circumstances.
To sum up, the story itself is a good read as long as you don’t think too hard about it. Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for the review copy.
There are a number of characters and view points in the read but the main two are Roisin and Nell. Roisin is just turned 30 and she has always known that she was adopted but has felt complete in her adoptive family. Her birth mother died shortly after she was born and the only contact she has with her birth family is a card or letter that is delivered every year on her birthday.
Nell has lived and worked in the local lighthouse for many a year. A reclusive character, she keeps herself to herself until now, when she finds a young waif and stray “Mouse” on her doorstep and takes her in. She has a secret which the reader will cotton onto very early on in the read and will just be waiting for the secret to come out and all the characters to “connect”.
This is one of those books that I was glued to and raced through and as I clicked the Kindle off I thought “I really enjoyed that”. However, then I started thinking about it and the more I thought the more uncomfortable I felt.
Going back many years, my brother was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 18 months. He is now in his forties and I remember at the time the doctors commented how unusual it was for someone so young to have diabetes. It is something that has always been in our family and we have always been aware of it. I was quite shocked at the way diabetes is treated here. If you look after your condition you should be fine, so I was surprised that a very young person who monitored their diabetes, ate properly and had regular check ups should suffer every single complication of this disease all at the same time. It just didn’t feel right. Having said that, I don’t have any medical training whatsoever, so feel free to jump on me on that point.
Secondly, young Mouse who cannot read or write managed to learn to do just that, get a job, learn to drive and pass her driving test all within the matter of a few weeks (certainly less than four months) which is just not feasible.
Finally though, and without going into detail – would any loving mother really have done what Nell did? I just cannot believe that anyone would under any circumstances.
To sum up, the story itself is a good read as long as you don’t think too hard about it. Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for the review copy.
November 16, 2018
This is the first book I have read by this author and will not be the last as it was brilliant I was hooked straight away shows how families have secrets and how they can unfold and everyone can be happy. It's heartwarming but sad as well and really makes you think. Shows how everyone can be happy in the end but have to go through the hard times.
Roisin has been adopted by Doug and Keeley and she hasn't wanted for anything but every year on her birthday she receives a card in the post saying with love from mother and it's always made her think. Keeley has always been worried as she has kept a secret from the day they adopted her and she's frightened it could drive her away if she found out. Meanwhile Nell has been keeping watch from the lighthouse but never goes out much but a young runaway seeks shelter and goes to the lighthouse where Nell looks after her and secrets start coming out and the young runway starts unfolding secrets and can give the perfect gift of hope for everyone.
Roisin has been adopted by Doug and Keeley and she hasn't wanted for anything but every year on her birthday she receives a card in the post saying with love from mother and it's always made her think. Keeley has always been worried as she has kept a secret from the day they adopted her and she's frightened it could drive her away if she found out. Meanwhile Nell has been keeping watch from the lighthouse but never goes out much but a young runaway seeks shelter and goes to the lighthouse where Nell looks after her and secrets start coming out and the young runway starts unfolding secrets and can give the perfect gift of hope for everyone.
July 19, 2016
I love Emma Hannigan’s books- you are always guaranteed a great read. The covers are always so beautiful- ensuring that you just have to pick it up to learn more. This book was a heartwarming account of relationships between mothers and daughters and secrets.
Roisin receives mail every year from her birth mother and on her 30th she receives a letter that shakes her life up.
The characters are so wonderfully drawn that you really could sit and chat to any one of them. I’d love to have a cup of tea in the lighthouse- what a fantastic setting! Nell was a recluse but when Mouse comes along seeking help, she really starts to let down her barriers.
A gorgeous book to curl up with and lose yourself in the story and the strong characters.
With many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
Roisin receives mail every year from her birth mother and on her 30th she receives a letter that shakes her life up.
The characters are so wonderfully drawn that you really could sit and chat to any one of them. I’d love to have a cup of tea in the lighthouse- what a fantastic setting! Nell was a recluse but when Mouse comes along seeking help, she really starts to let down her barriers.
A gorgeous book to curl up with and lose yourself in the story and the strong characters.
With many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2016
I'm incredibly impressed by The Perfect Gift, it is one of those books that starts off quite well, and had me very interested, and I think it was about two fifths of the way in when I realised that the story was just getting better and better with every passing chapter.
At all times I was drawn into the book, and was impressed with the depth of feelings and how relateable all the characters in the various threads really were. I felt as though I was living in their Irish town alongside them all.
In fact Roisin's shop Nourriture sounds brilliant, it sells all sorts of of foods, both in a cafe style, but also as food items and ingredients that you can take home and use yourself. It was a real food emporium and seemed like a engaging place to work.
