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The Swallow's Nest
In this heartwarming novel of marriage, motherhood, and forgiveness, three women fight for the chance to raise the child they've all come to love. After a challenging year of seeing her husband Graham through cancer treatment, lifestyle blogger Lilia Swallow is ready to celebrate his recovery. But just as their festive party gets underway, a mysterious guest presents Lilia with a beautiful baby boy, and vanishes. Toby is Graham’s darkest secret—the son he conceived in a moment of despair. Lilia is shocked by Graham’s betrayal, but even more surprised by the love she feels for his child. Once abandoned, Toby is now desperately wanted by three Lilia, who takes him into her home and heart; Marina, who bore him and now regrets giving him up; and Ellen, who sees in him a chance to correct the mistakes she made with her own son, Toby's father. A custody battle begins, and each would-be mother must examine her heart, confront her choices and weigh her dreams against the fate of one vulnerable little boy. Each woman will redefine family, belonging and love—and the results will alter the course of not only their lives, but also the lives of everyone they care for.
508 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2017
356 people are currently reading
1311 people want to read
About the author
Emilie Richards
188 books945 followersI'm the author of seventy-something novels, including romance, women's fiction and mystery. When We Were Sisters debuted in June 2016, a stand alone novel about two foster sisters traveling back into their past together. I loved writing it and love the cover my publisher chose.
I'm also excited about my recent series, Goddesses Anonymous, which started with One Mountain Away and was followed by Somewhere Between Luck and Trust. The third book in the series, A River Too Wide, came out in July 2014. The Color of Light debuted in August 2015. Will there be more? We'll see.
I'm also putting up my newly edited romance backlist and love re-reading and updating them a bit.
Last year my husband and I moved from Virginia, to Osprey, Florida, the state where both of us were raised, met, and married. In the summer we live in Chautauqua, New York. I'm a quilter, knitter, kayaker, and the mother of four children, whom I regard as my greatest creative endeavors. And now there are four wonderful grandchildren to spoil.
Visit me at my web site, emilierichards.com, and my blog, www.emilierichards.com/blog. You can also find me at Twitter and on my Facebook reader page.
I'm also excited about my recent series, Goddesses Anonymous, which started with One Mountain Away and was followed by Somewhere Between Luck and Trust. The third book in the series, A River Too Wide, came out in July 2014. The Color of Light debuted in August 2015. Will there be more? We'll see.
I'm also putting up my newly edited romance backlist and love re-reading and updating them a bit.
Last year my husband and I moved from Virginia, to Osprey, Florida, the state where both of us were raised, met, and married. In the summer we live in Chautauqua, New York. I'm a quilter, knitter, kayaker, and the mother of four children, whom I regard as my greatest creative endeavors. And now there are four wonderful grandchildren to spoil.
Visit me at my web site, emilierichards.com, and my blog, www.emilierichards.com/blog. You can also find me at Twitter and on my Facebook reader page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
July 3, 2017
Emilie Richards is an author who's books I automatically buy no matter what the description the book is about, and I have to say that I have never been disappointed. Reading the description of this story I have to admit that I wasn't quite sure that this was a story that I could really enjoy and being a book worm for over 50 years I DO know that sometimes an author I love CAN write a book that isn't for me. Still, I ordered this book. And I am so overjoyed that I did. It turned out that this was a book that I NEEDED. The story flowed, the characters were absolutely wonderful. I have to admit that I wasn't immediately drawn in, it took reading the first few chapters. But after those first chapters this was a novel that I hated to put down.
Reading the end of The Swallow's Nest I had an acute feeling of dismay that the story was over, and that there was nothing more about the characters that I came to love. And then came a wondrous feeling of hope...
Reading the end of The Swallow's Nest I had an acute feeling of dismay that the story was over, and that there was nothing more about the characters that I came to love. And then came a wondrous feeling of hope...
September 11, 2017
After a challenging year dealing with her husband Graham’s cancer, Lilia Swallow throws a party to celebrate his remission. As the party is in full swing, the doorbell rings. When Lilia answers it, she is confronted by a woman who thrusts a baby boy into her arms. The woman informs her this is Graham’s son and it is up to Graham to care for him as she is abdicating all responsibility for the child. Imagine your response if you were confronted with such a situation? Needless to say Lilia goes into shock at the betrayal from her husband. Once she has had time to process events she makes a decision how to deal with the situation. Then events change again and it brings Marina, baby Toby’s mother and Ellen, Graham’s mother from who Graham had been estranged, into the picture.
The characters in this story are well drawn, though I felt most empathy for Lilia. She is a lovely warm hearted person and the one most concerned about Toby and seeking what is best for him. The other two women’s motives are lately tainted by self-interest. It did leave me wondering at times about the ways in which the law works when deciding custody. There were moments of anger, outrage and tears as I read. I was right there every step of the way. When I had to put it down as life intruded, I couldn’t wait to get back to it. This was an engaging and enjoyable read. A number of chapters start with a short blog entry, as Lilia shares snippets of her life along with home making and decorating tips. I enjoyed hearing about Lilia’s earlier life in Hawaii and scenes from her extended family there as well.
I have read several of this author’s books and I knew I would enjoy it, which was why I picked this one out of the pile on my coffee table. I was not disappointed. A story that shows compassion, love, forgiveness and heart, as well as the more self-centred aspects of characters that were as real to me as friends. It’s hard to say much more without giving too much away so I will simply say, I loved it. Just the sort of book I needed to read at this time.
The characters in this story are well drawn, though I felt most empathy for Lilia. She is a lovely warm hearted person and the one most concerned about Toby and seeking what is best for him. The other two women’s motives are lately tainted by self-interest. It did leave me wondering at times about the ways in which the law works when deciding custody. There were moments of anger, outrage and tears as I read. I was right there every step of the way. When I had to put it down as life intruded, I couldn’t wait to get back to it. This was an engaging and enjoyable read. A number of chapters start with a short blog entry, as Lilia shares snippets of her life along with home making and decorating tips. I enjoyed hearing about Lilia’s earlier life in Hawaii and scenes from her extended family there as well.
I have read several of this author’s books and I knew I would enjoy it, which was why I picked this one out of the pile on my coffee table. I was not disappointed. A story that shows compassion, love, forgiveness and heart, as well as the more self-centred aspects of characters that were as real to me as friends. It’s hard to say much more without giving too much away so I will simply say, I loved it. Just the sort of book I needed to read at this time.
