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My Husband's Daughter
Cara took a deep breath and let it out slowly. ‘She’s not just my daughter,’ she said as she turned in her seat to face Jack. This man she had once loved, but who she hadn’t seen for nearly five years. ‘Sophie is your daughter too.’
It is past ten o’clock on a cold Friday night when Rebecca and her husband Jack’s doorbell rings. Outside is a woman who introduces herself as Jack’s ex-girlfriend Cara. And she’s holding the hand of a shivering, blue-eyed, four-year-old girl. Who she claims is Jack’s daughter.
Rebecca is shocked to discover he has a child from his last relationship – even one he hadn’t known about. Because becoming parents isn’t part of their life plan. They like children, but they also love their freedom and spending time together uninterrupted; the way that, if they wanted to, they could travel the world at a moment’s notice.
But Cara needs them. Because Cara has a devastating secret that she can’t tell anyone yet. Not even her daughter. A secret with the power to change all of their lives.
A secret that will ultimately mean Rebecca has to ask herself – could she find it in herself to welcome her husband’s child into her home, and into her heart?
It is past ten o’clock on a cold Friday night when Rebecca and her husband Jack’s doorbell rings. Outside is a woman who introduces herself as Jack’s ex-girlfriend Cara. And she’s holding the hand of a shivering, blue-eyed, four-year-old girl. Who she claims is Jack’s daughter.
Rebecca is shocked to discover he has a child from his last relationship – even one he hadn’t known about. Because becoming parents isn’t part of their life plan. They like children, but they also love their freedom and spending time together uninterrupted; the way that, if they wanted to, they could travel the world at a moment’s notice.
But Cara needs them. Because Cara has a devastating secret that she can’t tell anyone yet. Not even her daughter. A secret with the power to change all of their lives.
A secret that will ultimately mean Rebecca has to ask herself – could she find it in herself to welcome her husband’s child into her home, and into her heart?
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2020
7859 people are currently reading
7484 people want to read
About the author
Emma Robinson
26 books271 followersEmma Robinson is a USA Today Bestseller with a passion for stories which explore the power of family and friendship in the most challenging circumstances. Whilst her early novels are humorous; her recent work focuses on emotional themes and these novels are both heart-breaking and life affirming.
Emma currently lives in Essex, England with a husband, two children and a small black dog.
Emma currently lives in Essex, England with a husband, two children and a small black dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 621 reviews
September 9, 2020
There are some books which just by looking at their cover and premise, you are able to predict that it’s going to be a good read. This is one such book!
When the doorbell rings past ten o’clock on a cold Friday night, Rebecca and her husband Jack wonder who could be visiting them at this late hour. Outside is a woman who introduces herself as Jack’s ex-girlfriend Cara. And she’s holding the hand of a shivering, blue-eyed, four-year-old girl. Who she claims is Jack’s daughter.
Rebecca is shocked to discover that Jack has a child from his last relationship – even one he hadn’t known about himself. Because becoming parents isn’t part of their life plan. But Cara needs them. Because Cara has a devastating secret that she can’t tell anyone yet. Not even her daughter. A secret with the power to change all of their lives.
This book has been written so well that I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
All the characters were amazing with a quality of their own. The plot is narrated from the alternating perspectives of Cara being the perfect mom, who would go to any extent to give the best life for her daughter and Rebecca, who though doesn’t want children and is suspicious of Cara's motives tries her best around Sophie.
What makes this book even more beautiful is that while throughout, the book tugs at your heartstrings, the epilogue allows you to end the book with a smile on your face.
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
When the doorbell rings past ten o’clock on a cold Friday night, Rebecca and her husband Jack wonder who could be visiting them at this late hour. Outside is a woman who introduces herself as Jack’s ex-girlfriend Cara. And she’s holding the hand of a shivering, blue-eyed, four-year-old girl. Who she claims is Jack’s daughter.
Rebecca is shocked to discover that Jack has a child from his last relationship – even one he hadn’t known about himself. Because becoming parents isn’t part of their life plan. But Cara needs them. Because Cara has a devastating secret that she can’t tell anyone yet. Not even her daughter. A secret with the power to change all of their lives.
This book has been written so well that I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
All the characters were amazing with a quality of their own. The plot is narrated from the alternating perspectives of Cara being the perfect mom, who would go to any extent to give the best life for her daughter and Rebecca, who though doesn’t want children and is suspicious of Cara's motives tries her best around Sophie.
What makes this book even more beautiful is that while throughout, the book tugs at your heartstrings, the epilogue allows you to end the book with a smile on your face.
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
July 2, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
… she was so tired of people like Linda preaching on about the wonders of motherhood. It was like a cult. She had nothing against children. She’d even been one once… Somehow, no one judged a man who wasn’t bothered about having children. But when a woman said it, she was either an unnatural witch or a deluded soul headed for a life of lonely regret.
Money can’t buy happiness, but it sometimes has a damn good try.