Roisin always knew she was adopted, and each year on her birthday she gets a letter from her birth mother. It is the one that she received on her 30th birthday that really affected her and leads to a lot of what happens in the book. Liv her sister also read the letter, and it triggered changes in her too.
Meanwhile Keeley, who raised Roisin, is feeling more and more like an unpaid slave of the family as the others are all taking advantage of her. She runs a B&B and feels guilty over something in her past that no one knows about.
Then there is Nell, who lives in a lighthouse and is a virtual recluse. She takes in a runaway when Mouse shows up on her doorstep and between them, both of their lives changes.
I loved Nell and Mouse's storylines, and they way they spoke to each other gave a load of interesting back story to both characters, which I was intrigued by. There were less chapters I think focusing on these characters than in Roisin's family, but I was always looking forward to the next installment from Nell.
With a book that encompasses business struggles, struggles with parenting, illiteracy, adoption, loss, and all sorts of family themes, The Perfect gift is an emotional story that captivated me and captured my imagination, as some secrets come out, and the various generations of the family try and reach a better place in their lives.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Headline for this copy of the book. This was my honest opinion.
At all times I was drawn into the book, and was impressed with the depth of feelings and how relateable all the characters in the various threads really were. I felt as though I was living in their Irish town alongside them all.
In fact Roisin's shop Nourriture sounds brilliant, it sells all sorts of of foods, both in a cafe style, but also as food items and ingredients that you can take home and use yourself. It was a real food emporium and seemed like a engaging place to work.
Roisin always knew she was adopted, and each year on her birthday she gets a letter from her birth mother. It is the one that she received on her 30th birthday that really affected her and leads to a lot of what happens in the book. Liv her sister also read the letter, and it triggered changes in her too.
Meanwhile Keeley, who raised Roisin, is feeling more and more like an unpaid slave of the family as the others are all taking advantage of her. She runs a B&B and feels guilty over something in her past that no one knows about.
Then there is Nell, who lives in a lighthouse and is a virtual recluse. She takes in a runaway when Mouse shows up on her doorstep and between them, both of their lives changes.
I loved Nell and Mouse's storylines, and they way they spoke to each other gave a load of interesting back story to both characters, which I was intrigued by. There were less chapters I think focusing on these characters than in Roisin's family, but I was always looking forward to the next installment from Nell.
With a book that encompasses business struggles, struggles with parenting, illiteracy, adoption, loss, and all sorts of family themes, The Perfect gift is an emotional story that captivated me and captured my imagination, as some secrets come out, and the various generations of the family try and reach a better place in their lives.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Headline for this copy of the book. This was my honest opinion.
August 20, 2017
I do love a good book set in Ireland. An extended family tale following the lives of each member as they all have their ups and downs. All very believable (with the exception of Claus) and I do love a happy ending. A perfect holiday read.
November 6, 2016
Far too much sweetly sugared Irish story.
Woman in lighthouse takes in a young homeless girl ..
Couple who run a boarding house in the village are having trouble and so is their adopted daughter.
Things pile up and pile up.
Adopted daughter is loosing her shop but meets a nice boy.. her sister turns to drink as her marriage fails and cannot look after her two young children.
Mother then meets a con man..
nice boy is on to the con man!
Just when you think they are all doomed things turn out for the better.....A leprechaun waved his magic wand... I think NOT!
No not for me these silly tales.. when things go down hill they keep going!
Wishy, washy nice endings are very rare in the real world.
Woman in lighthouse takes in a young homeless girl ..
Couple who run a boarding house in the village are having trouble and so is their adopted daughter.
Things pile up and pile up.
Adopted daughter is loosing her shop but meets a nice boy.. her sister turns to drink as her marriage fails and cannot look after her two young children.
Mother then meets a con man..
nice boy is on to the con man!
Just when you think they are all doomed things turn out for the better.....A leprechaun waved his magic wand... I think NOT!
No not for me these silly tales.. when things go down hill they keep going!
Wishy, washy nice endings are very rare in the real world.
August 11, 2016
Well at 3.20am I find myself finishing this with a lump in my throat and teary eyes a whirlwind of emotions running through me while wishing it was a suitable time of day to be making a homemade hand pressed flower card and chocolate truffles.(see end of book messages)
I loved the characters in this story their different highs and lows and how it all mingled together while between the lines sending lovely subliminal messages about friends, family love and life that warmed the heart.
I'm a little stunned that this is Emma Hannigan's tenth novel yet the first I have read, it certainly won't be the last.
I loved the characters in this story their different highs and lows and how it all mingled together while between the lines sending lovely subliminal messages about friends, family love and life that warmed the heart.
I'm a little stunned that this is Emma Hannigan's tenth novel yet the first I have read, it certainly won't be the last.