September 21, 2017
Lilia Swallow and her husband Graham are celebrating his health after a year of grueling cancer treatments. Friends and colleagues have gathered at their home to wish them well. Imagine Lilia's surprise when a strange woman, Marina, arrives at their doorstep and thrusts a screaming infant into her arms. Graham had an affair with Marina, and convinced her to keep the baby, making promises he didn't keep. Lilia is shocked, hurt and unsure of whether she and Graham have a future. But she grows to accept Graham's son, Toby, loving him as her own. Marina was overwhelmed with being a single mom, not prepared for the demands of an infant. She desires stability and selfishly desires comfort and the things money can buy. Will Marina regret abandoning her son?
Graham was brought up in a home where his parents were distant and unaffectionate. He was cared for by nannies and later sent to boarding school. He wants to be the parent to his son that he so desired as a child. Graham is now estranged from his parents , though his mother, Ellen, harbors some regrets in their relationship. She would like to bond with Toby, finding a way to make up for her mistakes with Graham, but her approach is too often calculating and cruel.
Can these three women find ways to put aside their differences for the love of one little boy?
Emilie Richards has a knack for giving genuine depth to her characters and I am always excited when she has a new release.
Graham was brought up in a home where his parents were distant and unaffectionate. He was cared for by nannies and later sent to boarding school. He wants to be the parent to his son that he so desired as a child. Graham is now estranged from his parents , though his mother, Ellen, harbors some regrets in their relationship. She would like to bond with Toby, finding a way to make up for her mistakes with Graham, but her approach is too often calculating and cruel.
Can these three women find ways to put aside their differences for the love of one little boy?
Emilie Richards has a knack for giving genuine depth to her characters and I am always excited when she has a new release.
June 7, 2017
The first chapter pulled me into the book and as I finished the last chapter I just might have been reaching for a tissue and wiping away a tear or two. I'd just been on a roller coaster ride about three women and their love or need for one child - Toby. Three women - I know which one I liked and wanted to be Toby's mother, but I also ( a little reluctantly I might add) could see the motivations of the other two. Quite frankly though I'd be very reluctant to release one beautiful, innocent child into their hands.
Lilia grew up in Hawaii, she has a wonderful extended family background, and I loved her approach to life and love. She receives a series of knock backs, yet once she makes the choice it is Toby that is the centre, his happiness and needs are important. Marina, the birth mother, having dumped Toby into Lilia's hands comes to regret it and makes a play to retrieve him. I don't think I'd want to be friends with her, but she has had a tough upbringing and I did feel sympathetic towards her. Ellen, the grandmother, is a sad character I thought, totally having subjugated who she is to her husband and his cold, hard ways. Really she has had no life, and her ideas about child rearing were more than a little sobering.
I enjoyed how the story moved along, exploring the lives of the three women, getting to know them and their motivations and challenges. As I did I wondered where Toby would end up, what would the law decide? I know what I wanted, but would that happen?
As I said above, the ending moved me to tears, was it exactly as I had hoped? No, not really but perhaps even better. I liked the growth in all three characters, very realistic and not over the top, but promising some new possibilities.
The book is titled The Swallow's Nest, this is where Lilia has made her home, a warm cosy place that I enjoyed visualising. At the beginning of some chapters there are little snippets about cliff swallows and how their approach to chick rearing linked with the book I was reading. It was very apt and also made me want to go off and read about these swallows as well!
In short, a well written, heart and mind engaging story that had me from page one until the very end.
Lilia grew up in Hawaii, she has a wonderful extended family background, and I loved her approach to life and love. She receives a series of knock backs, yet once she makes the choice it is Toby that is the centre, his happiness and needs are important. Marina, the birth mother, having dumped Toby into Lilia's hands comes to regret it and makes a play to retrieve him. I don't think I'd want to be friends with her, but she has had a tough upbringing and I did feel sympathetic towards her. Ellen, the grandmother, is a sad character I thought, totally having subjugated who she is to her husband and his cold, hard ways. Really she has had no life, and her ideas about child rearing were more than a little sobering.
I enjoyed how the story moved along, exploring the lives of the three women, getting to know them and their motivations and challenges. As I did I wondered where Toby would end up, what would the law decide? I know what I wanted, but would that happen?
As I said above, the ending moved me to tears, was it exactly as I had hoped? No, not really but perhaps even better. I liked the growth in all three characters, very realistic and not over the top, but promising some new possibilities.
The book is titled The Swallow's Nest, this is where Lilia has made her home, a warm cosy place that I enjoyed visualising. At the beginning of some chapters there are little snippets about cliff swallows and how their approach to chick rearing linked with the book I was reading. It was very apt and also made me want to go off and read about these swallows as well!
In short, a well written, heart and mind engaging story that had me from page one until the very end.
November 22, 2025
So I enjoy womens fiction as long as there is a strong romantic element. This one delivered on drama amd angst, the romance was more subtle ( friends to lovers) but I enjoyed it. The writing ✍️ was incredible, engaging and I was entertained the entire story ( which is fairly ling).
The fmc finds out her husband cheated on her when the other woman shows up woth a baby and hands it to hee then tells her its her husbands and she's leaving him there. Her husband has justbeen diagnosed as cancer free and thats why they were celebrating. The fmc had been devoting all her time to taking care of her husband and had no idea he had an affair. He later tells her it was a 1 night stand. Their mutual best friend lends his ear and heart to the fmc. They have been close friends since she met both him and her husband in Hawaii as young teens.
This story shifts povs between the fmc, the mother in law who was heartless to the husband and the mistress who abandoned her child. All three eventually fight for custody of the boy who captures the fmcs heart.
after
The fmc finds out her husband cheated on her when the other woman shows up woth a baby and hands it to hee then tells her its her husbands and she's leaving him there. Her husband has justbeen diagnosed as cancer free and thats why they were celebrating. The fmc had been devoting all her time to taking care of her husband and had no idea he had an affair. He later tells her it was a 1 night stand. Their mutual best friend lends his ear and heart to the fmc. They have been close friends since she met both him and her husband in Hawaii as young teens.
This story shifts povs between the fmc, the mother in law who was heartless to the husband and the mistress who abandoned her child. All three eventually fight for custody of the boy who captures the fmcs heart.
after
June 7, 2017
Three women fight for the chance to raise the child they've all come to love...
When Lilia Swallow's husband, Graham, goes into remission after a challenging year of treatment for lymphoma, the home and lifestyle blogger throws a party. Their best friends and colleagues attend to celebrate his recovery, but just as the party is in full swing, a new guest arrives. She presents Lilia with a beautiful baby boy, and vanishes.
Toby is Graham's darkest secret—his son, conceived in a moment of despair. Lilia is utterly unprepared for the betrayal the baby represents, and perhaps more so for the love she begins to feel once her shock subsides. Now this unasked-for precious gift becomes a life changer for three women: Lilia, who takes him into her home and heart; Marina, who bore and abandoned him until circumstance and grief changed her mind; and Ellen, who sees in him a chance to correct the mistakes she made with her own son, Toby's father.
A custody battle begins, and each would-be mother must examine her heart, confront her choices and weigh her dreams against the fate of one vulnerable little boy. Each woman will redefine family, belonging and love—and the results will alter the course of not only their lives, but also the lives of everyone they care for.
My Thoughts: Lilia, Graham’s wife, and the woman who has been raising little Toby since he was three months old, was the narrator I came to root for. I liked the excerpts from her blogging posts, including her opening lines: “Feathering your nest with imagination and love.” I enjoyed her thoughts about family and growing up in Hawaii, and the feeling of betrayal she felt when she learned of Graham’s infidelity. Then I rooted for her as she came to love the little boy and eventually forgive Graham. She always seemed to put the little boy first, even when the challenges of the custody case sometimes made her struggle.
Despite the annoying characteristics we first see in Marina, the birth mother, eventually I started to feel a bit of compassion for her, especially after we were granted an up close look at her mother and how she grew up. But then she would do something that would make me wonder about her judgment and her ability to put the child’s needs first…and I would revert to disliking her, worried about what would happen to the child if she grew bored or frustrated with him.
The least sympathetic character, in my opinion, was Ellen, the paternal grandmother, whose coldness and judgmental attitude put me off. But then we caught a glimpse of moments from her past as she spent time in the home she lived in when Graham was a baby. The house she bought after they moved and which she hung onto for sentimental reasons, although she maintained that it was an investment. Despite the evidence that she regretted the mistakes of the past, however, I felt insufficient hope that she could make the child’s needs a priority.
I wasn’t sure how the custody battle would turn out…I had my wishes, and then I thought about how courts usually rule with regard to biological connections. Would the story end in a way that would serve the child best? Would the characters come to accept the decision? I couldn’t stop turning the pages, so this one earned 5 stars from me.
When Lilia Swallow's husband, Graham, goes into remission after a challenging year of treatment for lymphoma, the home and lifestyle blogger throws a party. Their best friends and colleagues attend to celebrate his recovery, but just as the party is in full swing, a new guest arrives. She presents Lilia with a beautiful baby boy, and vanishes.
Toby is Graham's darkest secret—his son, conceived in a moment of despair. Lilia is utterly unprepared for the betrayal the baby represents, and perhaps more so for the love she begins to feel once her shock subsides. Now this unasked-for precious gift becomes a life changer for three women: Lilia, who takes him into her home and heart; Marina, who bore and abandoned him until circumstance and grief changed her mind; and Ellen, who sees in him a chance to correct the mistakes she made with her own son, Toby's father.
A custody battle begins, and each would-be mother must examine her heart, confront her choices and weigh her dreams against the fate of one vulnerable little boy. Each woman will redefine family, belonging and love—and the results will alter the course of not only their lives, but also the lives of everyone they care for.
My Thoughts: Lilia, Graham’s wife, and the woman who has been raising little Toby since he was three months old, was the narrator I came to root for. I liked the excerpts from her blogging posts, including her opening lines: “Feathering your nest with imagination and love.” I enjoyed her thoughts about family and growing up in Hawaii, and the feeling of betrayal she felt when she learned of Graham’s infidelity. Then I rooted for her as she came to love the little boy and eventually forgive Graham. She always seemed to put the little boy first, even when the challenges of the custody case sometimes made her struggle.
Despite the annoying characteristics we first see in Marina, the birth mother, eventually I started to feel a bit of compassion for her, especially after we were granted an up close look at her mother and how she grew up. But then she would do something that would make me wonder about her judgment and her ability to put the child’s needs first…and I would revert to disliking her, worried about what would happen to the child if she grew bored or frustrated with him.
The least sympathetic character, in my opinion, was Ellen, the paternal grandmother, whose coldness and judgmental attitude put me off. But then we caught a glimpse of moments from her past as she spent time in the home she lived in when Graham was a baby. The house she bought after they moved and which she hung onto for sentimental reasons, although she maintained that it was an investment. Despite the evidence that she regretted the mistakes of the past, however, I felt insufficient hope that she could make the child’s needs a priority.
I wasn’t sure how the custody battle would turn out…I had my wishes, and then I thought about how courts usually rule with regard to biological connections. Would the story end in a way that would serve the child best? Would the characters come to accept the decision? I couldn’t stop turning the pages, so this one earned 5 stars from me.
June 13, 2017
The Swallow’s Nest
Almost immediately, I was drawn deeply into the story of The Swallow’s Nest by Emilie Richards. It’s been some time since a novel has captivated me like this one. The characters are new people that now live in my imagination. As in many of her other books, Ms. Richards is a master at expertly revealing the layers in the plot, the characters and theme.
Lilia Swallow’s husband has lived through a year of devasting cancer and it’s treatment. Graham wants a child – a celebration of life. Lilia is struggling to care for Graham, provide income and live with his cancer. Pregnancy and a child are not additional burdens she can carry. At the celebration party of Graham’s remission, a woman thrusts a baby into Lilia’s arms giving her “Graham’s son.” The despair, the betrayal, the strubble of a fragile marriage, the care of a needy child – many emotions, questionable actions, dubious parents, unflagging friendship – The Sparrow’s Nest is a novel to read and embrace. Every once in a while, there is a book I recommend without hesitation to all my friends to read. The Swallow’s Nest is the newest title on my list. Read this one!
Almost immediately, I was drawn deeply into the story of The Swallow’s Nest by Emilie Richards. It’s been some time since a novel has captivated me like this one. The characters are new people that now live in my imagination. As in many of her other books, Ms. Richards is a master at expertly revealing the layers in the plot, the characters and theme.
Lilia Swallow’s husband has lived through a year of devasting cancer and it’s treatment. Graham wants a child – a celebration of life. Lilia is struggling to care for Graham, provide income and live with his cancer. Pregnancy and a child are not additional burdens she can carry. At the celebration party of Graham’s remission, a woman thrusts a baby into Lilia’s arms giving her “Graham’s son.” The despair, the betrayal, the strubble of a fragile marriage, the care of a needy child – many emotions, questionable actions, dubious parents, unflagging friendship – The Sparrow’s Nest is a novel to read and embrace. Every once in a while, there is a book I recommend without hesitation to all my friends to read. The Swallow’s Nest is the newest title on my list. Read this one!
July 10, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed The Swallow's Nest and it lived up to my high expectations. Emilie Richards is one of my favorite authors and I enjoy all of her books. I pre-ordered this book but saved it for a recent trip as I knew it would help ease my flying angst!! It did not disappoint. The story pulled me in right from the beginning and I quickly became enmeshed with the main characters. I was very moved by Graham's lymphoma diagnosis due to my personal health issues. Also, the thread throughout the story of how do we define a mother was written so well and with such depth. Knowing that biology is not necessary to love a child and become a mom was written so tenderly that I was teary-eyed a number of times throughout the story. I loved the Hawaiian life and culture that was interspersed through the story too. Thank you for another wonderful book Emilie Richards!
June 15, 2017
This is one of those books that after reading the first paragraph you know that you are going to love reading it but hate finishing it. This is Emilie Richards at her finest.
This is a story about three women and they way they express and understand loving a child. Emilie has a gift for developing characters so well that you think you know these people. The story is interlaced with Hawaiian traditions that present an interesting way of approaching life. One of the women is likable from the start but the other two grow from cold women who do not know how to love into women who understand themselves better and how to give themselves for another.
This is a story about three women and they way they express and understand loving a child. Emilie has a gift for developing characters so well that you think you know these people. The story is interlaced with Hawaiian traditions that present an interesting way of approaching life. One of the women is likable from the start but the other two grow from cold women who do not know how to love into women who understand themselves better and how to give themselves for another.
April 30, 2018
The Swallow's Nest is a story of three women fighting to raise the child they've all grown to love. When home decor blogger Lilia Swallow throws a party to celebrate her husband Graham's remission after a year of lymphoma treatments, a woman arrives, thrusts a baby boy into Lilia's arms, claims he is Graham's son, and disappears. Lilia is completely unprepared for the betrayal that the child represents; however, she begins to love the baby once the shock subsides. Now this tiny baby changes her life, as well as that of Marina, who bore him and abandoned him only to change her mind later, and Ellen, Graham's mother, who sees him as a second chance to correct all the mistakes she made raising Graham. A custody battle ensues and all the drama unfolds.
Listening to this audiobook was quite a struggle for me, as I found it difficult to get attached to any of the characters, and most of the characters I actually found to be hateful and deceitful without many redeeming characteristics. I found the character development to be rather one-dimensional, and the only one that I could really envision very well was the little boy, Toby. I also thought the story was even more depressing than what I read in the synopsis. I did, however, find it really interesting when, at the beginning of each part of the book, the author compared the characters' situation to that of different species of swallow; for example, she compared their mating rituals and the way they raise their young to the characters' situation as it unfolded throughout the book.
Though I felt that this book would have been very suitable for audio adaptation, the narration, in my opinion, did not quite live up to my usual standards of listening. I felt like the narrator, Karen White, would have been more suited to non-fiction materials rather than this fictional story. While she did differentiate between genders well, I sometimes found it difficult to determine who was speaking, as a lot of the male voices sounded similar to each other, and likewise with the female voices. Also, there were a few characters with accents, and they seemed rather forced and unnatural in the narration.
While White stayed pretty consistently paced throughout the production, she read quite a bit too slowly for my taste. On the upside, I didn't notice any flaws or blatant edits in the audiobook.
I really struggled to read and finish this book, and I'm struggling to review it now. I felt like the story and the narration were both of less than average quality. Accents and character voices seemed forced, and I just had a lot of trouble getting attached to any of the characters. Glancing through at other reviews, I noticed that a lot of people really enjoyed this book, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
Title: The Swallow's Nest
Author: Emilie Richards
Narrator: Karen White
Publisher: Blackstone Audio (2017; Unabridged)
Length of Production: 16 hrs.
Listening to this audiobook was quite a struggle for me, as I found it difficult to get attached to any of the characters, and most of the characters I actually found to be hateful and deceitful without many redeeming characteristics. I found the character development to be rather one-dimensional, and the only one that I could really envision very well was the little boy, Toby. I also thought the story was even more depressing than what I read in the synopsis. I did, however, find it really interesting when, at the beginning of each part of the book, the author compared the characters' situation to that of different species of swallow; for example, she compared their mating rituals and the way they raise their young to the characters' situation as it unfolded throughout the book.
Though I felt that this book would have been very suitable for audio adaptation, the narration, in my opinion, did not quite live up to my usual standards of listening. I felt like the narrator, Karen White, would have been more suited to non-fiction materials rather than this fictional story. While she did differentiate between genders well, I sometimes found it difficult to determine who was speaking, as a lot of the male voices sounded similar to each other, and likewise with the female voices. Also, there were a few characters with accents, and they seemed rather forced and unnatural in the narration.
While White stayed pretty consistently paced throughout the production, she read quite a bit too slowly for my taste. On the upside, I didn't notice any flaws or blatant edits in the audiobook.
I really struggled to read and finish this book, and I'm struggling to review it now. I felt like the story and the narration were both of less than average quality. Accents and character voices seemed forced, and I just had a lot of trouble getting attached to any of the characters. Glancing through at other reviews, I noticed that a lot of people really enjoyed this book, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
Title: The Swallow's Nest
Author: Emilie Richards
Narrator: Karen White
Publisher: Blackstone Audio (2017; Unabridged)
Length of Production: 16 hrs.
June 28, 2017
This is a challenging subject. A custody battle is always unpleasant but especially when a small child with no voice is involved. Toby is so young, so helpless, and so completely at the mercy of the people fighting over him and a court decision that it's heartbreaking. Honestly, if this book had been written by anyone other than Emilie Richards I probably would have passed on this one. Richards keeps this topic from becoming too grim or depressing without ever trivializing the issue or the emotions involved.
I loved Lilia. She isn't perfect but she's trying her best. Her reaction to Toby and the situation felt very realistic. No one knows exactly how they'll react to unthinkable situations and at first I don't Lilia knew how to react but her struggles worked both for the situation and for the character. Lilia is also a lifestyle blogger whose blog is the family's primary source of income. It's not something she can abandon and it was interesting to see how she managed to talk about the changes in her life. Marina and Ellen are much harder to like and sympathize with (especially Marina) but I did feel like I understood both women. While their actions and choices were questionable at times they weren't one note villains.
The ending was touching and felt complete without being too pat. It was one of those books that when you finish you just sit for a moment reflecting. I felt like I knew these characters and that I had been fully in their world. This was a wonderful reminder of why I love Emilie Richards' books so much.
Full Review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot...
Book received from author in exchange for honest review
I loved Lilia. She isn't perfect but she's trying her best. Her reaction to Toby and the situation felt very realistic. No one knows exactly how they'll react to unthinkable situations and at first I don't Lilia knew how to react but her struggles worked both for the situation and for the character. Lilia is also a lifestyle blogger whose blog is the family's primary source of income. It's not something she can abandon and it was interesting to see how she managed to talk about the changes in her life. Marina and Ellen are much harder to like and sympathize with (especially Marina) but I did feel like I understood both women. While their actions and choices were questionable at times they weren't one note villains.
The ending was touching and felt complete without being too pat. It was one of those books that when you finish you just sit for a moment reflecting. I felt like I knew these characters and that I had been fully in their world. This was a wonderful reminder of why I love Emilie Richards' books so much.
Full Review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot...
Book received from author in exchange for honest review
July 17, 2017
Sometimes the unpredictability of life can sabotage our best laid plans.....
What would you do if your beloved husband's mistress showed up at your door during his cancer remission party that you were hosting for him, and thrust their love child into your arms, then left? This is a glimpse into the scene that Lilia Swallow finds herself in. Reeling from this new revelation, Lilia takes refuge with her family in Hawaii, and in doing so receives a few words of wisdom from family members, and her best friend Regan, that gives her the fortitude to return home to California and reconsider her new circumstances. But just when Lilia thinks she can get past the trials that almost destroyed her marriage, life throws a few more curve balls that threaten to derail her future.
Three women. One baby. The Swallow's Nest takes us into the lives of a wife, a mistress, and a mother-in-law. All desire to lay claim to the child that Lilia's husband, Graham, fathered with his mistress, Marina. The exploration into each woman's life exposes emotions that plague each of them—feelings of failure, betrayal, ineptness and unworthiness. Nevertheless, working through those emotions for Toby's sake is a challenge that each woman is willing to tackle. The question is, which of the three women will get him? And will each find a way to accept the outcome, and one another?
The Swallow's Nest was extraordinary. Emilie Richards succeeded in holding my attention through to the conclusion of this 500+ page novel. And the fact that she was capable of doing it without sex scenes, violence or profanity takes real skill. All of the characters possessed distinct qualities and characteristics that kept me interested in the way their lives would ultimately turn out. I loved how Lilia eventually handled her very difficult situation, and how each of the women comes to recognize the strengths they possessed within themselves. Definitely recommended.
What would you do if your beloved husband's mistress showed up at your door during his cancer remission party that you were hosting for him, and thrust their love child into your arms, then left? This is a glimpse into the scene that Lilia Swallow finds herself in. Reeling from this new revelation, Lilia takes refuge with her family in Hawaii, and in doing so receives a few words of wisdom from family members, and her best friend Regan, that gives her the fortitude to return home to California and reconsider her new circumstances. But just when Lilia thinks she can get past the trials that almost destroyed her marriage, life throws a few more curve balls that threaten to derail her future.
Three women. One baby. The Swallow's Nest takes us into the lives of a wife, a mistress, and a mother-in-law. All desire to lay claim to the child that Lilia's husband, Graham, fathered with his mistress, Marina. The exploration into each woman's life exposes emotions that plague each of them—feelings of failure, betrayal, ineptness and unworthiness. Nevertheless, working through those emotions for Toby's sake is a challenge that each woman is willing to tackle. The question is, which of the three women will get him? And will each find a way to accept the outcome, and one another?
The Swallow's Nest was extraordinary. Emilie Richards succeeded in holding my attention through to the conclusion of this 500+ page novel. And the fact that she was capable of doing it without sex scenes, violence or profanity takes real skill. All of the characters possessed distinct qualities and characteristics that kept me interested in the way their lives would ultimately turn out. I loved how Lilia eventually handled her very difficult situation, and how each of the women comes to recognize the strengths they possessed within themselves. Definitely recommended.
May 9, 2024
Full disclosure: I received this novel through a First Reads Goodreads giveaway, but that in no way affected this review.
A surprise of a baby brings out the maternal feelings of not one, but three women who wish to mother this child created at a low point in the father's life.
Graham has just gone into remission from Burkitt's lymphoma when the mother of his child, Marina, drops him off at his home, thrusting a screaming three-month-old Toby into his wife Lilia's arms.
What a surprise! At least to Lilia, and their marriage is in upheaval until she decides to take on the role of stepmother to Toby. After nearly a year later without any contact from Marina, Lilia wants to adopt Toby making him officially her son, but then the unthinkable happens.
Now Lilia has to fight for custody of him when two other women, Marina and her mother-in-law Ellen, want the same thing. Love for the same toddler may just tear these women apart as they fight to hold on to Toby.
This novel explores what it means to be a mother. Is it biological, or is it the one who spends the time day after day caring for every need? How about grandmothers and how do they fit into the picture?
It also explores family dynamics as well. The title is appropriate for the similarities between swallows and the characters in the story. It also fits with the lifestyle blog that Lilia Swallow writes.
As the trio deals with their complex lives, the courts will render a decision that will affect them all.
Poignant, tender, and complex, this story will resonate for anyone who has ever been betrayed by loved ones, for anyone who has loved a child whether related by genetics or not, or for anyone who has gone through the pain of a custody fight. Loved the resolution of the story.
A surprise of a baby brings out the maternal feelings of not one, but three women who wish to mother this child created at a low point in the father's life.
Graham has just gone into remission from Burkitt's lymphoma when the mother of his child, Marina, drops him off at his home, thrusting a screaming three-month-old Toby into his wife Lilia's arms.
What a surprise! At least to Lilia, and their marriage is in upheaval until she decides to take on the role of stepmother to Toby. After nearly a year later without any contact from Marina, Lilia wants to adopt Toby making him officially her son, but then the unthinkable happens.
Now Lilia has to fight for custody of him when two other women, Marina and her mother-in-law Ellen, want the same thing. Love for the same toddler may just tear these women apart as they fight to hold on to Toby.
This novel explores what it means to be a mother. Is it biological, or is it the one who spends the time day after day caring for every need? How about grandmothers and how do they fit into the picture?
It also explores family dynamics as well. The title is appropriate for the similarities between swallows and the characters in the story. It also fits with the lifestyle blog that Lilia Swallow writes.
As the trio deals with their complex lives, the courts will render a decision that will affect them all.
Poignant, tender, and complex, this story will resonate for anyone who has ever been betrayed by loved ones, for anyone who has loved a child whether related by genetics or not, or for anyone who has gone through the pain of a custody fight. Loved the resolution of the story.
August 14, 2017
From the beginning, I struggled with this book. The characters didn't really grab a hold of me and drawn me into their worlds. For me, I needed this for this type of story to work for me. Yet, after stumbling a bit in the first several chapters, I actually started to enjoy the story. Lilia was a warm character. She opened her heart and forgave her husband and welcomed Toby. Although, it would have been hard to not fall for Toby. He was so precious and as Lilia learned, it was not his fault. Speaking of Lilia's husband, Graham, I did not hate him. This is because he was understanding of Lilia's feelings and did not push himself or Toby on her. Graham's mother, Ellen, I thought she was fine but I never fully embraced her. She was still a little closed off for me. Marina was good.
Yet, to be honest, I can't fully express my feelings about Marina or the rest of the story as after getting half way into the story, I did start losing interest; despite Toby. After that, I skimmed the rest of the story. This was not a favorite of mine from this author but I have enjoyed the previous books I have read from the author. So, I hope to find that magic again from the next book.
Yet, to be honest, I can't fully express my feelings about Marina or the rest of the story as after getting half way into the story, I did start losing interest; despite Toby. After that, I skimmed the rest of the story. This was not a favorite of mine from this author but I have enjoyed the previous books I have read from the author. So, I hope to find that magic again from the next book.
June 19, 2017
Not my favorite Emilie Richards but still a good page-turning women's fiction novel. I like Richards better when she focuses on the power of sisterhood (in its literal or figurative sense) than when women are pitted against each other. I wish the odds weren't stacked so heavily in favor of one of the characters winning the "who will raise this adorable baby" sweepstakes, but I appreciated the fact that neither of the flawed runner-ups were portrayed as weak or villainous.
June 14, 2017
Character development is such a strong suit for Emilie Richards. Her newest novel traces the story of three women who seek to raise little Toby, a child born as the result of an affair. Who should raise him? It's not such a definitive answer. I love to read a book where my opinions of the characters change as the story progresses. The wonderful aspect of Emilie's writing is that we can all identify with the good and the bad traits of these women.
July 5, 2022
Three women, all trying to get permanent custody of one little boy: a birth mother who abandoned him, a step mother who has been raising him and a rich grandmother who wants to right old wrongs through him. Oh, and I learned a lot about swallows and the Hawaiian culture.
February 13, 2019
round up to 4.5 stars.
September 14, 2024
I don't see how she was inspired by maleficent
did-not-finish
September 22, 2017I was so excited at the beginning of this book. Especially since she is one of my favorite authors. While her writing style was wonderful as always I felt like the story was dragging on too long. Half way through I had to put it down as I could already predict the outcome.
June 13, 2017
4.5 stars.
The Swallow's Nest by Emilie Richards is an emotional novel of forgiveness, motherhood and second chances.
Lilia Swallow and her husband Graham Randolph’s lives were turned upside down by his cancer diagnosis. A year later, they have cause to celebrate after his cancer goes into remission following aggressive treatment. However, Lilia’s joy quickly turns to devastation when Graham's business associate Marina Tate shows up with a three month old baby boy named Toby. Marina hands Lilia the baby and delivers a stunning blow with her vindictive announcement that Toby is Graham’s son. Understandably upset and furious, Lilia leaves Graham and Toby to visit her family in Hawaii where she tries to figure out what to do next. Despite her anger and hurt, Lilia cannot bring herself to walk away from her marriage until they are out from under the massive debt from Graham’s medical expenses. Will Lilia's tangled emotions about the circumstances of Toby’s birth prevent her from loving the baby? Is there any possible way for their marriage to survive Graham’s betrayal?
Lilia’s decision to return to Graham is not arrived at easily nor does she know what the future holds for them as a couple. She cannot in good conscience walk away from him considering their staggering debt. Despite Graham’s remission, he is not psychically strong enough to work long hours and they are relying on Lilia’s income to help them recover financially. Needing to keep expenses to a minimum, she and Graham continue living under the same roof but they lead separate lives. Toby slowly but surely works his way into Lilia’s heart and without hesitation, she becomes his primary caregiver.
Marina’s abandonment of Toby is not for his well-being; it is completely self-serving and rather spiteful. While Graham’s decision to begin an affair with her is selfish and uncaring, she entered into the relationship with her eyes open and completely aware of his marriage. Marina is entirely self-absorbed and lacks any empathy for the impact his cancer diagnosis and treatment has on his life. She never regrets her decision to leave Toby in Lilia and Graham’s care and Marina feels nothing but relief that he is no longer her responsibility.
Just as Lilia, Graham and Toby are well on their way to becoming a family, tragedy strikes and Graham’s estranged mother, Ellen, sees her grandson as an opportunity to make up for her mistakes with her son. She sets in motion a plan without giving any thought to Toby’s well-being or her daughter-in-law’s feelings. Gaining Marina’s cooperation is instrumental to bringing the plan to fruition and after some consideration, Marina agrees to help Ellen. Will Ellen’s reprehensible scheme succeed?
The Swallow's Nest is a beautifully rendered novel that quite poignant yet ultimately uplifting. Emilie Richards tackles very difficult subject matter with ease and the resulting story tugs on readers’ heartstrings. Lilia and Toby are wonderfully developed characters who are easy to like and root for. The secondary characters are marvelously developed and provide a wonderful support system for Lilia. Marina and Ellen, however, are not likable or sympathetic but they do undergo a great deal of growth by novel’s end. A truly captivating story that I absolutely loved and highly recommend.
The Swallow's Nest by Emilie Richards is an emotional novel of forgiveness, motherhood and second chances.
Lilia Swallow and her husband Graham Randolph’s lives were turned upside down by his cancer diagnosis. A year later, they have cause to celebrate after his cancer goes into remission following aggressive treatment. However, Lilia’s joy quickly turns to devastation when Graham's business associate Marina Tate shows up with a three month old baby boy named Toby. Marina hands Lilia the baby and delivers a stunning blow with her vindictive announcement that Toby is Graham’s son. Understandably upset and furious, Lilia leaves Graham and Toby to visit her family in Hawaii where she tries to figure out what to do next. Despite her anger and hurt, Lilia cannot bring herself to walk away from her marriage until they are out from under the massive debt from Graham’s medical expenses. Will Lilia's tangled emotions about the circumstances of Toby’s birth prevent her from loving the baby? Is there any possible way for their marriage to survive Graham’s betrayal?
Lilia’s decision to return to Graham is not arrived at easily nor does she know what the future holds for them as a couple. She cannot in good conscience walk away from him considering their staggering debt. Despite Graham’s remission, he is not psychically strong enough to work long hours and they are relying on Lilia’s income to help them recover financially. Needing to keep expenses to a minimum, she and Graham continue living under the same roof but they lead separate lives. Toby slowly but surely works his way into Lilia’s heart and without hesitation, she becomes his primary caregiver.
Marina’s abandonment of Toby is not for his well-being; it is completely self-serving and rather spiteful. While Graham’s decision to begin an affair with her is selfish and uncaring, she entered into the relationship with her eyes open and completely aware of his marriage. Marina is entirely self-absorbed and lacks any empathy for the impact his cancer diagnosis and treatment has on his life. She never regrets her decision to leave Toby in Lilia and Graham’s care and Marina feels nothing but relief that he is no longer her responsibility.
Just as Lilia, Graham and Toby are well on their way to becoming a family, tragedy strikes and Graham’s estranged mother, Ellen, sees her grandson as an opportunity to make up for her mistakes with her son. She sets in motion a plan without giving any thought to Toby’s well-being or her daughter-in-law’s feelings. Gaining Marina’s cooperation is instrumental to bringing the plan to fruition and after some consideration, Marina agrees to help Ellen. Will Ellen’s reprehensible scheme succeed?
The Swallow's Nest is a beautifully rendered novel that quite poignant yet ultimately uplifting. Emilie Richards tackles very difficult subject matter with ease and the resulting story tugs on readers’ heartstrings. Lilia and Toby are wonderfully developed characters who are easy to like and root for. The secondary characters are marvelously developed and provide a wonderful support system for Lilia. Marina and Ellen, however, are not likable or sympathetic but they do undergo a great deal of growth by novel’s end. A truly captivating story that I absolutely loved and highly recommend.
June 13, 2017
I didn't expect to care for each of the three women who each find themselves competing for one innocent little boy. Each woman was real and had flaws and individual touching reasons for wanting this little one. The story is rich and complex and encourages you to question your own feelings as you read. I found myself examining my own personal feelings as an innocent child becomes the center of attention to three women who each want custody for different reasons. Emilie again has the ability to touch hearts as we question our own feelings. Complex but very engaging and enjoyable reading. I feel like a better person after reading any of Emilie Richard's books and this is no exception. I was gifted an advance copy from the author, but the opinion here is my own. I highly recommend this book.
May 2, 2018
I won a copy of The Swallow’s Nest in Goodreads giveaway. My thanks to the author, Emilie Richards and the publisher, Harlequin Books for the opportunity. It’s my first time reading anything from this author and it won’t be my last one either. It was an emotional read covering family, illness, friendship, betrayal, death and suppressed love. This story main theme is all about family, it can come in many shapes and sizes but what defines a family? Is it the blood tie, the legal tie or the emotional tie we create no matter who we are?
The story is about Lilia Swallow, a home decorating blogger The Swallow’s Nest, who spent the last year supporting her husband, Graham who went through a challenging treatment for lymphoma. Lilia knows her husband since they were kids. When Graham learned the diagnosis, Graham was desperate to have a child with her but it wasn’t the right time because she was struggling to provide income and needed to take care of her husband. Once Graham went to remission, Lilia holds an event to celebrate for him. Suddenly, a woman named Marina, her husband’s co-worker, knocked on Lilia’s door. Marina just thrust a baby into Lilia’s arms saying it was Graham’s son and she doesn’t want him anymore . Lilia felt shocked and devastated because her husband betrayed her. She learns that the 3 month old baby, Toby, was conceived in a moment of despair and once Graham learned Marina was pregnant, he wanted for her to keep the baby. At first, Lilia didn’t want to do anything with Toby but in time, she immediately took him as it was her own. In the end, there is a custody battle between Lilia, whom she took Toby into her home and raised him; Marina, the birthmother whom may have suffered from post-partum depression and changed her mind to have him back and Ellen, Graham’s mother who sees Toby as a second chance to correct her mistakes she made with Graham.
The story captivated me from the beginning to end. It was really hard for me to put it down! For the first time, I felt the characters were all very well developed and real! I like each and every character from this book. I felt the plot was very detailed and complete. I also liked how there was different parts of the book started with quotes.
The story is about Lilia Swallow, a home decorating blogger The Swallow’s Nest, who spent the last year supporting her husband, Graham who went through a challenging treatment for lymphoma. Lilia knows her husband since they were kids. When Graham learned the diagnosis, Graham was desperate to have a child with her but it wasn’t the right time because she was struggling to provide income and needed to take care of her husband. Once Graham went to remission, Lilia holds an event to celebrate for him. Suddenly, a woman named Marina, her husband’s co-worker, knocked on Lilia’s door. Marina just thrust a baby into Lilia’s arms saying it was Graham’s son and she doesn’t want him anymore . Lilia felt shocked and devastated because her husband betrayed her. She learns that the 3 month old baby, Toby, was conceived in a moment of despair and once Graham learned Marina was pregnant, he wanted for her to keep the baby. At first, Lilia didn’t want to do anything with Toby but in time, she immediately took him as it was her own. In the end, there is a custody battle between Lilia, whom she took Toby into her home and raised him; Marina, the birthmother whom may have suffered from post-partum depression and changed her mind to have him back and Ellen, Graham’s mother who sees Toby as a second chance to correct her mistakes she made with Graham.
The story captivated me from the beginning to end. It was really hard for me to put it down! For the first time, I felt the characters were all very well developed and real! I like each and every character from this book. I felt the plot was very detailed and complete. I also liked how there was different parts of the book started with quotes.
May 27, 2017
3/3, Kauai, HI. Lila Swallow’s husband Graham Randolph was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma.
Months/months later after chemotherapy he is in remission.
There is a celebration party at the house that belongs to Lila.
A knock at the door. Surprise it is Marina Tate (surrogate mother).
Lila is shocked she hands her Toby (Graham/Marina’s son)
After a few brief words, Marina is gone in heartbeat.
Lila has a few choice words with Graham & heads for her mother’s Nalani to stay for a while.
Graham is now stuck taking care of Toby.
Fast forward Graham dies.
Carrick Donnelly (Graham’s BMF) helps with the funeral/burial arrangements.
Ellen Randolph (Graham’s mom) wants to meet with Lila about grandparent visitation rights.
Douglas Randolph (Graham’s dad) disowned his son long ago.
Fast forward many yrs. What did Ellen & Marina discuss?
What shocking news 1 day did Ellen tell Lilia?
What does the future hold for everyone?
Another top 25 book to add to my list of 2017 yr.
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content or profanity &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written family struggle book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great family struggle movie, or better yet a mini TV series. This will touch your heart. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; MIRAB books; UCP; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Months/months later after chemotherapy he is in remission.
