Belonging

by Emma Dhesi

When her contentment comes under attack from all directions, can one desperate mother hold her family together?

Scotland. Kathi Beattie is used to things going her way. So when her thriving blog is attacked by a vicious Internet troll, her tidy world starts unraveling. And her feelings of spiraling inadequacy worsen after her adopted fifteen-year-old arrives home drunk, angry, and spitting blame.

Fighting with her husband over how to help their struggling son, Kathi is distraught when the boy bonds with another middle-aged woman. And even as she finds a measure of control in her quest to unmask her cyberbully, a terrible accident changes everything…

Will Kathi’s fierce tenacity be enough to keep all she loves from coming apart at the seams?

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2020

About the author

Emma Dhesi is the Amazon bestselling author of four novels and one non-fiction book.

Her love of reading began with Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild, the book that first made her want to be a writer.

She writes stories for women who know life is never simply black and white, and who love characters that feel layered, honest, and real.

Emma’s favourite authors include Lisa Jewell, Jodi Picoult, Kate Atkinson, and Taylor Jenkins Reid - writers who inspire her with their unforgettable characters and twisty storytelling.

With family roots in the Isle of Lewis, Orkney, and the Punjab, Emma brings a mix of cultures and perspectives to her work.

When she’s not writing, she’s often exploring her family history, curled up with a new novel, or chatting with other book lovers.

She loves connecting with readers on Instagram @emmadhesiauthor.

Reviews

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who do you belong to if you are an adopted child? Do you belong with your family and adopted parents or do you belong with your birth mother? Is it because you are so damaged that your adopted mother gave you away and so damaged that you are an embarrassment and only causing pain to your adopted parents? You’ll read about these questions in this book and along the way your heart will break for all the people involved in this story, but at the end, along with them you’ll learn that family are the people that always choose you and pick you up, no matter what and that you will always belong with them.

[Justin L Shaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dealing with questions and emotional answers

I loved this story! It is packed with all sorts of emotions from self doubt to determination and fear to anger. Emma explores multiple character's experiences while also keeping up the pace and progressing the plot. It is compelling and had me hooked!

[Katrina Freckleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an engaging and intriguing story that in some way will affect anyone who reads it. 3 different ways the same things happened, but 3 different choices made 3 different outcomes. Amazingly, I had no idea this was a second in series until just now.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Claire Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another interesting page turner from Emma. Keeping you in suspense along the way with hidden twists. Well written & looking forward to reading her next book.

[Mrs A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping read

A real page-turner that examines the nature of belonging and identity in the context of family and within a community.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Rich, loving, yet painful and poignant coming of age story and the struggles that often are a byproduct of being adopted.

[Nicola McDermid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Real- life issues with teenage kids and seeing the impact adoption has on them. You will feel for the characters and want to know how things turn out.