September 30, 2016
Best opener of a book ever had my crying from page 1! Lovely heartwarming read where each character was as interesting as the next. The only reason I cannot give this book full marks is that the deli side story was exactly the same as one I have read somewhere else, but as it was not the main story did not affect things too much. Would highly recommend
June 27, 2016
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and independent review.
Whilst this book had some interesting characters and the storyline was quite good, I was underwhelmed. There just seemed to be something lacking for me and some of the story was a bit unrealistic.
Whilst this book had some interesting characters and the storyline was quite good, I was underwhelmed. There just seemed to be something lacking for me and some of the story was a bit unrealistic.
March 27, 2016
A perfect read.! Emma Hannigan is a born storyteller. Absolutely loved this book. Would highly recommend it to my friends.
October 11, 2016
What a lovely Irish novel about Mothers and Daughters.
Really enjoyed it, well worth a read.
Really enjoyed it, well worth a read.
November 1, 2018
A beautifully written book of re-discovery centred around a family of four (mom, dad, adopted daughter, biological daughter) and their fellow Ballyshore residents. Each of them is struggling with something different, and I thought the story came together very nicely. That being said, I thought it was way too long for what it was – I’d gotten through about 300 pages and pretty much could summarise the story so far in less than 5 sentences. The blurb on the back doesn’t quite describe what to expect within accurately at all, which left me slightly disappointed hence the low-ish score. I did love the characters, even when they were driving each other insane there was a strong sense of love coming through and this made it easy to root for each of them to come through in the end. The story with the adoption bit seemed rather patched together, rather than properly written into the storyline (I suppose it’s obvious that I appreciated Roisin’s family dynamics way more than I did the adoption stuff) and I didn’t quite buy into the “I’ve wondered all along” feeling that seemed to have been thrown into the mix. The hasty resolution in this respect didn’t help either. 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2019
Happy Birthday darling girl......a letter from a mother. A love to last a lifetime.
When Roisin returned home from France to the seaside village of Ballshore heartbroken, she threw herself into fulfilling her lifetime dream of running her own artisan cafe. Five years on, her love life is still on ice but Nourriture her cafe and delicatessen is thriving.
Then on her thirtieth birthday, instead of the annual card from her birth mother, a woman she's never met, Roisin receives a letter signed with love, which turns her world upside down.
While she absorbs the contents of the letter, her adoptive mother Keeley grows increasingly worried that its arrival will raise questions about the secret she's been hiding from Roisin for years. A secret only one other person knows.......
As the women face truths about the past, they discover that the most precious gift of all is the love between a mother and a daughter. But will they be able to let that love light the way home?
When Roisin returned home from France to the seaside village of Ballshore heartbroken, she threw herself into fulfilling her lifetime dream of running her own artisan cafe. Five years on, her love life is still on ice but Nourriture her cafe and delicatessen is thriving.
Then on her thirtieth birthday, instead of the annual card from her birth mother, a woman she's never met, Roisin receives a letter signed with love, which turns her world upside down.
While she absorbs the contents of the letter, her adoptive mother Keeley grows increasingly worried that its arrival will raise questions about the secret she's been hiding from Roisin for years. A secret only one other person knows.......
As the women face truths about the past, they discover that the most precious gift of all is the love between a mother and a daughter. But will they be able to let that love light the way home?
February 25, 2021
Proof copy originally reviewed for Lovereading. Another heart warming page turner from Emma Hannigan. I enjoyed “The Perfect Gift” from beginning to end tears, laughter and all.
The book is centred round the strength of five women who between them heal old wounds by creating new friendships and learning about themselves along the way. The characters are lovable and believable. Two business women, one mother struggling to cope, a reclusive old woman and a young teenage run away. Some of the ties that bind them together are clear; mother, daughter, sister and adoptive parent but the other ties are mysteries the “gifts” the characters have to offer each other that unwrap as the book unfolds. Reading this makes you wonder what secrets people keep to themselves and how important friends and family are to share our anxieties with.
Another gem of a book, worth keeping on the shelves for a second read in the future. Emma Hannigan fills a Maeve Binchy shaped hole in my book shelf and I am delighted that I have discovered her books.
The book is centred round the strength of five women who between them heal old wounds by creating new friendships and learning about themselves along the way. The characters are lovable and believable. Two business women, one mother struggling to cope, a reclusive old woman and a young teenage run away. Some of the ties that bind them together are clear; mother, daughter, sister and adoptive parent but the other ties are mysteries the “gifts” the characters have to offer each other that unwrap as the book unfolds. Reading this makes you wonder what secrets people keep to themselves and how important friends and family are to share our anxieties with.
Another gem of a book, worth keeping on the shelves for a second read in the future. Emma Hannigan fills a Maeve Binchy shaped hole in my book shelf and I am delighted that I have discovered her books.