My Review:
The premise and plotting of this tale were expertly paced and executed and posed quite a quandary for all the characters with a few unexpected twists that made it even better. The storylines were thoughtfully written with extraordinary insights on both sides of the issue. I felt for them all as each character became increasingly endearing as the story thundered toward the climax. This was my first exposure to Emma Robinson’s poignant style and I found it easy to follow yet heart-squeezing and perceptively penned.
… she was so tired of people like Linda preaching on about the wonders of motherhood. It was like a cult. She had nothing against children. She’d even been one once… Somehow, no one judged a man who wasn’t bothered about having children. But when a woman said it, she was either an unnatural witch or a deluded soul headed for a life of lonely regret.
Money can’t buy happiness, but it sometimes has a damn good try.
My Review:
The premise and plotting of this tale were expertly paced and executed and posed quite a quandary for all the characters with a few unexpected twists that made it even better. The storylines were thoughtfully written with extraordinary insights on both sides of the issue. I felt for them all as each character became increasingly endearing as the story thundered toward the climax. This was my first exposure to Emma Robinson’s poignant style and I found it easy to follow yet heart-squeezing and perceptively penned.
April 3, 2023
Review coming soon.
October 9, 2020
Rebecca and Jack are happily married and satisfied with their lives. That is until one Friday night when the doorbell rings. Standing on the doorstep is Jack's ex-girlfriend, Cara and her four year old daughter Sophie. Rebecca and Jack had decided not to have children. But their lives changed from that moment on.
The story is told from Rebecca and Cara's perspectives. This is a thought provoking read that will mess with your emotions. The characters are relatable and believable. As thenstory unfolds, I really felt for all the characters. Inwas pulled into this story from the first few pages. I needed to know what Cara wanted from Jack. This is a beautifully written book that's easy to read but will make you cry in places.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #EmmaRobinson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Rebecca and Jackmare happily married and satisfied with their lives. That is until one Friday night when the doorbell rings. Standing on the doorstep is Jack's ex-girlfriend, Cara and her dsughtrr Sophie. Rebecca and Jack had decided not to have children. But their lives changed from that moment on.
The story is told from Rebecca and Cara's perspectives. This is a thought provoking read that will mess with your emotions. The characters are relatable and believable. As the story unfolds, I really felt for the characters. Imwas pulled into the story from the first few pages. I needed to know what Cara wanted from Jack. This is a beautifully written book that s easy to read but will make hou cry in places.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #EmmaRobinson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story is told from Rebecca and Cara's perspectives. This is a thought provoking read that will mess with your emotions. The characters are relatable and believable. As thenstory unfolds, I really felt for all the characters. Inwas pulled into this story from the first few pages. I needed to know what Cara wanted from Jack. This is a beautifully written book that's easy to read but will make you cry in places.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #EmmaRobinson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Rebecca and Jackmare happily married and satisfied with their lives. That is until one Friday night when the doorbell rings. Standing on the doorstep is Jack's ex-girlfriend, Cara and her dsughtrr Sophie. Rebecca and Jack had decided not to have children. But their lives changed from that moment on.
The story is told from Rebecca and Cara's perspectives. This is a thought provoking read that will mess with your emotions. The characters are relatable and believable. As the story unfolds, I really felt for the characters. Imwas pulled into the story from the first few pages. I needed to know what Cara wanted from Jack. This is a beautifully written book that s easy to read but will make hou cry in places.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #EmmaRobinson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2020
My Husband’s Daughter is a touching story about love, loss and faith in humanity.
Rebecca has never wanted to be a mother. She is a typical type A personality, needing to have everything organised to the nth degree. Rebecca married Jack 5 years ago, they are happy and successful in their careers. They agree that they are happy living their lives as they are, without having children of their own.
While they are enjoying each other’s company late at night there is an unexpected knock at the door. Jack’s ex-girlfriend, Cara, is at the door with a 4-year-old girl. Cara drops a bombshell they never would have expected. The little girl, Sophie, is Jack’s daughter and they need a place to stay. Jack is a kind-hearted man, always wanting to help others so they allow them both to stay in the guest room. But something is not quite right with Cara and Rebecca is determined to work out what it is.
I will not share anymore in fear of spoiling the plot. I really loved this story. It flowed seamlessly between the two protagonists Cara and Rebecca. Allowing different perspectives on the way they were both thinking and feeling about things. I could have read this in one sitting if I had the time. All the characters are unique, little Sophie is adorable. My favourite being Rebecca, the way she deals with the situation is remarkable and she has the patience of a saint. Thank you, Emma Robinson, for a great story and a short epilogue 7 years later. I love reading a book where there are no questions lingering.
Rebecca has never wanted to be a mother. She is a typical type A personality, needing to have everything organised to the nth degree. Rebecca married Jack 5 years ago, they are happy and successful in their careers. They agree that they are happy living their lives as they are, without having children of their own.
While they are enjoying each other’s company late at night there is an unexpected knock at the door. Jack’s ex-girlfriend, Cara, is at the door with a 4-year-old girl. Cara drops a bombshell they never would have expected. The little girl, Sophie, is Jack’s daughter and they need a place to stay. Jack is a kind-hearted man, always wanting to help others so they allow them both to stay in the guest room. But something is not quite right with Cara and Rebecca is determined to work out what it is.
“Sometimes it’s the stuff you don’t plan for that brings you the most happiness.”
I will not share anymore in fear of spoiling the plot. I really loved this story. It flowed seamlessly between the two protagonists Cara and Rebecca. Allowing different perspectives on the way they were both thinking and feeling about things. I could have read this in one sitting if I had the time. All the characters are unique, little Sophie is adorable. My favourite being Rebecca, the way she deals with the situation is remarkable and she has the patience of a saint. Thank you, Emma Robinson, for a great story and a short epilogue 7 years later. I love reading a book where there are no questions lingering.
October 13, 2020
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
My Husband's Daughter is very fast paced and I was able to finish it in two sittings. I was unable to relate to the main characters Rebecca and Cara. The story also didn't really go into a lot of detail, so it was even harder to connect to the characters. However, I was interested in the story and how everything would develop, so the author was able to intrigue me until the end of the story. Even though I didn't really like the characters I appreciated the growth they all went through.
This book was very emotional and I cried my eyes out the last half of the book. This story really pulled at my heartstrings and eventually I got really invested in the story. This book shows that even if you plan your whole life it can still go a different route. The characters in this book, especially Rebecca, really showed growth after being faced with life-changing events. I think I would've rated this book higher if it was longer and went into more detail.
My Husband's Daughter is very fast paced and I was able to finish it in two sittings. I was unable to relate to the main characters Rebecca and Cara. The story also didn't really go into a lot of detail, so it was even harder to connect to the characters. However, I was interested in the story and how everything would develop, so the author was able to intrigue me until the end of the story. Even though I didn't really like the characters I appreciated the growth they all went through.
This book was very emotional and I cried my eyes out the last half of the book. This story really pulled at my heartstrings and eventually I got really invested in the story. This book shows that even if you plan your whole life it can still go a different route. The characters in this book, especially Rebecca, really showed growth after being faced with life-changing events. I think I would've rated this book higher if it was longer and went into more detail.
September 22, 2021
Well, that was depressing. Though the end required tissues, I think it misses the heartbreaking mark. One of the characters has a bit of the unreliable narrator thing going on.
October 10, 2020
When the cover is so beautiful, the heart expects that the story will be equally heart warming.
When the author is Emma Robinson, the mind declares that I am in for a treat.
And that was what happened when I started reading the first few lines of the prose, I knew that the world would cease to exist for me, and all that would matter was the story which unfolded in front of me. Having read a few books by this talented author, I was completely bowled by this one as it gave me a plotline that felt believable.
Rebecca and Jack were busy in their lives, childless and footloose, when a knock on the door made them realize that life had changed for them. Stood there in front of them was a cherubic angel and her mother, Cara, with a big declaration that it was Jack’s daughter and that she would be staying with them. What were they to do? This was their story as they entered into a life most unexpected where Rebecca was unsure in her footing into a new relationship and Cara was hiding a big secret.
A beautiful storyteller was Emma when she suffused my heart with a gamut of emotions, each one a joy to behold. Rebecca stepping up to help the child was a sight to behold, it made me respect her a million times more. The author’s power over her words and the detailing that went to shape up the two ladies made the story seamless.
The plotline was realistic as all the characters had to undergo tough times. It was how they rose above the strives that caught me unawares. I did have a sheen of tears accompanying me in certain moments, but there were smiles too to balance it out. The most unexpected things do give us the biggest pleasures (I believe that they gave the biggest shocks too vis-à-vis the pandemic)
This was a captivating story into which I escaped in the later afternoon, surfacing only in the evening when the entire book was read from beginning to end. All emotions were felt in the tiny recesses of my heart, emptying it out.
When the author is Emma Robinson, the mind declares that I am in for a treat.
And that was what happened when I started reading the first few lines of the prose, I knew that the world would cease to exist for me, and all that would matter was the story which unfolded in front of me. Having read a few books by this talented author, I was completely bowled by this one as it gave me a plotline that felt believable.
Rebecca and Jack were busy in their lives, childless and footloose, when a knock on the door made them realize that life had changed for them. Stood there in front of them was a cherubic angel and her mother, Cara, with a big declaration that it was Jack’s daughter and that she would be staying with them. What were they to do? This was their story as they entered into a life most unexpected where Rebecca was unsure in her footing into a new relationship and Cara was hiding a big secret.
A beautiful storyteller was Emma when she suffused my heart with a gamut of emotions, each one a joy to behold. Rebecca stepping up to help the child was a sight to behold, it made me respect her a million times more. The author’s power over her words and the detailing that went to shape up the two ladies made the story seamless.
The plotline was realistic as all the characters had to undergo tough times. It was how they rose above the strives that caught me unawares. I did have a sheen of tears accompanying me in certain moments, but there were smiles too to balance it out. The most unexpected things do give us the biggest pleasures (I believe that they gave the biggest shocks too vis-à-vis the pandemic)
This was a captivating story into which I escaped in the later afternoon, surfacing only in the evening when the entire book was read from beginning to end. All emotions were felt in the tiny recesses of my heart, emptying it out.
September 7, 2020
I'm not sure what I expected when I started reading this book, but certainly not what it turned out to be.
My Husband's Daughter was like reading Lifetime movie script. But, that's not a bad thing. There are many times when I enjoy Lifetime or Hallmark movies. This would have been one of those times....I can definitely see this becoming a movie.
I hesitate to use the word “entertaining” to describe the story because of the subject. It was serious and emotional. It was very easy to read and kept me going. I found the characters to be very realistic. But, the plot was predictable and the writing was simplistic. For this reason, I can only give 3 stars.
This book really brings out the fact that no matter what your plans are for the rest of your life, circumstances can change in the most unexpected ways. These changes can actually turn out much better than expected.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advance Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2022
Poignant, immersive, and moving!
My Husband’s Daughter is a tender, hopeful tale that immerses you into the life of Rebecca and Jack, a happily married couple who are both content with their decision not to have children and are enjoying great careers and an unburdened lifestyle, until one day their whole world gets turned upside down and everything they thought they knew and wanted gets shaken to its core when Jack’s ex Cara knocks on the door with a beautiful four-year-old little girl in tow.
The prose is sensitive and smooth. The characters are conflicted, desperate, and secretive. And the plot, told from alternating POVs, is a heart-wrenching tale about life, loss, love, grief, family, friendship, introspection, choices, changes, parenthood, and secrets.
Overall, My Husband’s Daughter is a compelling, touching, heartbreaking tale by Robinson that does a lovely job of highlighting just how powerful love is and reminds us to savour every moment because life can often change in a heartbeat.
Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
My Husband’s Daughter is a tender, hopeful tale that immerses you into the life of Rebecca and Jack, a happily married couple who are both content with their decision not to have children and are enjoying great careers and an unburdened lifestyle, until one day their whole world gets turned upside down and everything they thought they knew and wanted gets shaken to its core when Jack’s ex Cara knocks on the door with a beautiful four-year-old little girl in tow.
The prose is sensitive and smooth. The characters are conflicted, desperate, and secretive. And the plot, told from alternating POVs, is a heart-wrenching tale about life, loss, love, grief, family, friendship, introspection, choices, changes, parenthood, and secrets.
Overall, My Husband’s Daughter is a compelling, touching, heartbreaking tale by Robinson that does a lovely job of highlighting just how powerful love is and reminds us to savour every moment because life can often change in a heartbeat.
Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2020
Rebecca and Jack make for a very good couple. In Rebecca's previous relationships she made it quite clear that she did not want children, so those relationships fizzled away. When she met Jack and he pretty much felt the same way, what they had really worked. Things grew between them and they married, both having good careers and enjoying married life without children.
However, one day there was a knock on the door and it was a woman named Cara with a small child. Of course, Jack recognized her because they once were a couple. Well, Cara has news for Jack. The little girl with her is his daughter. Imagine how this affected Rebecca. Jack always agreed with her that he did not want children. Not only does he have a daughter, but he never told her about it.
What is more is that Cara is in a bad predicament and she needs a place for her and their daughter to stay. While Rebecca and Jack have but no choice to open their home to them, it soon becomes apparent that Cara has a deep secret, a secret that will change Rebecca and Jack's relationship forever. How far will Rebecca go for Jack's daughter, and by extension, Cara?
My Husband's Daughter is a deeply emotional tale of secrets and devastating upset. As I was reading this book I felt that I could not trust Cara, especially after springing Jack's daughter on him years later, but I soon learned that this story much o offer and even think about. We learn so much about Cara and the choices she had made and the choices in front of her and how they bring about serious change to Jack and Rebecca's lives. The emotional edge was quite powerful and extremely touching.
This heartbreaking story took more than one turn and kept me riveted to what I knew would eventually come. There was a message in this book, one of love and change, but tinged with great sadness. Emma Robinson definitely did a fine job with this moving story
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
However, one day there was a knock on the door and it was a woman named Cara with a small child. Of course, Jack recognized her because they once were a couple. Well, Cara has news for Jack. The little girl with her is his daughter. Imagine how this affected Rebecca. Jack always agreed with her that he did not want children. Not only does he have a daughter, but he never told her about it.
What is more is that Cara is in a bad predicament and she needs a place for her and their daughter to stay. While Rebecca and Jack have but no choice to open their home to them, it soon becomes apparent that Cara has a deep secret, a secret that will change Rebecca and Jack's relationship forever. How far will Rebecca go for Jack's daughter, and by extension, Cara?
My Husband's Daughter is a deeply emotional tale of secrets and devastating upset. As I was reading this book I felt that I could not trust Cara, especially after springing Jack's daughter on him years later, but I soon learned that this story much o offer and even think about. We learn so much about Cara and the choices she had made and the choices in front of her and how they bring about serious change to Jack and Rebecca's lives. The emotional edge was quite powerful and extremely touching.
This heartbreaking story took more than one turn and kept me riveted to what I knew would eventually come. There was a message in this book, one of love and change, but tinged with great sadness. Emma Robinson definitely did a fine job with this moving story
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
September 3, 2023
Oh my heart! This book was utterly gut-wrenching.
A box or two of tissues is needed.
The minute I put this book down I wanted to pick it right up again.
Absolutely brilliant!
A box or two of tissues is needed.
The minute I put this book down I wanted to pick it right up again.
Absolutely brilliant!
January 25, 2024
3.5 stars
Rebecca and her husband Jack have decided they like their life the way it is and have no desire to have kids. When Jack's ex girlfriend shows up at their house one night with a 4 year old girl claiming that he is the father, what is Rebecca supposed to do?
I loved the premise of the book and it definitely held my attention but for me it was just missing some emotional element. I think part of the lack of emotional connection was that Cara was somewhat of an unreliable narrator so it was hard to fully trust her side of the story. While the plot was predictable it really did make you realize that no matter how hard you plan your life things happen and sometimes those things are better than you could have ever imagined.
Rebecca and her husband Jack have decided they like their life the way it is and have no desire to have kids. When Jack's ex girlfriend shows up at their house one night with a 4 year old girl claiming that he is the father, what is Rebecca supposed to do?
I loved the premise of the book and it definitely held my attention but for me it was just missing some emotional element. I think part of the lack of emotional connection was that Cara was somewhat of an unreliable narrator so it was hard to fully trust her side of the story. While the plot was predictable it really did make you realize that no matter how hard you plan your life things happen and sometimes those things are better than you could have ever imagined.
September 19, 2020
The doorbell rings late one Friday evening and Rebecca opens the door to Jack’s ex Cara and her four year old daughter Sophie. She’s about to drop a bombshell that Sophie isn’t just her daughter but also Jack’s. Jack and Rebecca never wanted to be parents but Cara is hiding a devastating secret. Told from the points of view of Rebecca and Cara this book draws you in at an incredible pace. I liked all the main characters and found you could certainly create an affinity with them. Well written and I highly recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.
February 26, 2024
3.75⭐️ easy read great last 50 pages
October 13, 2020
Having read another
Emma Robinson
novel, I had some idea what to expect from this one
My Husband's Daughter,
and I wasn't wrong as, from the outset, it was a wonderful read for me.
About the Book:
Cara took a deep breath and let it out slowly. ‘She’s not just my daughter,’ she said as she turned in her seat to face Jack. This man she had once loved, but who she hadn’t seen for nearly five years. ‘Sophie is your daughter too.’
It is past ten o’clock on a cold Friday night when Rebecca and her husband Jack’s doorbell rings. Outside is a woman who introduces herself as Jack’s ex-girlfriend Cara. And she’s holding the hand of a shivering, blue-eyed, four-year-old girl. Who she claims is Jack’s daughter.
Rebecca is shocked to discover he has a child from his last relationship – even one he hadn’t known about. Because becoming parents isn’t part of their life plan. They like children, but they also love their freedom and spending time together uninterrupted; the way that, if they wanted to, they could travel the world at a moment’s notice.
But Cara needs them. Because Cara has a devastating secret that she can’t tell anyone yet. Not even her daughter. A secret with the power to change all of their lives.
A secret that will ultimately mean Rebecca has to ask herself – could she find it in herself to welcome her husband’s child into her home, and into her heart?
My Thoughts:
My Husband's Daughter is told from Cara's and Rebecca’s viewpoints. I loved the way secrets were slowly unveiled and the way that Rebecca responded to the situation in which she unwittingly found herself. In this poignant and refreshing novel, Emma Robinson writes so well about relationships and I soon found myself completely immersed in the lives of these people. This is a heart-warming and emotional read with real depth, elegance and maturity in the writing. There is so much to keep the reader turning the pages and it was a riveting read right through to the fulfilling ending.
My Husband's Daughter is a must for anyone who is partial to a compelling tale about loss, relationships, love, faith in humanity, and life's vagaries.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
About the Book:
Cara took a deep breath and let it out slowly. ‘She’s not just my daughter,’ she said as she turned in her seat to face Jack. This man she had once loved, but who she hadn’t seen for nearly five years. ‘Sophie is your daughter too.’
It is past ten o’clock on a cold Friday night when Rebecca and her husband Jack’s doorbell rings. Outside is a woman who introduces herself as Jack’s ex-girlfriend Cara. And she’s holding the hand of a shivering, blue-eyed, four-year-old girl. Who she claims is Jack’s daughter.
Rebecca is shocked to discover he has a child from his last relationship – even one he hadn’t known about. Because becoming parents isn’t part of their life plan. They like children, but they also love their freedom and spending time together uninterrupted; the way that, if they wanted to, they could travel the world at a moment’s notice.
But Cara needs them. Because Cara has a devastating secret that she can’t tell anyone yet. Not even her daughter. A secret with the power to change all of their lives.
A secret that will ultimately mean Rebecca has to ask herself – could she find it in herself to welcome her husband’s child into her home, and into her heart?
My Thoughts:
My Husband's Daughter is told from Cara's and Rebecca’s viewpoints. I loved the way secrets were slowly unveiled and the way that Rebecca responded to the situation in which she unwittingly found herself. In this poignant and refreshing novel, Emma Robinson writes so well about relationships and I soon found myself completely immersed in the lives of these people. This is a heart-warming and emotional read with real depth, elegance and maturity in the writing. There is so much to keep the reader turning the pages and it was a riveting read right through to the fulfilling ending.
My Husband's Daughter is a must for anyone who is partial to a compelling tale about loss, relationships, love, faith in humanity, and life's vagaries.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
January 10, 2024
This was a simple, short and easy read. The reason I am rating it two stars is due to the unbelievable amount of cliched unrealism to this story. I also couldn’t stand how the author almost villainized Rebecca in the beginning while subtly promoting Cara’s self-victimizing and entitled behavior. A terminal illness doesn’t change the fact that Cara overstepped Jack and Rebecca’s boundaries as a couple and unapologetically stayed in their home rent free/took money from them for a month while throwing shade at Rebecca.
I also didn’t like the fact that Cara almost had a subconscious desire to have Jack for herself. Adding those details in painted Cara as a scheming ex who‘s bitter that she wasn’t marriage material to Jack. Also, Cara showed a bit of selfishness and ill-intent when she was jealous of “Rebecca taking over as a mom.” I’m sorry, you felt ENTITLED to receive financial aid from two strangers who aren’t biologically related to your daughter yet Rebecca can’t bond with your daughter because you’re jealous? This story isn’t as “heartwarming” as people may think.
Lastly… it’s unrealistic nor should it be *expected* for someone like Rebecca to embrace a daughter of her husband’s ex girlfriend. An ex girlfriend who still has feelings for her husband and wishes deep down inside that she was Jack’s wife instead. Rebecca has *never* wanted children and this author gives Cara more credit than she deserves and Rebecca even less than she deserves. If this story is meant to inspire childless people to have kids when they don’t want to, it did a poor job at it.
Cara was slightly redeemable at the end when she finally showed humility, but even then… didn’t seem consistent with the type of character the author painted her out to be. I feel like I genuinely wasted my time reading this poorly developed book. This book is extremely overrated.
I also didn’t like the fact that Cara almost had a subconscious desire to have Jack for herself. Adding those details in painted Cara as a scheming ex who‘s bitter that she wasn’t marriage material to Jack. Also, Cara showed a bit of selfishness and ill-intent when she was jealous of “Rebecca taking over as a mom.” I’m sorry, you felt ENTITLED to receive financial aid from two strangers who aren’t biologically related to your daughter yet Rebecca can’t bond with your daughter because you’re jealous? This story isn’t as “heartwarming” as people may think.
Lastly… it’s unrealistic nor should it be *expected* for someone like Rebecca to embrace a daughter of her husband’s ex girlfriend. An ex girlfriend who still has feelings for her husband and wishes deep down inside that she was Jack’s wife instead. Rebecca has *never* wanted children and this author gives Cara more credit than she deserves and Rebecca even less than she deserves. If this story is meant to inspire childless people to have kids when they don’t want to, it did a poor job at it.
Cara was slightly redeemable at the end when she finally showed humility, but even then… didn’t seem consistent with the type of character the author painted her out to be. I feel like I genuinely wasted my time reading this poorly developed book. This book is extremely overrated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2020
In My Husband's Daughter, Robinson has tackled a very emotional and difficult subject and asked an almost impossible 'what if'? When her husband Jack's rather fragile ex-girlfriend, Cara, arrives on Rebecca and Jack's doorstep late one night, none of their lives will ever be the same. Jack has not seen Cara for five years but here she is, with a four year old daughter ...
Focusing mainly on the female characters, the author asks the question, could you love another woman's child? She manages to relay this dreadful proposition in all its complex ramifications and, as always in her books, find the humanity in all her characters. None of these people are perfect - they either cling too tightly to fixed career paths or luxury holidays or perhaps don't take enough responsibility for their actions but Robinson seems to be saying, do you know what? they're human and shit happens and despite our best laid plans, most of us are just making it up as we go along. And so, when the worst happens, the solutions are as messy as the fallout ... nothing is perfect and no one is necessarily cut out for what life throws at them. But if people step up and do the right thing, then the worst doesn't have to be out and out disaster. Robinson also looks at ideas/myths surrounding what it means to be a mother - the fact that no one really knows how to do it and everyone worries they won't be good enough and, no matter how nice the guy, the mental and physical load of children is still landing on women.
The end of the book made me cry and I carried on crying for a while after I'd finished it - but ultimately the message is one of hope and faith in human beings and their ability to put others before themselves and be all richer for it. A message we need now more than ever. Fully recommend.
