Every Father's Fear

Every Parent's Fear #2

by Joanna Warrington

Only a handful of people know what really happened on a London maternity ward in February 1961 when a thalidomide baby was born and a shocking crime committed. Those involved will pay a heavy price for their secret.

That baby, Toby, is now a teenager. Rona, the woman he thought of as his mother, is dead. Left to raise Toby alone and run a business, grieving Bill soon discovers the demons his wife battled with, as he battles his own.

Living with his disability and coping with the appalling attitudes of those around him, Toby, not wanting to burden Bill, faces his tormentors alone. A brutal attack with disturbing and heart-wrenching consequences changes their lives forever.

Meanwhile, a young journalist, keen to publicise the plight of the thalidomide families across Britain, finds out more than he bargained for.

This is a powerful story of revenge, lies and secrets, the enduring power of love and a triumph for fatherhood. Loosely based on true events in 1970s Britain.

This is the sequel to ‘Every Mother’s Fear.'

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2020

About the author

Joanna Warrington is a divorced mother to three children. Two have flown the nest. She has written seven books and writing is now firmly in her blood. She began writing as a cathartic exercise when her first child died and it snowballed from there.

She lives in West Sussex England and is a frequent visitor to various local cafes where she enjoys reading and eating cake.

Reviews

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational book

I so enjoyed the first every mother's fear so was looking forward to reading every father's fear. This book is set in Blackpool and tells us the damage of the drug Thalidomide, and the harm to many babies in the 1960's . Rona Murphy is a midwife married to Bill and is desperate for a baby of their own. The story tells us Bill's story of bringing up Toby after Rona dies of cancer. Toby is twelve year's old its 1973 and misses his mother . But Bill still hold their secret of how they have Toby. Jasper and Sandy lost a baby to thalidomide and Jasper a journalist seeks out how it effected parents back in the 1960's Toby suffers awful bullying at school for been different this shows us accounts of how father's coped with a disabled child while reading this book the saying after a babies birth as long as he has all his fingers and toes that's a blessing. This book tells us harrowing accounts as you read and I really enjoyed every chapter. A well written book its a one to look out for more to come a drug that damaged a lot of babies during pregnancy and parents as well.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

#27: READ A 2ND BOOK IN A SERIES: This review was from an Amazon reader and I couldn't sum it up any better myself: "This well-written story follows the struggles of a Thalidomide survivor learning to cope with the condition as a teenager. I found it harrowing and often heartbreaking reading Toby's plight. After losing his mother, Rona, his father, Bill, finds it hard to suppress his grief, the only parent left to protect him. The author has done a splendid job researching this topic and highlighting the awful prejudice typical of the era towards disabled people. But echos from the past come back to haunt them, when it soon emerges that not only Toby has enemies. I really liked this book and its characters. " The only thought I would add...is that I highly suggest reading them in order---the 1st book is "Every Mother's Fear" and there are 5 at this time. I'm looking forward to the 3rd...... KU

[Helen Christmas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-written story follows the struggles of a Thalidomide survivor learning to cope with the condition as a teenager. I found it harrowing and often heartbreaking reading Toby's plight. After losing his mother, Rona, his father, Bill, finds it hard to suppress his grief, the only parent left to protect him. The author has done a splendid job researching this topic and highlighting the awful prejudice typical of the era towards disabled people. But echos from the past come back to haunt them, when it soon emerges that not only Toby has enemies.

[Lucinda Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most books deal with the problems faced by single mothers struggling to cope with bringing up a young family. It’s not often we think about the fathers involved, many of whom are not even aware they have biological children. This book gives a refreshing insight into the feelings of a dad plus the heartbreak and difficulties of caring for a child with challenging problems. Give this one a try, you won’t be disappointed.

[Tracey Carnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great interesting book

Not my usual book but I thoroughly enjoyed it.read book one and two over 4 nights.very interesting read.10/10 .I recommend this book

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read.

This book was very interesting in that it covered how the terrible drug affected the Unborn babies.
The storyline was engaging & there was a happy ending .

[Joy Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to get started on the next book.

[loraine deacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this books

An interesting insight into the thalidomide drug from all different aspects. Such an interesting read and can’t wait to start the next one.

[Linda Hoyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good as the first

I really enjoy reading these books. They are very well written and keep my attention throughout. Now to the next in line in the series!

[Kim Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book in the series

[Andrée Roby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the first book of the series I was eager to find out how Toby’s life would pan out. Life is challenging for Thalidomide victims and the writer’s description of the problems they face make the story not only interesting but informative too. Her first hand experience of this problem brings a depth to the story. I felt for Bill, an old-fashioned reluctant father having to deal with his handicapped son in an era where political correctness had not kicked in. I was so engrossed in the story that I reached the end of the book without realising there was no more. I felt I could have happily carried on reading. If there was a sequel I would definitely buy it.