There is a celebration party at the house that belongs to Lila.
A knock at the door. Surprise it is Marina Tate (surrogate mother).
Lila is shocked she hands her Toby (Graham/Marina’s son)
After a few brief words, Marina is gone in heartbeat.
Lila has a few choice words with Graham & heads for her mother’s Nalani to stay for a while.
Graham is now stuck taking care of Toby.
Fast forward Graham dies.
Carrick Donnelly (Graham’s BMF) helps with the funeral/burial arrangements.
Ellen Randolph (Graham’s mom) wants to meet with Lila about grandparent visitation rights.
Douglas Randolph (Graham’s dad) disowned his son long ago.
Fast forward many yrs. What did Ellen & Marina discuss?
What shocking news 1 day did Ellen tell Lilia?
What does the future hold for everyone?
Another top 25 book to add to my list of 2017 yr.
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content or profanity &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written family struggle book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great family struggle movie, or better yet a mini TV series. This will touch your heart. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; MIRAB books; UCP; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 19, 2017
A baby boy born of an affair enriches and complicates the lives of his birth mom, his step-mom, and his paternal grandmother.
While the outcome is mostly predictable, there was a scene near the end that caught me pleasantly by surprise and overall the plot was compelling enough to keep me interested from start to finish.
I struggled a bit with the characters. In order for this story to work the wife has to return to her cheating husband very quickly (not a spoiler, it happens super early on) and while I get that the plot required this, and her Hawaiian culture/beliefs played into her decision to return to him, still, I guess I just wanted the husband to be charismatic or have some sort of irresistible bad boy appeal, just… something to explain going back to him aside from obligation, other than being a spoiled former rich kid, he didn’t really have any personality traits, so it made it challenging to grasp what these women saw in him, and to care about him or his relationships, there wasn’t really even a sliver of rooting value there.
The same lack of dimension frequently cropped up with the three female characters as well. One of the women was saintly while the other two were often selfish, but the rare times the saintly one lost her cool, or when the selfish ones actually showed their vulnerable hearts, those were the moments the novel hit its sweet spot, those were the moments where I truly felt conflicted over the child’s custody, and I wanted to feel that conflicted throughout rather than just occasionally.
Honestly, I felt like the baby was the most well-written seemingly flesh and blood character in the book, his fluctuating temperment and reactions were believable and had me more invested than the adults generally did.
I received this ARC through a Goodreads giveaway.
While the outcome is mostly predictable, there was a scene near the end that caught me pleasantly by surprise and overall the plot was compelling enough to keep me interested from start to finish.
I struggled a bit with the characters. In order for this story to work the wife has to return to her cheating husband very quickly (not a spoiler, it happens super early on) and while I get that the plot required this, and her Hawaiian culture/beliefs played into her decision to return to him, still, I guess I just wanted the husband to be charismatic or have some sort of irresistible bad boy appeal, just… something to explain going back to him aside from obligation, other than being a spoiled former rich kid, he didn’t really have any personality traits, so it made it challenging to grasp what these women saw in him, and to care about him or his relationships, there wasn’t really even a sliver of rooting value there.
The same lack of dimension frequently cropped up with the three female characters as well. One of the women was saintly while the other two were often selfish, but the rare times the saintly one lost her cool, or when the selfish ones actually showed their vulnerable hearts, those were the moments the novel hit its sweet spot, those were the moments where I truly felt conflicted over the child’s custody, and I wanted to feel that conflicted throughout rather than just occasionally.
Honestly, I felt like the baby was the most well-written seemingly flesh and blood character in the book, his fluctuating temperment and reactions were believable and had me more invested than the adults generally did.
I received this ARC through a Goodreads giveaway.
June 14, 2017
I literally couldn't put this book down. I am a slow reader and I read this fantastic book in three days. I love Emilie Richards books and the way she writes. I preordered this book and started to read it the day it came June 10, 2017 and her it is June 13, 2017 and I'm finished. Lilia Swallow was hosting a party for her husband Graham Randolph who is now in remission after a year of treatment for lymphoma. An uninvited guest arrives at the party and drops a beautiful 3 month old baby boy into Lilia's hands, tells her it's her husband's child and then she disappears. Lilia was not prepared for Graham's betrayal nor was she prepared to fall in love with this baby. Graham is not close with his parents and you will learn why as you read the story. But this baby becomes a "life changer" for 3 women: Lilia who takes him into her home and loves him like her own, Marina, his biological mother who abandoned him and then over a year later has a change of heart, and Ellen (Graham's mother) who sees in Toby (the baby boy) a chance to be the mother she never was for Graham. So begins a custody battle to end all battles. What happens will change the lives of all of the women. This is a must read and I will be recommending it to all of my friends and to our book group.
May 16, 2017
I actually gave this book 3.5 stars. This is also a lucky giveaways winner for me. I liked this story. Family comes in all shapes and sizes. We may not always be happy with different situations when it comes to family, yet, you need to make do with whatever comes your way. I found this story to be easy to read, and I would consider it a beach read. It moves smoothly and it is easy to keep track of the different characters and their storylines. Endings can be difficult. Sometimes you like them and sometimes you don't. This is one ending I can say I was able to grasp. This is my first story by this author and will probably read others.
May 15, 2017
Another captivating novel by Ms Richards, a very talented author.
It will draw you in within the first few pages.
The characters, especially Lilly Swallow, are very well developed and the storyline is touching.,
Your heart will ache and you will be sucked into a complex situation when an innocent baby appears in Lilly’s life. What is best for this child? How do you deal with an enormous betrayal?
Never a dull moment in Ms Richards latest novel. A novel that is thought provoking and touching.
I was gifted this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
It will draw you in within the first few pages.
The characters, especially Lilly Swallow, are very well developed and the storyline is touching.,
Your heart will ache and you will be sucked into a complex situation when an innocent baby appears in Lilly’s life. What is best for this child? How do you deal with an enormous betrayal?
Never a dull moment in Ms Richards latest novel. A novel that is thought provoking and touching.
I was gifted this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
November 26, 2017
This book was a flop for me. I despised all of the characters and really had a hard time even putting myself in an empathetic role while reading. They were all so selfish and trite that I wanted to scream. The pacing of the book was poor and choppy. I felt aspects of the book (the blog, swallows quotations) were used as crutches--poor ones. The whole idea was poorly thought out and executed.
June 7, 2022
She moved the story along quickly. Minimal repeating. That’s really the only thing that kept me reading and skimming. The characters just had traits but no real depth or believability. It has a few twists and is an easy read, but I was glad when it was over.
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