Focusing mainly on the female characters, the author asks the question, could you love another woman's child? She manages to relay this dreadful proposition in all its complex ramifications and, as always in her books, find the humanity in all her characters. None of these people are perfect - they either cling too tightly to fixed career paths or luxury holidays or perhaps don't take enough responsibility for their actions but Robinson seems to be saying, do you know what? they're human and shit happens and despite our best laid plans, most of us are just making it up as we go along. And so, when the worst happens, the solutions are as messy as the fallout ... nothing is perfect and no one is necessarily cut out for what life throws at them. But if people step up and do the right thing, then the worst doesn't have to be out and out disaster. Robinson also looks at ideas/myths surrounding what it means to be a mother - the fact that no one really knows how to do it and everyone worries they won't be good enough and, no matter how nice the guy, the mental and physical load of children is still landing on women.
The end of the book made me cry and I carried on crying for a while after I'd finished it - but ultimately the message is one of hope and faith in human beings and their ability to put others before themselves and be all richer for it. A message we need now more than ever. Fully recommend.
June 27, 2021
I honestly don’t think I can put into words how much this book had a hold on me. It’s the fastest I have read a book in a long long time. Although it was very upsetting it was also amazingly up lifting.
Definitely worth more than five stars.
Definitely worth more than five stars.
April 8, 2021
Not exactly
So, when the author subtitles her own book 'absolutely heartbreaking and gripping' you know it is being oversold. This is a good story but written without much heart.
So, when the author subtitles her own book 'absolutely heartbreaking and gripping' you know it is being oversold. This is a good story but written without much heart.
September 15, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my copy.
Oh Emma what are you doing to me? This was an emotional rollercoaster which reduced me to tears on several occasions.
Rebecca is married to Jack and is a career driven woman committed to her work and her marriage. They do not want children and are very happy in their lifestyle choices.
A ring at the doorbell late one night introduces us to Cara and her delightful four year old daughter Sophie. What is their connection to Jack?
This is a thoughtfully written book dealing with some difficult and sensitive issues. The book is told from the two women's point of view with Jack being a bit of a secondary character. The development of the relationship was realistic and totally believable. At the beginning I was suspicious of Cara and though Rebecca was smug and a bit of a princess. It is testament to the author's skill that my views were completely different by the end of the book.
Grab this book and a box of kleenex to go with it.
Oh Emma what are you doing to me? This was an emotional rollercoaster which reduced me to tears on several occasions.
Rebecca is married to Jack and is a career driven woman committed to her work and her marriage. They do not want children and are very happy in their lifestyle choices.
A ring at the doorbell late one night introduces us to Cara and her delightful four year old daughter Sophie. What is their connection to Jack?
This is a thoughtfully written book dealing with some difficult and sensitive issues. The book is told from the two women's point of view with Jack being a bit of a secondary character. The development of the relationship was realistic and totally believable. At the beginning I was suspicious of Cara and though Rebecca was smug and a bit of a princess. It is testament to the author's skill that my views were completely different by the end of the book.
Grab this book and a box of kleenex to go with it.
August 8, 2021
I wonder if there are men who read women’s fiction…maybe, but not the men I know. The genre might be specifically referring to women, but men figure a lot in these stories; obviously because they are one of the many issues women face! Hahaha! Pardon me, I just needed to crack that because the plot of this book was quite heavy.
Don’t be quick to come to conclusions based on the title - My Husband’s Daughter. Oh yes, definitely there was another woman, but it’s more important to focus on the child; on the daughter. What do you expect from a story starting off with the wife coming face to face with her husband’s old girlfriend, with their daughter in tow? Surprise, surprise, right? More comes after the surprise, and the plot thickens.
On the other hand…while this was supposed to be a heart-wrenching story, my emotions were in and out of it. Maybe because of the writing style: a matter-of-fact telling that reels your mind, but not so much your heart in. Yes, I felt the angry moments, and there were times when I felt close to tears, but somehow I snapped out of them sooner than I would have preferred.
Overall, it was still a good read. It took me some days to finish and I’d probably have gotten a different experience, and given this a higher rating had I read it faster.
Don’t be quick to come to conclusions based on the title - My Husband’s Daughter. Oh yes, definitely there was another woman, but it’s more important to focus on the child; on the daughter. What do you expect from a story starting off with the wife coming face to face with her husband’s old girlfriend, with their daughter in tow? Surprise, surprise, right? More comes after the surprise, and the plot thickens.
On the other hand…while this was supposed to be a heart-wrenching story, my emotions were in and out of it. Maybe because of the writing style: a matter-of-fact telling that reels your mind, but not so much your heart in. Yes, I felt the angry moments, and there were times when I felt close to tears, but somehow I snapped out of them sooner than I would have preferred.
Overall, it was still a good read. It took me some days to finish and I’d probably have gotten a different experience, and given this a higher rating had I read it faster.
December 2, 2020
Emotional tear jerker. A huge shock when a childless married couple find out that they have a 4 year old homeless daughter they had no idea existed.
November 19, 2023
Moving
Finished this with tears in my eyes. Takes a lot for a book to do that to me but I can't explain why without ruining the story.
Finished this with tears in my eyes. Takes a lot for a book to do that to me but I can't explain why without ruining the story.
January 10, 2023
3.75 ⭐️s. Anyone else judge a book by its cover? 🙋🏻♀️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I won’t lie….I HATE this cover and usually any covers that look similar to this. However, this book was REALLY good. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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A goal I set for myself this year is to read more books that I already own. So, I grabbed this book from my shelf and pretty much went into it blind. I was completely thrown off by the premise of this book. It felt like the book was set up to be a thriller and while there are a couple pretty big twists in this one, it is definitely not a thriller! It’s more along the lines of drama, family and maybe a touch of women’s fiction. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This book elicited a lot of feelings and I cried a handful of times. I’m really glad I grabbed this one to read! Thank you @readforeverpub for gifting me this copy! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I won’t lie….I HATE this cover and usually any covers that look similar to this. However, this book was REALLY good. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀���⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
A goal I set for myself this year is to read more books that I already own. So, I grabbed this book from my shelf and pretty much went into it blind. I was completely thrown off by the premise of this book. It felt like the book was set up to be a thriller and while there are a couple pretty big twists in this one, it is definitely not a thriller! It’s more along the lines of drama, family and maybe a touch of women’s fiction. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This book elicited a lot of feelings and I cried a handful of times. I’m really glad I grabbed this one to read! Thank you @readforeverpub for gifting me this copy! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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January 14, 2021
SO GOOD! I would give it 4.5 stars
Jack and Rebecca never wanted children. This was something they both agreed. They enjoyed their childless lifestyle of coming and going as they please.
Until one evening alone at home enjoying a glass of wine when all of a sudden, the doorbell rings late at night. Rebecca answers it to find a woman her age holding a little girls hand. Her first thought is she has the wrong house, but the woman Cara wants to know if your husband Jack is home. She stares at the woman, and then at the little girl and her heart starts to race, because the little girl Sophie looks like your husband.
Jack and Rebecca never wanted children. This was something they both agreed. They enjoyed their childless lifestyle of coming and going as they please.
Until one evening alone at home enjoying a glass of wine when all of a sudden, the doorbell rings late at night. Rebecca answers it to find a woman her age holding a little girls hand. Her first thought is she has the wrong house, but the woman Cara wants to know if your husband Jack is home. She stares at the woman, and then at the little girl and her heart starts to race, because the little girl Sophie looks like your husband.
April 1, 2024
Title that speaks more than the actual story.
It's fast-paced but for me lacked the depth of it. It was so naive, unrealistic that I started skipping the lines.
A story that I won't remember in the morning.
It's fast-paced but for me lacked the depth of it. It was so naive, unrealistic that I started skipping the lines.
A story that I won't remember in the morning.
February 24, 2024
My first time reading Emma Robinson and I look forward to reading more of her books. She captures you from the start with the characters and storyline. My heart went out to each character and the decisions made.
October 7, 2022
This book relied on the reader being emotionally attached to the characters, and I just wasn't. They all felt very one-dimensional and I didn't really care what happened to any of them. There were about three chapters near the end where I was interested before it lost me again. I powered through most of it in one sitting because I just wanted to be able to call it done and get on to the next book on my list. It was slow, repetitive, and missed the mark for me.
If you're a mother, maybe it reads better. If you haven't had any personal experience with someone in Cara's shoes (trying to be vague to avoid spoilers), maybe it hits harder emotionally. For me, it fell completely flat. I picked this one up at Half Price Books and that's where it will be returning.
If you're a mother, maybe it reads better. If you haven't had any personal experience with someone in Cara's shoes (trying to be vague to avoid spoilers), maybe it hits harder emotionally. For me, it fell completely flat. I picked this one up at Half Price Books and that's where it will be returning.
Read
December 2, 2022
DNF at 45 %
Recently, in this year I have gained my interest in women’s fiction. It has been a wholesome experience to read women’s stories and exploring their emotions.
However, unfortunately this one turned out to be some dry piece of that “genre of emotions”. The premise is interesting enough but the execution seem so surface-level. Every single character in this novel is unlikable to me. Cara is so emotionally manipulative that I am failed to have any empathy and sympathy for her. Rebecca warns Jack but he is unable to see that which boils my blood. I do not care about any other character here. So, it should be a wise decision to DNF this one due to my disinterest.
Recently, in this year I have gained my interest in women’s fiction. It has been a wholesome experience to read women’s stories and exploring their emotions.
However, unfortunately this one turned out to be some dry piece of that “genre of emotions”. The premise is interesting enough but the execution seem so surface-level. Every single character in this novel is unlikable to me. Cara is so emotionally manipulative that I am failed to have any empathy and sympathy for her. Rebecca warns Jack but he is unable to see that which boils my blood. I do not care about any other character here. So, it should be a wise decision to DNF this one due to my disinterest.
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