May 19, 2017
What a fabulous read, I was reading a book previous to this and I just hated it... I had this on my shelf for some time and now I wished I read it sooner. Emma's writing style is beyond perfection, she understands the emotions of love and all that surrounds it. I could not put this book down....
There's a woman whose been adopted and runs a good food store in a small village in Ireland, her adopted parents live her dearly and she's very close with her sister. Good things happen to the family bad things begin to happen and cracks appear but one thing is for sure, the adopted woman finds who she is... I cannot tell you how much you need to read this book, I smiled, I cried, I laughed and I love this book.
There's a woman whose been adopted and runs a good food store in a small village in Ireland, her adopted parents live her dearly and she's very close with her sister. Good things happen to the family bad things begin to happen and cracks appear but one thing is for sure, the adopted woman finds who she is... I cannot tell you how much you need to read this book, I smiled, I cried, I laughed and I love this book.
July 22, 2018
This was a perfect summer read. The story is about mothers and daughters and secrets that can eat away at you. The story mainly follows three women: Roisin a girl that just turned 30. She was adopted. When she was just 3 weeks old by Keeley, another of the main characters. And then there is Nell, an older woman who lives a lonely life in the lighthouse. Roisin runs a delicatessen shop and Keeley runs a B&B. Basically the story takes place mainly in these 3 places in a small beachside town called Bellyshore. Besides these three women we also get to know and love or even hate several other characters throughout this book.
The book brought tears to my eyes, but also made me smile. Lovely story!
I will definitely be looking for more books by this author.
The book brought tears to my eyes, but also made me smile. Lovely story!
I will definitely be looking for more books by this author.
July 2, 2020
On Ireland’s No.1 bestseller list is a tale of motherhood, loss, family, and secrets all in a tiny town off the west side of Ireland.
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Three women are dealing with a possible loss of a business, a loss by death, and a loss of self love. All connected and trying to make their way through loneliness, grief, and confusion; this is a salty summer read that’s a breeze to get through.
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I had never heard of this book before til spotting it at a thrift store but was excited to try! The location was fun to read but I wish more scenery was involved and described. The local lingo was neat and the characters relatable and likable. This was a super easy light hearted read.
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.
Three women are dealing with a possible loss of a business, a loss by death, and a loss of self love. All connected and trying to make their way through loneliness, grief, and confusion; this is a salty summer read that’s a breeze to get through.
.
I had never heard of this book before til spotting it at a thrift store but was excited to try! The location was fun to read but I wish more scenery was involved and described. The local lingo was neat and the characters relatable and likable. This was a super easy light hearted read.
——————————————————————
September 10, 2020
Well at 3.20am I find myself finishing this with a lump in my throat and teary eyes a whirlwind of emotions running through me while wishing it was a suitable time of day to be making a homemade hand pressed flower card and chocolate truffles.(see end of book messages)
I loved the characters in this story their different highs and lows and how it all mingled together while between the lines sending lovely subliminal messages about friends, family love and life that warmed the heart.
I'm a little stunned that this is Emma Hannigan's tenth novel yet the first I have read, it certainly won't be the last.
I loved the characters in this story their different highs and lows and how it all mingled together while between the lines sending lovely subliminal messages about friends, family love and life that warmed the heart.
I'm a little stunned that this is Emma Hannigan's tenth novel yet the first I have read, it certainly won't be the last.
May 12, 2017
Having never read Emma Hannigan before I wasn't sure but I needn't have worried! A great settings, fab characters and a lovely storyline that twirled and twisted it's way through all the different characters lives. Can't wait for her next book!
March 30, 2019
I actually loved this book, I finished it really quickly as it just completely caught my attention and I couldn’t put it down! Definitely gets five stars from me. A perfect summer read (although it could be seen as a tiny bit predictable in some aspects of the story) and one that I recommend!
June 18, 2022
I absolutely loved that book! It was charming, funny, sad, and made me cry a little at the end. If you need something lightweight and endearing this is the book to read. This book also reminded me of how much I love my mom and I can’t thank Emma enough for that!
March 12, 2017
3.5 stars. Almost a 4. A good book.
July 7, 2017
She's a bad writer, and to compensate she has a dozen different stories, each more hackneyed than the next
August 22, 2017
Enjoyed the story.
November 27, 2017
First read by this author and it won't be my last. Great characters and a good storyline.
January 21, 2018
A nice read
May 1, 2018
Loved this book! Found it a bit slow to start but i was soon hooked. Would definately recommend and I would love to read another of Emma's books as this was my first from her
May 2, 2018
Very enjoyable read. Loved all the characters.
July 21, 2018
Beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews